What I Wear Where

Alternatively titled, my shameless plug for my 30th birthday wishlist, plus a few of my fave things.

In recent years Oprah has been known for a lot of things, but growing up she was (one of) the face(s) of Black capitalism. When she talked about the ecoli in beef she almost toppled the farm-industrial complex, and her “few of my favorite things” is just one case study of the power of the black dollar (as well as the vitriol of the “gift tax”). Also let’s not neglect the brewing theories that Oprah – a partial owner and ambassador of Weight Watchers – may be benefiting financially from her recent revelation that she lost over 40 pounds while using the ozempic drug. I’m not here to “unwine” with you, so I’ll let you refer to Jillian Michaels for that. If you want more information about Ozempic, refer to Season 10 Episode 10 of Married to Medicine, for your favorite OBGYN’s commentary and consultations.

But for some retail therapy, I assure you, you’re in the right place. You are all gathered here today for a few (x10) of my favorite things… (View full list here).

Pampered by Porsha Sheets (Link)

Oh sheets! I have a deep and unwavering obsession with Jersey Cotton sheets, but I just know Porsha’s sheets will bring me into adulting-hood and I just have to have them! You may think I’m boring, but I actually love a good beige sheet set.

Yoga Strap & Yoga Mat (Link)

On my last Saturday of my 20’s I brought my sore back to a yoga mat in my girl Alyssa’s class and walked away with my newest obsession – yoga straps. The yoga straps were used for this cool standing pose where I looped my foot through the straps and pulled the ends of the straps towards my shoulders. I felt like an Alvin Ailey dancer – if we could ignore the fact that I depended upon this prop – but more importantly I stepped away from the mat with a litany of stretches to bring to my personal practice. They are my thing now! Rumor has it, I am designing some new yoga mats, but in the interim, my go to is the B Yoga Traveller Mat.

Heated Boots (Link)

Y’all can keep the Ugg slippers. A woman at work told me about these heated boots and I am convinced they are the key to work/life balance. Whether you work from home, or have to work in a cubicle after a long trek through the snow, these are a great thing to incorporate in your wardrobe – as long as you have a desk to conceal them under during meetings.

Coffee Warmer/Oil Burner (Link)

While I love to burn candles with a spunky lighter, sometimes it is nice to warm them using a method that is safe for my apartment. Additionally I have an obsession adding dried flowers to candles with custom scents. Since it is not the best to light and leave soy wax candles with dried petals unattended – it is best to warm them. This burner is primarily a coffee warmer but an Aunt showed me this hack she uses for warming her candles with it so it is imy preferred use for this thing. If you also tend to leave your tea unattended as you work, or scroll, this is also a great device for keeping your brew warm – assuming you don’t like to bring your tea set everywhere.

Aztec Healing Clay (Link)

One of my favorite products to revive my curls after a heated style is Aztec healing clay. The natural hair influencers may not have a consensus on whether water, mayo, or yogurt is the best product to mix it with, but I am not here to settle any debate. We can all agree that the product is delightful – head to toe.

Laced by Tanaya (Link)

Her pieces just give grown and sexy! I mean why do underwear have to be fabric when they can be chain linked crystals? There’s something here for everyone, for all your adornment needs.

BySaysh Sneakers (Link)

For the girls who are new to me, you wouldn’t know the sweat I poured into the track, or even the cross country sport, but I am brought back to my short-lived track star career whenever I lower my nose to the spongy outdoor track surface. One of the things I got from that, is not only an affinity for running, but a long term love and admiration for the Black women that have ascended ranks. Yes we will get to Sanya, but for today, I want everything from Felix. I already grabbed her athleta jumpsuit, but now I need the running sneakers.

Memory Card (Link)

While you may not see all of the visuals on this blog for privacy purposes, trust me when I say I love taking pictures. A memory card is a must-have for any person who likes photography. Even if you haven’t decided on your go-to camera, it is an essential tool for those who (like me) enjoy renting a camera – or two – from Unique Photo. Actually, while you’re at it, make sure you pick up a flash drive – so you don’t have to fight for storage every time you want to upload a few hundred pictures. And if you’re working with private data, or recently got access to Hillary Clinton’s emails, make sure you get yourself an encrypted flash drive.

