Sneak Peek!!

Here is a sneak peek from the M. Daniels Textiles Serengeti Collection. So excited! 

Messy Hair, Don't Care

Some would call it a movement and I'm not sure what it is. I know for myself, over the past five years, I have embraced my natural hair as many other curly headed people have.  It didn't start out as some profound statement or public declaration. I was pregnant with my first child and was very conscious about what I put into my body, even by way of my scalp. Perming or relaxing my hair had been my way of life for 15 years, but the idea that somehow continuing to do so could harm my baby in any way was enough to get me to stop. 

So I began to let my perm grow out. My transition was anything but easy, however I stuck with it.  I got my hair washed and blown out instead and I began to fall in love with my natural hair. I loved the texture when it was wet. The curly frizzy strands seduced me. And when my hair was blown straight it had so much more body.  It was beautiful. My routine became to get it blown out every two weeks but I longed to wear it natural. No heat natural. Wild and free natural. This was much harder to achieve. 

Once again, my choice to go no heat natural wasn't very planned or deliberate. I was happy with my blowouts and not very hopeful about achieving natural styles sans heat. Quite content with my hair blown straight I continued that routine until one humid and brutal summer. Every time I got my hair blown out it would shrink or revert in a couple days because of the heat and humidity. And paying $40 for my hair, every week at this point, was more than I wanted to spend. So I began to explore no heat styles. 

This is where ish got real. I had many days of epic hair fails. Days I looked like a 12 year old and not 30. I had to learn my hair all over again. What products to use, which ones would work, and what hair regimen was going to work for me. Any natural will go through the product junkie phase. She has too. She's searching for the magic potion that's going to make her hair do what she wants. I can't say that I have found that but I think me and my hair have an understanding. There are days when it performs how I'd like but then there are days that I don't know what's going on up there. And I've come to accept that THIS IS JUST MY HAIR. It's a natural hair characteristic. It is versatile, unpredictable, temperamental, vulnerable, susceptible to change, easily impacted by climate, and mine. 

Regardless of what my hair is doing, I own it! (Some days more than others-lol) But I accept my hair which is part of accepting myself. I am black and  I have black hair. Whoever doesn't like it doesn't matter. For so long I was conditioned to believe that unkempt hair was unprofessional or even offensive. It should be tamed, controlled, straight, and neat. And those characteristics are fine if they are my choice and not imposed or implied. But the idea that anything outside of that is unacceptable is, well unacceptable. 

Now that I have a daughter, I want her to embrace her hair too. She's a toddler and I recently cut her hair into an Afro. Once again, not because I was making some grand statement. It started as a trim to even out her hair that had broken and become uneven due to a scalp condition. After cutting it, I just thought she looked absolutely adorable. I threw a bow or a headband in her curly frizzies and let her rock and I loved it! I even started questioning why I had pulled and styled her hair so vehemently up to this point. Because even though I embraced my hair, I was still trapped in the mindset that her hair must be neat, styled and controlled. It's the "must" that's the problem. 

I enjoy the fact that we share a mother and daughter bond that extends to our hair. She can learn to love herself, her hair, as is, because she can relate to her mommy. Mommy wears twists and braids and Afros too. If I was all weaved out I think it would be harder for her to embrace (not saying there is anything wrong with straight or faux tresses). It's like do as I say,not as I do. If mommy says my hair is beautiful as is, and she believes it, why doesn't she wear her hair that way. It's about credibility I suppose. 

So do I get offended when someone says,"when you gonna do her hair?" Yes! This whole hair obsession with Blue Ivy is infuriating. She is a baby. A black baby. With black hair. Period! It's like badgering someone about not covering their freckles or encouraging a visit to the tanning salon because their paleness is too off-putting. It's ridiculous. 

Today I embrace me and I EMBRACE MESSY HAIR. 

New Release!!!

Hello My Design Peoples!!

I have exciting news! The M. Daniels Textile Collection is now available for purchase! My Serengeti Collection draws from traditional African shapes and themes but the palette is unconventional. It's fresh in grey, white, and frothy red. 

I'm teaming up with another wonderful creative, Siobhan Munro, to do some great things with this line. Stay tuned...

In the meantime, you can view this line on my website, MDanielsstudio.com (access not available via mobile only via PC) or on my Pinterest board "My Style".

Isn't She Lovely...

I know the summer is winding down. But there is time for at least one more soirée or get together before we start hunkering down for fall and winter. Maybe a brunch or a baby shower, who knows. 

Regardless, these bottle vases are sure to make a statement whatever you're doing.  They are great center pieces that your guests can even take home as favors. And they're super simple to make. 

