Some Men Are Daddies

Black father, African-American father, dad, Mama Knows It All

Father's Day is particularly special for my family this year. Even though Ayva is 4, it's the first year that we are going to celebrate an actual father in her life. I'm fortunate that as a single mother, we've had family members and friends who have been positive male influences for Ayva. As much as I appreciate that, though, in my heart, I knew that it wasn't the same as her having a Daddy. I've said it before, and I stand by it still; little girls need fathers. Now whether the man in that … [Read more...]

5 Children’s Books About Black Fathers

African American books, Black fathers, children's books, Mama Knows It All

I know a lot of African-American fathers. It's heartwarming to see how they take care of their families, and how fiercely they love their children and wives. It's inspiring to see in person in my own home, and it's awesome to read about in these children's books about Black fathers. Trying to find books for little Black children with Black fathers has proven to be quite the challenge. Not sure why Black fatherhood isn't depicted more in books, but if you're a children's book author just know … [Read more...]

Passport to Imagination with Michaels

Micheals, summer fun, affordable summer fun, Mama Knows It All

Ayva and I are super excited about the summer. She's going to summer camp,  but since summer days are extra long, we'll still have a lot of free time to do fun activities together. One of the activities that we're going to check out is the Passport to Imagination summer crafting camp at Michaels. Kids will get to be creative and make crafts while learning about the 7 continents. The projects for each week are age appropriate, but challenging and skill building. You can even check out the … [Read more...]

Affordable Fashion for the Casual Man #ThisIsStyle

dress your man, Sears Style, Mama Knows It All

My fiancée, Terrence, is definitely the more stylish half of our relationship. He has a closet filled with nice fitting shirts and ties, and I'm sure he's the best dressed in his office at work every day. Of course, he can't wear ties on the weekend when we're running around the Bay this summer, so Ayva and I took our Man of Style to Sears to pick up some casual pieces. I know them for their  affordable fashion for women, so I was pretty confident that we'd be able to find some good deals for … [Read more...]

MasterCard Fuel Rewards Program #FuelFamilyFun #MC

Fuel Rewards Program, MasterCard

This summer is going to be epic! Between my upcoming wedding, and  spending my first summer in Cali with my little girl and my man, it's going to be awesome! We have so much planned. We're going to ride up the coast and hang out at the beach. Ayva hasn't been to see the redwoods, yet, so we'll absolutely get out there. Bowling, hiking, movies...and did I mention the wedding? This summer is going to be packed, but I'm going to love every minute of it.  The one thing that I don't love? Spending … [Read more...]

Sunshine and Rainbows (or, A Day in the Life of a 4-Year-Old)

Mama Knows It All

Living with a 4-year-old is such a fantastic adventure. From the moment Ayva wakes up, she has a full list of very important tasks that she has to complete. First, she has to have her breakfast. Usually it's cereal, but occasionally she'll tell me that she needs a "hot meal" and will ask me to make her "oakmeal". After breakfast, she gets dressed for school. I let her pick out whatever she wants to wear, and she makes me say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the one, the only, Ayva … [Read more...]