Beauty
What to Pack for Essence Fest
There is no place in the world that brings the party or the heat quite like New Orleans. Its vibrancy and color have earned the city the moniker of the northernmost point of the Caribbean. And with its rich mix of African, French, Spanish and Native American roots, it also quintessentially American. As the birthplace of jazz and gumbo, it is the ultimate place to fill out on good eats and get down to great tunes. And there is no better time for black folks to descend on the city than during the
The Beautifying Benefits of Green Tea
We all try our best to stay healthy—to varying degrees. Some of us do the bare minimum, drinking water and exercising (semi) regularly. Others of us go the Gwyneth Paltrow route and never miss an opportunity to toss “quinoa” and “antioxidants” into any conversation. But wherever you fall on the healthful spectrum, you have probably heard of the benefits of green tea. But chances are, you probably can’t remember them off-hand. No matter, you can use some ginkgo biloba for that.
Green tea is esse
Green tea is esse
10 Must Know Pregnancy Lifehacks
So, let’s play a game inspired a classic 60s car—the VW Bug. It inspired a generation of kids to create a game in which they would gently punch their fellow passenger in the upper arm and scream out “punch buggy!” It seems odd, but when you think about it, isn’t that similar to how people treat pregnant women? But instead of yelling punch buggy, they say, “So, when are you due?” It is time to take revenge with a game we like to call “touch belly.”
How do you play? Well, the next time someone co
How do you play? Well, the next time someone co
Hair and Makeup Lifehacks Every Girl Should Know
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Vocal is a platform that provides storytelling tools and engaged communities for writers, musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, and other creators to get discovered and fund their creativity.
How does Vocal work?
Creators share their stories on Vocal’s communities. In return, creators earn money when they are tipped and when their stories are read.
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Vocal welcomes creators of all shapes and sizes. Join for free and start creating.
To learn
Travel
Guide to Sault
Every year in mid-summer, when the fields of lavender are in full bloom, hordes of flower lovers descend upon Provençe to stand in their presence and inhale their fragrant perfume. More than any other flowers on earth, these rows of purple and blue have become insta-famous. And with them, the city of Valensole on the eponymously named Valensole Plateau. But locals know of another secret. A charming and character-filled city that holds all of the charms of Valensole—but without the crowds. The city of Sault.
A Beginner's Guide to Paris
For all of those who had the misfortune of being born outside of the City of Lights, we have probably dreamed of visiting one day. But with a city as big, storied and full of romanticism as Paris, it can be difficult to know where to start. Well, never fear, here are a few tips to help you navigate the city with ease.
4 Day Road Trip Through Quebec
La Palma Island
While this southern-most region of Spain has been a favorite holiday locale for Northern Europeans and fellow Spaniards alike, for North Americans, talk about the Canary Islands has largely amounted peopled saying “Where?”
Billionaires Row
Every major city in the world is home to an enclave that is populated solely by the super-wealthy. LA has Beverly Hills, which has been celebrated and satirized in both television and movies. Across the world in Seoul, Gangnam briefly became one of the most famous city districts in the world due to the inexplicable phenomenon that eponymous tune. And the United Arab Emirates have become virtual playgrounds for the super-rich and their tagalongs.
Black in Thailand
Formerly known to the world as Siam, Thailand bears the distinction of being the singular country in Southeast Asia not to be conquered by European colonial forces. As such, it is peopled by groups of fierce but friendly folk who would just as easily give you the clothes off their back as they will knocking you flat on it if you get out of line. So, in essence, Thailand is full of Black women. Which, in turn, makes it the perfect place for melanated female travelers to explore—with or without a crew.
Virginia Beach Advertorial
When one thinks inebriants in and the South, one may initially conjure up images of hoops skirts and mint juleps, brandies on the veranda, whiskeys on the back porch, or even moonshine in the bathtub. Suffice it to say, the relationship between liquor and the lands beneath the Mason-Dixon Line has always run deep. However, the land of Dixie isn’t just for spirits and cocktails. For those more into hops and barley, than fermented fruit juice, Virginia Beach may just be the place for you.
Traverse City Advertorial
Despite her rich sunset-hued beauty and the bountiful harvests that arrive under her watch annually, fall is an underrated season. Summer will always be favored among the young, who mirror her exuberance and fleeting spirit. Elders will always favor winter, and her ability to unite loved ones as they make well wishes for the new year. And spring’s lush power to bring the first blossoms of those hopes and promises makes its arrival one that everyone looks forward to.
