Best Christmas Movies!

Leave a comment

Hey everyone! This is my list of the best movies to get you into the Christmas spirit! Hopefully, you have either seen all or a few of these on my list. If not, I hope this inspires you to check one of the movies out.

Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone

This is an automatic holiday favorite for all the family to enjoy. Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin, a kid who accidentally gets left at home by his family days before Christmas. Kevin has to hold down the fort while his mother frantically makes her way home to him. Not only does he have to take care of himself he also has to protect his home from two clumsy burglars.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

Lampoons Vacation

Clark Griswald (Chevy Chase) just wants to have a fun, quiet, wholesome Christmas with his family. He does his best to handle family guests, rude neighbors, and a cheap boss while trying to stay in a good mood. This is probably my favorite holiday movie.

Die Hard (1988)

Die Hard

This might seem like an odd choice. Maybe you think it doesn’t belong on the list. However, this action packed movie takes place on Christmas Eve. Bruce Willis plays John McClane, a cop who is trying to see his estranged wife on Christmas Eve. Somehow he jumps to the rescue and tries to foil the plan of a group of terrorists.

Scrooged (1988)

Scrooged

This movie is a funny take on A Christmas Carol. Bill Murray plays a television executive who is a jerk who lacks empathy. His heartlessness lands him in trouble and he is visited by the three Christmas spirits, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future.

Friday After Next (2002)

Friday After Next

If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas would be like in California and in the hood, then you should watch this movie. The third addition of the Friday movie series features Mike Epps and Ice Cube trying to pay their rent after a burglar dressed as Santa Claus robs them and steals their rent money. This movie is full of laughable moments.

The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Claus

Tim Allen accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit and has to take the Santa’s place. He magically turns into Santa Claus, over several months, just in time for Christmas. It’s a fun time and a fun movie for the family to enjoy.

Elf (2003)

Elf

Will Ferrell in an elf costume. What more do you need? Buddy (Will Ferrell) wants to meet his real father (James Caan). He travels to New York City to find him. Along the way he is introduced to things he never thought were possible, like escalators.

Almost Christmas (2016)

download

Danny Glover plays the patriarch who recently lost his wife and is trying to pull his four adult children together for one last Christmas in the home he and his wife raised them in. All children have different personalities that often clash. This is an entertaining movie centered around family and overcoming past hurts together.

Love The Coopers (2015)

love the coopers

I recently watched this movie and felt that it was a great option to add to the list. Steve Martin narrates the story of married couple (Diane Keaton and John Goodman) who are on the verge of separating and are trying to bring their family together for one last Christmas together before the family falls apart completely. Lessons of love, taking chances, and forgiveness are displayed throughout the movie.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

This is a classic short film that packs a huge holiday punch. If you haven’t seen it what are you waiting for? This movie has animation that still holds up to this day. The Grinch, his cute dog, and the Who’s of Whoville bring so much life to this story.

Honorable Mentions

  • This Christmas (2007)
  • Office Christmas Party (2016)
  • The Best Man Holiday (2013)
  • A Christmas Story (1983)
  • Lethal Weapon (1987)
  • Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Did your favorite Christmas movie make the list? Comment below!

Advertisements

MY WINTER FAVES 2017

Leave a comment

Hey everyone!

I’m trying my best to hold back and not do it…You know what I’m talking about, right? You know! Fine…

winter is coming

Well, now that we got that out of the way…here are a few things that I am enjoying this winter season.

Hair:

NOW Solutions Grapeseed oil

grapeseed

Face:

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (Shade: cappuccino)

fit me

Clothes:

Fruit of the Loom flannel pants

flannel

Home:

Ceramic mugs from Ross Dress for Less

coffee

disclaimer: I couldn’t find the ones I own. Sorry.

Entertainment:

Miguel – War and Leisure

268x0w

Here’s the video! Subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already!

Black Travel Bloggers You Should Know

Leave a comment

COLORMYFOOTSTEPS.COM

We out here y’all!

Black travel aficionado’s are all over. Thanks to social media platforms, like Instagram, it’s more common to see people of color from the USA hanging out and exploring foreign lands. I have to admit I smile from ear-to-ear when I see people who look like me boarding a flight to a different country or embracing different cultures where they don’t see a familiar face.

I decided to share some of the black travel buffs that I have come across through social media over the years.

