Linda Lately

08/24/2024

Happy Saturday!
Hope your enjoying the weekend.
If you know you know.
Can’t wait to share 🖤

08/23/2024

08/23/2024

Tsaocaa Tea in Chicago

This is my FAVORITE Milk Tea hot or cold it always hits the spot. The taste is also consistent.

Brown Sugar with Amber (tapioca balls) Perfection 10/10

In case you can't or don't drink milk, they do have non milk/dairy options.


Linda Lately

08/22/2024

Fort Worth TX

*I did a reel earlier this month saying this was Dallas, it was actually Fort Worth TX.

Geographically they are close cities or intertwined but not the same. The difference is that Dallas is more city and Fort Worth is more country....... the airport has both names in it, so I didn't know there was a real difference until now.

Did my hot girl walk through Sundance Square, it was super-hot and humid that day, barley any shade. So, it wasn't a long leisurely walk.
I wanted to run through the water pads that they had for the kids so bad, it looked so cool and refreshing. This summer heat has not been easy. The heat is definitely on 🔥🔥🔥

Anyway, I stopped by the old bookstore (Barber's Bookstore) which was so nostalgic. The building is over 100 years old with old,old books and creeping stairs. I found my section clearly.........

Grabbed some food and made my way back to the hotel, chile it was way too hot!...not me girl.

My only regret was I missed the Urban Plantology, it was just too uncomfortable to continue exploring...until next time Fort Worth!
Check out the weather report for that day. It was a record-breaking heat.

P.S. that Hurricane(drink) was during a Happy Hour and it was only $5! It was not mine as I was on a fast. But I know where to come next time 😊


Linda Lately

08/20/2024

Vintage or Classic Car Collections

Detroit is known as the leader of automobiles in this country among other things, we gon talk about cars today.

I am not a car girl by any means, however I have been appreciating the look of classic cars. I would love a restored vintage car; however, they would need to throw in a 2024 air condition and update entertainment system and better safety equipment and GPS....is that too much to ask for?

When God decides to bless me in abundance....... a vintage car would definitely be on my list.

Look at these, that were on display at the General Motors Building in Detroit.

S.N. This collection was in my hotel which is located in the downtown area and is the tallest building in that area. I did post views from my hotel room recently, hope you checked out those videos.

Did you know that you can cross into Canada from Detroit? There is tunnel which was right next to the hotel too. The tunnel is called the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and only takes 10 minutes!

I also including some pics of Detroit I snapped while walking around the river front.

Can't wait to come back and explore the music scene. Another thing Detroit is known for.


Linda Lately

08/19/2024

Tea & T in Chicago

One thing about me is........ I'm going to find some tea. I really appreciate all the tea spots popping up all over the country.

I normally come to Fashion Outlets of Chicago for my favorite milk tea. I happened to walk pass this new tea place and stopped in.

It was really nice and it kind of reminded me of Tevana Tea, they sell loose tea, raw sugar, honey, tea sets and so much more.

They also have the popular or viral Dubai chocolate for purchase here. If you're not familiar, this chocolate has a pistachio filling. It's pretty expensive for a candy/chocolate bar, I am not a big chocolate girl so it is not something I would invest in.

Anywho, I did try the Blue Mango Tea and it was good!


Linda Lately

08/18/2024

Happy Sunday God's People
Just a friendly reminder to give yourself some grace, also to others. We are all dealing with something.

Stay encouraged though, because God give us unlimited love, grace and mercy. And we know that his love covers a multitude of sin (1 Peter 4:8).

I just completed an 18-Day Fast, it's been such a joy to seek God, honor God and be in his presence. There were some challenges along the way, I may share more on that later.

Wishing you a great week ahead 🖤

I am simply a Child of God, sharing my experiences with the true and living God. If you been here a while I'll normally say "Don't judge me, judge your __. " And mean it with my whole chest....... not on today........ Saying it with love today. Please refrain from judging me.

ok thanks!


