Archives for 2018

April 20, 2018

Tips for Dressing Abroad: Know What to Wear and What to Avoid

Safety should be a huge factor of concern when you are in a foreign country and, sometimes whether or not you stay safe,may be determined with what you choose to wear when you are among the locals. This is why it is imperative to choose your attires wisely, lest you offend the cultures, religious beliefs and morals of the host country and sometimes, just out of your dressing, you make yourself a target for the bad guys because you will advertise yourself to everyone that you are a tourist. Consequently, as you prepare with the renew my passport issues, also have in mind that you will need to choose just the right kinds of clothing based on your destination, and below we offer a few suggestions to help you go about it-:

Religiously inappropriate clothing

If you are traveling to countries in the Middle East where they have very strong affiliations and beliefs towards a particular region, it is wise to dress conservatively to avoid offending. If you are you in the United States or Europe, no one would mind if you put on tight fitting clothes or slightly revealing attires, but if you were to try that in UAE, the reaction would be completely different. You are a visitor in their country and so it is not respectful to offend them with your dressing.

For ladies, dresses such as leggings, bra tops, miniskirts, tank tops, and dresses that leave the cleavage revealing should be avoided always. For men, shorts and sleeveless tops should not be encouraged since in this part of the world, the only body parts that should be revealed through dressing should be the hands and feet and the face for men. So pack your clothes and dress with these in mind.

Flashy Jewelry

Irrespective of your collection of flashy jewelry and the desire to show them off everywhere you go, you should think twice about carrying them along when traveling abroad. This is for two main reasons. First, your expensive collection of diamond rings, watches and pearls may get flagged as someone else’s collection abroad. Besides, you don’t need to impress anyone with your bling abroad and they will be safe in your safe at home. Secondly, depending on where you visit, you could be making yourself a target by the bad guys who would be more interested in your gold earrings or expensive watch than they are interested in your life. Of course, no one would take note when you flash out such jewelry in England or New York, but if you try that in Pretoria, South Africa, the story would be completely different.

Open-toe shoes and sneakers

In most parts of the world, sneakers are reserved for sporting activities. Italians and Spaniards frown a lot at crocs and tennis shoes and you may want to think twice if you wanted to wear such in Madrid or Rome. Instead, think about comfortable leather shoes while you are in the cities, and be sure to keep them clean and polished. White, lace-up tennis shoes are one of the items people use to identify American tourists.

Unless you are going to the beach, always stick to closed shoes because they are relatively comfortable and they will also protect you getting cuts on your toes or from insect bites. Flip-flop and open toes may not be advisable they make you prone to getting infections you may not be aware of, and so to just stay safe, stick to closed shoes while traveling abroad.

How about wearing shorts abroad

Americans love their shorts and this is a fact they are willing to let anyone in any country know, even if it offending them. While you deal with you renew my passport issues, also think about how you will deal with the short issue if your destination is Indonesia or Vietnam. In these countries, shorts are not things you wear for a daily use and which you could comfortably use for going into the malls or walking the streets. As a matter of fact, you should wear them only indoors, but when you venture out, you must be inappropriate pants. If you love your khaki shorts too much, then reserve them for the beach, but not walking in the streets.

Clothes with national flag colors, curse words or religious images

Attires with curse words, military symbols, religious symbols or those with national flag colors should be avoided when you are traveling abroad. The same is also the case for clothes that might have words or writings who meaning you don’t understand. Such clothes may unintentionally start unnecessary emotional debates that might not have very good endings. Additionally, countries hold different opinions about others, and you may not know what the residents in your host countries think about your country so that you parade your national flag colors in front of them. Can you imagine what would happen if you went to Baghdad wearing a shirt with American flag colors?

Bright colors

Unless bright colors or bold patterns is what you have found the locals wearing, then you should avoid having bright colored clothes. Stick to conservative colors such as gray, turn, and navy. The idea is to fit and blend among the locals, but if you wear very bright colored clothes, you will attract unnecessary attention and you could be easily singled out as a tourist or foreigner, even by the bad guys.

