Gardens and Wandering Trails

Hey beautiful people!

It's been a long time since I've done a travel post about ANYTHING. I've just been so busy with school and my new job. But, today I made it a priority to go out and do something leisurely productive, if  that even makes sense, lol. Today I explored the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and took an adventure on a trail around Stow Lake. Though it was a little sketchy, with some inclines and wooded stairs, it was quite a nature treat. Here are some pictures from today's shenanigans. All of the pictures you'll see were taken by me. Hopefully I can do more travel posts in the near future. I just need to make leisure time a priority in my hectic schedule. But for now, I hope you all enjoy!

Yours Truly,

Carla Renee

xoxo

 One of the major attractions in the tea garden. This beautiful Shrine was too good to pass up.

 Would you call this a Shrine Arch? Either way, it looked great on this sunny SF day.

 A stone lantern that I couldn't help but take a picture of.

 The Buddha in all of his glory.

 Found this quirky little structure in the Tea Garden. Looks like a bamboo water fountain. It was pretty cool. I kinda want one for myself!

 These stone lanterns can be found all over the garden. All of them were beautifully placed.

 Stone lanterns everywhere!!

 One of my favorite parts of the garden; CHERRY BLOSSOMS!! They're my favorite flower. Definitely had to come to the gardens because they only bloom during March and April. After that they fall off. Glad I got to see them this year!

 After walking through the gardens an organic ice cream truck was spotted. I can never turn down ice cream!! Here is my organic vanilla bean and chocolate twirl ice cream with chocolate chips. It was so good!! I'm definitely gonna have to hunt this ice cream truck down again!

 This is the beginning of the wandering trail. Had no idea where it went, but that's what life is all about! Gotta take risks sometimes!!

 But of course I didn't trek alone! Here is my good friend Roberto, who is crazy enough to go with me on these adventures. Thanks for coming!! :)

 Onward we went!! Seemed like a pretty cool pathway.

 But knowing me, I had to stop every now and then to smell and appreciate the flowers.

No filter needed for these flowers. They were vibrant on their own!! I had to stop for these beauties.

In the midst of our unknown path a tiny bridge was spotted that led to...

 This awesome shrine buried in the shrubbery!!

Then I had a field day with taking pictures. This is one of my favorite pictures. He didn't know I was taking pictures of him at the time. But, I think that's why I love this picture so much. My oblivious model created a stunning photo. Thanks again Roberto! Always a pleasure having you with me during my adventures. :)

Brown Skin Beauty: Beauty In My Brown Skin

Hey There Lovlies,

This time around I thought I'd talk about something more personal. The majority of my posts are superficial; clothing, adventures, food, and they only say so much about me. This time I want to talk about something more personal, something that will get people thinking. Something that will tell you more about me.

When the word beauty comes to mind some people may think of makeup, fashionable clothing, certain kinds of hair, skin, teeth, and skin. Before, that was my idea of beauty. Wanting to look like one of the girls from the television screen or magazines; tall, long hair, colored eyes. Something that would make me look unique. But, I eventually realized that a majority of that was makeup, photoshop, and other unnatural techniques to make these girls look perfect. I was the short African American girl with short brown hair, brown eyes, athletic build, small bust, always playing sports, sometimes considered 'one of the guys'. I was something you didn't see often, if at all, on television or in magazines. So I didn't have much to compare myself to to make myself feel beautiful.

As I got older I stopped wanting to compare myself to girls on the TV and magazines. I wanted to be the most beautiful me I could possibly be. I wanted to be the most beautiful Carla Renee that could ever exist because I knew God gave me something that no one could ever take or compare; my beauty. My beauty isn't just my physical appearance. It's my poise, my heart, my strength, my drive, and my courage. 

When I am around people I want to have the kind of presence that lets people know that I am respectable, yet fun to be around. When I'm around people I want them to hear and see the happiness and innocence in my laughter and smile. That no man will EVER think twice about calling me anything other than my name. That when it comes to dealing with me you must come correct. I want people to know right off the bat that my heart is pure. That I am a sincere woman that means no harm and only wants the best for herself and everyone around her. That when people witness my courage, strength, and determination it will leave them in awe. That when they see me hard at work all they can say is 'Wow, that girl is going somewhere. She is going to be somebody'.

