Supporting Black-owned businesses is a lifestyle. It’s very important for us to show support when they are stocked at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Not only does it bring in sales but it shows retailers that customers will buy the products if they are available. Whether you choose to shop these items for yourself or for others is your business. Here are 4 of my favorite Black-Women Owned Brands that you can find on Amazon.

Vicky Cakes

No more Aunt Jemima! Vicky Cakes is a dairy-free, vegan friendly pancake and waffle mix. While the brand makes it clear that they are not the average “Just Add Water” mix, it has easily become my favorite to use. It comes in 4 different flavors: original, blueberry, pecan, and chocolate chip. They also offer a gluten-free version!

Play Pits

I recently made the switch over to natural deodorant. Finding Play Pits made it an easy switch. I noticed a lot of moms in the DMV were talking about the brand for their children. And because I have super sensitive skin I decided this would be a great alternative. Little did I know they offer products for adults too! I purchased a multi-pack directly from the site (Amazon was unavailable at the time) and so far Queen has been my favorite scent.

Capital City Co.

Speaking of the DMV….y’all know we love our Mumbo Sauce. Whether you like yours from a specific carryout or you like to make your own. Capital City Mambo Sauce is made right here in the DMV by a BLACK woman and her family. And I put that sh*t on everything.

TGIN (Thank God It’s Natural)

If you know me, then you know I love TGIN. I have worked with the brand in the past on many campaigns. And although our contract has ended, I still willingly spend my money on them! My favorite products are the Honey Miracle Mask and the Butter Cream Moisturizer.

The post 4 Black-Women Owned Brands to Shop on Amazon appeared first on Running Erins.

The rush of Thanksgiving and Black Friday have cleared. We’ve stuffed our faces, spent time with loved ones, and emptied our pockets. And just as everything is calming down, it’s time to prepare for Christmas/Hannukkah/Kwanzaa.

The holidays are a special time for some but can be difficult for those who have lost or do not have family. If this is you, or someone in your circle, it’s important to find other ways to celebrate the holidays. Celebrating the holidays in non-traditional ways can be a great way to avoid seasonal depression or the Grinch Syndrome. Even if you’re just looking to switch things up, consider adding one (or all) of the following activities to your holiday schedule.

Wine & Dine Somewhere New

One of my favorite things about the holidays is food! If you’re having a non-traditional holiday celebration, consider going out for a nice meal somewhere new. This holiday season, I visited Texas De Brazil for the first time. Texas De Brazil is a Brazilian steakhouse where the meat is presented to you and carved table side.  The restaurant also features a salad bar that includes charcuterie, fruit, and their famous lobster bisque! From lamb to steak to chicken, the meal was definitely great and presented a new experience. My favorite part was their homemade limeade! I had the passionfruit flavor while my boyfriend order coconut. Extremely refreshing and tasty! The restaurant in DC has great ambiance so it’s a nice spot for a celebration.

Party with Friends

A big trend I noticed this year was people hosting “Friendsgiving” celebrations. Similar to a traditional Thanksgiving celebration, a group of friends get together to eat, drink, and be merry! This often includes dinner, games, and of course drinks. Consider hosting a holiday game night or ugly sweater party with some of your closest friends. Being around those you love is a great way to avoid depression and catching the Ba humbug! If you don’t want to stay in plan a happy hour. The options are limitless. Have fun with it!

Give Back

The holidays are all about giving. Finding a shelter to volunteer with or organizing a toy drive is a great tradition to add to your non-traditional holiday. Many are less fortunate during this time of year and there are tons of ways you can give back. Some shelters are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day for volunteers to help provide meals. You could also organize a drive for clothes, toys, or toiletries. Whatever you like! Your gift and your time are plenty to someone who may be struggling this holiday. And you’ll feel great afterwards!

Get Away

A trip is always great to clear your mind. While holiday airfare may be expense this time of year there’s always roundtrips! Find a cabin or lake house for a quick get weekend getaway. You may even be able to find a good deal on a cruise or be able to spring for a flight. However you choose to vacation make it happen! Alone or with a group of friends. I had a wonderful time on my trip to Deep Creek Lake last month and would definitely recommend it if you’ve never been!

