🌿 Eat to Thrive: Alkaline Foods That Support Breast Wellness
Your plate can be your most powerful tool for long-term breast health. An alkaline approach emphasizes plant-based, mineral-rich foods that nourish your entire system.
Dark Leafy Greens (kale, dandelion, watercress): Packed with chlorophyll, these cleanse the lymphatic system and support hormonal harmony.
Sea Moss & Bladderwrack: These sea vegetables are rich in iodine and other minerals that help regulate breast tissue and thyroid function.
Cruciferous Veggies (arugula, wild broccoli, purple cabbage): Help with detoxifying excess estrogen—a common disruptor of breast wellness.
Berries (especially blueberries and blackberries): High in antioxidants and fiber, they protect and purify.
Herbal Teas: Soursop leaf, red clover, burdock root, and nettle are powerful allies for cleansing and cellular rejuvenation.
On Saturday, May 24, I took a stroll through one of my favorite Dallas neighborhoods—Bishop Arts District—a vibrant, artsy enclave full of charm, murals, and surprises around every corner. This time, the best surprise came on a plate at VFH, a plant-based restaurant serving up vegan comfort food with creativity, boldness, and a whole lot of heart.
I came hungry—and I’m glad I did—because I indulged in the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings and leaves you thinking, “Wait… that was all vegan?”
First Impressions
The space at VFH is clean, bright, and modern, with soft wood textures, lush greenery, and an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between casual and cool. It fits the vibe of Bishop Arts beautifully—laid-back, stylish, and full of character.
The staff made me feel right at home, offering friendly service and clear pride in the food they’re serving. The whole place gives off a welcoming, community-centered energy, without any of the pretension that sometimes follows trendy food scenes.
The Meal: Vegan Comfort Food at Its Best
I went all in and ordered the Surf & Turf Chicken-Fried Basket, which features:
Chicken-fried oyster mushrooms – These were the perfect stand-in for a classic Southern-style fried “chicken” cutlet. Crispy, juicy, and full of savory flavor, they had that satisfying crunch on the outside and a meaty, tender bite inside.
Chicken-fried vegan shrimp – Light, golden, and just a little spicy, these shrimp (made from konjac root, I believe) delivered an impressive texture that was surprisingly close to the real thing. Fried to perfection and seasoned well, they were totally addictive.
The basket came with seasoned fries and a tangy house-made dipping sauce that brought everything together beautifully. Every bite had that nostalgic Southern comfort feel—but with a fresh, plant-based twist.
The Side That Stole the Show: Vegan Mac & Cheese
Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a side of vegan macaroni and cheese, and I’m glad I didn’t. This version was ultra-creamy, made with a rich cashew cheese sauce that clung to the noodles just right. Smoky, cheesy, and satisfying—honestly, it could’ve been a meal all on its own.
It’s the kind of vegan mac that makes you forget about dairy altogether.. one because none..
Vibes & Experience
As I enjoyed my meal, I soaked in the atmosphere: light music, good conversation, and the hum of happy diners enjoying bold, flavorful food. VFH doesn’t just serve plant-based meals—it makes you feel good about what you’re eating, without compromising a single bite of flavor or satisfaction.
Being located in the Bishop Arts District makes it even more of a win. After dinner, I wandered around the neighborhood, browsing local shops and admiring murals—an ideal way to cap off a feel-good meal.
Final Thoughts
My dinner at VFH was unforgettable in all the best ways. The chicken-fried vegan surf & turf basket and macaroni and cheese offered the perfect combination of indulgent, crispy, creamy comfort food—with none of the guilt. It’s plant-based, yes—but more importantly, it’s delicious.
If you’re in Dallas (or just passing through), VFH in Bishop Arts District is a must-visit. Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just love Southern-inspired comfort food, this spot proves that flavor doesn’t need meat to shine.
All the table talk got me looking at the scales and getting ready for a difference.. In order to enter into a new time in life, Glowing, imma do a quick reset, and cleanse …. Get ready !!! I am drinking beers, and liquors all the way up til then though..
Reset Your Body with Spring Water, Herbal Teas & Lemonade
Feeling sluggish, bloated, or in need of a fresh start? You’re not alone. Sometimes our bodies just need a break — from processed food, stress, and the digital overload. That’s why we’re kicking off a refreshing 7-Day Detox Challenge starting June 16, and you’re invited!
