crwndangl-blog

[crwndangl-blog]

taking leaps

these next words garnered a bit of inspiration from a video by kristen leo. <3

throughout the course of my life i’ve typically done what was expected of me: remained polite with my words (usually), played nicely, acted ladylike, remained quiet (even when the situation called for the exact opposite), made the honor roll, applied to a few top universities for the sake of it (got in), studied science/medicine. blah blah, the list goes on.

however, these past two years - 2016 in particular - have produced significant changes in me. some gradual, blossoming before my eyes; others so abrupt i still have yet to conceive how they even came about. regardless, these changes are very much welcome. for far too long i felt as if i was living someone else’s life, some other being’s dream. which is probably why over the course of this past year and a half i ended up making the drastic switch from science/medicine to art as my study of pursuit. looking back over the course of my life there had always been nudges of sorts, guiding me to art, but because of the age-old ‘starving artist’ archetype, combined with caribbean parents that were big on finding a ‘good paying job’, i ran the other way. but you can’t outrun your heart haha. 

not too much earlier than that, i made the switch to veganism, which in and of itself has opened up my mind to so many beliefs and feelings regarding this planet and its inhabitants. even the way in which i view fashion and make-up has changed. although there’s still lots of work to be done, i’m starting to see clothes and make-up as fun things to have; not necessities. internally i grew more in my love for myself, the love of my skin, and the love of my culture. 2015 and 2016 really gave me room to grow as a black woman. i no longer see myself or those like me as ‘ugly’ or ‘less than’. this love has even spilled over into an immense appreciation for all other races/ethnicities, particularly fellow people of color.

all of these experiences and moments of growth have culminated into an enormous force that has pushed me out of my comfort zone, into new patterns of thought, as well as instilled in me a dire need to live doing what i was made to do; what i love. granted, there are things in my past that i treasure and appreciate. i mean without them i wouldn’t be where i am today. but it’s great to no longer seem like a pawn in someone else’s game. it’s beautiful to feel as if you’re finally on track to living your life out loud, catering to the things that you care about, unearthing God-given talents. being what you were made to be.

and this is what i encourage you all to do if you get the chance.

question everything around you, even yourself. fight to know the real you. only follow your passion, your heart. and yes, it will may very well feel more difficult at times (compared to when you were merely floating through life), but it is so worth it. personally, even with the moments of disappointment, ‘artist block’, and frustration, i’ve ended up feeling more fulfilled and content than i ever would’ve had i continued down the path i was headed nearly two years ago. why? because me following my passion as an artist helps to push me through the worst of times. the love for what i’m doing keeps me going. had i stuck to medicine i would probably have a degree right now, maybe two, but ultimately at the price of my sanity and happiness.

so please, i implore you, take that leap whatever it may be, wherever it may lead. do it for your peace of my mind, do it for the lives you may touch, do it for the pure happiness. just jump.

aa

(c) 2017 crwnd angl co.

[crwndangl-blog]

recipe: easy (healthy) coffee ice cream

Hey angls! 

I’m back! This time with something that involves... ice cream! One of the most fun things for me  to eat is ‘nice’-cream. Partially because I get to do so much with it since it’s being made entirely from scratch. But mainly because ice-cream, period, is one of faves, and will always be. 

Another fun fact: using all natural ingredients makes this ice cream much healthier, allowing you to eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner guilt-free!

That being said, here’s one of my more simple (and to be honest favorite) recipes for this frozen treat.

3 Frozen Bananas (or as many as you want). A little splash of cashew milk (to get the blender going + add creaminess). 3 tsps of agave to sweeten (sugar or syrup can be used instead). Or nothing at all since bananas are sweet on their own. Ground decaf coffee (I used about 2 tbsp). Vanilla to taste (you can use the liquid version or beans).

Put everything in the blender and blend until smooth but still thick. For toppings I added sliced strawberries, blueberries, and chia seeds.

Let me know if you tried it and how it tastes! 

aa

[crwndangl-blog]

some info that forever changed my way of thinking

Happy World Vegan Day! I hope all my fellow vegans celebrated well today by having all the goodies your body could handle. Or maybe you were happy with just 

spending some time outside in the fresh air (depending on where you live cause this fall weather has been crazy in some states smh). However you spent your day, though, I hope it was amazing!

In tribute to this special day, and putting a twist on things, I decided to dedicate this post mainly to the non-vegans (although there may be info here that new/seasoned vegans can utilize as well).

