I’m so grateful and blessed to see another year. It is only by God’s grace. 

It’s only noon but the funniest thing about the day have been the birthday messages laced with the references to the COVID-19. With the exception of not being able to get Gelato… and the decision on whether to eat out or not, it feels like a regular, but ultimately still special, birthday. 

I am a home body by design so there really weren’t any special outings/celebrations planned that would have had to be cancelled. I took some amazing pictures last week with Deji (Instagram) and looking through them made the day feel all the more accomplished.  

My hubs bought me a cake yesterday on the cover of “going to the dry cleaners” so I am stoked. 

Just as I typed the last line, my family came upstairs with the cake, candle lit singing “Happy Birthday” 

There I stood, without my phone, dancing in the moment- while my hubby holds the cake (and leads the chorus), my Mother-in-love singing along with Big Mama (yup that nickname is still there) dozing on her back and Bubs jumping up and down trying to blow out the beautiful solitary candle. 

God is generous. 

Happy Birthday to Me and to everyone that celebrates Pi Day. COVID-19 or not, it’s a momentous day!

While you are here: 

Join the MikkiSoxtra Mailing List, I have quite a few posts coming out in the next few days and I want you to have first dibs on the content. 

Thinking about what to gift me for my birthday? Here are some ideas:

• Follow me on Instagram Here.
• Share this post on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest!
• Follow my Gourmet Cotton Candy Company Here.
• Say a big hello in the comments and mention what you gifted me (This is the perfect bow)

Love & Laughter,

Mikki

Shop the look…

Yesterday, we celebrated International Women’s Day and I had a moment of reflection. It wasn’t until the last few years, that I really understood what it meant to be a woman not just in America but in the world.

At first, I wanted to talk about challenges and obstacles we have and are still trying to overcome but then, once I really thought about it… I decide to first and foremost CELEBRATE. 

There is a magic in womanhood that is remarkable. In every aspect of life (Financial, physical, spiritual, biological etc) God has made us multipliers. He has made us resilient. We are builders, growers, nurturers. And it’s not just limited to child bearing/rearing lol. 

Though underrated, we are powerful!

I mean really powerful. Smart. Analytical. Emotional (This is a positive). Creative. Strong. Feeling. 

I am so thankful to God for making me who I am.

For every woman reading this…I know  it’s easy to lose yourself… in your kids, marriage, profession and even in your pain. I want you to understand that you are more than those things. They are only one of your many facets. 

Celebrate yourself. Care for yourself, and love yourself first.

Single or Married
Working, In school or focused on the home 
You can cook or you can’t,
Corporate professional, Entrepreneur, Side-hustler, Mogul.
God has created us, 
Unique,
Marvelous beings.
We are amazing.
We are blessed.
We are givers;
We receive, multiply 
and give back.
We are amazing...
We Are WOMEN
Three Cheers to Us!
Hip, Hip, HIP!!

I’ve not written prose in a minute (a long while..lol). Hope you’re inspired. For more fun.. make sure you are following me on Instagram here.

Loads of love to my women folk.

Love & Laughter,

Mikki

If you missed celebrating Valentine’s day with the one you loved don’t fret. This year we are lucky to have Val’s day fall on a friday which means you have the chance to make amends. Within the next 2 days. Here are some great Ideas to show the one you care that you care: 

