Hand me a cowboy hat and some whiskey because we're headed to Texas for a real live hoedown.
The release of Beyoncé's eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, has the world paying more attention to country music now than ever, showing just how captivating the Beyoncé effect is. The album's lead single, "Texas Hold 'Em," has made her the first Black woman ever with a No.1 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and Cowboy Carter is officially Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day in 2024.
After release day, fans couldn't help but notice how much love Beyoncé showed to up-and-coming country singers like Tanner Adell and country music icons like Dolly Parton, who is affectionately known as "Dolly P" on the album as a narrator. Between these collaborations and her signature handwritten notes and flowers, it got me thinking about how Beyoncé has truly shown us through the years that she is the ultimate girl's girl.
A girl's girl is a woman who isn't shy about uplifting other women - who cheers for them just as loudly as she does for herself and isn't afraid to shine a spotlight on them for their work. Beyoncé has done that and more; let's take a look back at some of her best moments, showing us how being a girl's girl is done.
No Competition Between Country Gals
From the moment Beyoncé released her first country single, she's received tons of criticism. While many have said she wasn't country enough despite her Texas upbringing, comments also compared her to R&B and now country singer K. Michelle. K. Michelle is a proud southern girl with roots from Memphis, Tennessee, and has always shared her desire to one day create a country album. Last year, K. Michelle performed at the CMAs alongside Jelly Roll, truly a monumental moment in her career. Amidst Cowboy Carter’s release, Beyoncé gave K Michelle her flowers - literally and shared her admiration and respect for the Tennessee native, shutting down any critics attempting to compare the two.
Still Down With Her Day One
Beyoncé spotted in NYC for the premiere of 'Mea Culpa'
METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
One thing about Beyoncé, she gone love her some Kelly Rowland (and Michelle!) Her support of her longtime friend and Destiny's Child group member has shown us that no matter what, they are sisters forever, and we will always love them for it! At the Netflix world premiere of Mea Culpa, she told us all that she still goes hard for her bff by posting a set of photos from the premiere on Instagram captioned, "Dats my best friend! Dats my best friend!!!!! So proud of you Kelly 🙏🏽"
A Boss Honoring a Boss
Beyoncé and Diana Ross perform onstage during the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR"
Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
During the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR," Beyoncé celebrated her 42nd birthday and was serenaded by none other than The Boss herself, Ms. Diana Ross! Forever leading with humility and gratitude, she honored Diana Ross with joy for coming to the show and singing to her. In an Instagram post dedicated to the moment with the legendary vocalist, the "Alien Superstar" singer wrote in her caption, "Thank you to the incomporable Ms. Diana Ross. The 1 of 1, the number 1, the only one. Thank you from the depths of me, my Queen."
Forever An Oldest Sister
"Might I suggest you don't f with her sis." A true older and younger sister duo, Beyoncé is always there for Solange's big moments, and this one was no different. She was front and center for Solange's debut of her original score for The New York City Ballet, reminding us all that she will always show up for her sis and beam with pride for her accomplishments.
Collaboration Queen
Cowboy Carter, like many of Bey's studio albums, is packed with collaborations. From her iconic cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," collaboration with Linda Martell, a duet with Miley Cyrus, and collaborations with up-and-coming artists, including Tanner Adell, she has shown us again how important it is to not only collaborate but simultaneously educate her audience with intentional features that are a nod to country music legends and the future of the genre.
Always Paying Homage
While Beyoncé shined as Deena Jones in the 2006 movie adaptation of Dreamgirls, she has always remembered Sheryl Lee Ralph, the original Dreamgirl who famously portrayed Deena Jones first on Broadway, for which she was nominated for a Tony award. In celebration of Ralph's Emmy win, Knowles sent her flowers and honored her as the original dream girl.
Birthday Bouquet for Kim K
Kim Kardashian/Instagram
Despite the countless rumors that Beyoncé isn't a fan of Kim Kardashian, for her 43rd birthday, she penned a sweet message and wished her a birthday filled with joy. Kim was delighted and posted the birthday florals to social media.
Honoring the Next Generation of Artists
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift attend the "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" Concert Movie World Premiere
John Shearer/Getty Images for TAS
Whether it's discovering Chloe x Halle, cheering on Taylor Swift, or showing love to fellow artists coming up, Beyoncé is always uplifting younger female artists. Rapper Coi Leray took to Instagram to share the flowers that she sent with a note that said she was a fan of hers and loves to watch her grow.
Whether you’re an icon like B, a small business owner, or an everyday girl who desires to develop a better community with the women around you, don’t be afraid to channel your inner girl's girl like Beyoncé and give the women in your life their flowers in your own way.
