Just when we thought things were starting to look up, the universe sends us this week. Tension and stress levels have reached new highs as we deal with our collective shock and grief over the situation in Ukraine. And while it's important to keep ourselves informed and to support those in need in whatever way we can, it's also wise to prioritize gentle self care and nurturing (whether it be meditating, indulging in a skin care treatment or starting a new book) so that we can rest up for whatever may lay ahead of us.
Even mental health professionals need help sometimes, and they shared useful tools that they rely on in tough moments such as these. You can check them out in the link below.
And if you're looking to get lost in a new book, staff writer Tessa Flores has introduced the first installment of HuffPost Readable. It's our very own book club that features a new book each month to devour, celebrate and discuss with fellow readers. At the beginning of each month you can grab a copy of the book we feature and take part in our open discussions on HuffPost’s Canceled Plans Facebook page. Keep scrolling to find out all about it, including this month's pick.
xo, Lourdes  The month of March celebrates women’s history and although one month may seem like an insufficient amount of time to understand the female experience, Lisa Taddeo’s book “Animal” seems to accomplish that in just a little over 300 pages. “Animal” is HuffPost Readable’s first book club pick, chosen for its incendiary depiction of feminine rage and ultimate strength. The story follows a woman named Joan as she flees from her sordid life in New York into the sweltering Topanga canyons of Los Angeles in search of the only person who can help her understand the deep and complex trauma of her past. Learn more about the book and get yourself a copy.
 Few skin care issues are more demoralizing than adult acne. Luckily, two experts have shared their must-have skin care products for those of us struggling with breakouts. After all, battling both wrinkles and acne at the same time is utterly unfair.
 Even though these products are from Black-owned brands, most of them cater to skin of all shades. These inclusive products are, however, made especially to address the concerns and needs of Black and brown skin. They include nourishing creams, hair tonics, face washes, serums and more.
 Get ready to meet the skin care world's buzziest new ingredient — it's turning up in lots of brightening products. Find out if you're a good candidate for TXA and where you can find it.
Make life a little easier with some of our favorite parenting products:
 In addition to their own debut works, authors Taj McCoy and Kai Harris shared some new and upcoming 2022 debut novels by Black authors about Black love, joy, excellence, girlhood, friendship, fashion and otherwise ordinary life.
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