Butterfly Beauty Favorite | Just Fab “Icon” Bag– $39.99

This season it’s really all about a good structured bag–one with clean lines, a sleek look and crisp hardware to top it off. If there is one purse that I would personally recommend you invest in this year (outside of Arrie Butterfly bags, of course) would be the Just Fab “Icon” designer inspired tote. It has easily become a staple in my closet, quickly breaking into my top five favorite bags that I own to date.  At first, I hesitated to buy this bag during its first reviewing (I really don’t know why, but I blame it on online shopping procrastination). Next thing I know, the bag was SOLD OUT in all colors. I literally was heart-broken for a few weeks, and finally got an email saying that they were restocking a few colors so this time I certainly did not hesitate to buy it as soon as they became available. Note: If you see something you want, don’t hesitate to buy it on spot because they are no guarantees in the fashion world lol.

I purchased the tan color because I wanted a color that I would be able to easily transition into my seasonal wardrobe. It’s a pretty large tote, but since I love big bags it’s perfect for me. I will say that the portions of the bag aren’t to large for my petite butterflies out there, my only suggestion is to not let the bag overpower you. Since it is a structured bag it is heavier than your hobo bags that we love to wear during this time of year, but I like it because it can sit on its own without getting dirty at the bottom. It has a divider and lots of compartments for glasses, change, wallet, phone etc. which to me just makes life that much easier.  The icing on the cake for this bag is that it’s only $39.99 for Just Fab VIP members, and if your new to the JF community, you can get 20% off your first item making this bag only 31.99–I mean you just couldn’t beat those prices with a stick if you wanted to for a very high quality bag. The sad thing is the black is now sold out, but Just Fab does still have the Peach and Tan colors left. Bonus: My favorite accessory store Kissed Couture just sent me over a preview of a very similar bag in off white, yellow, green and purple that she will soon be taking preorders for as well so the chances of you snagging this year’s must-have bag are pretty good so don’t miss out.

Are any of your Just Fab members yet? Do you love my ICON bag just as much as I do?

Until we meet again on the Parkway,

Alaina B.

Butterfly Style

Top: Macy’s (similar) | Skirt & Tote: Arrie Butterfly (self made by me )| Shoes: R31nvented Modern Boutique | Bracelet: Amb!ancZ dEstiNed | Belt: Anne Klein

Photography by JMR

Butterfly Talk

There is something about being self made that is so uplifting. Wearing your own labels that you personally made is truly gratifying. Having other people walk around in items that you actually made is even better. Having the ability to award a scholarship for tuition and/or give a gift of beauty to a woman or child in need as a reminder that they are not alone is the reason for my existence. I’m in the business of fulfillment–whether it’s through community service, self-awareness workshops, my Arrie Butterfly handmade totes and accessories or this blog–my mission will not change. My goal is to do it all with style, substance and success & frankly that’s the only way I know how.

Humbly Blessed,

Alaina B.

Hola Butterflies just wanted to drop in for a quick DIY post for today.

This weekend is my baby brother’s graduation from Morehouse College {so proud}. We have family from New Orleans, Texas and Georgia coming down to celebrate with him on his big day, so that means Chateau Banks will be open for business once again lol. We’re planning to have guests in and out all weekend, and since we love entertaining my husband and I always try to make a few improvements to the house for our guest to enjoy during their stay. Recently, we have painted, the hubs has built his own man cave in the garage, and I’ve made some pillows to change around the décor as we finally begin to welcome spring/summer. For this visit I wanted to add a few more personal touches to the house that were quick and simple that would just add more character to our humble home. Lately, I’ve been really interested in making my own organic for home, but I later found out it takes about two-four weeks to completely dry so I opted for a less time-consuming option instead. While at Micheal’s I ran across a Fleur de Lis mold that I thought would be perfect for us because this symbol has so much significance in our lives as New Orleans natives. I than found a few bars of unscented organic soap bars that I could simply melt down and pour into the mold creating a lovely soap display that I know have in all of our bathrooms. The project took me about 30 minutes per bar, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The best thing is you can pick what molds you want to use depending on your style or the season, and in 30 minutes create a conversation piece that guest are sure to ask you about .

Step 1: Melt one block of soap for approx. 30 -40 seconds in microwave using a plastic container. (Note: One block usually can make two bars of soap, but could make more if your using a smaller mold).

