Category: Entertainment / Media

  • Review: The Little Mermaid Live-Action 2023

    Review: The Little Mermaid Live-Action 2023

    Credit: Disney

    Have you ever watched Disney’s The Little Mermaid? The classic animated tale of Ariel—the curious teenage mermaid who dreams of life above the waves—has enchanted audiences for decades. Despite her father King Triton’s warnings, Ariel falls for a human prince and risks everything to be with him. Her fateful deal with the sea witch Ursula sets off a chain of events that test love, sacrifice, and identity. It’s one of those timeless Disney stories that stays with you long after the credits roll.

    When I was little, The Little Mermaid was my movie. I wore out the VHS, sang along to every song (badly, I’m sure), and dreamed of being part of Ariel’s world. So when I heard that Disney was bringing the story to life again—this time with Halle Bailey as Ariel—I felt that same spark of excitement.

    I’ll admit, I was hesitant. Disney’s live-action remakes have been a mixed bag. But from the moment Halle appeared on screen, I knew this one was different. Her performance was pure magic. I actually teared up in the theater—seeing a young Black woman as a Disney princess on the big screen was powerful.

    When I was a little girl, my ballet teacher once gave me a bag with a Black ballerina printed on it. That small gesture meant everything because, back then, representation like that was rare. I still have that bag. Sitting in the theater, watching Halle Bailey as Ariel, I couldn’t help but think of my younger self—how much it would’ve meant to see someone who looked like me in a role like this.

    Halle Bailey was a great choice. She brought Ariel’s innocence, strength, and wonder to life while adding a modern grace that felt completely her own. And her voice? Absolutely breathtaking. It was such a beautiful touch to see Jodie Benson, the voice of the animated Ariel,, the original voice of Ariel, make a cameo—a quiet, graceful passing of the torch.

    Sure, I would’ve loved to see her hair a bit more vibrantly red (the iconic mermaid look!), but honestly, it didn’t matter. Between the stunning underwater visuals and Halle’s performance, I was all in.

    Credit: Jodi Benson

    If you’ve become a fan of hers, she mentioned a few upcoming projects in a recent Cosmopolitan magazine interview.

    Speaking of standout performances, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric completely surprised me. His portrayal gave Eric more depth than ever before—and his new solo song, “Wild Uncharted Waters,” gave me chills. I loved how both characters shared the same yearning for freedom and self-discovery. It made their love story feel more balanced, more real. I can’t wait to see what other movies he’ll be in!

    Credit: ALAMY; PIERRE VILLARD/SIPA/SHUTTERSTOCK

    I really liked Ariel’s sisters, and I wish we could’ve seen more of them! They were all beautiful and full of potential, but their scenes felt fleeting. Hopefully, if there’s ever a sequel (please, Disney?), we’ll dive deeper into their stories.

    Credit: Euro ES Euro
    Credit: L: Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images. R: Screenshot Disney+

    And can we take a moment to appreciate Jessica Alexander as Vanessa—Ursula’s glamorous alter ego? She nailed the perfect mix of beauty and menace. As for our beloved sidekicks—Sebastian, Scuttle, and Flounder—I know their realistic CGI designs divided fans, but I found them charming in their own quirky way. “The Scuttlebutt,” their new musical number, might not be for everyone, but I thought it was hilarious and delightfully chaotic—exactly what a kids’ movie moment should be.

    Credit: Disney

    Javier Bardem as King Triton was another pleasant surprise. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel seeing the No Country for Old Men star as Ariel’s father, but he brought a tenderness and quiet strength that made Triton feel more human. I also loved the added backstory—learning that Ariel’s mother was killed by a human gave their conflict much more weight. Oh, and discovering that Ursula and Triton are siblings! Genius.

    Speaking of Ursula, Melissa McCarthy played the role of the evil sea witch. She brought some comedy to the role, and I thought she did a great job paying homage to the original, but I didn’t think she added too much besides some funny moments.