Linda Lately

08/17/2024

Marshalls Finds

Let me preface this by saying that for the past few months I am/was doing a no spend on beauty products. I had a surplus of products and a current beauty subscription.
With all that said, I missed the sales at Nordstrom and Sephora....well I picked up a few things on Amazon, not beauty related.

I felt bad that I missed the sales for many reasons, mainly because I'm use to having more than enough and I was running out.

I needed a Marshalls reup. The first time I went there was literally nothing that I would use. Low and behold the next time they had everything that I needed in that visit!

Kreyol Essence has this oil that smells amazing! I was introduced to her products at the Curl Expo I attended last year. I paid $20-$25 for the oil then. Marshalls had it for $12.99.

P.S. I like Ouidad Salons, but was told their hair products are not 4C friendly, when I go to the salon and get styled the stylist their they don't use Ouidad products on my hair. I'm just sharing for others who may have another grade of hair.

In my reupping of my products, I'm looking for more quality black owned and endorsed. When it comes to actually beauty products for skin, more medical grade and black own too.

Ladies check out your local Marshalls and TJ Maxx the savings are greater than the sales at Sephora and Nordstrom.


Linda Lately

08/17/2024

Yogurt for Breakfast

-Vanilla Bean Yogurt
-Fresh Fruits (strawberries and blueberries)
- Honey Almond Granola
-Peanut Butter
-Honey Drizzle

I mixed a small amount of peanut butter into the yogurt. Then add my toppings fresh fruit and granola and lastly drizzle honey.

Sometimes I omit the honey drizzle. If you’re doing plain Greek yogurt, you’ll definitely need the honey….

08/16/2024

Good morning!
Check out today’s reel.

TGIF 🖤

08/15/2024

Sushi Night
Joe Muer Seafood in Detroit

This seafood restaurant is ranked as one of the best that Detroit has to offer. It is located in the General Motors Building.

Not much to say though, I only got to try their takeout because it was minutes to closing. It is a bit pricy; I definitely want to come back. From what I could see.....it is a true fine dining experience.

I picked up some sushi to go. I got the Joe Muer Roll which has Salmon, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, crab, tuna, spicy mayo, of course I got more spicy mayo on the side with eel sauce.

And yes, when I'm at hotels, I eat right in the bed. Don't judge me, judge your __

For the summer they have a 3-course meal for $95. In my opinion it sounds like a good deal.
Filet and lobster tail dinner with Caesar salad pre-fixe sides and coconut cake. They are known for their coconut cake...I saw it and its huge! I am not a coconut girl, but I'm willing to try it.

Linda Lately

08/15/2024

Watermelon Hibiscus Tea 🫖
Topped it off with fresh Watermelon Juice.

I liked that the things I’m into works together well and are better for me.

P.S. I could’ve also added my Hibiscus Tea to this one too!

Fresh Juice and Teas 💓

08/15/2024

Looking for Linda?
Click the Video to see where I was

For the Lukers and Haters that are scared to click on the video in fear of me knowing they was over here. Don’t fret! Blogs are coming soon!

I am taking much needed breaks. I appreciate you all 🖤

08/14/2024

Food Diaries Blog Loading!

I have been in the kitchen a little bit more this summer than I had anticipated.

P.S. Lamb chops has to be well done, argue with someone else! Miss me with the YT people lamb chops. That’s all that’s it

08/13/2024

Part III
Last One! I enjoyed my time here, can’t wait to come back.

08/13/2024

Part II
My morning view

08/13/2024

Looking for Linda?

Click the video to see I’ve been

Linda Lately

08/12/2024

Nails Trauma
I am a natural nail girly, mainly because of the cost of maintenance but also for the care of my natural nails.

I wear dip at this point, for me it has been more cost effective because it last longer and my nails hardly ever chips. I'm also a basic nail girl no designs, no tips etc. Literally they file and dip my fingers into my color of choice, and it cost is about $50 each visit.

