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February Newsletter

Candalada

Candalada Wrote A Book!

To register for the Virtual Book Launch Party March 6th at 1pm click here.

I am excited to share that I have completed my first book. I started writing it in 2016 vowing to finish it every year since. It wasn’t until December of 2020 I made the conscious decision that 2021 would be the year it leaves word document format or I would scrap the idea completely.

Please enjoy this video of the top questions about, “Beautiful Reject”.

I was holding the paper back in my hand a few days ago and I said to myself, “Girl, I am so proud of you.” I turned my trauma and relationship failures into a body of work that I am proud of. In my opinion, there is nothing better than telling your own story. While there many that keep their “business” to themselves. I have always found healing and closure in being honest about my experiences and what I have learned from them.

The video marketing was conceptualized and edited by myself and can be viewed primarily on Instagram @Candalada. Pre-publication the promo videos depict the sexiest available version of myself with a variety of background music. Promo videos post publication are informative with a classic commercial tone and no background music.

The cover was shot by my trusted partner in creativity Kevin Marable.

My book is available on Amazon.

The Michael B. Jordan Take Over

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Micheal B. Jordon’s new relationship and new Alexa commercial have taken over the internet, reaping in 78 million views on YouTube.

After a month of wearing the extra thick mustache, he has been making appearances, topless on boats with his new heart throb credited as the picture taker and burning down timelines with his new Alexa commercial. If that wasn’t enough Michael’s new coach commercial to the Shaft theme song is comical.

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TV Show News

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Bridgerton has the people walking around saying, “Your Grace” as a greeting. I didn’t read the books so I didn’t know what to expect. The things I enjoyed seeing were the outfits, visualization of Black royalty and the complex relationship between the Duke of Hastings and the Daphne Bridgerton, the princess.

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I loved hearing the modern songs played as instrumentals in the background. There is an escalation of passionate sex scenes as you get deeper into the season. I enjoyed that also.

I struggled a bit through the first episode but I had faith in Shonda. Six episodes later, the sun was rising and my eye balls were cracking from sleep deprivation. Mentally, I assumed the roll of the Daphne and needed to know my fate.

Watching the show excited some anger because in these times to have sex before marriage deemed you worthless. Many of the conflicts derived from trying to uphold that expectation which men did not have to worry about.

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Black History Months Affect on Movies

There seems be to a hard split between showcasing Black love and Black History this year. Movies that received major chatter in the Black community are Malcom and Marie, Sylvie’s Love, One Night in Miami and American Skin.

I didn’t feel the inclination to rate them. Mainly because I do not want to deter anyone from watching them.They all have different take aways. The only one I would watch again is Sylvie’s Love.

In my opinion:

Malcom and Marie was made to make us think about why we do and say things to the person we love. Why we omit certain speech, get fed up and try again. It challenges the audience to question what makes us feel strong, weak and happy in a relationship. Question will we stay or leave the one we “love”.

Sylvie’s love was made to tug on our heart. To encourage us to be patient for love and break the rules for love.

One Night in Miami was created to make you want to go do some research. The film has many characters based on real people that lived lives with a long list of accomplishments outside of what is discussed in the film.

American Skin was made to remind Black people we are not crazy and show White people that even without hard evidence we know when their actions are egregious because of our skin color.

CANDALADA MOVIE REVIEW CONTINUED

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Malcom and Marie has the longest on-screen relationship argument I have ever seen as the centerpiece of the movie. I thought Malcom (John David Washington) was overly animated at times. His dancing, some mannerisms and screaming were over the top. Marie (Zendaya) was perfect. Perfect! I was especially fond of her verbiage. The way she cursed the phrases she used sounded like things I would say. This made her character feel more relatable to me.

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Loved the vintage style in Sylvie’s Love. There was much attention given to the Chanel dress in the cover photo. My favorite outfit was the black fit she wore in a pivotal break up scene. This was a beautiful love story. Something I would watch again and again.

I enjoyed the temperament of Robert Halloway through out the film. His character was relaxed, smooth, talented and believable. Sylvie dealt with pressures of being “high society” amongst other things. Their love remind me that the journey to happiness can be long but worth it.

