Denver, CO REMIX

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photo: Colormyfootsteps

I think it’s safe to say that David and I have fallen in love with Denver, CO. Or at least “in like” with the scenic city. Spring Break of 2018 we decided to return to the beautiful Rocky Mountain and Mile High state of Colorado. As you may have picked up on, we have visited Denver, CO once before. However, this time we were determined to see more of the mountainous area outside the city.

We stayed in the suburban city of Aurora, CO during this trip. The trip from Aurora to Estes Park in Colorado was about 1.5 hours. Although that seems like a long time, because of the scenic view it was an enjoyable trek to the mountains. The winding roads up the mountains guided through the beautiful mountain range.

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photo: Colormyfootsteps

The park was busy with people looking to enjoy the mountains just like us. We stopped by the tourism office to get a map and some pointers from the park ranger. Once we entered the park we got lost, lol. We missed our turn to a beginners trail. However, we didn’t let that detour us from enjoying the historic park.

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photo: Colormyfootsteps

Once we found a good stopping point, we hopped out of the car and explored more on foot. Due to heavy snow fall the days prior, several trails and roads were closed for safety. The snow definitely added to the beauty of the mountainside. We walked for quite a ways and took in the sights and fresh air.

If Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t on your road trip bucket list, it should be!

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photo: Colormyfoootsteps

If you’re looking for some extra family-friendly fun, then stopping by the Denver Zoo is for you. We found it affordable for the two of us (I believe it was no more than $25 for us both). The weather was beautiful and the animals were out basking in the sun as well. The Denver Zoo has a wide range of animals, from gorillas to polar bears. We also got a chance to feed some hungry birds (I believe they were parakeets).

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photo: Colormyfootsteps

We decided to stop by one of Denver’s oddities, The International Church of Cannabis. People who attend the services are Elevationists and they believe that marijuana allows them to form a closer connection to a higher power. From the outside this sanctuary is very unassuming. However, once you enter the chapel it is a sight to see for sure. The walls are very brightly and intricately painted by artist Kenny Scharf. Apparently the building has had several purposes before becoming a church. At one time is was even a school. It is free to enter the church on designated days for tourists. They do however ask for a $5 donation.

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photo: Colormyfootsteps

Denver, CO is a great place to visit if you want a great blend of city and nature. It is easy to find something for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy where you’re at and where you be!

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Wakanda Forever! Black Panther Review

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Hey everyone!

Here’s a quick announcement. Occasionally I create movie review posts (typically around the holidays) for the blog. I’m happy to announce that my amateur movie review skills have expanded to a YouTube channel!

We recently reviewed the newly released Black Panther. You can check it out below! Make sure to subscribe to the channel and thumbs up the video too!

 

 

Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask with | Neutrogena – Review

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photo: neutrogena.com

The winter months can be brutal on skin. My combination skin really struggles during the cooler months of the year. The dry areas of my face are at the bridge of my nose and sometimes the areas extend to below my eyes. The rest of my face (the tip of my nose, cheeks, forehead, temples, and chin) is oily enough to fry chicken on, especially when I am PMS-ing.

In an effort to stay on top of my ever-evolving facial needs, lately I have upped the ante on my skin care routine. Once a week I treat myself to an “at-home-spa” which means I go all out with cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing my skin. I decided to try and review the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask to see how well it works on my combination skin.

Neutrogena rolled out their Hydro Boost collection sometime in 2016. I will admit, I have little-to-no experience using Neutrogena products. I’ve always felt they were slightly expensive compared to other product lines and I didn’t feel compelled to spend the extra coins. The Hydro Boost collection is no exception. The reason it has taken me so long to try any of the featured products is because they do have a higher price point. When I noticed the single packets of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Masks were available at my local Wal-Mart for an affordable price I had to finally try it.

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photo: colormyfootsteps.com

Product Claims

This innovative hydrogel mask instantly quenches dry skin, leaving it hydrated, smooth, and supple. 

Notable Ingredients

  • PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil – surfactant that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away
  • Tremella Fucicormis Sporocarp Extract – fungus extract used to stimulate cell growth
  • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid – powerful humectant used to plump and hydrate skin
  • Chondras Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract – red seaweed extract full of vitamins and minerals and used for UV ray protection

Application

This is actually the second time I have tried this mask. The first time I was over-whelmed with the application process. The mask comes in two halves. It is very slimy. My advice is to lightly squeeze the package after opening and empty out some of the excess product. This will help you grip the mask and apply it. The instructions state to leave the mask on for 15 to 30 minutes. The first time I used it I left it on for 30 minutes, and the second time I left it on for 15 minutes. Honestly, I think 15 minutes is more than enough.

