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Say hi to Beyond! Born Jan. 15th, same day as Dr. Say hi to Beyond! Born Jan. 15th, same day as Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday! Seems pretty fitting our son would share a birthday with an iconic disruptor and leader in social justice 😉 This past weekend has been a whirlwind! I've been documenting my natural, unmedicated birth and aftermath experience a little bit on IG stories, but wow. I really could talk about it for days. I'll share more details in other posts, but for now I just want to say how grateful I am for my husband and this little dude we created together. I never thought I'd be a mom, but I'm glad I changed my mind. My 9-month pregnancy was a pleasantly uneventful breeze but the labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery were a total beast (finally back home and still recovering). Every birth and postpartum story is different - so no amount of classes and YouTube binging could 100% prepare me for what my unique experience would be. Despite that shockwave, I found beauty in the pain when I saw Beyond's face, on top of experiencing the endearing love, support, and bonding from my husband throughout the entire process. When I tell you a supportive partner is EVERYTHING, I mean it. Going through this together elevated our love and respect for each other tenfold. We make a great team, and that's a truly unmatched feeling. This next chapter with our sweet boy is about to be a whole new adventure, and this mama and papa are ready for it. Leggo.
9 months y’all. I’ll be 40 weeks this weekend—if I make it to my due date. 🙃 Bae and I make friendly bets on everything. It's one of many ways we entertain each other. We bet on baby’s birth date, time, weight, and even how much weight I’d gain. His guess was that I’d gain 30 lbs. My guess was 28. We were both equally close. 29 is the magic number it seems! 🤰🏽 Some folks fear the weight gain, but I was excited to embrace it. It has been truly fascinating watching my body change over these last 9 months. 🦋 The result is a beautiful metamorphosis and it doesn’t matter if you gain 30 or 50—it’s all apart of your remarkable journey. Women’s bodies are extraordinary. Period. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
There have been 1,311 Senators in US history. Out There have been 1,311 Senators in US history. Out of that, only 10 have been Black. We should have been celebrating the significance of the US getting its 11th Black Senator this week. We must celebrate GA getting its first Black Senator ever. We must celebrate GA getting its first Jewish Senator ever. And the irony nobody seems to be addressing? The same pastor who was arrested by Capitol police in 2017 for peacefully praying in protest, became a US Senator 4 years later on the same day a violent mob stormed the very same chambers he was arrested at and will soon be walking freely in. The hypocrisy of how he was treated by police for PRAYING on Capitol grounds vs. what we all witnessed earlier this week is blatant. How fitting is it that years later after his arrest, he will now have the power to implement legislation to help fight injustices like these? This past week was dark. But we can't let that rob us of celebrating the light ✨
My mom and sis (@Jasminepennamma) in the 80s. When My mom and sis (@Jasminepennamma) in the 80s. When chaos happens in our country, it can be tempting to get sucked into the emotional rollercoaster ride that follows. Yesterday was my sister's birthday and I was happy to hear she spent the day completely unplugged from social media and the news. Instead she allowed herself and her family the freedom to simply celebrate her special day in peace, off the grid with limited access to cell service. So as a reminder to everyone, take a page out of my sister's book and allow yourself to acknowledge the ugliness and blatant hypocrisy of what transpired this week in the US while also unapologetically giving yourself the mental breaks you need. And please wish my big sis a Happy Birthday 💚
The irony of it all. Thank you GA. Thank you @sta The irony of it all. Thank you GA. Thank you @staceyabrams. Thank you Black women. And congratulations to @raphaelwarnock, GA's first Black US Senator. Today, I'm proud to be a Georgia voter. We made history 💙
My family voted. Today's historic election will de My family voted. Today's historic election will determine how successful Biden's presidency will be. I watched a @voxdotcom video yesterday that did an exceptional job explaining the importance of today's Senate race. It also shed light on the racist history of runoff elections in the South. Here are the points that were made. 1. WHY THIS RUNOFF MATTERS: This runoff election is important because if Democrat candidates Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock win these last two Senate seats, then the Senate will be ruled by Democrats, which means Biden's progressive legislation has a greater chance of being passed. If either of them lose, then the Senate will be ruled by Republicans, led by Sen. Mitch McConnell who has publicly vowed to block all of Biden's legislation. This means if you voted for Biden, you'd have to lower your expectations for the kind of change you want to see. 2. HOW THIS RUNOFF IS HISTORICALLY ROOTED IN RACISM: Georgia's "runoff voting" was birthed in response to the civil rights movement and an increase in Black voting. With traditional "plurality voting" where there are multiple candidates and majority wins, white politicians feared that votes would be split amongst the white candidates and the "one Black candidate" on the ballot would automatically win because he/she would get all the Black votes. So they implemented a runoff system. Instead of the majority wins rule, the top two candidates with the most votes from the initial election go to a runoff election, where politicians believed the Black candidate would lose, because now the white votes wouldn't be split between multiple white candidates - they can all be redirected to this one white candidate. VOTING MATTERS. Those who complain when presidents don't deliver on their promises, but didn't vote in local elections - are part of the problem. Presidential elections are only a fraction of the equation. Their success hinges on the outcome of local elections. Georgia - today is the last day to vote. Make your voice heard.
Yep. Veganuary is a thing. If you've been thinking Yep. Veganuary is a thing. If you've been thinking of dipping your toes into the vegan life, try it and bring your family and friends in on this January challenge. Over 1,000,000 people in 192 countries have participated in @weareveganuary since 2014. Trying this out can help you get more comfortable with plant-based meals, drive corporate change, and inspire the people in your own life to make more compassionate food & lifestyle choices that improve human health, the environment, and animal lives. I know this is new for some of you, so if y'all have questions please don't hesitate to drop 'em below 💚
Happy 1-Year "Veganversary" to my bae! He thought Happy 1-Year "Veganversary" to my bae! He thought he was only going to do it for a few months, but here we are a whole year later. The day after Christmas last year, we watched the Netflix documentary @gamechangersmovie. Afterwards, he realized that meat/dairy were unnecessary for his protein needs and that plants could even give him an edge in strength. He said he ate meat his whole life because he grew up being told it was needed for his diet - but when he learned it wasn't, he was driven by his curiosity to test if it was true or not. After a year, he's concluded that meat isn't a dietary requirement and more of a learned habit. He works out every day and feels better and more energized eating plants than he did when he ate meat. Injuries he's had for months finally healed and his body feels stronger overall. People go down the plant-based path for different reasons and every person's journey is different. I went vegan to take a stance against animal exploitation and eventually realized the health benefits. He went plant-based for his health and over the past year became more compassionate for animals. Whatever your reason for doing it, always remember your why 💚 PS. #Veganuary is next month! If you've been curious about the benefits of a plant-based diet, this will be a great month to start. What's your biggest challenge with it? Lemme know!
People search long and hard for magical formulas t People search long and hard for magical formulas to living longer. It's pretty straightforward though. #EatMorePlants
This year, I’ve been experimenting with sustaina This year, I’ve been experimenting with sustainable haircare! It’s a journey finding eco products that work with naturally curly hair. My latest test was with @ec30_enlightened_clean shampoo and conditioner. #ad Here’s what I love: 1. Plastic-free: The products are just tiny swatches, so no plastic bottles. 2. Waterless: EC30 makes their products without water, which means less C02 emissions. 3. Ease of Use: Just add water to your swatch in the shower, rub your hands together, and watch it lather! 4. Good Amount: They send 30 swatches per box, so that will last you for 30 hair washes (unless your hair requires 2 swatches, then it’ll last you 15 washes). Things to consider: 1. I have chest-length “3B Curly Hair” (for those not familiar with the #CurlyHairChart, look at the hashtag to find a chart to see your hair type). If your hair is longer or thicker than mine, you’ll probably need to use two swatches. 2. These dissolve in water! So when you bring them into the shower with you, make sure the swatches stay dry until you’re ready to use them. I did a demo in my IG stories, but in case you missed it, SWIPE LEFT to watch my recap. Also I posted a video with zero waste swaps for beginners (link in bio)! There’s a demo in there too. And if you decide to try it out, use code AshleyRenne10 to get $10 off! How is your sustainable haircare journey going?
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Ashley Renne

