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XOCRYSSY

Style & Life For The Modern Mom

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  • INSPIRATION

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

Buying Your First Home? Here’s What You Should Know!

October 15, 2020
A few days shy of my 34th birthday, I became a first time homeowner! My journey began a little over two years ago when a close friend inspired me to begin thinking about home ownership. After a lot a blood, sweat, and tears I’m glad to have a place that my family calls home! If you’re in the market to purchase a home for the first time, here’s a few things you should know! CLEAN UP YOUR CREDIT!  The first step in home ownership is making sure your finances are in order. Simply put, every detail of your financial history and profile will be combed through by lenders, so ensure that you are financially fit prior to applying for any type of approval. Remove derogatory items from your credit report, pay down debts, pay ON TIME, and save as much as possible. Though there are programs that will accept scores starting at 580, I highly suggest securing a 640 or above to get the best rates, access to additional programs, and the best bang for your buck overall. Once approved, it’s time to move on to the next step! YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY SECURE A TRUSTWORTHY REALTOR I cannot stress this enough. My realtor is the reason I was able to secure my home! Although she is a close friend, our relationship became strictly business as I became her client. Having a realtor in place afforded me knowledge on the best lenders, current programs to assist with down-payment and closing costs, and negotiations on my behalf up until we reached the closing table. I never felt alone during this process because my realtor was proactive through every step, ensuring that I was on top of the process. An added bonus was her continuous encouragement for me to “keep going” and see this journey through to the end. If you are in the Atlanta area, I HIGHLY recommend Shanterius Churn of Churn Real Estate. If you’re not, be sure to secure a trustworthy agent who can provide guidance.  SAVE, AND THEN SAVE SOME MORE I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always been an amazing steward of my finances. Pursuing home ownership definitely changed that! While I was fortunate enough to find a program that covered my down payment, closing costs were still needed to seal the deal. Having a stable savings and building it consistently was key to being able to get in the home I desired. I was suggest saving at least $10,000 if you are serious about buying in the near future!  SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS, BUT BE REALISTIC When I started searching for homes, I initially wanted a property near the city of Atlanta that had been recently renovated. As I began looking I quickly realized I wouldn’t find EXACTLY what I was I looking for. I wrote down my non negotiables, my wish list features, and things I absolutely could not live with it. I used this as my guide to keep me in check when touring homes. I finally found a new construction home in the suburbs, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice! GET THE INSPECTIONThis seems like a no-brainer, but because an inspection isn’t always required, some homeowners skip this crucial step. A home inspection is your safe guard against future issues, and gives you the opportunity to ensure the home is up to standards prior to moving in. A few hundred dollars can save you thousands in the long run! REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED THE PROCESSWith everything, you should have a reason why. My reason for wanting to become a home owner stemmed from breaking generational curses, and my desire to leave a legacy for my daughter. When the process got hard or seemed impossible, remembering my why pushed me to keep going until I reached the finish line! Home ownership is a true blessing that comes with so much privilege. If you’re in the market, don’t be afraid to questions and seek out assistance. If I can do it, you can too! 
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INSPIRATION, LIFESTYLE

