This post is part of a series entitled “BlackTechLogy.” Click here for the archived posts.

I would never be someone described as a hoarder. I don’t even like seeing a full email box or a scrolling list of phone numbers on my smartphone. I wipe both out every single Sunday morning. But there’s something about people giving away computers that makes me want a room full of them, not just because I’ve ruined two motherboards when almost-new laptops fell off of folding tables — one because I dropped a cereal bowl on it and the other because I stood up too fast and the table flipped over. A backup laptop would’ve done me so much good at the time.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links.

Then, there was the time that I had the bright idea to replace my own keyboard instead of just buying keyboard stickers. Although I can install electric and non-electric bidets, replace light switches, unclog bathroom sinks and tubs, put up fiber drywall patches, repaint walls, and remodel a bathroom ceiling and accent wall with wallpaper, computer repairs are where my do-it-yourself talents die out completely.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

That doesn’t mean I want to give up on old computers or smartphones just yet and head to the nearest ecoATM at the mall. I’ve already found an easy way to reuse old smartphones and make them into indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras. And one of those ways can also work for laptops too.

Subscribe now

Check out that suggestion and 13 other ways to reuse and/or recycle your old laptops that aren’t compatible with Windows 11.

1. Turn your old laptop into an indoor surveillance camera.

You may have a laptop so old that even burglars would say, “Nah, I’ll pass.” But security apps like AlfredCamera can easily turn your old laptop into a camera monitor or the camera itself. Sure, you’ll have to leave the laptop on and it may eat up some extra electricity. However, if you’re going out of town and want to keep tabs on rooms that don’t already have a camera view, here’s your chance. This network-dependent app requires a camera device (a smartphone or your laptop camera) and a viewer device (a smartphone or laptop to view what you’re recording). You also have the option to switch from Viewer to Camera whenever you like.

You are not required to have a home broadband Wi-Fi network. For mobile devices used as cameras, you can use mobile data (4G/5G), a mobile hotspot from another device, or put an active SIM card into it so it can use cellular data to connect. But if your old laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, which is rare unless it’s an ultra-slim laptop, losing your Wi-Fi connection will temporarily stop AlfredCamera from recording and taking motion-activated screenshots. A power outage can also ruin this online security system, which is the one reason why hardwired surveillance cameras are better.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

2. Use your old laptop as a CD/DVD player.

Finding a newer laptop with a built-in CD/DVD player is extremely rare. Sure, you can buy an external drive, but it becomes clumsy moving it from room to room or while traveling. And buying a DVD player can sometimes feel like buying a VCR. You can find them, but don’t expect to see them in your local retail stores. If you have a DVD player already but don’t regularly use DVD lens cleaner to keep it in good condition, there may come a time when DVDs get stuck inside (like the ‘80s and ‘90s days of VHS tapes). Don’t underestimate your free backup drive that’s already available on the older laptop.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

3. Make your old laptop the go-to streaming TV box.

If you already have YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Tubi, Pluto TV and other streaming apps on your smart TV, you may think having the old laptop for streaming is pointless. But if there’s a room in your home with an older television or a TV that cannot stream, this old computer can be your new TV. Consider Unified Remote to create the equivalent of a TV remote control for apps. Additionally, smartphone apps make it easy enough to navigate programs like Spotify music without standing up to change each selection on your laptop anyway.

4. Use your old laptop as your digital recipe book.

If you are in the habit of watching streaming channels to copy the latest recipes, you may be bringing your laptop back and forth from your home office to the kitchen counter. Your old laptop can stay in one spot, and you can watch Nard Dog Cooks and We Cook Vegan as many times as you want. Bake fresh rolls, blend homemade soy milk and roll up homemade dog treats all in one space. You can even use the desktop and My Documents folders to organize your recipes. Or, if you have an outdoor bar, you can make this laptop your go-to for your mixology dreams and entertaining guests with drinks you’ve never heard of.

5. Make your old laptop your e-reader.

While e-readers are better when you can fold them up and carry them around, sometimes the zooming features and scrolling features can be a nuisance for nearsightedness. An old laptop gives you more flexibility to read in your preferred font, color and size.

6. Make your old laptop your at-home audiobook player.

Yes, you can definitely walk around with your headphones on during Sweeper Sunday so you can hear the audiobook over the vacuum. But a laptop may give you more volume control if you want to freely listen and your wireless headphones need to be charged. (Your recipe laptop book could also double up as cooking background entertainment, whether that’s a podcast, music or to finish listening to your audiobook.)

7. Convert your old laptop into a baby or pet camera.

AlfredCamera can come in handy as a baby monitor or a pet camera, too, especially if you let your dog run around freely throughout the home. This can also be helpful with training, especially if you have more than one dog but can’t quite tell who the troublemaker is.

8. Get paid to play game apps on an old laptop.

There are countless apps that pay people to play smartphone app games, such as TesterUp. While the financial experience may result in as many complaints as cash, go-to games that you would play for free (my go-to is Crossword Master) anyway could be better suited on an old laptop. It’ll free up memory from your smartphone and main laptop because gaming apps tend to take up a lot of storage space. If your drive is almost full, this will affect your computer speed too, which is yet another reason to have a separate laptop for all the games.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

9. Prioritize your old laptop for a specific project.

Whether you want to use it as an online journal, business and marketing plan, budgeting book, free online sites for your check registers (ex. ClearCheckbook), interior design and home staging programs, or other do-it-someday projects, this laptop can solely be used for that purpose. No social media. No streaming. Nothing that’ll distract you from working on one specific goal on that laptop. You could even use it as a source of frustration best left in a faraway room until your blood pressure is ready to handle it: tax season, condo association drama, will and estate planning, life insurance shopping or legal documentation.

10. Use it as your smart home dashboard.

Depending on how old the laptop is, it could be used as your dashboard to control your home lights, the thermostat, a central home audio hub, video doorbells, smart locks and pre-programmed appliances.

11. Upload all of your photographs to create a digital photo frame.

If the idea of hammering a zillion holes in your walls, finding frames and shopping for photo albums makes you cringe, a digital photo frame is probably the best way for you to enjoy family photos, travel pics, pet photos and art. Upload them all, and let the photographs rotate on a shelf or side table to enjoy in your home and with houseguests.

12. Make your old laptop your “naughty” place.

This is the laptop where you keep your Finsta (fake Instagram), your alternate Facebook account, that one Twitter (X) account you don’t want to separate from even though you’re on Bluesky, that throwaway email address for people you don’t really want to talk to and those random Internet rabbit holes you go down. Your old laptop is the perfect place to watch streaming sites that may be questionable. Let the algorithms go to town on this archaic laptop. If it ends up with a virus later, who cares? It wasn’t your go-to laptop anyway, and you couldn’t care less about the email address either. Enjoy all of your guilty pleasures!

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for each sale made with my referral links on this page.

13. Listen to your old laptop as a noise-canceling device

Got upstairs neighbors who love to stomp around at bizarre hours? Is their intimacy unbearably loud? Does one neighbor stomp in with work boots from his third-shift job while the other neighbor is an early bird who enjoys opening and closing dresser drawers to plan her work outfits at 6:30 a.m.? Don’t let these inconsiderate people ruin your eight hours of sleep. Use your old laptop as a white noise machine. Enjoy brown noise, thunderstorms, fire crackling, lullabies, meditation music or anything on Headspace’s YouTube channel so you can go right back to sleep.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

14. Add your old laptop to your at-home meditation room

You already have the yoga mat, the candles, the light dimmer, the altar table and a few other supplies for your meditation room. But you may not have a go-to laptop to play the kind of audio that’ll create mandatory peace in the corner of a room or a full room dedicated to relaxation. Add all of your favorite meditation sounds to your playlist, press play and get ready to relax.

If none of these sound appealing to you, go ahead and donate the laptop. There’s probably a college student or someone in K-12 who could really use your old laptop, even if it’s just for writing papers or grading exams instead of programs that require Windows 11. Just make sure to completely clear all of your files and reset the computer back to factory settings beforehand.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

Blame it on yoga, meditation or Pilates. There’s a love I have for posture that I never had while doing aerobics or just dance fitness. And it makes shopping for jeans a little difficult. Tight jeans or fitted jeans are uncomfortable almost immediately. I want to be able to sit cross-legged or hike a leg up on the footrest under my desk and feel the same amount of comfort as I would while wearing yoga pants. I'm not wearing any shoes, dresses, pants or skirt that make me have to constantly adjust them. Stretch jeans are my go-to fashion for casual attire. But are stretch jeans falling into the same fast fashion problem that is piling up in landfills? Possibly.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

I found a particular brand of jeans that fit as perfectly as JLo jeans (no longer sold in Kohls), Baby Phat jeans (my go-to in the early 2000s) and Apple Bottoms (before I outgrew fruit designs on my back pockets and Nelly performed for MAGA). But the latter three brands lasted for years — even with the same comfortable grip on hips, butts and thighs. Other brands? Rips in the thigh area within a year or two. I don’t want to discard lesser-known jeans that fit perfectly in the waist, but how many newly cut jean shorts does one person need?

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

While the go-to excuse for thigh rips may be weight gain or thigh rubbing, I’ve observed jean tears at weight loss and weight gain with certain brands. So what gives? Are jean manufacturers skimping on quality material, specifically for stretch jeans?

What are stretch jeans made of?

Stretch jeans are usually made from a blend of cotton denim and elastane (more commonly called spandex or Lycra). Unlike traditional denim, which is woven entirely from a warp-faced twill fabric traditionally made from 100% cotton, stretch denim has anywhere from 1% to 5% of flexible fibers. The stretchy fibers allow your thighs, rear end and waist to be covered with a more flattering shape than stiff denim that too often leaves a gap in the waist. (In all fairness, utilitarian jeans were initially intended for miners, cowboys and laborers during the California Gold Rush).

How did fast fashion improve and fail jeans?

Any woman who has a small waist and wider hips and thighs knows about the relief that stretch jeans offer — and a cosign from the Commodores “Brick House” song crooning about 36-24-36. Sir Mix a Lot took that “winning hand” one step further and rapped, “36-24-36? Haha, only if she's 5'3” on “Baby Got Back.” But finding clothes for this body type can be a task.

Read more

If you’re interested in posts that focus on tech-related reviews and news, check out “BlackTechLogy” too.

Subscribe now

Upgrade your living room with privacy divider curtains

Publication Date: March 24, 2026

Ceiling-mounted track sets work perfectly for blackout curtains, room dividers and home businesses. Find out how to install room dividers for tenants and owners.

Click here to read more.

The shoe video that went all wrong: Six tips to avoid a poorly edited marketing video

Original Publication Date: January 15, 2026 (MLK Birthday)

A failed shoe video in a college Communications course made me a better video editor. Here are six ways to make sure commercial messages translate well.

Click here to read more.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

It has been a blast writing “Window Shopping” content on Substack the past few years, and there is more to come this year. I appreciate your support. But with more content in some areas, there will be a price change in others. As much as I understand how budgets work, I hope you’ll stick around. Here’s the scoop.

NEW SUBSTACK ~ AAC-PACK

“AAC-PACK: African-American, Childless, Perimenopausal And Craving Knowledge” (pronounced ack-pack) has been published, and you can already check out a couple new articles. What’s AAC-PACK? Click here.

CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR BLACK BUSINESSES, WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND SMALL BUSINESSES

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business. If you’d like to see all 220 of the Black-owned business products I promote in one place, click here.

Subscribe now

PRICE CHANGE

Three Substack monthly publication prices will remain the same. Two others have increased primarily because new content is published weekly instead of monthly with additional sections published within those weekly publications. All paid members have full access to read and comment on the entire catalog of content for that publication, along with viewing featured videos. See prices below.

MONTHLY/YEARLY SUBSCRIBERS

You’ll have full access to read and comment on one (or more) of these five publications.

• “AAC-PACK: African-American, Childless, Perimenopausal And Craving Knowledge” (one minimum post per month) $5 per month/$58 per year

• “Black Girl In a Doggone World™” (one minimum post per week) $8 per month/$70 per year

• “Homegrown Tales” (one minimum post per month) $5 per month/$58 per year

• “I Do See Color” (one minimum post per week) $8 per month/$70 per year

  • includes “BlackTechLogy” (one per month)

  • includes “One Black Woman’s Vote” (one per month)

• “Window Shopping” (one minimum post per month) $5 per month/$58 per year

  • “WFFH: Work Fluently From Home 2026” (sporadically

FOUNDER’S PRICE ($275 per year)

• You’ll have full access to read and comment on all five publications.

Thank you for your support.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

This post is part of a series entitled “BlackTechLogy.” Click here for the archived posts.

The young lady tied her shoes and started running uphill on a sidewalk. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see a casually dressed man following her. She rolled her eyes, not wanting to be bothered or flirted with while she jogged. On the well-lit street, she jogged a little faster. Then, he jogged at that same speed to keep up. However, he was getting tired faster. She chuckled.

Only a quarter mile away, she slowed down to try to hide her laugh at this guy. He caught up, and she waited for him to ask for her number so she could continue her jog in peace. Instead, he pointed toward her feet and said, “I love your shoes. Where’d you get them? I want to buy them for my girlfriend.”

My group project was supposed to end with the whole communications class cracking up laughing at how much this exercise lady was feeling herself — and got a huge slice of humble pie. Instead, there were crickets and one college friend of mine shouting out, “Goooooone, Montie!”

