In xoNecole's Dope Abodes, we tour the living spaces of millennial women, where they dwell, how they live, and the things they choose to adorn and share their spaces with.
The stay-at-home struggle isn't nearly as stressful when you actually like where you live, which is exactly why Atlanta-based plant mom Domonique Shante has carefully curated a simple sanctuary that meets her needs in all the best ways.
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
Before the pandemic, Domonique invited xoNecole into her dope abode for an exclusive home tour where she gave us all the details on how to make your home a hub for creativity, which, according to this marketing manager starts with making your space your own. "I wanted to slowly put together a more eclectic feel. Because when I first moved in, it was very minimalistic and everything was cream. I liked that but it's not super practical to keep that up and it just got kind of boring after a while."
"I started l switching things up and putting things in different random places," Dominique explained, "Like my 'Brainstorm Boulevard' sign––I found that a marketing trade show––and I just threw that in there."
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
As the creator of the Livre Cafe, an online book club community with a focus on Black literature and art, the budding horticulturist says that she often retreats to her creative corner whenever she's feeling inspired. A dedicated plant mom, artist, and book enthusiast, Domonique shared that because she wears so many creative hats, it was important that her dwelling keep that same energy. She told xoNecole, "It's a very open space, like a blank canvas. I get to do whatever I want with it."
We talked more with Domonique about her museum of books, why every home needs a creative corner, and how she keeps more than 15 house plants alive and thriving at the same damn time. Here's what we learned:
*Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Book Club
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
Reading represents a large part of Domonique's identity. As an avid reader, she has a goal to read at least 30 books a year. That passion was partially what led to her founding her company, Livre Cafe. The other part? A lack of representation. "I've always been a reader. I've always loved reading. And it got to the point where I would go out, I would buy books, I would see what's popular, what should I read next. And it was all either white artists or white writers or white adjacent. So I was like, you know what, I'm gonna just put it put together a blog so everybody can have at least a syllabus or somewhere to refer to you if they want it to read Black stories by Black people."
Her love of Black literature also lends itself to a lot of her apartment's decor choices. "I like to use my favorite things as decorations. I like plants as decorations. I love to even use books as decorations, and I change things around a lot. So, I strategically placed certain books in certain places just as representations of who I think I am."
Nature Feels
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
The 29-year-old considers her 15 plants her babies and named them all, sometimes after writers she loves. From the fiddle-leaf fig named Malachi to the snake plant and pearl plant named Audre Lorde and James Baldwin respectively, her creativity drips even from the leaves of the unique decorations that line her place.
For anyone who desires to hone their green thumb, Domonique offered this sage advice: "The easiest way to become a plant mom is to buy two plants, learn what your plants are, and learn how to take care of them. Once you master the plant that you have, or the plants if you want two––I always say get two to start––but once you master the ones you have, then you become more comfortable and you can get more."
Around The Globe
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
Domonique incorporates tangible memories she brings back from her travels into her space as well. She noted an eclectic cushion she got from Morocco as well as bookends she brought from her time in Wales and Amsterdam as standout decor pieces that add color and texture to her home while adding a one-of-kind piece of history.
The Creative Nook
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
The living room of Domonique's two-bedroom apartment is one of her favorite spaces for a couple of reasons. Not only is it the focal point of her plant haven and extensive book sanctuary, it also doubles as her own creative space. "When I tell you this is my favorite spot in the house, this is my favorite spot," Domonique explained. "I haven't painted in a long time but I used to, that used to be part of my routine. I would come home, sit down for a minute, read, and then try to finish a painting. I still have three unfinished paintings over there that I haven't touched."
The Connecticut native's weapon of choice is acrylic on canvas, something she fell into because of the matriarch of her family. "My grandmother was an artist, so I used to paint with her and then I stopped. I don't really know why. She would buy me all these supplies and I just didn't do it. And it wasn't until actually after she died and she left me a bunch of her supplies, I brought them back home from Connecticut and I was like, 'I want to paint something.' And I just started painting after that."
