A Siren Speaks

Been about ya and I’m still about ya. 

“I remember you said you wanted to come out here and take pictures one day when it was empty.  That’s why I had you get up so early”  

We had initially scheduled the photo shoot date for Monday before the Sonder concert, but Irma’s scheduled arrival for Atlanta forced us to move it up a day.   It was early.  I’m talking before people are out doing their morning runs early.  Before praying grandmothers rise early.  The sun hadn’t even began to peak out yet, and there were still two skaters out practicing.  

Climbing down into the concrete ramps I gained a whole new level of respect for skaters,  it is steep and not easy to walk down or up and I couldn’t even imagine riding a skateboard down even the beginner side.  

I tried to and failed to climb up to the center of the ramps several times, sliding back down in defeat. I made a mental note to maybe NOT wear Fenty bow slides next time I need to climb up something and decided I wasn’t going to let this beat face go to waste and slayed in the pit of the skate park instead.

The sun finally decided to begin to  poke his head out as we were headed to the next location she picked, the Jackson street bridge.  The bridge offers unpatrolled views of the city and it’s not uncommon to see photo shoots taking place there.  In fact, a couple with an adorable King Charles Cavalier was taking pics when I first began to pose.  

When they wrapped their shoot , I helped Dani with the camera settings before she had me turn to catch to take a few shots with the rising sun reflecting off the skyline. I have been living in Atlanta almost 3 years now, and I never grow tired of that view.  I was so caught up in the morning air and how quiet a normally very busy area was that it took me a moment to realize that she was telling me to turn around to see if she liked the pics she’d taken so far.  That’s when I turned to find her on her knee with the most beautiful and perfect ring I’d ever seen .

 Jumping, and screaming, and ugly crying ensued.    

   We then headed to our favorite flying biscuit in Candler Park to celebrate with carbs and mimosas only to be thwarted by being reminded that it was Sunday and we couldn’t drink until 1230 (in the restaurant, I made sure I got it poppin as soon as I got home). Over breakfast she shared how she was able to keep her proposal from me, including scheduling  the ring delivery from FedEx when I was off running errands with Harlem.  The universe was on her side that day cause the delivery was a little late and it just so happened to be the day Amazon launched instant delivery with free breakfast item promo so I took longer than expected cause I was way too hype about free cereal.

She told me about how she was nervous and my girl Blu helped ease her nerves before she called my parents to ask for their blessing.  And she detailed the ring process to me.   I had found the jeweler, Princess Bride Diamonds, months ago on Instagram and had been obsessed with their unique pieces ever since.  Each ring is custom made and takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive.  Dani said working with Sarah for such an important purchase was an amazing experience and they even sent a handwritten note with the ring.  

I’m still blessed with (somewhat) door off weather in Atlanta, but it’s also a constant reminder to always put on my Maja’s Very Own, before leaving the house.  In the short time it took for me to park along the train tracks and walk a good 50 feet from Fiona to the door, two mosquitoes were blessed with the sweet nectar of my blood and I was left with an itchy ankle. (A mistake that won’t happen again).  Armed with just an address and no obvious signage to let me know I was at the right location, I knew I arrived when I spotted people in eclectic garb clustered in front of the cathedral doors of a building with 585 painted along the windows.  (A few people wearing shirts that said ‘Art Wars: Atlanta , was also a dead giveaway, but that’s neither here nor there).

I often find myself gazing at the people as much as the art, and last night at Art Wars: Atlanta was no different.   Inside the walls of any aged building in Atlanta, there’s usually a bit of magic inside.  Much like art, no two buildings are the same, and the weathered brick, barn doors, and industrial space of the Ambient + Studio was the perfect backdrop for Art Wars.  The event brought out a stylish crowd, featured various artworks from a number of budding Atlanta artists, had massage chairs and live painting (both on bodies and canvases).  

"Yes my yams are all the way out '  I whispered to myself as I hoisted myself from the driver's seat to sit on my soundbar.  My feet swung back and forth nervously as I noticed cars slowing down to stare at us.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not feigning any sort of modesty, I'm no stranger to the near naked life, but this time felt different, perched atop my firecracker red Fiona in front of a bright  mural on a busy downtown Atlanta street.  (Are there any unbusy downtown Atlanta streets?)