Infused Fruit Glass Pitcher (Link)

While I love to convert my glass sauce jars into drinking jugs, it is important to invest in a nice vessel for your mixed juices or punches. Whether you are making cucumber water, or you are trying your shot at my hibiscus lemonade, it is great to having a straining mechanism so your fruits and/or leaves are separate from the juice. These pitchers are great for any type of beverage, but I might also add that it is important to make sure you get another vessel for your water.

Water Purifier (Link)

Now I know the majority of my readers haven’t lived in a place where clean water is a luxury, but after living and traveling to places where most people depend upon bottled water, I realized it is imperative that I invest in a water filtration system. If you remember in the years leading up to the Flint Water Crisis – and even the crisis in Newark – it was disclosed that government leaders initially denied complaints about the physiological effects of toxins in water. Now I hate to scare my readership with my conspiracy theories, but I implore you to heed the warning: don’t wait for the media to warn you about the hazardous chemicals in your water – try your best to exercise preventative measures. And for those who are reading this thinking they will just continue to rely upon water bottles, I am here to remind you that during the global pandemic there was another shortage. With a variety of environmental, economic, and public health factors that contribute to our in-access to clean water, consider devising a strategy for improving the quality of water at home. At the minimum, consider getting a water pitcher, but for the work at home gworls, it might be best to get a water cooler – if at the minimum to emulate those cool chats with your coworkers.

Jet-Setting Backpack (Link)

Now if my clean water crisis did nothing for your water consumption habits, I’m sure at the minimum it made you want to travel again. As a writer who detests the idea of spending more money on airfare than my excursion, I have been on the hunt for the most optimal luggage solutions. Now I know the roller backpack has not passed the vibe check, but at the minimum, I need a backpack that can carry a couple of outfits in addition to my tech equipment. This actually is on my wishlist, so I can’t give you an honest review. I can say that based on the other honest reviews, this deserves a spot in my journey through my 30s. Plus, I need an upgrade from the backpacking knapsack that got me through my Brazil and Peru trip.

Kindle (Link)

While you are packing your bags, it might be good to make sure you save yourself from overweight bag fees. Don’t get me wrong – there is nothing like etching some notes into the margins of your favorite textbook. But for those who aren’t exactly sure how many books they will bring to the beach, or whether there is stable wifi at the destination, then make sure you download a few options before you take off.

Bluetooth Speakers (Link)

There are a variety of options from Pods to Beats, but nothing can stop me from my love for JBL speakers. Instead of splurging on headphones at the airport, or fighting with your loved ones over the aux cord, treat yourself to a few different wireless bluetooth options. My first JBL speaker was a gift from a former track coach that lasted for over ten years from high school through college (like this one). As I started to attend in-person writing groups, I switched to over-the-ear speakers (link) for in-person writing and public commutes (and the occasional game). My other favorite pair of JBL speakers were the wireless earbuds (Link). Now granted, you can’t videochat on these speakers, or program it to answer to a name, but at least you can be assured that *you* are listening to the audio, instead of the speaker listening* to you.

Portable Charger (Link)

Another thing you don’t want to buy at an airport, or anywhere that can upcharge you, is a portable charger. Now I don’t want to hate on the business owners who have charging stations and lockers, but if you like to “livestream” your day, or at the minimum want to ensure your devices can stay on before (and maybe after) the street lights come on, please do yourself a favor and scoop up a portable charger. I have had a variety of mini chargers that looked like compact cases, and other random shapes, but don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a few.

Power Adapter (Link)

While we’re talking about “power” – not the hit series by Curtis with at least 2 spinoffs that still have the viewers spinning with dramatic twists and turns – please make sure you add a power adapter to your suitcase. I have a little mini bag with a few travel necessities, and in addition to airborne, and a few pieces of gum, I always make sure to have a travel adapter, so I don’t have to worry about shorting the electricity in my hostel or otherwise interrupting my stay to find an adapter that keeps me connected.

Picture Frames (Link)

While we’re discussing travel must-haves, I must leave a bit of advice for the budding photographers in the chat. I usually create an album with my favorite photos from traveling that is not shared exclusively on social media. With over millions of accounts, some of your best memories might be drowned on the feed. I found that I loved bringing international experiences to my space by printing out my favorite pictures. Your guests will love to sit in your space and see the world from your eyes, and you might also appreciate the sensation of being transported back to your travel memories when you glide through your space. There are a variety of printing options online, but if you have a few small frames, don’t hesitate to schedule a same-day pick up at CVS or Walgreens. The app has been optimized to make it easy to bring your photos from your device to your living space with a few taps on your screen. Let me know if you try it!

