It’s hard to describe how surreal it feels to birth children, raise them, and watch them learn to read. As they comb through books, I watch their brains work to picture scenes, learn new ideas, and discover more about themselves and the world around them. Reading to my children is one of my favorite activities–especially when I can see the immediate impact it has on them.
Juneteenth National Independence Day is a celebration that marks the end of chattel slavery in the United States. Every year, people across the country commemorate the end of slavery by celebrating the Black community’s freedom on this momentous day. It is a day full of singing, soul foods, festivals, historical reenactments, and family reunions. Most notably for me, Juneteenth is a day on which I ensure my children understand their heritage and feel pride as Black youth.
This Juneteenth, I curated a selection of books every child should read. Each title is informative, uplifting, and resonant. Whether you’re introducing them to the meaning behind Juneteenth or looking for a way to expand their knowledge of the holiday, these books are an excellent way to get kids involved!
1. What is Juneteenth by Kirsti Jewel
The Who HQ book series is an established collection of titles that focuses on educating kids about historical people, places, and events. I highly recommend Who HQ because, no matter your child’s interests, this collection has a book for them! What is Juneteenth by Kirsti Jewel is extremely informative yet interesting for kids.
History is best received in the form of a story, and that’s what I love about these books. Who HQ covers a diverse range of topics with colorful illustrations and facts threaded throughout the stories. What is Juneteenth reflects on the day enslaved people discovered they were free way back on June 19th, 1865, but it also chronicles that fateful day’s transformation into the Juneteenth we know today. It is a wonderfully educational book for young readers!
2. The Juneteenth Story by Allah Agostini
As this book shares, the first Juneteenth was known as “Jubilee Day,” which I love to share with kids. Inevitably, they ask what jubilee means. As The Juneteenth Story by Allah Agostini exemplifies, jubilee is defined as a special anniversary of an event worthy of celebration. It follows a modern Black family as they teach the history of the holiday to their child.
If you’re looking for the perfect introductory book to Juneteenth, look no further. Between its colorful illustrations and helpful timeline of key historical events related to this holiday, The Juneteenth Story is an excellent way to enlighten your children and provide them with the means to celebrate!
3. Juneteenth Is by Natasha Triplett
The context surrounding Juneteenth can be a heavy topic for anyone, especially children. What I love about Juneteenth Is by Natasha Triplett is its warmth and fun. This book opens with local celebrations–such as community parades and family barbeques–that take place every year on June 19th. It follows a child as she moves from one celebration to another before settling at her Grandaddy’s table to hear about the historical events leading to the creation and recognition of Juneteenth.
I love the versatility and inclusive nature of this book. We watch the main little girl’s eyes light up as she takes part in celebrations with folks of all shades, then the author utilizes the joy from these fun activities to frame Grandaddy’s later conversations about Black history with care and love. There is room for both commemoration and solemnity in Juneteenth Is.
4. The History of Juneteenth by Alisha Norwood
If your child is drawn in by cozy, bright, evocative illustrations, Sawyer Cloud’s work in The History of Juneteenth by Alisha Norwood speaks volumes about the importance of Juneteenth! By recounting key historical events in a visual timeline, gently quizzing readers, and detailing forgotten nuances of Black history in America, this book has it all.
As our nation continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that future generations never forget our history. Juneteenth deserves widespread recognition and observation. Books like The History of Juneteenth are key to keeping our population informed, compassionate, and mindful as we write the next generation’s future!
This past year was a rollercoaster of highs and lows for our family, but it’s made me appreciate the little things and life so much more! In 2022, my goal is to actively enjoy everything that God has given me — down to the smallest detail. The Davis family celebrated a wonderful Christmas and now that I’ve had time to dive into all the goodies I received, I want to share the gifts that I’m most grateful for and that have really made a difference in my personal and business life.
Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite Face Wear
I’ve been working hard to treat and maintain my skin; your face is the first thing people notice, after all! But as a mother of five, I can’t always step out of the house for a spa day. That’s where this light treatment face mask comes in. It has up to 100 LED lights that glow red or blue to assist in firming and collagen production. The treatment only takes three minutes, making this skin tool great for my busy lifestyle while also allowing me to treat myself.
Beauty Fridge
Speaking of skincare, I’ve been upgrading my routine to make it extra effective and easy to accomplish. Since adopting a day and nighttime skin routine, I have more products to store than I can count! This adorably sized beauty fridge helps me store them all in a central location and keeps everything fresh. It’s especially useful for storing cooling items like tools, face masks, or depuffing treatments for an extra cool experience.
Digital Cards from Blinq
I love to make new connections, and with Blinq, I can grow a network of friends and business partners. The app allows me to share my contact information, social media links, blog website, scheduling calendar, app payment options, and much more! I love using it to share all of the projects I have and for sending greeting cards on special occasions. I highly recommend it to other bloggers like me or just the average person looking to have an elevated business card.
These aren’t the most conventional Christmas gifts, but they have truly made my life more enjoyable in unexpected ways. I’m so grateful for the people in my life that took the time to understand what I enjoy and go out of their way to give it to me. Whether you’re a busy mom, a business owner, or just a self-care enthusiast, these items are wonderful for adding a bit of luxury into your life. I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do!
Feel no shame if you’re shopping for gifts at the last minute! As many of us are so busy during this season, finding time to land the “perfect gift” can be a challenge. If you have a few last-minute grabs on your list — whether planning to take a quick trip to Walmart or glide through Target the night before Christmas, no worries!
I’ve put together a list of easy, can’t-go-wrong Christmas gifts, perfect for every member of your family!
Take a look:
For the Moms in Your Life
I like to consider myself especially qualified to make suggestions in this area (we hard working moms need a little R&R too!)
Ember Temperature Control Mug
This temperature control mug will stop you from having to reheat your mug 1000 times a day, so you can enjoy your coffee on your schedule.
Robe
If you know me, you know I love robes. They are classic, they are simple, and they are essential for the amount of time we are spending at home these days.
Self-Care Gift Cards
We all could use a “treat yourself” moment. Whether it’s a giftcard for Lush, a mani-pedi, or even a massage, it’s an indulgence that feels special.
For Your Mans
Why is that your husband can sometimes be the hardest person to shop for?! I love to keep things simple by getting gifts that I know he will use.
Luggage
Nothing can beat a quality luggage set. If you invest now, this gift will have mega lasting power and will be his go-to on every trip.
Planner
Help your man keep track of his plans by getting him a classic planner. Secretly a gift for you too, he won’t have to rely on you to let him know when he’s got an appointment on the books!
Docking Station
Make it easy for your husband to charge all of his electronics in one place. It will help cut down on clutter and make everything readily accessible for him!
For Your Little Girls
Shopping for my girls is truly one of my favorite parts of Christmas!
American Girl Doll
These dolls are a wonderful educational tool for getting your daughters interested in a historical time period and diverse ethnic backgrounds. (Plus they are so dang cute!)
Books
It may seem simple, but books can be some of the most wonderful Christmas presents. Take your little one on an adventure anywhere with a carefully chosen story.
Tea Set
This is the perfect gift in our family with three little girls; it’s something they all can share and a treat for you to sit in on, too!
For Your Little Boys
Does it roll, build, or make loud noises? Then your son will probably love it! But in case you still need some hints, here’s what I think:
Bike or Scooter
Get him up and moving! Having something he can race around on (preferably outside the house) will add so much fun to his day.
Train Set
A culmination of everything I recommend, a train set will let your son build the perfect track, roll his train at high speeds, and don’t forget that train whistle! Choo-choo!
Video Games
This one is a no-brainer! Finding an educational or problem solving video game is a great way to keep your son developing while also having fun.
