tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91123042662870996612024-03-05T04:05:05.631-05:00AGrlCanMACMilanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.comBlogger973125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-60731367600819697662020-06-21T01:57:00.000-04:002020-06-21T01:57:16.160-04:00My June 2020 Favorites<font size="6">Hello, hello! Another month in the books. Summer is finally upon us! </font>This month was spent pouring copious amounts of energy and time into creating and launching my very first e-Course which will be available on Udemy on the 30th. It's been a true adventure but labor of exploration, lessons and love. Once it goes live, I will share it. <div><br /></div><div>In the midst of creating this course, I still had some favorites to share. I'm so excited for July, June was really good to me and I have a feeling that July is going to be even better.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>PS (I know the weather is getting nice in the north western hemisphere but please continue to stay mindful and smart. The pandemic has not been cancelled yet. Let's enjoy and stay healthy!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFikNWv02ZsxMtl8sbit8ANFPYPSOhiQ_jUooQRcsbeI3caBxQRTCmzik9ZPQAvAk0rn0TNpTci_lHPMcfLBGI-WeMQFQesn1D7vFREh690o8u7szbU_vZOaJmizYsO_KjddDJuUKXBrow/s3024/IMG_4848.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFikNWv02ZsxMtl8sbit8ANFPYPSOhiQ_jUooQRcsbeI3caBxQRTCmzik9ZPQAvAk0rn0TNpTci_lHPMcfLBGI-WeMQFQesn1D7vFREh690o8u7szbU_vZOaJmizYsO_KjddDJuUKXBrow/w640-h640/IMG_4848.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Mock Soda</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what it is about the summer, perhaps just the sheer heat, but it's the only time I sometimes crave a cold, fizzy soda. I love the fizz factor of it. My healthier alternative, without all the sugar and other crap in it, is a mock soda that's super simple to make. All you do is take some sparkling water or seltzer water and add fruits of your choice. My favorite fruits to use for this, in any combination or alone, are strawberries, pineapples, blueberries, kiwi, peaches/nectarines, mangoes, lemon/lime slices or any other kinds of berries. </div><div><br /></div><div>While this is a healthier option, it's not meant to be consumed regularly and it doesn't replace the need to drink plain water. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtQppr7_-thLDNtEwY6CcUhdGaFaT3PXQSvbDe-g2vib00s-TnKBoV7PP2Dx52lyE155tyeHvgqQ5wkSZ2sLEFEjR-j88zfVfNal5_pTBeSi0oStz_SS683Unf2pMFVcnhgNEXDzokCkj/s2844/RenderedImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="2844" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtQppr7_-thLDNtEwY6CcUhdGaFaT3PXQSvbDe-g2vib00s-TnKBoV7PP2Dx52lyE155tyeHvgqQ5wkSZ2sLEFEjR-j88zfVfNal5_pTBeSi0oStz_SS683Unf2pMFVcnhgNEXDzokCkj/w640-h512/RenderedImage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Fuzzy Slide Slippers</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I believe in feeling luxe whether I'm lounging at home quarantining or out and about. These slippers are my new love! I got them from <a href="https://amzn.to/310qU1N">HERE</a> (affiliate link) on Amazon. They shed some upon the first few times of wear (you've been warned) but they are so comfy, thanks to the memory foam in them, and look so luxe. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2gyAJzevd6O6zYdLn4_T_TxBtyi4smZWMGzt6BjcsgPFwlsD0bI0foArRBjkL4A9veZoKI9U-peiCMPWD85pKbJgOBlXBIDzH3dzh4kPgL9sbqJJ_DTu6RD50pLk3F-s2Uk37KDdl8Uv/s3024/3B4A3F67-16E7-45B3-BE77-C0B957C3499E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2gyAJzevd6O6zYdLn4_T_TxBtyi4smZWMGzt6BjcsgPFwlsD0bI0foArRBjkL4A9veZoKI9U-peiCMPWD85pKbJgOBlXBIDzH3dzh4kPgL9sbqJJ_DTu6RD50pLk3F-s2Uk37KDdl8Uv/w640-h640/3B4A3F67-16E7-45B3-BE77-C0B957C3499E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Shea Moisture Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo</font></b></div><div>I stumbled on this find and am happy I did! I was on the hunt for a new shampoo for my locs that was deep cleansing and clarifying but that didn't completely strip my scalp. This shampoo serves those desires. It's a creamy yet lighter consistency, lathers easily and left my locs and scalp feeling light and clean without being completely dried out. You can find this in Target if you live in the States or <a href="https://amzn.to/2V6ePVf">HERE on Amazon</a> to give a try.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What were some of your favorite things and experiences for this month?<br /><i><br /></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. When she is not writing, you can find her in a nook reading a good book, taking dance classes, globe trotting, cooking with J*Davey playing in the background, or Konmari'ing something.</i><br />
<br />Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a><br /></div></div>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-54367129224213780742020-06-12T08:03:00.003-04:002020-06-21T18:17:31.956-04:00What If You Turned Your Magic All the Way the F*ck On?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJWo_wGLZ4HQQX7Qj6gllNfBW0jwPdwbPkgP6t1jK_C1bKsqw2GLzrS-yzRCvcgYwJ7uG9_YuGzU15ukRx1wcsaG3ZI4VyiPiNmqxyXtUrlO7EMrz2rwaHTvBAiem71zyqRPuCfv40g83/s3573/63E27376-0F0B-4389-8374-740D00B4F72F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2681" data-original-width="3573" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJWo_wGLZ4HQQX7Qj6gllNfBW0jwPdwbPkgP6t1jK_C1bKsqw2GLzrS-yzRCvcgYwJ7uG9_YuGzU15ukRx1wcsaG3ZI4VyiPiNmqxyXtUrlO7EMrz2rwaHTvBAiem71zyqRPuCfv40g83/w640-h480/63E27376-0F0B-4389-8374-740D00B4F72F.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><font size="6"><i><b>The real glow up is when you stop wasting your precious time trying to become a perfect version of yourself rather than consciously enjoying who you are in this present moment.</b></i> - Hadiiya Barbel </font><div><br /></div><div>What If You Just Turned Your Magic All the Way the F*ck On, from the title alone, beckons you to reach for it. Inside, Hadiiya affirms the feminine and encourages us to turn up- not tone down, care about our individual selves, be our most authentic selves and shine. Hadiiya does a beautiful job of reminding women that we are whole, worthy and magical simply because we exist and we should marvel in that and create from that truth. She shares my belief that women are not reduced to their age, waist-hip-ass ratio, hair length or texture, career, etc. There is no "ideal" or standard woman, we are all fly in our unique ways. There is no standard. F*ck what the society or media says. Untie the laces of comparison and just be.</div><div><br /></div><div><font size="6"><i><b>You don't need more time in your day, you need to decide</b></i> -Hadiiya Barbel</font></div><div><br /></div><div>I especially found the read to be perfect reminders for this time in world history where we are all being forced to slow down, face our shadows, contrasts and inequalities and to reflect more on who we are and how we are being. Hadiiya goads you to shine bright AF, grow, understand that growth induced discomfort is only temporary and that the expansion is imminent. But you must do the internal work to believe in yourself- no one else can do that for you. Your magic comes from you, not anything outside of you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrKodBIm56Z1g5NxcOJjrHHGadSeFKcvj5ojTeB5oIit18MS0rWJyAD1hHk8ualqUaqs59_PiRFJRln4PjXr-oBRgSbofSDd9jg-endaABcIb9jK0CYpaHEX9lu9iREgnAjja5eF5ebDU/s3024/IMG_4831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrKodBIm56Z1g5NxcOJjrHHGadSeFKcvj5ojTeB5oIit18MS0rWJyAD1hHk8ualqUaqs59_PiRFJRln4PjXr-oBRgSbofSDd9jg-endaABcIb9jK0CYpaHEX9lu9iREgnAjja5eF5ebDU/w640-h640/IMG_4831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What If You Just Turned Your Magic All the Way the F*ck On is available for purchase at <a href="https://hadiiyabarbel.com/">https://hadiiyabarbel.com/</a> and you can follow Hadiiya on Instagram at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/hadiiyabarbel" target="_blank">@hadiiyabarbel</a>. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>Who would you be, how would you feel and what would you be doing if you just turned your magic all the way the f*ck on? Share in the comments below.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. When she is not writing, you can find her in a nook reading a good book, taking dance classes, globe trotting, cooking with J*Davey playing in the background, or Konmari'ing something.</i><br />
<br />Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a><br /></div></div></div>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-16350930060835623792020-06-04T00:46:00.000-04:002020-06-04T00:46:23.586-04:00Natural Yeast Infection Remedies For When Nothing Else is Working<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><font size="6">Yeast infections, the bane of many modern women, across the globe's, existence. The good news is that they are often nothing be alarmed about and easily treatable at home</font>, unless there are other internal health issues at play. This post won't get into that but these options may be what help end reoccurring discomfort if you've tried other over the counter remedies that didn't. This post is to provide awareness of additional options available to you that you can research. I am not a doctor and this post does not supersede gaining profession advice or treatment from a medical care professional. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's get into the list. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1Pb0ZSYo0ddh3lZYRmUxI4LO1U_I8PXheXz2JgFpGp6miqApeABKRjSkoLx4m_zEr4IOb6e6Jl7zTD3JjfShyphenhyphensEM3oOtFS98ey0PQ1Jfyr4MhzU2X8VswEDmGdbFqZ6WGpM9fF3272j0/s1218/Femmagic+Vagelixir.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1Pb0ZSYo0ddh3lZYRmUxI4LO1U_I8PXheXz2JgFpGp6miqApeABKRjSkoLx4m_zEr4IOb6e6Jl7zTD3JjfShyphenhyphensEM3oOtFS98ey0PQ1Jfyr4MhzU2X8VswEDmGdbFqZ6WGpM9fF3272j0/w329-h400/Femmagic+Vagelixir.png" width="329" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.femmagic.com/store/vagelixir-4oz-coohchewaa-8oz-bundle-3z2bl-tlr59" target="_blank"><b><font size="4">Femmagic Vagelixir</font></b></a></div><div>Pictured at the top. Femmagic is a black woman owned brand and the product is safe for pregnant women to use as well. It was actually created from the owner experiencing reoccurring YI's during her pregnancy with her youngest daughter. I have used this product and though the application could get messy because it's an oil, it was helpful in lessening a 3- month, reoccurring YI issue I experienced last summer. While it didn't get rid of the situation completely for me, that doesn't mean that it wouldn't for others and many women have showered the brand with letters of how the product has healed them. The smell reminds me of pine sol, lol, but the product is made of all natural oils, herbs and essential oils (no synthetic fillers or preservatives) and has a high success rate. It doesn't burn upon insertion and can also be used to treat BV (bacterial vaginosis). </div><div><br /></div><div>Review and purchase <a href="https://www.femmagic.com/store/vagelixir-4oz-coohchewaa-8oz-bundle-3z2bl-tlr59" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZEhwHZM4Z5NDvOEUuSDBOb-WBNySTrdGzqp9_yGTlWRCv6wXQxUwuIeiaqj-fW6dNZQN9r3l8nitZeIPdI_6VmWva18i9k2tX6nF8fHkvSyaflZxK0RjUpXcwrhrtt6RIskBkQXrxdAP/s1500/FemiClear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1500" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZEhwHZM4Z5NDvOEUuSDBOb-WBNySTrdGzqp9_yGTlWRCv6wXQxUwuIeiaqj-fW6dNZQN9r3l8nitZeIPdI_6VmWva18i9k2tX6nF8fHkvSyaflZxK0RjUpXcwrhrtt6RIskBkQXrxdAP/w400-h345/FemiClear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="4">Femiclear </font></b></div><div>The ingredients are super simple and not laden with synthetic ingredient combinations. I've used this product before and I'm not gonna lie, upon insertion, it burned like holy fire for the first 30-60 seconds and then dissipated into nothingness. Why may it, potentially, result in a burning sensation for some for the first 30-60 seconds? Because this product has tea tree oil in it. This essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and research has shown that it can be effective in treating yeast infections successfully. But honestly, the burn doesn't feel any worse than how uncomfortable you may already be feeling.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you live in the States, you can find this in many of your local CVS Pharmacies. You can also find and purchase <a href="https://amzn.to/36Zuyu3" target="_blank">from Amazon</a> (affiliate link).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/pH-D-Feminine-Health-Vaginal-Suppositories/dp/B01KGFXSLQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=wbvZDeuzTVYYWT.sDvJUjg&hsa_cr_id=5828398130701&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0&linkCode=li3&tag=agrlcanmac-20&linkId=bbd4cd7cdbaa769c0d012f1466d2da0b&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01KGFXSLQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=agrlcanmac-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><pre style="text-align: left;"><br /></pre><div><b><font size="4">Boric Acid Suppositories</font></b></div><div>You used to only be able to receive these with a doctor's prescription but they now can found over the counter at many pharmacies and online. This remedy has been around for decades but I just learned about it last summer. Many reviews of this treatment have stated that this worked when nothing else did and some women have tried everything Eastern and Western with no success. </div><div><br /></div><div>You have to exercise careful attention and mindfulness using these. They look like pills but they are NOT to be swallowed, you must insert them into your vagina. You also must make sure they don't come into contact with any broken skin down there; boric acid is amazing but you do not want it entering your bloodstream in that way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, if you are pregnant, this option is NOT available to you as it may jeopardize your pregnancy. When properly used, many women have received unmatched results and a full recovery with this remedy, myself included and no burning sensation upon insertion. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to support a sista, <a href="https://nenefemhealth.com/products/boric-fresh-suppositories" target="_blank">check out Nene Fem Health</a>; I've used and like this brand. I've also used the brand, PH-D Feminine Health, that can found<a href="https://amzn.to/2zXmoWI" target="_blank"> HERE </a>(affiliate link) on Amazon or Target stores or website. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2b0wSE23CumM4F52BlL_NzeG1dtce7l-s15xUoBniMD6WFCRS0qmmUIn1snmiljjk4fNFLN06b-B58u0RZKsbnGr8IJ8ipocwZ65UHaSaoi-tFt8R4rqK7ziLKN4Ggzuj9gC1o-wN1Ya/s600/Candida+Fighters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2b0wSE23CumM4F52BlL_NzeG1dtce7l-s15xUoBniMD6WFCRS0qmmUIn1snmiljjk4fNFLN06b-B58u0RZKsbnGr8IJ8ipocwZ65UHaSaoi-tFt8R4rqK7ziLKN4Ggzuj9gC1o-wN1Ya/w400-h400/Candida+Fighters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="4">Candida Cleanse</font></b></div><div>Now, this is one you will really want to do your own research on because some articles and medical professionals believe in this and have witnessed results and other research may say that it's a bunch of fluff. You'll want to read all the stances on it and decide what's best for yourself. I am sharing it because a combination of this and the boric acid suppositories ended a 3 month YI saga I endured last summer. Chile!