Photo by Estée Janssens,  Oskars Sylwan, Roman Kraft, Augustin de Montesquiou, Robin Benzrihem, Cédric Klei

Another month has come and gone. At first I was dreading the end of summer, but now I’m  ready to embrace the magic of fall in the city. Of course, I’m still going to wear white because F*** the rules, but I am going to start transitioning my closet and decor for this fall season. And this month, I’m focusing on not letting my emotions control me. For the past week, I have let my emptions get the best of me. I've ignored the things I've truly wanted to accomplish, and I'm not ok with that. Now, I’m focusing on going after what makes me happy and ignoring other people’s invalid opinions and the netative thoughts that pop into my head. I want a lot out of life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I also want to spread a lot of love and kindness around the world, but I can’t do that if I’m constantly having panic attacks or binge watching Netflix to avoid stress. Making time to reflect is important to me, and I've come to realize that my panic attacks stem from three place:

One - the fear of my loved ones dying (totally valid)
Two - the fear of judgement and ridicule of others
And Three - the nasty little voice in my head that’s telling me I’m wasting my life away because I’m not working hard enough or that there's no point in even trying becuse I'll fail regardless. 

Now I realized that I’m not in control of 2/3 of the list above, but I am in control of how I react to other people’s opinions and I’m definitely in control of whether or not I listen to that hoe up inside my head. So this month, I’m embracing anything and everything that makes me happy as long as it’s physically, emotionally and financially responsible and doesn't cause harm to others. 

If I'm feeling down and uninspired, I’m gonna dip out and go to a coffee shop or sit in the park. If I’m feeling stressed out and need to do a yoga session at work, I'm going to go into our break room and have a 5 minute yoga session. My job assignments can wait. If I want to get a little dressed up and wear a fun outfit to make myself feel confident and strong, I’m going to do it (even if it means disrespectful men catcall at me. Also, I’m planning to get a taser lol). If I want to post that picture on Instagram on a Saturday at 3 pm even though my insights say that’s not a good time to post, I’m going to freaking post it and stop worrying about the likes and followers. 

This September, I’m taking back my power and putting myself in the driver’s seat again. I’m sick of constantly telling myself no because “oh goodness, what will people whom I barely know think of me” Nah, screw that. It’s time for me to do what I like, and it’s time for you to do the same … as long as it’s safe, doesn’t destroy your bank account, or have malicious intent. 

Well that’s all for now folks. Thank you so much for reading this! You’re a real one, and your support means the world to me. And don't forget, you're never alone. I'm just an email/DM away if you need someone to talk to. Until next time my love. 

Photo by Jason Briscoe

Hi Friends! 

I hope you're ready for a fresh start this week! I know I am. I took a mini break last week (ie I didn't work on my blog, go to the gym or say yes to any additional obligations outside of work) and I think it's just what I needed to prevent myself from burning out.. again. I hope you took the weekend to recharge. If not, I hope this post can help you have a mini escape from reality, even if it's just for 10 minutes. So here we go! 

• Currently Loving - I've recently become obsessed with the site Camille Styles. Whenever I visit the site, I feel like I'm transported to a luxurious space that's dedicated to helping me become my best version. 
• Beauty Sleep - Speaking of Camillestyles.com, this article about technology that helps you sleep is a game changer! I always struggle to fall asleep at night, so I'm excited to try some of these tools out. 
• Boss Babe- This one is for all my aspiring entrepreneurs who are still working 9-5 jobs... aka me. This article is a great reminder that the current struggle is only temporary! 
• Menu- Here is an inspiring food diary from someone who experimented with eating clean for two weeks. I find this article to be super inspiring. I'm trying to switch to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, and this diary feels like my guide for dummies. I love this post because she talks about the emotions that come along with changing your diet. 
• Pamper Time - Have you guys heard of butt masks? They are like sheet masks, but for your butt! I'm kind of intrigued, and this one is only $8, so why not! 
• Shop Til You Drop - The Everygirl created this amazing Plus-Size Shopping Guide, because we all deserve to have access to fabulous, affordable clothes! 
• Summer Lovin - I love this NY Times article about planning amazing trips with your S.O. this summer. It can be tough to travel together. 

Photo by Marion Michele

Another week has come and gone. It's officially summer, and I'm baffled by how quickly this year is flying by. I'm still trying to figure how to stop letting life fly by me and actually enjoy each day.  But hey, slow progress is still progress.  In the meantime, here are some things I've found around the web this week. I hope you enjoy!