"Relax, you look great." Dani reassured me as she turned my music up and snapped a few test shots. I had made mood boards for this months ago and initially wanted it to be a big ordeal. I mean, can you even call yourself a Jeep Girl if you don't take pics draped across it some form or fashion ?  I'm talking make-up, people holding reflector lights, and a personal lotion assistant.  I had assumed by this point I would be at my "ideal weight" (I still haven't decided what that is) and dammit I was gonna celebrate it .

Soaring temperatures. Frozen drinks. BBQs and kickbacks.  Short shorts. Rain Drops. Crop tops. Rooftop and patio dining.  Festivals, Outdoor concerts, and pool parties.  Summer shenanigans are in full swing ( even though you can barely tell with all of the rain in Atlanta) and the “fun and fuckery” section of your budget may be taking a bit of hit.   One of the many ways this can happen is by getting caught up at a “free” or “almost free” event.   This happened to me on memorial day and again when I went to the “Wind down Wednesday” Prince tribute in centennial park on June 7th.   Here are some tips I use that you can follow to avoid checking your bank account like  . . .

1. Take out a predetermined amount of Cash.  

I swear by this rule, and I’ve talked about it in depth here . When you can see the money actually leaving your hand, it will keep you from the dreaded swipe and regret.  Especially at festivals.  

2.  Figure out your transportation and/or parking before you go.

Free events are free for a reason.  Sure, there may be no admission , but by the time you add in parking, drinks, food, and other impulse spending into the mix, you sometimes end up spending more because you’ve convinced yourself that you saved on going to a “free” event.  The Swindle !  If you live in a major city, I’m sure you’re used to parking rate increases for major events.  There are several ways to avoid this.   You can take public transportation (which is recommended in Atlanta because it’s so congested here), take and Uber or Lyft, or search and prepay for parking in advance.   (I definitely recommend this for concerts)   You can also find discounted parking rates and pay in advance by using Park Me, Park Wiz, and Parking Panda.  Figuring out transportation in advance not only saves your coins, it also saves time.   (Riding around a crowded event searching for parking is never fun).

3.  Be your own bartender.

This depends on the event, but many outdoor festivals allow you to bring coolers.   I spent SO MUCH MONEY at the little pop up bars at the Jazz Festival because I decided at the last minute to go and didn’t bring my own booze.   I also ate too much overpriced food.  Meanwhile , the man next to me that had his cooler full of snacks and beer was completely unbothered.   Lesson learned.   

But E ?  The event doesn’t allow outside liquor.   Well my friends, when you find yourself in this situation , you have a few options.  The first one is  obvious: Pregame so that you don’t spend as much when you’re out.   Food vendors make notoriously weak drinks , and you can get more bang for your buck at a liquor store.   Another option , for the more adventurous , is to take a flask.  They come from the obvious to the less detectable and Amazon has so many cute ones to choose from.  See that picture below ?  Those are three flasks, I kid you not.  Click the picture to purchase for only $8 ! 

(You taking a flask is your own journey.  Be safe. Be smart guys .  I’m just offering all the options here,  and cannot be held liable for a bad judgement call on your end).

Hopefully these tips will help you to better balance having and awesome summer while still reaching your savings and financial goals.   Ah, the joys of #adulting.  What life hacks do you use to save money when going out ?  Share below ! 

“Pretend I’m not here” I told Maja as I placed my nikon in her face (Yes, flash and all).  After she posed for me while still holding her wine glass, (yes, kindred spirits) I focused my attention on her products.   It was a Sunday afternoon, and she helped me arrange the products into a flatlay, flipping switches on and off to cast the perfect lighting.  It had been raining cats and dogs on and off since the spring in Atlanta, and the constant heat and humidity created the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to flourish.  The mosquitoes were clearly out here eating and living good while we either a) hide out indoors b) get bit up c) try chemical bug sprays and still get bit up and now also stink in addition to being bit up and itchy.  Those worries are now a thing of the past, thanks to Maja’s Very Own.  Now if you’ve been here before, you know I’m no stranger to chemical free living (in most  ways, still working on others) so I was over the moon when Maja let me purchase some of her MVO organic mosquito repellent before the shop launched.  I tested it the best way I know , I used it when I went to Florida for mother’s day weekend (Florida mosquitoes are a whole different level of terrible).  Not only did I return to Atlanta unbitten, but my family loved it too, mostly because it didn’t have that yucky chemical smell and stickiness most repellents give.  