What traditions have you added to your holiday celebrations? Let me know in the comments!

The post Non-Traditional Ways to Celebrate the Holidays appeared first on Running Erins.

The grieving process is never-ending

It’s been about 8 months since I lost my seed. I watched my due date come and go. I’ve had to celebrate Mother’s Day, pregnancy announcements, and baby showers. There’s what feels like a constant influx in pregnancies popping up online. To say that grief strikes randomly is an understatement. For a long time, I just assumed that I would get to a point where it no longer affected me. I’ve been to therapy and I’ve talked about it so what more do I need? In reality, that’s the wrong mindset. The grieving process is never-ending. You will have good days and you will have bad. But as long as you still have days to count you’re winning.

Beware when utilizing miscarriage support groups

I was in search of women who would understand what I was going through. I needed to vent and feel understood. I didn’t want to be told to “just pray about it” or that “you can try again.” I wanted to hear from people who had been where I was. But some of the “support groups” I found had more people hurting than giving hope. Remember everyone’s experience is different. It’s easy to sink into negativity in a group where everyone is discouraged. Look for groups with balance; those who can relate because they’re going through and those who can relate because they’ve been there. The two groups I found very helpful are “Sisters in Loss” by Erica McAfee and “Black Angel Moms” by Jeanae Hopgood.

It’s okay to cancel plans

I made a lot of plans before my loss and suddenly I didn’t want to do them anymore. I needed time to get back to myself and find balance. I am already an introverted extrovert so leaving the house became even more difficult. There were times when I would make a bunch of plans and then find myself in a mood. Or I would leave the house and end up being triggered by something. The more I tried to force myself to go out, the higher my anxiety went. I had to learn that it’s okay to cancel plans when you’re still healing. After talking with friends and family, I was encouraged to talk to them when I was having those moments because it was understandable. Talk about a sigh of relief!

You can be happy for others and sad for yourself

After my miscarriage, it seemed like pregnancy was everywhere. I had to delete social media for a few days because the sight of babies and pregnant women made me cry. I would try to avoid conversations about pregnancy, I definitely avoided baby showers, and I honestly didn’t want to be around newborns. It wasn’t that I was jealous or unhappy for them…I was just sad for myself. It created a trigger in my mind that was a reminder of my loss. After a while, I started to feel bad but explaining to people what I was going through mentally helped me feel better. I learned that you can both be happy for someone and sad for yourself. Now I’ve started creating escape plans that way if I become overwhelmed I can make a smooth exit.

It’s common to blame yourself. Don’t!

I spent a lot of time blaming myself even though I knew I did nothing wrong. I mean, there’s no way I could possibly get my little blueberry of a baby stuck in my fallopian tubes. But understanding that 1 in 5 women will experience a miscarriage helped. In hard situations, your mind will wander and create scenarios. Don’t let it! Most miscarriages terminate themselves due to chromosome abnormalities. More than likely, your body knew something was wrong before you did. When a negative thought arises, counter it with a positive one.

It’s more likely for you to have a successful next pregnancy

Over time, worry and fear took over my mind. The fear of not being able to carry children becomes so real. While other women who miscarried were scared to get pregnant again, I wanted to get pregnant again to prove to myself that I could do it. Once I came out of my depression a lot of that doubt subsided. I learned that 85% of women who have had one miscarriage will have a successful next pregnancy, which is a huge percentage. Worry only makes things harder.

Ignore questions about when you will have children

I spent many nights crying after being asked, “So when are you having children?” “Do you have kids?” And truth is, most people just don’t know. They don’t know the pain and reality of women who have miscarried. They don’t understand the fear that comes along with the idea of having another miscarriage. And they definitely don’t understand that some women just don’t want children. It’s just common practice to assume all women will procreate. Feel free to educate them. But also know that you don’t have to give a response.

Above all, remember that some days will be good and some will be bad. But there are people around to help you through. You’re not alone.

The post 7 Things They Don’t Tell You About Miscarriage appeared first on Running Erins.

