

As I enter my last trimester, and if I'm being transparent and real, gone are the days of glowing skin and holding my cute little belly. This last trimester was no joke. I'm not rushing my daughter, I want her to come when she's ready but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I want her here sooner rather than later. On top of insomnia, chronic back pain, and shortness of breath, I've been really down. I wouldn't call it depressed but just down. My moods change often and I am irritable and sensitive. Don't feel bad if this is you! If you're like me and due any day, you might have a lot of anxiety, feelings of anxiousness, and you're probably just downright tired and over it. Acknowledge this, because you are not alone.
Sometimes you may know why you feel down during your pregnancy, other times you may not. Sometimes little things accumulate. Taking the time to take in my feelings and not pretend I was okay was the best thing I could have done. After taking the time I needed, I knew I had to make the effort to get out of my funk - not only for my baby, but for myself as well.
Here are some things I did to help me get over the my funk:
1.Journal writing
Sometimes when you aren't ready to physically talk to anyone about your feelings, journal writing can be a lifesaver. Not only is it a safe outlet, it also helps you to make sense of your feelings and get everything out. I often like looking back on the things I've written just to see my growth and how far I've come from a particular time.
2.Get some fresh air & get moving
At the end of the third trimester, you play the waiting game. Rather than watching the time tick, force yourself to get out. When you're on maternity leave, or have a lot of time on your hands, you would be surprised how you can let a good day pass by being on the couch and eating snacks. Getting fresh air has really helped me. Even if I'm just taking my dog out for a walk, hiking with a friend, or just sitting outside to read, it helps. It lifts my energy and puts me in a good mood. Light workouts also help as well, to keep both you and the baby moving.
3.Spending time with your partner or girlfriends
So as much as you may not feel like you have the energy, try to enjoy your time with those around you that matter. Things are about to change and you won't have much time to yourself once your baby arrives. If you already have other kids, see if you can get a babysitter and have a night out of fun. It helps the time go by and keeps your mind off of things. It can also make you feel special if you've been down.
4.Finding a good book to get into or a good TV series
Getting lost in a book is always a good idea. Whenever I find myself over-analyzing things too much, I find a good book. Watching a really good show could also help. It gives you something to do and can keep your mind off of what you have going on for a little bit.
5.Doing last minute stuff to prepare baby
I recently packed my hospital bag and it lifted my spirits. Packing my bag got me excited again for what is to come. I also packed the baby's bag as well and picked out little outfits for her to take pictures in at the hospital and to go home in. Additionally, getting last minute things for her nursery and organizing her clothes makes me feel happy and also passes the time as well!
Featured image by Ella Jardim on Unsplash
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Bianca Simone was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She currently resides in California where she is pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She hopes to move and inspire people every day through creating, and by working diligently, remaining humble, and relatable always.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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