10 Tips to Protect Your Mental Health!

September 17, 2020
Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by 2020. Between being quarantined, having to work from home, and learning to be a full time virtual learning supervisor, I’ve had my fair share of adjustment this year. Add on the social climate of America, and death within my family and it’s enough to overwhelm even the most composed person. We’ve put a lot of procedures in place to help us tackle new schedules, education, and safety. On the contrary, not much has been put in place to help us maintain peace and sanity through all of these changes.  Today, I’m sharing with you some tips that have helped me stay focused, positive, and grateful during a challenging year.  1. Start Your Morning With Prayer I find that when I wake up on the “wrong side of the bed” prayer is the easiest way to turn my mood around. A simple prayer upon waking has the power to set the tone for the whole day.  2. Set a Morning Routine – And Stick To It! I’m still a work in progress on this one because I love my sleep, but getting up just a little earlier and setting a consistent routine is a great way to protect your mental health. Not only does it give us moms some much needed alone time, it allows us to knock a few tasks off of our to-do lists, leaving us feeling productive and empowered! So instead of hitting the snooze button, hop up! Make that coffee. Get the workout in. Blog a bit. Do what inspires you to feel good! 3. Girl, Read Your Bible.  When I was younger, I found reading the bible to be very boring. Now, I love it! I find that when I read intentionally, I easily connect the word to current situations in my life, and find God’s continued promises to love and take care of me. What better peace is there?!  4. Therapy is Your Friend. I grew up thinking therapy was taboo. My family communicated often, but never did I hear about seeking professional help for the issues women face on a daily basis. When life hit me harder than ever, it was Jesus and therapy that literally saved my life. When your challenges or feelings become too much to handle alone, seek help to get the support you need to thrive. There is NO shame in taking care of your mind. Do what’s best for YOU!  5. Connection is Key. I’ve said it a thousand times. I can’t picture life without my girlfriends. Being quarantined and not able to see them has been extremely difficult for me. To keep from falling into the depression of isolation, connecting with your loved ones is key. Here are some great ways to connect virtually: -Zoom Wine Tasting -Virtual Sip & Paint -Book Clubs -Virtual Movie Night! 6. Go Outside! Outside has become such a luxury. We want to protect ourselves and families, but it’s so important to get outside! Take a moment each day to catch some sunlight via a walk around your neighborhood, enjoy coffee/tea on your front porch, or just play a fun game with your children in the yard. Sunlight will always be a quick remedy for a gloomy mood.  7. Get Moving! An idle mind can often be an overthinking one. Get moving! Whether that means a workout, organizing, or running an errand, staying productive can help combat feelings of hopelessness or boredom. Take 30 minutes each day to be active and watch how it impacts your overall mood.  8. Journal  Anyone else feel better when they reflect on all they have to be thankful for? Instead of keeping a to-do list, I’ve started writing a list of things I’ve accomplished each day. After what seems like a hard day, when you write down your accomplishments, it makes even the challenges seem like blessings because you made it through! 9. Put the Phone DOWN! Hey, it’s me: GUILTY. Scrolling through social media is all fun and games until you find yourself going down the rabbit hole of comparison. Sometimes, putting the phone down to enjoy your own reality is just what you need. When we remove distractions to be present in the moment, we can often find happiness in our own homes, families, and lives in general. Set aside time to turn off the phone and be present! 10. Be Patient With Yourself. As we all adjust, grieve, laugh, have successes, and make mistakes, remember to be patient with yourself. Give yourself grace and space to feel everything, but don’t let feelings consume you. Know that you aren’t alone, and we are all just trying our very best.  I hope these tips have been helpful to you. Share with me some tips that you’ve used to protect your mental health this year.   
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LIFESTYLE, MOTHERHOOD, STYLE & BEAUTY

Black-Owned Businesses For Every Member of The Family!

July 8, 2020
When you support a small business, you are supporting a dream! If you’re anything like me, it’s been pretty tricky to stay away from online shopping while being quarantined for an extended period of time. As you order, I encourage you to shop with small businesses to support those living out their dreams. In the spirit of uplifting the Black community, I’m sharing 5 Black-Owned Businesses that suit the whole family.  Izzy & LivLadies, this is for you! If you’re looking for affordable clothing, accessories, and jewelry, I’ve found the perfect place to shop! Izzy and Liv offers all of the above with a dash of cultural flare to each product. An added bonus is that you can grab items for the kiddos while you’re at it!  Savoir FaireIf you’re searching for the perfect gift for your lover, friend, or family member, Savoir Faire fragrances are always a win. In addition to offering a reasonable price point, the scent is potent without being overwhelming. He’ll thank you later! Just Like MeDo your children have literature that accurately represents who THEY are? If not, the Just Like Me Subscription box has you covered. Each month, your little ones receive 2-3 new books from award winning authors. A great way to entertain and educate, Just Like Me certainly won’t disappoint your little readers.  Juvia’s PlaceBeauty addicts, look no further! If you’ve not yet heard of Juvia’s Place, get ready to be BLOWN away! Juvia’s Place offers all of your essential makeup products at prices that are incredibly affordable. I most enjoy the quality of their products and the vibrant colors that represent black culture. Be sure to check them out!  La Bougie Parfait“The Perfect Candle” is an accurate way to describe these products. As an avid user of these candles and room mists, I’m in love with the beautiful packaging, the scents that fill an entire room, and the length in which they last. Another plus is the amazing customer service provided by this brand. Happy Shopping! Drop some of your favorite Black-Owned Businesses below! 
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LIFESTYLE, MOTHERHOOD

