sale!!!!!

i'm making way in the shop for a fresh new collection coming in january!!! today only, everything in my shop is 30% off!! use this shopping code SHOP1216 to get that discount. click here to get to my shop. happy shopping :-)

happy hump day!

journeying.

"The only journey is the one within."~ Rainer Maria Rilke

wow! let me first say that i can’t even believe that it’s been almost a month since my last post. so much has happened since my last blog…or let's say 24 days ago. well probably one of the most major “accomplishments/ events” in my life has been my 25th birthday!!!! that’s right I am now a whole quarter of century old. It’s still pretty crazy when I think of it now. i’m 25… but it’s great! although, by no means am I wear I want to be in life, I have made some pretty challenging, heartwarming/wrenching, amazingly beautiful accomplishments and decisions in my life that have rendered me to this wonderful place in life that I am now. but my journey continues.

i feel some major things happening during this 25th year of my life and i want to be sure that i document every waking moment. everything, from the time i wake up to my new crazy and fun challenge to make an attempt to expand my cooking expertise by trying a new recipe at least once a week. it’ll all be documented, here of course, and on my new photo history blog; which i’m so incredibly excited about!

a little less than a month before my birthday i decided i wanted keep a photo history of my 25th year. yes, document everything that happens throughout this year through photos. i began this blog on tumblr, but because tumblr has been acting a little crazy these days, shutting down for random reasons and what not, i’ve decided to move this blog to my flikr account. i know can count on yahoo not shutting down. so to see what i’ve been up to for the past couple of weeks head on over to my tumblr here. but to follow the rest of my journey from this day on, head on over to my flickr page.conveniently, you’ll also be able to see my updates on flikr photostream over there to the left.

Have a lovely day!!

influencers.

INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION (FR) from R+I creative on Vimeo.

being in an icky place.

"now is the time for guts and guile." elizabeth taylor

wow! i realized that i've been absent from this blog for entirely too long.  i have my reasons though. for a while i was in a really not so good place. have you ever experienced a time when things in your life are great? better than ever? you're being a productive busy bee, accomplishing goals left and right. all the while maintaining a motivated spirit to chase those dreams. and then out of no where something happens and you get stalled. it's like driving around on a windy road, on the darkest of nighs in your old 89' hoopty and the hoopty just stops. your stuck. you can't move and you're a little apprehensive about proceeding because it's so dark and gloomy outside of that comfort zone. well that was me. i was really stuck for a few months. things just weren't going in the direction that i thought they should be. despite my most concentrated efforts i wasn't experiencing the results that i thought i should. as a result, i lost my motivation and most importantly, i lost my creativity. i lost whatever motivation i had to design and create. there wasn't a creative bone in my body. someone or something had pillaged my creative juices. and i was not happy. nothing seemed to go right. creating is my lifeline and i was lifeless.  i was definitely in an icky place. to make matter worse, it seemed as though everyone else around me was getting ahead except me.

despite my icky state of mind, i held on to my faith. without it i would've completely lost my mind. in times like those it's necessary to have something to hold on to. i thought of sailor being caught in a storm. the waves outside may be unstable and the winds raging, but a boat is was keeps the sailor safe and provides him stability in the storm. my faith was my boat. my life was unsteady, boy was it rocky, but my faith provided me with balance and security. i knew that at some point in the right time i would come out of the place and rise to the top again. for me, my faith was the only thing that got me through. soon things begin to happen. after weeks of uncertainty my situation steadily began to change.  my motivation returned along with my best friend, creativity. my juices began to flow again.

everyone experiences the peaks and valley's of life.  one minute you're on top and the next minute we enter a bumpy plain and we're stagnant.  it's so easy to get stuck there and become complacent.  but remember anything in life worth having doesn't come to you easy.  so work diligently towards getting back on the peak.  remaining faithful in all you do.  understand in your heart and soul that it won't always be that way and soon enough you'll climb to that peak again.

have you ever been in an icky place? what helped you get out of that place?

being authentic.