This gentle, natural reset is designed around three powerful ingredients: 💧 pure spring water 🍵 nourishing herbal teas 🍋 fresh, cleansing lemonade
Together, they’ll help flush out toxins, hydrate your body, support digestion, and give you that fresh, energized glow — all in just one week.
🗓️ Challenge Dates: June 16–22
Mark your calendar! For seven days, you’ll commit to simple daily habits that can have a big impact on your well-being.
✅ What You’ll Do Each Day:
🌅 Morning – Lemonade Elixir
Start your day with a glass of homemade detox lemonade:
Juice of ½ lemon
1–2 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)
A pinch of cayenne pepper
10–12 oz warm spring water
It’s the perfect morning metabolism boost and digestive aid.
💧 All Day – Hydration & Teas
Spring Water: Drink at least half your body weight in ounces daily (e.g., 150 lbs = 75 oz)
Herbal Teas (2–3 cups/day): Choose from:
Dandelion (liver support)
Peppermint (digestion)
Ginger (circulation)
Chamomile or Lemon Balm (calming)
🌙 Evening – Tea Ritual & Wind Down
Sip a relaxing herbal tea in the evening to support sleep and give your body a chance to reset overnight.
🥦 Optional: Clean Eating Tips
For enhanced results, pair your hydration with clean, simple meals:
Fresh fruits & vegetables
Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
Plant-based proteins (lentils, beans, seeds)
Avoid: sugar, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy
✨ What to Expect
By the end of the 7 days, you might notice:
Boosted energy levels
Improved digestion & reduced bloating
Glowing skin
Deeper, more restful sleep
A feeling of lightness and clarity
📝 Join Us June 16!
You don’t need expensive supplements or fancy equipment — just a commitment to yourself for 7 days. Whether it’s your first detox or your fiftieth, this is your chance to reset and refresh in the most natural way possible.
🎉 Share your journey with us using the hashtag #7DayDetoxChallenge and invite a friend to join you. Accountability makes it more fun — and more powerful!
📥 Want a Free Printable Tracker or Recipes?
Comment or DM to get a downloadable checklist and recipe guide to help you stay on track throughout the week.
I seem to delight when I get to eat from different cultures in a plant based way…
Like the diversity of a passport meals from all over.. plant based..
Easy Eats…
Plant Based Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Ingredients:
For the Bowl:
1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
1 cup roasted sweet potatoes (cubed)
1 cup chickpeas (roasted or sautéed)
1/2 avocado (sliced)
1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2-3 tbsp sauerkraut (optional, for a probiotic boost)
A handful of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch
For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
2 tbsp tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp maple syrup (or agave)
1 garlic clove (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Water to thin out (about 2-3 tbsp)
Instructions:
Prepare the Quinoa and Veggies:
Cook your quinoa according to package instructions. While that’s cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cube the sweet potatoes, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, drain and rinse the chickpeas. For crispy chickpeas, toss them in olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices (smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder) and bake for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (or sauté them on the stove until crispy).
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Add water little by little until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble the Bowl:
In a large bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, mixed greens, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing over the top, then garnish with sauerkraut (for a fermented, tangy kick) and a sprinkle of pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Why It’s Great:
This Plant-based Bowl is a well-rounded meal that combines protein from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from avocado and tahini, and a variety of fiber-rich veggies. The dressing adds creaminess and a zesty flavor that ties everything together.
Let’s keep it real: building wealth doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does require strategy, intention, and diversification. The old-school idea of saving every dollar under your mattress won’t cut it in today’s economy. What you need is a diverse financial portfolio — a smart mix of income streams, assets, and credit tools that grow together.
If you’re serious about creating real, lasting wealth, this guide will walk you through five foundational ways to diversify simply and effectively, with tools and resources you can start using today.
💼 1. Entrepreneurship: Own Something That Pays You
Let’s start with the cornerstone of generational wealth: business ownership.
Entrepreneurship is more than a hustle — it’s a wealth builder that can grow even while you sleep. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, service-based business, digital brand, or storefront, ownership shifts you from worker to wealth creator.