5 Ways To Help Your Child Learn About Race and Equity

June 3, 2020
Turn on the news, and what you’ll see is a country that is bleeding from the consequences of racism, inequity, and injustice. As a black woman raising a black child, I feel it’s important to not only step up to end...
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LIFESTYLE

How I’m Avoiding The Quarantine 15!

May 27, 2020
Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by your snack closet during this quarantine. I certainly have. I initially stocked up on ALL the goodies, not knowing how long this would last. For most of us, food is a type of comfort, and indulging in our favorite treats brings us a bit of normalcy and happiness for whatever reason. It also brings on the extra pounds pretty quickly! So today, I’m sharing with you some ways that I’m avoiding unwanted weight gain while staying at home. I will preface this post by saying that I am not a licensed nutritionist or health practitioner. Nor am I implying that weight gain is a negative thing for every person. For me, avoiding weight gain is about my overall health and ability to stay in shape for my body type. Take what you need and apply it to your own profile. Tip 1: Intermittment Fasting Intermittment fasting is no new trend, but it’s something I’ve recently adopted to monitor my eating and avoid snacking from sun up to sun down. Though there are many variations, I stick to the 16:8 schedule. This means that I have an 8 hour eating window, and then fast for the other 16 hours of the day. This method has been pretty easy for me as I’ve never been a big breakfast eater. It also helps me keep my calorie count lower as my eating window is smaller. Keep in mind, it is essential not to “binge” during your window of eating for optimal results.  Tip 2: Calorie Deficit Speaking of lower calorie counts, let’s talk calorie deficit. A calorie deficit is needed to lose or maintain weight without gaining more.A caloric deficit is any shortage in the amount of calories consumed relative to the amount of calories required for maintenance of current body weight. I monitor my calories to ensure that I am consistently at a deficit each day to avoid weight gain (and in my case, lose a few pounds). I currently consume about 1,300 calories each day during my eating window.  Tip 3: Balance So counting calories, fasting, it all starts to sound a bit restrictive. One huge key for me in staying healthy is BALANCE. Listen, I’m not the girl who is never going to pick up Popeye’s Chicken. If you know me in real life, you know how I feel about Popeye’s. I’m not willing to absolutely give up my faves in order to be the perfect size according to society. Balance for me means enjoying my favorites but having the discipline enough to know that I can consume them all day everyday and expect to be healthy. I’ve found alternatives to curve my sweet tooth (fruit, sugar free jello/pudding), and am trying really hard to cut my eating out down to once or twice each week. Small changes provide big results, believe it or not.  Tip 4: Drink Your Water Sis Drink your water, mind your business, and pray. My new life mantra has been my whole mood. I’ve never been thirsty in my life (see what I did there), so consuming a ton of water each day was admittedly not one of my common practices. A little while ago, I read up on all of the amazing benefits of consuming water and something just clicked for me. Though I knew water was great for you, it was the idea of maintaining healthy weight and skin that got me on board. Right now, I’m challenging myself to drink a gallon each day. I’m currently on day four and am surprised at how easy it has been for me. Moving forward, my goal is to drink at least 64 oz daily to flush out my system, stay hydrated, and stay energized!    Tip 5: Get Moving Unless you know me personally, you wouldn’t believe that I’m surrounded by men who are in love with fitness. I used to DREAD working out. Going to the gym seemed so daunting for me. Being stuck at home, I decided that I would join a few live bootcamps being offered by various trainers. I instantly fell in love with the idea of working out from the comfort of my own home, in my own style. I generally spend thirty minutes each day dancing, lifting, or doing a HIIT circuit. Not only do I feel like I’m healthier, I feel better mentally after each and every workout. Check out my favorite trainer here and my favorite dance routines here.  Being stuck at home doesn’t mean purging your kitchen all day. Avoid the “Quarantine 15” with these easy solutions that yield major results. How are you staying fit during this quarantine? Share some tips with me below! 
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LIFESTYLE, STYLE & BEAUTY

Winter Travel Essentials- What’s In My Suitcase?