Maja’s Very Own, is the true definition of an entrepreneurial effort.  She is a one woman show, from expertly mixing her butters and oils, down to the labels that she designed herself.   I had purchased before the labels were created, so I enjoyed admiring the intricate flowers the California native artist created.   They are  simple and effective, much like the product itself.  

  Get to know Maja , the artist and creator of Maja’s Very Own below.

It’s been a good bit since I’ve dropped a photo diary and sometimes a bunch of words aren’t necessary. Yesterday we headed to Lake Lanier to celebrate Trasee’s birthday.  We initially got rained out last Sunday afternoon , but I feel like the universe knew what it was doing when it was rescheduled for the evening because being out on the water under the full moon was magical.  Last night was a mixture of great weather ,a large party boat, Hennessy , Jack Daniels, (margaritas for Dani and I, you know I’m a tequila girl), yummy food, a great playlist , dope people, and great energies.  

The Birthday Girl, Trasee ! 

Me:  I’m not getting in the water.  Also me : 

#sunsetsituations 

Midnight taboo.  Shit got real. 

Outfit Details.   I paired one of my favorite brazilian bikinis from le doux with an adorable (and inexpensive) crochet coverup I got from Amazon .   Click below to shop the coverup. Eachway Handmade Women's Sexy Hollow Crochet Bikini Cover Up Lace Floral Knitted Swimsuit Cover Up Dress ((US Size 10-12) XL)

   What’s your liquor of choice?   I normally swear by tequila but I see 2017 has me stepping outside of my comfort zone.  What can I say? Hennything is possible. 

After years of yoyo dieting foolishness, I started taking my nutrition and workouts seriously in May of 2015. Since then I have lost 40 pounds and kept it off.  Now 40 may not seem like the biggest number, but I lift weights and I lift heavy , so my body looks completely different.  I lost love handles, my double chin, a lot of aches and pains, and for awhile there, I lost my social life.   Here are a few of the social hurdles I had to overcome

Dang, you never come out anymore !

 When I initially started , I was very strict  with my nutrition and workouts, which meant no going out to eat, no partying, and no tequila.  (Believe me, the no tequila was the hardest part).  That led to me turning down a lot of invitations that I would normally jump on before, because I was serious about snatching that waist down .  I would offer alternatives to a turn up only to get a “Let me check my schedule” and never get a response.  The fitness friend curve is real.  Of course this was temporary, but it still sucked and I spent many nights in bed watching lit snap stories like this. 

 Now you know I’m not going to present a problem without a solution , so here are a few things you can offer as alternatives to meeting up invitations that are counterproductive to your nutrition goals.

The Stunt Season is breathing down our necks, and I, for one, am too excited to have my social media feeds filled with bikini clad bodies, day parties, festivals, travel, and shenanigans (even though those in seasonless areas have already been indulging in those activities; it’s time for the rest of us to join you).

You too can Slay, All day in a cute, inexpensive high cute swimsuit.  I picked it up on amazon and they have a variety of colors and slogans available.  Click the pic below to shop! 

Whether you are counting down the days till your vacation , just getting back, or not taking one at all, you can inject many of those feel good experiences that make vacation so special into your everyday life.  Don’t spend the days counting down the time till your next experience, live in the now and make everyday a dynamic part of your experience.  Here are some tips to get you started.

Eat something You’ve Never had before 

Whether we are traveling domestically or internationally, one of the first things we do when visit somewhere we don’t reside is to try the food.   So do that in your own city.  Even better, go to a farmer’s market ( yes a farmers market, the food is super fresh and cheaper than grocery stores and the experience is an adventure in itself) and make a recipe you’ve never tried before.   Drink, turn off the TV, open the window or patio door, and put on some music while you cook. And dance while you’re at it.