Live an adventurously green life

Africa is giant continent and every country within it is incredibly different. There’s more to see than just popular places like Morocco or South Africa, so don’t be shy! I encourage you to explore the abundance of culture and natural beauty this continent has to offer.

Category: Africa

Posted on 7 Nov 201823 Jan 2019
7 Things to Do in Mauritius | Eco Adventure Travel Guide

Africa, Blog, Destinations, Sustainable Tourism, Travel Guides

7 Things to Do in Mauritius | Eco Adventure Travel Guide

I remember the first time Mauritius fell onto my radar. It was by way of Instagram of course – my number 1 source for travel inspiration. My jaw dropped as my eyes scanned the ethereal azure waters and volcanic mountain backdrop – it looked like a hidden paradise only found in fantasy films. It actually

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Posted on 18 Jul 20175 Jan 2019
South Africa’s Cape Winelands Will Take Your Breath Away

Africa, Blog, Destinations

South Africa’s Cape Winelands Will Take Your Breath Away

The most common response I’ve gotten from people when telling them about my tipsy adventures in the Cape Winelands is “South Africa has vineyards?” Not only does South Africa have vineyards, but they are some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen—and the wine is pretty amazing (not that I’m an expert or anything). Our

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Posted on 7 Jul 20177 Jan 2019
Sustainable Luxury Hotel Review: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

Africa, Blog, Destinations, Hotels, Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Luxury Hotel Review: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

After spending the first few days of our Cape Town vacay in an Airbnb apartment in the Bellvue area, my friends and I went our separate ways. Jannae and Coribbia ventured off to do a 2-day safari, while I opted for some solo time. I was curious to see what luxury in Cape Town looked

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Posted on 16 Jun 20177 Jan 2019
How to Beat the Crowds at Table Mountain National Park

Africa, Blog, Destinations, Travel Tips

How to Beat the Crowds at Table Mountain National Park

Visiting Table Mountain National Park is one of those things you just kinda have to do in Cape Town, South Africa. Is it crowded, yes. Is it touristy, yes. Is it worth it, hell yeah! Sure you could get there, see that line, and have second thoughts like we did. But, a little knowledge beforehand

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Posted on 30 May 20177 Jan 2019
6 Things to do Along South Africa’s Cape Peninsula

Africa, Blog, Destinations, Travel Guides

6 Things to do Along South Africa’s Cape Peninsula

Rarely do I ever do tours when I travel, but my friends and I have done quite a few in South Africa and we’ve loved each one. Jannae and Coribbia signed us up for the Baz Bus 1 Day Cape Peninsula Tour and let me tell you—we managed to experience a whole lot of sightseeing

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Posted on 19 May 20177 Jan 2019
Best Coffee in the World is in South Africa | Video

Africa, Blog, Destinations

Best Coffee in the World is in South Africa | Video

Are you a coffee lover? I’m not. Yes, you read correctly. I hate coffee. So why am I writing about the best coffee on the planet? Because I care about you and you probably care about coffee (judging by all the passionate coffee comments on my YouTube video). If you’ve been keeping up with my adventures

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