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When I was 8 years old, I remember watching my aunt get ready for work every single morning. My favorite part of her routine was watching her put on makeup. I was so intrigued by the process, and she noticed my curiosity.

Every morning she would say, “Hey Ci, I’m about to do my makeup. You coming?”

Yep, that was the highlight of my day.

She explain every product and what it was for.

“Foundation is to even out your skin.”

“Mascara makes your lashes look fuller and longer.”

“Lip gloss makes your lips look juicy.”

One day after she left for work, I went into her room and started playing in her makeup. I had no clue what I was doing. I was trying to remember everything I’d watched her do.

The insane part about this little experiment is…

I’m a deep chocolate girl, and my aunt is caramel.

So you already know that foundation match was CRAZY.

But I didn’t care, I just wanted to play!

I walked downstairs to show my grandma, who didn’t really care too much for makeup. The beauty I created.

She looked at me and said, “Girl, if you don’t take your ass upstairs and wipe that mess off your face. That foundation doesn’t even match your skin.” My grandmother was a very sweet lady but she was also a straight shooter. she was honest!. Her sharp words did not move me.

I said, “It’s okay, Grandma. This is Aunt Peewee’s makeup. When Grandda gives me my allowance, I’m going to save up and buy my own.”

She also wasn’t moved. lol

“Ciara, go take that makeup off before it messes up your skin.”

Did I listen? Nope!

I went up stairs added another coat of mascara, a little more lip gloss because my lips clearly weren’t juicy enough, fixed my ponytail, and walked around the house like I had somewhere to go. The beauty of being a girl!

Later that evening, when my aunt got home from work, we were sitting in the kitchen (I still had my makeup on) my grandma told her, “Ciara was playing in your makeup today.”

My aunt said, “I was wondering what took her so long. I knew this day was coming. Ciara has an eye for beauty. She’s going to be a makeup artist to the stars, I can see it.”

My grandma replied, “As much as she likes to debate, she’s going to be an attorney.”

I’ll tell y’all about the law journey another time, but I will say this I ended up in the law field for 13 years!

Years later, I’ve found myself in spaces that little 8-year-old Ciara could have only dreamed of. I’ve hosted three-day makeup bootcamps, teaching aspiring artists beauty basics, and how to show up in this industry with integrity. Worked on campaigns for brands such as Bank of America, Crown Royal, and Hennesy. I’ve traveled, met incredible people, had opportunities that makeup opened the door to and studied under some of your favorite artists.

Looking back, I think 8-year-old Ciara knew exactly what she wanted. She just needed time to grow and bloom into it.

Makeup has always been a safe and creative place for me. It has introduced me to some amazing women who have encouraged me, challenged me, and fought for me to get PAID!. Working so closely with women has truly made me a girl’s girl—the kind of woman who genuinely wants to see other women win. So if I ever, gave you a compliment or wished you well I truly meant it.

For a brief moment let’s travel down memory lane to some of my favorite experiences as a makeup artist.

Working with Chimandi Adichie. She was in D.C. for a week-long project, and I had the opportunity to work with her during that time. On the last day, she hugged me so tight and said, “Learn to speak up for yourself. There’s a bold and brave woman inside of you. Unleash her. She’ll take you far.” No more fear

That was seven years ago.

And if I’m honest... I’m still trying to unleash her.

Jessica Nabongo. I had the opportunity to work with her whenever she traveled to D.C. We first started working together during the press tour for her book, Catch Me If You Can.

What I admired most about Jessica was how assertive she was. She knew exactly what she wanted, communicated it clearly, and never apologized for taking up space. Watching her move with that kind of confidence challenged me to take up space. It reminded me that there’s nothing wrong with being clear about what you want and asking for it.

Lisa Price I had the opportunity to work with her for three days while she was in Washington, D.C., as a keynote speaker during the Congressional Black Caucus.

The first thing I notice about Lisa is how incredibly kind she is. She’s soft-spoken, warm, and just has a calming presence about her. She loves her some Pat McGrath lipsticks and glosses.

Working with Lisa reminded me that you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. There’s a quiet confidence about her that speaks for itself. She carries herself with so much grace, and that left a lasting impression on me.

Working with Ari Lennox was so much fun. We worked together throughout the summer of 2021, and our first project was a commercial for Crown Royal.

We had a time. Ari is super shy, she loves to laugh, she’s naturally funny, and she kept all of us entertained during those long days on set. We spent a lot of time together that summer, but she made the work feel light.

One thing I noticed about Ari is she’s a natural actress. Don’t be surprised if you see her starring in movies one day. She has the personality.

One of the most transformative jobs of my career came when Tracie Jenkins hired me to do her makeup for the taping of Peace of Mind with Taraji P. Henson.

That opportunity took me to Los Angeles for two months.

I wasn’t in the best place mentally when I accepted the job. I was carrying a lot, I had just been diagnosed with generalize aniexty and mild depression. I was so afraid to leave home but my husband had encouraged me to take the job. (This diagnosis was connected to my law firm days).

I didn’t realize how much I needed a change of scenery.

Looking back, that assignment became so much more than a makeup job.

It was the start of my healing journey.

I have had so many experiences we would be here all day and night!

I don’t do makeup as much as I used to. These days, I have a handful of loyal corporate clients that I absolutely love working with. But one thing I’ve realized is makeup will always be part of my story.

It’s a part of who I am.

So I want to share that part of me with you here on Substack.

Welcome to my Beauty Diaries.

