This Year Has Taught Me So Much More About Gratitude

This year has taught me so much more about gratitude.

     

I have always been a person who was thankful for the great things in my life.  Life for me was never perfect.  I found myself at times complaining and although my complaints were valid, sometimes I would go on and on.  

Many times I would thank God for food, clothing, and shelter.  Constantly I prayed for a better life for me and my family.  Sometimes I had asked God why others had things that I didn't have and I never received an answer.   Often wondered why those answers never came.  

Then early March 2020 came.  I had gotten up very early and I decided that I was going to go to the mall.  I hadn't visited that mall in many years so I welcomed this day trip with open arms.  I went to various stores, then I had lunch.  I was really enjoying myself that day but I did notice that there was a slight eery feeling that I kept having.  I told myself that I wasn't really used to this mall so I overlooked this feeling.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love going to the mall to get out of the house and see the new things that are available.  When it was time for me to leave the mall I still had that eery feeling.   Fast forward to two weeks and there was talk about the Coronavirus pandemic.  There were so many people sick and many were dying.  So many eery images were shown on my television screen.  I had this heaviness that came over me.  I am sure a lot of you felt the same way.

Many days I felt like I was in the "Twilight Zone'  just walking and trying not to really think.  I lost some family members, not due to Covid19 but wasn't able to properly grieve.  Heard of friends of the family passing away.  It was just unbearable.  I quickly remembered the times that I complained.  I thought about the times that I felt that life was unfair.  Being able to breathe was a luxury because I now had to wear a mask everywhere I went.

People lost their jobs and some passed away because of their jobs.  The shopping mall closed.  Quickly I thought about the very things that I had taken for granted.  Life moved in a very weird way.  Going to the supermarket became such a chore but I was thankful that I had money to buy food because some people didn't.  We often wondered whether or not we would find toilet paper at the supermarket.  We all learned how to adapt to the way life was at that moment.

What I learned about gratitude this year has made me a better person.  Worrying about material things will not get you anywhere.  God will provide the things that we need.  That goes for clothing, food, and shelter.  Things will not be perfect in life so I have learned to be even more thankful. As bad as this pandemic has been, we are so blessed to have phones, computers, and social media to keep us connected to other people.

I am thankful that the shopping malls reopened five months ago and all of us are trying to return to normalcy.  This was a lesson for me to trust in God for everything in life.  To be thankful because you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.  

Grooming Products For Men

 Grooming Products For Men

This post contains affiliate links from Macy's Style Crew which means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

I love to bump into a man at the grocery store, elevator, or in passing, who smells good.  Making a great impression is essential to a man's career and general well-being.  Sometimes men get lost in the sauce which means that some retailers do not have as many new products for men as they do women. Because women are the biggest consumers of beauty products.

It is very important for men to use a daily face wash made specifically for men. This will keep the skin bump-free and hydrated.  For men who wear a beard a good beard oil will keep it looking moisturized and attractive. 

Macy's makes it easy to find all of your favorite products all in one place.  Men always need shaving products and hair clippers.  This will allow them to keep themselves well-groomed when home or traveling for business.

I think a man looks great with a fresh shave and haircut, it really makes him stand out and look handsome.  Macy's has grooming products for men's hair, skin, and shower gels that will make him look his best.

Some men have skin conditions such as; eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin that gets worse in the Fall and Winter due to cold weather and spending more time indoors. Men can get Winter acne just as well as women. Macy's has products that will keep the skin moist and will keep it in tip-top shape.

Macy's carry brands such as;

• Paul Mitchell
• Calvin Klein
• Giorgio Armani
• Remington
• American Crew
• Jean Paul Gaultier
• Yves Saint Laurent 
• Pilot Men's 
• Hawkins & Brimble
• Surker

There are many more products available.  These products make great gifts for the man in your life.  Right now it is good to have products on hand so a man can keep himself groomed without relying on the barbershop.  Sadly we had to learn this valuable lesson when we experienced shutdowns as a result of the pandemic.  

You can check out my Macy's Storefront right here for these products and many more.

Top Ten Fall Fashion Trends For 2020

 Top Ten Fall Fashion Trends For 2020

This post may contain affiliate links which means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  This helps me to bring you more and better content.

If you know anything about me, I love Fall.  I love to see the trees turn beautiful colors and the slight chill in the air.  What I love the most are the Fall fashions. You will see some gorgeous sweaters, pants, jackets and some cool looking hats. 

 There are so many ways that you can express yourself through Fall fashion.  Fall is a good time to revitalize your wardrobe. You can use a few pieces from last Fall but add in some new pieces to give yourself a new look. 

 In my wardrobe, I like to add some colorful boots in the mix to really make the colors in my outfit pop.  In recent weeks I have found some cute jeans and pretty sweaters in jewel tones that I cannot wait to start wearing.

