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Aasha’s favorite things of JUNE: 1. Black Girl Sunscreen https://www.blackgirlsunscreen.com/2. Inflatable pools 3. Going to bed early4. Loki https://www.disneyplus.com/5. Celebrating friendship (wedding season) Darcell’s favorite things of JUNE: 1. 365 Popsicles (Caribbean Mix)2. Homemade Matcha lattes 3. Counterpoint (Amazon Prime)4. Everybody Eats PDX (Ultimate Seafood Mac & Cheese) 138 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 9720 https://everybodyeats503.com/5.Continue reading “OUR FAVORITE THINGS OF JUNE 2021”

Lately I have been challenging myself to let go of my need for perfection. It comes naturally to me to support others, to remind them that they did their best and to show them grace. Unfortunately I am not always able to extend this same grace to myself. A situation at work recently challenged meContinue reading “Nobody’s perfect. Giving myself grace.”

If you know me, you know I like to talk. I like to voice my opinions. If you are Black, especially a Black woman in America, you might have been in these same situations. Situations where you advocated for yourself and others, situations where you “had to be” the speaker and let your voice beContinue reading “Did you try shutting up? It can help your mental health.”

Aasha’s favorite things of MAY: 1. Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches https://www.rubyjewel.com/ice-cream-sandwich-flavors/2.Homemade Rosé slushes3.Everybody Eats PDX (138 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209)4.Therapy5. Snowfall TV Series Darcell’s favorite things of MAY: 1. Organizing expert Krystal Guinn IG: @krystalguinn2.  Hot Mama Salsa White Corn Tortilla Chips  https://hotmamasalsa.com3. Grateful Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room https://www.gratefulvineyards.com/4. Frosè withContinue reading “OUR FAVORITE THINGS OF MAY 2021”

Aasha’s favorite things of APRIL: Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream (Coffee Coffee Buzzbuzzbuzz)301 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR Homemade blended margaritas with salt rims Fresh cut flowers Steven Universe animated series Morning walks Darcell’s favorite things of APRIL: 1.Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream (Whiskey Biz)2. Silver Falls State Park (Sublimity, OR)3. Pendleton Fanny Pack https://commotionpdx.org/native-made-vendors4.Continue reading “OUR FAVORITE THINGS OF APRIL 2021”

1. Being alone is okay. Taking space away from friends and family is healthy.2. Your time is precious…fill it with people and things that bring you joy and fill your cup3. No is a full sentence. You don’t need an explanation for your decision to tap out.4. Setting boundaries is scary and so necessary. YouContinue reading “9 things I have learned since being in my 30’s”

Shalanda Sims is a Portland native, proud wife, and mother of three. She is a professional actress, writer, teacher, advocate, and grew up singing in the church. Some of her favorite stage/film credits include Color Purple and Dreamgirls (Portland Center Stage at The Armory), The Pirates of Penzance (Oregon Shakespeare Festival at Portland Opera), ExtraordinaryContinue reading “Q+A COUPLES EDITION WITH SHALANDA AND SHAWNTE”

If you have been noticing our posts have slowed down. That is very intentional. We are at a place of knowing when to pause and reflect. We don’t force creativity. If we don’t feel like doing a post for the blog we don’t and we when we want to rest we do. I learned atContinue reading “No. (Is a full sentence)”

Aasha’s favorite things of MARCH: Outdoor fire pit https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Treasures-29-5-in-W-Black-High-Temperature-Painted-Steel-Wood-Burning-Fire-Pit/3819935 Teote Restaurant https://www.teotepdx.com/teote-mezcaleria/ Agent Carter TV series https://www.disneyplus.com/ Oregon Coast Love Poems From God By Daniel Ladinsky Darcell’s favorite things of MARCH: Collapsible Dog Bowl https://www.amazon.com/ Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom https://www.netflix.com/ Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake http://www.amalfisrestaurant.com/ The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay Red StripeContinue reading “OUR FAVORITE THINGS OF MARCH 2021”

Aasha’s favorite things of FEBRUARY: Psalms 42 Home created kale salads Flower bouquets Kirk Franklin Tiny Desk Concert https://youtu.be/wRwId2RfmfA Wandavision https://www.disneyplus.com/ Darcell’s favorite things of FEBRUARY: 1. Face Coverings-Multi-Pack http://www.summersalt.com2. Imperfect Foods imperfectfoods.com3. Luther starring Idris Elba (HBO)4. Black Art in the Absence of Light (HBO)5. Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluo