Her current exhibition, Giving You The Best That I Got, on view for just a few more days at Art + Practice in collaboration with the California African American Museum, is a powerful meditation on Black motherhood—spotlighting the narratives, visuals, and emotional depth too often absent from contemporary art spaces. As Clayton shares, it’s “one of the most special projects of my career and a highlight in my journey as a mother and a daughter.” If you’re in L.A., consider this your cue to run, not walk (it closes March 7th).

For this installment of Mother Essentials, Clayton’s picks reflect a woman in a new chapter. “I am a completely different mom now than when I was chasing after toddlers!” she explains. “I used to swear by all the latest kids gear and healthy snacks, now I’m in the era of pouring back into myself so I can power through the upcoming teen years!”

What follows is a list that’s less about sippy cups and more about slick buns, statement rings, favorite bookstores and coffee shops, and the rituals—big and small—that sustain her.

Art + Practice. “This art exhibition space in L.A. is where my current show Giving You The Best That I Got is on view through March 7th. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the California African American Museum and explores the deeper narratives and visuals and emotions associated with Black motherhood, which we don’t often see in contemporary art. As a Black mother of 3 girls, this is one of the most special projects of my career and a highlight in my journey as a mother and a daughter. I can’t wait to expand the show and take it to new cities and be in community with even more artist mothers.” ArtandPractice.org and CAAMuseum.org

Lore Leimert Bookstore. “This newly opened independent bookstore and community space in Leimert Park (a cute historically Black enclave in South Los Angeles) is across the street from my exhibition. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the past 6 months, moderated an artist talk, and dragged my kids inside every time. Luckily there’s the cutest kids nook where my daughters are able to kick back, read books, and do arts and crafts.” @LoreLeimertPark

Clearly Canadian. “While I’m proudly Californian, I do enjoy an international beverage. I used to drink these when they were popular in the ’90s. Now they are back, and my kids, who are dual Canadian citizens, really love these!” Clearly Canadian Sparkling Flavored Water (12-Pack), $40.99, Walmart.

Black Strap Molasses. “My grandma used to always eat spoonfuls of molasses or put it in hot cereal or pancakes. As a kid, I thought it was gross. Now as an adult with bad anemia, it’s a lifesaver. I sneak it into smoothies for the family and it blends in perfectly with the nutrients we all need.” Organic Black Strap Molasses, $17.99, Amazon.

Black Paper Party. “My old college roommate, Madia Willis, started this holiday gift wrapping company. They have now expanded from Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags to a whole line of PJs, housewares, and more.” BlackPaperParty.com

Jo Phillipe Parfum. “Founded by another mama, Imani Bordeaux, I love the La Sirene and Dirty Gold scents. So fresh and subtle. Just like me.” La Sirène Eau de Parfum, $89, Jo Phillipe.

Harun Coffee. “A newly renovated coffee shop and speakeasy just next door to Lore Leimert Park. It’s a perfect mix of coffee, tea, art, and vibes. It feels like a home away from home for me.” @Harun.Coffee

Kiss Edge Fixer in Strawberry Acai. “I often have to go from day to night activities for work. Nothing beats a clean slick middle part bun and this edge control gets all my flawaways in check. And my teenager always steals this for her baby hairs, so I have to buy multiples.” Edge Fixer Gel, $9.49, Kiss.

Melody Ehsani Clothes & Accessories. “They remind me of the cool girl I was before having children. Melody is also an L.A. native like me, so our style and vibe is very much in sync. I wear my Pay Me ring whenever I’m at art functions and important meetings as a gentle reminder that my ideas and labor are not free!” Pay Me Ring, $58, Melody Ehsani.

Betsey Johnson Accessories. “Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers since childhood. Every year I treat myself to a fun shoe or bag. I hope to amass a fun collection my daughters can wear for all their future parties and special occasions.” Masen Heel, $129, Betsey Johnson.

Dr. Scholl’s Sandals. “I’ve been wearing these wooden clogs since highschool. My kids know I mean business when they hear me clanking down the hall in these shoes. I also have flat feet, so the wood helps keep my feet in great alignment. My daughters also love slipping these on.” Original Sandal, $140, Dr. Scholl’s.

