Well, well, well.. Valentine's Day has come and gone and I must say that this has been the best one yet. Originally, I had no plans but then at the last minute I decided to switch it up and do something. My V-Day celebration started the night before at the AMC Dine- In movie theater; I went to watch "The Photograph" and I ordered one of my favorite treat meals a juicy burger w/ thick cut fries lol. Honestly, if you guys could see my face right now you would see my eyes rolling to the back of my head. The burger just hit the spot, the patty was well done, the bbq sauce was spicy, and the lettuce was so crispy & don't get me started on the fries!!!

A quick little review of the movie: The movie was good, I could sort of see it becoming a classic, like Love Jones or The Best Man. It's a modern black love story with the realest depiction of what a first date actually looks like. During that scene I got butterflies in my stomach; I was like "dang man I remember them days lol". The chemistry between the two actors was electric (they could really be dating in real life). However, I have to say that the pace of this movies was slow. I dozed off for like 2 minutes, but I think that was due to me just being tired. THIS IS A MOVIE EVERYONE SHOULD SEE!!!

Moving on to my actual Valentine Day plans: I decided to treat myself to lunch at "The Pine"; because I enjoyed a burger the night before I decided to get a salad but not just any ole' salad, I got the transformer salad; and yes, this salad "transformed" my life! It was topped with a variety of root vegetables, sweet potatoes, peppers, and a quinoa cake." I've never had a quinoa cake before that moment, but let me just say I will be bringing the new recipe to the blog this week!! Ladies I wanted to share this because it doesn't matter whether you're in a relationship or not, you should treat yourself. Valentines Day is NOT a COUPLES ONLY holiday, it is for EVERYONE. If you're uncomfortable doing things alone, get your girls together and host some Galantine festivities! You are in your current season for a reason, appreciate it and use it to sow some fruitful seeds for whats to come.
XOXO,
MP

P.S. I would've included a picture of my meal, but for some reason it won't upload at this time:(

During this month I will be featuring recipes that you guys decide to share with me from your childhood experiences!!!!

Hey guys! Just wanted to check and discuss this important topic and month on my blog. I've had several people reach out and ask if I was going to talk about this major celebration on here, and I said of course! As a young African American female, I've had the privilege of being surrounded and poured into by phenomenal women from various backgrounds, especially by my mother and my aunts. I am grateful for all the lessons they have taught me and the wisdom they have shared through the years.

Black History Month began originally as "Negro History Week". This week was created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. It became a month long celebration in 1976; the month of February was selected because of the correlation with many notable events that happened historically during this month. Black History Month honors the many contributions made by African Americans who influenced and changed U.S. history for the better. The celebration of this month continues to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with my adversities. With all of that being said, I'm extremely proud of my heritage, its richness, and of the ancestors who came before me.

In 2008, America elected its first black president, Barack Obama. Yes, this was major accomplishment, but the election of a black president doesn't erase years of slavery, segregation, and adversity. We are still healing from those things today, and unfortunately in today's current social and political climate (on BOTH sides; democratic & republican) there are still forms of prejudice and inequalities. We as "humans" have to be willing to address these things and use our own privilege to extend new opportunities to others who lack access to education, money, and status. Use your privilege, don't be afraid to speak out when you see injustice. In conclusion, America still has a long way to go when it comes to provide equality and equity to all people, but I've learned throughout my time on this earth to still be filled with HOPE.

Love will conquer all. Let's remember moving forward that America is a melting pot for ALL people, and that's what makes this country what it is! 

P.S. I will also be sharing recipes this month that I feel represent African American culture (i.e. from my own personal experience, NOT anyone else's).

How many times have you heard that "self-care is the best care, it should always be apart of your priority list!" Well I'm here to remind you once again, that SELF-CARE is more than just a priority, it is a necessity. My mom always used to tell me that "Maya, you can't pour from an empty cup" and that saying resonates with me more now than it did ever before. This weekend I decided to visit one of my favorite churches, Elevation in Charlotte, NC pastored by Steven Furtick. I had the BEST TIME worshipping God with other believers and just being apart of the atmosphere. His message was entitled "Flip the Bag" (I'll share the link below). However, let me tell you he stepped all the way on my neck!!! In today's time, especially with our current political and social climates we can all tend to fall in the comparison trap game. This game is nothing to play with, and it can ultimately lead to your own demise. 

As I continue to grow and mature through my personal journey the importance of valuing this current season is necessary as well. If I allow this time to pass by hoping for something better, I'll never truly appreciate my end goal once I get there. Please remember that where ever you are now is where you're supposed to be, and that what's meant for you is for you! 

Now getting back to my trip, Charlotte was nothing short of amazing. I went to church, then brunch at 5church, and then I walked around town to take pictures. I always get questions about traveling alone "how do you do it? do you ever get scared? why do you do it?"
To answer those questions: 
1. PRE- PLANNING is vital. I love having an itinerary and creating one. I look up places to take pictures; I look up the top 10 restaurants in the area for certain times of the day; and I always try to make sure my hotel is centrally located to everything, whether it be downtown or the suburb.

• GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND, USE IT! (their maps are the best)
• A word document or good doc for your itinerary is a must. 
• Booking hotels on a Sunday is super cheap, so plan travel and work around that. Become members of each hotel rewards club so you can wrap up on points.
• Always be sure to check that the hotel offers all the amenities you need i.e. gym, spa, breakfast etc. 

2. BE FEARLESS- I used to fear traveling alone, especially with all the craziness going on in the world. BUT if you choose to live your life in fear then you'll never do anything. I like to call these me trips- my JESUS TRIPS. It's our time to see the world together and eat! I appreciate having concerned parents, but sometimes the concerns create a little anxiety in me. Now, when telling them about my upcoming trips, I just ask for prayer & good vibes! 

• Ladies be smart and be alert. Take you nose out of your phone and pay attention.
• Make sure you're keeping your friends and your family updated about your location changes, your iPhone becomes very handy, especially with the location tool.
• Never post when you're actually at a location. I typically tend to wait until later or when I move to my next location to post something! 

3. MY WHY? I need this time. This is the way I reset from work and school. I tell all my friends that if I could live in a hotel (aka the RITZ CARLTON or any really nice Marriot) then I would forever. Staying in a high rise with a great view, and super comfy bed is my jam. Being able to travel to new cities and explore all of their amenities legit brings butterflies to my stomach. Also, travel opens your eyes to so much more. It makes you realize that the world is HUGE and there's something more to learn everyday. 

Sermon link: https://youtu.be/J7Pg4BW3j5o