Nikki Rich

My morning routine always begins with turning on the kettle for a refreshing cup of tea. Part of the fun for me is choosing a tea that fits my mood on that particular morning. If I’m feeling tired and need a boost I’ll reach for black tea which is caffeinated. Conversely, if I wake up anxious then I’ll reach for chamomile tea which is known to be calming.

Today, I went with one of my favorites, Japanese Gojiberry by #tinroofteas. This blend consists of Sencha green tea, gojiberries, lemongrass, pomengranate arils, cornflower blossoms and natural flavor. * side eye on the "natural flavor” *

Green tea is very high in antioxidant properties and Japanese Sencha green tea is unlike Chinese green tea because it is steamed to prevent oxidation instead of pan-fried.

Ok, enough about the tea. What’s with the coffee filter?

Again, I used it as a loose tea strainer. It performed just as expected. Sometimes, the perforated holes in tea strainers are just too large for loose tea which can leave you with bits of tea eaves stuck in your teeth. The Willow and Everett filter kept everything inside of the strainer for the perfect cup of tea.

The only drawback is that it’s pretty large for a mug. I used a large 24oz mug and it performed well. If you use it on a regular 16 oz mug you want to make sure the pointed end of the filter touches the water to provide a nice brew.

It’s funny how as one matures, we tend to look for nostalgic experiences that remind us of childhood. Arts & Crafts was one of those subjects I forgot all about until recently when I rediscovered the world of day planners.

I’m a total newbie into the craft world and wanted to experiment with a notebook and my planner.

Project 1 was on my daily "to-do" notebook that was starting to look quite shabby (note crinkled cover). I figured a vinyl cover and stickers would spruce it up it was time to toss it out. I don't have a craft cutter so I simply used scissors to cut the vinyl and adhere it to my notebook. I'm slowly becoming more exposed to the endless possibilities of vinyl and look forward to more projects.

Angel Crafts 6" x 12" Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets (35 PACK) - BEST Permanent Assorted Vinyl for Cricut, Silhouette Cameo, Craft Cutters, Printers, Letters, Decals. Use with Angel Crafts Transfer Paper

You know how you can relate an album/song to a specific moment in your life? This album was the perfect backdrop on a car ride home from #santabarbara. 5am in December #vibes #toohightoriot

This list was born out of a conversation with one of my close friends. She and her partner have decided to support more black owned businesses. They challenged themselves this holiday season to solely buy gifts from black owned businesses. 

My friend doesn’t use social media often so she found it challenging to locate these businesses through a simple google search. I wanted to help so I created this list for her and any one else who wants assistance. 

During my search I found this awesome list by Quirky Brown Love I suggest having a look at her list as well. 

Update 12.3.15: someone shared this awesome site Our Power Box with me they have HUNDREDS of black owned businesses listed. Check them out: http://www.ourpowerbox.com/directory/

Enjoy!

CLOTHING

Women’s

Arryles: skirts, dresses and bottoms

Chenburkettny: printed skirts and bottoms

Ekineyo: dresses, tops, bottoms

Kloset Envy: dresses, tops, shoes, jackets, jeans

Rue 107: dresses, tops. bottoms, size 2-24

Black Girl Magic: Tshirts and Hoodies

Nubian Skin: bras, panties, lingerie

Men’s

Dreamville : hoodies, tshirts, jackets, jerseys, hats

Fiends: hoodies, tshirts, hats

Ikire Jones: sport coats, shirts, scarves, squares

Unisex

Tees in the Trap

Kool Nerd

FOOTWEAR

Women’s

Unlimited Soles: shoes, boots, sandals

Bdonnas: shoes boots, sandals, flats, clothing

ACCESSORIES

Women

Jacque M: handbags

Men’s

MAKEUP

Shades by Gal

NAIL POLISH

Ginger + Liz

Kaoir

SPA

Black Owned Spa Index

HOME GOODS

Jacfred Creation Custom Stationery: greeting cards, invitation, party favors

ART

Candice Rose 

BOOKS

Hueman Bookstore

SKIN CARE

Garner’s Garden: lotion, moisturizers

Soul Purpose: lotion, moisturizers

HAIR

Satin Lined Caps: hats

Luxur Hair Collection: extensions

Snob Life: extensions

JEWELRY

submit your business by commenting below

CHILDREN

13 Signs You Grew Up Panamanian

"I got to keep creating businesses. I don't sell celebrity. I sell product. I'm an animal. I got to eat the food I kill." - Damon Dash 

7 Graphic Patterns For Home Decor You Don’t Know the Names Of—But Will Now!