Its Very Necessary

GUESS WHO’S BACK?!

This blog post is long overdue. Yes, it’s been radio silence from me on all my social media platforms, but I had a good reason(s). One major reason I’ve been so quiet is because I decided to go back to school to complete my degree in Communications!!! I enrolled at Bowie State University in Fall 2024. I get the irony of the Communications major pushing pause on all communications, but I can explain. So, I’m back in school, yay me, right?! Wrong! Life has a funny way of humbling you. Just when you think, it’s finally my time to shine, my kids are young adults, they don’t need me as much, now I can finish what I started almost 20+ years ago, yup when I was like 12 ;-). Remember when I said life has a way of humbling you, it did in a major way. Shortly after I enrolled my mother-in-law was officially diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, yes, the same kind of dementia Bruce Willis was diagnosed with. And it gets better; my mother was diagnosed was breast cancer in December 2024.

HIS MOTHER

I say officially, because frontotemporal dementia often presents as bi-polar disorder, or you’re just losing a step in your old-age, and/or you’re the corky old lady in apt 1B, all of which could be a reality, but it wasn’t for my mother-in-law. It became abundantly clear she could no longer live on her own, so she moved in with us. We had no idea how hard caring for her would be. She went from being an escape artist, convinced we were trying to steal her money, and apartment (shame on you Jackie…lol iykyk) to be being completely dependent on us to make her meals, bathing her, making sure she exercised and trying to maintain what is left of her memory.

THE DECISION

However, after a long hard year of trying to do something neither of us have ever done (care for an aging adult parent with an illness) while working full time, parenting our children, and me being full time student, we made the difficult decision to move her into an assisted living facility. She’s been at the facility for 3 weeks as of today and life is different. Honestly, it feels like a huge weight was lifted off of us, but that feeling of freedom is also tethered to a heavy sense of guilt.

For most people of color, black folk in particular, putting your elderly family members into any kind of home and/or assisted living facility is a major faux pas, a total last result, under normal circumstances we just don’t do it. However, caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia isn’t normal for anyone. Saddled with that cultural guilt and personal feelings of fear and doubt, we made the hard decision. I applaud families that can keep their loved ones with him. Statistically they do fare better at home, but that often comes at a great cost to the caregivers, mentally, financially, and physically. In the end it proved to be untenable for us. I am happy to report she seems to be thriving at the facility. Needless to say, we’re keeping the facility accountable on all fronts.

MY MOTHER

The moms have needed a lot of care and attention this year. If caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia wasn’t enough, life throw another curve ball at us, cancer. My mother was diagnosed with stage 1, triple negative breast cancer in December 2024. We were very grateful for early detection but the type of cancer she has is/was difficult to treat. She had a successful lumpectomy in January 2025 and recently (like last week recent) decided to undergo radiation treatment to ensure she stays cancer free. Stay tuned for an update on that. Through all of this I tried to maintain my sanity and not overwhelm myself with worry and fear. I haven’t always been successful. Why is any of this important, why am I sharing all of this now? Simply put, because I actually have the bandwidth to do it. I couldn’t muster the mental energy to do more than what was absolutely necessary, unfortunately the blog caught a stray. Hopefully you caught the pun, the blog it’s literally entitled It’s Very Necessary, listen I crack myself up and that’s all that really matters.

I’M BACK

Here’s the good news I’m back!! And I am happy to report, amiss all of this I managed to make the Dean’s List twice, named Change Maker of the Year at work, served as a staff for BSU’s Literary Magazine, The Torch,acquired my Project Management Certification all while staying married and sane (therapy helps). It’s been a full year since I started at Bowie and what a year it has been. I’m entering my junior year, diving deeper into my major. Guess what you all get to come with me on this journey!!! One of my favorite classes so far is my Social Media marketing class. We’re going to explore topics like, web design services, social media and advertising and so much more. Full disclosure this post is also a part of one my first assignments which was to create a blog, done and done Professor Craig. I’m excited about this class, the semester and what I hope will be an uneventfully end of the calendar year!

