There are some days you can't help but hate your parents-in-law and other in-laws, and "I hate my monster-in-laws!" is one of those expressions nobody really wants to say and admit. You've found the one you love, and they love you back. The two of you decided to join together in holy matrimony. You're finally getting your happily ever after, but there is only one problem — his … [Read more...]
Natural Hair: 3 Steps To Achieve The Perfect Twist Out
Break the norm by doing a twist out on natural hair. I have worn my hair natural for the past 7 years. For those of you who may not know, “going natural” for a black woman means to wear your hair using no chemical straightening process aka “relaxer.” A lot of women refuse to go natural because of the time they believe it takes to maintain. Here, I'm going to show you how to do … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take Advice from Just Anybody
Have you ever had someone tell you what they would do if they were in your situation? Well the fact of the matter is that no one can ever be you in your situation. So when people say, "If I were you.." only bad advice will follow. When figuring out solutions to our own problems and answers to questions our minds go in a multitude of directions. Most of the mental paths that … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Move on When He Has Chosen Another
As a woman, maybe you've been there, maybe you haven't. But occasionally some of us have experienced the rejection of having a man choose another woman instead of you. Sometimes he may choose her as his girlfriend and sometimes he may choose her as his wife. Either way, it wasn't you and his selection has been made clear. So there you are left to wonder why. Why did he … [Read more...]
Natural Hair: 4 Ways to Maintain Moisture and Prevent Dryness During the Winter Months
This dry Winter air can kill your natural hair! It can make it dry and very brittle, which causes it to be prone to breakage. Since there is typically less moisture in the air in the Fall and Winter months you hair's ability to retain moisture could be affected. If you are anything like most of us naturals, then your regimen may change in the Winter. Here are some ways to … [Read more...]
6 Things to Consider When You Have Grown Children Living at Home
What are the rules for your grown children (18+) when it comes to living in your home? (disclaimer alert: I am in no way referring to grown children with special needs) I know a lot of you have little ones, and the bloggersphere is dominated with mommy bloggers who are mothers of small children. But there are many of us who have grown children and we have to worry about … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Keeping Your New Year Resolutions More Successful
Every year at the dawn of the new year, millions upon millions of people sit down and decide what their New Years resolutions are gonna be. New Years resolutions are tasks, in my opinion that we set ourselves up for failure while trying to achieve every year. The Top 5 Resolutions for 2015 according to USA.gov are: Lose Weight Volunteer To Help Others Quit Smoking Get A … [Read more...]
From Single Mother to Wife – 3 Tips for Making the Transition
I was a single mother for 11 years, with 2 young sons, before I got married. They were 11 and 6 years at the time. I didnt plan for my life to turn out that way but it did. My life as a single mother was not terrible. Harder, yes. but not terrible. I had a good job, new car, owned my own home, etc. I worked hard and I played hard. Things had not worked out with my son's … [Read more...]
Kwanzaa; Our Culture & Why We Celebrate it Every Year
For many years in my family we have celebrated Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an awesome kind of holiday that can be celebrated by people of any and all races, creeds and religions. It’s really a cultural celebration of heritage & African American people and community. This holiday was founded in 1965 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It is a week long celebration that takes place beginning … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Help You Cope with an Empty Nest
When all of my sons were living at home, this house was in a state of complete chaos most of the time. There were 4 of them. Those boys ate us out of house and home. It seemed like things were broken all the time when they were here. Lamps broken from missed football passes in the living room. Dishes were broken from the irresponsible hands that washed them. I remember the … [Read more...]
4 Super Cute Holiday Natural Hair Styles for Children
The holidays are fast approaching! We've all got plans and to do lists to complete. We must remember our recipes, acquire the appropriate supplies and clean the house to name a few items. Soon the kids will be out of school and family will be in town. Some of us with school age children may even have a pageant or play to attend. If you are the parents of children who have … [Read more...]
7 Reasons Why You Should Mind Your Own Business
At a recent family gathering during a buffet style dinner. I made my husband a plate. After giving it to him I made my own plate. Once I sat down a "family friend" and I use the word "friend" very loosely, made this comment, "that couldn't be me." I thought very carefully about ignoring this by walking away, but my Leo got the best of me and I asked. "What do you mean by … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Get Your Man To Go To The Doctor
I am married to a strong, fine, hard working Black man. He is all of those things PLUS he is supportive, patient and true help mate. He works diligently to support his family. He respects his mother (may she rest in peace) and will give you the clean shirt off his back if you asked for it. But you know what he won't do? He won't go to the doctor!! That's right. When … [Read more...]
The Long Lasting Effects of Witnessing Domestic Violence as a Child
“Mom, what was your dad like?” I really didn't know how to answer that question when my daughter asked me. Do I tell her that my father was a monster that used to punch my mother in the face in front of me? Do I tell her about the time he beat our puppy to death (literally) because he peed in the house. Or what about the time he came up to my school and assaulted my 3rd … [Read more...]
My Daughter is Growing Up – Dealing With My Own Painful Past
It was a warm summer evening with hints of Fall temperatures in the air as I sat on my sofa reading, I glanced outside and saw my beautiful little girl playing with her friends in the front yard. They were laughing and frolicking about and enjoying themselves as kids should. As I watched, I couldn’t help but marvel at their innocence. They are young and free, without a care … [Read more...]