GOD'S FAVORITE SHOES™

Cough... Hey Girl!

2018-01-19T20:16:00.000-06:00

What's up! I am literally writing this knowing full well that it may not reach many. I haven't posted since 2016! But that's about to change! I missed this space! I missed being able to share tidbits of my day along with a style post here and there.

The truth is I didn't know how to navigate the space anymore. I felt like having kids and writing about it would completely be the nail in the coffin for my style readers. So I tried to create spaces where the two (being a mom and being style blogger) were exclusive. So, I lost my way.

Honestly, I was running away from being a mommy blogger who was sharing "tmi" about potty training. But that's who I am. (Not the "tmi" part) Along with still being a teacher (I will fill you in on that soon), trying my hand at a new business and still caring about cultivating my style.

Then I realized why do they have to be separate? God's Favorite Shoes means more than just a cute shoe. I will share more on that later.

So, really this post is just to say I will be back. You will see changes and there will be a completely new look and vibe being unveiled in March. If you are still reading, drop a comment and tell me what you would like to read more about? Parenting? Teaching? Style? Marriage? Or just say hi! (I'm not promoting this post on social media so this will for sure only reach my old faithfuls!)

Hey girl!!!

When Doves Cry

2016-11-11T20:43:00.001-06:00

I can't even find the words to describe this week.

Election week.

One for the books.

Still trying to find the words.

Instead, I will let you into my random thoughts...

1. I need to call my brothers (my real biological brothers) and tell them to be careful. They are for sure a direct threat to anyone who fears tall, strong, black men. No really.

2. People are going to take this win and allow it to justify (and expose) the true hate in their hearts.

3. I'm scared for my children. They are going to grow up in a society where being OPENLY hateful will be tolerated and sometimes celebrated.

4. How do I teach my children to have a strong sense of self but still be careful with their words because everyone doesn't care for them the way that mama does.

5. I can't allow this "win" to dictate how I am going to handle myself. I was dope before "the win" (I refuse to type his name) and I'm dope after this win. I refuse to allow this to diminish who God says I am.

6. God is really in control.

7. This is really going to empower those cowards who have no souls and already suffer from the God Complex to be even more blatantly bold against minorities.

8. Why does the Electoral College even exist in 2016?

9. I'm going to miss President Obama and MY First Lady Michele!

10. I can't believe Michael Jackson and Prince are really dead! (Still not over Whitney either)

But most of all...get into this cape t-shirt! I'm allowed to be shallow at a time like this!

Get Shirt Here

Jeans here

Shoes here

(Side note: I have dropped a few pounds since this summer, (24 to be exact) so it was hella hard to do this photo shoot at a yogurt shop!)

Photos by Lacoste Photography

Warby Parker For The Win!

2016-11-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

If you know me, you know I believe in investing in cute glasses. If you MUST wear glasses, PLEASE LORD, let them at least be cute!

I recently ordered some glasses from Warby Parker and I am obsessed with them!

Obsessed!

And today they launched a new collection!

The newest collection is especially perfect as we transition into cooler temps.

Edgy, vintage yet classy is what Warby Parker does well.

And this new collection is no exception!

I was given a preview of the new collection and these were my absolute favorites.

I love a classic shape with a a little something unexpected and edgy.

What I love the most are the consistent price points.

A reasonable price for something you have to wear every single day is always a win in my book!

Click here to check out the latest collection and tell me which ones you love!

I am a semi-collector of frames so I see a new pair from the collection coming soon! ("See" what I did there! Ha!)

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE GORGEOUS OPTIONS

*The glasses I am wearing are not part

of the new collection. These are the first pair that I purchased from Warby Parker that made me fall in love with the brand*

Product Images Provided by Warby Parker

All other photos by LaCoste Photography

The "You Got Kids So You Have To Take Them To The Pumpkin Patch" Post

2016-10-17T21:07:00.002-05:00

Shoes: Here

Scarf: Here

Jumpsuit: Here

The Mini-Me's are getting so big.

Zara's vocabulary is so crazy.

And Mr. Man has mastered walking without crash landings finally.

Life is good.

How are you guys?

Zara's Vest: Here

Zara's Dress: Here

Photos by LaCoste Photography

Are Blogs Still Hot in the Streets?

