0 monday motivation

We all have our own personal + professional goals that we work towards each day. If you've been reading this blog for a while you know that I have had many many attempts to find at what works for me. I've lived in different places, worked so many different jobs, left school and returned to school. If you're just getting to know me at this stage in life, you have no idea what trial & error process I've been through. The lessons I've learned from my missteps empower me and keep me motivated, so I'm thankful for them! I was reminded this weekend that I have the freedom to keep trying because nobody remembers your trys, they only remember your wins! It's an exhilarating feeling when you realize that when that one big break happens, your flubs are erased from the memories of those who care about you.


PS - Can we talk about how AMAZING Oprah's Next Chapter was last night? So many great take aways from this group of talented actresses. I really want to continue the conversation! Tell me your thoughts on it in the comments below.

6 // week 5

I really can't believe the first month of 2013 is over already! It seems like it flew by. I'm looking forward to so much this month, first of all the Beyonce Concert Super Bowl on Sunday!



As a girl who loves football & Beyonce, I'll be glued to the screen Sunday night. (Still a little hurt the Falcons aren't playing though!) Who are you rooting for?

And let's just chat about the new Scandal episode from last night, shall we?
Poor Olivia Pope. When *ish hit the fan this week on Scandal she retreated to her fabulous bedroom and all I could do was drool over the details. Ha!

This mercury glass lamp base? Those luxurious embroidered sheets!


Then Huck came to check on her, and I squealed when I spotted this gold dressing mirror in the corner!


And can we talk about this bed? SO fab. I actually had someone comment on the last Olivia Pope post asking about it, so I found a similar one at Ballard Designs. (In Velvet Latte)



And you can find a similar lamp to hers at Pottery Barn!


I am so addicted to this show and can't believe the way they left us hanging last night! Can't wait till next week. Y'all have a great weekend!

1 olivia pope's apartment

So I'm pretty sure a vast majority of America will be tuning in tonight to view one of my favorite shows, Scandal. I don't know about you, but that last episode left me speechless and I cannot wait to see what happens next. One of my favorite parts of the show, however, is Olivia Pope's apartment! While everyone has been raving about her fabulous wardrobe, I've been loving the glimpses we get of her home. It's so perfect for her character; both tailored and soft.


I love the black subway tile and white cabinets in her kitchen....


The cute little gallery wall behind the TV is a great way to "disguise" that otherwise distracting big screen.... And it looks like she has some cute tufted grey accent chairs in the corner.

That chandelier in the dining room? And a baby grand piano? It's all so luxurious and spacious! Does Olivia play the piano in her "free" time?


I love her extra feminine sofa too with the beautiful pillows & throw...


And lastly those corbels on the ceiling make me think the rest of the apartment has some amazing architecture too.

Will you be watching tonight? What's gonna happen? Aaaah! Happy #SCANDAL day folks.

2 so... whaddya think?

Did you get a chance to watch Design Wars on Friday? What did you think?? I was overwhelmed by all the tweets, texts, facebook shoutouts and phone calls. Thank you so much!! I thought the show turned out pretty great considering all. I hope that you enjoyed it!




As usual for me, I had some technical difficulties on Friday so I wasn't able to record the show using my DVR. At the last minute my Dad and I rigged up his phone to a tripod and actually filmed my screen just to have a recording of it! These screenshots are from the video I pieced together from his camera phone, but luckily a friend has an HD quality recording that I'll be able to get some shots from soon!

If you missed the episode, I'm not sure when it will rerun, but I'll be sure to let you know when I do!

3 a man named pearl

On Sunday I watched this amazing documentary on Pearl Fryar, a topiary artist in South Carolina, on HGTV. The documentary focused on how Pearl, with no training, gained national acclaim from his small town of Bishopville, S.C. just doing what he loved.

It was such an inspiring story to me because Mr. Fryar really represents what makes me proud to be a Black North Carolinian.  Pearl was born and raised in central North Carolina where his parents worked as sharecroppers. He developed an interest in farming because he had to work with his family in order to make ends meet. 

Through extraordinary work ethic, he was able to buy a home in Bishopville, S.C. after he was married with a 3 acre plot of land. While working full time, he designed and maintained a topiary garden at night that rivals some of those I saw at the palaces I visited in Italy. 

Besides his success at his art, he has spent a great deal of his time inspiring Black youth to stay in school and pursue their passions, whatever that may be.  The documentary also touched on his 40+ year marriage, which was really beautiful to see. 

While I was watching I thought, "Why aren't programs like this publicized more?" But then I was just grateful to see such a great story on TV at all. He reminded me so much of the great male role models I had growing up that never saw failure as an option and did whatever they could to live their dreams and provide for their families. We need more young Black men like that today!

Then I couldn't help but think that perhaps the timing of this documentary is part of the "Obama effect"-- I've been seeing more and more images of "Black male role models" on TV in everything from commercials to news anchors and political pundits, etc. I hope that isn't just a trend!

Anyway, if you'd like to see the documentary and be inspired too, check it out on April 3rd at 4pm!

photos via hgtv.com