Stylish Home Decor

I haven't been to one of my favorite websites in awhile, hgtv.com but while browsing yesterday, I came across some fabulously designed rooms.  Check these out:

This intimate living area is lovely! I absolutely love the custom entertainment stand! HOT! And the warm colors really make this room pop.

 

I love this kitchen & eating area too! I usually prefer a darker wood but I really love the look of this cabinetry and all the accents. I absolutely love upholstered chairs with a cool print for a dining table too!  And the chandelier is a perfect touch!

Now this spa like bathroom is to die for! The combination of zebrawood and maple paint really take this little piece of heaven to another level! I also love the tile they used and the wallpaper and sconces over by the double mirrors. 

 

This master bedroom is warm and cozy.  The dark chocolate accent wall really adds to the tone of the room. This design can also be recreated easily!

I have always been a huge fan of window seats. This long bench seat is perfect! And I especially love the eclectic mix of prints with all the pillows!

Happy Friday yall! :)

My Stepping Out on Faith Journey - Journal Entry #3

Poet William Arthur Ward suggested that the key to success is to:

Believe while others are doubting.

Plan while others are playing.

Study while others are sleeping.

Decide while others are delaying.

Prepare while others are daydreaming.

Begin while others are procrastinating.

Work while others are wishing.

Save while others are wasting.

Listen while others are talking.

Smile while others are frowning.

Commend while others are criticizing.

Persist while others are quitting. 
PASSION is the only thing that will give a person the energy to do all this!!

My husband gave me a book recently called Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It. This year my plan is to take time to read more inspiring books. They really do keep you motivated because no matter how passionate you are about something, there will always be moments when the fire isn't burning as hot as it once was.  In those moments, I have to remind myself whats important and why I wanted to pursue this in the first place.  I have to remember how satisfying it is to me to see a pile of fabric turn into something wearable.  I have to think of how happy I get when someone tells me how much they love something I loved making.  I have to recall how humbled and honored I feel when someone tells me I inspire them...little ole me.  That's what keeps me going....what keeps me motivated...what keeps me up until 3 or 4 am working on bags or some other project.  And most importantly, knowing that God has blessed me with a gift and given me this awesome opportunity to do what I love motivates me.   Do I still have days I feel like doing nothing? Absolutely!  Do I fall short some days and give in to that feeling?  Absolutely...I'm human!  But each day is a new day and I'm continually striving to do better and be better!

MLK Day - Community Service

One thing I would like to do more of this year is community service. I think its so important to give back.  On MLK day, my hubby and I volunteered at Germantown High School in Philadelphia, PA.  We helped paint the lockers.  Here is how they looked BEFORE:

And these are the AFTER pics...the kids chose blue for this floors lockers. 

There were tons of volunteers at this location and we ended up painting three floors of lockers all together.  It was a great day of service! 

SAVE THE DATE!!

Stepping Out on Faith: Melissa Mangrum

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on Melissa Mangrum of About Face Beauti based out of Baltimore, MD.

Former Job:  Collections 
Passion:  Makeup Artistry

When did you discover your passion?
I discovered my passion for makeup back in 2005 when I was looking for a part time job and found one as a Prestige Consultant for Ulta Cosmetics & Fragrance. I played around in makeup on myself and figured I should make a little money while doing something I kind of enjoyed. It wasnt until 2007/2008 that I started to take the business of makeup serious for myself.

What career field were you in before branching out and how long did you work in other jobs before stepping out to start your own business? I was a bill collector for about 10 years, working in every field possible to collect payments from consumers and businesses. It wasnt until December 2008 that I finally Stepped Out On Faith to do what I believe is one of my true purposes in life...to beautifully bless someone with the art of makeup.

What was your "breaking point" when you knew it was time for you to do your own thing?
I think the breaking point was just knowing that I had to make time to do the things that I was so passionate about, yet I had all the time in the world  (8-10 hours a day) to work for someone elses dream. I would stay up at night trying to "squeeze" my business(es) in. I found myself not enjoying coming to work anymore.  I wasn't as productive as I had been in previous years, or even months. I prayed and thought, I consulted friends...some said DONT DO IT...while others said if you feel now is the time, then go for it. Ultimately it was my decision, and I decided not to return to corporate America in the next new year, January 2009.

What has been the best part of stepping out and running your own business?
The best part for me is knowing that every day I have choice.  I can either be lazy, lay around and not do anything (which wont pay the bills) or I can get up and build something that belongs to me!  Ultimately, I choose the 2nd option!  I still stay up late and wake up early, but there is not one day that I dread it. I get to see my kids off to school in the morning, and pick them up in the afternoon.  There is no babysitter that has to do that for me...which I LOVE!! In September of 2010, I Stepped Out On Faith yet again and moved from Virginia to Maryland with my dream of being a Successful Makeup Artist (and mommy) in one hand and my faith in the other. Its been 4 months and business is going great! I'm planning the work and working the plan. I have to push myself even harder now because I'm starting fresh, but its soooo worth it to me.

What advice would you give others who are ready to step out?
The advice I would give others who are looking to Step Out is follow YOUR voice. There will be critics, naysayers, etc. but what God has for you is already yours. Fear of the unknown can cripple you if you allow it, so never allow fear to step in. Plan, Pray, & then execute from there. Dont worry about the "what ifs". I have FINALLY done things that I NEVER thought I could do, but I'm doing it...so if it has worked for me...it WILL work for you (with proper planning, prayer & execution-of course) ;)

Check out some of Melissa's awesome work! By the way, she also did my lovely makeup for my wedding! :)

 

Congrats for stepping out on faith Missy (as we affectionately call her)! Keep up the great work! :)

Be sure to also check out her website at www.aboutfacebeauti.com !!

Happy Founders Day Sorors!

Happy Founders Day to all my sorors of Delta Sigma Theta and a special shout out to my Gamma Iota sorors from Hampton University! :)

  Here is a throwback pic of me and some of my linesisters after crossing Spring 99
(Im in the center)

Me and some of my linesisters stepping at our 5 yr reunion (thats me in the white shirt and jeans) 

Sorry about the pic quality

Just wanted to share....

Nothing makes me happier than when my customers let me know how much they love one of my bags! I am always so amazed and humbled that people love something I made so much.  My friend, Nicole of Girl Photography posted this pic below she took of her Nneka Saran bag (and the packaging that comes with it) on her blog! Thanks Nicole and glad you love it! :)