This is where I’ll share everything I’ve learned over the years—from products I genuinely love to lessons I’ve picked up in the industry, stories from behind the scenes, and hopefully help you discover what makes you feel beautiful too.

Love

Ciara,

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“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.” — John 14:2–3

In my last Substack, we discussed why the disciples’ hearts were so troubled. Jesus had just revealed that He would no longer be with them. He was going somewhere they could not go well at least not yet.

If you think about it, for the past three years the disciples had done everything with Jesus. They traveled together, learned together, witnessed miracles together, and experienced many highs and lows. Their lives had become centered around His presence. So it’s no surprise that their hearts were filled with anxiety when Jesus told them He was leaving.

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In verses 2–3 Jesus begins to explain why they cannot come with Him. And His why is what brings comfort to their anxious hearts.

Side note: Studying this passage has made me realize just how important our own why truly is. If we ever become confused, discouraged, or feel like giving up, we can always return to our why. It reminds us of our purpose and helps us to keep moving forward.

Okay now ... back to the original content.

Jesus tells them, “In my Father’s house are many rooms... I am going to prepare a place for you.”

When Jesus speaks of “many rooms,” I don’t want you to picture a large earthly house with endless bedrooms. Instead, think of it as a dwelling place—the place where Jesus is and where we will one day live with Him forever. The emphasis isn’t on the size of the house but on the promise of being with Christ.

Before we move on, I want us to notice something that is easy to overlook. The focus of this passage isn’t really the rooms—it’s Jesus.

Sometimes when we read these verses, we become fascinated with what heaven will look like or what our “room” might be like. But Jesus doesn’t spend much time describing the place. Instead, He emphasizes the relationship. Notice what He says in verse 3: “I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.”

That is the real promise.

Our greatest hope isn’t simply that we’re going to heaven. Our greatest hope is that we will be with Jesus forever. Heaven is glorious because Jesus is there. The comfort He offers His disciples isn’t just that a place is being prepared; it’s that they will never be separated from Him again.

I think that’s beautiful because Jesus knows exactly what is troubling their hearts. They’re grieving the thought of losing His presence. So rather than saying, “Don’t worry about where you’re going,” He reassures them, “One day you’ll be with Me again.” The promise isn’t ultimately about a destination—it’s about a Person.

The reason Jesus had to return to the Father was to prepare a place for them and for us. Always remember Love will always prepare for you!

One way to picture this is to think about a host preparing their home for the arrival of special guests or a mother preparing for the arrival of her new born. They clean, organize, and make sure everything is ready so their guests feel welcomed and cared for. Jesus uses similar language, but there’s one difference: when we arrive, we won’t simply be guests. We will be welcomed into our eternal home to dwell with Him face to face forever.

That means their separation wasn’t permanent—it was only temporary.

It reminds me of when we were little and our mom dropped us off at the aunt house we didn’t like. We pleaded, and cried because we didn’t want her to leave. To comfort, she would say, “I’m coming back to get you.” Those words didn’t erase the separation, but they gave us hope because we knew at some point she was coming back.

I can’t help but hear something similar in Jesus’ words.

“I will come again and take you to Myself.”

Jesus is assuring His disciples that although He is leaving for a time, He will return. His departure is not abandonment; it is preparation. And while they wait, He gives them one simple command:

“Believe in God; believe also in Me.”

I didn’t mentioned this in our previous study of verse 1, believing in God was already deeply rooted in Jewish life. If you had asked any faithful Jew whether they believed in God, the answer would have been an immediate, “Of course.”

But Jesus takes that familiar belief one step further. He tells them, “Believe also in Me.”

Jesus places faith in Himself alongside faith in the Father. To trust Jesus is to trust the One whom the Father has sent. Their faith is not meant to stop with belief in God alone—it must also rest in Christ.

As their hearts wrestled with fear, Jesus was inviting them to place their confidence in Him. The same invitation extends to us today. When life feels uncertain and our hearts are troubled, we can trust that Jesus has not left us without hope. He has gone to prepare a place for us, He has promised to return, and until that day, He calls us to believe in Him.

I just want to end this with a prayer. Father thank you for speaking over every unsettled heart that is reading this article. Help us to stay steadfast in the knowledge that you have revealed to our hearts about you and your promises. Help us to run to you the moment uncertainty or anxiety hit our heart to find shelter and comfort. Thank you for not only preparing a place for us in heaven but also here on earth. Thank you for loving and caring for us.

In Jesus name I pray amen!

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The Gospel of John is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It’s such an intimate read. Not only do we learn about the deity of Christ, but we also get to see the beautiful heart of God toward humanity.

John writes in John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

To me, this verse captures the very essence of God’s heart. He doesn’t desire for any of us to perish. His desire is that we would have eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Over the last week or so, I’ve been spending time in John 14, and for some reason I keep finding myself drawn back to verse 1.

Have you ever had a verse do that? You read the entire chapter, but one verse just won’t let you go.

That’s where I am right now.

I feel like there’s something in this verse that I need to sit with a little longer. Maybe it’s something the Lord wants me to understand more deeply. So I thought, why not invite you into that journey with me?

But before we dive into the text, I want to ask you a question.

Have you ever noticed how quickly trouble can steal your peace?

One phone call.

One doctor’s appointment.

One unexpected bill.

One unanswered prayer.

Before you know it, your heart is anxious and your mind is racing.

So here’s my question for you:

Where do you run when your heart is troubled?

Don’t answer too quickly.

Take a moment and really think about it.

