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What is life like for you right now?

How is life unfolding around you in these unprecedented times?

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Written By: #TVMATheTea (AKA LaTonya White)                                                                        July 04- July 07, 2019

Description: This blog serves as the journey of 4 New Orleans Artist road to the 25th Essence Festival in New Orleans with #SoulofNola, covered by #HoustonBlogger #TVMATheTea. It also depicts her personal P.O.V of her 1st time at Essence & her suggestion of how you can do Essence in the future.

  “I’ve traveled near & I’ve traveled wide… No matter where I traveled,                               The journey was on my side…” – #TVMATheTea

Click Here To Learn

About Essence

About New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network #SoulofNola

The Beginning 

4 Winners: left to right: Drea Mari, Vegas Cola  Band, (Myself), Casme, & Dawn Richard

Baby, when I tell you 25th Essence Festival doesn’t owe me anything.

I had the pleasure of blogging and ‘journalizing’ the experience for @soulofNola New Orleans Music Showcase winners.

These ladies had the pleasure of performing in front of a sold out audience May 30th. Once the votes were tabulated, These 4,were on their way to 25th Essence Festival.

25th Essence Festival- ‘The Tea’

“If You Study Long, You Study Wrong“, they say…

It’s almost the exact same sentiment one would get if you had to question if you should or shouldn’t do Essence Festival & what events to do. At any point in your life, either you’ve been to Essence, or you haven’t. Essence Festival has something for every one. Every culture, every person, from every place.

Day 1: July 04 ESSENCE IN THE PARK

I started off July 04th epic. Why? well, this is ‘A First’ in the 25 years of Essence history, starting Essence Festival a day early and at the Louis Armstrong Congo Square Park. What better way to do it, than with the community? With an event ‘All’ can attend for FREE, I’d say Essence nailed what Essence truly stands for

I welcome you to ‘Essence In the Park’. This park is a historical landmark to New Orleans culture…Period. What better way to than today, to highlight the future of music from world renowned artist & DJ’s, as well as the future of good soulful music.

FIRST THINGS FIRST – WHAT TO WEAR? –

Just look around at the memories created and what other folks fashion statement was, on this 4th of July.

Please don’t be like this 1st timer…#me…I had on ‘whole’ jeans in a 103 degree index. (still smacks self on the head, as my sunburn of the day- felt like I was literally sitting in someone’s baked Mac n’ Cheese oven)

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The opening ceremony was highlighted by Essence & Blessing of the City of Yes -New Orleans Mayor- LaToya Cantrell.

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Let The Show Begin

Essence has lined Essence in the Park with a Heavy Hitter lineup (not listed in order of performance) hitting 2 stages such as:

ARTIST STAGE

Bamboula 2000

Tonya Boyd- Cannon

Drea Marie

Big Freedia

Common

Sheba Songz

Stooges Brass Band

Phony PPL

The Amours

DJ STAGE

DJ Raj Smoove

DJ Jess

DJ Bombshell Boogie

DJ Ally Bea

MC Lyte

DJ Kelly Green

DJ Legatron Prime

What better way to start off the 1st act, than with the glorious voice of Drea Marie? Everyone needs the most high in their life…, so it definitely was a move well played. I introduce to you: International Inspirational Gospel Artist Drea Marie. 

You can catch the full Travel Tea video at the end of the blog.

Next, the Stooges Brass Band hit the stage. 

As I’m talking with adventurists from all over the world, who do I hear? A familiar voice that makes you stop in your tracks & shake something…That “Stannndd Up & Get Crunk” Saints southern soul anthem… It’s none other than the International  ‘soul-stress’ Artist herself…Tonya Boyd Cannon. She is surely on her way to a Grammy.                                                                                                                                                     

Now rolling over to the DJ Stage, where we here the beat which is moving the crowd from their apple bottoms to their feet. The beat, the music, the culture is alive and well in the city today. Talk About Good Vibes all around from Stage 1 & Stage 2, from the vendors to the Adventurists, who travel near and far.

