Family is the core of the BSB lifestyle. The Allen Family of Raleigh, North Carolina gives us an inside scoop on their family values and style in this feature. This lightly colorful styled outdoor shoot is perfect photo-inspiration for springtime.
Dad
Andre Allen
Mom
Denise Ratliff-Allen
Daughter
Audriana Allen
Where is the mom from?
Durham, North Carolina
Where is your current location?
Raleigh, North Carolina
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
What isn’t? Smile. I get to watch a younger version of myself and husband every day. Her personality is amazing. Kids enjoy the simple things in life –they help you to see things in a less complex way. Not only am I teaching her but she teaches me things every day. Seeing her happy is the best gift in return. She literally makes my heart smile, what more could I ask for?
What do you love about raising your children in the South?
I’ve lived in North Carolina almost all of my life. I spent a few years on the West Coast. Nothing compares to the warm comfort feeling of being in the South. We are big on being with family, no matter how big or small. There’s no place like home. Besides it’s where the heart is and here in the South, we are all one big family.
What are some of their favorite southern dishes to eat? Which do they only eat if you make?
One of her favorite meals would be “chicken, greens and mac and cheese”, as she says. She could eat macaroni and cheese every day!
Why did you choose this location to do the family photo shoot?
We chose the park so that she could be outside. She loves the outdoors. That is another benefit to living in North Carolina.
What are your favorite lessons to teach your child?
We talk about things such as how to treat and help others, know right from wrong and that mistakes happen. She is a very happy girl with a big imagination. I love teaching her new things, she catches on so fast. She loves school and I make sure I continue educating her at home. She’s learning to spell and is fascinated with numbers.
What is your favorite southern activity to do with them?
She loves the NC State fair. The games, shows and family vibe is great. You can’t beat the food, deep fried everything! The turkey leg and corn on the cobb are her favorite.
Do you have any favorite restaurants you like to take them?
She like Chili’s, Red Lobster and Ihop. At Red Lobster she asks them to take the lobsters out the tank before she goes to the table.
What are some of your favorite books you read to them?
She has a bookcase full of different books she reads every night before bed. Princess books, Nappy Hair (I had from when I was a little girl), Good night Moon, and her Children’s Bible.
Who styled the children for this shoot?
Mom and Dad
What southern values do you hope they inherit as they grow up?
Family, respect and manners (please and thank you, yes sir/ma’am), and her Christian values.
Where did you get some of the clothing items?
Photography Courtesy of Images by Amber Robinson
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