Take a nap.  Really .  It’s OK.

It’s been said that a vacation is nothing more than a series of expensive naps and with each solar return, I tend to agree more and more with that.    I think about how busy I am during my regular day between balancing a new live-in relationship with opposite schedules, work, fitness, and my entrepreneurial projects, and I miss the days of nap time as a child. (and go back and silently curse 6 year Essence for not taking full advantage of the experience). I know this isn’t possible everyday, but dammit, if you’re tired, lay your ass down. Even if it’s just a 26 minute NASA NAP*.

This is my bed.  It is so fluffy and serene and made for napping and loving.  

Take out time to enjoy the sunrise/sunset.

 When we travel, especially if  we have a spot with a great view, many of us will wake up early to catch the sunrise or make sure we stop our plans to catch the #sunsetsituation.  What if I told you there are beautiful sunrises and sunsets everywhere including where you live ? (I know right?!)  I make a point to get up early enough to let the sunrise ease over these bones with vinyls playing in the background (I usually starting with Solange’s “Rise”, such an obvious and perfect choice).  But Essence, I don’t have a view ! Make one.  Take a walk around your neighborhood at sunset, step out on your balcony or in your backyard in the morning and commune with nature.  You’ll be glad you did.

Make a frou frou libation .

 We all like to indulge in the extra calories that come in a frosty sugary blend of alcoholic goodness on a beach or poolside.  Why not do that at home ?   Now I won’t lie, most of the time I get straight to the point. Give me my drunkess without all the juice, preferably  in the form of tequila shots.  However, even I sometimes put my blender to good use and make frozen margaritas with fresh fruit.  I’m talking garnishments!  And colorful straws ! Treat yourself!  If tequila isn’t your thing (and to be honest I don’t quite trust you if it isn’t) , throw some actual fresh mint sprigs in your at home mojito, pull out those copper cups and experiment with the many variations of mules.  Put something other than oj in your mimosa. You can even make homemade sangrias with fresh fruit for those that don’t care for hard liquor.  Then take a step back and snap a pic for the gram.  We’re on vacation right ?!

A lemon blueberry mimosa.  Also known as heaven in your mouth. 

Be Present in the Moment

 Mindfulness is something that is often overlooked in the day to day grind.   Part of what makes a getaway just that is that we are completely submerged in the moment and feeling (save for the breaks to snapchat and let people see the moment and to take pics for IG).   Take time to be grateful everyday for you life, even on the lackluster days.   And if you are having an uninspired day, try one of the aforementioned tips to help turn it around.  

  I practice what a preach to inject joy and serenity into each day.  You can follow the journey on my Instagram at asirenspeaks or on my snapchat at Eweezytaughtme.    Share your everyday vacay pics with me by using the tag #sirensweet and remember, ALL SEASONS 17.

*A NASA Nap is the optimal short nap time for peak recharge and alertness.  It is 26 minutes, no more, no less.  And yes, I set my alarms before naps for 26 minutes.  If i have time for a longer nap, I'll do 90 minutes but no less , unless of course it’s 26.  Easy enough right?

It’s no secret that cardio is my least favorite part of my healthy lifestyle, and it’s because it usually it can get a bit boring. So when my girl Maja found a free trial spin class for the grand opening of Cycle Bar East Cobb ,I was down.  I heard that not only is spinning a great way to burn a bunch of calories, but that it’s also really fun.   My butt is sore, but it’s totally worth it.   If you’re considering trying spin class, I say go for it, and here’s a few tips to make sure you maximize your experience. 

If you follow me on snapchat, you know that I spend a great deal of my day vibing to music .   If I had dollar for someone  asked me what I was listening too, I could park a third Jeep outside .  It would be criminal if I didn’t share these gems with you all so you can vibe out with me for All Seasons 17. 

For today’s Audio Confection : I present to you B.L.A.M.E. Society and their mixtape MC Poetics which you can listen to for free here .  Vastly different from the hip hop that inundates the airwaves today , B.L.A.M.E. Society brings the flow of true emcees, filled with uplifting messages of power unity, self awareness (and Amy Winehouse samples).   

Get to know the movement through my interview with the founder, Cato.