Deeluxe Soaps. “My mom has been a serial entrepreneur since I was a kid. The perk is that I always get to be the first customer or taste tester! She currently has a soap line, which is so fun and kitschy and a reminder to my kids to stay fresh! They also make the best gifts!” DeeLuxeSoaps.com

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features with food star Jing Gao of Fly by Jing, Sarah Fritsch of Studio Tigress, artist Lena Corwin, Hello!Lucky’s sister duo, doula and author Latham Thomas, Carla Wingett of Idlewild Floral, Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd, Hana Getachew of Bole Road Textiles, artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, and DJ and director Va$htie Kola.

The post Mother Essentials: Dominique Clayton appeared first on MOTHER.

The backdrop to all of this is unmistakably generational. Neptune and Saturn have by now both settled into Aries—two planets that have not shared a sign in centuries—and the atmosphere they’re creating together is genuinely unprecedented in living memory. Neptune dissolves, dreams, and asks what lies beneath the surface. Saturn demands structure, accountability, and the slow forging of something tangible. Together in Aries, the sign of identity, courage, and new beginnings, they are asking a civilizational question: What are we becoming, and are we willing to do the honest work of finding out? There is no clean answer. Only the question itself, and the work of living honestly inside it.

Mars enters Pisces on March 2nd, adding restless urgency to an emotionally saturated atmosphere. The Total Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Virgo on March 3rd provides the month’s first sharp and unapologetically clarifying edge: a moment of conclusion and unflinching truth after weeks of beautiful blur inside an ecosystem of alternative realities, often competing with one another. Eclipses never negotiate, and this one arrives before we’ve had time to place our bets or prepare our best arguments.

The month deepens through its middle weeks. Venus enters Aries on March 6th, threading warmth and desire into the Saturn-Neptune crucible. Jupiter turns direct in Cancer on March 10th, and growth that has been composting in private begins to move outward with new momentum. The New Moon in Pisces on March 18th offers a final, tender moment of interior reset—the last dark sky before Aries season arrives.

On March 20th, Mercury turns direct and the Sun crosses into Aries simultaneously: a double threshold, a collective exhale. March’s final gift arrives on the 30th, when Venus moves into Taurus and the atmosphere shifts from urgent to sensual. After everything this month has asked of us—the reckonings, the recalibrations, the uncomfortable clarity—beauty and pleasure arrive not as distraction, but as luxurious sustenance.

March Legend:

March 2nd: Mars enters Pisces
March 3rd: Total Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Virgo
March 6th: Venus enters Aries
March 10th: Jupiter turns direct in Cancer
March 18th: New Moon in Pisces
March 20th: Sun enters Aries, Mercury turns direct in Pisces
March 28th: Saturn (in Aries) sextiles Pluto (in Aquarius)
March 30th: Venus enters Taurus

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Now based in Nevada, Jing balances the demands of founder life with raising her toddler son, Kai (you might remember her touching essay on being reborn as a mother). In her Mother Essentials list below, she shares the rituals and everyday comforts that nourish herself and her family—showing how food is both her creative medium and love language. From toddler-approved Chinese music books and her “morning pages” ritual, to her Fly by Jing favorites and local hikes through the red rock canyons, these are the products and practices keeping Jing fueled and inspired every day.

Fly By Jing Classic Soy Noodles. “A key comfort food in our house. They’re quick enough for busy evenings (6 minutes!), flavorful enough for adults, and—because they’re our very first non-spicy noodle—simple enough to share with kids.” Classic Soy Noodles (6-Pack), $30, Fly by Jing.

Bao Bao Learns Chinese. “A great music book for toddlers to learn Chinese via catchy songs. Kai loves listening and singing along to the same Chinese nursery rhymes that I grew up with. This is a playful, accessible, and a sweet way to keep culture woven into our everyday life.” Bao Bao Learns Chinese Vol. 1, $28.99, Amazon.

The Regulars Bundle by Tubby Todd. “My son has sensitive skin, so anything that’s gentle and reliable is immediately an everyday essential.” The Regulars Bundle, $49, Tubby Todd.

Expand Meditation App. “Even five quiet minutes can entirely shift the tone of my day. Being a founder means keeping my calm when things get chaotic, so it’s important to me that this is a part of my daily practice.” MonroeInstitute.org

Morning Pages (The Artist’s Way). “If you’ve ever read The Artist’s Way, you’ll know the power of the morning pages. I’m still dedicated to doing these daily—even years later. The stream-of-consciousness style of writing helps me clear my mind first thing in the morning and, maybe most importantly, stay connected to my inner voice.” The Artist’s Way, $22.37, Bookshop and Amazon.

