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I've had an unhealthy lack of fear since I was a l I've had an unhealthy lack of fear since I was a little girl - in fact, the only times I've ever truly felt afraid while traveling were when other Black women explicitly told me to be.⁣ ⁣ For example, while exploring Cape Town, South Africa:⁣ ⁣ 1. One time I left my friends for a bit to fly my drone before the sun set in a nearby community. A local woman watching me poked her head out her house and urged me to turn around, run, and not stop until I reached my hotel. I didn't hesitate to follow her instructions!⁣ ⁣ 2. The next day, I was helped yet again. As I was strolling through an outdoor market, a local woman sternly warned me to close my bag. About 30 minutes later, another woman told me the same thing. Turns out, pickpockets were closely watching me.⁣ ⁣ Throughout my entire trip whenever I was alone, Black women were always in my corner every step of the way.⁣ ⁣ And if I can be honest, the same is true everywhere. Selflessly fighting to protect everyone else despite being universally disrespected, unprotected, and neglected.⁣ ⁣ "The most disrespected person in America is the black woman.⁣ The most unprotected person in America is the black woman.⁣ The most neglected person in America is the black woman."⁣ - Malcolm X⁣ ⁣ #ProtectBlackWomen 💚
Exciting news friends! Today I became a board memb Exciting news friends! Today I became a board member of @climatepower2020 alongside a dope coalition of entertainers, influencers, and activists helping to change the politics of climate - including @zooeydeschanel, @theryannrichardson, @steph_shep, @jeromefosterii, @therealdebramessing, @greengirlleah, @conniebritton, @vicbarrett_, @piperperabo, @rosannaarquette, @imkevinjpatel and @mjrodriguez7.⁣ ⁣ 🌎 Most of us have felt the harmful impacts of climate change in our lives, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe. But I fight because I have hope we can ensure the safety of our communities, future generations, and this beautiful planet IF we come together and take immediate action.⁣ ⁣ 📱 PLEASE text CLIMATE to 97779 to learn more about how you can be a part of the solution 🙌🏽⁣ ⁣ What would you like to see being done about climate change?⁣ ⁣ Thanks y'all 💚
THE TRUTH ABOUT CARBS. If you’re lacking in ener THE TRUTH ABOUT CARBS. If you’re lacking in energy, it might be because you’re not getting the right kind of carbs. Don’t avoid carbs! That’s what give you energy. There’s so much confusing info about carbohydrates, so let’s look at the facts.⁣ ⁣ 🍕 THE CARB MYTH:⁣ ⁣ We all grow up being told to “avoid carbs” but it just has a bad rap. It’s not carbs you should avoid. The problem is a lot of popular fatty foods (pizza, chips, etc) just happen to be high in carbs, so carbs get labeled as bad.⁣ ⁣ 🍏 UNREFINED vs. REFINED CARBS⁣ ⁣ Unrefined simple and complex carbs you get in whole plant foods are healthy, whereas refined carbs are linked to health issues.⁣ ⁣ REFINED CARBS raise insulin levels and can cause weight gain when combined with unhealthy fats (as they often are in Western diets). When your body releases too much insulin, fatigue kicks in.⁣ ⁣ UNREFINED COMPLEX & SIMPLE CARBS in whole foods, however tend to have the opposite effect. Simple carbs provide a natural source of quick energy. Complex carbs are bigger and break down more slowly than simple carbs, but provide longer lasting energy.⁣ ⁣ In other words, this isn’t a carb issue. It’s a refined, processed food issue! Basically it’s good to eat more of some carbs (those found in whole plant foods) and less of others (refined carbs).⁣ ⁣ ⚡️ WHAT TO EAT FOR MORE ENERGY:⁣ ⁣ If you want more energy, eat whole foods with high fiber and nutrient density and remember to COMBINE food groups.⁣ ⁣ For example, an apple with peanut butter. The apple provides carbs for instant energy, while the peanut butter keeps you going longer thanks to its protein and healthy fat.⁣ ⁣ Before I workout, I’ll eat a snack like:⁣ 1. Homemade energy bites with dates⁣ 2. Apple slices with energizing spread⁣ 3. A jar of oats and fruit⁣ ⁣ Watch my video for these snack recipes (🔗 in bio)!⁣ ⁣ So tell me, do you ever struggle with fatigue?
