Mosaics in Melanin

A blog designed to help people of color achieve wellness in every part of life

  • Estate Planning In Blended Families: What You Need To Know

    If you’re a blended family, you’ll need a detailed estate plan for your loved ones to follow when you and your spouse pass away. Blended families are beautiful but can also be complicated by unresolved conflict. You don’t want your loved ones to fight over your assets or harbor resentment about tensions tearing them apart….

  • The Roadmap To Recession Readiness: Steps You Can Take Now

    There is a lot of talk about a possible recession and you want to prepare your finances now to be prepared when it comes. A recession is when a major economic decline may last for months or years. Our country has experienced several recessions throughout history, and there are characteristics we should consider. One sign…

  • How to Use Email Marketing to Grow Your Business 

    Although social media is a cost-effective and simple way to promote your business, you should never rely on it alone to grow your company. Email marketing has several advantages that social media doesn’t offer. With email marketing, you own your list of subscribers and it’s not affected by changing algorithms, unlike social media. Email marketing…

  • Affordable Fall Outfit Ideas: Look Great Without Breaking The Bank

    I have a birthday next month, and I always loved fall fashion. My favorite things to wear in the fall are anything with shades of brown in them, turtlenecks, loafers, black pumps or wedges, cardigans, and cute long skirts. Fashion can be expensive but you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous this…

  • Best First Date Ideas That Will Make Introverts Smile

    I’m an introvert and dating intimidates me a little bit. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a first date and certain places may overwhelm me if I’m getting to know someone for the first time. Maybe you’re an introvert too and you’re looking for the best first date ideas that won’t overwhelm you…

  • Why Kids Need Both Rules and Love: A Parenting Guide

    In modern parenting, we tend to go to extremes and not have the proper balance. Some parents become extremely authoritarian and overly strict, and they can be harsh and critical toward their kids. These parents lack the nurturing and encouragement that kids need to feel loved and valued. Other parents are too lenient and they…

  • Simple Tips To Set Screen Time Limits For Your Kids

    There are several reasons why screen time limits are crucial for kids. Kids need boredom because it allows them to get creative and seek out ways to entertain themselves and find new and exciting hobbies. Screen time limits also give your kids more time to learn vital life skills that take time to master. These…

  • How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office

    When you visit the doctor, you expect to get compassionate and truthful assistance for your medical needs. But for many people of color, there is a strong distrust of mainstream healthcare systems. During antebellum times and even during the Jim Crow era, many blacks were treated as medical experiments and their bodies were dissected after…

  • How to Develop Effective Study Habits for College Success

    If you’re starting college in the fall, you want to have the right tools and strategies to succeed for all four years. When you listen to your professors, take detailed notes. This is what I did when I was in college and it helped a lot because it was those notes that included key points…

  • 13 Smart Ways To Afford Private School Tuition

    Some families of color want a better education for their children and are dissatisfied with the state of public education. It is for these reasons that they’re considering private schools. The problem for low-income families is that it’s a struggle to afford a private school education. However, not all hope is lost because there are…

  • Practical Ways To Study When You Have ADHD

    Students with ADHD often face academic challenges that many neurotypical students don’t have. These students struggle to pay attention to the lessons that teachers teach, and it’s especially hard if it’s a subject that doesn’t interest them. Other struggles include time management, organization, initiating tasks, and a low tolerance for frustration. On the other hand,…

  • Need A New Career? Here Are Jobs With Flexible Schedules

    With a tough job market that discourages job seekers, you’re wondering if there are any recession-proof jobs with flexible schedules that pay well that you can take on. Thankfully, these jobs exist but you won’t always find them in the local classified ads or online job boards. You’ll need to tap into the hidden job…

  • How To Create A Homeschool Curriculum With Free Resources

    It’s no secret that homeschooling is on the rise and especially among families of color and special needs families. Currently, over 4 million students are being homeschooled in this country and there are several reasons for this increase. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor their children’s education to suit their learning styles, interests, and other academic…

  • Why Is There A Shortage Of Healthcare Workers Right Now?

    We’re experiencing a healthcare workforce shortage and it will affect the quality of patient care in the coming years. The National Center for Healthcare Workforce Analysis says that over the next 15 years, they predict a shortage of allied health positions. These include respiratory therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists and chiropractors. There will also be an…

  • How to Make Homework Time Stress-Free

    It seems that every school year, my daughter has meltdowns occasionally when she does homework. Eventually, the homework gets done but not without some pushback and frustration from her. My daughter is not alone because this is common for kids after a long day at school. When kids come home from school, talk to them…

  • Practical Strategies To Crush Stress And Reclaim Your Life

    Illnesses such a as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure don’t only occur because of poor dietary habits. The root of these illnesses is stress and anxiety. We live in a fast-paced world with more responsibilities than ever before. We rarely get time to rest or get in quality sleep, and this hurts our…