Step 2: Poor soap into your mold.

Step 3: Let soap sit out at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 4: Remove harden soap from mold, and presto you have yourself a beautiful decorative soap bar to spruce up your bathroom décor.

Total Cost: Under $18 for 8 decorative bars of soap .

What do you think about this simple idea to spruce up your bathroom? What are some of your favorite DIY ideas for the home?

Until we meet again on the Parkway,

Alaina B.

Can you believe that it is almost time to celebrate another wonderful Mother’s Day.  My mom has given me so much in my life, she taught me how to be a woman , she’s my best friend, confidant, the Alaina whisper when I get hot as a six shooter (lol), reality checker, my nucleus, and even though I’ve left the nest starting a new family of my own, our bond as mother and daughter couldn’t be stronger.   Every year I try to outdo myself with trying to find the PERFECT GIFT to express my unwavering gratitude for just be a great mother, and each year she insists that she doesn’t really want anything–a simple “thank you” or “mommy, I love you” speaks volumes for her heart. I truly think in her ideas, the best gift that my brother and I have given her were the crafts we use to make in elementary school. Something about gifts that are made with love is her favorite so this year I decided that I would go back to our roots, and choose gifts that would really touch her heart.

You guys know how much I love Macy’s, and yet again they have saved day with their Heart of Hati Collection. My friends from Everyone Society were so kind to send me over a Heart of Hati tray made of paper-mached French newspaper.  I use my tray as a coffee table accent, but I think I’m going to move it to my bedsoom as a bedside table accent for my books. The beauty of this collection is that it consist of all handcrafted pieces from Haitian artisans + a percentage of the proceeds go directly back to the artisan to help pay for school, food and rebuilding efforts. Each piece has a special significance that tells the story of the artisans involved in the project. I recently visited my local Macy’s retailer and picked up a few pieces for some of the special women in life, just to say thanks on this special day. Not only will it be a gift that touches their heart, but it’s also a gift that keeps of giving making change and hope possible for Hati :). Now that’s what I call a PERFECT GIFT, one gift with multiple rewards for everyone.

Happy Mother’s Day Everyone. Remember give your mother a gift from the heart, and she will remember it for a lifetime.

 Discloser: I am a member of Everywhere Society and I was not paid for this post. Instead I was gifted this item in efforts of the Heart of Hati campaign.

]]> http://butterflyparkway.com/2013/05/10/the-perfect-gift-macys-heart-of-hati/feed/ 0 butterflypkwy HEART FOR HATI MACY'S INTIATIVE heart of hati Heart-of-Haiti http://butterflyparkway.com/2013/05/09/no-graphic-designer-needed-create-a-header-using-picmonkey/ http://butterflyparkway.com/2013/05/09/no-graphic-designer-needed-create-a-header-using-picmonkey/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 17:05:05 +0000 Alaina Banks of reINVENT ENTERPRISES, INC http://butterflyparkway.com/?p=2145 ]]>

As I make my way back into rhythm of blogging, I’ve been really interested in creating a new header for the site. The one I have now is just a cropped picture of my shoes, but soon I think I’m going to be over it and yet again will likely change it. I’m a filcal person when it comes to the design aspects of the site. One minute, I want a newsletter feel the another day I want it to look like a magazine so learning how to switch up the design myself is a must because hiring a professional graphic designer would cost me a boatload of $$$$ lol. As I was preparing for the first issue of the Butterfly Society June Issue, I took a moment to Google DIY headers and collages. I came across this fantastic site called PicMonkey. You can make the same collages that you see on Instagram and more, plus you can add overlays, text and creative backgrounds all for FREE. Note: Like most apps they do have an upgrade option for fancier fonts, but I’ve been quite pleased using the FREE version thus far.

Just a few of the creations I’ve made thus far. Fellow blogger City Girl Gone Coastal gives a quick tutorial on how to use the site that I used and loved–feel to check it out too .

Until we meet again on the Parkway,

Alaina B.

Icebreaker. Sometimes you just have to look down, smile & say Devil you can’t hold me down for long. Photo Credit JMR.

Dear Butterflies,

I’ve been a terrible blogger lately . For all my loyal readers who frequent the blog wondering where the heck I’ve been I thought it was finally time to face the music, and discuss the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, & why).

