It is a new month, meaning xoNecole has a new batch of monthly horoscopes for each sun sign. March starts off on a high note with Mars transitioning into Gemini which brings out the social butterfly in us all. A magical New Moon in Pisces inspires us to believe in the miracles and the unseen forces that are always conspiring in our favor. Towards the end of the month, the Sun and Venus shift into Aries with the change of the season. Spring has finally arrived and is breathing new life into us all. The month wraps up with a Full Moon restoring balance to our lives and rewarding us for our past efforts.
Check out the horoscopes below to see what's in store for your zodiac sign this month!
Aries
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The month kicks off with your ruling planet, Mars, entering Gemini which will have you busier than usual with your daily tasks. Take your time if you're signing any contracts over the next couple months since your mind is moving quicker than it already does. The New Moon on the 13th invites you to complete a chapter of your life that's been weighing you down. *Cues Erykah Badu's "Bag Lady"*. With Mars squaring off with this part of your chart, be mindful of emotional outbursts around this time. You can always save an important conversation for later if you're feeling overwhelmed.
On the 20th, the Sun shifts into your sign to reinvigorate your spirit for your birthday season. With Venus following behind the next day, the blessings finally start trickling in. People are attracted to your dynamic personality and willingness to take risks which is the attitude you need for the new opportunities coming your way. The month wraps up with a Full Moon encouraging you to reassess the dynamics of your closest relationships—both personal and professional. A severance of ties may be necessary if both parties can't get on the same page.
Taurus
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The month begins with Mars transitioning from your sign into Gemini which will have you exerting most of your energy towards finances and security. This is also a powerful time for overcoming any fears and insecurities that have been holding you back from living your best life. The New Moon on the 13th invites you to expand your social network, whether online or in real life. Your support system is an important part of your growth so lean into your community to secure your success!
The Sun shifts into Aries on the 20th, encouraging you to unplug from the daily grind to prioritize your self-care. You'll likely feel more tired when the Sun is in this part of your chart so give yourself the gift of rest by scheduling a nap into your daily routine. When Venus joins the Sun, you could find yourself on the receiving end of someone else's moodiness. See it for what it is and choose your battles wisely. In some cases, it's more satisfying to know why someone is acting out than to call them out on it. The month wraps up with a Full Moon, helping you kick a bad habit to the curb once and for all.
Gemini
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March begins with Mars leaving Taurus and entering your sign on the 3rd which will have you busier than usual over the next couple of months. You may have felt your energy lagging in January and February but you're in for a major shift with Mars transiting through Gemini. You're also more prone to accidents at this time, making it super important for you to be more present. On the 13th, the New Moon is ruffling your feathers when it comes to your career development. This challenging aspect can either make you or break you. Use this energy to fuel some much-needed change in this area of your life. Also consider ways in which you're giving your power to an authority figure and how you can reclaim your sovereignty.
On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Aries, highlighting your friends and social network. As the saying goes, "Teamwork makes the dream work." Gather together with some of your faves, especially if you have a lofty goal or idea that needs the support of others. When Venus joins the Sun, luck is on your side if you're looking for love on a dating app. People are captivated by your light-heartedness which will help you win over a romantic suitor or some new followers on the Gram. The month ends on a high note with a romantic Full Moon, encouraging you to enjoy a date night or some self-pleasure. Whatever you do—enjoy yourself!
Cancer
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The month begins with Mars entering Gemini on the 3rd, inviting you to disconnect from the daily grind to reconnect with your spiritual sustenance. Meditation and prayer will benefit you over the next couple of months along with an earlier bedtime. Your dreams will be extremely vivid so make sure to document them in a journal or your notes app to decipher the messages. On the 13th, a magical New Moon encourages you to take a different path when it comes to your spiritual beliefs. Be open to learning about new ideologies and practices that are in alignment with this more evolved version of yourself. Traveling can also provide you with a more expanded perspective about life.
