Relax…Relate…Release…and R.E.P.E.A.T.

During these uncertain times, we know for certain that taking care of ourselves and our loved ones is number one priority. I’ve witnessed countless situations and circumstances that although are beyond our immediate control, can be altered or revised with just how we think things through and how we react. The change starts in YOU. In ME. Together, we will get through this.

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“Herstory....My TRUTH.”

— Renae

ADMIT IT. YOU GOT A DOPE SOUL. STOP REGRETTING BEING A CARING PERSON. WHO EVER GOT TO EXPERIENCE YOU, NEEDED YOUR LIGHT AT THAT TIME. YOU STAY KIND, AND COMMITTED TO YOUR LOVE. DON’T YOU DARE DOUBT YOUR WORTH OR THE BEAUTY OF YOUR TRUTH. JUST KEEP ON SHINING LIKE YOU DO.

This is so ACCURATE. Speak what you seek until you seek what you’ve said. Don’t let someone dim your light, simply because it’s shining in their eyes.

I know this all too well. All too well. One day, I will consider publishing my memoir as an inspiration for others, telling my unique story, my testimony. I have started over in life so many times, that this particular time I am learning and re-learning that when comfort sets in, so does mediocrity. That is my biggest enemy: MEDIOCRITY. Keep pushing, keep moving forward, even if it is millimeter by millimeter. Do not STOP moving. God will carry you, when you no longer can crawl, walk, scoot….He has you in the palm of His hands.

My grandmother, Clara Ann, said this to me ALL THE TIME. I appreciate her words of wisdom immensely now in my 40s and I thank my ancestors for guiding me alongside God to my destiny. This road is definitely not for the faint at heart, or for the easiest and safest route. There is no such thing. Stay on course and continue to pray and ask for guidance. Remember what your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and elders used to tell you. Money cannot buy manners, respect, love, trust, character, morals, integrity…just “things”. That is all. And those things are replaceable. Things that money cannot buy are NOT replaceable.

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Stay true to YOU. A.L.W.A.Y.S.

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Let’s Stay Safe Together!

For everyone’s safety, you are required to wear a face mask in accordance with local regulations in Atlanta, Georgia.

HEAD TO “LET’S SHOP” TO GRAB YOUR LATEST DESIGNER MASKS….

Please take these steps to avoid spreading germs:

• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover your mouth with your elbow when coughing or sneezing

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Clean and disinfect objects you use or touch frequently

• Do not shop if you’re exhibiting signs of COVID-19

• For more health guidelines visit cdc.gov

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I vow this day to remember I am infinite unlimited consciousness and to act accordingly.

His name is Large Black Male. My body guard. My best friend. My ride or die. My lover. My children’s papa bear. My please-let-him-breathe. My please-let-him-live. My he-deserves-equality. My protector. The man who puts a geniune smile on my face and lights the fire I will continue to blaze. My partner. My soulmate. My boo. My husband of 20+ years and going. #BlackLivesMatter

We can disagree on many things and still remain friends. Racism isn’t one of them.

Deuteronomy 28 Affirmations

I am blessed in the city.

I am blessed in the country.

My products and services are blessed.

My business expansion is blessed.

My investments are blessed.

My food is blessed.

My land is blessed.

My work is blessed.

My stores are blessed.

I lend to many nations.

I am blessed when I come in.

I am blessed when I go out.

I am the head and not the tail.

I am above and not beneath.

“IF YOU ARE NEUTRAL IN SITUATIONS OF INJUSTICE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE SIDE OF THE OPPRESSOR.”

— Desmond Tutu

IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN, AND CANNOT HEAR #BLACKLIVESMATTER WITHOUT FEELING THE NEED TO RESPOND WITH CRITICISM THAT, “ALL LIVES MATTER,” THEN CRACK OPEN YOUR BIBLE AND HIT UP LUKE 15.

DON’T HAVE IT HANDY? LET ME SUMMARIZE.

THERE ARE 100 SHEEP, BUT ONE GOES MISSING. JESUS LEAVES THE 99 AND GOES AFTER THE ONE.

THE 99: “BUT….WHAT ABOUT US? DON’T WE MATTER?”

OF COURSE THE 99 STILL MATTER, BUT THEY ARE NOT THE ONES IN DANGER.

THE ONE IS.

I’LL SAY IT AGAIN, #BLACKLIVESMATTER.

Until next time,

Live…Love…Design!

xo Renae

Somehow…Someway…You will be GREAT!

It’s been a LONG pause since we have last spoken…not to say, nothing is going on, but a lot has transpired and is currently on my plate. I have had a roller coaster of year. What this year and decade has already taught me, is to persevere through the challenging times, the times you want to QUIT, the times you have lost all feeling and you feel absolutely numb, the times your inner soul is being subjected to situations beyond your control. Remember CHAMPIONS are born in the last quarter. So as we embark on this last month of this decade, the LAST quarter, we have to remember to finish STRONG!!!

