📦 Let’s Talk About Amazon… (And Where Else to Shop These Finds)
I’ll be honest—I am not proud that most of these links lead to Amazon. But convenience sometimes wins, unfortunately. If you’re like me and want to shop more intentionally, here’s my challenge to you: If you see anything you’re interested in, before clicking "Buy," check if your favorite local store, Black-owned business, or ethical retailer carries the same item. (Drop your go-to shops in the comments at the end—I’d love to support them, too!)
Me trying to quit Amazon but needing that 2-day shipping... 😮💨
That said, these are products that earned their keep in my life. I continue going back to, time and time again. A few notes before we get into it:
🔗 Most links are affiliates (I get a small commission if you buy).
🧐 All opinions are mine, and I’m not a doctor—do your own research.
✨ Here’s what you actually came for…
🧖🏽♀️ Skin & Self-Care
Aztec Secret– Indian Healing Clay 1 lb – Deep Pore Cleansing Facial & Body Mask - The Original 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay - $14.95 - One tub of this lasts forever. Mix it with some water or apple cider vinegar, like I do, plaster it on your face, and let it go to work. It’s like my skin does short breaths on most days, but when I put this mask on, it takes one big, deep breath, and a sigh of relief lol
Fun fact: Kim’s Convenience is low-key one of my favorite shows!
African exfoliating net, known as a Sapo - $16.99 - First, not all sapos are made equal. I linked one from Cee Cee’s Closet. This is a cheaper option ($14.99 for two) on Amazon. The sapo has revolutionized how I bathe. It reaches your whole back, boosts circulation, and dries quickly. Your loofah could never.
Dry Brushing Body Brush - $6.99 - About five minutes using a dry brush helps with cellulite and lymphatic drainage. (YouTube how to use it properly!)
Dr. Scholl's Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File - $7.97 - I went from being a pumic stone girlie to a nano glass foot file girlie, and I’m never looking back. My feet feel brand new whenever I use this. It’s waterproof and easy to clean.
Massagers for Neck and Back with Heat - Deep Tissue 3D Kneading Pillow - $69.95 - We’re at that age now where a good massage goes a long way. This investment comes in handy by kneading out all of the knots. The only downside (something I don’t mind) is that you have to keep it plugged in when you use it.
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap, Lavender 2 pack - $9.98 - This soap lathers like a dream and leaves you squeaky clean! It’s a staple, staple.
🗄️ Organization
Clear Lazy Susan 2 Pack - $13.99 - A friend of mine recommended that I get these to help organize my cabinets. The ease and convenience are priceless. 🤩
Kuject X-Large Shoe Storage Boxes Organizers Clear Plastic Stackable 12 Pack - $39.99 - While this is a nice-to-have, this is your sign to consider getting shoe storage if you don’t already have any. The one linked works great for me, but feel free to peruse to see if other options catch your eye!
👧🏽 Toddler Life
Burt's Bees Baby Baby Girls' Pajamas, Tee and Pant 2-Piece Pj Set - $10.99 - These are the only pajamas that I’m buying for my toddler going forward. They don’t shrink after multiple washes and keep up with a growing child. Recommend, recommend, recommend! It makes a good baby shower gift!
4 in 1 Kids Table and 2-Chair Set with Storage (ages 3-10) - $79.99 - My toddler eats, plays, and stores toys here—no more high chair and straight independence! This set will grow with her over the years. Money well spent! Last but not least, at the time of this post, the price is cheaper than what I paid for it! 🤑
Goodnites Girls' Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear - $29.97 - No more mattress-stripping after accidents. We switched to these special bedtime “panties”, right around potty training…worth every penny!
Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine -$59.99 - I’m sure there are better sound machines out there. I was just too lazy at the time to do any research and went with the brand that I was most familiar with. Nonetheless, investing in a sound machine was one of the best decisions. We also bought a portable one for travel. No regrets, just more sound zzz’s.
Dr. Brown's All-in-One Sterilizer and Dryer for Baby Bottles -$67.99 - We use this as storage now that our baby is no longer a baby, however, I’m including it because it’s a really good baby registry item! We were able to fit a few more bottles than what it showed online, and while pricey, having an all-in-one dryer and sterilizer is essential for new parents!
🍳 Kitchen & Cooking
Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System - $284.97 - The blender that I bought in 2022 (2022 is wild - time is flying!) is unavailable, so I found a link that is almost the same thing. I spent $141.53 for mine, so if you’re in the market for a new blender, definitely shop around to get something cheaper! This brand is still delivering!
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity -$79.99 - I want to make more desserts in our air fryer. We make fries, patties/burgers, and cook fish in no time!
🛁 Bathroom
Electric Spin Scrubber, Cordless Cleaning Brush Scrubber for Home - $39.97 - We primarily use this in the bathroom, and it changed how we deep clean our shower and tub. Recommend!
💇🏽♀️ Hair Care
I officially switched to Sienna Naturals about three months after giving birth in 2023. My hair was going through it! Their shampoo ($28), conditioner ($32), hair repair mask ($34), and curl elixir ($30) are chef’s kiss—clean ingredients, calm my scalp, and gentle enough for my toddler’s hair. Yes, it’s pricey, but subscriptions + holiday sales help. (P.S. Use any of the links for 10% off at checkout!)
I’m a fan of Mielle Rosemary Oil ($9.97) for scalp relief and more hair growth!
🤰🏽Pregnancy
Pregnancy Pillow - $29.99 - This eradicated my second-trimester back pain. Washable, adjustable, and worth it!
🖼️ Home Decor
Enjoy the Wood - prices vary - (Grow up lol it’s not what you think) I had my eye on this wooden world map from Enjoy the Wood for a while—waiting for the perfect blank wall to call its home. Now that it’s up? Worth. The. Wait. I plan on using it as an educational tool once my toddler gets older! Enjoy 10% off at checkout by using the link or code: TAHARAROBERTSUP.
I linked these products to Amazon because that's where I purchased them, mostly for convenience, but I’d ideally love to support smaller businesses instead! If you’ve seen any of these items locally, reply to this email or comment with:
📍 Where did you find it (Black-owned business? A hidden spot downtown?)
💰 Price comparison (Was it cheaper? Pricier, but worth it?)
🌟 Why do you love the store (Service? Sustainability? Vibes? :)
I’ll compile your finds and share them in a future issue!
Last but not least, I think it’s important to note that money is tighter than a subway seat during rush hour 🚇. This is a “save-for-later-if-anything-is-helpful” type of list. Wherever you buy your products and things, consider signing up for RetailMeNot and/or Rakuten, if you haven’t already, for that cash back 🤑
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter! Take care. Go drink some water!
