September 22, 2023

My Fall 2023 TBR List | Read With Me

September 22, 2023/ Natalie

The temperatures are slowly dropping here in South Carolina, and girlies have all grabbed their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but I’m eager to cozy up with a good book. I’m still in my ‘Well-Read Black Girl Era,’ and I LOVE it here! Even though I do more listening than reading, I can’t wait to pull out the book tags and highlighters to enjoy these.

"A Worthy Love" by A.E. Valdez: Publicly humiliated, Marisa Banks is blindsided by the news that the man she’s been dating for months is married. Being called names she wouldn't wish on anyone in front of a room full of people by her boyfriend’s wife is enough to shake her identity to its foundations. In an attempt to rebuild, she makes a few questionable decisions.

After searching TikTok for hours for romance recs, this book kept coming up. I can’t wait to grab a glass of wine, burn a candle and indulge!

"The Kingmaker" by Kennedy Ryan: In a world of haves and have-nots, Maxim Cade's family and their oil empire have it all…and he wants nothing to do with it. At odds with his mogul father, he's determined to build his own empire, even if it means traveling far from home, painted as the black sheep.

Kennedy is my girl! I fell in love with her work after listening to Before I Let Go. Omg, that book had me torn up! I felt every emotion, I needed those words. They were so powerful and I’ve enjoyed everything else I’ve read from her thus far!

"By The Book" by Jasmine Guillory: Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of the few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

This was another TikTok recommendation, for a feel good, black girl magic book. I recently read one of Jasmine Guillory’s books ‘While We Were Dating’ and I knew I needed to check out more of her work!

My reading as of late has been so heavy, so I’m looking forward to some fun, love, and make me blush type of books!

What books are you planning on reading this fall?

My Latest Reads

On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi

Don’t Cry For Me by Daniel Black

The Son of Mr. Suleman by Eric Jerome Dickey

August 23, 2023

2023 Toy of the Year Award Finalists | Ride On Category

August 23, 2023/ Natalie

In partnership with The Toy Foundation.

Can you believe it? The holidays will be here in no time, and children will be anxious to turn in their requests for toys. It always happens so fast, but this year I’m planning to beat the rush, and stick to a holiday budget!

For many years, The Toy Foundation has hosted the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards to celebrate the creativity and philanthropy of the toy industry. It is an evening to honor the very best in the toy space, and it serves as a critical fundraiser to support children in need worldwide. As a former preschool teacher, this makes my heart so happy. The importance of play is a big deal to me, I have seen the way it can change lives. I enjoyed going outdoors as a kid, and I want to share my love of it with my children.

Razor Ground Force Elite and Radio Flyer Extreme Drift Go-Kart — Razor Ground force elite and radio flyer extreme drift go-kart

What are ride-on toys?

Ride-on toys are any toy that can be ridden on, for example, a bike or scooter. It’s a great way to get kids active and having fun. They can also help develop essential skills like balance and coordination. And, of course, they're just plain fun!

If you're looking for a great ride-on toy for the holidays, here are a few things to keep in mind:

The child's age and size: Make sure to choose a toy appropriate for the child's age and size. Some ride-on toys are designed for younger children, while others are better suited for older kids.
The child's interests: Think about what your child likes to do and choose a toy that fits their interests. For example, if your child loves animals, you might get them a ride-on animal toy.
The budget: Ride-on toys can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Choose a toy that fits your budget.

Here are the 2023 Toy of the Year Finalists that may be on your kid’s Christmas list.

Razor The Crazy Cart Shuffle: a kid-powered go-kart that allows rides to drive, drift, and spin with ease! Ages: 4+; this cart is absolutely amazing, and I wish there was one for me! It’s loads of fun; as my son learned his way around the cart, he started doing all types of drifting tricks! With the adjusting bar, we will get to enjoy this cart for years to come.
Razor Ground Force Elite: Electric go-kart for ages 13+; This cart is sleek and super cool! If you want the older kids to come outside, this will do it! My 15-year-old enjoyed zipping and zooming in on this cart. She did have a little trouble fitting into the cart due to her height of 5’5. It would be perfect for our family if it were a little larger.