Here's what you'll need:

1. Glass bottles or jars

2. Scrap booking paper or printed vellum

3. Organza ribbon

4. Raffia

5. Glue gun or glue stick

Instructions:

Cut paper in thickness desired and wrap around jar. Trim excess. 

Make sure paper slightly overlaps itself and apply glue to seal. 

Cut organza ribbon to desired length and tie around jar. 

Tie raffia around the jar. 

That's all folks! Easy peasy right?! Now all you need is water and flowers and you're ready to go!

Hope you enjoyed this one and Happy Decorating!

DIY or DIFM

Sometimes there is a fine line between a project that is a DIY or a DIFM (do it for me). If you aren't quite sure which category your project falls into, hopefully this article will help. 

So you were watching HGTV and you were inspired to attempt some project they beautifully executed, which is admirable. However, there are a few basic questions you should ask yourself before you get started because while for some it may be a DIY for you it may not be. For instance, there are some people who can DIY a house extension, like physically build an extension onto their houses (gasp). For me, that would be a DIFM, which leads me to our first question:

1. What's my skill level/expertise?

If you have no experience with what you are attempting, start small. Don't try to upholster an entire sofa if you have no sewing or upholstery experience. Maybe start with a dining room chair seat or an ottoman and as you become aware of the challenges with smaller projects you will be better prepared and more knowledgable for the larger ones. 

The second question is:

2. Do I have the time required to Do It Myself?

Often people will set unrealistic completion goals in the name of saving a buck. Sure you can save on the labor costs of demolishing your own kitchen and reinstalling it yourself, but how long will it take you to complete when you have to go to work for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week? Doing it on evenings and weekends is certainly possible but not very likely. If it takes you twice or even three times as long to complete with the added cost of eating out and rental equipment, it may just pay to hire a professional. 

The final question to ask yourself is:

3. Is it really less expensive to DIY?

We've all been there right? You come across this great project only to find that it requires a million materials and or tools that you need to purchase. So now that you've purchased $150 worth of materials, maybe it would've been worth it to buy that silver leaf table for the $180 it costs online. And God forbid if you make a mistake and have to pour in more money to correct it. 

These are just some guidelines for determining whether you should do it yourself or hire some help. Happy decorating!

Dream Sequence

Have you always wanted that designer bedding look? Well it isn't all that complicated. Here is an easy way to achieve that look. Choose a single color and for each layer of bedding (sheets, quilt, shams, throw) use a different texture. For example: sheets = smooth, quilt = linear pattern, shams = boucle type texture. Mix and match! There is no wrong answer. Play with different combinations. Your inner designer won't lie to you. Sweet dreams!

Yummy!

Wonderful, candy coated, fun summer colors! What can you do with these?

Last Stop On The A Train: Inwood

Inwood is one of Manhattan’s best kept secrets! This little jewel has a rich history and what’s shaping up to be an even brighter future. Mostly occupied by people of Dominican decent, it is still a very diverse community, with many young families occupying the area.  I lived there for 3 years after I got married,  and I began my family there so it definitely holds a special place in my heart. Being from the suburbs myself, the city was definitely an adjustment, but Inwood was the perfect transition for me.  It felt suburban but with the convenience of the city at my fingertips. It’s really the best of both worlds! So let’s dig in!

 

Brief History

Inwood is named for the marble that was once prevalent on the island. It’s a very soft marble which is easily eroded, hence the reason so much of it is gone today. However, you can still find traces of it in Inwood today. Inwood is also said to be the site where the island was originally purchased from the Lenape Indians.  I find this interesting because this is where it all began yet the area is so often forgotten.



 

 

Inwood Hill Park

Inwood Hill Park is the only natural forest in Manhattan (No, Central Park isn't a natural forest). It’s such a vast space that consists of multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball field, walking paths, a boat house, you get the idea.  You can even sit on the water and gaze at the Henry Hudson Bridge, which we've done on ocassion. The park is neverending!  When I had my first son, we enjoyed the snow during the winter months and the "Froggie Sprinkler" during the summer. Oh, and the Ice Cream truck is a permanent fixture for frozen treats. It helps  take the edge off those humid NY Summer days.

 

Isham Street Farmer’s Market

Across from Inwood Hill Park, on Saturdays from 8a-3p, is the Isham Street Farmer’s Market. It’s located on Isham Street between Cooper Street and Seaman Avenue. There’s wonderful produce, organic meat, fish, and yummy baked goods too! My oldest son loved this apple cake I used to buy there. The vendors are very personable and helpful. Strolling past the stands amongst the people is really a blissful experience. I loved watching the other parents let their children sample the fresh berries on display. It truly reminded me of a simpler time and it's quite serene on that self contained little strip. I'd easily forget that I was still in Manhattan.

