"Sweet With Envy" Be Inspired.

Empowered and Unlonely: My Solo Journey Through Southeast Asia and the Middle East

2023-10-19T11:34:00.006-07:00

September is my birthday month, and this year, I decided to embark on a solo travel adventure that spanned almost the entire month. It was a first for me to venture out on my own for such an extended period, and I can't emphasize enough how nervously exciting the experience turned out to be. By the end of my journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Dubai, I felt more empowered than ever.

This 27-day solo expedition was a personal challenge I set for myself. Ideally, I'd love to have a travel companion to share and build memories with but finding someone willing to commit to such an extended journey proved quite elusive. So, I summoned the courage to go it alone.

I initially anticipated moments of loneliness, the absence of someone to share a meal with, capture scenic views in photographs, or provide that reassuring sense of safety. However, I must say that Asian countries, in my experience, felt considerably safe compared to my home in the USA. I certainly took precautions, as is ingrained in many Americans, but looking back, I probably went a tad overboard.

Throughout my stays in seven different hotels, I carried an alarm door stopper, pepper spray in my bag, and a discreet money belt for my passport and cash. These measures, although comforting, may not have been as necessary as I initially thought.

Now, onto the question of loneliness. Yes, there were moments when I wished a specific family member or friend could have shared certain experiences with me, but I wouldn't necessarily classify these moments as loneliness. My days were a whirlwind of activity, filled with guided tours, meeting people from around the world, and forging connections with tour guides who felt like new friends eager to showcase their home country.

I was constantly in awe, with each day presenting a new adventure. Whether it was lighting a lantern in Hoi An, Vietnam, gazing at the stunning limestone formations of Halong Bay, cruising the Mekong Delta, exploring one of the world's largest caves, visiting grand temples, or seeing a rice field for the first time, my days were packed with wonder. After wrapping up one city, I'd hop on a plane to another part of Vietnam, eager to explore more. Then I was hopping on the plane again off to the next country. so, Loneliness had little room in my busy, sleep-filled nights.

As for capturing these memorable moments, I was equipped with a tripod, perfect for those times when I wanted to snap a photo against a breathtaking backdrop. I'm quite particular about how my pictures turn out, so setting up the tripod with a clicker to step into the frame allowed me to get shots just the way I wanted. I also did some video vlogging, sharing most of it on TikTok and my YouTube channel. (you can click the links to check some of it out)

Youtube Shorts: Golden bridge Vietnam. #goldenbridge #banahills #vacationmode - YouTube

YoutubeShorts: Four things you can do in a day in Hoi an Vietnam - YouTube

Youtube Shorts: walking around the street of vietnam : My Epic Journey Through Asia #travel #hoian #goldenbridge - YouTube

My biggest concerns when embarking on this journey were safety and loneliness. Looking back, I can confidently say that I felt safe in all four countries I visited: Dubai, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

I wholeheartedly recommend taking the leap and stepping out of your comfort zone to embark on a solo adventure. The sense of empowerment I gained from this trip is truly indescribable. If I can navigate this journey, I feel like I can conquer anything.

Please share with me if you have ever had such an adventure or is it something you have on your list to do?

How to Make Turmeric Tea - A staple in My Anti inflammatory diet

2023-03-06T12:24:00.002-08:00

Have you ever heard of scarring alopecia? It's a condition that causes hair loss and scarring on the scalp. I've been battling with it for three years now, and it's been a tough emotional journey. Recently, my inflammation levels have been skyrocketing, my doctor prescribed me antibiotic. It was working wonders until I started experiencing some side effects like losing my sense of taste and twitching in my face. That a hold other topic it was wild.

But, I'm not giving up. I've decided to try an anti-inflammatory diet to see if it can alleviate some of my symptoms. Research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases like scarring alopecia.

So, I'm on this new food journey, and I want to share it with you. One of my go-to anti-inflammatory foods is turmeric, and I have an amazing recipe for turmeric tea that you have to try. Check out my YouTube video to see how I make it and let me know your thoughts in the comments. Let's connect and support each other on this journey towards healing.

