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Hi My Allured Loves!! 

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It's my favorite time of year and I couldn't be more excited about the joy that comes along with the autumn leaves.

Fall Is the Season to FALL in love with life and everything around you that makes you happy and makes you smile.

Some of you may remember that the month of October is indeed very special to me, as it's my anniversary month and the kickoff of celebrations until the end of the year.

On October 4th, I celebrated the anniversary of the Allured By Design®

Home & Lifestyle brand now being six years old. In addition, my one year mark of being a federally trademark registered brand.

On October 15th, my Husband and I will celebrate eleven years of marriage. From there begins the countdown to the holidays and my birthday, which is on December 5th. And, technically the celebrations continue until the end of January with my Husband's birthday being January 30th.

So every year, the month of October and the new season of Fall ushers in all of the great feels and it just makes me happy, warm and fuzzy inside. Not only just from all of the celebratory things that take place in my life but just the overall ambiance that comes along with the autumn season. Everything from earthy, pumpkin scented smells, beautiful fall colors, layering of clothing, cool breezes blowing in the air, fall boots, gorgeous fall exterior landscaping, luxurious fall inspired interiors, etc...

The list goes on and on and on. I simply LOVE everything about Fall Season and all that comes along with it.

Fall is also a very busy time for me as well, as usually around this time, I'm working to get an early start on what my holiday decor will look like once the holiday season is in full swing. However, every year is different and contingent upon how crazy my work and project schedule is...that usually dictates how early I'm able to start or get ahead of things.

As many of you all know, when my film work has my back up against the wall...there have been quite a few years where my holiday content has made a very late debut. Yet, always just in the nick of time right before the actual holiday itself. But, since we're in the very early start of the Fall Season...my mindset has been to stay in the current season and indulge in it for as long as I can before the Christmas takeover, which is most sure to happen when that time comes.

But until then, let's FALL first.

All Photo Stills by Stacy Marks Photography

At the very beginning of this year, I shared with you all the power of manifestation and how the true secret to tapping into it is being thankful for the very things you have yet to receive. I truly believe when you're already thankful for what has yet to be, it helps to propel your faith forward on even your weakest days. It's easy to be thankful and grateful on our good days. But it's always the biggest challenge to STILL be thankful on the not so good days...for those are the days that it's easiest to fall into a slump of self-doubt, discouragement and even mental and emotional depression when things just aren't going the way we'd like them to go.

However, it's on those challenging days that I think it's important to give ourselves grace that those moments will pass. Yet, simultaneously those are also the times having the ability to be thankful for what has yet to come matters the absolute most. Manifesting is not just about speaking positive affirmations over and over in the mirror or to the atmosphere. For faith without works is dead.

Nor is it about reading a million self-help and positive books and passages all day long. While that is a propelling start, it's doesn't end there.

You truly have to BELIEVE what you're saying!!! In addition, you truly have to BELIEVE in what is coming for you and what God is about to usher into your life. From my very own personal experience, the best way to put your belief to the test is to move accordingly by trusting and believing the life you desire and the goals you're working to achieve are already yours. And, the best way to do that is to genuinely be thankful for what you know, trust and believe is coming.

I began this year with quite a long list of goals to conquer and the first half of this year was excessively busy for me working to do just that. Conquer my goals!! Were there times of stress, worry and self-doubt? Absolutely!! I am human and as the Bible tells us in Proverbs 24:16,

a just man falls at least seven times a day.

I certainly had my days where I fell over and over again!! But I continued to get up each and every time I had a bad day. I got up, I showed up and I did the work!!!

There really is no surprise secret formula to life. If you want it, you have to go after it and make it happen. It's really as simple as that. But your ambition and tenacity has to be paired with your belief that it WILL HAPPEN! And, once again...you believe by being thankful for what's not yet your solid reality.

This my Allured Loves is the art and key to manifesting what we want and seek in our lives. This is exactly how I conquered the bulk of my goals in the first half of this year. And, whatever didn't come to pass that was on my list to conquer...I've since pivoted and readjusted to a new timeline, trusting and believing that God has a much better and sweeter time in mind from what I originally intended.

In short, holding steadfast to the saying that God's timing is far better than our own. Also, notice I said I pivoted NOT pulled the plug or cancelled. Rest assured there will be moments where we have to pivot from our original plan, no matter how hard and deep we trust and believe. But that does not mean we can't return or revisit to conquer at a later and perhaps even better time.

When I first released the teaser photos for this very Fall 2022 Newsletter on social media, I mentioned that I'd share with you all the significance of the location of where me and my photographer shot. As many of you know, I use my newsletters to highlight stunning exteriors since my brand focuses heavily on beautiful interiors. There's just so much design inspiration honestly all over the world and oftentimes some of the most captivating inspiration can be found on the outside of our homes.

For further clarification...

To those of you brand spanking new to my email list, every quarter you'll receive a seasonal newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.
The Allured By Design® newsletters are used as a way to go beyond the world of interiors and home decor. And, more of a way to connect with you all if possible on a deeper level by addressing things going on in our world and things that we may all be dealing with in some form or fashion.

