Happy Juneteenth my BEAUTIFUL Brothas + Sistas!
I’m proud of my vast heritage…the challenges and the accomplishments! We are a resilient people full of love, joy, pride, and sauce! Sometimes, I reflect back throughout my early childhood and young adulthood and feel SO guilty for not knowing all of my history, but I must remind myself daily that this is still a blessing to keep moving forward, even if it’s inch by inch, millimeter by millimeter! Celebrate all the victories…big or small. Enjoy this day as a time of pure reflection and as a time to strategically plan and abundantly achieve your goals. We are ALL in this together. One Love!
Issa Celebration, but we still have plenty work to do + accomplish!
I’m proud of my vast heritage…the challenges and the accomplishments! We are a resilient people full of love, joy, pride, and sauce! Sometimes, I reflect back throughout my early childhood and young adulthood and feel SO guilty for not knowing all of my history, but I must remind myself daily that this is still a blessing to keep moving forward, even if it’s inch by inch, millimeter by millimeter! Celebrate all the victories…big or small. Enjoy this day as a time of pure reflection and as a time to strategically plan and abundantly achieve your goals. We are ALL in this together. One Love!
As a thank you for rocking with me + my team for all these years…here’s 30% OFF of ALL Onsite Design Consultations! As a minority owned business, I want to extend my joy and pride with you and your loved ones! Happy Juneteenth!
So, what exactly is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1866. Also called Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day in Texas.
What does it signify?
The emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, the Union Army made it to Texas to tell the last known slaves and slave owners that the Civil War had ended and slavery was officially abolished.
How do you celebrate Juneteenth?
Various ways indeed, but our family celebrates with reflection, fun, and BBQ!
When is Juneteenth again?
June 19th of every year, now a federal holiday signed in by President Biden in 2021.
As always, thanks for rocking with me, stay safe & chat soon!
Live..Love..Design!
xo Renae
Relax…Relate…Release…and R.E.P.E.A.T.
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.
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.
“Herstory....My TRUTH.”
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.
Stay true to YOU. A.L.W.A.Y.S.
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
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.”
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
Happy Holidays from Sola Design!
The holiday season is officially amongst us. It is a special time of year for most, and in our household, it is no different. I wanted to share with you some traditional and non-traditional ways to be festive this time of year.
The holiday season is officially amongst us. It is a special time of year for most, and in our household, it is no different. I wanted to share with you some traditional and non-traditional ways to be festive this time of year.
Of course, it all starts with a tree! I love an awesomely decorated Christmas tree in non-traditional colors. I absolutely adore metallics, so this tree is by far one of my favorites…. Gold and Silver! Yessss! Nicely done!
But, if you definitely want to pack a punch, this Christmas tree by Martha Stewart is just for you! Especially if the house is totally feminine.
I love glam! And I love to incorporate it during the holidays. This beautiful tree by Modern Glam sums up my dream holiday aesthetic. Layers of goodness with serene colors. Just gorg!
And you cannot forget about the fireplace mantel! This one by Melbean Interiors showcases blue, one of my favorite colors also. Lovely, isn’t it?
Anywhere you can add festive decorations….just do it, like this beautiful design by Tammy Damore. Simple yet elegant.
Now after all the decorating, you must not forget that fabulous dinner table setting that creates the appropriate mood for this time of year. I love a gorgeous table setting with all the yummy food that comes along with it. The food IS everything to me. I will share a couple of great recipes with you this season that have been passed down to me over the decades and I have added my own touches to it. My absolute favorite recipe is my incredibly delicious and scrumptious SEVEN CHEESE Mac and Cheese that I will share this time. This is my GO TO but it is so rich in taste and in price, that I only make a couple times per year.