February 20, 2019
Girl’s Trip Loading! Winter is the perfect time for a mommy getaway! I’m headed to Canada for the very first time with a few of my best girlfriends! No matter when or where I’m traveling, packing my...
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ABOUT

Xocryssy

Cryssy is a wife, mother, and friend who aspires to help other women feel beautiful, inside and out. A true southern belle planted in the city, Cryssy is passionate about her faith

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Here’s to strong women.  May we know them.   Here’s to strong women. 
May we know them.  
May we be them. 
May we raise them.  
 
Happy #internationalwomensday! I’m so proud to be a woman. So proud to know so many intelligent and brave women, and so proud to raise a kind yet fierce young woman!  
 
What’s your favorite thing about being a woman? Tag a woman below and let them know how amazing they are!
I pretend I’m ok, but deep down I want to go on I pretend I’m ok, but deep down I want to go on vacation every week. 😖 
 
I’m having a bad case of the Pre-Mondays and wishing I was back on the beach. But instead of focusing on the fact that I have to clock in, I’m shifting my attitude to gratefulness.  
 
I get to work from home doing something I love. I get to spend more time with my daughter. I get to help take care of my family. I get to do something so many are praying for.  
 
I’m heading into the week with hope and gratitude for what is to come!  
 
Do you have the Sunday night blues? What are some things you’d like to accomplish this week?
Beach, please!     Enjoying a quick getaway wi Beach, please!  
 
Enjoying a quick getaway with my family this weekend. Thankful for time to rest, regroup, and enjoy the company of all my favorite people.  
 
What are y’all up to this weekend?
Send help! Quarantine has our routine out the wind Send help! Quarantine has our routine out the window!  
 
If I’m being fully honest, the last few months we’ve been winging it. Bedtime is much later than it should be and waking up looks like rolling out of bed and logging right on for work and school.  While I’ve appreciated the extra time to hang out with my favorite girl, we are both at our best when routines are clear.
 
I miss the days where I had a few moments to do my makeup, breathe, and pray before having to jump right into mommy mode. One of my March goals is to reset the routine to get to bed earlier and wake up with time for myself.  
 
Has your routine remained consistent? Share some tips with me to get back on track.
New Month, Same Goals!          It New Month, Same Goals!    
    
It’s the last month in the first quarter of the year and like many I’ve got lots of goals to accomplish!   
One of my biggest goals this year for my brand is to spend less time working on growing and more time on connecting. I truly started this platform to inspire women to be at their best, and I want to remain true to that goal by being more intentional about sharing my story and learning yours.     
    
Two things: First, jump in the comments and tell me something I may not know about you. Then head to my stories and find out a few things you may not know about me.     
    
Wishing you a product month. Let’s go smash those goals! 

#liketkit @liketoknow.it You can instantly shop all of my looks by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app
17 years ago, I lost my best friend.       17 years ago, I lost my best friend.   
  
I was only 17 years old myself. With two months before graduation, I was on a high until I saw the look on my mother’s face telling me that my Daddy was no longer with us. I’ll never forget the way my knees buckled, and how it felt like a piece of my heart literally left right along with him.   
  
My father was my best friend. He treated me like royalty since as I long as could remember. He knew exactly how to speak to me with care, but with conviction so that I could be the woman God called me to be. He took me on “dates”. Bought me flowers. Showed me how to be loved. He was everything to me.   
  
He used to tell me that I would be something great. Many times I’ve questioned if I make him proud. If my life is what he desired for me.   
  
Though he isn’t physically here, each day I feel his presence. I see him in my daughter’s eyes when she smiles. I remember his warmth, his laughter, and his love.   
  
They say time heals all wounds, but I’ve yet to live that truth. Today and every day Daddy, I’m missing you with all my heart. ❤️
Quit sleeping on your potential.     In case n Quit sleeping on your potential.  
 
In case no one told you today: 
 
The life you want is attainable.  
You are worthy.  
You are valuable.  
You can do hard things.  
You WILL succeed.  
 