Tuned-In
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
"My newest thing is my record player. I love it. My first record is a comedy record by Jimmy Walker. I'm a huge Good Times fan. So that's like one of my favorite things in my house right now other than my plants."
Click through the gallery below to tour her dope abode, as well as some of the intimate details that make her apartment feel like home:
Terrence Porter for xoNecole
For more of Domonique, follow her here!
Featured image by Terrence Porter for xoNecole.
RELATED
And that reminded me that I should share a list of them, en masse. Because, even though it is warming up outside, that doesn’t mean that you can’t turn your hot cup of herbal tea into a tall glass of iced herbal tea, right? I mean, especially since cool temperatures actually help to restrict your blood vessels which, in turn, can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Anyway, if like her, your allergies have you feeling some type of way and it ain’t very good, here are 10 teas that might make it easier to adjust to the pollen that, like clockwork, the spring season has to offer.
Unsplash
1. Peppermint Tea
If you enjoy the taste of mint, treat yourself to some peppermint tea over the next couple of weeks. Peppermint tea will bless you on a few different levels because it contains properties that will help to bring relief to gas and bloating; can give you an energy boost; help you to lose weight; help you to sleep more soundly, and peppermint tea can even help to ease menstrual pain discomfort.
The reason why you should try it for your allergies is since peppermint is able to relax your muscles and reduce pain, it may be able to soothe headaches and migraine tension that may be associated with them. Not only that but peppermint also contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, has menthol in it that can help to clear up your sinuses and, some studies even say that peppermint may assist in suppressing seasonal allergy-related symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing.
2. Ginger Tea
If your palate prefers tea that is on the spicy side, go with ginger. It’s also a tea that has quite a bit of health benefits including the fact that it eases nausea and morning sickness; can help to reduce the risk of heart disease; helps to regulate blood sugar; contains cancer-fighting properties; reduces oxidative stress, and it can bring relief to menstrual discomfort too.
And just how does ginger tea help on the allergies front? For starters, the compounds gingerol and shogaol help to reduce inflammation within your system. Also, one study revealed that ginger has the ability to decrease certain cytokines (proteins that are secreted by your immune system’s cells that monitor inflammation within your body) so that you don’t have to deal with things like having a runny nose or an itchy throat. Another perk that comes with ginger is it can help you to sneeze less. Interesting.
Unsplash
3. Lemon Balm Tea
What if something citrusy is more your thing? Lemon balm can (pardon the pun, considering the topic) scratch that itch, especially if you also have a taste for a tea that has a hint of sweetness to it. Health-wise, lemon balm tea is good for you because it helps to put you in a better mood; boosts cognitive function; helps to reduce anxiety and depression-related symptoms; improves your quality of rest; soothes indigestion, and contains pretty potent antiviral properties as well.
Another thing worth noting about lemon balm, is certain studies have revealed that by using it topically, it can reduce breakouts that are directly related to herpes (check out “If You Have Herpes, When Should You Reveal It To A Potential Partner?”).
Allergies-wise, lemon balm tea can be good for you because it is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which tend to work together to decrease symptoms that are associated with having allergies. However, it should go on record that if you happen to have some sort of thyroid issue, you should speak with your doctor before consuming lemon balm. Some studies say that high amounts of lemon balm can throw your thyroid hormones off a bit.
4. Green Tea
If any tea tastes kind of grassy or like a plant, green tea would be it — not really in a nasty way…it’s just kind of bland; however, it’s not anything that a teaspoon (or two) of honey can mask. Besides, the health benefits that come from green tea make it worth every sip because green tea can do everything from boost brain power, burn fat, and improve your oral health to lower your blood sugar levels, decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer and reduce your signs of aging.
The antioxidants in green tea can help to keep your immune system strong, which again, is always a plus as far as battling allergy symptoms are concerned. Green tea also has anti-allergenic agents in it that bring relief to sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.