My Alopecia Vacation Hairstyle

2022-12-25T19:10:00.005-08:00

This blog is turning out to be my personal digital sanctuary, a place where I can unleash my thoughts and be truly authentic without fear of judgment. It's like being invisible in a crowded room, except I secretly love it. If you're part of the select few who have stumbled upon my blog, welcome! Let's connect and chat about life. Connect with me on my youtube channel HERE

I had an amazing trip to Mexico and shared my experience on YouTube about my travels, I always braid my hair to avoid irritating my scalp due to my alopecia. But, after suffering from burning scalp and brittle hair, I decided to shave it all off again. Thanks to a 30-day antibiotic prescription and a hair product from Carol's Daughter, I'm finally having some positive changes with moisture retention.

So, make sure you connect with me on my digital oasis and on youtube and let’s talk hair loss, travel, and life. Who knows what other adventures we might discover together? J

Carols daughter's honey mimosa. you can check the link out HERE

My Alopecia Hair Loss Journey Update Part 1

2020-04-05T03:23:00.002-07:00

Now, that I am on this journey to get my hair growing again having the right attitude and staying positive is key. Honestly, even though I think my attitude is positive, I still struggle a little with accepting it. I am not as tearful like I was in the beginning. My brain keeps wandering off on very doubting thoughts. Will my hair really grow back to its normal state, how will it be when my hair is completely bald, how people will react to me, will I get stared at when I go out in public, will people wonder about what my illness is, will they think I have cancer? this goes on and on in my head. This is a new battle that I am struggling with and I hope it's a normal reaction and eventually, I will stop these lines of thinking. I am on week three of me shaving my head. I had planned on keeping it a private journey but, I decided to share it with the world. I thought it would be very liberating and freeing. I don't think I have accomplished the liberating experience I was looking for. I guess it's because of the alopecia diagnosis. If I had no issues with my hair maybe I would have had the type of liberating feelings I was looking for. Anyway, the response from my friends and family and even strangers was so encouraging and very positive. I uploaded a video on my youtube channel talking about my hair and I received lots of encouraging words. (check out the video HERE ) I have a very small youtube channel and I think it's the most engagements I have had on any topic on my channel. And of course, my family and my friends have been so encouraging. all of the positive outpourings of love and encouragement are very uplifting and I needed it and I thank everyone for it.

It seems that whenever you shave your head completely bald your hair grows faster. I am experiencing a lot of new hair growth but the hair is growing around all the balding spots on my head.

3 weeks of hair growth

My hair itches a lot and I experienced a lot of burning on my scalp. The burning sensation is a part of the alopecia diagnosis. Burning sensation on your scalp is very common in scarring alopecia. I am unable to make a regular doctor appointment, especially with a dermatologist due to what's going on in the world right now. ( I am still in disbelief that the world is in a pandemic due to the coronavirus) Most doctors are working from home and most appointments with your doctor are being done over the phone. Dermatologists' treatment is a hands-on approach So, this leaves me with figuring out how I am going to treat my hair to subside the burning.

I have been using Selsun blue and tea tree shampoo and it helps for a couple of hours after I wash my hair. I am trying this shampoo because it supposes to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. I don't know if this is doing my scalp harm ( I hope not) I just wanted to try something that is supposed to treat some types of scalp condition. when I use this shampoo it feels medicated and tingling and the burning does subside for a couple of hours after washing.

The itching and burning are worse whenever I put a hat or a scarf on my head and also when I lay down to sleep at night. I am not sure if this is from the new growth. whatever it is. it's unbearable.

I found a video on youtube talking about using Listerine to help with the burning of the scalp. I tried this and it actually works. I rinse my scalp with Listerine then wash my hair with tea tree shampoo and conditioner and I notice the burning of the scalp subside for at least two days. so this is my new routine to assist with the burning of the scalp.

I am happy about having the burning of the scalp under control for now. the next step is to find a method to stimulate some hair growth in the balding spot. I will share update on my next post.

check out my youtube video by clicking this link

My Alopecia Hair Loss Journey

2020-03-28T18:05:00.002-07:00

I bought a golden clipper and shave all my hair off on Sunday, March 21, 2020. I would love to say the reason why I did it was because I was bored from being stuck in the house due to the coronavirus pandemic, that we are now having in the USA. I was diagnosed with scarring alopecia in 2016. My dermatologist's solution was to get steroid shots in my head. I refused to get the steroid treatment.

