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No one on the corner have swagga like us!!!

Swagga like us,

Swagga, Swagga like us!!!

You can learn how to dress just by checking my fresh,

Checkin' checkin' my fresh...

Checkin' checkin' my fresh...

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Yes, my Allured Loves that is exactly how I started off 2022 and I'm hoping that you all did too. 

I ended last year on a super busy note with 2021 being filled with quite the intense schedule. Ironically, I started the New Year off with a host of projects to jump into as well. Only this year, I made the decision to pump the brakes from working on too many film projects so I could shift my attention more towards all things Allured By Design®.

And, although the month of January has been quite hectic for me, my mindset this year is simply...I will do everything as I always do with a high level of style & swag that no one can ever take away from me.

In addition, I am thinking, speaking, believing and manifesting everything I want for my life in this New Year and beyond. Ya'll know I'm very big on that, as I talk about the power of tongue and thought quite often.

But I do have something new I want to share with you all this year to aid each and everyone of you with a great way to manifest your thoughts into reality. However, let's bookmark it for now and I will come back to that later.

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Each and every quarter I produce a newsletter, I always have to think about two main things...location and wardrobe.

1. Where will me and my Photographer shoot?

2. What will I wear?

Because my newsletters are quarterly or seasonal, so much of my wardrobe choice is inspired by the quarter we're in or the quarter we're shooting for. With this being the New Year newsletter, I kept imagining a Winter White Fresh look to symbolize the start of a new beginning. 

Ironically, my look from last year's New Year newsletter was black. So I knew I didn't want to repeat that color theme again this year. So it was out with the black and in with the fresh clean start of winter white.

The start of both a new and continued journey.

All Photo Stills by Stacy Marks Photography

As many of you know, I use my newsletters 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. In these current and uncertain times...

Anything that brings light I believe is always welcome.  

I made the decision we'd shoot in Downtown Covington, both in an around the area. In addition, we'd also shoot at one of my favorite Northshore hotels, (also in Downtown Covington) which is impeccably breathtaking and so well designed. That place is none other than Southern Hotel.

Everytime I set foot in Southern Hotel whether for brunch, a business meeting, a cocktail date or even to hear jazz on a Sunday...I always feel like I've been transported to the Mediterranean (my absolute favorite vacation destination) only without having to hop on a twelve or fourteen hour flight to get there.

Southern Hotel has such beautiful interiors, even boasting a beautiful, spacious courtyard, a gorgeous sun room furnished with a massive showstopper fireplace, (yes, made of stone) and a stylish, elegant black piano to complete the vibe and mood.

I always feel so at ease and at such peace whenever I'm there. And, even the hotel staff are so warm, hospitable and friendly with many of them knowing my face the moment I walk through the doors.

So it only made sense to shoot my New Year newsletter in a space an area that evoked nothing but feel good and chill vibes. And, I'm so happy we did because it was such an amazing shoot. Stacy and I even managed to take a break from shooting just to grab a drink from the bar. 

 I mean because why not?

Don't we all deserve a drink every so often?

And, because I'm a Southern Belle... 

My drink of choice is of course a French 75. 🥂

Now earlier I mentioned I had something new to share with you all on how to manifest your dreams. But, before I share, I want to be perfectly clear that I of course am not God (however I am his child) and I cannot guarantee your dreams to come true. Yet, I can only share with you what's been working for me, in hopes that it'll work for you as well.

With that being said...Let's dive in, shall we?

A film colleague of mine, Markeia Jones, recently posted a testimony about her life with the ten year challenge social media post that's been going on in these digital streets. Markeia told the story of who she was ten years ago vs. the woman she's become today. How she used to be so afraid and nervous about everything...about her dreams and goals and how to get where she was trying to go.

So instead of praying and asking God for what she wanted, she begin THANKING him in advance for the very things she didn't have but wanted. But this wasn't about just thanking God or playing some kind of mental game. Her testimony was so well written and so strong, I truly felt where she was coming from and what she was saying.

