In most of the USA right now, the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL. The weather report is talking about all kinds of negative degrees and wind chills. Christmas is in 9 days and the time for gift shopping is yesterday NOW. I’m here for you, with some natural hair gift suggestions you still have time to… read all
Last week ended on a cultural high note, at the kind of event I hope to see more of in 2017. My husband and I attended the Harlem Fine Arts Show thanks to the good folks at COUNTRY Financial. As sponsors, they had a booth — really more like a lounge — where one of my favorite… read all
Just about every Christmas since I was oh, maybe 12 years old, my mom would get me a bottle of perfume. As a little one it was likely to be something by Yardley, Vanilla Fields, or all throughout high school, Sunflowers (I loved that bottle). When I came of age, Chanel No. 5. In 2014… read all
Many of you may know that I’m from Trinidad. And many of you may also know that I didn’t rock my natural hair until 2002, years after I migrated from my homeland. When I lived in Trinidad, I felt pressured to wear my hair relaxed. Even when I saw signs of damage, I kept on… read all
My eternal shopping dilemma — I love quality, but I’m not willing and/or able to pay full retail prices. I am all about the look and the labels for less. I love rummaging through a good outlet store. Even moreso, I love looking online for bargains so I know exactly how steep of a discount… read all
The countdown is officially ON and Christmas is around the corner. Now’s the time to get your shop all the way on and I’m here to help! This is the first of my holiday gift guides, featuring the items I’ve been reviewing (and coveting) all year! First up, gifts for your kitchen. This year my… read all
I’ve been in deep denial. I’ve been lying to myself. Some days, Chicago plays along — giving me balmy afternoons in the 50’s. But on a day like this Monday, I can’t deny it any more. Winter is coming. It’s cold November raining sideways right now as I write this. Soon that rain will be… read all
It began in 2014, as a list of 101 Independent Black Owned Businesses to support for Blackout Friday. In 2015, the list grew to 350 Independent Black Owned Businesses. And this year, I’m happy to announce that the Black Owned Business Directory has grown into its own page that will remain an ever-growing work in… read all
Take a moment and look at the hair products that clutter your bathroom cupboards or counters. Where do they come from? Who made the ingredients that go into them? Are those ingredients being made or harvested in a healthy and sustainable way? How do you know? Of all of the hair products and body products… read all
Sponsored giveaway by Mr. Bubble Bubble baths are among my top favorite things in life. I don’t get to bask in their luxury often enough, but when I do it’s a ritual. I even have a Spotify playlist dedicated to Sunday bubblebaths. I get the water to the right temperature, add my bubbles and salts… read all
If you’ve been following me on Instagram (if you’re not, check a bella out), you already know I’ve been a traveling fool this year. Road trips, domestic trips, international travel — I’ve been doing it all, back to back for a few months. Right now I’m typing this on a plane ride back from LA… read all
I’m gonna be honest, y’all. 2016 has been a lot. Life lessons on top of learning experiences. Trials and tribulations, peaks and valleys. This year I planned to celebrate my 10th anniversary in August. I had all sorts of plans, design partnerships and events, I was invited on a special trip that month — so… read all