Thursday, December 27, 2012

"The purpose of life is not to be happy..."

The Benefits of Ginger Root Tea

I've been wanting to write this post for a long time now. I was inspired by my brother, who recently injured his knee, and has been taking herbal supplements to relieve the inflammation. I did some research and most people don't start benefiting from herbs until around 2 months after continued dosage. I can testify to this because I was taking an herb, called feverfew, a while back. I was having these crazy migraines and it seemed that Excedrin migraine was the only thing I tried that actually worked. If you know me, you know that I don't really like to take over-the-counter medicine, unless I'm desperate. I drink a lot of tea anyway, so I decided to look for an herb I can steep. The quickest thing I could find was an herb called Feverfew in capsule form. I took it until it ran out, and sure enough my headaches went away and didn't come back for a long time; even after I was finished taking the capsules. I don't think I've taken that herb in a few years and I still don't have very many migraines.

That's great incentive to try and stay healthy by incorporating herbal tea dosages into my diet. I wanted to provide the benefits of ginger root tea to encourage my brother, Lamar, and anyone else who may be interested drinking it.

The benefits of ginger root:
  • pain reliever
  • relieves symptoms of nausea/ stops vomiting
  • relieves menstrual cramps /anti spasmodic pro
  • relieves cold and flu - having a hot cup makes the body sweat, which breaks the fever and dispels pathogens.
  • relieves gas and digestive problems/ relaxes the intestinal muscles
  • aids in secretion of digestive fluids
  • relieves headaches and migraines
  • provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis 
  • known to have anti- cancerous properties, which prevents cancer by destroying cancerous cells
  • induces cell death in ovarian cancer
  • prevents colon cancer
  • reduces the incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)
  • considered the best home remedy for asthma
  • removes bad cholesterol from the body
  • reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • aids in weight loss
  • helps carry waste out of the body (detox)
  • relieves depression, anxiety, and stress
  • freshens breath
Here's some bonus facts I found from topical use of ginger on your skin:
  • Improves skin tone
    • fights skin-damaging free radicals
    • promotes smoothness and evenness of skin tone
  • Lightens age spots
  • Energizing when used as aromatherapy
  • Reduces cellulite
  • Acne & blemish fighting
    • Anti-septic (kills bacteria)
    • Anti- inflammatory
Here's a pic of my dried ginger root stash, although the best way to have it is in the fresh root form. I usually just get that from the grocery store. I use this for convenience and if I want to mix different herbal blends together.

If you're wondering where I order my herbs, go here: PennHerb.com


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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Album Release - Love And Other Drugs by K. Stylon



Finally! the long anticipated album by K. Stylon, Love And Other Drugs. I got an exclusive chance to listen to a couple of the tracks and I MUST say, his sound has definitely developed. Good stuff!

Come celebrate the release this Thursday at Roam in NYC
5 E 19th St (btwn 5th Ave & Broadway) New York, NY

Red Carpet from 8-9 and the night last til midnight. 

I hope you all can make it!


The album will be on sale that night and HALF of the proceeds are going to towards the Breast Cancer Foundation so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come and support!

Check out this video of K. Stylon and The Style ft. Shaliek Rivers - Fly Away... nice vibes



Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @K_Stylon

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

"Uptown Nights", Artwork by Shaunda Holloway

My cousin, Shaunda, sent me this piece, last week. She printed it herself! I LOVEEEE getting stuff in the mail from her. You just never know what kind of creative thing she's going to make next. This is the first piece I received with her new official stamp. Check it out, below :) I plan to get this framed ASAP.

This is a monotype. For those of you who don't know what that is, a monotype is a type of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a non-abosorbant surface. 


the official stamp!

Shaunda is also a very talented writer. You can check out some more of her artwork and writing at ShaundaHolloway.wordpress.com

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CommuniTee Fashion Camp
Artwork by Shaunda Holloway

Monday, October 15, 2012

NEW OFFICIAL TRAILER!!! Documentary "Half Man Half Amazing" is a MUST SEE!!! Filmed by Vinnie Allen

From the words of Vinnie: "Share this with someone you feel are grateful you can open your eyes and see every day... in only 3 mins it takes to view this.. you could change someones outlook on life for the better.. forever.."


I'm impressed already. Such a powerful message and for a great cause. I can't wait to see the finished documentary. 


Follow Vinnie Allen on Twitter: @Vinniesbrain
And "Like" his Facebook page (GoodWill Films). This guy is SOOOO talented! 