On the 20th, the Sun enters Aries which has you feeling the pressure to make some changes in your career path. You have the power to be overcome any obstacles. Believe in yourself and trust that the Universe is always conspiring in your favor. When Venus enters this part of your chart, you could be attracting love and opportunities from someone in a position of influence. Hello, power couple! March wraps up with a Full Moon likely resulting in a relocation in the near future. This is also a supportive time for rectifying generational patterns so you can set your lineage up for success!
Leo
Laci Jordan for xoNecoleThe month kicks off with Mars entering Gemini on the 3rd which has you exerting your energy towards your friends and social networks. You've got the gift of gab during this transit so use it to your advantage. Just take your time when communicating as you'll have a tendency to spout out the first thing that comes to your mind. On the 13th, the New Moon could have you joining forces within a professional or personal relationship that will lend to greater financial security. This is the perfect time to apply for a loan or grant if you need some extra assistance.
The Sun shifts into your sister sign, Aries, on the 20th which has you feeling restless and ready for a new stamp in your passport. Now that Mercury Retrograde is over, you've got the go-ahead to plan your Spring Break vacation. When Venus meets up with the Sun, you could suddenly find yourself boo'd up with someone that you meet during your travels or who lives at a distance from you. Opportunities to share your expertise are also likely to arise during this transit, making this a good time to publish your e-book, launch that course, or host a Clubhouse room. March wraps up with a Full Moon on the 28th, placing you in the spotlight. Your ideas are next-level and people are eager to absorb anything you're willing to share. Social media is a powerful tool for you throughout the month so use it your advantage!
Virgo
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The month begins with Mars shifting into Gemini on the 3rd which has you hyper-focused on leveling up in your career path. Important conversations and meetings are bound to take place over the next couple months, assuring your long-term success and security. Just be mindful of butting heads with anyone in a position of power. Choose your battles wisely and play your cards right. The New Moon on the 13th invites you into a new partnership—whether personal or professional. Your excitement over this connection may take you by surprise which runs the risk of you getting carried away a little too soon. Pace yourself, boo! Long-lasting, solid connections take time to build.
On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Aries, illuminating some your deepest fears but also granting you the confidence to overcome any hurdles that inhibit you from living up to your fullest potential. This transit will challenge you to stop overthinking things and to act on your instincts instead. Trust your intuitive promptings! When Venus enters this part of your chart, you could find yourself on the receiving end of someone's projected anger. Keep your distance from this person to avoid any unnecessary drama and to not internalize the mess that they have going on. The month ends with a Full Moon, helping you resolve a financial matter that's been weighing heavy on you.
Libra
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March kicks off with Mars entering Gemini on the 3rd which has you feeling restless for a much-needed vacation. Now that Mercury Retrograde is over, this is the perfect time to plan a Spring Break getaway. Your desire to learn during this transit is heightened as well, making this a supportive time to go back to school, stock up on some new books, or get into some extensive online research. The New Moon on the 13th encourages you to start a new exercise routine. This is also a powerful time to kick bad habits rooted in escapism. Ultimately, it's time to create a healthier lifestyle for yourself.
On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Aries, highlighting your partnerships and contractual agreements. It's important that you assert your needs within any imbalanced relationships. Awareness of your boundaries and expectations is only half the battle. You also have to communicate them to others. When Venus meets up with the Sun, you could suddenly be attracting new work opportunities due to your assertiveness. This isn't the time to play modest, love. Hype yourself up and sell yourself—especially if you're interviewing for a job. Highlighting your leadership skills will bode exceptionally well. The month wraps up with a Full Moon in your sign releasing you from that bad feeling of putting yourself first. Everyone else does it, so why shouldn't you?
Scorpio
Laci Jordan for xoNecoleThe month begins with Mars shifting into Gemini on the 3rd, inviting you into a deeper dialogue with your anxiety. If you're a busy body, you probably find it difficult to sit down for extended periods of time. Sometimes that fidgety behavior can reflect an inability to be present with your emotions and thoughts. If you need some help getting to the root of things, schedule a session with a therapist or get into a regular practice of writing in a journal. On the 13th, a magical New Moon marks a fresh start in regards to your living environment which could be heralding a relocation or a new addition to your home.