Set your goals HIGH and reach beyond the stars! I am totally ready and mentally prepared for what the new decade, the new year has for me. Are you?

It is the START of something NEW!!! I am remaining CALM as I am preparing for the bountifulness of 2020!

Yessss Somebody YESSS!!!

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Slay this last quarter!! Finish STRONG!! Get your creative side going and SEIZE each day and opportunity as if it is your LAST!

I’m in BEAST MODE now. I have my side blinders ON, my focus is ultra CLEAR. I am READY!!!

My dreams WILL come true and that is for anyone who thinks it, it will be! I have a daily chant that I would love to share with you. Say this to yourself in the mirror with a lot of genuine cockiness. Like say it LOUD and PROUD!

I am blessed.

I am strong.

I am successful.

I am intelligent.

I am loved.

I am beautiful.

I am loved.

I am beautiful.

I am wealthy.

I am talented.

I am grateful.

I am creative.

I am supportive.

I am thankful.

I am covered.

I am at peace.

I am healthy.

I am growing.

Unapologetically YOU!

It is the absolute truth. Be truthful yet accountable to yourself. Love beyond love. Just do you…the BEST version of you! We can do THIS! We GOT THIS!

I am completely and utterly ready as I have been saying all along. I have had a lot of loss this year, a lot of setbacks this decade, a lot of failures, but I have been abundantly blessed to know that this is only a season…my next season is to bear the fruit I seeded a long while back. Be ready for the new decade, the new year! Be ready!

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I like to end this on a funny note…Everyone thinks their life is hard and the next person has it so easy. Remember everyone is at different stages of their particular season, but like all seasons, it too shall pass. We all go through challenges, that’s life. But it’s the way you bounce back and also the way you make it look to others that makes you different. Go through life one day at a time. Go through it in BEAST mode, and make it look EASY, like Kendrick Lamar says. Love you guys!! Happy Last Quarter and Month of the Decade! Say that three times over!!

Until next time,

xo Renae

Live..Love..Design!!

(All photographs are courtesy of my Pinterest board)

Somewhere over the rainbow…

There is always something magical when you hear “somewhere over the rainbow”, even as children, I grasped that there was definitely a magical place over that rainbow. Today is not any different. I get obsessed with magical things around me all the time, like for instance this morning I noticed several packs of deer frolicking in the woods taking over the streets of Johns Creek. It was quite fascinating to watch and to realize that nature takes place in their magical little worlds regardless of what is going on around them. I love the saying, “somewhere over the rainbow,” because to me that means there is another destination that remains to be seen. And that somewhere is approaching fast. Appreciate where you are for where you are going will be THAT much better!

Those blue skies….let’s go find them!

I’m a sucker for blue skies and a turquoise blue ocean….Lordt! I love the scenery and the architecture is just pure bliss….this is in Italy, btw. One of my bucket list items! But back to my topic of discussion…believe me I’m going somewhere with this…..

Sometimes we look at our problems and only think of how hard and challenging it is to come out of the situation, that we miss the rainbow. God gives us rainbows after storms and trials. You ever notice that it is MOST beautiful after a storm?? Somewhere over that rainbow, troubles do melt like lemondrops….now that can be awfully hard to imagine but I have a few ideas…

This.Is.Magical. Enough Said!

This is my dreamy backyard in my mind…how I would love it to be…somewhere over the rainbow, you know? Anyway, what I’m getting at in a roundabout way is that you can always take your mind somewhere else to temporarily distract you from your current situation. Now I love to take myself to exotic trips or fabulous eateries or just somewhere relaxing and promising to be magical in my own eyes….I love to dream and dream BIG! I love to think of the why nots? But most importantly, I know there’s something magical over that rainbow and I want you to know it too!

Here’s to a beautiful Friday, and beautiful cake….I’m going to enjoy this weather as I keep my mind over the rainbow.

Until Next Time,

xo Renae

Live…Love…Design!

(All photographs are courtesy of my Pinterest)

Thankful Tuesday….You can do it!

Are you thankful today? I, for one, am totally thankful to where I am today despite the many challenges that I face. I know that life is full of ups and downs and although I’m grateful to where I am spiritually, mentally, and physically, I strive to do better in every aspect of my being. Sometimes roads get tough but they are meant to strengthen your character and discipline your faith! 

Believe in yourself, you are your best cheerleader and advocate to doing what’s in your heart. I say to myself daily, I can do it! I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me! If you say it routinely, it will manifest itself to fruition. You are the best representation of yourself and you are original. There’s not another you. Strive each day to be a better representation of yourself. You can do it! 

