Patience is NOT My Ministry!

I am literally waiting on some news and a few other things to happen right now. 

Like literally waiting on a specific call to come through that will ultimately affect my life in the next few years. 

But I've been waiting for over a week. 

And it's killing me! 

I'm trying to be all zen and all like "whatever happens is supposed to happen when it is supposed to happen," but really I am screaming inside. 

I also am waiting on the baby boy to walk! 

He turned 1 a few weeks ago and I know he can do it. 

He has taken two steps sporadically but we are still waiting on one solid stride to happen. 

The crazy part is that he can climb a full flight of steps with great ease!

But, I am still waiting nonetheless. 

I am sure there is a great scripture about patience that I could google. 

But I really just want things to happen already!!! 

LOL! 

You can find this ASOS dress here...I have it in 4 colors because I'm obsessed. 

You can't see the shoes but here they are and on sale! 

My necklace is sold out from Zara but here is a really cute one from Forever 21

Bangles here ( I usually buy 3 sets at a time)

Photos by Lacoste Photography

All Good Things

I'm just coming back from The Curvy Con in New York, and I'm still trying to process it all. It was the longest yet the most rewarding business trip.

So, I'm going to skip my musings for a day and just direct you to my Curvy Con/NYC recap on God's Favorite Surprises.

You'll see why it's hard to process it all.

All good things.

Click here!

Dress: ASOS (Of course) Click here
Shoes: Steve Madden (old)
Bag: Zara (sold out)

Sidenote: Please tweet ASOS on my behalf and tell them that they should consider having me as a brand ambassador/social influencer because everything I wear is from them! Click here
#iaintsorry

At Least I Am Consistent...

I had it all planned out. 

I saw this dress and literally screamed TC! 

Do you know TC?

You should. 

Because what are you doing with your life?

Dress: ASOS here
Bag and shoes: Zara (sold out) 

TC from Good Times! 

Remember her?

That's why I bought this dress. 

And then I was going to do a whole post about TC. 

Then I typed in TC from Good Times in Google Search.

And I CAME UP! 

LOL! 

Because I apparently already paid homage to TC. 

Here's proof. 

So no point in writing about TC again because duh. 

I will say that any day that I dress like TC from Good Times. 

It probably was a good day. 

P.S. Shout out to bloggers who in the game back when using a tripod was the only way you could blog! LOL 

Photos by: LaCoste Photography

Simple Girl

 

I find joy in the simplest things lately.

Little stuff.

Things most people overlook.

For example, I began this random habit of drinking hot water, honey and lemon every morning and night.

Not for a detox.

Just because I love it.

It literally brings a smile to my face when I can sit down and enjoy a hot cup of water, honey and lemon.

 

 

 

My daughter and I went to Walmart the other day. While she was in the basket, she randomly told me she needed a hug.

I stopped what I was doing just to give her a hug in the middle of the aisle.

Those are the things that bring me joy.

I'm pretty sure it has a lot to do with being a mom or getting older wiser.

But the simplest things bring me joy. 

 Not an Apple Watch.

Not the latest shoe.

Not having the dopest car.

Simple things.

No fuss.

That goes for my style lately too.

I love a layered outfit.

But I adore when I can throw on a few pieces in its simplest form and feel like it speaks to the zen up in this ratchet soul of mine.

 



 

Denim Dress: Zara (here)

Bag: Zara (here)

Shoes: Zara (don't see them online but I got them in the store about a month ago)

Glasses: Vintage

Necklace: FrugalFinds NYC

Hat: Forever 21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography: Lacoste Photography



Stepping Into My Season

 

Someone asked me the other day if I missed teaching.

 

Not a whole lot.
I don't miss the stress. The anxiety attacks. The not feeling like I am not getting support from parents and administrators.

But that doesn't mean I'm not a teacher at heart.

When you pull back all the layers, I'm still a teacher.

A few recent experiences have helped me see that it's just a part of my nature.