Fall jewelry adds the right zing that you need to complete your outfit. My jewelry wardrobe consists of blingy pieces, ruby reds, emerald green, and lush sapphire blues.

I am adding a collection of items here that will be the top trends for Fall 2020.

                               Charter Club Petite Open-Front Cardigan Created For Macy's

                                         White Mark Women's Dakota Poncho

                                                  1.STATE Trendy Plus Size Cotton Colorblocked Sweater

                                     Levi's Women's Skinny Wedgie Jeans

                               William Rast Perfect Skinny Jean

                                  Lucky Brand Ava Skinny Jean

                                 Cole Haan Signature Asymmetrical Walker Coat

                             Alfani Petite Faux-Leather Mixed-Media Jacket Created For Macy's      

                                 Calvin Klein Women's Gara Booties

Franco Sarto Haylie Tall Boots

TubeBuddy is the best tool to help grow your YouTube channel

TubeBuddy is the best tool to help grow your YouTube channel



Image courtesy of TubeBuddy
Sashamoniquetalks.blogspot is a participant in the TubeBuddy affiliate program which means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Hello everyone, I want to talk to you today about a wonderful tool called TubeBuddy.  TubeBuddy is a tool that can help you to manage and grow your YouTube channel.  This tool is certified by YouTube and it has great features.  It is a browser extension that is easy to install and it will be right there for you when you are uploading your videos.

I am going to highlight the features right here.

• It can help your videos get to a higher search position
• Help you grow your channel by offering you the option of improving your thumbnails.  It can even help you create a thumbnail.
• You can test your thumbnail to see which one would be better for search.
• You can find out the best time when to upload your video.
• It has a keyword research tool where you will be able to find the best titles to use for your YouTube videos.
•  It has a tag explorer. It shows you what tags to add to your video.
• It has A/B testing where you will be able to compare video features so you can pick one that will make your video rate higher.
• They have a free and a paid version.  The free version is good but the paid version has more valuable features.
• You can publish directly to Facebook and Twitter.
• Health report to see exactly how your channel is performing.
• A video topic planner so you can plan the best video to get more views.
• Videolytics: To see advanced analytics and insights.

Cons:

• Some features are not available in the free plan.
• Doesn't have a lifetime subscription option right now.

As you can see, there are so many tools on TubeBuddy that you can take advantage of.  There are also more tools available that I didn't list because I didn't want to make this post too long.  There are not a lot of cons.

I decided to install TubeBuddy because my YouTube channel was not growing and I really needed some help.  It is now starting to grow and TubeBuddy makes it a whole lot easier to manage my YouTube channel without a whole lot of research on my part.  This tool is very safe to use!

If you are on the fence on whether you should get TubeBuddy, I suggest that you start with the free version to try it out.  Then upgrade your subscription to get more features that you will need on your YouTube journey.

Straight Talk Wireless Home Phone Landline Replacement Review

                            Straight Talk Wireless Home Phone Landline Replacement Review

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links where I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  I paid for this device with my own money.  This is an honest review.

Hello everyone, today I am doing a four-month update on the Straight Talk Wireless home phone service.  This phone system is a no-contract replacement for your landline phone.

Before I purchased this device I was looking for a phone service that would be affordable.  I saw other devices that I was interested in.  Most of the devices were dependent on the Internet to operate.  At that time, I had canceled my Internet service because of the high cost.  I looked on the Walmart website and I saw this device.

This device sparked my interest and when I was about to order it, it wasn't in stock.  I then looked on the Straight Talk Wireless website and they were out of the device so I waited two more days and I was able to order the device and the nationwide card.

When I received the device it really was funny looking.  It was very easy to set up the device.  The problem that I did have was getting my number ported and when I called the customer service number they kept switching me to someone else.  It was a pain in the neck!

This device looks like something out of the 1980s with the antennas!

Once I got everything straightened out I began to use this phone and was so surprised at how well it worked.  You will experience a weird screeching sound sometimes when someone calls but that is manageable because it doesn't happen all the time.

After four months I am still in love with this Straight Talk home phone because it is so affordable.  I only pay $16.33 including tax.  This is truly a landline replacement.  You can even use it as an office phone.  I do not regret this purchase one bit.  In fact, it is my favorite purchase of all time.

I did a video review on this product and you can see it right here. 

If you want to save money on your phone bills, think about purchasing this system because if you do not like it you can always send it back and get a refund.

Garnier Hair Care Whole Blends Ginger Recovery Strengthening Shampoo

Garnier Whole Blends Ginger Recovery Strengthening Shampoo

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links where I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Today I am reviewing the Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo.  This was my first time buying this product.  I was interested in this product after I read the label and it said that it had ginger and golden honey in it.