The Sun shifts into Aries on the 20th, granting you the vitality you need to get back into a fitness routine. It's officially time to come out of your hibernation season! When Venus meets up with the Sun, a budding workplace romance may be in the works for some. Over the next couple of months, make the extra effort to look your best—even when you're out running errands or grocery shopping. You'll be surprised who you bump into! The month comes to a close with a Full Moon helping you close out a karmic cycle that's been holding you up for quite some time.
Sagittarius
Laci Jordan for xoNecoleMarch kicks off with Mars entering Gemini on the 3rd which has you exerting most of your energy towards relationships and contractual agreements. Things can get a bit tense during this transit. Keep in mind, it's often not what you say but how you say it. Aim for an encouraging approach instead of a pushy one if you're trying to convince someone to get on the same page as you. On the 13th, the New Moon is stirring up a bit of tension in the home and family department which may be just the sign you need to remove yourself from an unhealthy environment. Relocating is supported during this time.
On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Aries, inviting you to indulge in romance and creativity in the next month. Your inner child needs more of your attention so make sure to nurture that aspect of yourself by doing the simple things that bring you pleasure. When Venus enters this part of your chart, love matters get heated, making this a sexy time for you and bae. You're always up for a bit of a challenge and whoever you're involved with over the next couple of months will be just what you need to stay on your toes. The month wraps up with a Full Moon helping you gain clarity on who is truly on #TeamSaggie.
Capricorn
Laci Jordan for xoNecoleThe month begins with Mars shifting into Gemini on the 3rd, giving you a much-needed boost of energy to get back into shape. This is also a good time to schedule annual health screenings to determine if there are any improvements you need to make to your lifestyle. On the 13th, the New Moon is a great time to pick up a new hobby or learn about a topic of interest—particularly anything that flexes your creative muscles, making this the perfect time to learn how to play an instrument or write that book you've been thinking about.
On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Aries which could bring up some tensions within the family unit or related to your home security. Any challenges that arise during this time are best faced head-on. You've got the confidence and drive to overcome any obstacles you're facing. When Venus meets up with the Sun, you have the chance to smooth over any conflict that you've had with family members or roommates. Although tempers will run a little short, growing frustrations can help you pinpoint what needs to change within the dynamic to create more harmony. March wraps up with a Full Moon highlighting a well-earned achievement in career. Make sure to celebrate before you're on to pursuing your next goal!
Aquarius
Laci Jordan for xoNecoleRomance and creativity takes center stage this month when Mars transitions into Gemini on the 3rd. Your inner child wants to play so do the things you enjoy the most to nurture this aspect of yourself. Prioritize more pleasure in your day-to-day experiences to reap the benefits of the medicine of joy. On the 13th, the New Moon marks a fresh start for a financial endeavor, making this a good time to start a business or get a new job. Believe it or not, you won't have to work hard for these opportunities as long as you're energetically aligned with your desired outcome. It's time to get those manifestation abilities poppin!
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Aries, enlivening your communication. Your enthusiasm is lighting the fire within others. Just be mindful of being too pushy or offering unsolicited advice. Allow others to come to you if they're seeking your input or guidance. When Venus enters this part of your chart, public speaking and writing opportunities can be extended to you. You could be attracting someone who is just as bold and passionate as you are when it comes to romance. On the 28th, the Full Moon grants you the chance to share your expertise with others on a larger platform, whether you're publishing educational content or teaching an online workshop. The people want to hear what you have to say!
Pisces
Laci Jordan for xoNecoleAre you ready for some Spring cleaning? Well, once Mars shifts into Gemini, you'll likely find yourself busy around your house getting rid of things you don't need. Family matters can also have you particularly busy over the next couple of months as well. On the 13th, the magical New Moon in your sign is the perfect time to get a makeover or "rebrand" yourself. Make sure to set some intentions for how you would like the year ahead to unfold. Be mindful of family tension that may be brewing around this time. You may ruffle some feathers in an attempt to establish more independence for yourself.