I put my head in my hands. Although I’d played the role of the lady in this fake Nike commercial, I hadn’t seen the final cut of the video. Had the three guys who were in my group shown the video to me instead of telling me it was complete and turning it in without my thoughts, I could’ve pointed out all the flaws and asked for a re-edit.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Video Marketing Flaws

All three young men were friendly, and we had a good time filming. I even invited them to my off-campus apartment to get ready for the shoot. However, we made careless mistakes.

1. I hadn’t tried on this athletic outfit ahead of time and assumed my new outfit (still on the hangers) would fit correctly. Instead, and even at a size 6/8, I had “cottage cheese legs” and my butt was bouncing way too much while I was jogging. But I didn’t want to ruin our video shoot by asking to change into more flattering workout shorts, so I just shrugged and embraced being shapely.

2. I didn’t realize that my outfit was Adidas while the shoes were Nike, which would accidentally give Adidas free publicity in a mock Nike commercial.

3. The audio was too low for viewers to hear the guy chasing me say, “I love your shoes. Where’d you get them? I want to buy them for my girlfriend.” They just saw his mouth moving.

4. No one checked the weather while we were filming nor were we mic’d up. So his end of the conversation was muffled.

5. The end of the video showed me with a wide-toothed grin instead of a “shaaaaaade” face, baffled that he didn’t want my number. (In reality, I was grinning at the person filming, and I was getting ready to say, “We finished!”)

6. The camera never panned down to my shoes or had a logo on the screen for the shoes.

To a new viewer, it just looked like the equivalent of an Instagram Reel of me showing off a new outfit (and what I got from my mama). Every possible thing that could go wrong with this video did go wrong with this video. And while my communications instructor happily clapped and gave us an “A” for turning in the assignment earlier than the rest of our class, I was the least happy about it. I wanted a perfect score for a video we could be proud of, and I wasn’t.

That taught me a valuable lesson about marketing, branding and video editing. In all of the videos I’ve created since then, from volunteering at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival to random TikTok videos, I’ve always kept that college communications video in mind to answer one question: Even if the viewer doesn’t “get” the video, did you?

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

Six common errors that make videos look amateurish

1. If the viewer doesn’t know what you’re selling, you’ve lost out on buyers.

One of my favorite kind of surveys to do on TesterUp is to rate commercials. There’s a happy meter that I can press when something in the commercial makes me joyful. After the video is over, I’m asked quite a few questions. The last question is always requesting me to type in the brand that the commercial is about. On at least two occasions, I had no idea. I was so distracted by the bells and whistles, or a celebrity I wasn’t a fan of, and had zero idea what I was supposed to buy.

2. Make sure the tone of the commercial and the tone of the actor’s voice match.

There’s a YouTube commercial that comes on all the time with a 20-something, very pretty Black woman who grins a mile wide before saying, “If you’ve been injured in a car accident.” I grind my teeth and immediately press the “skip” option as soon as I see her.

As a prior car owner who has had my car rear-ended three times — one teenager was texting while driving; a couple of guys were drunk and headed home from a party; an impatient veteran wanted to get past me in the left-only lane — and side-swiped by a fourth driver who went to the police station and abruptly left (and was later charged with a hit-and-run for not returning), there’s nothing funny about car accidents. I was luckily never injured in any of the four, but paying for the deductible hurt my pocket with the hit-and-run driver. Meanwhile, that commercial sounds like the actor is about to break out her pom-poms.

3. Avoid noises that immediately irritate the viewers.

I hate the sound of most alarm clocks. I hate that noise so much that I haven’t had a traditional alarm clock in over a decade. I solely buy sunrise travel alarm clocks and white noise machines. And I will leap across the room for the remote control to mute any commercial with that “anh! anh! anh!” sound.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for each sale made with my referral links on this page.

If you’ve ever watched PLUTO or TUBI, you’ve seen a TikTok commercial with someone way too close to the camera or screaming a message at the top of their lungs. It doesn’t take long to understand why professional actors should always keep their jobs when it comes to marketing products, including mobile game apps and pay-to-play survey apps. It also further confirms why the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act was created. With this act, the Federal Communications Commission requires commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany.

Read more

If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.

ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE: November 2, 2024

My (prior) co-worker stared at me blankly when I told him the primary reason I turned down one of my top three condo choices.

“Bushes,” he repeated. “Seriously? Bushes!”

Subscribe now

I shrugged. I didn’t care if he agreed or understood. My reasons are my reasons. When I was coming home from kindergarten one evening, two guys in their late teens or early 20s ran out of a set of bushes and tried to snatch my mother’s purse.

My mother, who I’d never known to be a fighter (minus a funny childhood story about her clocking a girl over the head with an apple for picking on her) was not giving up that purse. I watched her fight both men, trying to keep her purse. It became a game of tug of war, with those two clearly not being ready for the challenge.

Eventually, they did get her purse (but not the handles) and she shouted super loud, “They stole my purse!”

In shock, I watched this all unfold, not quite comprehending whether this was some kind of adult game of tag and whether they were going to bring her purse back. From the look on my mother’s face, she was not in on the game.

Recommended Read: “Sketchy travelers: Speak up or mind your business? ~ The regrettable decision to not do more during a suspicious incident near Chicago's Union Station”

Although my mother is still surprised that I remember what happened in such vivid detail, I still have an issue with bushes. When I walk by a large set of bushes, especially if my ready-to-fight/slaps-rats-on-the-head dog is not with me, my hand is not empty. (Junee can sniff out more live animals, dead animals and random people walking too close from a block away. And my mother’s dog, Jackie, is a little more combative. She walks backwards and barks. They make a good team.)

Recommended Read: “VP Kamala Harris owning a gun does not make her 'Conservative Lite' ~ The moment the vice president admitted she was a registered gun owner was met with mixed responses”

I wish I could say that was the only time I ever felt violated like that. Not so much. My childhood home was burglarized twice, and I was the one to see this happen twice by myself. The first time, I was with a friend who was talking to me as I opened the door. She told me to turn around and I was stunned to see couches flipped over. And the second time, I thought it was a joke after my older brother pranked me by flipping over a couch. (Still not funny. I still think that was an idiotic prank to play on a little girl, but brothers will be tone deaf sometimes.)

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

What I admire about my parents is they refused to back down. They’d bought this home, gotten a mortgage and would not be scared out of the neighborhood. My mother still walked those same blocks. I still went to the same kindergarten. And my parents still live in that same house decades later. What they did do was get a dog, a gate and an alarm system. I don’t know which of the three made sure there was no third incident, but we had no further problems. (We are also 99.9% sure who burglarized our home, two mischievous grandsons of a neighbor. When those two went to jail, our neighborhood felt like one long episode of “The Cosby Show” and became the middle-class, peaceful neighborhood it used to be.)

I ain’t a killa, but don’t push me

When I got off my flight and stopped at my parents’ house for a visit, one of the first things my father said was, “Who in their right mind gave you shooting lessons?” The answer: My godfather.

I laughed and showed him my paper target. I’m in a family full of veterans who are no stranger to loading and unloading. My grandfather, my godfather and a couple cousins were in the Air Force and the army. Then, there are some relatives who learned on their own. I was curious how to safely operate a weapon — without any desire to own one at the time.

Recommended Read: “Being anti-gun is not a ‘slave mentality’ ~ The gun control debate I had with a rapper”

Additionally, my father took me and my mother to a self-defense class. On my own, I took a kickboxing class. Then, my brother was obsessed with flea market gadgets for women to protect themselves. Every time he’d go, he’d bring back something random for my mother, his wife and me. Damsel in distress, be damned.

Still, with all this knowledge under my belt, I refused to buy a condo that had too many bushes in the front yard. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you learn or how much tougher you think you are. There are memories that just never go away. (I still can’t quite explain why I have zero fear of burglars but freeze at bushes. You would think it’d work the other way around.)

Recommended Read: “He brought a bat to a gunfight ~ Two lessons I learned from black fathers”

Never underestimate your opponent

I think women should be able to take care of themselves for a couple reasons: 1) Men are not immortal. 2) Women may not be around men who can protect them at all times. 3) Like my parents, I refuse to be shaking in my boots if someone challenges me to fight or defend myself. 4) People who are underestimated more often than not end up teaching someone a lesson they didn’t want to learn.

I still remember the day I locked myself out of my grandfather’s home and the key got stuck in the gate. My father came over to help me get in. I wondered what was he going to do without a spare key. Before I could blink, my father (who is in his 60s) scaled the gate — with spikes on the top. Never in my life did I think my father was Jason Bourne, and yet, here he was jumping over gates like he was in somebody’s action movie.

The only thing that could top that was another time he climbed into my grandfather’s back porch window (before any of us had a spare key). Before my father could get his other leg in, he was looking at the barrel of a gun — from my grandfather, the veteran, who was in his 90s but damn sure remembered everything from his 20s.

It took my grandfather hearing his son’s voice before he realized his worried child was not an attacker — and that my grandfather finally admitted he needed a hearing aide. If you needed any more proof of why I don’t shake in my boots when challenged, these are the men who raised me.

Everyone doesn’t want to own a gun, but everyone wants to feel safe

Like any human being, we can all be tested and we won’t win every fight. It’s OK to be cautious. It’s also OK to feel protected. Here are four items I think every woman should keep in her possession at all times — especially those who are not comfortable being gun owners but want a fighting chance to escape harm.

Keychain Knives

Why? From camping to gardening to everyday use, (minus getting suspended) being a Girl Scout has made pocketknives come in handy for a little bit of everything.

Why? It conveniently blends in with other keys but doesn’t require you to get a handle on a bunch of keys at once for self-defense.

Box Cutters

Multi-Purpose Gadgets

Pepper Spray

Why? Pepper spray gives you a chance to run away without having to fight and is legal (with some restrictions).

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

The following post was originally published on October 10, 2019. It has been updated two include two additional vegan brands.

Original Publication Date: October 10, 2019

Walk into a Victoria’s Secret store, and man’s best friend is everywhere. That pink dog is wagging its tail all over the place — on Victoria’s Secret signs, athletic attire, bras, underwear and even in the middle of their body wash sponges. But four-legged animals are not a top priority on the VS Angel inventory list when it comes to their beauty line.

And for animal advocating shoppers, that’s a major problem.

Subscribe now

While Victoria’s Secret continues to test their beauty products on animals, retailers such as Bath & Body Works prominently advertise that their skin products are cruelty-free. And Victoria’s Secret Angel credit card holders who are animal advocates can stroll over to the sister store (usually found in malls) to use their Angel credit card there instead.

The two retail stores, both owned by L Brands Inc. (formerly Limited Brands), provide the opportunity for Angel credit card holders to splurge on products in their physical stores and online. And for consumers who want to enjoy a plethora of cruelty-free candles, lotions, body washes, hand soap, and other cosmetic and home products, this gives them that option. Bath & Body Works customers don’t earn Angel Rewards points for coupons and freebies though.

So is this retail duo a win-win for customers who care about cruelty-free products and enjoy such a well-known name in lingerie? Maybe.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Behind Bath & Body Works cruelty-free stance

According to Bath & Body Works official site: “Bath & Body Works does not test any of our branded products, formulations or ingredients on animals. Period. The brand is expecting to pilot selling products in China during the summer of 2019. Any personal care products sold in China will be produced in China, which eliminates the Chinese government’s requirement for animal testing as that only applies to imported personal care products. Personal care products sold in the rest of the world are produced in North America, Europe and South Korea.”

“Our company continues to support the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) — a non-profit research and testing laboratory dedicated to the implementation and regulatory acceptance of non-animal methods. We share their mission to eliminate animal testing worldwide. As part of their work, IIVS is collaborating with the Chinese government to assist them in adopting non-animal methods.”

When retailers take such a hard stance on animal testing, consumers don’t have to do the work of reading each bottle. Although finished beauty products in China are not required to be tested on animals anymore, there still is no outright ban on animal testing.

Meanwhile, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), among others, has created a guide to help consumers learn which personal care items are vegan, cruelty free and/or are working toward regulatory change. And that list is 86 clicks long.

But considering Victoria’s Secret is far more popular for their lingerie lines versus anything else in their stores, why should their beauty line matter? And do consumers even care?

Judging from a recent Perfect365 survey, which asked 17,000 app users between the ages of 18 to 34 about cruelty-free brands overall, it’s a mixed bag. Here are some of the results:

• 36% only purchase cruelty-free products

• 15% occasionally purchase cruelty-free products

• 40% aren’t sure if their beauty products are cruelty-free

However, 42% of the surveyors would stop using a product if they found out it was tested on animals. While PETA’s cruelty-free checklist is easily searchable online, only 24% use the site to verify whether beauty brands are cruelty-free. Meanwhile manufacturers who do still test on animals are sticking to their guns—to them, human health trumps an animal’s health. And with very few states regulating animal testing, it’s not like animal-testing companies are getting into major trouble for it.

But if sister stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works sell some of the same kind of merchandise, why wouldn’t one want to match the beauty ethics of the other? As long as consumers (like the remaining 58% in the Perfect365 survey above) wouldn’t stop buying their products due to animal testing, retailers with animal-testing beauty products don’t particularly have to.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from each product purchased using my referral link.

Cruelty-free beauty products are becoming the global standard

In a report released this month, Market Research Future analysts believe that the global cruelty-free cosmetics market size will reach $10 billion by 2024. The growth rate is also guesstimated to increase by 6% between 2019 to 2024.

Customers themselves have grown partial to cruelty-free cosmetics both due to environmentalism standards and the harmful effects on animals. In 2018, the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act was signed into law in California. The law makes it unlawful for cosmetic manufacturers to sell any cosmetic in California if the final product or any component of the product was tested on animals after January 1, 2020. (There are some exceptions for regulatory requirements.)