Because as we study John 14:1, I believe Jesus is inviting us to answer that question honestly. His words weren’t only meant to comfort the disciples on the night before His crucifixion—they still speak to every troubled heart today.

Before we jump into John 14, I think it’s important that we understand the history and context of the Gospel of John since we’re beginning in the middle of the book. Context doesn’t take away from Scripture; it helps us appreciate it even more. When we understand who John was writing to, why he was writing, and what was happening at the time, the message of the Gospel comes alive.

So, here are a few questions we’ll answer first.

Who is the author of the Gospel of John?

The Gospel was written by John the Apostle, the disciple whom Jesus loved. John was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and James, and he was an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, His miracles, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.

Who was John writing to?

John wrote to both Jews and Gentiles.

• Jewish people who had not yet believed that Jesus was the Messiah.

• Gentiles who were coming to faith.

• Christians whose faith needed to be strengthened.

What is the purpose of John’s Gospel?

John tells us himself:

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30–31)

John wasn’t simply writing history, he was inviting us to make a decision about Jesus. His desire was that we would believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing, we receive eternal life.

What problem was John addressing?

By the end of the first century, many people still rejected Jesus despite witnessing or hearing about His miracles. Throughout his Gospel, John repeatedly contrasts belief with unbelief because he wants every reader to answer one question:

Will you believe that Jesus is who He says He is?

Now that we’ve established our foundation, let’s step into John 14.

During one of the most intimate moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry, after celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples, Judas had already left to betray Him (John 13). Jesus knew the cross was only hours away. In these final moments before His arrest, He prepared His disciples for His departure and promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit—their Helper, Counselor, and Comforter.

Then Jesus says something so encouraging:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

When Jesus spoke these words, the disciples had every reason to be troubled.

In the previous chapter, Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him. He told Peter that he would deny Him three times. Then He told them He was leaving, and they couldn’t follow Him where He was going.

There was nothing comforting about that conversation.

I believe what troubled them most was Jesus’ statement, “I am leaving you.”

For three years they had walked with Him every single day- they depended on him. They had witnessed His miracles, listened to His teaching, watched Him love people, and built deep relationships with Him that changed their lives. Jesus wasn’t simply their teacher—He had become the center of their lives. The thought of Him leaving was heartbreaking.

Yet instead of addressing their circumstances first, Jesus addressed the posture of their hearts.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.”

Notice what Jesus doesn’t say.

He doesn’t say there won’t be trouble.

He doesn’t say difficult days won’t come.

He doesn’t promise that life will suddenly become easy.

Instead, He reminds them where to place their trust.

Even in troubling circumstances, it is possible to have an untroubled heart when our confidence is anchored in God and in Christ.

As I’ve been studying John’s Gospel, one thing has become abundantly clear:

What we believe matters.

In fact, belief is one of the central themes running throughout the entire book.

John tells us exactly why he wrote his Gospel:

“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)

Everything John records—the miracles, the conversations, the signs, and the “I Am” statements—points us toward one goal: believing that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be.

From chapter 1 all the way to chapter 21, you’ll repeatedly see John inviting people to believe in Christ.

Don’t believe me?

Take a look at the passages below.

• John 1:7 – “...that all might believe through him.”

• John 1:12 – “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

• John 1:50 – “You believe because I told you...”

• John 2:11 – “His disciples believed in Him.”

• John 2:22 – “...they believed the Scripture...”

• John 2:23 – “Many believed in His name when they saw the signs.”

• John 3:16 - “..That whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

• John 4:21 - “Jesus told her, “believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor Jerusalem”

• John 5:24- “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgement but has passed from death to life”.

• John 6:29 - “Jesus replied “This is the work of God- that you believe in the one he has sent.”

• John 7:39 - “He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet glorified.”

• John 8:24 - “Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

• John 9:18- “The Jews did not believe this about him-that he was blind and received sight- until they summoned the parents of the one who had received his sight”.

• John 10:25 - “ I did tell you and you don’t believe,” Jesus answered them.

For more scriptures download the scripture chart here.

John wants us to understand that believing isn’t simply the beginning of our life—it is the foundation which the entire Christian life is built.

One of the things I love most about John 14:1 is that Jesus doesn’t shame His disciples for being troubled, his heart was also troubled in John 13:21. He simply redirects their hearts.

He doesn’t delight in our troubles, but He does call us to trust Him while we’re in the middle of them.

Maybe that’s the invitation for us today.

So let me leave you with one final question:

What is troubling your heart today?

Whatever came to your mind when you read that question, don’t carry it by yourself any longer.

Give it to God by faith.

Maybe your prayer sounds something like this:

Father, __________ is troubling my heart right now, and I can feel it’s causing me to doubt You and Your ways. Today, I choose to believe in You and trust Your promises. Help me keep my heart and mind fixed on You because You are greater than every fear, every uncertainty, and every trouble I face. Thank You for being my peace in the middle of the storm. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Next week we’ll continue our study in John 14 as we look at verses 2–4.

Until then, I’d love to hear from you.

What stood out to you most from today’s study?

What do you think the Lord is teaching you through John 14:1?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love for us to learn from one another.

See you next week!

Photographer: Berchelrd. Location- My Kitchen

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a new thought, one that caught me off guard, but made more sense the longer I let it settle in:

What if some of the anxiety we feel isn’t fear…
but our minds trying to gently hold us accountable?

Not to shame us.
Not to overwhelm us.
But to remind us of the promises we’ve made to ourselves.

