Day Four: Learning to Relax

I have a secret love affair for coffee cups.  They seem to speak to me right off the shelves of my favorite stores.  Why? I think it is partly because it is a way to express my day, my mood and my taste.  It also it a big part of my routine of relaxing moments in my day.  A cup of a perfectly made cup of coffee is high on the list of the interpretation of
R E L A X.

Ahhh.  I look forward to smelling my way to the coffee pot each morning.  I am very spoiled with a hubby that is an early riser and enjoys his quiet mornings and gets his day kicked off with coffee and his personal time of prayer.

I am personally a night owl and enjoy my solitude at night when all is calm, I reflect on my day, plan for tomorrow and just "chill" from my day.  I feel I also set my next day in motion by being mentally and physically prepared the night before.  Otherwise, I can not sleep knowing I have too many things on my plate waiting to be done.  The truth is, my brain functions best at night.  In the mornings it just takes some time to uncloud my thinking and get all the gears going at one time.  Having bags packed, clothes ready, anything printed, emails answered, etc. etc. calms me and even if I am not 100% when my feet hit the floor, it is all ok because I already have my path cleared.

Just so you know, this is a best case scenario.  Grant it, I have my sluggish times and do not always hit the mark.  One thing age does, if you work on your life, in time, you begin to have some good habits in place.  There are still some new habits and goals that, fingers crossed, I will keep moving closer to.

Relaxing is actually hard for me and I have been working to get better at it.  I am by nature a pretty high strung person thinking I can't do anything without going 90 to nothing.

I remember always getting my kids from point A to point B with "hurry", always in a rush.  But, why??  Actually funny now when I think of it.  Poor little children.  lol

If you are like me, I'm sure you have a few things you do to slow down.  Here are a few of mine I do to slow down, tell myself that it is ok to relax, do nothing, lay the to do list aside and take a break. Even if everything is not perfectly in order before doing so.  If you live with people and have a home, it is an endless job keeping everything in it's place not counting your job and other responsibilities.

• Make your cup of coffee a ritual.  Purchase a pretty coffee cup, sit and enjoy that moment. Actually realize you have just enjoyed a cup of coffee.  This is contrary to rush to the kitchen, pour your cup of coffee, run to the bathroom, plug in the curling iron, start multi tasking while occasionally taking a sip of coffee that eventually gets cold or the pet gnat gets to it before you do!  

• Take some time to get comfy and just think.  Imagine you where you want to be, in a place you want to go, what it feels like to accomplish all you have on your list, listen to that inner voice that may be trying to tell you something.  

• I like to find good books but I go to Barnes and Noble online and purchase them used at a fraction of the cost.  Trust me, these books are like brand new.  I've never been disappointed. Time spent with a good book is pleasurable.  It can be taken with you to a favorite coffee shop, take to a favorite garden to read or snuggle up with it on a favorite chair.  

• Asian reflexology massages are very affordable and extremely relaxing.  If you have not tried one, I encourage you to do so.  You relax fully dressed.  They usually do not have all the fluff and fabulous aromas of a regular massage place but very worth the money spent.  I get the 60 minute reflexology.

• Find your favorite music on Pandora.  It is an online music site and free.  I listen to Edwin Hawkins radio, Loui Armstrong and even French Cafe Radio and many others.  I love music even more since I finally got some great speakers.  Christmas time I am nuts over Christmas music!  I think it makes the season magical.

• I am somewhat obsessed with the fragrance of a shower gel, Dirty Springwash.  I found at the Galleria after getting as a Christmas door prize at our family Christmas.  Here is the link on Amazon if you would love to try it.  Be sure and use a scrunci for maximum usage.

• Light a scented candle.  My personal favorite is Trapps Vanilla Orange.  The aroma of a good fragrance candle is very soothing and relaxing and brings a nice atmosphere.  I sometimes reward myself with lighting mine when I get a room all clean. I dim the lights and light a candle. Here's the link.  It also comes in votives for around $3.50.

• I love to go out to eat especially on Sundays but what restaurant can I wear my slippers, pj's if I want and have my hair stringing down?  So, picking up a good take out and coming home to eat is a good option.  Some of my favorites are Jason's Deli, Panera Bread or Southern Comfort, near our home.

