Becoming | A Playlist

There is something about the arrival of springtime that makes me feel so hopeful. At peace. Anticipating new and joyous experiences on the horizon. But not in an anxious way. In more of a calming way. A way that feels pleasant to ease into. 

So far, this season has given me a sense of renewal. I have officially shed the practices of withdrawal and isolation I so heavily rely on in the winter. I am reminded that, while winter may call for hibernation and stillness, spring requires coming into the light. 

During this time, I find myself preparing for newness. I'm cleaning out my closets (both literally and figuratively). I'm re-evaluating current creative projects to determine what works and what doesn't. I'm spring cleaning the entire house and ridding the spaces of things that no longer serve my family.  I welcome my evolution and resurgence with new tea blends, vibrant colors in my wardrobe & cosmetics, and music that waters me. 

While funk and hip-hop will always blast in my speakers, springtime vibes lean on the smooth, calming, and relaxing spectrum of things. When getting my mind, body, and spirit in tune with the changes taking place around me and within me, I need my music to reflect that same sentiment. 

QUEUE THE "becoming" PLAYLIST:  This is for those moments before we start our day and feel most alive. We welcome the warmth and brightness of the sun. We thank God for life, breath, grace and opportunity. And we anticipate the beauty that will unfold as the day emerges. Each song on this list serves as a reminder of that beauty. Click the image above to open the playlist up in a new window.

  

  

Loving these Spotify playlists? Let me know in the comments if you want more here on the blog. And be sure to give me a follow if you're on Spotify, too. I love making mixtapes and sharing music with my good boos over there.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SPRING?

WHAT'S ON YOUR CURRENT PLAYLIST?

Rayan Lawrence Dishes on His Role of "K-9" in Season 2 Of Starz Hit Show BMF

If one keeps his ears open to the entertainment streets, he is aware of the popularity Starz Hit Show BMF has reached since its debut in September 2021. For those who aren’t, BMF is a Starz crime drama inspired by the true story of two brothers who form a criminal empire in southwest Detroit during the 1980s. Each week, viewers see the lengths “Big Meech” and “Southwest T” go to in order to make their street dreams come true. In the second season, fans of BMF witness these two connect with a major player in Detroit: a notorious drug dealer from Brewster Projects. 

Enter Rayan Lawrence, the man behind the merciless character viewers have come to know and fear, K-9.

Lipstick Love | The Lip Bar Matte Lip in Rich Auntie

When is the last time you've worn a lipstick that made you feel like "the one" when you stepped out with it perfectly applied on your lips? I mean, when you look in your bathroom mirror, you feel confident giving yourself that last once-over? And as you go on about your day, you notice others are admiring your brilliant smile as well? Some may even stop you to ask you the name of the lipstick you're rocking. I don't know about you, but I love when someone asks me about lipsticks. Especially if it stands out as much as Rich Auntie from The Lip Bar.

If you didn't know, let me be the one to tell you: Rich Auntie is THAT GIRL. I usually go for nudes and chocolates for everyday wear, but there's something about Rich Auntie that makes me want to grab for her and rock her fearlessly every day. I don't know if it's the shade or the feeling she gives when I put her on, but I love it, either way! She has been holding a secured spot on my makeup vanity for months and now that she's BACK IN STOCK, I need to purchase a few more! Peep the details below to learn why I'm so obsessed with her after the jump.

LIPSTICK LOVE | NYX Lip Lingerie in Honeymoon and Beauty Mark

When the seasons change, I am always inspired to switch out items from daily wear makeup bag. The bright lippies and blushes from warmer months have now taken residence in the makeup cases in the bottom of my closet. My favorite plums, reds, burgundies, and deep browns have made a comeback! And while browns and nudes never really disappear from my rotation, I do forget many of my all-time favorites and have to bring them back out. 

If you've been here for a while, you know I love a good, affordable lipstick. And for that reason, I keep repurchasing lippies from the NYX Cosmetics Lip Lingerie line. Lip Lingerie boasts to have a "nude for everybody" with over 20 shades between the original and the XXL line. Two of them that I just can't seem to get out of my system are my beloved Honeymoon and Beauty Mark. 

I've been rocking these two for years and can always seem to find a replacement when I run out from virtually any big box store or drugstore. So, as long as these stores continue to feed my habit for the low, I'll continue to slather my lips with their product. Check out how they look on the pucker below.

Feels Like Warm Hugs | A Playlist

So, I have a quick confession to make. Something about this time of the year makes me want to hibernate and isolate. I don't know what it is. And I'm pretty sure many other people feel this same way. Lately I've been careful with creating comfortable spaces for myself and taking breaks from certain things to recalibrate. This is an essential part of my self-care plan. 

I've been finding ways to find calm + comfort in the smallest things. Been surrounding myself with people that feel like home. Preparing meals and libations that taste like warmth and nostalgia. Visiting beautiful landscapes that smell like saltwater, pine, lime and eucalyptus. Sitting outside late evenings to watch the beautiful sunset over a pool of cotton candy + tangerine skies. Wrapping up in my favorite fleece blankets and slipping on my favorite silk pajamas after a shower. And of course, listening to soothing sounds reminiscent of warm hugs and treasured memories. You get my drift, right? There's nothing quite refreshing like being present for the small things that make your soul happy. 

Speaking of happiness and warm hugs, when is the last time you've heard a song that made you feel all warm inside? One that you could actually feel on your skin and see through your mind's eye? I believe one of the things I love most about music is the way it allows me to experience something without the element of physical touch. How the lyrics, the basslines, the melodies, and overall mood of a single song can be felt so intensely, so passionately, without physical touch enacts an intimacy so deep, it almost scares me sometimes. I keep a few songs like this in my rotation to remind me of all those feels. 

QUEUE THE "Feels Like Warm Hugs" PLAYLIST:  This is for those moments when you're craving a  feeling you can't quite put your finger on (literally and figuratively). For those of us looking for comfort when the tangible aspect of that comfort eludes us. Click the image above to open the playlist up in a new window.

 

  

Loving these Spotify playlists? Let me know in the comments if you want more here on the blog. And be sure to give me a follow if you're on Spotify, too. I love making mixtapes and sharing music with my good boos over there.

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME A SONG GAVE YOU WARM FEELINGS?

WHAT SOUNDS OR SONGS FEEL LIKE WARM HUGS TO YOU?

10 Must-Read Modern Poetry Collections by Black Women

 

I believe there is healing power in poetry. Reading words written in a lyrical way that mirror your own thoughts and feelings makes you feel seen. It gives language to emotions you may not always know how to articulate. And it also shows you that you aren't alone in your deep feelings, especially when you're overwhelmed in emotion. I believe that is why I've leaned on poetry so much over the years.

There are times when I like to write my feelings and allow them to spill in any way that I can release them. Other times, I like to read poems from others to explore how they navigate their feelings as well. It is a carthartic experience when I find myself in reading the words of others.  So much so, that I'd like to share a few collections with you from Black Women that tugged at my heartstrings and settled in my head for hours on end. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!