 
 

Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

This museum, located on the corner of 204th Street and Broadway, was once a working farmhouse, and currently sits on about a half acre of land. It is the only 18th Century Dutch Colonial style farmhouse left on the island. It’s survived the revolution, housed indentured servants, and lasted through the industrialization of the area long enough for two relatives to present it to the city for preservation in 1916. I don't know how many times I walked past this place before I realized it was a museum.  It is open to the public Friday-Sunday from  11a-5p.





New York Central Railroad Substation No. 10

Art Deco Building-Seaman Avenue

Art Deco Buildings
Inwood also has many architectural treasures from the Art Deco period. The geometrically adorn facades can be seen sprinkled throughout the area. The most popular one is the New York Central Railroad Substation No. 10, which was built in the 1930s to provide electrical service to trains on the Hudson River Line. Though the structure is currently abandoned it was supposed to be undergoing renovation by The Department of Parks and Recreation.  Work on the project halted in 2010, and a determination of what exactly it was supposed to become was never reached. Whatever it becomes, renovating this buliding would do a great deal to enrichen the area that much more. Cross your fingers that work will resume. Any Art Deco relic you stumble upon is a nice piece of nostalgia from an era gone by. Look closely though because you can easily miss them.

 

 

Yummy Thai

If you’re hungry after your tour de Inwood, and are in the mood for some home-cooked Thai, Yummy Thai  has great, affordable lunch specials starting at $7.25! (including an appetizer). Anything from Spring rolls to Pad Thai to Tamarind duck! Try their Mussamun Curry. It’s a mildly spicy, smooth dish that will please any palate. The interior is modern with a colorful graphic palette. Not short on ambiance at all. Yummy Thai is a nice little spot to sit and have lunch or dinner if you like. And kudos to them for having highchairs for infants! I was pleasantly surprised.  If you're a Thai food afficianado like myself, it is quite a joy to have a Thai place to eat or order from this far north. It’s located on Broadway between 207th and Isham.

 

 

 

 

Mamajuana Café

Mamajuana Café is another great place to eat. It’s a hot night spot; very lively. During the fair weather seasons there is outdoor dining on the sidewalk. Their menu consists of Spanish dishes including Coca, a Spanish free-form pizza. They also offer a prix fix Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 11a-3p.  And trust me, it’s hard to find a Saturday Brunch nowadays! It is located on Dyckman between Seaman Avenue and Payson Avenue.

 

So if you've never heard of Inwood, now you have and I hope you'll check it out. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

 

Pint-sized Picasso



The Original. "Bee Street"

 So how often is it that you see a refrigerator completely covered in papers with children's artwork or accomplishments? I'd say it is a pretty common image. I know I've done it, only for a drawing to fade or get wet or disappear altogether.

Well, recently my 3 yr. old has been creating digital artwork with the coloring apps on my phone and maybe I'm biased, but I think they're great. And like so many parents, I want to display them! But not on the fridge. In my home, on the walls. Maybe it'll be the playroom, the living room, or even the kitchen. Framing anything of your child's makes your home that much more personal and special.

 

 

My baby's latest creation! "Splatt"

 (The extra "T" is for flare LOL)

So here's the idea. If it's a hand drawing, make a color copy or scan of the original, file it away (in a box, folder, etc.), *have it printed in different sizes (some 8x10, some 4x6, etc.- as long as the composition still works), and frame them collage style in your home. A nice exercise might be to have the child write a blurb on the back of the copy before hanging to describe it or the story behind it. And there you have it! A clear refrigerator and inexpensive, yet meaningful, artwork.

*If Artwork is already in digital format like mine, just print at different sizes to fit your frames.

 

 

 

 

 

Calm: The Gentle Giant

 

 

My recent self-examination of my own child rearing style has opened me up to so many possibilities as a parent. I had to change my thinking. In all my self-assessing, and reading, and researching I found one consistent theme, calmness. Any act of discipline or correction or simple communication requires calmness. It seems like such a simple idea, which it is. It's executing this constant calm that becomes complicated. There is always some situation that comes up that causes me to almost lose it. One child hits another, someone shoves paperclips in a USB port, someone puts their hands in their diaper and uses whatever is in there as finger paint (all real incidents by the way), and sometimes in rapid succession. But my belief is, if I am going to handle this effectively, I must be calm. Definitely easier said than done.
 

