1. My Interview on The D Brief 

A couple of weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to be on The D Brief. It’s a new Detroit-based podcast hosted by Seth Resler, Becky Scarcello, and Jag. Together they interview Detroiters who are involved in the arts and entertainment industry in the city.

They’ve featured interviews with guests like Detroit songwriter Allee Willis, co-founders of We Found Hip Hop Piper Carter and Mahogany Jones, and Elliot Wilhelm the Curator of Film for the DIA.

I had a great time talking with The D Brief hosts Jag, Becky, and Seth.

During my interview, I shared how Travis, the kids, and I came to move to Michigan and our homeschooling experience. I also talked about the blog and my passion for street photography. I was a little nervous at first, but once we started talking, I didn’t feel so nervous anymore. I had a lot of fun and I was just so excited that someone asked me to talk about Good Life Detroit!

You can listen to my interview here if you like. Of course, after the interview, I had thought of a hundred more things I wanted to talk about. 🙂 Special thanks to Seth, Becky, and Jag for inviting me on the show!

 

2. Issa Rae’s GQ Feature Photographs are a Throwback from the 90s

Have you seen Issa Rae’s recent photoshoot with GQ? She dressed as 90s Black sitcom characters Moesha Mitchell from (one of my favorite 90s shows) Moesha, Steve Urkel from Family Matters, Will from Fresh Prince of Bel-aire, and Dwayne Wayne from A Different World. I loved it! It definitely brought back memories for me when I used to watch all four television shows when I was younger.

The other day I was listening to Larry Wilmore’s Black on the Air podcast featuring an interview with Issa Rae. The interview is called “Issa Rae on the ‘Hoe Phase’ and Finding Her Voice” and in the podcast, Issa talks about how she got her start in writing and relationship issues. It’s a really great interview. I recommend you take a listen if you’re an Issa Rae fan.

Issa Rae’s feature in GQ is part of the magazine’s “Comedy Issue”. She is also featured on the cover with comediennes Kate McKinnon and Sarah Silverman. Here’s the interview with Issa Rae in GQ’s latest issue.

 

3. Jazz Musician Wynton Marsalis Interview on “Cape Up”

Wynton Marsalis shows part of the score for “the ever-funky lowdown,” his forthcoming commission to debut at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on June 7. (Jonathan Capehart/The Washington Post)

Speaking of podcasts, earlier this week I listened to a podcast interview on “Cape Up” featuring jazz artist Wynton Marsalis. I remember my mom listening to his jazz music when I was younger. Host Jonathan Capehart interviewed Wynton and the artist discussed a few issues such as his thoughts on rap and hip-hop music, Childish Gambino’s “This Is America”, and Kanye West.

In the interview, Wynton Marsalis shared some strong opinions on rap and hip hop music, such as he doesn’t think derogatory and racists terms such as bitches, hoes, and niggers should be featured in music. He said he believes using such words is “more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee.”

Wynton also posted this public post on his official Facebook page in response to people who disagreed with his opinions he discussed in the interview. Personally, I found his interview to be a good listen and I agree with Wynton on the commercialization of rap music. I am a hip-hop fan, though, but I do see his point about the unnecessary use of demeaning women and using racist language in music.

Here’s the link if you would like to listen to Wynton Marsalis’ full interview on Jonathan Capehart’s podcast “Cape Up”.

 

4. Royal Weddings, Then and Now: Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle

Did you watch the Royal Wedding last weekend? It was beautiful, wasn’t it? I am obsessed, you guys. Even Michala’s all giddy for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. All week long I’ve been watching video clips about the wedding and looking at photographs from the Royal Wedding.

Harper’s Bazar shared “41 Best Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Photos” and Press Association Staff photographer Yui Mok explained in a series of tweets on Twitter his photographs from the wedding procession. This one is my favorite photo Yui Mok captured of the Royal couple. The photo has now been dubbed “Diana’s View” or #DianasView on social media.

 

And if you’re looking for a video to watch about the Royal Wedding (as if you haven’t watched hundreds already, right?), The New Yorker posted this sweet video compilation of Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle walking down the aisle.

 

5. Great Deals This Weekend

product photo
Old Navy Waist-Defined Plus-Size Dress, SALE $32.90

If you’re planning on doing a little shopping this weekend, here are a few great deals you might like.

LOFT: Beginning Saturday, May 26th, Loft is having a Flash Sale. Free Shipping On All Orders + 50% Off All Sale Styles with Code: SURPRISE.

Old Navy: “Wish You Were Here Sale” featuring 50% Off all tanks, tees, shorts, and swimwear. Dresses are also 30% Off!

Nordstrom: SAVE up to 40% during the Half-Yearly Sale! Great deals on selected styles now through June 3. The sale includes deals for kids, men, women, and home decor. These cute set of cactus shot glasses are 33% off and this knit maxi dress is 25%off.

Redbox: This would make a great Father’s Day gift! Purchase previously rented movies for as low as $3.99 now through May 29th. Blade Runner 2049 is $5.99 and Justice League is only $9.99.

Video games are also on sale such as Assassins Creed Origins PS4/XB1 (now only $27.99; $22 off the regular price) and Star Wars Battlefront II PS4/XB1 (now only $19.99; $10 off the regular price). Get all of the details at Redbox.com.

 

What cool things have you discovered this week?

 

Also, check out #FinalThoughts: “When God Gives You That Yes” and Five Things Worth Sharing (5.9.2018)!

 

 

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].