OK, so you know how when a new series airs on television, it typically takes the storyline a few weeks to warm up? If you watched last night's premiere of Ambitions, you know it is definitely not that kind of show. Before briefly recapping all of the drama—and I do mean drama—that went down, let me just address three things, cast-wise, that immediately jumped out at me:
Robin Givens.
Last fall,Deadline ran an article leading up to the series. One of the main things that it focused on (other than the fact that the show is co-created by movie director and producer extraordinaire Will Packer—yay!) was the fact that Robin was a lead on the series. And you know what? Robin looks damn good. So good that I had to Google her age (apparently, she'll be 55 in November). Her role as attorney Stephanie Carlisle in the series is quite fitting. Robin always has a way of conveying poise, sophistication, a touch of evil and very dramatic pauses and deliveries in a lot of her acting. On Ambitions, she does not disappoint.
Then there is Brian White.
Stomp the Yard? He was in that. Daddy's Little Girls? Yep, that too. The Family Stone, Motives 2, Trois 3: The Escort? All him. Anyway, he plays Stephanie's husband who happens to be the mayor of Atlanta. His name? Evan Lancaster.
I was also really happy to see Essence Atkins (who's been keeping pretty busy ever since her days on Half & Half), Karon Riley (who is actor Terri J. Vaughn's husband), Brely Evans (y'all remember her from Being Mary Jane, among other things, right?) and the fearless leader of the xoTribe, EIC, Necole Kane. If you paid close attention, she played a red carpet entertainment journalist. Dope.
Now. With all of that out of the way, let’s get into why I’m sure that a lot of people are gonna tune into 'Ambitions' on a weekly basis.
If I were to describe it in a nutshell, I'd have to say that it's pretty much an updated and upgraded form of the 80s nighttime soap classicDynasty. The shining difference is the fact most of the cast is Black. I make the comparison because Ambitions is sho 'nuf a soap opera featuring the wealthy and accomplished, with everyone having two degrees of separation of lust, intrigue and pure mayhem between them.
Something that I both like and appreciate is Ambitions' signature Blackness, thanks to its style, set lighting (real talk; y'all know white folks don't always know how to create the kind of lighting that best suits our vast skin tones) and the detailed nuances that let you know that POC (people of color) definitely put this show together (like when New Edition's "If It Isn't Love" plays in Thelma's Restaurant or Stephanie referenced Essence's character Amara Hughes as her fellow Spelman grad soror).
As far as drama goes, there’s no lack of complex storylines. I mean, the first 15 minutes alone made my head spin a bit.
There's the affair that Amara (she's the one who had it) and her husband Titus are still healing from. There are the nightmares that Stephanie's having about her sister Tracy's opioid overdose, along with the subconscious fear that Stephanie's husband, Mr. Mayor, might kill her one day (what in the world?!). There's some (white) dude named Peters who is slick threatening Brely's character, Rondell (who happens to be the mayor's sister), her father and their restaurant, thanks-but-no-thanks to gentrification.
There's the character that I already know I'm gonna love to hate, Mr. Hunter Purifoy—a wealthy white owner of a pharmaceutical company who is basically a passive aggressive racist (did y'all peep when he told Titus that he and "an old cracker like me" were gonna do great things?). Aside from being racist, I noticed how he was eyeing Amara at the gala (that was in honor of Stephanie's sister) while Hunter's wife (I think her name was Juniper; did y'all also catch when she commended Amara, who works of the US Attorney's office, for "pulling herself up by her bootstraps"? SMH) was ogling Titus. Swinging racists. Great. Dude's name is Hunter. How fitting.
Oh shoot. There is one more storyline I need to mention that was introduced before the gala. Stephanie and Titus. Both attorneys. Both married. Yet they used to be involved with each other back in her Spelman days. I believe Stephanie's exact description of their relationship was, "We were lovers, competitors, enemies but never quite friends." (I've been in those before. Sounds like somebody might be hittin' the skins sooner than later.) The cause of the break-up? Her soror Amara getting pregnant by Titus. Lord.
Then there's the mayor and his side chicks (it appears he has at least one Latina and a blonde white woman; we'll see). His main one appears to be a fashion designer by the name of Bella True who is dating Roderick Johnson (Karon Riley's character), a former Atlanta Falcons running back. Cheating is so low-down and doing it when you're in a high-profile position is mad dangerous. I'm not really under the impression that Stephanie too much cares, though. She's too busy fantasizing about Titus, trying to steal her father's law firm and controlling her college-aged daughter's life.
Ah yes, Carlie. Carlie has a secret. Who decides to confront her about it? Purifoy's daughter, Lori. She happens to be the head of PR for her father's company.
After licking Carlie's lips (yes, literally) in the bathroom of the Ducksworth Hotel during the gala, putting her number in Carlie's smartphone and inviting her to give her a ring as soon as Carlie is ready to "live her truth"…something is brewing. To say the least.
Then Rondell can’t got to her restaurant after hours in peace without some dude trying to attack her. Is it Peters? Is it one of his goons? Who knows?
As if all of this isn't enough to ponder, the show uses the final five minutes or so for Evan and Stephanie to take off the "we love each other" façade as he says something flippant and disrespectful ("pathetic and predictable" was thrown in there somewhere) and Stephanie responds by putting a gun to his head (first), then licking his ear, (second). How does he react? He goes over to his main side chick's place, sees her in the shower and joins her. SOAP. OPERA. TIMES. A THOUSAND.
Whew, chile. Bored, I was not. Intrigued, I am.
Besides, I don't know about you, but I've been wanting to see more scripted dramas featuring seasoned actors instead of, well, scripted dramas with reality stars. The fact that I'm looking at beautiful Black people makes it that much sweeter.
It looks like Ambitions is gonna take us on quite the ride, y'all. You ready?
Catch up on all the intrigue of Ambitions every Tuesday night on OWN.
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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.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 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.
Getty ImagesStep 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.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 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
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert