My 1st Spiritual Bath

Spiritual baths are a form of cleansing, not unlike the ritual baths of ancient Rome. They're meant to be a sort reset button for your energy, and they can even help you set meditative intentions. It all depends on what you add to the bathwater. For my first bath I added orange slices, mint leaves, bath bombs and my favorite stones (rose quartz, tiger’s eyes, selenite and agate).

Inhale and exhale the water flowed over my skin and washed away the stress of this world. The steam calmed every muscle relaxing me into pure tranquility. I could smell the citrus and peppermint soothing my lungs, purifying the spirit. I need that after a restless evening and busy week… I needed a true moment of self-care.  

I wonder if others take the time for self-care the way that they should. I make the decision to not be engulfed in perpetual fear, and misery and frustration (it’ll suck the life out of you). I choose to find joy in things I can control and take a friggin break!

Spiritual baths are an ancient method of healing your energy. A few friends told me a while ago that I should do it. To be honest, I didn't really know what it was but tonight, I embraced it all. I cried, prayed and spoke affirmations. I laughed, smiled and gave gratitude.  We will be fine...this too shall pass. After the bath I was so hot the steam was penetrating from me. I laid on the bed and opened the window. The light-spring breeze, the sound and smell of the rain took me into a deeper trance. Real meditation and relaxation. Gosh! I've got to do this more often. We can get too caught up in consuming that we forget to nurture ourselves. Today I nurtured self and it felt really, Really good.

Virtual Brunch? Yep! It’s a thing!

This weekend I went to brunch, I’ll be it virtual, but it was still a moment. Dana James Mwangi & Friends put on this fantastic brunch for individuals in need of some normalcy. A small group of experts in interior styling, HR, and health and wellness came to chat with us as well as answer some questions. Not only was this event about receiving we were also able to give. Dana gave us the opportunity to shout out our brands, our websites and social media. Heck! we were even given the chance to show off our brunch plates and outfits. Ah! It was so much fun! A true break from reality.

Carmeon Hamilton discussed how to make your home a place of peace and sanctuary, while also giving us a few plants tips as well. Jai Butler spoke on all things Human Resources and shared some times with how to communicate with our employers. Dr. Nina Ellis-Hurvey gave us some health & fitness tips, also spoke about the importance of therapy especially during this time. (Tip: she suggested adding peas to your smoothies for creaminess and sweetness, duly noted) and lastly Dana was the perfect host/moderator guiding the conversation, giving each panelist adequate time to speak and also shouting out folks who attended using hashtag #DJMVirtualbrunch on IG. I’m looking forward to the next one!

Love for Los (Comales)

I miss Los Comales! You know that one favorite spot where the food is always consistent, the service is always bomb and the staff hooks you up because you’re regulars. Yep! That’s our spot. It’s a hopping bar & restaurant located on Madison Ave. in Memphis. I sorta miss sitting at the bar, loud Ranchero music blasting from the speakers, people flowing in by the dozens. I think that’ll be the first place we visit when all this madness is over. My favorite dish is the fish tostada, a lime and salt marinated fish with peppers, tomatoes and onion, sliced avocado on top with a pinch of cilantro. Jesus! (Jesús!). Brian sticks with the usual steak “street style” or authentic tacos with rice and beans or the fajita burrito, which is pure heaven. A jumbo top shelf margarita special is always a MUST with us and make sure you have nothing to do afterwards cause nap time is right around the corner. My love for food runs so deep, Asian is my favorite, but Mexian cuisine comes in close second. What restaurant will you visit when all this is over?

Pictured above: 2 fish tostadas from Los Comales 1322 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

Spring is here, but it doesn’t feel like it.

Today’s Journal-

Spring is here, just call me flower child.

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year, besides October (my birthday month). Things are blooming, people are outside and the city is bustling. The ‘Rona has most of us stuck inside or risking their lives on the front line taking care of the sick and needy. It’s kinda sad not being able to attend spring festivals or go brunching in the square, hell! I miss having toilet paper in the aisles. I’ll admit, it sucks being inside all day, so I don’t. I’m not the best “rule follower”, but for the sake of my mental health—-I get out!

Today we decided to shoot this look in front of a cherry blossom tree. They are popping up all over Memphis, so I couldn’t help but be a part of the beauty. I wore a lovely, floral, mini dress from Pretty Little Thing that made me feel sexy and sweet. (I got it for a steal! 50% off) Anyhow, I felt darling today, as the petal floated across my face I just reveled in the moment. A moment of joy, a mental break from the stresses of the world; it felt good to get dressed up, throw on some heels, put on my makeup and go out…even if it was for an hour.

Well, back to quarantine…Check out my “Quarantine Creation Series on ig @aliglad_carpediem. We’re on day 3!

Dress: Pretty Little Thing

Photographer : B-Manning @beazy255

Location: Memphis Mane

A Reflection of the Past

Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong decade. I have such vivid dreams and ideas that come to life in the most unique ways. These photos are so reminiscent of the past, a time in history that I’ve only seen in movies or documentaries. I used modern day makeup and clothes to create an ode to the past. #proud. I have an old soul, always have, I love the sounds of Anita Baker and Johnnie Taylor, classic movies and old sayings. I’ve always had older friends too; it’s like I just gravitated towards, mature and wise individuals to keep me outta trouble. It’s something about those days, that make make me wonder, who I would’ve been or what I would’ve become. I know one thang, I would’ve been a FORCE to be reckoned with…Sometimes I wish I could’ve gotten a glimpse of what it felt like to be there.

Checkered Outfit: ASOS

Location: National Civil Rights Museum

Head Wraps: The Gift Wraps @thegiftwraps

Makeup: Fenty, Juvias Place, MAC

In the Garden of Tulips

I will never underestimate the joy of color and the power of sunshine. We got out for a moment today to visit the tulip garden at the Dixon Gallery. It was breathtaking, people were meandering through the endless aisles of flowers. It was stunning to see all of the colors, vivid oranges, yellows and pinks. It was what my soul needed. I sat down a moment or two, folded legs in a childlike position just soaking up the sun. Nothing else mattered. I sat in a bed of tulips with not a care in the world, that was pure joy. Even for a moment.

Go visit the Dixon Gallery, Memphis TN.

Headwrap Tutorial

I wanted to showcase some of my beautiful head wraps and how I style them. Check out this video!