On the 20th, the Sun enters Aries to revitalize your finances. If money has been a little slow, things should start flowing more smoothly in the weeks to come. This is a good time to consider raising your rates or asking for a raise. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself! When Venus enters this part of your chart, impulse spending is common. Put yourself on a budget to stay on track with your financial goals. Romantically, you could be attracting someone who is in a position of power and who also just so happens to be financially secure enough to spoil you. The month wraps up with a Full Moon freeing you up for a burdensome financial obligation! Try not to wind up right back in the hole that you just dug yourself out of.
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Featured image by Laci Jordan for xoNecole
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'We Had To Heal To Love': Taja Simpson And Ryan Easter’s Journey To Lasting Love
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
One of my favorite things about interviewing married couples and hearing their diverse “How We Met” stories is the way they affirm true love and integral beliefs. One principle that I wholeheartedly believe is that one must truly know and love oneself before effectively doing it for another human being, and Taja Simpson and Ryan Easter’s story affirms this.
Taja, an actress known most for her role on BET’s The Oval, and businessman/model Ryan Easter tied the knot on July 27 in an intimate and beautiful wedding in LA - surrounded by friends and family. During our 40+ minute conversation, the newlyweds opened up about the inner work journey they both went through individually to become their best selves.
Taja revealed that her grateful and light spirit came after being in a depressive state and doing a great deal of healing and education. And Ryan shared how losing a parent as a youth affected how he showed up in the world and the truths he had to face to embrace who he is wholly.
The pair also chatted about the power of intention, the importance of working through trauma, and the work they do every day to honor their partnership. There’s a reason their glow is so beautiful! It comes from the inside.
“You're meeting me now after I've done all this work, but I had to go through it to get to that space and be in a very happy, healed relationship,” Taja says. Check out the layered conversation below.
xoNecole: I’ll start with the most obvious question: how did you two meet, and what were your initial feelings about each other?
Ryan Easter: We connected through friends. At the time, I was in New York, and she was back and forth between LA and Atlanta. But our mutual female friends were together and decided they needed to set me up. So they confirmed I was looking for something serious and then sent me her picture.
And I was like, "Okay, she looks good - a chocolate drop." But then I thought, "What's wrong with her? So, I called them up, and one of them was messing with me and said, "Oh, she's a little crazy." I was like, "Whoa, I can't do crazy anymore. I've dealt with that before. I’d rather stay by myself than deal with that again." Then she clarified, "No, I'm just kidding. She's crazy in a good way. She's a lot of fun and has her stuff together. That’s how it started for me.
Taja Simpson: I was just going about my life, getting ready for another season of The Oval, when I got a text from my friend Natasha. She said, "Hey, I don't think you're dating anybody, but I have a friend I think you should meet. He's a great guy." She gave me this huge pedigree, saying they had been friends for 19 years. I thought, "Wow, he sounds amazing." But when she sent me a photo, I didn’t like it.
Later, I thought about it and figured it could just not be a good picture. So she sent his Instagram which had all these modeling fitness pictures and stuff. And then I was like, wow - you had my whole husband this time and didn’t tell me - now I told her she could give him my number.
"I was just going about my life, getting ready for another season of The Oval, when I got a text from my friend Natasha. She said, "Hey, I don't think you're dating anybody, but I have a friend I think you should meet. He's a great guy." She gave me this huge pedigree, saying they had been friends for 19 years. I thought, "Wow, he sounds amazing." But when she sent me a photo, I didn’t like it."
Taja Simpson & Ryan Easter
Photo by @jorgemezaphotos
xoN: I love that because, you know, there's all these conversations about the ways people meet, and I still feel like friends and family are one of the best ways. It’s like they know you! What are your thoughts?