I love the Christmas season, and while it certainly isn’t all about the gifts, hopefully these ideas will give you a little help putting presents under the tree this year!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love a good deal! And nothing satisfies my sale needs quite like Black Friday. Forget the rush and rumble of holiday shoppers storming the stores, this is the perfect year to bag great purchases from home. So what steals am I shopping for this year? Let me show you!
For My Kitchen
You better believe I am stocking up on all my kitchen essentials. I want to head into the holidays ready to serve up some fabulous feasts!
At 50% off, now is the time to buy this pressure cooker. With 9 different settings (including baking, steaming, slow-cooking, sauteing, and more) the Instant Pot is like a kitchen miracle. It’s an all-in-one appliance that will meet your every cooking need and help you have dinner on the table in no time.
While I love a high-tech kitchen gadget, I am still a classicist in some ways. This gorgeous cast iron piece may seem like a pricey purchase, but with $120 off you’ll be glad you invested during Black Friday. With this in your arsenal, you’ll be cooking soups, stews, and casseroles that will make your mama proud (and maybe even a little jealous).
This Le Creuset masterpiece will pair perfectly with your new cast iron sauteuse. I love stoneware because it moderates temperatures so your food cooks evenly and easily, no scorch marks here! Not to mention it’s dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe (talk about versatile).
Now at 50% off, this blender is your one-stop-shop for all of your chopping, dicing, and pureeing needs. When it comes to smoothie making, there is simply nothing better for breaking down fruit and veggies and even frozen ingredients (those blades will stop at nothing!). If this blender still seems out of your price range, check out this Oster Blender. Also at 50% off, its price can be a little easier to swallow and comes with a smoothie cup so you can take your drinks on the go.
Air frying is the new frontier, my friends! Save $70 on this new kitchen essential and transform your fried meals into a healthier alternative without losing any of that crisp and crunch. Like the Instant Pot, this appliance offers multiple cooking settings and with a five-quart non-stick pot, you’ll have plenty of room to fit dinner for the whole family.
I love using Black Friday to get a jump start on Christmas presents for my kids. It’s a great opportunity to add a few more treats under the tree, without breaking the bank.
I don’t know about you, but with four kids, we go through Legos like crazy in my house. I can never have enough. This toddler-friendly set has a great variety and best of all… comes with its own storage box! No more piercing my foot on waylaid Lego bricks!
Okay, okay, I know this seems like another kitchen appliance, but hear me out! This waffle maker makes it easy to get my kids in the kitchen with me. With a non-stick tray and a one-step set-up, breakfast can become fun and accessible for my kiddos with an easy clean up for me.
Of course, treating yourself to a few Black Friday deals doesn’t hurt! I wouldn’t go overboard, but every working mama needs a little something special for herself (and at a discount, I might add).
Buttah Baby is one of my favorite wig shops because they offer quality virgin hair wigs and weaves. They offer a wide range of textures, lengths, and colors, ensuring I never have a problem finding what I’m looking for. With markdowns on the entire site and free shipping on orders over $75, now is the time to buy.
They had me at 50% of EVERYTHING! With prices as low as $5, I can refresh my wardrobe just in time for winter. Even better than that? Old Navy is known for family-friendly styles, so I can stock up not only for myself but for my kids and husband too. Would matching holiday PJs be too much? Nah!
I hope my suggestions have helped prep you for your Black Friday shopping bash. Let me know if any of these products made your holiday just that much brighter, and don’t forget to share your favorite sale steals in the comments and on social!
There used to be a time when I was widely regarded as the Coupon Queen. (TLC practically could have had me running Extreme Couponing.) But these days managing a family of four kids hasn’t left a lot of spare time for clipping. Instead, I have learned some hacks to save my time and shop more efficiently.
