Tackling Jael’s Room: A Real Mom’s Decluttering Journey (Part 1)
✨Back at it with this decluttering journey, and this time, I finally tackled Jael’s room! 🙌 Y'all, I nearly walked right back out when I saw the state of things. 😅 Took me a whole week of breaking it down one day at a time, but I’m so happy with the result! Stay tuned for parts 2 & 3 because there’s A LOT to show. #DeclutteringJourney #declutteringchallenge #momlifeunfiltered #OrganizeWithMe #HomeOrganizationTips #FamilyLife #CleaningMotivation #bigfamilylife #MinimalistJourney
Why This Election Has Me Speaking Up: A Woman of Color's Perspective #EveryVoteCounts
I don't often discuss politics, but this election has me feeling the weight. It’s hard to watch so many ignore the harmful rhetoric aimed at minorities and women. I’m especially stunned by the number of undecided voters. As a woman of color, I feel a duty to honor those who fought and sacrificed for my right to vote. Staying silent only strengthens voices that don’t reflect the future I envision for my children. Do I agree with every stance my candidate takes? No. But I believe in their vision more than any alternative—and that matters. Choosing the best possible leader is crucial. Maryland’s early voting ends today, but there’s still time to vote on November 5. Make your voice heard, because every vote counts! #HarrisWaltz2024 #VoteForChange #WomenWhoVote #AllVotesMatter
Throwback to our college days when movie nights were our go-to date! Marc and I finally checked out IPic Theater in Bethesda, and it’s next-level! With cozy blankets, seat-side dining, and grown-up vibes (hello, bar and restaurant), it’s perfect for date night. Pro tip: go late on a Monday like we did for a quiet, private feel. Would you try it? #DateNightIdeas #movienightmagic #BethesdaMd
✨I’m so excited to share Part Two of my decluttering journey! As someone who struggles with procrastination, staying organized has never been easy, but I’m finally making some real progress. This simple change to my space has transformed my daily routine. ✨Starting my mornings with a clear mind and organized space has helped me stay focused and productive all day long. When I’m on top of things, my whole family feels more together and life just flows better! If you’ve been following my decluttering series, you know I’m taking it one space at a time. ✨Stay tuned for more updates as I continue tackling each room—Jael’s room is done, too! Video coming soon!!!#DeclutteringJourney #OrganizedLiving #FamilyLife #HomeOrganization #ProductivityHacks #ProcrastinationToProgress #IntentionalLiving #BudgetFriendlyOrganization
What’s one important lesson you’ve learned about marriage? ✨ I wish I could say that our marriage was close to perfect and that 12 years flew by in happily wedded bliss, but that wouldn’t be the truth. Marriage is difficult but beautiful. We’ve had some really dark years where we thought we wouldn’t make it and then years where we couldn’t imagine life without each other. Here are the top three things I’ve learned this year about marriage: 1. DO NOT assume you know everything about your spouse; they are always changing, and you have to continue to learn the various versions of them in real time. Keep your mind and heart open. 2. If you have kids, remember to always put them SECOND; your marriage should always be FIRST. Tell those kids to go to the other room and give y’all a minute. 😅. 3. Intimacy is important—not just sexually, but taking time to be close to your partner and cherish the time you have together. But don’t forget the sex 😂. Making love is the most intimate you can be with your spouse; it should make you both feel wanted, satisfied, and more in love. (On a serious note: if it doesn’t do that for you, seek help from a professional. There may be unresolved issues that prevent you from connecting with your partner on that level.)✨I love being in love, and I love being loved by him.💕. ✨When you have a chance, go check out Julii and tell them Letisha sent you!#MarriageAdvice #RelationshipGoals #IntimacyMatters #MarriageJourney #LoveAndMarriage #CoupleGoals #RealLove #MarriageLessons #KeepTheSparkAlive #RelationshipGrowth
Taking Time for Yourself: The Power of a Simple Mom Date 🌸 #SelfCare #MomLife
Mamas, when was the last time you took yourself on a date? 🌸
On this particular day, I had just dropped my daughter off for drum corps practice. Normally, I would sit in the parking lot, doom scrolling or watching a show until she was done. But that day, I realized I had a perfect opportunity to spend some time with myself. I had two and a half hours where no one needed me, so I decided to make the best of it.
I googled the nearest Panera because they have excellent food and free Wi-Fi. I took myself on a mini date, enjoying a meal, putting on my Onn. Over ear headphones, watching a show, and planning my schedule in my @cleverfoxplanner. Those two hours of uninterrupted time were simple yet incredibly needed. For the rest of the day, I felt productive, at peace, and open to whatever came my way because I took the time to recalibrate my mind first.
Would you do something like this? Let me know in the comments!
