Eboni K. Williams, Naturi Naughton, Elle Varner & More Speak The Truth On The New Season Of 'Listen To Black Women'

Urban One's MadameNoire.com, a digital content property owned by iONE Digital, has renewed LISTEN TO BLACK WOMEN (LTBW), for its fourth season!

LISTEN TO BLACK WOMEN is a digital talk show that has been providing a safe space for Black women to discuss powerful and pertinent issues impacting Black women across the globe for years. From small business ownership and dating, to beauty regiments, body positivity and out-of-the-box bedroom behavior, no topic is too taboo for this show. 

This season will be hosted by Radio Personality Lore’l and music artist Elle Varner. News Personality Eboni K. Williams joins episode one and Editorial Beauty & Style Director of HelloBeautiful.com, Shamika Sanders also guest stars this season. This season will also feature amazing guests including Melyssa Ford, Regina Roberson, Eboni K. Williams, Tahiry, Cori Murray and Naturi Naughton-Lewis addressing riveting topics such as Dating While Being A Black Woman, Co-Parenting, Double Standards, and How We Are Raised /He Never Came Home – Daddy Issues. 

“Whenever we see headlines like ‘All men do..’ or ‘ All Women Are..’ its treating each group like their a monolith and that is where we fail,” said guest Melyssa Ford.
 

“We also fail when we use terms like ‘Men vs. Women’ because it immediately sets us up as opposing forces and that’s where progress dies,” said Ford on her episode while discussing gender wars on social media.

New episodes will premiere every week on MadameNoire.com and MadameNoire’s YouTube channel.

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Embracing the Journey: Things I've Learned in My 40s

Aging is a natural part of life, and as women, we embark on a profound journey as we enter our 40s. This decade brings with it a multitude of experiences and lessons that shape us into the individuals we are meant to become. It is a time of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and embracing the beauty of aging gracefully. In this blog post, I will share some of the invaluable lessons I have learned during this transformative period of my life.

1. Prioritizing Self-Care:
One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of self-care. As we navigate the challenges and responsibilities of life, we often put our own needs on the back burner. However, in our 40s, we realize that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Prioritizing our physical, mental, and emotional well-being allows us to show up as our best selves in every aspect of our lives.

2. Embracing Authenticity:
In our 40s, we become more comfortable in our own skin and embrace our authenticity. We understand that trying to fit into society's narrow definitions of beauty or success is futile. Instead, we celebrate our uniqueness, flaws, and all. We let go of the need for external validation and focus on living a life that aligns with our true selves.

3. Cultivating Meaningful Relationships:
As we grow older, we realize the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to relationships. In our 40s, we learn to surround ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us. We invest our time and energy in cultivating deep, meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones. These relationships become a source of strength, support, and joy as we navigate the ups and downs of life.

Extra Insight: Understanding the distinction between friends, associates, and acquaintances is essential. Friends are those who share a genuine bond, trust, and support, making them invaluable companions. Associates are individuals with whom you interact professionally or collaborate on specific projects. Acquaintances, on the other hand, are people you know casually, perhaps through mutual connections. Recognizing these differences helps us navigate relationships and appreciate the unique roles each person plays in our lives.

4. Embracing Change and Reinvention:
Change is inevitable, and our 40s mark a period of significant transformation. We learn to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to be feared. Whether it's a career change, a new hobby, or a shift in priorities, we open ourselves up to the possibilities that come with reinvention. Our 40s become a time of exploration, new beginnings, and the pursuit of passions that may have been dormant for years.

5. Mindful Aging:
Aging gracefully is not about preserving youth but embracing the beauty of each passing year. We learn to treat our bodies with kindness and respect, nourishing them with healthy habits and mindful choices. We understand that true beauty radiates from within and is not defined by external appearances. By adopting a positive mindset towards aging, we can appreciate the wisdom and experiences that come with each passing year.

Pro Tip: Finding a great skincare regimen for your skin type starts with understanding your skin's unique needs. Identify whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin. Then, choose products formulated specifically for your skin type. Cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection are essential steps for all skin types. Remember, consistency is key—stick to your routine and give your skin time to adjust. Consider consulting with a dermatologist for personalized advice and recommendations. Your skin will thank you

As women, our 40s are a transformative decade where we learn to age gracefully and embrace the journey of self-discovery. It is a time of self-care, authenticity, meaningful relationships, and embracing change. By prioritizing these lessons, we can navigate this stage of life with grace, confidence, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Let us celebrate the beauty of aging and the wisdom that comes with it, for it is in our 40s that we truly come into our own.