  • How To Manage Money As A Single Parent

    I’m a single mother of color and only recently started taking my finances seriously. Motherhood made me aware of the need to get my financial affairs in order. I knew nothing about investing, retirement planning, entrepreneurship, and budgeting for a long time. My financial literacy is far better than it was many years ago, and…

  • Unlock Your Green Thumb With These Container Gardening Ideas

    My grandmother had a small garden in her backyard and it was one of her favorite hobbies besides decorating her home. She grew okra, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, Lima beans, and eggplant. There is a difference between the flavor and quality of homegrown produce and the kind you buy at the store. When you grow…

  • Balancing Act: How To Handle Work Stress Without Burning Out

    The workplace is often stressful but you don’t have to let job pressures cause you to burn out. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and excel can take a toll on your physical and mental health. However, with a proactive approach and effective strategies, you can navigate challenges, maintain a work-life balance, and thrive…

  • What You Need To Know About The Working Homeless

    I read recently that in a growing number of cities, the average cost of a starter home costs close to 1 million dollars. A majority of these high-priced starter homes are in California but you’ll find similarly-priced homes in cities in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. This leads me to the topic of this…

  • Say It Right: How To Avoid Miscommunication In Your Marriage

    A solid marriage requires healthy communication but there are times when you and your spouse won’t communicate properly and it causes miscommunication. When the communication breaks down, you can’t understand each other and your needs are not met. Avoid miscommunication with these helpful communication tips for married couples. Active Listening Is Important One of the…

  • Momming Is Hard, Time Management Doesn’t Have To Be

    As we enter a new school year, we as moms will be busy again. It would be best to manage your time effectively to reduce stress and overwhelm. When you have a consistent and flexible routine, life runs more smoothly. Here are ways to achieve effective time management for moms. Start The Night Before Your…

  • 13 Money Mistakes Gen Z Should Avoid Now

    I’m in my 40s, and I regret doing certain things with my finances. I regret not investing and building an emergency fund when I had my first few jobs. I also regret taking out a hefty student loan for college. I wish I were more proactive about getting scholarships or not attending college at all…

  • The Truth About Mental Health Disparities Among People Of Color

    We know that access to high-quality mental health services is important for people of every background yet people of color still have to deal with disparities in access to the care they need. Several barriers to mental health care exist for people of color. Many people of color live in neighborhoods where specialized mental health…

  • How To Adopt A Plant-Based Diet With Heart Disease

    Recently, my mom was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and she experienced high blood pressure. She’s not alone because congestive heart failure and high blood pressure are more common in communities of color than their white counterparts. Some factors that contribute to heart disease are obesity, high blood pressure, genetics, and diabetes. One solution to…

  • How To Encourage Independence In Your Child With Life Skills

    As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our kids become independent and have the ability to advocate for themselves. We live in a time when many young adults lack certain life skills that were considered the norm in decades past. Let’s prepare them for the real world by equipping them with the tools needed…

  • How To Build A Side Hustle With Little Money

    Side hustles are a great way to boost your income, but some are more expensive to start and maintain. It’s possible to start a profitable side hustle even if you don’t have many funds. The key is to think about your skills and interests and turn them into tools for increasing your income. Here is…

  • Are You Making These Social Media Advertising Mistakes?

    Small businesses should use social media advertising for several reasons. When you advertise on social media, you can reach massive audiences without spending money on expensive forms of advertising such as TV or billboard advertising if you’re a new business. Social media advertising also lets you target certain demographics easily through inexpensive paid ads. However,…

  • How To Look More Professional And Classy At Work

    As more employees return to the office for work, we all could use a refresher on how to look more professional and classy at work. When it comes to making a strong impression at work, looking professional is key. Your appearance and demeanor play a significant role in how others perceive you. Here is how…

  • How To Care For Your Kids’ Natural Hair Properly

    Natural hair, with its unique textures and endless styling possibilities, is a beautiful part of a child’s identity. However, caring for natural hair requires specific knowledge and techniques. This journey of discovery is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child as you learn about gentle cleansing, deep conditioning, and protective styles. Establishing a positive…

  • 15 Frugal Ways to Use Leftovers This Week

    Grocery prices are higher than ever, and when you throw away uneaten food, you waste money. One of the best ways to save money is to find frugal ways to use leftovers. You can create new meals with leftovers and reduce trips to the store. Here are 15 frugal ways to use leftovers this week….