Mother Teresa is right, when you came into this world vulnerable and innocent, you were a good person. If you feel that you have gotten off path, just rectify that by prayer and meditation with expectancy of becoming a better you. Now I know this is coming off a little preachy, but I felt in my heart, that I was to speak this directly to someone who is facing challenges and questioning why. One thing I’ve learned in my 40 years of life, is that you cannot put a question mark where God has placed a period. Don’t question, just keep doing the right thing even when no one is looking, and you will be on the right track. Continue to pray and concentrate on yourself and your path. You’re not in competition with anyone. Run your own race. Know that God is directing your path and if you meditate on His word, you will come into an abundance of blessings and favor!

Failure is not the end all, but purely a stepping stone to what God has placed in your heart: your destiny or destined destination! It’s all apart of your success. Remember, you can do it! Keep God first and everything else will fall into place. It may not happen on your timing, but it will happen on His timing! 

Trust and believe the best is yet to come!

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest)

Hello March!

Wowzers!! March is already here! This year is flying by, but I’m ready to take this month by the horns.

I have a lot of personal and business goals to obtain this month. I’ve worked hard to achieve them so I’m speaking them into existence. March will be therapeutic for me also as it marks the passing of my grandmother. She was and still is a very special woman to me and I miss her dearly.  

2018 will be MY best year yet and March will be no exception! Goals! Goals! Goals! I personally like to write down and visualize my goals (both short term and long term). I think it makes you realize what needs to be accomplished on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Also, I absolutely love vision boards, and although most people do those at the beginning of the year, the present time is as good as any! Start when you see fit. That always works for me...I don’t keep up with the Joneses, I stay in my own lane adjusting as I need to.

March will be really awesome for us all! Think it, Believe it, Speak it, Do it!  

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design! 

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest)  

Monday Blues…..

Everyone thinks Mondays are the absolute worst day of the week. If you’re in the Atlanta area, you may think double blah, because of the rain and clouds. But I’m here to tell you Mondays are the start of the work week and one special day full of opportunities and new beginnings! 

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Regarding design, Monday Blues are motivational and inspirational! They really make statements without screaming much at all...sutble is awesomeness too!

Dramatic art or wall coverings help to create a curated space that highlights all the pieces within that space. Like for instance, this wall covering or treatment, although simply subtle has a presence that compliments this space well. I love the bamboo egg swing, I have used something similar in a hotel design during design school some years back. 

This Monday Blues inspired space is reminiscent of a Schumacher design...I don’t know for sure if it is by them, but I get that feeling that the fabric and furnishings have that special look about them similar to something from Schumacher. Very chic! 

I love feature walls and mixing of textures, prints, and metals. With the brass and gold and silver, it’s really put together well, although I would have done a collage with that antiqued mirror, but all in all it’s a pretty design. Eclectic in a modern sense...

Lovely! This Monday Blues space expresses modern meets comfort meets simplicity. I love the classicality of the space...very reminiscent of a mid century modern aesthetic.

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And I’m happy it’s Monday!! Extremely!!

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

(All photos courtesy of my Pinterest boards—-except the one of me!) 

Supersoul Sunday! Oops…..I meant bowl….

Yes the big game of football is today, starting any moment, but let’s take a moment for a little mediation and inspiration....

You can and you will! Let’s always think the glass is half full instead of half empty and speaking of glasses, make sure they’re stunningly insane!

My mom always told me to get out of my comfort zone. For me, comfort zones are THE worst. It’s where you feel complacent and you are subject to mediocrity. Nothing great comes from being comfortable!

Just get it done! Whether it’s work, relationships, football, etc. Get it Done!

I’m ready for a successful year full of awesomely cool surprises and GREAT design! Are you ready?  

For the fans at this time of the season, they are ready for SOME FOOTBALL!! I’m ready to see the hysterical commercials and the halftime show of Justin Timberlake....and of course the food! Yay to the food! Being pescatarian will make things a little creative this year, but I’m up for the challenge! But anywho, believe the impossible, bet on you and dream big! Those are the biggest tips and advice I could give to anyone! You can do it!! (With my Pom Poms) I know you can! 

Until next time, 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae 

What design means to me….

Let’s face it, design isn’t like brain surgery. It’s needed yes, but not life threatening. Although I’ve seen some situations where I feel otherwise... 

Ha! I love this! My primary goal as an interior designer is to make sure that everything around me has function and beauty!

That’s what I feel I was destined to do. My previous career was in ophthalmology for 14 years. I learned many times it’s your passion that drives you to do what is felt in your heart. Although being an ophthalmic technician was fulfilling, helping others and meeting new people, I felt it was the prerequisite of my design career. It enlightened me on how to listen to the problems and concerns of the client and to come up with solutions to help rectify the situation. That’s exactly why we visit the doctor, we have a problem and we consult a professional for a solution or cure.

