Motherhood has brought so much joy into my life and has allowed me to grow and become a better person. I am the proud mother of two beautiful children: Aiden my firstborn and my daughter Arielle. My children inspire me daily and give me a purpose to continue on this journey called life. I have grown so much as a mother, and some of my best lessons are from my children. Let's take this journey together in this space created by the Outlook Magazine - A Mother's Space. Click here to read more

Motherhood has brought so much joy into my life and has allowed me to grow and become a better person. I am the proud mother of two beautiful children; Aiden my first born and my daughter Arielle. My children inspires me daily and gives me a purpose to continue on this journey called life. I have grown so much as a mother and some of my best lessons are from my children. Lets take this journey together in this space created by the Outlook Magazine - A Mother's Space. Click here to read more

“Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes Its 7am and WE are ready to go. Before we leave, we each say a little prayer. It has been a tradition for us to pray together in the morning and night. My children get an hour to chit chat, study, read or listen to soothing soul music or just sit in silence. Our rides to and from school is therapeutic as we get to talk about politics, fund memories or just share our thoughts and feelings. I AM blessed to take my children to work with me each day. I know what they do, who they are surrounded with and who impacts their daily lives. This decision was the hardest but most rewarding as I choose to put all promotions on hold. I will not forget the day I cried my eyes swollen. I felt guilty after leaving my children at school unattended at 6:50am to travel to a school 30 miles away. I was a Curriculum Support Specialist supporting 8 different schools and was on the road daily. Yes, I wore suits, rubbed shoulders with Principals and Directors, felt I was climbing the Education ladder.  I developed and delivered workshops and felt like I was Ms. KNOW IT ALL and THAT! God humbled me when my son turned to me and said why mommy, why do you leave me so early at school and come home so late.  I want more of my mommy. That conversation was my turning point and I knew I would go back into the classroom. After 5 months, I gave the position up to go nurture and care for my birth children. I am first a mommy and then an educator. Why worry about others and not your own? I truly enjoy what I do. I am able to touch many lives. The great blessing is that I connect with students. I can Juju to the beat, laugh about teenage memories with them, yet stillI I demand the respect as an adult. My children in my classroom gives me 100% and more. Some days I play band director while rhyming to the beats of mnemonics to teach students the Math content. Some days I am the biggest cheerleader; giving that autistic student hope when he gets a problem correct. Other days I am just a motivator, preaching to them about valuing the educational opportunities available. My days are long and yes my days can be rough. I know that there are days I just want to curl up and cry. I don’t have an easy road as I am the main bread winner for my 2 beautiful children. The rewards are even greater knowing that I have firsthand of picking their teachers and knowing everything that happens on their educational journey. I get home and I can only find myself laying down in silence exhausted after teaching 7.5 hours straight none stop. I don’t get a planning or a break as I have to earn extra to balance my finances and to support my children. I BRING my lunch most time as I use the time to make copies, enjoy lunch with some of my favorite girls or just catch up on work.  Do I have a choice? No…I wish. I am grateful for everyday I wake up. I have an amazing career surrounded by amazing students. I give up my mornings and afternoons to help a child in need. I am at school some mornings at least 30 mins early working with students who wants to learn to sew.  In addition, I volunteer and stay late 2 evenings to help a student catch up with math for FREE. Many ask why do you do this? My rewards are in heaven and I tell folks, my children will reap my benefits. Evenings are rough, homework assignments are finished up in the car on our way home as my children have activities 3-4 days a week. Yes, I keep their minds busy so they do not think about all the craziness of this world. I balance these activities as I don’t believe in over doing it. They stop when they feel overwhelmed and we resume when they are ready. I do this with God’s footsteps walking next to me in the sand. I am truly exhausted sharing how I balance my life. Am I happy with it? HECK YES! Do I feel overwhelmed, beatdown, wanna quit? Sure I do! My heavenly Father carries me daily, comforts me in time of need, and supports my walk and journey. My Faith is all I have and that is what help and guides me on this trip called “life”. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to share your thoughts. I will continue to touch and inspire others.  Stay tune for a post on our weekend journey.  We are overdue for a family getaway and plan to do so before the holidays!!!