Raise your hand if you've heard the words "Strong Raise your hand if you've heard the words "Strong Black Woman" before. It sounds great, and while used with the best of intentions, it's a standard that has created damaging effects.⁣ ⁣ Black women are expected to fight the hardest to protect everyone, but where is that same protection for Black women? It never comes when the world is trained to think the stronger a person is, the less help a person needs.⁣ ⁣ ❗️ Why do Black mothers die 2.5x more than other races while receiving healthcare? (Source: @cdcgov)⁣ ⁣ ❗️ Why haven't #BreonnaTaylor's killers been arrested?⁣ ⁣ ❗️ Why has #SandraBland still not gotten justice or even the fraction of attention as other cases?⁣ ⁣ ❗️ Why has research found that Black women experience higher rates of depression and are less likely to seek treatment?⁣ ⁣ The "Strong Black Woman" stereotype has turned strength into a burden, conditioning society to think Black women are built to handle mistreatment, abuse, pain, violence, etc; and expected to mask all the trauma that comes with it.⁣ ⁣ Strength doesn't make anyone invincible.⁣ ⁣ #ProtectBlackWomen. Periodt.
♻️ It's #PlasticFreeJuly! Today I'm honoring B ♻️ It's #PlasticFreeJuly! Today I'm honoring Barbados implementing a nation-wide ban on single use plastics. They are unafraid to make essential leaps towards a greener economy and I respect them for that! ⁣ ⁣ 🌎 In the U.S. where I live, there are no federal restrictions on single-use plastics and only a few states have passed plastic bans. For Barbados to have done this across its entire nation sent a strong message to the rest of the world about the responsibility countries have to take real action in saving our fragile environment from further damage.⁣ ⁣ 🌊 Island nations have so much to protect, as they are surrounded by oceans and marine life struggling to survive amidst worldwide pollution and rising water temperatures. Back in December, I was incredibly proud to see bamboo straws and solar panels everywhere we went.⁣ ⁣ 🌿 The beauty of Barbados may have captured my attention, but its role in climate action won my heart.⁣ ⁣ 🗺 What country impresses you with its role in role in environmental protection or sustainable initiatives?
Please #WearAMask - I promise you look way crazier Please #WearAMask - I promise you look way crazier without one than with.
How is the travel industry adapting to be more sus How is the travel industry adapting to be more sustainable post-pandemic? With the world re-opening, let's talk about the future of travel.⁣ ⁣ 🎤 Please join me this Sunday 6/28 at 7:30pm EST as I do a LIVE Q&A with Award-winning director @Damon.Gameau, @IntrepidTravel co-founder Darrell Wade, and Sustainable Tourism expert Denaye Hinds of @CrestTravel! We'll be taking a deep dive into how travel will evolve going forward.⁣ ⁣ Link is in bio to grab your ticket for a screening of Damon's documentary @2040Film and our LIVE Q&A. I just saw the film and it was SO GOOD! It shows us what our future could look like if we simply embraced the best climate solutions that exist today. The visuals are incredible and gave me hope of what could be.⁣ ⁣ I'm excited to moderate this chat with Damon, Denaye, and Darrell - and I really want you to be there. We'll be taking questions in the end, so don't be shy. Bring us what you got! Hope to see you there 💚
What does it mean to be a Black father? Being a Bl What does it mean to be a Black father? Being a Black dad is to have twice the challenges with half the recognition by society for just how incredible they are.⁣ ⁣ 👉🏽 Black men are depicted in our society as being absent fathers, yet according to @CDCgov "African-American men are the most involved with their children, no matter if they live with them or not, when compared with white fathers." 