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Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. today and his f

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. today and his fight for racial justice and his ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a more just and equal society. It's unsettling to know that our generation is fighting that same fight today but I have hope that love and the work of good people will prevail in the end. Spreading love and light today in his honor.
#mlk #mondaymotivation #mlkquotes #martinlutherking

2021 Goals: Cook More at Home I am Vegan and Max

2021 Goals: Cook More at Home
I am Vegan and Maxim eats everything - but we find ways to incorporate both diets into our meals. I got this recipe from NYT cooking for "Roasted Salmon Glazed with Brown Sugar and Mustard". I'm usually not a fan of mustard but the simple ingredients for the glaze - it's literally a mix of dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt and pepper got me intrigued. I made salmon for Maxim and used the same glaze on carrots for both of us and it was delicious! The mixture of sweet with savory and a kick of mustard had my taste buds doing a little joy dance. Here are my tips for cooking a simple salmon dinner at home:
1) When unsure what to make for dinner start with the main ingredient and build around it. Maxim had some salmon in the fridge so I looked up a salmon recipe and then added sides: carrots, mushrooms, rice, beans and beyond beef sausages for me. All simple dishes that work well together and fill you up.
2) For all of my non-mushroom eaters out there, it's time to give mushrooms a try again! Trust me, I was just like you in the past but cooking mushrooms properly, the secret is in how much you season it. I just added olive oil, salt, lots of black pepper, chopped garlic, red pepper flakes, rosemary and thyme leaves. They were one of the tastiest things on the table.
3) Even at home, the presentation of food matters almost as much as the food itself. If I'm gonna spend time making a delicious meal, you better believe I want it to look good on a plate too. I'm a sucker for aesthetic dinnerware and flatware and @bedbathandbeyond, @cb2 and many new boutique brands are making beautiful and modern pieces at affordable prices.
4) Sage, rosemary and thyme have been some of my favorite spices to cook with - a tip I picked up from @handsomegeneration and they add great presentation to the final product - just throw a full rosemary leaf in your rice, fries or chicken next time you make it.
Do you like to cook at home? What are some of your favorite tips to elevate your cooking to the next level?
#salmondinner #veganmeals #vegandinners #homecookedmeal

#OOTD: Knits & Leather This look was so good tha

#OOTD: Knits & Leather
This look was so good that I had to put it on a pedestal 🗽
Full Outfit details linked in my latest blog post (LINK IN BIO🔗). Thanks for all the love on the outfit reel for this look earlier today Gems. I've loved putting them together and watching the final result can sometimes feel so therapeutic 💃🏾❤️.

#MaximalPhotoChallenge - "NYC Streetstyle Photosh

#MaximalPhotoChallenge - "NYC Streetstyle Photoshoot"
Last week's indoor photoshoot challenge was so much fun so this week we decided to take to the streets of NYC. And what better location to shoot at than Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall during the holidays. We found a street closed-off to traffic and started snapping away. You know what to do! Go to my stories and vote for the best photograph - posing, photography, attitude, it all counts in this challenge! Just remember that I took photos of Maxim and vice versa.
Here are a few tips to recreate your own "Streetstyle Photoshoot" from @opalbyopal and @maximsaidso (Read MORE though the link in my bio):
1) Find an area where you can stretch your legs. I like to look for closed-off streets, side streets, and any areas with minimal traffic where I can be comfortable posing and shooting for 15 or so minutes without anyone disturbing me.
2) Shoot first, ask permission second. As a rule of thumb, if you see a cute location you would love to take a photo at, just go for it and start snapping away. If a security guard or property owner comes out and asks you to move, please do so immediately. Usually, by that time, I already have the shot that I was going for saved on my camera roll so no hard feelings.
3) In New York, no one is paying that much attention to you. Really. So loosen up and try out your best poses and angles knowing that no one is really judging you for it.
See ALL of my tips on shooting in a city on my latest blog post (LINK in BIO 🔗)
Don't forget to vote for your favorite photos and help up pick a winner in my stories. Tag me and @maximsaidso and use hashtag #MaximalPhotoChallenge next time you shoot using these tips. I would love to see what you Gems come up with!
On Her: jacket @scotch_soda; sweatshirt @nicce; jeans @dl1961denim; boots @schutz;
On Him: denim jacket @wrangler; jean @levis; polo shirt @uniqlo; jacket @josephabboud; boots @colehaan; hat @poloralphlauren
#nycblogger #winterlooks #lookoftheweek #newyorkblogger #wentoutlikethis #citystyle #everydayoutfit #winterwhites #mensstyleguide #mensstyleblogger