Renae’s Mac-N-Cheese
Ingredients:
Pasta (Use what you like- I love shells, bowties, rotini, and penne)
Cheese (Use what you like- I use a variety of at least 7 cheeses)
Gruyere
Havarti
Smoked Gouda
Asiago
Mozzarella
Vermont Sharp Cheddar
Colby Jack and/or Monterey Jack
1 Jar Cottage Cheese
1 Jar Sour Cream
1 or 2 Cans Evaporated Milk
1 Can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 Large Eggs
Real Salted Butter
Seasoned Salt
Black or White Pepper
Fresh Garlic
Olive Oil
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
Boil water with a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil. Add Pasta of your choice and cook as directed on the box.
Drain Pasta in Colander and add butter to melt.
In a blender: Add the following:
Cottage Cheese
Evaporated Milk
Sour Cream
Cream of Cheese Soup
2 Eggs
White or Black Pepper
Garlic
Blend until smooth
In a Casserole Dish do the following, rotating back and forth:
Add a portion of cooked pasta
Add the variety of cheeses (I prefer to grate my cheeses and gently mix them together in a large bowl)
Last topping is of mixed cheeses
Pour all the blended ingredients on top at the end. Bake for 45 minutes to 55 minutes uncovered, checking for moisture. YUM YUM YUM!
And this is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH! hahaha
And there is nothing MORE special than the entire family in MATCHING PJ’s. I cannot WAIT! This is one of my beautiful friends and her family, The Wortheys, doing just that. Go check out their blog also, they have great recipes and excellent entertaining secrets to share with you and your family.
I’ve been personally going through my own battles this holiday season, as my daddy finally got his wings last month. The holiday season won’t be the same anymore, but I am grateful and thankful for the precious memories I have of him during my lifespan.
Rest in Heaven Daddy. I love you!
From my family to yours…enjoy this season to love and be loved. To give and to celebrate. We thank you here at Sola Design for a great year and cannot wait for what 2020 holds for us!
Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Until Next Time,
xo Renae
Live…Love…Design!
(All photographs are courtesy of my Pinterest and Family Album)
Somehow…Someway…You will be GREAT!
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!!
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!!!
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!
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)
Do you know what today is?!?
It’s my 21st Anniversary of meeting my soulmate face to face...also the day he proposed and the day we were to be married! Such a special day to me and my husband. Almost just as important as the day I married him 19 years ago! Yes, we celebrate TWO anniversaries but this particular one has more meaning and more memories. Happy Anniversary to the most enduring, romantic, loving, strong, faith-filled man I know!
It’s my 21st Anniversary of meeting my soulmate face to face...also the day he proposed and the day we were to be married! Such a special day to me and my husband. Almost just as important as the day I married him 19 years ago! Yes, we celebrate TWO anniversaries but this particular one has more meaning and more memories. Happy Anniversary to the most enduring, romantic, loving, strong, faith-filled man I know!
Until Next Time,
Live...Love...Design!
xo Renae
A Remembrance to my Chloe + Ferdie….
This St. Patrick’s Day I want to pay tribute to my grandmother, Clara Ann “Chloe” Butler and my grandfather, Algernon “Ferdie” Butler. Today marks the day that 11 years ago, she quietly left this earth. Very bittersweet day because one of course, she was reunited with her true love, my Grandpa, who died in December 1993, & two she LOVED St. Patrick’s Day as it is very prevalent in our British West Indian culture!
This St. Patrick’s Day I want to pay tribute to my grandmother, Clara Ann “Chloe” Butler and my grandfather, Algernon “Ferdie” Butler. Today marks the day that 11 years ago, she quietly left this earth. Very bittersweet day because one of course, she was reunited with her true love, my Grandpa, who died in December 1993, & two she LOVED St. Patrick’s Day as it is very prevalent in our British West Indian culture!
She was a strong woman and my grandfather adored her so much so that he always told me how once he left his native island, Dominica, to go to Montserrat, he wanted to make the darkest woman his beloved wife. That makes me giggle and of course it restrengthens my love for my own husband. I miss them dearly & today I just wanted to tribute them on one of their favorite holidays! Rest in Paradise Grandma & Grandpa!! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Until next time,
Live... Love....Design!
xo Renae
(Photograph courtesy of my mom)