Blog
The journey to the wedding day may be a winding one. I’m happy to share some tips and tricks along the way. I continually offer ways to strengthen your relationship, and provide additional resources & tools. Scroll on down, and click on a post that interests you. The comments are always open, and I would love to know what you think!
Gratituesday 2.5.19 - Discover the Good
For those of you who may not have been able to read through the cryptic notes and comments over the past few weeks, I am a homeowner again. The process that I experienced in buying an apartment Atlanta versus New York was amazingly different. So while everything was difficult in NY, I am currently trying to discover the good. That also goes for the renovation.
Gratituesday 1.29.19 - Pruning Season!
Hello and welcome to Pruning Season! I was going to put my Weekly Lists off for another day and I had to stop by myself. I need as much positivity in my life as I possibly can right now, so I thought it best to pause and reflect today!
Vendors I Love: AMY SIMS PHOTOGRAPHY
I met Amy a few years ago working on a wedding up in Tarrytown. And then our paths kept crossing. I love her positive energy, and just as she mentions in feedback from a bride below, she's just so cheerful to be around. Every year, the folks at 501 Union open their doors to the industry for a week of co-working and collaboration. I was not only able to spend some time with Amy, but lucky enough to have her take my gorgeous new headshots! Without further ado, I'm happy to introduce Amy Sims of AMY SIMS PHOTOGRAPHY!
Gratituesday 1.22.19 - A World of Unknown
As I've said lots lately, in living in a World of Unknown. Yes, I've always had lots of flux, but this is ridiculous. I am in the middle of a housing transition and there are regular shifts in my business. Surprisingly enough, I am taking the lack of firm answers and a clear path rather well.
Gratituesday 1.15.19 - It's Going to Be Okay
It's all about perspective. And that good news is that it's going to be okay. I mean, perhaps I just need to repeat the phrase over and over again to believe it. But truthfully most of us are just experiencing first-world problems. We may think that everything is going to shit, but if we look at the details, are they really?
Desire Wednesday 1.9.19 - Inner Superpower
As I crossed Broadway to enter my co-working space this morning, started to consider how I would prompt today's 15-minute meditation class. And the idea of our Inner Superpower came to mind. (Honestly, I don't know where these thoughts come from...!)
Desire Wednesday 1.2.19 - Stillness
Yesterday I hosted my annual New Year's Day Open House. After we were all full of black-eyed peas, corn bread, salmon croquettes & collard greens, I offered everyone a reading from The Moon Deck.
Celebration Thursday 12.27.18 - Positivity
In tonight's counseling session, one of my beautiful couples spoke about an experience they shared. When I asked R what he needed, he struggled a bit and his courageous wife finally said, "You'd like for me to complain less." While it was not quite what he was asking, it was a welcome offering. The idea of positivity came up. How can you find the positivity in all things? Or at least in MOST things?
Creating Rituals
We are surrounded by ritual. I am not just saying that because I spend a good chunk of time writing and performing wedding ceremonies. When I speak to my couples about rituals, some look at me with fear or doubt. Yes, the definition of 'ritual' comes from a religious place, but it certainly doesn't have to. But I find the need for ritual in the every day. Um, Taco Tuesday, anyone?
Sautéed Collard Greens Recipe
Every January 1st I host an Open House for friends and family. From my years in Atlanta, I serve traditional Southern foods for luck and abundance in the new year. This sautéed collard greens recipe totally fits the bill.
Gratituesday 12.18.18 - Being proactive
I've reached an age where I'm done "paying my dues." Actually I reached it years ago. Instead of being proactive, I sit back. I'm active and available, but passive. So that means that I am largely waiting for things to happen rather than going out and getting them.
Desire Wednesday 12.12.18 - The Power of Detachment
Today in my 15-minute meditation class, I spoke about the idea that we don't have control over much. Sometimes we need to focus on the Power of Detachment. In both our professional and personal lives, we are largely reactionary. But what happens if we detach for just a moment?
Vendors I Love: TWO KINDRED EVENT PLANNERS
I met Alison a few years ago working on a wedding in Brooklyn. I was then honored to work with both Alison and Jonathan on a wedding at a 'super secret hotel' this past October. I love their attention to detail, their willingness to go the extra mile and just how easily they work together. They could certainly plan and execute an event on their own, but choose not to. And for their couples and clients they say, "why have one planner, when you can have two?" Without further ado, I'm proud to introduce you to JONATHAN STAMPER-HALPIN & ALISON SZLEIFER from TWO KINDRED EVENT PLANNERS!
Gratituesday 12.4.18 - The Rush is On!
Oh my gosh, how on Earth is it already December??!! The Rush is On! I feel like I've had quite a few posts that express the quick passing of time. But it does still surprise me. I have started doing more regular to-do lists that look at the day vs. ALL of the things that need to get done. But now the rush is on to complete it all.
Gratituesday 11.27.18 - Sleeping through Life
So I read a post on social media recently that said that if you're tired, you may not need more SLEEP, you may need to LIVE more. I cannot remember where I saw it, nevertheless it was certainly presented more eloquently than I just said it. Still it totally resonated with me. In fact, it was a complete paradigm shift. Rather than trying to catch up on my sleep, perhaps I am just sleeping THROUGH life.
Gratituesday 11.20.18 - Not Making Sense
I'm a sleuth. I like to find order and put pieces together, especially when things are not making sense. But with many things around me right now - mostly around career and buying an apartment - I spend more time trying to find reason when honestly, there is none. Sometimes it's okay to just not know. Or not waste time trying to figure out the why.
Gratitudesday 11.13.18 - Finding Solutions
Life isn't easy. I know, I am not sharing anything we don't already know. But we tend to get beaten down by the challenges and disappointments. What happens if we focus on finding solutions? Even tonight during a counseling session, one of the pair had a shitty day and couldn't get out of the doldrums to consider all of the positivity around them.
Celebration Thursday 11.8.18 - Details & Shapes
A few weeks ago, my parents suggested I come out to Long Island so we could look for appliances and bathroom fixtures in preparation for the renovation of my apartment. It's all about the details & shapes. There is a part of me that is jazzed to create my home - and then I think it would be so nice if my mother and my friend Carlos would just take care of it and I would handle the move when it's done!
Desire Wednesdays 10.31.18 - Find the Play!
I lead a meditation today that focused on GROUNDING. I know, I know big surprise as I tend to go there often. But I also encouraged my students to Find the Play!
Gratituesday 10.23.18 - Waiting for Life to Begin
I have never felt settled. I've always felt like I'm waiting for life to begin. For those musical theater lovers out there, there's a song in the musical, 'Once on this Island' with that title. The central character, Ti Moune prays to the gods so she can have assistance to follow her path.