So…I’m officially settled into California.

Well, I won’t take on a California ID quite yet but I’m here and there’s no turning back. I’ve finally come to terms with it.

I did this to myself.

For years, I had been annoyingly declarative and telling folks I was going to live in California. I thought it would be LA but the Big Guy pretty much said otherwise. 

When I stepped off the plane, I just knew my life would be different from that day forward. Houston would be my forever-home but the world would become the place I’d lay my head.

I’m proud to say (again) I’m a full-time writer for a extremely popular technology company in Silicon Valley.

I’m excited, I’m nervous, I’m proud. My life is completely insane.

I remember when everyone, including my parents, thought the only route for a Creative Writing degree major would be in education at best. Everyone thought I clearly had lost the last piece of good common sense God gave me. Now look, while I absolutely love and respect teachers, I wanted more beyond the classroom. I wanted the world. No one could see how a person like me could shoot for the world with a less serious title from a non-prestigious univeristy. They couldn’t see it. I could barely see it to be honest. I desired a path that would allow me to be impactful and creative, that’s all I really knew. I fought as a songwriter, I fought as an intern, as a temp, as an admin, and as a retail employee to dream for more. I wanted more. I’ve always wanted more.

Giving up was not an option.

So here I am after climbing and struggling, and climbing and praying, and sinking and climbing. I somehow became a full-time professional creative with insurance, benefits, 401K, and stock in a world of people who look nothing like me. Yes…The girl from Homestead, Houston Texas has stock options. And I’m not wealthy by ANY means, believe me #theseCalitaxes. I’m sure I’ll get there though because I’m definitely working on it and I know it will be a journey. I’m just excited to finally get somewhere in life with my voice and that’s probably one of the most fulfilling things out of this whole adventure…The world gets to hear me and sometimes, they don’t even know it.

I think I mentioned it before that I hadn’t been posting because it took me a little bit of time to move, get settled and gather myself. I had to come to terms with my new life, or at least my life for now, and that there was no turning back. I’m still telling myself, everyday, that there is no going back. I left my family, friends, love and all that to find me. It’s already happening quicker than I could have even imagined.

Have faith in yourself.

I’ve promised myself to be brave. I mean, adults get scared and lonely too. I vowed I would make it back to my beloved South when my assignment was done because I clearly have things to do in the world.

Shoot, in less than 6 months, I’ve worked on national campaigns with my new team, released an EP, met some unexpectedly amazing people, celebrated my birthday, and all kinds of other glorious randomness. I guess I can afford to keep the party going for a bit.

When have you had to be brave? Is there a challenge you just don’t think you can face? Do it, you’ve got it! If you don’t think so, drop me a line. <3

-D.Wright

I don’t really do product reviews or anything like that but I definitely wanted to hip some of you guys to one of my new favorite things, Hue Lights.

It’s weird but I never knew lighting could be so influential to your overall mood and experience in a space. I was definitely a cynic of the Hues and initially felt they were as silly as they were “overpriced.” Eventually, I started doing some research and realized how much people were actually spending on lighting and home automation in comparison to others (like Hues) out on the market. It is insane! So, since I’m all for balling on a budget and never intend to spend thousands of dollars on lights, I did the next best thing…waited for a huge price reduction during the holidays and said  YOLO!

Last December I took the plunge because the deal was too good to pass up and I’m a sucker for a good sale. I initially started with 6 lights for my living room and bedroom. I unpacked my lights, set them up, and instantly turned into a 5-year old for like a whole evening. I’m not going to lie to you, I played with them for a couple hours that first night. I sat on my sofa while listening to music and writing and changed the lights just for the heck of it. I, of course,  wanted to get the swing of them but honestly, I wanted to play with my fancy new lights. Within that week, I ended up with 4 extra lights and now feel like I have my own mini music venue at home. I love it!

Getting Started

So what will you need for your own lighting set up? It’s pretty simple, all you need is a smartphone or tablet, Wi-Fi, and the starter set that includes the lighting hub. Eventually, you can add on up to 50 lights per hub and Philips has quite a collection of light options to select from. What’s also pretty awesome is they’re really easy to install and the set up should only take you about 10-15 minutes.