Xoxo,

Andrea

STATEMENT WINTER COATS

I can’t say I’m in love with the winter months; I can say I never met a style opportunity I didn’t LOVE!!! As old man winter makes way for spring I wanted to do a little recap of my favorites for the season, some old, some new. I’m a born and bred Northeasterner but I still DO NOT LOVE the cold. The upside to the colder months is that they give us a chance to layer up, mix and match, and add all kinds of cozy accessories to our closets. I’m talking fun coats, chunky sweaters, and killer boots. You’re getting all of that in this post, but the stars of the show are the coats/furs (faux and real, don’t ya’ll call PETA on me, my mink is hand me down).

STATEMENT WINTER COATS

The Statement Coat

This faux-fur coat (middle pic if it wasn’t clear) is from Nasty Gal. I get non-stop compliments whenever I wear this coat. I purchased it in March of 2023 for my trip to Lisbon. Also, I received non-stop compliments here and there. Don’t let the name of the website dissuade you, it’s a total bait and switch in the best way possible. The website is a gold mine, you just have to know what you’re looking for. Sadly, my coat is no longer available but there are plenty of other great options on the site, and some yummy alternatives here, here, here, and here.

Its Very Necessary blogger Andrea Beale wearing long brown coat as one of her statement winter coats

Its Very Necessary blogger Andrea Beale wearing cow skin design coat as one of her statement winter coats

Its Very Necessary blogger Andrea Beale wearing long fur-like coat as one of her statement winter coats — Channeling my inner Mob Wife

Its Very Necessary blogger Andrea Beale wearing shirt, distressed jeans, and coat — Channeling my inner Mob Wife

Its Very Necessary blogger Andrea Beale wearing leather dazzled coat and tulle dress

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What to Wear Wednesday!!! EveryBODY Matters Edition

It’s the Wednesday before the Big Fest and we’re trying to figure out what to wear to the couch or dinner table, at least I am. Full disclosure I’d be in my Skims onesie if I had it my way but I don’t. I have to people tomorrow, yes I’m using people as a verb, deal with it. If I’m going to people, I’m going to be cute doing it.

What to Wear Wednesday!!! EveryBODY Matters Edition

I’ve teamed up with my bestie Amanda for the latest installment of our everyBODY matters series. Our goal is to put a look together that’s flattering to both our BODY types. We always look for pieces that make us look and feel good, also factoring in our respective budgets. I buy what I can afford and I Affirm what I can’t LOL. Amanda is far more frugal than me. Lately, Target has become the undisputed champion in affordable ready-to-wear fashion for me. The champs did not disappoint with the dress we found for this look. The long-sleeve sweater dress from Target’s in-store brand Wild Fable, checked all the boxes for us. This dress will have you serving looks for days.

It’s versatile… This is a mini dress so if you’re looking for a more modest look, wear it as a top and pair it with leggings, knee boots, or booties or even your favorite sneakers (sans leggings or stockings) like we did. It can also be dressed up or down. Clearly we went for a dressed down look however dressing it up is an easy pivot. Grab some knee boots, a cropped faux fur jacket and a cute clutch and you’re ready for anything.
It’s affordable… The dress retails for $30 USD. Need I say more.
It’s EXTREMELY comfortable… This dress feels like a hug, FULL STOP.

Cons

It’s a mini-dress… If you’re shapely in any way you have to factor in your hips and booty. Big booty Judys beware this may not be the one for you and that’s ok.
It’s shoulder-bearing… Meaning you’re going to have to wear a strapless bar or another undergarment to keep the “girls” front and center. Not a deal breaker for me, maybe for others.
The top rolls… The fold-over portion of the dress rolls up during movement, somewhat of a design flaw. It only becomes an issue when you’re very active, sitting down to eat dinner should not be an issue. Again, not a deal-breaker for me, considering the price point and the comfort, it’s still worth it.

Until next time…

Xoxo

Andrea

Bottega Tear Drop Earrings (Dupes)

*** Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via any links posted, I earn a commission***

Hey gang! It’s What To wear Wednesday and I have a good one for you. If you know me, you know I’ll send a few coins on luxury items but when I can save a few coins she most certainly will.

Bottega Tear Drop Earrings (Dupes)

I’m not Cardi B, I still gotta choose. Today I’m choosing these amazing Bottega Veneta Tear Drop Earrings Dupes. These earrings retail for $2k+, The dupes come in just under $12, can we say WINNING or nah?

