Gloomy Weekend, Perfect Flowers

September had a very hot start in Columbus, most days were humid and in the mid 90s. Things took a sudden turn this weekend, all rain all the time. Winds have dropped the temperatures to the mid-60s by Sunday. Not a single sighting of the sun. I get it... weather talk is about as exciting as watching paint dry, but people here do it all the time because it changes so rapidly! Honestly, I still have whiplash over this change. I wanted to just stay inside under some blankets and eat grilled cheese with a warm soup. But, I forced myself to go outside. I'm so glad for it because I bought these flowers at the supermarket as a little pick-me-up. And, honestly, it goes to show that a few dollars worth of flowers can go far in adding a fresh look to a space. Not only that, but it took my mind off the windy rainy mess outside. So, here's to brighter days ahead (at least they will be inside my home).

A love letter To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Dear TATBILB,
I've loved you from the moment I first saw you. You are so impossibly cute! I like you so much that I already told all my friends about you. Thank you for casting such a strong leading lady and for giving us a dreamy crush-worthy leading man. Let's face it, most of us girls would love to find an attentive partner who would go to our favorite grocery store to get our favorite yogurt. And your depiction of a touching sisterly bond was important for young girls to see! You're seriously a breath of fresh air in media this year. I hope this letter gets out so that Netflix will make a sequel. 

Supermarket Flowers

“Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is a humble beauty to supermarket flowers. They are not often thought of as a glamorous purchase, but they are inherently pretty simply because they are flowers! I wanted to focus on these little bouquets and highlight the interesting parts of them. Starting with a small bouquet of carnations. 

NEW ISSUE AVAILABLE NOW!

The latest issue is all about flowers! Read it on issuu.
I will be sharing more about the this project in future posts, but for now, take a look at the latest book! THANK YOU FOR READING

Obsession: Soulful Ladies, Soulful Sounds

Wrapping up the week with a playlist as smooth as a fresh Spring Friday morning: 

Drew Barrymore - SZA
Love Is A Losing Game - AMY WINEHOUSE
Smooth Operator - SADE
Carry Me Home - JORJA SMITH
Girl - THE INTERNET w/ KAYTRANDA
Jungle - H.E.R.
Cranes In The Sky - SOLANGE
The Worst- JHENE AIKO
Resentment - BEYONCE
Focus - H.E.R.
Naked - ELLA MAI
Love On The Brain - RIHANNA
Confidently Lost - SABRINA CLAUDIO

LISTEN HERE

HEROES IN WOMEN'S HISTORY: MALALA YOUSAFZAI

I remember when Malala received her Nobel Prize in 2014... I was watching her speech and said out loud "I want to be like her when I grow up!" Mind you, I was almost ten years older than Malala at that time. But, she was so inspirational and articulate, it was impossible to not root for this girl. What impresses me most about her, she's continued to be an activist for girls' education even though she's gone on to do other things (attending Oxford, for one).  She used her platform and new opportunities to speak even louder on these issues. 

I recently watched her interview with David Letterman. No less eloquent and passionate about her message, Malala is among many young people today who are not afraid to stand their ground on the issues that matter to them. Some may even say, she's among the poster children for these movements. Still, it's an incredibly proud feeling to know this generation of people are willing to fight for those who can't. 

I, for one, can't wait to see what she does next!

HEROES IN WOMEN'S HISTORY: FRIDA KAHLO

What's to say about Frida that hasn't been said countless times in books, films and art exhibits throughout the years. Even distilling her impact in one word, icon, doesn't do her justice. She was a groundbreaking artist, a feminist voice, an influence on female artists to this day! 

HEROES IN WOMEN'S HISTORY: JESSICA JONES

Part 2 of our female heroes segment: A real superhero, Jessica Jones. This Netflix series already started off on the right foot as it featured a strong female lead who created a path for herself, overcame extreme trauma, and was fiercely independent. To top it off, the second season has 13 episodes and each one has a female director. In an industry where only 13% of the directors are female*, this felt like a major step in the right direction. After all, it is a story about women as told BY women!

*According to the research provided by the Center of Study for Women in Television & Film.

Heroes in Women's History: Daniela Vega

Celebrating Women's History 2018:
Our first entry is a modern history-maker, Daniela Vega. She was the first openly transgender presenter at the Oscars. Her film, "A Fantastic Woman", won the award for Best Foreign Film. Daniela's performance was so gripping and honest in the film that I, for one, am shocked she was not nominated in the Best Actress category. It goes to show that, while Hollywood was ready to celebrate a trans story, we still have miles to go for true inclusivity. In the interim, we celebrate Daniela... for her moment on that stage and for what it represented. Let us all work toward a day that we look at this as a first and not a last. 

International Women's Day!

Celebrate the incredible women in your life. We are all stronger because of the strong women who brought us up.

I am so proud to release the third issue of Blush Land today! It's been months in the making, and I could not think of a better day to share it with you all. Read it HERE!