“Your life is a BOOK, make IT a best seller.” It’s 4:05am and my alarm just went off. I wish I could sleep in today but guess what, it’s a weekday. Before I arise, I must say my prayer, meditate in my quiet area, and replay the to do list I HAVE to conquer.  Little did I know that motherhood would teach me commitment and how to balance both career and raising 2 beautiful children. This summer I made a lifestyle change to eat out less and cook more.  My weekdays start at 4:15am.  I attack the laundry whether ironing, or folding clothes for 45 mins, or complete an hour of housework. Right after between 5am to 5:15am, I head downstairs. My yoga mat is ready and waiting patiently for my morning exercise routine. I start to cook the meat that has been marinating overnight and then get ready for my abs on intense 40 mins to 1 hr exercise. I am absolutely enjoying every moment while beats of the 80s or 90s reggae soulful music is playing or perhaps my favorite gospel tunes. This is my me time and I get to dance, exercise and be me. It is not easy as in between I am checking the traffic news to see if I have to get the kids up earlier. I then rush upstairs by 5:50am and that is when our day starts.So many things have been completed in merely 2 hours but I have to keep going. My children are able to firsthand see my drive to be a better mother and to balance it all. It’s not easy when I choose to comb my daughter’s hair everyday. Why? We get to bond in our special way. It’s not easy to hold my son and pray and give him that special kiss, every morning, every day. It is the endurance and commitment to share my love. Some days I get frustrated as I am doing this alone with God by my side. I wish I had an earthly partner to help. However, I choose not to rush into another marriage. Why? I would rather be happy alone than miserable with someone. I want to make sure that the next step I take in building a lifelong partner is ordained by God. I choose to eliminate so many of life stresses and to be the best version of me, role model, mother and friend. I have a small comfortable home which I am blessed to be able to pay for each month. I am still driving my 7 year old car my ex-husband left.  I am still wearing clothes I had 10 years ago. I am still happy today as I was a few years ago when I chose to eliminate all negativity including friends and family from my life.  I choose to live simple and care free. So balancing my life isn’t a walk in the park. I give up a lot to remain happy. I don’t own a microwave as I want to eliminate quick meals. I don’t own a Gucci bag as I don’t care for names even if I can afford it. I don’t want a big house as it will be too much to clean.  Lord knows I want to live in it rather than be sweating night and day to pay for it. I live the simplest and most rewarding life with my children. Lets keep it real!! I do have bad days, melt downs and yes I do get down and depressed too. But Lord knows that my good days surely by far out ways the bad and my children always bring a smile to my face. GOD has humbled me in so many ways and the loss of my dad leaving a 6 bedroom home has taught me that there is more to life than wealth. You can’t take the millions in the bank with you but you can surely enjoy it while on earth. So readers, take time out to live a balanced life and not worry about the 20 inch weave or the latest car you have to get, but worry about feeding your spirit with positive moments and good vibes. Just live…. Photos for this POST were taken in a model home in our city. We truly find ways to enjoy life and I am teaching my children the rewards of working hard. DREAM BIG AND YOU WILL WIN. Stay tune for Part 2 as I will share more of what we do to keep the smile on our faces.