2016-08-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

I hadn't really planned on writing about this.

It kind of just popped in my head.

Then I thought, why don't I just ask?

Are you over blogs?

(I realize the irony of that question considering you are reading my blog right now but just go with the flow!)

Blogging has changed so much since I started about eight years ago.

It's a great way to make money now.

I wasn't even thinking about that when I started blogging!

I regret being behind the cuve ball on that!

I am now trying to find new ways to monetize what has been my special little corner of the internets but it's hard out here in these streets.

A lot of blogs have come and gone.

But what makes you stick around?

Do you have any die hard blogs that you still can't wait to read every day/week?

Do you think social media such as Instagram and Snapchat are easier to digest than whole blogposts?

Are you over them?

Tell it!

Dress here

Bag is my old favorite, no longer available from Zara

Shoes here

P.S. I am loving mixing silver and gold jewelry together lately

Photography by Lacoste Photography

Patience is NOT My Ministry!

2016-08-25T11:49:00.000-05:00

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

MAMA IS BACK! (Travel Noire)

2016-08-03T00:18:00.000-05:00

I celebrated my 5th year wedding anniversary in Cancun!

Hubby and I stayed at The Finest Playa Mujeres Resort.

IT. WAS. AMAZING!

AMAZING.

It was the chicest, dopest, cleanest, most modern resort I've ever been to.

(P.S. This was my first time at a resort lol)

Do yourself and your boo a favor and book a week or weekend there!

You won't regret it. Seriously.

It's nowhere near the "strip" where all of the other resorts are in Cancun.

I wish I had taken pics of everything but I was kinda in "chill mode" the whole time but if you follow me on Snapchat, I'm sure you saw glimpses of it!

I'm a creature of habit which means we will be going back with the kids.

I loved it that much that I don't even want to bother looking for a new spot...unless I am doing a paid resort review of course!

(THESE PICS ARE NOT FROM THE RESORT!)

But I did wear this oufit at the resort (as seen on Instagram).

I got it from Grass-Fields.

I had to do the typical alterations like cut off about 2 inches off the bottom and add straps to the top...you know my standard tweeks.

I felt amazing in this two piece. I'm kinda into matching sets lately, which means I am probably about to overdo it until I hate them.

But right now, they give me life!

(I was not paid to write about Finest Playa Mujeres Resort. It was just that dope!)

Again these pics were not taken at the resort.

Photos by Lacoste Photography

Find Shoes Here

Here is a cute African Print 2 Piece

Outfit from Grass-Fields here

Forever 21 bracelets here

Grateful!!

2016-07-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

All day the word grateful has been swirling in my spirt.

So here are some things I am grateful for lately...

NINE WEST Indira Heels found here

1. I am grateful to celebrate my 5th year wedding anniversary this week! Can you believe it! It's been 5 years!

2. I am grateful that we will be enjoying a much anticipated anniversary vacation near a beach!

3. I am grateful that I don't look like what I have been through in the last year, especially the last month!

4. I am grateful that I serve a God that does not keep a running tab of all the things he has done for me or how many times I have let him down. I would be in trouble if he did.

5. I am grateful that my little baby boy is about to celebrate his first birthday in a few days!

What are you grateful for?

Set: Grassfields (here)

Truth Zone: I ordered this two piece set from Grassfields. They specialize in African print modern pieces. You know I'm the queen of alterations so I took it to "my people" to get a few adjustments done. I had to almost re-design the top because I am soooooo top heavy. So my tailor and I decided to rouche the top and make it into a bikini top. Also, I am a shorty and I felt that the print was too overwhelming for my height so I had it turned into a midi skirt to show a little skin. I bought it for my anniversary trip to (Cancun) so it is the perfect piece to bring with me. (My 5 year wedding anniversary is this Saturday:) Overall, I do enjoy Grassfields for their price points. Nothing a little visit to my favorite tailor can't fix.

(Don't forget to Pin any of the looks you like from the blog on Pinterest!)

Confessions of an Entrepreneur

2016-07-13T00:31:00.001-05:00

God is really teaching me a lot of lessons this year.

I'm learning quite the lesson in business, entrepreneurship, about myself, expectations, family, friendships, faith...well basically LIFE.

I mentioned in the previous post that this month marks a year that I have been offically a business owner.