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Friday, October 12, 2012

Camping at Belleplain State Forest

A couple weeks ago, Jarid and I took a "vacay" out in Belleplain for some long overdue camping. I love being out in nature (minus some of the bugs). There's so much to see and you can't help but get caught in the ambiance of the chirping birds the squirrels rustling in the leaves. 
 The campsites near the water are the best.
I saw the art in nature
...and so did Jarid :)
 Mmm! I couldn't wait to rotisserie this! Looks like a Grill Mates advertisement, doesn't it? lol
Here I am hacking at some wood with the machete. Gotta keep that fire going
 Jarid aka Rambo II ... so silly
 It's cooking nicely
We spotted a woodpecker in the trees
... and a heron walking in the lake!
Time to eat! The hen may look a little burned on the outside, but it really was tender and juicy, on the inside 
 Look at those fingers lol
knocked out
 Me making some hotdogs. The fire looks crazy in this shot!

I already can't wait to go camping again. 

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

ImaniLia Fashions featured in deFUZE Magazine

This is so dope! Congratulations, Imani for your feature in Issue 7 of deFUZE Magazine. Here's the link for everyone to go to: deFUZE, issue 7. The dresses are GORGEOUS!

For you all that don't know, here's a little history on Defuze Magazine:
deFUZE Magazine is an international online exclusive art, photography, fashion, and culture project. They provide a high quality platform for new talent to be published alongside established professionals. In every issue you can find carefully selected editorials from around the world, sharp articles and reviews front the most important fashion events.


Credit:
Dress- ImaniLia Fashions
Earrings- Scarfia Designs

Credit:
Tulip skirt- ImaniLia Fashions
Corset top- ImaniLia Fashions
Head accessory- Amirah Creations
Necklace- Scarfia Designs

Credit: 
dress- ImaniLia Fashions
necklace- Stacy Armand
bracelet- Scarfia Designs

Make sure you "like" ImaniLia Designs fanpage on Facebook 
Also, follow her on twitter: @ImaniLiaDesigns

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Jacob's Promise

I love to see people I know make efforts to change the quality of the world. I'd like to acknowledge my friend, Erin Winston for starting Jacob's Promise. Here's a little info on the company. Please help to spread the word.

Jacob's Promise was established to serve families that have been affected by autism.  It is our goal to educate and build bridges with all that surrounds the child, such as the family, school, and community.  We follow the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, which is the leading therapy for children with autism.  We believe that every child is born with gifts, and it is our purpose to draw out those gifts.  Our programs are individually tailored to meet the needs of the child and family.  More children will be diagnosed with autism this year, than with Pediatric Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes, Leukemia, Muscular Dystrophy, and Pediatric AIDS combined.  Jacob's Promise, inspired by 10 special needs elementary students, is thankful to serve the autism community by providing compassion, top of the line behavioral therapy, and a wealth of resources.  Visit us at www.JacobsPromise.com

Jacob's Promise would like to thank J33Media.com and i am a brand™, www.askaboutmybrand.com for turning our vision into a reality.  With their help, we will get word out to the masses, and begin improving lives all over the world.

Don't forget to follow them too:
@MsWinston1
@askaboutmybrand




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Monday, September 24, 2012

Martin & Gina - Chilligan's Island

Jarid and I were hanging out at Justin and Nicole's house yesterday, and Nicole brought up this throwback episode of Martin. We were all in the living room, ROLLIN. I thought I'd share this with everyone for a nice Monday laugh lol



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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Debussy - Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque (Crossley)



Jarid sent this to me yesterday. My day was so hectic that I didn't really get a chance to listen to it. Today, my head is on migraine mode and this is really soothing.... especially towards the end. I thought I'd share it with everyone.

It's classical piano. Open your mind to new things :)

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

#AmericanRasta Mixtape - Jahn Q. Publaq

You guys have to check out the #AmericanRasta mixtape on DatPiff.com. I just finished listening to it and love the versatility of it. You go from Rasta flavor to hip hop, then back to a classic reggae feel again. My favorite tracks are:

3. American Rasta
4. Wear Ya Crown
5. I Gotchu
8. Survivor
9. Swerve
11. Break Us Down
13. Watch Dem
15. BMB <-- what's that a bonus track? lol you took it back to the beat box!