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Jermaine Dupri & Marta Revealed Custom Wrapped Bus In Celebration Of So So Def’s 30th Anniversary

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and rapper Jermaine Dupri, record label So So Def, MARTA unveiled a custom-designed bus at Atlanta 50th Hip-Hop, located at 65 Upper Alabama Street SW. The transit bus route (Route 89 - Old National Highway) operates North/South through Dupri’s old neighborhood, College Park, to alternating termini in Union City and City of Riverdale along Best Rd., Sullivan Rd., and Old National Hwy. Points of Interest include: Old National Village, Atl. Metro Studios, Riverdale Town Ctr., and Riverdale City Hall.

Photo credit: Derek White

Photo credit: Latishamariee

Photo credit: Latishamariee

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New Breakfast Items Arrive at Belle & Lily's Caribbean Brunch House

 

Belle & Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House, one of Atlanta’s leading daytime dining concepts known for its flavorful Caribbean dishes with a southern twist, has launched a lineup of updated menu items and new operating hours. The refreshed menu will be served Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4:30pm.

Conceived by cousins Tasha and Aliyah Cyril, co-founders of Belle & Lily’s, the new curated breakfast menu takes an elevated approach to traditional Caribbean food. The new menu includes crave-able items such as jerk chicken hash, café con leche pancakes stuffed with a house made cream sauce, and spicy chicken biscuits drizzled with spicy peach honey. The new menu also offers healthy pescatarian/vegan dishes such crab and brie omelet, shrimp creole made with Central American red shrimp served over a sweet potato cake in an herb cream sauce, and vegan hash packed with oyster mushrooms, peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes.

“The demand for our breakfast has increased dramatically since the beginning of the year. Therefore, we knew it was the right time to not only expand our operating hours, but to update our menu with a new selection of flavorful Caribbean dishes that complements our current offerings,” said Tasha Cyril, Founder and CEO of Belle and Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House. “We are excited for everyone to try our new items; we are sure they will be a hit.”

Belle and Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House dishes are produced from the highest quality ingredients, wherever and whenever they are in season and reflect the owners’ Caribbean roots.

Belle & Lily’s new breakfast items include:

Jerk Chicken Hash
Spicy Chicken Biscuit
Shrimp Creole
Vegan Hash
Café Con Leche Pancakes
Parrot Fish
New York Style Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
Crab and Brie Omelet
St. Lucian Breakfast

For more information about Belle & Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House visit:www.belleandlilys.com

 

Photo Credit: Madelynne Boykin

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Patchwork City Farms Tour and More

 

 

As owner of Patchwork City Farms, Atlanta-based farmer Jamila Norman teaches others about food, sustainability, and wellness through farming. Jamila helps families transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional backyard farms while exploring the joy and benefits of growing your own food. Jamila is recognized as a Cherry Bombe 100, which is list that celebrates women in food who inspire us every day with their creativity, energy, humanity, and hard work.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to tour the farm and learn so much from Jamila. I learned that patience and perseverance were some of the life lessons she learned during her journey. We ended the day with dinner at Wild Heaven for a true farm to table dinner experience. You can check out my recap from the day HERE.

 
Season 3 of “Homegrown” is available now on Magnolia Network, Discovery+ and HBOMax 

 

 

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Tina Karras of Tina's Vodka Spring Cocktail Recipes

Spring is finally here, and it's time to welcome the warmer weather with some refreshing and delicious cocktails!

Tina Karras is an expert in the field of spirits and has a wealth of experience in creating delicious cocktails using her premium vodka. She has been featured in several high-profile publications and has won numerous awards for her exceptional products. Here are some of her favorite cocktail recipes for spring.

• Vodka Raspberry Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Tina's Vodka, 1 oz raspberry liqueur, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint.
• Vodka Watermelon Cocktail: In a blender, combine 2 oz Tina's Vodka, 1 cup cubed watermelon, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and ice. Blend until smooth and strain into a glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and a sprig of fresh basil.
• Blood Orange Sparkling Vodka Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Tina's Vodka, 1 oz blood orange juice, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a slice of blood orange.

These drinks are perfect for sipping on a warm spring day and are sure to impress your guests.

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Brown Butter Old Fashioned

Any bourbon fans out there? Since we are confined to the house -- why not try out some new cocktails. Lu Brow, the cocktail director at New Orleans’ DTB knew she wanted the nutty, toasty flavor of brown butter in a cocktail. “Old Fashioneds are such a staple in the South and particularly New Orleans, so I chose to incorporate the flavors together in the glass,” she says. Brown sugar lends an earthy sweetness to this drink, whose complexity is in indirect proportion to the effort it takes to whip it up.