I thought that it would be kinda cool to compile a quicklist of the lessons I have learned so far.

1. Just start. I can't say this enough. If you have an idea. A gift. A business. Whatever it is. Start now. There will never be a perfect time.

2. Be authentic. Be Yourself. In the short time that I've been on this "create what you existed" journey, I have learned that there will always be someone who might lift your idea. The thing is that anybody, can steal your style, your words, even your pictures, but they can never BE YOU. DO YOU. THINK LIKE YOU. It's impossible for someone to replicate you.

3. People will tell you how awesome your idea may be or say they are going to support you, but don't expect it. I think it's human nature for people to nod their heads when another person is talking but that doesn't mean they will use your services or buy your products. Be okay with that. Keep trying to find your target audieence. There is an audience for everything. The only one who should be passionate about your business is YOU. You can't expect that same passion from everyone else.

4. Manage your expectations when it comes to support from your family or friends. I learned this the hard way. For some reason, it's much easier for a stranger to sow a seed into your business than someone you know. (There are exceptions of course.). I don't know the science behind it but now I try to support my friends and family in their businesses by becoming a customer/client...because I know how it feels.

5. Be flexible. I started God's Favorite Surprises originally as a concierge service to send cards and flowers to encourage other women. That business model has changed so much so that I now sell exclusive t-shirts and cards to send as surprise gifts. I am even adding a few more things to my services like hosting "Gratitude Pop-Up Shops" for conferences/events. A year ago, that never existed....what a difference a year makes.

6. Nobody has it all figured out. You can have the best business model in the world but until you actively are in business, you will figure out fast that you are probably a fish out of water. THAT'S OKAY! Figure it out and keep it moving.

7. Open your mouth! Closed mouths don't get fed. I am not a natural hustler/social butterfly. I have to work hard to mingle, socialize and network. But over the past few months, I've had to step out of my comfort zone and simply let me people know what I do. I don't have time to be shy about it. God keeps opening doors for me that I didn't even know existed.

8. Don't limit yourself. You can be good at more than one thing. You don't have to box yourself into one thing. I have this style blog and I have a concierge business. I try to make both of them work for me in some way!

"You Are So Dope" tee from God's Favorite Surprises (here)
Skirt: ASOS (Similar here)
Necklace: @Frugalfindsnyc
Shoes: Nine West ( here )
Earrings: H&M ( here )
Hat: H&M ( here )

9. Don't allow someone to tell you that you don't deserve to be in the business you are creating. I struggled with that. But really, it's not really my business what other people think of me or think about what I do.

Bonus! Be open to collaborations! Collaborations are a good thing. It allows you to breathe new life into an old idea.

With all of that said, this post doesn't mean I have it all figured out. I struggle everyday. It's hard to keep your business relevant in a sea of so many businesses popping up everyday.

But there is a place for my business.

There is a need for what I do.

I stand firmly in that.

Who knows.

Next year might find me back in a traditional classroom (sigh), but I still stand by every lesson learned.

La Coste Photography

“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.”

― C. JoyBell C.

What have you learned about entrepreneurship?

Are you sitting on a business and still want launch it? WHY?

Let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share this past!

Sharing is caring!

Hot Sauce In My Bag! (Anniversary Time!)

2016-07-06T17:07:00.001-05:00

Guess what!

Today marks an exact year that my little business, God's Favorite Surprises has been in existence!

Well, at least publicly!

That was the first time that I publicly introduced my new venture (really an adventure) to you!

I am so proud of myself.

Because I kept with it.

I'm still trying.

I'm still going.

How many can really say that?

Like really.

It's not easy.

It's not always rewarding.

But I believe in it.

I believe in the movement probably even more than I did a year ago.

To suprise someone who has invested in you with a simple gift of gratitude.

That's all to it really.

It's not about the expense.

It's not about the card.

It's about the simple gesture of letting someone know that they are dope.

We all get busy.

We all have something pressing to do.

And that's exactly why my business exists, to fill in the gap for you.

I saw a need for something and decided to fulfill that need.

And really, considering what we see in the news EVERYDAY, can you really argue with the spirit of my business at all?

I had to take my off cutesy heels for this shot! LOL The things we do so that our pretty shoes won't get ant infested!

