Write the Vision...Make it Plain!

With the start of every new year, most of us have a list of goals we want to achieve in the upcoming year. One of the most powerful things you can do is write your goals, dreams, & aspirations down! I have always been big on writing list out.  Just like there is power in the tongue/words you speak, there is power in writing stuff down!  There is something about seeing it in front of you...its almost like a constant reminder of what you are working towards and it helps to keep you motivated!

Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald  may run with it.” Habakkuk 2:2

So as we go into 2011, be sure to dream BIG, work smart, have faith, and leave the rest up to God!  
Im soo looking forward to all God is going to do! I cant wait to sit back and reflect on 2011 at this time next year! Get your own Write the Vision template I created as pictured above HERE.

Here's wishing everyone a blessed, prosperous, and safe new years!!

Customer Feature!

Today I'm showcasing my first customer feature! My girl Tanya, one of my fav bloggers (www.majormusthaves.com), has styled one of my personal favorite Nneka Saran clutches super cute! Check out how she paired the Tracee clutch with her A.B.S top, Rich&Skinny jeans, and fab YSL heels! Love it! And be sure to check out her awesome blog here!

Remember to send me pictures of you rocking your Nneka Saran clutch so you can featured next!!

2011 Personal Goals and Product Review : Loreal Youth Code

Some of my personal goals going into 2011 is to have healthier skin, hair, and body! So to jump start my new skin regimen, I will be trying out some different products to see if I notice a change.  My goal is to also get my hair to its healthiest state. Ive been going natural since Oct 2009 and I still have about 3-4 inches of relaxer on my ends left to go. Not sure if Im just going to cut that off or not yet.  But I definitely want to see my hair get to its full potential.  I know I'll never have super long or thick hair flowing down my back ....some things just wont happen no matter what products you use! lol  But I do want to get my hair to the best it can be!  Also, I am planning to lose 20 lbs by the end of March! So I have some hefty personal goals here as you can see! But Im confident I'll reach them!

Anywho, Loreal has a new line of skin care products called Youth Code. And since Im a sucka for new products, I decided to give them a try.  I have used their Skin Genesis line in the past which was pretty good.  I purchased the Youth Code eye serum, serum intense daily treatment, and the 30 SPF daily lotion (not pictured).

The only thing I didnt get was the day/night cream.  The run about $22 each from Walmart or Target.  I haven't been using them long but so far I do like the immediate effects of the serum intense.  It gives your skin a smooth effect. I use this in the morning after the eye cream and before I put my Cetaphil moisturizer on.  Lastly, I put on the daily lotion with 30 SPF. I fell off for awhile with using lotion with 30 SPF but its very important to do.  So I will keep you posted on my results after I use the line a little longer!

Happy Holidays!

Hey yall!
Sorry for not posting lately.  With the holidays approaching, it seems like there is so much going on these days! I must say time has really flown this year! It seems like just yesterday it was the beginning of 2010 and now we are heading into 2011.  This holiday season reminds me of all the blessings God has bestowed upon me. I am so grateful for my husband, my family, friends who are just like family, my health, all the doors that have been shut and opened, and most importantly my salvation.  Thank you Jesus for loving us so much!

I am also extremely grateful for all the new readers I have gotten on my blog this year! I would have never thought in a million years that my little blog would touch so many people. I have (virtually) met so many new friends and I just appreciate you all so much!

So lets all remember the reason for the season....Jesus!!  And whether we get alot of gifts or not, the fact we are alive and well and blessed to see another day is the best gift ever and one that not everyone gets!

Merry Christmas yall!

Beautiful Wedding by Mindy Weiss

We all know Mindy Weiss, wedding planner extraordinaire! Well I love to check out some of her awesome work! Its always so breathtaking. She posted a few of her own pics on her blog from a wedding she recently did and I just have to share them with you! I love how she shares pictures of how it all comes together! This wedding is to die for and I absolutely love the table centerpieces and the cake! 

 

Check out more on Mindy's blog here.

Monday Morning Inspiration

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  ~Marianne Williamson

(Thanks Karee for sharing this :)

My DIY Statement Necklace

So as I was looking through some of the materials I've collected over the years of making bags, I came across some chains I bought awhile back. Then I thought to myself.... "I bet I could make some kind of necklace out of these".  Being the DIYer that I am, of course I decided to give it a try! :)

Here are chains I had already:

 
Then I decided to add some black beaded necklaces I got from Forever 21 years ago around it.

