Making Waves

Every woman should have one. A little black dress. It’s certainly a dress worth saying yes to. It’s a universally flattering look and a great go-to for any and every occasion. I have about seven different LBD’s for different occasions. In the photo below, I’m wearing three from my wardrobe and I love them. Each New Year’s Eve, wearing all black has been my go-to look and I get excited when I can sport a cute dress because it makes me feel a little fancy. When you look good you  feel  good, and the coolest thing about LBD’s is that they come in so many different cuts, styles, and sizes and are very affordable depending on where you shop. If you can afford to purchase more than one, I recommend it, that way you have options. Another cool thing is that you can style your LBD with as many or little accessories as you’d like. If you don’t have one, maybe it’s time you get one. And work it. An LBD would look lovely on any and every woman. So say yes to the little black dress....

I’ve made mistakes, messed up, and done a handful of stupid things. I believe at one point or another, everyone has. It’s just important to learn from bad decisions and do your best to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again. I recently had a conversation with my mother about some poor decisions I made in my early twenties, how badly I felt about them, and how I could have handled things better. After listening, she casually responded, “Well, those things you did aren’t uncommon for someone in their twenties.” She didn’t judge me. Condemn me. Or make me feel ashamed. I’m massively blessed to have two great parents who’ve loved me unconditionally even when I’ve messed up. If you have parents or a parent or parental figure who loves you the same way, you’re blessed. Don’t take them for granted. I used to be the kind of Christian that prided myself on walking a straight and narrow path. Striving for perfection and being labeled or perceived as a  perfectionist  from...

Bittersweet. It’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about what this year’s been like. While there were a lot of things that happened, both good and bad, I’ve narrowed my reflections down to eighteen truths and lessons that have been enlightening, hard to process at times, and at the same time, some much-needed revelations I needed to grasp as this year progressed. This year I’ve learned… ·       Let your yes be  yes  and your no be  no –  see Matthew 5:37. Don’t beat around the bush. ·       Listen to your body. If something feels off or doesn’t sit right with you, go see a physician and don’t put it off. Your health comes first. ·       You can reinvent yourself. Really, you can. And have fun with it.  ·       It’s okay to not be okay. No one has it “all together” all the time. It’s okay to be vulnerable enough to admit when you’re feeling...

I love scrapbooking! It’s a blast being able to put together some great memories experienced through the years. One weekend, I set aside some time to store a ton of my own memories and good times into a ticket stub organizer I ordered off Amazon. If you follow my blog then you already know I’m really into movies and music, so my ticket stub scrapbook is filled with tickets from the movies and concerts I’ve been too. If you’re looking for ways to store and reflect on your own fun memories, I highly recommend scrapbooking. It’s really cool. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF! 

Being petty has sparked many inspired (and sometimes hilarious) memes, disrupted relationships, and caused all kinds of unnecessary chaos that could’ve otherwise been avoided if someone involved or all parties involved made a decision to take the high road. I’ll be the first to admit that taking the high road isn’t always easy or realistic. Sometimes it’s easier being ratchet. We’ve all got a little bit of petty inside of us – even those of us who are kind souls. Regardless, I get it. I’ve had my petty moments of clapping back at people who did things that upset or offended me. And when I did clap back in a moment of disappointment, rage, or revenge, I felt good… b ut only for a moment. My flesh felt good, but my spirit felt off. And guilt would kick in. I’m a Christian but I’m still human and naturally, I get upset about different things, just like anyone else. I’m going to take my perfectionist hat off for a moment and let anyone reading know that being a believer of Jesus doesn...

In the popular ‘80s film (and one of my personal favorites),  Footloose , Kevin Bacon portrays a character named Ren McCormack. When Ren arrives in a small town, he’s shocked to discover that the local Reverend has outlawed rock and roll music and dancing. Ray decides to shake things up by gathering with a small group of some of the towns local teens, including the Reverend’s daughter, and together they embark on a journey to embrace their right to listen to the music they want and dance as they please.  Although I’m a millennial and this film came out before I was born, I have to say I can understand  Ren McCormack’s plight and respect what he did.  He went into a small town and brought  change.  The Reverend and many of the townspeople weren’t on board with Ren’s desire to change things and they probably felt threated by his desire and influence to bring dancing and rock and roll back into town. Although he was threatened, pushed around, and opposed, h...

I always enjoy reading uplifting quotes that help make my days a little brighter and my spirit stronger. Reflect on the quotes below throughout the week. Write them down or save them in your phone or share them with another person you believe may benefit from them too. Perhaps look up some different quotes of your own. And always stay inspired. Have a wonderful day and week! When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time – Maya Angelou Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen – Hebrews 11:1 Be bold enough to live on your terms and never, ever apologize for it – Mandy Hale  We give a lot of others significance in our lives even when they don’t deserve it. It doesn’t matter if they’re family or if you’ve known them forever. If they’re not good for you, they’ve got to go – Gabrielle Union  It takes 20 years to build a reputation and only five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differe...

The current state of America can feel scary sometimes. Amidst the political showdowns and obscenities, a shaky economy, and opposing views and opposition a lot of people may feel hopeless, unsettled, and sometimes downright restless. One of the dark truths in all the messiness is that racism is still very much alive. There’s a lot of controversy within the black community regarding racism, prejudice, and a complicated relationship with law enforcement. More and more black families are having “The Talk” with their children about how to survive and stay alive in a time of high racial tensions and increased prejudice. It’s heartbreaking and startling that this is a conversation still being had in 2018. Some time ago,  Proctor & Gamble  partnered with  My Black Is Beautiful  to release a campaign about  The Talk  that more minorities are having with their kids. Most black people are usually raised and conditioned to know that our place in the world comes...