Ryan: Yeah, absolutely! You feel a great sense of obligation to be the best version of yourself because you’re not just representing yourself; you’re also representing the person who referred you. I can’t go out there acting like a fool and have them looking at their friend like, "Why did you hook me up with this clown?" It’s like, we're gonna be clear and honest about our intentions. And if it works, great, and if it doesn't, it's okay.
Taja: Exactly. When he called, we spoke that day for like, an hour. The rest was history. We just connected, and it was great. After that, we started talking every day, and now here we are.
xoN: Okay, so tell me about your first date! Do you remember where you went? What did you do? How was the vibe?
Taja: Our first in-person date was two months after we met over the phone. This was during COVID, so we got introduced in July 2020 but didn’t meet until September. From July to September, we were doing video dates and phone calls, building up this excitement about meeting in person. I was really nervous. I thought, "Oh my God, is it going to be like it was over the phone?" We really connected and vibed. I was there to pick him up at LAX, and I felt like this was it. I thought, "God put this brother in my life to be this good, this perfect." It felt too good to be true.
I actually had a friend meet us at the airport to film our meeting without him knowing. I told her to stay in the corner and keep the camera hidden. When he was coming down the escalator, I had this whole plan to run up to him in slow motion and jump into his arms. When I saw him, I froze. I was so nervous that I couldn’t move! He came up to me, gave me a big hug, and swung me around, and I just thought, "Wow!" Everything I planned went out the window.
Ryan: I was really excited to meet her, too. Technically, our first date was at Firestone Brewery. After the airport, we went back to her place to drop off my stuff, and then she said, "I like to drink beer," so she took me to a brewery nearby.
I remember being there, and we were kind of embracing, but not too much since it was technically the first time we were in physical proximity. You still have to play it cool, even after talking for a while. But every time I touched her, it felt good. I thought, "Yeah, this is it." When we hugged at the airport, I felt like, "Yo, this is home." At that moment, I knew she was the one.
xoN: Ugh, I love that. So when did the courtship start to develop into a relationship? Did y'all have that conversation?
Ryan: Initially, we were very clear about our intentions. We were both dating with purpose and had similar aspirations of eventually finding someone to marry, start a family, create businesses together, and live our lives to the fullest. We knew from the beginning that this was our goal and checked in with each other to see if we were on the same page.
After establishing our intentions, it was about having those small conversations. We discussed what was important to each of us—our needs, wants, likes, dislikes, triggers, and traumas. All those details are crucial for building a solid foundation for a healthy relationship. We spent a lot of time getting to know the real person, not just the representative we might present to the world.
Sometimes, it’s difficult because it requires us to be extremely vulnerable. For men, especially in our society, vulnerability is often frowned upon, making it hard to expose that sensitive side. You never know how people will react—some might use it against you, while others might protect you.
I think for her; it took her understanding that mentality that men have and use that to her advantage to make sure she's like, look, this is a safe space for you to allow me to see the full person that you are. I appreciated that because, like, I would tell her, if you really want a man to value you, he has to feel safe with you, right, not necessarily in a physical capacity but more so from an emotional standpoint; I need to feel like I can be safe with you emotionally.
So that courtship was a lot of just having those serious, sometimes difficult conversations about things we're going through in the past to things we aspire to accomplish in the future, to things that we're currently dealing with, and started to gain that understanding about who we are and what we aspire to be, and just continue to flow.
"So that courtship was a lot of just having those serious, sometimes difficult conversations about things we're going through in the past to things we aspire to accomplish in the future, to things that we're currently dealing with, and started to gain that understanding about who we are and what we aspire to be, and just continue to flow."
Taja: I mean, that's exactly right, and a lot of it we spoke about even before we met. Because it was this free thing where we didn’t know each other. We didn't have to be a representative. I was just my authentic self. It’s like - I'm an actor, and I got five or six characters that may come out in our conversation. I'll be funny, then the next moment, I'll be serious. It just happens.
