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Happy Six Year Blogiversary!

June is my blogiversary month! I started blogging six years ago! It is rewarding to share my tips and experiences on travel and maintaining a minimalistic lifestyle! I love reading your thoughtful comments and seeing how you all have been inspired and encouraged by my posts! I look forward to many more successful blogging years! Here are some of my favorite blog quotes: “Before you do anything else, before you give your time to somebody else and their dreams that...

person feet dipping on pool

Memorial Day in Fort Lauderdale

My son and I spent our Memorial Day week with our family in south Florida. I managed to redeem my airline miles for two roundtrip flights and only spent $22.40 out of pocket! We had a Family Pool Day on Memorial Day and enjoyed some scrumptious barbeque as well. It was nostalgic to fellowship, laugh and reminisce on our childhood. We are intentional about having our children grow up together, similar to how we did, so it was great to...

hello spring handwritten paper

Minimalism in the Springtime

The spring season is a time to rejuvenate and blossom. There are many ways to incorporate minimalism practices during the spring season. Spring cleaning is a universal ritual. Here are some ways you can spring clean, declutter, recycle, and enjoy the associated benefits: Deep clean and sanitize your entire home. Detail your car(s) and purge of unnecessary items. Host a weekend-long garage sale for large items. Sell gently used clothing to a consignment store. Donate clothes and accessories to charity....

woman wearing white sleeveless lace shirt

March: Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. There are countless notable inventions, movements, and fun facts associated with women from around the world. Everyday women are also pioneers in their own way as they navigate through life. They are intentional about getting an education, instilling change, progress, and love in their homes, communities, and in the workplace. Here are a few historical fun facts about women to commemorate Women’s History Month. 1. Women of all races were legally eligible to vote in...

unrecognizable happy people jumping in sunset

Happy Leap Year!

Happy Leap Day! February 29th is a special day as it only comes around every four years. The leap year was invented as a way to balance out the four seasons. We say there are 365 days a year but actually, there are 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 56 seconds in a solar calendar. That is the actual time it takes Earth to revolve around the sun. A leap year makes up for the difference in time. If...

aerial view of road in the middle of trees

Weekend in Greenville, SC

My son and I went on a two hour road trip to visit some friends in Greenville, South Carolina recently. The drive was smooth and quick as it was mainly all highway. My friends and I fellowshipped and baked delicious desserts all weekend. It was also one of my friend’s birthday weekend so it was nice to celebrate her special day. We explored downtown Greenville on one of the days and got some exclusive honey and other treats from Savanah...

photo of man holding white paper

Annual Review

It is nearly the end of another calendar year. This is the optimal time to reflect, plan, budget, and forecast for the new year and beyond. Just like big corporations complete annual reviews, set new budgets, and make decisions in anticipation of a productive and profitable new fiscal year, we too can mirror the same concept in our everyday lives. You don’t have to make a rigid list of New Year’s Resolutions, per se. Studies already show that New Year’s...

aerial photography of a mountain

Brasstown Bald Mountain

My friend and I visited Brasstown Bald mountain recently. It is located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and it is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level. Brasstown Bald is located near the towns of Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Helen. The Bald has a gift shop, hiking trails, a mountaintop natural science & history museum, and an observation deck that offers a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding area. That includes viewing four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North...

a wheelbarrow with pumpkins on a pumpkin patch

Fall on the Farm

There are so many things that announce the fall season such as cooler weather, shorter days, fall foliage, and pumpkin spice. There are plenty of fun attractions to go to in the fall as well. Visiting a farm is a must-do. A few friends and I took our sons to Washington Farms, located in Bogart, GA recently. Bogart is a little less than a two-hour drive northeast of Atlanta, GA. It was an oddly hot and sunny day for the...

bow of a sunken boat in the river

Our Day Trip to Helen, Georgia

My friends and I went on a day trip to Helen, GA recently. It was a scenic two-hour drive from metro-Atlanta. Helen is a small German town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. Its known for being a Bavarian alpine village filled with gingerbread trim, cobblestone alleyways, and old-world towers. There is so much to do and enjoy in this majestic small town. Upon arrival, we leisurely strolled through the village. We had dinner on...