"if you don't change your beliefs, your life will be like this forever. is that good news?" dr. robert anthony

my take on authenticity...

authenticity is was on of those words that can mean a lot of different things to different people.for me authenticity is taking full ownership of everything you embody. everything you possess within. everything that is rightfully yours and owning it. loving and accepting every flaw you have and playing it off as if its the best thing since hair gel.{ side bar: i mean if you don't like it who will?}

authenticity is acceptance. possesing the capability to accept the person who God created us to be.  we all hold different characteristics of ourselves.  we embody different mores and values, cultures and personalities. we were all raised differently. some in strict environments where our parents fobade us from leaving the house after the sun went down or we group up in strict religious environments like myself where we were excluded from participating in certain activities becasue we had to uphold a certain image. whatever the environment was that we were brought up in, no one background was better than the other, however, each played a significant role in molding us and shaping us into the person we authentically are.

what makes me authentic?

this question still stumps me at times. however, i believe that i can be authentically me in various settings. when i'm with my best girlfriend, i am authentically me because i can reveal to her every little thing about me and not feel afraid or nervous that my "secret" of me being me will get out. i am comfortable enough with her to reveal my fears, my doubts as well as my desires and my goals. i can simply be me with her.

sometimes i feel like i'm most authentic when i'm alone. i enjoy the company of myself and can truly be myself when no one else is around. not to sound as if i don't love to be around people, because that certainly isn't the case; i just know in order to be my authentic, quirky, creative self i really need to be alone. in this space i can be myself without fear or worry that i will be judged. i can dance wildly to my favorite band or sing out loud. i am able to create in my own space without the distractions of someone else around.

i believe that as i'm getting older and growing and learning more everyday, i'm beginning to accept who i authentically am. i'm becoming more confident and secure in who i really am.  

what about you? what does authenticity mean to you? what makes you most authentic?

scars aren't always so bad.

"it's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." Garrison Keillor

scars tell a story. every scar tells a story of endurance and survival through the pain. they are a sign of heroism and strength. they are history. they are joyous because you were able to live through the pain to tell a story. they are a lesson. they teach you what to do and what not to do while teaching others. they are a sign of healing powers. they give character and uniqueness.

the physical nature of a scar is completely synonymous with the scars we acquire in life. we all experience things in our life that aren't the greatest. situations that plant themselves in our lives unbeknownst to us. they may not be the greatest, but they happen. without warning. they end up hurting us. leaving a wound so deep. often so deep they become unhealable, unable to mend its parts back together. however, more often than not they do heal. the wound will leave a scar, but it heals. they may start out as rough, bumpy and very noticeable scars, but over time they tend to smooth out in its appearance becoming barely unnoticed. but the victim of the scar knows its there. it serves as a constant reminder of the pain endured, but eventually overcome. it's the victims choice to allow themselves to be empowered by that scar rather than allow the scar to overcome them.

a scar is so much more than a scar. it can be someones gift, a source of motivation and encouragement that healing is possible. a scar doesn't mean that the world is over, it just means that you got a little banged up at one point in your life, but now you're all healed. as good as new.

scars aren't so bad. they give you a unique extraordinary since of character. no one has experienced what you have experienced. no one knows the severity of your situation. no one can copy that. we can share similarities in our scars but they are unique to us. use that a source of power and own it.

whether you have recently been bruised or your scars have been heled for quite some time know that your scar is beautiful in its nature. it's a sign of maturity and your undeniable strength to endure. take the necessay healing measures and you be renewed.

taking steps

"My travels led me to where I am today. Sometimes these steps have felt painful, difficult, but led me greater happiness and opportunities."~ Diana Ross

i found this image over here. i absolutely love this image! it speaks volumes. it reminds me that you must take a step in order to proceed with anything in life. sometimes it can be the smallest step, but you make it and and continue to climb the staircase. once you reach it to the top of the stairs, you turn around, look down and see just how far you've come...just from making that one little step.that's an amazing feeling. make that small step today. don't ever think a step is too small because it's all movement in the direction of a wonderful journey.

i'm a winner!

last week was pretty much non stop for me. it was almost as if i was going going going every day. this is what sometimes makes your desire to pursue your passions and ambitions that much harder to become reality, however, i'm not gonna let that stop me! despite the roller coast ride of a week, it ended on a high note. i won a painting! my church the bridge held its 2nd annual benefit concert expression live. the event was AMAZING!! i found out about a great new artist named green tea and i won this wonderful piece of art from local artist richant!!!

this piece was made just for me! i'm such a music junkie. i mean i love just pure music. i have a pretty eclectic taste and i can find the beauty in almost every tune. this painting just made my night!

i found a new blog!