Brian – Beyond BMore

 

beyondbmore

photo: beyondbmore.com

I stumbled upon Brian via a YouTuber I follow, TheChicNatural, a few years ago. If you can’t tell by the name, Brian is from Baltimore, MD. Years ago, Brian made the decision to explore beyond the dicey streets and neighborhoods he knew and see what the other streets, cities, and countries across the globe had to offer. Brian has traveled to 31 countries (feel free to say “Whoa”) and doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon.

Ashlee – Will Drink For Travel

willdrinkfortravel

photo: willdrinkfortravel.com

The social media handle alone should make you smile Will Drink For Travel. Sign me up! I found Ashlee sometime ago, via Instagram, and was instantly intrigued. Ashlee provides her own perspective on travelling with one of the main focuses being tasty and flavorful food and of course drinks. Her website includes drink recipes, most inspired by different regions across the globe. Whether solo or in groups, she always seems to end up in the best places.

Tracey – Brooklyn Travel Addict

bktraveladdict

photo: brooklyntraveladdict.com

Tracey may look familiar. I’ve featured her in a blog post before. If that’s not where you recall her face, then you may know her as one of the creative minds behind Curlfest. The annual event to celebrate curly hair. Tracey inspires me so much and I can’t help but to live vicariously through her social media posts, at least until I can do my own travelling. She always offers the best insight on places and events. From Cuba, India, and South Africa…she’s been there and done that.

Kellee – Kellee Set Go!

kellee

photo: kelleesetgo.com

I’ve been fan-girling over Kellee for quite sometime. She’s a pilot, deep-sea diver, and all around adrenaline junkie, and I love it. Did I mention she’s also the host of the Travel Channel show Mysterious Islands? She’s been to at least 35 countries. Yep, 35! To see a black woman accomplishing so much and not slowing down for a minute is exciting. If she doesn’t compel you to try new things, than I don’t know who will.

This list only scrapes the surface of black travel influencers out there. If you’re looking for inspiration or tips don’t hesitate to look these people up. There is so much more world out there than what we see with our own eyes everyday.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Holiday Travel Tips

Leave a comment

PRODUCTIVITY AND FOCUS

That time of the year is back!

It’s time to begin holiday travel preparation. I thought I would offer you all a few tips that I have for travelling during the holiday season. The objective is to make your travels as smooth as possible.

Flight Tips

  • Book Wisely

Plane tickets are not cheap. I think we are all very aware of this. If you’re traveling solo for the holidays then you may feel a little more comfortable waiting until the last minute to book your travel, which could result in higher costs. However, if you are travelling in a group then you probably want to hop online and book as soon as you can. Most websites stated that Tuesday is the best day during the work week to book travel and Friday is the best day on the weekend to book travel.

  • Dress Comfy

We’ve all seen them. The people who are overdressed at the airport. You would think they were about to climb onto a private jet or something. There’s really no need in over doing it. Besides, when you pass through security you want as little fuss as necessary. You also want to be comfortable in your seat, especially if you’re not flying first class.

  • Charge Devices

Admit it…you need it! That tablet, laptop, and/or phone is something that you need when travelling. If you’re travelling with children, it’s nice to have something to keep them entertained. Trust me, the other passengers will appreciate it. Make sure all of the devices you are bringing along are charged and ready for use. Also make sure your portable chargers are ready as well. Don’t forget earphones!

  • Pack Efficiently

Make sure to plan out your attire before you pack. Make adequate use of the space within your luggage so you can fit everything you need inside. If there is a possibility that you will be shopping or receiving a lot of gifts while away then make sure to leave space in your luggage for additional items you’ll return home with. If you know there won’t be enough room in your luggage, then consider purchasing additional luggage for your new items. Better yet don’t forget you can also have the items shipped to you instead of worrying about checking them in at the airport.

  • Ready Your Snacks

Airport food is pricey, especially if you’re travelling with children. Consider bringing along snacks to make things a little easier on your wallet. Please be considerate of others when bringing food onto a plane. Not everything smells yummy in a small confined space like an airplane. Keep your snack choice simple.

Road Trip Tips

  • Safety Supplies Handy

It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Make sure before you set out on the road that you have all your safety supplies. Have a spare tire and a car-jack. Also have blankets, a flashlight, and water for those just in case moments if you happen to have a long wait for the tow truck. If you have AAA or any type of Road Side Assistance from your car insurance, have that information handy.

  • Plan Route

Thanks to technology, GPS is available at our fingertips at all times. However, it’s always nice to have an idea of the area(s) you’ll be passing through while travelling. Be aware of all the main highways you’ll be using during your trip. You never know when you might hit a dead-zone and have bad reception.