 

Recently I came across this blog post from another mom who wrote "Calm equals power". Wow! That was so profound to me. You see, for me, yelling is a reactionary response and completely ineffective. But to address negative behaviors with calm, reason, thoughtfulness, and intention requires a lot more from me. But I find that when I handle any given situation with calm and reason, the outcome is much better. My position as the authority is secured when I am calm (not passive, calm). If I jump up and down and scream like they do, we all look like children. But as far as I know, I am the adult and you should be able to tell the difference between the two.  As much as I would like to end on that note, I had another "Aha" moment. Being calm works with unreasonable adults as well! I recently found myself in a situation with an unreasonable vendor who not only provided an inconsistent product but had an attitude about me challenging it. Well everything in me wanted to curse her out! But I didn't because I knew that wouldn't be right and wouldn't fix my problem either. So I prayed. What I ultimately ended up doing was CALMLY stating my problem, suggesting what I thought was a fair reasonable solution, and CALMLY expressing my displeasure of the way it was handled. And you know what? After all was said and done, we reached a reasonable solution. So there you have it. Calmness equals Power!! What a gentle giant.

Spreading Some Love!

 

Hello Readers! Design Etc. in conjunction with GreatDateDeals.com, Rachel Russo's Status Makeover, and Toy Closet NYC is sponsoring a Valentine's Day Giveaway!!


 

 

The lucky winner will win a DATE NIGHT OUT and a DATE NIGHT IN! The winner will receive two tickets to the "Accomplice" Experience. Bring your sense of fun, adventure and mystery to this 2.5 hour whodunnit. Channel your inner private eye with this totally interactive experience.

 

Additionally, the winner will receive an "In-home" Date Night Kit comprised of romantic offerings from Bath and Body Works, Redenvelope.com, See's Candies, Toy Closet NYC and more... Take some time to relax with     eachother, send the kids to the G-rents, whatever your situation, cuddle up for some "US" time. 

Here’s how to enter: Make sure you’re a follower of this blog, and then simply click on the link below. Next, register and leave a comment (50 max.) sharing why you and your special someone should win!  Entries must be posted by Wednesday, February 6th 5pm EST. The winner will be drawn at random and announced the following Wednesday. (Make sure to fill out your email when commenting so I can contact you if you win).
  

To ENTER CONTEST Click Here!! 

 

*Because we want the winner to be able to utilize all prizes, this contest is for New York residents ONLY. We hope to have future contests that everyone can participate in and benefit from. Stay tuned...

 

 

Off The Beaten Path...

 



Silhouettes courtesy of 2FriendsStuff on Etsy

 

This post is a little more personal but I'd like to share it with you readers in case you can relate, and I'm sure some of you will :)

Yesterday was a typical Sunday at my house. You see I have three kids and the oldest is three! 3, almost 2, and almost 1 (two boys and a baby girl). Now it's fair to say that on any day there is a good amount of refereeing that I have to do. There are terrible twos and threes, for that matter, to deal with, arguing, fighting etc.

Recently I've realized that in my role as mom/referee, I often end up yelling (gasp). And not only do I not like it, the kids don't like it and it isn't effective. So I've been on a  mission to find out what

form of discipline works without me coming unglued.

I come from a background of " Spare the rod, spoil the child", and while I was spanked all of three times growing up, I still challenge this method. If I don't want my kids to yell or hit, shouldn't I lead by example? What I do is more effective than what I say, right?

I focused on my own behavior one day after some incident in which my three yr. old was misbehaving (likely a tantrum), I said," You have to behave", to which he replied," You have to behave Mama," and he was RIGHT! So I sat my eldest down and we had a chat. I said,"Listen, you're right. Mommy has to behave and you have to behave. We don't yell at each other. So you can hold me accountable when Mommy is yelling and say "Mama you're yelling" and I'll do the same for you." So he nodded his head in agreement and I don't think for a second that any of it was over his head.

Kids are very smart. And while all kids are different I think some things can generally apply. They seem to be more receptive to calmness. And consistent correction combined with calmness is my goal. I am certainly a "work in progress" but I know it is do-able.

My new approach to correction is this: 1) I count to three to give them a chance to listen or correct their behavior. 2) If they continue, we have quiet time. I shut down the TV, and all toys and gadgets are off limits for a set time. Typically 5-10 minutes depending on the offense. I let them know that I will restore whatever in said time frame. During the 5-10 minutes we discuss the behavior. I tell them why it's quiet time, and what is and is not acceptable. And I give them 2-3 examples of how to handle it differently next time. I specifically use the word "options", and I end with stating whatever the misbehavior was as NOT being an option. At which point quiet time is most likely over. I say," I love you", ask for a kiss and send them on their way. *Note: 2) is for joint offenses. They tend to work in teams. (LOL) For individual offenses they get a personal timeout, sit in a specific spot and then we discuss options etc. as previously described.