Years prior, in 2013, the European Union (EU) banned the testing of cosmetics on animals in EU countries. Marketing and cosmetic sales for animal-tested products made outside of the EU were also banned. Guatemala, India, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan and Turkey also instituted bans on animal testing.

Health-conscious retailing isn’t just gaining in popularity when it comes to vegan burgers and plastic bag bans. Overall, conscious consumer shopping is driving its way to the top of the retail hill.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from each product purchased using my referral link.

In the United States alone, consumers are eyeing cruelty-free cosmetics markets from:

• Avalon Natural Products, Inc.

• Aveda Corporation

• A Kendo Holdings, Inc.

• e.l.f. Cosmetics, Inc.

• Fenty Beauty

• Physicians Formula Holdings, Inc.

• Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics, Inc.

• The Lip Bar

• Too Faced Cosmetics, LLC

• Urban Decay (L’Oréal)

• Yes To, Inc.

If cruelty-free merchandise and conscious consumerism continue to fight their way to the top, it’s safe to say that other retailers who want to keep their customers will follow suit. Then again, Victoria’s Secret has been around for 42 years, longer than all the U.S. beauty markets mentioned above (minus Physicians Formula Holdings., Inc., which was founded in 1937). With age comes wisdom, but it may take the wisdom of consumers to make older stores change their business practices.

(Note: This post was originally published as an Upwork freelancer for RETHINK Retail.)

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

This post will be continuously updated.

LAST UPDATED: January 6, 2026

ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE: July 13, 2020

WHAT’S NEW? “EQUSUPRO (3-in-1 Wax Melter Burner)”

Writer’s note: The following listicle was originally published on July 13, 2020 at the now-defunct website Ram Research. There were originally 10 options, two of which are no longer available and have been replaced. The listicle has been lightly edited for technical details and readability. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, click here.)

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

There are countless reasons to use essential oils. Maybe you have a neighbor who has made salmon croquettes or curry goat for the millionth time, and you need something stronger than air freshener to block out the smell. Maybe your athletic child has a horrible habit of leaving a gym bag out or smelly shoes all over the bedroom. You’ll need the best oil burners you can find to block out those alarming smells. Or, maybe it has nothing to with bad smells.

Subscribe now

Essential oils also are used to just bring inviting, therapeutic fragrances into your home for mind-body medicine perks. The enchanting aromas may be pleasing to not only you but your guests too. While you should peruse oil burner reviews to make sure an oil burner is safe and effective, the one part that’ll totally be up to you is which fragrances suit you and your home best. Here are a few suggestions for both to help with your purchasing decision.

1. Singeek

This bamboo wood and ceramic hand-crafted oil burner is a sight to behold. Not only is it pretty, but it can be used as a diffuser, a burner and delightful home decor.

Key Features

• Can burn six hours or longer

• 7 inches x 4.7 inches x 3.5 inches

• I-shaped

This oil burner is pretty simple to use. Pour ⅔ cup of water and five to eight drops of essential oil into the oil burner bowl. Place a tea light candle in the bottom candle holder, and light per usual. The essential oils will diffuse and become more fragrant in the stone saucer.

As with most ceramic items, they can be fragile. Keep a watchful eye on the essential oils and water to make sure that they do not stain. Add water as needed after the bowl cools to avoid breaking it.

Cons

• Wood color may vary with each product

With its candle spoon, this I-shaped burner also makes it much easier to avoid accidental burns from touching the whole container too quickly and avoid essential oil spillage.

2. InnoGear

This oil burner can double as a child’s night light or to set the mood for a romantic dinner date. It comes with 10 essential oils: peppermint, orange, lavender, tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lemon, clove and vanilla.

Key Features

• Adjustable mist switch from high to low

• Seven-color mood lighting (rotating, fixed, or none)

• Timer settings: One hour, three hours, six hours, steady

With this BPA-free oil burner, you don’t have to worry about burnout in this natural wood decor. The diffuser will automatically turn off when the water level is too low. Or, you can add enough water (not more than the maximum) to let it run for the previously mentioned times. In addition to lighting, the aromatherapy diffuser can also be used to assist in better breathing during cold-weather months.

Cons

• Multiple users complain about receiving less than 10 oils or not being able to smell the oils at all

Even with the best lotion, dry, chapped skin tends to be hand-in-hand with cold weather. Diffusers such as these assist, specifically when used with essential oils, in making sure your skin doesn’t dry out as fast.

Recommended Read: “5 supplies to avoid your house smelling like dogs ~ Warning: Your dog won’t like the couch rule”

3. Gifts & Decor

Each individually hand-painted tear drop oil warmer is a stunning way to enjoy your favorite fragrance by candlelight.

Key Features

• 50 percent porcelain, 50 percent metal

• 4 inches x 4 inches x 7.62 inches

• Moss-green ceramic teardrop with slightly different color variations

Because a tea light candle and oil are not included, you may have to test out a couple of candles and essential oils to see which ones work best. The reviews are all over the place when it comes to this product’s effectiveness.

Cons

• Several users complained about smoke detectors going off

Make sure to have proper room for such a decorative item. While it’s not huge, it is big enough that it needs enough space to show off the modern design and burn effectively.

4. EQUSUPRO

Who says fireworks decor can only be on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve? This glass electric oil warmer can blast off all year round. In its natural state, it’s bright already and brighter once the oil warmer gets going.

Key Features

• 3-D fireworks design

• Glass container

• 5 inches x 5.9 inches

No need to monitor tea light candles with this glass oil burner. Just plug it into an outlet, turn on the switch and add fragrance into the small bowl on top. In addition to being decorative and fragrant, it also lights up about as much as a small lamp. Enjoy its fireworks pattern or a few other 3D options: angel, butterfly, oil, sea, skeleton and stars.

Cons

• Examine the bowl ahead of time; several users found cracks they didn’t notice

The energy saver includes one bulb. It must be replaced with a 25 watt, 120 volt light bulb. The product will appear silver when the light is off.

Recommended Read: “Green cleaning at home ~ Eco-friendly ways to clean with kids or pets at home”

5. Elanze

The warmer says, “The best things in life are the people we love.” While that is true, what it doesn’t say is some of the best oil burners in life are the ones that can double as home decor and are the perfect gift for your quote-loving friends.

Key Features

• Three frosted glass sides

• Off/on switch used to operate the 3-foot, corded plug-in warmer

• 5 inches x 4 inches x 4 inches

The 25-watt light bulb (included) on this device helps to warm the wax or essential oils on its removable dish, while providing a soft glow and colors to show off the quotes on each side of the glass lantern warmer. The red indicator light confirms when the oil warmer is on. Shaped into a lantern-style design, the metal frame is home decor on its own — with or without the wax tarts or essential oils.

Cons

• DIYers may be frustrated by assembling the glass pieces

There will be minimal assembly of this oil burner required before first use.

6. Coo Candles

There’s something mesmerizing about seeing changing colors. It’s one of the reasons why autumn months are so beautiful, seeing the leaves change colors. Or, why Niagara Falls is such a popular tourist destination, specifically at night when the colors rotate. With an oil burner like this, you don’t need to travel to Canada or even outside to rake your leaves. Enjoy this from the comfort of your home.

Key Features

• 35-watt halogen light bulb

• Dimmer switch on the black cord

• Adjustments from low to medium to high

You will need a Coo Sleeve — that work best in COO memory boxes, jasmine oil burners and bonsai lamp oil burners — in order to enjoy the changing colors.

Cons

• Coo Sleeves optional (not included) for color change

This best-selling lamp is designed for use with their wickless candles.

7. HUNANBANG

With the mirrored base, it’s already a stand-alone decorative piece, but melting essential oils make it even more inviting.

Key Features

• Stepless regulating switch

• 3.94 x 3.94 x 5.12

• Brightness, heat controlled knob

This glass electric oil warmer has an enchanting color scheme that comes in blue, green, orange, red, white and purple.

Cons

• Bulb may have high temperature so wait for it to cool before replacing

This diffuser also comes with an anti-slip pad to make the authenticated power cable safer to operate.

8. Gifts & Decor

The yogi in your life will be especially impressed by this trio of women in prayer — or Namaste — position. (“Namaste” means “I bow to you” and is usually said with your hands together in prayer position, near your heart.)

Key Features

• Stone, resin and glass material

• 5 ¼ inches x 4 ¾ inches

• Glass top bowl is removable

This oil burner is pretty simple to use. Light a votive candle in the bottom area, and pour essential oils on the clear plate above.

Cons

• Bottom of glass is thin and may brown easily

In addition to giving an immediate sense of peace, this oil burner is also pretty stress-free to replace. Because the glass parts on the top and bottom can be removed, if either one shatters, they are a reasonable size to replace at various discount stores.

9. Bulk Paradise

Whether your goal is to use the remainder of a three-wick candle after the wick is burned out, to enjoy the look of tealight candles or to burn oils (such as Fumino Fresh Handmade Multipack Fireside & Frost Bundle or STRN Wax Melts), this is easy to plug in, turn on and wait for the aromatic magic to start.

Key Features

• Available in four colors (black, pink, red, white)

• 43.3-inch electric cord

• 4.25-inch diameter

The anti-slip felt bottom makes this candle oil burner sturdy on various surfaces, including glass entertainment centers, shelves and cabinets.

Cons

• On/off circular switch may have to be turned a few times before turning on

While oil burners are usually affiliated with candle wax, this candle burner can also come in handy to keep coffee, milk and tea warm if you have a habit of heating drinks and then forgetting about them until they’re lukewarm.

10. EQUSUPRO

When you turn this three-in-one wax melt burner on, the energy-saving LED light displays seven colors, which doubles as a night light. Use it for soft, ambient light in a room — perfect for date night.

Key Features

• 4.1-inch removable dish

• 4.33 x 4.33 x 3.54 electric wax melt warmer

• 3.9-inch warming plate

The power cord is 4.92 feet with a roller switch for easy on/off.

Cons

• No automatic shut-off feature

With PTC heating and no bulb needed, this eco-friendly candle wax warmer can be used for the aesthetics, essential oil aromas and comes in handy for a meditation room too.

Bottom Line

In addition to complementing your home decor, leaving a lasting fragrance, and helping to guard against colds and humid air, essential oils can be incorporated in your home in other ways too.

If you’re concerned about excess electricity or open candles, consider using lava stone beads instead. Just pour, let sit and enjoy. There is nothing to plug in or be concerned about burning. Similar to potpourri, the longer these lava stone beads are able to marinate in the oils before use, the longer the smell may last.

However, if you want to be able to control the essential oil fragrance lasting longer and louder, an oil burner is the way to go. As you can see from the ones above, some require more attention than others. And before purchasing your next oil burner, become familiar with how to clean it. Properly operating and keeping up the cleanliness on the oil burner device may help it last longer.

Before you go …

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

The following articles are top 5-8-10-15-20 lists for a range of cool things for homeowners, home offices, entrepreneurs, shopaholics and more. If you’re interested in pet-related content, click here.

As an Amazon Associate, and if you use my referral links, I earn a percentage from qualifying purchases of the recommended items below.

• Amazon Kindle Unlimited

• Amazon Prime FREE Trial

• Amazon Prime Student 6-Month FREE Trial

• Amazon Prime Video FREE Trial

• Amazon Pet Food & Supplies

  ---

Keep a (reasonably) fur-free home with these top 21 pet vacuums

Original publication date: December 31, 2025

21 peculiar items you didn't know you needed

Original publication date: July 25, 2025

Bring calm to your home by creating a meditation space

Original publication date: July 25, 2025

Skip the grocery store, grow these 11 items on your windowsill

Original publication date: July 12, 2025

Summertime and getting fruit nails is easy

Original publication date: July 6, 2025

Adding a little bit of lavender in your life

Original publication date: June 8, 2025

Can mirrors become wall decor? Absolutely

Original publication date: May 23, 2025

DIY pest traps may help you skip the expensive extermination bill

Original publication date: May 12, 2025

10 food hacks that made gross foods into delicious meals

Original publication date: May 8, 2025

The best time to try egg substitutes is now

Original publication date: May 7, 2025

5 items women should buy to feel safer

Original publication date: April 26, 2025

Skip the book wallpaper, create your own home library

Original publication date: March 13, 2025

Take a minute to stop doomscrolling and create your own spa

Original publication date: March 2, 2025

Set up your shopping list for a mudroom

Original publication date: December 22, 2024

24 things you should have in your woman cave

Original publication date: September 15, 2024

10 things I wish I bought before my first day in the dorms

Original publication date: August 9, 2024

Sweater weather shopping: 9 best ventless gas and electric fireplaces

Original publication date: August 31, 2020

Laundry day: 7 of the best retractable clotheslines

Original publication date: August 31, 2020

Top 10 of the best laptop stands

Original publication date: August 21, 2020

8 of the best travel alarm clocks

Original publication date: July 13, 2020

8 of the best oil burners for an aromatic home

Original publication date: July 13, 2020

6 best car seat cushions for long drives

Original publication date: July 13, 2020

Working, round trips and business road trips: Top 10 best laptop sleeves

Original publication date: June 25, 2020

Privacy please: 13 of the best blackout blinds

Original publication date: June 25, 2020

Top 15 best toilet paper holders

Original publication date: June 25, 2020

9 of the best kitchen compost bins

Original publication date: June 25, 2020

8 electric and non-electric bidets for your bathroom

Original publication date: February 18, 2019

9 best hand-held bidets for first-timers

Original publication date: February 18, 2019

Shamontiel’s Pet Supply Recommendations (BGIDW)

Pinterest: Shamontiel’s Homeowner Supply Recommendations

Pinterest: Shamontiel’s Office Supply Recommendations

Pinterest: Shamontiel’s Beauty and Skin Recommendations

Pinterest: Shamontiel’s Black Hair Supply Recommendations

Shamontiel’s Outdoor Recreation Supply Bylines

• Best Gifts For Swimmers (November 8, 2022)

• Best Beach Toys (October 26, 2022)

• Best Waterproof Wallet (July 19, 2022)

  ---

Before you go …

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

It’s fun to see what was of interest to me then and now. Same goes for my YouTube 2025 Recap.

