Category: Best of

Why Sinners Was Sidelined: Performance Versus Power

There are years when awards debates come down to taste, and then there are years when the distance between what moved the culture and what was rewarded is too wide to ignore. The most recent Critics Choice Awards made that gap especially clear. With Sinners, Ryan Coogler delivered a film that fused Southern Gothic horror,…
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Detroit’s Holiday Season 2025: The City’s Best Festive Events to Experience

When the cold winds settle over Detroit and the city lights begin to glow against the early evening sky, the holiday season begins to take hold. Downtown streets hum with energy, neighborhoods gather in celebration, and familiar spaces transform into warm, sparkling winter destinations. Whether you are searching for family-friendly fun, romantic winter outings, or…
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Restored and Rising: Inside Detroit’s Architectural Revival

Where scaffolding once stood, windows now catch the morning light. Streets that echoed with the sounds of rebuilding have softened into a quieter rhythm. Across downtown, buildings once forgotten stand restored, their details visible again—the curve of stone, the glint of copper, the weight of brick. Detroit’s newest landmarks—Michigan Central Station, the Hudson’s Detroit tower,…
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Books That Help Quiet the Noise and Restore Confidence

We talk a lot about confidence: how to gain it, how to project it, how to hold onto it when life unravels. Yet, much of what we call confidence today is performative. It’s the curated kind, built for visibility rather than depth. Clout has quietly replaced character as the new currency of worth. It rewards…
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Where to Work or Study in Detroit: Paid vs Free Spaces That Actually Get the Job Done

Whether you are finishing a research paper, leading a Zoom meeting, or writing your next great idea, finding the right environment can completely shift your energy. Detroit has a little bit of everything: polished co-working studios, public spaces filled with history, and cozy cafés that feel like a second home. This list highlights some of…
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8 Books That Feel Like Candlelight, Coffee, and Cozy Adventure

There’s something about autumn that slows the world down just enough to make room for stories again. The air turns crisp, routines settle, and suddenly you’re craving the kind of books that pull you in like a blanket: a little mystery, a little magic, maybe even a love story or two. Some stories feel made…
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Products I Don’t Dare Gatekeep (They Honestly Make Daily Life So Much Easier)

Over time, I’ve stumbled on products that quietly fix everyday annoyances, save space, and make my home feel more pulled together. I love walking into my home knowing everything has a place and just clicks. There’s nothing better than looking around and feeling an instant sense of calm and serenity. And because I know how…
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Eating My Skincare: How I’m Nourishing My Skin From the Inside Out

Since entering my thirties, I’ve come to understand that healthy skin isn’t just about what I apply to the surface. Serums and facials help, but true radiance is shaped just as much by what I eat, how I move, and the balance I create in my everyday life. As I started leaning into caring for…
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Where to Sell Your Stuff Online (and the Travel Essentials Worth Buying Before You Go)

If you’re planning a move abroad or even just downsizing before a big trip, one of the first hurdles is figuring out what to do with all your “stuff.” From furniture to small personal items, selling online can help you lighten the load and add extra cash to your travel fund. At the same time,…
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Fabric First: How Your Wardrobe Shapes Your Skin’s Health

You moisturize, exfoliate, hydrate. You invest in SPF, serums, and maybe even the occasional facial. But here’s the question no one’s asking enough: What are you putting on your skin all day long? I’m not talking about skincare. I’m talking about your clothes. Because the truth is, your closet could be undoing all the care…
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Ready to Live Abroad? Visas that (Actually) Work for U.S. Minorities

If you’re serious about relocating outside of the U.S. in the next 6–12 months, the best path is picking a country with a clear legal route, predictable paperwork, and a supportive community once you land. Also, if you’re worried about funding your move/travels, check out my articles on this very topic here. I have others…
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Resources That Changed My Relationship With Money

Money used to feel like this big, overwhelming thing I’d never quite figure out. I thought I needed to be a financial expert to get it right. What I’ve learned is that it’s not about mastering everything, it’s about finding the right tools and wisdom that make money less intimidating and more empowering. Honestly, in…
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A Taste of Asia in Metro Detroit: Cafés, Markets, and Restaurants That Transport You Across the Pacific

Sometimes Michigan feels exactly like Michigan: long highways, Michigan turns (womp), gray skies, and the steady hum of everyday life. But, step into the right café, market, or restaurant in Metro Detroit, and suddenly the atmosphere shifts. One moment you’re in the Midwest and the next, you’re transported across the Pacific. For me, these moments…
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Unwinding at Night: My Full Shower & Skincare Routine

There’s something grounding about ending the day with a shower, especially at night after moving my body, whether it’s a late cycling class, kettlebell reps, cardio with And8 Fitness, or miles on my treadmill. It’s not only about washing away sweat; it’s about creating space to reset, restore, and prepare for rest. I’d love to…
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Best Resources to Learn a New Language with a Quickness

Learning a new language is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between grammar rules, pronunciation, and actually having the courage to speak, many people wonder: What’s the fastest way to get from “I know a few words” to “I can actually hold a conversation”? For me, the journey started early. I began learning French…
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How to Finance Your Move Abroad as a Person of Color (Without Draining Your Savings)

Moving abroad sounds romantic, but passport stamps, new beginnings, and scenic views don’t come free. For many Black and Brown folks dreaming of a life outside the U.S., one of the biggest barriers isn’t desire, it’s dollars. But, what if funding your international leap isn’t as impossible as it seems? Whether you’re escaping burnout, political…
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It’s My Birthday Month—Here Are the Best Birthday Freebies (Especially for Michigan Folks)

August is my birthday month, and you know what that means: freebies are coming my way from restaurants, beauty retailers, coffee shops, and beyond. I combed through the massive Slickdeals list and curated a mix of freebies that are truly worth your time, especially if you live in Michigan, but also some national offers that…
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Detroit’s “Hidden” Gems: Unexpected, Cool, and Creative Things to Do In and Around the City

Detroit isn’t just Motown and muscle cars. It’s full of unexpected magic. Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your routine or a visitor hoping to skip the played-out tourist traps, this list is your cheat sheet to the city’s underrated, unforgettable gems. Think quirky fitness classes, floating tiki bars, DIY perfume labs, and…
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Metro Detroit’s Hottest New and Not-So-New Restaurants to Try This Year

Detroit’s dining scene just keeps getting better. Across Metro Detroit, bold new flavors and creative concepts are popping up in every corner, adding fresh energy to an already vibrant food culture. From cozy sandwich shops to elegant global cuisine and inventive street food, the Motor City proves time and again that it’s a destination for…
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Grown Folks Dessert: Bourbon Brownies Made for Summer Nights

Confession: I don’t really like chocolate (and to be clear, I’m only talking about food here, lol.) But, for some reason, brownies are different. I will absolutely destroy a batch of brownies. I tend to crave them most in summer and winter. Something about those seasons calls for a rich, gooey square of happiness. Over…
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