5 Things Every Woman Should Know

Hi Y'all!! This is a post that every woman can appreciate. I recently had lunch with one of my Blogger and long time friend,Tiffani at "Next On Tiff's List". We shared some mimosas and interestingly enough this post was born out of a simple dilemma. How does one uncork a bottle of wine?

Here's my list of the 'Top Five Things Every Woman Should Know'

Top Five Things Every Woman Should Know

1. How to uncork a bottle of wine. Sadly, I did not know how to do this until recently.  I've had the privilege of the Mr. uncorking all our bottles of wine. It wasn't until I learned from my friend Tiff how to properly uncork a bottle of wine. What can I say...I'm a quick study. Cheers!!

2. How to correctly set a table. I can't say how important this is for a woman to know, especially if you have a family with kids. And more importantly with boys. Teach your child while they're young how to set the table. Better yet, include them in on the fun by allowing them to set the dinner table. You should know how to set a formal table along with which utensils to eat with. If you need help on this one Pinterest has a lot of tutorials online.

3. How to properly pair and order a bottle of wine. This is a good one. How many know how to correctly order a glass of wine and know the different varietals? Or do you simply rely on your beaux to order for you? I say empower yourself, sistah! And learn how to order your own glass of wine and what it is exquisitely paired with in terms of fruit, cheeses and food.

4. Have your own signature dish. As a "Domestic Diva" (insert in-training) I say it's a must that you have your own signature dish and own that *#%*! Whether your go-to dish is homemade spaghetti sauce or pot roast you should have a dish that you're known for that is sure to please hungry bellies and the masses at-large.

5. How to properly style flowers. I can't tell you how many times I've incorrectly seen pictures of flowers posted on IG. I don't know if these perpetraitors are just happy to post pictures of their flowers or it's my type-A personality? It literally kills me to see flowers placed in a vase with the leaves still on (no pun intended) but it kills the flowers. As a child of a florist I grew up around beautiful flowers all the time. I never really paid any attention until late in life. I appreciate and absolutely love fresh flowers. However, in order to showcase their beauty and prolong their life one must know how to properly care and style them.

I love these beautys. They're shown on one of my IG favorite Myleik. They're perfectly styled parrot tulips. Aren't they gorgeous. 

  

How do you fare with the necessities on this list? I'd love to hear.

My Hair Story

Hi y'all I'm writing this post straight from the beauty salon. As I sit here and wait to get my hair done so many questions are running through my mind. For instance, how long is it going to take for my stylist to get to me, how many other people hair she's going to wash, perm, etc. before she gets to me while I wait under the dryer AND most importantly how can I properly care for my hair on my own?

Don't get me wrong, I love my hair stylist and I've been going to her for so many years but there has got to be something better than wasting numerous hours of my day when I scheduled an appointment. I'm a professional and I expect those that I entrust with the care of my hair or whatever service I'm seeking (and paying for) to be as professional. Now, I know you're probably saying that this is nothing new...and many stylist double/triple book clients all the time. Well, yes in the black community it's expected to be an all-day event when you get your hair done. But, I ask why is this acceptable? When other ethnicities get their hair styled at salons they have a set appointment that their stylist adheres to. So, I have stumbled over the decision on going natural.

I have contemplated going natural for some time now however with any major decision in my life I decided to do some research. So I've taken to Pinterest and pinned a gazillion pictures on styles that I've been drawn to. Lately, I've been drawn to Afros and Havanna twists. Here's my top pics.

Natural Hair Styles I'm Lovin'

What of you think? Do you think I can pull this off? The next question is how to style & care for natural hair. Now, that's a whole other post that I'll have to do my research on.

What are your hair care dilemmas? I'd love to hear. 

Beauty Products I Love!

My Favorite Beauty Products

Yay, it's finally officially Spring! I can't help myself I'm overjoyed with happiness with the warmer temps underway. I thought I'd share a few of my summer beauty staples. 

I love the brand Philosophy and what it stands for. Every bottle has an inspirational message and I'm a sucker for cute packaging so without further adieu here are some of my favorite beauty products that I love from Philosophy.

My Favorite Philosophy Products

Summer Grace Body Polishing Scrub 

I love scrubs and this one smells amazing. It reminds me of the first day of summer at the beach. It leaves your skin polished, soft and smooth. It'll have you a believer of summer if that's even an option. 

Summer Grace Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel

This is yet another soft and fun summer scent. It pairs perfectly with the 'Summer Grace' scrub. I love wearing it all year around. 

Unconditional Love Firming Body Emulsion 

Want a great firming lotion? Well, this one fits the bill. It's soothing and great for firming up those areas that need a little extra love and attention. It's sure to become one of your favorites for extra firming and toning your love handles. 

Summer Grace Satin-Finish Body Oil Mist

This is a body oil mist reminiscent of summer. I spray this on fresh out the shower while the skin is still damp. Besides its amazing smell it leaves a perfect sheen to your skin. It gives the body the perfect glow that surprisingly lasts for hours.

