Describe yourself in Fictional Characters

So I’ve noticed this bit of a “Describe Yourself In 3 Fictional Characters” challenge/trend surface on the internet lately. And I loved it and instinctively wanted to turn it into a blog post.

As a writer I have a ton of fictional characters that I relate to and feel like somehow mirror my personality. I love identifying bits of myself in characters I see written and portrayed on screen. I couldn’t decide so I did 4, #ICheated #SorryNotSorry. (well Pocahontas is based on a real woman so I guess I didn’t cheat, there’s three fictional here!) 

So here goes…

Haley James (Pre-Scott)

Portrayed By Bethany Joy Lenz

TV Show: One Tree Hill

If you’ve followed this blog before, you know my obsession with this character. It is real and she is probably my most beloved tv character. Since the first day I started watching One Tree Hill, she was the one I felt was most like me. She was the shy, smart girl who was way beyond her years, wanted to help everyone, had this keen sense between right and wrong, wasn’t popular but had her friends and family who she would do anything for and dressed kind of funky. She is my spirit animal. As later seasons came, she of course got cooler, started dating a jock, made friends with the in crowd, dressed better/different, got married in high school, and became this total rock star, made some mistakes, redeemed herself, had a baby in high school, and then later on became an English teacher and co-owner of the new and improved Karen’s Café. All while looking flawless the whole damn time. Which goes to show you, why I really identified with her in the first season mostly. As much as I love Haley James Scott, Haley James was simple, was real and her life seemed normal. Without all the fancy pants stuff, at her root Haley James-Scott or not has always had a strong moral code and a big heart and for that alone I will always be a fan. #ThatJeanJacketTho

Pocahontas

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Voice-Irene Bedard,  Singing Voice-Judy Kuhn

The Disney Film

While all the little girls wanted to be Cinderella, and Snow White, I related most to Pocahontas. To me, is was the Disney Princess who I felt looked most like me. For starters her olive complexion and her free spirit. Her barefoot adventures and love of sunflowers and jewelry and feathers. I love the story, I love her roots and how she knows who she is and knows that her family her everything. She makes decisions based on what’s best for her, she’s independent despite the many trying to decide what’s best for her. She explores, she is curious. The Indian culture has always fascinated me, and I have always felt a pull to it. She is probably the reason why.

Raven Baxter

Portrayed By Raven Symone

TV Show: That’s So Raven

FreeForm shows old school Disney shows late at night and once night I caught That’s SO Raven on TV, and I couldn’t help but laugh and see a bit of myself in her. Her crazy fashion choices, I have had my moments. #BlueLipStick #FlowersInMyHair #FurrySweaters Her impromptu dancing, her absurd slang. It’s all me. #YANASTY #OHSNAP I love her, and I too at times feel psychic. #SHHHH 😉 Also can we just state that Raven paved this way for curvy girls to feel good about themselves. She wasn’t perfect, she was curvy and loud and fun and colorful and she was SUCCESSFUL! Raven is most like my younger self, and I think she comes out still every once in a while.

Jane Villanueva

Portrayed By Gina Rodriquez

TV Show: Jane the Virgin

Let’s put aside the whole baby daddy/mama drama, that is this show. Yes Jane was accidentally artificially inseminated and instantly was thrown into motherhood way ahead of her planned out life’s schedule with a guy’s baby, who she never expected to come back into her life. That is the juicy stuff and my life is nothing like hers in that sense. But for some reason in a lot of other ways, Jane may be the character I relate most too. She’s always the responsible one, but when she messes up she owns up to it, and when she let’s loose, her beauty shines. She’s an older 20’s. She is a curvy Latina, with a heart of gold and good morals and extremely close to her family. She believes in love and is a hopeless romantic-not to mention a soap opera fan too. My favorite part-she’s a writer and she is constantly drifting off into her own world, as she stars in her scenes as she writes them. Her morals are very similar to mine and I adore her character as a whole, because everything I mentioned about her holds true for me too. She spontaneous dances too, so I mean we’re twins who need to meet and be best friends.

