In case you took a social media break over the weekend and missed the explosion, Beyoncé released a new album when absolutely nobody was expecting it. 17 songs. 14 videos. And all she did was post a sneak preview video on Instagram and say “surprise!” She sold 450,000+ in the first day. Her latest release…
Life
Throwback Thursday. A Year Ago, I Gave a TEDx Talk in Trinidad
I couldn’t sleep. The night before my TEDx Port of Spain appearance, I was nervous to the point of nauseousness. I remember tossing and turning in my old bed, trying to fall asleep in my old childhood bedroom. I had written a speech, but the point was to practice it over and over again until…
How To Live A Life More Like Nelson Mandela’s
On December 5, 2013, the world lost Nelson Mandela. At age 95, he had lived an incredibly full life and news of his ailing dominated headlines this year, so hearing that Mandela had passed made me feel a strange mixture of sadness and acceptance. As Bishop Desmond Tutu expressed, “we are relieved that his…
Join Me As I Co-Host The Happy Black Woman Chicago Happy Hour!
My bellas in Chicago – you may have noticed that I don’t host many events. I also don’t go to many events. I tend to be kind of a homebody, when I’m home. But next Tuesday I’m participating in something truly special and unique – and I’d love you to come and join me!…
Things We Can Learn From Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis is a whole lotta woman. She’s a powerhouse actress, a groundbreaking performer of stage and screen, and a legend who has worked with the best in the business. And I can tell you from personal experience, she gives AMAZING quotes in interviews. I learned that from personal experience when I interviewed her…
Why I Love Houseplants + GIVEAWAY for National Houseplant Week
The corner where I sit to work is bright and inspiring. My desk faces a wall of glass, so I am continually bathed in sunshine while I write. And right next to my desk – which is forever littered with stacks of paper and business cards – I have a little area that I think…
7 Things I’ve Learned In 7 Years of Blogging
Seven years ago this week, I did something whimsical. After an evening of casual brainstorming, with the encouragement and advice of my husband and a dear friend, I bought a domain name and started this blog. I didn’t go into it thinking “OMG I’m going to create a brand and quit my day job and…
Beauty Confession- I Think I Wear Too Much Makeup (Sometimes)
It’s so funny when I look at old bios I wrote for myself for this blog. I first started it back in 2006, and I have changed so much in terms of where I am in my life and what I’m like as a person. Back in 2006 I still felt like a girl. I…
Real Advice For Nigella Lawson And For So Many Women Just Like Her
The recent photos of Nigella Lawson being publicly assaulted by her husband, advertising magnate and multimillionaire art collector Charles Saatchi, hurt my heart and made me feel sick to my stomach. Seeing these images of this man’s hand wrapped around her throat, flicking her nose in obvious, familiar disrespect and degradation made so many questions…
Say Something Nice To Yourself. Today And Every Day
“OMG I’m such an idiot.” “Oh no! I’m the worst!” “I’m no good when it comes to **insert task here**” “I’m sorry!” “I SUCK at **insert thing here**” Does this kind of thing sound familiar to you? Do you say things like this? Do you have friends who say things like this? How often do…