students with hands raised

August: A Month of New Beginnings

Eight is the number of new beginnings. It is associated with resurrection and regeneration. There are many ways to acknowledge, embrace, and exercise new beginnings. Needless to say, new beginnings can occur and be celebrated at any moment. The new academic year is a new beginning. Students return to school for a novel opportunity to gain knowledge, wisdom, and added experiences that will fuel their intellects among many things. Most students commence their return to academia during the month of...

the roswell mill covered bridge in georgia

Roswell Mill Waterfall in Georgia

My girlfriend and I went hiking on the Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill this weekend. It was a refreshing activity for a hot summer day. The park is located about 30 minutes north of the city of Atlanta. The trail is just under 5 miles long. The hike is considered moderate to strenuous. You cannot swim in front of or under the waterfall, but there is a swimming hole nearby. Some people swim in the water adjacent to the...

scenery of a relaxing beach

Our Seven-Day Carnival Celebration Cruise

A group of us went on a seven-day Carnival Celebration cruise recently. I have been on about four cruises so far but this was my first week-long cruise and my son’s first cruise altogether. Carnival Celebration commemorates Carnival cruise line’s 50-year anniversary. It has six zones, which are themed areas that bring together incredible experiences. Key restaurants include Latitudes, The Golden Jubilee, and Emeril’s Bistro 1397. Carnival Celebration also marks the return of innovations like BOLT, the onboard rollercoaster, Bonsai...

ferris wheel beside body of water

Mother’s Day in London, England

I’m thankful to be a mother! Judah brightens my life and I learn from him every day! This Mother’s Day was very special. We traveled to London, England. Mother’s Day in England is celebrated way before the holiday in the United States but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. My good friend from Paris, France where I studied abroad for three years, Laure, lives in London so we got to spend quality time together. Laure has a joyful and charming personality...

Sunset Biplane Tour of Atlanta

A few weeks ago, I treated my son and my friend Sarah to a sunset biplane tour of Atlanta! I purchased the deal from Biplane Rides Over Atlanta via Groupon. It was affordable and scheduling was seamless. We had to reschedule the first appointment due to the weather but it was well worth the wait. My son is three years old so it was mesmerizing to see his joyful perspective of the experience. Especially since he rode shotgun. Our tour...

Spring Into Minimalism

Spring is here! The spring season is symbolic of new beginnings and transformations. The surrounding environment is awakened and rejuvenated. Many people have a habit of spring cleaning around this time. There are many ways to do so while maintaining an organized and beautified space for an extended period. Minimalism is embodied in spring cleaning. Spring Cleaning Ideas/Checklist KITCHEN Clean out fridge Clean out freezer Wipe down counters Clean out pantry Clean/self-clean oven Clean/sanitize behind appliances BEDROOM(S) Wash all bedding...

Black History Month and Minimalism

Looking back at Black History Month and its impact on American culture as a whole, I am reminded that although African-Americans have achieved much, there is still much more to accomplish. Minimalism encompasses purposeful living and thinking. The influential leaders who have had the strongest imprint on Black history all had the desire to live a life full of purpose and liberty in common. Notable leaders such as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, Shirley Chisholm, Medgar Evers,...

Make SMART New Year’s Resolutions

Personal growth is important. We should all aspire to thrive in every area of our lives. Many people start each new year by making new year’s resolutions. The problem with that is the goals are seldom achieved. Some people backpedal altogether. One manner in which to give new year’s resolutions the best chance at getting attained is by setting SMART goals. SMART is the acronym used in goal-setting to ensure detail, clarity, and attainability. It is commonly attributed to Peter...

Life Insurance and Minimalism

The end of the year is usually a time when most of us assess our lives in a manner to plan and set goals for the new year. On top of any new year’s resolutions you may have, it would be important to include securing life insurance if you don’t already have a policy. If you have one, I would suggest having a dialog with the people you care about and informing them of the importance and benefits of life...

