In this episode Dionne and Lauren are celebrating International Best Friend’s Day! After being friends for more than 20 years the ladies have definitely said some things to each that have stood the test of time. Be it light hearted or holding each other’s “feet to the fire” each shares three quotations that the other has said that has stuck with them over the years. If you're interested in hearing how this best friendship started, this is the episode. FYI there is talk of borrowed CDs and college dorm “etiquette”;) As always let us know your truth about… friendship. What has your friend said to you that you can’t forget? How did you meet your best friend?

You can always connect with  us at:

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Dionne’s Favorite

Cognac Leather Mules

Dionne’s Reading

Carved In Ebony

Lauren’s Favorite

Noom App

Lauren’s Reading

Born a Crime - Young Reader's Edition

In this episode the ladies are kicking off the summer and talking VACATIONS…staycations and day trips specifically. This conversation was sparked by this Forbes magazine article The Surprising Reason Staycations are the new Vacations . The ladies dive into their own ideas of the benefits of staycations, tips about what makes them enjoyable and a staycation they have had that makes them want more. As always Dionne and Lauren would love to hear your truth about staycations. Do you enjoy staycations, do you have any staycation memories you would like to share? You can always connect with  us at:

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Get Out of Town television show

Dionne’s Favorite

The Accused

Dionne’s Reading

Magnolia Journal Spring 2023

Lauren’s Favorite

Hosanna Revival 5 Year Prayer Journal

Lauren’s Reading

The Warmth of Other Suns

It’s been a minute since the ladies have gotten behind the mic and the break was much needed. Today they talk about the different types of rest and ways that they have been resting during their time away. The idea for this episode was sparked by a recent article that Lauren read entitled, 7 Types of Rest. As always they share what they are loving, and what they’re reading. Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... to share your truth as it relates to how you rest. Are you getting enough rest or could you use more? If you have any suggestions for the ladies about how you rest well please share.

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Dionne’s Favorite

Hosanna Revival Five Year Prayer Journal

Dionne’s Reading

The Wide Circumference of Love by Marita Golden

Lauren’s Reading

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

Tis the season for festivities and cheer! In Surviving the Holiday Part 2 Dionne and Lauren talk about how they will survive the “forgotten” week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Again, the ladies share the things that they will and will not do during this week because this week should be relaxing. Remember it is ok to take time for yourself and treat yourself with some much needed attention as you enter into a new year. Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... how you survive the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. If you have any suggestions for the ladies they would love to hear from you! 

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Dionne’s Links

My True Love Gave to Me: 12 Holiday Stories

Lauren’s Links

The Christmas Spirit

Tis the season for festivities and cheer! In Surviving the Holiday Part I Dionne and Lauren talk about how they will survive those few short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The ladies discuss what they have the bandwidth for and the things that they are putting aside. Remember, just because you say “no” to something one year does not mean it’s always going to be “no”.  Join the ladies in December as they continue the conversation about surviving the “forgotten” week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... how you survive the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you have any suggestions for the ladies they would love to hear from you! 

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Dionne’s Links

ICE at Gaylord National

Anatomy of a Fragrance

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Lauren’s Links

Home Chef

A Black Girl Will Save the World Podcast

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

The gift giving season is upon us! If you are anything like Dionne and Lauren you too believe that a book is the perfect gift for anyone! In this episode the ladies talk about their favorite books to give as gifts for children/youth, cookbooks, coffee table/lifestyle books and subscriptions for the book lover in your life. They also both give an idea of a gift that pairs well with a book. When you finish this episode you just might have all “your people” covered for this holiday season!

 Please feel free to connect with The Truth About... your favorite books to give. If you have any suggestions for the ladies they would love to hear from you! If you don’t know by now they are always ready to hear about good books.