All the “It Girls” are wearing these earrings. Vanessa Bryant, Kylie and Kendal Jenner, DC Fashion Blogger Lauren Evette and now me!!!

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AI You Don’t Need to Fear- Andrea Iyamah

It’s absolutely shameful I haven’t given you guys an update on at least one of my splurges all year. Don’t fret here’s a good one. I took advantage of the Andrea Iyamah sunset sale in July. I splurged on a few things mostly because I didn’t think I was going to make it to Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour, but I did, which was also a splurge, but that’s a story worthy of it’s very on blog post. Stay tuned for more on that in my August round up.

AI You Don’t Need to Fear- Andrea Iyamah

Andrea Beale wearing Andrea Iyamah dress

Here’s the back story, one of my baby sisters (Eden) sent me a link to the Eros Escape Tote Bag back in January. Why would she do such a thing you might ask? Simple, it’s a big, beautiful, and bright tote bag with my first name on it, what can I say, she just gets me. However I was on a “spending freeze” essentials only, so I said nope I’m not gonna do it, especially not at the retail price. I waited months for a sale worthy of my coin. My patience paid off in July.

Andrea (she and I are dear friends in my head) had one of the biggest sales of the season, 40% the entire site no exclusions. Talk about X-mas in July. I snatched up everything I had my eye on since January and the rest is history. She’s currently running an end of season 30% off sale, exclusions apply. We shot the looks at a local farm, Monteplier Farms. I checked two things off my summer to do list, shoot a summer look at a sunflower patch and personally support a local farm, snaps for me!!! LOL

Links to all the pieces I bought:

Photo Credit Kaneisha Johnson of Dynamic Duo Images.

THE TARGET DESIGNER COLLECTIONS ARE NOW LIVE! 🎯

Hey gang the Target designer collections for spring is live. Yes the rumors are true all the pieces are under $50!!! You know what that means mama is going stock up!!!

This drop features one of my favorite labels FeNoel. This is probably the only time I can actually afford multiple pieces from the brand without using Affirm lol. I’m not ashamed to admit that either, miss Felisha (Felisha Noel= FeNoel, the brand’s creator) is heavy on the luxe and there’s nothing wrong with that!! We (black girls) deserve all the things too!!! The collaboration also includes pieces from other popular warm weather brands, Rhode and Agua Bendita.

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It’s #makeupmonday on IVN… on a Thursday

As promised, fresh new content for 2023. I was suppose to post this Monday but totally missed the mark, so let’s talk makeup. So here it is on a Thursday. This update is kind of a big deal for me. I had the privilege and pleasure of slaying Dr. Stella Chukwu face for her very first television appearance. Hopefully this will be the first of many of Dr. Stella’s TV appearances.

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YASSOU, YASSOU FROM GREECE

Hey Gang!!! This post has been a loooooooooong time coming and I’m NOT sorry. I’ve been living my best life…lol, I have neglected the blog, putting most of my energy into my other social media platforms. But that all changes now. You can expect much MORE content on the blog moving forward. Even if it’s a quick check-in or update, there will be more.

Remember when I said I’ve been living my best life? Well, I wasn’t lying. I checked off a huge bucket list item this year, I went to Greece. This was my second international trip since the pandemic started, last year then we went to Jamaica for a wedding. I also took a quick trip to Aruba, a post for another day.

You can definitely tell we’re getting closer to an endemic.

Last year facemask and proof of a negative Covid-19 test were a travel REQUIREMENT, this year not so much. Wearing a mask is optional (I wore a mask on both flights and in large group settings) since the requirement for a negative test result is out the window. I have to say that was a bit unsettling. Knowing everyone on the flight at least attempted to do their part made me feel safer flying. Now it’s the wild west. I suppose we’re reaching towards to a new normal, so I’ll stow my anxious thoughts and take all my future flights masked up. Boom travel anxiety issue cured.

Enough about my travel anxieties let’s get into this trip to Greece. Needless to say, I had a blast. Greece has been on my bucket list FOREVER!!! Amazing cuisine, hospitable people (except maybe the ferry ride, I’ll get into that later) and calmest and most relaxing beaches anyone could ask for.

YASSOU, YASSOU FROM GREECE

We started our trip in Athens, the “we” in this story consist of my twin sister Alex and my cousin Jacqueline. I left on Saturday afternoon and arrived early Sunday morning which was perfect because I slept most of the flight. I woke up to the most beautiful sunrise. Nothing beats a window seat!