Once I collected all my materials (chains and beaded necklaces), I just twisted them all together and layered the other beaded necklace I already had with it. Super easy to do.  Now Im no jewelry designer but I think it came out pretty cute considering it was made from stuff I already had at home! Check it out:

My Stepping Out on Faith Journey - Journal Entry 2

Me at one of my trunk shows in 08

"What goes up, must come down. Starting a company is a roller-coaster ride like none other. You will feel broken inside and figure it's time to give it all up. That might be quitting yourself, selling the company, taking a weak deal, or even calling it quits on a smaller scale. DON'T. Emotions are fleeting and cloud your judgment." -Excerpt from Onstartups.com written by Jason Baptiste

You know its amazing to me how one day you can feel sooo encouraged and positive about the path you are on and the next day feel so hopeless and/or discouraged.  Well I've come to learn in life these moments will always come, especially when you are trying to pursue something.  The enemy will attack so we should just expect it and the first place he usually goes for is our mind. That's why we cant trust our feelings...they are too flighty!  Our job is to fight off those attacks and shoot down those negative thoughts with the word of God and what we know to be true.  There have been so many days when I doubt my work and what I'm capable of doing.  One minute I love something I just made and the longer I sit and look at it, I start second guessing it or myself.  One thing I know for sure is that you have to believe in yourself and your product or no one else will! Even on my bad days when I have negative thoughts, deep down I never completely lose my faith.  I thank God for giving me that foundation.  I often think of successful people like Oprah or Donald Trump...Im sure they have had many discouraging days on the path to get to where they are today.  The difference is they didn't let those moments stop them.  They didn't stay down, they pressed on! And that's what I remind myself of every time I feel discouraged or when nothing seems to be happening despite my efforts....gotta keep pressing!

Boutique 77

Yesterday I placed a few of my bags in a local boutique here in Philly called Boutique 77! Its a cute little pop up boutique that features alot of independent designers.  Although, I've been offered a chance to be in various boutiques before, I've never done it so this is my first time having bags in one.  The store is located at 777 S Broad Street/Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA. 

If you are in the area, definitely stop by to check it out! They will be open until Dec 29, 2010 (Tues thru Saturday - 12pm to 8pm)

Pic from http://babyloncartel.com/blog/?p=4240

Window display with Fever & Lust Foldover Clutches

Display in store along with a jewelry designer's pieces

NS Gift Certificates NOW AVAILABLE!!

I've had a few folks ask me about doing gift certificates/gift cards so they are now available!  Personally, I LOVE getting gift certificates and cards! Its nothing better than being able to pick out what you like yourself and you aren't obligated to get something right away if you don't want to.  Nneka Saran gift certificates are great because they can be used towards any bag for an entire year after the date of purchase!  They come in $25, $50, $75, and $100 value amounts.  You can purchase them on my Etsy page HERE ! Once you place order, you will receive a PDF file with e-gift certificate attached.  Gift certificate can be sent to you or recipient. GREAT GREAT GREAT as Christmas gifts!  :)

Going Viral??

I've been thinking for awhile about going viral ... doing a few video blogs to give people a glimpse in my world of all things Nneka Saran and the pursuit of my passion! The only problem is ... I HATE being on and seeing myself on video! lol
So it appears I have a bit of a dilemma so I'll get back to yall on that one!


Let me know what you think!

I Heart Nneka Saran Insider's Club - JOIN TODAY!

If you love Nneka Saran Handbags, then you MUST join the I Heart Nneka Saran Insider's Club! Membership is free! Check out all the great perks that come with being a member:

• Special Discounts 
• Advance notice of sales and events
• 15% off for your birthday
• Exclusive preview of new bags before they come out
• Email newsletter 

To join, all you have to do is email me (nnekah@gmail.com) your name, email address, and birthday (month and day - year not needed)! 

JOIN TODAY! :)

Weekend Look with my 'TRACEE' Foldover Clutch

This weekend my hubby and I went to a Sixers game. I rocked a pretty basic look. Can never go wrong with a blazer, white tank, and jeans! And to top if off I rocked my Nneka Saran TRACEE Foldover Clutch which goes perfectly with jeans!! A great statement piece like a Nneka Saran clutch will set off any outfit - if I do say so myself! :)
I love the mix of prints and I got alot of compliments on it! :)

Check me out. As you can see, Im back to my au natural hair and continuing on my journey of going relaxer-free but thats a whole 'nother story..lol

Here is the TRACEE Foldover Clutch ($125) :

 

P.S. Dont forget to check out my girl Kendra on TLC's The Next Great Baker TONIGHT 12/6/10 !!!!

