I’ve been following the news obsessively since Mike Brown was shot in the streets in Ferguson, Missouri, but I haven’t managed to get any coherent words of my own out. I’ve started at least 3 different blog posts about this. Every time, there’s a new development, a new reason for disgust and outrage, another disappointing…
Issues
Your Helpful Essence Music Festival Guide! Here’s How To ENJOY Your Time In NOLA!
I’ll admit it, just to you. I’m pretty bummed that I won’t be at this year’s Essence Music Festival. I mean, PRINCE. NAS. Janelle Monae. The Roots. Ledisi. This will be SO DOPE. I was even asked to participate, but I had to turn it down — my husband’s family is coming to Chicago for…
This Is The Final Issue of JET Magazine
If you’re looking to cop a piece of black history for your archives, keep an eye out for the final print issue of JET Magazine, which hit newsstands today, Monday June 9th. This final issue is a tribute to the past 63 years of publication, a dedication to the years that JET was the publication…
Team Taylor Townsend! Reasons To Love This New Tennis Superstar
When I was a teenager, I was sent to tennis lessons. I spent weekend mornings running around and picking up tennis balls, all under the tutelage of an elderly gentleman named Mr. Valentine. Mr. Valentine was a very forthright gentleman and after some time had passed, my parents asked him for his opinion on…
Summertime Chi! Your Easy Living Summer Drugstore Beauty Guide
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post by P&G Beauty but these are my opinions and experiences. The weather is perfection, there’s not a cloud in the sky. A light breeze ruffles your hair and your clothing as you stroll along the lakeshore. I’m here to tell you, there’s nothing more beautiful than summer in Chicago!…
I’ve Kind Of Become My Mom – 5 Things I Inherited From My Mother
There were times in my teens and even early twenties when the title of this post would’ve seemed like the worst thing ever. As I grow older I realize how hard my mom worked to raise us kids and how much of herself she poured into us. Things that flew over my head, decisions I…
Obsessed With Oyin! 10 Reasons I ADORE Baltimore’s Own Hair & Beauty Brand
Oyin Handmade has established itself as one of the highest quality, most desirable, just all around cool independent hair and body care brands in the business. I’ve been hearing amazing things about Oyin since at least 2006 — did you know that the brand began 13 years ago? Yep, it’s been over a decade since…
My Mammogram Diary. What I Learned From My Breast Cancer Scare
Normally I like to keep things positive and uplifting, light and fluffy over here on Afrobella. I see my blog as a respite, an oasis, a safe space. And it is in this safe space that I’m going to share my story even if some of this is TMI. My TMI could help someone else….
Afrobella Art – Andrea Pippins, Forever Fly
In my corner of the blogosphere, there’s been one design and art blog holding it down from the beginning. Andrea Pippins, creator of Fly, has been sharing her vision of creative artwork and design inspirations since 2006. Her blog has personally introduced me to so many up and coming creative and fresh new aesthetic ideas,…
Last Week’s Lesson – Find Your Own Happiness (& Stop Looking to Others For It)
From time to time, I share my personal revelations and life lessons on Instagram or Facebook. Recently when I shared one, a friend encouraged me to blog about it and share my truth here on Afrobella.com. That inspired this new series, Last Week’s Lesson. I hope others can learn from my experiences! I used to…