Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011.

Seeing as though I have found a source of inspiration, I knew it was time to write a post! Hello everyone, missed you dearly. A lot has happened since I've last wrote and I'm excited that I have the chance to share it with you all... so without further ado..
2010 has been one of the most challenging yet fufulling years of my life. One year post college graduation has been an experience. I went into the year with hopes of new expriences.. in all aspects. Little did I know that "new experiences" meant getting rid of old things and people.

See.. I am at a place where am I not on speaking terms with many of the people I was close to. I had no plan of this nor did I see it coming, but it happened. My car died on a major highway lol, I switched jobs, and the list continues. Something that I have learned through all of these changes is that God works in mysetrious ways. He aligns all of our cards so that he can assist us to win in this game of life.

Through all the tears and pain, heartache and sorrow.. I have learned that sometimes you have to let go of the old to make room for the new. There are people and things that will constantly make life more complicated than it has to be. Hanging around with individuals who are not motivated, who don't have the same goals and aspirations as you, etc. can make you stagnent. You must surround yourself with likeminded people or the struggle begins. When I say struggle I am refering to the idea of "If you're not influencing them, they are influencing you". There is a tug of war that begins on both ends and chances are the person pulling on the unmotivated side will pull you closer. The whole idea of human nature is the reliance on one another, we need each other to make things happen.

I'm learning now that although I was sad to see friends go.. I've made new ones and I have cleared out space to show the ones who are still around how much I appreciate them even more. I guess what I'm trying to say is appreciate things for what they are... even if it's just temporary. Sometimes God removes good things to make room from Great things. Every minute, hour, day, month and year are designated to teach us a lesson that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Our job is to embrace them, learn from them, and live to our best ability. Well it has been real everyone... See ya in 2011!!!!!!!

Watch God Move

Ok I know I usually say I have no idea where this is going to go but I honestly have NO idea where I'm going with this. For months I have been m.i.a. in the blog world. I've been trying to gather everything and figure out this thing called "life". I kinda felt like how am I supposed to give people inspiration, advice, or anything close if I don't get it myself lol. I've gone from being in college and someone being able to direct me to a random office that can assist me with any issue to "the real world" where the only answer to 'what do i do?' is a.) get a job or b.) go back to school. No advice as to what job, how to obtain one, or where to look... just plain and simple GET A JOB lol. So with that being said...
HI GUYS!!! Missed you mucho! A lot has happened.. I've been in a few fashion shows.. found new people to network with and have had a few photoshoots here and there. Throughout it all I have definitely learned more about myself and those around me. Life is kind of one of those messy things that no one really has a grip on but they figure their way through it somehow. I now feel there really is no perfect timing for anything. I understand it is more of the arrival of a blessing. Some things take time to be bestowed upon us.. they are meant to be but they have to happen when the individual is ready to receive it. Now when I say I don't believe in perfect timing I don't mean like when you're in serious need of a cab and one just magically pulls up lol. I'm referring to the idea of when people say they want a list of things to align before they proceed with actions. Example. I want to move to NY. With that known I also recognize it requires money, research on where I want to live in the city, a job lined up, etc. In order for me to move I MUST accomplish every step. NOW this way of thinking is one of the many ways people do not follow through with dreams, aspirations and goals. When these requirements are attached to things you most desire they create room to feel overwhelmed if the things aren't accomplished. When it comes to dreams, goals and aspirations sometimes the rules go out of the window. There is no way that everything will align perfectly and just magically happen. Many times you have to take risks and just know that you will land on your feet even if you do fall. I guess what I'm describing can be boiled down to faith. When God moves it is an amazing experience that many will not believe. You go from the person everyone will tell "that will never happen" to the one they ask "how did that happen?" If you want something sometimes you just have to step out and declare it will work for you no matter what!
True story: Everyday I go to work and my mind is boggled. Not only by the fact that I am working a full-time job that has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with what I went to school for but also because I'm sacrificing my time for a dream I feel God has placed within me. I have NO idea how it will happen but I know that he has given me my gift and the tools to work it. This equation could lead a person to pure insanity if allowed... and let me tell you I've been close lol. But at the end of the day I know that my struggle is not in vain. Everything we go through in our everyday is to prepare us for our many adventures and endeavors in the future. I see people look at me daily and turn their noses up to me because I'm going against the grain of undergrad to grad school but you know what, they don't live my life. They don't feel the feeling I get when its my turn to walk down the runway and I borderline peed myself moments before I walked out and turned on the 'fierce' lol. They cannot fathom how it feels to be me or to be you! We all have a song in our heart and a dance in our step that separates us from the masses. The deciding factor is whether we choose to accept and embrace them or spend or everyday trying to blend in.
I believe we all struggle with the many decisions we are plagued with on a daily basis but I know we can overcome. Stay true to who you are and believe AWESOME things will happen for you. If you say it it will come to pass. Never let what someone who is afraid to live hinder you from experiencing what this wonderful thing called life has in stor. Trust and believe your hard work, time and effort will not go unrecognized and you will one day reap the benefits of your labor. (Man that was good... someone quote me! lol) I promise I will write more.. I have to stop running from my destiny. Love you all and until next time...