But you have to believe it for yourself. Let go of all fear and just GO for it! Your future self will thank you.  
 
Go ahead and drop a positive affirmation in the comments to encourage yourself!
The highlight reel isn’t real. 
 
In today’s episode of real motherhood, I present my daily life. As I’m trying to accomplish a task and here enters my kid in a swimsuit in the middle of the winter, with untamed hair, and makeup on her face.  
 
Instead of getting frustrated that she was interrupting my content creation, I embraced the moment and let her jump right in. The result was a perfect depiction of our lives together and easily one of my favorite photos!  
 
Just look at that smile. It’s enough to remind you that life doesn’t have to look perfect in order for it to be beautiful. Enjoy each moment and find the beauty in the realness of each day. 
 
Do you struggle with perfection?
A Sunday well spent brings a week of content!   A Sunday well spent brings a week of content!  
 
Sunday’s have easily become my favorite because I get to slow down from my normal, busy routine. Each Sunday I try get ready for the upcoming week with these five easy tips. 
 
1. Pray : Use the day to pray, reflect, and set your intentions.  
2. Play: Spend time doing something you love!  
3. Plan: Write your to-do lists and prioritize tasks.  
4. Prep: Prep meals, outfits, or anything else that complicates daily routines.  
5. Pause: Rest your mind and body before taking on a new week. 
 
If you need a resource to do these things, check out @thecoveredlife planner! From scriptures to affirmations to lists, it offers every tool needed to be ahead of the game.  
 
What is your Sunday routine?
A glass of wine, a romantic movie, and 72 hours of A glass of wine, a romantic movie, and 72 hours of sleep sounds like the perfect weekend.  
 
I’ll settle for pinecone painting and barbies. But wine me, please!  
 
What are y’all up to this weekend?
May your Friday be as beautiful as your are!  
  
Friday’s for me used getting glammed up and hitting the town. It’s easy to feel like less confident now that I spend most days in sweats or pajamas running after my five year old. So today, I’m throwing on some makeup, curling my hair, and strutting around my house reminding every one that mama still got it!  
 
What’s the one thing that gives you an instant boost of confidence?
On the days when motherhood feels like the most ex On the days when motherhood feels like the most exhausting job in the world, I’d still choose it every time. 💕 
 
Any other mamas in need of a solocation? Drop your dream destination!
Why Is No One Engaging With My Content?     SA Why Is No One Engaging With My Content?  
 
SAVE THIS POST 
 
I remember when I first started out as a blogger. I’d post content and it would feel like literally no one was reading what I had to say. I’d become frustrated and felt like I didn’t have the “it” factor, but instead I had to look a little closer to see what was really missing. Here’s a few ways to get more engagement with your content daily: 
 
1. Before you post anything, ask yourself what value it offers. Is it teaching, inspiring, and entertaining anyone?  
2. Study insights to determine when your audience is most active, and what type of content they like to see.  
3. Study insights again and know that engagement doesn’t always come in the form of “likes”. Saves, shares, and comments are key in engagement!  
4. Be sure that your post captions include a catchy intro, valuable body, and a call to action each time.  
5. Engage back! Build genuine relationships with people to grow and sustain your online community.  
 
What are some ways you encourage engagement with your audience? What prompts you to engage on other’s content?
Beauty For Ashes.    I don’t know who needs Beauty For Ashes. 
 
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t have to be embarrassed about what you’ve been through. It might be tea for some, but for others it’s a testimony that may change their lives. 
 
I spent the past few years being ashamed for what I allowed and how it impacted me. The more I begin to tell my story, the more free I felt. I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and I also realized describing how I overcame it helped so many others.  
 
My encouragement to you today is to walk in your truth. It will truly set you free to live the life you desire.
New week, new goals!    Can you believe Februa New week, new goals! 
 
Can you believe February is half was over? Before you know we’ll be through the first quarter of the year.  
 
Though I have a week off of work, I’ll be spending a bulk of it on my brand: blogging, creating new content, and connecting with brands.  
 
What goals do you have this week? Drop some tips for completing tasks!
Life Hack: Love a black man and create a legacy.  
 
Happy Valentine’s Day, from me and my hearts to you and yours. 💕 
 
What are your plans to celebrate the day?

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