Metropolitan Restaurant Week happens twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. With over 100 places to choose from, what’s so great about Restaurant Week is that you can get a three-course meal for $22 during brunch/lunch and $35 during dinner. And we’re not talking about Cheesecake Factory or Outback, these restaurants are some of the most award-winning restaurants in the area. Participating restaurants include Fogo De Chao, The Capital Grille, RPM Italian, and Oceanaire. This year wasn’t my first time participating in Restaurant Week but it was the first time that I feel like I took full advantage of it. I was able to plan a date night at 2 different restaurants and I won a contest to visit the third restaurant.

TenPenh Pork Dumpling

What to Know About Restaurant Week

Winter Restaurant Week usually takes places around mid-February while Summer Restaurant Week happens towards the end of August. Each participating restaurant lays out a menu with selected items to choose from during the respective meal time. Since you’re getting an AMAZING deal most restaurants do not allow substitutions or alterations to any of the options on the menu. I highly suggest you view it beforehand. Most of the time, the restaurant will submit their menu to RAMW.org. However, there are a few places that will only post it on the company website. Oh and of course drinks are not included so plan ahead. Lastly, I suggest making reservations especially if you’re going during peak times.

Where I Ate

Mastro’s Steakhouse

I had heard of Mastro’s but never been. I am not a fan of steak so steakhouses are not my typical choice when it comes to restaurants. But I have heard a lot of great things about Mastro’s so I figured why not take this opportunity to check it out. From their restaurant week menu, I ordered a Spicy Mambo Salad (caesar with wasabi), blackened salmon with mango lobster butter, and their signature warm butter cake. One thing to note here is that the menu is a la carte. So sides were not included in the $35 price but they are large enough to share! We decided to get asparagus and lobster mashed potatoes to fancy up our meal. Once you add in sides and drinks, we spent way over what we expected to. But the everything was so good I have no regrets!

Blackened Salmon with Mango Lobster Butter

Ginger at MGM

I’ve only been inside MGM a few times so this was my first time visiting one of the restaurants. We love Asian food so we were excited to try something a little different than. But we were highly disappointed. I honestly am not sure why we picked this restaurant after reviewing the Restaurant Week menu online. But we were both okay with ordering something that wasn’t from the menu. We order chicken lettuce wraps as an appetizer because I imagined them being similar to the ones from Cheesecake Factory. Wrong! They came pre-made on a plate and you only get 4. The menu was overwhelming because it had entrees you would find at a Thai restaurant and at the carryout. I decided to keep things simple and order Sweet & Sour Chicken. It lacked flavor and also felt very rubbery to chew. The best part of the experience was the drinks.

TenPenh Tyson’s

This restaurant was a wild card because I won a contest hosted by RAMW and GlamSquad. The prize was a girl’s night out which included hair, makeup, and dinner for 2 at a restaurant they chose. I had never even heard of TenPenh which made things a little more exciting for me as a foodie. The manager of the restaurant treated us so well! Dinner was covered but they treated us to Beijing Bellini’s and a sample of a few appetizers. From the Restaurant Week menu I ordered Shrimp Lumpia, Miso Glazed Salmon, and Mai Tai Creme Brulee. I would be lying if I said I loved the salmon, however, it wasn’t too bad. The taste just wasn’t something I was used to. All of the appetizers were amazing; especially the lumpia and dumplings!

Miso Glazed Salmon

Is it worth it?

The simple answer: yes! As a foodie, I enjoy eating out and trying new things which isn’t always cost effective. Although we spent a little more money than usually this time around, we still got to try some new places and surprisingly we still saved a few bucks. As I said before, planning ahead is key!

Warm Butter Cake Mastro’s Steakhouse

The post Restaurant Week DC Recap appeared first on Running Erins.

What to Wear

It’s a no brainer that you should ALWAYS follow the dress code when one is provided. The hostess of the bridal shower I attended made it simple by requesting floral dress. But what happens when one isn’t provided? First, consider the setting. Will the event be inside or outside? Was the invitation semi-formal or informal? In any situation, a casual dress in a pastel color is a great choice. If ever in doubt just simply ask the hostess!