Why it matters:
Unlimited earning potential
Tax advantages for business owners
Builds an asset you can sell, scale, or pass down
Start Simple:
Identify a skill or problem you can monetize
Launch a service or product-based offering
Use platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Gumroad to get started
💡 Bonus Tip: Treat your business like an asset, not just a job. Track income, reinvest wisely, and protect it with proper legal structures (LLC, EIN, etc.).
💳 2. Good Credit & Credit Access: Leverage, Don’t Just Save
Wealth isn’t just about money in the bank — it’s about access. And good credit gives you access to capital, opportunity, and leverage.
A healthy credit profile can:
Unlock low-interest loans to scale your business
Help you buy a home or investment property
Qualify you for high-reward credit cards and funding lines
If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, no stress — you can build it strategically.
This tool helps you build payment history and improve your profile without taking on actual debt. It’s one of the easiest, safest ways to get your credit game strong.
🏦 3. Whole Life Insurance: Be Your Own Bank
Here’s a game-changer most people don’t learn early enough: Whole Life Insurance can double as a private bank — and a wealth preservation tool.
Unlike term life insurance, whole life builds cash value over time that you can borrow from — tax-free. That means you can fund major life moments (business investments, property, emergencies) using money that’s protected and growing.
A piece of the earth you own — no middleman needed
🥇 5. Gold Medals: Invest in Precious Metals
In uncertain times, precious metals like gold and silver aren’t just luxury — they’re legacy. Tangible, durable, and globally valued, gold is one of the oldest forms of wealth on Earth.
Why gold matters in your portfolio:
It retains value during inflation and market crashes
It’s easy to buy, hold, and pass down
It diversifies your portfolio beyond the digital world
Whether you’re just starting or growing your assets, adding a few gold pieces to your vault is a timeless move.
✅ Bringing It All Together: A Balanced Wealth Plan
You don’t have to be rich to build wealth — but you do have to be intentional. Here’s how your starter wealth stack might look:
Asset
Role in Your Portfolio
Why It Works
🧠 Business
Income generator & asset
Scalable income and ownership
💳 Credit Profile
Access to leverage & capital
Fuels investments and lowers financial stress
🏦 Whole Life Insurance
Protection + liquidity
Tax-advantaged wealth + legacy
🌍 Land/Acreage
Tangible hedge against inflation
Durable, real-world value
🥇 Gold/Metals
Physical store of value
Crisis-proof and globally trusted
💬 Final Word: Keep It Simple, Make It Smart
Diverse wealth doesn’t mean doing everything. It means making a few smart, layered moves that work together. Stack your tools. Learn as you grow. Move with intention.
Every June, we give time to think about Black Music Month — not just as a focus on sound, but as a recognition of power, memory, and movement. Black music is more than entertainment; it’s a blueprint of survival, joy, protest, and innovation. It has always shaped the culture, from ancient Africa to today’s charts.
At the heart of this celebration is the Dopetivity Dopeness Project, a creative platform and cultural force dedicated to preserving, amplifying, and innovating within the traditions of Black artistry. We move with intention, tracing the lineage of rhythm and soul across centuries — because to understand our music is to understand ourselves.
Let’s begin before the microphone, before the records spun — back where the drum first called.
Pre-Colonial Africa: The First Sound of Civilization
Before there were countries called America or genres like hip-hop, there were African kingdoms and tribal societies where music was life. It wasn’t separated from spirituality, governance, storytelling, or healing — it was all those things.
Drums were central — not just instruments but communicators. Talking drums in West Africa were used to send messages across villages.
Call-and-response, polyphony, and complex rhythmic layering were foundational techniques — ones that would show up later in blues, jazz, gospel, and beyond.
Music marked births, funerals, marriages, and war, and was a bridge to the ancestors.
👉 Dopetivity Lens: The origin of dopeness lies here — in sacred expression, community connection, and unfiltered creativity. We don’t imitate the past — we inherit it.
1600s–1800s: Enslavement, Resistance, and Spirituals
As Africans were stolen and brought to the Americas through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, they carried their music in their bodies and souls — even when stripped of drums and language.
What Emerged:
Work Songs: Sung in the fields to keep rhythm and spirit.
Negro Spirituals: Religious songs rooted in Old Testament stories — double-coded as tools of hope and resistance (“Wade in the Water” or “Follow the Drinking Gourd”).
Ring Shouts & Hollers: Communal practices that preserved African rhythms and movement.