My newsletters also serve as an opportunity for me to highlight my hometown and most favorite city in the world, New Orleans...showcasing a mixture of beautiful city exteriors and cultural landmarks. But most importantly, my newsletters are meant to be a source of light and hope, especially in today's world where there's so much darkness. If I can provide just a brief moment of joy and happiness (or deep reflection) into your lives through my newsletters, then I've done my job...

And, it's always my absolute pleasure.

But back to the significance of my photoshoot location and why I chose to shoot here. I've been talking to you all about the power of manifesting pretty much since the debut of my newsletters back in 2020. Only this year, became the year that I myself really took it up a notch with truly being thankful FIRST for all that's yet to come. Initially, I wasn't sure where Stacy and I would shoot my Fall 2022 Newsletter and then it hit me out of the blue one day.

Why not shoot in the area where my Husband and I are planning on building our dream home? Exactly, why not? Once that thought came into my mind...it was set and I couldn't be moved from it. While I won't share the exact location or the name of the subdivision...I mean c'mon, I do have to keep something to myself. If you know me well, then you already know I'm a girl that loves the element of surprise.

But what I can share is the fact that although I do love both my current subdivision and my current home better known to all as #HousePiazza, I've long dreamed of building a custom home from top to bottom with no expenses spared, lavished in every customized design and architectural feature my Husband and I both desire on top of being impeccably styled and furnished also from top to bottom.

When I tell you I have plans, believe me when I say ya girl has PLANS!!!

BIG PLANS AT THAT!!! My parents instilled in me at a very young age, go big or go home and if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

The custom home I see in my dreams and on my manifestation board, I envision in this gorgeous community both my Husband and myself have fallen in love with.

The homes within this beautiful gated community are simply breathtaking and it's truly where not only we desire to be but where we see ourselves being in the near future. Indeed it is a very expensive community boasting million dollar homes. But once again, the power of manifesting is ALL about believing and being thankful for what currently isn't. Yet, what you trust and believe will be.

My Photographer fell in love with the area so much that he mentioned during our shoot that he should consider selling his home (which is GORGEOUS by the way) to move into this new dream area as well. To which I replied, YES!!! Let's be neighbors and make it happen. Can ya'll imagine?!?! To have Stacy in the same subdivision as me would be God just completely showing out!!! Like for real, for real!!

Of course I can't give you all a timeline on my dream, as I've already shared quite enough. But, what I will say is I really believe with my whole heart (even on my bad days) in the power of where God is taking me and how he's elevating me. I'm so NOT worthy!! Yet, God shows up each and every time for me and consistently sends me signs to let me know...

"Tachic Chill. Stop Worrying & Stressing Boo! I Got You!"

With Fall being the season that most of us love from the weather to the fashion to the food...one of the other things I truly enjoy about the season is the Fall lineup of shows. There's sooooooo many amazing films and television series to get into this Fall Season and with all of the streaming platforms to choose from...there is just content for days!!!

Currently, I'm watching House of The Dragon, Andor and the final season of Apple TV series, See. Soon, I'm hoping to begin the AMC series, Interview With A Vampire.

During the Summer season, my Husband and I indulged in the Disney+

Obi-Wan Kenobi series, The Sandman and Becoming Elizabeth. Earlier in the year we got into The Gilded Age and Bridgerton and the latest seasons of two of our favorite shows, The Last Kingdom and Outlander. We also watched the new Vikings Valhalla series at the beginning of the year.

Every single show we've consumed thus far this year, new and old shows alike, have ALL been amazing!!

My Husband and I are history buffs so we love a good show that's rooted in historic elements from the past. We're also big Marvel and Star Wars fans so we usually get into just about anything they put out.

Now with Fall season beginning, we're highly anticipating the new Black Panther film. I am a HUGE Chadwick Boseman fan, so seeing this film to honor his legacy, his artistry and all that he brought to the role of King T'Challa aka Black Panther means everything to me.

His loss is so deeply felt and I along with the rest of the world and all that loved him have mourned him since his passing. So I'm definitely looking forward to celebrating Chadwick and the entire Wakanda Nation.

 I will admit however, that streaming platforms have me completely spoiled with LOVING watching new content from the comfort of my own home. To the point, I no longer enjoy going to the movies. People can be very inconsiderate in movie theaters and ruin the entire experience for others by either talking during a film, taking phone calls when their phones should be on silent, and just a whole lot of everything people SHOULDN'T be doing in movie theaters.

The way my patience and no tolerance level for BS is set up, I can't deal with the shenanigans of people being rude and trifling these days.

So yeah, enjoying content at home is where it's at for me right now at this point in my life. I have no problem patiently waiting for films I'd like to see hit the streaming platforms all to avoid me having to cuss somebody out for ruining my movie experience.

BUT, Black Panther will be the ONE film that will get me back into the theaters for a one-time exception. Anything to celebrate Chad's legacy.

As always, things are consistently busy with many creative juices flowing when it comes to all things Allured By Design®. However, I'm most grateful that God has answered my prayers and given me some breathing room these last two months where I don't feel as overwhelmed with projects on top of projects.