Top 5 Hidden Gardens in Toulouse
***This post may have affiliate links which means I might possibly receive commissions if you choose to purchase any of my recommendations. This is at no extra cost to you and please know I only recommend the things I love. Thank you for supporting my work and this site!
When you’re exploring a beautiful city in France like Toulouse, it’s easy to get caught up in the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. But there’s another part of France’s history that is equally worth exploring.
When you’re exploring a beautiful city in France like Toulouse, it’s easy to get caught up in the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. But there’s another part of France’s history that is equally worth exploring.
The Benefits of Moving Abroad
The US does a lot of things well for their citizens, but it doesn’t do them cheaply. I recently ran into another group of travelers while I was in Granada. We got talking about my living situation. I told them that I was paying 250 euros for my room. “A week?” The husband asked me. “No,” I replied. “A month.”
What to Pack for Essence Fest
There is no place in the world that brings the party or the heat quite like New Orleans. Its vibrancy and color have earned the city the moniker of the northernmost point of the Caribbean. And with its rich mix of African, French, Spanish and Native American roots, it also quintessentially American. As the birthplace of jazz and gumbo, it is the ultimate place to fill out on good eats and get down to great tunes. And there is no better time for black folks to descend on the city than during the
5 Summer Festivals to Show Off Your Black Girl Magic
In less than a week, every neighborhood block will soon be blasting that classic anthem that announces to the world that a new season is upon us—Will Smith’s Summertime. And like any good gainfully employed millennial worth her Instagram followers, you have saved up all your vacation days and are looking for some events someplace to spend them on. While we know that you’ve had your trip to Bali planned for a while now, here are some festivals for you to kick back, socialize, and of course, get t
Awesome Travel Hashtags to Follow
We’re just going to say it--Black folks have been killing the travel game lately. From Cape Town to Cairo, Bali to Budapest, we’ve been there done that and taken the photos to prove it. And any avid traveler knows that the best time to plan a trip is right after you’ve gotten off the plane from another one. But there is another reason to scroll through the travel hashtags on Instagram—when you are feeling a bit blue. Or even a bit too Black.
Beyoncé approved Youtuber turned PBS host Evelyn Ngug
Beyoncé approved Youtuber turned PBS host Evelyn Ngug
Central Park Zoo
What Am I Getting Myself Into?
Made famous during the aughts due to a little indie film called Madagascar, the Central Park Zoo is a must visit for all those spending time in NYC. While you won’t find any of the animals featured in the film there, this is Manhattan after all, there is no space for a lion or a zebra. You’d have to visit the Bronx Zoo for that. Or possibly to that apartment in the East Village that always has the “free manure” sign outside the door.
Made famous during the aughts due to a little indie film called Madagascar, the Central Park Zoo is a must visit for all those spending time in NYC. While you won’t find any of the animals featured in the film there, this is Manhattan after all, there is no space for a lion or a zebra. You’d have to visit the Bronx Zoo for that. Or possibly to that apartment in the East Village that always has the “free manure” sign outside the door.
How To Become A Freelancer
Soho Travel Guide
What am I getting myself into?
Famed for its historical renaissance and renowned for unique architecture, Soho is the poster child for the new New York. Like a cat, Soho has had many lives, but now is witnessing its greatest iteration yet.
In what was once a haven for artists and a hellhole for garment workers, for whom the tern sweat shop was coined, Soho now boasts some of the trendiest and most exclusive clothing brands in the world. A welcome retreat for visitors who wish to be wowed by the oft ignored beauty of the city. But they will soon learn as they leap off of Broadway and unto a side street that this little 73-acre patch of land represents all that New York can be.
Famed for its historical renaissance and renowned for unique architecture, Soho is the poster child for the new New York. Like a cat, Soho has had many lives, but now is witnessing its greatest iteration yet.
In what was once a haven for artists and a hellhole for garment workers, for whom the tern sweat shop was coined, Soho now boasts some of the trendiest and most exclusive clothing brands in the world. A welcome retreat for visitors who wish to be wowed by the oft ignored beauty of the city. But they will soon learn as they leap off of Broadway and unto a side street that this little 73-acre patch of land represents all that New York can be.
Battery Park Travel Guide
Battery Park Travel Guide
What am I getting myself into?
In what was once was a landing spot for NYC's first immigrants, now sits a place where Wall Street wolves take model slash actresses on second dates to show off their sensitive sides. What is this place? Battery Park, the literal tip of the island where dreams of fruitful futures merge with dreams come to fruition—all with waterfront views of course. It is a place to relax and reflect on everything from your last trade deal to your next wedding. Where the past and the present intersect in what many true Manhanttanites consider to be the end of the world.