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Let me tell you Honey, the artists & DJ’s were great.. I’ve had enough action for hot day. 

On To The Next Day…

July 06, 2019 Saturday Afternoon

Oh Yes, Tonight Is the Night. It’s Time To Slay…But First; Let’s Check Out:                   Essence Fashion House

  Let me the 1st to announce, in case you haven’t heard. This event is a vibe…But, isn’t the entire Essence event?

The Tea: 

If you’re a #Fashinista #FashionNova #FashionBlogger, this event is for you. 

I can admit I wasn’t fashionably prepared to attend this event, yet I wasn’t declining a last minute Blessing. The model Iman was in attendance and so many more. It was a packed house for sure.

I attended the event with my friends. We had the pleasure of listening to a Guru panelists of Fashionistas in the Industry, such as:

Candace Stewart/ PRADA                                                                                                                       Sade Teyibo/ KERING                                                                                                                             Ivory Walker / NEIMAN MARCUS                                                                            MODERATOR: Tanisha Ford

This was truly a great talk hitting on topics such as, how people of color can enter the game of fashion & be great, not giving up on your journey, & more.

A powerful takeaway I learned from these panelists, with Ivory Walker’s personal sentiment is:

“Look at each individual, who may not have the exact experience to get a job, but has the tenacity, that hunger, that drive… give them a chance…”

Candace Stewart shared her personal journey, her struggle of getting where she is today. She had the drive and she never wavered.

The panelists all sound off & close the discussion agreeing that all it takes is for a person of Tenacity…A Purposeful Driven Individual to receive 1 ‘YES’ from the right person, for their lives to change forever.

Check Out the complete Runway experience & more, below in the Full Tube Video! Music silenced for copyrighting purposes.

It’s time for a half time…A Meal: All this ripping and running, our bodies depend on it. Luckily, we ate before Fashion House. I had the pleasure of introducing my friends to Pontilly Coffee- The home of the ‘NOLA-CHE’. 

You know I had to see my friend- Pastor Mel. He is truly a pillar in the community with his business who help those that are truly in need. 

You didn’t have to ask us twice, where our coins were going for Brunch…this definitely was the place. 

July 06, Saturday Evening

I had the honor of attending Essence Fest at the Mercedes Benz Superdome with #SoulofNola Executive Director & Board.

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Featured: left to right                                                                                                                          Nicoye Banks, Angie Simon, Blogger- LaTonya White= TVMATheTea, & Eric Griggs     Jessica & Dinah Campbell

Tonight’s show was hosted by Loni Love herself, from The Real

The headliners were:

First Lady Michelle Obama with Interview Host Gayle King

H.E.R

Nas

Mary J. Blige 

& many many more, to name a few

It’s hard to take just 1 pivotal point from Michelle Obama’s Appearance tonight, as there were plenty, but here’s 2 resonates would be:

“Forgiveness is for you, it’s not for the other person…It’s never been enough for Barack & I to be ok, until we know our brothers and sisters out there are ok…”

On her Best Clap Back, she stated her all famous quote:

“When they go Low…, WE GO HIGH…”

I must say tonight, was truly filled with positive, cultural, inspirational-motivation.

On to the Next Day…

July 07, 2019 Sunday

THE LAST DAY OF ESSENCE – THE CONVENTION CENTER

#TVMATheTea is reporting Live from the Convention Center- Center Stage, as #SoulofNola has a powerhouse of soul hitting the stage tonight in partnership with Essence, & Visit New Orleans..

Tonya Boyd Cannon                                                                                                                           First up is a Saints Fan, A Soulful artist from the #Nola..It’s non other than THE: @Tonya Boyd Cannon…

This is her 2nd performance, as she lead the way with @DreaMari7 on July 04th, at: Essence in the Park.