<3 Desarée Franchon

Hello all. It has been a while indeed! I haven't written, not because I lack inspiration but I've been in hiding. I have been figuring out life and learning more about myself. Also I've been avoiding being so blunt about my emotions, vulnerability is not my thing lol. This one is not directed towards a specific topic, like I normally do but I'm sure one will develop :)

As of May 2, 2010 I will be out of college for one year. My how things have changed. I can count friends on on hand (trying not to get down to one finger lol), I'm working a full-time job that makes me feel 40 lol, steadily building my modeling portfolio and the list continues. Although much has changed and there is a bit of disconnect between me in college and me as an alum, I must say I am proud of myself and my accomplishments. Not quite as far as I would like to be but not as far behind as I could be.

Each journey we take in life is designated to steer us on the path to the future. Teach us valuable lessons to handle the pain, strife, happiness, and joy we will be faced with in our endeavours. When time was dwindling down to graduation time, I remember I prayed a specific prayer. I asked God to steer my path, be the captain and guide me toward the right designation. Keep me from the people that will hinder my success and walk with him and introduce me to people who will shed light and make my journey that much easier. Now praying this I had NO idea what I was in store for. The loneliness, tears to be shed, depression I felt, friendships to be broken and extensive amount of decisions to be made. Although I did hurt in moments, I look back and just say Thank You Lord.

You see, life is not always what we expect or intend to do. We just live it accordingly and to our best ability. People from your past are there for a reason, they are no longer substantial to your future. Now as much as they may mean, why keep someone around who can keep you from obtaining the great things in life God has for you? Now at times, we go through things where it seems like no one around us can understand or even imagine. We feel lonely, forgotten, and maybe even unloved. What I've learned is these are moments where we must really seek God, talk to him and try to understand what he wants from us in that moment. He may be taking you to a higher level and need s to clear out all the nay sayers, disbelievers, and people who cannot comprehend the places we are headed. (I'm talking to myself).

So I guess this is it... Let God guide you. He promised to NEVER leave or forsake you. He has your life planned out. Now it is u to you to decide if you will be the one to hang on to the garbage he is trying to sweep out of your life, or will you allow him to take the wheel and direct you do a place you've never imagined. Everyone keep me and prayer and please know you are in mine. Don't lose your faith even in the face of adversity, and remember he is ALWAYS listening.

Signed,Desaree Franchon

Being Needy vs. Making One Feel Needed

I've been meaning to write this but due to my hectic schedule and work @ 7:30 in the morning I barely have time to think lol. So for those who have no idea what I am talking about in the title I have come to discuss the difference between being needy and making someone feel needed.