What am I getting myself into?
In what was once was a landing spot for NYC's first immigrants, now sits a place where Wall Street wolves take model slash actresses on second dates to show off their sensitive sides. What is this place? Battery Park, the literal tip of the island where dreams of fruitful futures merge with dreams come to fruition—all with waterfront views of course. It is a place to relax and reflect on everything from your last trade deal to your next wedding. Where the past and the present intersect in what many true Manhanttanites consider to be the end of the world.
The Apollo Travel Guide
The Apollo
What am I getting myself into?
It’s Showtime at the Apollo! And you should be there to experience all the majesty and history of this American landmark—all the while treating yourself to any myriad of fabulous performances. Be it a comedy show, a dance performance, or a rock-and-roll concert, the Apollo has seen it all. It has been there for the birth of ragtime, the rise and fall of swing, the launch of classic and blues and Jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King. So, let’s take the advice of the First Lady of Song and the Queen of Jazz herself and take the A train to Harlem. But instead of stopping off at Sugar Hill, let’s get off at 125 street in Harlem and walk a block into American Musical history.
What am I getting myself into?
It’s Showtime at the Apollo! And you should be there to experience all the majesty and history of this American landmark—all the while treating yourself to any myriad of fabulous performances. Be it a comedy show, a dance performance, or a rock-and-roll concert, the Apollo has seen it all. It has been there for the birth of ragtime, the rise and fall of swing, the launch of classic and blues and Jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King. So, let’s take the advice of the First Lady of Song and the Queen of Jazz herself and take the A train to Harlem. But instead of stopping off at Sugar Hill, let’s get off at 125 street in Harlem and walk a block into American Musical history.
Strawberry Fields Sightseeing
Strawberry Fields
What am I getting myself into?
One of the quietest and most reverent areas of New York, Strawberry Fields is a monument to the ideals of peace and love that were embraced and proselytized by singer/songwriter John Lennon. Located in Central Park West across the Dakota Building where Lennon both lived and died in the shadow of his dream.
What am I getting myself into?
One of the quietest and most reverent areas of New York, Strawberry Fields is a monument to the ideals of peace and love that were embraced and proselytized by singer/songwriter John Lennon. Located in Central Park West across the Dakota Building where Lennon both lived and died in the shadow of his dream.
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Complete
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Travel Guide
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Travel Guide
What am I getting myself into?
Are you ready for a break from the chaos of the city and immersive yourself into mother nature? Then take a subway to the outer boroughs and emerge into a hidden oasis—The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Located next to the Brooklyn Museum and stretching out over 52 acres, the garden is a horticulturalist’s dream--boasting a myriad of gardens from the Japanese-Hill-and-Pond, to an English Cottage style garden curated and inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, to an Herb Garden that boasts varieties as diverse as and reflect of the people of Brooklyn themselves.
What am I getting myself into?
Are you ready for a break from the chaos of the city and immersive yourself into mother nature? Then take a subway to the outer boroughs and emerge into a hidden oasis—The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Located next to the Brooklyn Museum and stretching out over 52 acres, the garden is a horticulturalist’s dream--boasting a myriad of gardens from the Japanese-Hill-and-Pond, to an English Cottage style garden curated and inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, to an Herb Garden that boasts varieties as diverse as and reflect of the people of Brooklyn themselves.
Biking Around Valencia
While its big sisters argue about identity and independence, Spain’s third largest city stands by quietly in all its splendor waiting to welcome visitors with open arms. Valencia, the birthplace of paella and home of Las Fallas one of Spain’s largest festivals, is in equal parts quintessentially Spanish and thoroughly modern. With amazing architectural edifices such as those in the City of Arts and Sciences, the city declares its intention to spring from tradition and into the 21st century. While historical sites such as La Lonja de la Seda and the Central Market remind us of Valencia’s glorious past.
Tenement Museum Travel Guide
Tenement Museum Travel Guide
What am I getting myself into?
Are you ready to literally take a step back into time? When I say literally, I mean it in the Kardashian sense of course. So literally meaning figuratively-- just so we are clear. But grammar and semantics aside, the Tenement Museum is a wonderfully preserved testament to life in early New York.
It beautifully and lovingly captures the tragic circumstances that new immigrants found themselves in once they disembarked in Ellis Island. However, through struggle and resistance, they survived and moved out. Many of them undoubtedly filling their own versions of the American dream. As they moved on other families took their places, restarting the cycle. And around them through regulation and changing times the walls themselves changed. Indoor plumbing was introduced, ventilation was installed, and electricity brightened up the night.
