One of the most challenging things I had to do as a mother was to remember to take care of myself. Self care is so important. It can mean many different things to different people. Personally, whenever I get the chance to show my skin some love, I feel awesome and that’s how I self care. I find that it’s a great way to de-stress after a long day’s work and nobody gets hurt. It’s a win-win for everyone!

How do I do it?

Well grab your coffee or wine (I’m not judging) and stick around.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser For Oily Skin

The title says it all. It’s a soap-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores), alcohol-free and is oil free. It removes the dirt from your skin while keeping your skin’s pH at 5.5 (a.k.a. it won’t make your skin feel crazy afterwards.

Just a pea size is all you need for the face. It lathers beautifully. There’s a slight fragrance but not enough to distract from the task at hand. It rinses off easily without leaving any kind of residue. What really makes this work from your typical acne-wash cleanser is the zinc pidolate, which purifies your skin gently. It’s a great way to start the skin cleansing routine while providing you with a blank canvas to start with.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

If the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is Beyonce then the Effaclar Mat is Jay-Z. Together they form the power couple of skin care routine.

I love this moisturizer. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic and gives you a mattifying finish all the while controlling the sebum secretion of your face and reducing the size of your pores. I mean, seriously, what else do you need?

This guy’s secret weapon is the sebulyse technology. That’s what allows my skin to look matte and have visibly smaller looking pores.

My day doesn’t start without these two.

 Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil

I personally did not know that I could have oily skin and use an oil to cleanse my face but apparently you can.

Back when I was ignorant of proper make-up removal methods, I would use a make-up remover wipe when I was ready for bed and call it a day. Mind you, when morning rolled around I would find traces of make-up on my pillow case. That’s when I was introduced to double cleansing.

Double cleansing is when you use a cleansing oil or balm first and then you finish up with your cleanser to cleanse your face.

So I proceeded to try this hydrating cleanser. I’m not going to lie I did not have high hopes for it, but I was pleasantly surprised.

It is made with grapeseed oil, in fact it’s listed as one of the first ingredients. It even smells like grapeseed oil. It’s super light in texture, tough on make-up but make sure to use more than 2-3 drops. It rinses off easily without too much residue. It leaves my skin feeling nice and soft.

Bean Body Coffee Scrub

This item was gifted to me to review, which I will gladly review again and again because it’s AMAZING!!!

I love coffee and I love scrub. It’s a perfect combination for skin care.

The scrub has cacao, vitamin E to repair and restore the skin. It has a blend of Himalayan Pink Rock Salt and Demerara Sugar to get rid of the dead skin cells. It’s perfect for stretch marks, cellulite, eczema and psoriasis. Honestly you can go wrong with this. Scoop with hand and scrub away. The granule are fine enough to be gentle on the skin, but powerful enough to provide effective exfoliation.

At the end of this enchanted journey of scrubbage, you’re left with skin that glows, skin so soft, skin so smooth and skin so hydrated all you will do is keep your hands to yourself.

(See what I did there? ;))

The Honest Co. Foaming Tangerine Dream Bubble Bath

Who doesn’t like bubbles? I sure do. Sometimes when I have a minute to myself and I just need to soak, I use the Honest Bubble Bath. I love the scent of tangerine. It’s so citrus-y, it gives me a tropical feel. If I close my eyes, I can almost pretend (keyword being almost) I’m on a tropical getaway for a whole five minutes.

This foaming bubble bath is made with aloe, calendula, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and quinoa protein to give your skin that necessary TLC your hard-working skin wants and needs. It’s also tear-free, natural, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, formaldehyde-free, mea-free, dea-free and tea-free.

It’s your natural bubble bath that you can feel good about because you deserve it.

This is my honest opinion and review of each item, discussed. The only item that I was gifted is the Bean Body Coffee Scrub. Otherwise the rest, can be found at your local drugstore, Walmart, Target, etc. That’s where I bought them.

So that is it for my list. What’s your skin care list like?

We should totally compare notes. Comment below, I look forward to hearing from  you.

Listen! Money doesn’t grow trees. Money is like time. There never seems to be enough of it. I’ve been watching families crawl out of debt and it’s made me feel like I can do it.

But…

I like to look good too. Looking good costs money. Money I’m trying to save.

I don’t know when was the last time I actually stepped into Sephora or Murale or any make up store. In fact, most of what I buy is from the drug store. Though there’s nothing wrong with drug store beauty brands, sometimes I want to try some of those high end products I see these youtubers review but not at the expense of my groceries.