Using Your Hue Lights

So, there are many creative ways to use the Hue lighting system. I’m pretty practical and use them to wake me up every morning throughout the week for work. It’s been super helpful and I love that I can set geo-location to cut them on or off when I’m headed to or leaving my home. They’re also wonderful for all sorts of home events like parties, dinners, big games and other things you’d probably hold in your home or workspace.

You might also be wondering about glitches or connectivity issues. Initially, I was concerned on if the lights would work if my Wi-Fi ever went out. I was pleasantly surprised to learn they are all standard bulbs and will revert back to white light you can still operate. You can learn more HERE.

Have Fun

So when using your lights, you have to remember to have fun! You can do all sorts of cooky things with your lights. I’ve heard people set them to light up the room every time their favorite team scores. I’ve also heard folk set them like strobe lights and to change with the beat of their music, it’s pretty cool. There are all kinds of apps out that help you get the fullest potential out of your lights and they’re available on multiple platforms so you’re not restricted to one or another.

I’m glad to have made such a huge small investment and I’ll probably get more as I design my space. If you get any lights, tell me how you like them, I love mine! <3

-D.Wright

I have a problem. I love technology and I really love the internet.

Like many of you I anxiously anticipate the happenings of the world when I wake up. I’m guilty of checking my phone for news from sun up to sun down. Sometimes I fall asleep looking at my phone or my iPad and I’m always engaged with social media in one way or another. I’m the epitome of a tech crazed millennial. I can’t ever seem to get enough.

Technology has made the world smaller and so easy to stay connected. It’s addictive and distracting, and many of us fall for it every single day. I always end up wondering how I get so much accomplished while taking quick glances at news alerts and articles. Shoot, I wonder sometimes if I could get even more done. Don’t answer that for me, I’m pretty sure I know what you’re thinking.

Anywho, I was having a conversation a few weeks back about a few of my friends deleting social media and later ran across this Time article about funny man/writer Aziz Ansari giving up the interwebs.

[su_quote cite=”I wanted to stop that thing where I get home and look at websites for an hour and a half, checking to see if there’s a new thing. And read a book instead. I’ve been doing it for a couple months and it’s worked. I’m reading, like, three books right now. I’m putting something in my mind. It feels so much better than just reading the Internet and not remembering anything.”][/su_quote]

Don’t we all Aziz, don’t we all…Well, sure some of you don’t. The internet is pretty fun but what I took away from this article and my chitty-chats was that there is so much trash that we’re feeding our brains for no good reason. We all know Trump is there, we all know natural disasters are a thing, we all know folks will put up a fabulous picture of their world travels and pretend they don’t still eat ramen or Easy Mac, we all know that everyone will show the best of themselves and if they don’t it’s because the sub-Tweet game is strong. We know those things are real but what we don’t know is how to turn away and take care of ourselves.

So what do we do?

Let’s be clear, I’m not giving up the internet or my beloved social media, that’s unreasonable for me but what I can do is lay off and maybe delete an app or two. I can make sure to be aware I’m not grabbing for my phone every five minutes like some red eyed tech junky. I can also make sure to work hard at not comparing myself to all the other amazing people I know. It’s unhealthy and ridiculous.

We have so much life to live and we should soak it in. My question to you is, are you going to break up with the internet? <3

-D.Wright

This won’t be long. All I’m going to tell you is I watched the Apple Event and came away truly wanting only one thing…the iPhone X. Don’t get me wrong, there were other devices announced and software that seemed promising but they didn’t really hold a candle to the X. Three features were all I needed to be persuaded and I don’t care how ridiculous you think they are. What I know is my life would be so much better with them. So here it is, my techie girl’s pumpkin spice latte equivalent. #IllBeBasicDontJudgeMe

Animoji-Maniac

I’ve always wanted to be a cartoon, chalk it to way too much Disney and 1 Saturday Mornings on ABC. One of  my bucket list items is to actually do voice work for a major animated film but now you’re telling me for $1000 I could make that happen in text messages and possibly with other software?! SIGN. ME. UP. If you’re my friend and text me regularly, I’m sorry in advance. Well no, I’m not. Deal with it. Group texters…beware. I told y’all not to put me in group chats but you did it anyway, now you’ll pay. I plan on running amuck with every single poop animated version of myself I can muster up. I also plan on playing other characters as well to pass the time. This is my number 1 feature and I can not wait.