And I guess that is really what it's all about, options! We all have them and we all try to choose the best ones. Only time will tell how effective this approach is but if it doesn't work, there are always other options that are Off The BEATEN Path.

 

 

 

 

References:

There is a great blog called "Intentionally Katie". She's totally relatable and I identified with her myself. Check out her articles if you're interested. Specifically "I'm Done Yelling. Seriously".

 

As for the silhouettes of my three gifts pictured above, they were done by two great ladies named Lisa and Jennifer, on Etsy. They're very enthusiastic and a joy to work with. Silhouettes are handcut, not digital images like most. Visit their shop 2FriendsStuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents: Discipline, Children, Custom Silhouettes, Blog, Etsy

Sweet, Lovely, and Charming

Retail Therapy!

 

Hello Shoppers!! How often is it that you are finally ready to pay for that cart full of stuff online, and as you're entering your payment details, you see a field for a COUPON CODE? Coupon code? Huh. On too many ocassions, I've either checked out without any discounts OR checked out only to realize there was a code available that I didn't know about (Now of course I call up wherever and have them adjust my order, but how inconvenient).

 

Well, one day, while I was paying entirely too much for things I wanted at a cheaper price, I decided to search for coupon codes. Then a miracle (Ok, a little dramatic) happened, I found a coupon code for the retailer I was purchasing from. Where did I find it you ask? At www.RetailMeNot.com!!

 

Why had I never heard of this website before?! How much could I have saved? Not that I expect you to still be reading this as you've probably all run off to find your own coupon codes, but for those still reading, this website offers coupons from many major retail brands, online offers and otherwise. Including some of our favorites here at DE, like Crate&Barrel and Pier 1.  Did I mention there was an App as well? I'll say no more. Go, visit, and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!!! Happy Shopping!

Sound advice...

Artfully Yours...

There's nothing like the creative energy or interpretation of a child. As a parent myself, I try to nurture their interests if they have any amount of staying power. Whether it's trains, science, or butterflies a child's space should be practical of course, but it should also incorporate their interests.

Take a look at the space below. Apparently we have two Picasso's that share this space. The room is whimsical and allows space for creativity a well as displaying new masterpieces!

In My Kitchen

 

As stated elsewhere, the above is not my kitchen (I just like it). And to all my faithful design enthusiasts, don't worry, this hasn't turned into a food blog. Truth be told ALL of this is about lifestyle or living. We design our homes to live in them, to use them. So it's all connected really. Now that I've over-justified this food post, I'll get to it. I've had a recent burst of culinary energy this Holiday season and I've been auditioning, if you will, desserts to bring to the family Christmas dinner. Maybe you'll see one you like, if so, consider it an early Christmas present.   :)

There are 3 contestants as follows:

Banoffee Pie (Banana Toffee Pie)

The Result: It's not the prettiest, but it sure was easy, and ABSOLUTELY delicious. I don't know how wrong you could really go with graham crackers, bananas, toffee, whipped cream, and chocolate anyway.

 

What I'd Change: I'd let it set in the freezer so it's prettier once sliced into, and I'd add the magic shell chocolate after the pie has been frozen so it won't weigh down the whipped cream.

 

Traditional Bread Pudding

The Result: This required more steps than the other two, and wasn't as fool-proof, but it was yummy too. The pudding was good but it wasn't rich like you might want your dessert to be. It could've easily doubled as breakfast and that wasn't what I was going for. But I would definitely make it again.

 

What I'd Change: I'd make a different sauce. This one was too thick and too mild. Maybe a caramel or something with acid like lemon possibly. And I'd use a deeper pan for the pudding because I like them on the thicker side.

 


 

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

The Result: This one was the easiest to make. It took all of 10 minutes, if not less (that doesn't include baking time). If you want something really light, this could be an option. But it was kind of dry. It tasted okay. It wasn't offensive, but there wasn't really a wow factor. If served with Cool Whip or Ice Cream the dryness is alleviated.

 

What I'd Change: I'd probably make a traditional Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

 

 

Well there you have it. The results are in and the judges have made their decision...Drumroll please...The Winner Is

 

The Banoffee Pie!!! Easy and Delish.

Follow the link or visit BrooklynLimestone.com for EASY, step by step instructions for this heavenly pie.

Hello all my DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS!!!! When you need your design fix, please do visit us on FACEBOOK!! We have a great forum and there are many posts open for discussion. COME ON BY!!! 

 

Peace and Love seats    ~M. Daniels