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Dionne’s books for Children and Youth

Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Soul-America-African-Americans/dp/0061730793/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SLOC1LUXJBCY&keywords=heart+and+soul+by+kadir+nelson&qid=1665926864&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjYyIiwicXNhIjoiMC40NSIsInFzcCI6IjAuNDEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=heart+and+soul+by+%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1

On This Day: History of the World in 366 Days by DK

https://www.amazon.com/This-Day-History-World-Days/dp/0744029171/ref=sr_1_1?crid=280TZORWACOZN&keywords=DK+publishing+this+day+in+history&qid=1665926957&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjU3IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=dk+publishing+this+day+in+history%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1

Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends and Legacies by DK

https://www.amazon.com/Timelines-Black-History-Leaders-Legacies/dp/0744039096/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=ZYTITSNVC1S3&keywords=timelines+in+black+history&qid=1665927166&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=timlines+in+black+history%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Dionne’s Coffee Table and Lifestyle Books

Restoration House: Creating a Space That Gives Life and Connection to All Who Enter by Kennisha Buycks

https://www.amazon.com/Restoration-House-Creating-Space-Connection/dp/031009206X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L8UGU0IYJBG4&keywords=restoration+house+kennesha+buycks&qid=1665927319&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=Restoration+house%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1

The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less by Christine Platt

https://www.amazon.com/Afrominimalists-Guide-Living-Less/dp/1982168048/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1665927466&sr=8-1

Dionne’s Cookbooks

Magnolia Table Volumes 1 and 2 by Joanna Gaines

https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Table-1-Joanna-Gaines/dp/B08972TCFG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=77HOGA1W3G8O&keywords=magnolia+table+cookbook+volume+1+and+2&qid=1665927661&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjA0IiwicXNhIjoiMS43NiIsInFzcCI6IjEuNjQifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=magnolia+table%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

Dionne’s Subscription Ideas

The Magnolia Journal

https://www.amazon.com/Meredith-The-Magnolia-Journal/dp/B01N35UMQV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=72DENC4OPSU5&keywords=magnolia+magazine+subscription&qid=1665927763&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMS4zNSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMjQifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=magnolia+magazine+subscription%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1

The Week Junior Magazine

https://theweekjunior.com/subscribe?channel=paidsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh4iALKOsP7NyYd188avlgoZ_JES-efx2gL6YcOTxi4Q2ZVyaOSWykAaAvV3EALw_wcB

Dionne’s Gift That Goes Well with a Book

The Ultimate Reading Challenge:Complete a Goal, Open an Envelope, and Reveal Your Bookish Prize by Weldon Owen

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Reading-Challenge-Complete-Envelope/dp/1681888238

Lauren’s Books for Children and Youth

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+7+1%2F2+deaths+of+evelyn+hardcastle&crid=1C1Q4Y8FSJ574&sprefix=the+7+1%2F2%2Caps%2C83&ref=nb_sb_ss_deep-retrain-0-ops-acceptance_1_9

Parker Looks Up by Parker Curry

https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Looks-Up-Extraordinary-Moment/dp/1534451862/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DNXV9G07RGNT&keywords=parker+looks+up+book&qid=1665928408&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjcwIiwicXNhIjoiMS4yOCIsInFzcCI6IjEuMDUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=parker+loo%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1

Lauren’s Coffee Table and Lifestyle Books

Glory by Kahran Bethencourt

https://www.amazon.com/GLORY-Magical-Visions-Black-Beauty/dp/1250204569/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3DZE0XH8G5AWL&keywords=Glory&qid=1665928470&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjQ4IiwicXNhIjoiMy44NyIsInFzcCI6IjEuODUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=glory%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-3

At Home with Dogs: A Rescue Love Story by Patricia Hart McMillan

https://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Dogs-Rescue-Stories/dp/0764360469/ref=sr_1_2?crid=37ZHUXVWQWUO3&keywords=At+HOme+with+Dogs&qid=1665928559&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjgxIiwicXNhIjoiMC44OSIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=at+home+with+dogs%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-2

Lauren’s Cookbooks

Betty Crocker’s Cooking Basics: Learning to Cook with Confidence

https://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Cooking-Basics-Confidence/dp/0028624513/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2KOP8W1ELQUDY&keywords=betty+crocker+cookbook+basics&qid=1665928667&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=betty+crockers+cookbook+basics%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2

Taste of Home Five Ingredient Cookbook

https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Home-5-Ingredient-Cookbook-Groceries/dp/1617654086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36KYRXT9YVL7V&keywords=taste+of+home+five+ingredient+cookbook&qid=1665928806&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAzIiwicXNhIjoiMS42NSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMzYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=taste+of+home+five+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1

