Tag: beach

Summer Flashback. I Can Pretend That It’s Still Summer, Right?

Palm trees and blue skies. Some people get to see it everyday but I don't. I would like for it to be my daily view one day.
Palm trees and blue skies. Some people get to see it everyday but I don’t. I would like for it to be my daily view one day.
Our first leg of Summer vacation began in Orlando. We rewarded Angelique with a trip to Universal Studios (Harry Potter World) because she put some major work in over the Summer academically. She deserved a great trip. The second leg was Miami. Yeah, that's mama's reward. We took our first cruise on the Norwegian Sky.
Our first leg of Summer vacation began in Orlando. We rewarded Angelique with a trip to Universal Studios (Harry Potter World) because she put some major work in over the Summer academically. She deserved a great trip. The second leg was Miami. Yeah, that’s mama’s reward. We took our first cruise on the Norwegian Sky.
It was freestyle cruising, which means there was never a need to really dress formally for any events. I really appreciated that.
It was freestyle cruising, which means there was never a need to really dress formally for any events. I really appreciated that.
The hubby woke up early every morning to catch sunsets and an early breakfast. Angelique and I thought it best to sleep in.
The hubby woke up early every morning to catch sunsets and an early breakfast. Angelique and I thought it best to sleep in.
Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas. We soaked up some sun on the beach and visited a local African museum. I like finding out about the history of the people of the places that I visit. You find that we are more similar than we are different.
Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas. We soaked up some sun on the beach and visited a local African museum. I like finding out about the history of the people of the places that I visit. You find that we are more similar than we are different.
I live for her.
I live for her.
Angelique always thinks it's a good idea to get covered in sand.
Angelique always thinks it’s a good idea to get covered in sand.

 

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I was convinced to pose like this for the shot but then I had sand stuck in my hair for about 4 days despite numerous shampoos.
The Pair.
The Pair. Look at that water!!!!
Love the colors and vibe in Nassau.
Love the colors and vibe in Nassau.
It was time to say goodbye to the ship and head back to Miami. Miami is my local happy place.
It was time to say goodbye to the ship and head back to Miami. Miami is my local happy place.
It was hard being cut off for civilization for days upon days while on the ship so docking in MIA and getting back online was a treat for us all.
It was hard being cut off for civilization for days upon days while on the ship so docking in MIA and getting back online was a treat for us all.
I love the art deco vibe that surrounds you on South Beach.
I love the art deco vibe that surrounds you on South Beach.

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We’ve taken this path to the beach many times but it never gets old.

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There is fantastic green foliage separating the beach from the park where people play volleyball, bike or jog along Collins Ave.
There is fantastic green foliage separating the beach from the park where people play volleyball, bike or jog along Collins Ave.

 

Angelique thought it would be a great idea for us to do an impromptu photo shoot in Vans with her dad's Leica.
Angelique thought it would be a great idea for us to do an impromptu photo shoot in Vans with her dad’s Leica.

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This tan is fantastic and should last till about November !
This tan is fantastic and should last till about November !

Photos: @Johnricard

Taken with @Leica_Camera

@CruiseNorwegian

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Last Stop on the Q Train.

When the temperature starts to rise in Brooklyn or most places in NYC for that matter, where do the locals head? A little closer to the Atlantic Ocean. When you are looking for cool breeze and some fun then you go to the beach at Coney Island, ride a few rides at Luna Park, grab a bite of your favorite festival treat and take some Instagram pictures while you’re at it at a cool Art Wall.

This really cool mermaid mural is done by an artist named Lady Aiko, The murals are in the midst of a Smorgasburg (a cool mix of food trucks and vendors serving cultural favorites).
This black and white piece was a popular one with the picture taking crowd.

We were caught up with the art walls during on of our 2 day (consecutive) visits but this is how we get to Coney Island. First, we ditch the car. Driving to Coney Island on a weekend is a “no-go”. We park at our local train stop and hop on the “Q-Train”. It gets us there quickly plus the ride is outdoors and the view as you pull into the Coney Island stop (used to be Stillwell Ave.) is awesome and cannot be beat.

Take a peek in the purse and try to find treats for the train ride.
The beach was crowed with New Yorkers looking to beat the heat but despite the crowd it was a festive vibe. No one seemed to care that the water was frigid.
It is really simple to get here. Last stop on the Q Train.

Photos: John Ricard shot on his Leica

www.Coneyisland.com

www.lunaparknyc.com

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Get Fit Fast for Bikini Season.

Summer is right round the bend and if you are in the South you are already basking in the warm weather. We’ve had a brutal Winter where we were either homebound from all the snow or just wanting something hearty and warm to hit the bottom of our bellies. There was no time to work out but it’s not too late to get fit fast by just following these quick tips. I’m sure Kanye had these tips in his workout plan.

You can snag this suit from www.victoriassecret.com.
You can snag this suit from http://www.victoriassecret.com.

Abs (and a flat belly) are made in the kitchen, as a result, we have to alter what we eat and STAT. A high protein and low carb eating plan is a must and can be done easier in the Summer months. It’s just too hot to eat heavy meals. Combine a salad (without all the fatty dressing) and a lean protein, like chicken breast or fish, for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, I recommend a low sugar protein shake combined with your favorite fruits for an energy  packed meal. If you are hungry in between meals snack on almonds or raw veggies.

Combine a lean protein with some fresh greens for a fat blasting meal.
Combine a lean protein with some fresh greens for a fat blasting meal.

Get Moving. If there is a gym near you then get there. There are so many gym franchises popping up and they are priced so that everyone can utilize them. There are Planet Fitness and Blink Fitness just to name two. Most neighborhoods also have a local YMCA. No gym, no excuses. Get outside and walk, jog or bike around your block/neighborhood. There are also organization/groups like “Black Girls Run” who meet in different locations in the city. They meet in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and run as a group. Working out in groups provides support for your fitness goals and also motivates through accountability.

Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside for some physical activity. The Summer months are short so go out and play.
Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside for some physical activity. The Summer months are short so go out and play.

Have a goal but don’t have unrealistic expectations. You cannot lose 100 pounds in 1 month (I exaggerate). You know what I mean. Know YOUR body ad love YOUR body. Be kind to it and be thankful for it. The aim is to keep your body healthy and treat it well. Looking great in a bikini or your favorite suit is just the payoff. Giselle is sexy as hell but I will never have her body. I find my own sexy. Hope these tips will help you find yours during beach season.

Try to visit the beach as often as you can this Summer. If you can jet to the Caribbean, do so. If not, take advantage of your Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Go there, feel the sand in your toes and read your favorite book.
Try to visit the beach as often as you can this Summer. If you can jet to the Caribbean, do so. If not, take advantage of your Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Go there, feel the sand in your toes and read your favorite book.

 

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