Listening // …to everything. I’ve been rocking so much new music lately. Y’all know I’ve been on Solange’s new album, “A Seat at the Table” HARD since I stayed up in the wee hours of the morning, waiting for it to drop. I love every bit of her UNAPOLOGETIC exploration into black culture by sharing her truth. My truth. Our truth. My favorite songs? ALL OF THEM! OK…if I really have to pick…”Cranes in the Sky, Don’t Touch My Hair, F.U.B.U., and Don’t Wish Me Well”…oh and “Weary.” I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it…Solange has always been my favorite! I really love this ENTIRE album. She is a brilliant singer and writer, and I don’t care what anyone says…I believe she’s Beyoncé’s ghost writer. You can’t tell me she’s not all up in and throughout Lemonade. Speaking of writers…
One of Birmingham’s own, Sebastian Kole just released his debut album, SOUP (Southern Urban Pop)! Sebastian is a singer and songwriter with EP Entertainment/Motown, and if you’ve heard “Here” by Alessia Cara, then you’ve heard Sebastian, the genius co-writer/co-producer behind it. If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, you’ve definitely heard a few of his songs on there as well. My favorite songs so far are: “Priceless”, “Choose You Again”, “Love’s On The Way”, and “Home”. I’m proud to know him. Remember his name. You can get your copy here. Support good music! I have another artist that I’ve been vibin’ to lately, but I’ll share about her soon.
Watching // Whatever I can when I find the time…There’s so much on TV right now, and I swear I’m trying to keep up. I have been reducing the amount of reality ratchetness I consume (including all of the Real Housewives of…, Love & Hip Hop, etc.), so I’m totally behind on those. I have really been diggin’ the Fixer Upper and Good Bones on HGTV. LOVE! I also know that I’m late to the party, but the comedy series Insecure by Issa Rae, creator of Awkward Black Girl, is absolutely HILARIOUS! I just started it last weekend, and I think this series is a keeper. Queen Sugar and Green Leaf on OWN are a few others that I’ve been watching, that I really need to catch up on.
Reading // Too many books. Where do I begin? I’m not a focused reader. I’ll start on one book then start another. With everything that has transpired over the past six months, I have been reading according to my needs. I started off with When Life Hurts by Jimmy Evans which is an excellent read! After I finished it, I started reading Lysa TerKeurst’s new book Uninvited
Feeling // Better than I expected…considering the obvious. Still very heartbroken and I miss her. It’s still hard to type this ish out, but I am grateful to have an outlet that allows me to write my way to healing. God has truly been keeping me, and I try to keep people around me whose vibrations are pure and full of peace and light. It makes a difference. I also think being part of a Small Group that understands what I’m going through has been very beneficial to me on my road to healing.
Enjoying // Getting back to the core of who I am. I’m taking a shift with my blogging by getting back to a true lifestyle approach. Although my blog is a food + fitness lifestyle blog, I am really excited about sharing more about ME (and sharing things I think people would take interest in), like I did when I started this blog. That’s what it’s all about, right? So in addition to food and fitness, look for me to share about vintage finds, beauty, and fashion inspired posts, and whatever else I feel like writing about.
Eating // Y’all this recipe right here… Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Pecans, & Gorgonzola? It has been everything God intended. I have been slacking on getting my green veggies in (guilty), but this recipe made it easy to get all of my servings in for the week. No seriously, I almost ate the entire pan! Don’t try this at home. This fall-inspired recipe has a combo that will have you snacking on healthy, deliciousness all-day-long! And add the balsamic and honey…Yessss! Everything! You can get the recipe here. And since it’s October, you must check out this fun, Pumpkin Patch Cheese Pie recipe that I made last year. The CUTEST—and delicious!
Drinking // You all probably know about my obsession with LaCroix water. If you follow me on Instagram then you know I finally found the NiCola (Cola) flavor! I’ve been enjoying it so, and I definitely don’t miss drinking soda.
Obsessing // I’ve been obsessed with lipstick lately. Like for real obsessed. My new favorites are from the Selena Collection with MAC Cosmetics. I really can’t wait to share about these. Stay tuned…
Planning // I have some exciting things in the works, let’s just say they don’t include running. I do, however, have a few races planned, and I haven’t run a single mile since February. *slow blinks* And you know what? I have no regrets.