I have been going to different schools lately for Career Day on the behalf of my business, God's Favorite Surprises.
I have been conducting Thank You Card etiquette classes.
Because when was the last time you got a thank you card from a kid?
Exactly. 

I'm so H-town. You can find me throwing the H sign in almost every selfie on my phone. LOL! #sophistiratchet

 

 Each time, I go for  Career Day, I think that I'm just going to speak about being an entrepreneur and about the importance of college.

But it never goes down like that.

I seem to always go into "teacher mode."

After 10 minutes of standing in front of kids from kindergarten to 8th grade, they have to actually do something with their hands. (In teacher speak, that means "manipulatives")

That's when the teacher comes out. 

I have to get my teacher voice on to facilitate a Thank You card writing lesson and become a major multi-tasker.

And guess what...I DO miss that.

I miss that part.

Facilitating actual learning.

And maybe I enjoy it a whole lot more because I'm in the classroom on my own terms.

Teaching about something that I am passionate.

Because again, when was the last time you got a handwritten note from a kid saying thank you.

Heck, even from an adult?

Exactly.            

 

 

 

I think this season of my life is all about perspective.

I could scoff at my past profession and run from it like the plague.

Or I can embrace what I loved about it and make it a part of my new life.

It makes my life feel a lot more cohesive if I take that approach.



 

And this way of thinking, is what you call GROWTH.

Give it up for your girl!  

 

(P.S. I almost hate to give a disclaimer. I almost didn't post these pics because of that gut. Black doesn't hide everything. But I bet you know someone who didn't wake up this morning. Yeah. So, I'm good. I was tripping with myself for a hot second.)

 

Hat: Forever 21

Jeans: ASOS here

Body Suit: ASOS here

Shoes: Zara (I picked them up in the store, I don't see them online.)

Bag: Gifted by Juanette from Zara (It's literally my favorite bag, I want to buy a back up) here

 

Photography: Lacoste Photography



Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed

Lately, I've been really benefiting from simply opening my mouth. 

I tend to filter what I tell people about by myself...specifically, my projects, my dreams, my goals. 

I think maybe it's because I have experienced people who nod their heads when they say they get you, but really they don't. 

Otherwise known as dreamkillers.

The doubters. 

The never did nothing so they don't understand someone like me who truly tries to go for it in all aspects of life. 

For example, I have a personal Facebook page and a business Facebook page. 

I never share what I'm doing professionally on my personal page because it seems to me like that Facebook is the land of "visible likes" and secret screenshots. 

So, I would just post an occasional pic of the kids or an occasional selfie but never promoted my multiple streams of creativity. 

Then one day, a few weeks ago, I just had a moment and decided that if I don't tell people that I have a business and a blog then they won't know. 

I'm so brilliant. (sarcasm)

I think maybe  because I've heard a few people say things like "what does she do again?" and "She left her stable job to do what?"

Mind you that these are people that I know. That have access to me outside of Facebook. 

That can literally dial my number and ask me any question they want. 

So I held back. 

Held it in. 

Thinking that networking could take place outside of my "inner" circle. 

Social media wise that is.

Daishiki Dress/Top by Eldior Sodeck via Zuvaa
I think technically it's a top but you know I'm fast! 

Well, a few weeks ago, I simply posted the link to my business site, God's Favorite Surprises and basically wrote, "You know me. Support my business before you support a stranger's."

And guess what, I've gotten a great response every since. That post led to a few people reaching out to me to work with them in some capacity. 

And guess what, it didn't hurt me one bit to do it. 

The moral? 

Actually, there are several...

1. Closed mouths don't get fed. 

2. It's not your business what other people think of you. 

3. Chances are they ain't thinking about you anyway. 

4. Stop having invisible wars. You can have a whole fight with yourself based on what you think might happen and it could all be just your imagination working against you. 

Open your mouth, and watch things move for you. 

