STORIEs ART & LIFESTYLE

For as long as I can remember or better yet articulate, I have always been an extremely sensitive, compassionate, creative type with an affinity for people who mimic these same traits. But For some reason or another, people never seem to share this affinity for me, or at least not for long. Ever since I was a little girl, I longed for the companionship and social intricacies that seemed to come so easily for other children. Growing up an only child with a disability, my mothe

On February 13th, the day before my birthday, I was welcomed with opened arms to a place that has quickly become one of my favorite culinary sanctuaries here in Maryland. The Fork and Wrench is the perfect marriage between familiar yet sophisticated meets experimentally cutting edge. It's menu holds no credence to any palette in particular though there seems to be something on the list that suits everyones tastes. From your meat and potatoes kind of guy to the most "uppity" c

If the vast world of makeup and beauty is something you've been wanting to dive into but you just cant wrap your head around those high end price tags; try these drugstore suggestions from The H.Y.B and build your collection gradually with some perfectly priced drugstore favorites. Milani Color Statement Lipstick. Your fantasy matte lip color infused with grape seed extract imported from italy,. The matte that not only feels great but also lasts for hours. $5.79 At Target Lor

It's a known fact that in todays society, we don't have time for much. We're always looking for a shortcut, an abridged version, an easy fix or just a simpler way around most things. It's become an utter burden to give something or better yet someone our full and most receptive attention. We are prone to programming almost every piece of stimuli that comes our way, from what we watch on television, to what we choose to acknowledge as news. We get to pick and choose what is of

Being born on valentines day certainly kills the novelty of the holiday itself. Its a plastic, pink, candy coated, packaged and purchased, commercialized caricature of romance all wrapped in the heightened expectations of claiming or being claimed by that one person you hope holds you most dear. I've never really experienced any shortage of love. In fact, i'm almost sure that my perceptions on the subject are some of the most honest and unbiased you'll care to read. Because

This Valentines day weekend, I spent the friday before turning 28 in a really chill establishment, amidst some very talented and personable cooks and bartenders, eating and drinking from one of the most inspired menus in the city, while accompanied by one of my dearest gal pals. I brought with me a digital camera, a big appetite and list of questions for Chef Benjamin Sawyer and head bartender, Jay Calvert. Stay locked in to The High Yella Bella this week for the photo galler

One hellaciously frigid tuesday morning I was sitting at my desk in a tattered bathrobe sipping on my third cup of coffee while scrolling through an inbox of emails that never seemed to end. I took a break for some social media scrolling and was welcomed to my newsfeed by a "suggested post" from a place I had never heard of called the Fork & Wrench. There was a beautifully photographed plate of blood orange slices amidst a bed of ridicchio and what looked like crispy golden s

In celebration of Black History month (…or year) The High Yella Bella shares her top 6 favorites in deliciously deep black makeup. Whether you're looking for the perfect war paint just in time for the revolution or simply striving to reign as queen of the boldest smoky eye, The, H.Y.B has something you may be interested in. Check out the list and if you know of any black-owned makeup designers please share them in the comments below along with any other favorites you think sh

As a performance poet heavily rooted In the east coasts scene of emerging hit or miss legends,, I sometimes feel inclined to pump out poems at the speed of my need to be recognized.. When that inclination hits, I find it abundantly necessary to retreat and create because I know if I am feeling this way, then so are many others among me.. And honestly, the way my brand is set up, I really have no need to attempt keeping up with the love joneses In my "scene", a term that I use