“I don’t want my children to follow in my footsteps. I want them to take the path next to me and go further than I could ever dreamt possible.” Author Unknown Social media and norms have polluted our minds so much, and in an instant, replicas of inappropriate trend and styles have become the norm. As soon as some of the “idols” that many young girls look up to shares a photo with a style, 2 days later, your timeline is blowing up with it. Am I just old fashion? YES Will I conform or bend? NO I can’t imagine walking around or leaving my home going to a day event ( NOT BEACH) in a full shear dress with bra and panties only and allowing my daughter to see it. I can’t forget the day my granny said, “what’s good for the goose may not be good for the gander.” This saying has resignated with me for years. So LET’S TALK! Parents, please be careful how you carry yourself around your child or children. You are their first idol so think about your actions. Children learn what they see. Allow them to find their own unique sense of style. Emphasize individuality, norms and  self control. Middle school is a tough age so please keep your eyes and ears open all the time.  Be a police in their lives especially if you allow them freedom. Let’s preach that SOCIETY, especial today’s social norms and media are NOT the go to teacher for life lessons. As parent, we should have an open trusting relationship and our children should be able to share their feelings with us. We should ensure that our children are so strong on the INSIDE that no matter what society preaches, they can still STAY strong to their family value system.  As a mother or 2, I monitor what my children watch, what they hear, who they hang with and what feeds into their spirit.  I am so proud that if you ask my kids about Jordans, they would ask if only basketball players wear them.  They know about Old Navy, Gap (Clearance rack), Crazy 8 and all the sales.  They are comfortable in their skin and their outer appearance does NOT dictate who they are. So parents, lets invest more time in raising our future leaders.  Our little girls should look up to First Lady Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Simone Biles, Oprah Winfrey, Elen Ochoa, Madame CJ Walker, Maya Angelou, Alicia Keys and a host of many others positive figures.  Our boys should emulate our first Black President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Marcus Garvey, Alfonso Cuaron, Martin Luther King, Neil Armstrong and Steve Jobs and those who have positively impacted our lives.  Lets enrich their minds with education and the right keys to success. Thanks for stopping by and lets start at HOME!!! Much love to my amazing son Aiden for capturing these photos.  He is always happy to capture us!Stay tune for my OPEN letter to my children!!!! #HealthampBeauty

What are you THANKFUL for this HOLIDAY season?  “When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” ~ Tecumseh   I am THANKFUL for: 1. LIFE – God has kept me so far in 2015 and I am happy to be alive. Every morning before I start my day the first thing that I do is meditate and pray in a quiet area in my home giving thanks for LIFE. 2. TRIALS – My trials have proven how strong I am. Sometimes I wonder where does the strength comes from but only God knows. 3. ADVERSITIES – I will continue to fight my way through life no matter what detours I may encounter along the way in 2016. 4. CHILDREN – My pillar of strength and my rock. They keep me grounded and keep that smile on my face. They are more than my company, sidekick or children. They have taught me so much over the last 8 years. 5. FAMILY – Even though I may not be the perfect daughter, sister, aunt or niece, I have to say my family has taught me to stay strong no matter what storm I face. My family carried me through and helped me along the way after losing my best friend and dad. 6. FAITH – I hold on to my faith as when the times get tough, I can only cry out to my Heavenly Father. When sometimes I can only see my footprints in the sand, I know that my Heavenly Father is carrying me along the way. 7. FRIENDS – I have rekindled some great friendship along the way and I am proud to say my true friends have always been there for me. They have lifted me up during tough times even when it’s only a text, email or call. 8. MY JOB – God knows that I am eternally grateful for having a JOB. I don’t complain much anymore, I don’t even fuss when things don’t always go my way. With open hearts I teach my daily and I will continue to uplift and inspire each person I reach along the way. 9. A HOME – This is something I do not take for granted as I see so many homeless folks daily. I may not be living in a mansion but I am happy to have a clean bed to sleep in and a roof over my head. 10. PEACE – It can be hard when you are not at peace with yourself. Thank you Heavenly Father for perfect PEACE. It cannot be bought or sold, but when you do find it from within, the feeling is amazing. In closing… “It isn’t what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.” ~ Author Unknown

