Hong Kong City Escape: Where the Mountains and Beach Meet

Hong Kong is extremely scenic with many well known to hidden gem spots to explore. Taking a break from the busy crowded city is essential as well as refreshing to see beyond the towering buildings. 

A group of friends and I took an amazing adventure to tour the New Territories of Hong Kong called Sai Kung. We had a full day of hiking through the peaks of Sai Wan, down to the beaches and rock climbing the cliff edges of waterfalls. Of course getting a little lost and stuck in remote areas is part of the excursion, but all the more worthwhile for the story to tell later. 

The views were absolutely breathtaking and surreal.

And they were unlike any other that I've ever experienced. Although the hikes are very challenging and killer on the legs and glutes, reaching the top made the pain durable. This was definitely one of my favorite days here so far with photos that I still can't believe I captured. The weather is warming up, so there will be a lot more outdoor trips to come!

Intro to Denim

OUTFIT DETAILS:

shirt: thrifted

jeans: thrifted

shoes: Shoe Dazzle

     

Photos by Makeda Sandford

Cool People: Khayree Rice / Humble Creations

Khayree Rice is a cool person we think you should get to know! Hailing from Charlotte, NC, Rice is the mastermind and designer behind men's and women's fashion brand Humble Creations, a dynamic blend of street and high fashion featuring repetition of our favorite prints like camouflage, houndstooth and animal prints. Coexisting, the brand also features sexy, mature night-out attire for women. Since it's beginning, Rice showcases his work with shows, videos, and creative photoshoots. After all, Rice is a creator in many ways.

Check out Khayree Rice in a sit-down interview with our very own, Christina Geneve, and check out more photos from our visit:

Cool Happening: Art & Music Event, Dammit Fannie

So if you haven't heard about CIAA, it's a college basketball tournament that has taken place in Charlotte, NC during the last weekend of February for the last five or six years now. Many of people love CIAA because of all the events, day parties, and celebrities that come rolling through.

You know, it was this event where Drake came to a local strip club and rained $50k!

This year, I was so excited to go. But only because of one event: Dammit Fannie. Dammit Fannie is an event thrown by the duo @dammit_wesley and @djfanniemae, who I was lucky enough to meet during my internship at the creative studio, Dupp & Swat over in NoDa. He, Dammit Wesley, normally paints live while she, DJ Fannie Mae, spins. It took place on E. 10th St. at Studio 1212. These two artists have made effective statements through their creative outlets. With their combination of music and art, they have created an intimate space where creative individuals are able to showcase their work.

This event is great for networking and taking your collabs to the next level.

So many creative individuals were there. There were creatives who spoke poetry and creatives who performed their own music. There was a band where this guy had an awesome guitar solo, and a brother duo that sang and played from their soul! Photographers and videographers, I even met a guy who started his own magazine.

What I loved most was how a group of so many different individuals were able to come together to celebrate each other. Through the dancing, supporting, and admiring, I saw a group of people who reminded me what love is all about. I saw a group of people who stood together and embraced every difference in one another. I saw self expression turned into beauty, art, music, and photography.

But most of all, I saw something real. 

I had a great time at this event and if you're a chill little homie like me, I recommend that you attend any one of these happenings these creative duos put on if you're not up for the club or a day party in the city. Clicks those links in the second paragraph to see what's up and click this one here to see more photos I was lucky enough to take. Shout out to Makeda for letting me use her awesome camera!

@chinkdooga

How to Spa on a Budget

photo cred

I don't know about you ladies, but I like to be pampered every now and then. My type of pampering consists of shopping and food, but I'm talking about the complete spa package. The weekly/monthly routine where some ladies are fortunate enough to receive the entire sensation of getting a message, nails and toes treated, along with a therapeutic bath is currently out of my reach.

Good thing I like to ball on a budget. 

In the past couple of weeks, I've learned that you don't have to go a spa to receive these special treatments. I've turned it to a DIY type of thing. I've learned to use ingredients in the kitchen and everyday items my family keeps in our home to get myself rejuvenated for the following week.

Here's a list of things I like to get into on my at home spa day:

1. Paint my nails:

• I'm the least girly of the ladies in my family, but I've managed to curate two hands full of simple, calm colors. 
• Not good at painting your nails? Invite your girlfriend over to join your spa day. While you paint each others nails, put on your favorite jams or play a movie.

2. Draw a bath:

• I like to use Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar in my baths. These ingredients are good for releasing toxins from your body, relieving stress and pain, and helping your muscles and nerves function properly.  
• During this time I advise you to play your tunes or grab a book to keep you from drowning in your thoughts. Remember, you're there to relax. Do this for 30 minutes.

3. Create all natural facials (my favorite):

• I like to do two. For the first one, it's just sugar -it doesn't matter if it's brown or white- and you can use either a lemon or lime. Since we never go a day without them I used a lime. I like to use these two to exfoliate my skin. It's always good to do this treatment 1-2 times a week. All you need to do is cut a slice of your preferred lemon or lime, dip it in the sugar, and scrub. This leaves you with a nice and clean, smooth feeling face.

• The second one calls for one teaspoon of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and one egg. These ingredients are good for tightening your pores along with lightening and eventually removing dark spots if done consistently. Kandee Johnson shows you how here.

4. Put your cute puppy dog face on and cross your fingers that your significant other falls into a trance and gives you that awesome back rub until you fall asleep.

It's an awesome thing that most, if not all of these ingredients are at your local grocery store. But even more than that being awesome is that it's important to treat and take care yourself. You work hard and you deserve it. Stay beautiful!