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One Night in Miami directed by Regina King was given all the glory by reviewers. It took me some time to adjust to Kingsley Ben-Adir who played Malcom X. I have seen Macolm X portrayed so many times, the previous actors that played the role kept coming to mind. Eli Goree as Mahammed was entertaining. Aldis Hodge (Jim Brown) and Leslie Odom (Sam Cooke) were good supporting characters.

The scene that was the most important was probably the scene I had the hardest time being fully vested in. A large portion of the movie took place in a hotel room. I have a hard time watching movies in the same setting for a long time. There were times when the characters were so frustrated it was hard to believe they would all really stay a room, angry with each other for that long.

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Wow.Wow.Wow. This movie hits directly on the nerve of racial issues. I really liked this movie. Despite most of the movie taking place in a police precent, the intensity of story helped me forget about my same setting phobia. This movie needs to be mandatory watch for all races.

IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

I wanted share this article that dives into the specifics of how Black History Week turned into Black History month. I hear jokes every year about it being the shortest month in the year and I never find the jokes to be funny.

PRINCE ISSA PLAYS AMAZING GRACE

Food News

Valentines’s weekend had many looking for exotic food options. Dining out is still potentially risky and local chef options are on the rise. There are the three local chefs that we tried on Valentine’s weekend.

IG: @Sassychefkitchen delivers in the Woodbridge, Virginia area

IG: @touches_yasoul pick up meet up in Lorton

IG @gfksoulcuisine23 pick up meet up is Stonebridge Town Center

Crab Cakes on Friday, Salmon Alfredo with a side of Garlic Shrimp on Saturday, Steak, Rose and Bailey Cream cup cakes on Sunday.

I was able to try the Vegan Cauliflower by GFK. I enjoyed them. Really well seasoned and not too salty.

VISITINg Spice Suite : DC’s SPICE SHOP

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Spice Suite is a Black Owned business with lots of Instagram buzz. The owner Angel tells her story often. She encourages new business owners to stop telling the story of struggle and focus on the processes they need to put in place become successful. I had my first visit to the intimate space last week.

Her spices can not be purchased individually online and can be purchased individually at the store. As of a few days ago (Feb 23rd, 20201). Her customers decided to create a personal shopping system. DC natives that live nearby are going to the store on behalf of you and shipping to you direct. The Spice Suite is not responsible for mishaps directly connected to this personal shopping, shipping system. However, Angel did somewhat endorse this movement by following the new page and publicly saying thank you for the visible increase of in-store shoppers.

The instagram for the personal shopping system is @weshopthespicesuite

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The Facebook community for the personal shopping system is www.facebook.com/groups/weshopthespicesuite

I was curious about the electric grinder she just released. It was in the top of my purchase list. I also purchased, Thai Vibes, a berry lime bourbon lollipop, and strawberry basil syrup. The grinder is 25 dollars. Once the spice runs out you can refill it with any spice.

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Senbeb Cafe -Vegan Soul Food

Senbeb in located in NW D.C. Walking in and seeing such a comprehensive menu was refreshing. Cakes, soups, crab cakes, teriyaki salmon all within my dietary restrictions. I tried so many things.

Vegan Steak and Cheese: Yummy, so well seasoned, sooo good. I do not even like green peppers and I ate them all. This was my favorite lunch dish and the crab cakes were my favorite dinner item.

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Cajun Chicken: My sandwich had mayo. I just couldn’t get over it. I don’t like mayo, even in the vegan version. I will have to try this again without the sauce.

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Vegan Teriyaki Salmon and Rice, Plantains and Macaroni: The macaroni alone was bland. I put some sauce from the main dish on it. The seasoning and sauce from the main course was delicious. Smells exactly like salmon.

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Vegan Crab Cakes, Yams and Plantains: These crab cakes look underwhelming and taste excellent. They are by far the best vegan seafood like dish I ever had. The yams and plantains are average. Eaten all together the flavors are tasty and satisfying.

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Sweet Potato Cake: This cake is wonderful because it is moist and it smells good. It is a great breakfast cake. Goes well with tea and coffee. Good for all pallets. A new family favorite.

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Peaches in DC

Peaches is located doors down from Senbeb. This is great if you have friends and family with different dietary needs.

Oxtail, Rice and Peas : My cousin said the oxtail and rice was good. The macaroni was terrible. The main concern was the type of cheese used. The banana pudding (not pictured) was good.