I just found this new great blog! it's called follow my bliss. oh how i love finding new blogs. enjoy!

r.i.p. aaliyah

today marks the 9 year anniversary of the tragic death of aaliyah. she was one of my favorite artists. but not only that she was a great role model for me as a pre teen girl. she was certainly one in a million. here's my favorite aaliyah song.

bits of my weekend.

"every once in awhile, a girl has to indulge herself." ~ sarah jessica parker

this weekend was one of the best weekends i've had in a while! it was exciting, successful and relaxing. i participated in my 2nd marketplace and it was a blast! there were so many wonderful and creative vendors in my company. great food and and great music! i'll let the pics do the talking.

the night before. all packed up and ready to go.

this food cart stand was right next to my table. i couldn't resist the sweet smell of crepes. i eventually gave in and it was well worth it!

this random man off of the street decided to take part in the festivities and asked to sing a "gospel" song. needless to say he wasn't exactly a singer and the crowd was more excited to see him leave then come on. although, the band members were good sports and gave a sweet random soul a little shine.

there was a dj and the live band was called the dirty shoes however, the 2 band members were barefoot. the dirty feet may have been a more fitting name lol. but i thought they were really unique and they kept me bopping my head the entire time so really that's all the matters!

all in all it was grand ole time and i can't wait until the next one. these fairs are becoming a bit of a drug for me...a good healthy one ;-)

cumbia on the sea.

this is one of my new favorite groups and songs. i was introduced to this band at the marketplace this past weekend and i immediately downloaded their album quantic presents flowering inferno on my rhapsody when i got home. this song just makes me think about dancing on the beach on a cool summer night in columbia with a flower tucked behind my ear. well until i can make that thought a reality, i'll just dance to it in my living room. enjoy!

motivation

you must motivate yourself EVERYDAY. ~matthew stasior

as a creative i often find myself experiencing from a "creative block." it happens to the best of us. however, the important thing is to not stay in that state. if you're in a rut, experiencing writers/creative block or just need some spice in your life the following tips are sure to help and give you that nudge you need.

1. do at least one new creative thing a week. whether you're trying out a new tea or taking a walk in a new park. doing something different and out of the ordinary breaks up the monotony of your everyday life. it also helps to write down your experience afterwards.

2. have breakfast for dinner. i'm a huge fan of eating pancakes anytime of the day!

3. join a class or workshop. there are so many opportunities out there for you to learn something new. many  times they're free. i found a money management 101 class that i'll be starting next week and that's free! it's a way to learn something new and even a chance to meet some new people.

4. create a list or start writing things down. i recently started to keep a "tidbits" journal where i write down my thoughts and goals as they come to me. i'm often inundated with ideas at the wrong time. when i'm at work or on the metro. by writing my ideas down as they come to mind i can go back to them when i'm at a more relaxed and creative state.

5. be inspired by someone else. read some new blogs. read a new book or an article from a genre or someone that you wouldn't be typically attracted to. i get so excited and inspired when i find and read new blogs. it helps to foster new ideas and it's fun to see what other people are thinking and writing out there.

what are some things that you do to get out of a rut?

inspiration.

i just viewed this fascinating and inspiring video. my eyes were glued to my laptop screen for the full 3 minutes and 5 seconds.

august break and craft fairs.

so i've been slacking off majorly with the august break. well i'm back on track today with some pics of the artisan craft fair i did a few weeks ago. this week i'm preparing for the fenton street market that will take place this saturday. even though i'm feeling a little rushed to get my pieces together, i was only accepted last week, i feel pretty good because i'm almost forced to create. i have no excuse now. the pressure is on and i like it.

so excited!

right now i'm so excited! i just received an email for an invitation to participate in the fenton street marketplace on august 21st and september 18th. if you are in the area on any of those dates please stop by for some fantastic one of kind accessories or just to say hello :-)

random things about me.