It’s Biggie Smalls

The screen is yuge but from the looks of it, it’s smaller than my 7 Plus. Mark this down for me under “I want now.” All I’ve ever wanted is a big enough screen to make me feel like I can do all the things, even if I plan on using half of it. I just need options. Sure my make-up might grease up the thing, I don’t care. there will be 5.8 inches of amazingness packaged in a smaller body. There are small bezels and a new take on the display with no buttons! It’s big enough and yet somehow small enough…who wouldn’t want that?

An Ode to the Old School

When Steve Jobs premiered the first model of the iPhone in all black, I was dazzled. But when I saw that white, glossy 3GS – I just knew that I was in love. Yes, love. I’ve always appreciated technology for what it would contribute to my life but the design was always the icing on the cake. So when the rumor mills were a-churning with the design on the X, I was a little concerned. I didn’t know how I’d ever get over that vertical camera but the design revealed today was far more impressive than the leaks online. The stainless-steel rounded edges and glass frame was definitely a nice nod to the past, it dredges up all the feels and nostalgia. It won me over. It was pretty, shiny, and quite honestly that was all it took. Sue me (only after I pay it off).

Photo courtesy of Apple.

Now I know I didn’t take much coaxing but there are so many other great features about the phone you should dive into. Yes there are many opinions for and against it and everything Apple whether we’re talking design, pricing, or what have you. I say just check it out for yourself and leave your thoughts with me below. What are you excited to see from announcement day? <3

-D.Wright

Photo courtesy of Getty/Michael Loccisano.

If you haven’t checked out HBO’s The Defiant Ones by now, you are truly missing out on a gem. It’s a revealing look into the lives of music’s most influential dynamic duo, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. TDF is a four episode mini series that leaves no subject about the “power-bros” off the record. You want drama, comedy, romance, and amazing freaggin’ music – it’s all there for you.

Why I enjoyed it…

The Hits
The soundtrack to this thing and insane. Sure I might be biased because I grew up with the music these guys put out and felt super nostalgic, but it was truly epic. It’s easy to forget how many hits these guys were apart of but with the retelling of their story, it’s all inspiring to hear. You have the likes of N.W.A, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Ice Cube, Nirvana, Bruce Springsteen, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, U2, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, and so many other artists featured. Off the music alone, I think you’ll enjoy it. Like seriously.

Photo courtesy of G L Askew II, via HBO

The Videography
Allen Hughes did a phenomenal job with the direction and filming of this docu-series. It was shot beautifully and he really managed to get revealing interviews from everyone their team spoke with. You feel like you’re literally listening to your folks tell this bomb story about your family history – in glossy, Hollyhood music video format though. The detailed shots are so intricate that you could sense even the smallest emotional queues and this is just from the cut aways people! It’s as if he’s speaking through the cinematography. Watch it, it’s truly mesmerizing.

Photo courtesy of Joe Pugliese /AUGUST/ HBO

The Truth
These interviews are jaw dropping. I sat there like “Noooo, nooooo this couldn’t have happened. This wasn’t a thing.” Guess what, it did and it was. This thing is scandalous in the best of ways. There are stories of crime, abuse, drunken debauchery, drugs, sex, and the list goes on. Legendary artist dropping eff-bombs is just the icing on the cake folks. A viewer is made privy to personal details on historic music industry incidents from over the last 20+ years. You finally receive your “welcome” behind the velvet rope.

The Comedy
Snoop Dogg has to be my favorite person out of all of this. I mean everyone had humorous moments, like the story of when Dre almost ruined his Apple deal with ONE drunken Facebook video, or when Eminem revealed his annoyance with slinging Beats headphones in the early days. But that held no comparison to the comedic relief Snoop Dogg provided throughout the entire documentary. He’s awesome and yes he’s high as a kite, but he does not bite his tongue in the least. You know he’s telling the truth. So here’s the real lesson, you want to find out what was really going on…ask Uncle Snoop.

Watch it, it’s totally worth a good binge on your couch. They truly did it for the culture. <3

-D.Wright