    Credit: Disney

    All in all, Disney’s The Little Mermaid live-action remake was everything I hoped for and more—a love letter to the original, but with a bold, inclusive twist for a new generation. And I’m clearly not the only one who feels this way—it’s sitting at an impressive 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

    If you haven’t seen it yet, trust me: grab some popcorn, hum along to “Part of Your World,” and let yourself be swept away.

    Because sometimes, magic really does happen under the sea. 🐚✨




  • A Little Disney Magic in My Kitchen: Tiana’s Beignets ✨

    A Little Disney Magic in My Kitchen: Tiana’s Beignets ✨

    If you’ve ever seen The Princess and the Frog, you’ll remember that irresistible scene — the one where Tiana’s beignets have everyone swooning. “Oh, Tia, you are bonafide genius. I’m gonna need about five hundred of your man-catching beignets for my ball tonight!” That line never fails to make me smile… and crave something warm, golden, and covered in powdered sugar.

    So when I found out that Disney actually released Tiana’s beignet recipe, you’d better believe I was in the kitchen faster than you can say “New Orleans.” I’m no professional baker — just a girl who loves a cozy kitchen moment — but this recipe was surprisingly simple to follow and turned out absolutely delicious.

    There was one tiny hiccup along the way (because what’s baking without a little chaos, right?). My vegetable shortening didn’t mix quite as smoothly as I’d hoped. I used Great Value this time, but next round I’ll be trying Crisco to see if it gives the dough that perfect, fluffy texture Tiana herself would approve of.

    When the beignets came out of the oil — golden, pillowy, and dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar — I felt this unexpected wave of joy and nostalgia. There’s just something about Disney magic that makes its way into real life when you least expect it. I even have a framed photo of Tiana in my kitchen as a little reminder to chase dreams, work hard, and enjoy the sweet things in life (literally and figuratively).

    If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an easy, cozy afternoon project — best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee and maybe a Disney soundtrack playing in the background. And if you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

    Here’s to channeling our inner Tiana — mixing, frying, and dreaming big — one delicious beignet at a time. 💛✨

  • The Royal Conversation We Needed: My Thoughts on Oprah’s Interview with Meghan & Harry 👑✨

    The Royal Conversation We Needed: My Thoughts on Oprah’s Interview with Meghan & Harry 👑✨

    When Oprah sits down for a tell-all, you know it’s going to be good. But when it’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry across from her? Let’s just say — this wasn’t your average Sunday night interview.

    I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch at first. But as a biracial Black woman, curiosity (and maybe a little hope) got the better of me. And I’m so glad it did. From the moment the conversation began, I found myself nodding along, relating to Meghan in ways I didn’t expect. It was raw, vulnerable, and—finally—real.

    This wasn’t just a royal chat over tea. It was an unfiltered look into the experiences of two people navigating love, identity, and impossible expectations under the world’s microscope. Here are a few moments that truly stuck with me.


    💬 The Conversation About Archie’s Skin Tone

    When Meghan revealed that there had been “concerns” within the royal family about how dark Archie’s skin might be, I froze. It was painful but not shocking. Harry confirmed it wasn’t Queen Elizabeth or Prince Philip, but still—the damage was done.

    As someone who has lived through the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) weight of colorism, I understood exactly how loaded that question was. It’s not just curiosity — it’s a reflection of how deeply racism can run, even when it hides behind polite tones and royal titles. Some people see a mixed-race baby and automatically assign them an identity that fits their biases. That “in-between” space can be isolating — you’re too Black for some, too white for others, and somehow never just you.


    👑 The Title That Never Was

    Let’s talk about Archie’s missing title. Traditionally, royal children need the Queen’s approval to receive the titles of “Prince” or “Princess.” William’s children were granted theirs—Charlotte and Louis included—but Archie? Not so much. For the first royal child of color to be denied that recognition carried symbolism that couldn’t be ignored. Representation matters — even in a palace.

