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Allyship is meaningless if it's performative. Our Allyship is meaningless if it's performative.

Our history doesn't end on February 28 just because Black History 'Month' does. Black folks don't just stop being Black when the clock strikes midnight 🌙.

To be an ally means:
Don't stop learning.
Don't stop listening.
Don't stop discussing.
Don't stop amplifying.
Don't stop supporting.
Don't stop advocating.

Even when March starts 🙃.

Tell me something new you learned during Black History Month this year! Personally I learned quite a bit from @marty_sandiego.
Beyond is 6 weeks already 😳 I don't even bother Beyond is 6 weeks already 😳 I don't even bother whipping out my professional camera anymore. I just use portrait mode on my iPhone because it's more important to me to capture these quick little moments as they happen rather than wasting time trying to set up the "perfect" shot. 

Time flies so fast with a baby. Motherhood is teaching me to be present and I like it 💚
Please read and share. To heal the tensions betwee Please read and share. To heal the tensions between Black and Asian American communities, we must understand the history behind the division.

My post condemning Anti-Asian violence went viral and was reposted on countless accounts. Sadly, there was a lot of HATE in the comments. There have been anti-Black comments from Asian folks, anti-Asian comments from Black folks, and the denial of the role of race from white folks.

I hope this post provides understanding for all groups on how Asian and Black American division is historically rooted in white supremacy.

More importantly, the last slide shows how we can heal the wounds of our past and stand together. We MUST seek justice for Anti-Asian hate while also maintaining solidarity between our communities 💚
I have two Valentines now 💚 I have two Valentines now 💚
Today is Lunar New Year and it's the Year of the O Today is Lunar New Year and it's the Year of the Ox! Swipe left to learn what it means and how the over commercialization of this holiday has both helped and harmed the Asian American community.
Asians MUST be included in your anti-racism activi Asians MUST be included in your anti-racism activism. SAY IT WITH ME: "I do not condone violence against Asians from my community or any others."

❗️ In a span of just one week:

1. An 84-year-old Thai man was killed after being pushed in San Francisco.

2. A Filipino man was slashed across the face in New York City.

3. An elderly Asian man was shoved and thrown to the ground in Oakland’s Chinatown.

4. A Vietnamese grandmother was robbed and assaulted.

5. A Chinese man was robbed and assaulted at gun point in front of his home in Oakland.

PLEASE DON'T STAY SILENT ABOUT THIS. NEWS OUTLETS NEED TO START INCLUDING VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIANS IN THEIR MEDIA COVERAGE.

And to anyone in my community who says:

"Their fight isn't our fight."
OR
"They don't stand up for us so why should we stand up for them?"

1. A hate crime against one community is a hate crime against all our communities.

2. Apathy towards hate crimes upholds white supremacy.

3. It's wrong. Period.

To gain more insight into the Asian American experience, follow these accounts:
@hownottotravellikeabasicbitch
@asianswithattitudes
@aznactivists
@dearasianyouth

*******************************
EDIT:

✨ To those who keep asking:

Q: "But how do you know if it's racially motivated? Crimes happen."

A: I provided 4 accounts above who are much more knowledgeable about the Asian American experience and can better explain how their community has been historically targeted by racism and how Anti-Asian rhetoric during the pandemic has led to an increase in crimes against them.

Q: Some of these crimes were committed by Black people. So why mention white supremacy?

A: I'm moreso addressing those in the Black community who make generalized statements like "Asians are anti-Black, therefor I'm not going to stand up for them." That attitude in general helps to uphold white supremacy because it causes division between Asian and Black communities. When people of color are divided ("divide & conquer"), it allows white supremacy to flourish.
Oh hi postpartum belly 👋🏽 Is it weird I don' Oh hi postpartum belly 👋🏽 Is it weird I don't mind it? I promised myself I'd embrace every aspect of this journey, and my post delivery belly is no exception. So here she is for the world to see and embrace right along with me 😄

Some of you sent me messages freaking out when I posted my postpartum recovery updates in my IG Stories 😆 I understand. For some it may come as a shocker that stomachs don't usually shrink back to their old size right after giving birth.

But I promise the weight does come off eventually! The human body is incredible, especially during and after pregnancy. Even without intervention, your body naturally does its thing to shrink your uterus and expel excess fluids. So it's imperative to focus on recovery, rather than weightloss after you give birth.

Instead of stressing out about when I can exercise again, I instead focus on resting and nourishing my body with the healthiest plant-based foods that will heal my body naturally and provide our son with the nutritional breastmilk he needs to grow and thrive.

I gave birth to an 8 lb baby and only lost a few pounds right afterwards! But after 2-3 weeks, I noticed I had already dropped half my pregnancy weight. I gained 29 lbs during my pregnancy and lost 14 lbs a couple weeks after delivery. Breastfeeding alone burns 500 calories a day!

So this is a reminder to trust and not rush the process. Embrace the entire journey from pregnancy to postpartum without the pressure to be perfect. Give yourself the time and space to love your body every step of the way 💚
Share this with a mama you know! Before I gave bir Share this with a mama you know! Before I gave birth, I wondered if I’d be able to produce enough breastmilk for Baby B. It can be a source of anxiety for new parents and understandably so!

On top of utilizing lactation consultants and best breastfeeding practices, I also use lactogenic plant-based foods as a tool for breastfeeding success.

Here are some breastmilk boosting foods that moms across different cultures have sworn by. Many of these work by increasing the prolactin levels in a mom’s body, which is the hormone that produces milk:

ALMONDS - A good non-dairy source of calcium and may promote breast milk production due to its potential estrogenic activity. I eat these as snacks.

CHICKPEA - Contains phytoestrogens that provide lactogenic benefits. So many chickpea recipes you can try!

FENNEL - Has phytoestrogens that may increase milk supply. I like to use this in soups and pastas. It has a sweet, licorice flavor.

FENUGREEK - Consumed as lactogenic food in several cultures. A 2018 review of studies of 122 mothers who had fenugreek showed that it significantly increased milk production. Try adding to soups, stews and curries.

GINGER -  In Thailand, ginger is a popular natural milk boosting food. There is mixed scientific evidence about its lactogenic effects, but many have reported favorable results.

LEAFY GREENS - Dark leafy green veggies like spinach, kale, chard, etc contain minerals, vitamins, enzymes and phytoestrogens. They have a ton of iron and calcium and are natural diuretics, which help the body retain less water and boost milk output.

MORINGA - Widely consumed in parts of Africa and Asia. They may increase breast milk supply by stimulating mammary glands. Plus it’s rich in calcium and iron. I use it in my daily smoothies.

OATS - Rich in fiber and helps in milk production. I usually have a bowl of oatmeal mixed with sautéed apples and cinnamon for breakfast.

TURMERIC - Research shows turmeric can increase breast milk volume, especially when mixed with fenugreek and ginger. Try  it as a spice for soups, stews, curries and tofu scrambles.

Any other vegan foods I should add to this list?
A week ago you were in my tummy. Wild 💚 A week ago you were in my tummy. Wild 💚
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.
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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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