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Facing fear 

by: Kennedi Brown 

During 2018 I vowed to accomplish a multitude of things:

Proper planning

Self-love

Living without fear

 The beginning of this year took a slight toll on me when I came into the New Year single. I questioned everything I could about myself. I constantly asked myself, “What did I do wrong?” “Was I not smart enough, or pretty enough, or driven enough?” So I thought that the first thing that I needed to work on was self-love. I was wrong. At the core of every issue that I had with myself was fear.

The fear of letting go.

The fear of success.

The fear of failure.

I realized I feared so much to where I became mentally paralyzed and complacent in relationships, work, and other daily actions. I had to start doing something about it. Below are some ways I am becoming fearless. I hope that they help you just as much as they are helping me.

Live Outside Your Comfort Zone

               1. Know that fear is only in the mind and the majority of your fears don’t come true.

               2. Be silly for no reason without fear of judgement

Think Fearlessly

               1. Surround yourself with fearless people. Follow people on social media that you believe to be motivational and fearless. (ie. Will Smith) Start to surround yourself with concepts that you would like to adopt in your life.

Be Aware Everything Happens for a Reason

               1. Everything does not go as planned. Do not fear that. Be aware of mishaps and think of other positive possible actions

               2. Release control of everything that goes on around you. Know that everything cannot be in control of everything.

Make mistakes and know its ok

               1. Everything isn’t going to be perfect and people make mistakes. Know that failing is an opportunity to grow. Be accountable for mistakes and know it is not the end of the world.

Affirmations

               1. I am aware that I cannot control everything that goes on around me.

               2. I am fearless.

               3. I am not afraid of failure.

               4. I am and will be successful.

               5. I will work hard for the things that I want.

               6. I will learn from my mistakes.

               7. I may not be able to control all outcomes, but I can control my response

Lastly, we want to leave you with a fear bucket list. The directions are below to make your own or you can use the one that is provided. Write down your fears of the day, the month, or your biggest fears. Once you conquer those fears reward yourself. Growing should be a pleasurable experience as well.

Fearless Bucket List

               1. Write down all your fears and how to conquer them

               2. Once you finish conquering a fear give yourself a reward that is equivalent to the fear you conquered

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[backyardint]

I’m Over the Hype NOT the Highlight

Now some of you reading this may not be a woman, a part of this generation or you’re just an uncultured swine; regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, here are some definitions to a few of  those millennial colloquialisms you’ll find in this piece.

 Colloquialism: a word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation.

Beat Face: a colloquialism used to describe a full face of makeup, typically paraded on social media, namely Instagram.

Now, if you’re reading this you probably don’t know me, but keep in mind I’m definitely suffering for most of the beauty addictions out there. I hoard skin care products I’m never going to use, I reblog photo sets of  highlight on Tumblr and yes I practically run to my account every time Sephora and Ulta restock. I love to gawk at the talent underrated instagram makeup artists have to offer just as much as the next girl; However, I’m kind of over it all!!!

Allow me to explain...

As we all know, the standards and expectations of makeup are constantly changing. Colors go in and out of season, light and dewy looks transition into sultry stares and the way people perceive makeup and beauty fluxuates like an indecisive female at Starbucks. I know for me personally, I’m kind of over the beat face, instagram look. I didn’t have some supernatural revelation or awoke from a nightmare of being chased by $50 foundation and highlight; over time I became less interested in how to cover up my face and got more interested in how to enhance what I naturally have and experiment with colors and different ways to wear makeup.

There’s no tea no shade against the traditional full glam, “beat face”; it’s beautiful, it’s nice and it definitely works for many people; that’s the standard behavior and if that’s where we are as a culture, that’s perfectly fine. But for me, I notice how that look no longer fits into my aesthetic in a clean, cookie cutter fashion the way it used to.  

As a magical fashionista and makeup/skin care addict, my relationship with makeup hasn’t been severed, it’s only evolving and I can’t wait to see where it goes. This year for me is all about growing with myself, teaching myself  and allowing myself to be taught by other people and experiences; and most of that entails being uncomfortable, accepting new ways of thinking and allowing myself and my views to evolve, even my views on makeup. 

   Written by: Kambrya Bailey  If you like us Subscribe! Come back next week to read more posts about who knows what!  

[backyardint]

He’s a visionary, an artist, and a young man who has a passion for flipping the script. Check out volume III of INT. to find out more on why Scott Solomon is one of the sauciest college seniors in town.

