What I am Thankful For.

 As I take a moment to breathe, reflect, and look around at everything unfolding in my life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This season reminds me to slow down and truly appreciate the blessings that surround me every single day. Life is not always perfect, but even in the moments of chaos and challenges, I find myself grateful for the path I am on and the strength that keeps me moving forward. Today, I want to honor those blessings and acknowledge everything I am truly thankful for.

I am thankful for the ability to take care of my children, not just in the basic ways but in the meaningful everyday moments. Being present for them, guiding them, supporting their dreams, and shaping them into strong and loving human beings is a privilege I do not take lightly. My children are my greatest motivation and knowing that I can provide for them and walk with them through every stage of their journey fills my heart with purpose.

One of the biggest milestones this year has been publishing our very first children’s book. It still feels unreal to say it out loud. Becoming an author with my kids by my side is something I will cherish forever. It represents teamwork, commitment, and the courage to chase a dream together. I am even more grateful knowing this is only the beginning, with many more books and creative projects to come. Having the inspiration and determination to continue writing fuels me in a way I can’t fully describe.

I am also thankful for the blessing of being able to take care of our home. Creating a safe, loving environment for my children means everything. It is where memories are made, laughter echoes, and love grows. It is where my kids are learning responsibility, discipline, and kindness. Keeping them on the right path is not always easy, but being present to guide them is one of the greatest gifts I have.

I am extremely grateful for the ability to stay home and attend everything my kids have going on, from school events to after school activities. Being present for their achievements, their excitement, and even their struggles is something many parents wish they could do. I do not take that opportunity for granted.

I am thankful for the motivation and the time I found within myself to begin writing on my blog again. Reconnecting with my passion for storytelling and reflection has brought me peace, direction, and renewed creativity. It feels good to pour into something that also pours back into me.

I am grateful for the energy and determination to get back into running, participating in 5K runs, and choosing to work out for my health. Taking care of my body and mind is an act of self love that I am proud of, and I am thankful for the discipline to keep going.

Most of all, I am thankful for growth, for blessings seen and unseen, and for the journey that continues to unfold beautifully.

I will continue to pray to God that he continues to bless my little family. 

Christmas Gift Ideas for Children, Giving Magic, Meaning & Memories

 Embracing the children in your life with Christmas gifts is one of the most joyful ways to create lasting memories and strengthen the bond you share with them. The holiday season brings a special kind of magic that children experience with their whole hearts. When you take the time to choose a gift that fits their personality and interests, you are not just giving them something to unwrap. You are giving them a moment of wonder and a reminder that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Children thrive on imagination and play, and Christmas gifts give them the tools to grow, explore, and dream. Toys are more than simple entertainment. They help build creativity, confidence, and curiosity. A well-chosen toy becomes a part of their world. It becomes something they use to express themselves and better understand the world around them.

 1. Educational Toys

STEM kits, art sets, or reading bundles make learning fun. Their importance lies in shaping creativity and building confidence.

2. Personalized Books

A story where your child becomes the main character makes reading magical. These gifts boost self-esteem and nurture a love for storytelling.

3. Active Play Gear

Bikes, scooters, or jump ropes encourage outdoor fun. The importance: helping kids stay active while learning teamwork and adventure.

4. Keepsake Gifts

A custom ornament, photo book, or memory box captures special moments. These sentimental gifts become part of their childhood story.

The beauty of gifting children at Christmas is not found in how much you spend but in how much thought you put into choosing something that brings joy to their heart. Every thoughtful gift is a moment of love they will remember long after the decorations come down.

#ChristmasGiftsForKids #HolidayMagic #GiftIdeasForChildren #MeaningfulGifts #FamilyChristmas #RogersBooks #KidsChristmasJoy

Thoughtful Ways to Make Him Feel Appreciated. Christmas Gift Ideas

 

Gifting the Men in Your Life

Gifting the men in your life doesn’t have to be complicated. Even though many men say they “don’t need anything,” the right gift can make them feel valued, understood, and genuinely appreciated. It’s not about the price tag, it’s about intention. A thoughtful gift shows him that you pay attention, you care about his comfort, and you recognize what makes him who he is.

Men appreciate gifts that are practical, personal, or help them relax. They may not always say it out loud, but they feel it. Whether it’s your partner, father, brother, friend, or son, choosing the right gift can strengthen your bond and create meaningful moments.