What are your summer beauty product staples? I'd love to hear what are your favorites. 

Life with Beckham

Life with Beckham is such a joy. He brings so much laughter and excitement into our lives. He's 17 months already, Oh my I can't believe how time flies. I want to share a little behind the scenes with, "A Day in the Life with Beckham".

Life with Beckham

Vocabulary 

By now Beckham is quite the talker. He has a pretty big vocabulary for his age. He knows quite a few words: 

-Mom (of course)

-Ball

-Shoe

-Dog

-Bye

-Chase- he calls everyone "Chase" besides Mommy & Daddy.

-Trash- he's definitely My BOY! He runs to throw out any trash and even his own diapers.

-Hot- he knows when anything is hot and will tell you.

Juice- he loves his juice! 

Appetite 

In addition to his big vocabulary he has a pretty big appetite. Some of his favorite foods are:

-Chicken nuggets

-Spaghetti 

-Oranges

-Gold fish crakers

-Animal crackers

-Welches fruit snacks

Fine Motor Skills & Development

Beckham is very active. He's constantly on the go! I am amazed at how much he seems to get into. But, this is nothing new with three BOYS! He knows how to climb stairs up/down. He can feed himself with assistance, we're working on the mess. He likes to put on his shoes, or should I say bring them to you to put on to go bye-bye. And he absolutely love his football. He takes it everywhere with him. 

All in all, I love these moments and cherish every bit. Beckham truly lights up all our lives.

Ten Simple Joys

Hi There! It feels like forever since I blogged. I've been busy with the kids and school so I thought I'd take a quick break and write a post. This one is focused on life's simple pleasures. 

Here Are My Ten Simple Joys...

1. Drinking homemade sweet tea.

2. Eating cotton candy ice cream.

3. A long hot shower uninterrupted without the kids.

4. Coming home to a CLEAN home.

5. A manicure/pedicure.

6. Freshly cut flowers, I absolutely love tulips.

7. Sleeping in on the weekends.

8. A freshly made bed with clean, crisp linen.

9. The sweet smell of Anthro candles burning.

And rounding off the list...

10. Of course, good ole fruit smoothies...any flavor will do. I simply love them especially in my Mason jars.

What are your simple pleasures? I'd love to hear.

38 Before 40

38 Things To Do Before 40

With my birthday days away I can't believe I've made it through another! {Yay!!} So in light of the occasion I thought I'd do a post on "38 Things To Do Before the Big 4-0". My 40 Things Before 40 Project is well underway!

Here's my list:

1. Learn to sew

2. Practice yoga regularly

3. Go skiing (no really)

4. Take a cooking class ✔️

5. Get a tattoo ✔️

6. Go wine tasting ✔️

7. Sail in a hot air balloon ✔️

8. Go to taping of Oprah Winfrey Show (I know I missed the boat on this one)

9. Meet FLOTUS Michelle Obama (Major score, so thankful for the opportunity) ✔️

10. Take the kids on Disneyland cruise 

11. Take a painting class ✔️ 

12. Visit NYC ✔️ 

13. Start my own business ✔️

14. Travel to Europe

15. Take a Caribbean cruise with the hubs ✔️

16. Buy a home ✔️ 

17. Own a signature Louis Vuitton bag ✔️ 

18. Have at least one other baby (Happy that our family is now complete) ✔️ 

19. Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself ✔️

20. See a Broadway Show

21. Start a Blog ✔️

22. Go parasailing ✔️

23. Take a first-class flight ✔️

24. Learn to garden 

25. Author a book (my dissertation counts) ✔️

26. Take the kids on a family cruise ✔️

27. Go on a mission trip

28. Visit the Grand Canyon

29. Make bread from scratch ✔️

30. Earn advanced degree (Doctorate) ✔️✔️

31. Random act of kindness to a stranger ✔️

32. Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel luxury suite

33. See Sade live in concert (I so hope to see her the next time she's in town)

34. Visit the Twin Towers in NYC (I'm glad I got to see it a week before 9-11. I will never forget) ✔️

35. See the Statue of Liberty in person (Due to the unfortunate event of  9-11, during or stay we did not  get to visit)

36. Run a marathon race

37. Buy a hybrid SUV ✔️

38. Learn a foreign language fluently 

Valentines Cocktail

Sherbet & Champagne Cocktail 

With Valentines just a day away, I thought it would be a nice idea to share a great cocktail to share with your partner on VDay.

This recipe was obtained from the domestic diva, non other than Martha Stewart. You can find the recipe at Martha Stewart Living.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon sorbet (we like raspberry or passion fruit)
• Chilled Champagne or Prosecco

DIRECTIONS

1. STEP 1

   Scoop sorbet into a champagne flute. Fill with chilled Champagne or Prosecco; stir.

That's it! Drink & enjoy with your loved one!!⭕️❌⭕️❌