There is a fine line between the two so lets discuss:

Needy: A rough topic. Many do not like to discuss or even refer to themself as so but the truth shall set you free! For example: You call to ask me if I would like to attend a dinner date with you later but I don't answer so you leave a voicemail. After hanging up you send a text message to say you called me. If I do not respond within an hour you text and/or call me AGAIN to ask if I got your call AND text.LMBO. That's a big no no. 1. This makes you too accessible. 2. This makes it seem as though you have no other options on earth and can give off a stalker vibe. 3. It ruins the art of the chase! No one wants a person that is impossible to catch but they don't want to have everything handed to them. Makes a boring interaction and applies doormat status to your forehead :)
Needed: A better topic. Everyone loves to feel like they are needed or wanted. Not to the point where it becomes an obsession but to know you are valued by another. Example: A guy knows that he has to shop for his mother for her birthday but has no idea what to get her. He says "If you have time would you help me find my mom a gift? I know you have great taste and I trust your judgement especially since I'm not the best in that area." Now this leaves the girl feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and lets her know you think highly of her, recognize she can help and it earns points with the guy and mom (if he decides to say you helped, which he probably won't but we'll just pretend for this scenario lol)

Now don't get me wrong, some will be intrigued by someone who is needy in a rare occasion because there are always exceptions to rules BUT on a wider scale it's weird. I'm not saying put up a brick wall and play hard to get BUT if someone doesn't respond to you or give you as much energy as you're giving them step back and if they want you they'll contact you. I believe in liking someone a lot and wanting to show them but you don't want to push them away because you are coming on too strong. If a guy doesn't text you back, wait and let him contact YOU. He will when he realizes he hasn't heard from you in a while, and if not, he's not worth your time. If a girl keeps denying your request for quality time channel your energy elsewhere. The individual that is worth your time will embrace you with the same amount of attention and affection. Those who do not weren't worth it to begin with. Learn to understand the word "NO" or when someone is just being nice not to hurt your feelings. Not quite sure if this was long enough but I don't want to beat a dead horse so enjoy.

We all fall short

It's been a minute! There is a lot for me to talk about but I wanted to get specific on one topic and then maybe the rest will come into play.

Lately I've been dealing with a lot of mixed emotions towards friends, family, school, life post-undergrad, work, etc. and its as crazy as people say lol. I feel like there are very few people who I can talk to about what I'm going through because at some point no one understands how I feel because they've never walked my path. Either the person lending an ear is still in school, just working, or is content with their everyday life and that's far from my plans. The other day I heard on the radio to watch the Steve Harvey's Tearful Testimony on YouTube (look it up). Once I watched it, I fell in love! There this man was saying exactly how I feel and I don't know him from Adam! Now a big issue he discussed is the way that Christians treat one another and how some churches have become so reluctant to accepting people that aren't all "holy holy".

I have always fought becoming that kind of person because 1. It makes people turn away from the one thing they need, God. 2. It completely goes against what God has sent the people of the church to do and 3. I know my struggles and I am no better than any one person because WE ALL FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. I think it's sad when someone can stick up their nose at someone else because the individual may not be living right. We all struggle with our own sin everyday! Some may not be as "severe" as others but at the end of the day sin holds no weight, they are all the same when we have to be judged. I've seen the "holy rollers" on campus turn their nose up to others in disgust but go to their boyfriend or girlfriends room and scream their name from the highest mountains during sex LOL. Sorry, I got a little graphic but it's real.

I try my best not to judge anyone because I know I deal with a lot mentally that some people may never know or see. I may look like I have it all together but I don't (I promise). People are like cars, just because some look shiny and brand new doesn't mean there isn't anything wrong under the hood. Don't judge a book by its cover! We as saved people have got to open the doors to those who may still be going through but have the best intentions in mind. We are the chosen people to guide others to the lord. For those who may be having trouble finding a church or people in Christ who are genuine don't fret great churches and people of God DO exist but remember: There is no perfect church. A church is made of imperfect people BUT we all come together to worship a perfect God and HE is the one who will never leave no forsake you. (That girl droppin knowledge!) LOL.