New Clutch - LadyLove Foldover Clutch

This weekend I worked on a cute new clutch I love! I found this quilted leather and beautiful fabric in NY last week and instantly fell in love with it. Sadly, there was only about a yard of the fabric left so I wont be able to make many of this style. I just posted it on my Facebook page and already have 2 orders!! Its always great to know other people like something just as much as I do! :)

Check out my 'LadyLove' Foldover clutch and let me know what you think!

**UPDATE: Only 1 left! Order now! :) 

$125

DIY Christmas Wreath

Christmas time is here! Yayy! Hands down, Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year! As you noticed, Christmas decorations are everywhere now and its tempting to buy all those cute decorations out there but remember, there are some things you can actually make yourself! Why buy a $40 wreath when you can DIY!

Check out the wreath I made for only $13 in supplies! Super easy and quick to do and looks just as good for over half the price!

SUPPLIES:
30 inch wreath (on sale AC Moore $4.99)
Artificial flowers (I used silver poinsettias $7.00 - on sale at Michaels)
Silver Christmas tree ornaments ($1.00 - Target)
Green florist wire (already had)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.  First cut all your flowers off the bunch and put in a pile.
2.  Cut off a good length of green florist wire and wrap it around the base of your first flower head then attach it to wreath as desired.

3.  Continue doing this around the whole wreath. Use same process for attaching ornaments to wreath too.

4.  Once it looks pretty full and as you desire, you're all done! Easy peezy! :)

 

I only bought one pack of the ornaments but I may go get some more and fill it in with a few more of the silver balls.  Other than that, I'm pleased...and for $13 and about 20 minutes of my time, I cant complain! lol 

My Consultation Services

I get a lot of emails from people seeking my help on events, parties, etc. who don't live in the Philadelphia and surrounding area so I wanted to let you all know I do offer consultation services for those of you who may have a room, event, or party to decorate and are completely stuck on what to do or how to do it.  If you just need ideas and instructions on how to bring them to life AND you don't mind doing some legwork yourself, this is for you, contact me for more info!

NNEKAH@gmail.com

NEW BAGS!!

Sooooo, Im finally ready to unveil a few of my new bags to you all! My site www.nnekasaran.com should be up soon but in the meantime, you can make purchases on my Etsy page here OR email me (NNEKAH@GMAIL.COM)  to place an order! (All items made-to-order)

When asked what inspires me for the bags I make, I always tell people...FABRIC.  I really draw inspiration from fabrics I see.  Either it speaks to me or it doesn't and I know right away! This season, I was drawn to alot of prints, knit fabrics, and textured leathers.  I think a handbag really shows a woman's personality.  My bags usually speak to women who don't mind standing out, who like to be a little daring, have an edge, and just love unique pieces!

All my bags are handmade and made in LIMITED QUANTITIES...so usually once its gone, its gone.  But the beauty in that is that you can be sure you wont run into 100 other women with your bag on! :)

So check out my new bags and I'd love to hear what you think! Also, remember I will constantly be adding new bags so keep check regularly on my sites! And I'll def let ya know when me official site is up!

P.S. Bare with me..these pics were taken by me with  my lil camera. In my opinion, they really dont do the bags justice but I should have the professional pics up soon! :)

SOLO Foldover Clutch - $150 (LIMITED EDITION)

REBEL Foldover Clutch - $140

TRACEE Foldover Clutch

DIVINE Foldover Clutch - $125

SOL-CHILD Foldover Clutch - $125

CHARM Foldover Clutch - $125

FEVER Foldover Clutch - $125

 

$125

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today is a day we spend time with loved ones and give thanks for all the blessings we have been given.  However, Thanksgiving should be EVERYDAY! No matter what is going on in any of our lives at this moment, the good always outweighs the bad.  Sometimes we take so much for granted that we don't realize how blessed we are for even the "little things".  I am sooo grateful for God's grace and mercy! He has blessed me immensely and I could never say thank you enough for all He has done in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.  I am so thankful for my husband, family, friends, health, passion, and the list could go on and on.  So as you carry on today and reflect on all the many things to be thankful for, remember we should keep this same attitude everyday we are blessed to wake up!

Enjoy Thanksgiving and be blessed yall! :)