The Akata Diary. Com

Hey guys and girls!

Ive purchased my own domain and so thats why I have not been updating my blogger account here.  Please continue to follow me as I appreciate your friendships!

Just go to http://www.theakatadiary.com

Muah! xx

Why I've learned my lesson with Cold Winter Weather

I know that it's retarded for me to go out in the cold weather. Just when I thought this Cheetah had it bad, I am now also suffering for choosing to hang out in 20 somethin' degree weather! :(
#jointsarehurtinglikehell!!

Don't get me wrong... It was worth it to see the smile appear on my child's face, to hear the laughter and see the joy of her having fun at the Zoo. It was well worth it.

But, Those who are anemic well know that winter weather is NOT your friend. Those with SCA have to be careful with dealing with cold weather. Simply being in cold temperatures can trigger a crisis of vaso-acclusive pain. Vaso-acclusive meaning circulation blocked by sickled cells, causing pain. Even worse would be to develop an acute chest syndrome or an infection to name as a few examples. Indeed, low temps should make such people think twice of leisurely hanging outside in the snow for long periods of time.

If you're like me, then when you do have to go out for hours at a time, make sure to bundle up properly. Lined hats, gloves, scarves, coats are a must. Find shelter to warm up in periodically, and keep hydrated. Don't swim in cold water. Reduce stress or remove it completely. That's another thing that gave me a lot of pain (literally) towards the end of summer.
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My Ancestral History: Foreword- Africa is Just Too Cool not to know!!!



me, age 5



Some who know me well already understand that learning about my ancestral history has been an important goal in mind for quite a good while now. I no way consider myself any kind of historian, but deep inside, I have always been interested and have wanted to learn and know the paths of those who came before me. I also love to learn about African History in general... Always have. European history is just so young while Africa's is as rich in culture and beauty as the diverse people who live there. With knowledge is indeed power and also responsibility to pass it on. With stories like the greek storyteller Aesop, the history of Egypt, the Moors, the Washtaws, the Kush Empire... Older representations of Budha with full lips and braids, etc. These discoveries can go on and on of an Amazing Africa, something you can find simply by looking and worth teaching our children ourselves. You certainly won't find this stuff in any public school book!

I'd like to invite you all now to follow me in my discoveries of self-as a decendant of black africans who were enslaved and shipped to the Americas by way of the Atlantic slave trade. I have been researching for 3 years now. My main goal has been to just find what I can. My heart has wanted to learn more (starting on my maternal side) of my grandfather's ancestors yet have found that so difficult. I have found much more of my grandmothers side.

I will at least once a week post here my findings, my new goals, leads, stories, photos, tips, and whatever else I run into. I have a lot of info I wish I could pore out now but truth is I want to make things the most presentable for my readers. So, I will start this officially on sunday (tomorrow) with the first of many posts to come on this subject.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @noirgossip, like me on Facebook, and subscribe to this blog to get my updates the fastest :)

With that being said, see you all tomorrow! :)
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How to make "Tha Bomb" Collard Greens :)

Fresh Collard Greens, cleaned and chopped.



 

One staple of Soul Food and Southern American cooking has always been leafy greens.  My personal favorite is to cook a mix of Turnip & Mustard with smoked turkey legs, but I have also enjoyed Collard.  Collard to me seems harder to season correctly than the other variations throughout my time in trying my hand in different recipes.  I think I finally have this one down packed!  Try it out and let me know.

Some tips for when shopping for 'Girl's Best Friend'

One of my favorite pieces that I saved for... Diamonds are a girls second best friend, lol!

A young woman like me loves her jewelry! And if your anything like moi, then its disappointing at times when you can't just buy the cheap costume earrings or necklace for an particular outfit or night out on the town. I will break out with the quickness if my jewerly is not the real thing (gold or sterling silver). I found this out after purchasing these cute chandelier earrings from a small retail store in a mall in London. I itched for days after wearing 'em only once. It reminded me of why I should not even look at such cheap stuff.

That being said, my birthstone is diamond (yeah I'm an April baby). And I love my stones as well! As you can probably guess by now, shopping for jewelry is never cheap for me and I literally have to take months out to save for each piece that I want ( cause I'm not rich yet either, lol. )

So regardless if your buying a pair of earrings or an engagement ring, I thought I'd share just a few tips when shopping for that expensive yet special gift for yourself or someone else in mind.

End of the Year Rant *goodbye to the douchbags!*

Arrivederci 2010, Good freakin' riddens!!


I don't know about you guys, but I for one will be welcoming 2011 with open arms like I have never welcomed a new year ever before!


Don't get me wrong, I have been highly blessed and favored.  And if anyone has realized how much of a miracle they are, it is me.  I am only here because of God's grace.  Thank you Lord.  With newfound strength and health, a perfect child, a supporting bf, and loving family, why should I complain about anything?


My only problem is, I have always been the type to hold on to the past.  I am working on changing that.  I am learning on how to let go.  I hold grudges even when I speak with good intentions about not doing so.  I hold things against people although I want to forgive and say that I have.  It is soooooo hard for me to break this habit of bitterness but I have been praying on it so much.


One of my focuses for 2011 is to be able to turn the other cheek.  Forget about those totally who have hurt me in the past.  Let things go.  I believe I can do it, in fact, I know I can.  And I will.  I have to because it is holding me back from being the greatest I can be, and in that case, they will win.


I figure it will be easier for me to release my anger once and for all- being the emotional person that I am- if I blurt out one last time how certain people have made me feel.  So here I go. I may be bitterly honest but oh well, you will get over it. This will be the last time I ever bring you into my thoughts *hopefully*.

Try out my Coconut Pound Cake

This is an old recipe yet I have tweaked it some and called it my own, and fixed it the day after Christmas... try it out if you have a sweet tooth... It was the bomb to me!  Let me know if you enjoyed it just as much :-)

I am In Love with who I am...

I am in love with who I am.

From the top of my head, to the tip of my toes

to my pink and full lips and my small round nose.

My hips tell the storyof the many mothers of my past,

my lean legs have the markings of a slave girls tough task.