Making Waves

I haven’t always loved my body or sporting a bathing suit. Especially not a bikini. I’ve had bikini insecurities. If you’re a woman and reading this, have you? If you have, please don’t leave me hanging. I know I’m not the only one…  My insecurities started right around the time I was aware of my body getting curvy, specifically in the hips and thighs area. When I was a teenager and went swimming with my cousins, I was so insecure, that I actually wore swimming trunks over my bathing suit. When my aunt saw me in the pool in the backyard and asked me why I had them on, I promptly changed the subject. By the time I got to high school, I no longer had a suit because I was still so shy and insecure about my body, hips, and thighs, that I felt it’d be best to completely avoid pools and the beach. The new friends I made in high school were  really  into heading to the beach. So I couldn’t keep hiding out forever. One day I broke down and told one of my close friends ...

I’ve been to several weddings and have been to enough of them to know the do’s and don’ts when it comes to being a wedding guest. A lot of what you should and shouldn’t do is common sense, however, some people still need refreshers. That said, here’s my bachelorette guide to attending weddings…  RSVP & Be On Time.  If someone thought enough of you to invite you to be a part of their special day, the least you could do is let them know if you can or can’t make it to the wedding. There have been some weddings I couldn’t attend (due to prior commitments I already had) and I wish I’d been upfront and declined to attend sooner rather than later. With the ones I did attend, I was sure to RSVP in a timely manner. This is important as it lets the bride, groom, and wedding planner know how to prepare for how many guests will be in attendance. Also, be on time for the wedding. I once showed up late to a friend’s wedding and got there just in time for the vows. It was awkward ...

Jesus, great wine, and incredible brunch are all subject matters I’m well versed in. And one sunny Sunday morning I found myself at a cute and cozy wine and brunch spot called Press Wine Bar. It was divine. I enjoyed the location, the food, and the chill customer service too.  If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for an incredible place to have brunch and chill, I highly recommend checking out Press Wine Bar sometime. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

I had a choice. I could get salty and remain upset about what happened, or I could  rejoice  in being unchosen. At the end of last year, I was struggling with disappointment in my professional life. At work, an announcement was made about different people being promoted. And I wasn’t chosen. Some of my colleagues were surprised I wasn’t. Strangely, I was too. When the news broke, I believed not being chosen somehow devalued who I was as an employee. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. John 13:7 reads, “Jesus replied, “You don’t realize now what I am doing. But later you will understand.”    Slowly but surely, I was beginning to understand. I got myself together and congratulated almost everyone I knew who was promoted, even those who were rubbing it in. Although the way things went down felt cruel and unfair, I knew celebrating others was the right thing to do. I felt foolish for allowing myself to wallow in self-pity and self-doubt, for months, abou...

I know a handful of creatives involved in different things ranging from music, art, fashion, styling, writing, blogging, business, and more, who often challenge and create and deliver new ideas to their various platforms and callings. While being creative is cool, it also has its challenges. People who aren’t creative usually don’t understand or mesh well with those who are, which is challenging in itself. It’s not that we can’t all get along, it’s just that creatives often see things on different levels and have an opposite approach to different things in life from the way they create to how they interact with other people. Some truths about creative people? Keep reading… They Need Time Alone.  This is probably one of the biggest things to know about creatives. They often need time alone. Uninterrupted. Unbothered. Undisturbed. One of my biggest pet peeves whenever I’m brainstorming, writing, blogging, or trying to read or listen to something that may help my process is whe...

This brunch spot is one of the best places I’ve dined at in the area. Which means a lot, since I’m a self-proclaimed brunch connoisseur. But real talk, Bay Local Eatery’s brunch game is on point. And their customer service? Phenomenal. In celebration of my birthday month last month, I wanted to try a new brunch spot, and I decided to try Bay Local Eatery. I ordered The Lesner which was a part of their early bird special (I’m seriously 29 going on 70…at least most days 😂 and everything I ordered was delicious. I f you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for an incredible place to have brunch, I highly recommend checking out Bay Local Eatery sometime. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

In the year 1992, I learned I was no longer an only child. I had a little brother. And at first, I didn’t take the news too well… or so I’ve been told by different family members. The story was that a few weeks after my brother arrived home from the hospital, I hit him with a baby bottle. Although I don’t recall doing such a thing, some of my family said it happened. I also learned that before I came into the picture, my mom and dad had already had a fur baby: a beautiful black lab that had a hard time when I was brought home too. My mom told me that their lab would only pull  my  baby clothes off my mom’s clothing line, which was probably an indication that their fur baby knew a new baby was in town. Clearly, we all had adjustments to make.  I was a big sister and eventually adjusted to my role accordingly.  My brother and I are a few years apart. We’re also two very different people in the way we view the world, carry ourselves, and handle certain si...

I was the only single woman in the room. I talked with couples, smiled at babies, browsed through my phone, and then made my exit. I was at a surprise birthday party for one of my friends, who happens to be married. Her husband reached out to a bunch of us to gather for a small celebration for her birthday. And while in the past, I’d usually avoid these kinds of events, I decided to show up and celebrate my friend. Sometimes some single women get anxious, insecure, or annoyed being amongst those who are coupled off. And I get it. I used to be the same way until I learned how to coexist with couples. I’m no expert, as I’m still navigating this, but I do have some pointers for single bachelorettes trying to find their way in and through the world of couples… Relax.  Being single in the world can be fun for some and daunting for others. But one of the best things you can do is  relax  and own your current status. Being single can be awesome! And the freedom that comes...

I love going to Waterman’s! It’s one of my favorite places to eat and it’s always a good time. The atmosphere, vibes, customer service, and food options are on point and the fact that it’s right near the beach is awesome as well. Waterman’s is well-known for their awesome Original Orange Crushes, (I’m a big fan of The Waterman drink too – it’s delicious) and if you go, you won’t be disappointed. Did I mention they do brunch too? 😋 If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a great place to chill, go to Waterman’s. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

I have three tattoos. And I’ve been thinking of getting a few more. I also happen to be a Christian that really digs tattoos. I think they’re unique, creative, and beautiful. However, in the Christian faith, they’re also a topic of controversy. There are a lot of people, particularly certain Christians, who view tattoos as sinful and rebellious. A popular go-to scripture supporting those who are opposed to tattoos can be found in Leviticus 19:28 which reads, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the LORD.” Some Christians have even insisted that getting tattoos can send you to hell. But I strongly disagree. In fact, I don’t believe tattoos are a heaven or hell issue that dictates anyone’s salvation. And I’ve got a problem with any Christians who go around telling anyone they’re going to hell. First of all, who do you think you are? Surely you can’t think you’re God. Neither is your pastor or your church community or any other religiou...