As you can tell I love seeing strong, determines, driven, independent, caring, loving, kind, big heart of gold female characters. They are what inspires me to write and to be a better woman.

 

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

 

Fall Premiere Highlights

Last week I shared with you my Fall TV show schedule. This week a few of those shows premiered and there was some seriously good stuff! Here are a few highlights.

Chicago PD- Highlights

*Jay asks Erin to move in with him

“Cases come and go, Bosses come and go, Jobs come and go. I don’t want you to come and go.” *Kiss

 First of all Erin wakes up from a bad dream in Jay’s bed, so yea there’s that. #TheyBasicallyLiveTogetherAlready and then Jay comes to her and drops this emotional bomb on her, kisses her and walks away. #LoveDrop I mean every single girl swooned. Second of all his concern for her is overwhelmingly beautiful. Jesse Lee Soffer, does protective boyfriend really well. I love how he doesn’t sugar coat his feelings, his eyes water, his voice lowers, their eye exchange after the “move in with me,” is fire! And her head is spinning! And then he kisses her AT WORK! (unheard of)  If you know their characters you know they are partners and Erin is dealing with a serious issue involving Voight the sergeant of the intelligence unit. Voight’s son was killed last season and he went after the guy and killed him and buried his body hiding it from the rest of the police department. Erin knows this but has kept to herself because Voight got her off the streets when she was a teen and took her in, giving her a better life. He’s basically the dad she never had. While the commander is looking for Voight’s head on a platter, Erin is the first person they go to for the real story, and her job is on the line. Jay is trying to be there for her in these scenes and trying to make sure she doesn’t go down with him. Mind you, these two haven’t said I love you yet, but I mean come on. It’s pretty obvious Jay is all there. I just hope Erin doesn’t let him slip away.

How To Get Away With Murder- Highlight

*Oliver breaks up with Connor

“We’re the best relationship that I know.”

“Well then that’s really sad.”

“How is that sad, I love you Oliver.”

“I love you. I love you so much.”

“Ok now you’re scaring me.”

“Just hey let me say this…”

This is a highlight not because I am happy about it, because quite frankly I adore this couple and this scene broke my heart. But it was so well written and so beautifully portrayed that you can feel the emotion between these two men and how deep of a love they have for each other. There is this strange role reversal (which you will gather if you know the characters), in which Connor (who should be upset over Oliver’s actions) is calm, collected and forgiving while Oliver is the one who is upset at Connor for not being upset at him. There’s no fight really, there’s a deep deep discussion about their relationship and about the weight it has over the two of them. There is simple, yet heavy heartbreaking emotion, in both of their reactions to each other. You can tell that Connor feels something life changing coming but he’s trying to sway it away. While, Oliver is pained to speak his truth. They aren’t screaming at each other, yet somehow the message is crystal clear. Oliver is in a state of identity crisis. Sometimes even though you may love someone, being with them may not be the best thing for you at that moment.

Blah Blah Blah. Cue the michelle leigh writes way…

Ah screw that, I’m a hopeless romantic, and I don’t buy that shit for real. Figure it out together, side by side, hand in hand. OLLIE WHAT ARE YOU DOING???? Seriously it’s amazing how Connor’s character has evolved from this big bad player to a man who is so in love and committed he’d do anything for Oliver. Jack Falahee, Bravo! These two are too good, not to last. Never mind the fact that Oliver is now going to be working with Connor everyday, yea we’ll see how long their break up lasts. #MakeupsAreTheBest

This Is Us

I saw the commercial and wanted to give it a shot. Mandy Moore & Milo Ventimiglia…I mean duh? I’m in! And it was BEAUTIFUL. What an amazing way to tell a story. I can’t even tell you anything because it will just ruin it. I want you to experience the beauty first hand. All I can do is tell you that I had this strong feeling that this show was going to be good, and it is really something special. A lot of great talent, a lot of familiar faces and just pure, brilliant storytelling and writing. I adored the premiere and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Here’s the trailer: I hope you take my advice and go for it! You will not be disappointed!

