winter is coming
Get closer to God and bundle up in blessings.
It’s my birthday!!!
I am so grateful to God for granting me another year. May the years ahead be filled with my wildest dreams and allow me to be a blessing to others as I have been so richly blessed.
Birthdays are like our own mini New Years. They are another chance to start over, do things differently, and turn hopes into action.
Here’s to an improving outlook on life. The fortitude to continue to grow, the tenacity to never give up, and the will to do both with grace and love.■
Photography by Femi Agboola. Visit the website at https://faphotos.pixieset.com.
Coat, corset, skirt, crown, gloves: Amazon; shoes: INC; earrings: Aldo
spice up your life
Turn your wannabes into reality.
“If you wannabe……” It’s been 25 years since the release of the Spice Girls’ debut single Wannabe. And while the title of the song and its lyrics speak little to actually aspiring to do or be something and more so a female empowerment message, I can always get behind the idea of not settling for less in pursuit of one’s dreams.
Fashion has always been a sweet love of mine. Due to insecurities, both personal and professional, I hesitated to launch this blog. With the counsel and support of close friends and family, I took the leap a few months ago and launched away. In the song Wannabe, the Spice Girls sing about the importance of friendship. It reminds me that in order to gain the support of others to help you see dreams come to fruition, you have to become a friend to yourself.
I believe that everyday we are living some aspect of our lives as wannabes - always wanting to be or wanting to do great things. With support, encouragement, and a whole lot of faith, channel your inner Scary, Posh, Ginger, Baby, or Sporty Spice to turn your wannabes into reality.■
Photography by Donald Bellamy.
Clothing: Boohoo, Old Navy, Macy’s, Amazon; Shoes: BCBGeneration, INC, Converse; Accessories: Amazon, Lulu’s
life’s a playground
It all begins with an idea.
Have fun, but don’t play games.
I’ve always heard that when it comes to maneuvering through life politics, one should “play the game”. Truth is, playing someone else’s game by their rules guarantees your loss. I am realizing that “winning” happens when you detach from these systems that are meant to keep you on a merry-go-round of chaos.
In these times, many of us are understanding the importance of building for our families and communities, in an attempt to emerge from the seemingly endless cycle of oppression. And while society does its best to stifle our voices and hinder our moves, we can no longer be stopped.
Something that I recently heard from someone who teaches chess is that the pieces on the board have no power. Power comes from the person moving the pieces.■
Photography by Donald Bellamy.
Sweatsuit: Fila; Sneakers: Steve Madden; Earrings: Amazon
a Springtime picnic with Winter’s Tea Time
It all begins with an idea.
There is nothing more fabulous than a picnic on a cool and sunny day. So when the founder of Winter's Tea Time, Dalis Winter-Hines asked me to take some shots at a beautiful local park for one of her delicious tea blends, I excitedly accepted the honor. Winter’s Teas are absolutely yummy and best of all, they are organic and hand-crafted.
You can literally taste the care and love put into every package. The gift sets make for the perfect birthday, holiday, or any-occasion gift, which includes a unique teapot, cups and saucer. Visit the website to place your custom order today! Try my favorite blend: ginger peach - refreshing and delightful. “Happiness begins with a Cup of Tea.” ■
Check out Winter’s Tea Time on Instagram.
Dress: Old Navy; Shoes: Soludos; Hat: Nordstrom Rack Vince Camuto