</div><div><br /></div><div>Without getting too in depth, because you can research that on your own, a YI is an imbalance of the good and "bad" bacteria in the gut/colon. We need both kinds of bacteria in our body to be alive but they have to be in harmony. Most YI's are a result of more of the bad present than good. Often times, YI's are from external reasons including too moist of conditions down under like wearing panties with material that isn't breathable, not changing out of wet bathing suits or clothing right away, douching too much or using a soap or cleanser that throws off the pH, etc. Sometimes, though, if you have changed the external conditions and are utilizing treatments but finding that a YI won't go away or goes away for a couple days and comes right back, it may be an internal imbalance because of your diet or an underlying health condition you aren't aware of. I will be talking to the diet component. </div><div><br /></div><div>I never went to a doctor to confirm if I had candida issues. At the time of my saga, I had lifestyle and nutritional factors that didn't support the situation. I ate vegan takeout (which is not to be confused with healthy) about 90% of the time, exercised infrequently, I was under a lot of stress from my job and was in a functional state of depression. I did my own research and after assessing my situation, I decided that since I had tried everything else and they either didn't work or didn't fully get rid of them, I had nothing to lose and gave it a try. It, combined with the boric acid suppositories worked for me! </div><div><br /></div><div>To simplify it and inspire you to do your own research, I did a cleanse to, basically, starve off the over abundance of bad bacteria in my gut. I cut out foods that bacteria commonly like to feed on: sugar, gluten and yeast. That meant, for a time period, no foods or drinks with sugar, wheat or yeast in them. See you later beloved breads.... Fruit is okay as it isn't processed sugar and is metabolized in the body differently but I, personally, even limited that. I wanted to starve that overgrowth out. I basically ate strictly vegetables (lots of salads) and minimal grains (no beans, no rice, quinoa sometimes but not in access) and drank just water and tea unsweetened for 2 months. It was rough but my desire to heal from this was stronger than the discomfort of being limited in what I could eat temporarily. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alongside the cleanse, I took an herbal supplement created to kill candida and help restore the balance, and continued taking a probiotic (I've used and enjoy the brand Renew Life for years now. You can find it in most grocery stores now, health food stores and <a href="https://amzn.to/2zZ70cv" target="_blank">HERE on Amazon</a> (affiliate link)). I used the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Xu49kD" target="_blank">Candida Fighters supplement</a> (affiliate link) and it was a vital tool in my full recovery. There are other good brands on the market but I went with this one and it did right by me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not everyone will need to cleanse as long as I did. I made that determination because I really wanted this to end and felt 2 months would be long enough to help reset my gut health and harmony and help reset healthy habits back into my life. During this cleanse I dropped 1-2 dress sizes, starting exercising regularly again (nothing crazy, even) and replaced the 90% takeout intake with back to cooking 90% of the time (now I cook 98-99% of the time). I felt lighter. Most importantly, I felt FREE. And you can too. Take the time to get to know your body and if you get quiet enough, you will be able to hear it tell you what it needs. If you need help from a medical care professional that you trust, get it. Life can get painful an uncomfortable, in this case, literally, but we don't have to suffer and there is always a solution if we remain diligent. </div><div> </div><div>So there you have it, some additional remedies that you can try when nothing else has worked. Please research all of them first before trying them, I did. I will never discourage someone from seeing a medical care professional but for those who don't want to go to one just yet, know that you have options worth researching and determining if they are worth you giving a try. I stand in solidarity with all of you fly girls, we don't have to suffer. Lol. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><i><br /></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. When she is not writing, you can find her in a nook reading a good book, taking dance classes, globe trotting,</i><i> with J*Davey playing in the background, or Konmari'ing something.</i></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=agrlcanmac-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01KGFXSLQ" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<br />Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-23986542084578548352020-05-28T03:00:00.010-04:002020-05-28T03:00:02.429-04:00Music That Can MAC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLFKe8__V65xEhyphenhyphen1G5ag7He9usqHkprDCaQD6u-9-BkQnxhNxM6Kft3AkYBiOebl61EcJJ-RK31gkjQ71HqvMVYuJvzMRxdBha7M_iXUfY-KMJGOICOASeQkftE0tb979dV8YwiSfNhoV/s1600/Clipart-+Music+That+Can+MAC+2015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLFKe8__V65xEhyphenhyphen1G5ag7He9usqHkprDCaQD6u-9-BkQnxhNxM6Kft3AkYBiOebl61EcJJ-RK31gkjQ71HqvMVYuJvzMRxdBha7M_iXUfY-KMJGOICOASeQkftE0tb979dV8YwiSfNhoV/s1600/Clipart-+Music+That+Can+MAC+2015.png" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday! I feel like this month went by so fast. I'm excited that the weather in the northeastern hemisphere is starting to warm up. Below are my picks for some dope music to enjoy this weekend and beyond. It's all about the fellas (male singers) for this list.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cool-Aid EP by Omac</b></span><br />
Omac has sexy chill vocals paired with dope chillhop beats produced by one of my besties, <a href="http://eyelovebrandon.com" target="_blank">Brandon Crumbly</a>. This is great music to unwind to or play in the background for a chill gathering with friends over- when we're able to do that again. My favorite song is <i>Freckles (Interlude)</i>; the whole LP is a vibe though. Take a listen on all popular music streaming platforms.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Songs From Earth EP by Trumaine Lamar</span></b><br /><a href="https://soundcloud.com/trumaine-lamar" target="_blank">
Trumaine's</a> music has been featured on the blog before but he had been holding out on releasing new music to us for a while! Last week he dropped new EP, <i>Songs From Earth</i>, and it's the good R&B many of us are still craving. My favorite song is second on the list, <i>30 Days</i>, because it shares a lot of our experiences and sentiments felt during the mandated shelter-in-place here in the States. I mean, he starts the song with "I only got one more Netflix series in me." How true is that?! Take a listen on all the popular music streaming platforms.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Limboland LP by Dornik</span></b><br /><a href="https://soundcloud.com/dornik" target="_blank">Dornik</a> has also <a href="http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2016/01/music-that-can-mac-king-x-dornik-x.html" target="_blank">been featured on here before</a>. Like Trumaine, he hadn't released anything new in a while. For this project, I could tell that he was inspired by the 1980's uptown fun sound that came out of Minneapolis music circuit a la Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Morris Day and The Time. I love all those artists so I am here for this good work. Take a listen on all the popular music streaming platforms.<br />
<br />Who are some dope artists that you are enjoying right now?<br /><i><br /></i>
<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. When she is not writing, you can find her in a nook reading a good book, taking dance classes, globe trotting, cooking with J*Davey playing in the background, or Konmari'ing something.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// Youtube<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-85720073185153424052020-05-27T02:30:00.001-04:002020-05-27T10:33:40.363-04:00May 2020 Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2bwHMCt78L970BEmbU-DSRGJa9fGPnDDISt7fwObGUV-Peg5i02qCryP2kUKjg_dgC8z88SPm9uMrnMlaVsHqhExjQ8KL-vmVwIFyGXrM2V1W8FCoLTfvvpM67E00ZtbAtPsi-Sos5Rd/s1600/Milan%2527s+Favorites.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2bwHMCt78L970BEmbU-DSRGJa9fGPnDDISt7fwObGUV-Peg5i02qCryP2kUKjg_dgC8z88SPm9uMrnMlaVsHqhExjQ8KL-vmVwIFyGXrM2V1W8FCoLTfvvpM67E00ZtbAtPsi-Sos5Rd/s640/Milan%2527s+Favorites.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">May has been another month of <i>shelter-in-place</i> for many American states across the country. By this month, I surrendered to the mandate and decided to just be fully present for it all. </span>No more languishing from it, lamenting over it, fearing it or resisting it. I'm here for this time and what it's meant to teach me. When the outside opens up and my calendar fills again with all kinds of fun and lucrative endeavors and events, I will miss this stillness that I didn't have to "make time for" and be glad that I just simply allowed myself to relish in it.<br />
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Below is list of a few of my favorite things from this month. Check them out and feel free to share some of yours.<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://trackblasters.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Megan-Thee-Stallion-feat.-Beyonc%C3%A9-Savage-Remix-Audio_featured_image.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="799" height="356" src="https://trackblasters.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Megan-Thee-Stallion-feat.-Beyonc%C3%A9-Savage-Remix-Audio_featured_image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://trackblasters.com/2020/04/29/megan-thee-stallion-feat-beyonce-savage-remix-audio/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Savage Remix - Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyonce</b></span><br />
The new single dropped the last day of April and it has been on repeat all month. This song has cleaned the house with me, accompanied me around my neighborhood on my weekly runs and inspired dance breaks out of nowhere. I also enjoy the song because I love to hear sistas sound unabashedly, confident in themselves and their flyness. Just imagine what even greater impact the world would feel if all women talked more highly of themselves and their greatness.</div><div><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Morgan and Michael Lennington</span></b><br />
I was introduced to <a href="https://amzn.to/2TyySuL" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The 12 Week Year </a> (affiliate link)<i> </i>by a Youtuber I recently started following. Increasing productivity and working smarter has always been my motto, so I was curious to see how this one differed from other productivity books I've learned from. The book inspires readers to abandon the <i>annualization </i>of goals and adopt a greater sense of urgency so that you begin to make each day and week count and get more done in a 12 weeks than you would in 52. I'm ready to test drive this method for 1-2 things to start and make observations.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Running With a Weighted Backpack</b></span><br />
Before the pandemic slowed us all down, I was NOT a gym membership holder so home workouts were already a part of my lifestyle. However, late last month, I started to feel like my body/legs wanted more challenge. All month for my weekly runs, I took a backpack (nothing fancy) and put a 15 lb kettlebell and some cushion in it. It's a challenge for sure and I love it. I definitely feel my legs getting stronger and the muscles growing. Because it is more resistance, my typical running speed and distance covered has decreased some so my next challenge is to get back to my usual distance and timing with the weight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lahiphopevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5F544583-F21B-4D89-8963-8773150863E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://lahiphopevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5F544583-F21B-4D89-8963-8773150863E6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lahiphopevents.com/2020/05/verzuz-bounty-killer-vs-beenie-man-may-23-2020/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The Bounty Killer Verzuz Bee</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">nie Man "Battle" on IG Live</span></b><br />
I put the word battle in quotes because it really was a celebration of dancehall music. This IG Live, on May 23, 2020 at 8pm EST, made this "different" Memorial Day weekend so lit and we didn't even have to leave our homes to enjoy. We forgave the fact that they were definitely not social distancing (!) because they gave us a SHOW. All the songs took me back to where I was and what I was doing when they originally dropped. People all across the world tuned in and many, probably, woke up sore the next day from dancing like they were in a real bashment party, late 1990's, early 2000's style. The cops even showed up and everything! What a time to be alive, right? The world needed those good vibes and I appreciate that I got to be present in that feel good joy.<br />
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What are/were some of your favorites from this month?<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. When she is not writing, you can find her in a nook reading a good book, taking dance classes, globe trotting, cooking with J*Davey playing in the background, or Konmari'ing something.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube
</a></div>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-69364261977782241022020-05-19T17:00:00.003-04:002020-05-19T17:00:57.900-04:00Live More Messy<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY13fivXVP6url59XpigbHgLpJBylfMDmxzqPLUiHKZTz-VdNX1bTsOEcjzRxMyZ-xmuH5RUMlfdfWuKFf8qgZxj3ssc-bAvpBm7tzKw2J86sDS56DJj6pyIzgzHMyx6V7588lWJ6ZwATM/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY13fivXVP6url59XpigbHgLpJBylfMDmxzqPLUiHKZTz-VdNX1bTsOEcjzRxMyZ-xmuH5RUMlfdfWuKFf8qgZxj3ssc-bAvpBm7tzKw2J86sDS56DJj6pyIzgzHMyx6V7588lWJ6ZwATM/w480-h640/blogger-image-832646587.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the Color Run 5K Race in 2014 with friends<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Be messy? </span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep. </span><br />
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<font size="4"><span style="font-size: large;">However, I'm not talking about the kind of messy your cousin, Mary. Lol. I'm talking about a soul filling, laughing so hard a little pee comes out, smiling until your cheeks ache, crying tears of joy, 3 year old with a crayon to the white walls kind of messy living. </span></font></div><div><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font size="6">Life has many serious moments; it has to be counterbalanced with some messy fun every now and again or we start to drag, fall ill or take it out on other people.</font><font size="4"><br /></font><br />
By day, I work as a project manager and am constantly planning for things and analyzing and processing data, timelines and methods of efficiencies. When I'm not working, I'm daydreaming and organizing things in my life through my sorority involvement, bullet journaling, home decor and organization and cooking. With these things as a part of my lifestyle, I often become slightly obsessed with having a plan for everything and get in my head too much at times. It's a rabbit hole one can mess around and live in, totally oblivious to what's going on in life. To shake myself back to a more present state of being and out of that never ending rabbit hole, sometimes I need to do something messy like purposely eat an ice cream cone like a carefree 4 year old, color outside of the lines in the coloring book, dance about the crib in my underwear singing along to Prince songs, do a cartwheel and feel dizzy or laugh myself if I trip on the sidewalk instead of feeling self conscious. This is the kind of messy I'm talking about; the kind that brings you present to the moment and reminds you to smile and feel good right now. No waiting until work is done or when your school loan is zeroed, smile right now. FEEL good right now. Life has many serious moments; it has to be counterbalanced with some messy fun every now and again or we start to drag, fall ill or take it out on other people.<br />
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We can't take ourselves TOO seriously all of the time. We create our best lives and some of our greatest creations when we are in our joy.