Keep reading

[backyardint]

He’s a visionary, an artist, and a young man who has a passion for flipping the script. Check out volume III of INT. to find out more on why Scott Solomon is one of the sauciest college seniors in town.

BI: Where are you from?

Scott: I’m from Pine Bluff, Arkansas

BI: Do you know your purpose?

Scott: Not 100% sure but I know the people I associate myself with and meet everyday are helping me find it. They don’t even know it. Myself and 4 freshmen from UAPB linked up one night, and came up with this group called Critical Purpose. Just a group of young looking to provide the most innovative means of assistance for young people to help find their purpose, while reminding the city it’s never too late nor too early.

BI: If you know your purpose, how did you find it?

Scott: From doing what I’m doing now. Every job I’ve had so far has challenged me from a marketing standpoint. Helping construct ideas and action.

BI: If you haven’t found your purpose, what steps are you taking to find it?

Scott: Going after opportunities that can help reveal my purpose. Doing what makes me feel good. I’m living life while doing this ; Finding my purpose never been something I would be obsessed with. I try to grow everyday and eventually I’ll meet my purpose one way or another. I’ve been Youth President of my home church, been to a national youth leadership training in the woods, Eagle Scout, Worked in the meat market at a seemingly early age, My second event we had last year in October turned out well. Critical Purpose put together a Christmas Party for the church and boxing club youth .I also have a Stop the Violence Peace Rally event under my belt which was in October of 2016.The list is only going to bet longer. Going through different experiences can show you things. They will not all be good.

BI: What makes you happy?

Scott: At this point seeing my niece and nephew, getting paid, and seeing underdogs excel

BI: What is your favorite word and why?

Scott: Sauce. We all have sauce, I doesn’t matter how much money you have, the clothes you wear, place you’re from, or situation you’re in. Everyone wont like your flavor though. Everyone don’t like mustard, ketchup, ranch, mayo, this is facts. It took me forever to realize my sauce won’t attract everybody . Nothing wrong with being a more exclusive flavor.

BI: What music artists should we look out for?

Scott: My guy Lil Dolfin, artist from my hometown Pine Bluff, Arkansas , also my guy Redd, Danny B, It’s a lot of kids getting into music, but these 3, rn I like to pay attention to. The city has a few rap talents that need to blow too. Music here is only getting better.

BI: What inspired your playlist?

Scott: I listen to all types of music, its refreshing.

BI: Last but not least… Coke or Pepsi?

Scott: Coke

If you want to see more of Scott, follow his social media links down below.

Twitter: @scottsauce_

Facebook: Scott Solomon

Instagram: @scottsauce_

Other Social media links:

Instagram: @dolfdogent @Critical Purpose

Soundcloud: @lildolfin

Twitter: @CriticalPurpose

Curated Personal Playlist: INT. Vol. III: Sauce 

Read More at backyardint.com

Written by: Kambrya Bailey

[backyardint]

2017 Recap

By: Kennedi Brown 

2017 was truly one for the books. There were threats of bombing and war. We even got the terrible repeal of net neutrality. There have been numerous hurricanes and other natural disasters, outbreaks of Twitter rants by your president, marches about race, and continuous outbreaks of hate. We said that 2017 was going to be everyone’s year. The amazing part is it could have been, but it wasn’t. Although 2017 could’ve been better for most of us:

You made it out

Make plans for 2018

All change in the word can and will start with you

We can’t wallow in what didn’t happen in 2017, or what did happen. All we can do is prepare for a better tomorrow and be thankful for the good times we did have.

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[backyardint]

When is Enough, Enough?

Written by: Kambrya Bailey 

 The year 2017 is definitely a year for the books when it comes to tragedy; between the deadly shootings, the division between cultures and unwarranted violence across the globe. The recent surfacing of slave trade auctions in Libya has brought a new whirlwind of awareness and devastation to the modern world, particularly on Social Media. According to CNN journalists and the personal accounts from the citizens of Libya and Nigeria, people-namely men-were and are still being traded as a form of human currency in Northern Africa, some being sold for as low as 400 American dollars.

