![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![Sanaa Lathan Answers 8 Questions About Her Favorite Things And Now We’re BFFs](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNzQwNzEzMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTcyNTg3MTI5N30.BV9OdgaF4atX4Qlndhb4sB5Ejo5p4xJ_K2n9CR81_Nc/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C58%2C0%2C117)
Sanaa Lathan Answers 8 Questions About Her Favorite Things And Now We’re BFFs
Sanaa Lathan has been out here securing the Netflix Bag, and is starring in one of their newest series, Hit & Run. The new action thriller follows a happily married man whose life is turned upside down after his wife is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run accident in Tel Aviv. Enter Lathan—the main character's former flame who helps him figure out the answer to one increasingly difficult question: Who killed his wife?
Chiiiiile.
Her character, Naomi, is an investigative journalist who is doesn't play with the people, m'kay? And our girl has been enjoying her new role wholeheartedly, telling Glamour:
"I knew right away that it was going to be a good show. There are a lot of twists and turns."
TheLove & Basketballactor teases, revealing that she especially loves thrillers despite having starred in almost every genre. And soon she'll be adding another thing to her résumé: This year she'll be directing a feature film. I see you!
While discussing her latest career moves and being the effortlessly amazing Sanaa, she even shared a few of her favorite things (which I'm always admittedly a sucker for). Here's what we've learned about our leading lady:
Her go-to dog outfits.
The actress admitted that she's basically like us and dresses her dogs up too (when she can).
"She hates clothes. There are some pictures of her on my Instagram from when I was shooting in New York and it got really cold. I got her a little down jacket and she looked like she was so miserable…. She's so funny. But she doesn't like the clothes, so we have gotten her some like pink rhinestone collars and little harnesses."
Her most used app:
Because none of us like to truly admit to checking our social media accounts as soon as we wake up (and a hundred times more throughout the day), she went with a close second.
"I'm addicted to Amazon Prime. I get boxes all the time that I don't even open. And then when I open them, I don't even remember ordering them. I'll wake up sometimes in the middle of the night and order stuff. It's kind of bad. I need to work on that. I like to order this gum that I chew called Spry. It doesn't have the aspartame in it or sugar, but I'm a little obsessed with it. It's made with a different kind of sweetener. It's not as bad for you."
Her most listened to playlist (she shared the link with us too!):
"I have one Apple Playlist called Feels, which is kind of a midtempo that they update every week. I'm constantly getting what's new. Sometimes I listen to pop. Sometimes I listen to R&B. Sometimes I listen to oldies. I'm truly eclectic. When I'm working, I either have silence or there's one that's called Pure Focus and it has no words, but it's kind of cool. You have a little ambient music, but you don't have to be distracted by the words."
Her comfiest pair of shoes:
The comfortable shoes heard around the world, are a fave of Sanaa's as well.
"I ordered another pair of Birkenstocks because they're falling apart. I don't know what it is. They're not the cutest, but I have to get in them as soon as I get home. I had a black patent leather one that just fell apart, and I just ordered another one so I could have a backup. They mold to your feet or something. It feels good."
Her favorite skincare product:
Now, you guys know that around the xoNecole offices, we love to discuss skincare. So when we hear of new finds, we have to share!
"I like this organic canola oil. It's on Amazon and it's called Camellia. It's from Sweet Essentials and it's $13.99. I have it all over my house; throughout the day I put it on my face and it's so silky. It makes your skin so supple and moisturized. I love it."
Buy this product here for only $14!
The drink always in her fridge:
Sanaa chuckles at the thought of her answer and reveals:
"The LaCroix LimonCello is my thing to the point where my mom was like, 'You drink too much of that.' It doesn't have sugar, but I have a little bit of an addiction. At least it's better than soda. I also love Watermelon Wonder Synergy kombucha."
Her wellness routine:
"I try to meditate every day. I do transcendental meditation, but I believe they all have benefits. I started meditating seriously about six or seven years ago because I went through a really traumatic period where I wasn't handling, processing all of that well, and started having panic attacks.
"I had a friend who died suddenly, and it was just a lot. Instead of dealing with it, I kind of just kept working and it caught up with me. I wanted to address it holistically, so I started doing this practice. As soon as I started meditating, it kind of went away. Now it's just part of my life."
Self-care is the best care.
What she's reading:
The book on her bedside, is actually of one she is directing in her debut.
"I'm going to direct one of the books that I'm reading now. It's called 'On the Come Up' by Angie Thomas. She's the same writer who wrote The Hate U Give—a New York Times best-selling author. It's a coming-of-age story, about a 16-year-old rapper who is finding her voice. It's a beautiful script. We'll be shooting later this year, and I'm super excited about it."
As a huge fan of Brown Sugar, can't wait to catch this one.
--
Stay tuned for what Sanaa has coming up in her career, but in the meantime, here's the trailer of her current Netflix show, Hit and Run.
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Jim Spellman/Getty Images
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
Shaunie Henderson On Being A Nontraditional Pastor Wife
Shaunie Henderson, the creator and executive producer of Basketball Wives, redefines traditional expectations as a pastor's spouse and first lady of The Lighthouse Church.
The star's journey began with a whirlwind romance with Pastor Keion Henderson in 2020, which led to their marriage years later. Since then, Shaunie has embraced many typical first lady roles, including supporting her husband, engaging in ministry responsibilities, providing spiritual leadership, and conducting community outreach.
Yet, the 49-year-old's background sets her apart from other first ladies. Shaunie brings a unique perspective as a public figure, which stems from her previous marriage to NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and her experience in reality television.
In an interview with xoNecole, while promoting her memoir Undefeated, the Basketball Wives creator discussed what being a first lady means to her and how she has lived her life non-traditionally.
When asked if she had always been nontraditional, Shaunie revealed that throughout her life, she has made it her mission to better herself by learning from experiences and breaking harmful cycles.
Shaunie Henderson and Pastor Keion Henderson
Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
“I think that's just who I am. I can’t say I intentionally go against the grain. In the book, I talk about things from my childhood, like my dad being late all the time. I was totally opposite with my kids when they were in school. I was always there early. My mother is not affectionate, and she doesn't verbally say, ‘I love you,’ but she does things to let you know. That's the way she shows her love,” she said when describing her relationship with her parents.
“But because I missed that 'I love you' and hugging and kissing, I do that with my kids. I try to always give what I needed myself. There were basketball wives who weren’t very nice to me, so I went out of my way to make sure that once I was a wife that I didn't treat anybody else like that. No one was going to feel like that on my watch.”
Toward the end of the conversation, when discussing her first lady responsibilities and the pressures of upholding that image, the mother of five explained she isn't too hard on herself to fit the mold, given her significantly different background from most first ladies and her relatively new role.
“As far as being first lady, now, I'm not knocking how any first ladies decide to operate but I just knew that the idea of what that usually is was not me. And, to be honest, rightfully so. I'm probably the only first lady that created a reality show that has been on television since 2010. My life is not remotely close to that of most first ladies. We've experienced completely different things. Most of them have been pastor’s wives for a long time, this is all new for me. I come with an entirely different journey; that wouldn’t lend itself to being a traditional first lady,” she stated.
Shaunie's nontraditional approach appears to work in her favor, as she has been welcomed with open arms just as she is.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images