A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

In writing this post, I was reminded of a conversation I had with someone about paying for quality work. The person opposite of me argued that certain items on Etsy were too "pricey." I love my friend dearly, but I beg to differ with her opinion. I really enjoy finding handmade jewelry and the benefit in purchasing items from a designer via Etsy greatly outweighs buying the same item from the big wigs (big name brands). You have the ability to forge a relationship with that person and if you're lucky (like me), you can have them customize something for you. 

I've been slack in posting lately because of school, but I've arranged time within the next few weeks to update more. I've wanted to feature Lilaya for quite a while, especially with the fall approaching.

"Lilaya is an ethnic inspired line created by two former designers, Josephine Vittoria, a jewelry maker, and Shani Kali a former clothing designer. Vittoria, originally from Montreal, is an experienced Etsy shop owner and has been working and selling to people worldwide over Etsy for almost 2 years now. Her pleasant encounter with Kali has brought them to discover a new passion for ideas and together through their travels and experiences, they have been inspired to design Lilaya. Kali, originally from France, has also previously owned an Etsy shop in the last years and was pleasantly surprised to have met Vittoria, with whom she shares mutual tastes and interests. The two friends now work together in designing Lilaya using brass beads and pendants of ethnic and african inspirations."

You can check out more of their jewelry at Lilaya.

Lately...

This semester of school, my first after 5 years out, is everything I hoped for. Really. I'm enjoying the challenges that come with managing my studies & working on the planning phase for future business ventures. Last week, I saw Street Etiquette's feature in The New York Times and I finally had a chance to see their Nike commercial. I'm incredibly grateful for brothas who step outside the box and live out their destiny. Do you, always. Peace.

Tuesday's assignment

...called for me to write a poem about myself using three-word sentences. 

it was April
a wild spring
birthing fearless she
southern born gal
came saw DANCED
Michael Joseph Jackson
awakened an artist
remember to feel
passions run deep
i have to
I'VE GOT TO!
write a feast
gather love round
the hungry, suffering
let's not forget
good music and
odes to others
painfully aware hope
Walt, Giovanni, Langston
lend a pen
deep, woman, child
poet, daughter, friend
just kicking, pushing
to be enlightened.

Mind's eye

My Friday nights are often spent in solitude, even if I lend my voice to converse, intimately & boldly, with another soul. Somewhere between reading for my Creative Writing class and organizing, I was compelled to open my moleskine journal-- the one that is made for sketching and preserving fond memories in the form of words. From me to you:

Appreciation. I'm very blessed. I sometimes feel like a dreamee. Living a dream and resting in our love. Silver-lined sidewalk strolls, sugar-sweetened kisses. Heartwarming hugs and soul-searching stares. Producing love and consuming the universal truths we discover in our space. Hoping for tomorrow with out phantom nor fear. Wind in your hair, wetness in your eye, the two of us rolling whatever locomotion may be.
-Lover

Speak and be heard, illuminating the minds of those in your domain.
-Author unknown

We exist to exhibit God, to display his glory. we serve as canvases for his brush strokes, papers for his pen, soil for his seeds, and glimpses of his image. He un-commons the common by turning kitchen sinks into shrines, cafes into convents, and nine-to-five workdays into spiritual adventures. When you magnify your Maker with your strengths your days grown suddenly sweet.
-Max Lucado

Art is not for the cultivated taste. It is to cultivate taste.
-Nikki Giovanni

You're beautiful, God-gifted, angel-kissed, intelligent, slightly psych...:)
-Lover

A Tribe Called Aztec

School is in session, my mind is wrapped around W.H. Auden poems & the four fields of anthropology, so I'll keep this post short & sweet.

I saw this dress on Etsy a few weeks ago and knew I had to have it. Winter is closing in, but I think this would be the perfect outfit for an arts exhibition or art-related event (picture this: hair up in a messy bun, minimal jewelry, nude makeup, and a clutch), especially since it was designed by a graphic designer. Though I like the light blue dress, I'm really digging the cobalt blue (check out their site below). The bracelet was designed by Son Of A Sailor, based in Austin, TX. The designers, William and Jennifer, also have a vintage store on Etsy called Son of A Sailor Vintage.

Top photo: QooQoo Fashion
Bottom Photo: Son Of A Sailor

In my near future

Cat Woman/Eartha Kitt

I'se be eartha     kitt-en

purr'n around the alleyway

underneath the drunken sounds of

the streets

walk quick

tabby (this) cat.

The End.

It is now my favorite time of day: night. I'm in between life stages and finding reasons to write out of thin air. "Must be nice" is what I used to say to others and now I speak the same sentiments to myself. Must be nice Candace...to feel safe in your skin. Must be nice to look forward to those down's that bring better up's. Must be nice to be a lady and a ____ indoors. Must be nice...

Autumn | Pt. 1

Let's see...what have I done so far on this lazy Sunday? I woke up, of course (thankfully), had a quick bite, scrambled through Etsy stores, spilled my green & jasmine tea on the floor (yikes!), and now, I am contemplating on whether I should a) take a nap or b) read Eat, Pray, Love again. I am bored. Book suggestions, anyone?