Hiking the Red Rock Canyons. “Getting outside for me is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a long hike or a simple walk, the fresh air and scenery helps me recalibrate. It’s been fun to share that with Kai as he gets older and begins to appreciate the views as well.” Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Toiro Donabe With Steamer Attachment. “One of the most versatile pieces in my kitchen. I use it for steaming vegetables, seafood, rice—even simmering broths. Steaming in a donabe preserves the natural sweetness and delicacy of ingredients, and when you steam over kombu water or dashi, it infuses everything with deep umami. It makes simple, nourishing family meals feel elevated.” Donabe Steamer, $240, Toiro.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker. “Speaking of rice, one of the most game-changing kitchen tools is a simple rice cooker. It saves me the hassle of manually preparing the rice (so I can prep the other parts of the meal in the meantime), but the end result is consistent and high quality.” Zojirushi Rice Cooker, $55.99, Amazon.

Fly By Jing Electric Hot Pot Starter Set. “Hot pot has always been about the joy of gathering around a table with people you love, but it’s taken on new meaning since becoming a mom. It gives me a bit of extra time and space to spend time with my family at the end of hectic founder days.” Hot Pot Starter Set, $130, Fly By Jing.

The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp. “My cookbook—The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp—offers some really great recipes that are rooted in tradition but adapted for the modern kitchen. It’s easy inspo for elevating your go-to family meals with a little something extra.” The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp: Spicy Recipes and Stories from Fly By Jing’s Kitchen, $18, Amazon and Bookshop.

Ghia. “An easy non-alc beverage everyone loves. I’m a big fan of a quick and easy drink option that makes my at-home meals feel a little extra special. Ghia’s great if you’re cutting back on alcohol. It’s a big crowd-pleaser—so it works equally as well for hosting as it does for nights in with the family.” Ghia Non-Alcoholic Apéritif, $38, Amazon.

Blueland Cleaning Products. “Making meals at home means slightly more mess than ordering in, but I love Blueland because it makes the clean-up process feel extra simple and safe—key for me as a newer mom. I’m partial to their multi-surface cleaner, which is free from parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, chlorine bleach, and phthalates, and—best of all—is easily refillable.” Blueland Multi-surface Cleaner Starter Set, $16, Blueland.

Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork, Ireland. “I gifted myself a birthday trip to Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork, Ireland for a week-long homesteading course. It was transformative. Learning about growing, cooking, and sustaining food systems felt especially poignant as a mother and left me dreaming about starting a farm of my own someday.” Ballymaloecookeryschool.ie

Chiyo. “This TCM-based meal delivery service was originally designed for prenatal and postpartum care, but honestly, I still order from them regularly. It’s deeply nourishing, beautifully prepared food—for anyone, anytime.” WeAreChiyo.com

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features with Sarah Fritsch of Studio Tigress, artist Lena Corwin, Hello!Lucky’s sister duo, doula and author Latham Thomas, Carla Wingett of Idlewild Floral, Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd, Hana Getachew of Bole Road Textiles, artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, and DJ and director Va$htie Kola.

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Yes, teenagers may be hormonal and are starting to deal with the pressures from school, their peers, and social media. However, more and more parents these days are sharing just how incredible the teenage years can be with the right approach and giving those of us who are apprehensive a little ray of hope. Connecting with your teen is vital to a healthy and open relationship, and doing so is actually much easier than you may think. Take a look at these tried-and-true tips on how to easily bond with your soon-to-be or already-there teenager.

Open Your Doors. Teenagers usually have one thing at the top of their minds and that’s their friendships. Invite your teens to have their buddies over to your house as often as comfortably possible, letting your house become a warm, fun home-base for after-school hangs, weekend get-togethers, and sleepovers. This way, you can get to know your child’s circle of friends and keep a close watch without being overbearing.

Rituals. Creating traditions and rituals together is a really great way to bond, have fun together, and make special memories as a family. Maybe it’s going to eat at everyone’s favorite local restaurant each week, watching a crowd-pleasing show together (like The Office or Abbott Elementary), starting—and finishing—a series of puzzles, or treating yourselves and the kids to something special once a month for good grades, hard work, good manners and attitudes. Whatever it is, make it fitting for your unique family and stick with it.