  • Beautiful Design Trends to Use for a Timeless Look

    There’s nothing wrong with using trends to decorate your home, but an overemphasis on design trends causes your home to not look classy and timeless. It’s important to incorporate your style into your home’s overall design. Here are some beautiful design trends to give your home a timeless look. White Bedding This is one of…

  • How To Prepare for Automation and the Future of Work

    The future of work will be a lot different thanks to automation. Careers that have been popular for decades could be nearly obsolete. Some experts call this the fourth Industrial Revolution. This stage of civilization is marked by rapid technological advancements, increased usage of automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics. But what does this mean for…

  • Perimenopause Survival Guide for Women of Color

    Perimenopause is a time in a woman’s life when she hasn’t yet reached full menopause but is experiencing a transition to this stage of life. Most women begin perimenopause in their 40s although some start in their late 30s. During perimenopause, your estrogen levels decrease and your menstrual cycles may shorten or lengthen. Other symptoms…

  • How To Prepare For Your New Caregiving Journey

    Last week, my mom checked herself in the hospital because she wasn’t feeling well. She had high blood pressure and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. My mom can still live independently, but I know that one day, I’ll become her caregiver when she can no longer do so. I watched her and my aunt…

  • Profitable Business Ideas For Women Of Color

    Are you a woman of color passionate about many things but unsure which business to start? Then this post is for you because you’ll get inspiration from these cool business ideas. Women of color have always been entrepreneurial. They sold plate lunches out of their homes, taught music lessons to neighborhood children, ran restaurants, and…

  • Your Ultimate Back To School 2024 Shopping Guide

    In about a month, the kids will be back in school but now is a good time to stock up on school supplies and cool outfits for class. Most retailers will have sales between now and August and you can save hundreds of dollars on supplies. Here is your back-to-school 2024 shopping guide. Grab Your…

  • How To Create A Will As People of Color

    Estate planning is not as common in families of color compared to white families for several reasons. One main reason is that many families of color do not own significant assets that would require a will or living trust. Another reason is that they’re not sure about how to create a living will or a…

  • How To Tailor Your Resume To Impress Employers

    Your resume says a lot about your previous work experience, which is why it’s vital to your job search. A common frustration among job seekers is the inability to get their resumes to pass through the applicant tracking system or ATS. This software program scans resumes to determine which applicants are the best fit for…

  • How People Of Color Can Get Affordable Housing Through Public Auctions

    Housing affordability is still high and especially for people of color. In the second half of 2022, the homeownership rates for white households was 75% compared to 45% for black households and 48% for Hispanic households. African-American families also tend to spend more of their money toward housing than other racial groups. They’re also denied…

  • How To Make Smarter Decisions In Every Area Of Life

    We make decisions every day, but not all decisions will bring us closer to the goals we set for ourselves. Some decisions are good for our physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health. Other decisions can destroy our lives and cause us regret. This is why we must weigh decisions carefully before we make them. Here…

  • A Spotlight on the Challenges of Veterans of Color

    When we talk about the current issues that veterans face today, we often leave out the financial and mental health struggles of veterans of color. In this post, I want to discuss some of the challenges of veterans of color and how we can best help them rebuild their lives as a society so they…

  • How To Start A Consistent And Exciting Workout Routine

    Do you want to start working out again but you haven’t always been consistent when you did it in the past? Are you a busy parent or entrepreneur with so many responsibilities that you wonder if you’ll ever have a consistent and exciting workout routine? If so, this post is for you because I’ll discuss…

  • Raising Children of Color with A Strong Racial Identity

    Our community has struggled with racial discrimination, stereotypes about us that are not always true, and internalized self-hate that caused us to not embrace our racial identity at times. As parents of color, we must raise our children to be secure in who they are so that they can grow up to be confident trailblazers…

  • How To Budget For A Fantastic Family Vacation

    Family vacations are excellent for recharging and bonding with those you love. But vacations can be expensive and without a plan to make them more affordable, you could break the bank while having fun. Thankfully there are numerous ways to save money on travel and here is how you can budget for a fantastic family…

  • How To Set Healthy Boundaries in Your Relationships

    The healthiest relationships are those that have mutual respect and strong boundaries. Relationships need boundaries because they foster an atmosphere of trust and both parties are comfortable enough to be vulnerable and share their deepest thoughts, joys, hopes, and struggles without fear or judgment. There is safety in relationships where boundaries are respected but without…

  • Here Is Why The Modern School System Is Pointless

    I once watched a video based out of Baltimore where a young black teen who graduated with excellent grades later realized that her high school didn’t prepare her well for college. While she was in college, she was placed on academic probation and the college created a remedial program in math to help her catch…

  • How To Write Compelling Business Grants As A Minority Entrepreneur

    Minority entrepreneurs often struggle to get funding for their businesses. Minority entrepreneurs receive 66% of business funding from banks compared to 80% for white entrepreneurs according to the Federal Reserve. Another study stated that the average loan size was over $30,000 higher for white entrepreneurs than for minority entrepreneurs. It’s not just with traditional banks…

  • Digital Detox: Finding Balance in a Hyper-Connected World

    Our society is more connected than previous generations thanks to the Internet and mobile devices. But I find it interesting that with all this connectivity, people are still lonely, depressed, angry, and purposeless in their lives. It seems that our mobile devices are our additional body parts that we feel we can’t live without. Teachers…

  • Anti-Aging Skincare Tips That Will Make You Look Great

    As women of color, it’s important that we maintain our skin in healthy ways to combat the signs of aging. One common skin issue some of us deal with is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when certain areas of your skin are darker than others. In other words, it’s an excess production of melanin in your skin….