Gray Works | Sunday Brunch Footed Platte $85.00
Boukoo At Home | Linen Oblong Pouches $18.36
Little Batch Botanical | Cupcake Lip Balm $3.50
TinaDee | Unique Bird Band Ring $110.00
L'Accent Nou | Ethnic Porcelain Blue & White Earrings $45.00

Detox Stew

For those who are unfamiliar with my fascination (viewed as a quirky obsession to others) with skin care, let me introduce to you one of my weekly routines: detox bathing. I've always been fond of bubble baths, which are most notable for birthing creativity at a whim, and ultimately, relaxation. Nowadays, it has become a constituent for my overall well-being, especially when my face is under attack by acne or my entire body is in need of rejuvenation. Today, as I was tweeting and texting from the confines of the bathtub, I came up with the term "detox stew," and even though a friend of mine sort of inspired this "stew" part, I'd rather not give him credit because he was initially being sarcastic.

Here is what you will need for the detox stew:

1 live being (preferably yourself)
Bentonite clay
Lavender oil (or try
Bath pillow (optional)
Kaolin clay
Baking soda

It is important to drink at least 8 cups of water prior to detoxing, as this process will eliminate toxins from your body and some essentials will need to be replaced. Although I give myself a facial every Sunday, I apply similar techniques for my detox bath. After filling your bathtub, put 5 drops of lavender oil and 4 tablespoons of bentonite clay into the water. I usually soak for 20 minutes and then gently exfoliate my face with baking soda. Wash as usual and once dry, wet a washcloth is steaming hot water. Apply the cloth to your face, remove, and then apply the kaolin clay. Let it sit until dry and rinse. My face is oily, so I tend to not put anything on it after the mask.

As stated before, the detox/bubble baths usually produce a state of peace that allows me to write or furnish ideas for current/future projects. Tonight's thought has been on my mind for awhile:

"Life is full of hang up's," an unidentified person once said. I picture this particular hang-up as a perfectly tailored garment, perhaps it has been handed down to you or maybe it is just your favorite piece of clothing. Over time, it is sure to weather-- missing a button or two or fraying along the seams. Yet, you still keep it. After a gentle wash (being delicate is no question in this case), you hang it outside to dry underneath the sun and a host of other entities. It may even see the moon. Freshly washed and fragrant, those signs of weather no longer matter. Hang up's are beautiful.

 On that note, I hope that you have a lovely weekend & stay positive.

Vintage Jewellery | Allison Cecil

Being the jewelry fanatic that I am, I immediately gasped when I first laid eyes on these. I.want.them.now. Cecil describes her jewelry as "organic nature inspired sterling silver, copper and brass jewelry, the original vintage silverware garden makers and everything else you never knew you needed but can't live without." I have to agree.
Click here to visit her store

Good Hygiene: Sanitize & Fresh (Herbal Mouthwash)

I enjoy a great kiss. In fact, I've been told that I am a "supa" kisser, an achievement that could only be accomplished by one accessory: fresh breath. Let's be honest, most of us have encountered or regrettably dated someone whose insides (as in organs & bodily fluids) seemed to by deteriorating,judging by the distinct smell of his or her breath. You'll never forget that moment, as it will be added to your growing list of mistakes & "wtf's." But alas, there is a cure to this problem.

Introducing, The Toothbrush and Homemade Herbal Mouthwash. Yes, I am being sarcastic. If you've been raised right, you should know what a toothbrush is, but sadly, not many people are aware of how often it should be replaced or how to sterilize it. Picture this: you've just finished eating a steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and a side of sauteed veggies, then after relaxing with your honey (he or she), you brush your teeth before a late night sex or make out session. Please do not act like you don't make out. Anyway, imagine an animal's blood and bodily fluids permeating on your cheap CVS toothbrush. Gross right? Well, that is exactly what is left on your toothbrush AFTER you finish brushing. If this isn't enough, remember that your toothbrush has been lounging in your bathroom along with other germs. Yum.


The hippie in me could not go another day without finding a solution or two, which is what I did after a few days of research. Keep in mind that I am not a doctor, so please check with your physician if you experience any discomfort from using the following tips.


1. Submerge it into a bowl of alcohol/or hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic mouthwash for 30 minutes.
2. Place it upright into open container. Never cover or place it into a closed container, as this is cause bacterial growth.
3. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, and throw away after illnesses.
4. Scrape your tongue prior to brushing to reduce the amount of germs.

See, that was fairly easy, but that alone will not prevent bad breath. Here is a recipe for herbal mouthwash, along with a few visuals.

You need:


Fresh mint leaves
Sage (preferably fresh)
Cinnamon stick
Glycerin


I made a small batch of this, so I boiled 2 cups of water. Place 7 mint leaves (or to your liking), 1/4 teaspoon of sage, and a cinnamon stick in a glass jar. Pour water over and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, drain mixture and pour /4 teaspoon of glycerin.


If you have any questions, shoot me an email or comment.