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Physical Canvas - a living, breathing mood board to explore fashion, lifestyle and travel
  • style
    • A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
      A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
    • Travel Essentials: The Lunette Menstrual Cup
      Travel Essentials: The Lunette Menstrual Cup
    • Black bird
      Black bird
    • DIY
    • fashion
    • hair & beauty
    • looks
    • Product Reviews
    • Target Tuesdays
  • travel
    • My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
      My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
    • The Culture Guide to Bali: Where to Stay, Shop, Sip and Sightsee
      The Culture Guide to Bali: Where to Stay, Shop, Sip and Sightsee
    • A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
      A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
    • packing
    • travel guides
  • lifestyle
    • Repurpose Your Furniture: 3 Simple Standing Desk Ideas
      Repurpose Your Furniture: 3 Simple Standing Desk Ideas
    • My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
      My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
    • How Long-term Travel Almost Cramped My Style in a Jet-setting Paradise
      How Long-term Travel Almost Cramped My Style in a Jet-setting Paradise
    • book reviews
    • motherhood
Lisa

Lisa

Lisa Barber is a wife, sister and thrill seeker for aspirational looks on a budget. Given her love for culture she embarked on a lifestyle to pursue full-time travel by selling her home and resigning from her career to see the world, starting with the purchase of a one-way ticket to New Zealand. Throughout her travels, she seeks to connect readers to global experiences by highlighting fashion abroad, travel guides and personal experiences as a woman of color. As a social media enthusiast at heart, she has a passion for identifying emerging trends in fashion and technology and enjoys working in her local community when she returns to Rochester, NY. Read more

fashionFebruary 1, 2016

Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

By Lisa

Ebony Fashion Fair was the brainchild of Eunice Johnson who gave Ebony Magazine its name and produced an influential traveling fashion show which brought haute couture to Black middle-class families while raising millions…

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looks, Product ReviewsJanuary 7, 2016

Product Review: Adidas CW Feltcruiser W

By Lisa

After experiencing the warmest and least snowy December on record, old man winter finally barged in like an unwanted guest after missing the winter…

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DIY, looksJanuary 2, 2016

DIY: Neck and bow tie

By Lisa

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been refining my skill set by teaching myself a few video editing skills. Throughout the process I…

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hair & beautyNovember 24, 2015

5 Nail Polishes You Should Try Now

By Lisa

We’re well into fall and I’m still too busy layering my sweaters and tracking down my favorite pair of suede boots to realize that I’ve GOT…

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looks, Product ReviewsNovember 11, 2015

The Shopper’s Guide: Victoria Secret Panty Sales

By Lisa

The other day I ran into a Victoria Secret on a time crunch to take advantage of their panty sale thinking I would waltz…

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Product ReviewsNovember 9, 2015

Product Review: EXP Core from Express

By Lisa

A few weeks ago I was scrolling through my Instagram account and thumbed through a progress pic when I was a regular at the gym. WHOA. First of all, my hair…

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hair & beauty, Product ReviewsSeptember 24, 2015

Product Review: Maybelline Rebel Bloom Lipstick

By Lisa

For women of colour, pastel make-up can be extremely challenging to wear. There’s always the fear of looking extremely washed out or look as…

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fashionSeptember 17, 2015

NYFW Review: Ralph Lauren Spring 2016

By Lisa

On the last day of NYFW, I couldn’t pass up on covering one of the most anticipated shows of the week! Take a peak…

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Product ReviewsSeptember 15, 2015

Product Review: Antica Farmacista

By Lisa

It’s no secret that home fragrances are becoming more desirable for home owners, apartment dwellers and for those who want to add a unique…

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fashionSeptember 14, 2015

NYFW Review: Carolina Herrera Spring 2016

By Lisa

As if you couldn’t tell by your Instagram and Twitter feed, NYFW is moving full steam ahead in its fourth day at the tents! …

