As a journalist, the pressure is always on. We are always on deadline, always trying to be up-to-the minute on what's happening around us, always mid-thought ... because news is always happening. Sometimes it can feel as if you're only as good as your next story. That's not true, but it's the press that pushes us to keep producing and producing well.
This week, I've been quite reflective about how much my career as not just a journalist, but more specifically an editor has been the platform that God has used to really refine me as both a spiritual and natural woman. I told my Facebook friends yesterday that I have seen God transform me through my writing gift — from the way that I engage people, to my manner of communicating and even the doors that he's allowed me to walk through. I have always said that my career opportunity as an editor is a dream come true but I realize now how significant it is because of how much the Lord has worked on me as a spiritual vessel through it.
When I first started out as a newspaper reporter, I was impatient, easily shaken, stubborn, apt to overreact, inflexible ... so many things that overshadowed the fact (in so many instances) that I was a hard worker and a quick study. I probably appeared a risk to anyone who was looking at me for promotion. But, as I have matured spiritually, God has matured me on a natural level as well which has been the key to so many open doors for me. Not only am I an even more earnest worker and still a quick study; I have learned (and am still learning) to be forebearing and slow to speak. Instead of being a reactor, I'm measured and take the time to (even sometimes creating the space to) consider the situation so that I can respond properly. I'm increasingly introverted (unrelated lol, but!) so I spend a lot of time doing things by myself but also observing what is happening around me — people, places and things. And more than anything else, I am careful to be mindful of people's feelings. Constantly working at these tenets has caused me to scrutinize my energy; the energy that I have for tasks as well as the energy I bring into a situation.
Your energy is a choice. We rarely get enough rest or eat the right things enough to notice a change in how we are feeling. It makes a difference. If you're tired, you're not at your best. And if you're not at your best, you won't inspire the best in others. The same goes for the energy we bring into the room, literally and metaphorically. I read in a Harvard Business Review article, recently, "The rituals and behaviors established to better manage energy can transform one's life." It's so true.
Working out consistently has caused me to clear my mind, which in turn helps me to sleep better, wake up well-rested and feel prepared to handle whatever challenges I face — from momentary events to substantial projects. We all know someone that we avoid because they tend to be pessimistic or just simply have a draining energy. That is a choice they have made.
The challenge of maintaining and being excellent requires a great deal of energy. But, the energy you put in also produces a propelling energy that can actually empower you. You just have to choose it.
I was talking with a friend recently who was wearing an immaculately coordinated monochromatic look and told her how good she looked. She responded, "often when I'm getting dressed, I ask myself 'what would Katrice do?'" It was such a wonderful and sweet compliment. And that got me to thinking about how I would describe my approach to style ...
Three quick tips I'd say determine my look just about every day:
1. Take a risk (grab something a little unexpected).
2. Turn around and thoroughly study what you look like from behind in the mirror (that back view can make or break a look).
3. Have fun (my clothes make me feel a way. If I love the way something made me feel a certain day, I may replay it within days).
- xMVL
photo by Mecca Gamble
Have you ever been in a funk over a change in your life that caught you unaware ... Something that actually shifted your trajectory? That has been me for so many months that I don't even want to tell you how many. But! I'm shaking myself loose. It's been quite a journey for me because on one (very profound) hand I know that God caused the shift. But, on the other, I had my mind so set on the way I was going that — if I'm completely honest — it has been more than a notion to accept the way God has determined best for me. Even admitting it out loud sounds foolish and ungrateful, but it's real. So often, we want what we want so much that we're not able to see or move toward what we need. I'm trying be in both the vein of what I need and what God wants for me. So, this morning, when I woke up, I made a very precise decision to adjust my mindset and really my mood. Today, I chose joy. I'm learning to just handle each day as it comes, and most importantly to have the mind of God who promised me "better!"
First things first, I'm not a Rihanna stan. But, I am a beauty enthusiast. I love everything that is created to make a woman feel more beautiful in her skin — from the most minimal offering to the most elaborate. I like a little and I love a lot. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna launched at midnight (technically 3 a.m. ... yes, I was checking), and there's very good reason to be paying attention to the newest global brand in the Sephora family. There are 40 foundation shades. As they say at church: That's a good place to clap.