African Immigrants Are Being Sold As Slaves For $400 In Libya

Who are the victims? The victims of these crimes are said to be migrants, traveling from their homes in West Africa to get to Europe in hopes of finding a new life. The journey through the Mediterranean sea is very treacherous and according to multiple sources, 150,000 refugees have made this journey within the past three years. However, these Libyan ports served as hub for the capturing of migrants. Many accounts from victims entail the horrific circumstances that these people endured. For example,

Although the recent uncovering of these deplorable events has sparked a wildfire on social media, there are people who have channeled that rage into action. Many protests and demonstrations have ensued across Africa and Europe. For example, there was an organized protest at the Libyan Embassy in Paris, France on November 18, 2017.

This picture shows one of the many demonstrations against the Libyan slave trade.

How is Libya Responding? According to CNN, finding a solution to the growing slave trade in Libya will require International assistance due to the poor state of the country. With a very weak government and rising gang activity, the slave trade in Libya is seen as a lucrative industry. Problems like this don’t go away overnight, with the help of the United Nations, the International Organization of Migration and Nigerian Leadership have successfully flown many migrants out of Libya and back to Nigeria safely.

Just For Retweets? The uncovering of the slave trade in Libya was a gruesome discovery to say the least and even though many people across the globe have stood in solidarity to bring justice to the victims it’s important to remember that activism is NOT a trend that should be used to get more like on Instagram. Being a social justice warrior simply for retweets may give you a sense of accomplishment, but unless you genuinely care about bringing forth justice, you’re doing more harm than good. When human lives are being reduced to a simple commodity for trade, that’s a  direct crime against humanity and should be treated as such. With that being said, most of us are not government officials or ambassadors but we all have the power to enact change. When is enough, enough? We need to  come together as a community; combine our strength and let our voices be heard so that we can aid in preventing human trafficking across the globe and bring an end to modern day slavery.

If you like us Subscribe! Come back next week to read more posts about who knows what!

[backyardint]

Wash Away Your Skin Sins: Aloe Vera

Written by: Kennedi Brown

Aloe vera, a plant that is believed to have originated in Sudan has taken over in certain parts of the beauty industry especially in the world of skin care. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can be used to treat wounds and burns, minor skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans, it also has quite promise in treating way more serious conditions like eczema, genital herpes, dandruff, psoriasis, canker sores, and skin ulcers. In this post we’re going to teach you how get and upkeep your aloe vera plant, how to cut it and different hair and skin masks that will make you feel like you washed away off all of your hair and skin sins. [The lists are hyperlinked to all needed websites]

Growth

For people that do not have a green thumb, it would be easier to just get a bottle of Aloe Vera gel, but it is way more expensive than just getting a plant. There are many ways that you can acquire an aloe vera plant. You could order a kit offline or get one in various stores or if the plants are in season, you can buy an aloe vera plant that is already grown at a local nursery. In the list below we will have the different places where you can buy aloe vera gel and an aloe vera plant.

Aloe Vera Gel 

Aloe Vera Grow Kit

Aloe Vera Plant 

Upkeep

The Aloe Vera plant is a succulent. These plants require a lot of sunlight and do not require tons of watering. The soil is supposed to be in accordance to what the succulent needs. Usually, when you get a pre grown aloe vera plant it needs to be repotted. Below will be links to places where you can buy potting soil, pots,and plant food. Also we will include links for you to learn how to repot and cut your aloe vera plant.

Pots 

Soil

Plant Food

How to Cut An Aloe Vera Plant

Hair and Skin Remedies

Now that you have purchased the aloe vera gel or your aloe vera plant is healthy and strong and you have properly cut it it's time to put it to good use! Below there will be aloe vera hair and skin routines that you can use to become flawless in no time! 

Hair Remedies

    Dandruff Destroying Hair Mask

1 cup of Aloe Vera Gel

2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 tablespoon of Honey

Directions: Mix all ingredients and apply to roots. Set for 5 minutes and wash out with shampoo (For best results repeat two times a month)

      Hair Growth Mask

3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel

2 tablespoons of Yogurt

1 tablespoon of Honey

2 to 3 tablespoons of Olive oil

Directions: Mix all ingredients & apply mask and massage scalp for 15 minutes. After massaging your scalp let the mask sit for 20 more minutes. Rinse well. (For best results repeat once a week)

        Hydrating Hair mask

5 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel

3 tablespoons of Coconut oil

2 tablespoons of Honey

Directions: Mix all ingredients & apply mask for 15 to 20 min. Wash out with shampoo

Skin Remedies 

(Please avoid putting mask close to your eyes or mouth)

        Hydrating Face Mask

4 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel

1 tablespoon of Yogurt 

Directions: Mix ingredients well and apply to the face for 10 minutes. Rinse with water. 