Nine West Heels (Here)

My next post will be a reflection on my first year as an entrepreneur and what's next for this year.

For now, I'm going to have the hubby make me a Lemon Drop Martini and work on the Anniversary GiveAway fro God's Favorite Surprises.

See you next week.

And not for nothing, if you have been "waiting" to do something.

Waiting for the perfect timing...

Don't.

Just do it.

So you can look back a year later and say I DID IT.

I EFFING DID IT!
(Mind you that I was 8.5 months pregnant when I launched!)

(I said the real cuss word in my head)

P.S. You can purchase the limited edition "You Are So Dope" tee right here!

Buy one for you but most importantly, let us surprise somene with it FOR YOU!
That's what we do!

#SLAY

2016-07-01T00:14:00.002-05:00

I restocked the #SLAY T-Shirt!

I had no idea that this shirt would hit such a big nerve in New York a few weeks ago.

But we all love to SLAY every once in a while.

Inventory was depleted (yay)

But all is well with the world now.

You too can #SLAY!

Remember, my business is not a t-shirt business or card company, it's a concierge service.

Which means I will send this tee WITH a card to the person you want to gift it to...on your behalf!

I even handwrite your message on the card!

So click HERE to check it out.

I will say that these limited edition/specially designed by Dana of Pardon My Fro tees will not be sold all year.

So grab one while you can!

And enjoy your 4th of July!

#SLAY shirt: God's Favorite Suprises (Here)
Skirt: ASOS (old)
Shoes: ALDO
Hat: H&M

P.S. That rainbow was not photoshopped. God was smiling at me. I'm sure of it.

Photographs by LaCoste Photography

*I sized down on this crop top because I have no home training:) No, really it's because I wanted a snug fit. So when you purchase, I would suggst sizing down to get the same fit. I am wearing a Large in the photos above*

All Good Things

2016-06-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

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

Thanks JC Penney!

2016-06-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

As you know, this weekend I went to The Curvy Con to mingle with bloggers and to be a vendor for God's Favorite Surprises.

JC Penney proudly sponsored The Curvy Con all while launching their new line, JC Penney Boutique.

The Boutique focuses on the plus size figure assuring that women feel confident, sexy and trendy while still being affordable.

During the Curvy Con, JCPenney launched a powerful body positive message with some of the nation's leading voices in the plus size community. Specifically, this year's Project Runner winner Ashley Nell Tipton.

In a culture where body shaming has become the norm, this video embodies the notion that all bodies are beautiful and capable and enough.

Here is the #hereiam campaign, created to empower us all!

I was completely moved by the powerful message, especially as a mother of a little girl who will face a world that will constantly tell her she is not enough

Click here

#sponsor #ad #hereiam

New York, Here I Come!

2016-06-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

This week, I will be headed to The Curvy Con events in New York!

It's a two day event, Friday and Saturday (June 17th & 18th)

I will be there as a blogger but my business, God's Favorite Surprises, is also one of the vendors!

I'm so excited!

I hope to see your face.

I will be in work mode most of the day but hopefully I will get to sneak and do one fun thing Friday night or Saturday night! 

I wish I had enough time to do a little mini meet up!

Follow me on Instagram this week and see what I get into!

Let me know if you will be there!

If you see me at The Curvy Con, stop by and say hi!

And buy something:)

Oh and the t-shirt I am wearing!

I had these t-shirts exclusively made just for The Curvy Con.

These cards and mugs are the best sellers on my site so I decided to make a few t-shirts for the New York crowd.

Why is this important to you?

Well, because AFTER Father's Day, I will be selling these as part of a package on God's Favorite Surprises.

So, think of someone in your circle that deserves to be told "You Are So Dope!" then order a t shirt/mug combo and I will send it to them!

Shirt: God's Favorite Surprises (Available after Father's Day)
Adidas Pants: ASOS
Shoes: Nine West

I also worked exclusively with Dana from Pardon My Fro to create another card for all of the #girlbosses in our circles who simply SLAY!

To catch a sneak peek click here

Wish me luck in New York and if you're of the praying kind, pray for safe travels for me!

Lacoste Photography

At Least I Am Consistent...

2016-06-09T16:38:00.001-05:00

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

2016-05-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

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

2016-05-24T16:03:00.000-05:00

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

2016-05-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

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

Mother's Day...The Aftermath

2016-05-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

How was everyone's Mother's Day!?!?