What to Gift

Now here is where things got tricky for me. Originally, I decided to gift the bride an item from the wedding registry as it was listed on the bridal shower invitation. But after talking to my mom and a few other women, I was told the bridal shower gift should specifically be for the bride. Makes sense right? Well pulling something together at the last minute is a headache. I ended up getting a personalized set of Mr. & Mrs. stemless wine glasses from Things Remembered. Then I threw in a few spa time items like lavender castile soap, body scrub, body butter, and a candle. My tip here is to think about the bride. Is her style extravagant or more minimal? Does she have a separate bridal registry? In the end, other people still gifted items from the registry so my first plan would have worked out. But now I know to prepare in advance.

What to Wish

Most events have a guestbook or frame for you to sign. At a bridal shower or wedding, you may get the opportunity to leave more than a simple “congratulations.” Prepare your words! You never want to be caught off-guard if you’re asked to make a statement for a video or to sign a book. The last thing you want to do is hold up the line thinking of what to say. Depending on how well you know the couple will determine what you should wish. Something as simple as “Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness” is quick, simple and sweet!

Remember, a wedding is the start of a new journey for the couple. Whether you go simple or more thoughtful being apart of the moment is what matters most! Have any bridal shower tips? Leave them in a comment below.

The post Attending a Bridal Shower: What You Should Know appeared first on Running Erins.

Where to Stay

I wasn’t really a big fan of AirBnB after my experience in Canada but it is so much cheaper than hotels in California that we didn’t really have a choice. We were able to get a place 1 block away from Sunset Blvd and live like locals. The apartment was very nice and clean. And our host actually owned the whole building so we didn’t have to worry about upsetting neighbors. The neighborhood was very quiet. The only problem we had was finding parking on the street. But in the grand scheme of things that isn’t too bad when the place is nice.

Get a Rental!

The best decision of the trip? Getting a rental car! We went back and forth on this decision for awhile before the trip. I’ve never rented a car on vacation and thought it would be easy to get around. There’s Uber and Lyft everywhere right? But in California nothing was really that close because of traffic and highways. LAX was about 45 minutes from where we were staying. But that’s normal driving distance for EVERYTHING in California. The closest thing to us was an In-N-Out Burger which wasn’t a disappointment. It also allowed us to drive to Vegas for 2 trips in 1. I booked a rental through Expedia for fairly cheap, however, they make you use their insurance of course which made it more expensive. But it was a decision I don’t regret! I’m actually considering renting a car more often.

What to Do

There’s definitely tons of things to do in LA but we took the more scenic route. From visiting Candytopia, an interactive pop-up shop, to the Museum of Illusions. It was more about creating experiences rather than partying. We also went hiking to the top of Mount Hollywood which I will never do again in my entire life! We took steep hills all the way up and you can’t even get close to the Hollywood sign. It definitely showed me how out of shape I am but the site at the top is definitely breathtaking. And our hiking guide, Leo, gets a full 5 stars! We found him through AirBnB experiences for $20 per person. Last but not least, you can’t go to LA without hitting the beach. We spent a few hours on Santa Monica Beach just taking in the sun.

We also made the 4-hour drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to visit my friends! Originally, we had plans to leave early in the morning but we were so tired from the night before that we didn’t get up early. There isn’t much to see along the way but we did stop for food and gas. Leo told us to stop at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner so we did. It was a very dope restaurant that reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Grease. From the juke box to the records on the wall and even the waitresses uniform it did not disappoint! And the food options were endless; from breakfast to burgers. Speaking of food….

Where to Eat

When I go on vacation, I try my best to eat a places we don’t have at home. Any foodie knows that when you visit the West Coast you have to try In-N-Out Burger. My first time eating there was actually when I went to Nevada but of course I went again in Cali. We also hit the world famous chicken spot, Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. The restaurant was nothing how I imagined it would look (it gives the hole in the wall feel) but the food was still great! Another brunch spot we loved was Blu Jam Cafe in Hollywood. The wait was a little long (about an hour and a half) but we expected it and the food didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a spot dinner, try Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd. There’s a mechanical bull, a duo who sings covers of whatever you request, and menu options from nachos to steak. If you’re headed to Vegas check out Tacos and Beer. It’s an authentic Mexican Restaurant with amazing empanadas!

