He? She? Can't Wait to See?

I know it's been forever since I posted, life is busy.
So I thought I'd take a minute to post these pics from a Baby Shower I planned a few weeks ago.
We didn't know the sex so I thought a Pink & Blue theme would be appropriate.

A couple of quick tips:
- Cover columns with dollar store tablecloths and camouflage them with hanging elements.
- My fave tissue paper garland goes a long way. I ordered the garland, fans and balls from www.bulkpartysupplies.com
- Hang your elements artistically for a simple but WOW effect. It takes time and labor but it's worth it.
- Always, always color coordinate your refreshments if possible
- Have at least one floral arrangement somewhere! Fresh florals take your decor up a couple of notches.

I was blessed to with two super talented cake designers. I've added their info next to their cakes below. Enjoy the Pics!

- Roe
P.S. She had a beautiful baby boy :)

Favors from www.orientaltrading.com

 www.danibakes.com

www.kiamore.wix.com/purpleribboncake

Stella Jean: Genius of the Pattern Mix

If you haven't heard of Stella Jean and you love fashion, then consider this your official wake up call!!
She is AMAZING! Not only because she is a beautiful ethnic mix of Italian and Haitian, but because she uses African fabrics to create 50/60's styled silhouettes in the freshest way!
View this video and thank me later.

Muah!

Stella Jean: ethical design at milan fashion week

Uncertainty is Good Stuff

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins list 'Certainty' as one of the major forces driving our lives. Another word for certainty is comfort, the feeling that we know exactly what the outcome will be. We ritualistically make decisions based on the safest outcome and fight battles over what we believe is truth, all in the name of certainty.

I attend Theological School, and I have watched fellow students struggle with the new ideas presented by our professors. I’ve been in church meetings where a congregant insisted the Pastor tell them exactly how to interpret a particular scripture so that they could get their desired outcome. But this is the thing folks… UNCERTAINTY IS GOOD! Now before you get your underwear in a bunch I know that we cannot live in a state of uncertainty regarding all things. I understand the need for strong faith that can move mountains, trust me I do. But at the same time it’s okay to say “you know, I’m torn on my belief regarding that subject” OR “I can’t say for sure what the end will be but I’m moving forward anyway”.  I believe the best place to live is in the center, attempting daily to balance the scale of what we know for sure with what we’re unsure about.

The world was never meant to be static. It’s changing every day and so our philosophies regarding it must change as well. What was certain in 20 A.D. may need revision in 2013, and that’s OKAY. Oh! That reminds me of the one thing I consider myself certain of:

Choose Love in all your decision making and in the end, it will ALL be OKAY.

Hope this Timeless Inspiration moved you to ponder something new.

Blessings,

Roe

Just because you don't talk about it...

...doesn't mean it will go away.

I've been attempting to stay away from the media regarding the George Zimmerman trial but its been virtually impossible. I got caught up reading a blog post (and its 547 comments) and was reminded of an incident I experienced in sociology class last semester.

We can all agree that whether or not you believe race played a part, Trayvon's death is nonetheless a horrible tragedy. But I've noticed that when the topic of white privilege is raised, some of my white counterparts seek to dismiss the notion right away. For example, during our discussion on racism an African-American student described multiple experiences of her husband and sons being pulled over for "random checks" while driving through upper-class white neighborhoods. A white student, who I might add is a caring, God fearing woman whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know responded, "Well when I was an officer I was accused of pulling over a driver because she was black and I explained to her,'No I pulled you over because you were going so fast my laser alarm woke me up'". We all chuckled at her sarcasm but I wondered if that response was apropos.

Since getting to know the white student I'm pretty sure her main objective in responding that way was born out of her slight class clown personality, but it's an all too common response from those in the position of privilege. Especially those who ARE NOT blatant racist. It makes them feel uncomfortable so they'd prefer to believe that society has gotten past racism, that they have not been sub-consciously taught to profile and stereotype individuals and that they are not the recipients of white privilege because that means someone else is at the opposite end of the spectrum being deprived. But truth, is truth.

So to all my white brothers and sisters, the next time someone relays an experience of racism please fight the urge to change the subject because it's painful. Racism hurts US ALL and yes we have come a long way but we still have a long ways to go. Instead respond with sympathy (as we've all been a victim of one -ism or another) and maybe determine how you can become an ally for the disadvantaged.

Timeless Food for Thought,

~ Roe

P.S. here a link to the blog that inspired this post: Dear Trayvon's Mom

People are Idiots

I am in the midst of making a change to my degree program that will raise the stakes in my education and create more challenges. I've been gathering advice from peers and scholars for the last two months but had been dragging my feet on sealing the deal. A friend sent this quote to me today that lit a fire beneath my behind.

" Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wished we didn't". - Erica Jong

We've all been in the position of needing to make a decision and take action, but we procrastinate by convincing ourselves we need to do more research. We solicit advice from every friend we have only to find most of them suggesting we shouldn't aim that high. "You sure girl that's going to be hard, try the safer route".

Pray, ask a trusted peer for advice and spend a of couple hours in the library or on the Internet researching... that's it! Take action with what you already know in your heart in the right thing to do. 

That's the decision I made today. Then, as always happens, confirmation found me with this speech from Soledad O'Brien. People are Idiots. You already know what to do.. Do it!!

Check it out:

Soledad O'Brien Harvard Commencement Speech

Inspiration is timeless. Enjoy,

Roe

Leave That Pimple Alone

Popping pimples is one of my worst habits. I squeeze them to get rid of the whitehead and then continue to pick at the scab as it's attempting to heal. This process results of course in a dark mark on what used to be pretty clear skin. Why the heck am I sharing this with you? Because in my loopy mind it's a great analogy for our lives.

Once a pimple emerges, we are supposed to leave it alone and let it take its natural course. The same applies for most of our challenges. As Timothy Wright sings "Trouble don't last always". If we hold our peace our problems will resolve themselves in time, but we don't have patience. So we pop the pimple with force and when a scab appears as a result of the injury, we can't stand the way it looks to others so we keep picking to present a facade of a perfect life (my bad I meant perfect skin).

What life challenges are you preventing from taking their natural course? Trying to get your children or significant other to act right? Your maturity and growth was a process so why shouldn't they be given the same timespan? Had some bad things happen to you as an innocent child? Stop re-injuring yourself by replaying the scenes over and over in your head. The fact that you're still here means you survived and you're healed. Let's rest in God and MOVE ON people.

Let the ugly pimple clear up on its own. No need to look perfect for anyone. Besides, the ones who criticize your pimples have probably got larger blemishes just waiting to surface, HA!

Hope this Timeless Inspiration was a blessing, walk good!

- Roe

Transform Your Event Space

Hey good people!
I want to share the pics of a "Hello Kitty" Themed Baby Shower I created this weekend. I don't always have a blank, white slate to work with. Sometimes its a dark, dingy, small basement like I had here. But creativity can work wonders. I'll add a couple of tips for you at the end. Check it out.
First the Before...

And here is the After...

Tip #1: Give your attendees pretty and interesting things to look at. Utilize your walls to hang curtains, posters, gift bags, etc. You want your guests eyes to land on different areas of the room.

Tip #2: Goes along with tip #1, cover up anything ugly. I covered windows, weird holes, couches and load bearing basement poles with curtain valances, posters, throws and tissue garlands.

Tip #3: Chair covers and sashes go a long way!! Nuff said.

Tip #4: Coordinate! Down to the beverages and bathroom accessories, keep everything within your color  scheme.

Tip #5: Keep extra decor items on hand. Ex.Never buy just enough garland, you may need to creatively use it for something else.

Tip #6: Stop spazzing! Everything will work out fine in the end.

Happy Planning!

~ Roe

Celebrate Good Times Come On!

I received so many compliments in this dress I had to share it with you all.
I found it at my local thrift store over the summer and a Black Tie Ball to celebrate the New Year was the perfect venue! My entire outfit including accessories was under $100. Here are some tips to use when shopping for a party/wedding outfit.

* When perusing a thrift shop, look through the formal dress rack very carefully. Although it looks like a bunch of bridesmaid and prom dresses, you never know what's hidden in between. I found this blouse, see below, for my girlfriend Rho.

* Have patience while shopping. I purchased these shoes during the after Christmas sale at Saks. The price was missing and I patiently waited for a sales person to check with a manager, who checked with another manager, to find a ticket. Payoff: $39.99 original price $200.00 Ha!

Sequin dresses are my fave thing to find while thrifting. You can look like a million bucks for next to nothing but don't forget to cut out the 80's era shoulder pads. Also, a few beads will most likely be missing but don't worry- no one will notice :)

Sequins-- Timeless!

Old Passions and New Beginnings

This weekend I planned a farewell event for one of my Pastors. It turned out beautifully so I was pleased, but it caused me to reflect on the last decade of my life.

My husband and I have a side hustle catering business and I am a formally trained floral designer. I left my corporate job in 2003 to pursue my passion for flowers, ran a floral studio for several years and walked away from it in 2011 to take our Events business to the next level... or so I thought. Two months later my Mom died and my desire for florals and events went with her. I was completely lost, walking the streets of New York, sitting for hours in the park, overwhelmed with grief and worried about where my career was headed. But as I dug into my relationship with God, he spoke to me through many "strange coincidences". The gift of my mother's passing was that it forced me to be still and listen to the revealed will of God for my life.