“Strength does not come from winning, your struggles develop your strengths.  When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” -Gandhi- It’s been a continuously battle to keep fighting and not give up.  The MORE pain and fear that I have encountered, the MORE strength I find from no where to keep going.  My life hasn’t been a fairy tale. I have had my fair amount of struggles but I use these struggles to uplift others when times are tough.  I have had near death experiences, divorce , breakups,  death of loved ones, internal battles to just want to give up but I choose the path to fight. Each day I wake up, I start my morning in meditation and prayer. I talk to God before I rise and ask Him to give me the strength and guidance needed to carry me through.  I then reflect on how I will choose to start my day! 1. Will I start it dwelling on yesterday’s mistake? 2. Will I start it ready to embrace the unknown? For the most part, I try to start it with a SMILE and to start thinking of all the positive things that I have encountered the day before.  I think about my purpose and why I am here.  If I give up, then that is an excuse for my son or daughter to give up too. As a SINGLE parent, every decision that I make affect 2 little people I have to raise.  If you know me, my life revolves around my kids as I am the only strength finder they look up to each day.  The love that we share is unconditional.  I have to choose to make the RIGHT decisions most of the time as it affects their well being. My career choice revolves around them, the person I date, the people I surround myself with and the way I carry myself each day. MY top 4 most important LIFE lessons from MOTHERHOOD are: 1. Showing unconditional LOVE… I am such a fan of heart to heart talks, spending quality time and engaging in deep conversation.  I am not a supporter of showing love with material things, so my kids don’t care for Jordans, parties and games.  My children and I spend quality time together and I decided that I wanted to keep them close to me as much as I can. In the mornings, before we drive out, we start out in prayer and we talk about anything on our way to school.  Our late afternoons are talking about my day and what the evening will bring.  If you know me, I don’t hold long phone conversations unless they are fast asleep.  I text more than I talk and I try to give them their time when I get home.  When we have our talks, my son is the first one to grab the phone and hide it.  My children love dates (dinner), hanging out on Sundays and just chilling at home watching a movie on Friday nights.  We engage in deep and open conversation and it is OK for them to tell me how they feel.  We kiss and hug for no reason and it is Ok for them to cry and later tell me what I said that hurts.  We have developed an open relationship and I am not too old to say I am sorry to them. 2.  Do I switch career or continue in education until they are in college?  The choice I have made is to stay the course until both have completed High School. YES I plan to teach at every school they attend.  I want them to get the best all around education and push them beyond their comfort zone.  As a teacher in the same school they attend, I am forced to be even more involved.  My kids sometimes hate this but knowing their teachers and building a strong relationship is the key to success.  I have a very good relationship with the teachers and I know which teacher will match each of their personalities.  My son adores his teacher and that is his key to success.  He will have the same teacher again in 4th grade and I am super excited for him.  On a positive note, my daughter pushes herself in Reading and naturally is the one of the top student.  I am so blessed to have 2 amazing children who understands the value of Education. 3. Dating, Getting Married again, Planning Long Term…:-) I am very protective about the folks that I allow close to me especially my kids.  I am very skeptical and have significantly reduce my circle to a small network of close friends .  I have read and heard about so many nightmare stories and have battled with trust issues even with the people who are close to me.  If you know me, my kids going to sleep overs are a BIG NO NOs, NOWADAYS even with my OWN family members.  The person that I marry 🙂 would be someone who has gotten a good chunk of my heart as I keep it protected and one who has gained my trust.  I hope one day that I can openly share the love with someone who will accept my flaws and share the same love for me and my kids. 4. The decision making process… I know I  may get a few to of my readers to disagree with me but every decision that I make I always think how will this decision affect my children. I am a single parent raising them 90% or more most of the time.  I plan my schedule totally around theirs and I plan their lives out. YES, I am a planner and  I have already started the planning process  for my son’s Middle and High school career.  My son pretty much understands that mommy is his backbone and life without a plan is like being in the desert without a map.  This summer, my son decided that he would like to pursue a career in Mathematics and Engineering.  Little did I know he was listening and watching every steps that I made and was learning the Middle school curriculum as he sat next to me most of the time.  He told me one night while we were hanging that I think I want to go away (YES) and pursue a Masters in Mathematics.  He said mommy I love numbers and I think I am good at it.  When a 9 year old can search YOUTUBE to learn Math topics and master it, I know he is on the right track.  On a positive note, I am not concerned about my daughter as she strives for perfection in all that she does.  She pushes herself naturally and loves the arts (dance, music, gymnastics) and I know she will excel in whatever choices or path she will take.  She strives for intrinsic rewards and loves to read and write.  She is just an all around, well balanced, loveable little diva. I am protecting my pension, my long term investment who are my children.  I encourage every parent to INVEST quality time now when your child/children are young.  PLAN, SHARE, WORK in sync and everything will fall into place.  I know that many may disagree with my parenting style but I want the best for my children so that 10 years from now, I can simply travel the world and semi retire from the profession of teaching.  There is NO parenting manual that one can learn from on how to raise a child.  Every child is unique and every parenting style may differ.  I believe in OPEN, TRUSTING, LOVING relationships.  I honestly allow myself to be told that I am wrong and I simply apologize when I am.  I find that my children are happier, healthier and enjoy a more rewarding life. What is your parenting style? Feel free to drop a comment or two below. Thanks for stopping by and reading my POST!!! #HealthampBeauty