Sketchbook & Art Markers (Link)

Another piece of advice I learned from a photographer was to create a mixed media journal of her travel memories. She used a leather-bound sketchbook to create beautiful collages of her journeys – including receipts, tickets, brochures, and other little items that might otherwise have ended up in pits of her backpack. Even better – she told me when she got married, her and her husband started a travel sketchbook together. While the art of photo albums may perpetually be lost, the journal is one of the longest-enduring primary sources that can connect our relatives, and even strangers with some of our most intimate memories. I love the idea that her and her partner spend quality time building this journal together, and am warmed by the intimacy that is captured in between the pages. Whether you are an avid traveler – coupled or solo – I think it is a great idea to cultivate a sketchbook for journaling and collages. I personally use it for my own mixed media life and business plans, but as I submerge myself deeper into my thirties, I am looking forward to finding a special someone to share a journal with. Now I hate to get people in my comments tizzying over journal choices, so I will admit that I do not have a favorite for the general public – partially because I am still experimenting between different mixed media brands – but I will be firm in suggesting you pair your sketchbook-journal (or moleskin), with some professional “fineliner” markers (Link) or Sharpies (Link), and a nice set of glider pens (Link).

Dry Erase Board w/Markers (Link)

We may be too old to “play” teacher, or even pretend that the shortage of qualified teachers isn’t highly alarming, but we aren’t too old to incorporate their teaching tools into our own household management. I find that the dry erase board is perfect for my writing because it allows me to draft ideas and write mini reminders for myself. I also use to keep a small one on my refrigerator – much like the one I put in my locker – to keep track of different groceries I needed to purchase. Whether you’re using it for your office, your kitchen, or both, it is a great (eco-friendly) way to keep track of things before they slip your mind.

Spice by Tia Mowry Cookware Set (Link)

Since I watched the Mowry twins on everything from Sister, Sister to the Game, to their reality tv show, it was only natural that I supported Tia’s cooking endeavors. When I moved into my studio apartment in 2022, the gift at the top of my wishlist was their cooking set. I have not tried every single piece, but I promise just the look alone makes the contents more appetizing. There are a range of sizes of pans for all of your cooking needs, and a couple of bowls for the girls like me who love a nice piping hot soup year-round. Extra bonus: make sure you get Tia Mowry’s “Quick Fix Kitchen” and Kelis “My Life on a Plate” for recipes for your perfect birthday dinner.

Ladder Bookshelf (Link)

Now, one of the must-have home goods is a stable bookshelf. But I used this ladder bookshelf in the kitchen. I filled it with some of my favorite plates, a few dried foods, and covered the top shelf with a tea set. I loved having this quick way to access my kitchen necessities that I could change depending on the occasion. For example, during my housewarming, I stacked different entrees on the top shelves and used the bottom rungs for room temperature drinks and waters. Granted, this may not make it past your living room, but there are a variety of ways to make this a staple in your space.

Bar Stools (Link)

Whether you’re an artist or a mixologist, I think bar stools are a must. Fun fact: I bought my bar stools in Midland, Michigan at the antique show where many seasons of Flea Market Flip were filmed. I purchased two creeky stools for $10 and replaced the cushion with some new foam (link) and covered them with fabric that I purchased in Ghana. Those stools are on their way to retirement after traveling with me from Ypsilanti to Philadelphia – and over five years of seating distinguished guests to my own home kitchens – but they will absolutely be replaced with another set of stools. I love stools because they provide a fun seating option for small spaces and are as adaptable as they are easy to move. I have my eyes on these green velvet stools to match my green comfy couch.