Fitness Motivation: Single Dumbbell Workouts Ok,

Fitness Motivation: Single Dumbbell Workouts
Ok, so we all know that lifting weights in addition to cardio is good for you, right? But sometimes dealing with heavy weights - hauling and storing them - is not very practical or even possible at home. This is why me and @maximsaidso wanted to show you how to get a full workout: upper body, core & lower body with just a single dumbbell!
Look into your closet and find that lonely dumbbell that's been collecting dust ever since you lost it's pair during the move. That's all you are going to need! For these workouts, I used a 15 pound dumbbell and Maxim used a 30 pound one. Adjust the number of reps depending on the weight that you have - do more reps if using a lighter weight, less if going heavier. We used an adjustable dumbbell set that can be helpful as well but you don't need to have one.
Workouts:
Slide 1: Upper Body
1. Shoulder Press - 3 sets x 10 per arm
2. Back Row - 3 sets x 20 reps
3. Front Raise - 3 sets x 10 reps
Slide 2: Core
1. Dumbbell Deadlift - 3 sets x 15 reps
2. Russian Twist - 3 sets x 15 per side
3. Leg Raise - 3 sets x 15 reps
Slide 3: Lower Body
1. Squats - 3 sets x 20 reps
2. Single-Leg Deadlift - 3 sets x 10 per leg
3. Lunges - 3 sets x 10 per leg
Don't forget to reward yourself! Take a hot bubble bath tonight and listen to your favorite podcast or an audiobook. I always love listening to "This American Life" podcast that drops every Sunday and has great heartfelt stories about people and events from around the country.
#athomeworkout #dumbbellworkout #partnerworkout #quarantineworkouts #couplesworkout #homeworkoutvideos

Sunday Poetry Remember, Woman by Reese Leyva (@r

Sunday Poetry
Remember, Woman by Reese Leyva (@reese.leyva)
Remember, Woman, you were born
life giver, miracle creator, magic maker.
You were born with the heart of a thousand mothers,
open and fearless and sweet.
You were born with the fire of Queens & conquerors,
warrioress blood you bleed.
You were born with the wisdom of sages & shamans,
no wound can you not heal.
You were born the teller of your own tale,
before none should you kneel.
You were born with an immeasurable soul
reaching out past infinity.
You were born to desire with passion, abandon,
and to name your own destiny.
Remember, Woman, remember
you are more than you can see.
Remember, Woman, remember
you are loved endlessly.
Remember, Woman, your power and grace,
the depth of your deep sea heart.
Never forget you are Woman, divine,
as you have been from the start

Friday Destresser: Home Plants 🌱 Is it me or

Friday Destresser: Home Plants 🌱
Is it me or has everyone been into home plants lately? It's totally easy to understand why - in this time when the world is in constant chaos and we can't seem to get a break from the horrible news stories flooding our screens one after the other. Bringing parts of nature into our homes and caring for them can be a therapeutic activity and can help you destress. Not to mention, they clean the air and are just a joy to look at! Once you start collecting house plants, you will find more and more reasons to grow your green oasis 🙂
Some facts about my collection + how you can start and care for your own:
🌱 Right now I have about 20 plants in varying sizes - from 2-inch cacti to 3'7" snake plant (5'4" with the planter).
🌱 Snake plants, zz plants and madagascar dragon trees are the easiest to care for in my experience - but I haven't had any big scares that usually keep people out of caring for plants.
🌱 I've built my collection naturally over the years - receiving plants from friends as gifts and rescuing some from my neighbors. I've also purchased plants (check out your local nursery) and divided my existing plants.
🌱 I normally water them only when the soil gets dry-ish, about once a week to 2 weeks. I also prune any dead leaves at that time. It's a very therapeutic activity.
🌱 I want to grow my collection even more and get a palm one day! Can anyone recommend a palm they had a good experience with keeping?
Do you have a plant collection? How big is it? Post it in your stories and tag me, I would love to get some inspo from you Gems!
#plantsarefriends #livingwithplants #plantstyling #plantmagic #plantenthusiast #natureindoors #botanicalpickmeup #plantered #iloveplants