        Purifying Face mask

3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel

1 tablespoon of Honey 

Directions: Mix ingredients well and apply to the face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with water 

       Anti-Aging Face Mask

1/2 cup of Aloe Vera Pulp 

1/2 cup of purified or distilled water

1/2 Cup of Chopped Cucumber (seeds removed)

Directions: Mix and blend all ingredients until the mixture is consistent. Evenly apply the mixture to your face and leave it on your face overnight. Rinse with warm water. 

(DISCLAIMER: Please note that we are not liable nor responsible for what happens to your skin, hair, or any other body parts in any way shape form or fashion. Please be conscious of your allergies and any other medical issues before using these natural remedies. Thank you.)

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[backyardint]

Makeup Essentials for Ballers on a Budget

Written by: Kennedi Brown

Hey wallflowers! If you are completely new to makeup don’t fret we have you covered! We know when we were complete beginners in makeup we didn’t know sun up from sun down. In fact, looking at various YouTube tutorials and Instagram pages made us cringe in the very fact of trying to do eyeshadow let alone a cat eye.

So we here at Backyard Internet decided to cut out all the confusion. We handpicked basic makeup essentials for under $30! If you save for a month that’s less than a dollar a day! We took the liberty of putting in the links as well.  Later we’re also going to show you how to put on every item step by step. With some practice, you’ll be beat for the Gods in no time!

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation $4.95

Primer/Setting Spray: E.L.F. Makeup Mist and Set $3

Concealer and Contour: LA Pro conceal $2.38 each

Eyeliner: Wet and Wild Mega Eyes Crème Liner $1.01

Mascara: Great Lash $4.49

Beauty Blender: $1

Eyebrows: Miliani Stay Put Brow $6.47

The total of all these Items came out to be $25.68. That gives you just enough money to get a four for four at Wendy’s. Trust us there is nothing better than being flawless and full.

If you like us Subscribe! Come back next week to read more posts about who knows what! 

[backyardint]

Written by: Kennedi Brown

It seemed like months ago when I got the fortunate news that I was selected to travel to Spain. Now with only two days left before I embark in some international travel, I tried to research what I needed to bring on the trip. I had no luck in finding a detailed list. So, I decided to wing it. Here's what I'm bringing:It seemed like months ago when I got the fortunate news that I was selected to travel to Spain. Now with only two days left before I embark in some international travel, I tried to research what I needed to bring on the trip. I had no luck in finding a detailed list. So, I decided to wing it. Here's what I'm bringing:

Travel Essentials

Passport

Power Adapter

Mini First-Aid Kit

Earphones

Portable Charger

Backpack

Fanny pack

Umbrella

Have other things related to my trip such as clothing, makeup, and hygiene essentials. All trips abroad are not the same so remember to pack accordingly, be aware at all times, and most importantly HAVE FUN!

[backyardint]

Cinco de Mind Your Business

Hey! Yes I am talking to you. Do you really know why people celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I bet the answer is probably not

Written by: Kennedi Brown

I ran a poll on my twitter asking people if they knew the significance of Cinco de Mayo. Before my tweet got retweeted, no and tequila were the leading answers. Other ethnicities celebrating Cinco de Mayo with no type of understanding of the holiday is like Hispanics celebrating Juneteenth. Why would Hispanics be celebrating Juneteenth? They wouldn't be. Hear me out, there is no reason to go out and celebrate if you know nothing about the holiday. Cinco de Mayo is not an excuse to go out and buy alcohol and eat tacos just because. Some of us claim to be so adamant about our own cultures we forget to value other cultures as well. We've drowned the holiday in so much alcohol that we have forgotten or haven't even researched the real reason Cinco de Mayo exists. So culture yourself or mind your business.

*taquilla means ticket office in Spanish. It was most definitely a typo.

If you want to know more about Cinco de Mayo click the link below: The Intercept_

[backyardint]

New Ways of Making Money

Written by: Kennedi Brown

Ok let's face it. A vast majority of people want to make money and at my school ponzi schemes, survey websites, and downloading apps are a major facet to getting your next $20 or maybe even your next $600. College is all about learning how to hustle, because let's face it college can either be a scam or a major asset to propelling you to your goals. I'm somewhere in the middle of it all.

So if you are a struggling college student, or a struggling adult, or you just want to make some money in general look at the links below. You could get rich quick or not make any money at all. The purpose of this blog post is to make you aware that there are options online to make money, but like Diana Armstrong said on Player's Club...