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looks, Product ReviewsSeptember 11, 2015

Product Review: Cindy + Johnny

By Lisa

  Depending on where you live, the last few lingering days of mid-80 degree weather are rapidly coming to an end as we prep…

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hair & beauty, lifestyleSeptember 10, 2015

#BORNandMADE: Three Generations of Daughters

By Lisa

I rarely get personal on my blog because it opens the flood gates for strangers and acquaintances to cherry pick my life over things…

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looksAugust 31, 2015

An Italian Dinner Party Look

By Lisa

Today’s the day to reveal a project that’s been well in the making with my newest blogger buddies, Louise and Amelia of Knight and Day…

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Product ReviewsJuly 20, 2015

Product Review: Rocksbox

By Lisa

If you constantly swoon over accessories like I do, keep reading! Earlier this year back in February, I wrote post about the cool benefits of Rocksbox for…

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DIY, inspiration, looksJune 22, 2015

DIY| J. Crew Inspired Rope Necklace

By Lisa

Today’s post is probably one of the most exciting mini announcements that I’ve made in a long time. Particularly because I made my first……

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PhysicalCanvas On Instagram

As I think about a new career opportunity I will s As I think about a new career opportunity I will soon be stepping into, I'm reminded of one of my favorite songs:

"Blessings all pon mi life and
Mi thank God for di journey di earnings a jus fi di plus.
Gratitude is a must! -Koffee"

MUA: @brandy.k.conner 
📷: Lucas

#neworleans #nola #elizajanehotel
This past decade surpassed my expectations. I work This past decade surpassed my expectations. I worked with brilliant poets, earned my masters degree, purchased a home and sold it, traveled, purchased another home, stepped into a defined career path and had two beautiful children (who wear my name out without taking any breaths in between "mommy"🥴). I'm thankful for friendships (especially with other moms when navigating the challenges of motherhood), my support system and for the time spent at home with the family when our laughs fill our home.  Everyday I'm learning to extend myself grace as a parent and a professional.

I've been known to have a lead foot when it comes to pushing the gas pedal on my professional and personal pursuits. The goal for the next ten years and beyond is to live slower by getting better sleep, recommitting to my health journey, practicing radical self-care and creating more downtime for one hobby without feeling as if I need to constantly stay busy or learn another skill. Knowing me, I'll most likely be getting another certification because I just love learning but a woman can dream. 

I've been waiting to get older and get some gray hair too - let's go 40! 😜 #neworleans #nola #elizajanehotel

MUA: @brandy.k.conner 
📷: Lucas Barber
Lucky number 13. Dated for 1 year Engaged for 6 m Lucky number 13.

Dated for 1 year
Engaged for 6 months
Married today for 13 years

We slept, ate, hiked and enjoyed being still in the forest, slept some more and dined. 

Thank you to my mom, sister and mother-in-law for taking care of our little humans so that we could take some time out for ourselves...cause Lawd knows we be tired. 🥰
Sending a special happy birthday to the person who Sending a special happy birthday to the person who has added joy, curiosity and adventure to our lives. Happy birthday @lucas__barber 😘
Coming up for air to post... Late last night I to Coming up for air to post...

Late last night I took some me time and whipped up some cocoa butter from a raw batch that I ordered awhile ago. I think I melted and cooled the cocoa butter and coconut oil mixture about 4 or 5xs because I kept forgetting it in the freezer while watching Grand Army. Anyone else watching the Netflix show? The show is reminiscent of my time supporting young adults navigating this thing we called life. It's heavy y'all.