Rihanna, in partnership with Kendo Brands, a LVMH-owned
beauty developer, created the line with a vision
of redefining the rules with
light-as-air formulas that love to be layered, in a global lineup of shades
designed for all. She said she was inspired to do so after trying to
find products that worked across all skin types and tones. Her mandate of inclusivity led to the development of a wide range of products for
traditionally hard-to-match skin tones, creating formulas that work for all
skin types, and pinpointing universal shades.
Fenty Beauty products are designed to feel lightweight, even
as they deliver buildable coverage that effortlessly layers, to ultimately
“make skin look like skin.” Most importantly, Rihanna created makeup to
inspire. “Makeup is there for you to have fun with,” she says. “It should never
feel like pressure. It should never feel like a uniform. Feel free to take
chances, and take risks, and dare to do something new or different.”
I'm in love with all of this.
Let me know if you're trying it and what you're buying.
There’s somewhat of a hidden treasure on Maryland’s Eastern
Shore.
An
oasis-like manor house resort and spa lending a seat of luxury along the Miles
River, the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond is the escape you’ve been looking for.
This rural retreat nestled in the quaint town of St.
Michaels enjoys a reputation as one of the best luxury resorts in Maryland. Just
an hour drive from Baltimore-Washington DC airport, arrive by car or yacht to
the 78-room and suite hotel for a quick getaway or winding vacation in a locale
where a few hours spent is like adding a week back onto your life. Relaxation is
the order of the day as the options for idling are plentiful; lounge in Linden
Spa, float in the infinity pool or savor a variety of tastes from seafood to
the freshest seasonal specialties in Stars. Chef Ken MacDonald, who uses locally-sourced ingredients
including some from the Inn’s expansive gardens, makes eating exciting.
For explorers, complimentary bikes are a fun way to venture into St. Michaels, a sleepy town of less than 2,000, to discover intriguing art galleries and antiques shops — or set out to sea on a yacht or heritage craft. No plans? There’s always Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour – a destination in and of itself.
The Inn’s 19th-century elegance is cast with modern flair
that makes it an easy choice for weddings and annual family trips alike. Generous
queen or king-sized beds mingled with plush furnishings guarantee a restful
stay, while water or garden views add the perfect backdrop.
One of the finest parts of the Inn’s offerings — what separates it from the good and makes it great — is guests’
access to the waves and nautical spirit of the Chesapeake. Whether setting off
on a tranquil chartered cruise or learning new skills on an in-depth sailing
course, taking advantage of its fleet of luxury yachts is a necessary part of
the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond experience. Skip the bridge by stepping
aboard an elegant Hinckley yacht, and cruise to arrive at the Inn for your stay. Departing for the Pier 7 Marina
in Edgwater, Md., guests who choose this two-night minimum package are treated
to a champagne toast and reception served on board; white-glove luggage on and
off-boarding service; scenic round-trip cruise for two across the Chesapeake
Bay on our luxurious 55’ Hinckley yacht; VIP check-in and check-out and access
to all resort amenities.
From culinary mid-week breaks to serene weekend getaways in
Maryland, the Inn’s selection of packages ensure an unforgettable stay.
King rooms start at $385.
I nearly took today off to re-calibrate. Yesterday left me a bit disenchanted. But, I've been reading about bouncing back quickly and when you actually should take a step back. Also, I realized just recently that it's normal to be at an impasse where you are having to make major adjustments in your habits, thoughts and relationships; and that it will happen several times throughout your life if you're growing. All that said, what I really needed was a good workout last night and some time to think about context, perspective and discipline. These things are very much the difference, many times, between what we'd determine a good day and a bad one.
So, I got up this morning and came into the office. My associate editor took these photos of me today that capture every bit of my personality. I love them, even the blurry ones, because they show how animated I am [wrinkles in this soft fabric and all] ... even when just talking about mocking birds ... which I was giving a full dissertation on at the time.
I haven't blogged in three months. Life. I had a huge increase in my workload at the magazine and am just getting into a new rhythm. So, there's that. No excuses though. I miss blogging as it is one of the best ways I've found to pull my life back into focus. Travel. Exercise. Blogging ... in that order. In that vein, this summer, I've decided to find destinations that I can drive to on the weekends within four to six hours of Atlanta. I'm being very intentional about maintaining some balance between my work and leisure time. In May, it was Charleston (which was so lovely that I plan to go back in September). This month, St. Michaels, Md. (though not by car). Next month, somewhere near the lake in Ohio. What are your summer plans?