Inappropriate colors

In the West, black colors are for wakes and funerals, but in Asia, white is the color for funerals. You should have in this in mind lest you end up offending a mourner while you are on a short holiday. Again, if you will be traveling in Central Africa, drop the blue and the black because they are the favorite colors for tsetse fly who will swim towards you without mercy.

Backpacks and cameras

The easiest way to sell yourself off as a tourist or a foreigner in that country is to have a backpack and have your Nikon camera easily visible. But you can blend by carrying a small handbag and then put the camera inside.

 

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April 19, 2018

Winnie Harlow Wears PacSun x Bravado Tee

 
Winnie Harlow wore her PacSun x Bravado last night at the Party with a Purpose x PacSun WE Day event in Los Angeles.  The model rocked the Migos Culture II Tee ($30) from the recently launched collection as she walked the red carpet (https://www.pacsun.com).
photo credit Getty Images
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April 19, 2018

5 Ways to Learn Fast and Retain More

The sooner you realize that learning never ends, the more willing you’ll be to expand, elevate in your profession, thrive in your life and even generate more income. Learning and studying can be difficult once we are long past our college years.  For all the old dogs who might be reluctant to learning new tricks, we tapped the expertise of Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York based Neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty at Columbia University to share 5 ways to learn fast and retain more so we can quickly grasp new concepts, technologies, business strategies and up-level our willingness to learn. 

Independent learning is the hot new brain trend. Thanks to digital media, we see a new renaissance when it comes to learning. On the professional side, nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers have taken a course or sought additional training to advance their careers, according to a March 2016 study by Pew Research Center.  On the personal development side, a simple Google search can lead anyone to a plethora of courses on everything from mastering personal finances, parenting, our relationships, nutrition, cooking, designing clothes, home organization and design.

“The key to longevity is the learning and application of new things. When we stop learning, we stop growing and that is a slow death to our brains and bodies. Luckily today there are online seminars and other ways to learn that speak to our interests. It’s also incredibly convenient to learn,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

What are the best ways to learn new things quickly? Dr. Sanam Hafeez offers the following 5 ways to learn fast and retain more.

  1. Learn in quick sprints.There’s a sweet spot for learning in the 30-50 minute timeframe. Dedicate that amount of time to learning and then take a 10 to 15-minute break to end a learning segment before starting a new task. “You’re more likely to retain more when you focus for a shorter amount of time at once,” explains Dr. Hafeez who helps people with ADHD to enhance their ability to focus and learn. “Using tools like notecards with quick points helps the brain absorb concepts even more,” she adds. Which leads to…
  1. Take written notes and use color!Ditch the laptop and go old school with a pen and paper. Outline important points with a different color pen or highlighter and if you can draw a concept out in the margin, go for it. Writing fuels comprehension and enhances listening skills. Studies out of UCLA and Princeton found students who took notes on laptops didn’t perform as well as students who wrote by hand. “When we handwrite notes we listen then process the information before writing. When we type on a laptop, we transcribe what we hear without any self-interpretation which is where the actual learning comes into play,” offers Dr. Hafeez.
  1. Give your brain time to rest and recharge with sleep.People brag that they work so much and sleep so little. Arianna Huffington’s book, “The Sleep Revolution,” and choice to add nap rooms at her Huffington Post offices turned the light onto sleep as a performance enhancer. “People who get a full 8 hours of deep uninterrupted sleep retain what they learn and have bandwidth to grasp more information quicker. We often feel tired after a course or following instructions. This is because focusing requires energy. Naturally, when we rest we get to reboot the brain,” says Dr. Hafeez.
  1. Read out loud, record, replay.Research has shown that reading out loud engages both senses of sight and sound which heightens retention.“Recording yourself reading and elaborating with your own idea of how the concept resonates then replaying the recording a day or two later, is a great technique that fires up the part of the brain that processes concepts like a computer filing information for later use,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
  1. Break things down and relate it to what you already know.We all heard of the math teacher who used the example of rock concert ticket sales to get kids to grasp algebra. According to Dr. Hafeez, “when we take a concept and link it to something we already know about or have genuine interest in, we retain that concept. Anytime we can internalize a concept is has resonance. It sticks.”