Here are some great ideas to make gifting easier and unforgettable.

Practical Gifts He’ll Actually Use

• High-quality wallet

• Sleek watch

• Grooming or beard care kit

• Durable belt or everyday accessories

• Tech gadgets that upgrade his routine

Comfort & Self-Care Gifts

• Cozy slippers or robe

• Weighted blanket

• Massage gun for sore muscles

• Relaxing candle or body care set

• Premium hoodie or loungewear

Sentimental Gifts That Hit the Heart

• Personalized keychain or bracelet

• Engraved accessories

• Custom photo book

• Framed picture of a special memory

• Handwritten note tucked into the gift

Experience-Based Gifts

• Tickets to a sports event or show

• A surprise date night

• Weekend trip or getaway

• Cooking or mixology class

• Fun activities like go-karting or zip-lining

No matter what you choose, the goal is simple: make him feel seen. The best gifts tell him, “I know what you love, and I appreciate everything you are.” Thoughtful gifting creates lasting memories and that’s something every man deserves.

#ChristmasGiftsForHim #HolidayShopping #MensGiftIdeas #MeaningfulGiftsForMen #RogersBooks #Christmas2025 #GiftGuide

Meaningful Gifts She’ll Truly Love, Christmas Gift Ideas for Any Women in Your Life

 

Why Thoughtful Gifts Matter

Every woman in your life holds a unique role whether she is a mother who pours endlessly into everyone else, a sister who always shows up, a best friend who carries your secrets, a partner who pushes through life’s hardest moments with you, a daughter who reminds you of innocence and possibility. When the holidays come around, birthdays arrive, or a moment simply feels deserving, gifting a woman isn’t just about handing her something pretty wrapped in a bow. It’s an opportunity to honor her, to appreciate her, and to remind her that despite everything she juggles, she matters too.

Women are often the silent strength in so many lives. They give without being asked, they sacrifice without acknowledgment, and they love without limits. So, when it’s time to choose a gift for Christmas, a birthday, Mother’s Day, or just because, it becomes less about the item and more about the message: “You are seen. You are appreciated. You deserve something that brings you joy.”

Why Gift-Giving to Women Is So Meaningful

Women are natural nurturers. They carry emotional labor, mental load, and responsibilities that often go unnoticed. A thoughtful gift becomes a moment where she gets to be the one cared for. It’s more than material. It’s validation.

A meaningful gift tells her:

• “I pay attention to what makes you happy.”

• “I value your rest, your comfort, and your peace.”

• “I notice how hard you work, even when you say nothing.”

• “You deserve softness too.”

This is why personalized or thoughtful gifts hit differently. A self-care set says, “Take a moment for yourself.” A customized necklace says, “You’re one of a kind.” A journal says, “Your thoughts deserve space.” A cozy blanket or slippers say, “You deserve comfort.” And an experience like a spa day, a brunch date, or a quiet weekend says, “You deserve to breathe.”

Gift Ideas That Speak to a Woman’s Heart

When choosing a gift for a woman, think far beyond the store shelves. Think about her personality, her lifestyle, her burdens, and her joys.

• Self-Care & Wellness Gifts:
  Women are constantly in motion. A self-care gift encourages her to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with herself.

• Sentimental & Personalized Items:
  Whether it’s an engraved piece of jewelry, a birthstone charm, or a personalized photo book, these gifts become keepsakes she’ll treasure for years.

• Creative & Expressive Gifts:
  Journals, planners, art kits, or anything that fuels her creativity remind her that her dreams and ideas matter.

• Comfort Gifts:
  Pajamas, candles, warm throws, these gifts create moments of peace she rarely carves out for herself.

• Experience Gifts:
  Because sometimes the best gift is not a thing, but a memory. A spa treatment, a wine tasting, or a surprise outing leaves her with something she’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts

Gifting a woman isn’t about the price or the brand. It’s about the intention behind it. Women often carry the world on their shoulders, and the right gift reminds her that she deserves care, love, and appreciation just as much as she gives it. When you choose something with purpose, she feels it. She carries it. And she remembers it.

So, the next time you’re shopping for any female in your life, don’t just ask yourself, “What should I buy?” Ask yourself, “What will make her feel valued?” That’s where the true magic of meaningful gifting begins.