After my diagnosis, looking back it's hard to believe that I wasn't too concern about it. The dermatologist told me at the time that the small patches I had in the crown of my head should not get any bigger. I thought it wasn't so bad, I thought to myself then, that I could live with the small patch in my head. ( eventually, my hair loss got worse) My hair texture is 4C and it was beautiful, lush and very thick. I never used any type of relaxer in my hair I always wore my hair in its natural form.

However, throughout my years in college, I used to have dreadlocks. My dreadlocks were beautiful, I never use to wear it too long, I used to groom it so the length was always right at my shoulders. After I cut my dreads I wore braids constantly. I think this probably played a big factor in why I have scarring Alopecia. I am also deficient in Iron vitamins and Vitamin D.

The balding and thinning of my hair was getting so bad I had to shave it all off. The small patches turned into multiple patches all over my head and my scalp constantly itches uncontrollably and I get all kinds of burning sensation on my scalp. After I took the clippers and shave my head I cried. I was in poor spirits the entire day. I did not know I would have so much attachment to my hair. When I looked in the mirror I see a brand new me and it's taking me some time to get used to it. I decided to document my hair journey here. I will be sharing all my research findings and everything that I do to get my hair to grow back. From what I have read so far it's not looking good it seems that the verdict is I will eventually be completely bald.

First I must say this, if scarring alopecia is going to be the only affliction I will ever have in my life, I will consider myself lucky and I will be grateful. Because out of all the diseases and sickness I could have been diagnosed with and if scarring alopecia is my affliction I will consider myself blessed and highly favored.

However, before I accept that all is lost I planned on fighting it. So, I hope my journey helps others who may be diagnosed with the same condition. I hope you join me in my journey or share it with others who might be going through the same. If you have any suggestions I am open to it.

So here are the steps that I am going to start to take moving forward. Click on this link for a more detail
Definition of Scarring Alopecia

1. I planned on getting a full physical with blood work to see if I have any underline condition that might be causing the hair loss. Often time we have a certain illness and it goes unnoticed. for example, a lot of other types of Autoimmune diseases fall under these categories. I need to rule out if I have any other kind autoimmune diseases besides alopecia.

2. Start taking iron supplements and vitamin D supplements.

3. Change my diet. Research on having a more balanced diet, because my eating pattern is very poor.

4. Research and experiment with

various alternative hair remedies.

My Golden Clipper I used to cut my hair.

5. Believe that my hair will grow back.

I will be posting weekly updates, here and I also will be doing some YouTube videos.

Click this link to Check out my video on Youtube

My Trip To Thailand

2020-01-25T23:11:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting this blog for an entire year. My reasons or possible excuses LOL, I strongly held this belief that people don't read anymore. Social media have taken over the way how people consume information. Everything has to be fast pasted with memes, preferably some types of drama and entertainment. These are some of the main reasons why I have not been posting anything on this blog anymore. I have now changed my views because I enjoy reading blogs and I still enjoy reading articles on things that I have interest in. So, I am sure there are people out there who are just like me. LOL.

I will be posting again on a weekly basis and hopefully, it will find people who will find my contents of interest. Please follow my channel on Youtube I post weekly videos every Sunday. My contents are mostly about Travel, fashion, Lifestyle.

I went on a trip to Thailand in December of 2019. It was my first time in Thailand. I booked my trip with a travel group call (Affordable world). It was for 9 days and I would say that they are worth taking a look at.

It was a jam pack daily excursions and we visited four different islands in Thailand One of the highlights was visiting an elephant sanctuary. Here are some pictures of other activities that were offered.

It turns out I love elephants I enjoyed feeding them and I felt like I could have watched them play in the water and eat all day. It was like I was hypnotized.

Coral Island

Visits to 7 different temples

Traditional Thailand show.

More Temple visits

Floating Market

My latest Youtube upload Click HERE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2018-12-31T22:08:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! GUYS :)
Hi, guys, I wish everyone love Peace and happiness. 2018 was a great year for me. I am grateful that I was happy and healthy. I give thanks for my family and all my wonderful friends. I am truly blessed and highly favored. Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019 I am ready for all the wonderful adventures.

