JillianLankford
True generalist. Habitual giver. Lover of Christ. Baker. Home maker. Career oriented. Chronically under self-valuing. Elder millennial. Momma to 2 boys. Wife to police officer.
Born in Detroit, Michigan to a black dad and a white mom. Eighties baby with a 90's heart and old school soul. Raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan along with 4 brown-skin siblings. Second oldest of a forever grieving widow.
Biracial. Mixed. Red-bone. Curly Haired. Light skinned. Halfie.
From struggles with identity, family, death, discrimination, spirituality, mental health, motherhood and everything in between, my soul is revealed in my stories. My experiences have shaped the way I understand the world and perceive its challenges. My writing is a way to express how they have shaped my relationships, perceptions and why and how I do my part to make the world a better place. And also.....to stay sane.
Top 10 Places to Celebrate 313 Day in Detroit
The city of Detroit has been celebrated in national news for several years running. And there's no wonder why when we look at what this great city has to offer. There's no better day...
How I Expose My Children to Black Culture and Why It Matters
Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, it was difficult to fit in with my complexion, to say the least. I went to Detroit Public Schools and Grosse Pointe Public Schools. Most of the...
12 Easy Ways to Care for Your Mental Health This Fall
DISCLAIMER: The following post outlines the writer’s personal tips for mental health. It is not intended to act as medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor with any questions about how to improve...
3 Types of Public School Alternatives
Nothing has been more difficult for me as mother than deciding where my five-year-old will begin kindergarten. Before having children, I was dead set on putting kids in childcare so I could continue working...
Detroit Mom’s Travel Series: Cuyahoga Falls
Every mom needs a little self-care now and again. My favorite way to jump out of the mundane day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood and marriage is to plan a trip with my girlfriends.
We have made...
Detroit Mom’s Travel Series: Crystal Mountain Resort
There is nothing more luxurious than a family vacation you don't have to plan. My in-laws have been our summer getaway planners since we've blessed them with two wild grandsons. Papa and Nana have...
Detroit Mom’s Travel Series: Camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Growing up I had no real interest in camping. It wasn’t until I became a mom that I realized the power of the natural joy that comes from being outdoors. Lucky for me, Michigan...
13 Affordable Family Summer Memberships in + Around Detroit
Finding affordable summer fun for the family is not only time-consuming, but costly. Luckily, we have a list of local Metro Detroit hot spots with family-friendly--and wallet-friendly--memberships to consider this summer and beyond.
13 affordable...
Practical Ways to Save Money Gathering + Gifting This Holiday Season
Even if you think you’ve spent all your pennies on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are still plenty of ways to save money gathering and gifting this holiday season. Next to budgeting and...
Detroit Mom Welcomes Jillian, a Dearborn Mom
Hey I’m Jillian. Health and wellness, minimalism, and my new found love for plant-based living are a few of my passions. I am also passionate about learning, listening, and exploring diversity. The outdoors, weightlifting,...