8 Ways To Enhance Your Morning Routine

The way we start each day can have a profound effect on the rest of our day. Curating a morning routine that is simple yet impactful is a great habit to form and maintain. Our morning routine can greatly influence our daily mood, energy, and motivation. It is vital to be intentional about how our day commences. We should also aim to be mindful of our attitude throughout each day. 8 Ways To Enhance Your Morning Routine What are some...

The Obstacle is the Way

One of my friends recently shared, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday with me. It was a powerful read. The book is full of principle-oriented reminders and anecdotes. They serve to teach us to embrace the lessons, opportunities for growth and change, acceptance, and many other maxims hidden in every obstacle we experience. What stands in the way becomes the way is a notion that obstacles that seem to just be roadblocks, can in fact be utilized and...

20 Beach Day Essentials

Summer is coming to an end. This year, our summer vacation was spent visiting our family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a week. I booked a thrifty flight from Atlanta to Miami with Frontier Airlines. My two-year-old son flew for free, thanks to my Discount Den membership and being flexible with our travel dates. My Hertz rental car was affordable, complementing my friends and family discount. We got to celebrate my sister-cousin’s birthday and enjoy Florida’s beautiful tropical weather. A...

Ten Safety Tips for Large Crowds

Mass social gatherings are enjoyable but they have become a target for disaster. We hear about so many senseless acts of violence that were committed during these celebratory gatherings. We cannot eradicate violence but we can mitigate the risks and dangers we and our loved ones encounter. Concerts, parades, festivals, and similar gatherings are fun and memorable. We can continue to partake in these events and also be cautious. Practicing safety measures while in large crowds greatly reduces the chances...

The Nine Fruit of the Spirit

I love to reference various theologies to emphasize points on certain topics or principles. The Bible holds numerous golden nuggets on how we should aim to live a meaningful and impactful life. The nine Fruit of the Spirit are found in Galatians and highlight the areas we should focus on in order to maintain excellent moral conduct. Fruit is synonymous with deed or action. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against...

Mental Health and Minimalism

Taking care of our mental health correlates closely with minimalism. Decluttering our living spaces is just as important as decluttering our minds. When our mental health is in a good state, we are then able to perform well and have a great attitude. There are many forms of exercise to maintain and strengthen one’s mental health. Professional therapy sessions are an excellent form. Working out, regular liquid detoxes, and having a strong spiritual compass are also among many others. It...

Five Reasons Community is Important

If you are like me, you value having a community of loving, wise, honest, and supportive people. As we navigate through life, our sense of community may change and evolve. Career placements and other life events can influence how we define and redefine community. I have meaningful friendships that were formed throughout various stages of life. They are nurtured and maintained by intentional catch-ups via phone, hanging out, social media engagements, and traveling. Living in a different state than my...

Set Healthy Boundaries

Minimalism can be applied in various areas of our lives. Most people associate minimalism with having fewer material things. Foundationally, minimalism is a frame of mind. Setting healthy boundaries is a form of minimalism. It allows us to be free from chains and compromising our overall well-being. In order to set healthy boundaries effectively, we have to first be able to identify what our boundaries are. Understanding our likes, dislikes, standards, non-negotiables, goals, among other things are necessary in order...

How to Save on Family Outings

Family outings are fun and memorable but the associated expenses add up quickly. One way I save on our family outings is by purchasing annual memberships to local attractions. We have memberships to various attractions within metro Atlanta. The memberships’ annual prices pay for themselves in two to three visits in most cases. We also forego having to book ahead more often, than not. That is one of the top membership perks since I am a free spirit at heart....

How to Save Money During Your Birth Month

Merchants love to reward their loyal customers. You can count on receiving special promotions and gifts on your birth month from retailers. January is my birth month and I usually enjoy a ton of freebies all month long. From complimentary desserts at local restaurants or even complimentary meals altogether to free gadgets and services. Some tourist attractions offer free admission to state residents on the day of their birthdays. Check your local attractions to see which ones offer that deal,...