CHECK OUT MY FINAL UPLOAD FOR 2018 ON YOUTUBE.:

CLICK THIS LINK

What I Wore On My Cruise Vacation

2018-12-16T18:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys, I went on a fabulous cruise on December 1, to December 5. It was a theme cruise call Welcome to Jamrock. It's hosted by the Marley brothers. There was a stage show with lots of Reggae and dancehall artists. It was jam pack around the clock entertainment. They have this cruise every year. If you are a fan of reggae music you are sure to have a great time. These are some of the outfits I wore on the cruise. I vlog about the experiences check it out on YOUTUBE

My new sunnies.

One of the DJ that played music throughout the cruise.

Click this link to check out vlog on Youtube

MY Concert Outfit

2018-09-24T11:09:00.001-07:00

Hello, beautiful people, I hope everyone is having a great day and a better tomorrow. I went to the Jay Z and Beyonce concert at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, It was a lot of fun. I have never seen Beyonce nor Jay Z in concert before but, it was everything that I expected. I think everyone is familiar with Beyonce formula or style of entertaining, There was a lot of booty shaking, elaborate dance numbers, special effects and there were fireworks I wasn't expecting the fireworks :). Anyway, I had a really nice time. This is the outfit that I wore I didn't get a chance to really pose for pictures I only was able to take these two shots and a selfie LOL. Also, check out my YouTube Channel where I Vlog about the show. I hope you enjoy the content.

Check out my latest YouTube Upload: CLICK THIS LINK

MY Birthday Trip

2018-09-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys, It's my birthday month and I had a great birthday. I went to Tokyo Japan to celebrate and had an awesome time. I took so many videos and pictures. I am still going through most of it. These are some of the outfits I wore. check out my youtube channel for vlog reviews. I am doing a five-part videos series on my trip. I upload videos every Sundays. I hope you guys enjoy them. :)

Check out my latest Youtube upload: CLICK THIS LINK

Montego Bay Jamaica Outfits Worn

2018-08-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

Hello beautiful people :) I went to Montego Bay Jamaica and I had a fabulous time. these are some of the outfits I wore.

Check out my Lastest YouTube Upload: CLICK THIS LINK

My Cute Jumpsuit

2018-07-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, beautiful people :) It was a lovely, sunny, 75 degrees and I wore this really cute jumpsuit. I also wore my favorite Bamboo handbag which always gets lots of compliments.

Jumpsuit: Fashion Nova

Handbag: Cult Gaia

Check out my latest Youtube Upload:

CLICK ON THIS LINK

Outfits Worn On Vacation

2018-07-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, beautiful people, I hope everyone is having a great day and a beautiful tomorrow. I had a wonderful time on my short vacation. These are some of my outfits I wore. My favorite is my maxi dress. What are your go-to pieces when you are on vacation?

Check out my latest Youtube video of my trip: CLICK ON THIS LINK

Time for Another Adventure

2018-06-10T19:47:00.001-07:00

Hello, Beautiful people, hope everyone is having a great day and even a better tomorrow. :) My tickets are booked and I am ready for my beach vacation. I did a Youtube video on how to pack for a 4-day vacation. I bought some really cute beachwear for my trip. I am so looking forward to relaxing and recharging battery LOL.

I Love this dress.

Click the link for my latest Youtube Upload: CLICK HERE

I LOVE HATS

2018-05-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

Hello, beautiful people, I hope everyone is having a great day and a better tomorrow. So I did a post over on Youtube on how much I love hats. I got inspired by watching the royal wedding that happened over in London. Hope you guys enjoy it. What type of accessory do you love?

My Latest Youtube Upload:CLICK THIS LINK

MY Niece Compares Me To A Doll

2018-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, beautiful people, I hope everyone is having a great day and a better tomorrow. My sister sent me a video of my little niece where she compares me to a doll. It the cutest and the nicest compliment I think I will ever receive. I did a youtube video about it.