My Results

This mask is very refreshing. The cooling sensation would feel great in the warmer months. After you remove the mask there is a light amount of product that remains on your face. Simply massage the remaining product into your skin. My face felt soft for hours after the application. Since this is a product that you will more than likely rinse off at the end of the day, the results don’t last. However, the Hydro Boost collection includes a hydrating cleanser, serum, and moisturizing gel so I believe using these products in combination would leave your skin highly hydrated for a longer period of time.

Since I liked the results I feel inclined to purchase and try several of the other items in this collection. I am especially considering using the Hydro Boost Eye Gel.

If you have used this product or any of the products in the Hydro Boost collection let me know!

 

 

The Blue Whale of Catoosa, OK

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The famous U.S. Route 66 was established in 1926 and nicknamed the Mother Road by some. The highway runs from Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. There are several attractions along the route to entertain travelers. One of the various attractions is the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma.

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photo: Colormyfootsteps

The Blue Whale is the romantic gesture and creation of Hugh S. Davis, a zoologist, for his wife and eventually put to use by his grandchildren. Over the years the Blue Whale and the pond it rests within were used by the community as a swimming spot during the warm summer months.

I know it might sound surprising, but this is the first time David and I have seen the Blue Whale in person. The Blue Whale is easy to find as it is located directly next to the highway. There is a gravel parking lot and a simple gated entrance to the small park next to the pond and highway attraction. There is a small gift shop, picnic tables, and restrooms.

 

The Blue Whale is approximately 46 years old and has been renovated over the years. It is pretty cool to walk inside the large structure. I can only imagine how magical it could feel as a child to enter something so unique.

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If you are travelling along the famous highway and plan to travel through Catoosa, it would be a great photo opportunity to stop by the Blue Whale.

Thanks for reading!

Fellow Okie – Hillary Rankin

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A love for food is the thing I have most in common with Hillary Rankin. Not only do we share a love for food, but we also share a love for curating our favorite things on a blog to share with everyone. Hillary is the brain, face, and architect behind 918plate.com, a blog showcasing her love for food.

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photo: 918plate.com

  • What’s your name?

Hillary Rankin

 

  • What is the name of your blog/website?

918 Plate, www.918plate.com

 

  • What city in Oklahoma do you call home?

Tulsa!

 

  • What’s your favorite thing about Oklahoma?

My favorite thing about Oklahoma is the people. My family is from the OKC area, and my grandmas are both there. The people I’ve met since living here as an adult have been lovely and hospitable. Tulsa is also packed with local and startup restaurants and food businesses, which I absolutely love.

 

  • Compared to other places you’ve traveled, what stands out most about Oklahoma?

Here in Oklahoma, the cities aren’t too big, but still have everything you need. There isn’t the hustle and bustle of being a bigger urban hub like a Dallas or Chicago, and I am still able to build relationships and connect with people to give it more of a tight-knit-community feel.

 

  • Tell me a little bit about your blog/website.

I started 918 Plate in the summer of 2015. It focuses on recipes made with local Oklahoma ingredients, spotlighting Oklahoma businesses or farms, as well as what you can grow in your own garden in Tulsa. I post once a week, on Tulsa Time Thursday.

 

  • Where do you find inspiration for your blog posts and/or updates to your website?

I love to use family recipes, because they always come with a story. But primarily, I try to use the inspiration of seasonal offerings to plan what I will be cooking!

 

  • How can people contact you?

www.918plate.com

You can find me @918Plate on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/918Plate

I am glad that I had the opportunity to feature Hillary as a Fellow Okie. Please check out her blog and find her on social media!

Tips For Self Care

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The Working Mom

  • Cut Yourself Some Slack

We all make mistakes. It’s simply destined for we, as humans, to do so. Don’t spend your valuable time dwelling on those mistakes. Learn from them. Grow from them. Move on.

  • Make Fun A Priority

The day-to-day hustle can be very consuming. Try to mix it up a bit and find something extraordinary in the mundane. Put your favorite song on repeat. Go roller skating with your friends on a whim. Go swing on a swing-set. Enjoy life!

  • Pursue A Hobby

Do you like to paint? Maybe you used to love to collect comic books. Find a hobby to help you de-stress. Immersing yourself into something you love will allow you to find a sense of joy in your actions. It can also take your mind off stressful events.

TIPS FOR SELF CARE

  • Ask For Help When You Need It

It’s not always easy, but sometimes asking for help is necessary. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed at work or at home, ask for help. You don’t have to handle everything alone.

  • Prioritize What Matters Most

Make a list of the things that matter most to you and why. Make sure YOU fall within the top three on that list. That’s right. You need to make sure that you are a priority on your own list of importance. While you’re looking after everyone else, who is looking out for you? Take the time to prioritize your life.

What tips are you taking to make sure you’re practicing “Self Care” this year?

Thanks for reading!

Best Christmas Movies!

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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!

MY WINTER FAVES 2017

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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

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

Black Travel Bloggers You Should Know

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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

 

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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!