In what ways do you inject a little mess into your life for a reset? <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <i><br /></i>
<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a></div></div>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-25812119780628954082020-05-15T00:10:00.001-04:002020-05-15T00:10:10.662-04:00I'm BACK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"It's been a long time. I shouldn't have left you without a dope beat to step to."</h2>
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What is going on?! We have much to catch up on but this first communication is to say hi and do a [mental health] check in. How are you doing? How are you being? It is OKAY if you are not okay right now, trust me, I have not always been okay in this current time in world history! Taking it one day at a time, literally, has been my outlook to keep anxiety from consuming me. It is also OKAY if you are doing just fine in all this too or are somewhere in the middle of the two.<br />
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It has been at least 3 years since I wrote anything on here. A lot of life (there will be a post sharing what some of that life entailed) happened and somewhere in the midst of life going on, my desire to write packed up its belongings and went on strike. It often felt alien; a lot of my identity at the time was tied up in being a writer. This non writing season included a divine lesson in me being defined simply by me not in anything I did. I've learned that writing is creative expression of me, not THE essence of who I am. So a stillness, in regards to writing, settled in for a bit and I grew in some other areas which I am excited to share many of the ways I've grown.<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer, author and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She is a master manifestor, Reiki Master practitioner, traveler, book lover and chef in her head</i><i>. AGrlC</i><i>anMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to thrive.</i><br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-61099577829593568232017-03-27T22:58:00.000-04:002017-03-27T23:08:47.731-04:00The Best Detangling Brush for Natural Hair: Detangler Brush by Felicia Leatherwood<div style="display: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DdwzsYYeUUS2KGz9juAAH-oEskVChT_C527U9bV6CDaxT2XGSHV2sQVsecdDsbYUEYpuIS4LYz51KZDa4LGLFvnKIrLj0GFfU6lltPCy8160pBPE1wrmwkAlhEGiH6MEe0-hJrhEsFH_/s1600/Felicia+Leatherwood+Detangler+Brush+-+Natural+Hair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DdwzsYYeUUS2KGz9juAAH-oEskVChT_C527U9bV6CDaxT2XGSHV2sQVsecdDsbYUEYpuIS4LYz51KZDa4LGLFvnKIrLj0GFfU6lltPCy8160pBPE1wrmwkAlhEGiH6MEe0-hJrhEsFH_/s640/Felicia+Leatherwood+Detangler+Brush+-+Natural+Hair.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DdwzsYYeUUS2KGz9juAAH-oEskVChT_C527U9bV6CDaxT2XGSHV2sQVsecdDsbYUEYpuIS4LYz51KZDa4LGLFvnKIrLj0GFfU6lltPCy8160pBPE1wrmwkAlhEGiH6MEe0-hJrhEsFH_/s1600/Felicia+Leatherwood+Detangler+Brush+-+Natural+Hair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DdwzsYYeUUS2KGz9juAAH-oEskVChT_C527U9bV6CDaxT2XGSHV2sQVsecdDsbYUEYpuIS4LYz51KZDa4LGLFvnKIrLj0GFfU6lltPCy8160pBPE1wrmwkAlhEGiH6MEe0-hJrhEsFH_/s640/Felicia+Leatherwood+Detangler+Brush+-+Natural+Hair.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Detangling, the bane of a kurly girl's existence, right?<br />
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As a kurly girl myself, I have tried a bunch of different brushes and combs from the rake comb, Magic Star comb, Tangle Teezer, Denman brush, shampoo comb, etc. Some did nothing to write home about and others snagged and tore my hair to pieces but I am happy to share a detangling brush that I love with you in hopes that it will help you and that you may love to.<br />
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I sometimes live under a rock so it was only recently that I learned one of the top natural hair stylists to the stars, Felicia Leatherwood, developed and sold a detangling brush. I absolutely adore Felicia; I have met her and attended a Loving Your Hair workshop before. She's warm, a professional and an excellent teacher of natural hair awesomeness so as a consumer, I feel that I can trust her and anything she puts her name on and I'm ecstatic that she ventured into creating this brush.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhsjClB0s6XKWx1_x4k8Df-SjF9Eq4B1m_3mvmOvGs38aCSEYlJW8dM-hhsAvFcO1TNYMLsb5jRROY_LdXPtxOkTH8hK0U-pWcDaDjh84Aczarhwrqxk-F7EGKYCei72NzBvmRuhJm00D/s1600/Felicia+Leatherwood+Detangler+Brush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhsjClB0s6XKWx1_x4k8Df-SjF9Eq4B1m_3mvmOvGs38aCSEYlJW8dM-hhsAvFcO1TNYMLsb5jRROY_LdXPtxOkTH8hK0U-pWcDaDjh84Aczarhwrqxk-F7EGKYCei72NzBvmRuhJm00D/s400/Felicia+Leatherwood+Detangler+Brush.JPG" width="400" /></a>I appreciate the wide handle for an easy and solid grip and I love that the bristles move with your hair. This means the bristles are not stationary and glide through your hair as opposed to raking through your hair. I have very coily hair and instead of snagging and ripping through my hair, it smoothes and detangles with great ease and little to no breakage. For us fine and lower density natural hair gals, this is a plus because it doesn't rip what hair we have on our head. Our hair is already most prone to breakage if we're not mindful and this brush helps with my fine, medium density hair to only detangle and easily catch and collect shed hair. Its great for those with thicker hair who may or may not be tenderheaded. Those transitioning to natural hair may take a liking to this brush as well as it will move with both textures of hair as it comes through and lastly, former or current finger detanglers may like this because it can smooth your hair with more ease and efficiency than you fingers can.<br />
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The brush also encourages smoothing and clumping of kinks, koils and kurls like a dream. I like this brush better than the, curly girl favorite, Denman brush. Lastly, I love that the brush was developed by a woman who's hair is like ours for hair like ours. Felicia currently rocks a fade but she has hair like us, when it's longer- lol, and does hair like ours for a living. So the intention and full understanding of what we need for this staple component of our hair care is real.<br />
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As with any other detangling comb or brush, I recommend dampening the hair with either a little water or applying an agent with slip like conditioner or a hair moisturizer first before using this brush. I haven't tried it on dry hair and don't intend to because for my natural hair, combing my hair dry no matter what kind of comb or brush it is, is never a good idea. Lol.<br />
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I think I know a good Christmas gift for some people already. Have you tried Felicia Leatherwood's new detangling brush? What do you think about it? And if you haven't, are you interested in trying it?<br />
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Felicia Leatherwood detangling brush<br />
<a href="http://www.felicialeatherwood.com/">www.FeliciaLeatherwood.com</a><br />
$14 (worth every penny and it ships fast!)<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-41564066129371385862017-02-04T17:41:00.002-05:002017-02-04T17:48:33.851-05:00Beaches Remake & Girl Friendships<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH906DfajVdPzvsfYrz0tSI2uxEZaR1BDqGhL7QeiR6u8UYA4XB7A_7Ze83GqD9zxldqteEXLw1SU60j7kz1xvs0K3dhFdRiL1PrX6x9FSN0Ut7XbDKB66a0FDoWWPL6Hde1DUw_elkufj/s1600/Creative+Soul+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH906DfajVdPzvsfYrz0tSI2uxEZaR1BDqGhL7QeiR6u8UYA4XB7A_7Ze83GqD9zxldqteEXLw1SU60j7kz1xvs0K3dhFdRiL1PrX6x9FSN0Ut7XbDKB66a0FDoWWPL6Hde1DUw_elkufj/s640/Creative+Soul+Photo.jpg" title="Photo by Creative Soul Photography" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Image Source: <a href="http://www.creativesoulphoto.com/kids/#portfolio" target="_blank">Creative Soul Photography</a>}</td></tr>
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Here at AGrlCanMAC, women are not viewed as competition; they are revered as allies. When I learned that <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/beaches" target="_blank">Lifetime was filming a remake of Beaches</a>, starring Nia Long as Hillary Whitney and Idina Menzel as CC Bloom, I knew that I wanted to tune in. I hadn't watched the original in years and I think Lifetime did a good job with this one. I swear I was fine until the last 10 or 15 minutes and then I busted out in tears out of nowhere! It such a beautiful story of two women navigating life spanning over a 30 year friendship.<br />
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Beaches conveys the blessing of friendships and sisterhood between women. I have some amazing close girlfriends and I am so thankful for them. We have taken turns picking each other up off of the floor. We've kept it real with each other, shared our fears and excitements with each other, we've gotten into mischief together, we've called each other crying or shown up at the front door crying, we've celebrated important milestones in life together and we've encouraged and invested in each other. Without the enriching energies from these friendships, I don't know what my life would be like.<br />
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I also have influential women that I have met and have become my friends, women that have mentored me along my path and dope soRHOrs that add to my life in ways I can't always quantify. Sisterhood is a vital part of personal development and growth for women and such a huge part of why helping young girls and other women is major for me. It's a huge factor in why I started this blog and why I can never really walk away from AGrlCanMAC either. The friendships I have amassed because of my involvement in the blogging and social media world may not have been possible without this platform.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EdE_Sp6HlALnCxSBfypbyiIdvwkkKLqhIvC_IG4x0yBnl2-zQvlwlvwCrn3zGqdLc-YeE9dfrSCODTOSAo-Q-3wVGrMXm3FQHNorwup7WJrnK7CXW25qgHe5oGNwtJ1E3NLdIQnQoCZp/s1600/Rwandan+Girlfriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EdE_Sp6HlALnCxSBfypbyiIdvwkkKLqhIvC_IG4x0yBnl2-zQvlwlvwCrn3zGqdLc-YeE9dfrSCODTOSAo-Q-3wVGrMXm3FQHNorwup7WJrnK7CXW25qgHe5oGNwtJ1E3NLdIQnQoCZp/s640/Rwandan+Girlfriends.jpg" title="Rwandese black girlfriends" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rwandan girlfriends posing in style. {<a href="http://www.reckontalk.com/top-10-africas-nation-with-most-beautiful-hot-women-african-goddess-2015/" target="_blank">Image Source</a>}</td></tr>
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I also love that the movie captured the beauty of two women from different walks of life and socio-economic statuses adding to each others' lives and forging a genuine and strong bond. CC was a singer and actress and Hillary was a lawyer/attorney legacy. We are often told that birds of a feather flock together but now always. My closest best friend has a different life than me. She enrolled into the Army right out of high school and completed her college degree last year, married young and has kids. She lives in a quiet suburban area in upstate New York, is a health care professional and has been a home owner for years. I went to one of the largest universities in country straight out of high school and then moved to New York City after graduating. I am not married yet and have no children yet, live in a small Brooklyn apartment and am a writer, visual artist and fashion/beauty professional. We have different lives and are as close as ever. We have poured into each others lives in significant ways just like in the movie. Friendships are so much about the connection and less about the perceived similarities or differences, they exceed lifestyles and appearances and simply are there for your growth, your support and your joy.<br />
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Did you watch the Beaches remake? If so, what did you think of it and take away from it? How have your friendships with women enhanced your life?<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-6807580907459838702017-01-06T13:01:00.002-05:002017-01-06T13:01:34.971-05:002017 New Year Note<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7_FAod1dCuEz2xKW_a4K-i50U6QYtqzzdICvSFtuHio2bu5DaOp0wCyO3Q0pllhz6po2xqx2l3vNUtsoOnpNwLM-67ttFKaah-AGjwoix_Uib9VtO_ZssCusz2zz7eEQmSTntZGB7xQu/s1600/Editor%2527s+Note.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7_FAod1dCuEz2xKW_a4K-i50U6QYtqzzdICvSFtuHio2bu5DaOp0wCyO3Q0pllhz6po2xqx2l3vNUtsoOnpNwLM-67ttFKaah-AGjwoix_Uib9VtO_ZssCusz2zz7eEQmSTntZGB7xQu/s1600/Editor%2527s+Note.png" /></a></div>
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Hello out there!<br />
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Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!<br />
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It's been a while, I know.<br />
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It's a wild ride being a writer/blogger. When I first started this blog back in the summer of 2008, I was a passionate 24 year old woman. I stand before you today, as a passionate 33 year old woman. It would be an understatement to say that since the age of 24, I and my interests and beliefs have evolved over time. Back in 2013, I stepped away from the blog with confusion, disinterest and sadness. In 2015, I missed it and felt like part of my purpose was to inspire through this platform, so I came back. Since my come back, I've been trying to figure out what I want AGCM to stand for now and what works for me at this time in my life. My schedule is different, what motivates me is different.... I toyed around with making this space a blog-zine (remember when I created covers and themes for each month for a little last year?) type of format, I took blogging e-Courses to get re-inspired and tried a bunch of other things.<br />
