MommyWeek Two Year Bloggiversary:

Reflecting on the life of my aunt and her influence

At first I wasn’t going to write this post. I didn’t feel like celebrating my bloggiversary because I’m mourning the loss of my aunt who passed away earlier this week. After some thought, I decided to share why, in large part she’s a part of the reason why there is a MommyWeek. She was very proud of me and my accomplishments. My aunt played a large role in raising my sister and me. She taught me so many of the things that I know, and the skills I utilize in my adult life.

She introduced me to Martha Stewart when I was 8 years old and I’ve been crafting ever since. Even though my grandma taught me how to sew by hand, my aunt bought me my first Singer sewing machine. She gave me the basis for the love I have for cooking so many fabulous meals that I share here on the blog. Recently when I went home to Chicago, she cooked for the children and me. That meal was sooooo good and I will remember it for the rest of my life. 

My aunt was the first example I had of what a successful entrepreneur was. My sister and I grew up in her beauty salon.

My sister affectionately uses the term “beauty shop babies.” We knew and still know all about black hair care.

She gave the both of us our first jobs. I started as an errand girl and receptionist, and my sister was a shampoo girl. There are so many memories and stories we have and can tell about the “beauty shop.” All of her long term loyal customers and friends have beauty shop stories as well. I’m grateful that on our last trip home, BabyCake was able to experience the beauty shop just as I had when I was growing up. 

I share these thoughts and reflections to let you all know how influential my aunt was in my life. She, along with my grandma and mother have shaped the woman I am today. Even though her death isn’t a joyous occasion, I celebrate my two year bloggiversary with the memories I have of her and how amazing she was. 

In the future you can still expect the quality content I provide here on the site. I know everyone loves #MommyWeekEats, and I’ve shared fewer recipes because my family has been traveling so much. More recipes will be coming soon! We will also continue to travel throughout the rest of the year because it’s something my family loves. 

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reading and supporting the site! I appreciate each and every one of you!! 

Ashley