Don’t get it twisted! I still swear by my L’Oreal Superblendable True Match Liquid foundation  but sometimes when I go out I like to wear my Nars All Day Luminous foundation. So what’s a girl to do? Find beauty products on sale.

Enter Glambot.

They sell high end brand named make-up and skin care products at a discount. Sometimes as good as 80% off the original price.

That’s where I bought my Tarte creme lipstick. It has become my go-to source for high end brands.

The way it works is that they re-sell gently used or not used items at a discount. If you live in the U.S.A. you can actually sell them your gently used make up.

The only con is that I can’t find anything with my foundation shade. Everything they have is either too light or too dark. But you might find just what you’re looking for.

Otherwise, I really like it. It’s user-friendly. There’s  a picture of what you’re buying.

You can even select what currency you want the prices seen. I live in Canada, so seeing the prices in Canadian currency helps me spend wisely. How else would I be ballin’ on a budget?!

You’ve probably heard of them, but if you haven’t Colourpop is worth checking out.

They have recently launched their No Filter Foundation in 42 shades for $12. I mean $12 for a foundation?! I’m in.

I have purchased and used (and still use) their NoFilter concealer in dark. It’s a staple in my

I used to splurge on hair care but once I knew what it needed, I was able to find what I needed without spending a whole lot of money.

My daughter has a different curl pattern than I do. Of course, this is largely because she’s a baby. Her hair texture continues to change as she gets older, but for now I deal with the card I’m dealt.

Still, I use the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Style and Curl Milk and water. It’s such a hair holy grail product that I use it on the whole family.

It contains coconut oil, neem oil and silk protein to strengthen, detangle, moisturize and provide shine to every strand of your hair.

Also, you don’t have to worry about parabens, sulfates, phtalates, parrafin, mineral oil or parrafin because it’s not there.

It’s also available at Wal-Mart. So you know you’re not going to be breaking the bank.

Check out these blogs to see how I use it on my baby and on myself.

The Beginner’s guide to do your baby’s curly hair

5 Minute Hairstyle for Naturalistas

So these are just a few ways that I stay ballin’ on a budget. Just because I’m a mom on a budget doesn’t mean I can’t look good, right?

How do you stay ballin’ on a budget?

Let me know!

Hey there! Thank you for reading my post today. I’m so happy you decided to check out what goes on in my head. This past month has been super busy, but in a good way.

There was laughter, tears, hope, distress, trials and victories. All of this, and it’s just the beginning of Summer.

As I reflect on my short time as a mother, there are so many things I was warned about but I definitely had to either learn it or experience it through trial. No amount of books or testimonials could have prepared me for my journey as a mother.

Some of it sucked balls!

But some of it was amazing.

So here goes…

1. Everyone has an opinion on how you should be with your child She is living her best life

The irony in all of this is that, this should concern you and your child but no. Somehow any one and every one seems to have the magic elixir to “help” you, when in reality it can make a moment that’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable, really frustrating and annoying. Personally, I found myself questioning whether or not I was fit to even be a mother. Then I woke up and realized I’m a queen raising a queen and we don’t need any type of negativity in our lives.

So I said, “I’m good love, enjoy!”

Most people mean well, even though they don’t know when to shut up or keep their opinions to themselves. Of course, most advice are sound. But at the end of the day, it’s YOUR child. Enjoy this moment. You are both learning. Cut yourself some slack.

2. Things never go the way you want them to 

…like this picture

That’s really more of a life lesson that I keep refusing to learn. In my mind, by now my one-year old should be sleeping through the night, completely weaned off of the breast, have a full head of hair like all the instagram babies that are trending and I should’ve had all stuff together so that I could be a full-time stay-at-home mom and a social media rockstar.

*insert record scratch*

yea, that didn’t work out too well.

And that’s ok!

So what she doesn’t sleep through the night? So she still likes breastmilk, and so what? So what she’s a little rough around the edges and loves to explore and isn’t afraid to get dirty? So what? My daughter is the way she is and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So I had to adjust. That’s my issue and I’m dealing with it, the way that fits us. My husband adjusted and I’m adjusting and that’s life.

I can’t predict the weather but I can adjust accordingly.

3. Sometimes husbands just don’t understand

The great thing about marriage is that two imperfect people are joined together because they are perfect for each other.

Now let’s apply that to real life with limited sleep and not enough caffeine to create a sustainable addiction.