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After much experimentation and contemplation towards the end of this year, I came to see that what made blogging so fun for and effortless to me back in 2008, when I first created it, was the heavy focus on simply sharing. No strategy, no meditated structure and no plan to take over the blogging world or natural hair world. (For goodness sake, I used to film videos in my poorly lit studio apartment bathroom!) I wasn't trying to attract readers or convince anyone of anything. I was just sharing things I learned and liked that may help others and fellow shipping with readers who were into what I was into. It was exciting to be present, share what I was learning and even share parts of my journey into womanhood. I wasn't very organized or strategic with my posting back then; I was just consistent in posting what I felt was helpful content, guerrilla style. Lol.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Where does this leave me for 2017?</span></b><br />
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I'm releasing the desire for a blogzine model or modified model altogether and just want this to be a fun, fresh and inspiring space. The site will be gettin a makeover soon, the details are in the works and I am creating a realistic new content schedule for myself as opposed to what I think I need to follow or what other "successful" bloggers follow. So much of my writing journey has been about learning to allow myself to be myself and move how works best for me and not compare my work. I have my lane; my lane is a great lane and is there for me to help how only I, being Milan, can. That feels so good. We all have something to offer this world, don't cheapen it by thinking you have to be anything but yourself to offer it.<br />
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I thank you all for rocking with me all these years and your support. It is felt and appreciated and I will continue on this blogging journey. 2017 for AGrlCanMAC is about the return to being present, having fun, learning and sharing. I don't know what the schedule be just yet, still working that out but I'm so ready to be completely in love with this space again. So we're having fun in 2017, deal?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5S2oRQdoYDqlmFKcrjziMy5ImgWLJk6iT6g2E1LqKJm7_Z7PDhPw2Qzo7mt3R1FugwYvf0WhiPZtwYI9XXwafGDptDCJTi2sj3r9YEE8bD33c6HSipEZ6I5139sTKAeYvPPIsLgKfOTR/s1600/Milan+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5S2oRQdoYDqlmFKcrjziMy5ImgWLJk6iT6g2E1LqKJm7_Z7PDhPw2Qzo7mt3R1FugwYvf0WhiPZtwYI9XXwafGDptDCJTi2sj3r9YEE8bD33c6HSipEZ6I5139sTKAeYvPPIsLgKfOTR/s200/Milan+signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-41016088783981724872016-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-21T06:00:09.101-04:00There's a Song for That // 1980's Millenials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSBTVfvDx56P0ZrhcCy_hGyZUpiFgBXJaZWBOsccj2e4R0Ri_XYo2giY6kDFBvAtHh50Upc6dFBXm0LnhL_rOV1FxUQ_XvTrgzRLJSPFV0jBJ-Z8M7TUT0yvBpjjIP9BMU72FH0YomQFG/s1600/There%2527s+a+Songfor+That.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSBTVfvDx56P0ZrhcCy_hGyZUpiFgBXJaZWBOsccj2e4R0Ri_XYo2giY6kDFBvAtHh50Upc6dFBXm0LnhL_rOV1FxUQ_XvTrgzRLJSPFV0jBJ-Z8M7TUT0yvBpjjIP9BMU72FH0YomQFG/s640/There%2527s+a+Songfor+That.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's that time again, FRIDAY. TGIF! Lately there has been an obsession with bashing millenials but hey, the baby boomers raised us and spoiled us rotten so blame them! I'm an 80's baby so today's song, "80's Baby" by Trumaine Lamar will have you jamming and reminiscing too. If you aren't an 80's baby, it will make you wish that you were one! Check it out and I'm wishing you all a great weekend!<br />
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More quality and fun content is on the way. As always, thank you for rocking with me over all the 8 years that this blog has been around, grown and evolved. The best is still yet to come!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/94533549&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-2356106270309832382016-10-05T06:30:00.000-04:002016-10-05T06:30:07.326-04:00Words of Wisdom Wednesdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrZLquiCTI_mTtxIZX8zy3QxcpE4wWrtOzYugjHZDpne9su-wpbrJkdA2n3x58w2FnzgmLhgqXRdjtEf3MKpwdbcBTpa-ScsDjelckA0ljawf4rvMdeMwFoB4OMuGl-j4atdSPltgWVdr/s1600/Words+of+Wisdom+Wednesdays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrZLquiCTI_mTtxIZX8zy3QxcpE4wWrtOzYugjHZDpne9su-wpbrJkdA2n3x58w2FnzgmLhgqXRdjtEf3MKpwdbcBTpa-ScsDjelckA0ljawf4rvMdeMwFoB4OMuGl-j4atdSPltgWVdr/s1600/Words+of+Wisdom+Wednesdays.png" /></a></div>
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Another new feature!!! On Wednesdays (not every Wednesday necessarily), get a dose of curated wise words from various sources, which will always be listed if the source is known, and from yours truly sometimes. Let's get into today's wise words:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDPVPWRY4zAqe_TgxKslrX-YMhXDC8LgA5HzO8bCIf3j0qL9YCV-NGXimAkOOxB5TY5lruhxVJs7GyiU_PQb8S5hQHfeGAH2pEVe0heHkDAVC0Ty_KsNQIxFyl9BBedBHPSkzJVLOhv6u/s1600/WoWW-+Just+Start.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDPVPWRY4zAqe_TgxKslrX-YMhXDC8LgA5HzO8bCIf3j0qL9YCV-NGXimAkOOxB5TY5lruhxVJs7GyiU_PQb8S5hQHfeGAH2pEVe0heHkDAVC0Ty_KsNQIxFyl9BBedBHPSkzJVLOhv6u/s400/WoWW-+Just+Start.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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Where we start doesn't have to be where we finish but in order to finish, we have to start! The right time is always right now. Start now and the path will appear before you brick by brick. We are in the last 3 months of this year and like <a href="http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2016/09/native-spirit-oracle-card-reading-for.html" target="_blank">our oracle reading for this month</a> said, the time is now to start sowing our seeds of desires and intentions.<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-29869421539734293162016-09-30T13:44:00.000-04:002016-09-30T13:44:44.993-04:00There's a Song for That // Discouraged<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHU3VQPJwwde6Hkbcuh02ALo9QizebFg0xE_N_1a5wKTtEiFWpnCBdK4Y1MvZoM0L7Hx1oKSXrVPrXxkhTtBvYskBkqdoJqUaSoSxyDKNdIDld0y5YNKA0xICA4c3Dyurvkajk5dm1lVU/s1600/There%2527s+a+Songfor+That.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHU3VQPJwwde6Hkbcuh02ALo9QizebFg0xE_N_1a5wKTtEiFWpnCBdK4Y1MvZoM0L7Hx1oKSXrVPrXxkhTtBvYskBkqdoJqUaSoSxyDKNdIDld0y5YNKA0xICA4c3Dyurvkajk5dm1lVU/s640/There%2527s+a+Songfor+That.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We all know how healing and amazing that music is</b></span>. One of the many reasons why I love music is because there is a song that captures and/or explains every human emotion in life and I thought it would be fun to throw out moods and share songs that are about them or are an answer to them. <i>There's a Song for That</i> posts will be on Fridays (not every Friday necessarily). Now, onto the new feature....<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The mood</b>: Discouraged</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>There's a song for that</b>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B019ELUPAU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B019ELUPAU&linkCode=am2&tag=a07ed2616-20&linkId=fb28624f75d6027177ec3c6e54abb9e4">La Brea by Alex Isley</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=a07ed2616-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B019ELUPAU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On an adventurous day last month</b></span>, I poked around the radio portion of Spotify and saw that <a href="http://heyfranhey.com/" target="_blank">Hey Fran Hey</a> curated set of chill music. Included on that playlist was a beautiful song named <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B019ELUPAU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B019ELUPAU&linkCode=as2&tag=a07ed2616-20&linkId=117b3002bd4b2bb74c8e3ac1228b368f">La Brea</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=a07ed2616-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B019ELUPAU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The velvety bass intro drew me in first and then the message in the song took me over. Last month (August), I was on the verge of going into the rabbit hole of self doubt about some things in my personal and professional life. The message in this song touched me to my core and helped me shift my focus from where I wasn't yet and hadn't accomplished to one of recognition that I have come a long way and overcome some large feats. If I had made it this far, I hadn't done so in heavy state of doubt. I had the song on repeat non-stop for quite a few weeks until my energy and thoughts moved back into a dominant state of believing that what I want for myself will be mine and is on its way. The lyrics and the audio of the song are below.<br />
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Whenever you need a pick me up, this song is a perfect answer. Stay encouraged everyone, we've all come a long way from where we started. :-)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/183944547&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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<b><i>La Brea</i> Lyrics</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Intro:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Believe Believe Believe Believe Believe Believe*2</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Verse 1:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I see pretty lights in the distance</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I can be underneath them in an instance</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I know, The road is gonna take me</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">No i won’t fall but if i did nothing could break me</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Don’t let fear get in front of you</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Know just where you wanna go (know)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Know in your heart you’ll arrive</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Whatever is ahead of you there is something that you should know</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You’re in for such a beautiful ride</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And so i...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hook:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Believe Believe Believe Believe Believe Believe*2</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look how far you’ve come, From where you came from</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look at where you’re going (going)*2</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Verse 2:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gold skies of a hill and a highway, my time</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thinkin' about the future, going my way I’ve learned</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ain't no use in pretending</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So I’ll give my all</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">And I’ll always know the place of my beginning</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Don’t let doubt get in front of you</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Know just where you wanna be (wanna be)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Know in your heart you’ll arrive</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Just when you think you know enough</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">You’ve got so much to see</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">You’re in for such a beautiful ride</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">And so i</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hook:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Believe Believe Believe Believe Believe Believe*2</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look how far you’ve come, From where you came from</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look at where you’re going (going)*2</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bridge:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Possibilities of what you can be will never end</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So just begin (begin)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Possibilities of what you will be will never end</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So just begin (begin)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Outro:</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Won’t you Look how far you’ve come, From where you came from</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look at where you’re going (going)</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look how far you’ve come from where you started from</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Look at you where you’re going (going)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">{Affiliate links are in this post}</span></span><br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
<br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-51233919743775026622016-09-29T10:43:00.003-04:002016-09-29T10:43:54.666-04:00Tamanu Oil for First Aid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwARiDeWhkIKdV18sC_5yNoh3nkhJU8rkV_KyEiG6iLsI-wjhhbLpJh6vVhb7uFqkmuHdimrT4RCMcKK2r9AdCfMrlrs0Fo19ZOg_szHVQVaceAhOEdBpQwhYF5qGtRnjHzFonjZOi9NN2/s1600/tamanu-oil2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwARiDeWhkIKdV18sC_5yNoh3nkhJU8rkV_KyEiG6iLsI-wjhhbLpJh6vVhb7uFqkmuHdimrT4RCMcKK2r9AdCfMrlrs0Fo19ZOg_szHVQVaceAhOEdBpQwhYF5qGtRnjHzFonjZOi9NN2/s640/tamanu-oil2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday </span>while bringing groceries in the house, I discovered a cut on my finger. These incidences are often funny to me because I don't know how long ago I got the cut or how I got the cut, I never feel the cut or any pain until I finally notice it and then all the sudden; all the feelings and sensations of a cut appear out of nowhere. I know I can't be the only person that this happens to.<br />