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com 

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April 18, 2018

PUR Attitude PUR firm celluFIRM lotion, Beauty with Attitude

PUR Attitude PUR firm celluFIRM lotion is a product for women who are proud of the experience that comes with age and women who want to look their best and make the most of what nature has given them. This is for women who are not driven by a need to look younger and women who don’t make their looks change who they are as a person. 

This product is formulated to be “massaged over areas of concern” and it “visibly reduces dimpling” resulting in “firmer looking skin”. The dimpling refereed to is cellulite. Cellulite causes dimpling of the skin and a lumpy appearance. It can cause an “orange peel” appearance. It is most common on the hips, butt, and abdomen. You can get it on your belly and your arms also.

So you look in the mirror and see the cellulite and it doesn’t make you think that you are not good enough. It makes you think you are real. For me, I know I will never get rid of my cellulite. I know young women have it too. 90% of woman have it. I know I can minimize it though and that I am just fine with. I eat right, exercise regularly and recently have been using the PUR firm Lotion.

The website description of the product is:

“Advanced CelluFIRM triple action technology stimulates micro-circulation to smooth the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The end result is a firmer, more toned looking body. 88% of the patients showed a significant decrease in thigh circumference.”

I like the product. It comes with no false promises. You can see the formula through the bottle, which I like. It’s safe with natural ingredients that target a very natural part of the female body.

Learn more about the company, it’s Founder, it’s mission and the products here:

 

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April 18, 2018

 Use these 5 Tactics to stay Healthy & Happy

Exercise is considered the best way to stay happy, healthy and being fit. Exercise will boost your mood, energy and helps you to sleep better and increases your self-esteem. Not only does exercise feel good and healthy and even dancing is a way to stay fit and healthy for people of all ages because dancing isn’t just fun- it’s really good for your health. A few things that boost your mood are:

Eating your favorite food and putting good food in your stomach. Whatever, you are putting into your body could impact your mood. Find peace of mind, the most important thing is don’t ever compare yourself to others because if you do so, you will never feel happy and healthier. Wear your favorite clothes which makes you feel good and happy because the way we dress makes an impact on our confidence and the attitude about our day.

  •    Look at the positive side of every situation

As we all have heard it before  “Stay positive, look on the brighter side – Don’t let things that get you down”. So, you need to train yourself to be more positive. Negative thinking will lead to dangerous and bad things. The problem with negative thinking is that this type of mindset and outlook on life can harmfully affect our health.

Basically, staying positive not only make us happier but it actively is helping to keep us healthy. There are many ways which help you stay positive and look on the bright side. You can control yourself of negative thinkers, share positive thoughts with others, search for the silver lining, separate fact from fiction, choose a positive thought, eat healthy and tasty foods etc.

  •    Join a gym or group workout class

A gym motivates you to do a balanced program which includes both aerobic and strength training exercises. These exercises promote heart health and weight loss, it helps to prevent osteoporosis and also improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Nothing feels as good as being fit. Group exercises have many benefits, it’s challenging, they are motivational, it provides structure, group exercise classes will make us more regular and they are fun too, group classes are social because you can have an instant connection with them, again it teaches you to manage your time as well.

  •    Don’t forget your beauty sleep

Sleep makes you feel better. Enough sleep is a key part of healthy lifestyle and it benefits your heart, weight, mind etc. If we did not get enough sleep that can lead to serious health effects. On the other hand, if we get enough sleep then it is good for everything ranging from weight to mood and for the immune system. Stop worrying so much while sleeping.