But what may have stood out the most this year was the kind of items that were the most popular on my Amazon Affiliate list. None of the top six (two are the same brand) were choices I would’ve predicted to be the most popular, but I’m happy to see the ones that my Substack subscribers and casual readers decided to buy. I still co-sign all six, especially those that assist in helping Black authors and Black businesses.

Subscribe now

Instead of doing just a Substack year in review for 2025, I’ve decided to do a Substack all-time-posts in review since my content migration from Medium to Substack in mid-2022. I know Substack has a “top” posts category on the homepage, but Google Analytics has a few interesting (and different) results for the past three years. In addition to listing the top 10 posts (according to Google Analytics), I’ll tell you my take (or experience) on this post as of today in 2025. Here’s hoping you enjoy learning what inspired me to write these posts and clicking away to read them too.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy (upcoming) New Year!

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

Shamontiel’s most popular Amazon Affiliate recommendations on Substack

1. Mustorn Retractable Clothesline Indoors

2. Mesqool Vibrating Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers

3. FRONTLINE Shield Flea & Tick Treatment

4. Michael Harriot’s “Black AF” (available in hardcover, Kindle and audiobook)

5. Michael B. Jordan’s sea moss drink (sold out at the date of publication — PURE Moss, Pomegranate Moss, Mango Ginger Moss, Variety Pack Moss)

Top 10 WS posts from 2022-25

1. Michael B. Jordan said sea moss drinks were his ‘obsession,’ so I tried it ~ For people with high blood pressure, Moss beverages may be a good option

2025 take: I tried it for absolutely superficial reasons, but the Pure MOSS really is very good. The Pomegranate MOSS reminds me of sparkling non-alcoholic red wine. It’s sold out all the time on Amazon, but if you can snag a variety pack or at least these two, you’re in for a treat. It’s worth the money.

2. Before you apply to Working Solutions, know what’s missing in the contract ~ One of seven concerns: 54 hours of Turbo Tax training for a $100 stipend is only $0.03 per minute

2025 take: Remote work is far more convenient, less stressful, avoids office politics and (usually) office gossip, and provides more flexibility. On Upwork, I’ve made more than $100,000 over the course of 227 jobs and working 3,473 hours. Now this may not seem like a lot of money over the course of a 10-year period from 2014 to 2024. Someone with a $50,000 job can do this in a couple of years. But majority of these jobs were varying rates and may have been anywhere from a couple of days to a few months while I was still working in Corporate America until 2018. And none of these Upwork clients asked for nine days of training and two hours of free work for $100 stipend after working additional hours for this reimbursement — with a $25 equipment fee deduction. Judging from the complaints and reviews, some have done the math. I can’t wrap my mind around why anybody would agree to this. Even my photo tech job at Walmart paid for training. To each her own though.

3. Which states allow auto loan prepayment penalties? ~ Most states allow auto loan lenders to charge a prepayment penalty to recoup lost revenue from interest. While some states have laws against these penalties on mortgages, auto loans are a gray area.

2025 take: I honestly would’ve never written this on my own. I’ve written financial copy and auto copy (almost always about hybrid cars and environmental influences), but writing about auto loans was brand new ground for me. Similar to the French Bulldogs versus Boston Terriers post, I agreed to write this post more to learn than to just write. It is an added bonus that when the post was removed from the first site, it became an instant hit on “Window Shopping.” I didn’t see that one coming at all.

4. Window Shopping list: Black-owned products that you may want to try from Amazon ~ Window Shopping fully embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and supporting small businesses!

2025 take: Once I learned the results of the 2024 presidential election, I really didn’t know what to do with my Amazon Affiliate account. The irony is I spent several years boycotting Amazon long before Trump was president the first time. I was upset about my book reviews being rejected for inexplicable reasons and threw in the towel on the site. Before that, I spent my college years and all of my twenties making side money selling used books, music and movies on Amazon and Half.com. During my one-woman boycott, I even gave up my Amazon Vine account, which I dreaded doing because I loved that account even more than the Home Depot SEEDS program. A few years ago, I finally stopped holding a grudge and started enjoying Amazon again — only for Jeff Bezos to donate to Trump’s campaign. Argh!

But there is a silver lining. I really enjoy seeing minority-owned businesses and small businesses show us what they’re made of, and I have a platform to spread the word (even when the Black-owned business logos started disappearing on Amazon). So I created a disclaimer, went back through every single post (at least 1,000) that I’d already published on Substack, and featured a Black-owned product on all of them. It took me almost two months to do it, but I powered through. And it worked! I’m ecstatic every single time I see a sale from one of those items. The most recent sale (December 8) was a His and Hers coloring book. Art wins!

5. Allivet is repeating the reason Walmart PetRx failed ~ Think twice before agreeing to auto-ship agreements, especially pet prescriptions

2025 take: I threw the towel in on both. For a short time, I got prescriptions at Junee’s vet’s office, but I found a much more economical clinic that is willing to submit prescriptions to Chewy. I’ve had zero problems paying for shipments and receiving products from Chewy for over a year.

6. HP DeskJet 2700 All-In-One Printer is making me humor getting an HP All-In printer subscription ~ When your ink costs more than your printer, libraries come in handy

2025 take: Once I realized all the perks of HP Instant Ink (see next post), getting a new printer was unnecessary. I just needed to give the ink subscription a chance.

7. $510 later, I wish I hadn’t ignored signing up for HP Instant Ink ~ Environmentalism is the other perk of signing up for Hewlett Packard’s monthly ink program

2025 take: I know there are a laundry list of complaints about the HP Instant Ink deal, but it has been great for me. One jumbo ink cartridge lasts forever. No more running out of ink, staring out of the window waiting on a mail carrier, running to the library for the 10 free copies per day or cringing when the same page prints twice. There are downsides though. It is absolutely annoying to set up the HP Instant Ink on a laptop but easy on a smartphone, and I have spent at least two hours troubleshooting my printer after changing my Wi-Fi password. Still, it’s worth it. Take the $10 promo deal and try it for yourself.

8. Are outdoor malls better than windowless, indoor malls? ~ The reason Musiq Soulchild always makes me think of shopping

2025 take: I wrote this post right around the time Yasiin Bey said Drake was mall music, and I started to delete it. The only artist who mopes around during interviews more than Musiq Soulchild is Wale, and I didn’t want to take the 1% chance that Musiq might happen to notice this post and see this as an insult. In all fairness, my godsister is a pretty solid beatboxer and did the song justice. Musiq is super talented and has an amazing voice — but sometimes underrated. I played his albums the entire time I wrote this post and relived that trip to the mall.

9. 10 best car seat cushions for long drives ~ Window Shopping listicles: The shopping trip you didn’t know you needed to take

2025 take: I can never tell why some listicles take off while others may as well have tumbleweed blow by. This post, which originally had 15 choices, was so popular even with only six still available that I went digging for four more. The weather may have made road trips slow down, but this is still one of the most popular listicles. From auto loan prepayments to this post, I realize I need to write about cars more often.

10. Fable pulled mushrooms are the plant-based meal you didn’t know you needed ~ Why food pantry bins are so significant for curious shoppers and food waste advocates

2025 take: I spent four decades thinking mushrooms were absolutely repulsive and not understanding why anyone would eat them without their lives being threatened. However, an accidental fried mushrooms order at (a now-closed location of ) Harold’s Chicken (made me reevaluate my entire perspective. Pretty soon I was buying fried mushrooms as much as the large fries with mild sauce. Then Yeung Man Cooking taught me how to make fried oyster mushrooms. Finally, I found out about Fable pulled mushrooms and Meati mushroom steak. Hallelujah! You can’t pay me to say anything negative about mushrooms for the past four years.

Enjoying this post?

Read “Check out the ‘Black Girl In a Doggone World’ years in review ~ Most popular BGIDW reader posts since joining Substack in 2022” too!

Read “Check out the ‘Homegrown Tales’ years in review ~ Most popular HT reader posts since joining Substack in 2022” too!

Read “Check out the ‘I Do See Color’ years in review ~ Most popular IDSC reader posts since joining Substack in 2022” too!

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

This post will be continuously updated.

LAST UPDATED: December 13, 2025

ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2026

WHAT’S NEW? Additions to “Electronics”

It’s the holiday season, and you don’t really know what you want to buy your family members and friends. They may already have the essentials, so why bother buying them something they don’t need? Consider buying something they didn’t know they needed instead.

Sometimes an oddball item will pop up that makes you think, “This is interesting, but why would I buy this?” It’s not something you even thought to use, but it’s too cool to pass up as a conversation piece for houseguests or a fun item to try out at home.

Subscribe now

Here are 22 peculiar items that fall into that category. Will temptation make you buy one?

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Appliances

Pros: A portable air conditioner is a perfect investment if you have a condo or apartment rental with no air conditioning. Appliances like a SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner save you from trying to uninstall a massive window version if/when you move out. You can just fill this up with water and roll it around. (After three years of living in a condo rental, I sold my portable air conditioner on Craigslist. The condo unit I purchased three years later had a wall unit already installed.)

Cons: Users had mixed opinions about whether the window kit was effective for mounting. I had mixed opinions about my own portable air conditioner (a different brand), which mounted fine but would only cool small areas of a room on hot days. This appliance seems to do a better job of cooling than mine, along with its built-in dehumidifier and fan modes.

Pros: Maybe you’re tired of spending the big bucks on almond, soy and coconut milk in grocery stores. Or, you’ve found out that your vegan cashew cheese is way better than what you’re buying pre-packaged so you want to try more plant-based recipes. Either way, a HGUNBI 8-in-1 Automatic Nut Milk Maker Machine may be worth a shot.

Recommended Read: “First-timer makes disaster-free homemade soy milk ~ Two lessons learned while making homemade soy milk: Use a Crock-Pot and okara is the best vegan breakfast ever”

Cons: One user said it takes 40 minutes to make soy milk, and the nut milk maker leaves chunks. (Other homemade soy milk recipes guesstimate the preparation time at 20 minutes — minus the six hours or overnight time to soak soybeans.)

Pros: You don’t have to go to a spa to have an Evenchi Towel Warmer or a KLZUOPT Exquisite Heated Towel Warmer Rack. Whether you want a warm towel to wash your face in the morning before you brush your teeth or allergy season is kicking in and only a warm towel will get rid of those puffy eyes, a towel warmer comes in handy. And depending on the results of window installation, getting out of the shower can be dreadful. (Winters are the one time that windowless bathrooms are a major perk — that is, until the paint starts to peel.) Having warm towels in a bathroom can make you sit on the side of your tub for a few extra minutes.

Cons: For smaller bathrooms, this 10-pound towel warmer can take up much-needed space. It’s 21.5 x 12.75 x 12.75 inches. For green-friendly homes with energy-safe outlets, chances are the lights will have to stay on long enough to get the towel warmer to heat up and work. It also takes 30 to 90 minutes for the bucket to warm towels so you might be better off turning it on and going about your morning rituals before you want to use these towels. Or, if there’s an early bird in your household, ask this person to turn on the towel warmer beforehand. Unlike the KLZUOPT, the Evenchi warmer is not intended to be used for quickly drying wet towels after bathing or swimming; insert dry towels only. The KLZUOPT can be used like an indoor clothesline.

Books

Pros: You can use this Nooydio 100 Envelopes Money Saving Challenge book to teach your kid(s) to save or organize your own stash that doesn’t require you to get to a bank. Save $1, $10, $50 or whatever amount you’re most comfortable with.

Cons: One user said the lock stopped working correctly after a couple weeks.

Pros: If you’re a night owl who prefers to read while your significant other wants to go to sleep, this Glocusent Wingy Book Light is a happy medium. Or, maybe you just don’t need all the lights on while you’re at home alone and catching up on a book. Either way, you’re saving on the electricity bill.

Cons: Several users were disappointed that the wings don’t fold for packing or adjusting.

Cleaning and Grooming

Pros: The Nori Press Travel Steam Iron means you can avoid trying to find an empty space to unfold a large ironing board or wrestle with a small one on a table or bed. Find a sturdy hook on a door and iron two times as fast.

Cons: Multiple users complained about it being too heavy, awkward to iron the middle area and the steam section constantly needing to be refilled.

Pros: Whether you’re a no-shoes household or just leave messy shoes in the mudroom, making sure they’re clean the next time you wear them is equally important. That’s why this SCRUBIT Boot Scraper Brush comes in handy during muddy, snowy and sandy weather.

Cons: Multiple users complained about the bristles starting to disintegrate and breaks after about a year’s worth of using it.

Pros: No matter how meticulous you are at cleaning your car, crumbs love to get stuck in corners and dust wants to be everybody’s roommate and side-seat driver. PULIDIKI Car Cleaning Gel Clean Putty Car Interior Cleaner Slime can help get rid of this unwanted guest. It also may get hard-to-reach dust and debris on keyboards without worrying about rubbing off keys with keyboard cleaner air spray.

