Turning Natural: DMV Based Juice Bar

Eating healthier has been on my “To-Do List” since the year started. While I having been slightly changing my diet at home, it’s helpful to know of places in the area who have the same goal in mind.

I had heard of Turning Natural from a few coworkers. I had been meaning to check it out when my mom mentioned it to me so we decided what better time to go than now?

Turning Natural is a black-owned juice bar with 2 locations in the DMV. From the parking lot it looks very dim inside but there is so much light that shines once you go in. The staff was very friendly and able to offer suggestions since it was our first visit. There were even a few other customers who offered suggestions about their favorite products.

The theme of the entire store is centered around the magic that exudes from African Americans. The smoothies have clever names like Swizz Beets, Green Latifah, Just Blaze, and the symbol formerly known as Prince. There’s a bookshelf shaped like a tree on the wall that features books by and about black people. They also have signs that promote positive energy.

Besides the smoothies their menu also includes juice, black bean burgers, vegan cookies, a juice cleanse, and so much more. I’ve visited a few different times now and each time has been a great experience. I definitely recommend checking them out. Whether you’re currently eating clean or not it’s a great chance to support a Black Owned Business with an awesome energy.

Exploring the NMAAHC

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened this past September and has attracted visitors from all across the world. Although it is right here in the D.C. Metropolitan area, many people who are local have not had the chance to visit because the reserved tickets sell out way in advance. The passes for June 2017 will be released March 1 or you can check for same day availability here. The museum covers a lot of amazing information so it is impossible to see it all in one trip. In honor of Black History Month, here are some of my favorite moments from the museum.

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Jamaica

          This year I decided that I was going to get out and travel more. From weekend getaways like Virginia Beach to trips that last a couple days like Vegas, the trips I took this year were trips that I’ll remember forever. But Jamaica was by far the best trip (although Mardi Gras comes second) and the highlight of my summer.

           I didn’t know quite what to expect for this trip except a good time because I was going with family. But the sights actually blew my mind, in a good and not so good way.

            When I originally thought of Jamaica I was thinking of a “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” beautiful island oasis that was similar to Americanized land where everyone lived in nice houses similar to the one that Winston’s parents had (keep up with the movies reference). That’s not what I got.

               Now don’t get me wrong the island was absolutely stunning. From the beaches to the people, there were so many beautiful sites to see. But the image I had in my head was way less rural than what it actually is.

               Nothing tourist driven was close (we were in Ocho Rios which was 2 hours from the airport). They drive on the opposite side of the road. They let animals free roam (we saw countless goats and chickens walking down the side of the road and cats all over the resort). And outside of the resort a lot of things looked really run down. But that didn’t take away from the pride of the natives.

                 They were all so willing to share the greatness of their culture. I learned a little Patios (wha gwan!). One of our shuttle drivers taught us a little about some of the historic landmarks and how ancestors were brought over during slavery. I got to ride a horse on through a trail and on the beach. And during the trail ride we learned how they use spices and plants for just about everything. I also went tubing down a white river with the entire family which was hilarious.

               The food was good! I tried Grapefruit Schweppes, oxtails, and of course authentic coco bread and beef patties. They offered vegetables like callaloo (similar to collard greens) for breakfast. And the fruit was so fresh! I don’t think I’ve ever had pineapple or mangos that were better than they were there.

               It was a great trip overall. It opened my eyes to so much. We often think of these exotic places as being much different than home. But we’re all just trying to survive the struggles we were given. So appreciate and support the locals when you travel.

How Beyoncé Slayed My Life

      Today E is for edges. As in Beyoncé snatched every last curly, wannabe baby hair that makes up my edges!

      I attended the last leg of the Formation Tour in Philadelphia last night and got my entire life. Beyoncé is such an amazing performer with a strong portfolio of songs that you can only expect nothing but the best.

      Of course it was raining cats and dogs but that didn’t put a damper on the show. My friends and I managed to snag great seats for an extremely reasonable price. We were right on the field; close enough to be splashed by water during “Freedom” but not a part of the BeyHive sadly

      DJ Khaled opened up with a short (and I mean really short) mix of songs that he produced as well as some classics like Tupac and Biggie.

       After waiting almost an hour the Queen finally took the stage. She opened with Formation but the show was far more than a mix of Lemonade. She took us back down memory lane with songs like Kitty Kat, Partition, and Bootylicious. She also sung a heartfelt version of Survivor acknowledging all of her fans who have survived anything such as racism, sexism, or diseases.

       Everything about the show was perfect. From her all female band to the dancers and outfits to the visuals to an acrobatic dancer twirling in background.

      One of the major moments of the show that stuck out to me is when Bey referenced the audience saying,

“Ladies, when you’re born you’re born strong. There’s no such thing as a weak woman.”

       Seeing Beyoncé perform was on my bucket list and I’m so glad I got in Formation because the experience was well worth 4 hours in the rain.

The Start of Something New

Growing up I wanted to be everything under the sun. Doctor, until I discovered that I don’t like needles or blood. Cosmetologist, until I discover I didn’t have the patience to do my own hair. Scientist, until it got boring. Teacher, until I discovered that teaching isn’t exactly my thing.

It wasn’t until I joined newspaper as an elective in high school that I discovered I like writing….and editing…and everything that comes along with telling a story. I went over and over again in my mind deciding how I was going to express myself as an adult through this “talent”. Then it hit me…. I’ve always wanted to do everything because I’m curious and I like to explore. But how do I shape this into something that people want to spend their time reading? Something that doesn’t just sound like notes on a piece of paper. Or some random unpopular opinion.

I still don’t know the answer to that question because everyone has different tastes and opinions. But what I do know is that I like to write…and edit… and tell a story. And if no one else reads it I know my mom will. (I luhhh you momma! P.O.P. hold it down!)

So I’m going to use this space to let go, be free and explore my thoughts while also touching on subjects with substance and sharing my experiences. Because even if no one reads this……I still get to do what I love and what makes me….me. So today…..

 

E is for…..Erin