Sweatshirt designed by me🙋🏾‍♀️ #BHM #LiftBlackWomen
Skiing is a sport out of my domain. But I'm determ Skiing is a sport out of my domain.
But I'm determined to break into it since we live in a winter wonderland. Hit the slopes today with good folk! And when I say "hit" I mean the slopes hit me! 🎿⛷️ #cantstop #helpmeLord #skiingday
BLOOM. 🌺 BLOOM. 🌺
Today I didn't extend myself grace even on my birt Today I didn't extend myself grace even on my birthday. With my eyes glued to my double monitors I too easily forgot that it was my birthday for the second half of the day as I worked through my to do list of projects. I came to my senses when I was reminded of my blessings, Lucas and the kids n dem, who are all of the presents that I need. Towards the end of the day I took a break and disinfected the bottoms of my sneakers (even though I've worn them 2 or 3 times) to wear them on my last meeting of the day and felt like a BOSS. 

Corporate America betta get it together because THIS is my new work attire and how I feel most comfortable. 

Thank you everyone for your birthday messages to remind me of the community and connections that have been built. As my boy Snowden said, this is the last year of our 30s- let's make it count. Cheers to being alive and in optimal health at #39yearsyoung. 🤗

Also

1). I've found a new hobby creating fiber art to get me through the winter blues. 

2). My braiding game is getting so much better 😭 

3). I'm still crowning myself the Queen of high-low fashion with my Family Dollar sweat suit paired with theJordan 12s😩. #makeitmakefashionsense
A transcript of a conversation that transpired an A transcript of a conversation that transpired an hour ago.

@lucas__barber: Lisa.

Me: Yeah? *pauses The Queen's Gambit and walks into the living room concerned*

Lucas: I don’t know what it is about our kids but they are incredibly special.

Me: *nods in agreement*

Lucas: The year Levi was born was the year that the Bills broke the curse and made it to the playoffs.

Me: *in my head* Not where I thought this was going.

Lucas: This year, the year Lola was born, Bills won their division for the first time in 25 years securing their spot in the playoffs. And they’ll have a home game. Each year since Levi was born, we have progressively gotten better. If we make it to the playoffs but lose the Super Bowl I think we’re going to have to regroup to see where we’re at to consider trying for a third kid...

Me: Wha—

Lucas: Because THAT kid will give us the win for next season.

Me: Wait what? *confused as a bearer of children and a non-sports fan*

Lucas: If we win the Super Bowl, Lola is the chosen one. Levi doesn’t know it yet but she will get the birth right. Also after we win the Super Bowl we can just cut it offfff cut it offfff. (motioning his hand as a saw to reinforce his new song) Well, not cut it off but you know, the vein.

Me: Lucas, what do me and my ovaries have to do with this conversation??

Lucas: Lisa, your ovaries are curse breakers.

Me: *Rihanna squint gif* 🤷🏾‍♀️

----
12.5 years of marriage and he still has a touch of crazy but is still my babe 🥰
Feast my little squirrel friends. This squirrel be Feast my little squirrel friends. This squirrel bench is for you. 🐿️🍎 

#squirrelbench #happythanksgivng #gratitude
This morning was an exciting opportunity to partne This morning was an exciting opportunity to partner with @wandering_moms to discuss healthcare abroad for mothers looking to travel with their children. I have so many wonderful stories and fond memories of traveling during the five months of my pregnancy and have documented it on my blog for others to use as a resource.

If you're interested in learning more from other mothers, check out the virtual event Wandering Moms Fest: The Exodus Episode scheduled for December 5th at 12:30 pm. You're in for a treat as three other women share their journey and information to navigate healthcare abroad. 🙌🏾

Swipe for details 👉🏾

PS: I tried containing my face (and horror) during the discussion as I watched the snow coming down by the minute! 😩❄️🌨️ 

#wandermom #travelmom #travelingwithmelanin
Yesterday I was feeling defeated because I spent t Yesterday I was feeling defeated because I spent the entire day in my pajamas doing Levi's hair. Eight hours to be exact- an entire shift. Half joking, half serious, I texted many of my close circle asking them to send up prayers for strength for the challenge ahead. Many see Levi's hair sometimes in fuzzy braids and other times in a volume of curls but no one knows what goes into the maintenance unless you do it yourself. I am thankful for the words of encouragement and advice that I received as I detangled and lightly flat ironed his hair in preparation of braiding it for the week (even if it did take 50% of my weekend).