#ChristmasGiftsForHer #HolidayShopping #GiftIdeasForWomen #MeaningfulGifts #RogersBooks #HolidaySeason #SelfCareGifts

Family Authors, Working With My Boys!!

 

Our Journey to “Reladiana the Little Ninja” A Dream We Wrote Together

Writing and releasing our very first children’s book, Reladiana The Little Ninja, has been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster. As a mom, watching my boys and I bring a story to life together has been one of the proudest and most surreal experiences of my life. What started as a simple bedtime idea quickly turned into late nights filled with imagination, laughter, and sometimes, frustration but always love.

There were days when the words flowed easily and we could see the story vividly, the playgrounds, the ninjas, the lessons about courage and kindness. And then there were other days when the blank page felt like a wall we couldn’t climb. Between school, work, and life’s everyday chaos, finding time to write as a family wasn’t always easy. But every setback reminded us why we started: to create something magical that represents our creativity, our family bond, and our dreams.

We laughed a lot during this process. My boys’ ideas were wild, fearless, and full of heart. They challenged me to see the world through their eyes. Eyes that are so full of wonder, energy, and endless possibilities. And that’s what Reladiana The Little Ninja became: a story about bravery, self-belief, and the power of being different, just like the little heroes we’re raising.

The day we held the printed copy in our hands for the first time, it hit differently. All the long nights, edits, and moments of doubt were worth it. Seeing our names on the cover wasn’t just about becoming authors, it was about showing my boys that their ideas matter, their voices are powerful, and their dreams are valid.

This book is more than just pages and pictures. It’s our story, one written with patience, perseverance, and purpose. We hope Reladiana The Little Ninja inspires families everywhere to dream together, create together, and never give up, no matter how hard the journey feels.

Here’s to the start of something we enjoy doing together and will continue to do. We would like to share with you our first but not last book, from our hearts to your bookshelf.
 

Reladiana The Little Ninja is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/1LICbsH

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reladiana-the-little-ninja-camren-rogers/1148603466?ean=9798319691163

4 Hacks To Try When Studying While You Are Tired

 

If you are anything like me, a mother of two, a full time student, and running a business. Then you know how tiresome that can get and it begins to take it's toll on you and your school work. So here are some tips you can use to get you through that study session. My favorite one to do is rewrite my notes by hand, that allows me to read aloud a few times and it sticks into my memory bank. What are some of your hacks you do when studying? 

 

Starting and Building Your Home Gym

 Recommended Items For Home Workouts

    I, like many, had a gym membership before and during Covid, but unfortunately, my gym felt it would be a liability to open back up the daycare section, which forced me to end my membership. If I allowed this to bum me out and set me back on my fitness journey, I would have disappointed myself. So this caused me to look into starting and building my personal home gym. At the beginning of the Covid shut down many of the gym accessories were becoming few and in between because many had the same idea as I did. Now, since things have opened back up you will have no problem getting items like dumbbells with no hassle. One may feel slightly intimidated by building a home gym because there are a number of things you can buy. So to begin I jotted down the weight loss goals I wanted to achieve. For me, I had some baby weight I wanted to shed and then some toning up to do. Being aware of this I then began to research many exercise moves and different home workouts I can use to achieve my goals. Next is finding the equipment and what better place to shop other than my trusted Amazon.com. We all know that they have pretty much everything and they helped me get my home gym where it is now. Below are some of my must-haves and items I recommend with pictures and links you need to get for your home gym.   

1. Resistance bands, use to help build and strengthen your muscles.

https://amzn.to/3xYdUZH

2.  Jump rope is one of my go-to for cardio. Jumping rope builds and strengthens muscles, builds stamina, and endurance.

https://amzn.to/39UxkXk

3. Dumbells are good for building muscles and stimulating and promoting muscles and joint flexibility.

https://amzn.to/3yjr18Y

4. Workout mats are important to prevent you from slipping and falling and helps reduces stress on your body when completing many floor moves.

https://amzn.to/3njsh5S

5. Treadmill is another great option for cardio exercise. The treadmill works the full body and helps with muscle building and fat shedding. Many can be stored to prevent having your place look cluttered.

https://amzn.to/3xTJVlA

6. BONUS, not necessary but an amazing investment. Sweet Sweat waist trimmer is used to produce a great amount of sweat increasing your calorie loss and helping tone and shrink your waist. When I tell you it works like a charm and has helped me lose inches on my waist and tighten up my mommy pouch area. 

https://amzn.to/3xXpWSS

The items listed above were my go-to for the beginning of my home workout journey, I have now added more items to my gym and will share those things in another post. Please feel free to utilize the links I provided. Share some of the items you may have if you are also someone who workout from home. Until next time, be blessed. 

