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These Are The Manicures We Can't Stop Fawning Over
I used to be the girl who never got her nails done and simply settled for a clean cuticle and some clear polish, but now I'm never missing an appointment. Doing my nails has become a part of my self-care pamper routine and another way for me to express creativity. Every two or three weeks, I'm searching for new nail inspo that represents the mood or vibe I'm in at the time. From color to shape to style, the creativity is literally endless.
As we enter a new season, the change of weather has inspired a switch up for me. As we say goodbye to bright colors of the summer and transition into dark muted colors of the cooler months, this is some nail inspiration that I can't stop obsessing over.
Marble Nails
If an all-black nail color isn't your thing, opting for a dark marble nail design might be a better option. Regardless of the length or nail shape, this design will definitely fit your style. It's a great way of doing a little sumthin' but not doing too much.
Hot Chocolate Nails
It's nothing new to have nail trends or makeup looks inspired by your favorite drink, we've seen it with pumpkin spice and other fall/winter favorites. My latest obsession is the hot chocolate nails. Opting for a shade of brown is a simple way to get into the change of the new season.
Ombre Nails
I'm very late to the trend, but I love it. Not only does it allow you to mix and match colors to make one seamless look, but you can get as creative as you want to and try something a little more exciting than the typical French manicure. For my 9-5 girls who need to keep it professional, you can still do this look with subtle nude colors.
A Thin Line...
I'm not going to lie to you, this nail trend has a lot of variations and names but it very versatile. I love how Breanna incorporated horizontal and vertical lines for a very chic manicure. I really think she took the trend and made it her own.
Logo Nails
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Reecey Roo's NAIL SALON (@iamreeceyroo) on
I'm not going to lie, I don't know that I would actually try this, but the ones I saw were really cute. Logo nails have definitely become increasingly popular recently. I've seen Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Chanel inspired nails among many others. I admire the art behind this and think it's impressive to fit this on such a small space.
Cartoon Nails
Like logo nails, y'all have even gotten more creative with cartoon nails. People are paying homage to their favorite childhood cartoon shows with their nail designs and honestly this is one of my favorites!
Matte Nails
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 𝙺𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚊 (@kensthetic_) on
This is one of my favorite nail art designs. Matte nails are very chic and simple. It's also a great switch up from the super glossy and shiny nails. The colors really take her nails to another level in my opinion. For her take on the popular rainbow nails trend, Kendra picked five colors that complement each other very well.
Multi-Shape Nails
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Marshea Chanel (@marsheachanel) on
If you can't decide on one nail shape, get them all. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about it but it looks really cute once I saw the finished product. It's no different from getting multiple colors and at this point there are no rules to the nail game if it slays.
Chrome Nails
View this post on InstagramA post shared by •𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆•𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵• (@allthingsbeauty_jellybayn) on
This is a simple nail inspo that anyone can pull off, especially if you like to keep it really simple.
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Featured image by Krissy Lewis/Instagram
Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
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UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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