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. 💙🧜🏽♀️
Have you ever watched The Secret? It’s one of those self-help documentaries that really makes you think about how powerful your mindset can be. One of my favorite takeaways was the idea of creating a vision board (or as I like to call it, an inspiration board). It’s such a simple but meaningful way to keep your goals front and center — a daily reminder of what you’re working toward. The idea is that what you focus on, you attract. ✨
Lately, I’ve been filling my inspiration board with incredible womxn who remind me what strength, confidence, and authenticity look like — Mareena Robinson Snowden, Tarana Burke, and Amandla Stenberg.
Mareena Robinson Snowden is the first Black womxn to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from MIT. How amazing is that?! She’s brilliant, driven, and unapologetically herself. I love that she’s so open about her journey — how she wasn’t always sure STEM was for her, but with persistence, support, and curiosity, she carved her path. She reminds me that Black is professional, and that confidence is something you build, not something you’re just born with.
Tarana Burke — what an honor it was to meet her while I was a student at Iowa State University. As the founder of the #MeToo movement, she spoke with such honesty and power. I remember leaving that lecture feeling seen, hopeful, and inspired to take action. When someone asked her what comes next for the movement, she said simply: “You.” That has stayed with me ever since. Her message was clear — if you want change, be part of it. Lift others up. Support, don’t tear down.
And then there’s Amandla Stenberg. I admire her so much for her activism and her willingness to speak truth to power. She even turned down a role in Black Panther so that a darker-skinned actress could take it instead. That’s the kind of integrity and awareness that makes her such a role model. She celebrates Blackness in all its beauty and complexity — and that’s powerful.
These womxn have one thing in common: they work hard, lift others up, and live unapologetically. They remind me that confidence, compassion, and courage are all connected.
And of course, I can’t forget my honorable mentions: Michelle Obama, Zoë Kravitz, Gabrielle Union, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon — all inspiring in their own unique ways. 🌸
Here’s to filling our vision boards — and our lives — with purpose, strength, and the people who remind us to shine without apology.
Warm up your winter with cozy, Irish-inspired comfort foods. From buttery colcannon and easy homemade sausage rolls to a rich Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew, these hearty dishes bring a touch of Ireland to your kitchen. Simple, rustic, and full of flavor — perfect for cold nights and busy days.
Cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and slow Christmas mornings—this year, I’m leaning into simple, meaningful holiday traditions as a mom. From stockings “delivered” by Santa to Butter Braids, Christmas Eve church, family photos with our pup, and intentional gift-giving, these are the sweet, heartwarming rituals that make the season feel like home. Perfect inspiration for families,…
Bring a touch of Ireland into your everyday routine with my new 2026 bilingual Irish & English planner and matching journal. Inspired by my own Irish heritage and a meaningful family trip to Ireland, this cozy set blends culture, intentional planning, and the magic of Gaeilge into one beautiful keepsake. Perfect for travelers, heritage lovers,…
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 