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Upon discovering the cut, I immediately rinsed my finger with water and then applied hydrogen peroxide. Before putting on a band aid, I put a little tamanu oil on the cut because research has shown the oil to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and helpful in accelerating the healthy healing of minor cuts and wounds. It's great for helping creating an optimal environment for skin to regnerate well, so it also great for lightening (I didn't say vanishing them, although depending on the severity, it possible can lighten them significantly) scars and blemishes on the face and skin.<br />
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I have been using tamanu oil for my minor cuts and wounds for over a year now and, in my experiences, it works. If I cut my finger in the morning, after applying tamanu oil to the cleaned and sterilized wound (depends on how deep the cut), by the end of the day the wound has healed significantly. By the end of the following day, I am normally all good to go. <br />
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Tamanu (TAW-mah-noo) oil hails from the south east Asian regions of the world like Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, etc. It is a dark green color, so watch out- it can stain if not handled mindfully, and has a nutty-woodsy scent to it. It can be found at local health food stores or at Whole Foods, just make sure that the packaging says that it's cold pressed and that tamanu oil is the only ingredient listed. It's a more holistic alternative to a Neosporin without all of the extra stuff and preservatives. It is also said to be good at helping lessen or lighten scars. I like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00502NMU8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00502NMU8&linkCode=as2&tag=a07ed2616-20&linkId=8910171bdb0e2708325cf98802f137e5">Aura Cacia brand of tamanu oil</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=a07ed2616-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00502NMU8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and purchase it from Whole Foods.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Note</span></b> that I have only used this oil on minor cuts and wounds. I do not recommend or encourage using it on severe wounds that need professional medical attention but for a scrapped knee or small cut, I feel comfortable using and suggesting this. I also would exercise caution or advise to avoid applying the oil to any wounds in the eye area simply because if it gets in your eyes, it will burn. If you do apply, use as little as possible to avoid it traveling into your eyes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post includes affiliate links</span><br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-82077493884987688782016-09-07T13:53:00.001-04:002016-09-07T13:53:05.253-04:00Self Care Spa /// Relaxing Detox Foot Soak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0blSMsI6Napy_JCcFWdbRszJAft4rmmWBb7nTDubcDXDT3aw5pMHfpoAz9EcAWaIgWR-5KK5B0-CudR1GK3876P_8HvCejZYj1S0a9AXcPixw6Wgl4p3jQC2z-WhWhn23zFaaOqJFtbs/s1600/Detox+Foot+Soak.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0blSMsI6Napy_JCcFWdbRszJAft4rmmWBb7nTDubcDXDT3aw5pMHfpoAz9EcAWaIgWR-5KK5B0-CudR1GK3876P_8HvCejZYj1S0a9AXcPixw6Wgl4p3jQC2z-WhWhn23zFaaOqJFtbs/s1600/Detox+Foot+Soak.png" /></a></div>
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As busy and fast paced as our 21st century lives are, we often don't slow down until we catch a cold/flu or fall ill some other kind of way. </h2>
We have to be deliberate about making time for self care and rejuvenation. Self care often benefits our physical health but is also great for our internal and mental/spiritual health and livelihood. Last month I created an initiative for myself called "Self Care Sundays". On Sundays, when I can, I do something relaxing for myself.<br />
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I love spas and spa treatments so I recreate treatments of my own at home on Sunday evening wind downs. This is great way for me to relax and prep for the new work week. One of my favorite Self Care Sundays treatments is a detoxing foot soak. All you need is warm to hot water, Epsom salts, bentonite clay (optional) and a few drops of lavender essential oil. While my feet soak, I drink some water or tea and journal, watch a tv show or movie, read or listen to some music. A minimum of 15 minutes is all you need to relax and refresh.<br />
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<b><u>Detox Foot Soak</u></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1/2 cup of Epsom salts</li>
<li>1 Tbsp of Bentonite clay (optional)</li>
<li>4-5 drops of Lavender essential oil</li>
<li>Around 1 gallon of warm or hot water</li>
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<br />
In a medium size basin or container, place the Epsom salts and bentonite clay first. Then add the lavender essential oil and lastly, the warm to hot water. Let everything fully dissolve in water and let feet soak for at least 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
The mixture helps pull toxins from your body through your feet! It is recommended to drink water while soaking your feet to help your body expel more toxins and keep you hydrated. I like to drink alkaline water with lemon while soaking.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or licensed doctor or physician. Try at your own risk after doing your own research beforehand. If you ever have any questions about a treatment, diet or product; always consult with your doctor first.</span><br />
<br />
What does self care look like for you? Bike rides, crossword puzzles, coffee shops or kick boxing?<br />
<br />
<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
<br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-7661501521833362172016-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:002016-06-07T06:00:00.218-04:00Nose Piercing or Nah?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF0drpfn1xPIC4kOcSQbY6ghv-rULNSSYcMkrAJ6rZCNlaJYbm8r2DflNdDDdSIUqFsu_bY0y_T5rUgC_Zan3jFLcR9Exqda-T1XJbvPcp0DFbNLfVrDpLTPDUcP7lZ1tDMvpK3SkPfni/s1600/Black+woman+with+nose+pierced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF0drpfn1xPIC4kOcSQbY6ghv-rULNSSYcMkrAJ6rZCNlaJYbm8r2DflNdDDdSIUqFsu_bY0y_T5rUgC_Zan3jFLcR9Exqda-T1XJbvPcp0DFbNLfVrDpLTPDUcP7lZ1tDMvpK3SkPfni/s640/Black+woman+with+nose+pierced.jpg" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://theeoneandonlyknutt.tumblr.com/post/21320462613/afrodesiacworldwide-jerroncouture" target="_blank">Image Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
About two years ago, a small desire arose to get my nose pierced and then it dissipated until the desire evaporated. Or so I thought. </h2>
Fast forward to last week and the small desire has popped back up like a good friend you lost touch with. I think nose piercings are such a pretty way to adorn the face and look great on women. It's been a while since I pierced anything; the last piercing was my belly button over ten years ago and after all this time I've forgotten what even that felt like. I have a fairly high threshold for pain so it seems like this wouldn't be anymore painful than a belly button piercing or ear piercing, right? It might go down this summer. Summer '16, man- it's going to be a fun one!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48ImCH-eywnyGxWj-GnUEYkwRxjoaIc-dQFH3_UPocYkj0hLCtG4f7vFvrReRUu6cLfVVjA4RbWYc_MX6dnTZMrvdBNWpZ6e_xAttMQ4fqwFCr-WkTBNbfpV4bA5ehj_3KIdcbcGEVG3q/s1600/Natural+with+nose+piercing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48ImCH-eywnyGxWj-GnUEYkwRxjoaIc-dQFH3_UPocYkj0hLCtG4f7vFvrReRUu6cLfVVjA4RbWYc_MX6dnTZMrvdBNWpZ6e_xAttMQ4fqwFCr-WkTBNbfpV4bA5ehj_3KIdcbcGEVG3q/s640/Natural+with+nose+piercing.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Image Source unknown}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Any readers out there with their nose pierced? If so, how much did it hurt and what was after care and healing like? Anyone planning on getting something else pierced? If so, share!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
<br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-42283091587124771522016-02-01T17:38:00.004-05:002016-02-01T17:38:47.207-05:00AGrlCanMAC Tour de l'Afrique 2016: Angola<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span>n 2016, AGrlCanMAC is touring
every country in Africa and we are welcoming each of you to travel with us!
Currently, there are 54 countries in the African continent and each month of
this year we are virtually visiting 5 different countries in alphabetical
order.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgoT4J0oP_nr63QMpLpG2TRtqWU2n_ZkyVUxsCNbU6ZmPfcsjhEzywOA80KvMYVPx7YxA-0sQF5qZ5-jEHjk84Jg0HZXnsCgcgo1a4aYQY857ZHgPMx89jqRSEkk0jDz_GrP9vnq8wISe/s1600/Tour+de+l%2527Afrique-+AGrlCanMAC+2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgoT4J0oP_nr63QMpLpG2TRtqWU2n_ZkyVUxsCNbU6ZmPfcsjhEzywOA80KvMYVPx7YxA-0sQF5qZ5-jEHjk84Jg0HZXnsCgcgo1a4aYQY857ZHgPMx89jqRSEkk0jDz_GrP9vnq8wISe/s400/Tour+de+l%2527Afrique-+AGrlCanMAC+2016.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Our bags are packed and our next
stop is Angola! The itinerary is finalized and it is the perfect
balance of adventure and relaxation. Let's get into it!<br />
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<img alt="http://oje.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/angola-flag.jpg" src="http://oje.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/angola-flag.jpg" height="225" title="Angola flag" width="400" /> </div>
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We'll be hanging out in the country's capital, Luanda, which sits on the country's Atlantic Ocean coast and it's looking like it's all about beach life here! Since we don't speak Portuguese or any of the local tribal languages, we will be exploring with multi-lingual guides. We've heard that Angolans love music and a reason to party and we like the sound of that!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z93eFJhFUHedficUxB0SJG4U3IA-PWdY-QlH6ob99BQU1E24O3VxjwxUFAfgrX1h-qJZocVi75Wvf6jZHmqxgDIaO8gInLzfznRQAoym-xChReTxtrbqgeZpv7YfOy_Ohw4sYkaj7JvT/s1600/Ilha+do+Mussulo-+Luanda+Angola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z93eFJhFUHedficUxB0SJG4U3IA-PWdY-QlH6ob99BQU1E24O3VxjwxUFAfgrX1h-qJZocVi75Wvf6jZHmqxgDIaO8gInLzfznRQAoym-xChReTxtrbqgeZpv7YfOy_Ohw4sYkaj7JvT/s640/Ilha+do+Mussulo-+Luanda+Angola.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ilha do Mussulo (Mussulo Island) near Luanda, Angola {<a href="http://www.angolabelazebelo.com/2011/05/ilha-do-mussulo-luanda/" target="_blank">Image Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Since Luanda is right on the Atlantic Ocean coast, we looking forward to tasting all the various fish and lobster dishes, stews and lots of yummy fruits and we will be checking out what cultural and educational experiences this town and country have to offer. Like Algeria, we are advised not to drink the tap water there but mineral and/or bottled water is readily available.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AGrlCanMAC Tour de l’Afrique 2016: Angola Itinerary</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 1</b><br />
- Get settled and relax at hotel<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 2</b><br />
- Parque Nacional da Kissamma- to see antelope, giraffe, elephants, ostrich, zebras and more!<b> </b><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 3</b><br />
- Museum hopping<br />
National Anthropology Museum<br />
National Slavery Museum<br />
<br />
- Historical sites and landmark hopping<br />
Igrega do Como (17th century church)<br />
Igrega da Nazare (17th century church)<br />
Igrega Nossa Senhora do Populo (15th century church)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6uOdPtye-RnsTGnPlaRLzDNMhDe71hGqhL9kw-Q5zm2SeNwnH_o3JZsiZhuD0BHGmmliz2OUEO8fDqVmhEKUgsgtSeLDvMp3BpwaLdovoZ9_dXhej5xMiLFbn5txHjenqPzXROw-I6uw/s1600/mausoleum-of-agostinho+neto-+Luanda+Angola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6uOdPtye-RnsTGnPlaRLzDNMhDe71hGqhL9kw-Q5zm2SeNwnH_o3JZsiZhuD0BHGmmliz2OUEO8fDqVmhEKUgsgtSeLDvMp3BpwaLdovoZ9_dXhej5xMiLFbn5txHjenqPzXROw-I6uw/s640/mausoleum-of-agostinho+neto-+Luanda+Angola.jpg" title="Mausoleum de Agostinho Neto in Luanda, Angola" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mausoleum de Agostinho Neto in Luanda, Angola {Image Source: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293763-d4137846-Reviews-Mausoleum_of_Agostinho_Neto-Luanda_Luanda_Province.html" target="_blank">Trip Visor</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 4</b><br />
- Forteleza do Sao Miguel- a historical fort built by the Portuguese during colonial times<br />
- Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto- mausoleum dedicated to Angola's first president Agostinho Neto who led the country to attaining their independence.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 5</b><br />
- Beach day at Mussulo Island- Enjoy it's beauty and check out the great restaurants there.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 6</b><br />
- Go for a walk at Avenida 4 de Fevereiro and take in the scenery <b> </b><br />
- Benfica Handcrafts Market (just south of Luanda) for artisan crafts and souvenir shopping<br />
- Check out Twenty nightclub/bar for drinks and dancing<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO76N0oiMKmhihkuG7odf95ud_MqEugeRsBN_zvyhdFrAA77NXjPRzlndM5KPyEbay4E5r_Bqhvae3EjOZyTayAcZjPhUEssXqAMcVa1kQGsk49KLj4dFh-IHhL6KmJKEsP_W4Hnr86gCT/s1600/Calulu-+Angolan+fish+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO76N0oiMKmhihkuG7odf95ud_MqEugeRsBN_zvyhdFrAA77NXjPRzlndM5KPyEbay4E5r_Bqhvae3EjOZyTayAcZjPhUEssXqAMcVa1kQGsk49KLj4dFh-IHhL6KmJKEsP_W4Hnr86gCT/s640/Calulu-+Angolan+fish+dish.jpg" title="Calulu- Angolan fish dish" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calulu- Angolan fish dish {<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Calulu.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Day 7</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
- Rest at the hotel or chill at the local beach because Benin is up next!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Now obviously, there is way more to
see and do in Luanda and in other cities in Angola than was shared. This
is the perfect reason to visit again and see what we didn't get to see and
experience on this trip!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Have you been to Angola or the capital city, Luanda?