1. Get a checklist going.
The best way to set yourself up for success is by planning ahead. I like to create a list in the Notes app on my phone of upcoming events that I will need to buy gifts for. I can track all of the birthdays, holidays, baby showers, and housewarming parties I have in my future and check them off as I complete my purchases. This way, nothing sneaks up on me.
2. Track upcoming sales.
Open up your phone calendar (we seem to be past the days of paper planners) and track upcoming sales as events. Create a single forum where all of your sales can be seen in one place (which is way easier than hunting through websites and old spam emails). Now you can refer to your phone to know when you need to make time to shop, and when you’re free to have fun with your family.
3. Don’t be afraid of the off-season.
Some of the best sales are at the wrong time, like summer clothes being on sale as we head into fall. While I’m not advising purchasing next year’s Halloween candy on this year’s sale, you might consider buying your Christmas decorations in January when most retailers have discounted everything heavily to get rid of their stock. Buying things ahead of time can help save you money and time in the long-run.
4. Prioritize your coupons.
When you do find time to get a great coupon, don’t let it slip through the cracks. I like to set reminders in my phone to alert me when a coupon’s expiration date is near. Many stores these days offer coupons for follow-up sales or for certain purchases, don’t miss out on saving that money by forgetting to shop again.
5. Don’t hoard, but stockpile.
One of my greatest secrets is having some back stock of gift options. When you are out doing your regular shopping, don’t be afraid to purchase generic gifts at great prices. You may not have an event for it today, but when that last-minute engagement party invite arrives, you’ll be glad to have some presents already on hand.
By employing these tips and tricks, I’ve been able to prioritize spending time with my family without losing my touch as a money-saving queen!
Between homeschooling, tending to my kids, running my household, and keeping up with my own tasks, I am one busy mama. I really don’t have any time to waste. In fact, I’m doing my best to multiply and maximize every second I have.
Regardless of if you’re managing your workload, your kids, or all of the above, time management is crucial when you are on a busy schedule.
Here are five time-saving hacks any busy mom can use:
1. Use a Calendar
While some people pride themselves on remembering every detail for every day, this still leaves room for mistakes. I’m always juggling several balls at once so here needs to be a central location for every appointment, task, or to-do. Consider Google Calendar or even an old-fashioned planner to have a layout for the coming months and days.
2. Make a list
Write down all of your tasks for each day. If possible, create your list the night before. This way you will be prepared without having to stress about remembering what’s important. When you wake up, you’ll be focused and ready to go.
Jot down everything you need to accomplish, from picking up the dry cleaning to making those dentist appointments for the kiddos. You will feel accomplished once you start crossing things off your list! Whatever task doesn’t get done is put on the top of tomorrow’s list. This way, nothing is forgotten and you can continue where you left off. As long as you are consistent with this process, by prioritizing what’s most important, everything can get done in a timely manner.
3. Set a timer
Give yourself a specific amount of time to complete a task. This hack works great when there is a lot that needs to get done but little time to do it. Instead of spinning your wheels, focus on one task at a time, and once the timer goes off, move on to the next task. It may take some getting used to but being strict (and realistic!) with the time you have is crucial.
4. Delegate
If there’s a task or chore that can be handed off to your hubby or an older kiddo, let it go. As a busy mom, your hands are already full. So pass off a task to someone you can trust and free up more time.
5. Take a break
An empty cup cannot pour into another, and neither can an empty mama. If you find yourself dragging from one activity to the next or being especially crabby with your spouse or the kids, it’s well past time for a break. Pencil some quiet time into your planner or as a reminder on your phone. While the kids play quietly or nap (hey, a girl can dream!), take a few moments for yourself. Enjoy that tea while it’s still hot or that book you’ve been wanting to catch up on. Whatever you need to do to recharge, do that. You deserve it.
Tamela Davis
Enjoy a space to connect, be empowered and educated to seek Jesus wholeheartedly, identify blind spots, seek growth, learn to love, forgive, laugh, cook amazing food, and understand that living the in the spotlight is not always roses & candy.