WHO: Well, that’s an easy one. Last time I checked my name hasn’t changed. I’m still AB from the parkway (my humor is so corny sometimes smh). Although lately, I’ve been called “hey butterfly” so I guess that means that people are starting to relate me with the brand so cheers to that.

WHAT (exactly have I been doing): Besides trying to keep my head above water, working on Arrie Butterfly, entertaining family, preparing a Dress for Success contribution for the homeless Women Veterans, working like crazy, painting the house, recovering from the pollen storms, breaking an addiction to sleepless nights, not doing much to my hair in ohh about a month {Yes, Toshia I’m going to need a serious trim ekk}, handling some personal stuff, and on top of everything else trying to be a good wife to my very support and majorly patient hubby–I’ve pretty much been chillin. Oh and did I mention that we just got put back on MANDATORY OVERTIME, not complaining just though I reiterate that I’ve basically been just chillin lol.

WHERE: In the course of the past two weeks, I’ve physically been to Augusta twice, at work every other weekend and at home when time permits -_-. In my mind, I’ve been around the world and back again trying to settle my thoughts and creativity long enough to maybe get a few hours of sleep.

WHEN (will you get your butt back on the blog): Honestly, soon very soon. I’ve been strategically working on my time management ways, especially now because I don’t have a choice with three businesses and a fulltime job a schedule that I can stick too is a necessity for my sanity. Update: Since posting this blog, my sweet cousin has demanded that she help with my scheduling and taking over some of the back office of Arrie Butterfly leaving me to maintain the creative side. She is amazing and one of the best cousins one could ask for. So glad she will be joining #teambutterfly.

WHY: The truth as much as I hate to admit it, I have A LOT on my plate. As much, as I want to believe that I really am SUPER BUTTERFLY (the next super hero that Marvel will create) I have to realize when I’m stretching myself too thin. My breaking point was last week when I had 25 Arrie Butterly orders due, a 2500 word paper, a report, family coming into town, stress at work and I had to stay up almost every night to make sure that I got it done. I was beyond tired, Red Bull, Starbucks nor a Five Hour Energy was going to get me through so I did the unthinkable—>>Called the one person that warns me all the time that I’m going to have a breakdown one of these days “my mom” + I took an energy supplement (I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS AT ALL) so you know I had to be desperate at what seemed like rock bottom. With God and encouragement I was able to make through last week without being checked into the nearest hospital (YAY:) ). The morale of the story here is be very mindful of your health when taking on a lot of projects at one time, you are no good to anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first .

qotd: “Time = life; therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life.–Alan Lakein

______________________________________

Okay, enough about my craziness on to the good stuff. Like, I said before I’ve done alot with Arrie Butterfly lately. I’ve made tote bags, clutches, travel kits, crossover bags and have finally completed a skirt that I’ve been working on as well. I can not wait to finally get some time to take some decent pictures of my creations (insert a smile from here to here) on my Esty store coming this June. As you know I’m extremely big on #afforablefahsion so not only are all my items custom made to order, most of my pieces are under 50 . Feel free to check out my Instagram page @arriebutterfly for updates, pictures and a chance to enter my first giveaway in honor of my late Grandma Dee.

Butterfly Style::

Photos By: JMR

Jacket: JcPenney | Dress: H & M (old)| Tights: Target| Purse: Nine West (old)| Belt: Anne Klein (thrifted)| Booties: BCBG| Shades: F21| Jewelry: Belk, Open Heart & Vintage

Butterfly Talk::

No one wants to wake up in joy wanting to be uncomfortable.  It gives you a feeling of uneasiness, which makes you anxious and subconscious about your surrounds. It’s a discomfort that life brings us through that just makes you want to shout “why me or oh goodness”. It’s really nothing pleasurable about the feeling except the hopefulness that a silver lining will peak through. So why is this element of discomfort vital in our personal development, why does it even exist? I like how, Pamela Madsen describe the power of learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable—she states, “When we step out, create change, move things around and set new rules for how we want to live, we do indeed become activists for our own lives. It’s extraordinary work, and it does not come without feelings of discomfort.”  She’s right, anything in life worth having may or may not come easy, but we should be willing to experience both the good and the bad in our quest to achieve our greatest goals.

