The last 18 months have tested me. My patience, my ability to give grace, my sanity. The frustration, the grief, the anger of feeling robbed of a year of my life. The lack of empathy, the apathy, the denial that we seem to be right back where we started. The realization that covid isn’t going anywhere, this is the new normal, and figuring out how I navigate it.

I started seeing a therapist again for the first time in almost 10 years and let me tell you it has been a journey. I’ve been reliving trauma, dealing with grief, determining how the events of my life have shaped me and the path that I’ve been on. It’s led to significant self-reflection on my part. I’ve been thinking about why I created this space and where I’m going from here.

Somewhere along the line I forgot why I wanted to create a site in the first place. I wanted an outlet, a place to share things I loved, teach people to cook, showcase that style is possible even if you’re not a sample size. I was posting what I felt like people wanted me to post and what would get attention. Not what I wanted. Frankly, I lost site of my vision. That applies to a variety of things, but stick with me.

In terms of LifesKandy here’s what you can expect moving forward. Sophisticated practicality for the modern millennial. If you’re looking for hauls with a bunch of clothes that are going to fall apart after a few washes, this aint the place for you. If you want meal plans that consist of dry ass chicken and white rice, this aint it. What I will provide is sophisticated, practical, tips, recipes, and advice for elevating your everyday.

I will show you how to put together a versatile stylish wardrobe that won’t need to be replaced every season. I will teach you how to roast the best chicken of your life. If you want to ace that next job interview I got you, just give me time. Autumn is my favorite time of year, and as the seasons change I feel a renewed sense of purpose and desire to build this community. I hope you’ll come along with me on this journey.

Last but not least, I’ve got some links for you to check out this weekend. I hope you enjoy exploring them as much as I enjoyed putting them together for you.

13 year old me loved Fefe Dobson. After reading this profile of her I’m happy to report that she’s just as badass as I remember.

Leave Lizzo alone. Periodt. Let fat black women live, and not by the standards society sets.

I’ll be the first to admit I started off watching the EURO Cup for hot men. However, I did get invested, and seeing how Black British players were treated after England lost was heartbreaking. This article highlights a bigger problem with how social media fails to protect those that are most vulnerable to abuse.

I discovered Fiona Apple’s debut album when I was 14, and it was the soundtrack to many of my angsty teenage years. It’s comforting to know I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.

I’ve loved anything vampire related for as long as I remember. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that most vampires questionable origins never get explored, just glossed over. This is probably the only story I’ve ever read that questions that tendency to romanticize the past of our favorite undead characters.

I have a new cocktail in rotation. It’s ranch water and it’s delicious. 3 ingredients, unfussy, and delicious.

Gentrification is rapidly changing what neighborhoods and black home ownership look like these days. This is a sobering reminder of the realities of people not interested in community moving into areas and changing the entire landscape.

Draper James has realized their first collection for fall, and I have my eye on these pajamas.

That’s all for this week folks. Leave me a comment with what you hope autumn brings.