Dine Together. There’s no better time to connect than over a meal. Make sitting down and eating together as a family a regular thing in your home, whether it’s breakfast, lunch time, a weekend brunch, or dinner. Here, you can catch up, share stories, and strike up a conversation about current events. If your kids’ ages are spread out, one-on-one meals with just your teens can be really beneficial, allowing them to feel comfortable opening up and having adult conversations with mom or dad.

Sweet Nothings. No matter how “cool” and “grown up” your teen may think they are, they still love and crave affection. Easily connect your with your teen on a daily basis by doing those things that come naturally to you as a parent—saying “I love you” often, making sure to always tell your teens “good night” and “good morning,” surprising them with their favorite after-school snack in the pantry, or making a big breakfast before school are all extremely simple ways to show how much you care, and are appreciated by kids of all ages.

Follow Their Lead. So, your teenage son is into basketball or your teenage daughter has a strong interest in art. Suggest to shoot some hoops one afternoon or sign you and your daughter up for a fun painting session at a local art center. It’s important to support your kid’s interests and get involved when and where you can.

Make A Date. Let’s face it, between our busy schedules and the activities and homework of our teens, finding time to do much of anything else can easily become an after-thought. Make an effort to schedule regular “dates” with your young adults—catch a matinee, go fishing, take them to go see a concert, go for a hike, take them on a practice driving session, or bring your teenage daughter along for a mani-pedi. Spending more time together is a surefire way to keep your bond tight and have fun doing so!

Work Together. No one likes to do chores, but it certainly makes them seem a lot more tolerable when you have some help. Instead of waiting until the mess is out of hand, designate an afternoon once a week where the entire family gets together and helps each other dust and vacuum the house, mow the grass, do the laundry, etc. This way it’s all-hands-on-deck and you can turn on some music and pump out the chores while making it fun.

Get Cooking. Is your teen a foodie like you? Invite him or her to help make dinner, Sunday brunch, or have them choose a weekly recipe that you make together to contribute to the family meal plan. Not only is this a good way to get some extra hands in the kitchen, but it’s also a great time to reconnect and talk about what’s going on in your child’s life. Ask questions and show genuine interest in what’s happening in his or her personal life and at school. Make sure to relate and offer advice in an adult-to-adult way instead of a mom-to-kid way, which will make your teen feel more open to communicating freely.

Just Listen. All-in-all, what teenagers really need are parents who are genuinely interested in what they have to say. These years can be trying for young-adults and the seemingly little things can feel like really big things to them, whether they’re struggling with grades, rejection, bullies, or just feeling overwhelmed. You want to be the person they come to when things get tough, no matter what. Welcome and encourage your child to come to you anytime they just need to talk, ask, or cry it out in a no-judgement-zone.

Keep It Real. While all of these tips may sound great, don’t start planning your brand new “Mommy-and-Me” schedule quite yet. Talk to you teen about spending more time together. Mention some of the suggestions above and start off slow—after all, they are still teenagers.

This article was originally published in June 2016.

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Over lunch, we sat down with Mays for a live conversation that moved fluidly between life and work: raising two now-adult daughters, inspiration found in her new studio in Colombia, and the emotional depth embedded in her practice. She spoke about the personal roots of TORN UP, from honoring her grandfather’s labor as a house painter in the American South to the powerful act of naming—titling her works after names found on slave manifests as gestures of remembrance and reclamation.

It was an afternoon grounded in reflection, storytelling, and connection, with Mays’ work quite literally hanging above us as a reminder of the histories, landscapes, and legacies that shape her art.

Check out the gallery below to re-live our special event with Shara Mays at Chandran Gallery.

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While we’ve hosted a hundred-plus events over the years, this one stood out for its intention. Guests arrived not just to mingle, but carrying pieces of their lives—art prints and family photos, yes, but also photobooth strips, a great-grandmother’s delicate beaded purse, and even a child’s well-loved sweatshirt, ready to be honored as the keepsake it is.

The day also doubled as a preview of Framebridge’s Valentine’s Day offerings, designed to celebrate candid, heartfelt moments, from puffy heart-shaped gold frames to red- and pink-hued designs, plus their same-day walk-in service that lets you turn a digital photo into a framed gift on the spot.

Between framing consultations, guests sipped chai from Berkeley-based Elaichi, grabbed donuts from Donut Farm, and shopped all day knowing their purchases were giving back: a portion of proceeds benefited Creative Growth, the Oakland nonprofit that advances the inclusion and visibility of artists with developmental disabilities.