My Mother's Day was great!

I actually spent the day recuperating from the night before at Queen Bey's concert.

Can I just say that LIFE WAS GIVEN!

I'm a part of the Beyhive but only a general member.
I'm not one of her Worker Bees.
They do way too much!

Dress by Aakasha on Etsy
Shoes: Aldo (got them last year)
Necklace: Frugalfinds NYC

I promised you a style post didn't I!?!

Well here it is!

You have been reading about me trying to build a wardrobe I love and this one certainly makes the cut!

I tend to use this as my "work dress."

I wear it to meetings on the behalf of my business or networking events.

I just switch up the hair and accessories.

It's black, It's stretchy. It's chic.

Done and done.

Photography: LaCoste Photography

Thank you to all who ordered from God's Favorite Surprises this weekend!

It's after Mother's Day but you still can still use MOMFRIEND2016 as a code to get 20% off products and services until May 14.

Remember, it's for you to buy someone else in your life who is dope!

Don't be selfish! Share the love!

(I'm holding one of our limited edition "You Are So Dope" mugs in the shots above! This one is selling out! EEK! )

A Treat for That MomFriend In Your Life!

2016-05-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day is in just a few days!

God's Favorite Surprises has the perfect personalized cards and mugs for the favorite mom in your life.

Did you know my line of cards and mugs were exclusively designed by Pardon My Fro!?!

They will only be available for limited time!

Photos by Pinwheel Portrait
Styled by me!
Look at my mini-me!

Remember, God's Favorite Surprises is not a card company. We are a concierge service. Your Concierge of Kindness to be specific.

We hand write cards on your behalf to encourage someone, to say thank you or to stay connected. The catch is that we ALSO ship the card to the person for you! One less thing you have to worry about forgetting!

Thanks for the support in advance!

And here is a gift! Use code MOMFRIEND2016 to get 20 % off services and products until May 14!

Next week, I will have a style post! I've been feeling inspired and stylish and I have a lot to say these days!

Oh! And while you are at it, click this link to hear my podcast interview with Womaneur Crush Wednesday where I talk about the spirit behind my brand!

If you have Itunes, click here and click on the podcast released on 4/19/2016.

This all ain't for nothing honey! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! and tell me what you think!

Can't Keep This Girl Down!

2016-04-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

Hey!!!!

What is happening!

So much has had happened since the last time I posted (*cough* in November 2015)

Let's just get started, shall we!

Shirt from Thug Life Shirts
Skirt from ASOS here
Shoes from Nine West
Scarf from Target
Clutch gifted by this chick from Zara

I am at home with the 8 month old.

He. Is. So. Yummy!

He is starting to scoot around and he certainly has an opinion about what he wants to eat everyday.

He has perfected the art of gagging on his food to let you know that he doesn't want to swallow it.

It works every time too.

I just scrape the food he hates off his tongue and go find something else.

Who am I?!?

When did he become the boss of me!?!

I have purged my closet twice.

And guess what.

I seriously don't miss a thing.

I am SUPER particular about what I buy now.

The quest to own only the things you love is an going journey.

Blegh.

In the last 6 months, I have truly experienced people at their worst. I mean at their ABSOLUTE ugliest.

And believe it or not, it's been family that has been doing the DAMN fool lately.

I have witnessed EXTREME selfishness but on the other hand, I have been on the receiving end of amazing acts of SELFLESSNESS.

One act is that my in- laws are literally flying into Houston from Atlanta this summer JUST TO BABYSIT my kids while hubby and I take a trip!

Can you say AMAZING!?!

Who does that!?!?

An awesome mother in law, father in law and sissy n law, that's who!

I love that my children have so many grandmothers and grandpas, aunties and uncles that want to be in their life. It's an absolute blessing.

I do not take it lightly.

The hubby and I finally found a church we love near our new neighborhood and it's been cleansing to have a church home.

We both have been listening to God as he reveals to us how you can be surrounded by toxic people or in toxic situations and not even know it.

It's amazing the older you get how things that's been in front of you all of this time and could have been holding you back are revealed.

Hashtag Growth!

Here are some updates:

Next Sunday, April 24th, I will be a guest speaker at the 'You Are Beautiful" Symposium in Houston! I will specifically speak about Dressing Your Body At Any Size! Can we say AMEN!