Yea! All of that feel-good, whimsical lovey dovey stuff flies out the window.

As a woman, I have needs.

Sometimes I just need to SLEEP! Sometimes I don’t want to talk. Sometimes I just need help without having to ask for it.

I don’t care about how hard your day was. Or why you think we need more stuff in the garage. Or about your headache.  I’m really sorry but I don’t because I’m not sleeping and I’m forced to stay functioning, meanwhile you get to call in sick.

But I digress.

I understand, men need to be told what we need because they can’t read minds…but still.

I wanted a family photo; he wanted to catch us off guard

4. Your baby will always be your biggest fan

Always ready to take selfie with me

Honestly, she is just so full of light and positivity. I literally aspire to be as positive and happy as she is. She is firm in what she wants and makes no apologies about getting her way but she just makes life better.

I couldn’t have imagined a better daughter. I am so proud to be her mother. She is really forgiving and merciful, which is ironic because her name is Mercy. She just makes me want to be better. When I’m happy, she’s ecstatic. When I’m sad, she’s really unsettled.

If that’s what mercy is than no wonder God wants us to share that over judgement.

She loves to have her celebrations. If I do good and I tell her, then she gets really excited. I don’t know if she understands half of the things I tell her, but seeing her genuinely smile along with me is beyond words.

I’m grateful for her love and her unconditional support.

  5. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

I’m ready for it all

It’s been one hell of a ride and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There were days I honestly didn’t think I would make it. But without God, my husband and my baby girl I don’t know how it would have turned out.

Life happens and we learn and grow from it. I can honestly say that my marriage is stronger. Our goals are now more focused than ever. We have a stronger bond. We really have each other’s backs.

Personally speaking, I know that I’ve come to the realization that my family comes first. Their opinion matters. What I do affects them and what they do affects me. How we treat each other is important.

For example, my daughter believes that yelling is normal… so I’m trying to rectify that, God help us.

Patience is a virtue. I don’t know if I got it yet but it’s a virtue worth having.

I know that I can survive on no sleep. I know that I can achieve any and every goal I set up. I know that my family and I are destined for greatness and that’s where we are headed.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

What are some things you learned the hard way?

Hey there! So I’m back with another How-To Video that I hope you will enjoy.
As a mother, time is not always on my side when I leave the house in anything other than sweat pants and a t-shirt. But such is life. So below I posted a video, showing how I create my 5 minute “go-to” hairstyle, for the days when I’m in a hurry and need to look like I actually belong out in the real world and not in my bed.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a hairstylist, just a mom who constantly seems to run out of time.

Here are the items I used in the video:
– water
– Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk

Follow me if you like what you see!

Like, share and follow! Can’t wait to hear from you.

You’ve got

• the baby at your hip (somehow you’d think the umbilical cord was still attached)
• the food on the stove (gotta remember to eat, gotta remember to eat, gotta remember to eat…)
• laundry is piling up (pyjamas are not a suitable outfit for everyday life)
• hubby has a “headache” again (insert eye roll here)
• coffee has gone cold (iced coffee…I guess)
• the house is a mess (the floor is not a shelf, right?)

I mean what else could be added to the list?

Sometimes what we need as moms is a little support. It’s not that we can’t handle the task at hand. In fact, we got a routine that works for us. We’re great multi tasker. Sometimes too great.

We tend to be overlooked, overwhelmed and we feel under appreciated. If that’s you…or a friend, let me remind you by listing 5 reasons why you are a SUPERMOM!

If you read last week’s blog I gave myself a whole lot of flowers. This week I’m giving them to you.

1. Selfless – You are selfless. You do it all, over and over again. Day in and day out. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days, all year, every year. All of this because you love the ones you care about. There are days I’m sure you want to sleep in but you get up, make that cup of coffee and get going. You’ve made sacrifices (sleep counts as a sacrifice) and adapted into an environment where you and those you love can grow and thrive. You are selfless.

2. While it’s a good quality to have, please remember to take time for yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s survival.

3. Adaptable – No matter what life throws at you (trips to the doctor, sleepless nights, forgetting to eat…) you adapt. In fact, those around you are able to make it through the day because of you. That’s why the husband can safely lose his keys and know that you will be able to locate it in seconds (mind you if he’d just put it down somewhere safe…but I digress). Life comes at you fast but you got this. You are strong enough, smart enough and mama you do it so well that everyone sees you as a SUPERMOM.