Unsplash
5. Rooibos Tea
Sweet. Nutty. Woodsy. Earthy. A hint of vanilla. When trying to describe what rooibos tea tastes like, all of these things can certainly apply. Personally, I like rooibos tea because it has no caffeine while being high in antioxidants. Some of its other benefits include the fact that rooibos can help to lower your cancer risk; reduce symptoms that are related to diabetes; it helps to bring down your cholesterol levels; it helps to fade the appearance of wrinkles (over time), and is also good for your heart.
Rooibos can make your allergies easier to bear because it contains a flavonoid called aspalathin which helps to reduce the symptoms that are associated with having allergies including nasal congestion.
6. Nettle Tea
“Sweet and earthy” is how a lot of people describe the taste of nettle tea. If you’ve got a urinary tract infection (UTI), it can help to flush out the bacteria that causes it. If you have arthritic pain, it can help to bring you some much-needed relief. If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar levels under control, nettle tea can help with that as well as keeping your cholesterol levels where they should be; it even contains properties that can help to heal acne and eczema-related symptoms.
Your allergies won’t like nettle tea very much because it also works as a natural antihistamine; this means that it reduces symptoms that are associated with hay fever including sneezing and itchiness.
Unsplash
7. Chamomile Tea
There honestly aren’t too many things that chamomile tea can’t help to improve (check out “8 Teas That Are Really Good For Your Vaginal Health” and “Got A Killer Cold? These 10 Hacks Will Help You To Sleep Better.” and “10 Teas That Are Great For The Fall Season — As Far As Hair Growth Is Concerned”). Taste-wise, it’s mild, floral, and a little bit sweet. Health-wise, it reduces PMS symptoms, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps to keep your skin healthy, thanks to the properties in it that reduce breakouts and increase hydration.
Chamomile is also loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that help to bring relief to allergy symptoms. Chamomile also has anti-allergy properties in it that can block histamines and keep your eyes from watering up and your nose itching (although if you are allergic to daises, it’s best to avoid this tea because it belongs to the Asteraceae family…like daisies do).
8. Licorice Tea
To me, licorice tea is definitely reminiscent of black licorice although some people say that it’s a mixture of sweet and bitter flavors. And since licorice tea is basically made of licorice root, licorice root is good for you because it provides digestive support; can reduce acid reflux; helps to speed up the healing process of peptic ulcers; will fight reduce the bacteria that cause cavities, and it can even help to ease perimenopause/menopause-related symptoms.
The reason why licorice root can help you with your allergies is it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help your respiratory system in top shape. Also, it helps to soothe a sore throat, prevent a runny nose, reduce sneezing and nasal congestion and licorice can bring relief to itchy and watery eyes.
Getty Images
9. Black Tea
Black tea? Black tea is pretty robust with a smoky flavor and, if you’re looking for a coffee alternative, while it doesn’t have as much caffeine in it as java, it does contain more than green or white tea does. Moving on to how black tea can help out your health, it helps to strengthen your heart; lowers your risk of having a stroke; decreases your cancer risk; makes you more alert; reduces stress, helps your body to burn more fat, and even increases longevity.
Black tea may help to ease allergy-related symptoms because it has the flavonoid quercetin in it. Quercetin is great at fighting allergies because it hinders the release of histamines which helps to keep you from having a runny nose, hives, watery eyes, and face swelling. As a bonus, black tea contains anti-inflammatories and antioxidants too.
10. Yerba Mate Tea
This tea here has a bit of a unique flavor because it’s kinda smoky, kinda earthy, and kinda bitter — but again, if you add some honey to it, it could become a tea that you grow to really like; especially since it is able to do things like increase the quality of your workouts; help you to lose weight; give you more energy; lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels; improve the quality of your skin; make type 2 diabetes more manageable, and it can increase bone density too (which is important as you age).
Yerba Mate rounds out the list of teas that are wise to consume during allergy season because it reduces inflammation and it helps to fight off free radicals as well.
____
As the weather starts to heat up, it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated. And if you want to do so while being outdoors, now you have some teas that can help you to take in the sun without dealing (so much with) seasonal spring allergy symptoms. Drink up!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Tempura/Getty Images