This time last year I was battling COVID

Now, I’m off to Paris to discover, write and experience everything beauty. I also got my first PAID INTERNATIONAL BRAND CAMPAIGN. That’s right, your girl is now a Global Influencer. I prayed, manifested and worked so hard for this. In my world, there are no glass ceilings and if there are - break that sh!t. Stay tuned for my travels!

Au revoir!

What’s the perfect gift to give this season?
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Discount Drugmart is the best one-stop-shop for my holiday needs! It was so easy to order some thoughtful yet festive gifts for my Boss Babe friends using DDM’s online + pickup in-store option. While shopping for wine, I decided to pick up lipsticks to pair with each wine to gift my friends this holiday season.

The wines I chose were: Manage A Trois -Sultry Red -Exotic Blend -Rose. Robert Mondavi Private Selections -Buttery Chardonnay -Pinot Grigio. Noble Vines -Merlot. Make sure you check out Discount Drug Mart’s Annual Wine + Beer Sale (ends 12/31!) and sign up for their loyalty program to learn how you can earn Pro Points on every purchase! Cheers! Purchase here 

Ladies, its Holiday season so that means a lot of dresses and deep V tops. However, your outfit really starts with what you wear underneath. I’m so happy I found Nueboo. Nueboo boob tape is the perfect tool to make sure everything is in place and looks your best during the holidays and beyond. I also love that @nueboo sells tape in pigmented shades, like this chocolate hue. Their BOGO sale has already started, so make sure you go stock up!

Do you use tape under your low cut outfits?

12 Coffees of Christmas found at The Fresh Market
24 Days of Tea at Saks
24 Wine Advent Calendar at Target

12 Day Facial Mask Calendar at Target
12 Days of Beauty by Ulta
​12 Days of Bath by Ulta

Voluspa 12 Day Candle Set from Sephora
​Rituals X Macys Advent Calendar 

Well honey, mine absolutely does with Wakati. Follow along my “Wash Day Reset” for a Boss Babe on the Go. Wash day can be a job in itself, but with @Wakati products, it makes it much easier. Today I’m using these products, with my favorite the finger detangling conditioner. Yes, I have all this hair and got the nerve to be super tender headed. @Wakati Wash Day Products keep my hair healthy and moisturized whether I’m wearing a protective style or rocking my natural mane. These include:
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-Wakati Sulfate-Free Shampoo that removes build up
-Wakati Water Activated Advanced Conditioner - optimum moisture for finger detangling (a MUST)
-Wakati Oil Infused Cream - seal in moisture for slip and added shine
-Wakati Re-Activating Conditioning Mist - softens, hydrates and adds shine to curls

I have enough to worry about being an entrepreneur, my hair shouldn’t be one of them. My “wash day reset” is complete and I’m ready to head to my next destination to slay my goals. Make sure you try these out at Target, Walgreens, RiteAid and Walmart.  

Did you know November is Men’s Health Month?

And of course I’m looking out for my favorite guy of all time, my daddy. I partnered with The Christ Hospital and Dr. Christian Gausvik and asked critical questions of what my Dad and other Men should be doing to ensure their best health. We discussed:

• What are the best supplements to take
• Hypertension
• Prostate Cancer
• Mental Health issues and more!

 Read our full discussion below. If you’re looking for a primary care physician to help you or your family stay healthy throughout all stages of life, schedule an appointment online with The Christ Hospital Physicians at a location near you!

Christian Gausvik, MD, The Christ Hospital Physicians – Primary Care
By way of intro: I am a Family Medicine specialist at The Christ Hospital with a particular interest in men's health, older adults and LGBTQ+ patients. I take an evidence-based approach to patient care, meaning I review all the scientific studies we have available and try to help my patients understand that information in an easy way so that together we can make informed health choices. My comments here do not constitute medical advice; always consult your physician for specific questions about your health. 

