When my husband proposed to me, I was elated. He was finally going to put a ring on it after six months of dating. This was in 1999, so I realize this may seem odd. However, I knew in my heart that he was my husband and I told him this. I am also a mom of a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Gabrielle(Gab). She is my everything. Her father wasn’t in her life and wasn't even … [Read more...]
How to Be a Mom and an Entrepreneur without Failing at Both
When I began this entrepreneurship journey several years ago, I knew one thing and one thing only: I did not want to work for anyone ever again in my life. I had been fired twice from jobs because I put my kids’ health first. The last full-time job I had was with the federal government. I quit that job when I heard God say, “Pack your things. It’s time to go.” Before and … [Read more...]
5 Things Couples Can Do to Prepare for a Major Life Transition
If there is once thing I know for sure, it’s the fact that every couple has to experience change. Even if your relationship is happy and healthy, change will occur. It’s inevitable. But change is not a bad thing. Change is a natural part of life. What determines your level of happiness and success is not your ability to avoid change, but your ability to manage it. What do … [Read more...]
5 Easy Steps to Turn Your 2017 Vision into a Reality
"I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved. Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run." - Habakkuk 2: 1-2 We all have heard this preached time and again in church. We all get hyped up … [Read more...]
How Informed Should You Keep Your Young Kids on Current Affairs? And Why?
The question of whether or not to inform your young children about current affairs is a very personal and sensitive question and one that I always ask myself when it comes to my own children. Initially my reaction was that I want my “kids to be kids,” meaning I wanted them to live in innocence and remain blissfully ignorant to the realities of society. I didn’t want to … [Read more...]
5 Tips and Tricks for Successful Holiday Road Trips
So the holidays are upon us, last minute shopping is taking place, plans are being finalized, food is being prepared and ugly sweaters, Santa hats and faux reindeer antlers are getting worn. The holiday season is a lot of fun, but it is also a costly endeavor. Therefore, looking for bargains, deals and using general money savings strategies is always a priority. Toward that … [Read more...]
How God’s Sense of Humor Healed My Blended Family; Plus, 5 Tips for YOU
Many people ask, "how did you make your blended family work?" With so many couples turning to divorce in our society, I can see how this perplexes folks. My prayer is that these five tips will help you in this journey called LIFE. 1. Pray!!!! I am so serious about this. Bringing children and a spouse together is a totally different dynamic, which can make or break a new … [Read more...]
3 Tips to Survive the Holiday Season When You Can’t Cook a Lick
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t cook, despite the fact that I LOVE to eat. The holidays are one of my favorite times of year for many reasons, and that's mostly due to the abundance of food and family that is around. So how can I, as a non-cooking person, pull my weight in social settings where everyone is expected to contribute? Here are three tips I have used to survive … [Read more...]
Singles; How I Prepared Myself to Be a Wife—and You’ll Never Guess Who Helped
Often times marriage prep would require you to do some kind of soul searching or learning from your elders, who have been married for a long time. But I've come to find out that those are not the only ways. I had no idea that in just a short amount of time I’d be learning about marriage by living with my younger sister. I thought I had it figured out for the most part in … [Read more...]
Wives Do You Know How to Recognize and Use Your Power?
Wives have been known for being the ones who hold the family together. Have you ever wondered how women do this? I believe it is because of the power inside them. Wives, we must recognize our power and use it accordingly. A wife’s power comes knowing who she is. She is confident and comfortable with the woman she has become. That power allows her to tackle any situation she … [Read more...]
Think Your Marriage Can Survive a Major Illness? 7 Ways to Support a Spouse with a Chronic Health Issue
Do you recall your wedding vows? Did you mean it when you recited them? I want to take a look at one specific one, the one that says “in sickness and in health.” Many couples probably don’t think about what will happen if illness shows up, but it can be catastrophic. Chronic illness in a relationship can often place a strain on finances, communication, intimacy, emotional … [Read more...]
Rocking Out with LaShawn and April Daniels of the Tamar & Vince Show
I recently had the pleasure of chatting it up with the always real, down-to-earth LaShawn and April Daniels, co-stars of the Tamar & Vince show. When I was new to the blogging scene, they were one of the first celebrity couples I interviewed here on this website. I immediately became a superfan and loved what they stood for. I adored how they showed the world that there … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Honor Black History Heroes within Your Own Family
As we celebrate Black History Month, I’m sure you don’t have to look very far to find someone within your own family to honor. We often celebrate the lives of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Madam CJ Walker, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks and the countless others who made our Black History so rich. However, consider celebrating those individuals who achieved great … [Read more...]
4 Easy Ways to Give Black Dads Their Props Starting Today
In our society if we listen to the news, it is normal to hear of terrible daddy stories. Just because some folks have terrible daddy stories doesn’t mean that all dads are bad, especially our black dads. Can we take a moment and celebrate the dads who are doing it right? More than ever, I see dads with their children in the mall and at the playground. YouTube videos of dads … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Keep Peace with Mama and ‘Em this Christmas
We all know the reason for the season, even though at moments we sometimes fail in practicing and spreading the love, joy, and peace that those around us should experience. It can get quite stressful overspending and spending hours running around looking for deals. Don’t even get me started on decorating the home and meal preparation. It can be overwhelming. Not to mention … [Read more...]