7 Things I’m Loving
Five, Four, Three, Two, One...HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I can’t lie, the start of the year has been jumping for me. I’ve been able to spend more quality time with my friends and family than I have in years. Oh North Carolina, how I’ve missed you! Now I can hit up events with my besties, swing by my sister’s place after work (which includes me taking inventory of her fridge), and actually celebrate birthdays in person. This shift has brought me a sense of joy money can’t buy. I never realized how much I needed these moments of connection until now. At the beginning of the year, I reflected on where I’m headed and how I’m going to get there. I’m on a mission to experience my version of the seven wonders. Yes, that means fully leaning into the main character role – after all, it’s my life. Honestly, I’m searching for some beautiful things to love this year. So, let’s kick this year off with seven things I’m loving right now.
Pour Minds Podcast
Coming in strong at #1 is the Pour Minds Podcast. Lex P. and Drea Nicole host epic conversations about relationships, music, and navigating life in your 30s. Nothing gets me laughing more than hearing them politic about the realest topics. They keep it real, and in my head, they’re like my other big sisters. I always leave wanting more each week.
Sabrina Carpenter & Her Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Sabrina is always in rotation for me. I just can’t give it a rest. She’s the pop girlie rising from the ashes. Sabrina is dedication personified—though the world is just catching on to her rhythm, she’s been making music since 2010. And her style evolution? Chef’s kiss. Sabrina’s look is ultra-feminine, classic Hollywood glamour with a dash of pin-up girl. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Dunkin’s delicious Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. I can’t stop ordering it. For my lactose-intolerant babes, yes, it’s made with oat milk. Get you one of these! Feeling a little naughty? Add a pump of caramel—you’ll be saying “please, please, please, give me more!”
Monedas De Calle Jacket
I’ve been loving this timeless piece, and I fear it’ll never go out of style. I recently bought a Designs De V original, and I can’t stop wearing it. V, the designer, was born and raised in New York by her Colombian mother and Costa Rican father. She’s not afraid to think outside the box and incorporate her heritage into her designs. The jacket features hand-pressed silver and brass grommets, authentic Colombian pesos as buttons, and a brass logo pin. This cinched waist jacket is a wardrobe must-have. Who knew you could look snatched in a denim jacket?
Will Trent
I’ve always loved a good feel-good crime show—think Monk, Psych, or even Rizzoli & Isles. Based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling books, Will Trent follows Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. As a child, Trent was abandoned and had to endure a tough coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now, he’s determined to solve crimes. Other than Trent himself, I love his partner Faith Mitchell and Chief Amanda Wagner. Will Trent gives me that same nostalgic feeling I got the first time I watched those other shows—complex storylines with just the right amount of comedic relief. I’m currently praying for another season of this hit show.
Robert Glasper
Over the holiday break, I listened to Robert Glasper’s rendition of Joy to the World, featuring Alex Isley, and fell in love with his soulful ballads. The Grammy-winning artist seamlessly blends genres like jazz, hip hop, R&B, and neo-soul. His work has been featured on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and in the feature film The Photograph, starring Issa Rae.
Floral Arrangements
Maybe it’s the hopeless romantic in me, but I’ve been obsessing over florals. I’ve been inspired by the colors, shapes, and textures of flowers—how each bouquet is wrapped with beauty, tied together with a bow, or placed in an intricate vase. Floral arrangements have purpose: to brighten someone’s day, inspire others, be admired, or simply exist in nature. I encourage everyone to take a minute and smell the roses. Trust me, they smell amazing.
Smokey Eye
Did someone order a side of sexy and sultry? One smokey eye, perfectly done. If you’re looking for drama, you’ve found it with this classic look. It’s perfect for a night out. I’ve been a bit unmotivated with makeup lately, but I’m thinking about coming out of makeup retirement just to try this look.
There you have it—seven things I’m loving right now, and I kind of hope you love them too. But most importantly, I’m challenging you to jot down the things that hold your attention or that you want to try yourself. The world is your oyster—act like it.