Baby, when in New Orleans comes on, you can do nothing but groove to it                    ‘That B-E-A-T, that what, that..That B-E-A-T…’

Introducing a snippet of @Tonya Body Cannon Day 2 

Casme                                                                                                                                                      Next up, we have 1 of the 4 winners from the  Soul of New Orleans Music Showcase. The beautiful Casme, wearing a lovely number R-E-D Dress. They say, red turns heads. Check out a snippet of her powerful songstress performance.  

Vegas Cola Band                                                                                                                                    & Finally, the performance of  @VegasColaBand. Vegas rocked it out with the art of rock -n -roll tonight. The audience heads were bobbing, and Vegas gave the audience life, in her black and red lip printed shirt number, rocking the rocker lace skirt honey!

In speaking with the above 3 winners & artist @Tonya Boyd Cannon, each of them shared their heart felt thanks to @SoulofNola, for a dream come true.

Dawn Richard coverage is via Essence.

Ladies & Gentlemen, this is one way you can do Essence. The 25th Essence Festival Soul of New Orleans style, is officially in the bag. 

Until next year…

In the mean time, check out the FULL VIDEO Below:

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO #TVMATHETEA FOR THE TRAVEL TEA HONEY! ~ FULL VIDEO ~  

                                                                                                                                Soul of Nola: #TVMATheTea says: Thanks for your partnership & allowing me to cover this momentous adventure.

  Credits:                                                                                                                        SoulofNewOrleans.com                                                                                                                    Essence.com                                                                                                                                            Photo by u0158aj Vaishnaw on Pexels.com                                                                                  City of New Orleans

Brought to you by New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network: 

#TVMATheTea Does 25th Essence Festival with #SoulofNola Written By: #TVMATheTea (AKA LaTonya White)                                                                        July 04- July 07, 2019 Description: This blog serves as the journey of 4 New Orleans Artist road to the 25th Essence Festival in New Orleans with #SoulofNola, covered by #HoustonBlogger #TVMATheTea.

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#TVMATheTea Talks Inspiration with Drea Marie

#TVMATheTea Talks Inspiration with Drea Marie

Written By: TVMATheTea (LaTonya White) 

I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Drea Marie in New Orleans at the 1st Annual New Orleans Music Showcase, brought to you by Soul of New Orleans.

Drea was born in New Orleans in October 84. She has been singing since she was 5 years old. Her parents are singers as well as her siblings. She recalls through her adolescence and teen years, sitting on…

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Written By: #TVMATheTea = LaTonya W. 

soulofneworleans.com

  The Soul of New Orleans had it’s 1st Annual Music Showcase….

 “Say What?”

You heard that right…1st ever.

I can assure you it was a vibe. 

With over 60 acts vying for their shout to perform in the Superlounge at the 25th Essence Festival this year in New Orleans, where they will perform with moguls such as Mary J. Blige, Pharell, Missy Elliot, etc, this is one opportunity you couldn’t miss. 

#SoulofNola Executive Director ~ Essence Banks ~ New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network

New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp President & CEO ~Mark Romig.~

TVMATheTea says:

“#SoulofNola & #VisitNewOrleans Definitely pulled it off !”

Essence Banks sums it up quite well:

“Music, it lives and breathes in New Orleans & is definitely a part of our culture and is often times overlooked..This is the reason we are all here…”

Mark stated:

“Over 60 people stepped up to put their heart & soul which is a 1st of many…

When people come here for conventions & to book shows, they can find talent in New Orleans…”

  Let’s Get Down

10 Finalist & one winner will be chosen to perform at the Super Lounge, but what’s first?

There were over 60 acts that submitted their shot in a chance of a lifetime. Audition videos were sent in. Once the submission period was over, then a ‘Distinguished Panel of Experts’, professionals from all aspects of the music industry  such as : Arrangers, Q93 Wild Wayne, Tonya B, & over 50k online votes were tabulated.

At the venue, which was a ‘SOLD OUT’ Event, at the New Orleans Jazz Market.. 