I landed in Athens around 11 am. Meet up with Alex and Jack and we were off. We stayed the Coco Mat Jumelle. There are several Coco Mat locations throughout Athens, we stayed at two different properties (the second was the Coco Mat Athens BC), both locations were great.

Our Hotels

Both hotels had a modern, but homey feel to them. I have to say the staff was exceptional at the Coco Mat Athens BC location. Both locations had its own appeal. The Jumelle is located on what I would equate to embassy row in DC. A few cafes near buy, a mini-mart of sorts and commercial businesses lined the streets near the Juemelle. The Athens location was nestled on a busy but welcoming street. A bookstore, bakery, coffee shop, charming boutiques and restaurants are all in walking distance of the Athens BC location. The hotel doesn’t look like a hotel at all, that’s large in part because the entrance is a part of the store front for the Coco Mat’s home decor brand.

On our first night we saw all we could see. We explored the neighborhood, got a bit to eat at a bar we stumbled upon (Ruins) to cap off the night. The drinks at the Ruins were delicious, the food didn’t disappoint either. But jet lag hit hard. I may or may not have taken a brief siesta at the bar. I wasn’t sleep I was just resting my eyes. In my defense the seats were extremely comfy. It was a great first night, it ended with free desert, you couldn’t ask for a better start.

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EVERYBODY MATTERS- GOOD AMERICAN SWIMWEAR EDITION

Hey Gang! I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. I couldn’t let the season end without doing an EveryBODY Matters swimwear edit with my bestie Amanda. Fun fact, Summer isn’t technically over until September 21st, but folks love closure and Labor Day weekend usually gives the Summer haters (aka lovers of all things Fall/Winter) closure. A debate on the change of the seasons isn’t why we’re here. It’s all but the swimsuits. This year we’re in Good American Swimsuits.

EVERYBODY MATTERS- GOOD AMERICAN SWIMWEAR EDITION

two women wearing Good American swimwear

As you can imagine finding a flattering swimsuit, that we both loved or liked a enough to be photographed in was a challenge. I heard Good American had a plus size line so I decided to test them out. Yes I’m keenly aware this is Khloe Kardashian’s brand and none of them need anymore of our money than they already have. But I wanted to see if the brand lived up to the hype. Short story I wasn’t disappointed but I wasn’t impressed either. Before I get into the critique of the swimsuits, we need to discuss the shoot location.

CHASING WATERFALLS

Amanda wanted to do something “different” for this year’s swimsuit edit, she wanted to do the photoshoot at a waterfall. Queue TLC’s Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls. Since going to the rainforest of Costa Rica was out of the question, I found a local waterfall at Scott’s Run Preserve in McLean, VA. With very little time to scout the location (fresh off my Grecian vacation) I had no idea what to expect. However from the little research I did do, it seemed easy enough to get to, a 1.5 mile walk to the falls, EASY. However we didn’t take that path. For reasons I can’t explain, we decided to just follow the people walking up the stairs. I never follow the crowd but this time I figured why not; big mistake!

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SHE DID THAT

No I’m not referring to my fabulous outfit, I did kinda slay this look. Pats self on back. I’m actually referring to the work the team at She Did That Films is doing. Before we get into the film, let’s discuss why I was out on a school night, looking like a whole snack LOL.

SHE DID THAT

The saying you attract what you are couldn’t be more true when comes to Christina @sharpandsoundstyle. Christina and I are lifestyle bloggers, we connected via Instagram. We recently started following each other, commenting on each other pics and stories, we became quick IG friends. Short story short we decided we needed to meet in real life. Christina invited me to a screening of She Did That’s short film on Kalilah Wright, CEO of Mess In a Bottle.

We decided to meet up for dinner. Christina suggested we dine at Dirty Habit. Definitely a must if you’re in Washington DC area or plan to visit. The short ribs and mash (pictured below) literally melt in your mouth. I like sweet cocktails, so the Monaco Side Car was a perfect pairing. After dinner we made our way to the screening. When kindred spirits connect it’s a vibe y’all! I had good ole time with miss Christina! I smell a collaboration coming, stay tuned for that.