“Simplyrikaswo-20 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.” (source: Section 5)

Amazom.com Basic Essentials You Need In Your Life

So guys let’s talk about this addiction I have with this website lol. I mean I cant be the only one right? Anyways lately I have been heavily relying on Amazon.com for all my needs since me going out into the stores are just not ideal right now with the new Omicron or Deltacron Covid-19 variants going around. I feel comfortable for my children and I to limit our contact with people. So, since having all this spare time it gave me the opportunity to explore Amazon.com for all its worth and with that I have found some gems that I have to share with you guys. These are clothing items from Amazon.com very own clothing line. The material they use is of very good quality. I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed if you go ahead and buy these pieces. You can wash these items several times and they won’t shrink nor will the color fade. The material is soft on your skin and very comfortable to lounge around in. Since let’s be honest lounging around is pretty much all I have been doing right about now. Since being blessed to work from home.

Let’s just go on ahead and dive into the fact that these pieces are super affordable, you won’t be breaking the bank purchasing any of these items. The most expensive item is less than $25, come on you can’t beat that. I shared some pictures and links from the site to where you can get your hands on these items. There’s everything from under garments to clothing you can workout in. Again you won’t be disappointed. Let me know if you are familiar with any of the items I listed below and share items you think I should look into. 

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-2-Pack-Slim-Fit/dp/B0775G5Y8Q

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Long-Sleeve-T-Shirt/dp/B079HJZM7B

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Short-Sleeve-Crewneck-T-Shirt/dp/B07754XHM5

https://www.amazon.com/SheIn-Womens-Casual-Sleeveless-Ribbed/dp/B07F72QXYL

https://www.amazon.com/EttelLut-Running-Leggings-Athletic-Walking/dp/B07BKV2NT7

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FFK1FTM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/GRECERELLE-Womens-Summer-Casual-Dresses/dp/B07L993TQL

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Seamless-Stretch/dp/B07HZ9SRV4

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Seamless-Stretch/dp/B07HZ92BXM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CYH9MZX/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Don’t Forget You!

 

    If you are like me then I know that you also are guilty of putting everyone before yourself. But ladies and gentlemen, this will be the year that we won’t forget ourselves any longer. I have made it my responsibility to love me first. I can’t give my all to my family if I don’t put myself first. Over the past many years, I have always placed my children, friends, and family before my own needs and got to the point where I lost myself. It was like the days just all seemed to begin to mesh together and feel the same, as though I was in the Twilight Zone and I was just living for them and not for myself. All my goals and dreams that I wanted to accomplish were placed on the back burner because I did for everyone else and failed to do for myself. So this year we are putting ourselves first. We are working on our health because a healthier me/you equals happiness and more years added onto our lives. Get up and put on that sexy dress, or that suit, fix your hair, and if you are into makeup apply it and add a bold lip to the look. We are pushing ourselves to accomplish or at least start something we have always wanted to but felt we never had the time to do. We are no longer making excuses that will hinder us from starting or finishing the projects we want to complete. We will be rewarding ourselves with little gifts that we have always wanted but never got because we spent that money on someone else. So sweeties buy that perfume/cologne, shoe, purse, and jewelry and don’t feel guilty about it. Valentine's Day is around the corner, but we don't need to wait until then to begin loving ourselves a bit more. 

We are all beautiful people and never forget that. Until the next post, be amazing and do amazing things. -Rika

Things To Do In 2022

Happy New Year is in order as we enter the year 2022. So I have come up with a list of 5 things that you as well as I can do in 2022. There were many things I must admit I struggled with or found myself wishing I just made just a little bit more time to incorporate some things into my routine that would place me on a better path in 2021 and years prior. Well, this year I made it a must to do everything on my list, and I hope you can as well adopt this list into your lives. So what can these things possibly be you may wonder, well let us go into it.