If it’s one thing I know about #SoulofNola, it’s that they definitely know how to get down and help you feel ‘right at home’, by connecting you to the culture Honey!

Without further adieu, I introduce you :

1st Annual Soul of New Orleans Music Showcase

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  Congratulations Are In Order for all the acts who performed & to the 4, not 1, but 4 winners headed to 25th Essence Music Festival.

It’s Definitely going to be a Vibe. 

  Be Sure to Follow #TVMATheTea &  #SoulofNola for all of the Soulful Travel Tea Honey!

              Photo Credits & Other Credits

All Photos from the Event Credit #TVMATheTea

#TVMATheTea Hair: DeniseStylesBy

#TVMATheTea Dress: This beautiful number is a Gabrielle Union dress from New York & Company

  Photo by Omkar Patyane on Pexels.com

Photo by Tayeb MEZAHDIA on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

#TVMATheTea Does Soul of New Orleans Music Showcase 2019 Written By: #TVMATheTea = LaTonya W.  The Soul of New Orleans had it's 1st Annual Music Showcase....

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Written By: TVMATheTea (L. White )

SHOULD I START MY BUSINESS?

Running a business can be scary business. The goals to running a business takes time, education, work, dedication, & passion. One thing I can say is many of times I haven’t had many mentors to provide the go to in particular areas I needed mentoring in.

The few that I have had, are truly amazing- Thanks Lorrie, Lovoice, & Zanteal.

For the most part, the walk at times, has been long, arduous, and solo. 

Many of times I could have given up. There were plenty of times I wanted too.

However, at the beginning of my journey, to be a known Travel Blogger and Connoisseur of Travel- my idea was more of an unheard of dream…

Or was is it? Take Jessica Nabongo, for instance. Genevieve Shaw Brown with Good Morning America reports Nabongo is a world renowed Traveler who aims to travel and blog about her adventures in every country she visits.

Take, me..LaTonya White- #TVMATheTea…

I took aim to blog about my family & I adventures big and small. I’d been freelancing this for years, as a pure hobby. It was only recently, I decided to turn that hobby into a monetized hobby. Successfully, I’ve been able to turn the love of reading & writing, to becoming a Classroom Educator, to a Lead School Counselor, now this. If I never would have stepped out on faith, then I would not be where I am today.

Today, I’m literally coming out of the nerve-racking phase of the beginning of business building, to shifting in managing and running it.

Today:

I’ve sat side by side by V.I.P with Big Brands & Talked Travel

hired some folks

landed some pretty awesome Blogging gigs

and more

Shout out to Houston’s Blessed Beatz Radio   #SouthernGirlDeniece who is one of the host of the: Not So Christian In Me Show, as we talked Traveling on a Budget May 2019.

Check out the audio (link coming soon)

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So should you or should you not start your business? To you future entrepreneur, I’d say:

“if you can dream it, do it…”

& the old proverb I live by, never gets old:

“IF GOD BRINGS YOU TO IT, He’ll bring you through it.”

  Gary Vee said it best: Ask Yourself: What do I want to do every day for the rest of my life?…

DO That…

When You Know Who You Are…Hustle Sexier…

Start Executing..Start Doing…”

-Gary Vee

I’m no Jessica Nabongo, but I’m well on my way.

I’m your Travel Agency Franchisee, Travel Blogger, Travel Pod-caster, Travel Connoisseur=  I am #TVMATheTea.

    #Traveling with #TVMATheTea Written By: TVMATheTea (L. White ) SHOULD I START MY BUSINESS? Running a business can be scary business.

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By: #TVMATheTea AkA* L. White

So You’ve Decided On Mardi Gras New Orleans?

Now What?

To Go or Not To Go…That is the Question….

Which further leads to:

 What hotel should I stay in

what parades should I attend

Where to go to eat…

But, please rest assured, this isn’t a Pokemon challenge… or is it? (lol)

Our Journey –  Deciding where to Stay

This journey was embarked upon with my better half, my husband. I had the pleasure of being hired by New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network to blog the 25th Zulu Lundi Gras Festival in New Orleans, March 04, 2019; located at Woldenberg Park on the Riverfront. 

