Interior Decor: Feng Shui, Balance x Crystal Healing

I finally got matching nightstands for my bedroom as an effort to improve the feng shui in my space. I always had one on the side of the bed I slept on, but I must admit it feels better having that balance on both sides. I have two red candles in the love sector of my room (and the side I sleep on), as well as my crystal collection, (which I've added to recently, as pictured below) homemade marble coasters and a hand painted incense holder. 

The other side has a Moroccan style lantern (as is the overall theme of my room), "lucky" bamboo trellis plant (8 stalks represent 'wealth and abundance' - also, bamboo isn't typically used in the bedroom, especially bedside because it represents growth and vibrancy which can go against the calm vibe of a bedroom. I chose to go against the grain.. maybe I'll move them one day, but for now it doesn't bother me), more crystals and a Ganesha statue, known to remove obstacles and represent new beginnings. 

New additions:

Agate - Achieve stability and balance

Pyrite - Block negative energies, protection, enhances emotional well-being and good health

Black Onyx - Absorbs and transforms negative energy, provides support during times of stress, confusion and grief

Amethyst - Changes negative into positive, brings tranquility

Rose Quartz - Known as the 'Love Stone,' Comforts and heals the heart

Hematite - Protective stone, Improves relationships, balance and peace

Blue Quartz - Uplifting, restores hope and happiness, aids in overcoming fear and reaching out to others

( SIDE NOTE: They say if you want something you must first make space for it. Currently.. )

Bump It (Part 1 & 2) x Badu

vibe.

Musings: 12/29/2014

the saying, 'everything happens for a reason' helps me sleep better at night

"because everything that's meant to happen does.. eventually."
-American Beauty  

I'd like to be on a beach soon..

I've learned that avoidance solves nothing.. most times you have to deal with your problems head on

sold my first paintings on 12/24/2014

that makes me SO happy to say  :)

 A 31 Step Guide To Inner Contentment in The New Year

still no clue how I'm bringing in the new year... although I'd much rather focus on my state of mind vs. being at some big over the top, overly hyped location

jan 1 marks day one of my pescatarian journey (pray!)

they say the way you bring in the new year is an indication of how your year will play out..

a new vision board is long overdue

two days left.. let the countdown begin



new fav, styled in sepia



Media: 1 (Won)

Being innocent until proven guilty: 0

who are you

with the light's off

behind closed doors

when no one knows that the identity is yours

when out of town

unidentified

which parts do you show

what parts do you hide

 

 

 

.... and why?

 

 

 

 

 

shari renee

Weekend Recap: Fashionably Business Mixer x Mom's Bday Dinner

Any event that involves mixing and mingling, business card exchange and a nice cocktail is a good one in my book. My right hand, Chelli and I ended up at Malmaison, down on the waterfront for the DC Fashion Foundation's Fashionably Business mixer. Thanks to Georgetown's barrage of constant traffic (for no reason) we were a little late... but we were still able to meet a lot of interesting people. 

The location was secluded, had a very nice set up, and we may consider it as the location of our next event/ future collaboration. It's nice to have a meeting of the minds with local people that have common interests that you may otherwise never come into contact with.

...and on the other side of town my mom had a birthday dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Graces Mandarin at the National Harbor. Praying that I'm able to age with even half the grace of this woman... she looked amazing. Happy Birthday!

( SIDE NOTE: All I want for Christmas is to spend time with family, and to pay down some of my debts. Anything else would be a bonus. I provide for myself, I don't want for much. )

DC Fashion Foundation's Fashionably Business Mixer

 

 

( SIDE NOTE:  ... lol. )



Marbled.

really enjoyed making these



2014: End of Year Recap

The year is winding down, and it's only right to reflect on all that has taken place; the highs and lows, ups, downs and plateaus.
(Will update through the end of the year.)

In 2014:

I allowed myself to be vulnerable.
I jumped.
I experimented.
 I lived.
I loved, man did I love...
I fell.
I made mistakes, again and again... but most importantly, I got back up.
I experienced more growth this year than I have in my entire adult life.
I conquered fears.
I found my voice, and used it.
I gained new friendships,
made amends and said goodbyes.
Hit refresh on my creativity.
Nearly doubled my blog posts from the previous year.
Stepped outside of my comfort zone, and found myself in my solitude.
I relinquished control and in turn regained a greater focus.
Saw my brand grow, and connected with the TRIBE in person.
Loyalties were tested, some thrived and some shriveled.
 I found balance on my own two feet.
And most importantly, I became comfortable in my own skin.


Lessons Learned/ Observed:

Comfort zones are cool and all, but nothing ever grows there.
Trying new foods will make you feel like you haven't truly been alive until you discovered them.
Wine is the answer. (.. the question doesn't matter.)
Go to as many concerts as humanly possible.. even if it means sometimes going alone. ( 2014 line up- KING, Snoop, Outkast, Damien Marley, Janelle Monae, The Roots, The Foreign Exchange, Pharoahe Monch, SZA, TV on the Radio, Bahamadia, Rihanna, Metallica..etc.)
Nothing great can manifest if the timing isn't right.
Avoid "ego" at all costs.
You should enjoy the people you choose to be around. People don't realize the control they have over who they allow to be in their lives.
Laugh.. find people who make you laugh.
Trust God to deliver.
"What I know for sure is this: You are built not to shrink down but to blossom into more. To be more splendid. To be more extraordinary. To use every moment to fill yourself up." -Oprah
Actions outweigh words. Period. (.. a hard one when you're a sucker for convo/ "sweet nothings.")
NOBODY can take your blessing!
Take the time to truly get to know who people are, and not who they portray themselves to be.
Listen!!
Value the good people around you.
When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Travel, and often.
People will run in and out of your life if you leave the door open.
...and while on the subject of doors, it's impossible to enter a new one if your foot is still stuck in the old.
For every purchase made with credit, pay it off, or a portion right then and there.
And you don't owe anyone anything... not even the benefit of the doubt 

Stay woke.