It’s that time. The good ole end of the year where I will read a million, “New year, new me” post before noon. You guys know the routine and you should know that I am always going against the grain. Screw the New Year and deep posts about what I’m going to do and change. (I’m probably not gonna do it anyway so why lie?) This year I wanted to focus on my favorites of 2015. Things that helped me to grow as a person, laugh, and just helped keep my sanity. Last year, I wrote a post on some of the top positive black representations in the media, http://iamjeaninenicole.com/2015/01/02/positive-black-representation-makes-waves-in-2014/, and this year I want to keep that trend going. So here we go…my Top 5 favorite’s of 2015.
5. The Wiz Remake
I will be the first to admit that I was very wary of this remake. I absolutely loved the original and didn’t want those memories tattered with horrible acting and singing. When I learned it was a remake of the actual Broadway play, I was a little more at ease. That night, I was so excited. I actually made my kids go to bed so that I could enjoy on my own without a million questions being asked. As soon as it started, I was in awe! (I discuss it more in full length here: http://iamjeaninenicole.com/2015/12/04/the-wiz-live-40-years-later-it-is-still-needed/) The reason that this was one of my faves is because it came at a time where it was needed. Our community needed to see something positive and uplifting. After what seems like 24/7, negativity against Blacks, it was nice to see us being US for a change. Us being funny, us singing, dancing, being beautiful and vibrant. It was a great change and I don’t mind saying I cried at the end.
(For more insight on Angela and her recipes, http://www.kitchenistadiaries.com/ and check out her E-book at http://www.blurb.com/user/store/kitchdiaries)
My second cooking bae is the sexy and hilarious Resha aka @kanYebreast. Now, I have always saw this lovely woman retweeted on my TL, but never thought anything of it. She was gorgeous and funny, so I figured that’s why so many people loved her. It wasn’t until Chef Roble, my other cooking bae, said he was working with her that I decided to check her out. LORD BLESS THE GODS FOR THIS!! This woman here is more than a chef. She is pure comedy in a bottle. I love her multi dimensional personality and the fact that she gives zero fucks about what she says and who she says it to. When it comes to her cooking, she is hands down the best teacher. She doesn’t just tell you the stuff to buy and follow a recipe. She breaks down the science to why you are doing it and you remember that when preparing other meals. Simple things like turning the pan off when you cook eggs to drying your meat before searing it are life changers!
(For more with Resha and her cooking you can visit her website at http://carnaldish.com/ and follow her on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/carnaldish)
3. Black Twitter
Yes, I said it. The infamous Black Twitter has definitely been my sanctuary of sanity and self care. It is the place where I go to be reminded that there are intelligent people in the world, and they are quite witty at that. Black Twitter is a place where people can instantly find receipts on someone faster than the FBI, a place where we come together and talk shit about the ignorant reality stars who claim to be musical geniuses, a places where phrases like, “Meet me in Temecula,” and “$200 dates” are common knowledge. You can go there and find comedy. You can find the ratchet. You can find a bearded bae. You can find advice that you didn’t ask for. And most importantly, you can find comfort and solace. Black Twitter is home. It’s just that simple.
2. Unapologetically Black Attire
Among the tragedies against black lives in this year, there has been an uprising of ways to show your love of being black. From promoting more black businesses to showcasing black art, black pride is on the rise and it couldn’t make me happier. You ever just felt so proud of something that you wanted to shout it to anyone within range? Share it with every person you came into contact with? What better way than a t-shirt! They are bold, make a statement, and everyone will see it and understand exactly what you stand for. It’s that simple and I absolutely love it. Here are a few of my faves, including one of my own, that I think should be in everyone’s closet going into the next year. Many of us feel like we cannot do much to help when it comes to the injustices that are done, but that is far from the truth. Being Black and PROUD is more of a weapon than anything.
Here are the links for the shirts if you would like to purchase. Please beware of any FAKE copies and make sure you are buying the original. Support the creators.
“Boldly Black for the ’99 & 2000”- http://www.teespring.com/boldlyblack99
“I love my Blackness and Yours”- https://teespring.com/i-love-my-blackness-hoodie?tsref=search
“Black by Popular Demand”- http://www.hautegreekscouture.com/collections/urban-pitfalls
“Magical Black Girl”- https://teespring.com/magicalblackgirl?tsref=search
“Pure Black Nutritional Facts”- https://teespring.com/Black-Nutritional-Facts?tsref=search
“Because of Them We Can”- http://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/products/signature-t-shirt
1. MJ Crying Face
Okay, because yall know I am goofy I had to end it this way. A lot of people don’t think this is still funny, but you cannot tell me that this damn face is not the most hilarious thing of 2015! Black Twitter will literally put this on anything and I am in tears. Seriously, they just had it on someone’s flat tire and I was doubled over. This notorious face has been on everything from losing sports teams logos to actually body parts. Anyone or thing taking an L this year has had this face superimposed on to them. There is no limit for this face and I honestly don’t see it staying in 2015…until we get another one of course. Here are a few of my faves. Enjoy!
I am Jeanine Nicole 