👈🏽⁣ ⁣ Growing up I didn't understand why my dad was the way he was. Why he was overly protective, why he pushed me so hard to be the top student in my class, to be the best at anything I did really, to be confident in my own skin no matter how much of an extreme oddball I was, to avoid danger by all means necessary, and why he always assumes something bad happened when I pick up the phone to call him.⁣ ⁣ But I get it now. He's a Black father. He lived through the Civil Rights era, through segregation, through racism, through everything he hoped his daughters would never have to experience themselves.⁣ ⁣ He's overprotective because he knows what it means to live in fear of losing what you love most.⁣ ⁣ He pushed me so hard because he understands what it means to work twice as hard to get half as far.⁣ ⁣ He taught me to be confident in whatever space I'm in, because he knows how hard society will work to make me feel like I don't belong there.⁣ ⁣ He pleaded for me to avoid danger because he was afraid of getting that phone call that confirmed his worst fears as a Black man raising two daughters.⁣ ⁣ Dad, even though I was a pain at times, probably made your blood pressure go up more times than I can count, and pushed back anytime you imparted your wisdom on me when I wasn't ready to hear it, I salute you. I acknowledge you. And I understand you. ⁣ ⁣ You have always gone above and beyond for our family. @jasminepennamma and I may tease you for being SO involved in our lives even into our 30s, but know we wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for everything.⁣ ⁣ We love you.
Happy Juneteenth y'all! Save this vegan red velvet Happy Juneteenth y'all! Save this vegan red velvet cake recipe to celebrate this weekend 🍰⁣ ⁣ 🍷 Red food and drinks (like red velvet cake and strawberry soda) have been used for years to celebrate Juneteenth. Why? Well here are two theories!⁣ ⁣ 1. Red represents the blood shed by countless Black people in the fight for freedom. A fight that, unfortunately, is ongoing even today.⁣ ⁣ 2. Two traditional drinks from West Africa that had a lot of social meaning are kola nut tea and bissap. Both came to the Americas with the slave trade; red kola nuts and hibiscus pods colored the water in which they were steeped.⁣ ⁣ So if you're wondering how to decorate or what food and beverages to serve for Juneteenth weekend - just know you can't go wrong with the color red ❤️✊🏽⁣ ⁣ 👩🏽‍🍳 What are you eating/drinking for Juneteenth?
SHARE THIS. Juneteenth is this Friday! 🖤 There SHARE THIS. Juneteenth is this Friday! 🖤 There might be some misconceptions about what this day means, so let's spread the knowledge.⁣⁣ ⁣ 1. WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?⁣⁣ Juneteenth (June 19th, 1865) is a symbolic date that celebrates the end of slavery, 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It marks the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and take control to ensure the freedom of all enslaved people.⁣⁣ ⁣ 2. WHY ISN'T THE DATE OF THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION CELEBRATED?⁣⁣ The Emancipation Proclamation signed in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln ordered the end of slavery but it didn't instantly free all enslaved people. It only applied to states under Confederate control.⁣⁣ ⁣ 3. JUNETEENTH VS. INDEPENDENCE DAY⁣⁣ July 4 is Independence Day aka America's birthday. In 1776, America gained freedom from British rule - but that didn't apply to Black people who were still enslaved for another 90 years.⁣⁣ ⁣ 4. CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH!⁣⁣ Every American should be celebrating Juneteenth as a holiday. The slides show various ways you can celebrate at home and at work, including festive decor, having thoughtful discussions about Black history and culture, reading the Emancipation Proclamation, cooking food, listening to traditional music, amplifying Black influencers, artists, and writers, etc.⁣ ⁣ Also! Watch @blackishabc Season 4, Episode 1 with @traceeellisross and @anthonyanderson. The episode is called "Juneteenth" and can give you additional insight.⁣ ⁣ Knowledge is power, so honor this day by learning and educating others!⁣⁣ ⁣ How will you celebrate Juneteenth? 🙋🏽‍♀️
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Ashley Renne