Crunchy French Toast from Blu Jam Cafe

Overall, my trip to California was memorable and I truly enjoyed myself. Where to next?

The post Los Angeles Recap appeared first on Running Erins.

This weekend, we hosted our first event titled “Hey Sis!: Women Empowerment + Packing Social.” Packing socials are events where a group of people get together to pack items to donate. The bags we packed were given to Goodie Girl Bags, a non-profit organization who delivers them to homeless shelter throughout the DMV. Each bag includes 1 bra, feminine hygiene products like pads & tampons, breast cancer exam cards, and a hand written note for encouragement. In planning our event, we set a goal to pack 150 bags. Little did we know that we set the vision a little too small as we collected over 80 bras before the event.

Both of us have a passion for helping other women so it was important for this event to embody that. Not only in the items we packed for the homeless but by making sure we spoke to the women in the room too. The 2 of us shared a bit of our backgrounds along with one other woman. All with the theme that everyone struggles but it matters how you push past it. Our hope is that we continue to inspire and improve the lives of those around us. Whether it is through a non-profit our hosting other social events like this one. Either way, we know we can make a difference.

Each attendee left the event with a bag of items from our sponsors. We were also able to supply desserts and drinks during the event. My business partner and I are extremely grateful to each and every person who saw our vision and made it come true.

We would like to give a special thanks to all of our sponsors:

Ardell Beauty
Eden BodyWorks
Essentia Water
Jamaican Mango & Lime
This Is L.
OhMazing Food
LiquidJoy Beverages
Sweet Sticky Thing Bakery
Blessed Vessels
Faye Smith Realtor

The post Hey Sis! Packing Social Recap appeared first on Running Erins.

Last week, my coworkers and I decided to do a juice cleanse. About 6 of us, all women, got together and said we would all participate starting the week after Father’s Day. One of the ladies who participated had previously completed the cleanse and told the rest of us about it. We all had different goals but the overall theme was to be healthier. We figured it would be easier to get through if a bunch of us did it together.

The Basics

Jus (pronounced Juice) By Julie is a health and wellness company that makes cleanses, smoothies, snacks and meals to inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle. So here’s how it works:

1. Pick the type of cleanse you want. Choose from 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-Day or 5 Day Til Dinner.
2. Choose your delivery date. The company is based out of New York but delivers in the United States and Canada.
3. Place your order & wait at your door patiently.
4. Put your JUSes in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to start

Of the 6 of us, 4 of us did the 5 day cleanse, 1 person did a 3 day cleanse, and the last person did the 5 day til dinner. The 5, 3, 2, and 1 day include 6 juices a day that you drink instead of meals. The 5 day til dinner includes 4 juices per day and you are allowed to eat 1 healthy meal.

I don’t know what I expected to come to my door but the box was huge! Inside was a styrofoam cooler packed with all 30 of my juices and a few ice packs. I received my box on Friday so I placed all of my drinks in the freezer until we started on Monday.

The Price

If you’ve ever looked into doing a juice cleanse you know they are pretty expensive. But, if you’re a frequent reader you know I love a discount! I researched the best ways to purchase the cleanse. Here is a breakdown of my findings for the price of the 5 day cleanse with different discounts I found. The original price is $225.

• The company has a deal on Groupon. Currently $115 but you have to pay $59 for shipping. Not the best deal but less than the original.
• When I purchased, there was a 35% off discount + free shipping which made my total $147. I was also able to get $10 in cash back from eBates. If you’re looking for a deal, be sure to check the site and signup for their mailing list.
• Use a referral link and you get 40% off your first order http://i.refs.cc/F5gHYWsE?u=1529954576983

The Benefits

Most people do juice cleanses to aid in weight loss. But there are also other benefits such as detoxing, curbing your appetite before a change in diet, increasing your energy levels, mental clarity and physical rejuvenation. I lost a total of 8lbs during the 5 days. As far as energy, the first few days were pretty normal but on the last 2 days I woke up with no problem and had energy throughout the day.

