D'Andra Odom
D'Andra Bradford Odom grew up in Jonesboro, LA. She swore to her parents that she would never live in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas. However, after completing a cooperative education assignment with IBM in Rochester, MN, she bravely returned to Louisiana to plant her roots. D’Andra earned a Bachelors from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA and a Masters from the rival school Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA. However, the rivalry only lasts for one Saturday in November, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. D’Andra has a strong passion for public policy, social justice, and cooking. Therefore, it is no surprised that this self-proclaimed foodie met her husband, Chef Brandon Odom while trying a new spot, and ultimately co-founded Odom’s Kitchen (eatwithodoms.com). Together D’Andra and Brandon have two amazing children, Josiah and Corrinne. Josiah is the gentle and compassionate little gentleman. While Corrinne marches to the beat of her own drum. One of the things she loves most about being in Louisiana is providing her children with access to three living great-grandparents. Additionally, D’Andra and Brandon enjoy entertaining friends and family through food and laughs. She considers it an added bonus to be able to share and interact with other moms in the area. As it turns out this North Louisiana native found her roots through love in South Louisiana. A badge she wears proudly.
Finding a Job During a Pandemic
After 10 years with the Louisiana Department of Health, the time came for me to make a career change. However, we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. My current contract was ending...
Excuse Me, Where is Your Restroom for My Kids?
Dear Retailers:
When a frantic mom runs in with a child in hand, we are absolutely not being rude. We are sorry that you “normally don’t let people use the restroom without a purchase.” In...
COVID-19 was NOT in Any of Those “What to Expect” Books!
Yesterday, my daughter’s class presented the “Letter Z” during their Wacky Wednesday Zoom lesson. Immediately she proclaimed “Mom, School is over and we won’t see our teachers and friends again.” The tears began to...
Telework and Distance Learning is Breaking Me Down
A typical weekday consists of preparing breakfast, getting my kids (age 8 and 4) ready for the day, sitting in a carpool line singing songs, and heading back to my home office my full-time...
Social Distancing and Stay at Home Orders Will End. . . Moms Will Need...
There’s so much talk about COVID-19 in the present, but what about once we can leave our homes again? Moms are going to need a break. They are going to need to decompress. Now,...
When Did We Stop Letting Kids be Kids?
Is there suddenly an unspoken rule against kids being kids?
I jumped into the parenting game a little later in life, so I had no idea it was no longer cool for children to be...
The Best Mom I Know How to Be
Just as you are now, I’ve read hundreds of blogs on being a mom. I admit that many of them are geared towards the single mom and often times it leaves me wondering if...
I’m 100% That … Cheer Mom!
I have no idea how it happened, but suddenly I'm that "CHEER MOM!"
This summer my daughter showed interest in cheer. So I buckled her in and headed to Bayou Athletics for tryouts. I honestly...
Why Are We Still Fighting for Civil Rights?
In a perfect world, I would pen this and say “WE HAVE OVERCOME.” However, if we are all, to be honest with ourselves, we have not. As I sit in front of my computer...
I Hate LAUNDRY
The truth is I decided now was a good time to blog because I have mountains of laundry screaming for my attention. Well, I despise doing laundry. I mean I do not enjoy one...
Passwords = Swear Words
As if moms don't already have enough to remember ... now you want us to change our passwords! We all get it ... that dreaded "your password will expire in 14 days" message. If...
He Does Say “Yes Ma’am”
My son does say "Yes ma'am,"" but he still gets profiled. Initially, he was the cute little boy and received all of the oohs and ahhs. Now, however, he isn't a toddler anymore. He's...