You know those moments you open your planner or Notion and map it all out:

“I’m going to work out.
Send that email.
Start the project.
Stay consistent.”

You feel inspired. Motivated. Clear.
Maybe you even take the first step.

And then life happens.

You get busy. Distracted. Discouraged.
The task goes untouched. Because you get so caught up the details.

You tell yourself maybe this isn’t what God told me to do and move on.

But your mind doesn’t forget.

Not because it wants to nag you, or maybe it does lol
but because deep down, it still believes you meant what you said and the idea was placed in your heart for you to accomplish.

It’s keeping score.
Not out of criticism…
but out of care.

Over time, all those incomplete tasks, ideas, and intentions start to pile up. Your mind is full of opened tabs.

And suddenly you’re lying awake with a racing mind—
not because you’re failing,
but because your soul is whispering:

“You still care about this.”

That unfinished energy weighs something.

It can sound like anxiety.
But it might just be your body asking for integrity.
Your spirit nudging you to return to your word.

And lately, I’ve been asking myself:

What if peace isn’t found in doing everything…
but in finishing something?

A Gentle Reset: 5 Easy Steps

If this resonates, here’s what I’m practicing:

1. Pause and Name It
Instead of saying, “I’m anxious,” try asking:
“ Why do you think you feel this way? What did I promise myself that I haven’t returned to?”

Sometimes clarity quiets the noise.

2. Pick One Thing — Only One
Not the entire list.
Not the five overdue tasks.
Just one small, unfinished promise.

3. Make It Smaller Than You Think
If it’s “work out,” make it a 10-minute walk.
If it’s “start the project,” outline one paragraph.
If it’s “send the email,” draft it without worrying about perfection.

Small completion builds momentum.

4. Finish It Fully
Close the loop.
Hit send. Save the document. Put the shoes back in the closet.
Let your brain register: We followed through.

5. Acknowledge Yourself
This part matters.
Say it out loud if you need to:
“I keep my word to myself.”

Because every kept promise rebuilds self-trust.

I’m learning that anxiety isn’t always a sign that something is wrong.

Sometimes it’s a sign that something matters.

Sometimes it’s the tension between who we said we’d be…
and who we’ve postponed becoming.

So here’s what I’m practicing:

Start small.
Pick one thing I said I’d do.
And do it.

Not for perfection.
Not for performance.
But to rebuild trust with myself—quietly, gently, intentionally.

Because keeping your word to yourself, That’s where peace begins again.

—

I’d love to hear from you.

Has your mind ever felt “loud” in this way—like it’s trying to remind you of what matters?

How do you reset when the noise gets heavy?

Hit reply or drop a comment below.
Let’s hold space for each other—and remind ourselves that small steps still count. 🤍

I was recently sharing with my sister how I woke up feeling completely overwhelmed—my mind was racing, my feet were pacing, and no matter what I did (went outside to get some vitamin d, I tried to set in silence but I anxious), I just couldn’t settle myself.

It was 5:30 a.m., and it felt like my brain had clocked in early with a full-blown to-do list. No grace period, no easing into the day—just bam: You didn’t read your Bible. You didn’t pray the moment you opened your eyes. What about working out? You haven’t done that in a while. Check your email. Return the phone calls you ignored last night. Edit that video, you were suppose to edit yesterday.

Maybe you’ve been there too—when the day hasn't even started, and already it feels like you’re behind on everything that matters.

So, I did what I’ve always done when it feels like too much: I shut down. Completely.

And if I’m honest, that shutdown can feel like safety at times. Like quiet. Like relief.
But it’s not.

It’s just me slipping into old self-sabotaging habits—the ones that convince me that avoidance is easier than effort, or that if I don’t move, the weight of it all might just disappear on its own.

But here’s the truth I’m learning:
Silence isn’t always peace.
Stillness isn’t always healing.
Sometimes it’s just fear in disguise.

I’m learning to notice the difference.

I sat in that shutdown for about three hours.
I know—three hours sounds wild. But I’m being honest. I was stuck.

Eventually, I encouraged myself, to change the setting. I shifted from freeze to get up.

I prayed. I cried—hard.
Told God how anxious my mind had been since the moment I opened my eyes. How I felt like I couldn’t focus because my thoughts were loud, tangled, and relentless.

In the middle of my prayer, the Lord asked me one simple question:
“How did I create?”

My mind immediately went to Genesis Chapter 1: You did one thing at a time.
You said, “Let there be light,” and when You saw that the light was good, You moved on to the next thing.

And then God spoke something I won’t forget:
“That’s how I want you to move—one thing at a time.” Be prayerful and do it with me it’s better that way.

That wisdom shifted everything. When you are overwhelmed, stuck in flight, fight or Freeze- just pray your helper is waiting for you!

I started my day over at 12 p.m. The morning had been a hot mess, but by noon, grace found me again.

I took a moment to write down everything I needed to do—water the garden, reply to the emails I’d been avoiding, record some content for YouTube. I didn’t try to tackle the whole list at once. I just focused on one thing at a time.

And I reminded myself:
You’re allowed to slow down. But you’re not meant to stop.
There’s strength in rest—but also strength in small steps forward.
Stop comparing. Start believing that what God has placed in your hands is more than enough.

If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling before the sun comes up, I see you.
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to stay in that place.

Overwhelm doesn’t mean you’ve lost. It just means you need a pause—not a period.
You can start again. You get to start again.

Grace is still available—even at 5:30 a.m.

