Nigra Sum

Hi everyone! I know I’ve been gone for a while but I have some exciting news. I’ve decided to move my blog to a new host, as well as give it a new name. The layout is much closer to what I wanted, and I absolutely love it so far. If you’re interested in following my new blog, you can find it at http://www.thecurlycommentator.com

Hope to see you there!

1. Every night before bed, I make some tea and write in my journal. I look in the mirror and remind myself of something good I did that day, and a challenge I overcame. I think of three things I love about myself. And sometimes I do squats, and then it’s off to bed.
2. I had a weird phase when I just didn’t like normal bacon; I thought it was too fatty. My mom got tired of me picking all the fat off my bacon, so for a few years I switched to turkey bacon almost completely. I’ve gone back to the good side since I came to college, but I don’t mind turkey bacon from time to time.
3. Most people know that I love dogs and I want a dog as soon as I get the chance (which isn’t that far off, really), but not a lot of people know that I really like pitbulls. They’re so sweet, loyal, and smart, and with the right kind of care they can make the perfect pets. So when it comes time for me to rescue my first dog (because why buy when there are so many in shelters?), chances are it’ll be a pitbull.
   

   Just look at that little face!

4. I really love all things vanilla. Candles, lotions, ice cream, perfume, this iced latte I’m currently drinking…it’s my favorite. Peppermint is a close second.
5. Spartacus (on Netflix) is my guilty pleasure. I’ve seen all four seasons backwards and forwards, and I just can’t get enough of it.
6. I’m considering a career in food writing, but I don’t like certain foods that a lot of foodies like: fancy cheeses, oysters/clams (can’t stand them), unnecessarily expensive meat. Just give me a good burger or pizza and I’m set!
7. I have this habit of listening to songs/albums on repeat for hours. Or days. And I never get sick of them.
8. Right now, I’m giving up chocolate and fries. Other than a granola bar last week, I’ve been good so far. It’s done wonders for my skin and this may have to be a permanent thing (or I’ll finally get that whole “moderation” thing that everyone keeps talking about). 
9. I’ve followed this one blogger, The Londoner, for almost five years. And when I say follow, I mean I’ve checked her blog every day for new posts and have spent countless hours browsing old ones. She was the first person who inspired me to blog and while I don’t have any desire to work in PR, move to London, and adopt a fluffy Morkie marshmallow and name it Custard (okay, maybe that last part isn’t true), she definitely has some aspects of the life I want.
10. This year I’m making more conscious decisions about where I shop and trying my best to support Black businesses. This isn’t always easy for clothes, but I’ve found some great restaurants, accessories, and hair and skin products/lines that I really like!
    

    Still in love with this bag from Double Clutched

11. Once upon a time (senior year of high school) I took an amazing beginner’s photography class. I loved being the master of the entire process, from finding subjects and developing B&W film to making prints and framing them in a gallery. Since I started so late I wasn’t able to advance to color film or a digital class. I love my digital camera but over spring break I plan on digging up my film camera and getting back to that passion.
12. I really want to try vlogging this year, at least once or twice. Just another step towards getting comfortable in front of a camera.
13. People think my mom is my sister quite often, and this week my dad and I were asked if we were siblings. I’m not mad, because Black don’t crack.
    

    It’s like looking at my future.

That’s all for now. Until next time 🙂

–Ash

“Happy New Year, everyone! 2015 is going to be great, I can feel it :)”

At 12:06am, sitting on my couch with Chinese takeout and a glass of sparkling cider in hand, I had no idea how right my prediction would be. My goals were to make it through my science classes (one lab at a time), keep pushing towards vet school, get a job, and to ultimately survive. The same goals as a lot of bio majors, really. I certainly wasn’t thinking “New year, new me.” I was just trying to be myself.

2015 was an extremely transformative year for me. I changed my major and my career track, met some amazing people, and explored new places. Most of all, I spent a lot of time relearning what I love and what makes me happy. My GPA rose, my hair grew (and grows longer still!), and I had some “Holy crap is this adulthood?” moments that I’m sure I’ll laugh about later on. And I made it through 2015 with very few L’s. Overall, I’m pleased.

I can’t say that my motto for 2016 is “New year, new me.” I’m still me. But the changes I made in 2015 have helped me learn more about myself. I spent most of 2015 throwing myself blindly into new things and hoping that the decisions I made were the right ones. I think that I can go into 2016 with more confidence, wisdom, and enthusiasm, as well as less worry.

I think the way I brought in 2016 was a sign of the good times to come. Up until this year, I’ve spent every New Year’s Eve at home with my family. We brought in the new year quietly and with a lot of reflection and promises. Last night I watched the Peach drop downtown for the first time. I spent time with old friends and made some new ones, laughed all night, and fell asleep around 6am ready for more adventures. After a huge breakfast at The Original Pancake House (which I wrote about here) and a sufficient food coma, I feel rested and restored. I can’t wait to do it all again next time, except with a real champagne toast.

Here’s to a hell of a new year.

-Ash

I’m a huge supporter of retail therapy, especially online retail therapy. Holiday shopping in person is great and I love certain aspects of it: the crowds (to a point), the thrill of finding that last perfect shirt in my size and preferred color, the decorations, and especially trying on clothes before I leave the store and knowing that things fit well. But as nice as all of these things are, I am still the worst shopper. My feet ache from long lines, my arms hurt thanks to all the bags I end up with, mall food is more expensive and not that great, and as much as I love kids they get on my nerves after the tenth crying baby.

So when I was at home on Black Friday, snuggled under my covers and working on a long paper due that weekend, I happily partook in Black Friday shopping for the first time. Instead of flocking to the big brands, I did some digging and found some great Black-owned businesses to support. For every few pages that I completed on my paper, I bought something new. I was able to get a pair of shoes, a ton of makeup, and my mom’s Christmas present. And most importantly, I got this pretty little thing!

This bag is from Double Clutched. I was looking for a statement piece, nothing too big but something that could hold all of my essentials.

I absolutely love the designs and I’ll probably buy another one or two clutches from this collection. The brand also has wristlets, wallets, tote-sized bags, and more.

I may have overestimated the size of the clutch, but I still really like it and I know I’ll get my money’s worth from this bag.

I plan to do the rest of my holiday shopping with other Black-owned businesses as the holidays progress and I take study breaks during finals. I’ve got my eye on some shea butter from BGLH (how can I possibly turn down whipped vanilla scented goodness?), for myself and as stocking stuffers.

Do you have any suggestions for great products/stores for men? I’m looking for a gift for my dad. Let me know!

-Ash