    As Meghan explained how painful that experience was, I couldn’t help but think about how many of us have felt “snubbed” in smaller, quieter ways. Those moments when you realize that, no matter how much you achieve, some people will still see you as “other.”

    Representation matters, especially when it’s within an institution that symbolizes so much tradition and visibility. It was a subtle but loud message, and one that didn’t go unnoticed.


    📸 The Photo That Never Happened

    Remember the iconic royal baby debut outside the hospital? Meghan and Harry didn’t get that moment. I had assumed they opted out for privacy reasons—but no. Meghan revealed they were not offered the opportunity.

    That stung. Because those first photos aren’t just about the royal tradition; they’re about belonging. About being seen.


    📰 Harry’s Wake-Up Call on Racism

    One of the most powerful parts of the interview was hearing Harry admit he didn’t fully understand racial bias until he experienced it alongside Meghan. It reminded me of how deeply embedded privilege can be—even among those who think they “get it.”

    Oprah brilliantly contrasted media coverage between Meghan and Kate—where Kate was praised for eating avocado toast, and Meghan was vilified for it. It was such a clear example of how bias quietly works its way into everyday narratives.


    💔 “Megxit” and Moving On

    When the couple decided to step back from royal duties, they weren’t trying to rebel—they were trying to breathe. Harry clarified that he had spoken with the Queen in advance, though later, the palace’s response suggested otherwise.

    Hearing them describe losing their security and being cut off financially, while still facing intense scrutiny, made me realize how heavy their reality was. Meghan’s candidness about her mental health struggles was heartbreaking—but it also showed so much strength.


    ✨ Why It Matters

    Watching this interview felt like watching a cultural shift happen in real-time. It was uncomfortable, necessary, and strangely healing.

    Sharing your truth, especially when the world wants you silent, is a radical act. Meghan and Harry’s honesty reminded me of how vital it is to have these conversations — even when they challenge the systems we’ve been taught to respect.

    Oprah handled it with the grace and gravity only she can bring, creating space for hard but necessary conversations. And watching it all unfold, I couldn’t help but think of Princess Diana — how her legacy of honesty and compassion continues through her son and his family.

    For me, this interview wasn’t just about the royals. It was about the universal need to be seen, heard, and understood — no matter where you come from. It was about resilience, representation, and the beauty of reclaiming your story.

    And while the royal family might not change overnight, one thing’s for sure: the world is listening.



  • 🍷 My First Impressions of the New 90 Day Fiancé Season

    🍷 My First Impressions of the New 90 Day Fiancé Season

    Warning: Spoilers ahead for the first episode of 90 Day Fiancé!

    Sunday nights are officially back to being my favorite night of the week — thank you, TLC! 🙌 I swear, they deserve a medal for still managing to find couples for us to obsess over during a pandemic. My little ritual has become sacred at this point: dinner, a glass of wine, and the glorious chaos that is 90 Day Fiancé.

    So let’s dive right into my first impressions of this new season’s cast of lovebirds (and trainwrecks 😂).


    💔 Jovi & Yara

    Oof. My first impression of Jovi? Not great, y’all. He gives off major immature vibes and seems completely unprepared for a serious relationship. When he started bragging about his “free spirit” lifestyle and stripper escapades, I couldn’t roll my eyes hard enough. 🙄

    And then — the airport pickup. Imagine flying 30 hours to see your man, and he gets mad because you don’t want to go sightseeing immediately? Boy, please. Common sense, where you at? I’m rooting for Yara, but something tells me this one’s going to be rocky.

    Image from Screenrant

    🐄 Brandon & Julia

    Ohhh my gosh, where do I even start?! Brandon lives with his parents… on a farm… and brings Julia, a gogo dancer from the city, to live there too. This has all the makings of a beautiful disaster.