Live an adventurously green life

North America is my continent of birth and is home to all Caribbean and Central American countries, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, the United States of America, as well as Greenland. Because if its size, there are a TON of things you can do on a trip to North America and in every season too! Here you can experience the mountains, beaches, and desert all in one vacation.

Category: North America

Posted on 16 Aug 201916 Aug 2019
10 Things to Do in Knoxville, TN | 48-Hour City Guide

Blog, Destinations, North America, Travel Guides

10 Things to Do in Knoxville, TN | 48-Hour City Guide

Here are 10 things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee in 48 hours. 

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Posted on 2 Apr 20192 Apr 2019
New York City: Vegan Fashion Diary

Beauty & Style, North America, Vegan Fashion, Vegan Lifestyle

New York City: Vegan Fashion Diary

Spring is here and winter clothes are on sale! Here is my New York City Vegan Fashion Diary. 

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Posted on 15 Feb 2019
The Seeker Project Led Me to Fairmont Austin

Blog, Destinations, Hotels, North America, Vegan Food, Vegan Lifestyle

The Seeker Project Led Me to Fairmont Austin

The Seeker tool, an online quiz that utilizes biometry and technology to determine your heart’s travel desires, led me to Austin, Texas. While there, I stayed at Fairmont Austin, and had an amazing experience. Here are the 5 things I loved most about my stay. 

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Posted on 12 Feb 201912 Feb 2019
7 Things to Do in Austin, TX | 48-Hour Travel Guide

Blog, Destinations, North America, Travel Guides, Vegan Food, Vegan Lifestyle

7 Things to Do in Austin, TX | 48-Hour Travel Guide

I recently escaped to Austin, Texas for the weekend and I owe it all to the interwebs. Have you heard of the Seeker Project by Le Club Accor Hotels? I hadn’t. But when I did hear about it, I was excited to learn of an online quiz that utilized biometry and technology to determine my

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Posted on 10 Aug 20185 Jan 2019
5 Vegan Restaurants in Memphis, TN (with video)

Blog, North America, Vegan Food, Vegan Lifestyle

5 Vegan Restaurants in Memphis, TN (with video)

If you ask people what kind of food Memphis is known for, most will say barbecue. It’s true folks. So what’s a plant-based eater to do? Never fear, your vegan foodie guide is here! You can find a good mix of 100% vegan and vegan-friendly joints that even your meat-loving travel buddies will be down

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Posted on 9 Aug 20185 Jan 2019
Black People Climb Mountains? | Climbing a 14er with Coors Light

Black Travel, Blog, North America, Personal Essay

Black People Climb Mountains? | Climbing a 14er with Coors Light

When I first got the invitation to ‘Climb with Coors’ in Colorado, an annual trek to Wilson Peak, the 14,023-foot mountaintop you always see in the Coors Light logo, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. As a mixed-race Black and Indian woman in the travel media space, I don’t often see images displaying people of

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Posted on 29 Jun 20185 Jan 2019
15 Things to Do in Memphis, TN | Memphis Travel Guide (with video)

Blog, Destinations, North America, Travel Guides

15 Things to Do in Memphis, TN | Memphis Travel Guide (with video)

If you thought Memphis was only known for Elvis and BBQ, guess again! This is a place that mixes historic charm with a modern mentality and I dug it. Here are my top 15 favorite things to do in the city of Memphis and how much everything cost! WATCH MY VIDEO (and continue reading below)

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Posted on 6 Oct 20175 Jan 2019
Sustainably Stylish: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

Blog, Hotels, North America, Sustainable Tourism

Sustainably Stylish: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

PIN ME FOR LATER! Hey peeps! Have you been following my Insta stories this week? I shared a glimpse of my travel schedule for the next few months. Right now I’m visiting Los Angeles and Seattle for two weeks! Yesterday I stayed at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle and I’m going to share with you why!

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Posted on 8 Aug 20177 Jan 2019
Southern Getaway: The Florida Keys (with Video)

Blog, Destinations, Hotels, North America

Southern Getaway: The Florida Keys (with Video)

It’s no secret I love traveling overseas, but sometimes I find myself looking for a quick getaway that’s not too far from home. As an Atlanta gal, that often means finding something in the South. This summer, I was invited to stay at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, giving me the chance to

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Posted on 19 Apr 20177 Jan 2019
Martinique is The Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret

Blog, Caribbean, Destinations, North America

Martinique is The Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret

What if I told you there was a colorful island with pristine beaches, green-clad mountains, lush rainforests, wetlands, rum distilleries, and some of the best food in the entire Caribbean…that’s completely unspoiled? I’m pretty sure I’m not wrong to assume you’d flock there as I’m planning to do pretty soon! This magical place I’m referring

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