• For My ATL Peeps: I found out about this new lifestyle site called Infatuation and OMG I LOVE IT! I signed up for the NYC newsletter and yesterday the guide was about the best places to eat and drink on boats in the city... It's like this site can read my mind. But guess what, the site just announced an Atlanta section too! So now you'll never run out of things to do during your free time. You're welcome 
• Shop Til You Drop:
• Saks is having a major sale! Up to 60% off site wide! Go be buojie on a budget; you deserve it. 
• TopShop sale = up to 70% off ... aw yeah! 
• Weekend Fun: I'm thinking about going to this Rosé on the Water event in NYC on July 12 (there's also one in Chicago on July 20th). It looks like a lot of fun. 
• Menu: I never thought I would say this... but I've actually been enjoying cooking lately - mainly because it's an easy way to save a ton of money. And I'm very excited to make this healthier version of blueberry banana bread! 
• On My Radar: I'm been kind of obsessed with Pretty Little Thing. The clothes are super cute and super affordable. 
• Fight for what's right: This is super fucked up and is proof that the fight for immigration reform is far from over even though he who shall not be named just passed an executive order to stop family separation at the boarder.
• Gotta Get My Mind Right: Here's a free 5 minute meditation app that seems pretty cool. I love 5 minute meditation sessions because my mind is super active and I can only sit quietly for 5 minutes. 
• You Are Enough: Here's a great article about not comparing yourself to others... something I struggle with daily. 
• PRIDE: It is finally PRIDE weekend here in NYC and here is your guide to celebrating love & equality. 
• Morning Moves: I just did this 12 minute morning yoga routine by Tone It Up  and feel like a million bucks! It definitely got my blood pumping and activated a lot of muscles in my body. Try it if you need a quick pick-me-up! 
• Wish List: Bauble Bar just launched their tropical jewelry collection... and I want it all! Check out some of my favorite pieces below - oh, and this section has affiliate links, just FYI. 

Photo by Ryan Christodoulou, Sonnie Hiles , Ian Keefe , Annie Spratt , Roberto Nickson (@g) ,Alexandre Chambon

I remember the days when summer meant long days by the pool, nature hikes with friends and trips to new destinations. Now that I'm a full-time adult (ew), I don't have the luxury to spend the summer traveling to different beaches or studying abroad in Europe. But just because I have a year-round nine-to-five, doesn't mean I can't daydream about jet-setting around the globe. And since I have summer Fridays, that means I am free to fill up this summer with weekend trips. This month, I've been obsessed with planning trips I can and can't afford quite yet. Planning future trips of a lifetime keeps me inspired and motivated to work my ass off so I can make these dreams become a reality. I hope this post inspires you to plan and start saving for a magical trip of your own. Let me know what's inspiring you this month. Lot's of love, and of course, thanks for taking a moment of your day to read my post. Your support means the world to me. Happy travels my friend!

Photo by Brooke Lark

Hi guys! I hope your week has been peaceful so far. I'm headed to LA this Friday for one of my best friend's birthdays. So even though I only have a four day work week, the past two days have dragged on! Thank the lord it's finally Wednesday though! Once we make it through today, it's basically the weekend, right? And to make the day pass a little faster, I rounded up some fun, interesting and entertaining things I've found around the web. Happy reading and I hope the rest of your week is filled with love and excitement!

Wanderlust: How to travel around the world in 54 days... challenge accepted!

Good Hair Day: I just found out about the online beauty retailer for women of color with natural, curly hair by women of color. The site also carries a ton of amazing skincare and other beauty products. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us on this day. I'm going to try some of these products like this one for stretching curly hair!

French Girl Vibes: Here are 7 Beauty secrets Parisian Women Swear By. Now we can know how Parisian women pull off the effortlessly chic look/lifestyle.

I've Got the Music in Me: This kid is so precious! I wish I had half the amount of talent in this country kid. If you need a quick smile, watch this kid yodeler. It will make your day, trust me!

Beauty Sleep: I really want to try this anxiety-soothing bedtime lotion. Lord knows I need all the help I can get to drift off to sleep.

More Podcasts Please: Here are 9 Podcasts that help make adulthood a little less scary.

Eye Candy: A&F is making a comeback, and they just released a J.F.K. inspired clothing line for men... I'm intrigued. We all know I'm a sucker for well-dressed men.

Food for the Soul: I found this amazing poem a week or two ago about heartbreak. I think we can all relate to this subject.

Do Your Part: Thrive Global is helping women in prison find their purpose. This is such a heartwarming interview and I can't wait to find a way to get involved with the UnPrison Project.

Currently Loving: I'm officially obsessed with this brand Bardot on Revolve. Now I just have to wait for some of my favorite pieces to go on sale!

Weekly Highs and Lows: I don't really have any special weekly highs or lows. The past week was actually a blur, but I know I'll have something interesting to share after my LA trip. Until next time my dears, and thanks for reading!

Smart Money tip of the week (Because you’re too good to be a broke bitch): It's Not Just HQ Trivia: These 10 Apps Will Legit Make You Money - Girlboss.com Multiple streams of income are always better than one honey.

• Help the children. There is a disgusting and heart-breaking epidemic going on in Pakistan right now. If you haven’t heard about the protests in Pakistan to take down a pedophile ring that’s been abusing and killing little children, you can read about it here. I haven't found a site explaining exactly how to help, but we can at least spread awareness and align ourselves with organizations that fight to end human trafficking. #JusticeForZainab
• Help Rohingya Refugees in Myanmar and Bangladesh who have gone through actual hell. Read more about the crisis here.