Much about The Condado Plaza Hilton has been delivered with an ostensibly organic ease. From its location, as the only hotel overlooking the Condado Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean — complete with ocean breezes, beautiful sunsets and striking water views to its proximity a mere five minutes from historic Old San Juan, prepare to set this destination atop of your list of ideal weekend jaunts and winding getaways.
On the drive in, I glanced over just in time to catch a glimpse of a couple paddle boarding through the lagoon … on the other side beach bums; I was already thinking about how I could extend my stay. It was a balmy 82-degree day in November … the norm. The climate is as close to perfect as it can get in San Juan, Puerto Rico, averaging 83 degrees in the winter and 85 degrees in the summer. I intended two and a half days of doing nothing but sunning and lounging, and maybe a poolside massage, but the stream of foot traffic around the 572-room, 4-star resort piqued my curiosity. There was an immediate change of plans because I was sure I’d regret not taking full advantage of this tropical weather once back at home. I had to at least walk a few blocks, and I imagine this was the response of every traveler arriving from a chilly winter elsewhere. As always on quick escapes, my expectations were simple — mostly revolving around food, scenery and quality relaxation; All relaxation is not equal. As for where to begin here, other travelers in the entryway of Condado Plaza gave me a hint: first, lighter fabrics.
In my room, I always open the patio door while in a tropical locale. The sound of crashing waves signifies the beginning of everything. And so often, I’m tempted to settle into whatever space I have overlooking the water to soak up the setting and allow the salty air to wash off the residue of getting there. The right view — in this case lushly achieved inside as well as outdoors — can do that. But this time I resisted and hit the city’s streets — wandering briefly, mostly for the absorption of place as I was saving my exploration of the historic district for an early morning walking tour the next day. You do need to be on foot to get a more intimate exposure to the city. Condado is central to popular sites like San Juan Cathedral, San Juan Gate, Castillo de San Cristobal and La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina.
A short time later, back on property, the lobby was a magnet in the vibrant and modern entrance to the hotel; being here was altering all of my plans. The sleek design of the hotel makes it the ideal urban retreat for business or leisure travel, with cosmopolitan sophistication that compliments San Juan’s colonial tradition. Open and airy is the theme awash in white, oranges and reds. At any given time of the day, you may have to hover to claim a seat or you could post up in the centrally stationed 360-degree Moon Bar for drinks at noon and beyond. Food-wise, Pikayo, the flagship of acclaimed Puerto Rican Chef Wilo Benet, is a San Juan institution that has been enticing diners for over two decades. Featuring Wilo’s Nu + Global Mix, Pikayo’s menu is a combination of new and classic dishes from Puerto Rico and around the world. However, sushi at Eight Noodle Bar, Condado’s most popular Asian restaurant, my first night on property ruined me for all other options. But, among the five restaurants and Starbucks, there is something for every palate.
Like other guests, I canvassed the property, entertaining myself between one of the hotel’s four outdoor pools – one with saltwater and three with fresh, and on the secluded beach where snorkeling gear could be rented. The was also the option of a game of tennis on the resort’s outdoor court as well as laying back in the whirlpool spa overlooking the ocean. I did, in fact, book a massage on look-out point that fittingly capped the entire experience of The Condado Plaza Hilton. Why leave?
The narrow streets of Old San Juan make a private walking tour an excellent way to discover 500 years of fascinating history. Beginning at San Cristobal Fortress, which in colonial times protected the island from enemy attacks, you’ll walk through the remarkable fortress along with a guide for 45-60 minutes. From that point the walking narrated tour begins down the promontory of the Old City. Walk the blue, grayish cobblestone streets and feel the magic of the San Jose Church, Plaza del Quinto Centenario, Plaza San José, Casa Blanca, La Rogativa, La Fortaleza, San Juan Gate, and The San Juan Cathedral among other fascinating monuments. 
I'm learning to just live the life I want to live. It's both nothing personal and everything personal.
J by Jasper Conran Court Shoe | $80