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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

[Random Useful Knowledge] Health benefits of chrysanthemum tea

I've been watching a lot of documentaries on Netflix about food and its got be looking at things a little differently. I've been wanting to take things to a more organic level because a lot of the "food" we're consuming these days is slowly killing us. I have a lot of herbs in my kitchen because I'm very interested in making beneficial teas that can cure me if I eve have an ailment. Last Thursday, Jess was over and we came up with a tea for general well being. We blended just the right amount and sweetened it with honey.... it was bangin. I made it again the next night. Anyway, up until that evening, I thought a particular herb that I had was chamomile, when it was really chrysanthemum. I got it in China, so the translation must have been off.

Today I was curious about the health benefits of chrysanthemum so that I can incorporate it into my future blends. I was amazed at what I found. Chrysanthemum is not among the popular herbs because not very many people know about it.  The flower is caffeine free so its free from side effects like anxiety, tension, irritation, nervousness, and confusion.

Here are the health benefits. I found about 23 so far:
  • detoxifies the blood
  • helps with sinus congestion
  • regulates high blood pressure
  • helps calm the nerves
  • restrains the growth of bacteria in the body
  • relief from influenza
  • treats heart stroke, due to its cooling effect
  • facilitates digestion when drunk with meals
  • strengthens lungs
  • relieves head congestion
  • improves vision
  • improves hearing
  • cools your body temperature
  • anti-viral 
  • helps treat pimples and acne
  • can treat discomfort of high temperature like headache, slight toothache, and throbbing nerves and gums 
  • detoxes the liver
  • lowers cholesterol
  • helps treatment of coronary artery disease, blocked arteries, and even varicose veins
  • helps alert the senses and rejuvenates the brain
  • calms the nerves; helps ease giddiness
  • sore throat relief
  • relief from eye redness, itchiness, dryness, and dark spots
Here's my chrysanthemum stash lol --


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Thursday, September 13, 2012

[Music Video] Kevonna Rose - Can't Find the Words

I just LOVE her voice!! Great job with this video production Vinnie. You're very talented and I'm confident that your big opportunity is near :)



Make sure to check out Kevonna Rose on Facebook: Kevonna Rose 

And don't forget to follow Vinnie Allen (@vinniesbrain), as well as subscribe to his youtube channel (GoodWill Films) and Facebook for more of his videos. If anyone need a Videographer, he's the man!

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My beautiful nieces :)

Like a proud aunt, I want to show off my nieces and how much they've grown over the years. Low key, I wish they would stop growing. I can remember when they were both little babies. The years really do fly by. It's unbelievable. I get so many pics and hardly get to show anyone... so here they are :)

Yanna and Gavi!

  Gavi pouting. Poor baby...
 Yanna looking up the latest trends. She's my little fashionista
I went to visit my sister and Gavi a few weeks ago. She was unbraiding her hair by herself. Growing too fast...
Gotta love the brick wall shoots lol. I would wear this outfit 

First day of school
 Gavi and her new bike. Safety first :)
Yanna's grown now. She poses better than me lol

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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Artwork by Stephen Wilshire - amazing




He's got a gift. I think its so amazing that he's able to do all of this from memory and considers it "easy".... crazy. I put more of his work below...







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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

"Talk White (Remix)" - Malik-16, Redhead, & Bobby


Congratulations on your (distributor) signing Redhead!! Keep living your dream!

Make sure you follow him: @RedheadPG 

Stephen Redhead's songs are available on iTunes, Amazon, Myer, Rhapsody, Virgin Mega, Pandora, Last fm, and pretty much everywhere to purchase! The video will be on Vevo soon, so look out for it and support.


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Friday, September 7, 2012

Blackberry pics 9/7

In one of the bathrooms in a Chinese airport.... why are the seat liners outside of the stall, near the sinks?
New development
On the way to the airport, we had to meet up with a few of the developers about one of the prototypes. We were really pulled over on the side of the highway in the rain lol
They came with a note taker and everything!
official.
Ang and Jess outside of Cracker Barrel
I haven't seen this snack since college! If you know me, you know that I'm a snack connoisseur.... and this is one of my recommendations. 
This too!
Some cupcakes from Jessica's bday

You can't really see it well from the photo, but this lizard had acid green spots. It was pretty cool. Jess and I saw this after doing some shopping in Vegas.
Cowboys game! I think this might have been my first football game. The stadium was packed and it was still pre-season. Dallas has some SERIOUS fans.
This is on my bucketlist. I want to do a race/walk for a cause. If anyone knows about any in NY or Philly, let me know! I think it would be cool to form a team.

I just noticed they opened this place right off of 5th avenue. I have to check it out soon.
4 years of walking down this block and I've never noticed a 6-1/2 avenue .. why? lol

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