👉 Dopetivity Note: These songs were the first coded messages of Black survival in America — proto-protest music. Dopeness under oppression is not just talent — it’s strategy.
Early 1900s–1920s: The Blues and Jazz Emerge
As Black people moved north during the Great Migration, their sound traveled with them — and evolved.
The Sound:
Blues (Mississippi Delta to Chicago): Expressing sorrow, struggle, and humor. Artists like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Lead Belly were early icons.
Jazz: Born in New Orleans, fueled by improvisation and rebellion. Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Duke Ellington revolutionized music theory and style.
👉 Dopetivity Parallel: The idea of remixing, reshaping, and re-owning identity is core to our project. Jazz and blues didn’t ask to be accepted — they created their own universe.
1930s–1940s: Gospel, Big Bands, and Be-Bop
During the economic downturn of the Great Depression, Black music became a source of spiritual strength and joy.
Gospel took hold in churches and on records, led by Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson.
Big Band & Swing (Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway) brought sophistication and style to the mainstream.
Be-Bop: Invented by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, it broke all the rules and pushed musical boundaries.
👉 Dopetivity Lesson: When the world is burning, Black artists build fire with finesse. Rebellion has rhythm.
1950s–1960s: The Civil Rights Soundtrack
Music became both celebration and weapon.
Rock & Roll was born from Black innovation — Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are the unsung architects.
Soul Music (Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin) fused gospel roots with pop accessibility.
Freedom Songs and protest anthems accompanied marches and sit-ins.
👉 Dopetivity Core: Art is activism. Sound has always been strategy. When we drop music, we’re dropping messages.
1970s: Funk, Soul Power, and Hip-Hop’s Birth
As Black consciousness grew, so did the music’s swagger and message.
Funk exploded (James Brown, Parliament, Sly Stone) with heavy bass and unapologetic Blackness.
Reggae also made global waves, rooted in African spirituality and resistance.
Hip-Hop was born in the Bronx — not in studios, but at block parties and street corners (DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash).
👉 Dopetivity Creed: We represent the full spectrum — art, politics, party, and protest. Funk said it loud: I’m Black and I’m proud. We still say that.
1980s: Rap Becomes the Voice of the Streets
From party rhymes to social critique, hip-hop matured.
Public Enemy, N.W.A., and KRS-One used lyrics as weapons.
Graffiti, breakdancing, and DJing created a holistic culture, not just a genre.
Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston made Black pop global.
👉 Dopetivity Impact: This era proved our creativity isn’t local — it’s international. We’re not guests in global culture; we’re architects.
1990s: The Golden Era — Lyricism, Consciousness, Soul
The 1990s are often called the Golden Age of Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul Renaissance.
Tupac, Biggie, Lauryn Hill, OutKast, and Nas defined lyricism.
Neo-soul (Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Jill Scott) brought spiritual depth and cultural healing.
👉 Dopetivity Flow: This decade teaches us that substance is sexy. Realness resonates. That’s the vibe we carry in every Dopetivity drop.
2000s: Global Dominance, Digital Rebirth
Music shifted from the corner to the cloud.
Jay-Z, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, and Pharrell turned hip-hop into business, fashion, and film empires.
The internet democratized creation — MySpace, blogs, mixtapes changed how music was made and shared.
Southern hip-hop took over (OutKast, T.I., UGK, Lil Jon).
👉 Dopetivity Mindset: Ownership is everything. If we create it, we claim it. We brand it. We build with it.
2010s: Streaming, Social Justice, Sonic Evolution
Black artists dominated charts — and conversations.
Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, SZA, Childish Gambino, and Beyoncé pushed the boundaries of artistry and activism.
Streaming platforms let independent Black artists thrive.
The music reflected movements: #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, Black Trans Lives — all echoed in the beats.
👉 Dopetivity Realization: It’s not enough to be heard. We want to heal, educate, and elevate. Our sound is our soul.
2020s–Now: Afrofusion, Viral Waves, & Black Culture as Default
The new era is digital, diasporic, and deeply Black.
Afrobeats, Drill, Trap, and Alté connect the diaspora like never before (Burna Boy, Tems, Tyla).
TikTok and social media turn unknowns into stars overnight — yet Black creators often drive virality without recognition.
Cultural style, slang, and sonic texture are undeniably African American-influenced.