Good sleep is vital for having a healthy mind and allows you to enjoy life more, getting enough sleep will keep you active for the whole day. As it is correctly said, “Early to bed, early to rising makes a human healthy, wise and wealthy”. Water helps your skin clear, leaving you feeling happier and better about your body.

  •    Practice inner calming techniques like yoga or martial arts

Basically, yoga is likely to keep your body more healthy and than many other forms of exercise. Even Martial arts can also do few of this but they don’t focus on the same level of flexibility and balance as yoga does. Yoga gives you a sense of calm, peace and balance which impact both the emotional well-being as well as overall health. Meditation is a natural anti-depressant remedy which boosts the mental health. Like meditation, martial arts focuses on movements and being present with awareness, embodiment, and precision.

  •    Eat healthy food

We all love to have delicious and tasty food, however, it is important that whether the tasty food is keeping us healthy, fit and weather will have a long life, no this food will not make us feel happy or keep fit. Some tips for good health is: Avoid eating long stored food, shall avoid junk food eating, the highly processed and convenience food. We should all follow a ‘Custom Meal Plan’ to stay healthy, happier and fit. So choose a good and healthy food that leads to happiness and live long.

  “The Great gift you can give to your family is Healthy You“

 

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April 18, 2018

#DefyAllOdds With This New All-Natural Haircare Company!

Everyone these days is in search of a haircare product that not only will do the job right, but is also all natural and environmentally friendly. Mix in a charity component and you have found yourself DāO Detroit, a new plant-based haircare company that provides a transformational hair experience for women and men, regardless of hair type or age.

The much buzzed about company just finished a successful crowd-funding campaign and is now being available across the nation, both in select retailers and online. It’s A Glam Thing just had to chat with its co-founders Willis Marshall and Erin Patten to learn more about their unique new product and why its taking the haircare industry by storm…

NICK NORTHSTAR: The word “Glamorous” can mean many different things… what is its definition to you both?

Erin: To be “Glamorous” encapsulates that moment when an individual walks into a room and her inner aura shines so bright on the exterior blinding everyone present like a massive, brilliant diamond. Basically, it has nothing to do with how designer the look is that she’s wearing nor how laced she is with jewelry, but rather how she carries herself in the presences of others, how she treats those she interacts with and most importantly, how she treats herself. That’s Glam!

Willis: The word “Glamorous” to me means to shine brighter than the rest. Whether spiritually, physically, socially, or fashionably. The word ‘shine’ is important because a glamorous person always radiates some form of positive energy!

NN: Your company & products are all about environmental sustainability… why is this so important to you both?

Willis: Environmental sustainability is very important to us. We can’t promote healthy living while polluting the earth. At DāO, we practice what we preach. I know it may sound cliche, but if we as a company do what may seem like “a little,” it will ultimately add up to a lot.

Erin: It’s very simple. We came from the earth and we will return there when this life is done. So, just as we focus on taking care of self, we must also focus on taking care of the earth from which we came. This is why environmental sustainability is so important to us. We see this DāO journey as more than just hair products. It’s a unique opportunity to spread positive messages about taking care of self, others and the world in which we live.

NN: Was it hard to come up with an all natural haircare product?

Willis: I wouldn’t say it was hard coming up with our natural hair care products. I’d say it was more like going on a treasure hunt. Our products promote hair health first, so we just needed to find which plants, once combined, worked best for the scalp and hair.

Erin: Hard is a very relative word. I would say that our DāO product development process has been met with challenges, but that’s expected in building a business from scratch. Willis and I have a lot of fun! I get to work with my best friend. We have a unique opportunity to test amazing ingredients and blend them as creatively as we want to produce a market-ready product. It takes time, commitment and passion, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to pursue their dreams and create their own products?

Erin: Nike said it best, “Just do it!”… The thing about most budding entrepreneurs is they believe they need a detailed business plan, lots of money, and a super innovative idea to get started, but frankly, you just need to go out there and do something. It’s basic physics. Once in motion, you’ll stay in motion and eventually, you’ll have an amazing business.