-<3-

 

“Ughhhhh” – A Monologue

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Do you ever just feel like screaming the words “Fuck you” at the stop of your lungs? No filter. No editing. Bare. Vulnerable. Loud. This life is so unnecessarily stressful, we are pulled every which way. Anxiety a burden. Minds racing to far past our feet. The high road is easier spoken then taken. When hearts become doormats for jealous shoes. When you are asked to simply just deal. And understand. The bigger people get shit on, always. And somehow the world has let that be ok. No… you’re stressing me out. Avoid the stress. When we learn to be adults then maybe this is something we can talk about. Silly things, childish fears. I’d rather not shed you the tears. I am who I am .I do what I do. I have the biggest heart, and it will always shine through. Try to shade me and it won’t work. Your façade is crumbling I see it in the dirt. I walk past and leave a trail of glitter. Because I have no time to spend on the hurt. The pain the sadness the taunting  you’ve created. This experience is now jaded. And now faded I feel. So I will walk away and hope that your heart heals. At the end of the day we can only be responsible for our own actions and whether or not we are adult enough to own them. 

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

My Fall 2016 TV Schedule

I’m a TV Junkie and I’ve been anxiously awaiting all the fall premieres for my favorite shows! So I thought I’d share my upcoming tv schedule with you. It’s research for writing my own future television shows.😉 Because I will get there, one day. tv

MONDAY:

Jane The Virgin @ 9:00 pm The CW (October 17th) – Gina Rodriquez is EVERYTHING, she shines as Jane and she is unbelievably authentic. The soap opera/drama/comedy mix is such a refreshing combination.

Read my in-depth review  HERE

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Dancing With The Stars @ 8:00 pm ABC (September 12th) – I love to dance, granted I’m not ballroom status, but I love watching this show and obsessing over the outfits! It’s so entertaining and inspirational and I love me some Derek Hough! 😉 I look forward to catching it here and there to check in on my OTH girl Jana Kramer! Because seriously this show can take over your life, if you let it. The eliminations alone, drive me crazy! #anxiety  

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TUESDAY:

Chicago Fire @ 10:00 pm NBC (October 11th)

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WEDNESDAY:

Chicago PD @ 10:00 pm NBC (September 21st)-This is coming back THIS WEEK. I cannot wait! I’m seriously hoping for a Ruzek & Burgess Reunion this season. And Lindsay and Halstead are still going strong so…yay!

Younger @ 10:00 pm TV Land (September 28th)- This Show is like Sex in the City meets Jane by Design (MAJOR brownie points if you know JBD) and Hilary Duff is in it and I  LOVE IT! So Damn Good!

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THURSDAY:

How To Get Away With Murder @ 10:00 pm ABC #TGIT (September 22nd)

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*Scandal is coming-midseason. #Olitzzzz

*And yes I do check in on Grey’s Anatomy (September 22nd)  via YouTube, only for Jackson & April, because Shonda Rhimes killed everybody else off that I loved. #MarkAndLexie #NeverForget

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FRIDAY:

I like to check in on Girl Meets World on YouTube or if I catch it on tv. [@8:30 pm Disney Channel-] #BoyMeetsWorldNostalgia. (Airing currently)

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The Vampire Diaries @ 8:00 pm The CW (October 21st)- Still waiting for that Klaus and Caroline storyline to find its way back to the show…even though I love Stephan and Caroline, Klaus is just…I can’t. #HeStillLovesHer

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SATURDAY:

To catch up on any shows I missed…notice many of them have the same times.😉 #ThankGodForFreeOnDemand #AndYouTube

SUNDAY:

The Walking Dead @ 9:00 pm AMC (October 23rd)- Um I CANNOT wait….I need to know who got Lucille’d! OH THE ANXIETY… Read about my Season 6 finale reactions and kill predictions HERE & HERE & HERE   #YesIWillBeHavingAViewingParty #IMeanAConsolingPArty #ChrisHardwickINeedYou

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The Talking Dead @ 10:00 pm AMC (October 23rd)- Chris Hardwick, I MISS YOU!

