Question of the Day: Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you? Oh boy, I have a feeling this article is going to upset some. Sadly, sharing my own Black experiences as a Black woman in today’s culture is somehow offensive. It’s cool when they do it, it’s a problem when we do it. F*k ’em. The short answer is ‘no’, I am … Continue reading Divided We Stand.
Fear grips you like death. It’s like a WWE, Stone Cold Steve Austin elbow drop…it’s a stunner. It chokes happiness and stifles growth. But fear has a weakness, just like Superman. Its kryptonite is love, encouragement, support, understanding, and even unexpected help from a stranger. When was the last time you felt afraid? I mean knees buckling, lips quivering, unequivocal fear. I can still clearly … Continue reading The Power of Fear
What would you do if you won the lottery? I would no longer walk, talk or eat the same! Matter of fact, I’m changing my name to Queen Cleopatra Elizabeth II. Seriously, here’s what I would really do if I won the lottery. I’ve overcome numerous obstacles to become a first-time home buyer in my early 30s as a single parent. In less than 5 … Continue reading I’m Rich! (just practicing)
A fun and simple makeover to any headboard starts with your perfect fabric. I’ve thought of painting my dark brown bedframe numerous times to give it a fresh look. And although paint is always a good option, I fell in love with the beauty of mudcloth as soon as I laid eyes on it. I purchased my very first mudcloth from D+K Renewal, the cutest … Continue reading DIY: Mudcloth Headboard
On my son’s 14 birthday, we visited Portland, Oregon and instantly fell in love! I admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect. I can’t really say that my vision of Portland was for it to resemble a smaller version of New York City with a slower, Southern pace. The hipster vibes were everywhere. We stayed at The Paramount Hotel in the heart of downtown … Continue reading Keep Portland Weird
What if I told you this time of the year used to be my darkest. It felt like the biggest downside to moving to New Mexico was having to leave my South Carolina roots and family traditions behind. Thanksgiving became my “trigger holiday” as I missed the sound of everyone gathering and endless plates of good food. No matter who was upset with whom, on … Continue reading Always a Happy Place
On August 29, I nearly had my entire house flooded because of a leak in my bathroom. The aftermath has been one of the most traumatic times I’ve experienced since becoming a homeowner. From juggling insurance paperwork, contractors, the adjuster, constantly changing timelines, oh and the mortgage company too- I’ve nearly lost it a few times. Somehow here I am nearly 3 months later still … Continue reading What A Disaster
I love hunting a good bargain, but this one may go down in history as one of the greatest! According to Wikipedia, Heriz rugs are Persian rugs from the area of Heris, East Azerbaijan in northwest Iran, northeast of Tabriz. Persian Heriz rugs are typically crimson red and Persian blue, combined with varied neutrals. It’s featured pattern include a central medallion motif surrounded by rectilinear … Continue reading Bargain Hunted: Authentic Persian Rug
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since I took a leap of faith and became a homeowner! At that time, the only thing at the forefront of my mind was to put down roots so my son could have a neighborhood to grow up in just like every classic tv show. I remember after closing going into a deep depression wondering if I had … Continue reading 5 Year Housiversary
ella bea + art effect 