I went to Baker’s Crust for the first time about a month ago. And it was absolutely delicious. I was even more stoked to learn they served brunch too – which is one of the best things ever! So when my mentee and I dined at this lovely location one weekend, I just knew I had to do a review. I ordered the chicken and waffles with a side of home fries and finished the meal in one sitting. Everything was fresh, the customer service was excellent, and the location was super chill. I’ll definitely be dining there again. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a great place to dine, go to Baker’s Crust. It’s wonderful. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF! 

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. – Ferris Bueller When I was a kid, my father and I had a favorite movie we often watched called  Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  It’s hilarious, and a refreshing reminder that it’s okay to have some fun. The quote above is a memorable one from the film that deeply resonates with me. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down. I can’t do  everything  or be everything to everyone .  I wasn’t meant to. But at times, I’ve felt I needed to show up for everyone and everything else and put myself and my needs on the shelf. This year I’ve finally realized and owned that I can fully embrace God’s peace and set boundaries with being on the go, in addition to, being the go-to friend or person that’s constantly tugged on for advice or help or prayer or ministry or any other additional demands on my time and energy. In a past season this year, I felt totally depleted and drain...

Until I went to college, I wasn’t fully aware of the world of politics. But I quickly observed and learned people were supporting different groups, views, and candidates of their liking. Democrats and Republicans and Nonpartisans and a handful of other groups were retreating to their separate corners, outspoken with their views of who was right vs. wrong, who should be in office and who shouldn’t, who they wanted to fail and who they wanted to succeed, and more. It was clear how things could quickly get heated and ugly. During the time 44 th  POTUS, Barack Obama was elected into office as the first African-American president of the United States, it was obvious a lot of people weren’t happy about it. I was excited to be a first-time voter the year he won. Being able to participate in a history-changing election was incredible. Barack’s win was victorious, moving, and celebratory for some, and a massive disappointment to others. In Michelle Obama’s recently released memoir, ...

One weekend I dropped my dog off to the groomers and had to write my father’s cell number down as a pickup contact. For a brief moment, I forgot his number. I couldn’t remember it off the top of my head. I’d left my phone in my car and was baffled I couldn’t remember his number. Frustrated even. I’m a smart young woman and I couldn’t remember my father’s own phone number? And at that moment, I realized how much impact smartphones have made on almost all of us. I don’t believe smartphones are horrible, but I don’t like that I forgot my father’s number. I also don’t like when smartphones interrupt moments when I’m hanging out with someone, and whoever I’m with begins scrolling through their phone when we’re trying to spend time together or when someone begins updating their “status” and taking a ton of pics and telling the internet about how much fun we’re having vs. being present and in the moment. It makes me feel like I’m not important to the person I’m trying to spend time with. B...

Even a little wind and rain couldn’t stop a perfectly planned staycation and the annual  Holiday Parade at the Beach  in my city last weekend. It was amazing. The streets were packed with eager residents and visitors to view the holiday fun and cheer as the parade carried on at the local oceanfront. It was beautiful and couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The smiling faces, festive floats, and talented bands and dancers were a wonderful treat to take in. After the parade, I happily retired to my hotel room, filled with delicious treats, and an amazing and peaceful view of the beach from my balcony window. It was one of the most chill staycations I’ve done thus far and a great way to kick off the holidays. Have fun this holiday season and make the most of the final month of this year. You deserve it.  Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!  Early Christmas Present: A Side of Serendipity  I don’t believe in forcing things or...

In the past when I’ve been approached by guys outside my race, I’ve frozen. A lot. I’m usually flattered but at the same time, surprised and abruptly filled with apprehension. Boatloads of apprehension. This isn’t normal. After all, what if God sends guys my way I didn’t have in mind? He tends to do things way beyond human understanding, and often in my case, way outside of comfort zones and limited thinking. Much of my apprehension being approached by guys outside my race has internally prompted the following questions: Am I some “trend” he’s interested in trying?   Sadly, there are some guys who are only interested in black women because they think it’s trendy or cool being with one. Interesting, isn’t it?  Am I betraying my own race or “selling out” by not exclusively being with someone who’s black too? How will the conversations go when it’s time for us to discuss race, culture, politics, religion, spiritually, and black hair? –  For black women, the top...

Properly managing and handling your finances can make a huge difference in your life. I believe everyone can always improve in this area -- especially women. As a bachelorette, I’m mindful of how I stack, save, and spend my money because I know that I work hard for it and that mishandling it can cause unnecessary stress and problems I don’t want or need in my life. I believe every woman should always be in a position of financial independence because you never know what kind of blows life may throw, and at the very least, you can try to be financially prepared for the unexpected. Whether the unexpected is a job loss, a career change you’d like to make, a breakup or dissolved marriage, being able to leave a bad or unhealthy situation, starting your own business, and more. I’ve talked with women who feel stuck and trapped in bad or unhealthy relationships or frustrating employment situations because of their finances. And I know other women who are financially stable who don’t need th...

A lot of people wrestle with this. Especially women. And it’s complicated. And relatable. Some of us like seeing other people blessed, winning, and doing good. Some don't. Regardless, that doesn’t mean life is always right or fair for everyone. God blesses the just and the unjust. I don’t think that’s fair, but it is what it is. Watching other people get blessed, even some of the most sketch people you’ve seen or known who are unbelievably messy and have done some sketchy things getting blessed, can honestly feel like a slap in the face, followed by a painful gut punch that leaves you breathless. In fact, I’ve found it frustrating and hard to process at times. By no means am I perfect or pretend to be, as we’re all fallen, but I’ve been disappointed with God. Sad. Angry. And especially confused when at one point or another myself and a number of other women I know who’ve been committed to Him, faithful, giving, living for the Kingdom, and taking on the “good girl” roles have had...