Cons: Never use this slime on a smartphone screen, a computer monitor or any other surface that is not water resistant. Several users were confused by the lack of instructions for cleaning the slime afterward. (The merchant’s suggestion is to just put the slime in a cool, dry place inside of a jar until it needs to be used again.) One user said washing rags and towels is much easier to do than trying to figure out how to reuse this slime. It also may leave a greasy feeling on your hands and the areas it cleans.

Electronics

Pros: Having a lunch box is convenient for a 9-to-5 job, but you appreciate this type of gadget much more when your refrigerator dies and you don’t want to give up prepared food. Or, there was that time when the power went out in my Chicago neighborhood for a first-ever dust storm. For three hours, we were in the dark and I got creative around dinner time. Having an electric lunch box can at least help you avoid wasting a meal (along with using this for work lunch hours).

The rechargeable self-heating lunch box has an automatic scheduled heater, so your food will be hot and ready when you want to eat it. (Start heating at least 90 minutes beforehand though, and the electric lunch box will automatically turn off when done.) Before first use, fully charge the device before operating or ensure the battery level is at least 70% for optimal performance. Designed for efficient heating with a 12V output, never use the unit while it’s inside the carry bag, which can cause the lid to overheat, melt or become deformed.

Cons: At least 10 users complained that it stopped working altogether, even after being fully charged, in a month or so.

Pros: Whether you love to meditate or are a light sleeper who is fed up with noisy neighbors, MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Wireless Bluetooth 5.4 Headband or Hmusic HS88 Sleep Earbuds for Side Sleepers may finally help you get a decent night’s sleep.

Recommended Read: “Is a white noise machine worth buying for light sleepers? ~ Getting a good night's sleep in a multi-unit building will require a few electronics and tough conversations with early birds”

Cons: Several users complained about the charging time or one ear bud dying. There are also mixed opinions about wearing either in the rain, and one user was upset that there was no way to remove the Bluetooth from the headband to wash it.

Pros: I never realized how sensitive the wrist is until I went a little too hard at Burpees. My wrist and finger were in such discomfort that it made typing hard to do. (I type 81 words per minute, so typing slowly was wearing me out.) For people with carpal tunnel or who have other typing discomfort, an ALLJOY Hand Massager for Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Relief may help. I did not have this product. I did, however, do quite a bit of stretching, yoga, giving my own hands a massage and let time heal my wrist. I haven’t done a Burpee since.

Cons: Several users described it as more of a “hand squeezer” than actual massaging.

Food and Dining

Pros: MOWI WOWI Hemp Honey Straws are convenient for on-the-go breakfast food items and tea without carrying around a bulky jar or packages that may accidentally spill.

Recommended Read: “Oprah Winfrey impressed Michael B. Jordan with reusable straws, and I copied her ~ Trump's rambling about single-use plastic straws does not help the economy or environment”

Cons: These are single-serving straws and still present the same plastic problems that regular straws do.

Pros: If you were a Girl Scout who now misses s’mores as a vegan and feel like you’re missing out on marshmallow-filled hot chocolate during the winter months, here’s your chance to enjoy that fluffy goodness again with GoodMallow Vegan Marshmallows.

Cons: Paying $12 for marshmallows can be hard to justify, especially when there are cheaper versions such as the Dandies Vegan Marshmallows or 365 by Whole Foods Market, Large Marshmallows. The final decision is going to come down to taste preferences, which is often the case with plant-based foods.

Furniture

Pros: There is no better way to lie to yourself about “watching” a movie or “relaxing” for a few minutes quite like having a human dog bed. Within minutes, you’ll figure out why dogs sleep so much and so comfortably while you’re flopping around on a human mattress. While my own human-sized dog bed is different from the Plufl, The Original Human Dog Bed, I think I have slept on this bed almost as much as my dog — and sometimes I’ll wake up to find her on one of my couches or in my bedroom sleeping in her crate.

Recommended Read: “Review: Bedsure Foldable Human Dog Bed was always going to be a 5-star review ~ Why I became an Amazon and Impact Marketing affiliate”

Cons: If you want to stretch out more or sit on a human dog bed like a couch, the BedSure version may be a better option. You won’t have to curl in the fetal position. If you’re more likely to sleep on your stomach, BedSure is a better option.

Pros: If you’ve had it up to here with earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings falling all over your dresser or the floor, or a small jewelry box just doesn’t have enough room, it may be time to try a larger version. Why not try a multi-use version? A duo mirror and jewelry box means you can see how your jewelry looks as soon as you put it on — and in a much larger mirror. Win win!

Recommended Read: “Can mirrors become wall decor? Absolutely ~ Top 21 mirrors that will wow houseguests and add style to your home”

Cons: One user complained about the door not staying closed on its own unless it was locked.

Gifts

Pros: Receiving a SOUFEEL Film Roll Keychain Custom Keychain will probably seem like a piece of junk unless you are a Baby Boomer, Generation Xer or a Geriatric Millennial. For these three groups, who are well aware of 35mm (and 110) film, this may be one of the most delightful gifts to receive for a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Christmas. You may get extra brownie points from recipients who worked in a photo development department and developed prints in a dark box (“Love Jones” style) — not just printing digital images.

Recommended Read: “Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ BlackTechLogy: What I never expected to learn in photo development”

Cons: Multiple users complained about the quality of the customizable images (ex. heads cut off, fragile film) and having to manually roll the images back into the 35mm case. (Of note, actual 35mm film also doesn’t automatically roll back into the case. It just curls. And actual 35mm film is fragile. These complaints suspiciously sound like they came from people who weren’t used to buying 35mm film.)

Hair

Pros: If you worry that you spend too much time curling one area of your hair and not enough of the other, the SDEALS SdBeauty 1 Inch Automatic Rotating Curling Iron may make you more conscious of curling your hair evenly.

Cons: Getting the hang of clicking the “left” button instead of the “right” button may take some practice.

Health

Pros: All the yoga, meditation and DIY humidifiers in the world just won’t speed up the sneezing and headaches of seasonal allergies. And it can be even worse for people who wear contact lenses because we can’t rub our eyes from that itchiness and watery (or dry) eyes. Similar to the lavender Earth Therapeutics Comfort Wrap (mentioned above), I’ll always have an Earth Therapeutics Anti-Stress Face Pillow. The latter should never be put into the microwave though. Just put it over your face. It’s an instant reliever for me when it comes to allergies and colds too. The cover is machine washable, but I prefer to wash it by hand.

Cons: If you have a small nose like mine, you might have to do some adjusting for breathability.

Pros: A little under a decade ago, I had a boss who really hated safety instructions. It was peculiar because she’d just had a baby months before, and usually new moms tend to be really into health and safety. Not this one! She was annoyed when she was informed that she had to go to CPR and Heimlich maneuver training, and happily allowed a Staff Writer to go in her place. She also rolled her eyes and complained when she was told to put an OSHA sign in our newsroom and stuck it in the corner. Interestingly, her rebellion against health and safety precautions made me far more interested in how to do the Heimlich maneuver, workplace safety and other health tips versus viewing a Human Resources video or getting a handout. This Fitiger Collapsible Anti-Choking Device for Baby and Adults device immediately made me think of her because I know she’d throw it in the trash.

Cons: There’s very little information about Fitiger or their device testing results. Additionally, this product has all 5-star ratings (which is suspicious to me). If you’re concerned about how effective it is, at the very least, learn how to do the Heimlich on your own. According to an American Red Cross survey of 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, four out of every 10 adults have completed or are interested in taking a life-saving course. For those adults who trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid (which may include the Heimlich), 69% felt more prepared, 63% felt more confident and almost half were relieved because they had the skills to act in the event of an emergency.

Organizers

Pros: If you’re constantly losing sunglasses because you’re setting them in random places and your nightstand is filled with cologne just waiting to fall onto the floor, the Sakaki Cologne Organizer resolves both issues at once.

Cons: This is not intended to organize multiple large fragrance bottles over 3.4 ounces.

Pros: Packing and unpacking can be draining, whether you’re packing for college or a business trip. Anything that can make moving from one place to another easier is always appreciated, which is why Stow-N-Go Portable Hanging Travel Shelves may be more convenient than trying to hang your belongings for a blink-and-you-missed-it trip. This suitcase organizer hangs in a closet so you can instantly access your undergarments or outfits.

Recommended Read: “10 things I wish I bought before my first day in the dorms ~ The everyday things college freshmen, including car owners, will need to make campus living easier”

Cons: Multiple users pointed out that this suitcase organizer takes up a lot of room in a closet and would be better off for already-empty closets. And even if you do have the room, the hooks may not fit on all rods.

So now that you’ve perused these 24 items, which one(s) could you honestly justify using? Maybe it’s not this exact brand, but you like a variation of the brand. Try items that make everyday living easier, whether that means making seasonal allergies less miserable, avoiding eating lukewarm food before a board meeting or finally making your bedroom look more organized. Happy shopping!

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

If you’re interested in posts that focus on tech-related reviews and news, check out “BlackTechLogy” too.

Is the vetting process for NativeCamp’s online English teachers discriminatory?

Original Publication Date: November 23, 2025

While blaming technology is easy enough to do, NativeCamp’s demo process is suspicious regarding Black applicants and people of color who are native speakers.

Click here to read more.

Working from home? Do these 11 things to make your home office productive

Original Publication Date: September 19, 2025

In multi-unit buildings, get to know your neighbors before setting up a work-from-home office. In addition to avoiding background noise, here are 10 other tips.

Click here to read more.

Subscribe now

Bring calm to your home by creating a meditation space

Original Publication Date: July 25, 2025

While green jobs and Corporate America may embrace yoga and meditation at work, you should buy these 10 supplies and create your own at-home meditation space too.

Click here to read more.

8 things in your home that will ruin meditation

Original Publication Date: July 25, 2025

While you cannot control your neighbors, you can create peace and quiet for a meditation room while working from home. Use these eight tips to get your home and family ready.

Click here to read more.

If you're new to investing, here are five easy ways to test the waters

Original Publication Date: April 30, 2025

Investing in startups, stocks and bonds, silent partner loans, and real estate investments to flip home or create vacation rentals are some ways to make money.

Click here to read more.

Copilot versus ChatGPT: Which is better for job inquiries?

Publication date: April 10, 2025

Could artificial intelligence help reduce the process of writing cover letters, professional summaries and resumes? Should job applicants write from scratch?

Click here to read more.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Independent contractors can no longer use the Zelle app, so should Bill.com and PayPal be the go-to?

Original Publication Date: April 8, 2025

Learn pros and cons of using Zelle, PayPal Business and Bill.com for transactions for work-from-home job. Is not being able to use the Zelle app a hindrance?

Click here to read more.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

It never fails. There’s always that one kid at the children’s Thanksgiving table who looks like she’s been here before. One of the ancestors decided to be reincarnated as a child. It’s the only way to describe this old soul who couldn’t be more miserable sitting with messy, loud, restless kids who are not having nearly as interesting a conversation as the adults.

Subscribe now

In some households, letting the children join them at the adult Thanksgiving table is a given. In other households, letting anyone under the age of 18 sit with grown folks makes as much sense as requesting a steak dinner at a vegetarian restaurant.

Recommended Read: “History buffs may have mixed vibes celebrating Thanksgiving ~ If you know the history of Native Americans and Thanksgiving, this dark holiday is less about family”

Whether they can sit at the adult Thanksgiving table or not, the beauty of these curious minds is they’re always interested in learning something new. If you can keep their attention, you can sit them wherever.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

7 child-friendly ways to explain Thanksgiving history

Chances are the adults in the room don’t want the Thanksgiving prayer to bring up how the Indian Wars resulted in 15 million natives being wiped out to 238,000. While the dark history of Thanksgiving isn’t the most upbeat lesson for kids, there are child-friendly ways to keep them entertained — without lying about the early years of Thanksgiving as though Natives and Pilgrims were BFFs. Here are seven suggested child-friendly holiday activities to consider that help them get a general understanding of the origin story.

Not a “Window Shopping” subscriber yet? You’re welcome to check out Shamontiel’s prior post on “Blavity” that further explains these Thanksgiving lessons below. This Window Shopping post has been significantly edited with additional information included.

Lesson 1: In the 1600s, when approximately 90 Wampanoag natives showed up to investigate the 50 Pilgrims on their land, both groups later shared a meal full of venison, fish, eels, shellfish, stews, vegetables and beer. Thanksgiving turkey did not become a popular holiday dish for this day until the 19th century.

Activity 1: Ask the children what meal they would want to eat if they could rewrite how Thanksgiving dinner should look. Give them pen, paper, coloring pencils and crayons to draw whatever foods they desire onto large paper plates.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

Lesson 2: The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe were known as the People of the First. These were natives who spoke Algonquian, and used to live on what we now know as Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Activity 2: Give each child a blank map to color all 50 states as they see fit. However, they must color these two states in a different — and their favorite — color to distinguish them from the other 48.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

Lesson 3: The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe were known as the People of the First. These were natives who spoke Algonquian, and used to live on what we now know as Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Activity 3: Give each child a blank map to color all 50 states as they see fit. However, they must color these two states in a different — and their favorite — color to distinguish them from the other 48.

Lesson 4: In 1621, the Wampanoag high chief Massasoit made a peace treaty called the “Massasoit Peace Treaty” with the Pilgrims. In this agreement, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag agreed not to injure each other. If either group disobeyed, the leader of the offending group would let the other group punish the perpetrator.

