A couple weeks ago, xoNecole published my piece about the cold world of singledom, and thousands of you felt that in your chests! Many co-signed with having done so much internal, and soul expanding inner work, and being ready to find a vibrational match!
Well, I took it upon myself to connect with 8 #MCM worthy men, who will not only cheer you up, and help you hold on to that #BaeGoals faith...but they'll also warm things up with their divine masculine charm, and appealing transparency!
This list will give all my Single Ladies the scoop on up and coming millennial #MCM snacks that will be flooding your timelines if they aren't already! Hold on to your ovaries ladies, this read will jumpstart your week!
1.Marshall Price
His name is Marshall Price, he's originally from Harvey, Illinois and currently living in Dallas, Texas. He's a model and actor making moves in the industry.
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"What I look for most in a woman is her personality and goals. If she doesn't have anything going for herself then I can't be around. I'm a pretty busy guy, so if you're not doing nothing, or you're not doing your passion, it wouldn't work."
His Ideal Date is...
"My ideal date would be bowling, then Shellshack, followed by a walk on a pier, and comedy club."
Photo by: Jarriel Jones
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"I would say my originality makes me attractive. I'm an old soul, so I like to enjoy classic R&B music sometimes."
2.Everette Taylor
Everette is originally from Richmond, VA and is currently based in downtown Los Angeles. He's a serial entrepreneur at heart and has started several companies over the past 10 years. He's naturally a passionate person and enjoys seeing people he cares about be as successful and happy as possible, and he goes above and beyond to make that happen. Ultimately, he's passionate about art, creating generational wealth within the black community, building great products, mentoring youth, and helping those less fortunate than himself.
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"Can we laugh together? There's nothing more that I love to do than laugh. A great sense of humor is a must and just a generally positive and joyful person. Energy is important. I look for ambition and the refusal to settle for mediocrity. Someone who just doesn't have dreams, but follows through. I look for someone who wants to build their own legacy and can stand on their own too, with or without a man."
"Outside of that, I look for someone level-headed, intelligent, willing to compromise, and believes in something bigger than themselves."
What His Ideal Date is…
"My ideal date is anything that's optimized for great conversation. That means no movies, loud bars, etc. With a focus on conversation, we leave the bullshit at home. No masked ulterior motives or disingenuous intentions. Just a transparent and free-flowing conversation with in depth answers and lots of laughs."
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"Such a hard question for me to answer because I know that it varies depending on the person and in a superficial world, success tends to attract a lot of people for the wrong reasons. Mama ain't raise no fool though. With that being said, I do believe emotional intelligence is something that works in my favor in terms of attraction. I'm hyper aware of emotions and energy from others. I pride in myself in being able to cater to that. Not in a fake way, but a compassionate and thoughtful way. I personally think that's my most attractive quality."
3.Jéan Elie
Jéan Elie is an actor and content creator from Brockton Massachusetts living in LA. You've probably seen him on Insecure playing Issa Rae's petty younger brother, Ahmal Dee. His passion is creating content that elevates the underrepresented and the understanding of relationships, mental health and growth.
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"I look for women that can take a joke and just live in the moments."
What His Ideal Date is…
"My ideal date is a random outing after lunch where we just go wherever and do whatever moves us."
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"Y'all going to have to answer that one for me. My mother told me never to talk about myself like that."
Related: 'Insecure' Actor Jean Elie Talks Infidelity, Expectations and Why He's Team Lawrence
4.Lawd P
He goes by the name Lawd P, and is a hip hop musician, creator, and entrepreneur. He's currently building a lifestyle brand called Soullennial, which is centered around a distinct music culture. He's created his management company to incorporate new ideas in owning and capitalizing off our creativity. He is passionate about music, teamwork, and love.
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"A woman has to be wise. Completely trustworthy, and can lead the initiate through the process to show her man the other side. The other side is connecting with a woman physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually."
What His Ideal Date is...
"My ideal date is Smorgasburg at Prospect Park. BYOB, picnic, and you have food vendors. Everything you need all in one space. I believe in killing two birds in one stone." [winks]
Photo by: Rashida Zagon @sheedaz
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"I believe what makes me attractive is that I always find a way to go back to joy. I'm all about positivity, jokes, trust and affection. I always find a way to connect and understand a woman's perspective without my ego in the process."