Also, I do not allow them to pick, pry or push my cuticles, miss me with the "manicures."

The last couple of times I've been going to my nail salon to get the old color soaked off, the solution they started using seems to be stronger than in the past which allegedly is supposed to be acetone.
This new "acetone" is uncomfortable, and I would remove my hands and tell them to take it off another way......at this point, scrap it if you have too.
Anyway, whatever is in this solution cannot be good for our hands/fingers. I felt tingles in my finger tips........ My nail salon insists it's just acetone and they look at me like I'm overreacting.
I beg to differ, just plan acetone have never done this to me. Perhaps this new acetone and its purpose is to shorten our soaking time or makes it easier to remove the color. Not me girl.

Anyway, said all that to say. I was ready to start DIY’ing my nails at home for real. When I discovered this under my dip. Not only that but my nails were super thin.

On the road to recovery.
Once my nails are back to normal. I'm taking a break and looking for alternative.

Anybody else experience something similar at their nail salon?

08/12/2024

Not me forgetting the honey drizzle 🍯

Ok Bye ✌️

08/12/2024

Acai Bowl

What I use:
Blender
Organic Acai packets from Trader Joes (2) located in the frozen section.
Organic Berry Blend from Trader Joes also located in the frozen section.
Organic Coconut Water from Target
Honey Almond Granola from Target (not pictured here, however shown in the video)
Honey
Fresh strawberries and blueberries

Place the acai packets in your blender with the frozen berries. Add some of the coconut water. Be careful when adding as you don't want to make your acai watery. Just a little bit at a time. Once blended, pour into bowl add your fresh fruits granola and drizzle with honey.

*Sometimes I add a little peanut butter.

It's so simple guys and really good! I enjoy these for breakfast in the summer and as a sweet treat sometimes.

I make the same bowls with yogurt too. Stay tuned for that one.

I really like Playa Bowls and other places you can get these bowls from, love that they have generous portions too. However, at starting price of $15 per bowl. Not me girl.....I'ma make it at home.



Linda Lately

08/12/2024

Good morning!
*This isn’t my first açaí bowl at home. It’s the best one I’ve made so far.
Stay tuned for complete recipe.

Linda Lately

08/11/2024

Hibiscus Tea

Here's my recipe or version. It's really good hot or cold.

For the base I use actual hibiscus. I rinse it (hibiscus) well then drain. Fill the pot with water add the hibiscus and two cinnamon sticks, ginger and some orange peel. Once it begins to bubble, then I add passionfruit tea for added flavor. Passionfruit tends to go well with oranges.

Let it boil for however long you desire, then let it sit til it's cool. Strain it into glass bottle. This is when I add my fresh orange, because I personal don't want to boil the actual orange in the brewing process. To me that's giving hot orange juice?

Disclaimer, this tea can be messy because of the rich color. However, it is really good and smells great in the process. I would say be extra careful while handling it. Also, the Jamaicans add rum to theirs, and Mexicans add some lime to their hibiscus. Teas are so versatile in what you can put in them, I would suggest thinking outside the box and be open minded and just try!

P.S. If your new here, I had a Teatime and Brunch and served this Hibiscus Tea as well as a Mint Tea. Just sharing my versions.



Linda Lately

08/11/2024

Hibiscus Tea

AKA Sorrel (Jamaican)
AKA (flor de Jamaica) in Spanish

Blog post coming!

Linda Lately

08/11/2024

Earlier today, I put on moisturizer and went about my day. Not even sun screen because I knew I wasn’t leaving the house.
Anyway, about 10 hours later. Here I am and loving the skin I’m in. I know it’s not every body’s story and this post was not intended to offend or gloat.

This is my appreciation post! I’m thankful for it and my mirror 🪞

Ok Good Night 🌙
Linda Lately

08/10/2024

UnPrisoned on Hulu

If you are looking for something to binge watch today. I highly recommend this one. The main characters are Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo. The cast is mixed, but the main characters are black. Get into it!