Essentially, Markeia's faith had to BELIEVE that the very thing she was thanking God for was already hers. Again, power in the tongue and mind. Her thank you prayer was a simple affirmation that said...

Lord, I'm so thankful and grateful for...

And, she'd list out all of the things she was grateful to God for.

But these were things she yet had, but again...she had to firmly believe they were coming. Even when challenges arose, she had to hold firm in her belief that precisely what she was asking God for, she was already claiming it and already thankful for it. In addition, she had to SEE herself with the very thing she was grateful for.

Markeia's testimony spoke to me soooo loud and clear, as I had just shared a social media post during the holiday season about the power of manifestation. Yet, even though I talk about the power of believing, trust me when I tell you I have my days like everyone else where my faith is tested and it gets low. But, God is always faithful when we're not.

So, when I read her testimony it only further opened my eyes up to an even deeper understanding of how to manifest. And, I immediately made it my purpose for this year and beyond that with all of my very big dreams and goals, the only way these things would see the light of day...

I had to start immediately being grateful and thankful for them without them having happened yet.

That my Allured Loves is what you call

blind faith.

Speaking of blind faith, my Husband and I are currently watching a new original streaming series on Paramount+ via Amazon Prime titled,1883. It's a cowboy western created by Taylor Sheridan who also created Yellowstone. 1883 is a prequel to Yellowstone and tells the origin story of the Dutton Family as they flee poverty in Texas and embark on a journey through the Great Plains, all to seek a better future in Montana.

After leaving life in Texas behind, real life married couple, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill play husband and wife, James and Margaret Dutton who team up with two Tennessee law officials Shea Brennan (played by Sam Elliott) and former slave, Thomas (played by LaMonica Garrett) to help lead a group of German immigrants and family from Tennessee also to the promised land of Montana.

There are countless challenges that await them all during this very dangerous journey, as it's set back in 1883 where times were very hard and lawlessness ran rampant. Especially amongst races, immigrants and different ethnicities. In addition, add to the mix the natural elements of wind, rain, cold, fire, wild animals and many poisonous things found along the Great Plains on this good green earth.

And, large bodies of water to try and cross with immigrants who do not know how to swim. When I tell you EVERYTHING seems to be working against the success of this journey. It's very clear from the start of the series that many will unfortunately not make it. Yet, amidst every single challenge, those that survive continue to push forward.

What's even more crazy is the fact that no one embarking on this journey truly knows if Montana will be the promised land that they are all believing it to be. They are all simply moving forward based off of their belief "their blind faith" that life in Montana has to be far better and greater than what they've come from.

That my loves is the act of being thankful and grateful for what has yet to bare fruit. However, your solid belief and faith alone will plant the seed for what's to come. 

What We’re Up To

There are so many great shows I'm currently watching right now on various platforms and I always try to dig deep into the message of every show. Because there's always a clear message that somehow applies to every day life. 

A few of my favorite shows right now are as follows...

The Last Kingdom, Outlander, The Gilded Age, See, Carnival Rowe,

The Wheel of Time, The Mandalorian and just about anything that Marvel puts out or anything that comes from the Star Wars franchise. You have to remember, I am a film school graduate, so I'm a total geek when it comes to big block buster type content. I kind of don't have a choice, as I was trained in school to study and dissect those kind of films. 

 And, of course without a doubt the newly rebooted Sex And The City, And Just Like That deserves to be mentioned in its own sentence.

If you've been following me for a minute, then you already know I'm a HUGE #SATC fan, so there was absolutely no way I'd not get into the new series.

However, I will not go heavy into my thoughts, feelings or a review on the new chapter of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha (from afar) because we'd literally be here for a good week or longer.

Trust me when I tell you that when it comes to this particular beloved franchise of mine, my thoughts are never ending!! But I will say that I am highly enjoying it and I love that once again whether I agree with the storylines or not...the series has me and everyone else TALKING!!!