Overall Thoughts

The cleanse was definitely harder than I expected. I realized that I often eat because I see or smell food not because I am actually hungry. Sticking to the diet was a test of my self-control. On day 3 I was feeling a little nauseous so I did cheat and have pasta for dinner instead of my last 2 juices. After that, I felt much better and continued with the cleanse. During those 5 days, I was constantly in the bathroom! Between the amount of juice and your water intake you’re going non-stop so be sure you have a nice bathroom to visit.

It also may be helpful to note that you cannot change the juices in the cleanse. If you are allergic to peanuts, pineapple or coconut then this isn’t for you because those are some of the main ingredients. However, you can check out the “Build A Cleanse” to pick what you can have. All juices are vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Before the cleanse, I would eat maybe once or twice a day. It’s been about 3 days since I’ve completed it and I notice that I am hungry at the times I would usually have a juice. But I also noticed that I get full quicker than I did before. There was only 1 juice that I could NOT stand the taste of which was Strawberry Dream (surprisingly) while most of my coworkers hated Xtreme Greens. My favorite had to be Chia Berry or Spicy Lemonade.

Would I do it again? Yes, but I’m more inclined to pick the 3 day or 5 day til dinner.

The post Jus By Julie Juice Cleanse Review appeared first on Running Erins.

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I started seeing a therapist towards the end of March after struggling with a pregnancy loss. On the outside, you couldn’t tell that I was still struggling most days. I was back into my normal routine and trying to leave the house with a smile daily. But I also found myself crying everyday. Sometimes several times a day. Things happened so fast and I didn’t know what to do but fake it til I made it. I knew I was taking on too much emotionally but I couldn’t even bring myself search for a therapist. No matter how much I knew I needed it. Life kept moving and so did I.

While I was at the Brave Summit, I heard a lot about mental health and why it was important. Things I already knew but had yet to apply to myself. I was so used to giving other people advice and helping them work through their problems that I couldn’t see the need to take my own advice. And still, at a time when I needed support, I felt myself still giving the small bit of energy I had to others. But when Amanda Seales said “Therapy is like a gym membership for your brain” it sparked something in me.

“Erin, how can you preach about better for everyone else but not seek it for yourself?”

While talking to a few girls at BRAVE I learned (or was reminded) about therapyforblackgirls.com, an online directory to help Black women find Black therapists. I knew this was my sign to stop BSing and get the help I needed. Truthfully, I wasn’t ashamed or discouraged about getting help. I just didn’t know where to find it and how comfortable I would be with the person I found. When it comes to doctors and specialist, I am very picky in what I am looking for. I like to have Black, female doctors because they can understand me as a young Black woman. So when looking for a therapist, I wanted a younger Black woman; someone who mirrored me. I felt she would relate to me better. Through the website, I was able to find therapists in my area and review their profiles in one place before making a selection.

Searching for a doctor or therapist can be a stressful process. Therapy For Black Girls took away a lot of the anxiety in the process. The first meeting with my therapist, I cried as soon as I sat down. There was so much weight I was carrying and so much I couldn’t wait to get off of my chest. Of course she couldn’t help me work through all of my problems in one meeting. But I literally felt lighter when I left. I was able to unload some of the things that I had bottled up. I also discovered a few things that I didn’t realize were bothering me.

Benefits of Seeking Mental Healthcare

Before I decided to see a therapist I did try talking to people in my circle. But I couldn’t find the balance between people who acted like nothing happened and those who treated me like I was an inch away from being sent to the nearest psych ward. It was honestly a relief to speak to someone who was outside of my situation and without judgement. Although I was speaking to a mental health professional, I felt very comfortable. I didn’t feel “crazy” or like I was on the edge of self-destruction. I was able to have someone listen to me as I talk and give advice that was valuable. Even though I feel I have a better handle on things now, I’ve still been seeing her consistently because I know healing doesn’t happen overnight. And truthfully, it is an eye opening process.

Mental health is something that we tend to ignore. But we should all take it more seriously. Depression and anxiety are real things that effect us daily. If you run from them you could start to suffer from long term effects like stress and heart attacks. I encourage everyone to see a licensed therapist. Whether you’re dealing with a tramautic event, stressed with work, or looking to learn more about self care. Mental health care should not be a negative thing.

The post Why I Decided to See a Therapist appeared first on Running Erins.