    From his mom setting him up on a dating site (yes, really) to his $10,000 credit card debt and his mom calling a gynecologist for Julia — I can’t! 😂 I totally get why his mom is concerned, but whew… this situation is already giving me secondhand stress. Buckle up, Julia.

    Image from PEOPLE

    😒 Mike & Natalie

    Image from RealityTVWorld

    Does Mike even like Natalie? I honestly can’t tell. He seems about as excited as a soggy piece of toast. The man only lights up when he’s cuddling his cat — which, honestly, same, but still.

    If there’s zero enthusiasm now, I’m not sure how this is going to work out long-term. Someone get this man a cup of coffee and a reason to smile!


    🔥 Rebecca & Zied

    Image from Heavy.com

    Ah yes, Rebecca and Zied — back again for more chaos (and yes, I’m here for it). First off, Rebecca’s new job at Joella’s Hot Chicken has me curious — I’d 100% go through that drive-thru just to say, “Hey, aren’t you from 90 Day Fiancé?” 😂

    But oh boy, the drama’s already brewing. They’re staying with Rebecca’s daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend… and Zied is not thrilled about that. Something tells me this household’s about to turn into a full-on reality show within a reality show.


    💞 Tarik & Hazel

    Image from ChampionDaily

    We only got a small glimpse of Tarik and Hazel this episode, but color me intrigued. Hazel’s bisexual and looking for a girlfriend — yes, you read that right — while being engaged to Tarik. I can already tell this season is going to bring some big conversations (and probably some major drama).


    🍿 Final Thoughts

    Y’all, I am so ready for this season. Between farm drama, cultural clashes, awkward family moments, and questionable decision-making — this is peak 90 Day Fiancé content.

    It’s my favorite Sunday night ritual: dinner, wine, and pure TLC chaos. 🥂 I’d love to know what you think of the new cast! Who’s your favorite so far? Who’s driving you nuts already? Let’s chat in the comments — I need to know I’m not the only one yelling at my TV! 😂



  • TLC’s I Love a Mama’s Boy: A Wild Ride I Wasn’t Ready For

    TLC’s I Love a Mama’s Boy: A Wild Ride I Wasn’t Ready For

    Wow — where do I even begin? As a longtime fan of TLC (yes, I’m one of those people who plans my Sunday nights around 90 Day Fiancé), I was curious when I Love a Mama’s Boy premiered. It falls right between 90 Day Fiancé and Pillow Talk, taking over that prime slot once held by Smothered and Unexpected. And let me tell you — those shows suddenly seem tame after this one!

    From the very first episode, I was both fascinated and slightly horrified. The dynamic between these mothers and sons is… intense. Many of the moms seem genuinely unaware of how unhealthy their attachments have become, and I found myself thinking, maybe therapy wouldn’t be such a bad idea here. Meanwhile, the girlfriends and fiancées? My heart truly goes out to them. The emotional tug-of-war they face would test anyone’s patience!

    It’s wild watching how differently these men treat their partners versus their mothers. There’s this strange mix of aloofness and blind devotion that honestly makes me want to yell at the screen — in the best, most reality-TV-loving way possible.

    By the halfway mark, I was squirming in my seat. Some moments were so cringe-worthy, I had to change the channel for a breather (and maybe pour another glass of wine). But as uncomfortable as it gets, I Love a Mama’s Boy is addictive in that classic TLC way — messy, dramatic, and impossible to look away from.

    Whew, baby. I can’t imagine being in those women’s shoes! I truly hope everyone involved finds some balance, therapy, and maybe just a little healthy distance.

    Have you watched I Love a Mama’s Boy yet? It’s definitely not your average love story — and I’d love to know what you think. Would you stick around for the drama, or run for the hills?


  • First Presidential Debate of 2020

    First Presidential Debate of 2020

    Here are some memorable moments:

    “I don’t wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from them, and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”

    –President Trump

    “By the way, I brought back Big Ten football. It was me, and I’m very happy to do it and the people of Ohio are very proud of me.”

