Coffee and Kids

Our time has come to an end. We loved it here. We had many rough starts but we made it 9 months on a budget less than $900 a month. This single mom of four did it! Yes!!! It was all down to major budgeting and sometimes we went over but the overages were legitimately good reasons. Either needed medicine or the baby needed new clothes or bottles. I've learned patience and acceptance. Living in a country with no family, friends or support system is a big challenge especially being a single mother of four beautiful children. But I survived and made it. Many things I was not able to accomplish while living in Marrakesh which was finding adequate schooling for my kids so I homeschooled, my online store did horrible which Argon oil is very popular but my customer base where mainly soap makers that loved Shea butter and black soap so selling argon was a little difficult plus shipping was ridiculous and more expensive then Senegal. Here is a breakdown of cost of living in Marrakesh, se...

Enjoy this short update video about living in Keur Massar, Senegal.

"In America there are  two classes of travel  - first  class , and with children." - Robert Benchley It's definitely not easy. It requires a lot of coffee and patience. Here are some tips I learned while traveling with four kids: Wear comfortable clothes.  No need to be glammed up when you're traveling with a tribe for 9+ hour plane ride and 2 layovers totaling 16-20 hr trip just because you trying to save money.  Remember on long haul flights major airlines have baby bassinets but a big nuisance because everytime seatbelt light come on you need to remove your peaceful sleeping baby and put him/her in your lap with a lap belt.  And if your flight has turbulence like I had on a trip to Barcelona it was just better to keep Vivi in my lap. lol   Remember you have to take off shoes so easy shoes to take off & on.  Crocs, Crocs, and more Crocs are the best invention since sliced bread and perfect for traveling with children. Bring plen...

My budget for any trip is very minimal for a family of 5.  For housing, I can usually afford between $400-$500 USD and food between $100-$200 monthly and the rest I spend on transportation, utilities, and the baby things for Vivienne.  Picking the right country is vital for us because if we pick somewhere too expensive we won't survive. We have lived mostly in Africa because the cost of living is within our budget but now we plan to venture to Europe.  Within Africa, we were free to come and go without purchasing a visa or applying for residences visa.  But with Europe, it's a lot more complicated and make it harder to move within Europe with my tribe.  Over the next couple of months, I plan to research the best location with main focus will be on Fits budget Provides free schools, Low crime rate, family friendly town. I came across a a little island that is wishing to increase population and revive its island and after a lot of reserch it's top ...

Sindi Sud Riad Review Located:  Riad Zitoun Lakdim Derm Sidi Bouloukate 109, Marrakech We stayed at Sindi for two months and was able to get to Old Medina within a 5-minute walk.  The price was super affordable for a family of 5. Some of the rooms had bathrooms some didn't but on the 3rd floor a community restroom and shower which is very tidy and clean with plenty of hot water was available but if you take showers during the check-out time it will run cold lol. We stayed in a room with no bathroom on the 3rd floor. They provided unlimited wifi but I have to say the internet would come and go and sometimes disconnect but okay for normal use.  But if you want to watch Netflix I advice waiting for a better connection. The staff is awesome, very helpful and resourceful.  They have great knowledge of the city and where the best affordable places to eat.  They offer breakfast for 25 dirham per person which includes fresh squeezed orange juice and traditional ...

Before I came to  Morocco many people made comments advising that Moroccan people did not like African Americans, non-Arab, darker skin people. This was far from the truth. From the moment I got off the plane, the kids and I were showered with acceptance, love and compassion.  I never once felt other people's fears.  I think as American's the media has made the rest of the world a  "big bad place" and only America is safe and accepting of African Americans.  But this is not true and far from the truth.  Were accepted and loved and not judge by the color of our skin abroad.  My son will never be shot dead for the color of his skin in Morocco. Hence, America history of racism played a heavy part in African American fear and how they think the world perceives us.  I'm not saying their not racism around the world what I'm saying is that it's not how everyone suggests.  The best way to conquer fear is to venture out not just the Caribbean, but T...

What can I say, we love Marrakesh. Morocco is the most inviting and most friendliness country we been thus far on the continent of Africa.  From family friendly restaurants to strangers kissing Vivi.  It's deep in culture but also has a modern western feel.  Old Medina is a fantasy world with snake entertainers to the henna tattoo artist.  Here a short video of our adventure in Marrakesh, I hope you enjoy.

The madness of just packing and leaving was draining with a seven month old baby, two teenagers and seven year old . But the process took me about year almost two years to plan and save.  And even then I wasn't prepared for everything.  Here are some key steps to take to prepare to move abroad: 1.   LET GO OF  YOUR FEARS!!!!! 2.  Clear your debt.  Don't acquire any new debt. Don't make any new purchases just basic necessities. 3.  Start a trip fund. Which is extremely hard for single mothers so start with $10.00  a paycheck.  Save your tax refund and any other extra money. Which I rarely had extra lol 4. Start selling off stuff that can't fit into a suitcase. You basically have two check in and one carry on to fit your life. 5.  Start researching the best location for you and your family.  For me it was all about easy access to Europe & also cost of living less than what I  estimate per month. 6. Find a group of...