deandreab
Saying Goodbye to My Adolescence
For all the angst, my teenage years were amazing. The reason I remember this is because I have several journals chronicling the ages 13-18 that tell me just how idealistic I was at that...
Surviving R. Kelly: A Mother’s Perspective
I am going to admit something, I was complicit in my views. I was a HUGE R. Kelly fan, as well as all of my friends and why wouldn’t we be, R. Kelley has...
What is Your Vision? Tales of a Vision Board
One of the most amazing parts of the New Year is that you have a brand new 365 days to correct things that you didn’t get right in the past 365 days. That may mean...
Are We Raising Grateful Children
The holidays are over, thank goodness! Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays and I revel in the rest and the ability to spend time with my family. Every year, my mother asks...
Why Mentoring the Next Generation of Women is so Important
I spend my Saturday afternoons with young ladies ages 12-14. Now before you sigh and ask if I am crazy, know that I volunteer for this. I have volunteered to do this for years...
Election Day and the Issues that Impact Moms
I have been going to the polls since I can remember. My parents voted before work and made a point of taking my brother and me so that we knew the significance. In high...
Why Attending Church is Important for My Family
Sunday mornings at the Beaven House are chaotic! Not a typical chaos, but one that literally makes you want to get back into bed and try again. It is my personal belief that it...
Raising a Daughter Who is Like You: The Pros and Cons
I found out I was having a daughter in July 2015, and I seriously dreamed of that day. I am all things feminine, and the thoughts of bows and tutus ran through my mind....
An Intimate Conversation with my Mother
This post is dedicated to my Mother, Vivian, the effortless style star and self-proclaimed introvert. Mommy has been a Mom and wife for the better part of her life. Sacrifices were made, dreams were...
The Whimsical Wakanda and What Black Panther Means to My Community
Moment of Truth, I don’t necessarily love comic book movies. Don’t get me wrong, I will watch Iron Man if prompted, and The Hulk has seen my DVR a few times. However, I don’t...
Do We Raise Our Girls and Baby Our Boys?
My Mother has a son, my brother, Stephen. I always kind of thought he was her favorite because she was always very accommodating to him. Mommy would...
12 Tips to DeStressing The Holidays
It’s the holidays and if you’re a Mother, this is met with as much anxiety as it is excitement! You’re exhausted and your husband is not and you’re inundated with lists, sales and wrapping...
Gun Violence in America: How Will I Explain This to My Children?
Sandy Hook, Orlando, New York, Texas, and Charleston. I don't even have to say why I'm naming these cities for you to understand. I can’t help but think that these tragedies (not these alone)...
Letter to My 21 Year Old Self
On October 6th, 2017, I turned 36 years old. Shockingly, this isn’t at all daunting, but instead extremely eye opening. Obviously, a lot can happen in 15 years-- some good things, some great things,...