  • Set The Tunes

Get your master playlist ready! Cruising to your favorite music is a lifesaver when stuck in a car for hours. Have a few different playlists on deck to suit everyone.

Additional Tips

  • Bring Ear Plugs – they take some getting used to, but they can be super helpful.
  • Sickness Medications – if you suffer from motion sickness, make sure you keep your remedies handy.
  • Patience – be considerate of others and remember to spread love and cheer.

Hopefully, a few of the tips are helpful. Enjoy your holidays!

Dañar (damage)

Leave a comment

Some would say “change is good”. Even the one and only Stevie Nicks said,

“…But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older, too.”

–song Landslide

The season is changing here in Oklahoma. Fall is slowly evolving into winter. I personally am not a big fan of winter. However, this year I am determined to allow Mother Nature have its way. I am not in control. All I can do is prepare myself (hello new winter clothes). Of course, I will have a few gripes throughout the winter months (I am only human). The seasons changing are expected. Then there comes the unexpected changes like when you walk into a hair salon full of optimism and leave with bewilderment. Yes, I know that seems like an odd redirection. But I speak from personal experience. Change can be gradual or come out of nowhere and smack you in the face, then step back and dare you to react.

“Now what sucka?”

Yea, it can…well…suck. There’s no prep for those sudden changes. Sure we have insurance for accidents. We also have advice from other’s based on their own experiences. But it’s always the unexpected that we have no place of reference for or a guide to walk us through step-by-step. You have to shift your thinking, or approach, or even your entire mindset.

The only thing we can ever truly control is how we react to the things that happen to us or around us. Look on the bright side, reel in our emotions, or spin out of control. The choice is up to us.

Fall Bucket List

Leave a comment

autumn moments

Hey y’all!

The time of the year for flannel shirts, college football, and gooey s’mores by the fire is here! One or all of those things I listed may not be on your checklist of activities for autumn but don’t let that stop you from creating a list of fun things to do this cool and crisp season. If you need some ideas, here is my fall bucket list!

  • Attend a Football Game – Fall season goes hand-and-hand with football season. Find a college level or professional team to cheer for and go all in!
  • Decorate Pumpkins – There are several diy decorating tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube that can help you make your pumpkin stand out.
  • Learn Cooking Recipes for Cooler Weather – Chili, chicken and dumplings, and stew are perfect to warm you up when the nights get cold.
  • Fall in Love with a Comfy Sweater –  Be well-dressed and comfortable this season by finding that great outfit.

Feel free to use this list to get you started on having a great fall!

Check out my Fall Favorites video to see what I’m loving this season!

 

Summer Photo Wrap-Up 2017

Leave a comment

Hey y’all!

It’s been a nice (and quite hot) summer! I took a nice hiatus from blogging over the summer. However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been occupied with other things!

My favorite products and items for summer!

We tried some new and interesting snacks!

We stopped by the Annual Porter Peach Festival!

Tulsa hosted a Local Luau at Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa! We stopped by and had a great time and ate some delicious food!

Hope you enjoy the videos! Thanks for stopping by the blog!

 

 

Skip a Few Beats

Leave a comment
PhotoGrid_1435442716491

Coffee mug from Ida Red Boutique on Brookside.

Hey y’all!

I can’t help but quote music producer Timbaland when I say

“It’s been a long time…I shouldn’t have left with…without a dope beat to step to…”

I haven’t graced this beautiful blog with words handpicked from my brain in quite awhile. Don’t worry, no life-altering event has happened to me. However, changes needed to be made.

After our awesome trip to Denver, CO in March I was faced with a question. How am I prioritizing my life?

Just like most women I wear many hats. First, I am a wife. I also work a full-time job, 5 days a week (not mentioning overtime). I also have these cool hobbies (this blog, and YouTube videos), I am trying to finish writing my 2nd book (while still promoting my 1st). I contribute articles to a natural hair blog. I am a daughter and a sister. And of course I have to tack on going to the gym 2 to 3 times a week and squeezing in spending time with family and friends and well…at some point something has to give.

I realized the hard way that I cannot do it all and expect that effort to be 100 percent. No one can. Something will suffer. Your mental health, your physical health, your relationships, and/or your career, can easily begin to become harder and harder to manage.

So taking note of the draining path I was on I decided to take a break from certain things. The world isn’t going to crumble if I don’t get a blog post up, or a YouTube video uploaded. However, missing time with loved ones or giving a lackluster performance at work is not acceptable.