Lauren’s Subscriptions

The Owlcrate

https://www.owlcrate.com/?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=17535893493&utm_medium=ad&utm_content=605092676629&utm_term=owl%20rate&campaignid=17535893493&adgroupid=137384672545&adid=605092676629&gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh5KCxsWdLxHfkGumgh_7ziWpIISfoEOvFsPMfNSsE9PvXs9y0oSB7YaAl5MEALw_wcB

Once Upon a Book Club

https://www.onceuponabookclub.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh4KtkdKrGkJ6wgEqcP8lkp52qUA-iZEgOW59Gu0lkzGcDtAuxDlcZ4aAkPAEALw_wcB

Lauren’s Gift That Goes Well with a Book

https://www.amazon.com/Inspirational-Magnetic-Bookmarks-Encouraging-Positive/dp/B086DH3CVS/ref=sr_1_11?crid=JIOMT5Z12KZ4&keywords=magnetic+bookmarks&qid=1665929036&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjgyIiwicXNhIjoiNy4wOSIsInFzcCI6IjYuNzcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=magnetic+boo%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-11

Welcome to Season 2…Words to Live By! In this episode the ladies kick off the season with their FIRST guest interview, Brianna Downing, of Stoop and Stank. Brianna shares how she has experienced having faith over fear! Not only does Brianna offer some “tshirt quotable” wisdom she also left the ladies with a long list of fellow Black women owned businesses that she loves and believes you will love too. However, pace yourself, these are some great shops to keep in mind as we get ready for the holiday season right around the corner:) Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...to share how you have exercised faith over fear in your life. We’d love to hear all the ways you have tackled dreams that felt out of reach and ways you have grown in your faith. You can always connect with us at:

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links Brianna mentioned in this episode:

Boho Gal

https://www.boho-gal.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuuKXBhCRARIsAC-gM0j1tny628_G8QiPTlsTQlz7Kvs7N1inRWeTu9rdwvG4wWumGmDeJRUaAqyfEALw_wcB

Angie Watts Beauty

https://www.angiewatts.com/

Nubian Hueman

https://nubianhueman.com/

Sable Collective

https://www.thesablecollective.com/

A Meaningful Mood

https://www.meaningfulmood.com/

Essential Tees Shop

https://essentialteesshop.com/

I’m On My Way by Anton Milton and Glorified

https://www.google.com/search?q=on+my+way+anton+milton+and+glorified&rlz=1CAIGZW_enUS996&oq=on+my+way+anton+milton+and+glorified&aqs=chrome..69i57.9194j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Lauren’s Masterpiece

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ELH37bvReDmW08X1N030ap6mJ7w-TxKz/view?usp=sharing

This week Lauren and Dionne share tips and tricks for summer travel. They have found out over the years that the preparation for a trip  and what they do once they return from a vacation is just as important as the trip itself. Don’t worry, they also share their ideas for what they always do when they make it to their destination. Perhaps you will be traveling this summer or you’ll take a trip at another time, these tips can work in any season! Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...your tried and true vacation must haves. Do you have an idea that makes traveling less stressful and more enjoyable? We’d love to hear them. You can always connect with us at:

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Lauren’s Summer Favorites

Toiletry bag - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F13RJWM/?coliid=I83LX6OQS16X5&colid=35MMVJLBCDQ1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Travel Laundry bag - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099F1P7F8/?coliid=I1VZR4Z48D1W4E&colid=35MMVJLBCDQ1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Foldable shopping bag with wheels

https://www.amazon.com/NymphFable-Trolley-Foldable-Shopping-Capacity/dp/B09Y38GKP8/ref=sr_1_17?crid=3SA4G610EVWXC&keywords=foldable+bag+with+wheels&qid=1657025661&sprefix=foldable+bag+with+wheels%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-17

Sunhat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHL3IPA/?coliid=IUXP08UHPVOZ4&colid=35MMVJLBCDQ1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Dionne’s Summer Favorites

