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Dollar General: What You Can Still Snag for Just $1

Let’s be real—finding anything for a dollar these days feels like spotting a unicorn in the wild 🦄. Prices keep creeping up, but Dollar General still has little treasures that make your wallet breathe a sigh of relief. Here’s what you can scoop up if you walk in with just a single dollar bill.

Snacks That Save the Day 🍫🍪

• Candy Bars: Think Snickers, Milky Way, Reese’s cups—perfect for when the sweet tooth attacks.
• Chips: Mini bags of Lay’s, Doritos, or even off-brand crunch that still slaps.
• Cookies & Crackers: A pack of vanilla wafers or cheese crackers for those late-night munchies.

Everyday Essentials 🧼🪥

• Bar Soap: Name brand sometimes, generic most times—but clean is clean.
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush: Travel-size versions that still get the job done.
• Dish Sponges: Because you know that old one in the sink has seen things.

Drinks on the Go 🥤

• Canned Sodas: Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or store-brand fizz.
• Bottled Water: Sometimes even flavored water or energy shots if you catch the right deal.

Random Little Lifesavers 🎲🖊️

• Stationery: Pens, notebooks, sticky notes—you can literally start a side hustle list for just a dollar.
• Travel Packs of Tissues: Always handy in your bag, car, or pocket.
• Toys & Games: Tiny puzzles, playing cards, or those bouncy balls that roll under the couch immediately.

The Dollar General Secret ✨

The trick is to hit the clearance and seasonal aisles. That’s where you find random décor, holiday leftovers, and even candles for just a buck. Don’t sleep on it—because once it’s gone, it’s gone.

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Final Word: Dollar General may not be the dollar haven it used to be, but if you’ve only got one dollar in your pocket, you can still leave with something that sparks joy (or at least fills your stomach).

Why My Books Didn’t Sell—And What I’m Doing Differently Now

Less Than $200: What I’ve Learned (And What I’d Do Differently)

Let’s keep it real—I've been selling books for three years and have made less than $200.

That’s not a typo. Not $2,000. Not even $500. Nope. Two hundred dollars. Over three years.

That’s less than what people spend on coffee in a week. Less than what somebody might spend on a fast-food combo meal and a tip. Sometimes, I’d go weeks promoting and walk away with nothing but a few likes and “I’ll check it out” comments that went nowhere. 🥴

I Thought All I Had to Do Was Publish...

When I started, I was excited. I wrote my book, uploaded it, and thought, “If even 50 people buy this, I’ll be straight.” But here’s the thing—I wasn’t giving anything away. I was keeping the book close to my chest, like a secret. I barely shared quotes, gave previews, or told people why they should care.

I’d promote for a few weeks, hope for a miracle sale, and then move on. The truth? You can’t be quiet and expect loud results.

Did I Make Sales? Yes.

But they were few and far between. I’d celebrate every single one like it was a lottery win. I was grateful, but if you add it all up, the total was still less than what a venti Starbucks costs.

And here’s the hard truth: selling many books is not easy. Especially when you’re independent and doing it all yourself.

What I’d Do Differently Now

Looking back, here’s what I’d absolutely change:

• I’d focus on one book. Just one. Not five. Not twenty. ONE. And I’d put all my energy into promoting that one until it paid off.
• I’d give away free game. Quotes, chapters, behind-the-scenes stories—something to hook people. Nobody buys a mystery product from a mystery author anymore.
• I’d be consistent, not just hopeful. Hoping doesn't equal sales. Consistent posting, showing up every week, does.
• I’d build a community, not just sell. People don’t just buy books. They buy stories from people they connect with.

The Lesson?

It’s not about how many books you write. It’s about how much love and focus you give to one. You can have 20 books, but if no one’s reading them, what’s the point?

Today, I’d rather sell one book a hundred times than have 100 books that barely move.

And that’s on growth. 📈

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Fresh Meal Kit – It Went Bad (Literally)

Fresh Meal Kit – It Went Bad (Literally)

So, I tried one of those fresh meal kit delivery services. You know the type — ingredients in a box, pre-portioned, ready for you to “just cook” at home. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Less grocery shopping, fewer decisions, no food waste, right?

Wrong.

Let me tell you how it really went.

The Food Arrived — and Sat There

The box came, neatly packed with recipe cards, colorful veggies, and vacuum-sealed proteins. I was actually excited at first. But then… life happened. I got busy. I didn’t feel like cooking after work. A few days passed. Then a few more.

By the time I opened the box to finally cook something, most of it had gone bad. Wilted greens, funky smells, slimy chicken — the whole thing turned into a guilt-filled trip to the trash can. And with it, I tossed away $60+ worth of food and a reminder that convenience still requires effort.