👉 Dopetivity Now: We don’t just reflect culture — we set it. This is our table, and we’ve been the vibe since Day 1.
In Conclusion: The Soundtrack Is Ours
Black music is not a genre. It’s the foundation of American and global music. From the drum circles of Ghana to the gospel choirs of the South, from boom-bap to Afrobeats — Black music is culture.
And the Dopetivity Dopeness Project is the modern echo of that ancestral rhythm. We document it. We celebrate it. We expand it.
This Black Music Month, and every month, we’re here to remind the world:
Our music is resistance. Our sound is sacred. Our dopeness is legacy.
Inserts instrumental… To Lady In My Life” by MJ & Quincy Jones
begans a freestyle on top of the mail… and voices that sounded like the wrong tings
Yeah, because all the fitted caps and stylish threads, Couldn’t patch the thoughts still stuck in my head. Lonely bus rides, cross town with a stare, Watchin’ strangers claim they know me, but never was there.
Merch tables echo with dreams in the sky, Liquor on the shelf where the hopes go to die. Over and over, that spark through the wire, Outlet hums low like a voice with no choir.
Every product, every label, they try to sell truth, But the stutter in his speech was the sound of his youth. Mental loops, silent screams, trapped in the aisles, Where the barcode’s priced higher than genuine smiles.
He told me ’bout the bear and tissue — That’s code for strength and soft when the world won’t miss you. Another brand name on a shelf of regrets, While I clean up the pain that my mind won’t forget.
They searched for a queen in the shadows and mess, While I scrubbed away trauma, just tryin’ to rest. More and more, I clean just to not feel the sting, Of memories dirtier than anything bleach could bring.
Variations of Pretty Girls stood on street corners, White tee, red letters—COVID like a warner, Sign in her hand, voice low but warmer, “Spare some change?” in a world getting colder.
He gave her pain wrapped in truth, now she’s the proof, Broke hearts, broke pockets, still act aloof. Pandemic prayers turned to permanent blues, And the system just watched like it’s old news.
No mask for the trauma, no vax for the shame, She got nothing but her story and a whisper of his name. Same sidewalk, same ghosts, still playing that game— She held the sign, but they the ones to blame.
Yeah, I know, I was just to talking about moving fast… Life moves fast. Maybe a little too fast.
Between deadlines, notifications, and the general buzz of everyday life, it’s easy to feel overstimulated and worn thin. But every so often, we find something that helps us slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect.
For me, that something is instrumental music.
🌿 Why Instrumental Music Feels So Calming
There’s something uniquely peaceful about music without words.
No lyrics to process. No stories to follow. Just pure sound—fluid, gentle, and unintrusive. Whether it’s a solo piano piece or a full ambient soundscape, instrumental music has a way of helping us feel without needing to think too much.
It’s almost like giving your brain a soft place to land.
💭 Room to Think, Or Not Think At All
Instrumental music is incredibly versatile. You can use it to:
Clear your mind while meditating or journaling
Enhance focus during work or study
Unwind after a long day
Fall asleep more peacefully
Because there are no lyrics or loud dynamics, instrumental tracks often create a kind of emotional “blank canvas.” You can project your mood onto the music—or let the music gently shift your mood for you.
🎻 Every Mood Has Its Soundtrack
What I love most about instrumental music is how much variety there is. Some of my favorites:
Piano for reflection and quiet mornings
Acoustic guitar for cozy, grounded vibes
Lo-fi beats for background focus while working
Ambient/electronic for meditation or sleep
Classical for emotional depth and clarity
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some days you might want something slow and mellow. Other days, a sweeping cinematic score might help you reconnect with a sense of awe or wonder.
☕ Make Space for Stillness
Listening to instrumental music doesn’t have to be a big event. It can be something small:
Play a relaxing playlist while making coffee
Put on a calming album during your evening wind-down
Take five minutes to sit and just listen—eyes closed, no distractions
Even a short pause can help reset your mood and energy.
A Wordless Way Back to Yourself
We spend so much of our time caught up in doing, fixing, explaining. Instrumental music reminds us that it’s okay to just be.
To feel something you can’t quite name. To soften. To breathe. To return to yourself.
So next time life feels a little too loud, try pressing play—not for noise, but for peace.
Do you have a favorite instrumental artist or go-to calming playlist? I’d love to hear what works for you. Drop it in the comments below!