The Reason for the Season

The holiday season brings symbolism of cheer and fellowship. For some, it is a tough time filled with sorrow, loneliness, and grief. My hope is that we give each other more compassion, grace, and love. Love is the reason for the season. May God’s agape love warm your and your loved ones’ hearts this season and beyond. Be sure to cherish precious moments and make lasting memories! Be sure to share this blog post and subscribe to stay in the...

Comparison is the Thief of Joy | How to Lessen the Occurrences

It is common practice to measure ourselves against some of our peers, influencers, and leaders. It is unhealthy to constantly measure ourselves against other people. Theodore Roosevelt’s proverb is powerful. Comparison is the thief of joy. It can be fruitless and we are left unhappy when we compare ourselves as a means to self-fulfillment. Comparison is the thief of joy. Theodore Roosevelt How to Lessen the Comparison Occurrences Affirm yourself daily. Do not hijack conversations. Give meaningful compliments. Take social...

The 11 Pillars of Servant Leadership

Great leadership qualities include the ability to influence others, show empathy, communicate effectively, delegate tasks, scout talent, among many others. There are also various types of leaders. Understanding what type of leader you are will forecast the amount of success you can achieve in the leadership role. One leadership style that can coexist with and even enhance the others is servant leadership. Those who follow the servant leadership model aim to be wholesome individuals in order to elevate the people...

The Proverbs 31 Woman

The Proverbs 31 Woman is the epitome of a fulfilled woman, in my view. She’s virtuous and noble. She emits light and love. She is intelligent, resourceful, and skilled. She’s complete. She’s favored by God. Some women tear other women down. They are envious of other women’s academic accomplishments, relationships, physiques, traditions, among other things. Nurturing healthy friendships with other women is difficult but it is extremely necessary. Women have innate skill sets that are paramount in shaping the world...

Motherhood is Alluring

When asked how I view motherhood, I often reply that I feel it is the closest analogy to understanding how much God loves me. Our beautiful toddler son, Judah, is an incredible child. He is jovial, smart, and independent. Motherhood has given me a great deal of joy, education, and lifelong memories thus far. A few key experiences worth sharing are: Breastfeeding There was no doubt in my mind that I would breastfeed my baby. A mother’s breast milk is...

Twelve Powerful Daily Affirmations

Citing affirmations is a powerful way to manifest abundance in every area of our lives. Affirmations are insightful, empowering, and fruitful among other things. I enjoy saying my affirmations in the morning and throughout the day. It serves as a way to boost myself and set a productive tone for the day. Affirmations can be spoken or written down. Twelve Powerful Daily Affirmations A – I am astute. I can accomplish anything. F – I am fearfully and wonderfully made....

How to Maximize Your Time

As we close in on year 2020, we can all agree that we feel we either have had a lot of or not enough time. Time is a non-renewable resource. Many of us have realized that we need to maximize our time. Worldwide lock downs and curfews, unemployment, among many other disruptions have given us extra time. How we spend it is paramount. Five Ways to Maximize Your Time One of the best ways to maximize your time is to...

Inspiration from The Four Agreements

The Four Agreements was written to serve as a practical guide for personal freedom. Author Don Miguel Ruiz shares the reasons why we are deprived of joy and unnecessary struggles and offers solutions to live by. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements is a transformative code of conduct that can bring us freedom, love, and joy. The agreements are ones we make with other people, with God, with life, and most importantly, with ourselves. I encourage you to...

My Pet Peeves

So much can be said about our likes and dislikes. We all have pet peeves. Pet peeves are annoyances, specific to an individual, that causes vexation. Sharing one’s pet peeves can either be beneficial or vulnerably draining. Some people may seek to know what bothers you just to use those nuisances against you. Either way, here are some of my pet peeves. FIVE OF MY PET PEEVES People with poor diction/grammar. Dyslexia and illiteracy are serious conditions that people struggle...

Five Ways to Delve into a New Hobby

It is safe to say that most of us have picked up a new hobby or two during this pandemic. My husband and I have dabbled into gardening. We have a fruit, herb, and vegetable garden in our backyard. We are also preparing to plant some perennials, a few annuals, and a pygmy palm tree in our front yard. Gardening is therapeutic and educational. As someone who recently was a complete novice to gardening, my extensive research and patience turned...

