Be careful what you pray for

At the beginning of this month I wrote a post about challenging ourselves over this next month. About starting the New Year now, and not waiting any longer to make things happen.

Here I'll quote something I wrote in that post

" Where do you start? I'll tell you what I do. I go to God in prayer FIRST, before every major decision. I know He has my best interest in mind. One of those changes I want to make, is to make my time with God a priority"

so over the past month I did my best to make God a priority, but I have to say that according to me I miserably failed. I didn't dedicate as much time as I would have liked, and time seems to go by faster and faster with each passing day. However, I did pray (a lot) about my business and what direction I should take. I can honestly say that I have been more confused than ever this past month when it's come to my business and making major decisions. I prayed for God to bring me opportunities where I could help others. Neither of these things seemed to be happening.

I started to feel a little bit annoyed and inpatient with God's timing for answers. Some things I had counted on fell through, and I found myself feeling as though the month of March was not the " New Year" experience I was hoping for. Over the past 2 weeks I started to have a little more clarity and vision, and felt as though there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, I still felt as though my opportunities were few, and my inspiration unclear.

That was until today. It took God until the very last day of the month to answer my prayer, but today He showed me in a great way how important it is for me to trust in Him no matter what. I'll try to recap quickly.

I walked out of the pharmacy today and had a young lady approach me and ask which direciton I was headed. I told her, and then asked where she needed to go. She said her aunt was in the hospital and she had no way to get there. The hospital she needed to go to was about a 25min drive away. My initial instinct was " Annette, you don't have time, it's such a long way away, she could be dangerous"

I'm ashamed I even thought that. I volunteered to take her. Never in my life have I had a complete stranger in my car. Yes, to some this sounds crazy and not smart on my part, but something told me I should. When God tugs at your heart don't hesitate. He is the greatest protection you'll ever need.

the next 25 min I listened to her life story and realized how fortunate and blessed I have been. We can get to caught up and not realize we have SOO much to be grateful for. All I can say in " Wow" God humbled me in a big way today. I dropped her off and got her e-mail and contact info. I plan on keeping in contact with her and helping in whichever way God allows me to.

Today I felt as though I was able to help someone and be humbled in the process. That was huge for me. To make it even more exciting I got good news upon good news today regarding my business. From being featured in a magazine to being asked to be a part of 2 major shoots, I could not be more excited! God opened the floodgates of opportunity on the very last day of the month. I could not be more grateful and inspired.

So I end this long post by saying be careful what you pray for. If you want God to open doors, He will. If you want Him to bring you amazing opportunities you never thought were possible, He will. Be ready for when the blessings start flowing, you won't know what to do with yourself. Be prepared for amazing things to happen!

I go to bed now more determined than ever to continue my New Year plan for the month of April. I encourage you to do the same. Aim big, reach high, God will bless...when you least expect it.

Warmest,
Annette

Shirt Off My Back For Haiti- Video Blog

Hey All,

Thought I'd do a quick video regarding this project. Please contact me with any questions. I'd love for you to get involved.

chavianocouture@gmail.com

Hugs, Annette

Shirt Off Your Back For Haiti

Hey all,

here's a project that I would love to see as many of you as possible involved in! I'm excited to announce that funds derived from this project will go towards helping Haiti. This is such an easy way to help. Donate clothing/household goods/anything you want to give...all donations will be tax deductible. I went through my closet at home, and it's amazing how many things we have extra just laying around. Why not donate them for a good cause?

This project has been launched by The Beehive, a new non-profit organization with the goal of reaching and helping others in need. They are opening a new store called "Thrift" here in Atlanta. Your items will be sold there, and the proceeds will go towards specific projects around Atlanta and around the world.

The first project is for Haiti. Proceeds will go to Haiti to help build 2 agricultural centers/schools where the Haitians can get an education and learn how to grow food to sustain themselves and live.

You can help by donating!! If you're interested please leave me a comment below, or e-mail me at chavianocouture@gmail.com with your information. I will send you info on the location of the store, or we can pick up your things also.

I have gotten involved with this project, and have pledged part of the proceeds from my gowns towards this cause. If you feel moved to give a monetary donation (tax-deductable) towards this project, please contact me.

Tell everyone you know about this project! Let's work together to help those who need it desperately.

Warmest,

Annette

Guest Blog for Get Married

If you've never been on Get Married's website, or watched their TV show, or read their magazine, you should!!! I had the priveledge of meeting Stacie Framcombe the Host/Founder of Get Married back a few weeks ago for the MTH2010 get together. It was held at their studios here in Atlanta. Stacey is such a sweet person! She has a wonderful way of juggling work and being a mom to 3 boys. I had the opportunity of being a guest blogger for Get Married's Daily Wedding Dish. Gave my thoughts on red carpet fashion for the 2010 Oscars this year.

I'm grateful for the opportunity , and it was great fun!! I'm looking forward to many more things to come from Get Married this year! Click HERE to watch the video blog.