The list can go on and on.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you will think about our little chat and take a moment to be nice to yourself, give yourself permission to relax and live in the moment.

Have a great RELAXING day!

Day Three: Green Inspirations

  

I love to be inspired by color.  These are some of my favorites on some of my Pinterest boards I thought I would share.  It is said that green is the color of balance, harmony and growth.

When considering bringing a feel of balance and harmony to a space, try the color green.

2016's color of the year is a mint green.  If you have not noticed,

now you can begin to look around and see it everywhere.  

A favorite compliment to this color is a blood orange, also a top color of the year mimicking the many blood moons in this year.

Fabulous day!  Thanks for stopping by.  We will soon share a new "green" addition in my own home.

Also, a shout out to my sister, Linda Crowder on her birthday!

Have a blessed week!

Day Two: Endless Possibilities

January 1, 2016 I wrote on my black board in my kitchen:  2016 Endless Possibilities

This morning Abbey sent a picture to me via her Aunt Laurie.  She was coloring by her cousin during church and made this masterpiece especially for me.  When I opened it, my spirit quickened as I read it and saw her picture she drew.

The real key word here is THINKING.  We hear of this term thinking "outside of the box" but to open our thoughts to imagine there IS no box is to open ourselves up to ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!

Our pastor reminds us often with a question we should be able to answer:  "What has God been telling you lately"?  "What is it that you have felt He has been talking to you about"?

Recently for me, I was reminded in a sermon by Pastor Jason Sciscoe that we limit ourselves.  We live so far below what God really has for us.  Yes, we just live in our happy little box, sometimes looking out of the window and wishing we had a better job, a new home, a better vehicle, more friends, a more secure future, etc. etc.  All the while God which has our "endless possibilities" at hand, we limit ourselves with stinking thinking.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.  What are you thinking?  How do you see yourself?  Are you ready to not only think out of the box, but imagine no fences, no doors, no box at all?!

In a little research online, I found this one tidbit that can be a little launching pad to break away from the same ol same ol and get some movement into a new direction:

Change up your routine. Creativity thrives when you don't stay stuck in the same old routine. Even the littlest changes can have good consequences for getting you out of a rut and encouraging creative thinking.

• Get outside your comfort zone. Doing new things, especially things you haven't planned for helps you to cope more easily with new situations. It also helps to open your mind and introduce you to new ideas and situations which can help you come up with new or unusual ideas.
• Be spontaneous. Do things that you haven't planned for, occasionally. This will force you to adapt to the moment and overcome problems on the fly. You could even tie this in with an ongoing project.
• Change little things. For example: walk home from work a different way each day. Change up which coffee shop you go to in the mornings.

View entire article here.  Actually some good stuff.

Finding solitude, a quiet place, without our cell phone, tv, radio and even people can get your spirit in touch with the voice of God that is reaching and wanting to commune with you.  This huge God of the universe wants to come, sit with you and listen to you, cleanse you, refresh you and show you your fullest potential, YOUR endless possibilities!

Day One: A Small Gesture

I sat down to my desk after a super busy day of doing some painting in my living room.  I began to think of what I would write about on my first day.

I looked down in front of my computer, and there I found this little flower my sweet Abigail Summer Madden left there for me.

This week end wraps up a special week with Abbey getting to be with her 24/7.  Abbey is my granddaughter who normally only gets to come see us every other week end, Thursday evenings and some holidays.

So this little flower is a ray of sunshine on the first day of October and the end of a busy day.

Don't over look the tiniest things in life.  This small gesture was her love language to tell me show loved me and thought of me when she picked this flower.  According to "Focus on the Family", when you learn the love language of someone you love, then for that person to feel loved back will also like your love to be expressed the same way or they may not realize you are saying you love them.

Have a blessed Sunday!  See you tomorrow night.  Smiles.

Abbey, yesterday helping me work in the living room.