Packing Cubes

https://www.amazon.com/DIMJ-Compression-Foldable-Organizer-Lightweight/dp/B07QNHM12F/ref=sr_1_6?crid=19BKJJZ8JMCY&keywords=packing+cubes+for+travel&qid=1658243512&sprefix=packing+cubes%2Caps%2C482&sr=8-6

Bath and Body Works Sun-washed Citrus

https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/sun-washed-citrus-gentle-foaming-hand-soap-026487392.html?cm_sp=Search-_-Results-_-026487392&trackingid=prodType

Chaco Sandals

https://www.chacos.com/US/en/z-cloud-2/24096W.html?dwvar_24096W_color=JCH108576#cgid=women-featured-best-sellers&start=1

Kids Travel Subscription

https://lettersafar.com/

Hotel Game Idea

https://www.amazon.com/Games-25254-Flipslide-Game/dp/B079D7XHSY/ref=sr_1_10?crid=MUNBRZE4HBVF&keywords=Logic+toys+tweens+flip+it&qid=1658244032&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=logic+toys+tweens+flip+it%2Ctoys-and-games%2C58&sr=1-10

This week Lauren and Dionne celebrate Father’s Day with a conversation about their fathers. Fun Fact, they are both self proclaimed “Daddy’s Girls” and as they mention a few times their fathers are very similar in personality! We recognize that holidays such as Father’s Day can create difficult feelings for many. If you are a listener that is having a hard time this Father’s Day season we pray that you will find the peace you need and a connection with a father that gives you joy. Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...a special father in your life. Do you have some words of wisdom shared with you by a father? We’d love to hear them. You can always connect with us at:

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=this+time+tomorrow+emma+straub&i=digital-text&ref=nb_sb_noss

Dionne is finding it difficult to sleep without rain and thunderstorms

https://youtu.be/yMRoNNKWuqQ

Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeny

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Company-Cynthia-DAprix-Sweeney-ebook/dp/B08F7QZB3G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QYCLDUUOL9XS&keywords=good+company&qid=1655040142&s=digital-text&sprefix=good+compa%2Cdigital-text%2C55&sr=1-1

Lauren was shocked when she found and fell hard for

https://wishfarms.com/pinkaboo-pineberries/

In this episode Dionne and Lauren talk about the two women they know best, their mothers! They reminisce about childhood memories, share some words to live by from their mothers and dive into what it's like to be a “friend” to their mothers as adults. Though this episode is in celebration of Mother’s Day we know that this holiday can be hard for some listeners. If you have lost a mother, long to be a mother or are having a difficult time in your motherhood we see you and we stand with you. 

Please feel free to connect with The Truth About...your mother or another woman in your life that is like a mother to you. If you have any suggestions for the ladies about their “trouble spot” routines they would love to hear from you!

[email protected]

instagram.com/the_truth_about_est2022

Links we mentioned in this episode:

Rhythms and Renewals: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekkah Lyons

https://www.amazon.com/Rhythms-Renewal-Trading-Anxiety-Purpose/dp/0310356148/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AN6XTES3VZGI&keywords=rhythms+and+renewal&qid=1651408455&sprefix=rythms+and+rene%2Caps%2C54&sr=8-1

Dionne’s Favorite laundry stain treatment

https://www.dollartree.com/las-totally-awesome-laundry-pre-wash-stain-remover-32oz-/808178

The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

https://www.amazon.com/Love-My-Life-Novel-ebook/dp/B098J337VY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19M1Y3NE2RVK&keywords=the+love+of+my+life+rosie+walsh&qid=1651408773&sprefix=the+love+of+%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1

Lauren’s Favorite Skincare Line on the company website here

https://www.boldenusa.com/collections/kits/products/bolden-clear-skin-travel-kit

It’s also sold  a la carte on Amazon here

https://www.amazon.com/Bolden-BCC1480-Skin-Clarifying-Cleanser/dp/B01LYNHTZ8/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=16BHQK29EL96B&keywords=bolden&qid=1651409030&s=beauty&sprefix=bolden%2Cbeauty%2C65&sr=1-4-spons&psc=1&smid=A8R7E7M9T02O6&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySEM5VjRKWUw1RlZMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDI5ODUxMVYwMzBXSDQ5UTI1NCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzgzODYwMlJZTUdQOVdQRktLSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=