What You Should Know Before Ordering a Meal Kit

Here’s what I wish someone told me before I signed up:

1. You still have to cook.
   It's not "ready in 5 minutes." Some meals take 30–45 minutes — and they don’t cook themselves.

2. You need a flexible schedule.
   If your week is unpredictable or you’re not home a lot, fresh ingredients go bad quickly. You're better off freezing your own groceries.

3. It’s not as cost-effective as it seems.
   You’re paying for packaging, marketing, and convenience. If you don’t cook every single meal, that money goes straight to the trash.

4. You might feel worse wasting “healthy” food.
   Tossing out kale and salmon hits different than tossing old takeout.

Why the Supermarket Wins

At the end of the day, going to the supermarket is just better — if you do it right. Here’s why:

• You’re in control. You buy what you know you’ll use.
• It’s cheaper. Bulk groceries = better value.
• Less waste. You're not forced into meals you don’t want (or won’t cook).
• You can shop smart. With a list, you avoid impulse buys and get exactly what you need.

Stop Being Lazy — Make a List and Go

Let’s be real: It’s not that hard to hit the grocery store once or twice a week. Grab a coffee, put on a podcast, and go with a plan. A 10-minute shopping list on your phone can save you money, reduce waste, and give you more flexibility to cook what you actually want — when you want it.

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TL;DR: Meal kits are cool in theory but can be a total waste if you're not committed. Sometimes, good old-fashioned grocery shopping (with a solid list) is the smarter, cheaper, and more practical way to eat well.

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Story Time: The Airbnb Guest Who Came for Love and Stayed for a Hustle

 Story Time: The Airbnb Guest Who Came for Love and Stayed for a Hustle

Running an Airbnb in Chicago has its stories—but none quite like the lady from New York.

She messaged us saying she needed a place to stay because her lover had just died. Grief is heavy, so of course, we showed compassion. She booked the room and stayed for a few months. Each morning, she’d wake up, put on her shades, and head to the movies. She always said she was looking for a job and trying to start over.

The rent here is under $700, and we allow some flexibility—but not confusion. Still, she would pay in random pieces. $200 here, $150 there. The rent is due between the 1st and the 5th, but she’d always have a new excuse. She told us stories about shelters, abuse, a degree, and that she speaks fluent Spanish and French.

But after a while, I told my brother, “She’s been doing this all her life. Working the system.” It wasn’t about the rent. It was the pattern—the stories, the delay, the performance.

Advice? If you're hosting, have a clear agreement and trust your gut. Compassion is beautiful—but don't confuse survival stories with scams. Boundaries keep everyone safe.

Question for You: Would you have let her stay, or asked her to go?

I Just Wanted the Drama on Reality TV — Not in Real Life Facebook Groups

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 I Just Wanted the Drama on Reality TV — Not in Real Life Facebook Groups

I’ve been watching reality TV for over 20 years. From the early days of The Real World and Flavor of Love to The Real Housewives and Love & Hip Hop, I’ve been a fan of the drama, the shade, the chaos—and yes, even the fashion and friendships. I’ve also been an active member of Facebook groups where people come together to share opinions, crack jokes, and follow the latest episodes.

But here's the thing: in my current reality TV group, I’m the only male in the room—and unfortunately, that doesn’t always feel like a safe or welcoming space.

I could be wrong. Maybe it's in my head. But after starting over a dozen groups myself and watching how people interact online, I’ve noticed that being the only man—especially in a group full of Black women—comes with a certain kind of tension. And I say that with love and respect. If you’ve read any of my other blogs, you know I don’t disrespect women. I might joke around, drop a funny line about a scene or a look, but never in a way that tears people down—especially not Black women. I was raised better than that.

This weekend, I was flipping through YouTube and came across a creator I follow. She mentioned she’d be appearing on someone’s podcast, so I went to check out the channel. I asked a simple question in the comments: “Are you doing an episode review or covering the whole season?” Harmless, right?

Her co-host replied, “I don’t know him. Where do you know him from?” It came off cold. Rude, even. I wasn’t being disrespectful. I was just engaging with content I enjoy. That kind of energy can turn a loyal follower into someone who clicks away.

This made me think—some content creators may forget that followers are people, too. A simple moment of kindness or clarity can go a long way. You never know who’s watching your content, sharing your videos, or quietly supporting you. One day you're trending, and the next, YouTube might flag or terminate your channel. So it’s always wise to stay grounded and treat people with care—even the ones you don’t “know.”

