Packed with a full female cast of brave and brilliant women. Sandra Bullock plays Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean (from the original franchise). After being released from prison, Debbie Ocean has a con that she developed during her long stay. Debbie and her friend recruited a team of women with varied skills to pull off the con.
If you were a fan of the original franchise, you will be disappointed. I must admit to my biasness; as a woman. I was excited to see this cast of women. Most of these women I am very familiar with their acting rapsheet. However, I felt like the movie was dry, their was not much humor. Their chemistry just did not seem to mesh well, it felt awkward. I think they threw a bunch of big names together to carry the movie. However, they should have used the efforts on the script. The con was mediocre; it lacked details and cleverness.
The movie was just okay, nothing to rave about. The acting was good but the script needed more work. I was disappointed or perhaps my expectation was too high.
To sum it all up, I would not watch this movie again.
Every Black History Month, I always honor Bob Marley; because I find his story and his messages fascinating. Bob Marley’s music, life message gives me hope and revolutionary (change is coming) vibes. Black Panther brought on those vibes, I am talking about the vibes of pride, hope and strength. I was planning on seeing the movie with a girlfriend on that Saturday night. However, my husband had an extra ticket and invited me with his friends last Friday night. He bought me a “Black Panther” logo t-shirt. I was excited, I wanted to rock an afro but I didn’t have the time after work, as my hair was already styled.
My take away message and me at the theaters.
Some people may not understand the power that this movie brings to our culture. Yes, there have been other black superheroes. However, this one was not only a black superhero but he was a King. Seeing this movie was like that moment in the “Lion King” when Mustafa held his son Simba up with great pride, I remember feeling that moment like as if I was apart of it. Black Panther showed women, strong women defending their country, their family and their beliefs. Showing women as individuals with their own rights.
It showed tradition, the importance of honor, bravery, strength, and so much more. I also saw the movie the next day with my son and daughter. I felt like it was important for him to see. I hope he drew inspiration, as I did from this movie. My daughter is only two years old, so it only kept her attention for a short while.
Angela Bassett (my favorite actress/person), was unforgettable in this movie, she played the mother of the King. Every outfit commanded attention, from head to toe. When she removed her head garment and revealed her snow like hair, it was beautiful and intriguing. Lupita Nyong’o, such grace, such strength, and she was well styled. Lupita’s character had faith in humanity, she was not willing to stand by and watch others suffer when she could help. Letitia Wrightplayed the little sister to the King and she was the brains of the operation. Letitia lit the screen up, she was a bit of comic relief while showing great strength and determination. Danai Gurira’sshe was the leading lady to me. Danai’s character was not reduced to a side kick role but a COMMANDER of an Army, she was bad mama jama. Every woman made their mark in this movie.
Chadwick Boseman was awesome, he was truly a leading man. Chadwick’s character, the King was humble, strong, brave. Michael B. Jordan, did such a great job that even as villain he was relatable. Forest Whitaker showed a side of him that surprised me, such compassion. Andy Serkis was a funny villain, he was entertaining to watch. Martin Freeman showed that making the right choice should not be limited. The entire cast was amazing.
The scenery in the movie was vibrant, it was fields of dreams reminiscent. The costumes were bright and colorful, sung stories of history. I loved that each character had their moment and the story line was captivating. The director did a phenomenal job, hats off and several hand claps to Mr. Ryan Coogler.
If I had to choose one word to sum up this movie it would be: Magical.
This movie has and will stir a change in Hollywood for the better.
Quote of the Day: One person can make a difference in this world.
This easy four ingredient desert, snack and glorious tasting bar was worth the time.
Peanut butter
Coconut flour
Maple syrup
Chocolate chips
Vegan, gluten free and dairy free and all you have to do is mix and melt chocolate. If I have not sold you yet. My son did not believe I made it, he thought it was store bought. Quick healthy protein filled snack for kids or you. I love to eat, especially if it’s guilt free.
I made this on Sunday as a part of my Superbowl celebration. I grew eating Jackfruit, I would go pick one right off the tree. Then I would have to wait for it to ripen, cut it open and then my poor hands would get stained up and sticky. However, the price on the inside was worth it. I have never cared for slaw even the word seems so slawww, but I love anything with avocado. So this was my first attempt and finding delight in love and dislike.
BBQ JACKFRUIT SANDWICH: The recipe recommends, young jackfruit in water; of course I couldn’t find that. I was able to find regular jackfruit in syrup. I took them out the can and soaked them in water for over an hour, then rinsed. It turned out very flavorful, I am not sure how to explain the texture, truth I wonder if my choice of jackfruit made a difference. Overall, it was yumtastic, my husband even added a vegan beef-less burger with it.
AVOCADO SLAW: I LOVED IT. THE END. Seriously, it was delicious. I even added it on top of a mix green salad for lunch the next day.
I will make this again, several times.
SN: I had plans on taking my own pictures, but was just too greedy.
Tip: If you get a fresh Jackfruit, if you oil your hands before removing the insides, it will help protect your hands from staining. Thank you Grandma for teaching me that.
Ginger shots are made by collecting the juice from a peeled piece of ginger; then combine the juice of a fresh squeezed lemon. Some people even combine a pinch of cayenne pepper with the juice.
I drink ginger tea daily (my favorite brand is Yogi Tea), it is delightfully yummy.This brand also have ginger and lemon tea, but I prefer to add fresh lemon juice myself. Ginger is an acquired taste and can be strong.
Why ginger?
This isn’t news and you can even Google it.
Upset stomach/digestion
When I was pregnant, I ate ginger candy to sooth themorning sickness.
Boost Immune system
Fight Infections (kung-fu flu fighter)
Boost metabolism
Helps with recovery after a workout
Helps regular your blood sugar
Tip: Trying drinking your ginger shot upon waking in the morning, it will give your metabolism and digestive system a kick-start.
My experience:
First thing, I am an island girl. It is common practice that you must drink warm tea before you began to eat your breakfast. I am 34 years old, and my dad and grandmother will have a fit if I don’t make a warm cup a tea before breakfast. I have been drinking ginger tea since I was a little girl. My grandmother would get fresh roots from her back yard. I have drunk, lemon grass tea, ginger tea, lemon tea, citrus tea, the list goes on. They believe that it is important to the digestive system. I thought they were quacks, stuck with old habits. But I now believe my family and my entire culture’s practice. I have been sticking to drinking hot tea, or some mornings even just a cup of hot water. I have noticed, my allergies have reduced, I get sick very rarely and my bloat/gas has been reduced.
Quote of the Day: A ginger shot could ease your day. Health is wealth.
This sauce is easy to make, sorry for those with nut allergies. It’s creamy and cheesy, this is the real deal. The recipe calls for minimum ingredients and can be adjusted according to desired taste. Yes, it has cashews in it, however you can’t taste it. My son prefers that I add plenty of lemon juice, he said, “it makes it taste fresher.”
My preferred taste means adding extra lemon and nutritional yeast. Also I add broccoli in the same pot that the pasta is cooking in, just add the broccoli the last few minutes of the pasta cooking. It’s even better the next day. It is so delicious and it is now a stable meal in my home. If the kids love it, then it is a winner.
Tip: If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can make your own using vegetable bouillon cubes or just add season to desired taste. Also soak your cashews, it’s worth it.
I would like to thank the owner of the recipe for something so delightful. To honor the creator’s request, I have attached the link for the recipe and instruction.
Photo Credit: 
diaryofarunninglady 