Denver- 1st Post Quarantine Travel Experience
Soooo Denver, yeah it’s a great city, even during a pandemic. We had planned on going during March, but of course the world came crashing down, so we pushed our flights back and were determined to go no matter what. I made sure to have lysol wipes, alcohol spray, masks and hand sanitizer. I think I might’ve been overly cautious but it was worth it, we had a really enjoyable and safe flight. If you plan on flying keep these things in mind—American Airlines isn’t doing in flight service (which is fine) and although everyone had masks on the planes were packed! Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize!
When we landed in Denver, it was smooth sailing. We dropped our bags off at the 420 friendly airbnb and headed to the nearest dispensary. I had a few items in mind, so I tried Dixie Elixirs, Berry Lemonade with THC and Mary’s CBNa transdermal patch. The elixir lasted the entire weekend, let me tell you both products are top notch and effective. The next day explored Lodo, Larimer Square and checked out the Nari Ward exhibit at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art. It was such strong and emotional exhibit that displayed the juxtaposition between Amerikka today and African heritage.
I was determined to go for a hike, so the final full day we went to the lovely Green Mountains. I didn’t prepare well for it, but thanks to no humidity we made it to the very top without an ounce of sweat. It was beautiful and peaceful, yet exhilarating because this was a first for both of us. Later that afternoon we lunch at a place called Tupelo Honey that had the most delectable fried chicken and pancakes. For dinner, we visited Humbolt Kitchen which has an extensive and well priced menu to close out our final night in the city. Denver is just one of those places that makes you feel welcomed, no matter who you are. We had fantastic foods and incredible service, we met unique people and just enjoyed spending time together.
It’s all about making memories for us and this is one I’ll never forget.
Food Science 4 Kids
Food Science 4 Kids has brought me such great joy! I started this program during the pandemic and we’ve been going for 14 weeks! Every Tuesday, little one’s from all over the U.S. join us to learn and perform really awesome experiments virtually. We’ve learned things from sensory evaluation to nutrition to how ice cream is made. What’s great is that we were featured in Choose 901 and on Edible Magazines social media. I am so happy to be able inspire and show them that a black woman scientist exists. Representation matters! Tell you friends and family to sign them up Food Science 4 Kids !
Roller Skates or Roller Blades?
I forgot how much I loved skating, but oh how I remember now! I few months ago, roller skating was trending heavily on ticktok. Although I had just gotten roller blades for my birthday, I couldn’t help but want some roller skates too. I searched high and low and finally found some Chicago Skates from Sports Unlimited (before they sold out). I was a bit clumsy at first, but I feel so confident on them now. Roller skating is an art, it’s really about feeling the music, footwork and pushing the boundaries on spins and turns. Roller blading, on the other hand, is about fitness and speed for me.
A friend of mine mentioned that the Shelby County Green Line was a great option for blading and after my first visit, I’ve been hooked! It’s serene, shady and the perfect spot to test my speed and endurance. The Shelby Farms Green Line is an 11 mile urban road that stretches from midtown Memphis to Cordova. I can imagine what a bird feels like flying, when I’m rolling around on my skates. It’s not too common to see black women outdoor skating here in Memphis, but who knows? Maybe some more of my sistas will join me out on the wheels.
40th Bday in Quarantine
So, First I’ll say that it’s a blessing to be in good health during this time, but it still sucks that we had to celebrate my husband’s 40th Be-day in quarantine. I had all these awesome things planned, but “rona” said nahhh! not this year for a lot of us.
I thought to myself, what can I do to still make it special? Luckily, I came up with a few special surprises that made his day special after all. From April 30th until May 5th I made sure to get a few of his favorite things to smooth over the fact that we wouldn’t be out partying with friends. Here’s the breakdown of our “Be-day” Food Tour!
Thursday: So Delicious cashew milk ice cream with salted caramel clusters is so indulgent and delicious! (Found at Target and Kroger)
Friday: Sunrise Memphis http://sunrise901.com/ for a to-go brunch with mimosas, on a Friday… It’s 5’o clock somewhere.
Friday Evening: City Tasting Tours virtual dinner https://www.citytastingtours.com/ . Her package comes with food prepared by local businesses. We got an appetizer sampler, dinner from Rizzos and dessert from Primas Bakery & boutique.
Saturday: Kitchen Guru Catering prepared a fantastic meal! Grilled Trippletail with crawfish Dorothy sauce, shrimp, butter potatoes and asparagus. It was slap yo momma good! https://kitchengurucatering.com/
Sunday, we made one of our favorite dishes (roast beef with veggies) and spent some quality time together. I managed to coordinate a compiled birthday message from friends and family that he watched the morning of. Later that day. he was surprised with a few bottles of his favorite scotch from a few friends which was the icing on the cake.
It wasn’t the most ideal birthday celebration, but it was still, absolutely special.
Links to restaurants below!
https://rizzosmemphis.com/
https://www.primasbakeryandboutique.com/
Strawberry Mint Cocktail
A perfect spring refresher!
This drink is one of my favs for spring. Fresh strawberries from the farmers market and mint as essential, but of course just pick up these few items from your local grocery and keep it movin! Absolut Juice is a blend of vodka and fresh juice, you can’t go wrong with this liquor.
What you need:
Absolut Juice (strawberry edition) https://www.bustersliquors.com/products/13283516/absolut-juice-strawberry-edition
Simply Strawberry Lemonade
sliced strawberries
lime
mint leaves
ice
This drink is so easy to make. First add a shot (or 2) of Absolut juice, add your sliced strawberries to the glass, a cup of simply lemonade. Finish your drink with a few mint leaves and a splash of lime juice. This drink is ideal for a glass or a pitcher! When things get back to “normal” and you have your first gathering, try out this drink. It’ll be a hit!
Last week I had the opportunity to be a guest “mixologist” for Booked & Busy book club by Camille Unlimited (https://mailchi.mp/beb666b3128c/booked-busy-april-newsletter). Camille was wonderful! About 30 young women hopped on a zoom call, while Camille asked thought provoking questions and indulged us with a few highlights from the book “Queenie”. Many women an opportunity to talk about their experiences (relationships, sex, marriage, etc.) as it relates to the book. It was my first time, but it surely won’t be the last. Check her out!
Tribal Braids & Handmade Jewelry
Africa, I want to go there. I wonder what tribe I’d be from? What name I would be given? There’s so much beauty in our culture, I try to connect to it as often as I can. This look is inspired by not only our people by a recent music video “Coffee” by Kelly Rowland. It’s such a beautiful compilation of the celebration of dark skinned women. The braids are in loops and asymmetric bobs. Have you seen it? Here’s the link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJZZ6dPPawM .
Also, here I’m wearing handmade earrings by my good friend David https://www.ivbydavid.com/. They’re a 3 tiered style, that is so lightweight that I could absolutely wear them all day. He’s an incredible person and artist, you couldn’t be around him and not smile. This look made me feel like African royalty, it’s not new, I’m just embracing it.
Livin life through color- Ali
3 Spring Cocktails Using your Favorite Rum.
Bacardi, Bacardi, Bacardi! It has become my favorite rum for simple mojitos, pina coladas and other fruity mixed drinks. In this video, I use fresh, pineapple, mango and limes to create 3 spring cocktails that’ll sure to be great for summer. All you need is your favorite rum, sugar, a muddler, ice and shake! Add a splash of ginger ale of some fresh mint leaves to give it an added touch. It’ll definitely be on my menu!