Have a Little Fun Go Bold in 2021 Beauty has no Ru

Have a Little Fun
Go Bold in 2021
Beauty has no Rules
I am usually a make-up minimalist. Fresh-faced, dewey look has been my go-to during quarantine. But today, I felt like bringing back some COLOR and I settled on this vibrant burnt orange look. Video of how I got this look coming tonight! Let me know what make-up color you want to bring back this year?
Products I used:
- @lauramercier Foundation Primer
- @giorgioarmani Foundation
- @esteelauder Pure Color Envy Lash
- @lauramercier Hidden Gems Eyshadow Pallette
- @lauramercier Face Illuminator in Seduction
- @maccosmetics Eyeshadow in Hot Paprika
- @benefitcosmetics Ultra Fine Brow Pencil
- @maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink
- @bareminerals Brow Gel
- @urbandecaycosmetics All-Nighter Setting Spray
#darkskinmakeup #makeupforwoc #makeupformelaningirls #makeupformelanin #funmakeup #colormakeup #makeupcolors #orangemakeup

#MaximalPhotoChallenge - "Shooting at Home" Did

#MaximalPhotoChallenge - "Shooting at Home"
Did you know that January is International Creativity Month? To celebrate, @maximsaidso and I decided to challenge ourselves to shoot and model for each other for a "15-minutes photoshoot challenge". I shot Maxim. He shot me. Who did better? Go to my stories to vote on the best portrait, cool angle, movement, and more categories now!
Follow these 4 simple steps to try this challenge:
1) Pick an outfit. We picked similar vibes with our outfits - clean silhouettes, subtle colors, grown-up fits.
2) Pick your props. We picked pampas grass - my favorite to block windows in NYC and now to pose with 🙂 A sheer curtain on top of a stool finished our set.
3) Set a Time Limit. We gave each other a 15-minute time limit to get the best shots.
4) Set the mood. Finally, we picked music to model and shoot to. My vibe was Rihanna's "Unapologetic" album and Maxim picked George Clanton, a vaporwave/trip-hop artist.
That's it!
Challenge yourself and your partner (or a tripod!) to do this 15-minute photoshoot challenge. Just remember to pick your outfit, props, set a time limit and pose to music that matches the mood! Tag me and @maximsaidso and use hashtag #MaximalPhotoChallenge. I would love to see what you Gems come up with. Oh, and don't forget to vote in my stories!
On Her: dress: @gentryportofino shoes: @aglshoes
On Him: jacket: @zegnaofficial pants: @carusomenswear
#photochallenge2021 #homephotoshoot #couplephotoshoot #creativephotoshoot #creativecouples #fashioncouple #stylishcouple #isolationcreation

Fitness Motivation: Quick Ab Workouts One of my

Fitness Motivation: Quick Ab Workouts
One of my goals for 2021 was to set up my own little gym/dance studio. So we mounted a wall mirror (3x5 feet from @homedepot), repurposed one of our benches and stashed yoga mats and weights in the closet. It's a perfect area where I can meditate, do yoga and throw in some quick on the go workouts, because who has time to go to the gym?
Today I challenged @maximsaidso to do some fun core and ab workouts with me. And @aussiepluto decided to jump in and be our little personal trainer 🐶. You can do all of these exercises by yourself or with a partner - all you need is a yoga mat or a carpet where you can lay down comfortably.
Workouts:
1. Mountain Climber Planks: 3 sets x25 per leg
2. Side Planks with a Rotation: 3 sets x25 per arm
3. Around the world Crunches 3 sets x15 rotations
4. Crunch to Reach: 3 sets x15 crunches
5. Scisscor Crunch: 3 sets x25 per leg
Don't forget to reward yourself! Make macaroons and watch @EmilyinParis, if only because we can't travel to Paris right now. Check out my stories later today for a delicious and simple at-home macaroon recipe that I've been loving.
#athomeworkout #partnerworkout #coreworkouts #coreexercises #abworkouts #quarantineworkouts #homeworkoutvideos #couplesworkout #homegymsetup #2021workout

Rainy Day outing with @maximsaidso and @aussieplut

Rainy Day outing with @maximsaidso and @aussiepluto 👩🏾‍🌾🐥🤠
#rainydayvibes #couplesphotoshoot #newyorkfashion #dogparents #interracialcouple #fashioncouple

Trust the magic of new beginnings. This will be a

Trust the magic of new beginnings. This will be a good year ✨
#2021goals #freshstart #loungewear #athomeintheworld #lounging #melaninglow

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