Now, Now, If you are like me, your’re just as astonished as I am after attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans all these years, I never knew of such an event…& when I tell you…

It Is An event Honey!

But first thing first.

I distinctively remember blogging in this same city not even 8 months ago for another Festival. The hotel of choice? Well it’s simple, it would be none other than theNew Orleans Hotel Collections, that’s where…This collection has a host of hotel across the city, as well as residences in some location, making your stay options hotel side or apartment side.

One of their hotel’s is ‘4.5+ star rated hotel, The Jung Hotel & Residences. It’s in an Awesome location, right off Canal. What’s even cooler, is it has immediate street car access right in front of the hotel to the French Quarter, or you can walk. It’s not far. This is my second time staying here & I must admit, I’m truly spoiled with the New Orleans Hotel Collection. This time, I stayed in the Petite Suite. The first time I stayed at this location,however, I had the spacious double bed option. 

What’s important to remember is location, location, location. Any time you are coming to New Orleans…’Coming to the City’ for a festival, trust and believe you want to be as close to the action as possible if your plans are to attend simply because automobiles and traffic don’t go well during festival season of any sorts.

With a roof top pool, & more… This is why The Jung Hotel & Residences is high on my list for having, not only a beautiful establishment, clean- spacious rooms, but- a perfect location to match.

  In sequential order of our arrival, here is the order of events followed by the videos for viewing of the live action…

Day 1: Endymion Parade – this parade was attended on Saturday, the day of our arrival. We attended Uptown with family. We had the pleasure of witnessing the Grand Marshall such as an actor (you will see in the video) and Music Artist- Flo_Rida. 

    Day 2: Bacchus Parade – we attended this event in the French Quarters off Canal & Chartress

We literally walked from our hotel- The Jung Hotel, to Canal & Chartres, where we would usually ride the street car to, but during Festival season, the street car is non-operational during parade times. Check out the Parade Mash up

  Day 3: The 25th Anniversary Zulu Lundi Gras – The event I’ve been waiting for.

I was so excited to blog this particular event because we’d never heard of it before, But of course, we’d both heard of Zulu…But the Zulu Lundi Gras.? Who knew? Apparently, it is a thing.

I present to you: The 25th Anniversary of ‘Zulu Lundi Gras‘

Brought to You By:

SoulofNewOrleans.com

  Day 4: Zulu – This is known as Fat Tuesday. This is one of the highest attended parades rolling this day. Check out the parade route from:

 Mardi Gras New Orleans   

Check Out Some of the Footage:

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WANT MORE?

This was an amazing experience. It was awesome making time to build new memories, experience new things, connect with the culture of New Orleans, & more.

Don’t take my word for it, check out the below video covering:

Zulu’s 25th Lundi Gras Anniversary Festival with #SoulofNola

Blogged By: #TVMATheTea

& ZULU on Fat Tuesday

  A Special Thanks to the following Sponsors:

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  I am #TVMATheTea

Credits:

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

How To Do Mardi Gras in New Orleans #TVMATheTea Style By: #TVMATheTea AkA* L. White So You've Decided On Mardi Gras New Orleans? Now What?

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TVMATheTea Does: Pontilly Coffee with Soul of New Orleans

TVMATheTea Does: Pontilly Coffee with Soul of New Orleans

By: LaTonya White is TVMATheTea

Often times I run across people who make you really take a moment to reflect on your life, then and now. 

This world is made of so many unruly things, that many of us tend to get caught up in the middle of it. Then there are the ‘Angels in the Outfield’…

I had the pleasure of touring Pontilly Coffee with Essence Banks- Executive Director New Orleans Multicultural…

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Networking : Grand Ideas as Graces on Kirby : Great Food

Networking : Grand Ideas as Graces on Kirby : Great Food

By: L. White 

TRAVEL BLOGGER ON DUTY & I HAVE ARRIVED!