Freestanding Closet & Cube Shelving (Link)

Now most spaces are not outfitted with your dream closet, but that doesn’t mean you need to fill your space with rolling racks. [Even though I do love a good rolling rack]. Instead, treat yourself to a freestanding closet organizer. These are great for storing all of your go-to items – from hats, to bags, to shoes – and hanging the rest. I used this one in my studio apartment and found it was a great alternative to a traditional closet. I also stacked some cube shelving on the top shelf of the freestanding so I could store clothing and accessories that needed to be folded. I love these shelves because you can build them as high as your ceiling allows, and you can also customize the unit to fit the width of the freestanding closet. And while you’re redesigning your wardrobe for this new two-step into the next decade of your life, make sure to get yourself some wooden hangers (link) and donate those wire and plastic hangers with the other clothing that won’t make it to this new phase of your life.

(Self-Watering) Plant Pots (Link)

While you are refreshing your space, don’t hesitate to refresh the air with some new plants. I love Aloe Vera plants because the actual aloe leaves have multiple medicinal properties, and the plant purifies the air. Trust me, you don’t have to have a green thumb to make this plant thrive. Another delightful plant that you can sprinkle into your self-care routine is lavender. Regardless of whether you are adopting a plant from a green-thumb wielding friend, or you decided to grab something on your most recent grocery run, it is important to have a special home for your new plant baby. As someone who is still relatively new to gardening, I learned that the self-watering plant pots are most forgiving when I still forget – periodically – to water my plants. If you graduated past the starter plant stage, to the transplanting stage, I strongly recommend you fill your soil with some Miracle Gro. And if you have grown past the early stages of buying fertilized soil, then I implore you to get yourself a compost bin.

UV Gel Nail Lamp (Link)

This may be a rough transition from the garden to the nail bed, but I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to get yourself a UV Gel Nail Lamp. With prices soaring for self-care, it is important to make sure you can treat yourself even when you’re on a budget. I got myself a Gel Nail Lamp so I could practice making my own press-on nails, but I found it is the perfect thing to touch up my pedicure in a pinch. Whether you are into DIY nail art, or simply making sure you can touch up your nails after an afternoon in the garden, it’s a good idea to add a UV light to your at-home nail set.

Footbath (Link)

If you prefer to opt out of the gel, I am not mad at you, but I must encourage you to make sure you have a working footbath. While you can outfit any basin into a nice place to soak your feet, athletes, doctors, and avid walkers can all attest that the $20-30 for a vibrating foot bath is worth the investment. I like to fill my footbath with Lavender Epsom salt and aloe from the garden.

Vanity Desk and/or Mirror (Link)

This may seem totally frivolous, but if you find yourself wearing makeup, doing your nails, and doing your hair, it might be good to organize these things in something other than storage bins. I will admit that I built my own vanity using a $30 desk (link), some baskets from 5 Below, and a Vanity Mirror (link) but I really wanted a vanity desk. [Fortunately] I linked all of the above whether you have $60 for your vanity desk set up or have some money set aside to indulge in this unit. I found that having this arrangement in my studio reduced the time I spent fumbling through bins and drawers because all of my essentials were on display. Whether you use the Vanity station to film your upcoming tutorial, or organize the elements of your beauty routine, it is an important piece to ensure your self-care has a special space in your home and life.

Pajama Set (Link)

While you’re filling your shopping cart with self-care items, don’t forget to treat yourself to a sleep set. I always envisioned having a vintage collection of robes, but while I await the estate sale that will catapult my collection, I found a couple of fun pajama sets online. Now don’t get me wrong – I love a good big t-shirt and leggings combo, but it is always nice to have a cute sleepwear set so I can have something to wear during the wee-hours of a girl trip, or even the last few dreaded hours of the weekend. What’s better than waking up ready to slay the new work week knowing you’re already “coordinated”? I purchased this set for a trip to Florida and ended up slinking through many a self-care sunday in it.

Black Art (Link)

The majority of the aforementioned links support my blogging as an “Amazon Affiliate”, but if you are well into your thirties and own the majority of the things I listed above, please consider adding some of my original art to your collection. I have included some of my art throughout this website in the avatar and some of the featured images, but this is the first official list that provides a link for you to incorporate the art into your home. My WIWW x Palmy Studios collaboration is the first opportunity to incorporate artwork from the blog (and my larger creative practice) into your own collection. Every purchase supports the circulation of this blog and a relaunch of my own creative business. Whether you support my art online, or that of another Black artist, I don’t think there is any more esteemed title for a thirty-plus year old than a “Black Art Collector”. Why don’t you give it a try? And if you need some suggestions, don’t worry I’ll prepare another list for that…