I was very vocal about how I foresee my life going. Also, because I'm in entertainment, that played a part. I had met people before who couldn't handle that. They wanted a woman with a nine-to-five, a teacher, or just somebody with a very strict schedule. But that wasn't me. So I think we were super intentional when it came to dating and making sure we can build and grow together. So, we made that commitment prior to him leaving. He came to LA for a week, and the day before he left, it was like, okay, so this is it.
xoN: I’ve noticed that intention and vulnerability are both powerful words that you two keep using, which I think is essential for any long-term relationship. What are some of your other shared values?
Ryan: Also, we both understood the power of mindset. When you see successful or unsuccessful people, sometimes others will attribute their state to their family or money. And I'm not saying that that doesn't help. But there are a lot of people who have come from very humble beginnings and very troubled past that have gone on to do great things, and it all had to do with their mindset. They had to leave and see themselves doing what they desired to do before it became a reality in the physical realm.
I think a lot of those beliefs and mentalities that we shared was refreshing because, you know, we've all known people that every time you talk to them, something bad is going on. And it's such a drag because they can bring your energy down. We don't subscribe to that. Not saying that we don't go through tough times. But when we do, the question that we always ask ourselves is, what is it that I'm supposed to learn from this? I think those type of elements of just being in alignment mentally about how we view the world definitely help to solidify our relationship and our connection.
Taja: When we met, I was in a headspace of growth. We now call it believe, evolve, become because you have to believe that thing right in order to show up. We both understand that your vibration precedes your manifestation, so you have to vibrate and believe at a certain level. Act as if you have to be in that space, that energy, in order for that thing to come so you can evolve and then become whatever that said thing is. But I was in that headspace before we met, and I was clearing out people in my life.
I was really intentional with finding someone that was in that headspace, too. I was not okay with anyone being stagnant.
Taja Simpson & Ryan Easter
Photo by @jorgemezaphotos
xoN: You two seem so evolved individually and collectively. I'm curious, were there any challenges that you two had to get through together, and what did you learn from that experience?
Ryan: Being parents. And if your partner doesn't have a great pregnancy, then it can be tough, and it stretches you in a lot of ways. But I would definitely say the first five months of being new parents was a lot because we were both exhausted. And she's also trying to heal her body because giving birth puts a tremendous amount of stress on the woman's body. It gives you a different respect for the strength of femininity because I wouldn't want to go through that. And I was there the whole 29 hours.
So during that time I'm getting snappy because I need to rest. I have not been able to rest, and I'm sleep-deprived, and I don't feel like I got my foot in yet. And, and then, on top of that, you have this, this really small human that's completely dependent upon you. They can't do anything for himself, and that, even psychologically, that's a lot to carry. But the thing that I think that has helped us is that we understand that we won't always be on the same page. It's okay to have disagreements, but you always have to lead with love, meaning that if I'm upset with her or she's upset with me, we focus on what the issue is.
Taja: I had a horrible pregnancy and was still feeling like I want to be productive; it’s just part of who I am. And during the newborn phase, like he said, we were exhausted. We were zombies. I'm getting whiny. I need sleep. He's getting snappy and short, and we're having to figure out us. The hardest thing is trying to still learn how to effectively communicate in the midst of this space where you are exhausted; you don't feel good, nothing's going your way.
But I'm a big believer of being accountable, especially for women, because women are not always accountable. But we encourage each other to address the trauma and encourage positive self-thought and talk. Because what you think, speak, and do creates power for better and worse.
xoN: Were there any past traumas you had to heal from in order to love each other correctly, and do you feel comfortable discussing them?
Ryan: For me, the biggest thing was my father’s death at nine. You’re young, and you don’t know how to process the loss. It’s one of those things I thought I dealt with, but when I got into my adult years, I realized it didn’t. I always felt like I had to go above and beyond because I didn’t have my father there to be a man - I excelled in sports and academics, but it was based on an inadequate feeling.
I understand the importance of fathers in children’s life but you still have the power to be the best version of yourself whether your father is there or not. And I believe the almighty Creator will put people in your life to be the best version of yourself. I wanted to be that confident person for her and our children - and I didn’t want to carry that trauma into our relationship or our son. So I worked on it before us and I continue to now.