Willis: I would tell anyone looking to make their own products to do their research on every ingredient they intend on using, and also the source from which it comes.

NN: How has starting this company changed both your lives since running a successful crowd funding campaign?

Willis: I feel like our lives are a lot busier since our crowd funding campaign. The good thing is it doesn’t feel like work because we are in love with DāO.

Erin: It’s brought us closer in trust, compassion, and respect. DāO is truly an extension of Willis and me. The word DāO was inspired by our own personal abilities to Defy All Odds from childhood to today. The company growth has been a continuation of the life journey we are both on to do something magical in this world.

NN: Your company is also all about charity and giving back. Tell us more about this…

Erin: We donate a portion of DāO profits to fund the #DefyAllOdds Own Your Identity campaign, which was born from personal experiences. In my first job out of college, my manager told me that my natural hair was inappropriate for the work environment and violated company policies. This set me on a career course of severe anxiety and insecurity as I desperately attempted to change my hair texture with chemical treatments and lots of heat styling to not only fit in at work, but greater society, in general. It wasn’t a healthy time for me as I sought acceptance and approval from those around me, instead of owning who I was, curly hair and all! I began to understand the value and power in this ownership after I cut off all my hair two years ago to start fresh.

Willis: We were very intentional about saying that we’re not starting DāO with making money as the top priority. The #1 goal is to raise a company from the ground up, and it gets so big that we have the power to affect lives in a number of positive ways, GLOBALLY!

NN: What is the #1 thing you feel sets your product a part from others on the market?

Willis: The #1 thing that separates our product from the rest is the combination of plant based ingredients in our products, that once combined, form a “Super Vitamin” that promotes scalp and hair health while simultaneously giving you manageability. This “Super Vitamin” affect also means that our products are good for HAIR, no matter the head it’s attached to.

Erin: Exactly. Our product works for all ages, all genders and all hair types period. I love that we’re a company that targets ALL versus curly-haired women only or men only. It made so much sense to us to design and create products that can work for everyone!

NN: What does the future hold for you both and DāO from here?

Erin: Global takeover! We dream of reaching diverse communities in Brazil, UK, Europe and across Africa and Asia.

Willis: Yes, we are eager to continue to share DāO and our entire product line with the world. The wave is already forming as word of mouth continues to grow across the U.S. about a product that finally is great for everyone in the household.

NN: And finally, do you feel DāO consumers feel more Glamorous after using your products?!

Willis: One of the most frequent and awesome testimonials that we get from our customers is our product doing great things for their hair, that prior to using DāO, was unthinkable. The confidence and joy they exude often radiates in their voice, through a text/email, or just with a smile. So yes, I’d say our consumers check every box to truly look and feel more GLAMOROUS after using DāO!

Erin: Absolutely! Like I said before, feeling glamorous starts within and that’s what DāO’s about. Mind, body, and hair. It starts first with believing in your mind that you are beautiful, amazing and worthy. Then it will start to emanate from you so that the outside world sees. Layer on DāO’s plant-based, all natural products, and you’re ready to take on the world!

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April 17, 2018

Teddi Mellencamp wears Ryderwear and Lukka Lux!

Teddi Mellencamp was photographed wearingRydwear and Lukka Lux recently in LA! The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star looked chic and casual running errands in her Ryderwear Elevate Tights ($55) and F-Lo shoes ($115) that she paired with Lukka Lux’s Tunnel Crop – Optic White ($98).
  For photos, please contact Startraks Photo
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April 17, 2018

SomaLuxe For The Face, For The Body, For The Hair and More

SomaLuxe Triple Collagen Eye Repair Gel with co-enzyme Q10 & peptides has captivated me.  As we all know, the skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate, so if you have not already, give it some extra TLC.

Eye Repair Gel

Eye Repair Gel

I have used eye creams before but never an eye gel. I took some time to do a little research on Eye Gel. This is what I found out.