All parents want their kids to look presentable but for parents of Black children it is even moreso important because people will and have looked down on little Black boys and girls for how they present themselves to society. We love Levi's hair and want him to love and respect it too, knowing the world may not reciprocate it. But because I'm not the best hair braider it pains me when I try my best and my efforts are not reflected in the end results. I want the world to see my son as I do and not fabricate narratives that do not align with his truth. After eight hours I finished it in four braids that I wasn't feeling too proud of but Lucas reminded me that I improved since last week which was encouraging. Thank you to my community for your kind words when I was down on myself.

Yesterday we wore our hair up in a ponytail and he said "Mommy our hair is so bootiful" and it made me melt.

This is Levi Augustus Barber. The Lion. 🦁

We use all @sheamoisture products because of how it makes our hair soft and my husband and I love the work they are doing to support Black business owners. It's worth checking out the palm oil line 🤎
For the 2016 presidential election, we lived in Ph For the 2016 presidential election, we lived in Phuket, Thailand at the time and watched the results from afar. We went to bed with Hillary in the lead and woke up to the news that Trump had won the presidency. 

"Donald Trump won," I whispered partly to myself and partly to Lucas in shock. 

Watching the results and America unfold from abroad was quite the outer body experience. From the looks on social media, America was having a crisis as we came to grips with the idea of new president who embodied too many isms to count.

Everyday this week I've woken up apprehensive about looking at my phone to see the results. 

With the election being so close right now I hope to never have to whisper thosewords again four years ago. 

Thank you to all who voted and to the tireless people protecting our democracy.
Swinging into the weekend with memories of paradis Swinging into the weekend with memories of paradise. ✌🏾

❓If you could teleport to a country, which one would it be?!

✨Shout out to my mom, @donna150
for sending me this Bob Marley dress when I lived in New Zealand! 🇯🇲

#physicalcanvastravels to #thailand
#travel #travelnoire #instapassport #wetraveltoo #wegotoo #cocoatravelersintl #blackabroad #theblacktourist #travelphotography #exploretocreate #visualsoflifes #exploringtheglobe #hardlyhomemade #travelingwithmelanin #travelblogger #keepitwild #mytinyatlas #liveauthentics #blackgirlmagic #blacktravelfeed #soultravel #essencetravels #travelingwithmelanin #blavitylife  #mytravelcrush #sistersandsuitcases #blackoutdoors #outdoorafro
It's crazy to think that I am no longer pregnant a It's crazy to think that I am no longer pregnant after carrying her for the entire year up until early August. Although many of us have written off 2020 and would give it a 0 star rating, good has come forth over the year. I've seen people grow, businesses flourish and healthy babies born. That's enough to give a praise report as #blackbabies and POC are disproportionately impacted by COVID. 

Today I thank God for His miracles, even when it's as simple as an 80 degree weather Sunday a few weeks ago when we went apple picking. I'm also thankful for the ability to be out in nature with my bundle of joy. ✨

❓What unexpected blessings landed in your lap this year? 

#momsofinstagram #motherhood #motherdaughter #nature #adventures #sundayfunday #blackmothers #blackindluencers
Before 'rona hit, we had been planning to redo our Before 'rona hit, we had been planning to redo our kitchen while we (read: @lucas__barber) took on the updates in the other parts of the house. One thing that I love about our relationship is that we are truly in tuned when we discuss home decor. Both of us have an appreciation for simplicity but are also adventurous enough to incorporate unexpected design aesthetics. 

Embarking on a #kitchenrenovation can be scary! Why? Because the decisions you make are pretty permanent, unlike decorating a living room or bedroom where you can easily swap out the sheets, pillows or wall hangings. Backsplashes are not as interchangeable and countertops are literally set in stone. But despite the nail bitting decisions that are made, it's been such fun project to collaborate on. 