Highlights of a World Traveler

I have been fortunate to be able to travel to various parts of the world. Traveling awakens many dormant areas in our imagination. It is liberating. It aids in self discovery. It is necessary. To date, I have uncovered 11 countries. Some of them, multiple times. I have been to Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Africa, The Bahamas, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Mexico. In the United States, I have visited 16 out of the 50 states so far. They...

Agape Love: The Greatest Type of Love

Have you ever wondered how it feels to love like God? I sure have. I think the closest I can come to experiencing that type of love is the love I have for my baby. One positive thing this pandemic has done is given us more time. We have more time to think. Time to reevaluate our lives. Time to read. Time to solidify our belief systems. Time to love. The Seven Types of Love Eros – Romantic love or...

Intellectual Quotient Versus Emotional Quotient

There is constant debate over whether intellectual quotient (IQ) is more important than emotional quotient (EQ). They serve different purposes. They can be seen as skills you either have or you don’t. In truth, both categories of intelligence can be nurtured. Someone’s intellectual quotient measures their ability to perform well on standardized tests according to their age and other metrics. Areas such as knowledge of the world, quantitative reasoning, and other cognitive abilities are assessed. Someone who has a high...

Seven Things To Do Before Settling Down

It is important that we become strong and whole individuals for various reasons. It is also paramount that we have a healthy grip on our sense of self-concept before we settle down with a mate. Doing so aids us in putting our best foot forward. Seven Things To Do Before Settling Down Travel Traveling is one expense that makes one richer. Richer in awareness. Richer in cultural competency. Richer in a healthy mindset. Learning how other people live within various...

2020: A Year of Cancelled Plans

We can all agree that 2020 has been tumultuous so far. The coronavirus pandemic is impacting almost every area of our lives. The unemployment rate in the United States is at an all-time high. Black lives matter. We have a unique figure as Commander in Chief. Ultimately, we all need therapy. This year is a year of cancelled plans. We have to shelter-in-place. Many of our favorite dine-in restaurants, museums, theaters, and other places of interest are either closed or...

Benefits of Taking a Gap Year in a Pandemic

Many recent high school graduates find themselves at a crossroad while deciding on their future academic journey. A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is one that is taken before or after college/university where students explore numerous developmental activities. Commonly, students travel nationally and/or internationally to heighten their intercultural knowledge. They learn several trades like art, sports, and music. They also develop novel skill sets. Taking a gap year in a pandemic prohibits exercising many adventures freely but...

Conversations with a Front Line Nurse

My dear friend makes a sacrificial decision to care for the ill each shift. Her grit, compassion, and passion for her vocation inspires me and others for sure. Not to mention, she beat breast cancer like a soldier. Kedly Desliens is a travel Intensive Care nurse currently contracted in San Jose, CA. I decided it would be enlightening for her to share her reality and fears about working as a front line nurse during this pandemic. What do you Enjoy...

The Seven Key Areas of Home Economics

When most people recollect home economics class, they remember building a birdhouse or parenting a lifelike baby that cried and wet their diaper. Although home economics is no longer a widely offered course, it is an important field of study. Mainstream public school curriculum, especially in the western hemisphere, lack the inclusion of pertinent life skills that a course such as home economics offers. The goal of home economics or family and consumer science as it is referred as now,...

Setting Goals During a Pandemic

It can be difficult to imagine that we can set goals during these tough times but it is possible. Our world is changing. Drastically. With all of the novel political and professional changes, restrictions, new routines, and procedures, we have to forecast that some of those changes will be permanent. Even after things restore, whenever that happens to be, some of the amendments that have been applied may become the norm. Setting goals during a pandemic can alleviate some anxiety....