Eye gels are light weight and  more soothing and cooling for tired eyes. They are better than creams for reducing puffiness. Eye gels are also absorbed  faster than creams so they leave less residue making it quicker to get your eye make up on.

The one problem that I have with using eye skin care products to stave off  fine lines and wrinkles is that I tend to get milia, tiny white bumps around my eyes. They are minuscule but they bother the heck out of me. They usually go away on their own but I prefer to have them removed as soon as possible by a professional. Both my esthetician and my dermatologist have told me to avoid eye creams as I am prone to the pesky keratin-filled milia.  They both suggested trying an Eye Gel.

SomaLuxe Triple Collagen Eye Repair Gel does not cause milia issues for me.  This is the top determinative factor in my  choice to spread the word about the product.

There are other reason like the power of the peptides that support the structure of the delicate skin surrounding the eyes and the antioxidant Q10.

Find out more about this product on the company website HERE 

brightening peptide serum

Brightening Peptide Serum

The SomaLuxe Brightening Peptide Serum is a favorite of many who need help to even out skin tone and correct dark spots.  One of the key ingredients in this products is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. That ingredient is effective against wrinkles but mild to the skin. So not only will the Brightening Peptide Serum give you an even skin tone, it helps battle wrinkles and hydrates.

Check out the website and find something you will love.

 

 

 

 

 

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April 17, 2018

Bondi Sands The Australian Tan 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam

Bondi Sands One Hour Express Tan is a salon quality Self-Tanning Foam. It’s a Quick Dry formula that smells like Coconut, like a very delicious  Coconut. It’s newly introduced and it’s my new preferred method of getting  a sexy tan.

BONDI SANDS SELF TANNING FOAM 1 HOUR EXPRESS

BONDI SANDS SELF TANNING FOAM 1 HOUR EXPRESS

It’s no secret that many of us look better with a tan. It’s also no secret that many of us suffer or have suffered from different types of skin cancer. Myself having survived three squamous cell skin cancer experiences. I had one Mohs surgery and two surgical excision procedures for invasive squamous cell cancers. This was all due to my long history of sun and tanning bed exposure during a time when I and most others simply didn’t know the dangers that existed. Thank goodness today we are better educated and have options for tanning like the One Hour Express Tan.

The website description of the Bondi Sands One Hour Express Tan is HERE. Notice they offer a Self Tanning Mitt also. The  Self Tanning application Mitt is the best way to ensure your tan is streak-free and your palms remain colorless. It’s washable and reusable.

 

Let’s watch as Bondi Sands tanning expert Molly takes us through a tutorial of  The One Hour Express. #bondisands @BondiSands @BondiSandsUS 

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April 17, 2018

Country Pop Artist Marta Has a Knack for Fashion Design

Country pop artist and fashion guru, Marta, has a knack for design. In her latest music video, “I Need A Love Story,” Marta designed one of the dresses she donned, giving an old prom dress new life. She also styled the entire video, taking inspiration from “Game of Thrones” and “Reign.” The video landed her an invite to the Berlin Fashion Film Festival where her video will be showcased July 13-14.

Marta

Marta

Marta released her music video for “I Need A Love Story” exclusively on Taste of Country Feb. 14. Since its release on Valentine’s Day, the video has received nearly one million views on YouTube.

“Marta creates a visually stunning clip using evocative mood lighting that perfectly underscores the gentle lilt of the song,” Sterling Whitaker, Taste of Country.

The video was filmed at the stunning Gloucester Cathedral, most famously used for Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter film series.

“I am really excited to release the music video for ‘I Need a Love Story”’,” said Marta. “I hope this song and video inspires people to find the strength to keep believing in love, even when they’re crying on the bathroom floor and have lost faith in it”.

Marta’s debut album, The Story, was released last Friday and features nine original and diverse songs that perfectly capture Marta’s tale. Her album can be heard here.

i need a love story, Marta

i need a love story, Marta

Keep up with Marta on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and visit her website at www.martaofficial.com.

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