If so, where and what else would visitors enjoy there? Chime in below in the
comments section.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_Phr9UTITKJ1wawKoyISE9W8Sy5jt-zSAB8hobjTwnL81RtMbDeMoAJQsDrC6P0MusAG8OS-LzmdrSGfBUW1WesX_g6ZFpb51Obyl6YtD5_7qADVvvbrIcogpoHHZA_UqsXa53miIknV/s1600/benfica+crafts+market-+luanda+angola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_Phr9UTITKJ1wawKoyISE9W8Sy5jt-zSAB8hobjTwnL81RtMbDeMoAJQsDrC6P0MusAG8OS-LzmdrSGfBUW1WesX_g6ZFpb51Obyl6YtD5_7qADVvvbrIcogpoHHZA_UqsXa53miIknV/s1600/benfica+crafts+market-+luanda+angola.jpg" title="Benfica Handcrafts Market in Luanda, Angola" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benfica Handcrafts Market in Luanda, Angola {<a href="https://limenlemony.wordpress.com/tag/shopping-in-luanda/" target="_blank">Image Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<u>References</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Trip Advisor</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Wiki Travel<br />
www.luanda-nightlife.com (site is in Portuguese so just select to have your browser translate it to another language if you do not understand Portuguese) </div>
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Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
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<br />
<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
<br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-85896111590446045372016-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:002016-01-30T00:00:11.779-05:00An African City is Back for Season 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fl5JQxwFTp6nQ7YNgsl264_GCjcwddgBpA1ReYxHZze4PayZfcxWPbTPjHJA6qte3mO2LxPNTkHUfO8WQs-7k1GU8zYzN1QjEEcFfxLaO02-nE2T7EGUx-DotDIJXDzPdgg_xsu8YaRb/s1600/An+African+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fl5JQxwFTp6nQ7YNgsl264_GCjcwddgBpA1ReYxHZze4PayZfcxWPbTPjHJA6qte3mO2LxPNTkHUfO8WQs-7k1GU8zYzN1QjEEcFfxLaO02-nE2T7EGUx-DotDIJXDzPdgg_xsu8YaRb/s640/An+African+City.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
The 2nd season of An African City is out and I couldn't be more thrilled. The first season that was on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/anafricancity" target="_blank">Youtube</a> was a major source of hair and fashion inspiration for me. To those not privvy to the show, it's the West African answer to Sex and the City and set in Accra, Ghana instead of New York City. Each character lived either in USA or Europe and have returned home to live their lives there. The first season showed the culture adjustment of moving back home after being acclimated to Western culture and how the modern day woman experiences adventures finding balance in personal, professional and romantic life. Thank God for great girlfriends to get through it all! <br />
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The second season is available at VHX <a href="http://anafricancity.vhx.tv/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to enjoy. Some of my other favorite indie production companies like Black and Sexy TV have moved over to VHX with success and increased content, quality and production. I love what An African City is trying to do and encourage you to support the 2nd season at their new home at VHX if you enjoyed the first season. I love all this independent black content that is being created. It's about time our community stop waiting for large networks to give us representation and create and support it ourselves. I'll be purchasing the 2nd season, will you?<br />
<br />
<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
<br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-46273859035003820262016-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:002016-01-29T08:00:09.894-05:00AGrlCanMAC Tour de l'Afrique 2016: Algeria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgoT4J0oP_nr63QMpLpG2TRtqWU2n_ZkyVUxsCNbU6ZmPfcsjhEzywOA80KvMYVPx7YxA-0sQF5qZ5-jEHjk84Jg0HZXnsCgcgo1a4aYQY857ZHgPMx89jqRSEkk0jDz_GrP9vnq8wISe/s1600/Tour+de+l%2527Afrique-+AGrlCanMAC+2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgoT4J0oP_nr63QMpLpG2TRtqWU2n_ZkyVUxsCNbU6ZmPfcsjhEzywOA80KvMYVPx7YxA-0sQF5qZ5-jEHjk84Jg0HZXnsCgcgo1a4aYQY857ZHgPMx89jqRSEkk0jDz_GrP9vnq8wISe/s640/Tour+de+l%2527Afrique-+AGrlCanMAC+2016.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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In 2016, AGrlCanMAC is touring every country in Africa and we are welcoming each of you to travel with us! Currently, there are 54 countries in the African continent and each month of this year we are virtually visiting 5 different countries in alphabetical order.<br />
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Our bags are packed and our first stop is Algeria! The itinerary is finalized and it is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Let's get into it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/bTyXcx4HlZpRnqMmANg3uA--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9NzY4O3E9OTU7dz0xMzY2/http://wallpaperstock.net/algeria-flag_wallpapers_32969_1366x768.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" height="358" src="https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/bTyXcx4HlZpRnqMmANg3uA--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9NzY4O3E9OTU7dz0xMzY2/http://wallpaperstock.net/algeria-flag_wallpapers_32969_1366x768.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Algerian flag" width="640" /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/f/f4/Algiers_2015-08-19_16-02.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" src="http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/f/f4/Algiers_2015-08-19_16-02.jpg" height="480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Algiers, Algeria" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algiers, Algeria {Image Source:<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Algeria" target="_blank"> Wiki Travel</a>}</td></tr>
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Algeria is the largest country in Africa and on its coast faces the Mediterranean Sea. Algiers is the largest and most populous city of Algeria (it is also the capital) so we'll be staying there and exploring about.The most common languages spoken there are Algerian Arabic (which is different than Arabic spoken in Arab regions) and French. Standard Arabic is also understood and younger natives normally understand English as well so if you don't know Arabic or French, it will definitely be a good idea have a translator/tour guide. On resort grounds, the staff will know English.<br />
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The country is a fusion of Mediterranean, French (colonialism), Berber and Arab cultures and the food reflects this including yummy dishes like couscous, baklava, all kinds of breads and many different lamb dishes, yum! It is not advisable to drink water from tap but bottled mineral water is widely available so make sure that you always have a bottle of water with you while on excursions and adventures.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ab/6d/9e/ab6d9edc2b88dccd1e63ce79babcbe78.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ab/6d/9e/ab6d9edc2b88dccd1e63ce79babcbe78.jpg" height="385" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Algerian dish- El Bourak" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algerian dish: El Bourak is a yummy meat filled pastry</td></tr>
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Algeria is a (predominantly) Muslim country so you will want to be mindful of what you wear during your stay. Islam encourages modesty in dress for women so for our time in Algiers, we're rocking comfy chic palazzo pants and flowy long skirts with tanks or short sleeve tees. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AGrlCanMAC Tour de l'Afrique 2016: Algeria Itinerary</b></span><br />
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<b>Day 1</b><br />
- Travel to Algiers (capital of Algeria)<br />
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<b>Day 2</b><br />
- Settle into hotel<br />
- Rest because jet lag is a mutha and tomorrow the fun begins!<br />
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<b>Day 3</b><br />
- Bardo Museum of Prehistory & Ethnography- see fossils, pottery and Saharan paintings and creations.<br />
<a href="http://www.almarhoongallery.com/" target="_blank">- Al Marhoon Gallery</a>- see modern and contemporary Algerian art<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/z62SevVBkxGdUb.rpw1RTw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9Mzg1O3E9OTU7dz02MDA-/http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5e/54/c0/5e54c05ede626e6dbfb62eb29629b0f8.jpg" height="410" src="https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/z62SevVBkxGdUb.rpw1RTw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9Mzg1O3E9OTU7dz02MDA-/http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5e/54/c0/5e54c05ede626e6dbfb62eb29629b0f8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Le Jardin d'Essai du Hamm in Algiers, Algeria" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Jardin d'Essai du Hamm in Algiers, Algeria</td></tr>
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<b>Day 4</b><br />
- Notre Dame d'Afrique- a famous cathedral in Algeria where mass is still held<br />
- Le Jardin d'Essai du Hamm- beautiful garden grounds to marvel at and take fly selfies<br />
- Havana Club in the evening for drinks and dancing<br />
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<b>Day 5</b><br />
- Algerian Sahara desert day excursion and camel ride <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://cdn.roughguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/10191972-1680x1050.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" src="http://cdn.roughguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/10191972-1680x1050.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sahara desert tour by camel" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sahara desert tour by camel in Algeria {Image Source: RoughGuides.com}</td></tr>
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<b>Day 6</b><br />
- Beach or poolside at the resort <br />
- Shopping <br />
- 1001 Nuits nightclub for drinks and live music <br />
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<b>Day 7</b><br />
-Departing for Angola! <br />
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Now obviously, there is way more to see and do in Algiers and in other cities in the Algeria than was shared. This is the perfect reason to visit again and see what we didn't get to see and experience on this trip! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.mafrome.org/image6/ndafrique001.jpg" src="http://www.mafrome.org/image6/ndafrique001.jpg" height="458" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Notre Dame d'Afrique in Algiers, Algeria" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame d'Afrique in Algiers, Africa still holds mass. {Image Source: mafrome.org}</td></tr>
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Have you been to Algeria? If so, where and what else would visitors enjoy there? Chime in below in the comments section.<br />
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<u>References</u><br />
www.Algeria.com<br />
Trip Advisor<br />
Wiki Travel<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
<br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-36963995322932094112016-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:002016-01-29T00:00:15.408-05:00Music That Can Mac // KING x Dornik x The Internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaND47OGXiYInOAPsjRnGN5jWHGsFxZDzlc_kpDCz0K5SAnzanwHU6IlRxeUNjxx7J2VHcrSGfCl3Q4Ep6vtDRXQWfh2PBy5_TdN1CeqWA6ekuMJ4bKQSdTYyWLayswRhFz2liJWjR4jt/s1600/Clipart-+Music+That+Can+MAC+2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaND47OGXiYInOAPsjRnGN5jWHGsFxZDzlc_kpDCz0K5SAnzanwHU6IlRxeUNjxx7J2VHcrSGfCl3Q4Ep6vtDRXQWfh2PBy5_TdN1CeqWA6ekuMJ4bKQSdTYyWLayswRhFz2liJWjR4jt/s1600/Clipart-+Music+That+Can+MAC+2015.png" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday!<br />
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We made it to another weekend and I've got some good music to talk about to enjoy over your weekend and beyond. If you are already hip to these artists then keep rocking on, you already know what time it is. To those who aren't, you just might get your life listening to this music.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrZW3b473K7rYK7V1YamSkVwxZ14rguLoJl3k_KZKHrEOolk2tnqkw9a4tB7HlzldO54Ws3qIHlRiEJbiAlhi_AP7MU6mt2GEKSS34kl8-rdpxZsTuEUVNYt-VGkF0TyREAu2TasAzhpj/s1600/King-We-Are-King-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrZW3b473K7rYK7V1YamSkVwxZ14rguLoJl3k_KZKHrEOolk2tnqkw9a4tB7HlzldO54Ws3qIHlRiEJbiAlhi_AP7MU6mt2GEKSS34kl8-rdpxZsTuEUVNYt-VGkF0TyREAu2TasAzhpj/s640/King-We-Are-King-Cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First up is KING, a sister trio of wildly talented artist musicians. I became a fan of them a few years ago when I got their The Story EP. Their debut LP album titled <i>We Are King</i> drops next Tuesday but I got a first listen from NPR and I friggin love every single song! I've been replaying it all day. You can listen to it on NPR <a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/01/27/464592961/first-listen-king-we-are-king" target="_blank">HERE</a> and purchase it next Tuesday, February 2nd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAalXVI79_-YtENPSdm7YDDAZpviiCEUlfYLyB3y_cF7mnvwnTX5EYhWze92mnfBzjBrbcb8RWfXpgNDDATQUFMH5jSyhc5E7JHqupArUvJM9UBHMV_NAKibI4U1c63pGlcRuWpYNLmqVm/s1600/dornik-dornik+album+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAalXVI79_-YtENPSdm7YDDAZpviiCEUlfYLyB3y_cF7mnvwnTX5EYhWze92mnfBzjBrbcb8RWfXpgNDDATQUFMH5jSyhc5E7JHqupArUvJM9UBHMV_NAKibI4U1c63pGlcRuWpYNLmqVm/s640/dornik-dornik+album+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My next share is Dornik. This London bred artist gives me the chills because his voice and style of singing gives me Michael Jackson vibes. On many occasions listing to his album, <a href="http://amzn.to/1nrt3wi" target="_blank"><i>Dornik</i></a> (affiliate link), I have to tell myself that it is NOT Michael Jackson singing! My favorite songs on the album are Strong, Second Thoughts and Drive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDbVEG8GEKbfJIF7hofdg6SiprfDHbRLH8wAgBnccnf3d2nyFRINPO_G9gtlqsvAdx_L0a5dllHNEjN_ewHpf8j2yuERrC5CxbMHQyS1-dOOy7fjlBNXkVf1rUvPF8NJx7MS0qLwVfSIp/s1600/The+Internet-+Ego+Death+album+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDbVEG8GEKbfJIF7hofdg6SiprfDHbRLH8wAgBnccnf3d2nyFRINPO_G9gtlqsvAdx_L0a5dllHNEjN_ewHpf8j2yuERrC5CxbMHQyS1-dOOy7fjlBNXkVf1rUvPF8NJx7MS0qLwVfSIp/s640/The+Internet-+Ego+Death+album+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My last share to rock your weekend's world is The Internet's latest album, <a href="http://amzn.to/1nrtyGw" target="_blank"><i>Ego Death</i></a> (affiliate link). They build beautifully on their previous work and I swear, they seriously get better and better with each album. I haven't listened to a project of theirs that I didn't like yet and Ego Death is no different. Feel Good [album] was my ish and this one is too!!!!!<br />
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Wishing you all a great weekend that involves love, joy and laughter and this good music. <br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-77336179411155601252016-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:002016-01-22T11:56:31.749-05:00Another Way to KonMari Your Closet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWdVwcrZBoBreuht-nDyC5JqusZtKk09QlOBFomZpM26z2TUYz57Ihs2MzPUoWRBfqiWTz79xzLsriy7QP3XQV5dVIar0LH8sy69W0nqkR1aWFCaSYcGHz27ysbkNpz7US4wwg2Ka9Y_7/s1600/Another+Way+to+KonMari+Your+Closet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWdVwcrZBoBreuht-nDyC5JqusZtKk09QlOBFomZpM26z2TUYz57Ihs2MzPUoWRBfqiWTz79xzLsriy7QP3XQV5dVIar0LH8sy69W0nqkR1aWFCaSYcGHz27ysbkNpz7US4wwg2Ka9Y_7/s1600/Another+Way+to+KonMari+Your+Closet.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Early last year, my wardrobe "closet" and clothing drawers were an overcrowded, disorganized and uninspiring mess. </b></span>More than half of my wardrobe wasn't worn, no longer fit or just wasn't my style anymore. I found myself wearing the same 10 things all the time. I knew I needed to update my wardrobe and personal style but I needed to clear our and organize my existing wardrobe first. I stumbled on an article about the KonMari Method, created by Marie Kondo from the Japanese outlook on decluttering and organizing your home and/or spaces, and decided to apply it to my annual yet never accomplished resolution to clean out and organize my wardrobe "closet" and drawers in my bedroom. For a single gal of only 31 years, at the time, I had a lot of crap. Here in the States, we often have way more clothes than we even wear or bought things impulsively and have only worn once or that the tags are still on.<br />