Ways to Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Experiencing a pandemic as life-threatening as the coronavirus can give anyone severe anxiety. So much is unknown. How much longer will we have to deal with this? How many more deaths will there be? What will result from long periods of isolation/social distancing? Anxiety in these times is completely normal. There are many manners we can combat the uncertainties of this pandemic. Ways to Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic Mitigate the amount of news you watch. Watch the news to...

Traits of an Alpha Male/Female

There are a few myths behind defining people with alpha personalities. One serious myth about having an alpha personality is that the person has to be outlandish. People with alpha personalities typically are congenial and down to earth. After all, they do not have to try to be alphas. They are simply made that way. Being an alpha male or an alpha female should not be a person’s life goal. We should all aim to be the best version of...

How to be More Organized

When it comes to organization, there is a saying that goes: Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up. -A.A. Milne Personally, I am at my best when things and my life, in general, are organized. It helps me concentrate, plan and execute tasks clearly. I enjoy creating To Do lists, scheduling things on my calendar, and regularly doing an inventory of things to see what I...

Date Ideas From A to Z

Date nights are refreshing and necessary! I love going on double dates as well! We always have a great time together with lots of intense laughs. One recent double date was to Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, GA. We found it on Groupon. It is a drive-thru safari with over 75 animal species on 500 acres. At the Welcome Center, we purchased cups of dry, grain-based, generic animal food then daringly drove through the park. Most of the animals...

Minimalism in Silicon Valley

The Bay Area in California became our home post my husband receiving an employment offer from a reputable company. What a career-defining opportunity! In preparation for the move, I did some intensive research and browsed Pinterest to learn more about what I should expect from living in the most expensive area in the nation. I absolutely love northern California so far. I managed to find ways to apply minimalistic approaches to living in an affluent city. 7 Ways to Save...

The Sad Truth About Maternity Leave in America

For a nation as powerful as the United States, it is absurd that there is no federal law that guarantees paid maternity leave. The United States leaves the option to offer parental leave in the hands of employers. The Family Medical Leave Act provides some assistance but it is a rather ungenerous law. The FMLA allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious medical reasons such as childbirth. In order to be eligible to take...

Ten Benefits of Shopping at a Farmer’s Market

Indulging in products from various parts of the globe is what I enjoy most about shopping at the farmer’s market. My go-to items include plantains, whole pineapples, fresh buffalo wings, whole red snapper, and mangoes. In metro-Atlanta, the Dekalb Farmer’s Market doubles as a tourist attraction and one of the largest indoor farmer’s markets in Georgia. Farmer’s markets sell locally grown produce, meats and the like. Consumers save money when patronizing farmer’s markets because there are minimal packaging and freight fees...

Howdy, Houston!

I ventured out to Houston, Texas for a few days to explore the Lone Star state. The trip was booked only two days in advance because a few other destinations were considered as well. I analyzed CheapTickets to compare prices among airlines and saw that Spirit Airlines had the most competitive pricing for that destination. I then went directly to Spirit’s website to book the flight which saved on paying the third party service and handling fees. When traveling for...

How to Handle Receiving Unsolicited Advice

Friends and family may think they have your best interest at heart when they share their opinions but at times, they may not and can give dogmatic, unsolicited advice. It is wise to make decisions based on your own research, values, and belief system than to simply follow someone else’s advice. After all, you are the one that has to live with the decision that is made. I purchased my first home, a newly-built, modern, and open floor plan condo...

Misophonia

Does it bother you when someone has the hiccups but the person does nothing about it? It drives me insane. What about slurping sounds? Loud chewing? I must say I have a mild case of misophonia. Misophonia is denoted as a dislike of certain sounds. Misophonia is typically associated with sounds such as the bodily noises that humans and animals make. People who deal with misophonia detect sniffling, food chomping, loud breathing, and similar sounds and it can lead to irritability,...

Tandem Skydiving in Chattanooga, TN

What’s a better way to conquer one’s fear of heights than to go tandem skydiving? I made that commitment a few summers ago and it was an exhilarating feat! I purchased a Groupon for a tandem skydiving experience at the Chattanooga Skydiving Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The deal even included a video. Tandem skydiving is done with the student being attached to an instructor. The 18,000 ft skydiving experience was scenic. The Chattanooga Skydiving Company is located near the serene Sequatchie Valley...

