Hi, Hello & Updates

Hi, hello & welcome back to the blog, sweet friends! Somehow, it’s been over a month since my last blog post (oops). If you’re following me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the increase in posts, stories, IGTVs and IG lives I’ve posted and been in. The past few weeks have been an adventure in social media land that I’ve spent entirely too much time in.

As my blog and social channels have always been a true representation of me, I channeled my anger, frustration and absolute disgust over the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & all of those that came before them in a few ways:

1. Shared resources for books, trainings, petitions, funds, websites, and Black-owned businesses to support via Instagram stories
2. Doubled over $300 in donations to Black Lives Matter organizations made by my amazing followers
3. Started and finished an IGTV series with Amanda, Tomi, Nicole, Ayana & Tomi to educate our followers on Black topics from hair to pay gaps to history
4. Started a bookclub #LotsOfBooksClub where we’ll be reading 6 books (from June to December) by Black authors in varying genres

Indirectly, and for self-care purposes, here are the some of the new things I’ve started:

1. 2x a week 3 mile walks
2. 1x a week yoga at home
3. Making charcuterie boards for fun and as special treats for friends
4. Arranging fresh blooms every week
5. Shifting work hours to finish “early” on Fridays

From a blogging/ASR Creative space, I’ve channeled my time into:

1. Taking on pro-bono freelance work for small non-profits (currently I’m at capacity but would love to do this more in the future. Just email me: azaniquerawl@aol.com for freelance, azanique@lotsofsass.com for free blog/social ads)
2. Decided to start a YouTube channel in Q3! Help me pick a name: At home with Azanique or Lots of Sass (obviously) or Share a suggestion in the comments
3. Overhauled my current partnerships and left platforms that aren’t supportive of Black creators
4. Moved all my book links to BookShop: an online bookstore that supports small, indie book stores. My current blog reading page is under major construction!

Other updates:

1. I finished Spring semester of graduate school and started Summer classes. I actually just turned in a final for one Summer class and now only have one class left until a full month off in August! I am so excited to have time where I’m not worrying about school 🙂
2. I got back on my 1 book a week kick! It’s been up and down with reading lately but I just finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Up next: It’s Not All Downhill From Here & The Vanishing Half!
3. Random but my dog got dental surgery. YUP. MY DOG GOT DENTAL SURGERY. He had a few teeth removed and his gums cleaned after having two growths in his gums that were causing pain. Strange and like $700+ 🙃 🙃

Well friends, that’s a pretty quick update on life in the past 6ish weeks! Coming soon to the blog: Q2 beauty I tried, June books I read, my favorite charcuterie board items & an intro to the book club. Until then, stay well 🙂 -xo, Azanique <3