It's still hard for me to believe, but in a couple of weeks I'll be attending graduate school to pursue my new goal of Christian Counselor. I'd been receiving hints that this is God's plan for me for years but he needed my character to grow so that I'd be healthy enough to help others. Tackling a new career and meeting tons of challenges matured me and taught me to trust and obey God no matter what. So my career path from journalism (my undergraduate degree) to telecommunications to floral design to seminary graduate student, all with a love of fashion mixed in doesn't perplex me. God will use everything that I am to bring him glory and bless me in the process.

So I salute Old Passions and New Beginnings!! Allow God to do a new thing in your life. Never let people box you into your past. Expand your territory no matter what your age.

Blessings,
Roe

P.S. Enjoy of couple of pics from the event.

What do you see?

I woke up this morning with a barrage of things on my mind (what else is new). During prayer I was led to listen to a certain bible teaching where this statement exploded in my ears:

The flesh believes what it sees, but the Spirit sees what it believes.

Wow.
Our reality "is what it is" right? Your bank account may be low, your spouse may be acting up, your boss may be a miserable son of a gun! But our challenge is to connect with the Holy Spirit within us and believe what he says about our situation:

We are troubled on every side yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor. 4:8-9 

Our minds have no idea, but the Spirit knows the outcome of all our situations. He reminds us in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose. He has a bird's eye view of your beginning and your end, so he's not tripped up about the temporary problems at work or home. Let's stop believing what we see and start seeing instead what we believe.

What do you see?

But Why?

As the New Year approaches I know most of us will be contemplating our current place in life. Career,  Family... What can I do to have more joy every day? Well since Jesus is the only one who can give you real joy, (praise break: HAL-LE-LU-JAH!!), and we are all doing our best every day to be like him, what practical steps can we take to move upward?

This quote inspired me to write this post:

Are the actions you take significance driven or service driven?

In other words, is your motivation for the choices you make, an attempt to feel that you matter in this world or because you know you have something unique to give to others without expecting anything in return? 

 When I took the leap from corporate to becoming a florist it was motivated by lifestyle. My intentions were pure. I was using my creative gifts in service but my main reason for doing it was to have my own freedom at work, so I could proudly say I have my OWN business when asked that dreaded question at social events "what do you do?" I thought these things would make me feel successful.  Instead, I often lacked peace knowing that something was missing. Over the last year I've been led to a new career path with new motivation. It's a purpose that's been with me all along, but I was too caught up in being comfortable to see it. It's my mission and I will share it with you over the next couple of weeks.

 In the interim, while contemplating your next move please ask yourself.. Am I doing this to mainly serve myself or someone else?

The greatest among you will be your servant.  For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. ~Matthew 23: 11,12

Jumpsuit Love

One of the biggest trends in the 70's & 80's were Jumpsuits. Big shoulder pads and all, I loved them. TV shows like Charlie's Angels where they lounged around in silk ones, the Dynasty girls wrecking havoc in sharp shoulders belted with wide belts and the Mandrel sisters singing a country diddy in cotton ones with Western appliques. So imagine my joy when I found a tye-dye jumpsuit in my fave color!
It's two sizes too big but I removed the shoulder pads, cinched my waist with a belt and threw a light weight vest I found in my Dad's closet over it.

Tip: Don't hesitate to buy items that are too big. Make it work yourself or bring it to your tailor.

Jumpsuits are Timeless. Enjoy the pics!

Jumpsuit: Thrifted here Beacon's Closet
Clutch: bought from Marshalls find similar here
Heels: Beverly Feldmans bought from TJMaxx find similar here

Fashion's Night Out 2012

If your turned on by fashion but have never been to FNO, purpose in  your mind to go next year, God willing. I had an awesome time! My girlfriend and I decided to stay on on the Upper East Side. It was the best decision because the crowds were in the Meatpacking District and the Village.

What makes FNO so great is that some stores throw events similar to the exclusive kind usually reserved for celebrities, the media and established stylist only. I enjoyed free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while rubbing shoulders with industry folks. Good times!

Here's some pics from the night. Enjoy.


Wish I would have gotten his whole outfit. He paired construction boots with his tuxedo top. Loved it!
 

Leaving Tory Burch. One of the most beautiful flagship stores in New York. The layout is exactly like a luxurious multi-level brownstone. Fireplaces and all..
 

 

 

Inside Tory Burch
 



My wish list items for Fall from J.Crew

Checking out sunglasses at Dolce & Gabbana

 

 

Neglected to write down the designer's (on my far left) name but she created the beaded skirt on the model in the middle

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous couture pieces at Dennis Basso

 

 

Met this stylist (LHW are his initials) at Lanvin. Asked to take a pic with him and then tried to convince him to give his back to the camera to get a shot of that fabulous jacket! lol He was really sweet though...