Activity 4: Chances are some disagreements have broken out at the children’s table. One person hit another person. Somebody took somebody’s toy. Person A snitched on Person B. If smartphones weren’t allowed at the table, return them long enough for each kid to create his own “treaty” about what should be done if each person at the table does something “wrong.” If the rules are good enough, make the “peace treaty” official until Thanksgiving night. The child who behaves the best gets a bag full of treats.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

Lesson 5: When the Pilgrims arrived, they imagined the profitability of trading goods with the Natives. If it was really lucrative, the Pilgrims could reimburse the people who paid for them to travel to North America initially — where the natives already lived.

Activity 5: With a box of LEGOS, allow each kid the opportunity to build something that they think is worth money. When they’re done building their craft, present it to the adult table. It’s up to the adults to decide whether they want to give away a set amount of cash ($1, $5, $10) for this “trade.” But each adult at the Thanksgiving table has to buy one of the finished products.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

Lesson 6: Presently, the odds of seeing someone from the Wampanoag tribe are slim unless you live in Massachusetts. Almost two decades ago (in 2007), the federal government re-acknowledged the Mashpee Wampanoag as a tribe. Eight years later, in 2015, the federal government declared 150 acres of land in Mashpee and 170 acres of land in Taunton for their reservation. The Mashpee tribe currently has about 3,200 enrolled citizens.

Activity 6: Provide coloring books and ask the kids to create what they think the homes looked like on this reservation. Or, give the children plain paper to create an outdoor environment.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

Lesson 7: The Pilgrims didn’t have a history of public prayer. However, in 1623, a drought was destroying their crops. Colonists prayed and fasted for relief. A few days later, rain came. Then, a captain named Miles Standish arrived with news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. After those three major benefits, Thanksgiving Day became a combination of a religious and social celebration for the Pilgrims.

Activity 7: Ask one (or more) of the children if they’d be interested in leading (or contributing) to the Thanksgiving pre-dinner prayer. Do not tell them what to pray for. Let their creative ideas flow.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

Writer’s note: The following listicle was originally published on August 21, 2020 at the now-defunct website Lifestyle Reviews. There were originally 15 options, five of which are no longer available (and two new options are added). The listicle has been lightly edited for technical details and readability, along with updates on health stats. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.)

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

So you’re sitting at your office desk with several screens, a separate keyboard and a mouse. Your office chair is comfortable, and you’ve got plenty of light. You’ve spent a lot of time getting your home office (or corporate office) just right. But you’d rather be hanging out on your couch or bed, leaning back comfortably on pillows and enjoying the natural light from your living room. Hey, it happens. Sometimes working from a laptop is just more convenient.

But finding the best laptop stand is important too. Because without it, you can end up slouching over your laptop on that same bed or couch. This puts strain on your neck, back, fingers, wrists and arms, depending on how you’re sitting.

The 12 choices below will assist you in finding the best laptop stand for posture and functionality. And while you’re perusing these options, make sure to check out the personalized portability, adjustability and ergonomic options for each one.

1. Omoton

To keep this laptop stand stable, the (included) screwdriver can be adjusted to fit various laptop sizes.

Key Features

• Fits up to 17.3 inches

• Adjustable vertical dock size

• Non-slip silicone mat (around grooves)

Available in matte black and black, rose gold, gray, or silver, this laptop stand in its vertical stature helps to save space on your desk or table. The anodized aluminum alloy stand, with sandblasted and brushed features, also comes in handy for better organization. Scratch resistant with a wide base, this stand is durable enough so that your laptop doesn’t fall over.

Pros

• Fits all MacBooks, Surface, Chromebook, gaming laptops

• Scratch resistant

Cons

• Manual adjustments will more than likely be needed

• Heating vents may be blocked, depending on the make

The protective, non-slip silicone mats cover the laptop docks to avoid scratches and to keep devices stable.

2. AmazonBasics

If you need to take your laptop and laptop stand with you while traveling, this folding option has a kickstand that can fold flat into a suitcase or bag.

Key Features

• Rises up to 15 inches

• Available in silver or black

• 18-degree tilt, 2.95-inch tilt

This durable, lightweight laptop stand (9.6 inches x 7.9 inches x 0.2 inches) stays in place with the help of its non-slip rubber platform. This also helps reduce scratches on tables or desks. The extra air circulation on this laptop stand keeps some laptops (depending on vent location) from overheating the electronic components underneath.

Pros

• Collapsible laptop stand

• Non-slip rubber pads

Cons

• Height is not adjustable

• One user felt like the laptop would tip over if use was on the far left or far right

This laptop stand also allows extra air circulation to help ventilate and cool your laptop’s electronic components.

3. Moft

This laptop stand holds laptops as big as 15.6 inches in “invisible” colors that are more subtle for your office display. Use it for your PC, MacBook Air and Pro, tablets and more.

Key Features

• Rises up to 15.6 inches

• 3 millimeters thick (1.9 inches thick)

• Holds up to 18 pounds

This fiberglass and polyurethane (PU) laptop comes in a few different colors. Whether you’re using this ultra-slim option (10.1 inches x 7.9 inches x 0.3 inches) as a gaming laptop stand or looking for a laptop stand for desk use, the colors are meant to make it blend in with the laptop.

Color options are varying shades of blue, black and grey. This could arguably be considered the best portable laptop stand due to its built-in magnets that hold the laptop in place after the stand is unfolded. And with its steps to attach the stand as an (optional) permanent appendage, you can just leave the laptop stand on your laptop and position as needed.

Pros

• Removable adhesive for attaching and reattaching as needed

• High setting (3 inches) for sitting posture, low setting (3 inches) for standing posture

Cons

• One user reported adhesive started shifting and creasing

• Another user felt the 3-inch angle was “too steep” for typing

Eleven pounds is its weight bearing, which covers most Macbook and PCs.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

4. Moclever

Enjoy using this multi-functional laptop desk on your bed, couch or your lap. At night, you can even take advantage of the nightlight.

Key Features

• Built-in cooling fan

• Four-port USB

• Built-in, anti-skid massage wrist guard for mouse pad

In addition to the adjustable baffles that keep the laptop in place, adjust the height as needed. You can raise your laptop and mouse to your comfort level. (This laptop stand is suitable for laptops that are 11.6 inches, 133.3 inches, 14 inches and 15.6 inches.) If you’re working at night, adjust three-lamp LED light wand to reduce eye strain.

Pros

• Foldable legs

• Adjustable to two different heights (10 inches and 15 inches)

Cons

• Reviewer reports that fan tends to shake

• Made from ABS plastic

And if you’re really trying to create a bed office space, there are four USB ports. You can connect four devices to your computer at the same time.

5. Huanuo

This rising stand raises your laptop 4 inches, with the goal of improving posture and making sure the screen is at eye level (depending on height).

Key Features

• 14.5 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches

• Hole pattern for cool ventilation

• Holds up to 44 pounds

The power-coated steel laptop stand, made from a solid steel construction, can steadily hold most flat-panel monitors, notebooks and printers. With the non-slip legs, you can avoid scratches and sliding on furniture.

Pros

• Anti-slip pads

• Room to store office supplies underneath

Cons

• Assembly required (takes up to two minutes)

• Not suitable to balance on unstable surfaces

If you find that another laptop stand works better for you, this shelf also comes in handy as a stand for your printer or storage shelf.

Recommended Read: “Working, round trips and business road trips: Top 10 best laptop sleeves ~ The shopping trip you didn't know you needed to take”

6. Vivo

Unlike the fixed or folding stand, this riser stand is ideal for adjusting laptop and monitor angles as big as 16 inches.

Key Features

• Fully adjustable curved laptop stand

• 10 inches x 14.5 inches x 6 inches

• Raises laptop 4 to 6 inches

The ergonomic working position for this laptop stand is ideal for elevating the monitor to eye level or tilt the monitor, depending on your sitting position. Although assembly is required for the steel and aluminum stand, it is pretty minimal. The hardware and instructions are included with the stand. And the rubber footing on the bottom of the stand prevents scratches and scuffs.

Pros

• Easy-tilt adjustment

• Drilled holes for ventilation

Cons

• Assembly required (although minor)

• Metal edge may be sharp on hands while using the mouse

If this laptop stand does not work for you, there is a three-year manufacturer warranty and tech support for potential questions.

7. KKTONER

Writer’s note on August 15, 2024: The brand that sold a table similar to this is Ecobambu. I still think this is a cool-looking table, so I tried to find the next best match. This one does not have a side, pullout drawer though.

This bamboo laptop stand comes in as handy for notebooks and iPads as it does for books and breakfast.

Key Features

• Four adjustable tilting angles

• Removable baffle prevents laptop from sliding off when the top is tilted

• Perfect fit for 15.6-inch laptop

In addition to this laptop stand’s durable wood, the legs spread out wide enough to comfortably sit under on your couch or bed. Made of 100% bamboo, this laptop stand can be used as a desk, TV dinner tray or a workplace for kids.

Pros

• Height-adjustable knob

• Slots to adjust tilting position

Cons

• Avoid excessive water or strong detergent when cleaning (damp cloth and mild detergent are highly recommended)

Although there is a cup groove for this waterproof table, be careful with any liquid near your laptop. This may be the time to use the table separately instead of a workstation.

8. HUANUO

This may be the best laptop stand for multi-functional work. With a pen holder, smartphone holder, built-in mouse pad and wrist pad, and a comfortable bottom cushion, this lap desk stand can be used for a variety of purposes.

Key Features

• Available in three shades of woodgrain or marbling

• Wrist pad

• 21.5 inches x 14 inches x 2.5 inches

With the option of holding a laptop as large as 17 inches, this wood grain lap desk can help you get more done at once. While typing away on your laptop, you can slide your smartphone in the nearby 5-inch pocket. Or, slide your iPad, MacBook or tablet (up to 12 inches) into the larger pocket and jot down notes on the lap desk platform during virtual meetings.

Pros

• Built-in handle and mouse pad

• Dual-bolster cushions to avoid scratches and slips

Cons

• May be too wide to use while sitting in smaller chairs

• Foam material reportedly has a noticeable smell

This portable, lightweight desk holder is good on its own, with or without laptop use.

9. Mind Reader

Whether you want to use this stand as a monitor stand, desk organizer or laptop stand, it’s versatile and large enough for all of the above.

Key Features

• 20 x 11.5 x 5.5

• Holds up to 33 pounds

• Available in black, pink, white, silver, turquoise

The sliding drawer underneath is a perfect spot to slide your keyboard underneath the main platform. If you decide to use this as a printer stand, the drawer can be used to hold letter-sized paper. There are also two compartments to organize pens, post-it notes and other office supplies. There are approximately 2 inches underneath the area between the desk and the organizer.

Pros

• Rubber feet to avoid slips

• Easy to clean

Cons

• Several users felt the stand was too high for a monitor (match your monitor measurements with the height of this stand beforehand)

• Various users received dents in their stands; check carefully before first use

Although this can be used as a desk organizer in addition to a laptop stand, be careful not to turn it into a junk drawer.

10. AVLT

Unlike other laptop holders, this isn’t necessarily the most lightweight of the bunch. Heavy duty and meant to adjust height and arms accordingly, this premium aluminum holder weighs up to 9.9 pounds. With the mounting feature on this laptop holder, you can skip crawling all over the floor and the flurry of cables that your kids and/or pets can get ahold of.

Key Features

• Detachable VESA plate with 75 millimeters x 75 millimeters (or 100 millimeters x 100 millimeters backside) mounting holes

• Mechanical spring monitor arm assists height adjustment from 7.6 inches to 17.7 inches

• C-clamp and grommet mounting options support up to 1.9 inches

Personalize the monitor for your work needs. Adjust the monitor to your posture by arm extension, vertical tilt, horizontal swivel, and landscape or portrait rotation.

Pros

• Anti-slip silicone padding prevents scratching

• Supports portrait or landscape monitor orientation

Cons

• Assembly required (mounting from the top reportedly makes it easier)

• Allen Key needed for spring tension adjustment (clockwise to increase; counter-clockwise to decrease)

This AVLT-Power laptop stand is backed with a three-year limited warranty plus lifetime tech support assistance.

11. NUNET

If you’re looking for a laptop stand that you can also use for an easel, hardcover book, tablet or cookbook, you’re in luck. This one multipurpose stand will help you from having to juggle various stands to display one item or another.

Key Features

• Natural bamboo (15.9 x 12 inches)

• Two metal page clips

• Back rack can be set at eight angles

When the laptop stand is not in use, it can be folded up easily. The entire bookstand can be transported in the hand bag (included), which makes it especially ideal for business travelers.

Pros

• Perfect for balancing various objects

• Easy to clean with a microfiber cloth

Cons

• Metal nut does not stay in the hole for tripod use and can make it unstable

• Back hinge and stand snapped off after three months of use with one user

This stand is not recommended to be used for heavy electronics on a tripod. Pay attention to the weight requirement beforehand.

12. Gogoonike

The top of this laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes for more airflow to cool your laptop during operation.

Key Features

• Made of sturdy metal

• Supports up to 17.6 pounds

• 2 rubber mats on the hook

This desktop book stand is compatible with all laptop sizes from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface.

Pros

• Anti-skid silicone pads on top and bottom

• Smooth edges

Cons

• Mixed reviews on staying in position

• One user complained about overly tight joint screws and having to use a special socket wrench that “fits” the interiors heads

This foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack, which is especially convenient for business travelers and students.

Key Information about Laptop Stands

Not all laptop stands are created equal. And sometimes the laptop you choose depends as much on your laptop material as it does your desk. For example, if your desk is made of aluminum, it may be more easily scratchable than wood. If your laptop stand is lightweight, a heavy-duty laptop is probably not a good fit. Make sure to find a laptop stand that will easily stand in place on a flat platform. If it’s too heavy or too light, you can risk damaging your laptop and your desk too.