1. i am extremely optimistic about everything in life. I'm really excited about my life and the direction its headed in.
2. i am inspired by motivating and accomplished women that think outside of the box and aren't confined to typical female roles.
3. i am a dreamer of many dreams and am confident that they will come true.
4. i really enjoy nature. i marvel at God's creations, many of the things we take for granted every day.
5. sunflowers make me smile. they are my favorite!
6. i love butterflies. i'm truly fascinated by its life cycle and its symbolism. 
7. i am a shameless introvert and i love it. although i enjoy spending time with my friends and family, sometimes i just want to be alone. 
8. i am passionate about social justice and committed to change.
9. youth inspire me to be great.
10. i love cupcakes!
11. pizza is my favorite! but is has to be new haven or new york style. none of that cardboard pizza hut or dominoes stuff. no offense to those who enjoy that.
12. i'm such a snacker...cheez-its, chips, doritos, strawberries ( yeah i snack on the healthy stuff too)
13. i love finding new blogs! i get so excited when i stumble upon a new one they are a form of inspiration.
14. i am very unorganized at times. i'm working on it, but somehow it works for me.
15. i am an extremely spiritual person. all of this is not by chance, so i know God is real!
16. i find peace and comfort in meditation and prayer.
17. i absolutely love my family. although i don't get to see them as much as i'd like, they are always on my mind.
18. my friends are an extension of me. they are my "better halves." they inspire, motivate and encourage me daily. they push me to be the best me.
19. cultivating strong and lasting relationships is something that's very important to me. 
20. i love reading personal development books and memoirs. 
21. i love that i am a creative. it gives me this freedom and confidence that pushes me to be fearless and do all that i imagine.
22. although i love writing, sometimes i don't think i'm the best at it.
23. i'm no artist, but i love painting! getting paint splattered everywhere and allowing my hands to talk while the brushes listen is magical.
24. i'm a hopeless romantic. (enough said)
25. i'm inspired by my ancestors. all those who encountered and endured such tremendous injustice. it's because of them that i am today.
26. i enjoy culture, understanding more about my culture and discovering new ones.
27. i'm fascinated by learning. knowledge is infinite and when you have it you possess an infallible power.
28. i'm such a girly girl. i love it all, make up, shoes clothes accessories. yep that's me!
29. i am truly a free spirit.
30. everyday i enjoy unleashing my potential and becoming the person God has intended me to be!

wow thanks for getting this far! glad you took the time out to get to know me a little better :-)

august break day 3&4

for the past few days i've been pretty sick. a victim to this mild stomach virus :-( but i'm dong better now and mustered up enough energy to post these pics. 

one of my favorite places in dc is the united states botanic gardens. i go here when i need to clear my mind, need some inspiration or just up for a peaceful day in a massive beautiful garden. below are some pics i took from one of my visits there. 

bits of my morning.

day 2

picture a day...day one

i just decided to participate in Susannah Conway's August Break, where you post at least one pic a day on your blog. no rules, just pics. you can find more info here. but for now here's my pics for today...

sometimes beauty is hidden...but it's there...

"it's a long old road, but i know i'm gonna find the end." ~bessie smith

think the impossible.

This morning I'm reminded of the scripture in Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Every morning I speak the following aspirations ( I'm even speaking them aloud while typing):

1. I will have a good paying job before the end of the summer.
2. I will find true love.
3. I will be successful in my entrepreneurial endeavors.
4. I will get out of debt.
5. I will become better organized.

Begin speaking those thoughts in your mind, those thoughts you feel are impossible. Speak it into existence, have faith and these things will come to past.

Cusping.

I have this distinct feeling clinging to my thoughts like biker shorts. This feeling that can't escape my mind no matter what. It motivates me to keep on going. It gives me that nudge on the shoulders shoving me on when I'm just about ready to throw up the white flag and surrender. I'm on the cusp of something profound preparing to take shape in my life. I don't have all the details, but I can feel it happening.

Lately I've been so overcome with ideas, goals, and new adventures that keep me busy and on the path of success that I can't alway contain it. They're pretty much bursting at the seams. Needless to say, I'm so excited about what's to come and I'm ready to take this monumental leap of faith into the infamous world of the unknown. Not afraid of what's to come, but just completely energized about the possibilities.

I want to accomplish all that I can accomplish while putting in every morsel of effort that I can muster. We only get one life, one shot, one chance to live our lives and make a difference and I refuse to let this opportunity slip away.

this is me...

So this blog is simply what the headline describes...Life of TyniseNicole, meaning my life. You won't find a specific topic on this blog or journal because that's what it really is. Basically it's a one stop shop for all the randomosities of my life. I hope to inspire, encourage and wake up a new fire inside of you along the way!