What am I getting myself into?
Are you ready to literally take a step back into time? When I say literally, I mean it in the Kardashian sense of course. So literally meaning figuratively-- just so we are clear. But grammar and semantics aside, the Tenement Museum is a wonderfully preserved testament to life in early New York.
It beautifully and lovingly captures the tragic circumstances that new immigrants found themselves in once they disembarked in Ellis Island. However, through struggle and resistance, they survived and moved out. Many of them undoubtedly filling their own versions of the American dream. As they moved on other families took their places, restarting the cycle. And around them through regulation and changing times the walls themselves changed. Indoor plumbing was introduced, ventilation was installed, and electricity brightened up the night.
Traveling Won’t Bring You Happiness: But it will Add Fulfilment to Your Life
There are many reasons to travel. For many of us, we use travel as a means to recuperate, see and explore the world or as a journey to repair the broken or under-utilised parts of ourselves. Other times, we find ourselves adrift like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Much like the heroine, we tried to run away from our problems. Yet, somehow, we just ended up in an unfamiliar place—unsure of exactly how we got there. But the one thing we are certain of is that we need to go back home.
And to this
And to this
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Fashion
Gift Ideas for the Highly Sensitive Person
As the saying goes, the best things in life are free. That means that sometimes the best thing that you can do for your introvert won't require money. Instead, you'll need to tap into your emotional intelligence and employ a bit of common sense.
And in this case, that means not asking questions that don't have an answer. Or least, not one that you would want to hear. What do I mean? Well, let's consider the circumstances.
And in this case, that means not asking questions that don't have an answer. Or least, not one that you would want to hear. What do I mean? Well, let's consider the circumstances.
Fashion Revolution
It is the tail end of Fashion Revolution week. Fashion Revolution is an UK based organization that was founded to bring awareness to the unethical and environmentally harmful practices of...
Yoga
Yin and Restorative Yoga
Yin yoga has a long history of practice in the Chinese Taoist yoga tradition. While the full name for the form is Yin Yang yoga, in most studios, the name in generally shorten to simply Yin. Yin in Chinese philosophy represents the feminine and passive energy.
How Ethical Are Your Yoga Pants?
Begin by placing yours knees and toes together with your hips above your ankles. Place your hands on your thighs, palms down. Now, close your eyes, and begin to inhale. As you take in your breath, begin to count down from 10.
Good.
At one begin to exhale, and you stretch your arms high overhead, reaching your fingers to the sky. Let your head lift up towards your hands and gaze upwards. On the exhale, float your arms down return your hands to your lap. Let your head gently return to center, then gently take a look at your hands. Inhale, exhale.
Good.
Good.
At one begin to exhale, and you stretch your arms high overhead, reaching your fingers to the sky. Let your head lift up towards your hands and gaze upwards. On the exhale, float your arms down return your hands to your lap. Let your head gently return to center, then gently take a look at your hands. Inhale, exhale.
Good.
Naked Yoga
Gymnosophist is a term the ancient Greeks used to describe the “naked wise men” or the “naked philosophers” of India. Suffice to say, spiritual nudity has had a long tradition in India, as well as in yogic practice. In Sanskrit, the practice of nude yoga is called Nagna Yoga or Vivastra Yoga.
As a matter of fact, the Bhagavata Purana, one of the sacred Hindu texts, encourages nudity. It says: "A person in the renounced order of life may try to avoid even a dress to cover himself. If he wears anything at all, it should be only a loincloth…”
As a matter of fact, the Bhagavata Purana, one of the sacred Hindu texts, encourages nudity. It says: "A person in the renounced order of life may try to avoid even a dress to cover himself. If he wears anything at all, it should be only a loincloth…”
Naked Yoga
Gymnosophist is a term the ancient Greeks used to describe the “naked wise men” or the “naked philosophers” of India. Suffice to say, spiritual nudity has had a long tradition in India, as well as in yogic practice. In Sanskrit, the practice of nude yoga is called Nagna Yoga or Vivastra Yoga.
As a matter of fact, the Bhagavata Purana, one of the sacred Hindu texts, encourages nudity. It says: "A person in the renounced order of life may try to avoid even a dress to cover himself. If he wears anything at all, it should be only a loincloth…”
As a matter of fact, the Bhagavata Purana, one of the sacred Hindu texts, encourages nudity. It says: "A person in the renounced order of life may try to avoid even a dress to cover himself. If he wears anything at all, it should be only a loincloth…”