Here are a few other tidbits that you should be aware of before making your final purchase.

Adjustability

Considering wrist, head, shoulder, neck and arm positioning are as important as general posture, keep your own work habits in mind. If you’re more likely to stand while working, you’ll need to find a flexible laptop with height requirements that accommodate both standing and sitting. If you’re more likely to sit at a low-level desk, getting a stand with a high monitor won’t work. Instead of slouching over a laptop, you’ll end up straining your neck to look up at the monitor all the time.

The goal is for the laptop to be eye level. The angle in which the laptop stand can rise is also significant for preventing hardware malfunctions. If your laptop is repeatedly exposed to slower performance, malfunctions or heat fatigue, you can hinder the longevity of your laptop’s performance. If you’re still within the manufacturer warranty period for your laptop, this can fall under the wear-and-tear policies that make laptops nonrefundable or nonreturnable.

Types

Laptop stands can come in several ways. They can be purchased in aluminum, plastic, wood and steel. You can choose an adhesive option in which you can “stick” and “unstick” a laptop as needed. There are options to mount laptop stands, or shelves, against a wall. Then there are other laptop stands that operate as more of an appendage on the back of your laptop. These can be attached and stay in place as long as you desire.

When you don’t need to stand the laptop at an angle, fold it flat. When you need to utilize the laptop stand option, use the kickstand option to position into a higher angle. The latter option comes in especially handy for business travelers who can’t deal with folding and unfolding laptop holders or bigger, bulkier versions. The appendage is already on the laptop and is usually no bigger than the the laptop size. Make sure that your bag (especially if one is not included) properly fits both your laptop and the stand.

Portable versus Stationary Stands

If you would prefer to just have a laptop stand in one place, stationary laptop stands work well. This option makes the most sense to people who want to mount extra monitors on the wall or use a laptop stand as more of a desk organizer. But if you’re a business traveler or someone who constantly goes from your office to your home office, a portable stand is a much better option. You can collapse the stand (or remove it) so your laptop lays flat, and slide both the laptop and the laptop stand into your backpack or suitcase.

A foldable laptop stand is also particularly useful for carry-on bags. Slide and position as needed on airplane tables. Pay special attention to laptop stands that claim to be “collapsible” or “foldable” but do not fold completely flat. While they may not take up much room, if you are working with confined spaces (ex. computer backpacks) then you should know just how much space you’ll need to store these computer laptop stands. Ones that do not fold completely flat can stick out or be pointy in areas of your bag.

Ergonomics

An ergonomic design is intended for comfort and posture. Keep ergonomic laptop stand features in mind for typing comfort, as well as eye-to-chest-to-wrist angle. Whether you’re a fast typist or a slower one, the goal is to make sure your body is in correct alignment while working. Fast typists may get too comfortable in an uncomfortable position just trying to get the job done. Slower typists may become so distracted by the lack of comfort that no work gets done. And sometimes, the same laptop stand for one person may be magical while it’s awkward for another.

If you are in a family full of people of varying heights, try to keep adjustability and their own ergonomic comfort in mind. Also, even if the laptop stand is at a perfect angle while sitting, this may not be the case while standing. Let’s say this laptop stand has perfect padding to avoid wrist damage. If you’re hunched over on a laptop stand while typing at a standing desk, this will just increase the risk of posture problems no matter how great your wrists feel. While it can get to be a little pricey to buy multiple laptop stands, keeping measurements for all family members in mind before purchasing even one makes sense for the long term.

Bottom Line

With these 12 options above, hopefully you have found the perfect laptop stand for your needs. With this added convenience, this may help make it easier for you to type away on your laptop or notebook longer and at all hours of the night. Because some laptop stands have limited warranties, no warranties or long-term warranties, always know what you’re getting into before purchasing a product like this. Use it often, especially in the early stages, to make sure that it works for your business needs. And make sure to examine the laptop stand as soon as it’s out of the box for any defects.

With that said, some of you may still be on the fence about whether you need a laptop stand or not. If you’re still wondering why you can’t just lay a laptop on top of your stomach or lap, neck and back pains are a potential risk. (Writer’s note on August 15, 2024: The original post discussed male infertility from the heat of laptops, but no credible site is confirming that this year so this section has been removed.)

If you still choose to balance a laptop on your body, even with the laptop stand, your thighs are less dangerous than the stomach area. Consider toggling between the two if a laptop stand is not ideal in certain circumstances (ex. cramped places like plain seats). But even with a laptop stand, it is important to still look away from the screen at least every few minutes to avoid computer vision syndrome. Stand up. Stretch. Exercise your fingers and wrists. While your laptop projects are certainly important, your physical health is too.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

When property owners peruse Yelp for handiwork jobs, it may sound like a perk to see that Yelp logo on top of “Yelp Projects” with the following message: “Yelp Guaranteed. This project is eligible for coverage up to $2,500. Terms apply. Learn more.”

Subscribe now

Head over to the “Yelp Guaranteed” page with more marketing content that may make consumers feel like these are legitimate businesses with an extra layer of coverage. There’s even an FAQ page in case the overview doesn’t cover the basics, along with a Refund Request Form that must be filled out in 30 days.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

When you first send a message through (i) Yelp’s “Request a Service” feature (i.e. “Request a Quote” or “Request a Consultation” feature), (ii) a Yelp-authorized partner platform such as Apple Maps, or (iii) Yelp Assistant to a business that is covered under the Yelp Guaranteed program (“Yelp Pro”) to start a conversation about your Project prior to hiring the Yelp Pro, you will be automatically covered under the Yelp Guaranteed program for the Project performed by that Yelp Pro, subject to the below limitations and eligibility requirements.

Why is this problematic? Far too often, contractors will reach out and ask property owners to contact them via text or phone to work out the details of the project outside of Yelp. By doing so, that homeowner then leaves the Yelp messaging system where all the details, photos, pricing (and pricing adjustments), number of workers and any other details go missing. This is extra paperwork (and evidence if it heads to court) that must be gathered if the contract job goes poorly.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

And because attachments (ex. proof of insurance, receipts, contracts) cannot be attached on the messaging platform, it’s a given that consumers are forced to leave Yelp’s messaging system for Yelp Projects. Even if there’s written initial confirmation of the job, that still leaves them at risk of miscommunication via email or third-party sites that could affect the $2,500 coverage.

But there is a second and even more important reason why Yelp Projects and Yelp for Business should be used very carefully. Click here to find out why Yelp for Business may not be verifying companies properly beforehand.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-Pack,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

“OG Monnie, what’s up with your feet?” my college friend asked me, gawking down at my bare feet in his friend’s dorm room.

I looked down at my toes, wondering if I had a chipped nail. They looked fine to me.

Subscribe now

I looked up at him, confused. “What’s wrong with my feet?”

“Why are they so … pretty?” he asked in horror.

I waited a beat and let out the loudest laugh.

“You’re messing up your reputation,” he said. “You’re supposed to be gang-gang, and you’re walking around with girly feet.”

I laughed louder. Not only have I always been a stickler for neatly polished toenails, but I used to have a DIY design nail book in elementary school. My specialty was dog paws (obviously).

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Still, I understood his point. After all, I was as likely to play with my brother’s He-Man dolls (he would be very annoyed that I just typed “dolls”) as I was Barbie dolls. I had pink carpet in my childhood bedroom. But I’d also choose playing Spades or Blackjack with my grandfather over Girl Scout meetings or slumber parties.

Hanging out with the boys on my block (or my brother and his friends) was far more interesting to me than gossiping with girls. I’d immediately grab a book or put on headphones in a beauty salon during my two-week visits. Catty chitchat just wasn’t my thing. Overall, the childhood version of me would probably be classified as a “girly tomboy.”

But toenails are where I have always drawn a line in the sand. I cringe when I see women with open-toed shoes on and unpolished or sloppy nail polish. Make it stop! Call the fashion cops! Tell them about the latest nail trends too.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

Fruit nails have grown in popularity

According to Spate Data, “fruit nails” searches have grown 58% on Google since last year. There’s also been a 222.3% surge in popularity on TikTok, with nearly 2 million views per week on the app. While this fruit nail trend blurs the line between youthful and gawdy, there is a happy medium.

If you’re interested in this summer nail trend for your toes or fingernails, here are 15 suggested fruit nail options to choose from.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

I was stubbornly opposed to wearing shapewear in my twenties. The primary reason was I didn’t really need it. My mother and I had the same body type. When we gained weight, our thighs would get bigger but our waist would pretty much stay the same. As we got older, we both got those pesky jiggly arms (otherwise nicknamed “granny arms”), but I bought a set of 25-pound weights and followed the same weight training routine I had in college. That helped — sorta.

Recommended Read: “In the nude ~ When black women try to find ‘nude’ pantyhose for brown skin”

In my early 30s, it got a little tricky. I distinctly recall wearing a fitted dress to work once, and several people complimented me. A year later, I wore that same dress, and one of the sports writers asked our boss, “Is it offensive to ask if a woman is expecting?” (This was also the same jackass who said, “Who cares if Tubman makes it onto the $20 bill?” I was not a fan of the man. When his group birthday card circulated, I quickly passed it on to the next person.)

Subscribe now

Although I wanted to take his baseball cap off and slap him with it for the Tubman comment, he wasn’t wrong about the pregnancy question. I’d started to grow a “pooch belly” — a phrase my grandfather found absolutely hilarious. It’s smaller than a foopa, more like a slight pouch.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

At the time, I was stubbornly determined not to buy shapewear and chose sit-ups and lifting weights. I was also wondering how long I was going to stay in denial about the pooch belly while I grumpily complained that being a vegetarian for then-10 years was a waste if I was going to get a gut anyway. So, I finally went to a department store and bought a couple shapewear apparel that I absolutely hated and promptly returned.

Recommended Read: “‘Savage’ Streaming and Smart Business ~ How Fenty Beauty and YouTube Changed the Fashion Industry”

Here are six lessons I’ve learned about shapewear — even after I somehow got rid of the “pooch belly” at 43. (I expect it to haunt me and return in the winter though. It’s always lurking around, ready to make another appearance.)

6 lessons about shapewear

1. Don’t get too attached to shapewear if your breasts are still growing.

I thought I was completely done with puberty by college graduation. I’d been a 32C for the entire four years. And then my mother started jokingly calling me “Dolly Parton.” I rolled my eyes at her and ignored the wisecracks. The only problem was I was suddenly spilling out of all of these expensive bras I’d already bought from Victoria’s Secret. She noticed my chest was getting bigger before I did.

I finally went into a Victoria’s Secret store and got a proper fitting. Turns out I’d grown into a 36DD. I tried on that larger bra and instantly felt more comfortable — and to my delight, there was a clearance sale on DD bras. I bought an entire table of them. Each regular price for these 10 bras was about the price of a name-brand T-shirt. I kept returning on clearance days until I had a few weeks’ worth of bras.

For some weird reason, entirely too many shapewear brands don’t take into account top-heavy women. This Mooslover woman makes a solid point. Shapewear can leave a weird dent in the middle of your chest — or you have to buy shapewear that stops just under the waist.

2. Wear waist-high shapewear around the house first.

If you’re a fan of Wanda Sykes, then you’ve seen her comedy skit about Esther and how her Spanx would roll down. And discreetly fixing rolled-down shapewear is about like fixing an open pants zipper. There is no cool way to do it, and you’ll have to go to a restroom. But if you buy shapewear that actually stays in place — and without crushing your ribs — this is a relief. Just make sure it’s not the kind of shapewear that feels like uncomfortable underwire bras. (Another comedian, Whitney Cummings, described underwire bras as feeling like you’re leaning on a gate. And cheap bras definitely have that gate feeling.)

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

3. Find shoulder straps that don’t dig in your skin — or have optional strapless shapewear features.

This gets very tricky for top-heavy women. Just like shapewear can roll down if your pooch belly (or foopa) wins the battle, the same goes for strapless shapewear. Never feel like you must pull your shapewear up over your boobs the entire night. You’ve clearly brought the wrong size. (Some brands recommend going a couple of sizes higher if you wear a C-cup or larger, so the boob area will fit correctly even if it’s a little looser in the waist area.) If you just don’t trust not wearing straps, make sure the material is breathable and not biting into your skin.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

4. Decide ahead of time whether you’re going for a totally different body or a realistic body.

I laughed one time when a co-worker at another job took a photograph of me sitting down at my desk. I was wearing a fitted T-shirt and jeans. If I stood up, no pooch belly. But when I sat down, the pooch belly appeared. My blunt friend said, “Suck it in” to me before he took the photograph. I gave him a thumbs up, kept the same grin on my face and sat up a little straighter. Great pic! And I appreciated that he was honest because I would’ve asked him to take the photograph again if I hated it. It’s not like I wanted to change my shirt or my jeans, but I knew my best angles.

The same rules apply to shapewear. Some people buy shapewear to lift the butt up, squeeze the waist in like Betty Boop and push the chest out. I don’t want any of these body-morphing tricks. I still want the shapewear to look like my natural body but with a slightly sleeker build. I have zero problems in the butt or breast area, so that would just look over the top if I bought shapewear that brought even more attention to it. Know what you will and won’t be comfortable wearing before you buy the first shapewear in your size. You may find that you don’t like these enhancements.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

5. Take Meagan Good’s advice about wearing something you’re comfortable in.

Years ago, in a magazine article that I’ve completely forgotten the publication date of, Meagan Good said she insisted on never wearing an outfit that you’re not comfortable in. I took that piece of advice and have been using it ever since. No matter how magical you want your shapewear to be, the confidence of that outfit is 99% in your face. If you don’t walk and talk like you enjoy being in this outfit, take it off. Nothing is going to fix that energy but another outfit. And it’s very possible that the outfit you flaunted last month may be a dud this month. Be prepared for a Plan B outfit.