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In a nut shell, the KonMari Method is a method for cleaning and organizing spaces and your home. It encourages us to be more mindful about what we have and to fill our space with items that are a necessity or that we love. Everything else needs to go in the trash or be donated to someone who can use them or will love them. You can learn more about the method <a href="http://konmari.com/en/work/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. KonMari instructs you to pull everything out of your closet at once and you sort through them by creating three piles: Love/Necessity, Donate and Trash. But what if you have so much stuff that this sounds so daunting and overwhelming that you don't even want to start? Or potentially worse, you started and stopped in the middle and of course, you "haven't had the time" to finish. Now you're greeted with a huge pile of everything looking at you everyday and now you really can't find anything to wear. I know myself and knew that the latter would be my story so I took a different approach to this effective closet cleaning method and tailored it to fit my lifestyle at the time.<br />
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I did it in stages. This took the self imposed pressure off of me and felt good. It even became a fun activity. </h2>
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Every Saturday, I created 2-3 hour sessions to Kon Mari my closet and my drawers. One Saturday, I dedicated 2 hours for shoes. For someone who isn't a "shoe person", I had more shoes than I thought! Now I can see every pair of shoes that I have and I love and wear them all on different occasions. Another Saturday, it was for tops. You get the idea. I broke it up into sessions and that worked great for me. It took me longer to finish but it felt good throughout the whole time. I would que up my ratchet playlist, pour a glass of wine and sort! Depending on how busy my weekend was, I only allocated one hour but it was better than nothing and felt like I was making progress. I'd say this project took me about 2 months to complete because some weekends I wasn't able to do any KonMari work. My room was never filled with unfinished mounds of clothing items because I broke it up like this. Now my wardrobe is only filled with necessities and items that I absolutely love and wear more than once and in different pairings. Getting dressed is filled with way more ease and fun now.<br />
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You can tailor this method to your lifestyle. Maybe you have 3-4 hours you can allocate every Saturday or each Saturday and Sunday to get it done faster. Find ways to make it fun. Invite your girlfriends over or enlist the help of your kids if they're old enough to help and understand the process and get a nice playlist poppin. Sometimes having people help you sort, helps you get rid of more stuff that you may be too emotionally attached to. I liked uptempo music for my sessions but maybe more chill music is inspiring for you to do this kind of project. Don't drink? Have hot cocoa and popcorn instead. Make it yours and most importantly, make it fun.<br />
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Check out Marie 's book about this method, <a href="http://amzn.to/1T5Uo3s" target="_blank"><i>The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up</i></a> and you can check it out <a href="http://amzn.to/1T5Uo3s" target="_blank">HERE</a> (affiliate link) or your local book store more than likely carries it as well. Have you tried the KonMari method for cleaning and organizing your wardrobe closet or another space in your home?<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-25399627031978477582016-01-20T10:25:00.001-05:002016-01-20T10:25:51.523-05:00Yoni Steaming for Optimal Feminine and Vaginal Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO-qlSX4XF77VIs8FqiIya7KojqyUAYv0aj2WUVHUJbJJFS6gR5Nq3MkTuMN3WSB-Mz7kZHtmpvkuWYYonJMYAq6LOODZFR2_WF8zpHxWucF5B7zRt9m32fqOjZV6j96Ner0cDbJjBvgN/s1600/Yoni+Steam+for+Optimal+Feminine+Health.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO-qlSX4XF77VIs8FqiIya7KojqyUAYv0aj2WUVHUJbJJFS6gR5Nq3MkTuMN3WSB-Mz7kZHtmpvkuWYYonJMYAq6LOODZFR2_WF8zpHxWucF5B7zRt9m32fqOjZV6j96Ner0cDbJjBvgN/s640/Yoni+Steam+for+Optimal+Feminine+Health.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm the yoni girl and I won't deny it.</span> Our yonis are so important for our our health and wellness and I love sharing facts and information that I learn about it and how to keep it healthy and in a balanced state. If you don't know what a yoni is, you can check out a post I did about it <a href="http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2015/08/y-is-for-yoni-layers-of-beauty-tour.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Today we will be talking about yoni steaming, also known as a vaginal steam bath in the western world, which is not to be confused with yoni smudging. You can learn about yoni smudging in a post I did <a href="http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2016/01/2-ways-to-spiritually-reset-your.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Smudging involves smoke from burning sage leaves where as yoni
steaming involves steam from blends of herbs steeping in very hot water. <br />
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Yoni steaming is a prominent practice in many Asian cultures. In Korea, the service is referred to as <i>chai-yok</i> and many spas there offer it. In South and Central America, this practice is called <i>bajos</i>. Yoni steams can be a great way to detox the yoni and can help improve conditions like stress, optimal fertility, vaginal odor and post partum healing- this is just naming a few of the benefits. Etsy shop Shakti Studios shares that <i>Yoni Steams are effective because the soft tissues of a woman's vagina
are extremely porous and quickly absorb the vapors of the steam. The
heat of the steam stimulates circulation and blood flow to the pelvic
area, and combined with the medicinal benefits of the herbs, will
nourish, tone, and cleanse the vaginal tissues and whole pelvic region</i>. Below is a video from vlogger MiaMor, an American expat in Korea who shares her experience on getting a yoni steam in one of the spas there.<br />
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I did a preliminary search for spas here in New York City that offer yoni steams and wasn't able to find anything but I'm sure in Korea Town there have to be some spas that offer it. You can also do them in the comfort of your own home. All you need are herbs you would like to use, boiling hot water for the herbs to steep in and a sitz bath for the steaming. You can normally find a sitz bath at any local drug store or you can find them <a href="http://amzn.to/1RO260Y" target="_blank">HERE </a>(affiliate link). You can purchase herbal blends to steam with or you can make your own blend. I found a few Etsy shops that offer yoni steaming herbs for at home use. You can check them out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=yoni%20steam&order=most_relevant&ref=auto2&explicit_scope=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I have never tried yoni steaming and am going to soon. I want to try <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/219793470/yoni-steam-herbal-blend-bajos-vaginal?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=yoni%20steam&ref=sr_gallery_1" target="_blank">this yoni steam herbal blend</a> by Shakti Studios on Etsy. When I do my steam, I will come back and share my experience and more details on how to do your own. <br />
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Have you gone yoni steaming before? Would you try yoni steaming?<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-77033065376872247892016-01-15T10:30:00.000-05:002016-01-15T10:30:17.082-05:00Why Setting Intentions Are Better Than Making New Year's Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: 200%;">M</span></b>ost of us are used to hearing about and/or creating "resolutions", goals for ourselves, for the new year. We have renounced this practice in our lives because most often, we forget them less than halfway into the year or do not achieve them. Today we are going to talk about why setting intentions for your year may benefit you more and be more rewarding.<br />
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In my experiences, resolutions were byproducts of things that I didn't feel good about and felt like I "should" change or fix about myself. In my adolescent years, I was more quiet than I am now and I remember feeling bad about it because I thought being quiet wasn't cool and that I should be more loud and outgoing. For many years one of my resolutions was to be more bold and outgoing and each year it never happened. Becoming loud and uber outgoing didn't authentic to me. That resolution felt like what I "should" be and not what I wanted to be. Looking back now, what I really wanted were environments and activities that were of interest to me and I would have naturally felt at ease and outgoing in. Two of my passions, that still are, were writing and stationary; I probably would have been outgoing in an environment surrounded by fellow writing and stationary geeks like me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Goals are very results driven; you're allowed to feel good once you've accomplished them.</i></span><br />
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Resolutions are often looked at as having or setting goals. Goals are things that we desire and we often give ourselves a plan of action and a set time to accomplish them by. Intentions are things that we desire without an attachment to how they will come about in our lives or when we want or need to have them by; they can also have deadlines but they are much more fluid. Intentions also focus more on how you want to feel as opposed to what you want to have. Our baseline state is to feel good so intentions usually involve a feeling that feels good to us. Goals are very results driven; you're allowed to feel good once you've accomplished them. "No pain, no gain". "You have to make sacrifices to get what you want." This is how most feel about goals, that it isn't fun getting there but you will have fun once you're there.<br />
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I'm more aware in my own life that goals often cause self induced more pressure to complete them or else I feel as if I'm bad at following through on things. My focus begins to be more on what happens if I DON'T achieve them in time. This then takes me down the rabbit hole of imagining what will happen AFTER I haven't achieved the goal and what will happen after that! Yes, I have a tendency to overthink things sometimes and goal setting just exacerbates it. I become more concerned with the end result and what if things go wrong preventing me from getting that end result. I become attached to the results and everything else be damned. If you are like this, it creates a self imposed state of anxiety; it's not fun. It's not about the journey to the goal, it's about how fast one can skip to the results. This is also why I was notorious for never finishing projects or even starting them because I was too focused on the end to even start! <br />
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I have come to see that setting intentions can be more effective for those that goal setting isn't helpful for because when I focus more on what I want to feel first, then the desired result or thing I wanted comes about faster and in a better way than I may have restricted myself to getting it with a goal. Intentions open you up to all the possibilities and possibly ways to get what you want. Goals often (but not always) place limitations by focusing on a limited amount of ways you can get what you want.<br />
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Let's provide some examples to get into this concept that may be new to you. Keza has a goal for being debt free by December of 2016. When most set goals, they create a hard deadline and a plan of action on how they will achieve that goal. These goals we're often told will be uncomfortable but that it's part of the process. In order for Keza to meet the goal of debt free by December of this year, she calculated that she needs to put $400 per month to the debt. Within this plan, most go on to devise how they will get this money to throw at the debt each month. Keza decides that she will employ a strict budget and cut out all extra expenses outside of her living expenses like brunch every Sunday, no fun cash and no Brazilian waxes once a month to free up this extra $400 up. Now if you're a very disciplined person, you put your blinders on and get to it. More often than not, some perceived set backs like an unplanned expense come into the picture and almost totally derail her confidence and her follow through. In this case, Keza may become very resentful and start to hate such a tight budget because she feels like all she is doing is paying bills and having no fun and no money. Keza may then say screw it and go off the budget because she wants to enjoy her life. November comes and the debt is nowhere near gone. She's upset now because her goal wasn't met and tells herself how hard and impossible it was to stick to that goal anyway. Now this may not affect some the same way that it affected Keza. It would just be another goal that didn't get completed but for some, it becomes a breeding ground for discouragement or giving up altogether.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> Intentions allow you to feel how you want to feel when you achieve what you want RIGHT NOW. </i></span><br />
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Let's transform Keza's goal into an intention. She takes her desire of being debt free and identifies what feeling she wants from being debt free. She wants out of debt because she wants to FEEL in control [of her finances] and [financial] freedom. Right now she feels like she's not in control of her finances, at the mercy of lenders and like she could be doing more fun and productive things with the money she gives each month to debt repayment. Keza chooses to set an intention of financial freedom. Keza still does a budget but in this instance, she just greatly reduces money in the fun pot and doesn't set a hard deadline. Sunday brunch with friends is reduced to once a month instead of every Sunday and she gets a latte once a week instead of everyday. This allows her throw $300 at her debt instead of the $400 in the other scenario. She feels good about the decisions she made to free up $300 per month and is empowered knowing she can make some temporary adjustments to her lifestyle for her financial freedom and still feel good and enjoy herself. Keza goes on to read books and articles and listen to podcasts on financial freedom and ways to generate passive income for herself. Soon, she finds a way to get extra money passively to throw even more at her debt each month and becomes financially free sooner than she thought she would be.<br />
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Even though Keza has an intention, there were still inspired steps she needed to take. The steps she took felt good to her and came from a place of abundance and not lack and resentment or loathing. Intentions allow you to feel how you want to feel when you achieve what you want RIGHT NOW. They allow you to feel good during the whole journey to what you want. With a goal, you most often delay feeling good until it's completed because you've told yourself or others have told you that "it will be hard" or not fun getting there. When you feel good and are having fun, the desired result has a way of coming faster sometimes and often times in more a amazing way than you could have ever imagined. <br />
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The Teachings of Joshua Round Table has a wonderful podcast they recorded recently on the difference between setting goals and setting intentions. You can check it out <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/laws-of-attraction/the-teachings-of-joshua-roundtable/e/the-big-difference-between-setting-goals-and-setting-intentions-41898829" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It really resonated with me and maybe it will with you too. It's an hour long and worth listening to. I love listening to podcasts while traveling, cleaning, cooking or, if you are a New Yorker, on my train commutes to and from work.<br />