1. Breakfast in Bed – If you can cook here is where you can get creative. Plan to make your partner’s favorite breakfast foods. IT could be anything e.g. French toast and strawberries or Yam & egg if your boo is into that nigerian meal. How to Elevate to Love: Make use of heart shaped cookie-cutters or stencils (which can easily be found at target or homegoods). Here is an oldie but goodie recipe I created for the creamiest and most indulgent Nutella Hot Chocolate. 
2. Breakfast/Brunch (Dine-Out) – If the idea of cracking eggs or washing dishes turns you off, how about visiting a local breakfast or brunch spot. How to Elevate to Love: search for a place you’ve never visited before (but has great reviews) and get reservations if need be.  Great Options: Bed and Breakfast places, Historic towns, Upscale hotels, Avoid typical places if you can (they will be very crowded). 
3. Do Something New – Go out together and do something you have never done: There is always something exciting about doing what you’ve never done before, especially with your partner. e.g. Ice skating, paint & sip, playing pool or whatever you both have not done together. Elevate to love: Follow the experience up at a coffee shop or long walk and discuss your experience while it’s still fresh in your minds. Follow up with words of love and appreciation to each other e.g. “I love you because…”
4. If You Have Kids – If you are like me with wee littles, an actual date or alone time  might not be possible just yet. But it’s not a reason to skip out on the festivities. This deserves its own post but I’ll break it down here: 
   1. Family Serenades: Have your kiddo(s) help with a presentation to serenade your partner with a song, a special dance or reading a love letter (make sure it’s rated PG). It’s also great for them to see you and your partner love and appreciate each other openly. 
   2. Put Them to Bed Early: Making bed time an hour earlier will give you an extra hour of alone time. Even if they don’t immediately go to sleep, get the mset up with their favorite book, toy or ipad.
   3. Netflix (or Redbox) and Chill will always be a thing: Once your kiddo is down to bed it is definitely possible to turn the lights low, sit back with your favorite snacks and watch a movie.
5. Have a mini Photo Shoot – If you know anyone that takes great pictures or you have a camera/tripod with a remote or timer. Pick a nice spot and have a mini photo shoot to mark the occasion. How to Elevate to Love: Props are always fun so include them if you can. Good options are: balloons, flowers, food, matching hats etc.
6. Have Sex – This is a no brainer. Sex builds connection but that’s a different topic. Even a Quickie *Winks*
7. Go on A First Date – Once a year,even before we were married, Hubs and I recreate our first date. I’m not talking about going to the same restaurant or seeing the same movie. I mean we pretend not to know a thing about each other and take it from there. What’s great about this is that we get to recall things we actually may have forgotten about each other and we almost always learn something new. Disclaimer: It might seem silly when you start out but trust me. You get into it and it works. Here are some example questions we ask during dinner? 
   1. What’s your favorite color? 
   2. Where are you from? 
   3. What are your dreams for the future?
   4. If you could be anything what would it be?

Finally.

Just realize that Valentines is just one day out of 365 days a year. You should show love to each other every day. Valentines day is just a day that gives an extra special theme. It’s a reminder to be intentional.

Make sure you are keeping up with me on Instagram (@MikkiSoXtra) and Twitter (@MikkiSoXtra)

This post is in honor of Kobe Bryant. 

Kobe was a big deal in my adolescent years. I wasn’t into basketball but I knew Kobe. Everyone knew him. He played right out of high school he became a legend. In his field, Kobe was one of the greatest to ever shoot his shot. Quite literally. 

The phrase “shoot your shot” is so popular and can be applied to almost any situation (usually- to get the guy or girl) and it basically means to try. You may fail, you may succeed but you won’t know until you try. And you have to try! Not just when you know it’ll be easy. Most especially when its not.

I agree wholeheartedly with this but today, I have to append the message. In honor of Kobe… I want you to “Shoot your shot, Now!”

Don’t wait until things are perfect, to attempt, launch, apply or do what you want/need. Don’t wait for things to be perfect because there is hardly ever a right time and perfect may never come. If you wait… the time in which you “could have…” may pass you by. 

Being drafted right out of highschool, Kobe Bryant had a long career, he was dedicated, worked hard and spent a lot of time getting it right (he wasn’t perfect though, he messed-up a many times, like the rest of us). Then he retired. Two years into the time he was supposed to have a well deserved rest, get into new things, spend more time with his family and really enjoy the fruit of his labor but his life tragically ended (Jan. 26, 2020). 

Sadly, there is a lesson in it. Imagine all the things he may have put off for after retirement? After all, retirement is the perfect time to do everything you wanted or thought you could do when you were no longer working. Right? And at a young age of 41, you would have so much time to do it. Sigh. 

If you have a business idea, a project, a goal you want to achieve, don’t wait until the market is right or your business cards are spot on. Do it now, fail or succeed and try (reiterate) again. 

As I’m typing this I have also been updated that it was not just Kobe from the Bryant family that was lost. His daughter Gigi too so this is the most important part: 

If you are waiting for perfection to start, be with or appreciate your family, you may be waiting for a long time. Most especially when it comes to spending time with your kids (and parents in the reverse case). It’s easy to think that you’ll have the time to play or give them the attention they ask for later but they won’t stop growing and the moments of their childhood would slip away. I am all for being an example of “strong work ethic” but don’t let that be the only thing they remember you for. Yes you are building them a legacy but if they only remember mommy or daddy in passing (always on the move) then what’s the point?

You have to be ready to close the laptop and have a conversation about their favorite color, eat the spaghetti they made with lego blocks or help with homework (even if you don’t know the answer). You can get back to it when they sleep. Shoot your shot now. Be in the now. Don’t wait til later. You may not have it. But I pray you and your loved ones do. I pray that life will not be cut short. Amen.

My heart goes out to the families and anyone that has/is experiencing loss. I pray God comforts you and your family and one day… you will be able to laugh and smile and love again. Amen. 

REST IN PEACE:

Kobe & Giana (Bryant)

John, Keri & Alyssa (Altobelli)

Sarah & Payton (Chester)

Ara (Zobayan) 

Christina (Mauser)