The Unfolding of Mahogani

31 Days To Reset Your Life Challenge- Day One

2011-11-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in the Happy Black Woman life challenge. This could not have come at a better time-as I am once again in a place of self-reflection and resetting. I'm grateful that this opportunity has aligned almost perfectly with other "evaluation" and "resetting" options that I'm currently participating in. This blog is my personal outlet, but if you're reading this, please feel free to join the conversation.

Challenge: http://happyblackwoman.com/31-days-to-reset-your-life-challenge-november-2011-edition/
Twitter: #31dayreset

Day One Challenge-Part I
Choose A Personal Mantra
I chose "Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful"

This motto was from my Young Women's class when I was a teen and is adopted from Matthew 5:16. Throughout the past few years, my theme was "Be the change you wish to see in the world". However, I don't think that this applies quite yet. Its important to find yourself and your own light before introducing it to the world. I understand this is an on-going process, but its important to have an anchor, a guide and a firm belief in yourself before setting out to change the world. Its impossible to continue positive growth without knowing who you are. Knowing who you are and what you believe takes courage and is very individual. When we are not "our own kind of beautiful", we can get easily get lost in a false sense of self based on outside opinions and influences.

Day One Challenge-Part II

Choose A Theme Song
I chose "I Choose" by India Arie

I had a few choices for my song, including LDS primary songs, a couple of closeted hip hop songs, and my one of my all-time favoriate Prince songs, but this one describes my current place and mind frame. The past six months of my life have been a combination of extreme pain, joy, frustration, and gratitude. But I'm thankful for the mixed bag of blessings-for it has afforded me the oppurtunity to concentrate on my path and what I need (and want) to do.

"And I choose to be the best that I can be.
I choose to be authentic in everything
I do.
My past don't dictate who I am.
I choose."

I may fall a couple of days behind but I look forward to participating in all of the daily challenges and sharing (most) of what I learn about myself.

-Tiffany

3 Things You Must Do Before You Decorate

2010-12-18T17:36:00.000-06:00

I will starting a project in my parents basement on Monday...the author of this post must have read my mind!

3 Things You Must Do Before You Decorate

Local Places I Love- Careful Peach Boutique- Oak Park, IL

2010-12-06T19:25:00.002-06:00

Whenever I'm in need of chic inspiration or exploring, I drop into Careful Peach Boutique-a wonderful shop in Oak Park that specializes in selling Euro-inspired home decor. The store is fascinating, elegant, and full of lovely, yet inexpensive treats. (It's also right around the corner from my office, and I walk past it everyday to and from work.) I have yet to introduce myself- though I gawk at everything when I stop in to browse. I always leave feeling 200% better and smelling like their lavender cream.

Image taken from: bellaink.typepad.com

I can't wait to start my wishlist!(Here's a sample: handmade soaps, handpoured candles, table and bed linens, china, utensils)

Great Inspiration Ideas: Fabulous Designer Foyers from House Beautiful

2010-12-04T16:11:00.000-06:00

I love House Beautiful- I've been a subscriber since 2000 (while I was still in high school). I first used the magazine as inspiration ideas for decorating my dorm rooms, college apartments, and summer bedrooms at my parents house.

I've been looking for ideas for my foyer and I came across this article and slideshow.

Take A Look!
http://www.housebeautiful.com/photos/fabulous-designer-foyers

Thrifting Finds 12.01.10- Elmhurst, IL Goodwill

2010-12-04T12:22:00.000-06:00

Its snowing outside and I'm self-banished to my house even though I *really* want to stop by the Clybourne Salvation Army in Chicago. Oh well...we'll see how the weather is in about an hour.

A few days ago after work I drove to the Goodwill in Elmhurst to unwind and scout goods. I found some really nice things- it was quite a joy. Among the finds were linen pillows, a Wedgwood china box and brand new, sealed French linen waters. I slept very well that night!

Linen Pillows
Linen pillows have always been on my ultimate wish-list. However, I have trouble finding the exact pillow that I picture in my mind. Someday, I need to take a sewing class.

These particular pillows were high on the shelf above the linens. Since I'm barely 5' tall, there was a little jumping involved. After passing visual and smell test (don't take dirty, stinky pillows home!!), I loaded all four into the cart.

Upon taking the pillows home, I removed the pillow inserts, turned the cases inside out and washed all of them on the delicate cycle. I allowed the pillows and covers to air-dry.

At first I was worried about the pillows blending into the decor, but it turned out pretty decent!

Wedgwood Trinket Box
Perfect condition and beautiful and $3.99! It was immediately washed and added to the top of the dresser in my wardrobe.

Thinking about logos...