Check it out by CLICKING THIS LINK

What I Wore

2018-04-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hello beautiful people :) I hope everyone is having a great day and a better tomorrow. So, I went to see Shen Yun a Chinese dance performance at the Microsoft theatre in downtown Los Angeles. I wore this Royal blue maxi dress and this very cute Bamboo bag that I love. The weather was a beautiful 88 degrees for me to wear this dress. Someone stopped me and told me I was wearing their favorite color. Blue seems to be a favorite color for most people. My favorite color is Black. What is your favorite?

Check out my Latest Youtube upload:CLICK THIS LINK

FASHION NOVA HAUL

2018-04-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hello beautiful people. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day and a better tomorrow. I did some online shopping on an Online store called Fashion Nova for the first time. I think they have been spamming me because every time I turn on my computer they pop up in my social media feed LOL. They utilized a lot of celebrities to market on Instagram. I bought a few things and I must say their clothes are very reasonable price and the quality is decent. My favorite item was the jeans that I bought it fits really well and I didn't have the issues of the gap, I always get in the back of my jeans. I did a youtube post about the haul. Make sure to check it out. have you heard of Fashion Nova Before?

CHECK OUT MY LATEST YOUTUBE UPLOAD: CLICK THIS LINK

My Easter Outfit

2018-04-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hello beautiful people, Happy Easter!. I hope everyone had a blessed and beautiful Easter. I had a true Jamaican style easter. Meaning I had traditional food that Jamaicans eat on easter like Bun and cheese, fried fish and sorrel. Anyway, this is my easter outfit my black and beige maxi dress. I love maxi dresses. Don't forget to check out my YOUTUBE channel I upload videos every Sunday and Wednesday. How did you spend your Easter?

Check out my latest YouTube Upload Click This Link

What I Wore On Vacation

2018-03-27T01:37:00.001-07:00

Hello beautiful people :) It's been a while since I have done an outfit post. I have been over on Youtube enjoying creating and uploading contents. These are some outfits I wore when I was in Italy back in September for my birthday. Packing for a vacation sometimes can be so challenging, I tend to pack too much or not enough. How about you guys, is this true for you as well are you an over packer?

Youtube Vlog about my trip to Italy CLICK THIS LINK

MY FIRST HAUL ON YOUTUBE

2018-03-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, Beautiful people new post on Youtube. I am unpacking some online purchases which is something I love doing. It's not a big haul I bought four dresses that came in the mail. head over to youtube to check it out.

CLICK THIS LINK HERE

INTRODUCTION VIDEO

2018-03-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Helleoooo beautiful people I am still at it over on Youtube. I am still having lots of fun creating videos and going through my archive of pictures and videos to create contents. My latest upload is an introduction type of video for when folks visit my channel for the first time. I hope you guys enjoy it.

CLICK THIS LINK TO CHECK OUT NEW UPLOAD

I AM FINALLY ACTIVE ON YOUTUBE :)

2018-03-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Helloooo beautiful people it has been a while since I have posted but I am back and will be very consistent from now on I promise :) Actually I have been over on Youtube Utilizing my real estate space, Yes I have finally started my Youtube channel something I have been putting off since 2012. Anyway, I have posted 17 videos so far so please check them out and please subscribe. I am enjoying the process of creating and learning the Youtube platform. My channel is called "Sweet With Envy" Be Inspired. A Phrase I created to describe anything inspiring and motivating. It's a personal Vlog mostly about Travel, Fashion and inspiring moments on living your best life.

CHECK OUT MY LATEST UPLOAD CLICK THIS LINK

Don't forget to subscribe while you are checking out my channel Thanks for stopping by :)

WINE TASTING FLORAL MAXI DRESS

2017-06-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

I went to my first wine tasting on Saturday. It was a beautiful day in sunny California. Even though I don't really drink I went for the beautiful scenery and the experience. ..... side note, I was introduced to a tasty almond flavored wine so I might become a wine drinker after all LOL. I wore this beautiful floral maxi dress which was perfect for an outing such as wine tasting. I received lots of compliments on my dress. I forgot my camera so all these pictures were taken with my cell phone. (Samsung s8)

Stripes Is What I Wore

2017-05-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, beautiful people :) I am showing off my puffy stripe shirt. I loooove stripes. I think stripes and cold shoulder top are the trends right now and I love it. I bought this top from Zara and my jeans from the Banana Republic. As you can see I was out walking around on Hollywood Walk of Fame again. I Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.