    –President Trump

    “Mr. President, please stop.”

    –Chris Wallace

    “He wouldn’t know a suburb unless he took a wrong turn.”

    –Former Vice President Biden

    “Will you shut up, man.”

    –Former Vice President Biden

    On a more serious note, I am appalled by the divisive rhetoric spewed by President Trump. This harmful and toxic pattern needs to come to a stop. If you would like to locate a fact-checker for the debate, please click here. For a general fact-checker on candidates, click here.

    Here is some information about how to vote in the upcoming November election. Together, we have the power to make a difference.

    Step 1: Be sure to register to vote. Check vote411.org for instructions on voting and visit sos.iowa.org for instructions in Iowa. https://www.ballotready.org/ is also an amazing resource.

    Step 2: After you’re registered to vote make sure you know about the different ways to cast your ballot. One great way is absentee voting. Check vote411.org for instructions on voting and visit sos.iowa.org for instructions in Iowa. You can also check out https://www.ballotready.org/

    Step 3: Understanding your ballot and voting in elections are forms of civic engagement. Voting is an opportunity to shape your community and take care of its pressing needs. Below are examples of down-ballot (state or local) seats you may see—research all the candidates on your ballot by visiting vote411.org or https://www.ballotready.org/



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    August 2020


  • Movie Review: Mulan (Live-Action) — A Fresh Take on a Classic Heroine

    Movie Review: Mulan (Live-Action) — A Fresh Take on a Classic Heroine

    I finally watched the Mulan live-action remake this weekend with my fiancé, and honestly — I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Between the controversy and all the early reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the film turned out to be beautifully done and full of powerful moments. Here’s what stood out to me most:


    💄 Mulan’s Makeup & Costumes

    Can we take a moment to appreciate the makeup and costume design? Absolutely breathtaking! The artistry behind Mulan’s look was both elegant and historically inspired. Every detail — from the subtle symbolism in her colors to the intricate fabrics — added so much depth to her character. The overall visual experience was stunning.


    🐉 Xianniang, the Witch

    One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I adored Xianniang (played by the incredible Gong Li). While I originally hoped the live-action version would stay closer to the animated film, this addition brought an unexpected layer of complexity. Xianniang’s story felt symbolic — showing what Mulan could become if she let her power isolate her. It was haunting, empowering, and completely mesmerizing.


    👑 Jet Li as the Emperor

    Epic. Just epic. I do wish they aged him up slightly for the role, but it’s Jet Li — he can do no wrong. His calm authority and subtle power were perfect for the character.


    🎖️ “Honor to Us All” Moment

    One of my favorite parts of the movie was when Mulan finally restores honor to her family. The emotion in that scene hit so beautifully — it felt like a love letter to the spirit of the original.


    🌸 The Reveal

    Without giving too much away, Mulan’s reveal as a woman plays out differently in this version — and I actually loved it. It felt more intentional and mature, highlighting her bravery rather than shame or fear.

    .


    What I Would’ve Changed

    Of course, no remake is without a few things I wish were handled differently:

    • Mushu & the Phoenix:
      I had mixed feelings here. The phoenix was visually stunning, especially in the moments where it paralleled Mulan’s growth — but I missed Mushu’s playful spark. The film could’ve used just a touch more humor or warmth.
    • The Love Interest:
      While I appreciated seeing Mulan as an independent heroine, there was definitely some subtle chemistry with one of her fellow soldiers. I wasn’t mad about it — just curious where it could have gone.
    • The Controversy:
      It’s impossible to ignore the backlash surrounding Liu Yifei’s political comments. While I understand that actors are entitled to their opinions, I wish her response had been more thoughtful given the context. Still, I don’t think that should overshadow the film’s artistry itself.