2010-11-28T13:47:00.002-06:00

Thrifting Treasures 11.27.10

2010-11-28T12:52:00.002-06:00

I love "thrifting"- a term my sister and I made up to describe the action of going to thrift stores and resales shops to hunt for treasures. I've been thrifting for many, many years and I love to find new places in Chicago, hunt in beloved favoraites, and recommend places based on location. I used to annoy a very of good friend of mine by making her "thrift" with me while we were on location. (By the way, the Goodwill on Mission in San Francisco is AMAZING!)

I've been looking for an outlet to display all of my finds and treasures, so perhaps I'll start here by posting new treasures and pictures of past loot.

Enjoy!

Le Creuset-Cobalt Blue Au Gratin Stoneware Dish
This is an answer to my prayer! I've wanted start my Le Cruset bakeware collection for quite awhile now...but just randomly picking up items at my local HomeGoods didn't feel right-especially since I'm so indecisive. I found this at the Brown Elephant Resale Shop in Boystown (Chicago) for $3.50! They were having a 50% off Storewide Sale. I worried about everything being picked over (it was), but I was able to find this. A lovely gentleman also helped me find a Calphalon pot. (I'm collecting those as well).

Vintage Pyrex- Easter Weekend 2010
Most of my kitchen is made up of warm gold, orange, red, and yellow tones. But I could not resist picking up this set of vintage Pyrex bowls at the Lakeview Salvation Army in Chicago. The entire set was $6.00! This particular Salvation Army is one of the best in Chicago for finding clothes, homegoods, books, etc. It is also quite a madhouse- especially on weekends! I love to go early morning and late evenings.

Another vintage Pyrex find: Pair of Serving Bowls

31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challenge!

2010-07-29T12:10:00.001-05:00

Fall is coming! No matter how I old I get, I always link "new changes" with the start of the new school year. I start planning in late July/early August and get super excited when August 15th rolls around.

This year has brought many unforseen changes in all aspects of my life. On January 1st, I could not have even imagined some of the following:

Becoming the Executive Director of an organization that I've cherished since the day that I started as a volunteer intern in 2006.
Finally parting ways with one of the biggest blessing and burdens in my professional career.
A much needed vacation the islands during one of the most crucial turning points in my life.
Internalizing the concept that I must be vocal and have the courage to demand what I want and be willing to accept the consequences of my actions.

Some of these may seem simple or even minute to the average bystander, but they are "giant leaps" for me. All of these inward and outward actions (even those unspoken) has opened the door to possibilities and roads that I never thought was possible for me.

I'm always seeking ways to work on self-improvement and build the micro-community around me. One of my goals was to start blogging personally and professionally. For the past year, I've been reading the blog and Twitter accounts of Rosetta Thurman, a non-professional in Washington D.C. Her blog is filled with a wealth of information about non-profit professionals and personal branding. It came at just the right time for me!

Again, Rosetta's blog has come to the rescue. I've been stuck in a rut with blogging since my new premier on July 4th and her 31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challege is just the kickstart that I need. Please support me in my new efforts to become a "real blogger"! Learn more about Rosetta Thurman and her blog challenge here.

In the meanwhile, follow my efforts on Twitter under the name @Mahoganione.

-Tiffany

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

2010-07-04T17:14:00.003-05:00

It feels great being able to write again! I'm so excited to start blogging and tell all about my new and old adventures.

I love to spend my holidays relaxing and lounging. Whether its on the beach, at the movies or just lazing around on the couch at home-I always take my holiday time to rejuvenate and kick up my feet. Due to my braces and hatred of hot sticky weather-I don't celebrate the summer holidays with traditional BBQ feasts and outside festivities. Instead, I seek my joy inside of air-conditioned (or fanned) homes with great movies, chilled desserts and great conversation. As the sun sets, I'll venture outdoors to enjoy a great fireworks display.

In honor of the great Independence Day holiday this year, I decided to finally try out a couple of recipes I've been thinking about for awhile. I feel kinda guilty for spending today indoors watching the Ugly Betty marathon...but this is also a great excuse to get in the kitchen and cook!

I love finding and making fun non-alcoholic party drinks to enjoy at home and with friends, but somehow I've never made homemade lemonade! The lemonade is perfect to serve in wine goblets or champagne flutes-regular cups are just too boring! You can also dress up glasses with lemon slices and blackberries, or decorate the rim with sugar.

Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade
Serves 4-6

1 six oz. package of blackberries (rinsed)
1 large lemon
1 cup of lemon juice
1 cup of sugar
1 cup tap/filtered water
1 33.8 oz. bottle of sparkling mineral water, chilled

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar and lemon juice to a boil. Set aside and let cool.
2. Slice the lemon into thin circles and add to the pitcher. Add the blackberries.
3. Stir in the sugar and lemon mixture. Pour the chilled mineral water into the pitcher and stir. Serve in glasses over ice or alone. Enjoy!

On Being 27...for six more months

2009-10-30T09:09:00.002-05:00

I can't stop telling people I'm 28...or even "almost 30". What is going on???