#SelfCare #MomLife #TreatYourself #MentalHealth #SelfLove #MeTime #MomDate #PaneraDate #PlannerLife #OnNearHeadphones #CleverFoxPlanner #RechargeYourMind
"Brunch at Ms. Toya’s Creole House: A Delicious Experience!"
This month on “Where Did We Brunch?” we visited Ms. Toya’s Creole House in Silver Spring.
Ms. Toya’s menu pays tribute to traditional New Orleans food with a modern twist. Simply put, the food was really good!
Marc and I tried the Creole Wings, French toast, and lamb chops with eggs. Everything was flavorful, and the portions were generous.
The prices were reasonable too. They offer a brunch package with an appetizer, brunch entree, and flavored mimosa, or you can get bottomless mimosas.
I didn’t get drinks this time, but we’ll be back to try more dishes and some of their drinks, like "Miss Toya’s Hurricane."
Brunch is more than just a meal—it’s an amazing way to share time with loved ones over good food and drinks. Honestly, It's an understated form of therapy in my opinion.
What’s your favorite part about brunch? Have you been to Ms. Toya’s? Where should we go next?
#BrunchTime #CreoleCuisine #SilverSpringEats #FoodieAdventures #BrunchLovers #NewOrleansFood #DeliciousEats #FoodReview #BrunchTherapy #GoodEats #BottomlessMimosas #FoodieFinds #WhereDidWeBrunch #WeekendVibes
Transforming My Daughter's Room: Decluttering Part 2
✨ Have you ever been shocked by the amount of stuff you’ve accumulated?
✨ I finally had time to tackle another area on my journey to decluttering my house, so I decided to start with my daughter Ariel’s side of the girls’ room.
✨ Let me tell you, I was shocked and slightly ashamed of how far we’d let it go. 😩 From trash under the bed to clothes from her sister’s side, to shoes with no matching pairs, even baby blankets from when she was an infant. I could go on.
✨ After emptying every corner of her side, I had to ask myself, “Does she need these things? When did I buy all of this stuff?” I was also taken aback by why I had purchased those things, feeling in the moment that she really needed or would like them. But the reality is, 90% of those things, she could have done without.
✨ I divided my cleaning into three categories: trash, donate, and keepsake. I keep memory boxes for all my kids with little pieces of their greatest hits—usually one or two things from the year that I really loved or held a good memory.
✨ As you declutter, ask yourself:
1. When was the last time I used this? If it’s been over three months and it’s not seasonal, toss or donate it.
2. Is this complete? For toys, puzzles, and books, if pieces or pages are missing, throw it away.
3. Does this improve my life? If you’re keeping it for sentimental reasons, store it. If it doesn’t make your life better daily, toss it—you can always buy it again if needed.
✨ I used drawer dividers I found on Amazon to make sections in her drawer, and my Shark vacuum made cleaning a breeze. Let’s just say I used a ton of Lysol spray to disinfect those neglected spaces.
✨ Click this link for the products I used in this video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thismoiselife/list/1P40HBLU9739C?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfthismoiselife_QZ7ZCN4BDD600DFAGBPJ_1
✨ Join me for part 3 of our decluttering journey as I tackle my teen Jael’s side of the room, together
Looking for a fun twist on personal pan pizzas? Try these quick and easy Pita Pizzas! 🍕 Here's how you make them:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Add marinara sauce to your pita.
3. Add your favorite cheese and toppings.
4. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Cut & enjoy!
I used white flour pitas, but you can use wheat or any flavor you like. These are perfect for kids' lunches—filling and delicious! Would you try them?
#PitaPizza #EasyLunch #KidFriendlyMeals #QuickRecipes #FamilyMeals #LunchIdeas
✨️ As busy parents to four kids, Marc and I know the importance of quick and nourishing breakfasts that our kids can enjoy on the go. Here are our top go-to items:
1. Pancakes- We buy a 10lb bag for $10.98 at @samsclub. You can be pre-make these and they are easily reheated in the microwave the next day. Or, you can mix them fresh with water for a quick batch of 10 pancakes in less than 10 minutes.
2. Scrambled eggs - We opt for the $1.95 non-organic eggs from @aldiusa. A few scrambled eggs paired with toast in a bowl is a filling and convenient breakfast option.
3. French toast sticks- For $3.25 per box from @aldiusa, each box contains about 20 sticks. While it's not the healthiest choice, they're quick and convenient, so our kids don't go hungry before lunchtime.
4. Hashbrown Patties - Priced at $6 per sleeve from @aldiusa, each sleeve contains approximately 20 patties. Hashbrowns are more filling and can be paired with eggs when we have extra time, which gives them a more filling breakfast on the go.
✨️ What's your favorite "on the run" breakfast? Share your ideas below!
✨️Also, how cute is Ariel helping me with the pancakes? She came up to me and said, "Can I help you?" How could I say no?🥰
#QuickBreakfast #BusyParents #OnTheGoKids #BudgetFriendly #BreakfastIdeas