I still love reality TV. I still want to talk about it. But if you’ve ever felt like an outsider in a space where you just wanted to enjoy the drama on screen—not off it—you’re not alone.

Sometimes the shade isn't on Bravo... it's in the comment section.

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I Just Wanna Be Proof That Good People Still Exist — No Agenda, Just Heart

📝 

I Just Wanna Be Proof That Good People Still Exist — No Agenda, Just Heart

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In a world that often feels like it runs on manipulation, clout, and selfish motives, it’s easy to get jaded. People talk a good game, but behind the scenes, there’s always a string attached. A favor owed. A hidden angle. A “what can I get out of this?”

But not everybody moves like that.

Some of us? We just want to be the proof. That good people with no hidden agendas still exist. 💯💯💯♏🗣️

Not perfect people. Not saints. Just real ones. People who help because it’s in their spirit. Who show up because loyalty still matters. Who give without expecting something in return.

And let’s be real—sometimes being that person is exhausting. You get taken for granted. Misunderstood. Played. But still, something in you refuses to change. Because you know what it feels like to need someone to be kind. To be honest. To just care—no strings, no performance, no fake “I got you” energy.

We need more people like that. The ones who don’t just talk about love, respect, and loyalty—but actually live it. In silence. Behind the scenes. In little ways that nobody claps for.

So if you’re reading this, and you’ve ever felt like giving up on being the good person in the room—don’t. Your presence is powerful. Your energy is rare. And whether people say it or not, they notice.

You don’t need applause. You are the reminder that there’s still light in this messy world. And that’s enough.

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✨ Question for You:
Have you ever felt like your kindness was taken for granted? How do you keep showing up as your best self, even when it feels like no one else is?

Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.

#NoAgenda #GoodPeopleStillExist #BeTheProof #RealOnesOnly #SpiritualGangsta #ScorpioEnergy 🦂💯

🖊️I Quit Writing eBooks — Here's the Shady, Messy, Funny Truth (And Why Music Might Save Me)

🖊️I Quit Writing eBooks — Here's the Shady, Messy, Funny Truth (And Why Music Might Save Me)

Let’s not sugarcoat this—I'm done. Finished. Through. I’ve officially retired from writing eBooks. No retirement party, no champagne toast, just me dragging my tired fingers off the keyboard and whispering, “Never again.”

For the past couple of years, I’ve been trying to juggle two creative hustles—writing eBooks and making music. I thought I could be the literary Beyoncé meets SoundCloud Marvin Gaye. Turns out, I was more like the broke version of both.

Let’s talk about Amazon KDP, shall we? You upload your heart, soul, sweat, and Wi-Fi bill into these books, hit publish, and sit back hoping for a little coin. What do I get? $3.82. A month. And an email from Amazon that felt more insulting than encouraging:
“Your royalties have been deposited.”
Ma’am, royalties? You mean that bus fare you just sent me?

Now don’t get me wrong—I loved writing. I still love storytelling. But it’s hard to stay motivated when the audience is silent, the sales are flatlined, and you’ve refreshed your dashboard more than you’ve refreshed your edges.

Meanwhile, the music? I’ve made a little money. Not Beyoncé rich, more like “buy a gas station coffee” rich. But the vibe is different. People actually message me about the songs. Somebody said they cleaned their house listening to my track and felt “like they were on Soul Train.” That $5 I earned? Felt like $5,000. That’s impact.

So I had to choose. Either keep writing eBooks that nobody’s reading… or bet on the music and see where it goes. And I chose the beat over the book.

Let’s be real: the eBook game is saturated. Everybody and their auntie is an “author” now. Some of y’all publishing journals that say “Breathe” on the front and nothing inside but lined pages. And somehow you’re making bank! Meanwhile, I’m over here writing poetry, novels, and essays that would make Oprah cry… and nobody’s buying. Chile, the math is not mathing.

I’m not bitter. (Okay maybe 27% bitter.) But I’m also free. No more stressing over book blurbs, cover designs, or awkward promos. I’m stepping into my music era with no fear, just fire.

So to my fellow struggling authors: keep going if it’s in your heart. But if the pen is dry and the passion is gone—it’s okay to pivot. Your creativity deserves a paycheck and a little praise. Don’t let Amazon drain your joy for 92 cents a month.

As for me? I'm headed to the studio. With Auto-Tune, harmonies, and possibly a tambourine. I might not be on Billboard (yet), but I’m finally making noise—and I’m loving every messy, shady, dramatic moment of it.

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P.S. I still got 80 unsold eBooks collecting digital dust. Hit me up if you want one. I’ll throw in a free download link and a therapy session.

🎤💅🏾✍🏾

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