YBike Leap: A balancing cart that can be ridden both ways is perfect for ages 4 - 9. It’s so much fun, but it does take a little getting used to. It reminds me of the sit-and-spin carts I had growing up.

Radio Flyer Extreme Drift Go-Kart: A sleek design with the feel of a real race car, perfect for kids 5-12. This cart screams, coolest kid on the block! My 4-year-old can’t wait until he’s old enough to drive it.
Scoot & Ride - Highwaykick 1: This 2-in-1 combination scooter is perfect for little ones who have taken an interest in moving toys. It comes in a variety of colors, with the neutral matte ones being my faves! The scooter can be used as a tricycle or a traditional scooter. Ideal for ages 1-5. In standing/scooter mode, if you have a child who is on the taller side, you may want to consider another scooter from their line. My son is pretty tall, and before long, he will outgrow it.

Little Tikes Street Burner : A cool motorcycle-style bike perfect for kids 3+, including training wheels for younger riders.

Droyd Romper - Electric Tricycle, yes please, perfect for ages 3-5. The front wheel lights up, and you can set the speed with a locking key.

No matter what your child's interests or budget, there's a ride-on toy out there that's perfect for them. So get shopping and find the perfect way to make this holiday season one to remember!

We have enjoyed playing with these toys and know they deserve a spot on the finalists list. If you would like to vote for your favorite ride-on toy, visit the Toy Foundation to cast your vote now - through September 8, 2023.

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT:

As a special bonus, I will be giving away 1 of the following items to help foster your love of play! We have enjoyed playing with these items so much, and we can’t wait to pass on the fun to you!

Razor The Crazy Cart Shuffle

Little Tikes Street Burner

Droyd Romper

Rules:

You must be following me @freely_nat on Instagram and YouTube
You must be following The Toy Foundation on Instagram
Like and comment on the YouTube video.

Bonus: Like and share my Instagram posts related to the Toy of the Year Awards, between now and September 15 on your stories, please tag me so the entry will be counted.

The giveaway will close on September 15, 2023, at 12:00 pm/EST and the winner will be announced via Instagram on September 22, 2023, at 12:00 pm noon/EST!

You can share multiple posts; please be sure to tag me. The more shares = more entries. We want to take this time to highlight the amazing work that The Toy Foundation is doing. You must be 18 years or older to enter, and open to the United States only. To learn more or donate to the Toy Foundation, you can visit their website here.

August 08, 2023

Escape the Summer Heat with a Cooler Vacation

August 08, 2023/ Natalie

Summer is one of my family’s favorite seasons, we’re outside more and constantly on the go, but the heat can be a pain. It's easy to escape the summer heat just by looking for ways to stay cool. You can do this at home or when on vacation so your time with the family isn't ruined. From making good use of an HVAC system to simply using shade to your advantage, here are some practical cooking tips.

Try Hitting the Slopes

First, who said you have to spend your summer holidays somewhere hot? If you live in a hot climate like a western US state, it's pretty much hot all the time, and you might want something different. In this case, this could mean hitting the slopes for some fun in the snow. Like hot climates, there are places that are cold all year round, like the Rockies, so you can finally wear those trending womens gloves, scarves, and jumpsuits you just had to have at that last sale.

Stay Inside with the AC

You don't need to go on holiday to enjoy the summer, and being at home can be just as fun. However, the heat can be almost offensive when it reaches a certain temperature, and you won't even want to go outside. Look at the recent (July 2023) temperatures in the USA, where Phoenix, AZ, averaged 103° for almost three weeks. That kind of heat is unbearable and dangerous. So stay inside for safety, and crank up the HVAC as far as it will possibly go.

