Navigating Divorce: A New Chapter

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Last year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage. I was contemplating this for a long time, but I knew it was time. After lots of prayer and therapy, it was time to move on, and it has been a MAJOR life adjustment.

Divorce is a significant life event, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It's a journey filled with complex emotions, legal processes, and personal adjustments. While challenging, it's also an opportunity for growth and a fresh start. I’m not one to celebrate the ending of anyone’s marriage, BUT if the situation is unhealthy, then by all means, I’m happy when a person decides to choose themselves. 

Understanding the Emotional Landscape

Divorce often brings a mix of emotions, and they can be hard to navigate. As I go through this process, I'm learning that you may see the worst in a person who you thought loved you.

  • Grief: Mourning the loss of the relationship and the future envisioned.

  • Anger: Feeling resentment towards the situation or the other party.

  • Confusion: Navigating uncertainty about the future and changing roles.

  • Relief: Experiencing a sense of liberation from an unhealthy situation.

Acknowledging and allowing these emotions is crucial for healing. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be beneficial.

Legal Considerations

The legal process of divorce varies by location, but generally involves:

  • Filing a petition: Initiating the divorce proceedings.

  • Serving papers: Officially notifying the other party.

  • Negotiation or litigation: Determining issues like asset division, child custody, and support.

  • Finalizing the divorce: Obtaining the final decree.

I think it's essential to work with a qualified attorney to understand legal rights and obligations. It is possible to do this without legal help if both parties are agreeable to the divorce. 

Practical Steps

Beyond the emotional and legal aspects, practical steps include:

  • Financial planning: Assessing income, expenses, and assets.

  • Living arrangements: Considering housing options and logistics.

  • Communication: Establishing clear communication with the other party, especially regarding children.

I have discovered that you have to be very adult to handle this. Divorce can bring out the worst in people, and you should plan for the unexpected. Even if you think you don’t need help, you always do.

Moving Forward

Divorce is a transition, not an ending.

  • Self-care: Prioritizing physical and mental well-being.

  • Setting goals: Defining new aspirations and directions.

  • Building a support system: Connecting with others who understand.

  • Celebrate: You’ve made a tough decision and if a divorce party is your thing - DO IT!

It's a time to rediscover oneself and create a fulfilling future. This has been the most challenging but rewarding part of this process. My divorce should be finalized soon, within the next 30 days (fingers crossed), but this has felt like I’m living a nightmare some days. 

Feelings come up that you least expect, and you start to question everything, or at least I have. What has proven to be the most helpful for me during this time is to seek God and lean on those who truly want the best for me.

At the end of the day, only YOU know why you chose to end your marriage. It’s okay to choose yourself. It’s okay to start over. It’s okay just to be.

Resources

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You can consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance. I’m just sharing my experience in hopes of helping someone else. 


Real Tips for Making Money With the Amazon Influencer Program

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*I am an Amazon Influencer,  you can view my storefront here. If you make any purchases I will receive a commission. 


If you’re here then I’m sure you want to get started and make lots of money, but I want to tell you a little truth about how to make the Amazon Influencer program work for you. The Amazon Influencer Program is a way for content creators and social media influencers to monetize their content by promoting Amazon products. Influencers can earn a commission on any products that their followers purchase through their affiliate links. BUT it’s not as easy as you may think. Oftentimes, people glamorize this journey and it’s not that easy for everyone. There are several factors that play into your success with the Amazon Influencer Program.


How to Become an Amazon Influencer


To become an Amazon Influencer, you need to meet the following requirements:

Once you meet the requirements, you can apply to join the Amazon Influencer Program. The application process typically takes a few weeks.

My experience with the Amazon Influencer Program as a Small Content Creator 

I have been a part of the AIP for 3 years now and never really knew how to make it work for me. It wasn’t until a year ago that I decided to get serious about Amazon. Like many of you, I kept seeing people online saying they were making 100s and 1000s of dollars a week or a month in passive income from Amazon and I’m like huh? How are they doing it? 

While some people have good resources, no one ever really talked about the real work that goes into it. You’ll constantly here “be consistent” post several videos, read guidelines, blah, blah, blah. You can be consistent but if you’re not promoting, consistency will only get you so far. 

As of November 2024, I’ve noticed that Amazon is heavily pushing their “shop by interest” or Inspire content. Those videos are what I consider to be “social media” style videos. Short and entertaining. Then you have your longer review style videos that would appear on product pages. I have yet to figure out how they decide which videos go where, I’m still playing trial and error.

I am proud to say I’ve officially made my first $100 after being consistent for 4-5 months. I didn’t see the uptick until I started sharing my own content. I did this by adding it to other social media platforms such as Pinterest and Youtube and finding ways to incorporate the products I was promoting into my content and letting my audience know where they can find them.

I do believe that if you’re already a large creator or review products with an active and engaged audience you’ll be able to thrive with this program, but if you’re a newbie give it time! 


Are you ready to get started?