January 22, 2019

The only thing I like better than talking about food, is eating it.

-John Walters

    Adventurists, When you see #TVMATheTea show up to one of her favorite #foodie spots- Graces on Kirby, with her computer, just know ‘Great Ideas’ are in the works.

I had the pleasure of networking with one of my Hard Rock All Inclusive…

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All About Blogging

When it comes to your entrepreneurial passion, don’t be afraid to take risk, Be Vulnerable about your business…“

 #TVMATheTea (LaTonya White 2018)

When Every Detail Counts

No matter what one does in life, it has to come from a place of passion. Passion tends to drive a person’s breakthrough. It’s the grit that continues to inspire these individuals to pursue their destiny. 

  What Is A Blogger?

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All Inclusive Resorts with #TVMATheTea

All Inclusive Resorts with #TVMATheTea

Jamaica’s Luxury Bahia Principe

  Dominican Republic- Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace

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Latest Travel Features with TVMA The Tea

Latest Travel Features with TVMA The Tea

YOU’RE NOW TRAVELING WITH TVMA THE TEA

Traveling with TVMA The Tea- Does the Bellagio Penthouse Suite:

Natural Bridge Caverns Vice President Travis Wuest Interview/ Tour How To Do Jamaica’s Dunn’s River…

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Grace

Learn to be what you are & learn to resign with a good grace, all that you are not. -Henri Frederic Amiel Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

  I had the pleasure of speaking with Clyde J. Clyde’s journey is unlike any other story I have had the pleasure in truly knowing; Many will be able to relate to where he has been, Moved from where he is now, and Inspired for where he is going.

  Who Is…

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Bourbon Orleans ~ Spooky Hotel ~ In The Soul of New Orleans

Bourbon Orleans ~ Spooky Hotel ~ In The Soul of New Orleans

#BourbonOrleans #Hotel #Creepy #Scary #Fun #Legend #Ghost #GhostStories #Halloween #Wedding #GoodTimes #FrenchQuarters #NewOrleans #Hotels #vacation #Staycation #NOLA #HauntedHotel #OceanaGrill

  By: TVMA The Tea ~ LaTonya White ~

Are you visiting New Orleans & looking for an adventure and excitement, a good nights sleep, or do you want to be scared out of your wits?

  If you answered yes, I…

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FestiGals- Mystic Femme Fatale Krewe

FestiGals- Mystic Femme Fatale Krewe

  I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the Mystic Femme Fatale Krewe during the FestiGals -Step Up Parade – 2nd Line.

By: LaTonya White  TVMA_The_Tea

      Meet the Ladies of Mystic Femme Fatale Krewe. An all female Krewe who supports FestiGals causes for women well being.

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I’ve been to some pretty amazing places and met some pretty amazing people:

  Check out my Instagram for more of The Tea!: TVMA_The Tea

    The Beautiful NASA Scientist, & Unapologetically Being, Owner of Dr. H’ Explores – Dr. Renee Horton.

Check Out the article:FestiGals 2018 – with Keynote Speaker K. Renee Horton, Ph.D

  Tracee D- Fashion Week Nola

Raegan Charleston Bravo TV

Networking with with FestiGals:

  Tracee D. with FashionWeek Nola 

     Raegan Charleston from Bravo TV’s Southern Charm

The Beautiful TOKYO WITH VH1’S LOVE & HIP HOP

Oh, The Places We’ve Been I've been to some pretty amazing places and met some pretty amazing people: Check out my Instagram for more of The Tea!: TVMA_The Tea…

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La Romana Dominican Republic -The Whites Adventure

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Exciting news coming to a city near you. The newest & soon to be largest water park is coming north of Houston. 

 Are Your Travel Bags Ready?

#Read #Book #Travel #Repeat 

#Travel #Visit Houston #Waterpark #TravelingMadeAffordable #TVMATheTea 

By:  LaTonya White, M.A.