I’d love to hear from you.

Have you ever experienced a morning like this—when overwhelm hits before the day even begins?
How do you reset when your thoughts start spiraling?

Drop a comment below or hit reply.
Let’s remind each other that we’re not alone—and that starting over at any hour is still progress. 💛

Love Ciara,

Hey Friends!

Summer peaches are showing off right now, and I had to do something sweet with the peaches I brought from the farmers market.

I asked my IG friends whether I should make peach cobbler or peach shortcake, and it was a tie so I have to make both! But let's start with the peach cobbler.

This dessert is somewhere between a cobbler and a cake—and honestly, whatever you want to call it… just know it’s absolutely delicious.

This one is buttery, spiced just right, and packed with juicy peaches. The best part? It’s easy to make and even easier to serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make this for your next cookout, Sunday dinner, or just because it’s Tuesday and peaches were on sale.

Ingredients

Fruit Filling:

• 6–7 ripe peaches, cut into wedges

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp lemon zest

• ½ cup dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cardamom

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

• Optional: 1 tsp bourbon

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup white sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the pan:

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Prepare the peaches: In a large bowl, toss the peach wedges with lemon juice, lemon zest, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, salt, cornstarch, grated ginger, vanilla, and bourbon (if using). Set aside to let the flavors marry.

4. Melt the butter: Place the stick of butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish and place it in the oven. Let it melt completely, then remove from oven.

5. Assemble the cobbler:

   • Layer half of the peach mixture over the melted butter along with the peach juice.

   • Pour the batter evenly over the peaches—don’t stir.

   • Top with the remaining peaches.

6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.

7. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you make this tag me on IG

Peach Shortcake is up next.

I truly love to cook and host dinner parties for my family and friends, but by vocation, I am a makeup artist. My journey as a makeup artist has opened doors to incredible opportunities that often leave me in awe, thinking, "Only God could have orchestrated this.”

One of the most profound blessings in my journey as a makeup artist has been meeting Lola. Her impact on my career is so significant that my story would be incomplete without her. She is always available and honest with me. Lola's invaluable advice, “Ci, you can have this and that. Don't be afraid to ask for more, and lastly, stick up for yourself!” has been a guiding light for me. We all need those rare gems in our community who genuinely love us and want to see us succeed. People like Lola are truly priceless, and I am forever grateful for her presence in my life.

Thank You Lola….

Do you remember when you came to my house and we teamed up to glam up Chi? We gave her a sultry smoky eye that I still love to this day. Or when you came over and we spent hours cooking while enjoying a whole bottle of the finest Cabernet imported from South Africa?

From the moment I met you, I knew you were special, a rare gem. You were an unexpected gift, but one that I deeply cherish. What sets you apart and makes you one of my favorite people on earth is your selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond for others, aka me, lol.

You embody the essence of Philippians 2:4: "Don't be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too." Lola, your caring nature is what makes you so beautiful in my eyes. You have graciously shared your stage and clients with me, and I truly appreciate your trust.

The beauty industry can be challenging to navigate, but witnessing the path you have paved gives me hope that I can achieve the same. I can have loyal clients who value and respect me as a professional, rather than treating me as the help!

Observing your journey, I have recognized that integrity is the key to success, and it is evident that your foundation is built on strong principles. Your integrity speaks for itself, and the clients you have introduced to me speak highly of you and hold a deep affection for you.

So, Lola, thank you for all the coins you have put in my pocket. Thank you for every space you have created and shared with me. Thank you for your patience and for believing in me, especially during times when I didn't believe in myself.

Thank you for your honesty and wisdom, and thank you for loving me. You are the greatest mentor of all time.

MAY FAVOR, GRACE & MERCY FOLLOW YOU...

Thank God for using you as a vessel to bless my life and my career as a professional makeup artist. I pray that God publicly exalts you for all that you do privately. I pray that everything you touch turns to gold, and that you confidently walk into rooms you never thought or dreamed of being in. May God's grace, mercy, and favor follow you all the days of your life.

To my people if you do not have Lola in your life. I pray that God sends you a vessel like Lola..

I forgot to mention she is Usher’s makeup artist!

I'm thrilled to share my favorite skincare brand, Anuli Skin. I met Kelechi, one of the founders of Anuli Skin, in 2018 when I did her makeup for her wedding. We clicked from the beginning and have been inseparable ever since. I'm incredibly proud of her and Rishea.

Their vision and commitment to Anuli Skin is awe-inspiring. The diligence of these two women working together to birth what God placed in their hearts is incredible. The one thing they have unknowingly taught me is that our dreams require relentless faith, your time, attention, all your resources, and sometimes your tears lol.

This is a brand that you should consider getting to know personally and here’s why.

The Story Behind Creating Anuli Skin:

Kelechi and Rishea, the beauty behind the brand, are all about delivering the very best in skincare. They’ve made it their mission to provide products that genuinely enhance skin health. They recently unveiled their hero product, The Daily Supplement Serum. Think of this serum as a daily multivitamin for your skin, tackling a range of skin woes from breakouts and hyperpigmentation to inflammation. It’s packed with a blend of oils chock-full of lipids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A through E. The result? Your skin feels refreshed, looks visibly fuller, and radiates a timeless glow.

When I apply this serum you can’t tell me that I’m not glowing from within.