Talking Dead (Season 1)

Chesapeake Shores @ 9:00 pm Hallmark Channel (Airing Currently)- I’ve been hooked on this show, it’s such a home town love story. I love those and it’s got the dad from Everwood in it and the very handsome Jesse Metcalfe, so there’s that. And one of the sisters is a writer, so instantly I love her! I saw the commercial for this while watching one of the many Hallmark movies I love and I just felt drawn to it. Who knew Hallmark had such kickass tv shows too??? 😉

Read my Hallmark movies favs HERE

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As you can see I juggle a lot. Along with work, everyday life stuff, and family and friends, it’s nice to come home and have my mind be on something else for a bit. I love television, it’s an escape for me. I love characters and plotlines, and storytelling. Like I said- it’s research. Stay Tuned.

*If you have any fun tv show suggestions, sound off below. I can always fit something else in, maybe. HAHA.

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

Dear Future Husband,

When you get to be in your 20’s….it’s easy to feel like time is running out. Here is a letter to my Future Husband, whoever you may be. I have a feeling we’ll be really happy.

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Dear Future Husband,

I’ve waited forever to meet you.

To see your face so clearly.

To know your heart and your understanding.

To be held in your strong arms.

These words I’ve wanted to say.

I can’t quite explain.

I’ve waited my whole life,

to run to you with my worries and insecurities.

To feel comfortable enough to do just that.

To see you in a suit.

And smell the scent of your after shave and cologne too.

I know it sounds silly, but I dream about you without knowing you.

To stare into your eyes and know true safety.

To tell your mother I think she raised an amazing man.

To bake treats for your family gatherings.

To sit on my couch watching a movie as I lay with my legs draped over yours.

To add you as my plus one.

To have you stand beside me during Sunday mass, in the most beautiful church you’ll ever see.

To let you meet my god daughter and hope you’ll be good friends.

To put you in a room with my crazy, huge family and tell you it’s all going to be ok.

To kiss you at midnight.

To be your Valentine.

To fight with you when I think I’m right.

To have you get down on one knee in front of me as I weep joyfully.

Yes.

I can’t wait to love you all the days of my life.

Love,

Your Future Wife.

P.S. I hope you’re thinking about me.

Because I think it’s about time that we finally meet.

-<3-

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

 

 

 

 

Fall 2016 Fashion Wish List

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, the crunchy leaves, the apple cider,

the pies, the pumpkin flavored goodness, the pumpkin patches,

Halloween and most of all I love the fashion!

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Flannels

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Fitted Leather Jacket

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Longer Trench Coat Jacket

Bomber Jacket

Long Denim Shirt

Jogger Pants

Black Jeans with rips at the knee

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Boyfriend Jeans

Leather Leggings

Leather Skirt

Tulle Skirt

T-shirt Dress

High Top Converse

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Loafers

Booties

Vans Slip On Sneakers

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Choker Necklaces

Beanies

Big Floppy Hats

Head Scarves & Big Hoop Earrings

Dark Nail Polish Colors

Tuxedo Dress *Fancy

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There you have it, the fall fashion looks that I have my eyes on.

What’s on your Fall Fashion Wish List?

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*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

 

 

JoJo has always had Soul

So I guess I’ve of made a habit out of checking in on some fierce female artists, I’ve kind of lost tabs on. First it was Alicia Keys and now I am just re-discovering and realizing that JoJo had put music out that I didn’t even know about, or didn’t give the proper listen to. So here’s my JoJo playlist.

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Playlist:

Starting with a few throwbacks, because let’s face it when JoJo first started she was basically my same age when I was in middle school and I thought she was a QUEEN! #LeaveGetOut #BabyItsYou #SangItOutLoud #AtTheTopOfMyLungs

*2004 (JoJo)*

Leave (Get Out)

Baby It’s You

Not That Kinda Girl

 

*2006 (The High Road)*

Too Little Too Late

How to Touch a Girl

Anything

 

*2011/2012/2013 (Radio release/Mixtape/Cover)*

Disaster *This I vaguely remember

Andre

Marvin’s Room (Female Version-Drake Cover) *This I remember!

