Imagine what would happen if we got up each morning and made the choice to be positive. With the innocence of a child, we approach each day with great expectations that something wonderful is about to happen.

Imagine if we had an attitude of gratitude despite the storms of life – counting our blessings and being thankful in all things.

Imagine if instead of focusing on all that is bad in our life, we help someone who is struggling. I am sure you will find that not only is it a blessing to the person receiving your help…..it will be a blessing to you, and completely changes your perspective. It’s like magic! Try it!

The truth is, we are not guaranteed a trouble free life. But the beauty is that we don’t have to go through life alone.

I have learned that gratitude is one of the best things you can do for yourself  when navigating life’s murky waters.

What do you do when life hands you lemons?

Do you plan a day at the spa or lunch with friends? Dive into a hobby, or a good book? Or do you fall victim to complaining, impatience and ingratitude? I admit that I am guilty of the latter, but like many of you may testify, I am a work in progress. When I catch myself complaining, I turn it around to being grateful for the things that are going right. I go to my happy place: Laying in bed and reading one of my favorite shelter magazines or a book on design (I have quite the collection, so there will always be self-indulging moments like this ). House Beautiful and Traditional Home are still my favorites!

Source: House Beautiful magazine

Source: Traditional Home Magazine

What they say is true: It really is the little things that make all the difference.

Below are some great words to live by.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with joy and blessings. Don’t forget to do something nice for yourself!

Here are my links to contact me and shop for designer bedding, pillows, rugs and the recently added category doggy styles (dog fashion and beds):

Store

Contact and Connect

Please comment and share!

Be Inspired!

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I grew up in Jamaica where the culture dictates that working hard is something to be proud of, and rightfully so. But when working hard means overdoing it and forsaking your health and wellness, then a change needs to be made…..and fast!

Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and enjoy the challenges that keep me on my toes and allow me to express my creativity. But there is a thin line between healthy challenges and stress! Yes, I said the “S” word. Between my recent move from one home to another, move from one studio to another and developing the new space, clients and projects, the kids and life in general, it has been really hectic for me.

I switched my diet to an almost raw vegan diet a few months ago, and for sure thought that I was doing enough for my health and well being, but I was stopped in my tracks by a recent visit to an alternative medical doctor. My lab results showed I was anaemic (iron defiency), very dehydrated, my body was very acidic, and I was borderline diabetic (which runs in my family)…….Yikes!! Time for that change!

So with my doctor’s recommendations, I have tweaked my almost raw vegan diet to include less fruit, more iron rich veggies, nuts & seeds, supplements, plenty of water and exercise…..and drinking baking soda everyday for a while (eeewww!) . In about 4 months or so my body will heal itself through detoxing, and reward me with new healthy blood cells and it will be all good

What this means for my work?

I will continue to work hard and take on challenges and keep my goals in sight. It would be so boring otherwise.   But I will definitely balance that with healthy choices like rest, sleep, exercise, staying hydrated…..and never missing a meal, no matter how busy it gets.

So here’s my advice to those reading this: Take some time for you. Spend that time doing something that relaxes you mind, body and spirit. Your body will thank you.

That’s What I’m Talking About!!

Now this room makes me want to put away the iPad and laptop and just RELAX. Ahhhhhhh

Thanks for reading! Hope you all have a very restful weekend and be refreshed for the coming week!

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Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

If you are like me, running a business and a household solo, you know what it is like to have a lot on your plate. Life can get crazy!! In fact, if things aren’t crazy in my life, I get bored. I really have not taken the time to take care of myself so that I can take care of business. I got away from exercising and eating healthy and began to drink coffee everyday which I have never done in all my years. I was beginning to feel really burnt out and tired all the time, so I decided to take my well being back from the norm of society.

So here’s what I have been doing for the past two weeks to get myself back on the path to being the best I can be

1. I started exercising again! – A little bit at a time, but I have so much more energy now.
2. Eating way better! – For the past two weeks my diet consists of juicing fruits and vegetables, raw and organic foods, one cooked meal a day (salmon and hard boiled eggs only), a lot more water and coconut water, no eating past 8:00pm
3. More time with the kids – I am listening a lot more because I have taken away the distraction of working at all hours of the night
4. Planning a weekend get-away with my friend Aimee – She has invited me several times to her hometown of New Orleans and I jut couldn’t find the time. I finally have and it will be fun!
5. Really qualifying prospects and valuing my time - I used to feel really guilty if a prospect called and I had to turn them down due to distance or unrealistic budget or knowing right away they wouldn’t be the right fit. I would spend countless hours driving to their homes (at no charge) and even giving them design tips and ideas (no charge) and sometimes even working on a preliminary plan without knowing for sure what the budget is or even if they are serious. I really didn’t want to be labeled as a snobby decorator, because unfortunately we already have that reputation. But I have now learned that saying no is not a terrible thing if it is the right answer. Sure I enjoy giving tips and ideas to people, and I will continue to do so through by Facebook pages (Casa Vilora Interiors and No Naked Windows), my websites (Casa Vilora Interiors and No Naked Windows), and my blog (The Naked Decorator).
6. Prayer and meditation time – This one is the ultimate self-care for me. I sometimes let life get in the way and don’t spend enough time in prayer meditation and reading my Bible. I need wisdom, strength and mercy for each day, so why am I not tapping into the proven Source?
7. Stress less – There are so many things I worry about everyday: My business growing, my kids, what people say about me, and most things out of my control. I have decided to worry less, especially about things that I cannot control.

Sometimes “NO” is the right answer

Here’s what I have been eating lately. I am just starting out, but I think it is a good start for someone who loved junk food!

I make this salad for dinner every night. I sometimes switch the eggs out for salmon

One of my favorite green juices. I had to experiment a few times to get it just right

My results so far? I have a lot more energy, I have lost weight (Not sure how much as I never weigh myself) and I am in a better mood these days and socializing a bit more. In fact, I may be going out on a date soon It may be bloggable, so stay tuned

Are you at the point in your life where you know something has to change? Whether it is the way you eat, the way you do business, the way you relate to others, or even spiritually? Tell me about it by leaving a comment below.

Have some!

As always, please contact me if you have any questions about my decorating an remodeling services, or visit my online store for custom drapery panels, bedding and pillows. Don’t forget about our summer savings going on now! Visit my online store for more details

Have Yourselves a wonderful Wednesday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon