Val

Happy black history month. If you're looking for black literature these are great places to start. Discover essential readings in Black literature with this curated list of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and groundbreaking autobiographies. Whether you’re a Black reader looking to connect more deeply with stories from across the diaspora, or a white or non-Black POC seeking to diversify your reading and better understand Black history, culture, and perspectives, this collection offers a powerful entry point. From iconic novels and poetic masterpieces to revolutionary essays and life-changing personal narratives, these works highlight the richness, resilience, and creativity of Black voices. Explore the books that shaped cultural movements, challenged systems, and continue to influence conversations on identity, race, liberation, and the Black experience. Perfect for readers, students, educators, and anyone committed to meaningful learning and representation, this list will help you build a more inclusive, informed, and transformative reading journey.

Discover a curated list of Korean skincare products that I’ve personally tested and truly recommend — perfect for normal to dry skin and gentle enough for almost every skin type. This collection features my go-to sunscreens, lip masks, toners, moisturizers, sheet masks, and pimple patches, all chosen for their hydration, barrier support, and real results. If you’re a brown-skinned or dark-skinned woman who’s cautious about K-beauty because of skin-bleaching concerns, this list is made with you in mind. Every product included here is safe, non-bleaching, and melanin-friendly, offering brightening in the sense of glow and even tone — never skin lightening. These formulas work beautifully on deeper skin tones without a white cast, harsh actives, or questionable ingredients. Whether you’re building a Korean skincare routine for the first time or upgrading what you already use, this guide highlights hydrating, barrier-strengthening, and glow-boosting products that actually work, coming from someone with normal-to-dry skin who’s tested them all. Perfect for skincare lovers, K-beauty beginners, or anyone looking for effective, gentle, and melanin-safe products.

Explore my curated list of Glossier favorites that I use every single day — perfect for anyone who loves the “clean girl aesthetic,” the no-makeup makeup look, or wants to ease into makeup with soft, natural finishes. This guide is designed especially for beginners, makeup-minimalists, and darker-skinned people of color who want shade references, gentle formulas, and products that actually work on melanin-rich skin. Featuring Glossier essentials like the UltraLip — an ultra-hydrating, tinted balm with beautiful color payoff — this list includes multiple shades swatched on my own lips so you can see how they look on real brown skin. These are effortless everyday shades that enhance your features without overpowering your natural look. You’ll also find my go-to brow products, perfect for shaping, lifting, or softly filling in — especially if you have thin brows and want a cleaner, polished look without doing too much. Plus, I’ve added my favorite skin tint, ideal for people who want breathable coverage that evens tone while still looking like skin. Whether you’re transitioning into makeup slowly, building a minimal routine, or looking for Glossier products that flatter deeper complexions, this list brings together my real daily staples, tested, loved, and melanin-approved. Perfect for anyone craving simple beauty, natural finishes, and confidence without the heaviness of full glam.

For women who aren't fragrance connoisseur but want to smell expensive and feminine. These I find to be the most universally liked fragrances that are available most places perfumes are sold. The best way to describe these scents is that they smell like how "women's perfume" is supposed to smell: classic ✨ Most links here are from Ulta Beauty or Macy's (so if u see duplicates it's the same product but on a different site so you have options for sets, sizes, and price)

Stay warm and stylish this winter with my curated list of true cold-weather essentials — made for women who live in cities like NYC, Chicago, Toronto, and anywhere frostbite is a real threat. Forget the LA-style “winter outfits” that don’t survive below 40°F; this guide highlights the coats, layers, accessories, and thermal pieces that actually keep you warm without sacrificing fashion. Featuring a mix of affordable basics and investment pieces that are genuinely worth every dollar, this list breaks down what you need to build cold-proof outfits: insulated coats, chunky scarves, touchscreen gloves, fleece-lined tights, snow-proof boots, earmuffs, hats, and the under-layers that make the biggest difference. Accessories are the secret to surviving brutal winters, and I highlight the ones that elevate your outfit while protecting you from the cold. Perfect for women who want to look put-together in slushy commutes, windy train platforms, icy sidewalks, and real below-freezing temperatures, this guide helps you stay cute, cozy, and fully prepared for winter’s worst.

For women/teenage girls who have severe pms/period symptoms, and/or PMDD. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, chronic form of PMS. It causes debilitating mood swings, depression, and physical symptoms during the two weeks before your period. These help with cramps, mood swings, and overal health. Periods dont have to be hard. Creating a wellness ritual can actually make you manage better, minimise your pain and makes your life that much easier. Having periods is only a punishment when you treat it like a nuisance in your life instead of a life/biological cycle that requires its own care, honoring, ans surrender.

Cotton On basics (Mostly cotton clothes). Tops that are basics but put your outfit together and fit so well you always look put totgether effortlessly

A list of tools for those living with chronic pain whether from injury or illness. I myself struggle with this so this is literally what I use. I hope this helps and we can all reduce and manage our pain. With love 💕

Affordable Renter firendly home decore tools. Includes wallpapers, shelf organizers, etc

For art lovers, and Newbies who are trying to get into drawing, painting, or coloring. Features mostly affordable supplies, but some higher end investments that are well worth the splurge.

Want to get into poetry but didn't like the ones you read in school? Here's my list of poetry books that can help you build an appreciation for poetry. Poetry anyone can enjoy. Too often poetry feels pretentious, but these works make you FEEL. And that is the purpose of poetry.