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Thanks for Reading


September Newsletter : Fall Edition

Candalada

Black Men That Will Change Your Life

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Abu the contractor, Yorker Handyman services

Abu is gifted in mathematics making all of his cuts precise and his work exceptional. Abu does not paint. Work completed: reframed front door, replaced back door, tiled the kitchen (571) 991-0687 Facebook @yorhms

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Dom the gardener, Augie’s Aeration Services

Dom learned about landscaping from his father. Dom is easy going and tactical. He devised the plan to work on the yard a half at a time. This gave me time to adjust to the increased watering requirements of sod and gave him time to analyze if the sod would take to my once dehydrated and rocky terrain. The worst yard on the block is now a contender for the best yard on the block.

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TJ the handy man, TJ Jackson Services

TJ offers handy man and personal training services. Work completed:emptied and organized a shed, removing multiple insect nest in 100 degree wheather. Replaced 2, 20 year old exhaust plans. Hauled /removed bricks and debris, delivered /hauled rocks for back yard landscaping.

TJ the trainer, SWOP (Slight Work Open Hips)

Hair Therapy member Alicia has worked with TJ training three times a week for the past few months. He hosts a private out of gym experience. Alicia’s review boasts of boosted self confidence and a sculpted refined shape. 571-316-9509 IG:SWOPTraining

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Chef Christian, DownSetEat

Chef Christian provided such a lovely spread for my birthday his chicken was well seasoned and the rice was the most creative compilation.

I reached out after the festivities to learn more about meal plan options. I opted for getting a pan for the week since I do not have the need to stick to small portion meals.

I have a standing order with him every Sunday. The weekdays run smoother knowing what I am having for lunch/dinner from Monday -Wednesday.

Specialties: meal plans, weekly orders, catering, private dining (703) 398-2377 IG @DownSetEat

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Chef Ricky

Chef Ricky prepared a private dinner for three on my birthday and a private dinner for approximately 13 people for my cousins birthday. Chef Ricky is quiet when he is working and personable when he speaks. He is enthusiastic about creating customized experiences. He provided a sangria that was handmade and received rave reviews. Specialties: catering private dining special occasions (301) 542-5035 IG @Chef_DMV

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How Virtual Brunch Turned into a Book Club with Dr.Miles Davis

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Feeling a bit blue about the impossibility of a face to face 2020 Brunch Tour I took a shot at having a virtual brunch on May 31st. It was great, we spoke about the current state of the world, race relations, safety, stress and the importance of therapy. Guest appearances were made by Dr.Groff (reverend and educator) and Ms.Jackson (licensed therapist). We set a date to meet up again on Juneteenth 19th.

During the Juneteenth meet up my sister NikkRich (professional photographer) was on the call. She spoke about the artificial urgency to work with Black people that has been created in the Hollywood photography industry and how it has affected her choices on who to work with.

Following the trend of meeting on holidays the July 4th call was more of a welfare check in. Discussion was centered around questions such as: Did anyone give into celebrating July 4th? If yes why? How do we feel about White people asking us if we are okay? How do we effectively respond to what is going on?

After much private deliberation with my peers Dr.Miles Davis joined the call to offer a few words of perspective and instantly we all be came enrolled in an unofficial class of history and critical thinking.

Currently the sitting president of Linfield University in Oregon, Dr.Davis challenged us to start with ourselves, protect our family, check on our neighbors which strengthens the community, join causes that support our beliefs and lastly, vote. He also recommended that we read the book “ The Mis-Educated Negro” by Cater G. Woodson and promised to join to the next call if the group completed the book.

Screen shot from July 4th

Screen shot from July 4th

I am not much of a reader and I pushed through the assignment by listening to the audio version on Kindle in order to complete the book by the due date Sept 9th.

Wednesday Sept 9th, 2020 was my first time using a book as a reference to address my modern day concerns with my peers. It was an engaging and positive experience. Dr. Davis’s next suggested read is “The Souls of Black Folk by W.E. Dubois”. The recommendation was warmly received by the group. The next discussion is October 23rd at 8:15 P.M.

Screen Shot from Sept 9th Book Review Discussion

Screen Shot from Sept 9th Book Review Discussion

Read with me and join the next discussion if you can.I use Facebook meeting room. I promise it is more refreshing that going back and forth on Facebook or feeling hopeless and concerned alone. It is the temporary reset that we all need.

Thanks for Reading :)