    Final Thoughts

    Mulan is visually stunning, emotionally rich, and refreshingly empowering. While it takes creative liberties from the original, it still captures the heart of the story — courage, honor, and self-discovery. If you missed it in theaters, it’s now streaming on Disney+, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a watch.

    Grab some popcorn, steep some tea, and let yourself get swept up in the story. I’d love to hear your thoughts — did you love it, or do you prefer the animated version? Let’s chat in the comments!



  • Book Review: We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union

    Book Review: We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union

    Book Review: We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union

    When my cousin handed me We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union, she said, “Elizabeth! I was listening to her in an interview, and I thought — THAT’S ELIZABETH!” And honestly, I’ll take that compliment any day. Because, let’s be real — Gabrielle Union is amazing.

    I don’t usually reach for celebrity memoirs, but I’m so glad I gave this one a chance. Gabrielle’s voice is raw, funny, and refreshingly honest. She dives into everything — from navigating Hollywood and love to confronting the pain of sexual assault and unpacking her experience with Blackness and identity. Her stories are layered, deeply human, and often hit closer to home than expected.

    There was one passage that stopped me in my tracks. Gabrielle describes how, after her assault, she began timing every part of her life — how long she’d stay somewhere, when she’d leave, even how she’d move through public spaces — to minimize the chance that something bad could happen.

    “Timing became the most important thing in my life. I timed everything I did to try to reduce the space for something else to happen to me… That’s how my brain began to function.” — Page 101

    I remember rereading that paragraph over and over again. It was like someone finally put words to something I had silently lived for years. I even ran to my boyfriend’s game room mid-read, yelling, “She gets it! She understands!” Then called my friend Maggie just to say the same thing.

    For the first time, I felt seen. I didn’t have to explain the hyper-awareness, the constant mental clock, the exhaustion of just being. Gabrielle had already done it — and done it with grace, humor, and courage.

    Her essays reminded me how healing it is to read someone else’s truth — especially when it mirrors your own. She doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations about race, colorism, trauma, and womanhood. Yet somehow, she balances it all with wit and heart.

    We’re Going to Need More Wine isn’t just a memoir — it’s a conversation between friends. It’s the kind of book you sip through slowly, dog-ear, highlight, and carry with you long after the last page. Whether you’re a memoir lover or just looking for something honest, funny, and healing — this one’s a must-read.


    📚 Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth Rating: ★★★★★

    Raw. Relatable. Absolutely unforgettable.





  • The Little Mermaid Live-Action: A Beautiful Wave of Representation

    The Little Mermaid Live-Action: A Beautiful Wave of Representation

    Disney recently announced that Halle Bailey will star as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid—and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s such a powerful moment for young girls everywhere to see another princess of color on the big screen.

    When The Princess and the Frog came out in 2009, I was already 13, and while I loved the idea of Tiana, I didn’t really get to experience that childhood magic of seeing someone who looked like me as a Disney princess. Having that kind of representation earlier would’ve meant the world.

    Of course, the casting has sparked plenty of online discussion—some positive, some not so much. But it’s important to remember that The Little Mermaid is a fairytale, not a cultural story rooted in specific traditions like Pocahontas. While Hans Christian Andersen was Danish, Disney’s version of Ariel was never tied to that culture. It’s a timeless story of curiosity, love, and finding your voice—and Halle Bailey’s take on Ariel is simply an evolution of that story for a new generation.

    I’m genuinely looking forward to watching this film in theaters. Seeing a Black actress step into such an iconic role feels monumental and long overdue. It also brings back fond memories of Brandy’s Cinderella—a magical, barrier-breaking performance that proved diversity belongs in every fairytale.

    And don’t worry—we’ll always have the beloved animated Ariel too. But this new Little Mermaid promises to bring something fresh, inclusive, and inspiring. Here’s to singing along (again) to Part of Your World—this time with even more heart. 💙🧜🏽‍♀️

    Her voice is amazing!