If there's one thing this pandemic has taught me, it's the importance of intentionally cultivating a space of my own. They say your home should be your sanctuary and while I ascribed to that notion in the idealistic sense--it took a forcible stay indoors for me to really lean into it. And when I say lean into it, I mean I REALLY leaned into it. From pillows to canvases to throw blankets and succulents, any and all things related to elevating and enhancing a space, I'm now totally here for.
And if you're anything like me, you realize that curating your space--during a time where we're not quite sure if we're still working from home or living at work--is a necessary key to maintaining a sense of peace in the midst of all this chaos. And that's exactly why we've rounded up a few of our fave WFH aesthetics to hopefully inspire you to add a bit more flavor to your futon or little color to your loveseat.
So if you're ready to spice up your space, read on to feel all the home decor feels and get to it!
Monroe Steele
It's the mostly neutral palette with the pops of color and plants for me. Monroe has always been beauty and style goals, but her Harlem home is giving major Work and Chill vibes. From the living room to her bedroom, I see why they say there's no place like New York.
Karen Blanchard
This space screams "vintage, but make it chic". And the muted colors in contrast with the gold accents instantly elevates this room from a boring home office to an ornate addition to your overall home decor. But with a mirror like that, it'll definitely be tempting to just stand there and take selfies all day. Just make sure to get that work done first, sis!
Jasmyn Lawson
There's a reason why Jasmyn's space was recently featured on Apartment Therapy. And that's because the wide-range of jewel tones and Black art fully encompasses modern millennial space that's conducive to working, writing, painting, and everything else in between. (Can we talk about that green sofa, we'll take two!)
Melissa's Wardrobe
I don't know about you, but every time we see a monochromatic look--whether it be in clothes or interior design, something inside us applauds. From the sofas to the rugs to the art on the wall, this space is sure to be the topic of conversation in all of your Zoom calls. And keeping the palette calm with black and white accents is never a bad idea either.
Apron Saint
I can't tell if it's the beehive-esque layout of the shelves or the sprawling plants that make us fall more and more in love with this space. It's cozy yet, spacious enough to promote creation of your best and brightest ideas. Coffee and a notebook not included though.
Dominique Gebru
While we may not have enough books to fill up these beautiful shelves like our good sis Dominique, we can still take cues from her decor. The marigold curtains. The hunter green pillows? We're ready to curl up for an after-work glass of wine, like yesterday.
Bethany
If this pandemic has turned your thumb green, then this space is right up your alley. Get one with nature and one with your coworkers (socially distanced, of course) with this calm, earthy aesthetic. Plants sold separately, so head to your nearest florist shop if you want to incorporate these lively additions.
McKenzie Renae
MJ may be the King of Pop, but we just might dub McKenzie Renae the queen of home decor. The exposed brick, velvet couch, the leopard pillows? Get into it! And the gold accents definitely pull the space together to give it a sleek, stylish vibe.
Cynthia Andrew
For all the girls who love color-blocking and pattern-mixing, this space is definitely for you! Whether you choose to go hard with the pillows or accent rugs, the key here is to let your true colors shine through. No pun intended. This space is sure to brighten up even the bleakest of virtual meetings.
Ezinma
We've got one word and one word only for you: WALLPAPER. This bold choice is guaranteed to be the showstopper and conversation-starter no matter what. And by keeping the rest of the decor muted and neutral, let's just say we'll be taking all our meetings in bed for the rest of the day.
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Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
WNBA star Angel Reese stuns on and off the court, and now she’s spilling her beauty and skincare secrets with us. The 22-year-old gave some insight into her beauty and skincare routine while speaking to Vogue, including her game day routine.
“My grandma used to always put mascara on my eyes when I was younger, and I used to go on the basketball court; that’s how I got the name 'Bayou Barbie' ‘cause I always had my nails, lashes, hair done,” she explained.
Below, Angel shares the skincare products that make her skin glow and her go-to makeup looks.
Check out her routines below.
Skincare
Vogue/YouTube
Angel starts with La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. “I love skincare. Makes me feel good, makes me feel cleanse, especially after a long day because I’m always on the go,” she said. “I play sports, so my face is always drenched with sweat, and I always gotta keep it clean.”
Vogue/YouTube
Angel uses two moisturizers. She uses Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 first and follows it up with Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe.
"You have to use the thinnest layer and then the thickest layer," she said. "I learned these tips because one time I posted a skincare routine and they were like, you need to run that back. And they taught me you need to do thin then thick and then I could see the complete difference with my skin."
Vogue/YouTube
She keeps Laniege Lip Balm with her at all times, including during games.
Vogue/YouTube
One-Size Setting Spray is her go-to for keeping her makeup fresh on the court. “I usually spray my beauty blender with my setting spray,” she said. “People usually wet the beauty blender under the water, but why not set it with this.”
Vogue/YouTube
She rounds out her beauty routine with mascara, brows, and her lip combo using Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner and Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss. But before closing, she made sure to give flowers to the WNBA stars before her who were also known for getting glammed on and off the court.
“I gotta give kudos to the girls who were wearing makeup before. Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, Candace Parker. Everybody already had their edges and their lashes, lipstick on," she said. "Tina Thompson; she used to wear a full red lip on her lips during the game, but that’s something I could probably never do.”
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Feature image by Vogue/YouTube