While I do still have quite a few things on my plate, everything is currently moving at a much more manageable pace and I like that very much!!!

I'll be the first to admit that I absolutely LOVE and ENJOY being busy. I'm a Sagittarius and my sign is notorious for being a restless spirit.

So idle time is NOT ideal for me at all!!

To feel like myself or to feel productive and like my life has purpose and meaning, it's imperative for me to both create and stay busy. Creating for me is a healthy part of my well-being, much like breathing oxygen. Keeping busy is pretty much the same.

If I'm not busy with creative projects in either of my careers (film and design)...My mental and emotional well being will be at risk and I'll literally go into a state of depression.

However, let me be clear...I enjoy being busy and I love working on all of my creative projects. But I also LOVE to rest and have time off to breathe, think, re-group if need be, travel, experience new things, indulge in life's pleasures, have fun and simply just be. Yet, what I'm saying is that it's important for me to have a good balance of both...work life and personal time to live and do my thing.

Ultimately, I believe that's what we all want in life is BALANCE!!

For me personally, the beauty and ambiance of the Fall Season is my most favorite time of year to slow down just a bit and tap into that balance.

What We’re Up To

 Since we last spoke in newsletter form, I've been busy with a client project that I'll share more details about when the project is complete. What I can say is that I'm very excited about this particular design project and I believe it's going to turn out beautiful!!

My limited web series continues to move forward with my film and post production team heavy at work editing and cutting all of the episodes. Ya'll already know I'm super excited about the debut of my design series and just truly looking forward to sharing everything with all of you.

Most recently, my official mini-compilation behind the scenes look for my web series dropped on my social media channels. Very proud of that video and all of the behind the scenes footage my BTS Director, Joshua Bluford captured on camera. The video itself really celebrates and gives one special access into all of the most candid, raw, real-life and intimate moments that go into the process of filmmaking and producing a show.

In case you missed it, you can check it out on my Vimeo Channel, by clicking here. Or, you can always see video content on the home page of my website. 

As much as I highly prefer to move in silence and make big or special announcements when things are more concrete...It's been extremely important to me to take you all along the journey and even behind the scenes of everything that involves as many details as possible of the production of my web series. Your financial contribution alone which provided the funding for me to produce my series has in turn guaranteed each and everyone of you direct access to the process.

And, there's so much more to come. So be sure to stay tuned...

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As I finally begin bringing this newsletter to a close, I'd like to share with you all that I will be doing a holiday partnership this year with a Christmas company and I'm very excited to get started on what my holiday look will be this year. But again, until it's time for that...I'll be "outchea" loving and enjoying all things FALL.

Indulging myself in all things pumpkin spice, filling my home with the aroma of warm and full-bodied scents, eating good food, stepping out in stylish Fall Fashion, watching great content, getting cozy on my sofa, and soaking my skin in all of the autumn season, smell good body washes, lotions, oils, body butters and more.

And, I definitely hope that many of ya'll will be doing much of the same.

Also, don't forget you can now access all of my previous newsletters on my links page, should you care to indulge. There you'll also find press articles, my Vimeo channel link and the direct link to my web series crowdfunding page. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, although the crowdfunding phase is officially over, I added the site to my links page for anyone to access how much monies were raised and to also read the show synopsis of my web series and all other details about my show...

"Boutique Shopping Saturdays With Allured By Design." 

Before I completely get out of here, I'd like to just say it would be so nice to be a lottery winner right about now for all of these BIG PLANS & DREAMS that I have. But since I'm not yet a lottery winner, the manifestation route is the route that I'll be taking.

True Story though, I recently had a dream that I grew my hair out really long and it was luxurious, thick and full. I found the dream to be rather odd because my hair was far longer in the dream than it had ever been in real life...as in longer than the shoulder length I used to keep it in high school.

With that being the case, I kept wondering about the significance of the dream and what it meant. My paternal Grandmother had the special ability to interpret dreams and was rarely if ever wrong with her interpretations. She was my family go to whenever anyone had a dream they didn't understand. I, in particular loved speaking with my Grandmother about my dreams and would frequently do so. She passed away some years ago, so I no longer have the privilege of speaking to her about my dreams and dissecting the meaning behind them.

But I couldn't get this dream out of my head, so I decided to google and research on my own. And, this is what I discovered...

According to Swapna Shastra: Dreaming of long and thick hair signifies that you are moving in the right direction, and soon, you will be able to earn a lot of respect and money.

I'm sure you all must know that I have absolutely no argument at all with that meaning. Ever since I came to learn of the meaning behind my dream, whether my dreams are conquered through winning the lottery or good ole' fashioned manifesting...they are coming without a doubt and indeed on their way.

Keep dreaming Allured Loves. Keep believing in your dreams.

Keep believing in the power of manifesting your dreams into reality. And, even if you fall off and have days where your faith and belief becomes shaky. Trust me, I too have those days. Shake it off, get back up and keep moving forward. Losing or settling can't be an option nor a final destination.

Yet, failure can be the launchpad for us to ultimately WIN in the end, conquer all of our dreams and live the life we desire to live.

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Until next time...

⚜️Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler⚜️

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