Here are my favorite gowns from the 2010 Oscars.

The Engagement Party!!

Who: Atlanta’s recently engaged couples

What: A weekend long wedding planning experience unlike any other. A chance for couples to enjoy the celebratory process along with friends and family as they taste, touch, see, and explore all the best that Atlanta bridal has to offer. (Please see schedule attached)

When: Friday, March 19 - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Where: The W Hotel Midtown, Ventanas,103 West, STATS, The Ritz-Carlton Downtown

Why: Make planning your BIG day a celebratory experience that you can share with one another and your friends and family. The Engagement Party is a weekend full of events highlighting many unique event professionals who can help make your wedding planning process seamless and fun while engaging with your closest friends and family and meeting a few new ones along the way. Exclusive weekend incentives will be offered from each participating event professional at the completion of the weekend for couples.

Schedule of events:

Friday: At your leisure throughout the afternoon/evening check in to The W Hotel, Midtown location where you will be welcomed with a swag bag full of surprises and spend the weekend reconnecting as a couple and/or indulging with your best of friends. Kick off private party to welcome guests with runway show at the Princess Diana exhibit with one of the hottest bridal designers in the business!

Saturday: Morning: Power breakfast followed by Pure Energy bridal workout with Dolvett Quince, celebrity trainer and owner of Body Sculptor, Inc. Designed for guys and gals, Pure Energy is a FUN full packed hour of form fitting, pound dropping, and inch losing intensity with a live DJ spinning high power dance music!

Lunch: For the ladies, a bridal luncheon at 103 West including a panel discussion with the best of the best in event planning, décor and floral design, photography, food, budget, etc.

And for groom’s, lunch at STATS including big screens and information on honeymoon planning, tuxedo’s and bachelor party 101.

Afternoon opt-in sessions to include: Boudoir shoot with Risqué Boudoir Photography; couples massage with Atlanta Mobile Massage; custom gown design with Heidi Elnora & Chaviano Couture; cake tastings; dance lessons and so much more.

Evening: Cocktail party at Ventana’s, Atlanta’s newest reception hot spot, showcasing event professionals in every field of expertise, combining their efforts to throw you The Engagement Party of the year!

Sunday: Indulgent brunch and closing ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton Downtown.

Amazing give-aways will be awarded at each event throughout the weekend including: A Smilebooth, jewels, custom tuxedo, Braves suite, bachelor party, weekend Stay at The W Hotel, helicopter ride over Atlanta, and custom cocktail dress and of course, the BIG engagement party and honeymoon give-aways!

Ticket Costs:

(EACH TICKET IS ALL INCLUSIVE: FOOD, BEVERAGE, TRAVEL, ETC.)

$289/per couple for entire weekend activities, including hotel stay with an amazing swag bag full of surprises!

*Eligible for 2 entries to all give-aways with participation*

$149/per couple for entire weekend activities, excluding hotel stay

*Eligible for 1 entry to all give-aways with participation*

$89/per couple for The Engagement Party only

*Eligible for 1 entry to the engagement party give-away only*

**tickets for each event will be available for purchase by friends/family accompanying a couple’s registration**

CLICK HERE, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WEEKEND AND SIGN UP!

It's 12:07 a.m.

So I'm laying in bed unable to sleep yet. I have a million thought's going through my head. Ever since MTH2010 I've been tossing ideas back and forth regarding my business, personal life, relationships, you name it. I have realized that for me I need to take those ideas/thoughts and actually put them into action. They are of no use to me or anyone when they are swirling around in my head.

So today, March 1, 2010, is my version of January 1,2010. Meaning my resolutions start now. I actually feel like I've had a whole new year given to me. As of today I've made changes. They range from little ones such as trying to carry an actual conversation with a cash register worker ( in hopes that I can bring a smile to their face ) to making a daily schedule of some sort for myself.( very hard for me to do)

I write this post to encourage you to start your New Year now! If you have been procrastinating( as I have been) the time is NOW to make change. Our world is constantly changing. We never know when it will be our last day to make that change.

Where do you start? I'll tell you what I do. I go to God in prayer FIRST, before every major decision. I know He has my best interest in mind. One of those changes I want to make, is to make my time with God a priority. It's hard with the hustle and bustle of life to find time to listen to His voice. The verse " Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 became much more evident to me yesterday morning. I walked outside at 6 am . It was a Sunday morning. Not one car on the street, not one sound, but those of the wind blowing the leaves. The crisp air felt amazing, and there as the suns rays were starting to shine I asked God to help me hear His still small voice.

Bottom line, I want to make things happen. I don't want April 1st to come by, and nothing is different or improved in my relationship with God, ,my relationship with my husband, and in my business.I challenge you to grab a hold of new opportunity, to seize the moment as never before, and to live your life to the fullest you can.

Post a comment below as to what changes you want to make over the next month! I'll encourage you and keep you accountable! Well, it's bed time for me. I have a long but exciting day tomorrow!!

Warmest,

Annette