After embarking on their personal skincare adventures and facing the downsides of numerous trendy products, they joined forces. Together, they sparked a revolution in skincare and skin health, intertwining clinical know-how with the potent beauty of African botanicals. The heart and soul of this product is to deliver multifaceted skincare, all while showcasing the richness and diverse array of Africa’s natural wonders.

I highly respect the work of Anuli’s founders in the beauty and skincare industry. Though the company was started by two remarkable black women, their products cater to everyone, encompassing both genders.

Inclusivity has been part of their strategy from the onset. The fact that a sizable portion of their sales comes from word of mouth is impressive, indicating the buzz surrounding their exceptional product. I also commend the founders for their efforts to foster trust and relationships within their community.

A Community-Driven Brand:

Quarterly, they organize community events to engage with their audience, broaden their reach, and increase brand awareness. How many brands have founders who actively engage with their community in person, not just online? Their latest event, Coffee & Culture, focuses on building relationships and appreciating the present moment, all while enjoying coffee and visiting difference museum throughout DC- area. This is honestly my favorite part about this brand. Their customer are not just sales, they are a huge part of the brand. & I love that.

Embracing Joy:

Anuli, a wonderful word that signifies joy in Igbo, a language beautifully spoken in Nigeria, holds a special place in the hearts of Kelechi and Rishea. They deeply yearn for their community to embrace this joy. Kelechi shares, “Joy is your birth right. It means joy is yours, no questions asked. Even when life throws you a curveball, your inner joy is there to help you through. It’s not tied to your circumstances. You hold the power to embrace your joy and never let it slip away due to your circumstances.

This is not just another beauty brand. This brand is built on integrity and faithfulness. As a customer, you become a part of a family that is changing the world, bringing sustainability back to an industry that can sometimes be harmful to our self-esteem. Your holistic well-being is important to this brand.

Shop Anuli Skin

Hey friends!

If there's one breakfast staple that has captured the hearts of many, it's pancakes.

My husband, a pancake lover who thinks he should eat pancakes every Saturday, is the reason I am working hard to create the perfect recipe.

So this go round, I decided to try King Arthur Cake Flour for his buttermilk pancakes. Although the pancakes didn't rise as much as they usually do with all-purpose flour, (I believe it has something to do with the levels of protein that are in the flour) they turned out to be light, delicate, and so tender. A beautiful twist to our traditional fluffy pancakes.

Because they are so light and delicate, you don't need much syrup, to much syrup will weigh down these pancakes

If you love making pancakes but hate the full feeling you get after eating them, you need to try these deliciously light and fluffy cake flour pancakes.

What you will need to make these pancakes:

Flour: The secret ingredient for a light, tender and delicious pancake. If you do not have cake flour you can use All Purpose Flour n

Buttermilk: Buttermilk serves a few important purposes for making pancakes. First, it reacts with the baking soda giving the batter a nice rise. Then it tenderizes the gluten in the pancakes making them soft. As a bonus, it adds a small tang to the pancakes for a very subtle flavor

Butter : Melted butter rounds out the texture of pancakes by adding just the right amount of fat to keep the stacks rich and moist

Vanilla Extract : Deepen the flavor of the pancakes

Sugar : Sweetens your pancakes

Cinnamon: This is optional but it adds a warmth to the pancakes

Oil or Butter: Cooking the pancakes on the stove but if you love crispy edges add butter

Maple Syrup: Extra flavor

Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tang and texture the pancakes

Eggs: Eggs add moisture, flavor, and a bit of color.

Baking Powder: To make your pancakes lighter and fluffier.

Baking Soda: Help the pancakes rise

Tips when making the pancakes:

A lumpy pancake batter is actually a good thing. Our natural instinct when mixing a batter is to make sure everything is nice and smooth—but resist it. Over-mixing develops gluten in the batter, which means heavier, chewier pancakes, rather than light and fluffy pancakes. Also set the batter aside for 30-40 mins

Ingredients

• ▢ cake flour 266 grams

• ▢ granulated sugar 67 grams

• ▢ 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1 tsp baking soda

• ▢ ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• ▢ buttermilk 320 grams

• ▢ sour cream 227 grams

• ▢ 2 large eggs

• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled 28 grams, plus more for cooking and serving

• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla

• ▢ Neutral oil for cooking but if you like crispy edges use butter

• ▢ Maple syrup

Let’s Cook:

• Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 200°F.

• In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix everything together until combined. and set aside.

• In another bowl add the eggs, buttermilk, sour cream and vanilla extract.

• Gently and slowly mix together the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. You will see lumps. Set aside for 15 mins. If you have time 40 mins.

• Heat a large skillet over medium-low to medium heat until hot. Grease the surface with butter and a small drizzle of oil. When the oil starts to shimmer and the butter foam subsides, add about ¼ cup of batter to the skillet.

• Cook for 2-3 mins when you see visual bubbles flip the pancakes. and cook for additional 2 mins

• Transfer the pancakes into the oven to keep warm. repeat until all the batter is done. adding more butter and oil between each cook.

• Serve with warm and add maple syrup.

Finding joy in change can be challenging, especially when we are creatures of habit and routine. The mere thought of changing things can often trigger stress and anxiety, especially if the change is unexpected or unwelcome. However, if you reflect on every unwelcome moment that entered your life, you made it through, and a new version of you was born.

Change is an inevitable part of life. Learning to embrace it can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching experience. Instead of seeing change as a negative experience, it can be helpful to view it as an opportunity for growth, learning and purging.