Can I get an amen!?!?

*Photos by Lacoste Photography

An Ode To My Favorites

 Hey! Did you give up on me, yet!?!?

I'm still around.

Still being a mama.

Still being an entrepreneur.

Still being a creative. 

Still here!

I joined the land of the living this weekend and went to a few events. When I got in the car, I was looking at the jean jacket that I am wearing in the first pic.

I straight up had a whole conversation with myself about how much I love this jacket!

I've had it for about 10 years.

Nothing special about it.

It's from the Gap.

But I love it!

It's perfectly broken in.

I've literally worn holes into each of the elbows (which I love).

There is a huge rip in the back of the collar.

But I'm obsessed with it still.

Like if I had to save ONE piece of clothing from a burning house, this jacket would get rescued.



Then I focused on this dress.

Then the necklace.

Then the combat boots.

And the bag that I've had for about 4 years now.

And I realized that my wardrobe is starting to become one that I've been wanting.

Where things are simple but speak to me when I wear them.

I'm very picky about the clothes I buy now.

They have to speak to me.

Because I just don't have the energy or space for things that don't inspire me. 

(That goes for people too)

This is getting way too deep of a post about a jean jacket and my favorite dress and favorite boots and favorite purse and favorite necklace, huh?!?





Dress here

Boots from Ross (last year)

Bag from Zara (super old)

Necklace here (got it last year though)

Jacket from The Gap (at least ten years old)

I have worn this dress running  daytine errands and for date nights. Same dress, different ways.



How are you guys doing!?! I've missed you!

I'm still working to grow God's Favorite Surprises every day.

So hop on over there and spread kindness.

And if that's not enough of Reiko on these internets,

I've started another blog.

I fought so hard to not turn GFS into a mommy blog but it's such a huge part of my life now.

So I partnered with my friend and we created Invisible Crowns.

( @invisiblecrownsblog on Instagram here )

We noticed that there are so many mommy blogs that get so much attention but they all look alike. And none of them look like me.

None of them live like me.

Nobody ever really talks about deciding to start a family after the age of 35 and celebrating that.

So, we decided to create that space for ourselves!

Check us out!



Thank You Pinwheel Portrait!

Zara's pics are in! And I love every single one of them! Special thanks to Amy of Pinwheel Portraits! She will be 1 next week!

EEEK!

Please support Amy as she starts her new photography business specializing in baby whispering!

I absolute love people who go after their creative dreams!

 

Check out the rest of the pics here!

 

 

 

I love this little girl so much!

Follow Pinwheel Portrait here on Facebook!

Legends

 

 

 

 

The Beatles.

The presidents.

Mickey Mouse.

This skirt.

These pumps.

 

All legends in their own right.

 



 

Mickey Tee (Men's): Target (on sale now)

Skirt: ASOS (I have the black also, I adore these skirts!)

Heels: Zara





 

 

 

 

Rocquelle and I couldn't resist getting in Barack's ear.

Everyone else does it.

 

 

Are you following me on FB and Instagram?

You should.

I often post pics there that never make it to the blog.

 

(Remember if you hover your mouse over my pics, you can pin my looks to your Pinterest board)

Grown or Sexy?

Annuities.

Bilingual school for Zara.

Writing a book.

Finding a bigger house.

Life Insurance.

My Purpose.

Saving money.

Finances. 

Prayer.

Health.

Family.

Living. 

Happiness.

You can look at the list two ways.

1. The things that make me an adult.

2. A list of things that just make me hella sexy.

It depends on who you are and where you are in your life. Ha!

Whatever. 

Tomato.

Tomatoe.

Who says "tomatoe" anyway?

Tell them they are wrong. 

And grammatically incorrect. 

And tell them they are trying too hard to be different:)

Jumpsuit: Target (Still available)

Headwrap: Scarf from Zara (Still available)

Jacket: Gap (old)

Necklace: Aldo (here)

Sandals: Steve Madden (old)

P.S...I'm in the midst of planning Zara's 1st birthday party soiree' gathering picnic already! 