So, the moral of the story is to love one another. Reach out to those who need it and do not let the actions of others steer you away from where you're supposed to be! We all have to get to heaven one day and you can't say "Lord well Banocka rolled her eyes at me and called me a lying heffa so I never went to church after that" because Banocka won't be speaking for you at the gates. (Sorry for the random name, idk either.) Pray and build a relationship with God. Try your best to live right and don't forget to forgive yourself when things go wrong because the lord always forgives you.

Love, Peace, and Hair Grease.

Desaree' Franchon

Be the Ultimate Fashionista, Inexpensively

Ok so with the recession and my new "grown up" life lol the budget I have come to possess is tight. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE to shop and sometimes it has been the cause of many nights eating Ramen noodles lol. Although I love it and I believe strongly in being fashionable one of my secrets is I'm the ultimate bargain shopper. I rarely spend over $20 over a pair of jeans (although I should considering my height and shape). I have had a few people approach me thinking I'm rich but on the contrary I'm not and I'm kind of cheap lol. I call it getting the most for my buck, so I decided to share my secrets (dun dun dunnn!).

1. Inexpensive vs. Cheap. Although clothes may be inexpensive that DOES NOT mean they have to be cheap. I am an advocate for this! I may not buy a skirt for $30 from H&M (which is a store I love!) but I can buy two off the clearance rack from Wetseal for buy one get one free! They may not be the same material BUT the material in the skirts from Wetseal compliment my shape, will have longevity, and look as though I paid more making them worthwhile. This can be great for building business attire especially when you're in college, just getting out, or hitting a rough patch in life. I don't want anyone to get confused though. If a shirt is on clearance for $3 great! BUT that does not mean that it is a figure flattering material and will last long. Which leads me to my next point..

2. Try things on! Now, I can not stand trying things on. It stretches out the close I already have on and it takes time but it is very helpful. People come in all shapes and sizes and clothing is the same so a shirt in one store may say small but it may fit like an extra small or a medium. A size 12 in one store can be totally different from a size 12 in another store. So, as tedious as it may seem... try things on. It will save you frustration if it does not fit and save you from buying something that may not be returnable or returned for money.

3. Just because you didn't spend $500 dollars on it does not lessen its value. Confession: I love labels, I mean what fashionista doesn't? BUT I don't let them run me. I will buy something from a designer I may not know but if it looks great, then I feel great! I may not have spent department store or boutique price on them does not lessen how great I may look in the clothing lol. I'm sure we would all like to "throw it in the bag" as much as we could but if you don't live that life why get hung up on it? If you can save yourself 5 more dollars in life why not? Shoot go treat yourself to McDonald's afterwards as a reward for your savings lol. You still get a good buy but you get food too (HEAVEN) lol.

4. So where are these places? Now I have to bust out my secrets but if you get some things from them give ya girl some credit lol! Plato's Closet is big! They only take name brand stuff, yes some of it is used but a good amount of the stuff still has tags and previously worn stuff is LIGHTLY worn basically meaning it still looks new. Marshalls, Ross, A.J. Wright they're all great! A little more expensive BUT none of the stuff has been worn and a majority of the stuff is name brand. Last but not least: Goodwill and thrift stores! I know I know, no one wants to be seen going in these places BUT you can find some great things in there and they're very inexpensive! Yes people wore the clothing previously but I'm sure you have access to a washing machine or sink lol, so wash it before wearing! I have found some things from Target in Goodwill with tags attached because what Target doesn't sell they send there so hey ya never know! P.S. You don't have to tell anyone you shop at these places in fact let them think you spent retail price lol.

Glad I could share my secrets. Any other question don't be afraid to ask :)

Signed,

Desaree' Franchon