Ask yourself, "What area of my life will be beautifully impacted by this change?" This can open you up to new possibilities and experiences, to expand your horizons, and help you discover new passions and interests. While it may not be easy at first, finding joy in change can ultimately lead to a more meaningful and rewarding journey through life. There’s joy and beauty in everything- Even in the most ugliest situations.

I am currently experiencing a season of change, as I explore the world of writing and cooking. This is unfamiliar territory for me, as all I have ever known is makeup and law. Law and being a makeup artist is/was a huge part of my life! But now, I believe that God has more in store for me. And you know what? He has more in store for you too. That's why you/we have to embrace change. No matter how scary it may be.

For years, I convinced myself that I was not a good writer. However, I am now embracing this shift, moving freely with the Spirit of God, and finding joy in every moment, even those filled with uncertainty.

Honestly, I have no idea what I am doing, but I am excited to learn and grow through change- holding onto JOY. The best part about change is I get to do it with God, who is an ever-present helper in times of need!

When God shakes the table in your life, remember that He is birthing something new inside of you. Something that you may not have known was there.

Here are a few scriptures to help you find joy in change.

• Release the past.- Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

• Do not be afraid, God is with you.- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

• When anxiety strikes, pray.- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

My last and final thought is this: James 1:1-1 tells us to "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds." Therefore, change and trials can be a time of great joy!

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I recently made this pasta salad for "Grill and Chill," an event honoring fathers for Father's Day. The event was hosted by a non-profit organization named The Giveland Foundation which aims to establish a community of contributors, referred to as Give Citizens. They achieve this through communal giving, grassroots fundraising, and the distribution and sharing of resources. This pasta salad was a hit so…..

If you are thinking about what to bring to the next cookout, family dinner, or potluck give this pasta salad a try.

The highlight is the homemade Italian dressing – it's zesty, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. Making this dressing at home eliminates the need for store-bought ones like Kraft Zesty Italian, which may contain questionable ingredients. But you don’t want to make this dressing you can buy any Italian dressing.

This pasta salad will quickly become a favorite due to its simplicity and speed. For optimal flavor, you can even prepare it a day in advance. Feel free to use any noodles you have on hand. My recipe is just a starting point, feel free to customize and add any veggies, meat or cheese you prefer. Make this your own!

Before we prepare the pasta salad let’s make the dressing.

INGRIDENTS:

• Extra-virgin olive oil is what makes our dressing super tasty. Try to get your hands on a good one that you really like. They can be light and fruity or bold and spicy - your pick!

• Wine vinegar and fresh lemon juice give our dressing that classic tangy, sharp kick. White or red wine vinegar, doesn't matter. No lemons? No problem, just use vinegar.

• Capers and fresh garlic, our little secret weapons. They add a zingy, salty bite and some texture to the mix.

• Dijon mustard is a total fave, especially in vinaigrettes.

• Maple syrup or honey is usually up to you in dressings, but we say definitely add a teaspoon to this one. It doesn't make it sweet, just balances out the sharpness of the vinegar and lemon.

• Fresh and/or dried herbs are a must-have for this recipe. All fresh, all dried, or a mix - whatever you've got works. The recipe below gives you the amounts for both.

• Parmesan cheese is your call, but it adds a lovely creaminess to the dressing.

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup white or red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 teaspoon fresh grated lemon zest

2 garlic clove, finely minced or grated

2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoon capers, drained and minced

2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves

1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional

3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, optional

Directions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended and creamy. Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.

2. As an alternative, add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mason jar, secure the lid, and shake until blended.

3. Store the mixture in the refrigerator, keeping it tightly covered, for up to three days.

Pasta Sald

• 1 pound rotini or any medium pasta shape

• 1 ½ cups English cucumber chopped

• 1 pint grape tomatoes halved

• ¼ cup red onions finely diced, or sliced green onions

• 1 cup Italian dressing or homemade dressing

• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

• salt & pepper to taste

  • In a large pot, boil pasta in salted water until al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

  • Meanwhile, chop the cucumber, grape tomatoes, and red onions.

  • In a large bowl, combine your cooked and cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, Italian dressing, and fresh parsley. Toss well to coat.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste

  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the pasta to soak in the dressing.

  Notes

  Rinse under cold water once cooked to stop it from cooking. Dress the salad generously as the pasta will soak up the dressing.

I hope you enjoy!

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Hey There!

It’s summer time & I have a quick, easy recipe for you to try when you have a minute or maybe over the weekend! Whatever you do make it asap!

This Shrimp Scampi needs just a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

It's so straightforward that you'll have it ready in less than 30 minutes. I cooked this exact recipe with my girlfriends and they loved it so much they even took home the leftovers!

The tangy lemon and aromatic garlic come together to create a dish that's light yet bursting with flavor. It goes great with a fresh garden seasonal salad, toasted baguette and a glass of the best pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or unoaked chardonnay.

You can also skip the noodles and enjoy the scampi with a hunk of crusty bread to cut out some carbs if that’s your thing.

SHRIMP SCAMPI INGREDIENTS

• Shrimp: Grab jumbo shrimp save the shells. You will need them.

• Shrimp Scampi Sauce: This simple sauce is what makes this recipe shine! All you need is butter, olive oil, dry white wine, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.

• Garnishes: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley at the end! They tie all the flavors together and present the dish beautifully.

