Beyond the Page: Exploring Beats and Eats and Everything in Between!

 

What are we chatting up with friends?

Our latest favorite treat for girls’ night in or a cozy dinner party—conversation cards! They’re the perfect way to break the ice and spark unexpected conversations that keep the night lively and full of great moments. 

I keep mine by our little bar, and it’s always a hit while I mix up cocktails and set out some snacks. I also used it over the holiday season over Thanksgiving dinner! It’s such a simple yet fun way to bring everyone together.  Definitely a must for the next gathering with family or friends! 

What are we eating & drinking together?

A truly divine pairing: Avaline organic red wine and Trader Joe’s Portuguese donuts with chocolate hazelnut filling.

Cameron Diaz’s Avaline Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautifully balanced organic and vegan wine, made with minimal intervention and no unnecessary additives. It’s smooth, medium-bodied, and bursting with dark fruit notes, making it an effortlessly elegant choice for any occasion.

Now, pair it with these light, fluffy Portuguese donuts—golden on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and filled with a rich chocolate hazelnut center. I actually heated it up a little in the oven, and the warmth makes the filling melt into the pastry.

For the ultimate treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream! The creamy sweetness, rich chocolate, and velvety red wine? Simply perfection.

What are we reading?

One of my most cherished books is Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a renowned celebrated Kenyan novelist and poet. This coming-of-age novel is set in colonial Kenya during the Mau Mau Uprising. It follows Njoroge, a young boy who dreams of a better future through education. However, his aspirations are shattered as political turmoil and violent clashes between British colonial rulers and Kenyan freedom fighters escalate. 

The novel explores themes of hope, betrayal, colonialism, and the devastating impact of violence on families and aspirations. As one of the first English-language novels by an East African writer, it remains a powerful reflection on Kenya’s struggle for independence.

What are we wearing?

I’m not big on heavy makeup, but one thing I never skip is lipstick! It instantly brightens my pale complexion and adds a polished touch while also protecting my lips from the sun. My go-to for years has been Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet 58 Rouge Vie—a rich, sophisticated red with a soft luminous matte finish. It’s subtle with a pop, yet effortlessly wearable, striking the perfect balance between classic and modern.  A blend of shea butter and a jojoba oil derivative instantly leaves lips feeling moisturized. The velvety texture feels luxurious and comfortable, and I get compliments on it all the time!