It comes down to balance. There’s a time and place for everything. Finding the time to do certain things and learning what to reschedule or even what to scrap.

I am definitely not walking away from the blog  (my baby). But there will be times when I’ll have to take a brief hiatus. Thank you all for understanding.

You’re awesome!

May Photo Wrap-Up 2017

Leave a comment

Hey y’all hey!

I can’t believe it, but it’s the end of May! To be honest, I had a somewhat uneventful month. But none the less I took a few pictures here and there and put up a few videos!

20170513_143746

photo: Colormyfootsteps

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=wPvbL9zxWac

One of the most important things I did in May was celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom! We had a great time hanging out in downtown Tulsa at the Guthrie Green. We also had good food and great conversations.

20170513_131737

photo: Colormyfootsteps

If you have been to downtown Tulsa lately than you must have noticed the addition of artwork on the walls of several buildings. I personally love the colorful additions to downtown. The artwork really brings a new energy to downtown Tulsa.

20170505_124754

photo: Colormyfootsteps

My sweet tooth has been in overdrive lately. Although it’s still chocolate I decided to try a gluten free option. This one was actually pretty tasty.

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=POXtMKiTJsU

David and I stopped by the Bixby Barbecue Festival. We enjoyed great food (we really stuffed ourselves). If you are in the area, I suggest stopping by next year to see the festival and eat some great barbecue. The event is very family friendly.

I hope you had a great month of May. I look forward to awesome adventures in the month of June.

How To Save Money For Travel

Leave a comment

 

How To Sav Money For Travel

Have you ever scrolled through someone’s social media page and wondered how they seem to always be somewhere awesome? I’m sure you have. We all have! I’ve even gone as far as to drop whatever Iwas doing and hop onto an airline website to see how much tickets were to a far away place. Only to slowly fall back into reality when I realize that even if with the cheapest tickets I still would be digging deep into my bank account to pay for the trip. Since beginning this blog I have racked my brain with ways I can save money to pay for my travel adventures. I hope you find at least one option on my list helpful when you need to come up with funds for travel.

  • A Piggy Bank

piggy bank

I know, I know a piggy bank sounds a bit ridiculous. However, I am referring to a direct deposit account either with your bank or an online banking service. Direct deposits are typically automatic and are electronic. Since you don’t see the cash you’re less tempted to spend money. An example of a good online banking service is Smarty Pig. Smarty Pig allows you to set up an account (using your typical personal information), choose where the money is deposited from and what your goal is. It will keep track of your money and give you an estimate of how long it will take you to reach your goal. Once you have reached your goal you can close the goal and receive your money (give or take a few days).

  • Odd Jobs

dog walker

We all have talents and gifts. Why not put those talents to use to earn some travel dough? If you’re computer savvy you can sign up on websites like Fiverr. Fiverr is a company that allows people looking for help with technology based projects find and pay those who are skilled in that area. If you’re not big into technology there are other things you could do. For instance if you love animals you can walk dogs and/or pet-sit. If animals are not your thing, you can also offer to be a personal assistant for a family member or friend. You could pick up their dry cleaning, drop their kids off at school or do their grocery shopping. Most family members and friends may feel reluctant to allow you to do that but once you explain what the money will be used for they should understand and be willing to help you out.

  • Sell Your Junk

resell

A quick way to make a few bucks is to sell items that you no longer need. Make a sign, set your things outside on the lawn and sell away! A yard sell is a quick and simple way to sell items. If a yard sale is not your speed you can sale unwanted or old clothing to clothing resale stores. If you have electronics that you no long want you can sell those items on Ebay or even your local pawn shop.

  • Clock In

job

It’s not something that most of us want to do. However, sometimes we have to put the rubber to the road, pull our sleeves up, burn the midnight oil, and…well…you know what I mean. Sometimes your best bet is to get a temporary or part-time job. I say temporary or part-time because I’m assuming most people reading this already have a full-time job or maybe go to school full-time. Temporary jobs (sometimes called seasonal jobs) are great because they are exactly that…temporary. The hours you spend working will help your travel budget and there is no long-term commitment in place. A part-time may have a little more commitment involved but you won’t have to spend grueling long hours a day working. If you put the money you earn at these jobs towards travel you will be on your way in no time.

   Traveling takes the ink out of one’s pen as well as the cash out of one’s purse.
– Herman Melville

 

There are other options for saving money to use for travel adventures. I hope the ones I listed here are helpful to you. Thanks for reading!