Urban Fiction Romance Books: A Guide to the Genre

/

Ya girl is still reading, and I’m so proud of myself. Books are a great escape from real life. There is no better feeling than a cold house, a cozy blanket, and a good book; throw in a glass of wine, and ya girl is cooking!!

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite genres to read – urban fiction romance books, which are a subgenre of romance novels that focus on the lives and loves of characters living in urban settings, aka black books! These books often explore themes of love, relationships, and social issues. They typically feature strong, independent female protagonists and alpha male love interests, but that can change! 

What are the characteristics of urban fiction romance books?

Urban fiction romance books typically have the following characteristics:

  • Setting: Urban fiction romance books are set in urban areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago.

  • Characters: The protagonists of urban fiction romance books are typically strong, independent women who are looking for love on their own terms. The love interests are often alpha males who are successful in their careers and protective of their loved ones.

  • Themes: Urban fiction romance books often explore themes of love, relationships, and social issues. These books may deal with issues such as poverty, violence, and racism.

  • Writing style: Urban fiction romance books are typically written in a fast-paced, action-packed style. The dialogue is often sharp and witty, and the characters are often larger than life.

What are some popular urban fiction romance books?

Some popular urban fiction romance books include:

Why are urban fiction romance books so popular?

Urban fiction romance books are popular because they offer readers a chance to escape into a world of passion, drama, and excitement. I like to think of these books as my “gangster fix” : it's a crime, mafia, and romance all wrapped into one.  These books feature strong, relatable characters who are dealing with real-world issues, and they offer readers a glimpse into a different way of life.

If you're looking for a new genre of romance to read, urban fiction romance books are a great option. If you want to skip out on the drugs, crime, and drama, then I’d suggest looking into some black romance, and here are my top picks:

Vanilla Women's Fragrance: A Timeless Classic

/

Vanilla Fragrance layering combo

I am a vanilla girlie, hands down! I’ve been enjoying vanilla fragrances since high school (Warm Vanilla Sugar was my girl, IYKYK), and I know a thing or two about them. Vanilla is one of the most popular and versatile fragrances in the world. It is often used in women's perfumes to create a warm, sensual, and inviting scent. It can be found in a variety of styles, from light and airy to rich and decadent.

Why Vanilla?

There are many reasons why vanilla is such a popular fragrance for women. First, it is a very versatile scent that can be worn for any occasion. Vanilla fragrances can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Second, vanilla is a very feminine scent. It is often associated with warmth, comfort, and sensuality. Vanilla fragrances can help women to feel more confident and attractive.


Third, vanilla is a very safe scent. It is not likely to cause allergies or irritation, making it a good choice for women with sensitive skin, but it’s always important to do a quick test to ensure you’re not allergic. 

vanilla fragrance combo


Choosing a Vanilla Fragrance

There are many different vanilla fragrances on the market, so it is important to choose one that is right for you. When choosing a vanilla fragrance, consider the following factors:

  • Your personal style: Do you prefer light and airy fragrances or rich and decadent fragrances?

  • The occasion: Are you looking for a fragrance for everyday wear or a special occasion?

  • Your skin chemistry: Some vanilla fragrances work better on certain skin chemistries than others. I highly recommend getting a travel size before committing to a full-sized bottle. 

Some of the most popular vanilla fragrances for women include:

  • Chanel Coco Mademoiselle: This classic fragrance combines vanilla with notes of jasmine, rose, and patchouli. It is a sophisticated and elegant scent that is perfect for special occasions.

  • Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium: This rich and decadent fragrance combines vanilla with notes of coffee, chocolate, and patchouli. It is a perfect scent for a night out on the town.

  • Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb: This light and airy fragrance combines vanilla with notes of jasmine, rose, and freesia. It is a perfect scent for everyday wear.

My must-have vanilla in my collection: 

No matter what your personal style or preferences, there is a vanilla fragrance that is perfect for you. So explore the many different options and find the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. To stay up to date with my latest fragrance reviews, check out my Insta!



Easy Weeknight Meals for Back to School

/

As the summer winds down and the new school year approaches, families everywhere are looking for quick and easy meal ideas to get through busy weeknights. Here are a few recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters:

One-Pot Pasta

This dish is a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables. Simply cook your pasta according to the package directions, then add your favorite vegetables, protein, and sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is heated through. My kids love Chicken Alfredo! When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make the alfredo from scratch and it’s delicious! 

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This is a simple and healthy meal that can be made with any type of chicken and vegetables. Simply toss your chicken and vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Simple, easy, and delicious; prep your meat the night before for extra tenderness. I love using Dale’s Original Steak Seasoning Marinade. 

*Enjoy my favorite Chicken, Broccoli, and Bacon Meal.

Slow Cooker Chili

This classic comfort food is perfect for a busy weeknight. Combine your favorite chili ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

Tuna Melts

This is a quick and easy meal that can be made with canned tuna. Simply mix together tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion, then spread on bread and top with cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

You can always exchange your meat for chicken or steak.

Quesadillas

This is a fun and easy meal that can be made with any type of filling. Simply fill a tortilla with your favorite fillings, such as cheese, beans, meat, and vegetables, then fold in half and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.

These are just a few ideas for easy weeknight meals that are perfect for back to school. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. 

Feel free to share your favorites in the comments! 


Women's Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

/

I feel confident that I can speak for a large portion of women; we are tired! Most women are simply burnt out! And some are simply afraid to talk about it, but it’s time to break the silence. Women's mental health is a complex and often overlooked issue. Despite the fact that women are more likely to experience mental health problems than men, they are less likely to seek help. This is due to a number of factors, including stigma, lack of awareness, and access to care.

One of the biggest barriers to women seeking help for mental health problems is stigma. Stigma is the negative attitudes and beliefs that people have about mental illness. It can lead to shame, isolation, and discrimination.

Coming from a strong and religious family, it was frowned upon to need help outside of the church. I found myself in and out of therapy numerous times because I was afraid that I would be viewed differently. It wasn’t until I made the decision for myself to heal and grow that things began to click for me. 

Another barrier to women seeking help is lack of awareness. Many women are simply not aware of the symptoms of mental health problems or how to get help. This is especially true for women from marginalized communities, who may not have access to the same information and resources as others. Depression and other mental health disorders may look different. There isn't one size fits all.

Even when women are aware of the symptoms of mental health problems and want to get help, they may face barriers to care. These barriers can include cost, lack of insurance, and transportation issues.

Therapy and medication cost! I have personally experienced the burden and benefits that therapy can bring. Even with insurance, it's a bill that some simply can’t afford.

The first step to improving women's mental health is to break the stigma! We need to educate ourselves and others about mental illness and its impact on women. We also need to challenge the negative attitudes and beliefs that surround mental health. Times are different, we shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. It doesn’t make us bad people if we’re not feeling well mentally.

Finally, we need to improve access to care for women with mental health problems. This means making sure that women have access to affordable, quality mental health care. It also means addressing the transportation and other barriers that women face when trying to get help. For people that don’t live in a major city, it could take them at least 30 minutes to get to a healthcare provider and if they don’t have a means of transportation, that makes it even harder. 

As women, the expectations of us are so high leading to stress. We want to work, be a good mother, wife, or partner, and it feels impossible. Did you hear the iconic Barbie movie speech? If not, you gotta watch it. It's real and hard to show up just as we are without the fear of judgment. 

Women's mental health is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. By breaking the stigma, raising awareness, and improving access to care, we can help women get the help they need to live happy, healthy lives.