Being a mom is the best --- and the hardest --- job I've ever held. I've gained hands-on experience as a carpenter. I've assembled everything from play kitchens to revolving bookshelves; as a hair stylist I've mastered intricate braiding techniques on a squeamish one-year-old. As a top chef I've whipped up homemade baby food that made it into my daughter's stomach and not onto … [Read more...]
The Single Life: Dating Laz Alonzo
This weekend, I was the envy of all of my girlfriends—single and married. I attended the Disney Dreamer’s Academy to report for my blog, Diary of a First Time Mom, and my other love, Black and Married with Kids. The girls weren’t jealous of my quality time with Mickey Mouse---who by the way, is much shorter in person! They envied the handsome actors I spent time with. Lance … [Read more...]
The Single Life: 5 Steps to Take Before You Forgive
Recently, a reader reached out to me and asked for advice on how to forgive an ex. I'm not sure if I gave her the answer she wanted, but perhaps my words provided the answer she needed. She thought she forgave the person, but after reading on of my articles on disappointment and distrust, something surfaced. Anger and bitterness lied beneath a fake forgiveness. I shared with … [Read more...]
Love Lessons For My Daughter
I learned a lot about love from my father. He didn't lecture me. As a matter of fact, he didn't say much about the subject. Instead, he taught my sister and I love lessons through his actions. He adored my mother. Still does. He bends over backwards to keep a smile on her face. She does the same in return. But he always says he loves her more and that women should find a man … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Heat Up Your Relationship in the Middle of Winter
The weather outside is frightful, at least in Pittsburgh where I reside. But despite the falling temps, couples, especially ones with kids, can still heat up their relationships. Here are 10 ways you can keep the fire burning. 1. Get a Couples Massage You spend all day taking care of someone else, so it's time for someone to take care of you! Relax and relieve your … [Read more...]
Dear Daughter, Will You Be My Valentine?
I love Valentine's Day. Some days I receive red roses and Godiva chocolates. Other days I go on romantic dinner dates. Most days I spend the holiday single. But everyday, I had a man in my life to celebrate love. That man was my father. He always gave me a card and told me all the things he loved about me. He repeated the list throughout the year, and he let me know what he … [Read more...]
The Single Life: It’s Text Free Friday — At Least on My Phone
I like to talk. Correction. I love to talk, so much so that my parents nicknamed me M&M as a child. I wasn’t named after the candy-coated chocolates that melt in your mouth and not in your hands. The letters stood for Motor Mouth. Since then, I’ve formed friendships, built networks and entered romantic relationships through conversations. I spent hours on the telephone and … [Read more...]
The Road (Less Traveled) to Conception
Garmin should create a GPS to navigate the road to fertilization. Instead of entering an address, women could plug in their age, medical information, and family history. The system could map out the fastest route to conception. The GPS could store favorite destinations, such as an OBGYN office and baby shower registration locations. The device could detour around low egg and … [Read more...]
Interview: Inside the Mind of an Accidental Stay-at-Home Mom
Janica and her fiancé Kyle had a plan. Janica would work at a corporate retail office in New Jersey while Kyle forged an engineering career in Pennsylvania. While apart, they would plan their dream wedding and the life that would follow. They gave themselves three years to climb career ladders before stepping off to have children. But that plan was tossed out the window when … [Read more...]
Family Finances 101 With Rob Wilson
Christmas is over, but the remnants remain in the Hopson household. Although the red and green decorations are packed up and stored in the back of my closet, the tree still stands. Before you judge me, note that it’s artificial and not dying and dropping pine needles all over the living room. It sparkles and shines. It’s the first tree that I purchased and decorated as a first … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Spend Less Despite Paying More in Taxes
I spend my paycheck before it's directly deposited into my bank account. Almost every dollar's designated to a bill or expense. This January, I plan to pay off my sugar daddies who dump me at the end of the month. You know the type--my apartment manager who lets me live under his roof until the first of the month passes. My customer service representative whose credit card … [Read more...]
The Single Life: Seven Dating Resolutions That Lead to Marriage
Recently, I made a resolution to break up with someone. Well, we weren't technically together. He said we were dating, but our relationship didn't exactly fit the definition. He was friendly, funny and fine, but beyond that, I didn't think we had much in common. And for the first time, I lowered my expectations to avoid loneliness during the holidays. My friends encouraged me … [Read more...]
Celebrating the Importance of Fatherhood through Photography
There's something about a father being publicly affectionate with his child that warms my heart and fills my body with joy. Unfortunately, society stereotypes men as being callous, cold or uncaring at times. They depict them as individuals with a tough love attitude and a no tears policy. So when I see a father and a daughter holding hands while walking to school or a dad … [Read more...]
It’s Photo Shoot Season! – 4 Tips on Getting Great Family Photos
When I first became a mother, I planned elaborate photo shoots with my daughter. I hoped to capture every moment, every memory on film. I was absolutely amazed that I played a part in creating this lovely little person and wanted to document her journey here on earth. I had a schedule. She would get her pictures taken every three months–and that’s just counting professional … [Read more...]
The Single Life: What Gift to Give Someone You Just Started Dating
When my friends and I were in high school, we wanted to be single in the summer. Why? Just close your eyes and picture pool parties and backyard barbecues. Concentrate hard enough and you might even hear Will Smith's "Summertime" lyrics blaring in the background. When winter rolled around, the weather changed and so did our status. We watched movies (in VHS players) and … [Read more...]