As some of you may know, I’ve been vegan for roughly over a year and a half now. It’s been absolutely amazing, and I have zero regrets. Honestly, truly.* (Joanne the Scammer clearly got to me lol). But there were quite a few things (as with most vegans) that initially pushed me to be where I am now. The deeper story will be shared at a later point in time. Maybe at my two year mark? However, for this post I’ve included a list of materials (videos, documentaries, etc.) that convinced me to make the switch. At least one had already been seen in high school, but took a few years to take effect. Whereas others were pretty much binge-watched and caused me to make changes within minutes/hours of viewing. 

For convenience I’ve organized them by location. In no particular order of importance.

Youtube:

101 Reasons to go Vegan

Best Speech You Will Ever Hear (yes, that’s the actual name. and yes, it lives up to it.)

Earthlings (extremely graphic and heartbreaking. so watch at your own discretion. however, this gives a lot of insight into ALL industries that utilize animals so it is very important and eye-opening.)

Earthlings: Deleted Scenes/Extra Footage (same warning applies)

Netflix:

Cowspiracy

Food Inc.

Forks Over Knives

Vegucated (actually pretty funny and relatable imo)

Live and Let Live (gonna check this one out myself)

I really hope you guys give these a chance if you haven’t already. Whether you watch one at a time whenever you’re free, or you grab some snacks and blanket, then curl up for an intense binge-session. Whatever floats your boat.

As you’re going through this list don’t be afraid to search up more videos/documentaries on your own. If you’re more of a reader then articles are a great option as well. There’s a plethora of info out there compared to what I’ve listed. Such as information that speaks in depth on the ill-treatment of the farmers and factory workers that are in various industries as a whole, because it’s not just the animals or our health that’s being affected when we make certain choices with our bodies and wallets.

Remember to keep an open mind. And as always I’ll be here to answer questions/give advice to the best of my ability. So if you need to just hit me up on instagram/twitter (@ashlieayanna) and I’ll be sure to help you out or direct you to someone that can. <3

aa

[crwndangl-blog]

i took several seats: a heartfelt review of one of the most ingenious creatives of our time

It is currently 11:30 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.

Which means that it’s been 5 full days since the beauty in all ways that is Solange Knowles released her fourth studio album: A SEAT AT THE TABLE.

Many have already sung her praises ten times over, paying tribute by creating art inspired by her, imitating her gracefully calculated choreography, and even recreating the soon-to-be (who am I kidding? probably already) iconic album cover, much like Tracee Ellis Ross did. (And if I may say so in respect to Tracee: she. did. that.) Solange is so deserving of these accolades and more. Here’s why.

For starters, there is UNAPOLOGETIC BLACKNESS alllll throughout this album. Her voice, along with the voices of her mother, father, and others poetically tell of the intricacies in the lives of black people. From ‘Rise’ until ‘The Chosen Ones’ we feel the pain, the joy, the relief, the carefree mindset, the boldness of our people. Also, did you know that this album took her four years to complete? Four years of her heart, soul, overall life went into making this masterpiece. Which leads me to my next point: her essence can be felt entirely throughout this project. 

As stated in an intimate sit-down conversation, which can be found on her blog Saint Heron, Solange wasn’t just aiming to put out another album. She was on a journey of her own. One of self-discovery. Discovering who to let go, who to let in, what she really wanted and needed in life. This eventually led her back to Louisiana, the birthplace of her grandparents, and ultimately New Iberia. Where she was really able to focus, connect, and hone in on what message she ultimately wanted to put out into the world.

Solange, being gravely affected by the violence and racism towards black bodies including her own (as many of us are) beautifully translated that into her art. Allowing for songs such as ‘F.U.B.U. ( For Us By Us)’, inspired by the iconic brand and is type of ‘reclamation anthem’ if you will, ‘Mad’, which speaks on having the right to be angry as a black person, and ‘Don’t You Wait’ to be penned. She speaks to many nuances and struggles in the black community, admitting that it’s downright hard most times when we look at what we’re faced with. But she also reminds us there’s still hope. We can be angry, we can be happy, we no longer have to apologize. 

And then, there are the visuals. 

The simplicity and beauty that Solange evokes is breathtaking. From the album cover and book (found on her site) to the photography stills and videos. Her team, of whom key people were her husband/co-director Alan Ferguson and friend/photographer Carlota Guerrero, did a wonderful job of capturing what I can only describe as #blackmagic, and in the best sense of the words. Being drawn to the softer tones/colors a lot lately, I was definitely pleased with the overall aesthetic presented. Everything about her latest work so far has moved me in some way. It definitely inspires me to get more in touch with myself, my surroundings, and create. Nothing better than an artist whose work draws out the best in those viewing it.

That being said, here are some more pics as well as her first two videos ‘Cranes in the Sky’ and ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ for you to enjoy. ANd if you haven’t given the album a listen yet WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? It’s on spotify. itunes, youtube, everywhere really. So get on it!