Taja: Mine was colorism. I grew up where the brown paper bag thing was a thing. There were kids I couldn’t play with because “I was too Black.” I had a family member who called me “Ew.” Like she’d literally say, come here, Ew, you ugly thing. And my family, for a long time, didn’t realize how it was breaking me. But eventually, my mom noticed and taught me more about self-esteem and then I started to do the work. But it still shows its head. I still would have thoughts that I’m not good enough because of how I look. I’ve literally not tried out for roles because of that. One of my friends’ friends has literally called out once that I was the only dark person at an event.
So when I started doing the work, I noticed the ways it showed up, like I just wouldn’t want to be in the sun long. I mean when I was younger, I used to pray to God to make me “better” or lighter. It took a long time to really get over that. There’s a book I wrote called Women Who Shine - where I got my thoughts out about this.
So he knows my sensitive spots and speaks to the little girl in me. It's so interesting how the things we go through when we’re young affect us in adulthood. Mental health is as important as physical health - and I’m grateful that he understands the importance of both of those.
xoN: Thank you for your vulnerability. I hope it helps someone else. Finally, I’ll close with this: what’s your favorite thing about each other?
Ryan: Definitely her mindset. She doesn’t have a victim mindset; she’s empowered. That’s so attractive. I believe that she prides herself on being a good, great communicator. She moves with integrity, you know, I think that's important. And you know, she also understands the importance of taking care of her physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
Taja: There’s so many. Where do I start? My husband is supremely supportive. I absolutely love that about him. Also, I love his intention. I love how effectively he communicates. I love how he fathers our child. I love how he looks. Because, praise God. Okay, I'm just gonna put that out there.
But you know what, my favorite thing about him is that I love that he's a man of integrity.
Integrity was the highest things on my list when I’d write out what I wanted in a partner. Because it’s everything. And so I love that I feel the level of safety that I feel with him, that I can completely be my 100% authentic self. I know that he's taking care of me, my heart, and our family. We're good.
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Feature image by @jorgemezaphotos
If you’re someone who always has “lose 20 pounds” on your New Year’s Resolutions list, and you’re doing it because you believe the ever-so-popular saying that you will gain between 5-10 pounds over the holidays — find another reason. The reality is that when it comes to enjoying all things Thanksgiving and Christmas (food-wise), most people really only put on a pound, two at the very most.
Hopefully, that will already take some of the pressure off so that you can enjoy some of your favorite dishes with a bit of ease. At the same time, though, if you want to make sure that you walk into 2025 with as little “extra” as possible, here are some proven holiday eating tips that will help you do it.
How To Enjoy Holiday Meals Without Guilt
1. Enjoy the “Fun Stuff” Earlier in the Day
GiphyC’mon. Let’s not sit here and act like “the fun stuff” isn’t made of mostly carbs because carbs consist of things like starches, dairy, and fruit. And, while we’re here, let’s also not lie to ourselves and pretend that we’re gonna deny ourselves some of the richest dishes and desserts that the holiday season has to offer.
The key to holiday indulgence without guilt is to consume them earlier in the day. That’s when you tend to be more active, your metabolism is higher, and you are better able to digest your food properly. That said, no one told you that you have to go without a slice of sweet potato (or pumpkin) pie — just don’t have three slices at midnight, is all.
2. Sniff Some Mint
GiphyIf self-control is something that you know that you struggle with, here’s a hack that can take some of the stress and pressure off. According to science, if you sniff a bit of essential oil, such as peppermint or spearmint, it can actually help to suppress your appetite naturally. And since mint essential oil can also help with any potential digestion issues that you may have while sitting at your mother's, aunt's, or grandma’s table, that’s even more of a reason to keep some in tow.
3. Have a Glass of Water for One Glass of…Whatever Else
GiphyI once read an article that said that the most fattening drinks of all time include eggnog, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Well, hell, just bring us down when it comes to all of the delicious holiday-themed drinks, why don’t you? SMDH. Not to mention that pretty much all alcoholic drinks can pack on the calories, too. A trick? Drink a glass of water for every glass of whatever else you plan on throwing back.