Scroll on for 60+ photos from the day—and if you’re feeling inspired, consider this your sign to visit a Framebridge near you (or online) and start the new year by framing what you love.

The post Toasting The Opening of Framebridge Berkeley appeared first on MOTHER.

The titles below each deal with African American characters and encounters with prejudice or racial issues, which makes them great conversation starters. But besides these titles, it’s a good idea to introduce kids to media with diverse characters and stories that don’t always place race at the center. For more great picks, check out Common Sense Media’s lists on Great African American Experience Movies, Best Mexican/Mexican American Movies, and Movies With AAPI Characters.

Pride, age 8+
This fact-based drama about an underdog African American swim team in the 1970s deals with racism head-on, showing how the swimmers faced—and stood up to—prejudice in their quest to succeed.
Conversation starter: Have you ever seen someone in real life being treated unfairly for no reason? What would you do if you felt discriminated against or saw a friend being held back from their goals based on their skin color?

And the Children Shall Lead, 9+
Direct and sensitive, this tween-friendly take on how the civil rights movement turned the South upside down in the 1960s is both direct enough to hold tweens’ attention and important enough to be good family viewing.
Conversation starter: What would you do if you were faced with the same situation as the kids in the movie? Can you think of examples that show how race still affects the way people are treated today?

Hidden Figures, 10+
The true story of three brilliant African American women who worked at NASA in the 1950s and ’60s offers a realistic look at the racial tensions of the civil rights era, plus tons of positive messages about integrity, perseverance, teamwork, and communication.
Conversation starter: How do the lessons from the civil rights movement apply today? How far have we come? How are people still discriminated against?

Sounder, 12+
Based on the Newberry Award-winning novel by William H. Armstrong, one of the key themes of this coming-of-age drama is the power of education and reading to help overcome a deeply rooted racist society.
Conversation starter: Why are the types of books the main character is given by white and African American teachers so different? What does the boy need to overcome to pursue his dream of learning?

The Great Debaters, 13+
Denzel Washington stars in this inspirational fact-based drama about a debate team that overcomes severe prejudice on the way to national fame. Expect unvarnished discussions and representations of 1930s racism, including a brutal lynching scene.
Conversation starter: Does seeing racism and prejudice portrayed in a historical setting make it any easier to watch? Why, or why not?

Hoop Dreams, 13+
This outstanding 1994 documentary is a searing portrait of inner-city life in America and the extraordinary, unfair expectations placed on the shoulders of many young African American athletes.
Conversation starter: How are issues of race and class linked, especially in urban America? How does this movie shed light on those issues?

Selma, 13+
Despite some historically accurate violence and occasional strong language, this drama about revered civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is powerful and educational, with fabulous performances, a gripping script, and important subject matter.
Conversation starter: What are the differences between a protest and a riot? How are protests typically shown on TV or in the movies? What about riots?

The Color Purple, 14+
This intense drama based on Alice Walker’s award-winning novel deals with serious themes (including incest and abuse), but it will open mature teens’ eyes to the difficulties that women—especially Black women—experienced in the early 20th century.
Conversation starter: How have times have changed for women since the era in which the story takes place? Has anything remained the same? Why are the challenges faced by women of color different from those faced by white women?

Mudbound, 15+
Following two Mississippi families—one white, one Black—who live through and after World War II, this drama based on Hillary Jordan’s novel paints a harrowing portrait of the Jim Crow South, inviting in-depth conversation about subjects that are as relevant today as they were decades ago.
Conversation starter: Do you think showing disturbing violence helps audiences more fully comprehend the African American experience? Why, or why not?

13th, 16+
Director Ava DuVernay’s provocative, challenging documentary about the racial issues confronting contemporary America isn’t for the faint of heart, but mature viewers will find it both educational and a call to action to take a stand against racial injustice.
Conversation starter: What surprised you most about our country’s treatment of African American citizens over its long history?

For more great Black History Month (and beyond!) stories, check out our roundup on 100+ Black History Books For Kids.

This article was originally syndicated and published on February 28, 2018.

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For more stellar kids’ book roundups, check out these 80+ Black children’s authors and 30 incredible Black illustrators, children’s books that spotlight LGBTQ+ characters, Latinx books for kids, books by and about Indigenous peoples, great books to give as gifts, titles that boost self-esteem and empathy, and 20 awesome picture books without words.

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