31 Days of Writing | 2016

This is my third year to join The Nester's 31 Days of Writing.  I actually begin looking forward to October and writing as it keeps me in focus for 31 days on one subject.  As an Interior Designer, I have normally chosen to write on my days of creative work.  This time, I want to focus on how I will make this month AWESOME!

Being a person who frequently post on Facebook, Instagram and blogging, I love to go back and review my days of my reports of beauty around me and each positive segment I am able to take away from that day.

I hope you will enjoy tagging along with me this month.  I promise I will work hard to not bore you.

Let's just see what unfolds this October 2016 and we attempt to make October AWESOME!!

Click on the link to open each day:

Day One:  A Small Gesture

Day Two:  Endless Possibilities

Day Three:  Green Inspirations

Day Four:  Learning to Relax

Day Five:  Something is not Right

Day Six:  Seeds in Your Day

Day Seven:  Priority

Day Eight:  Lucky Five

Day Nine:  Abundance

Day Ten:  Donald & Melania Trump

Day Eleven:  Groves

Day Twelve:  A Cool Shopping Spot

Day Thirteen:  This Week's Find

Day Fourteen:  Smocks of Love

Day Fifteen:  Bigger Than Yourself

Day Sixteen:  Make It Great

Day Seventeen:  My Mini Sketch Gallery

Day Eighteen:  Beta Academy Design Work

Day Nineteen:  Mid Century Modern Office

Day Twenty:  People Who Post Food & Latte Pics

Day Twenty-One:  Favorite Quick Big Inexpensive Recipe

Day Twenty-Two:  Comfy and Cute

Day Twenty-Three:  The Powder Room

Day Twenty-Four:  Monday

Day Twenty-Five:  Optimal Health Care

Day Twenty-Six:  Sarah's House

Day Twenty-Seven:  kat-er-foil

Day Twenty-Eight:  Simple, but Sweet, a favorite artist

Day Twenty- Nine:  The One Thing We All Have in Common

Day Thirty:  Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe

Day Thrity-One:  We Made It!

Tips for having a Successful LuLaRoe Pop Up Boutique

Earlier in my life I have done Tupperware and Pampered Chef parties. From that experience I indeed learned what NOT to do as a hostess.

There are a few tricks to helping set the tone for your guest to feel right at home and comfy as soon as they enter your home or even your place of business if that is the venue.

But, there are also some keys for getting them through the door in the first place.

Getting Your Guest To Come:

• If you are a Facebook user, you have a great tool.  Facebook has a place to set up "events".  Go to your home page, look in the left column, click on events, then you will see a +Create button that will allow you to set up an event, add a cover photo, invite friends, etc.  Don't be discouraged if you do not have a lot of response to this one. It is a great tool to make all of your FB friends and family aware of your upcoming event but I have found people hesitate to confirm until the last minute.  But keep going...

Here is a shot of a Facebook event set up:

• Nothing like word of mouth.  Your friends will appreciate a warm personal invitation from you by talking to them and letting them know that you really would love to have them in your home and be a part of your event.

• Emails can also be a good list to select from in inviting guest.  I would suggest using a pretty stationery that your account has available free.  I use yahoo and there is a little square near where you choose fonts, sizes, bold, etc. and it has some fun colors, etc. to choose from.  Spice it up and make it look like a fun event.  Always remember to include: who, what, when and where.

Here is a shot of a recent email I personally sent to my clients using a stationery decor on my email:

• I love using an app called Phonto.  It allows me to use a photo and write my information on it and gives a great professional look.

• Don't overlook using your phone and text those you are close to.  I used the above Carly invite to text to friends.  No words, just this pic that said it all.  Note:  DO NOT SEND IN A GROUP TEXT!!  Your friends will love to get the "personal" touch from you with their own personal invitation.  It does not really take that much longer to do.

Day of event:

I use this little guy or one that gives the same message.  He has helped me MANY times in many different ways.  PEOPLE FULLY INTEND TO COME, THEY JUST FORGET!

Again, if texting, you may want to use Phonto and put your message on this pic so it says it all.

Prepping Your Home:

You may think your pets are a part of your family, but please, put your sweet little pets away for the party.  Some people are very allergic to and uncomfortable around pets.  