It will help to fill your stomach up (so that you don’t overdo it as far as drinks are concerned), make the digestion process easier, keep you hydrated (because alcohol can lead to dehydration), and make it easier for you to sleep once you’re ready to turn in for the evening.
4. Eat Something Healthy Before You Go (Elsewhere)
GiphyIf you already know that you’re going to be eating some food that’s not the healthiest at someone else’s house, try and have a healthy snack before you head out. For one thing, if you’re not starving when you walk through someone else’s door, you won’t just eat everything in sight. Plus, if you consume foods like nuts, seeds, eggs, chickpeas, or even a cup of coffee or some tea, they will help boost your metabolism so that you’ll be able to burn calories quicker and easier later on.
5. Portion Control, Please
GiphyYou really don’t have to deny yourself the foods that bring you joy around this time of year. The key is to implement some form of portion control. You can do this by putting your food onto smaller plates (or eating out of a bowl), using your hands to measure your portions, and not eating “junk food snacks” from a bag or box. For instance, if you’re eating caramel popcorn straight out of a bag, it’s so much easier to consume the entire bag while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or A Christmas Story. Instead, put some into a small bowl, so that you can still have some without going overboard.
6. Focus on Protein-Rich Meals
GiphyA part of the reason why many people who regularly exercise consume things like protein shakes is because it’s been proven that protein helps to do things like satisfy your appetite, lower your body fat, and help you to feel full for a longer period of time. So, as you’re trying to figure out what to indulge in the most, don’t feel bad about having a turkey leg or some potato casserole. Foods high in protein tend to work for you more than they do “against” you.
7. Consume Fibrous Snacks
GiphyAside from the fact that fiber is able to do things like lower your type 2 diabetes and cancer risk and help you eliminate waste more fully and consistently, it’s also beneficial when it comes to controlling your weight and keeping your gut in tip-top shape. And when it comes to what we’re talking about today, fiber can also help you to feel full for a longer period of time, so that you don’t eat more than you want to or should.
So, if you are taking a break from eating before heading towards the dessert table, snack on some popcorn, an apple, a banana, or even some hummus or guacamole with some kale chips. All of these foods are full of fiber, tasty, and will help you to keep your sweet (and carbs) tooth under control.
8. Don’t Take a Break from Exercising
GiphyListen, just because you may be taking a few days off around the holidays, that doesn’t mean that you should go on a vacation as far as your workout routine goes. Indeed, if you want to either lose weight or keep from gaining back the weight that you’ve already lost, many experts say that you need to devote 300 minutes a week to exercise.
And since your body doesn’t know when Thanksgiving and Christmas fall on the calendar, well…stay on that treadmill, stair climber, or whatever is your workout of choice. Oh, and if you’re traveling, at least try to do some lunges and squats or take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner.
9. Avoid Stressing Yourself Out
GiphyAlthough most people say that their stress level increases during the holiday season, around 41 percent claim that it’s higher during this time of the year than any other. When it comes to weight gain, this isn’t something to ignore because stress has the ability to throw your hormone levels off which can lead to high blood sugar levels that can cause you to eat more and pack on more pounds. You know what this means, right? Whatever — or whoever — tends to stress you out around this time of the year? SET. SOME. BOUNDARIES. Your waistline depends on it.
10. Get a Good Night’s Rest
GiphyHoliday parties. Road trips. Staying up all night to wrap presents. Talking to (or arguing with) relatives for hours on end. All of these things, understandably, can lead to a lack of sleep. Just keep in mind that when you are sleep-deprived, you throw your hormones off, increase your appetite, tempt you to eat more, and make it easier for your body to store up abdominal fat. So, at least try to get 5-6 hours in during the holidays. Your metabolism — and health overall — will be so glad that you did. Happy holiday eating, everyone! Literally.
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