▢ 3 tablespoons butter

▢ 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

▢ 4 garlic cloves, minced or more

▢ ½ cup dry white wine or (1/2 cup white wine vinegar and 1/2 cup chicken stock )

▢ 1 teaspoon kosher

▢ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

▢ 1 ½ pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

▢ ½ lemon zest and juice

▢ 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

**** parmesan cheese is optional

​

HOW TO MAKE SHRIMP SCAMPI

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12in skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp shells & cook stirring frequently, until they begin to turn spotty brown and skillet starts to brown. Remove skillet from the heat and carefully add the wine and tyme. When the bubbling stops return the skillet to medium heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins.

• Strain mixature through a colander set over a large bowl. Discard shells and reserve the liquid. you should have 2/3 cups. Now add the lemon zest and lemon juice

• Boil the noodles of your choice. and follow the directions on the box. save some pasta water. This meal comes together really fast so timing is everything.

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, pepper flakes and pepper in the same skillet over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and just begining to brown at the edge.

• Add the wine and lemon mixture increase the heat to high and bring to a simmer.

• Reduce heat to medium, add shrimp, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are just opaque, 5 to 7 minutes.

• Add the noddles to the shrimp and toss to combine. adding one tablespoon of cold butter at a time. continue tossing and combining until you used all the butter. add pasta water if needed. the sauce should thicken on it’s own.

• Add salt if needed.

• Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and add parmesan.

Lunch made it out the group chat….

I hope you make and enjoy this dish!

Until next time!

Be Kind to yourself and everyone around you!

Ciara

Hey there, all my curry lovers! I have a treat for you. I've had my fair share of curries, from goat to chicken, shrimp, and even chickpeas. But let me tell you, this mango chutney curry is something special! It's got a delightful blend of tang, sweet and savory, with just a hint of spice. And the subtle notes of cinnamon and cardamom? Absolutely divine! I must admit, it exceeded my expectations!

So, if you're someone who enjoys a tasty mix of sweetness, savory goodness, and a touch of spice, then you simply must give this mango chutney curry chicken a go.

And if you're wondering, "What in the world is mango chutney?" - don't worry, let's dive into that.

The concept of chutney originates from the Indian subcontinent, where it is used as a sweet and sour condiment to a meal, made from chopped fruit cooked with vinegar, spices and sometimes sugar, that can be served fresh or preserved.

On the other hand, curry is a staple in many Asian and African cuisines, famous for its distinctive blend of spices. The idea of using mango chutney as a base for curry is game changing. Just take a moment to think about the flavor profile.

I'm unsure how much chicken you have, so I'll provide a base for you to build upon.

• 1 whole chicken (cut it up into pieces)

• 4 tablespoons of Green Seasoning (You can make your own by following this recipe) or you can purchase it from your local international market.

• 1 teaspoon of your favorite chicken seasoning

• 2 teaspoons of onion, garlic and ginger powder

• 2/4 cup of mango chutney… Ayesha Curry has a delicious recipe.

• 4 tablespoons of your favorite curry powder. Use 1 tablespoon to season your chicken)

• 1 yellow onion

• 4 whole garlic cloves or many if that’s your jam

• 3 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper

• 1 large tomato; diced

• Fresh cilantro for garnish; if that’s your jam. I know people who hate cilantro

• 1 cup of chicken stock

• 1 habanero pepper or 2 if that’s your jam

Also season to your liking.

Cooking Guidance: This is just a guide, make sure you are adding your twist your take. Make this recipe your own.

• Do you clean your chicken?! I do. clean your chicken with water, white vinegar or lime. Make sure you remove any visible feathers! Season it with kosher salt, pepper, green seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken seasoning, ginger powder, curry powder and smoked paprika.

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, preferably Dutch oven, add neutral oil ( or an oil with a high smoke point) on medium/high heat. Sear the chicken to brown the skin for texture, you're not fully cooking it, just browning the skin for about 3 minutes each side. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.

• Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add your curry powder and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let your curry toast for about a minute to develop a deeper flavor.

• Next, add the sliced yellow onions , whole garlic cloves and fresh ginger. Stir to combine and let the curry coat the onions and garlic. Season with salt & pepper.

• Add the chicken back into the pan and stir. Add mango chutney, chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and habanero pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it braise for about an hour. allow this to cook for 2 hours .

• taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve over white rice and garnish with cilantro.

Tag me on IG you make this recipe. Happy Cooking

Until next time.

Therapy In The Kitchen was born from the passing of my grandmother. Cooking became a therapeutic process for me, helping to cope with her loss. The interesting part about all of this is, I had never cooked prior to her passing. I had zero desire to cook! Yet, when I stepped into the kitchen, it felt so natural, as though I had been cooking for years! I wanted to maintain our Sunday Dinner tradition, I was eager to cook for a group of 15 and aimed to have dinner prepared and ready by 4 pm every Sunday. 

Hosting dinner for my family unveiled a brand new passion for me. I found out that I love cooking, hosting dinners, setting the table, creating flower arrangements, & dressing up. It brought me immense joy, a feeling I had never associated with cooking before. But I felt there was more to the ‘Therapy in The Kitchen’ story.

This is a place where we gather to share not just our love for food, but also our individual stories, our triumphs and our struggles. We come together in this space to laugh and sometimes even to cry if that’s the mood we are in. It is here, in the heart of the home, that we experience the full spectrum of human emotions, from love to joy, from sadness to happiness. Each meal, each gathering, each moment spent in this space contributes to the creation of lasting and cherished memories that we will carry with us throughout our lifetimes.

I hope you join/enjoy the community. I promise I will not spam you! but I try to will inspire you; one meal at a time.

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Much Love

Therapy In The Kitchen