Recommended Read: “My 11:11 list: Getting fit and melanin-rich ~ Top 5 early-morning-fitness routines with women of color”

6. Dance in your shapewear.

I never leave a store without going into a fitting room and dancing in front of the mirror — ever. Why? In college, during that same weight training class, I went from a size 12 to a size 6 within a couple of months, and all of my pants were falling off. A belt didn’t help. I went to a college outdoor party and had to wrap my jacket around my waist. I earned enough money at my part-time job to buy a bunch of new jeans. (It was the bra situation all over again — but earlier.) To make sure my new jeans fit correctly, I started dancing in the fitting room. Twenty-plus years later, I still do this long after I stopped wearing a size 6.

Recommended Read: “If the technology fits, wear it ~ The missed potential of virtual fitting rooms”

Dancing is a blast to me anyway. Another reason I dance in retail stores or boutiques is so I can see how the shapewear or the outfit moves when I move. If it’s getting caught under this arm, this leg or riding into your bottom, buy something else. You don’t have to put in a full Chris Brown or Teyana Taylor routine to figure this out. You can “keep it cute” and two step. Whatever dances you would do at whatever event you’re attending, do that dance. If you feel completely uncomfortable and your outfit looks weird while you’re doing the move, find another outfit or find better shapewear. Onlookers should be admiring your moves, not wondering if they should look away so you can get your clothes together.

My morning routine from a size 6 to a size 12 (and everything in between)

Every single day, regardless of what I weigh, I am adamant about doing 10 minutes of meditation and a minimum of 15 minutes of some kind of high-energy exercise routine. Sometimes I’m just dancing around (“Boots On the Ground” anyone?) or learning Kukuwa Fitness moves. Other times it’s pilates, yoga, boring squats, planks and chair poses against a wall. But if you do this long enough, you’ll get to a point where you feel weird not exercising to start your morning. Staying active — along with walking my dog three times each day no matter what the weather is — also does a world of good for my mental health. Get comfortable in your clothes and in your head at all times.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

I couldn’t picture a Chipotle Mexican Grill bag. It was my first thought when hearing about the “tatted like a Chipotle bag” buy-one-get-one-free campaign today, Friday the 13th. And I should know what it is.

Fresh out of college and signing up for odd jobs, one of the first ones I agreed to was mystery shopping at Chipotle. I’d never heard of the company, but it only took me one visit to decide I would be a repeat customer long after I stopped getting paid to eat at Chipotle. More than 20 years later, I finished watching Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and beelined straight for Chipotle to buy my usual: a Sofritas side, a guacamole side and a bag of chips. Even if I buy a burrito or tacos, I still always get the usual.

While other burrito companies keep trying to compete with Chipotle, Chipotle always got a glowing review from me on my mystery shop forms. But I still couldn’t picture that bag. And this is why Chipotle’s campaign is smart. While the more superstitious among us are worried about Judas, unlucky moments or any excuse to see Jason Voorhees movies today, I was fixated on finding a picture of that Chipotle bag.

Where did “tatted like a Chipotle bag” come from, and why are people with tattoos (including me because technically I have five tattoos) getting BOGO deals for looking like they’re “tatted like a Chipotle bag”?

Recommended Read: “Why everybody should wait until they're 30 to get the first (of any) tattoo ~ From initial tattoo to cover-up, should Black people only hire Black tattoo artists?”

This was a smart move on Chipotle’s part. If regular customers (and even mystery shoppers hired to dissect everything in the multinational chain of fast casual restaurants) couldn’t recall what it looked like, that was going to pique their interest enough to look up the site or app. And I did. Ah ha!

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

So if you’re “tatted like a Chipotle bag” (or look like Maroon 5’s Adam Levine), you may be eligible to get a limited-edition collection of 13 temporary tattoos that feature designs inspired by iconic elements of the brand, including its real ingredients, that recognizable black fork, water cup and "Chipotle is my life" slogan.

Flash tattoo sheets will be issued with in-restaurant orders in 13 Chipotle restaurants from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time on Friday the 13th while supplies last.

• Atlanta: 3424 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

• Austin: 801 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701

• Chicago: 316 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601

• Columbus: 1726 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201

• Denver: 1644 E. Evans Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80210

• La Jolla: 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite 209, La Jolla, California 92037

• Las Vegas: 2540 S. Decatur Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102

• Los Angeles: 301 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90004

• Miami: 891 South Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33130

• New York: 864 Broadway, New York, New York 10003

• Portland: 240 SW Yamhill Street, Portland, Oregon 97204

• Philadelphia: 1000 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146

• San Francisco: 3251 20th Avenue, San Francisco, California 94132

• Scottsdale: 15425 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

Are you nowhere near these restaurants? You may still be able to participate in the BOGO Friday the 13th Chipotle deal, which is limited to five free menu items per checkout and is subject to availability.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for each sale made with my referral links on this page.

Each free item requires purchase of an entrée item of equal or greater value, and it may only be collected by a tattoo-wearing customer. It doesn’t have to be a real tattoo. It can also be a temporary tattoo or a drawn-on tattoo, determined at the sole discretion of restaurant staff. This BOGO Chipotle campaign is valid only on Friday the 13th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time — the same time as the fake tattoo giveaway.

It is not valid for catering, mobile, online or delivery orders. Kids' meals do not count as an entrée purchase. Purchased entrées are still eligible for Chipotle Rewards points, but “tatted like a Chipotle bag” participants cannot use coupons, promotions or special offers.

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

Writer’s note on June 9, 2025: A few days after writing this post, I just kept wondering about the difference between a lilac bush and a lavender plant. Although they’re both purple and bushy when they bloom, the leaves on a lilac tree are broad and heart-shaped. Lavender, on the other hand, has thin, needle-like leaves. Although the tree mentioned below is brown all around right now (and at the time the arborist was working in our lawn) and I can’t see the difference in the flower heads, several reverse image searches have confirmed that I may have misunderstood the arborist. This may be a lilac bush. With that said, the purple interior design theme works for both!

One of the coolest parts about being a homeowner is being able to make the house your own. Two years into buying my own condo, guests would come over and say, “This looks like you.” And only the people who know you well know what “you” looks like. But it can get a little tricky when it comes to living in a multi-unit building.

Subscribe now

In that case, the communal area, such as the garden, has to be a happy medium for everyone. I learned that the hard way as a prior condo board president, who was working with two other board members to get our garden in order.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

At the time, I was nowhere near having a green thumb and couldn’t have told you the difference between a hosta and a chrysanthemum. It was all just “garden stuff” to me. But the condo board treasurer was a gardener who could dissect plants as well as my grandfather. I let her take the lead on pricing, structure, grass length, and which plants to remove and add. She even had her husband stop by and dig up a few weeds, planting some of her own hostas in the lawn.

Once we agreed on a professional gardening company to handle the rest (it had been abandoned once our property manager’s contract ended, including a big slope where dirt should’ve been and weeds were overpowering the grass), we were all set to sign off. Although we gave up on the nuisance of an apple tree that was leading to pests in our yard, we agreed on which bushes to remove.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral links.

But there was another problem. While some of those bushes we wanted to remove were about 85% leaning on our property, the roots of these trees were on our neighbor’s side. That meant our arborist couldn’t legally remove them. There was also one moment when he stopped and looked at me curiously, after I complained about a nuisance tree that looked like it was shrugging at us.

What I thought was a weed bush turned out to be a lavender tree. It just needed a little tender loving care to get back to looking how it should look. After a bit of pruning and trimming, it started to look better. Even though it was in an area toward the back of our building that was way too shady for the six or so hours that a lavender tree needs, he did what he could to get it back to looking how healthy lavender trees should look. From that point forward, when I look in the lawn, I look at that tree a little differently — and lavender in general.

So, when I heard about a recent home trend — lavender summer trend — it made me wonder how I could incorporate it into my own home. While I had no interest in the lemon girl trend, the butter yellow trend or garden trends, my home already has a natural aesthetic. Tomatocore was OK, but I prefer maroon over brighter red trends like this one or the Unexpected Red Theory. (As much as I like vanilla trends, it looks like a headache to keep clean as a dog owner. I’m already fighting the good fight with Sweeper Sundays of my beige couch.)

However, lavender seemed doable. If you’re interested in adding a touch of lavender (and not just the trees outside), here are 13 suggested items to consider in your own home (including your woman cave) or office.

1. Lavender Wreath

2. Lavender (Artificial) Flowers

3. Lavender (Real) Flowers

4. Lavender Fragrances and Candles

5. Lavender Eye Mask

6. Lavender Tea

7. Lavender Electronics

8. Lavender Laundry

9. Lavender Sheets

10. Lavender Pillows

11. Lavender Chairs

12. Lavender Bath and Shower

13. Lavender Pet Care

Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “AAC-PACK,” “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the monthly post on the third Thursday. Thanks for reading!

I’ve come a long way with electric nail files, specifically pet Dremel tools. I went from my dog hiding behind a couch pillow when I tried to clip her nails to her walking right up to me, swiping her paw across my arm and marching to the kitchen cabinet where her Dremel is. It is the most unsubtle, comical way to ask for a mani-pedi, but she has done it one too many times to be coincidental.

That, or she starts aggressively scratching the carpet I placed in one of her crates. If I see her doing it and know it’s not to get comfortable, I start walking toward the kitchen. If my guess is right, she follows me as I pull out her dog bag. As soon as she sees the soft-padded muzzle, she shoves her snout in the opening and sits down. (I used the muzzle in the early days so she wouldn’t try to bite the Dremel. Nowadays, I skip the muzzle 50% of the time. I treat it like an optional dog coat.)

Subscribe now

When I saw Russian manicures trending on TikTok, Junee (my Hound mix) was the first image that popped into my mind. Unlike manual dog nail clippers, a Dremel works much faster and I’m not playing guessing games.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I prioritize featuring intriguing products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses. All five of my Substack publications include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a VERIFIED Black-owned business.

Is a Dremel for dogs similar to an electric filer for humans?

Sorta. With a Dremel for dogs, the grinder on the rotary tool will shorten the nail gradually. (I tried manual dog nail clippers before. I was done with those things after one try. My dog’s nail started bleeding, and I tapped out.) With a Dremel, we have a system down where she holds her paw still. When I get too close to the quick, she stiffens and moves her paw away. I move to the next nail. No styptic powder needed. No towels. I even have an option to use a nail guard attachment and switch the speed settings. The only thing Junee walks away with is shorter nails, homemade dog treats or a baby carrots.

Can you give yourself a Russian manicure at home with an electric nail file?

I suppose you could. I, personally, went to a dog groomer first so I could see how electric nail files work, how long the dog’s nails should be when they’re done and to get some grooming tips. I strongly recommend letting a professional human manicurist do a Russian manicure first to watch the process before doing this on your own.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage for every purchase with my referral link.

For the same reason I went to a beauty salon for several years before testing out perming my own hair, which I have been doing since I was about 13 years old and made side money doing it for family members and college friends, I made a point of learning what I was doing correctly so I wouldn’t ruin somebody’s hair or scalp.

Three decades, no hair accidents! Ironically, I got three scalp burns while being styled by a couple of professional beauticians in my early childhood years. Around my pre-teen years, I would speak up more about when and what brands to use, not sitting there while letting “the perm set in” and not doing four-week-touchups. My hair immediately started growing much healthier, and the scalp burns were nonexistent.

ADVERTISEMENT ~ Amazon

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases using my referral links.

No one knows your hair, your nails or your body better than you. You’re living in them all day long. This is why my dog is so comfortable with me filing her nails. She knows I’m watching and listening to her reactions instead of just telling her what the final product should look like. Same goes for why my grandfather, who lived to be 95, trusted me to give him pedicures when he was no longer limber enough to clip his own nails. I watched my grandfather’s reactions and proceeded until he started gushing over how “pretty my feet look without turning blue.” (I don’t know why, but I was obsessed with painting my toes periwinkle and deep blue. Every single time I walked around barefoot, he’d go, “Your nails are blue” like I had no idea. I still like these colors but not as much as I did in my 30s.)

How do you give yourself a Russian manicure?

(Note: While the rest of this post is written exclusively by Shamontiel, the tools and instructions for a DIY Russian manicure have been reviewed and edited from ChatGPT. The remaining text underneath the directions is Shamontiel, not AI.)

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric nail file (e-file)

• Cuticle and smoothing bits (diamond or carbide)

• Fine sanding bands

• Cuticle nippers or scissors (optional)

• Base coat, gel polish and top coat

• Cuticle oil

Russian Manicure Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Sanitize hands and tools.

2. Remove old nail polish.

3. Lightly buff the nail surface to remove shine.

4. With the electronic nail file, select a fine diamond bit designed for cuticle cleaning.

5. Set the e-file to low speed.

6. Gently push back and lift the cuticle by running the bit around the nail plate edge.

7. Use a flame or ball bit to remove excess cuticle.

8. Switch to a sanding band or a fine bit to smooth the nail plate near the cuticle.

9. If necessary, use nippers — or small scissors — to trim any lifted or loose cuticle. (Do not cut live skin.)

10. File nails to the desired shape.

11. Buff the surface lightly to smooth imperfections.

12. Use a lint-free wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and oils.

13. Apply a thin base coat and cure under an LED/UV lamp.

14. Apply gel color in thin layers, curing each layer.

15. Finish with a top coat and cure.

16. Apply cuticle oil to nourish the skin.