Netflix Just Announced This

Yesterday, Netflix announced that some major classic shows are coming to the popular streaming service.

Over the next 3 months, we will have access to these shows (let the binge watching begin!). I, for one, am looking forward to this and I know I am not alone. Shows such as Moesha, The Game (limited seasons), Sister, Sister, Girlfriends, The Parkers, Half & Half, and One on One will be lighting up our Netflix accounts as we approach the end of summer and start to say hello to autumn.

Thinking of the impact of these shows, Girlfriends comes to mind as a lesson in makeup for me. Makeup Artist Rea Ann Silva really nailed beauty-consistently. When I look at the series, I see beautiful women, not (heavy) makeup. Everything flows so well that the show still serves as an inspiration. The makeup accurately compliments the hair and clothing of each cast member. Silva created what we now know as the Beautyblender while on the show out of a need while working on set. I’d say the show has served her well.

So grateful for all of these shows and the cast and crew of each of these shows that made such great television.

See the upcoming dates below:

August

Saturday, August 1st- Moesha

Saturday, August 15th- The Game (seasons 1-3)

September

Tuesday, September 1st- Sister, Sister

Friday, September 11th- Girlfriends

October

Tuesday, October 1st- The Parkers

Tuesday, October 15th- One on One

Here’s to happy watching!

Weddings in Pandemics: Elaine Welteroth Gets Hitched!

We need to enjoy and embrace the good things, the positive things every time they show up. Life in 2020 has completely shifted for all of us-and it’s keeps shifting. It’s easy to lose sight of good things, those things that make us smile (especially if we aren’t always surrounded by positivity). Good things are still happening all around, we just need a person (or people) to show us.

To say that the last few months have been a whirlwind is an understatement. For many expectant brides, they’ve had to postpone wedding plans—some indefinitely, due to the events and uncertainty of a worldwide pandemic.

When faced with this situation, Elaine Welteroth decided that she was going to get married “come hell or high water” on May 10, 2020. And the best-selling author and history-making editor did just that. Initially, the couple considered many different places for their nuptials (both in and out of the United States). The pandemic, however, changed all of that and it looked like all of their dreams would be postponed. Instead of being down about it, Welteroth stayed determined.

As she set her mind on her goal, ideas flowed and she knew exactly how to pull everything off. It came to her to have a virtual wedding at her home followed by a virtual block party. Doing so meant friends and neighbors could be involved.

The two lovebirds used their Brooklyn stoop to exchange vows. It was beautifully decorated with a stunning and colorful floral arragement. Welteroth and her now husband were very creative and resourceful in the planning of this event. Using what they had and thinking “outside the box” allowed for a beautiful wedding. Both the bride, groom, and their friends were all decked out in white. Welteroth gave beachy, Bohmemian vibes in her flowing white gown and lowkey makeup and hair. She was simply ethereal.

The photos were absolutely beautiful—vividly invoking the sense of a warm, inviting celebration of love and beauty. Technology allowed for out-of-town friends and family to participate. Notice the tablet in the photograph. The bride and groom are happily smiling into the camera showing off their rings to their audience.

Congrats to the beautiful couple!

Celebrating Women Series: Remembering Katherine Johnson

When I think of the contributions of someone like Katherine Johnson, I’m always reminded that delay is not denial and for the hundreds and thousands of celebrities and famous people we know as members of the general public, there are thousands-dare I say millions-who go down in history unknown on a big scale that shape or have shaped the world we know and live in right now.

Katherine Johnson was born August 26, 1918 in West Virginia. Her extraordinary life started out with meager beginnings. She passed away February 24, 2020 at the age of 101. She worked for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) many years and retired in 1986. The book, Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly highlighted the stories and accomplishments of amazing and innovative women in science. The book was published in 2016 and later released as a film under the same title in early 2017. I am so grateful to authors and writers who are passionate about getting stories told. The movie brought people together in the way that only art can.

It was so touching to witness her being honored in the national spotlight. While one could argue that this recognition was long overdue, it can also be argued that maybe it was right on time. In her 90s, she was able to attend these shows, be recognized and be loved on by a completely new generation of admirers. Dreams and rewards don’t have expiration dates. Life doesn’t have to stop or slow down at a certain age.

From my artist standpoint, I must say that she was always quite beautiful. She had age appropriate makeup that wasn’t heavy or overly done. Her makeup enhanced her beauty and she looked great on camera. Her beautiful gowns were always the right color and she had a very regal elegance about her.

To hear she had passed was a bit sad, yet, I had gratutide for her and her accomplishments. Today, she will be laid to rest with a memorial service at Hampton University. May we always remember her and speak her name.