So tell me…what’s currently going on in your world?
Photo: Solange courtesy of Instagram | Photo: Sebastian Kole courtesy of Instagram
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Enjoyed reading this beautiful❤️
Thank you, love!!!
Wow! You are certainly keeping busy. Love the Mac lipstick shades and had no idea LaCroix made water :-)
Yes! LaCroix is all I drink, especially when I want soda. If you decide to try it, start of with basics like lemon or lime, because it’s an acquired taste until you start to really love it.
I just listened to the Solange album for the first time last week. It has such a smooth groove that I realized I didn’t really listen to any of the words. I need to listen again. I bookmarked that brussel sprouts recipe last week and cannot wait to try it. I think it’s awesome to learn about you as well as the food and fitness which you are so passionate about.
Yes, Tia…it’s a very soothing album. I love it! But the lyrics bring so much more life to the album. Thank you! Let me know when you try the recipe!
I’m currently listening to Solange as well. I’m watching Queen Sugar, that is my favorite thing on TV right now. I’m finishing Luvvie’s book I’m Judging You. Then I’m starting Taraji P. Henson’s book Around the Way Girl.
I will have to check out Taraji’s book! Thanks for sharing, Mimi!
Ok, this is such a Fabulous idea! You’ve reminded me I need to get Ty Alexander’s book and this recipe sounds delicious as well!
Thank you, Nicole!
Ok Artney, I love this post! It’s filled with so much good stuff. Thanks, honey! I’ll have to check out Beyonce’s ghostwriter’s new album…lol. Also, I had to click on that recipe for brussels sprouts. I’ve never eaten them, but they look yummy. I’ll buy a bag and try your recipe. I’ll let you know what I think. See you soon! <3
LOL! Thank you, Michelle! I’m so serious when I said I hated Brussels sprouts, until I had them roasted. Game changer! Now, don’t go get any boiled ones first b/c you may not like them. Def try them roasted with your favorite seasoning (Greek seasoning is wonderful) first!
I am adding Sebastian to my Spotify favourites now and thanks for sharing.
I have been listening to Solange’s album every day after it release and I am so not bored ata ll.
http://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2016/10/happy-non-racistnon-offensive-and-non.html
Yesss, girl! I LOVE Sebastian! He’s truly a gem, and a brilliant artist/writer. He’s one of those artists that takes you back to the core of “feel good” music, which is rare to find these days.
I’m digging solanges album too. Watching This is Us. Reading that same book by Lisa Terkhurst and working!!!
I started watching This is Us! I guess I need to watch a marathon and catch up! And yes, I love her work/ministry!
This was such good post! I enjoyed it and will definitely check out some of those book suggestions!
Thank you so much, Ginger!!!
Those brussel sprouts look amazing. I have to try that!
Thank you, Jonna! I hope you like them! :D
One of my favorite songs by Solange is T.O.N.Y. and the video is fabulous. I am so disappointed that I missed the Selena collection from MAC. I can’t wait til they restock.
Yes, Kirstin! STILL love T.O.N.Y. till this day! And getting my hands on this collection was quite the adventure! Coming to a blog post near you! Lol!
I love Lisa TerKeurst! Her book The Best Yes free me of some things last year.
I have that book on my “To-Read” list!
I’m in love with Solange’s album too. I love Cranes in the Sky, Mad, Borderline..all of that, lol!
Yesssss!
I love Solange and her creativity! She is amazing!
Me too, girl!
Soror, I feel like you, almost all over the place. Reading, planning, eating, not too much watching, obsessing…SO much! lol My planner knows the details better than I do. And I chuckled a bit because one of my girlfriends has the same sentiments about Solange, lol.
LOL! Soror, I’m telling you we on to something about that Solange, honey! And yes, my planner is back in full effect! How else would we keep up? Lol
Thanks for the updates on your life. Glad you are getting into a better spot of healing and positive vibrations. Sending you some healing love and energy your way! You might be onto something about Solo being Bey’s ghostwriter for Lemonade and I want to add even art director for her videos. When the videos came out I said SOLANGE had something to do with this lowkey!
You are so sweet! Thank you, Kiwi! I really appreciate it. And YES, you are right about those visuals! I can totally see that!