Tis' the season for wine sipping and cheese eating! Not that this requires a specific season, but now more than ever, it seems Charcuterie boards are the new, hip thing. After trying one for myself, I completely understand why! They take very little time, they look super cute and classy, and they are the perfect addition to a glass (or more) of wine. With the pandemic, it is also a great way to try something new and host a small group of friends, instead of having to go out to a winery or somewhere public (cheaper, too!) The term "charcuterie" refers to assembling cured meats, for example: salami, prosciutto, bacon. However, let's be real to most of us.. it's a board filled with cheeses, meats, nuts, snacks, fruits and basically anything to please the eye and stomach. It can seem like a difficult task or like it requires much time, effort and money, but I promise it does not. Read below for tips on assembling your own & what types of goodies to include!

Assembling: 

Board: First, choose your board or what you want to put your food on. You don't need the finest "charcuterie board." I've seen people use large plates, and this is actually a cutting board. The goal is to not have much of the board showing any way. 

Start Big: Once you determine what you're putting it on, you can start your display. Start with your dishes and bowls if you are using any, as well as your cheeses and meats (these are the foundation). Spread them out in different places on your board. 

Next, I lay out the next biggest space filler, which is crackers and bread and then it's as simple as filling in the gaps. This is the most fun part because you can get super creative. I like to strategically separate different colors, for ex. I wouldn't put a red salsa or bruschetta next to pepperonis because they're both red. I can't exactly say how to do this part because it's totally your preference and what you like!

Observe: Stand back, take a look, and if something seems "off" just move it to a different spot. 

Tips: Try to use a variety of colors for a nice, vibrant look. Blueberries would have been a nice touch to mine, as I didn't include any blues. Another suggestion is to keep simple; I listed out quite a few suggestions, but just as a helpful guide- not because you should buy them all. Select a couple from a few categories to start. Lastly, try not to overthink (says the biggest over thinker I know) & Enjoy - in reality it's (hopefully) going to end up empty any way! 

Have fun y'all! Be sure to share your pictures with me on Instagram if you try one

In the beginning of this year, I often felt myself getting really down, especially after the loss of George Floyd. It is hard to be consistently filled with joy and happiness when you are watching lives end because of the color of their skin. As a bi-racial woman in her mid-20's, I kept thinking about future conversations I will have to have if I ever have a son, or if I would even be smart to bring a child into this crazy world. I could go on and on... however, after much reflection and conversation, I realized even when life's circumstances are extremely unfavorable, life is short and time is only passing us by. It is so important to try to find the light even when we are in the dark. It was a struggle at first, but I tried to focus on the blessings this year has brought. For example, being forced to quarantine allowed me more free time then I have had in years, lol!! I figured I better use that time to my advantage. I started cooking like I never had before, shoot I became a little chef, bartender, and baker, ha! I got back into fitness and got on a steady weekly routine and I started brainstorming ways to really jump back into content creating and stay consistent without burning out as I often found myself doing in the past. My main goal going forward is to expand to more lifestyle content, not just natural hair. My story and inspiration to create and empower stems from my natural hair journey, but my goal is to share content beyond that. I have worked hard to create and share a mission and brand that I can stick to.

Of course I felt like I couldn't get back into the swing of things without a GIVEAWAY because y'all know I love to share things with my social media fam, especially if they are free ;) I am so grateful for Mixed Chicks hair company for sponsoring my first giveaway back! This is the first company to ever sponsor a giveaway for me in 2016, the first brand I ever received a check from, and ironically they are also the first natural products I ever used on my hair. When I was younger and saw the words "Mixed Chicks" on a product, I remember feeling like they were designed just for me. I just had to have the whole product line. Years later, I still use and keep these products on my shelves. My favorite is and will probably always be the leave-in conditioner. The giveaway prize is a beautiful basket filled with products and goodies worth $100+ that will be shipped out to whoever wins. The giveaway will end on Sunday Oct 11th at 9 PM EST. Make sure to enter if you haven't. The rules can be found on my Instagram page (click here). GOOD LUCK!

I'm so happy to be back & doing what I love! Check out my updated 'About Me' page and please let me know if there's specific things you'd like to see, suggestions, etc. 

-Kait xo