Ingredients

• 4 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1/4 oz Brown sugar syrup (equal parts brown sugar to water)
• 1 Orange peel
• 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry
• 2 oz Brown-butter-washed bourbon*
• Garnish: Orange peels
• Garnish: Luxardo maraschino cherry

Steps

1. In a rocks glass, muddle the bitters, syrup, orange peel and cherry.
   
2. Add the bourbon and 1 large ice cube and stir.
   
3. Garnish with an orange peel “rose” by rolling 2 swaths of orange peels with a Luxardo maraschino cherry inside.
   
4. *Brown-butter-washed bourbon: Slowly brown 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan until well-toasted with a nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Pour a 750 mL bottle of Benchmark bourbon (or a bourbon of your choice) until a plastic container, and gently stir in the brown butter. Leave the mixture uncovered until it’s completely cool and the butter has become firm and risen to the top of the container. Freeze mixture, skim off solids, then strain through cheesecloth to remove all solids. Cover with lid, label and date. Bourbon will keep for a few weeks.
   

Image: Max Cusimano 
Recipe via Liquor.com 

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MUST HAVE: Vela Bougie Candles

 

Vela Bougie Candle Company, a luxury candle line committed to the health and wellness of planet Earth and the tasteful humans whom occupy it. 

Now let me tell you about these Vela Bougie Candles: I received three: Brunch with Bae, The Night Cap & A Bouquet A Day. First Impressions: The Presentation was EVERYTHING. Super cute & chic. You can tell they are made with love. As soon as I got the package I burned "The Night Cap" since I had the travel size it fit perfectly on the side of my bathtub and within 15 mins the whole room was filled with the inviting scents of Cognac, Whiskey, Oak, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Brown Sugar. Perks: Amazing scents that take your sensory levels abroad, slow burning you get up to 15 hours of burning time + 100% soy.

Price Point: Very affordable The 3.5 oz. Travel Tin is $12.00  & The 12oz size is $45.00 

Where to Buy:  www.velabougie.com

  

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10 Ways To Take A Social Media Detox

To simply put it I'm exhausted. I'm overdue for a social media break. It's essential to break away and connect with family and friends without constantly feeling the need to log on to Instagram or Twitter. Did you know that according to The Telegraph, a UK newspaper, people check their phones an average of 27 times per day. Many spend more time online than they do sleeping, which is probably the surest sign that we all need to take a step back. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum of social media usage, here are 10 easy ways to take a social media detox.

1. Go cold turkey: This is probably the most intimidating option out there, but it will also work wonders for your mental health. Just do it.
2. Have someone change your password: Entrust a friend to change your account passwords. It’s a tried-and-true technique used by college students across the country during finals week, and is also a great option if you’re on deadline for a work assignment and need to focus.
3. Don’t take your electronics to bed: This is a hard one to abide by, especially if you’re guilty of using your phone alarm to wake up in the morning. That said, it might be time for you to buy a radio alarm clock.
4. Delete time-sucking apps off your phone: Just delete them. It won’t harm your online presence. It won’t destroy the “network” that you’ve spent years growing. It simply gets rid of the apps on your phone. If you really do need to log into Twitter or Facebook, simply do so on your desktop.
5. Just use your laptop: If you don’t spend a lot of time with a laptop or desktop computer, consider making a pact with yourself to only check your feeds while sitting down at your computer instead of while waiting in line at the grocery store. All told though, this will still require a great deal of discipline.
6. Clean up your feed: This is a nice alternative to going completely silent on all fronts. Sometimes it’s just as productive to simply clean up your feed and give yourself the gift of mental space. If you’re really struggling with online discipline, try to curate your feed so that you’re only following 50 to 100 people you actually care about.
7. Turn off notifications on your device: This is such an obvious one, but is also a huge time-saver.
8. Get another app: Download an app such as Moment, which tracks how much time you spend online each day. The results will inevitably depress you, and will hopefully motivate you to change how you spend your day in real time compared to how much time you spend on social media.
9. Decide which app to prioritize: Everyone shines on different platforms. Maybe you genuinely love Instagram or Facebook, or maybe the Twitter community feeds your soul. Whatever the case, focus your energy there rather than everywhere. It’s also helpful to analyze and prioritize where you shine and where you actually get a return for your time investment. I know photographers who exclusively use Instagram instead of other social media apps because they build work relationships and connections through the app. Think critically about what works for you.
10. Deactivate your account: If you’ve tried taking breaks from social media and actually liked it, consider getting rid of your account completely. You’ll have more free time than you know what to do with.

Source

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Wendy Williams’ hosts 'Wendy Digital App' Launch in Atlanta

On Tuesday August 29th, Wendy Williams hosted an exclusive private event at the Atlanta Tech Village to celebrate the launch of her app entitled 'Wendy Digital'. Wendy Digital is a lifestyle app that provides users with access to Wendy behind-the-scenes, daily celebrity Hot Topics coupled with an E-Trivia section, as well as a special fashion section, highlighting Wendy’s latest HSN collections and personal style. Wendy’s WenMojis give users a fun way to express themselves with her signature personality.