**For more on JoJo’s music and acting career…CLICK HERE

**Also watch JoJo discuss her problems with releasing new music through her previous label for the past 10 years, and the struggles she’s overcome to do just that. She expresses that those experiences only helped her to create her latest project.

*2015 (Tringle)*

When Love Hurts

Save My Soul

Say Love

 

*2016 (Mad Love)*

F*ck Apologies

 

From 2012 on, I hadn’t really heard all of her new stuff. But boy am I glad I finally have….because it is seriously good and just as soulful (if not more) than I remember. I am super stoked to hear her new album!

JoJo’s newest album Mad Love is out October 14th, 2016!!!!!!

*I do not take credit for any images, music, or videos used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dissect A Scene(s): Haleb is FINALLY Endgame

In the season finale of the first half of Pretty Little Liars’  7th season, relationships were mended and Hanna Marin and Caleb Rivers otherwise known as #Haleb reunited in one of the most beautifully crafted love scenes, I’ve ever seen done on a teen drama television show.

Take a look:

The tension had been building between these two characters for quite some time. I’ve spoken about this couple’s recent storyline a little bit in my post- The Little Moments Count where I feature a scene that inspired the post. In it I voice my opinion on the whole Hanna, Caleb, Spencer triangle and I said- “Caleb you need to step up your game if you want to be deserving of Hanna; the PLL Queen.😀

Well friends, watch that scene and tell if you think he did!

Because OH MY GOD! He did!

The speech he hit her with was EPIC! The way he’s so adamant about staying with her; “So I hate to break it to you girl, but your stuck with me.” Ahhh #Sexy. The way he calls her out on her bullshit! YASSSS!!!!! Finally. Caleb Rivers there you are. Welcome to the party. #TheRealCalebRiversFinallyStoodUp The way he basically lists off all the sloppy habits Hanna has, because he knows her so well. And then the way he just throws in the big whopper “You won’t admit that we’re meant to spend the rest of our lives together,” admist all that. He just slides it on in, like it’s no big deal. And I died! So damn good, and then it’s followed by him sauntering up to Hanna with  “I never want to spend another day without you- ever. For the rest of my life.”Cue the kisses/love scene. #DYING #FANGIRLING #THATWASBASICALLYAPROPOSAL

The bickering nature of their fight was everything Haleb is known for. A couple who bickers at eachother over almost everything, but who also loves each other like crazy. It’s how Hanna is and Caleb knows that in order to get through to her stubborn exterior he has to lay it on thick. He has to fight with her, for her. And well, folks, it’s about damn time!

I knew all those cutesy cringeworthy scenes Caleb had with Spencer couldn’t even touch what he had with Hanna. Those scenes would kill me but if you see how he acts with Hanna, you know that it’s just not the same. There’s a way he looks at her, that will melt your heart like @ the 2:35 mark . Especially when it concerns her safety, he will freak the F out, to protect her.  And let’s be real Spencer told him, she loved him, and he basically diverted the conversation because well um yea he loves HANNA.

Anyway, I can rant all night long, because that was such a stupid storyline, I still can’t believe they even tried to pull that.

In other news, this collection of scenes really were just so amazing, their chemistry is so natural and so realistic that it pops onscreen. The lighting, the flickering fire, the shaggy white carpet…perfection. I also love love love how Caleb kisses her wound on her back. Hanna was kidnapped and abused by A or someone working for A and Caleb was a full on mess. When she got back, things were very weird between them, but they eventually found a way to be friends. But Hanna had been dealing with the post partum type of feelings after going through such a traumatic experience. She would get these scary flashbacks and instead of confiding in friends, she retreated. These scars were never seen by others. But in this moment Hanna is stripped down and vulnerable and let’s him see without hesitation and in return Caleb handles it beautifully, making sure to make her feel safe with him. Something Hanna previously admitted to him, that she always feels safe with him.  