The best decor is a just a clean house.  Most importantly is to have your restrooms really clean and counters cleaned that any clothing may get placed on when your guest are trying on Lularoe.

Nothing says party like soft music and a candle burning.  Just be careful to burn unscented candles unless you have just one scented to not be offensive to any guest.  Tiny tealights are a  great bang for the buck and if you light one, let it burn completely out.  Enjoy even after the party is over and you take in the essence of your home that is clean, some left over snacks and drinks to enjoy and the lingering warmth of the guest that was left behind.

Small votive candle holders are .50 and a box of tealight candles are 1.49 at Hobby Lobby.  Great choices.

When Your Guest Arrive:

Your guest will feel right at ease when you offer them something to drink.  Even if it is just water that has slices of fresh lemon and lime, it will be a welcoming gesture.  Ice tea can have slices of orange. 

Simple snacks as dry cookies, pretzels or cheese slices and crackers are suitable for a party. Personally, since I did all in my power to get these guest here, I ramped up just a bit and added a good pasta salad.  Just be conscious of clothing that is being sold and keep it from messy sticky items.

When Hannah Arrives:

Hannah will arrive one hour before your scheduled party.  She is happy and thankful for any help to unload and reload her items.  She has a certain way for all to come out and go back in.  Just follow her lead.  She is blessed that you are having her and happy for your assistance.

She will need:  a place to set up to check out.  If you have internet and she is able to connect to your wifi while there, you can give her the password.  Otherwise, she will use a connection on her phone if necessary.  

She could use a small table area for leggings.

A small snack and drink offered to Hannah during the party is nice.  Most of the time, she does not have time to help herself.

She will need room for about 5 - 6 racks.  No need to rearrange your home.  She is a pro at helping know how to fit in her inventory easily.

Encourage your guest to try on the clothing.  While they are going to try on, suggest other items they may want to try on while in the process of changing.

If you have full length mirrors available, having one available for your guest is great.

Remember:  lighting is really important in showcasing the Lularoe clothing.  It is to your advantage to see that all lighting has working light bulbs.  They are more apt to purchase items that really show up under the best of lighting.

Enjoy the perks!

A successful party means you, the hostess gets lots of your friends a the party, promotes a fun atmosphere and sell lots of Lularoe!!  YOU WILL ENJOY 1 free item of your choice for every 10 items sold at your party!!  

Be happy in knowing...

that your friends loved coming to your home, not only for shopping but meeting new people, maybe a few hours for a much needed break and best of all, feel fabulous in the most comfy clothing that makes them feel beautiful.

How Did You Get Started??

When starting a new business, this is the question that often you are asked:  How did you get started? How do you ever get customers?

First I want to start with natural talent coupled with learned information.  

I personally love what I do. I had the natural talent to do decorating.  My decision to polish this talent with taking every class available in college on interior design brought everything I did to an entire new level.

My personal belief on the contrary is I really don't think the best designer is one that just decided to go to collage to become one.  It really takes both, talent and information.  

College helps me to have confidence to know WHY a certain thing works, floor plan, the right rug, the right color choices, fabric selections, fine tuned room arrangements, etc. etc.  Natural talent makes items jump right off the shelf into my basket, create solutions, make a room look expensive on a small budget, understand people, lifestyles and needs.

So how did we get it all to a starting point and get a business moving to a busy consistent designer life?

Here is my theory:  I remember as a child in Louisiana seeing an old car with a scrubby looking old guy driving, obviously on his way to go fishing.  In the right front seat and going out of his back right rolled down window was not a fishing pole, but a bunch of fishing poles.  You see, the serious fisherman knows that if he is going to go fishing, he is going to use many poles!  

As this fisherman, I am a believer that in marketing a business there is not just one thing that you do to generate customers. Like the fisherman, we have to use many poles, many marketing tools.  It is never just one thing.  We can't just build a website and hope someone stumbles across it on the worldwide network of traffic.  It takes many poles.  This photo is a sample of the many poles I have personally used to promote what I do.

The real beauty is when you grow a clientele that will use your talents over and over.

I would love to hear your input on this subject!