Great stories and good content is supposed to make us think, make us feel, make us emotional even and most importantly influence dialogue and conversation. 

It's the exact reason why I'm so committed to always merging my creative talents of both film and design. My one desire as a creative is to always put out, produce and deliver my best content. Content that will do  all of the above mentioned things...

Make you all think, feel, get emotional and get you all talking.

Speaking of putting out good content, some of you are already aware that last week I announced my first major collaboration for the 2022 year was with none other than JCPenney. This is now my 2nd time working with the mass retailer making my brand, Allured By Design® an official JCPenney Partner. 

To catch up on all of the details and photos from that particular collaboration project, including shopping links for you all, click here. 

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As I finally begin to bring this newsletter to a close, I'd like to share that I have a very BIG project I'm currently working on for my brand. A project so big that I will need the help and support of every single

Allured By Design® fan, including ALL of my email subscribers and more.

Now, I am not particularly someone that does well with asking for help, as I'm a tried and true Sagittarius and we function best independent by doing things on our own. However, the success of getting this particular project off the ground will largely depend on the support of my network, all that want to see me win, all that believe in what I'm doing and building, all that LOVE both design and the art of storytelling and most importantly all that love me and my brand.

You all will find out very soon what the project is and just how you and even your family and friends can help. Again, I will need the support of everyone to make this project happen. So please stay tuned for more details coming your way. 

If you're brand new to my blog or to my email list and would like access to content released prior to you joining the Allured By Design® family...

You can always head to the home page of my website and peruse about, where you'll find all of my video content. To head there, click here.

Also, if you'd like access to previously released newsletters from the beginning up until now, click on the links below...

2020 DEBUT Summer Newsletter

2020 Fall Newsletter

2020 Christmas Newsletter

2021 New Year Newsletter

2021 Spring Newsletter

2021 Summer Newsletter

2021 Fall Newsletter

2021 Christmas Newsletter

Of course, I'd like to remind you all to make sure you're following me on my social media platforms both

Facebook and Instagram where I share daily and seasonal home and lifestyle inspiration. 

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While there is so much uncertainty for 2022 given our current global climate, coming into yet another year under the stress of a pandemic…Please know that it’s my prayer and hope that neither of us will allow that to deter us from moving forward with our plans, goals and dreams.

Let's be like the immigrants and all that took the journey in 1883 across the Great Plains to the promised land. Or, like the Irsaelites that were led by Moses through God out of Egypt into the promised land.

We can never know all of the challenges that lie ahead. But we must keep moving nonetheless. Even if we must be prepared to pivot and make changes along the way. The most important thing is to just keep  moving forward.

In addition, anything you’ve been nervous or fearful about doing, allow that nervous energy to be the driving force that propels you anyhow. Fear can either stifle us and our growth, OR force us to make moves even if we must do it afraid. I’ll always choose the latter because being stifled and not growing is simply NOT an option for me. I have such big and great plans for 2022 and beyond, and that alone keeps me motivated and excited.

What excites me the absolute most is the power of blind faith and manifestation, truly believing we can...

“DESIGN THE LIFE WE WANT TO LIVE”

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Each of us have the power to design our own lives by doing the work (but please know that it will TAKE WORK) and simply by believing in the below...

•The Power of Thought - Our dreams and goals first take shape in our head with our very own thoughts. Be mindful and careful of what you allow in. Positive thoughts no matter the circumstances, usually breed positive outcomes.

•The Power of Tongue - Speaking our dreams into existence. We can always hope, but we MUST speak and give breath to the very things we want to accomplish in this life.

•The Power of Action - We can’t just believe, think and speak. It’s imperative that we DO THE WORK and spring into action. For faith without work is dead.

May you all be blessed and may each of you embark on manifesting your dreams into reality. Thank you for rocking with me for another new year.

And, because it's officially Mardi Gras Season in New Orleans...

I absolutely have to leave ya'll with an image that captures both the spirit and essence of the festival season.

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Until next time...

⚜️Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler⚜️

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