1. Become more active: Even though I am a mother of two very energetic boys and I am always on my feet I don't count that as my activity of the day. I want to be able to do something different from my normal routine. So I have begun to stretch more and took up lifting weights. Nothing crazy at the moment because safety comes first, but enough weight that gives my body a good burn without causing injury to my body. So if being active isn't something you are used to on a daily, please start off slowly. There are so many beginner-friendly workouts, yoga, stretching videos on YouTube that we are all accessible for free. But this is the year to keep on moving.
 
2. Pick up a hobby: Having a hobby is so beneficial to your life. Having a hobby can help your social life and create a bond with others. It increases your confidence and self-esteem. Hobbies help reduce or eradicate boredom. They give you something to do when you find yourself with nothing to fill your time. They also give you an activity that you can look forward to and get excited about. It enriches your life and gives you a different perspective on things. No matter what type of hobby you choose, you will definitely be exposed to new ideas and skills. So if you ever wanted to take up painting, do so. If writing or reading poetry interests you, go on and push yourself to create a piece. 

3. Read more: We all heard the phrase that reading is fundamental and I can agree that it definitely is. Reading improves your vocabulary, language skills, and gives you more knowledge of the world. Reading reduces your stress levels by offering you a place to escape. You get so caught up in a good book that during the time reading it nothing else around you matter and that alone is an amazing thing. Something I notice while reading is that it actually gives me more creativity and inspiration to use on my projects. I have been big on reading books based on being positive, having a positive mindset, and being motivational to give my all in everything I strive to do.

4. Strive to be a better person: There is enough going on today with this current pandemic that is taking loved ones away from every family that where is the time to be ugly to anyone. Why add on to the ignorance of others when you can be a blessing to someone. Negative energy is something I am limiting in my life because it does nothing but drain you when you give it the attention it seeks. I can contest to feeling so euphoric when I prescribe myself positive energy and radiate among all my loved ones and anyone I come in contact with. I honestly don't know how individuals wake up deciding to be a bully or rude, constantly in their life, nothing must not be going right in their lives. So if you need to incorporate meditation into your life to combat any stress that may cause you to lash out in a negative way please do so.

5. Build on something you are good at: So you consider yourself good at something, why not become better? Don't be okay with being mediocre doing something strive to become great or even master it. I started drawing again and right now since I haven't done it in a while I am just okay, but I am pushing myself to become better. I purchased myself a sketchbook and sketching pencils from my trusty site Amazon and I am going to see where it takes me. Watching YouTube videos is getting me back into the groove of things and giving me a new pointer I would have never thought to do. So like me, you may need to do some research to help you build on what you are good at to help you get to that next step of being great. 

Binge Worthy Shows

Now I’m not typically a person who has time to turn on the television being a busy full time mom of two very energetic boys and a full time healthcare worker. So I literally have to make sure to keep my sanity schedule some mommy time. So when that time does come there are some shoes that I kick back with a cozy blanket, some tea, and a few snacks on the side to watch. I like to stay away from the “reality” shoes because it’s honestly not that entertaining to me, to scripted and fake. It also tends to depict the female and African American women in a bad light. I’m into the gruesome drug, murder, thriller types of shows and documentaries. Lots of the shows I find entertaining is actually based on actual events that took place in the world and is relatable and informative. I guess me being a criminal justice major is truly what heightens my joy for most of the shows on my list. My top 5 binge worthy shoes currently are as follows:

1.) Law and Order SVU(Special Victims Unit) now this show is still currently going on. It’s actually the longest running prime-time drama series on its 23rd season, which is bananas but I’m so happy. It first debuted September 20, 1999 like wow. Saddest part was when they wrote off Detective Stabler, I mean him and Detective Benson was the ultimate partners  It’s takes things that are currently going on in the world and putting their spin

2.) Forensic Files: this show tells the story of real crimes and how they are solved through the work of the forensic scientist.

3.) The Witcher a Netflix series based off the book series  that’s sure to grab your attention from the very first episode. If you are into drama, fantasy, supernatural shows with a sexy lead actor this is the show for you.

4.) Narcos another Netflix series that captures the stories of the biggest drug lords that plaque both the U.S and. South America. It is gritty and full of murder and deception but oh so good. 

5.) The Expanse is a series adaptation from the novel and is a science fiction show based on the future. It tells a story about the rising tension between Mars and Earth as they battle different entities that threaten their everyday lives.


I would love to hear what your current addicting show to binge watch is, share them with me at the comment section. Let me know if you have watched any of the shows I placed in my top list.