How to Promote Amazon Products as an Influencer

Once you're approved for the Amazon Influencer Program, you can start promoting Amazon products to your followers. You can do this by creating content that features Amazon products, such as product reviews, tutorials, or gift guides. I have found that short videos and aesthetic photos work the best. Users want you to get straight to the point while being honest.


When you promote Amazon products, you'll need to include your affiliate link in your content. This is the link that your followers will use to purchase the products and you'll earn a commission on any sales. Always follow FTC guidelines or you will be penalized. 


Benefits of the Amazon Influencer Program

There are many benefits to joining the Amazon Influencer Program, including:

  • The ability to monetize your content and earn a commission on sales

  • Access to exclusive Amazon products and events

  • Support from Amazon's influencer team

  • Opportunities to collaborate with other influencers

If you're a content creator or social media influencer who's passionate about Amazon products, the Amazon Influencer Program is a great way to monetize your content and reach a wider audience. However, this isn’t a get rich quick type of thing. It takes work. If you have any questions or tips drop them below, let’s chat!



Urban Fiction Romance Books: A Guide to the Genre

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Ya girl is still reading, and I’m so proud of myself. Books are a great escape from real life. There is no better feeling than a cold house, a cozy blanket, and a good book; throw in a glass of wine, and ya girl is cooking!!

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite genres to read – urban fiction romance books, which are a subgenre of romance novels that focus on the lives and loves of characters living in urban settings, aka black books! These books often explore themes of love, relationships, and social issues. They typically feature strong, independent female protagonists and alpha male love interests, but that can change! 

What are the characteristics of urban fiction romance books?

Urban fiction romance books typically have the following characteristics:

  • Setting: Urban fiction romance books are set in urban areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago.

  • Characters: The protagonists of urban fiction romance books are typically strong, independent women who are looking for love on their own terms. The love interests are often alpha males who are successful in their careers and protective of their loved ones.

  • Themes: Urban fiction romance books often explore themes of love, relationships, and social issues. These books may deal with issues such as poverty, violence, and racism.

  • Writing style: Urban fiction romance books are typically written in a fast-paced, action-packed style. The dialogue is often sharp and witty, and the characters are often larger than life.

What are some popular urban fiction romance books?

Some popular urban fiction romance books include:

Why are urban fiction romance books so popular?

Urban fiction romance books are popular because they offer readers a chance to escape into a world of passion, drama, and excitement. I like to think of these books as my “gangster fix” : it's a crime, mafia, and romance all wrapped into one.  These books feature strong, relatable characters who are dealing with real-world issues, and they offer readers a glimpse into a different way of life.

If you're looking for a new genre of romance to read, urban fiction romance books are a great option. If you want to skip out on the drugs, crime, and drama, then I’d suggest looking into some black romance, and here are my top picks:

Vanilla Women's Fragrance: A Timeless Classic

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Vanilla Fragrance layering combo

I am a vanilla girlie, hands down! I’ve been enjoying vanilla fragrances since high school (Warm Vanilla Sugar was my girl, IYKYK), and I know a thing or two about them. Vanilla is one of the most popular and versatile fragrances in the world. It is often used in women's perfumes to create a warm, sensual, and inviting scent. It can be found in a variety of styles, from light and airy to rich and decadent.

Why Vanilla?

There are many reasons why vanilla is such a popular fragrance for women. First, it is a very versatile scent that can be worn for any occasion. Vanilla fragrances can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Second, vanilla is a very feminine scent. It is often associated with warmth, comfort, and sensuality. Vanilla fragrances can help women to feel more confident and attractive.


Third, vanilla is a very safe scent. It is not likely to cause allergies or irritation, making it a good choice for women with sensitive skin, but it’s always important to do a quick test to ensure you’re not allergic. 

vanilla fragrance combo


Choosing a Vanilla Fragrance

There are many different vanilla fragrances on the market, so it is important to choose one that is right for you. When choosing a vanilla fragrance, consider the following factors:

  • Your personal style: Do you prefer light and airy fragrances or rich and decadent fragrances?

  • The occasion: Are you looking for a fragrance for everyday wear or a special occasion?

  • Your skin chemistry: Some vanilla fragrances work better on certain skin chemistries than others. I highly recommend getting a travel size before committing to a full-sized bottle. 

Some of the most popular vanilla fragrances for women include:

  • Chanel Coco Mademoiselle: This classic fragrance combines vanilla with notes of jasmine, rose, and patchouli. It is a sophisticated and elegant scent that is perfect for special occasions.

  • Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium: This rich and decadent fragrance combines vanilla with notes of coffee, chocolate, and patchouli. It is a perfect scent for a night out on the town.

  • Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb: This light and airy fragrance combines vanilla with notes of jasmine, rose, and freesia. It is a perfect scent for everyday wear.

My must-have vanilla in my collection: 

No matter what your personal style or preferences, there is a vanilla fragrance that is perfect for you. So explore the many different options and find the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. To stay up to date with my latest fragrance reviews, check out my Insta!