On My Radar

Just wanted to give you a little heads up that I’m going to be taking about a week off from everything. So you won’t see blog or social posts from me until the week of the 14th. I’m trying to be better about normalizing time off for myself. I’m usually so regimented about churning blog posts out every day, but it’s okay to take a break.

Here’s what’s been on my radar this week:

ONE // The Great British Bake Off Returns

I have gotten back into The Great British Bake Off. It’s just such a nice mental escape. I love the competition element, but it’s not stressful to watch whatsoever. In fact, it’s pretty relaxing. The only downside is I end up craving pastries and cakes like crazy! They just finished filming another season… during a pandemic. Fascinating to hear the process– kind of like the NBA “bubble” but for bakers!

TWO // J. Crew New Arrivals!

I always love when J. Crew has new arrivals… but especially in this pre-fall/early-fall season. Even if I can’t fathom wearing boots just yet, I am sort of maybe kind of getting excited for some crisp fall weather. These new arrivals really, really remind me of some of the classic pieces from 2008. (When I was shopping for my first season of fall in DC for college!) Like this tipped cardigan?! Love. This BOW BARRETTE! But I think this waffle knit cardigan is my absolute favorite!!!

THREE // Visa Supporting Black Girl Ventures

Right now you can connect your Visa card to support various non-profits including Black Girl Ventures. It’s a SUPER easy way to give back. All you have to do is enroll your card, select the non-profit, and shop! Every time you make a purchase from a qualifying small business, Visa will make a $10 donation to your chosen non-profit. Bam!

FOUR // Mark D Sikes’ Latest Coffee Table Book More Beautiful

I absolutely LOVE Mark D Sikes’ style. He’s a fabulous designer and I wish I could afford to hire him… but it’ll take winning the lottery for me. In the meantime, I pore over his designs online and in his first coffee table book Beautiful. I was so excited to see he was coming out with a second edition: More Beautiful. 🙌🏻  (A tip: My friend Ashley gifted me his first book as a hostess gift last summer and I filed it away as a brilliant gift. I really can’t tell you how many times I’ve flipped through it and the cover is so nice I have it displayed front and center on our coffee table.)

FIVE // Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

Moms and teachers! I wanted to share this new series that just launched on Netflix. Black celebrities and public figures sit down and read children’s books featuring Black authors and characters and stories. I love everything about this and worth the extra “screen time.”