When people see me I don't want them to tell me that I am pretty for being a black girl. I want to make sure that the last thing they ever think of when they see me are the girls on WorldStar. When people see me I want them to think. 'wow, this girl is beautiful. Not only because she is physically attractive, but because she is a strong-willed, high spirited woman with a pure heart who knows what she wants in life and is loving and nurturing to those around her.' I am proud to stand tall at 5'2 with a pure heart, strong willed, and poise like no other. I'm not perfect now but I am working towards being the perfect Carla Renee that God has planned for me to be.

My Brown Skin Beauty isn't limited to no one ethnicity or background. This can apply to anyone and everyone. So what is your Brown Skin Beauty?

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo

Worth a Second Look: Organic Burst

Hello Lovlies!

During the second semester of my freshman year I came across some natural supplements that I am excited to try and show all of you. The brand is called Organic Burst. To see the website click on the name anytime you see it in the blog, including the previous sentence. Organic Burst carries their supplements in pill form and powder form if you want to mix them into a smoothie or a shake. Below are the different supplements, their benefits and where they originate. If you need any ideas or recipes for how to make a shake with these supplements or incorporate them into your meals follow them on Instagram by clicking here. The link will direct you straight there. I really recommend that you check out their website. It has more information about their products, why you should choose their products, and directions on how to take the supplements and how many you should take daily.

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo


Acai Berry

Organic Burst only sales the capsule form of this Amazon fruit from Brazil. Acai is rich in essential fatty acids omega 3-6 and contains omega-9 oleic acid. It is recommended as part of a daily beauty routine by beauty experts and is great to incorporate into a post-workout shake. Before taking this supplement regularly I would suggest talking to your doctor about Acai Berry because I personally know a few people who have consumed products with Acai Berry and it lowered their blood pressure too low. Acai doesn't effect me in that way and I get it all the time in smoothies. Everyone's health is different, but as a precaution, mention the supplement to your physician just to be sure it's safe for you.

Spirulina

OrganicBurst sells both the powder and capsule form of this supplement. Spirulina is a plant that has existed on our planet for billions of years and is native to civilizations like the Aztecs. Spirulina contains Vitamin B6, iron, Thiamine, and is rich in protein. The Vitamin B6 and iron helps strengthen the immune system and helps support healthy brain and cognitive function. Thiamine contributes to the normal functions of the heart. Spirulina's richness in protein (60-70%) is four times more absorbent than protein. This supplement is a powerhouse, especially for those who do not eat as much red meat and pork. The protein in Spirulina makes up for that and some.

Chlorella

Again, OrganicBurst sells this supplement in both powder and capsule form. Chlorella is a microalgae that contains high levels of folic acid, Vitamin D, iron, Vitamin K, iodine, zinc, and Vitamin B2. Chlorella helps form new cells in your body, promotes detoxification, supports the liver gallbladder, and kidneys, and provides immune system benefits.

Baobab

Organic Burst only sells this African superfood in powder form. It offers a high amount of Vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The vitamin C helps with alertness and energy, supports the immune system, and boosts iron uptake. Baobab is hydrating and aids with a healthy nervous system due to its potassium content.













Wheatgrass

Organic Burst sells wheatgrass in powder form. It is a rich source of chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, energy-metabolising minerals, and fiber. The wheatgrass powder contains Vitamin A, antioxidants, and a good source of essential fatty acids that help promote healthy skin. It also boosts energy and can aid in weight loss.














Maca

Last, but certainly not least, Maca is known as Peruvian Ginseng and has been used in Peru for many many years. Organic Burst provides this Peruvian wonder in powder form. Maca strengthens the body and helps maintain optimal stamina and endurance. It acts as a caffeine-free energizer and also, just as important, it helps with sexual health. Studies have been done that show that the Maca powder boosts sexual desire in both men and women without any adverse effects on sexual hormones.










All of the information that I have written on this blog came directly from the OrganicBurst.com website. I personally do not advise anyone to take all of these supplements at the same time. I would say that taking 2 or 3 of them would be safe. I would advise you to ask your doctor or an actual health professional about taking these supplement. Again, everyone's health is different therefore everyone will have different responses to these pills and powders. I personally would like to try the Spirulina powder for protein, Chlorella pills for all of its functions, and Maca powder for energy.

Which supplements would you be interested in trying?