I have always loved the way ginger smell.  Today I convinced myself that I needed this shampoo in my life.  My hair is very dry and brittle.  Lately, I have been trying to pamper myself with good products and am working on improving the health of my hair.

I opened the cap and the herbal smell of ginger was intoxicating.  I  absolutely loved it!  This time I  did not get the conditioner but wish that I had.  The next day I washed my hair and this beautiful fragrance filled the air around me.  My hair felt very soft and I conditioned my hair with a hair conditioner that I already had at home.

Next, I combed my hair and didn't see as much hair in the comb as I usually did.  The fragrance still was noticeable but not too strong.  My hair is natural so I am very careful what I put on my hair.

This shampoo is a little pricey for the size of the bottle but, let me tell you, it was well worth it!

The bottle is a 12.5 FL OZ.  It is enriched with natural extracts and it is paraben-free.  Try it, you will love it!

How to become a better writer with Grammarly.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we will receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

How to become a better writer with Grammarly.

I have been writing for about six years and I love sharing my thoughts and point of view through my writing. Blogging has provided such a great outlet for me to express myself in ways that I never thought was possible.  There are times that you can be so busy writing and creating that you will make mistakes.  You will look over your work, yet still, make mistakes with grammar, spelling, and usage.

I tried Grammarly and I love how it will correct your spelling mistakes as well as your grammar.  With Grammarly, I am not nervous about submitting work with spelling and grammar errors no longer.  You only have one time to make a great impression, and that is the first time.  If you are seeking employment and your resume is full of spelling and grammar errors, I can guarantee you that you will not get the job.

This application will even let you know if you are being too wordy which I am at times.



Grammarly has allowed me to save time because everything will be clear and concise without spending hours proofreading.  Grammarly will make you a better proofreader if you are in that profession.

Pros and Cons of using Grammarly

Pros

• Very easy to use.
• Intuitive.
• It makes your writing more understandable.
• It is very affordable because they have a free version that is good but they also have a paid version that has more features.
• The paid version has a plagiarism feature that checks over 16 billion websites.
• It will naturally help to enhance your vocabulary.
• It is perfect for people who don't speak English well.

Cons

• The paid version can be a bit pricey.
• If you are using it on different browsers it will have to be installed on each one.
• You have to install it on every device that you are using whether it is your tablet or another computer in your home.

Who is Grammarly for?

• Students.
• Business people.
• Anyone who wants to write and speak better.
• Job seekers.
• Writers.
• Copywriters.
• Scriptwriters.
• Songwriters.

Check out Grammarly to see if it is the perfect fit for you!

Disclaimer:  All images on this page is courtesy of Pixabay

How to get out of a creative funk.

this post contains an affiliate link which means that we will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Image courtesy of Pixabay      

How to get out of a creative funk.      

This has been a difficult month for me.  I am not one to smile when I am going through issues in my life. This month taught me a lot of valuable lessons that I will never forget.  Wearing my heart on my sleeve is my greatest challenge.

It was hard for me to make the choice of whether to carry out all of my endeavors or to just take a break for a while.  I had to make myself snap out of it and find inspiration in many other ways.  I found myself in different locations and talking to new people.  Although I have experienced great sadness and some regrets, it helped me to move on and make some major decisions on how I will move forward.

The only person that you can change is yourself.  You can also remove yourself from any negative situations.  This is essential to healing your heart and your spirit.  My work is important to me and it keeps me going.  This year I want to express myself more in photos and continuing my product reviews.  Blogging makes me happy and it is my way of escaping.

How To Get Out Of A Creative Funk        

• Talk to some other people to find out what inspires them to go on.
• Go out in nature and admire the beauty that is readily available. This can help you to get those creative juices flowing.
• Do something different. Go somewhere and have lunch or dinner at a new place where you can meet some new friends who are creative like you are.  Take some new online courses; that is what I have been doing and it was very affordable.
• Evaluate yourself and be determined that you will put yourself first in life and your career.
• If you are lonely, get yourself a pet because I think that they bring out the best in people.
• Close the door to negative people who really don't care anything about you.
• Walk freely with your head held high and refuse to let people manipulate you.
• Wear bright colors because they make you feel more happy and optimistic.

Amazon Fire Tablet 2019 with Alexa (7" display, 16 GB) Review

This post may contain affiliate links 

Amazon Fire Tablet (7” Display, 16 GB) Review

Tablets are among the modern devices which allow you to browse the internet, listen to music, watch videos and also play your favorite games.

 They are just like laptops but they have a small design which makes them easy to carry.  Due to their compact design, you can easily fit them in your pocket when you don’t want to carry your laptop. 

Today there are so many tablets on the market which makes it hard to determine the best. In this article, we shall review Amazon Fire Tablet 7 which is among the most preferred tablets on the market.

What makes Amazon Fire Tablet 7 so Awesome?