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Are you more of a goal setter or intention setter?<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-69519345250007667062016-01-14T10:30:00.001-05:002016-01-14T10:30:08.417-05:002 Ways to Spiritually Reset Your Feminine Energies for the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>t's the start of the new year and you've got your intentions ready for your professional desires, personal and health desires and romantic desires but what about your spirit wellness? Today I am sharing two ways that you can reset your spirit and feminine energies so you can slay 2016 with a spirit that is more sound and light(er).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) Smudge Your Yoni</span></b><br />
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If you read my post last year when I was a part of All The Many Layers' blog tour, I talked about the yoni, the importance of keeping it light filled and one way was through smudging it. I never explained in detail how you do that so I am going to now. Please refer back to that post <a href="http://www.agrlcanmac.com/2015/08/y-is-for-yoni-layers-of-beauty-tour.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you don't know what a yoni is and it's significance in womanhood.<br />
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<b>What You Will Need:</b><br />
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<li>White sage bundle (They can be found at any health food or spiritual stores. You can also find them <a href="http://amzn.to/1Pbwn4N" target="_blank">HERE</a> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">affiliate link</span>) for as low as $3)</li>
<li>Fire proff bowl (metal pot/bowl or ceramic pot/bowl)</li>
<li>Lighter</li>
<li>(Optional) Loose, long skirt</li>
<li>Your intentions/what you want to get from smudging your yoni</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvZwlZpdr_a9QiZ1ITeuhX6kncNx-drMVLXBmYZVXZ8xRc0aDGTqRsCdGnIZReuXf5EhPnP6g71TjOBnrddQ14jLY3TOmn7jZt1wKppeZZb_5qHvaiKlUMbta8t4JDgBz_q5RdRu5zPWB/s1600/Smudge+and+Sweet+Grass+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvZwlZpdr_a9QiZ1ITeuhX6kncNx-drMVLXBmYZVXZ8xRc0aDGTqRsCdGnIZReuXf5EhPnP6g71TjOBnrddQ14jLY3TOmn7jZt1wKppeZZb_5qHvaiKlUMbta8t4JDgBz_q5RdRu5zPWB/s400/Smudge+and+Sweet+Grass+Picture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Source: consciouslivingtv.com}</td></tr>
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Like I have shared before, our yonis are very sacred spaces that can hold energy. To make sure that yours isn't full of stagnant or negative energy, you can smudge it to clear those energies out to allow more positive energy to be housed in there. Smudging is an ancient ritual used in many cultures all around the world including American Indians, South America, Africa and Asia. Dried sage leaf bundles are burned and the smoke it creates is used to exorcise negative energy. You can smudge anything: yonis, people, cats, dogs, objects and spaces. A yoni filled with more positive energy aids in a clearer mind, a more creative and free mind and a healthier sense of self worth.<br />
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Before you start anything, get clear about your intentions. What do you want from the smudging? Get clear about what you want cleared from your yoni and what you want added to your sacred space. Don't over think it. If you can't figure out what you want, think first about what you don't want and inverse it so that it depicts what you do want. Let's say you don't want phony people in your intimate circle so the inverse of that is wanting to attract and cultivate meaningful relationships with great people and the discernment to know who are good people to have in that circle.<br />
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Next you will pick a place in your home that is or can be well ventilated like a bathroom with a ceiling fan or window or a room with a window. This way, if it gets too smokey for you, you can open a window or turn on a fan. Make sure whichever space you select is well lit, quiet and peaceful and where you will not be interrupted. You will light the white sage bundle and it will start to burn and create a smoke. Put the smoking bundle in your fire proof bowl (I use a deep metal pot). Whether you wear a long skirt or not, make sure that you aren't wearing underwear. You want the smoke to hit the yoni area directly.<br />
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I wear a long skirt to keep the sage smoke concentrated in the yoni area and stand over the bowl. If you do this, just make sure that the long skirt is loose and that your bowl is deep enough that the burning sage doesn't touch the skirt at all. We don't want you catching fire! Please also be mindful of the fabric of the skirt. I stay away from skirts made of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, for example, which melt under high temperatures. I recommend a cotton skirt that's long and loose.<br />
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With your long skirt on, carefully stand over the deep, fire proof bowl and make sure that none of the skirt is inside the bowl. Some people will advise to only wear a white skirt but I am of the belief that whatever color skirt you are drawn to to wear signifies what type of chakra energies may be asking for a reset. The last time I smudged my yoni, I wore a primarily green skirt so I took that as my heart chakra needed some extra cleansing and resetting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn7Gaz6nZbuY4xQmOSJu_FNlDuZbzSTM1ggWzI8WcL-TGtz-1xaogzxE5wnn3r5oz67dyuDHeXqGqcOFC_UhlwsjtNBV4AJ2sNcEF7qV7_3hRzU5QobPLpBSKwnzJVwfacLf-Wd91wK1O/s1600/Yoni+Artwork+picture-+cowrieshell+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn7Gaz6nZbuY4xQmOSJu_FNlDuZbzSTM1ggWzI8WcL-TGtz-1xaogzxE5wnn3r5oz67dyuDHeXqGqcOFC_UhlwsjtNBV4AJ2sNcEF7qV7_3hRzU5QobPLpBSKwnzJVwfacLf-Wd91wK1O/s400/Yoni+Artwork+picture-+cowrieshell+com.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Image Source: <a href="http://www.cowrieshell.com/het-heru-yoni-steam-bath-therapies.html" target="_blank">cowrieshell.com</a>}</td></tr>
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If you don't want to wear a skirt, I suggest you do the smudging in your empty bath tub. You can squat or position yourself over the bowl so that the smoke will be concentrated in that area. I prefer the long skirt method because I can just stand over the bowl as opposed to squatting or kneeling in a way that positions me right for smudging. <b>If you choose this option, clean your tub beforehand even if you cleaned it recently.</b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><u>Word of awareness:</u></b> </span><b><span style="color: red;">If the smoke feels like it is burning you, you are too close to the burning sage bundle.</span></b> Move or re-position yourself so that the smoke doesn't burn you. This ritual is not supposed to burn!<br />
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This type of cleansing has been very powerful for me. The first time I ever smudged my yoni, I had entered a new relationship after a four year hiatus from dating so I smudged it with the intentions to remove any fearful energy, stagnant energy or remnants of negative energy from past lovers and experiences so that my yoni was only a home for positivity, security, love and pleasure. I ended up crying for about 10 or15 minutes straight. Everyone's experience will be different. Not everyone will cry.<br />
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There is no time limit; you will know when it is time for the smudging to end. Once you intuitively feel that you are done, put out the smoking sage by snuffing it out or with a little water. I always prefer water than snuffing it out because sometimes when snuffing it out, some parts can still be burning in the middle of the bundle. Water puts it out faster and more effectively in my experiences. I give the burning bundle a QUICK run though some running water to put it out and then I let it cool down and air dry before storing away.<br />
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Smudge your yoni whenever you feel led to. I do them about once a year or sometimes longer stretches than that, and that is enough for me. Just remember, too much of anything eventually does more harm than help. Smoke in your yoni area is not something I recommend doing frequently. Our external yonis are made up of very sensitive skin and over exposing them to smoke is not a good idea. (Yoni steams are a little different, if you want to partake in those more frequently, and I will talk about those in another post.) If you feel you need frequent spiritual cleanses, I recommend aura cleansing baths which I share next.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2) Aura cleansing bath</span></b></div>
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So if smoke up your yoni isn't your thing or you're shy about trying that just yet, try an aura cleansing bath instead. Baths are very soothing, relaxing and this one will relax you and give you a nice energy reset.<br />
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<b>What You Will Need:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1/3 Cup of epsom salt</li>
<li>1/3 Cup of baking soda</li>
<li>1/4 Cup of a natural, liquid soap- I like Dr Bronner's liquid castile soap</li>
<li>(Optional) A few drops of lavendar essential oil</li>
<li>(Optional) Candles and/or tea lights</li>
<li>(Optional) Soothing music</li>
<li>Your intentions for what you want from your aura cleansing</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdsho-mi-GSGq2IBuEjSJ_kUWI068xc5dnWzOukMChBnEUrMuvuulTL0lMJNRipaDlD46E0pWfUSa13qRHgT6ZtoLdKUlXl1UdDSB1DUmH1GZ0a03m2YcSog-iIcR1PTUeuHhS0eJoeKv/s1600/Candle+Lit+Bath+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdsho-mi-GSGq2IBuEjSJ_kUWI068xc5dnWzOukMChBnEUrMuvuulTL0lMJNRipaDlD46E0pWfUSa13qRHgT6ZtoLdKUlXl1UdDSB1DUmH1GZ0a03m2YcSog-iIcR1PTUeuHhS0eJoeKv/s1600/Candle+Lit+Bath+picture.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Image Source: civilfloor.com}</td></tr>
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Clean your bath tub before doing this ritual. Even if my tub was recently cleaned, I still clean it beforehand. In addition to cleaning your tub, you can also smudge it with white sage if you like. It isn't necessary but it's an option. Draw your bath water and add the epsom salt, baking soda, soap and essential oil. I like to turn any bathroom lights off, close the door and have candles lit. An alternative to candles are those little LED lights that look like candles/tea lights. I play music that represents my intentions for the bath. Like if I want to reset my aura and have it attract more love energy in my life, I'd play Kem albums because his music is always about love (motherly love, romantic love, etc.). If I wanted more peace in my life and aura, I'd play peaceful music like smooth jazz or classical music.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mgbZNWPMDZLUVP17SKzbfJ0cWfn3YM1KdOMseguzIQ6d4IiF-rqia-UV5RS7MwGzPA3aL237oUKefSA_z_UbdvSYIa8TcTQY4GwC0veC-rJ9GNQQl2pm_-W2lE2PmTuL6KFONfjtuMVa/s1600/LED+Tea+Light+Candles+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mgbZNWPMDZLUVP17SKzbfJ0cWfn3YM1KdOMseguzIQ6d4IiF-rqia-UV5RS7MwGzPA3aL237oUKefSA_z_UbdvSYIa8TcTQY4GwC0veC-rJ9GNQQl2pm_-W2lE2PmTuL6KFONfjtuMVa/s320/LED+Tea+Light+Candles+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candle alternative: <a href="http://amzn.to/1UPKaTa" target="_blank">LED tea light candles</a> (affiliate link)</td></tr>
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Luxuriate in the tub and either say your intentions for your aura cleansing bath out loud or you can just think about them the whole time that you are in the bath. I do a little of both. I like to take a little extra baking soda and scrub my body and limbs with it; it's a nice exfoliant. Epsom salts are also very cleansing and give us a nice magnesium fix. Most Americans are deficient in magnesium so epsom salt in a bath is a way to get some.<br />
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Don't think too hard about this. You will know if you are to say your intentions out loud or in your head. Like the yoni smudging, there is no time limit for this bath. You will intuitively know when you are ready to end the bath. There is no "usual" time, it's how ever long you need it to be. Once finished, you can put on a nice body lotion, oil or butter, slip into something soft or silky and comfortable. I like to do aura cleansing baths at night before bed; I sleep so peacefully after them.<br />
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Do either of these sound like something you would try? How do you spiritually reset yourself?<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9112304266287099661.post-83989841393249173442016-01-12T10:30:00.000-05:002016-01-12T10:30:04.891-05:00Tour Every Country in Africa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZu0EP9ewu1LPS8CuOlFNeG7Y0PeSsK_HipU-DqQRxGXm3hBZI6Ivs-Yyz0zy2k0wYBEq7n_sortxo9HtqKN_NmeODLJmZyeWPGAtsvU1X82BaWBkoNVPbnFDIKmIvAZ1N7NUBqCPm6Ye/s1600/Tour+de+l%2527Afrique-+AGrlCanMAC+2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZu0EP9ewu1LPS8CuOlFNeG7Y0PeSsK_HipU-DqQRxGXm3hBZI6Ivs-Yyz0zy2k0wYBEq7n_sortxo9HtqKN_NmeODLJmZyeWPGAtsvU1X82BaWBkoNVPbnFDIKmIvAZ1N7NUBqCPm6Ye/s640/Tour+de+l%2527Afrique-+AGrlCanMAC+2016.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As a black American that is a product of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, I am of African descent. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to learn more about the continent </span>that my ancestors came from and that their slave masters brain washed and beat out of them feeling connected to. Traveling to South Africa in the summer of 2014 also totally blew my mind more than I had anticipated. It's a feeling that I still can't fully form into words that encapsulates everything I felt and still feel. Even though my ancestors weren't from that region of the continent, I couldn't help but feel like I was "home". Yes, I am American but being in the continent of Africa felt like home, it just did. I want to travel to every country there (Ghana is likely next and then Rwanda!). With the money not in my bank account just yet to embark on all of that, lol, the idea to virtually visit and tour every country in Africa came to me. How fun! I love using my imagination and this was the perfect project to exercise it even more.<br />
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Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent in the world and is comprised of over 50 countries! I'm excited to roll out this feature that takes us on a virtual visit to every country in Africa all throughout this year. Each month, we are hanging out in 5 countries. We will learn cool facts about each country, where to stay, what to eat and fun things to experience there. You get to visit every country in Africa without even spending a dime, how boss is that?<br />
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The intention behind this project is to explore the magic and beauty of Africa's countries and inspire travel there. Along our year long tour, I encourage people who have visited or are from any of these countries to chime in in the comments section of the posts with any recommendations of things to do, eat and experience or any travel tips. So pack your bags (you might only want to check on bag though because baggage claim fees are ridiculous!) and a carry on and let's get this travel adventure started!<br />
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<i>Milan is a New York City based, creative writer and the founder of AGrlCanMAC. She's a self proclaimed accessories junkie who's passionate about healthy living, adventure, books, crystals, the Law of Attraction and arts & crafts. AGrlCanMAC is a resource for women of color all over the world who want to look good, radiate good and feel good at the same damn time.</i><br />
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Follow AGCM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/agrlcanmac">Twitter</a> /// <a href="http://www.instagram.com/agrlcanmac">Instagram</a> /// <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/creatividual">Pinterest</a> /// <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vivacious1083">Youtube</a>Milanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16590733300773203448noreply@blogger.com1