PS: I'm really feeling the glass herringbone pattern as a contemporary spin on a classic subway tile. 🙌🏾

❓Do you prefer working on projects by yourself or partnering with someone else?

❓What #homedecor or creative projects have you been working on to keep you busy?

#kitchendesign #kitchenremodel #kitchendecor #oneroomchallenge
As die-hard foodies, @lucas__barber and I are alwa As die-hard foodies, @lucas__barber and I are always on the hunt for new and interesting eats so it's no surprise that he came home the other day with this flavor and brand of kombucha. I typically don't drink kombucha on a regular basis but this is GOOD. When I started to think of ideas of where to house the empty bottle in our kitchen, Lucas told me you can bring it back for refills which I thought was pretty cool. We missed the farmer's marker today but I look forward to filling up again. 

What other #kombucha brands do you like? 

Roc residents, have you tried this yet?
We planned and conceived you in Thailand. Listene We planned and conceived you in Thailand.

Listened to your heartbeat in Vietnam.

Climbed the Great Walk of China in Beijing.

Ate our way through Hong Kong.

Heard "it's a boy" in South Korea. 

Captured maternity photos in Japan.

Delivered in the States.

After your 1st birthday, we spent time in New Zealand with your godparents and explored Sweden.

To my first born:
You are loved around the world, to the moon and back. You continue to make us laugh as you become older and more witty with your expanded vocabulary. I pray that the world will recognize you for your gifts and contributions and not judge you based on preconceived notions. Continue to shine my love as you walk into your third year of life. The world is yours for the taking and trekking. 💓

Kudos to @lucas__barber for getting my baby's curls to pop with @sheamoisture 🙌🏾
As a mother to two little ones, I am eternally gra As a mother to two little ones, I am eternally grateful for welcoming two humans into this world. Lucas and I are thoroughly enjoying being parents to them even when life becomes slightly more busy and the laundry piles up a little quicker than normal. We wouldn't change it for the world. 

Having a baby is not only a blessing, but a privilege as a woman who can freely make decisions about her own body. My body. Unfortunately, the right of having a baby has been robbed from the detained migrant women in the ICE detention centers when gynecologists performed hysterectomies without their full consent. 

MY GOD. 

America lost its way a long time ago... specifically when the eugenics movement targeted poor women of colour, physically and mentally handicap individuals through forced sterilizations.

As I lay here breastfeeding my daughter, I relish in the delightful moments where I can feel and hear her body rise and fall against my chest with each breath and with each coo. How she smiles in sleepy satisfaction after receiving a belly full of milk and her balled fist relaxes as she falls deeper into a beautiful slumber. Moments, all of which have been stolen from future mothers that have proven to birth generations of warriors, lovers, teachers and providers.

MY GOD.
My heart 
Is heavy.
This is America.
In 2019, when we planned for the arrival of our li In 2019, when we planned for the arrival of our little one, we didn't expect what the new year would bring. A health pandemic, parenting to a toddler and becoming an impromptu teacher by day while working full-time from home was just the start of my third trimester. Racial tensions and difficult conversations all under six months of quarantine made for strange times. 2020 has been a long... decade, yet we managed to celebrate the wins including our 12 year marriage anniversary in July. Despite it all, we had a small but mighty tribe behind us and an awesome God.

On August 10 at 7:55 am, our little girl was born exactly on her due date (just like her brother, who was born on his due date three years ago). All 7.64 pounds and 19.5 inches of her are a bundle of joy as we are filled with gratitude.

As we finish the remainder of the year, be sure to personally check in on those you consider family and friends. Feel free to reach out as our numbers have not changed since we're off and on social media. Until the next time, take care. ❤️
© PHYSICAL CANVAS 2020 | SITE DESIGNED BY LISA BARBER
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