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Featured image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for iHeartRadio
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
Meanwhile, frankincense and myrrh originate from the Middle East and Africa (you know, like the Bible does — some folks need to be reminded of that—eh hem — Trumpers) and ginger? It too helps with indigestion (which can definitely creep up at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables); plus, it’s a key ingredient for ginger snaps and gingerbread houses. So, as you can see, holiday-themed scents have a rhyme and reason to them.
Tying this all in together — several years ago, I penned an article for the platform entitled, “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry ‘Christmas Sex’?” Well, in the spirit of revisiting some of that content, with a bit of a twist, I decided to broach some traditional holiday scents from the perspective of which ones will do your libido a ton of good from now through New Year’s Eve (check out “Make This Your Best NYE. For Sex. EVER.”).
Are you ready to check some of them out, so that, whether it’s via a candle, a diffuser, some essential oil, or some DIY body cream (check out “How To Incorporate All Five Senses To Have The Best Sex Ever”), you can bring some extra festive ambiance into your own boudoir? Excellent.
1. Vanilla
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When it comes to holiday desserts, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find recipes that don’t include vanilla — and that alone explains why it is considered to be a traditional holiday scent. As far as your libido goes, vanilla is absolutely considered to be an aphrodisiac — partly because its sweet scent is considered to be very sensual. Some studies even reveal that vanillin (the active ingredient in vanilla) is able to increase sexual arousal and improve erectile dysfunction in men. So, if you adore the smell, here is more incentive to use it.
2. Frankincense
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Although, typically, when people think about frankincense (and myrrh), it’s in the context of the gifts that the wise men brought Christ after he was born; it’s a part of the biblical Christmas story. However, frankincense goes much deeper than that. Sexually, since it has an earthy and spicy scent, some people like to use it to meditate (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”). Also, since it has the ability to put you in a better mood, soothe and soften your skin and maintain your oral health — with the help of frankincense, every touch and kiss can be that much…sexier.
3. Cinnamon
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I already gave cinnamon a shout-out in the intro. Personally, I’ve been a fan of it, in the sex department, for a long time now (check out “12 ‘Sex Condiments’ That Can Make Coitus Even More...Delicious”). When it’s in oil form, it can be very sweet to the taste while sending a warm sensation throughout the body — which is why the giver and receiver of oral sex can benefit from its usage. Beyond that, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow to your genital region, elevate sexual desire and, some studies say that it can even help improve fertility. Beautiful.
4. Peppermint
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If there’s a signature candy for the holiday season, it’s probably a candy cane — which automatically puts peppermint in the running for being an official holiday scent. Pretty much, in any form, it’s got your sex life’s back because it’s hailed as being a sexual stimulant; in part, because its smell is so invigorating. Plus, it helps to (eh hem) ease headaches, it gives you more energy and it can definitely help to freshen your breath. Also, that minty sensation? The same thing that I said about cinnamon can apply to peppermint too (if you catch my drift).
5. Ginger
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Whether it’s in a meal or in your bedroom, ginger is going to produce results that are hella spicy. On the sex tip, science has praised ginger for being able to increase sexual arousal, improve blood circulation (which intensifies orgasms) and strengthen fertility for many years. Scent-wise, I find it to be one that both men and women enjoy because it is both woodsy and sweet. So, if you’ve got some massage oil in mind, adding some ginger is a way to please you both.
6. Pomegranate
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September through December is the time of year when pomegranates are considered to be in season. And, as someone who is a Rosh Hashanah observer, I have a personal adoration for them because I am aware of the various things that they symbolize in Hebrew culture including the fact that they are a fruit that represents love and fertility. So yeah, they would absolutely be an aphrodisiac — one that is perfect for this time of the year. While consuming it helps to boost testosterone levels in both men and women, the floral bittersweet smell that it produces can help to reduce stress while promoting relaxation (like most floral scents do) — and the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to climax.
7. Nutmeg
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Another signature seasoning during the holiday season is nutmeg. It’s perfect in Thanksgiving sweet potato (or pumpkin) pie and Christmas morning French toast. And yes, it can also make your sex life better. If you consume it, it can intensify your libido and, overall, its warm-meets-spicy-meets-sweet smell is so inviting that it is considered to be a pretty seductive scent.
8. Cloves
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I ain’t got not one lie to tell you — if you’ve got a toothache, put some clove oil on that bad boy and send me a Christmas present for putting you on game. Aside from that, as I round all of this out, cloves are another holiday scent that can do wonders for your sex life. For men, it has the ability to significantly increase sexual arousal and improve stamina and endurance. For men and women alike, it also has a reputation for strengthening sexual desire. And for women solely? Well, if you want an all-natural way to increase natural lubrication down below — the scent and and feel (in DILUTED oil form) can make that happen. It can make the holidays especially special…if you know what I mean.
Ah yes — the atmosphere of the holidays and what it can do.
Take it all in! Scent ‘n whatever stimulating that comes with it! #wink
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