Celebrate Black History + Self Love

“How you love yourself is how you teach other to love you.” Rupi Kaur

It’s Black History + Self Love Month!! 

This is giving me all the feels! I’m proud to be a black woman and learning to come into my own. This journey has been difficult but as 30 is approaching I’m starting to see things in a different light. I’m not sure if it was due to 2020 or my 30’s approaching but it feels good here! Everyday I’m learning to release the expectations that have been placed on me or ones that I’ve placed on myself. 

Black History

I’m Black 365 days a year and yet I don’t feel that I celebrate the month. I know some people “show out” for their heritage month or holiday but I’ve never done that. I don’t think I’ve liked to think about my blackness but in reality, I have to. I’m raising black children in the South and I cannot shelter them from reality. What I can do is educate them and allow them to celebrate their black skin! 

I am working to create an in-home library full of books with people of color. I want my children to see others that look just like them. I also plan to add books about diversity. 

Self-Love

Show of hands who’s on or has been on a self-love journey? Some are born with the confidence while others are left struggling. I believe this has a lot to do with how you are raised. I grew up in a home with both parents, but they are not the affectionate type. However, I am very affectionate. I don’t know where it came from, I’ve always longed for that type of love. I vowed to give that to my children. I want them to see what healthy love looks and feels like. My children are learning to put up with me always wanting hugs and kisses. Even my oldest has learned that saying “I love you” is okay, in fact it’s cool! 

After a recent bout of illness, my mindset was forced to shift. I had to realize that loving myself also included taking care of myself. I can’t say that I love me without honoring what my body needs. In doing so, that means I do the following:

1.     Take time for myself (no distractions)

2.     Prioritize my health 

3.     Rest when needed

My wish for you is to do the same! Not only for the month of February but all year round!

Happy New Year - 2021

Happy New Year!!!

Yes, I know I’m SUPER late but better late than never. I can’t believe how much things are changing. 2020 was an interesting year to say the least. It really felt like a whirlwind but I learning A LOT about myself. My roles as a mother, woman, and partner have all been tested but I survived and that’s a reminder to myself that I will continue to!

I plan to jump back in full force in the coming months but for now; I’m taking things slow. With the wedding less than two months away – I need time to focus and enjoy!

Sending you all lots of love.

Bachelorette Weekend - Charlotte, NC

With the wedding only months away and the holidays right around the corner, I knew it was time to enjoy a weekend getaway. I’m doing my best not to be a bridezilla and remain respectful of people’s time – so now was the perfect time!

I’m a pretty laid back person, but I knew I wanted to have a girl’s weekend and with COVID-19 still running wild I knew I had to keep it low-key! I decided to make it a fun and relaxing weekend by heading to Charlotte, NC with a few of my good girlfriends. We rented an Airbnb, enjoyed a photoshoot and took a pole dancing class.

No matter what type of bride you are – you can always enjoy a good vacation with a few of your friends. It was important that we were all able to relax and let our hair down. We enjoyed yummy bites; girl talk and good libations!

t-shirts “girls trip cheaper than therapy”

I like to believe that I am a prepared person and I made sure to have my girls a goodie bag, often known as the Bachelorette Rescue Kit. I included the following items in my kit:

-        Gum

-        Mints

-        Shout Wipes

-        Protein Bar

-        Makeup Wipes

-        Lip balm

-        Tylenol

-        Benadryl

-        Tissue

-        Panty Liner

Your bag can include whatever you like and match your theme. I purchased these bags from a cute shop on Etsy. I also made these cute water bottle tags on Canva to match my theme.

I highly recommend trying out a pole dancing class if you’re not really into the club scene. The class at PoleFit Carolinas was awesome! She helped us all feel comfortable and confident! I really want to go back for a visit!

Here are some photos from our shoot with Denise Benson Photography! They came out great and our shirts were everything I wanted!

Big sis, me and mom

Not sure what to do for your bachelorette weekend – check out these ideas:

-        Beach Getaway

-        Cruise

-        Nice Dinner

-        PJ Party

-        Exotic Dancer

-        Tea Party

Happy Baching!

The Ultimate Wedding Day Playlist

I love good music, but I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t listen to it all the time. One of the things my fiancée and I bonded over in the beginning was music. We sat on the phone for hours playing songs and talking about life. It truly connected us and sparked and unforgettable flame. If you’re getting married soon or just in love here are a few songs, you should consider playing! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Huge shout out to my Instagram fam for helping me create this list!

Check out the entire list here and take a listen!

Let me know if you having any other songs that should be added to the list!

1.     Share My Life – Kem

2.     Beautiful Surprise - India Arie

3.     Giving Myself - Jennifer Hudson

4.     Why I Love You – Major

5.     Endless Love - Diana Ross

6.     So High - John Legend

7.     If this world were mine - Marvin Gaye

8.     For You - Kenny Latimore

9.     A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

10. Still in Love - Bryan McKnight

11. You - Jesse Powell

12. I Gotta Be - Jagged Edge

13. At Last - Etta James

14. The Sweetest Love - Robin Thicke

15. Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder

16. A Couple of Forevers - Chrisette Michelle

17. This one’s for me and you - Johnny Gill

18. Fortunate - Maxwell

19. Perfect - Ed Sheeran

20. Make You Feel My Love - Adele

21. All My Life - KC and JoJo

22. All of Me - John Legend

23. 1+1 - Beyoncé

24. Everything - Ella Mai

25. Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston

26. Best Part - Daniel Caesar

27. Next Breath - Tank

28. Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Beyoncé and Donald Glover

29. Let’s Stay Together - Al Green

30. Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur

31. Fall for you - Leela James

Photo by aneris photography