Dress for the Location

There's always that one person wearing a wool sweater and jeans at the beach, right? Don't be that person. You are likely to overheat and, at the very least, be extremely uncomfortable when out in the summer sun. Of course, don't feel like you have to dress in a way that makes you uncomfortable or goes against cultural and religious traditions. But dressing for the weather will help. Lighter fabrics in weight and color will help, and a bathing costume is great for the beach.

Pack Your Travel Cooler

A travel cooler is an essential summer item when you aren't at home. At home, you can use the fridge and freezer, but that luxury is gone when out and about. However, there are some things you need to be aware of when packing a travel cooler in the right way, so try these small tips:

Freeze packs and water bottles the day before you are set to leave.
Place your cooler in a cool spot inside your home the day before.
Line your cooler's bottom with your frozen ice packs.
Store strong foods and packaging at the bottom with delicates at the top.
Pack food suitable for coolers, such as pasta salads, dips, and jarred foods.

A travel cooler isn't the same as a fridge, and not everything is ideal. However, you can stay cool with some chilled snacks, picnic meals, and drinks from a travel cooler when traveling.

The Sea is Your Friend at the Beach

Does anyone visit the beach and not take a dip in the sea or ocean? Of course, it may not be for you, but you will miss out on some excellent benefits if you just stick to the sandy shore. The sea is almost always a heck of a lot colder than the air in the summer, even in very hot places. A quick dip can help cool you down a bit and relieve some tension in your muscles. Also, seawater is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help your skin after UV rays from the sun.

Use Shade to Escape the Summer Heat

You may not want to stay indoors when the weather is fine. But you must always stay in the shade. A random pergola, a restaurant parasol, and even a tree make for great ways to protect yourself from the sun and the heat. While the shade isn't actually cooler, you feel the air temperature as it is rather than feeling the heat of direct sunlight. In almost all cases, the difference you feel is between 10° and 15°, which can prevent a severe issue on hot days.

Stay Hydrated

You lose more water when you are hotter as your body tries to cool you down. This world is when the moisture from your skin evaporates into the air. But you need to keep the moisture coming, and you do this by drinking more water. You are dehydrated if you feel like you need a drink, so keep water or a non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drink handy. A chilled drink will also help lower your core temperature and can keep you feeling more comfortable. Ice pops are also a great treat.

Hitting the slopes and trying a vacation in a cold climate can help you escape the summer heat. But that's not everyone's idea of fun. So always take a travel cooler with you if you go out into the sun during the summer holidays, and make sure to stay in the shade and drink more water.

July 10, 2023

2023 Amazon Prime Day Deals Are Here 🎉

July 10, 2023/ Natalie

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Amazon Prime Day is starting tomorrow! The sale will run for 2 days, July 11-12, 2023, and they are offering a few amazing deals to help you save just in time for back to school.

Below, you will find some of the top deals I think are worth grabbing if you need them! Stay up to date with deals by checking my Amazon Storefront.

Beauty - Save up to 35%

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

FOREO LUNA 3 Facial Cleansing Brush

MAYBELLINE Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Maybelline New York The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara

Real Techniques Assorted Sponges

Real Techniques Sponges 2pk

Real Techniques Sponges 4pk

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brushes - One of my favorites!

Fragrances

Happy AF by Addison Rae Fragrance - Fruity Floral

Hyped AF by Addison Rae Fragrance - Woody Citrus

Chill AF by Addison Rae Fragrance - Floral Woody

Swiss Arabian Layali Perfume Oil - Opens with finest notes of Black Currant and uplifting Orange Flower. The beating heart of the fragrance consists of Ylang Ylang and Rose. Oud and Amber add depth to the aroma and inspire attention.

Swiss Arabian Layali Rouge

Swiss Arabian Amaali - Opens with the finest notes of Pineapple and uplifting Lemon. The beating heart of the fragrance brings out the deep resonance of Jasmine and Rose. Cedarwood and Vanilla add depth to the fragrance and inspire attention.