5.Tyler Lepley
Tyler Lepley is known for being an actor and he's most passionate about finding different mediums for self-expression.
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"I meet lots of beautiful women who seem to be on autopilot. So one thing that keeps me interested is a woman with a specific point of view."
What His Ideal Date is...
"My ideal date is anywhere near a bucket of crab legs! It's always easier to vibe when the eating is good."
Photo by: Eric Michael Roy, Stylist: Paris Libby
Related: Actor Tyler Lepley on Breaking the Stigma of Black Men and Therapy
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"Whether or not I'm attractive isn't for me to say, however, I have a passion for developing myself, and although I have feelings of insignificance at times, I do believe that through my gifts I can impact the world; and that's beautiful."
6.Terry Omi
Terry Omi holds a MBA in Business Management & Leadership and also a BS in Human Services. He has gained career experiences working in the pharmaceutical industry specializing in dermatology medication, as well as in the social services industry, working with substance abuse population, HIV/AIDS population, college prep programs, child welfare, and also as a counselor for teens in need of anger management services. In addition, he has career experiences as a media correspondent/journalist, which has led him to interviewing hundreds of business leaders, celebrities and entertainers, such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Migos and more!
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"The main things I look for in a woman is the fear, love, and passion for GOD. Someone who loves and appreciates her family, someone who is fuuuuuuun, open-minded, educated, creative, wise, self motivated, and is able to inspire and connect with me in many ways. It also helps if she takes pride in her appearance, is a good dancer, enjoys exercising and we're both into similar music."
What His Ideal Date is...
"My ideal 1st date would involve hearing some good music, eating great food, laughs and being in a space where we can comfortably talk and learn which ways we're able to connect and relate to one another."
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"What makes me attractive is my love for GOD, my ambition, and the fact that I can relate to people very easily."
7.Jayson Aaron
Jayson Aaron was born and raised in Los Angeles. He's an artist intent on creating things that will have a positive impact on culture.
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"If I'm interested, I'm looking at how she literally and figuratively moves through a room, her smile, sense of style, and our ease in communication. Can we be honest, can we be friends?"
What His Ideal Date is...
"Get fly, explore whatever city that we're in for a while, eat some great food, then go dance somewhere playing Afrobeats (laughs)."
Photo by: Renee Wootsen @iironic
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"What I hope people notice is my vibe. Good energy is important to me."
8.Jonathan Henderson
Jonathan is a graphic artist from New York and a Senior Manager at PF Changs on Long Island. Graphic design is his passion and he's been doing it for the past 13 years. He owns a graphic design business specializing in flyers, logos, business cards, album cover artwork, and photography. He got into modeling to mainly learn more about photography. His end goal is to end up in the entertainment industry as a graphic artist and personal photographer - and he's open to acting gigs too!
What He Finds Attractive in a Woman:
"I look for smart, educated, and independent women. I love a challenge, not one that makes it too easy for me. The older I get, the more open I become to all different types of women."
"If the vibe is there, that's all that matters."
What His Ideal Date is…
"I'm pretty simple with dates. Let's go out to a nice restaurant, grab a drink or bottle of wine, have good conversation - not all up in our phones the whole time. I've been on dates where the girl will be on her phone the whole time, and any time I tried to hold a conversation, she somehow made it about herself. That's a turn off to me. I'm all about learning about the woman I'm dating, but not when they're full of themselves. Confidence is sexy, cockiness is not."
Photo by: Marvin Bienaime
What Truly Makes Him Attractive:
"To me, I was pretty hit growing up. A lot of people use the 'Steve Urkel to Stefan' reference, but I stay very humble at the end of the day. I feel my ambition, drive, and work ethic is what makes me attractive. I like to make people laugh and always keep a positive vibe. Also inspiring others to follow their dreams and never give up no matter what setbacks get in the way. I live by the saying, 'Every setback is a set up for a major come back.' Looks aren't everything at the end of the day, but I will admit my family got some good genes...I can't complain about that! (Laughs)"
Featured image of Marshall Price by Melissa Allison Photo
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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