4. Yea, apparently husband’s never learn and will forever ask you to locate their keys until death do you part…good thing you’ve adapted

5. Mama’s Insticts – You’ve got instincts borne out of love and refined by experience. That’s why you’re the unlicensed head surgeon, head nurse, doctor, referee, judge, jury, lawyer, minister etc of the house. Also you’re a detective but you already knew that. Your instincts keep you and your family safe. I can’t explain it. You can’t explain it but you know you’re right, and guess what? You’re right! Trust your instincts, it’s part of what makes you a SUPERMOM.

6. As much as no one likes a-know-it-all, this is the one time where everyone in the family wants that quality. So revel in it. Just don’t say I told you so even though you said so…multiple times.

7. Cool under Pressure – You’re able to keep your cool when that person took up two parking spaces, you got cut off on the road or the good food you were dreaming about eating got devoured by the one who vowed to love you forever (nothing warrants a fight faster than eating my favourite food) but because of your child you stay cool under pressure. You establish an example of grace and poise all to teach your young one a valuable lesson.

8. You know being a good parent is more than just birthing a child. You understand the power you have and are willing to make the best of it. Way to go!

9. Keeping it real – You can laugh it off when you need to and keep life interesting and fun for those you love. You also aren’t afraid of being yourself and that is the best version of yourself you can be. In order for the ones you love to really thrive they need to know that you are authentically in love with who they are. The love you have for them will be reciprocated because they love you for you. Flaws and all. SUPERMOM!

10. You are the foundation on which they build and the best part is you are perfect for that job because you are you. Don’t try and reach for perfection. YOU ARE PERFECT!

I hope you feel empowered reading this. I also hope you understand how awesome and amazing you are.

You were chosen for this and you’re doing great…even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Not one mom is perfect but we all strive to be.

If this helped you, let me know what you think and list anything I may have missed.

Comment, share it with someone you know and follow me so you don’t miss out.

Stay blessed, SUPERMOM!

I didn’t think I would be affected. I thought I was immune. But once that little 7 pound human left the comforts of my womb and was placed on my chest, I knew things would never be the same again.
I was bit by a radioactive matter that defied all laws of normalcy. I became… dun dun dun
a MOTHER!!!
If you are a parent I’m pretty sure you will relate.
Here are the 5 Superpowers I gained once I became a mother.
1. becoming a functional human being with little to no sleep

I’m not sure how I managed but I did. I used to be a deep sleeper. Waking up in the middle of night once was abnormal.

But once I became… dun dun dun

a MOTHER!!

Now not waking up at all in the middle of the night, though miraculous, would be considered abnormal.

It’s a superpower that I embrace…

or still embracing.

Keep in mind that coffee has become my new bestie.

Don’t judge.

Popeye ate spinach for his strength. I would rather drink coffee.

2. General manager of the house

I literally have to keep everyone and everything in check to keep myself in check.

How does it even begin to make sense?

Sometimes, I’m the banker, grocery store (for the baby), master chef, accountant, etc. Aside from being a wife, daughter, sister, singer, writer…

you know everything I was before I became…. dun dun dun

a MOTHER!!

But I embrace my newfound superpower because with great power comes great responsibility. To be honest, nobody does it better than a mother.

3. high pain tolerance

I thought menstruation pain was bad. At least my lady parts weren’t being stretched.

If I was honest, the hardest part was the length of time. I was in constant, growing (literally) pain for 40 hours. Though I’d gladly take the drugs if I were to do it all over again, I expected much worse.

Needlessto say, since that experience pain doesn’t affected me like it used to.

I don’t want to say I’m invincible but I’m a… dun dun dun

MOTHER!!

I’m kind of feeling this new tolerance for pain.
4. Googe expert

I’m not sure if it’s a skill or paranoia but it’s my superpower and I’m not ashamed of it.

I love knowledge even if it scares me. Like most parents, I want to do right by my child. As much as I care about how people view my parenting skills I care more about caring for her the right way.

Whether it’s her hair or treating her cold, I will take knowledge over any what used to be done.

I know this topic is taboo and is often seen as disrespect but I believe staying true to who I am allows to be a better mother to my daughter than just accepting whatever I’m given.

So what does have to do with Google?

Well because we live in an era where knowledge is shared, I have researched everything. I have made myself knowledgeable in whatever area I wanted to learn to best care for my baby.

Ever since I became… dun dun dun

a MOTHER!!