“If you ask me for my NEW YEAR resolution, it will be to find out who I am.” Cyril Cusack The last 2 weeks of 2015, my life has been flipped upside down.  I wasn’t concerned about the chaos because I know that God has better plans for my life in 2016.  I been painting, packing, cleaning all at the same time and at times I just sat down and cried. I wanted to give up at the finish line but I had to go through this rough period at the end to finish the race.    I have been running on fumes but today I decided that I just had to take a break and enjoy the last page of 2015. The last 5 years have been truly a struggle which have made me grown so much as a person.  I have found INNER PEACE and even if it took cutting some folks out of my life, I honestly had to in order to save my life.  I had a week off without the kids which allowed many quiet moments and reconnection on a stronger level with God.  Through deep soul searching, I had to ask myself a couple of times “Why are you HERE?” and “What is your PURPOSE?” Amidst all the chaos, it felt amazing today to turn in my keys to an apartment at 1pm December 31, 2015.  I was so excited that I went to my complex to get my last mail and drove out so quickly forgetting to turn the keys in.  My kids and I busted out laughing and my daughter Arielle said, “WOW mommy, you are so happy to leave.” Life has a way of breaking us down to build us up for better and greater things.  The next few months will be spent decluttering my life and starting FRESH all over again.    I am truly excited about the journey and starting a NEW PAGE, CHAPTER, or a BOOK.  I have some many exciting and great things planned and I am so READY to EMBARK on this journey 2016. In closing, “your soul knows when its time to close a chapter so don’t be afraid to start over.”

“The successful man may profit from his mistakes and try again in different ways.” Author unknown I found myself the last two weeks sulking over life challenges I have no control over.  I was swaddling in my own bitterness and anger and had to snap out of it.  I really needed a mental break and found myself counting down the hours until SPRING BREAK. Often times I am so consumed with work and the kids that I forget about myself.  I don’t want this to happen as I plan to remain “21” forever.  When my kids’ father decided to finally give me a break (first time solo since the year started) by taking the kids for a few days, I WAS IN HEAVEN.  I may get a break from them every now and again but I am still grateful.  Even though I wished upon a star* that he could be MUCH more involved;  knowing that they have a father around once is a while is better than not having one at all. So I needed to get back to regular programming of  MANY DIY projects that were in the works. I wanted to created all the Easter looks for my daughter and a few for me.  I made 2 headbands, 1 skirt, remixed a T, started an amazing white lace skirt, completed a Mommy and Me look and even made  pillow cases for my son’s room.  To top it off, I did a little spring cleaning as well. So today I made this AWESOME top from a MAN’s shirt I picked up at Ross for $9.99. I wasn’t too happy with the outcome of the sleeves but I felt like a million bucks.  I really loved the look.  I fell in love with Mimi G’s top and was so excited to create the look from her tutorial here.  I rocked it with my converse gifted from a special guy with my favorite boyfriend jeans.  Loving the entire look from head to toe. Thanks for stopping by and can’t wait to share the Easter looks that I have been working on this week. #DIY