Specs

Size - 7.6 x 4.5 x 0.4 Inches

1GB RAM

Dual-band Wi-Fi

Alexa Hands-Free

2MP rear and front cameras featuring 720p HD video recording

Fast 1.3GHz quad-core processor

Design

The first thing you will love about this device is that it has a sleek design and it also comes with a formfitting case. 

The inbuilt stand enables you to view in portrait and landscape orientation without using your hands. Again, it has a sturdy cover that remains closed by a magnet. 

The buttons, camera, and ports are very easy to access which means that it has a user-friendly design.

Entertainment  

If you are searching for a perfect device that will allow you to enjoy your favorite movies, games, apps songs and ebooks, this tablet is among the best. It allows you to stream videos from Netflix, Disney +, SHOWTIME and Prime Videos.

 This means that it gives you access to 450,000 audible titles, 570,000 games & apps and millions of songs. It also provides 7 hours of browsing the internet, listening to music and reading.

Who is it for?

The good thing about this device is that it can be used by anyone. Again, it allows the parent to create child profiles when they want to set educational goals, manage content or limit the screen time.

Pros

Long-lasting

90 days limited warranty

Excellent front camera

Classy colors

Decent price

Cons

Poor battery life

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amazon Fire Tablet 7 waterproof?

Unfortunately, this device is not waterproof.

Does it allow you to read and listen to a book at the same time?

Yes

Can you make voice calls with this device?

Even if this device is not a phone, it still allows you to make voice and video calls through apps such as Skype. 

Why do you need Amazon Fire 7?

If you have been searching for a perfect tablet, Amazon Fire 7 is among the rare devices that will give you excellent value for your money.

 You will find that it comes with many advanced features that you can rarely find in many models. It also comes with a decent price which makes it a great option for those who are on a tight budget.

SashaMoniqueTalks Product Review: Hollywood Beauty Argan Conditioner

This post may contain affiliate links which I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Hello everyone, I am reviewing the Hollywood Beauty Argan Conditioner.  This hair conditioner has been around for quite some time.  I saw it the other day at Walmart and decided to pick some up.
Lately, I have been gravitating towards products that I have used in the past and I know that they work well.

The Hollywood Beauty Argan Conditioner has a slightly fruity smell and it makes my hair soft.  My hair is still natural and I wash and condition it twice a week.  Have to keep that hair healthy under those wigs!

This hair conditioner is enriched with Argan Oil from Morocco. Argan oil is really good for keeping your hair moisturized and it keeps my hair from breaking off.

This bottle has 12 FL ounces.  I am really thinking about wearing my natural hair in natural buns and twist for Spring and Summer. This is a fantastic way to protect your hair from damage!

I didn't pay much for this bottle  and I was so glad to know that Walmart carries this product.  I will definitely be revisiting some of the other products made by this line.  If you have tried this conditioner please leave a comment in the comment section because I would like to know what you think about this product.

The danger of being on Social Media.

This post may have affiliate links where I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.


Image courtesy of Pixabay

When I began my journey in social media I had so much fun getting to know new people.  Finding new friends was quite easy because you are able to find friends who are very similar to you.  Many times I would rush home to get online to see who was doing what and also to get the latest gossip.

Social Media provided a way to de-stress.  After going through so many disappointments, my life now consists of people who are very encouraging and friendly.  Social Media gave me the tools to grow in my personal life and bought new opportunities to be creative and professional opportunities as well.

Image of the person in hoodie courtesy of Pixabay

So, I told you about some of the good things about Social Media, now on to the bad.  Social Media can be an uncertain place.  A place of anxiety because of some negative comments or creepy people wanting to see or know your every move.  We have so many people who watch us on platforms such as YouTube and some other sites and they start to have an obsession with you and your life.

I have seen this so many times and I have experienced it.  Do you think that it is safe to post all of your pictures, videos and other personal things that are going on in your life?  Of course not!  We have unknowingly opened the door for the "boogie man" to come through and find out about things that will put us at risk.


Image of dog, courtesy of Pixabay

You have to be careful about posting live videos and posting pictures of where you are because there is always someone watching.  Be sure to post after the events are over.  Do not tell everyone on Face book where you are going or your personal family business.  Never post anything regarding your kid's school or anything that would put them at risk.

I do not think that I will ever do a meet and greet because it opens up the door for someone who is mentally unstable to have contact with me.  Keep yourself safe at all times.  Keep cameras on the inside and outside of your home.  Wear a personal alarm system and get one for your children.

Make sure to get a home alarm system.  They do not cost that much these days.  Take notice if you see any suspicious activity online and around your home.  Check out your surroundings at stores and at the mall.  Do you see the same person showing up at different places?  Or unusual visitors coming to your house uninvited?   Document any and all threats that you get online and contact the police.

Put your family first!