I can't thank Kendra of Kendra's Beauty Corner enough! I'm so nervous yet so excited!

Here is the link for more info!

My "Concierge of Kindness" business, God's Favorite Surprises, will also be a vendor at the "You Are Beautiful" Symposium!

We will have limited edition cards and mugs that you can buy for yourself or buy for someone else and we will surprise them with it!

And look at who might be working my booth! (Not really but if it makes you go to www.godsfavoritesurprises.com and place an order, maybe I will make it happen!)

I also am still blogging over at Invisible Crowns (Click here) and loving it! It's the perfect space where I get to share my musings about being a mom with my buddy Nicky.

Today we were actually interviewed for Feature Friday here!

Check it out!

And just because they are so cute, here is a shot of my kiddos at our first family photo shoot together.

Can't wait to get the pics from Pinwheel Portrait!

(Yep, that's her real hair. She will be 3 in a few weeks! Wow!)

What have you guys have been doing since the last time we connected!?

Did you get married?

Get pregnant?

Quit a job?

Got a new job?

Kicked out a boyfriend?

Finally told somebody that they are selfish, judgmental and manipulative?

Got a new car?

Bought a cute skirt?

TELL ME in the comments! I'm NOSEY!

P.S., You can always look for me on social media, mainly Instagram.

@godsfaveshoe

@godsfavoritesurprises (My concierge business)

@invisiblecrownsblog

(These are all IPhone pics. I need to get my life in order)

No Sugar, No Cream...

2015-11-19T09:22:00.002-06:00

Sweatshirt from ASOS (Got it last year but here is the link)

Random tank top (to cover the "I had a baby three months ago belly"...keeping it real)

Super old Target skirt

Boots from Steve Madden (2 years ago but they still have similar ones here)

Bag from H&M ( 2 years ago)

The moral of this post could be "wear what's already in your closet because you really need to spend your money on things like shelves from Ikea for the baby's room."

And Thank you so much AGAIN for supporting me as I try new things like Invisible Crowns and God's Favorite Surprises! I can't thank you enough. And more often than not, your kind words of confidence come on days when I'm not that confident! So thank you!

And because I'm so corny....Enjoy this!

(P.S., I don't even drink coffee lol! )

An Ode To My Favorites

2015-11-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

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!

He's Here!

2015-09-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

This may come as late news to most of you if you follow me on social media but I still want to announce that the baby is here!

Zavier Sean was born healthy at 7 lbs, 2 ounces and growing every single day. He certainly is demanding and making his presence known in the house. He is a little over 3 weeks old now. Zara is a little slow on the "welcome the baby" train but she is getting there.

I only have a few minutes before he wakes up from one of his fake naps but I wanted to let you take a peek at Zavier Sean.

Also, as I continue to grow in my purpose and grow my business, God's Favorite Surprises, I will be taking you along as I grow as an entrepreneur. Right now, I'm focused on defining multiple streams of income. Gotta get my COIN game up!

Don't forget to order something nice for someone! Is it just me or does watching the news lately make you feel like the dark ages are upon us!?!? People are losing their minds for no reason. That's one of the reasons I started God's Favorite Surprises, to make a positive dent in the world!

See you soon!

The Calm Before The Storm

2015-08-02T19:15:00.000-05:00

This will likely be the last post I do for a few weeks.

I will be actually delivering a few weeks early (which is finnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeee by me!)

I'm sure I'll be able to catch you guys up on Instagram and Facebook so make sure you follow me there! (There are also outfits on Instagram that never make it to the blog)

Wish me luck!

I am so ready to be un-pregnant!

Skirt: GarnerStyle for Rebdolls

Tank Dress worn as Shirt: H&M

Shoes: Nine West

As far as the outfit, I have to shout out Chastity of Garner Style because it is from her limited capsule collection with Rebdolls! When a buddy launches a collection, you find something to buy!

Everything sold out so fast that I was only able to grab this skirt. I hope they restock soon!

I intended to save this for post-pregnancy but I was too impatient...plus it has an ecstatic waist!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

The material is fabulous, the color is vibrant and it has pockets!

It will most certainly be in rotation!

Congratulations Chastity on a job well done!