As I’ve said plenty of times, I find beauty in everything around me, but I also look for purpose and meaning. There’s beauty in everything because you either love it or learn from it.

Soooo here is my inspiration for today....just pure beauty from my perspective.  

I love fashion! It directly relates to interior design for inspiration in the new color palettes to what fabrics and materials are exciting this season, in my opinion. I tend to design timelessly, because I don’t personally like using trends to design, but I find trends that can stand the test of time. I find beauty in trends because they predict what the industry is pushing towards. 

I’m in love...this piece in LeftBank Art’s showroom presents itself as a trend of silhouettes that are completely abstract but is timeless based on the color palette and the women's attire. Just stunning...but if you want a different palette, LeftBank Art can customize your color choices. One of my favorite art showrooms...

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae  

Happy Sunday!

Soooo I know this may seem weird to most, but not so much to me, but I went to church this morning as a guest to one of my good friends. You may think it’s weird because of my constant spirituality on all my platforms of social media, but I’m totally in tune with my spirituality and I’m a firm believer in God, so much so faith totally leads my life. I pray daily and read the daily word, as well as scriptures. With that being said, not going to church may seem odd but it was definitely warranted. I needed to be in a place of worship without any strings attached. Now what do I mean by strings attached? Well going to church on “mandated” church days such as Easter, Christmas and New Years Eve. I didn’t want to be “one of those people” with the intended side eye and all.

This resonates with me because following His example is critical to leading a spiritually healthy lifestyle. I want to live right by doing right. The old saying goes when you know better, you do better, or something similar to that. Anywho, I know my journey is forever ongoing but I think I’m being lead by His word in the right direction. Now I’m not going to be all preachy, this blog is about my lifestyle both present and future with some glimpses of the past....but I needed you to know my perspective on this subject dear to me. 

Church was refreshing...I went primarily because I was invited but secondly because I want to find a new church home that I felt comfort in. I’m glad I went... 

In my heart, I know that every day is a blessing so it makes me want to fulfill my destiny...one of which is design. Whether it be Interiors or journalism, I’m apt to continuing my love for the arts, design, & creativity. So I welcome you to join me on this quest and experience to seek the purest forms of design with of course my perspective respectively. I hope you enjoy my nuisances and unique way of thinking. Until next time.... 

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae 

Happy Hour…

Happy Friday! Boy oh boy has it been a hectic week; from doctor’s appointments, track meetings, errands, and client meetings; I’m exhausted! A good exhausted though. Hope your Friday is going well!  

Precisely! I couldn’t have said it better, except to gloss them with an awesome color.  

Stop and smell the roses! I have to remember to take time out to enjoy the present. It’s very important that we thank God for all His mercies and gratefulness, in my opinion. 

Letting go is something that is challenging for us all, but leave it all in God’s hands. Breath deeply and listen to God.  

I bet when you saw “Happy Hour” you thought splendid cocktails....but I meant to be happy within. Not for just an hour but try it out daily. It will make you feel a whole lot better! 

Enjoy this beautiful weather today, if your in Atlanta that is. Have a great Friday! 

Until next time,  

Live...Love...Design! (And be grateful)  

xo Renae  

Happy Sunday!

I woke up this morning full of life! I mean it’s the start of the week and the weather here in Atlanta is stunningly beautiful! It’s going to be 60 degrees today, when last week was a high of 20 degrees and we got 2 inches of snow!! Of course, the city was SHUT DOWN! Lol, only in the south, but it will make today feel wonderfully good. Right now it’s cold but look where the day leads....

Today is a great day for a cool brisk walk in the park, which leads me to start back my walking this week. I fell off the wagon due to a car accident a couple of months back and I’m just now getting clearance to begin slowly with walking. I’m excited, but I see tomorrow is forecasted to be rainy, but I’ll see how that goes. Atlanta weather is so unpredictable... 

Sundays are always special to me, most people go to church and some people sleep in late with breakfast in bed. Well I don’t know that for sure, but it sure sounded great!  

Anywho, I like to start everyday off with prayer and scripture. The scripture for today seemed appropriate for starting the new year off right... 

I’m challenged in more ways than one...I want to concentrate on my health, my finances, but most importantly my relationship with God. Today is as good as any other day! I want 2018 to be a year of pouring out blessing after blessing!  

Enjoy this beautiful Sunday, whether you’re heading to church for worship, watching services on your laptop or tv, or sleeping in a little late. Enjoy the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

Until next time...

Live...Love...Design!  

xo Renae