Taking Time To Enjoy The Summer

Just 3 months ago I stopped working a job, which was a gift and a curse. I say that because I enjoy making a regular paycheck, socializing with coworkers, and being in an exciting environment, but yet I never had the freedom to be me. Born and raised by a family of entrepreneurs and being a serial entrepreneur has tainted my perspective of the "real world" and what's expected in my day to day activities to produce income. What a mental struggle to know that God has something bigger and greater planned, but being too afraid to stand strong on His word. Not able to pay the note on my brand new car or unable to pay the rent would sometimes cause me to waiver and think I need to go out and get "a good paying job". When people talk about standing on Gods word and trusting Him it sounds effortless, but it is quite the opposite. It takes all of my effort and focus to have faith knowing that I am where I'm suppose to be. So with that I made a conscious decision to enjoy my life and to enjoy my summer. I'm choosing to be happy in spite of my circumstance.First, I started by creating a daily schedule to help me accomplish my goals in a timely manner.
Here's an example:
7 am wake up
8 am go for a run/walk
9 am shower and get dress
10am eat a piece of fruit for breakfast and have a cup of coffee
10-2 pm work on my businesses
3 pm off the clock... woman of leisure

I know it sounds simple, but on my schedule I also include drinking 8 glasses of water, taking my vitamins, reading one book a month, and social networking. My goals and my schedule work together. I could be sitting and complaining about my bills and lack of steady income, but instead I chose to move forward. I just wanted to pass along an inspiring word to someone and let you know that there is no need to worry.Stand firm on the word of God knowing He wants you to be happy, healthy, and successful.
So far I've taken a trip to the Islands, had a fabric shopping spree in NYC, created my first clothing collection, and threw a successful launch party for the collection. Not bragging at all, just giving examples of how great life is when you have faith and enjoy your summer!


Tonika O.



Image is from Pinterest

So What Are You Going to Wear For The Holidays?

Okay, so the holidays are basically here and I know you are starting to wonder about your attire for holiday parties. Sometimes as women we wait until the last minute because we are convinced we are going to lose that last ten pounds or we're holding out for some great sale but, please don't do that. If you do you will not find the best merchandise to represent yourself in a fabulous way.

In order to find an outfit that brings out the best in you, it takes time and money. Especially if you are over 35, which I am, so please do not take offense. Don't ever compromise quality and fit to save a few bucks these two go hand and hand. I'd rather you find one great piece for $500 that looks great and has an awesome fit than buy 5 pieces for $100 that you don't even wear because they're just ok. Some holiday parties will be work related and it is crucial for your career to represent yourself with an equal dose of glamour and professionalism. The little black dress is always safe and boring so I challenge you to step out and be remembered. Whatever it is, the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, the fragrance, or the handbag you need a wow factor. It only takes one item to project the wow. This is something that will draw people to you in a positive way. So when you start shopping for that special ensemble ask yourself three questions: Is this fabulous? Do I love it? Do I look amazing? If the answer to any of these questions are a no, please move on. Don't force a purchase because of a discounted price. Take a picture and send it to a fashionable friend to receive constructive feedback.

I strongly believe that a dress is a woman's best asset. It's feminine and it's easy. Don't' like your legs? well, there are some great stockings out there to give your legs a wonderful look.
Just remember that people are always talking about you so let's give them something fabulous to talk about.


Tonika O.

What Does Your Home Say About You?

When you enter an exquisite environment  you are automatically taken to another world feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The interior of that space was intentionally created to make you feel that way, it is not a mistake that your visit to target turned out to be shopping spree when you only intended to buy one item. Retail spaces are purposefully designed to make you shop. Hotels are designed to give you that luxurious, relaxing, and comfortable experience because they need you to return. So why not design your personal living space on purpose? Create a luxurious relaxing home in an effortless manner by recreating what you see in hotels or restaurants. I found some inspiring pictures from various businesses. It's a lot easier to just pull one or two ideas rather than trying to duplicate an entire room. It may be certain color or an accent piece like a rug or a coffee table, it doesn't matter as long as it reflects who you are. Very much like your wardrobe, your home is a representation of who you are. So who are you?

I love the clean lines of the bed and the sofa. The pop of color makes the room special.

This room has plenty of character and personality. The accent wall brings everything together. The pop of blue is exciting.

I had to ad this picture just for the chairs, it's so interesting and fun.

The yellow accents give a warm relaxing tone to a very modern feel.

Here we have just the opposite, the red accents give this room life and is more energized.

Lots if neutrals and textures is great for the conservative.

The vase with the branches are so lovely for the fall. That alone will add character to a boring room.

The strength of the dark wood carries the room and gives it a classic yet strong appeal.

Ten Steps to Effectively Build your Wardrobe

1. Decide what your style is: classic, feminine, dramatic, natural, creative, elegant, or sexy.

2. Pay attention to details. Hair, nails, proper skin care, and accessories.

3. Find the color palette that compliments your skin tone and that will send the message that you have authority. A dark suit with a white shirt is a powerful combination. Try on different color combinations.

4. Invest in quality fabrics. Such as wool, silk, cotton, and linen.

5. Your garments must fit you perfectly. You’re not a teenager any more. Find a tailor that can adjust your wardrobe as needed.

6. Clean your closet. Do a closet inventory of what is your style. If it doesn’t fit in your new look donate it to a charity. Stop wearing clothes you were wearing 15-20 years ago. Let it go.

7. Believe that your clothing is an investment in yourself and in your profession. Shop at stores like Bloomingdale's, Saks, and Nordstrom's. If you’re on a budget find out when the sales are going on. Discount stores are great for accent pieces not your wardrobe. You get great service and great clothing, when you shop at great places.

8. Know that you are worth the best!

9. Create a shopping list. Stop impulsive shopping. You only really need to shop twice a year.

10. Your personal appearance is your packaging. If your appearance shows that you care, people will recognize this. If you look like a slob, they begin to question your professionalism. It's not trivial to concentrate on your outward appearance. When you carefully select your wardrobe and create your look and personal style, you propel yourself forward by having a unique self brand.


Tonika O.




Image is from pinterest