February Newsletter
Candalada
Candalada Wrote A Book!
To register for the Virtual Book Launch Party March 6th at 1pm click here.
Photo: Kevin Marable
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
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.
TV Show News
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