1. What are some good supplements for men to take?
   1.  In the absence of a specific health problem that might warrant a supplement in general I give patients a few notes before even talking about specific supplements. First, be aware of the brand, there are 3 groups the certify supplements for safety which is voluntary in the US: NSF International, ConsumerLab.com and Pharmacopedia - look for these seals on your brand especially if buying them online. Second, just because a supplement is safe does not mean it does what it claims to do and there are a lot of high priced ones out there making crazy claims. If you have a balanced diet, most studies have shown extra vitamins are not necessary and do not add any health benefit and high doses of some vitamins may actually be toxic. A men's daily multivitamin may be helpful if you think your diet does not include all the balanced food groups. Some men may benefit from calcium supplementation in older age to prevent osteoporosis. Most supplements advertising effects on men's sexual health are largely unproven or not fully studied. 
2. Hypertension - how often do you need to test for it? What are some tips to lower blood pressure?
   1.  Blood pressure should be checked at least yearly at your wellness visit with your doctor after age 18. If you see your doctor more often they will likely check it each visit. High blood pressure often does not cause any immediate symptoms so it is important to be checked to prevent long term problems like strokes and heart attacks. Things you can do to naturally lower blood pressure include: eating a lower salt diet (google the DASH diet), getting the recommended amount of exercise and losing weight. Sometimes those things alone are not enough and your high blood pressure may even be based on your genetics and in those cases you may need medication. 
3. At what age should men get their prostate checked for cancer?
   1.  This is such a frequent and complicated question! The group that studies screenings in the US is called the US Preventative Services Task Force. They examine all the studies and data out there and work to give recommendations on these things to guide our choices. Currently there is no strong recommendation for routine prostate cancer screening. The days of a prostate exam for everyone over 40 or over 50 are gone. The blood test (also known as PSA) that we use is also not routinely needed, but for those with a family history or after a discussion with your doctor we may choose to order this test after age 55. 
4. Tips and suggestions for mental health
   1. This is such a big category. we could talk about stress reduction, and therapy options, learning to communicate emotions more clearly and taking time to be present and mindful. All of those things are of value, but another way to make sure you are equipped to be mentally fit is to ensure you are taking care of yourself physically. Drink plenty of water, get good quality sleep each night, exercise regularly to relieve stress and for the heart benefits, and eat a balanced diet. If you feel you are struggling with your mental health it's also important to feel comfortable going to your physician to talk about other treatment options - that's what we are here for! 
5. When do men’s bodies start changing in terms of hormones? Is “MENopause” real?
   1.  It is true, men's hormones do change with age! Testosterone declines about 1% per year after age 40. Despite that most men still have normal testosterone levels throughout life. Only about 10-25% actually have "low T". Usually the symptoms men associate with low testosterone like sleepiness, loss of energy, change in sexual endurance or desire can be explained by another cause, but you should definitely chat with your primary care physician about these things if you notice them because you may need to have your testosterone checked! 
6. Should older men have babies? Are there any health risks involved for a baby whose father is past a certain age?
   1.  There is not a good definition for what constitutes advanced or older age in men when considering having babies. In general we say over 40 is considered an older age for a father. As men approach age 40 and 50, their sperm can change, but the risk of passing a defect on to their child remains very low. So low, that in general, we do not recommend freezing sperm just based on age. There may be other patient-specific considerations and so, as always, before planning a pregnancy it is a good idea to talk with your doctor. 
7. What health conditions are men at higher risk of than women?
   1.  The leading cause of death in both men and women is heart disease. Things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and some cancers affect us all. In general some of the health threats particular to men include: prostate cancer, higher rates of alcohol use, aortic aneurysm (ask your doctor if you should be screened if you ever smoked), gout, HIV, Parkinson's disease, and lung and skin cancer. 
8. Why are men silent carriers for various diseases like HPV?
   1. Studies from 2014 showed rates of HPV among men at close to 50%, and 25% carrying the types at higher risk for causing cancers in women. We talk about men being "silent carriers" because they may often not have symptoms from the HPV virus, but can still pass the infection to their sexual partners and potentially put them at risk for cervical cancer. This is why the HPV vaccine is so important in both men and women and a good thing to talk with your primary care physician about! 

I visited HerMD to finally try out laser hair removal, I’ve been told previously that I could not receive it due to the laser not being darker skin friendly. So when I found out that HerMD was not only minority woman owned but had laser hair services that was pigmented skin friendly, I had to try it.
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I decided to start with my underarms because it's a small area. Honestly I wanted to do my upper lip but scared if my face freaked out or I couldn’t take the pain (which I’ll get into later).

The procedure itself took under 30 minutes. It was quick and I had minimal discomfort. I was told in the spots where hair is more thicker, it can be a little more uncomfortable. I’m a cry baby, but overall it was not bad.

I can already tell my hair is not growing back as much/quick as it once did and I’m excited to share the rest of my journey at HerMD with my laser hair journey!
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Laser Hair Facts/Tips You need to know

• Don’t wax or hair remover before having the service done
• You shouldn’t wax or use hair remover while you're having your laser treatments going. They need your hair follicles to have its roots to be most effective.
• You want to have hair, you can shave a day or two before
• Everyone’s hair grows in different so be sure to get a consultation before having service done
• For best results 6 or more treatments are needed with 4-6 weeks apart
• You’ll have to get maintenance/touch ups once or twice a year to maintain it, hormones play a big part in hair growth.

Aftercare:
No extra heat, no strenuous activity after the procedure

Make sure you follow my journey and check out HerMD here.