The event also featured an intimate Q&A with media personality Dana Barrett, where Wendy shared how the app came into creation; it was influenced by her son he encouraged her to launch the app to take her brand to the next level, during the session she also shared some new features that will be launching soon (the infamous shoe cam) it was a great time Wendy was very engaging and answered questions from the crowd and explained how she is wanting to build a community via the app where users can share fashion, events and more.

Wendy Digital & WenMojis are both available in the appstore! So get them today!

 

  

Additional Images provided by Paras Griffin/Getty

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Insecure: Sn 2 Ep 4 Lack of Condom Use

Ya'll already know where you can find me on Sunday nights at 10:30pm sitting in front of my TV tuning into one of my favorite shows Insecure on HBO. This particular episode shook my spirit and I will break down why --- Lawrence, Lawrence, LAWRENCE.... he ended up at the vanilla wonder twins house. I wasn't even judging him at that point.  Live your best single life you can homie BUT the fact he was performing cunnilingus while the other one was riding him shook me all the way up; of course I was live tweeting and super bothered so I tweeted "Really No Condoms again" I was amazed how many people claimed how it was implied where I'm thinking it should be shown intentionally. I mean both parties were JUST at the grocery store and this activity seems like a regular thing for the vanilla wonder twins so you would assume they had magnums on deck. But nope! We are already on Episode 4 and we have already seen him getting it in with Tasha, smashing Issa real quick, and this threesome with some randoms and no condoms. 

Issa Rae took to her twitter to respond

“We tend to place condoms in the backgrounds of scenes or imply them,” Rae, 32, tweeted, along with a screengrab of condoms on a dresser in the scene. “But we hear you guys and will do better next season.”

 

The lack of on-screen condom use in cable television seems like the norm, but is it right? POWER, GIRLS and other shows frequently show no use of condoms. At least Issa is going to make an effort for change and that is a start.  Sex Education is critical and needed. What we have to be mindful of --  its not only adults that watch these shows -- Young Adults are watching and emulating what is on TV. So yes its important for us to do better. Its bigger than HIV/AID or pregnancy. There are STD's that we don't talk about --some of which aren't curable.... like our friends Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2... So be safe and strap up.

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Around Atlanta: SweetWater Brewing Company

 

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to tour the SweetWater Brewing Company and tasted some of their amazing beers. As a novice I learned so much.  Upon arrival we were issued our souvenir pint glass and sampled SweetWater 420 Extra Pale ale SweetWater Blue SweetWater IPA SweetWater Georgia Brown and Goin' Coastal. Then we went on the Taproom tour where we learned the history of the brewery, the process and so much more. It was so cool we are going back to take the Woodlands tour next. The best part both are super affordable the tour are $12 in the taproom, or $20 in the Woodlands space both include a souvenir glass, 36 oz of beer samples and tours of the facility. For more information and to view the schedule please visit sweetwaterbrew.com/tours

Check out a few pics from our visit below! 

 

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Goza Tequila Wapatuli

 

As you may know Memorial day kicks off the unofficial start to summer and with warmer weather here I wanted to share an easy Wapatuli recipe that you can serve at your cookouts, gatherings and pool parties.

Full details are below!

Enjoy!

T.L. from High Times of a Low Life prepping the fruits

 

 

Items needed:

2 lemons, 2 oranges and 2 limes

Tequila

Sugar

Ice 

 

Directions:

Wedge 2 lemons, 2 oranges and 2 limes and dump into a large container with a lid.

Pour a bag of ice over the fruit.

Pour a half a bag of sugar on top of the ice. You may want to add more or less sugar to taste.

Pour in a fifth of tequila.

Now seal the lid tightly and shake the mixture vigorously. It's recommended to shake the mixture for up to 30 minutes.

 

 

Connect with Goza Tequila: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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My Five Love Languages Results

 

With 57 days until my 35th birthday, I have a few goals I'm trying to accomplish and I'm starting with communication. I'm working on all of my relationships I want to be the best friend, daughter, granddaughter,niece and step-sister I can be. I'm single so I wanted to deep-dive into my love languages so I can be prepared for my next relationship. I'm challenging my friends to take this quiz as well. Here is the link www.5lovelanguages.com its super easy and quick and the results are spot on. 

Here is my breakdown:

11	Acts of Service
10	Quality Time
4	Words of Affirmation
3	Receiving Gifts
2	Physical Touch

 
My top two are Acts of Service and Quality time. So basically when others serve me out of love (and not obligation), I feel truly valued and loved + I adore full, undivided attention.

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