A Few Of My Favorite Things

 

What I look forward to daily...




(Sigh/screams) She is the best ever! I literally go to Awesomely Luvvie's site at least twice a day to make sure I don't miss anything. You know how you are listening to a song or watching a movie and a random thought pops in  your head? Well, she usually says everything you are thinking.

She thinks like we think about pop culture issues and does THE BEST recaps of Scandal and The Housewives of Atlanta. 

I literally have cried real tears while reading some of her posts. And she uses the best gifs ever!

I want to be her friend!

This is one of my favorite posts by her.

Wait, this one is my favorite.

Okay, okay...this one here had me gasping for air.

 

 

 

 

 

 Every morning for the past 6 months or so, I would see my husband turn his Iphone speaker up and he would listen to some talk show.

I thought it was something about sports so I would just ignore it, kiss him bye and go to work.

One day I asked him what he was listening to and he said it was a podcast about sports but not so much.

One day he let me listen to a recent podcast post and I loved it!

I became obsessed with listening to all of them.

It's about sports but not really.

Jemele Hill and Michael Smith are both staples on ESPN TV shows but they started a podcast about a year ago where they talk about current events but ALWAYS segway into a story/questions/debates about relationships or childhood experiences.

For example, Michael is an avid movie watcher and he references a line from Baby Boy it seems like every other episode and I am here for it.

 

 Jemele is hilarious and always on point with her observations about men/women relationships.

For example, they both somehow shared stories about stealing cable when they  were younger.

And Jemele said her family stole ELECTRICITY!

How does one do that!?!?

You will LOVE it! (I actually have the ESPN app on my phone and just search for the His and Hers podcasts every Monday and Thursday. I'm sure you can go the Itunes route also.

Side Note: Look for His and Hers not His and Hers Daily because the dailies are usually just quick teasers)

 

 

 

Every now and then I likes me some country music and I'm all about Florida Georgia Line! 

 

I've featured Tiffany from The Werk Place before (here).

But when she did a video to her post, it solidified my obsession with her.

Click here and play the video.

(Tell her I sent ya!)

 I SWEAR TO YOU I watched it like 20 times and I think I memorized the choreography! She gets it right EVERY TIME!!!

What I Want...

 

I mentioned in a previous post that I'm revamping my wardrobe little by little.

Here is a look at my saved list for what I'm currently coveting over at ASOS.

They are my "go to" right now for updating my wardrobe. (They also have a Curve line for sizes 14 and up)

(P.S...be sure to follow me on Facebook/Instagram...I feel a random giveaway coming on thanks to something that didn't fit from ASOS)

(And yes...I did clean out my closet...I got rid of about 6 bags of clothes)

 

 

 Stocking Stuffer? Yes. (I'm in Texas...it's sandal season all year)

If your name is Sean and you have a wife named Reiko,  you should probably consider this shoe as a sweet stocking stuffer. Size 8 or 9.

Click here to buy...if your name is Sean...

 

 

 

 Looks like I'm a glutton for punishment because I want this work out video. I know that Insanity worked for me last year before I got pregnat so I'm a believer in Shaun T and his work outs

 

 

What I'm looking forward to...

 

 I'm going to see Jay Z in a few weeks!

Shenanigans with this one for sure!

 

At 8:13am, I saw that @essencemag posted that Prince was the headliner for the 2014 festival.

8:15am I sent a screen shot to my husband because he is the BIGGEST Prince fan! (Our song after we said our vows was I Would Die 4 U)

8:35am We got the tickets.

Mind you that the rest of the line up hasn't even announced yet.

Now, if they would just announce that Frankie Beverly and Maze will be there, we will both be in musical heaven!

Since the fest is in July, we are treating the 3 day weekend as a celebration of our 3rd Wedding Anniversary.

What are you into lately?