What’s Been Making Me Smile Lately

Truth be told, I have found it challenging to get back into the groove with blogging. I began a new job this month and that, on top of pouring into the online store and completing house projects, has left me feeling like my days are packed once more. Anyhoo, I wanted to resume things here by jumping back into the series of things that make bring a smile to my face.

Watching “Really Love”

Movies and shows highlighting love stories between dark skinned black women and men remain woefully few and far in between. There is a lot I have to say on the matter but I will save those thoughts for another day. Suffice it to say for now that since I’m often saddened by the under-representation of these relationships on screen, I was thrilled to come across Really Love on Netflix. In case, you haven’t seen it, I don’t want to spill the beans. All I will divulge is that it’s a super cute movie, set in D.C. and reminds me slightly of my favourite black romantic movie - Love Jones. I will be definitely watching it again and again to bask in all the melanated love, brilliance and beauty.

Helping My Cousin with Her Wedding

One of my cousins is getting married next month and she asked me to help decorate/style her wedding. It has been thoroughly enjoyable working with her to execute the vision she has for her special day. It provides a nice boost of inspiration to express my creativity in various ways. Putting together the wedding aesthetics has been so enjoyable that it has piqued my interest in doing it professionally. That’s not to say I haven’t recognized the ways in which that type of work can be challenging but it’s certainly something I intend to give more consideration.

Anticipating Seeing my Mum

It has been about a year and a half since I have seen my mother. Being away from my parents for so long has been one of the most difficult parts of the pandemic. My mummy and I are besties. Her presence is a balm. Without a doubt, she is one of my favourite humans. Fortunately, she is coming for my cousin’s wedding so I will finally be in her company. I can’t wait to see her, kiss her and hug her. I can’t wait to have our girl chats and treat her to a mani/pedi. Not to mention, having her cook some of my favourite Trinbagonian dishes :)

Reading “Sweet Hand”

This is the first rom-com book set in Trinidad & Tobago that I have read. There were a few elements I wish were different such as the language being more reflective of how Trinis speak and more local places being woven into the story. Despite those things though, I liked the book. The characters were vibrant; the storyline held my attention all the way through and the premise was the sweetest (pun intended). In a tough year away from T&T, this little book gave me a much needed taste of home.

Reminding Myself That I’m Making Progress

We live in an age, in which a person’s value is often measured in terms of how much he/she produces, earns or possesses. It’s hard to not internalize that. As I work on my business and think of the goals I would like to accomplish: professionally and financially, I’m reminding myself that am I making progress even when it doesn’t seem that way. Furthermore, my worth is not contingent on how quickly I check things off the lists. Setting goals is important but equally important is acknowledging that we need rest and that things take time - often longer that we anticipate. After all, Kemet wasn’t built in a day!

What has been putting a smile on your face? Please share in the comment section below.