Credit Repair 101

Having great credit can be synonymous with having power. It is essential to maintain good credit to seize lucrative opportunities that may not be available otherwise. If your credit is poor, it is never too late to begin the journey to credit repair. Several years ago, my credit was below standard. It was primarily due to not having a strong credit history/profile. I tried to repair and build my credit on my own by reading credit repair books but it...

Letter of Advice

Dear Couples, My advice to you for a healthy relationship is to practice communicating effectively, to self-disclose often, develop strategies for listening to each other, place God in the center of your relationship, manage interpersonal conflicts, among other things in order to maintain a great understanding of each other. Effective interpersonal interaction is a rewarding way to establish a healthy relationship. Having a sense of self-concept, who we are, aids us in interpersonal relationships. When we understand what drives our...

Movie Critique: The Notebook

Here, I critique one of my favorite movies, The Notebook. The film The Notebook was directed by Nick Cassavetes in 2004. It is based on a novel with the same title by Nicholas Sparks. The Notebook is a romantic drama film. It is about the love story of a couple who come from polarized backgrounds. Movies can entertain as well as inspire the audience through creative storytelling, detailed mise en scene, and exceptional editing. Actors are critical to bringing characters to...

My Hawaiian Spiritual Retreat

What is a Spiritual Retreat? A spiritual retreat is what one makes of it but it is designed to be an intentional time one spends connecting with God. A spiritual retreat can be executed near or far. Even in one’s home. Why Go on a Spiritual Retreat? God is omnipresent, right? Yes. God is. Going on a spiritual retreat is centered on escaping from the noise. The noise of our everyday routine. The noise of work, chores, media, etc. Isolation...

Haiti: The Unknown

Haiti has an undeserving reputation of being a destitute and unwelcoming country. The Haitian culture is rich. Rich of natural resources such as coffee and sugar. Rich of sculpted mountain ranges. Rich of beautiful and resilient people. To be rich is not just about its financial connotation. Richness is abundance. I am a Haitian-born immigrant. I was born in Saint Marc, Haiti. My family and I migrated to south Florida when I was four years old. Sadly, it was not until a...

Quotes that Galvanize my Spirit

Inspiration comes from many sources. Music. Film. People. Religion. Spirituality. Travel. Food. Inspiration leads to inventions, self-development, creation, and even meditation. My favorite quotes, poem excerpts, and biblical scriptures inspire me to live my best life while vibrating at the highest frequency. They also put things in perspective and serve as a reference mechanism for motivation. Motivational messages can increase work performance, affect decision making, impact student success, influence learning and behavior,  among scads of other results. I pray you...

Healing: Daughter of a Narcissistic Mother

What Is Narcissism? A narcissist is someone who is deeply self-absorbed. Think of Narcissus in Greek mythology. When a mother is narcissistic, she is unable to nurture her child(ren). She is incapable of being empathetic, show compassion, care, and love. She has unreasonable expectations of receiving special treatment. She automatically expects requests she makes to be honored. She feels entitled. She is selfish. She is dogmatic. My mother’s narcissism was apparent early in my childhood. She was often pessimistic, distant,...

cheerful black kid standing near whiteboard in classroom

Back to School

August is an extremely busy month for students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Back to school time means the ending of the summer season, new beginnings, new routines, and so much more. I hope this academic year is fruitful and fun for everyone! Here are ten motivational quote for a great new academic year! “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best.” — Bob Talbert “Invest in our teachers, and our children will succeed.” — Barack...

aerial photography of high rise buildings under blue sky

Sunday Family Funday

My dear family members were in town recently for an extended weekend! We got to explore midtown Atlanta together, fellowship and build memories! We visited Atlantic Station which is a modern outdoor commercial and residential area. Cultural institutions in Atlantic Station include the Millennium Gate Museum, with temporary art exhibitions, and the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum. We ate a late lunch at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. One of my girl cousins and I had a strawberry Hennessey margarita and it...

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