5. new “baby” language skills

I honestly believe I speak baby, specifically, my baby.

I’m telling you the truth. Cross my heart and hope to live (who wants to die?).

Before my daughter was even born, I was communicating with her and she would communicate back. Of course, it wasn’t like she had a voice and I heard a voice from my belly. But we were communicating.

She was…I wouldn’t say bossy…but definitely head strong. And still is.

We still communicate. She tells me what she wants and it’s up to me to process that information the best way I see fit.

I know when she’s trying to pull a fast one on me. (I didn’t know she’d be so sneaky at 10 months old). I know when she is being shy. I know when she’s hungry and what she’s hungry for. Mind you if she could live off the breastmilk she would.

I know her. I know my daughter. Her character, her traits, her strengths and weaknesses. I know it and it’s beautify because I’m her… dun dun dun

MOTHER!

I absolutely love being a mom and being a part of the mom tribe. I live the fact that I get to impact this little physical representation of my joy and of God’s mercy.

There are days I don’t feel like I have superpowers. In fact, most days I don’t.

But each and everyone of us are. We do the incredible task of raising these future adults like we’re professional (my daughter thinks I’m a professional she doesn’t know that we’re both figuring this out).

But when we reap the rewards it’s because you know you’re a… dun dun dun

a MOTHER!!

What are your superpower? Please comment below. If you liked what you read please like it and follow so you don’t miss the next blog.

If you know someone who needs this little pick me up, share it with them. I’m sure they’ll relate.

Hey THERE! I’m so glad you made it to my page.

I’m not famous or anything. I wanted to be but it didn’t work out in my favour.

I’m a mother on maternity leave fighting against the hands of time desperately praying for a miracle.

What miracle, you ask?

I don’t want to go back to work. I want to stay home and raise my baby. Babies, if the Lord permits.

But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, I’m the last person who would be in this position…

Exactly a year ago, I was at work. Content with my life. My husband was at home, “nesting” on my behalf.

I was at work, 7 months pregnant, anticipating the arrival of my baby. I was anxious to say the least. I didn’t know how I would cope, if I could cope.

I pictured myself to be a modern 21 century wife. I was working at my job, working as a songwriter and demoing songs for a producer, modelling part time and being a productive wife to my husband. I was doing it all. Just like Beyonce, without the nannies, the hit records, the glam squad and the cheating husband.

I was not going to be tied down to what society or my mother thought of my lifestyle. I was living MY life. Mind you, I hated the fact that I was a living a life I ultimately didn’t find fulfilling but at least I looked good doing it.

#selfie #goals #lies

It’s terrible that we can be so lost looking good that we miss out on feeling good. It’s like living without drawing in that breath.

Then she came and by she I mean the most amazing and most awesome girl I have ever laid eyes on. She is my love manifested, my hope realized my joy complete (I know I’m exaggerating but one day she may read this blog).

She challenges to be better and aspire greater. She makes want to get up in the mornings. Also I have to get up in the mornings or else

…if you’re a mother you know. She became my friend and an extension of my soul. She allowed me to transition into this new found, upgraded version of myself and caused me to love me even more.

I’m not sure how it happened but it did.

Just trust me.

So here we are. She 10 months old and in 2 months I am expected to go back to work.

This isn’t 1958 and so my husband doesn’t make enough to support us all financially.

Mind you even if it was 1958, we’d be facing different struggles but it’s a different matter for a different blog altogether.

The cost of living is high. Welfare isn’t an option. I can’t operate a daycare where I live. My side hustle isn’t bringing any money. Once my leave is over, that’s it.

I’m grateful for the time I get to be with her. It allows me to be with me. To be honest I’m super dope. A little neurotic but still I’m amazing. But being amazing isn’t enough.

My pastor told me last week of how heartbreaking it was for him to go to work. His son would cry restlessly for 10 minutes, 10 whole minutes!

My heart broke just picturing the scene.

My mother pretty much told me to buck up and deal with it.

Let’s just say I’ve yet to buck up.

I have faith that something will turn around and everything will work out.

Maybe it won’t be as bad as I fear. Maybe I’ll win the lottery. Maybe I’ll get that record deal I’ve been working so hard go get. Maybe I’ll be able to find a job that allows me to work from home.

I’m just hoping because that’s all I got left…

hope.

If your a mom who’s dealt with going back to work please let me know how you transitioned?

Also keep me in your prayers as this is a very real issue for me

xoxo