Dear Melissa,

The Big Bash! I had a fabulous party on Saturday evening, post birthday and pre-holiday. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to plan a holiday soiree and competing with the world for an available date that everyone can make it. I beat the rush and we had a grand time.

Do It The Easy Way! This party I had the luxury of some invaluable assistance by two dear friends and my design intern. They not only helped with all of the spooky décor (witness photos here!) but also during the festivities took care of loose ends like the fog machine (I had no clue) and made sure everyone signed my memento pillow. I now have one for each gathering and it serves as a wonderful keepsake and practical accent. HOW TO: You need a solid silk pillow in a hue that will complement your décor (mine came from Bed Bath Beyond for $30) and sharpie markers for permanent comments and artistry.

Edible Delights! Of course, I did hire Chef Chip of the Portable Chef, for divine eats including jerk chicken, Cajun shrimp on pics, walnut shortbread with blue cheese, and lamb cigars. Mmgood. Topped off with dessert from Metrotainment and Teuscher chocolates, it was a well fed evening.

Live well and entertain by design!
MG

"Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment."
~ Sidney Poitier
Actor and Author of The Measure of a Man

Victim or Opportunist

I was attending a morning business forum recently and was curious by the language one of the participants used. He noted he was a Victim of Katrina, but that it had brought him to Atlanta where he had created a successful new business opportunity. So in fact, how was he a victim? Please don't misunderstand, I don't wish a national disaster on anyone, but in order to be a true victim we need to accept that mantel of belief and lack of action. Instead he turned this into an opportunity and went from a Victim to an Opportunist. How great it is to be able to turn a situation seemingly out of our control into one of possibility and success rather than wallow in the disaster.

We all have this ability. We can each decide whether to be a Victim or an Opportunist. Whenever we are faced with a bad situation, a wronged relationship, a business failure, and even ill health, we can look beyond at the lessons we must learn and how to move forward with greater wisdom. All in this life is based on our perception and our processing of it. Will you process it as a setback or as a stepping stone. Are you faced with insurmountable obstacles or solutions waiting to happen? It may be merely a game of words, but by using the best words and making the positive choice you will change your beliefs, your outlook and your outcome.

What you reinforce in yourself and in your life becomes real. Take a close look and make sure it is what you truly want and not simply what you are conditioned to expect. Often our conditioning leaves us with substandard expectations. We are each capable of great accomplishments with the very talents and skills we are born with, few of us believe it.

What’s Your Good Story?

In attending the James Ray Harmonic Wealth Weekend recently, he used a term “good story” to remind us of the many ways we each hold ourselves back. It was a valuable reminder. How often do you say to yourself: “I'm too busy; I don't have time; I'm waiting for the right time; I don't have the money; I am too fat; It's too hard” or any other story you tell yourself?

The point is we do this all the time and the result is the same, our good stories simply hold us back from whatever it is we want most. We all do ultimately what we want to do and are ready to do. If you don't want it and aren't ready, you won't do it. If you are, nothing can stop you.

I've always been a busy person, but my health and fitness have become so important I no longer ignore them with excuses. I train twice a week with a trainer and by myself at least 4 other times. The result is I feel better, have more energy and like me more. When I want something that requires a stretch financially, I make a few changes to my spending, and then research how I can make it work. I always have gotten what I wanted so badly, or I've been willing to bear the debt my desire incurred (temporary only!) Think hard about your life, but I'm betting you've gotten the things you really wanted badly, because you made them happen. The things you haven't, you didn't want them badly enough. Stop making excuses and telling good stories. Architect your dreams, design your life!

A Glimpse of What’s In The Stars

The energy of the Scorpion influences your designs this month as you look to dark colors, exotic plants and secret spaces for ideas. The mysterious nature of Scorpio inclines you to find a place to hide from the outside world as you want to rest and recuperate. This is the month to dream and build the inner structures for future career moves. You are drawn to silks and leathers in deep colors like burgundy and black that aid in your restful dreams. Enjoy!!