Split: Split is a mobile application for Apple users. You earn money by sharing links and by referring Split to other customers. Click the link below and download the app for more information! split.nyc/split-it-pays-to-share-on-qgb2_Hyv Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors is a company where you can get paid to be an online tutor! Click the link below for more details! www.varsitytutors.com/tutoring-jobs?utm_content=top&utm_medium=tutor+acquisition&utm_campaign=math&utm_term=05_2017&utm_source=WayUp Inbox Dollars: Inbox Dollars pays you to watch videos! For more information click the link below! www.inboxdollars.com/members/signup/landing28a-fff/0/0/ User Testing: User Testing pays you for testing new software. Click the link below for more details! www.usertesting.com/be-a-user-tester?aid=1064&aff_sub=10238b359052b1680fa14ee693cc6d&transaction_id=10280893fb76ccf86910b3951d016d Naming Force Are you good at making company names? Naming Force is the place for you. Click the link below for more details! www.namingforce.com/ Legal Shield Click the link for more information! www.legalshield.com/

[backyardint]

This is Maree, makeup goddess, fashion guru, weaveologist, journalist... the list goes on and on. When she's not being an overall magical being she likes to try new makeup looks on herself and others.  Welcome Maree to the team and read her interview below to find out more about her.

Backyard Internet:Where are you from? Maree: Memphis, Tennessee ​ BI:Do you know your purpose? M:My purpose is to encourage others to feel comfortable in their skin. I want women to own their talents and become a boss. ​ BI:If you know your purpose, how did you find it? M:I didn’t really find it, per say. I just pay close attention to the feedback I receive from my Instagram feed. That’s the only social media account I own so whatever I post, I feel like needs to leave a mark. Plus, I’m extremely extra af so that is 99.9% of the reason. I own my makeup addiction, shopping habits, and “extra-ness”, and use it to my advantage – i.e. passion for writing turns to blogging, which turns into collaborations with makeup and clothing companies. BI:What makes you happy? M:Doing the things that make me happy, and sharing my lessons and tips for women to use in their daily lives. I’m a risk taker so taking risks makes me happy. BI:What is your favorite word and why? M:Beast-mode; I’m not sure why. My dad used to say it before my cheer competitions and it just stuck. BI:Finish this sentence: In today’s society… M:Shit happens. BI:What music artists should we look out for? M:Playboi Carti, SZA BI:What inspired your playlist? M:Usually whatever I can do my makeup to and feel bomb, that’s a hit. BI:Last but not least… Coke or Pepsi? M:Coke, cause I can’t take Pepsi products seriously.

Int Volume 2 Playlist: Wake Up, Make Up.xo

https://open.spotify.com/user/dwilll__/playlist/5c1ml9kPq7S32hMgTtvYyu

If you want to see more click the video to follow Ahmaree on social media, view her blog, and subscribe to her channel!

Written by: Kennedi Brown

[backyardint]

This is Leonard, but on YouTube he's known as LGFWSBD. With 92 subscribers in his pocket & a mind full of ideas, his dope visuals and ability to be wildly and weirdly relatable sets him above the bar. When he's not hanging out with his friends, he's... well you can find out more in his interview.

​Backyard Internet: Do you know your purpose? Leonard: I guess.. BI: If you know your purpose, how did you find it? L: I found it by doing things I like and people started to get interested. BI: What makes you happy? L: Music, cartoons, anime (they're not the same), vivid clothes, sunshine, photography, cars (really fast cars), and GTA V that’s my shit. BI: What is your favorite word and why? L: FUCK. It adds strong emotion to any sentence like: Man its fucking hot. Who the fuck would buy those pants. She so fucking beautiful. BI: What music artists should we look out for? L: Steve Lacy, Caleon Fox, iamhannalashay, IDRYS BLCK, La Reina, Joyce Wrice, Bobby Earth, Tony Rashad, Snoh Aalegra, Crystal Mec, and Raury ​BI: What inspired your playlist? L: Life BI: Last but not least… Coke or Pepsi? ​L: Neither water

Int.Volume 1 Playlist: MILK

https://open.spotify.com/user/1254106404/playlist/3MX2Orkf7ZiR5NGnY4znIb

If you want to see more click the video to follow Leonard on social media, view his photos, and subscribe to his channel!

Written by: Kennedi Brown