We were thrilled to check out a subscription box designed for women of color by women of color. Although our journey as humans has many similarities, life has a way of testing us in different ways. The women behind the Sanaya Set all have a story and a common interest that brought them together. They have used their work with API Chaya, a community for women who have been marginalized by domestic violence and sexual assault, to channel their energies to create a product that delivers awareness for a variety of good causes that speak to the experiences of women.
The Box
The Sayana set is a subscription box that is full of hand picked products that each tell a story and support a cause. What could be better than a seasonal box that comes to your door with a message? These products help women feel educated, engaged, and empowered to make the world a better place.
We felt strongly about the quality of the products (all 8 of them!) and the design of the box. A lot of thought and effort has been put into the selection of each and every product. The items each come with an information card and beautiful packaging.
If you are looking for a way to reach out to those who are working each and every day to make life better for themselves and their communities, look no further, the team at Sanaya Set has done the work for you! For $99 per box, per season, you can do good in a way that feels good and looks good.
Check out our unboxing video here:
Thanks for checking out our unboxing and be sure to check out Sanaya Set for you or as a gift!
We feel so grateful to have created a platform that allows us to write on topics that hit close to home. In recent times, “bullying” has become a buzz word and hot topic. Movies like “Wonder” bring to the forefront that bullying can start as young as elementary school. With children of
our own, tolerance and inclusion is critical now more than ever, especially with the introduction of cyber bullying. The word “bully” generally insinuates a situation in which one uses intimidation to make another feel excluded or oppressed. We feel a responsibility to take control of bullying in our own hands by starting with our own home and through our blog as a platform.
The Campaign
We recently heard about the PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and wanted to attach ourselves to their mission of anti-bullying. The term “bully” is sensitive, but we’ve come to realize it sees no age limit or boundaries. “Choose Kind” takes a stand against bullying and promotes rolling up your sleeves against it.
Our children hear and see everything we do, so leading by example is the best we can do for the next generation. As parents we are influencers on our children. We’ve all heard the expression “the apple does not fall far from the tree,” therefore if you are critical and judgmental in your home it will likely reflect through your children.
Fortunately for adults, given our experiences, we are equipped with the tools to handle situations that make us uncomfortable. Teaching those same tools to our children is so incredibly important and is our responsibility in reshaping future generations. Growing up it was not uncommon to hear our parents tell us, “if you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” That standard still holds true today.
Take Action
We as parents need to be aware and vigilant and the Chicks of ChicksAndSalsa have decided to roll up our sleeves against bullying and hope you will join us on this mission! Take the pledge to speak up, reach out and be a friend and consider purchasing a shirt to show your support!
I recall last summer when my daughter asked, “Mom, are you getting in the pool?” and I had to respond “Ugh, sorry babe, not today! I will just sit over here, you guys have fun. I will get in next time!” Come on, I think to myself, I JUST washed my hair, and I haven’t’ lost those last few pounds yet… I can’t get in right now. Does this sound familiar?
Don’t get me wrong, I love swimming and I love watching my kids have fun, but I regularly prefer sitting on the sidelines because it means I get some me time and they kids get to have a little space too. Just getting to the pool can be a roller coaster half the time, I can’t get out of the door without at least twenty minutes of prepping all of our gear: goggles, sunscreen, pool toys, sunglasses, a hat, towels, flip flops, snacks, water, etc. You know the drill! So by the time we get there, all I want to do is just relax!
Then there is always the pressure of being comfortable at the pool, do you leave the cover up on or just embrace your body and lay by the pool without an ounce of insecurity? Although I am a pretty confident woman, I always feel like there is room for improvement when it comes to my body and I am in constant pursuit of my pre-baby body–an inconceivable dream at this point.
What is conceivable is finding a swimsuit that makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. Last summer I tucked my belly into high waisted suits and one pieces that were nice for lounging but not for swimming. And then I had the classic fits that were great for swimming but kind of boring for lounging. So THIS year, I have found a balance between comfort and style. I found swimsuits that work well in AND out of the pool along with some cover ups and accessories to make the whole trip to the pool easier to manage. Check out our top swim essentials here!
I look forward to “spring cleaning” every year! It’s my chance to be “out with the old and in with the new!” A fun place for me to start is always my closet. Every year I’m reminded of how I’ve been in rotation of the same clothes throughout the winter… especially since us Chicago folks have the ability to hide behind our parka jackets. With nice weather creeping up on us (hopefully ??) I wanted to think about how to re-surface out of my hibernation and back into the balance of life, fitness and just being ME and I have come up with 5 ways to do it!
Put away your leggings!
I have finally come to terms with the fact that summer is around the corner. My recent harsh reminder to put my leggings away was when I tried to squeeze into my jeans from last summer – not gonna lie, my fly kept falling down! Come on chicks, I can’t be the only one who has leggings as their go to piece in the fall and winter. Leggings can be a dangerous “go to” item because it’s easy to expand and not notice. Also, it doesn’t help that the temptation to grab for Spanx leggings is real since they help squeeze in the extra pounds! With March finally here, it’s time to kick back into gear and work towards getting back into shape…bye bye leggings….hello jeans, dresses, and skirts!
(For the Pink Top – Size Down- I exchanged my Medium for a Small)
Consider a Change of Hair Style or Color
The winters in Chicago can be brutal! The wind chill in the city will make you feel like you never want to leave the house. I don’t know about you, but going for a cut and color has fallen by the wayside over the last couple of months. My split ends need to be gone…pronto! I am so looking forward to a fresh change. Perhaps cutting off a few inches and going a little lighter in my highlights would be fun. Change it up and be bold! It’s amazing how the way we look can influence the way we feel about ourselves.
My biolage was done by Anna George Salon at the Illinois Center – Ivana is amazing!
Add a Pop of Color to Your Spring Wardrobe
My husband always tells me that he’s tired of seeing me in grays, whites and blacks. When I look at my wardrobe I definitely fall into a sea of similar colors, cuts and styles. There is something about spring….the flowers, the sun, and getting out of the house that gives me an extra pep in my step. When Spring shopping, I am usually looking for something with a pop of color that makes me feel like I want to smile and spread the positivity. I recently bought this really fun white blazer that is making me feel springy! A couple bright pieces is all you need. Don’t try to buy a new wardrobe — otherwise you’ll end up with several items that you don’t even wear.
Grab a Buddy and Join a Fitness Program
Over the years I have yo-yoed in my dieting and exercise routine. To be honest, I used to avoid having a workout buddy when going to the gym for fear of letting them down when falling off the bandwagon. What I’ve learned is that the accountability helps when committing to a fitness program. I recently joined ClassPass which had helped me work out with an array of different people who enjoy different styles of exercise. I’m not only getting in shape, but I am also able to socialize and hopefully work towards fitting into those jeans from last summer!
Start Planning Your Next Chick Trip with Your Tribe
I can’t believe it’s already been 8 months since my last chick trip with my chicks! If you haven’t seen it, check out our vlog to Miami on YouTube. When I take the time to focus on myself with the people I love most, coming back to home-life feels so much more refreshing. With the weather warming up, I’m really looking forward to coming together with my chicks and seeing where we are headed next (hint hint: DC and Charleston are on the horizon)!