As someone who has been so sick of this show and the whole A-game, I can safely say I stuck around for them, for Haleb and for Ezria (Ezra & Aria). I have to see this show through, because Haleb is worth it, and now  with the new declarations and developments the last 10 episodes of the series premiering in April 2017 are sure to be interesting. Pretty Little Liars may be ending for good, but I am sure that Haleb has a bright future.

-<3-

 

 

Alicia Keys- No Makeup Movement

I remember hearing something stirring up about Alicia Keys starting up her own #NoMakeupCampaign a while back, and I just now recently saw it in action at the 2016 VMA’s, and can I just say…. SHE. LOOKED. FLAWLESS. RADIANT. BEAUTIFUL. It was inspiring.

GET IT GIRL.

I could have just stopped there and I would have already made my point.

But in typical rambling fashion, you know a michelleleighwrites post is never short. So let’s talk.

After seeing how amazing she looked on that red carpet, I wanted to dive into the story behind this movement. So I found and read a few articles that dug a little deeper.

Articles:

POPSUGAR

YAHOO! NEWS

The most powerful thing I found was Alicia’s essay she penned for Lena Dunham’s online feminist newsletter “LENNY,”  entitled “Time to Uncover.” Her reasons for making such a bold choice stem from her own insecurities. Like many of us women out there, including myself, we have this intense pressure we feel to live up to a standard of beauty that the media inflicts upon us from a very young age. And the older you get, the more serious the impact can feel. I used to rarely ever wear makeup. Other then if it were a holiday or special occasion, I was usually make up free all the way up until my college days. And even then, I didn’t go the whole crazy route that you see makeup artists or beauty guru’s go nowadays. Don’t get be wrong I LOVE watching those videos just as much as the next girl, and I do think makeup can be this incredible artistic expression. But sometimes I just sit back and think “How much stuff are you putting on your face?” Even personally, when I sit down to do my makeup, sure I’m more of a drugstore makeup girl, but sometimes between the concealer, and the foundation and the powder and the primer, by the time I finish, it feels like it took me forever.

Watch Alicia discuss her movement in a radio interview with HOT 97- [@ the 2:05 mark]

 

 

Ever since I started working more regularly, and having to come face to face with more people each day, I’ve started doing a regular simple makeup routine. It doesn’t take too long and I like the outcome. But I’ve felt more of that pressure to have to put makeup on lately. I have started to really feel like I have to cover up my acne scars, blemishes and under eye circles. And I used to never really feel like that. I would just wash my face, moisturize and go. What happened to that? That freedom?

In Alicia’s interview she notes that going makeup free and sporting her bare face for all the world to see has been “a beautiful challenge.” Stating that the movement is about being yourself. She emphasizes that she doesn’t want this to be “taken the wrong way,” it isn’t an anti-makeup campaign it’s just a campaign to encourage women to feel beautiful in their own skin, “to be free, to be who you are, to be yourself.” She also states that she believes in being “perfectly imperfect.”

Alicia’s words-her message, has really resonated within me and I think it’s having an impact on many people. Even though I’ve seen she’s gotten some criticism, I am a complete supporter. Her husband is as well.

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Alicia’s newest video-no makeup-and gorgeous.

Alicia has said that this raw real no makeup movement was inspired by a photographer who was shooting her new album artwork. The photographer wanted to shoot her as is, free of makeup, just from the gym, in a head scarf.

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Further explaining that the realness of her appearance will balance out with the realness in her new album.  I haven’t come across an album release date, but I will certainly be checking up on it, once it’s out!

Do your thang, Alicia. We get it. And we’re here to join. I know I am. Everything I’ve seen about her lately is filled with such beautiful messages, and inspirational good vibes. She seems so centered and happy, even though she admits to still working on things, aren’t we all? There is so much positivity she exudes that it’s beautiful to watch and it inspires. There’s a rich realness there and it’s freakin awesome that she’s from New York too!

 

*I do not take any credit for any music, images, videos used.*

-<3-