“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”   -A.A. Milner When life throws you lemon, get up, wake up and make some strawberry marmalade. Life’s detour can either make you go two ways, either take the risk and head out strong, or give up and give in. I promise you, I felt it when Prim called me and told me she had a lump. How could this happen, we just had a grande time at Diner En Blanc. The mammogram result wasn’t what I wanted to hear. No, please, I was in denial more than she was. We were just celebrating happiness and then the shocking news.  I cried, yes I cried. I said not Prim.  A few moments, I reflected on my struggles, my near death experience and said she will come out victorious. I remembered my struggles with my health, sick, hospitalized 18 times with my firstborn. I did win the battle and shared words of encouragement. I know that our God that we serve will never leave us nor forsake us. I continued to encourage Prim to embrace this struggle. When she suggested that I shoot her I accepted the request wholeheartedly. I suggested bold pink lips and a beautiful long dress. I went across the street from my home in JA and got all her “money shots.” This experience is a true reflection that life can change in an instant. You never know when it may be your timing. When one faces a challenging period or moment in life, you can choose two paths; accept it and fight it victoriously, or give up. What path will you choose?  I truly had an amazing time with Prim, my girlfriends (Trudy and Lisa) and the amazing make-up artist JODY (Instagram Page: ) while she was getting her makeover done.  She felt comfortable around us and was openly embracing the change.  I wanted her to enjoy and feel beautiful and understand that your HAIR or EYELASHES is not the beauty of a woman, but her inner strength during a challenging period. I have truly learned so much about myself through my struggles and always tried to find the positive in light of a tough period in my life.  I have shared my stories with others to uplift and inspire and I know that Prim will win this battle in her life. In closing, ” Life is ten percent of what happens to you and ninety percent of how you respond to it.”  Lou Holtz Thanks for reading her story.  Please feel free to share the link with a person who may be going through a challenging period in their lives. #HealthampBeauty

“Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy.  So choose your words wisely.” Do you trust the words you see around you?  Do you mediate on the quotes that you see posted on Social Media? Do you read in between the lines? As a sucker for “quotes” and “inspirational words”, I find myself staring, reflecting on the positive words that I see around me. Whether it’s from a fortune cookie, a billboard or the mere frames hanging from a wall, I am in awwww when I read words that truly captivates my eyes. A little less than a year ago, my church decided to create a COFFEE corner with some positive words of inspiration.  This past Sunday, I found myself gazing on these words and reflecting on the first 2 quotes posted above.  I needed a little reassurance after a rough Saturday that everything will be OK.  These words can be a daily reminder that LIFE is so worth living. Don’t take LIFE for granted and remember to share a “few words of encouragement to someone TODAY.” #HealthampBeauty #Quotes #words

“Off all the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all.” Over the last year, I have developed a true passion for sewing.  I decided to take this new hobby to help heal the pain and hurt from the troubles of life.  I didn’t have a clue where this journey would go but I knew I didn’t want to stop.  My very first completed skirt was for my beautiful daughter Arielle. I started with the intent to sew for me after being inspired by Mimi G and Beaute’ J’adore.  My close friend and I decided to take sewing lessons with an instructor for 2 sessions.  To our dismay, the skirt was incomplete after the second session and I was truly disappointed and frustrated.  That same night, I decided to make an elastic skirt using a video tutorial for Arielle. Even though it wasn’t perfect, my daughter loved it and modeled the skirt so well that I was even more inspired. Everywhere she goes with a skirt I make, I receive compliments.  My daughter is so confident in the skin she is in and over the last year, we both have gravitated to wearing skirt.  I have been asked many times if I would sew but I am truly inspired to do a limited edition skirts for special occasions when time permits JUST FOR LITTLE GIRLS!!!  Starting this FALL, Arielle and I will be working on a few DIY Projects in addition to working on an awesome sewing Studio.  We will be working with a designer from South America in our sewing club at school and plan to learn as much as we can as part of our Mommy and Me “projects”. I am not sure where this journey may go but I am in for an awesome ride. Hope you enjoyed  a few of the AWESOME photos taken at a Morikami Japanese Garden and Museum showcasing her Holiday African print skirt.  Enjoy and thanks for stopping BY!!!! Remember…. “Life is so much brighter when we focus on what truly matters.” #DIY #Fashion #sewing