It’s about a single black mom raising her son and her father coming out of prison to live with them after doing 17 years. She has some Daddy issues (which I can relate to) and it also shows her Dad trying to get his life back on track.

This is their second season and so far, the first season was more comical. Even though this season was not as funny, it was really good, like great writing on this show. A good watch in my opinion and I hope Hulu keeps this one going. By the way, I BEEN watched the first season, I just don't recall sharing it with you all.

What I ate or snacked on during this binge.........hot dog and sweet potato fries. I actually wanted regular fries so I can put truffle glaze and parmesan on them. However, when I went into my freezer, all I had was the sweet potato fries. Not the combo I wanted, but it worked because I wasn't going to the store....not me girl.

P.S. I also blew and popped and chewed on this gum. Lately it has me in a chokehold and it has to be this particular flavor.


Linda Lately

08/09/2024

Breakfast at Yolk

Yolk has multiple locations, even in Florida. I happened to try them in Dallas.

The Red Velvet French Toast was recommended, and it was good!

I can't speak for anything else on the menu, but it all looks ok. That location doesn’t have shrimp and grits. Have you tried Yolk?

In my opinion you don't need the syrup, it's sweet enough.

P.S. skip the Strawberry-Orange Juice. It's probably 4 oz of orange juice and barley any strawberry



Linda Lately

08/08/2024

Water Hacks While Traveling

I've shared this before, just sharing again for anyone who is new here and or as a reminder. Water is a natural resource we shouldn’t have to pay for it. I’m just saying….

Anyway, in the airport a bottle of water can cost about $5 depending on where you are........not me girl.

If there is a Starbucks in the airport, you can get a complimentary cup of water. I've experienced where some Starbucks will charge you for the cup and it’s usually under a $1. May be more now, due to all the inflation.
My other tip is to bring your water bottle to fill up at the airport. This is usually a last resort for me. If there isn't a Starbucks or if the Starbucks line is too long. I personally don't like this option because the water fountains are usually near the restrooms. However, keep in mind that they use water filtration systems.

Another tip, some or most hotels are doing fruit infused water usually in the hotel lobby. They have small cups, personally it's not enough to quench my thirst. Instead of getting multiply cups, I just fill up my water bottle.

While staying at the hotels, I'll fill up my water bottle with the complimentary ice and then fill it up with the infused water. My water bottle stays cool and I can sip throughout the day. Get into it!

The price for water lately is ridiculous all in all. Don’t get me started on the resturants. When the waitress ask me do you want tap,still or sparkling. I am an unashamed tap water girl with a side of lemon. I’m trying to quench my thirst that all!

By the way this one had lemons and cucumbers it was refreshing.



Linda Lately

08/08/2024

Staten Island Ferry New York

This is a ferry you can ride for FREE. It's a ferry ride that goes fryManhattan to Staten Island, it runs about every 15-20 mins.

Its main purpose is for people to commute, however because it's free it is a touristy thing to do. Mainly because you get a great view of the Statue of Liberty.

P.S. It's also a nice back drop for pictures..........and I’m not sure how much a picture of the Statue of Liberty is worth nowadays.....but umm big ole expensive professional cameras were snapping away at (her) Statue of Liberty like she hasn't been around since the 1800s. To be fair, I know tourist will snap anything especially historical. However this was deeper, it was giving a Beyoncé ish sighting vibe. Just wonder what's tea?



Linda Lately

08/07/2024

Part III

I enjoyed this gyro without adding the buffalo sauce. I just didn’t feel like they went together.

Anyway thanks for watching!

08/07/2024

Part II
Enjoying a fruit tea. If there’s fruit tea I’m going to have it!

This fruit tea was melon and peach flavored with strawberry boba.

It was a lil on the sweeter side, but still real good.