Taking this conversation a bit further, I began to think about women in relation with the conflict of not wanting to be uncomfortable when in actuality we were created to endure some of the most uncomfortable things of life. Many women myself included are extremely uncomfortable every single month, baring children is uncomfortable {to say the least}, getting waxed is uncomfortable {don’t let a soul tell you any different lol}, sometimes even getting our hair done can be uncomfortable depending on the style. Despite all these constant reminders of being uncomfortable we as women, have learned to accept them as part of being a women. We have adapted to learn how to deal with them, and expect the discomfort with an understanding that it is only temporary so you have to just PUSH through it. Women really are the pinnacle for uncomfortably, and don’t even know it. What’s even more interesting is that if we just used this same ideology that being uncomfortable is only temporary in both personal and professional lives we as a population could forever be empowered.  

It’s all about the way we PUSH ourselves through times of adversity, discomfort and uneasiness that yields the best results for our future. Like my grandma use to say, “Trouble don’t last always, but resilience will last forever.”

Love a future six-figure earner under 30 whose success will sprout from uncomfortable waters.

(Be purposefully, not shameless of your aspiration)—>>PUSH to make them happen.

Until we meet again,

Alaina B.

#qotd::Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.—William Arthur Ward

We are now into the second quarter of the year, and as usual I give myself a check-up to see if I’m on track with this year’s goals. It’s also a time that I’m able to reflect on mistakes I’ve made along my journey and to see if I’ve learned a better way to make things better for the future. As I was giving myself my quarterly appraisal, I realized that things have certainly changed from where I was this time last year to now. Business has really started to pick up these last couple of months, new ventures have started pouring in, sponsorship opportunities have been coming my way and I certainly don’t feel like a fish out of water anymore. You know in sports you have your rookie season, for some that means wearing a red shirt just observing while others actually get a chance to play. Luckily for me I got my chance, I sort of just jumped into a blogging career with a sole expectation to allow my company to reach a larger demographic. I had no idea, that it would turn into an actually extension on my life, that I would meet new friends with similar ambitions, that I would be able to touch the lives of others that I’ve never even met and that God has truly given me the clarity that I prayed for when I turned away from the career that I spent my whole life working for. So why am I telling you guys all this…. It’s because of people like you who have continued to support me from day one to now and hopefully in the future that I’m able to do what I truly love. I know I say thank you a lot here on the blog, and I told you before that I was a sap, but I really do mean it. You’re helping me to live out my dreams, and just in case you didn’t know P.S. I LOVE YOU more each day for it.

In the spirit of gratitude I’m planning a giveaway full of a few of my favorite things. Stay tuned Monday, April 15th for all the details and ways to participate

xoxo.

Until we meet again on the Parkway,

Alaina B.

This post was inspired by IFB Project #90. I love the Independent Fashion Bloggers blog and frequent it quite often. This is my first time participating in one of their projects, and I’m certain I will join more in the future.

Hola Butterflies, the time has come again to introduce you to another butterfly society member hailing from the Peach State–GA. We had a great time meeting for coffee after work, and relly got to talk about life, motherhood, marriage and of course shopping. Without further ado, meet the dazzling butterfly–Sharronn Turner.

1. If I open the dictionary, and ask you to choose one word that would have your name right next to it—which one would you choose?
a. Optimistic

2. What’s your elevator speech?
a. I am a dazzling, ecstatic, thirty-year-old, wife and mother of two kids striving for success and positivity. My world revolves around socializing with friends, placing smiles on individual’s faces and overcoming obstacles.

3. Tell us what you do for a living?
a. I am the owner of Dazzling Events by Sharronn, currently holding an accounting position in Atlanta, Georgia. Being able to incorporate all my skills with event planning differentiates me from thousands of planners. My strategies are to gain my client’s trust by creating an inexpensive budget while generating an epic moment. I work on putting together unique pieces that draws excitement and make the client feel special. We specialize in Birthday parties, Weddings, Ladies night, Baby Shower and Special Events.

4. How would you describe your style?
a. My style is meek and classy with a little pizazz.

5. What does being a woman of substance mean to you?
a. Living with a purpose is my substance; everyone should have a purpose. Nevertheless, I am still finding my purpose, I am striving to do the right thing and stay positive. I wake up wanting to touch lives and look at every negative situation as a lesson, preparing myself for what I am destined to do.

I quote ‘A negative experience creates a positive outcome; learn, conquer and never look back’.

6. The infamous question, what do you think it takes to become successful?
a. Success for me is facing fear, testing your talents to discover your happiness, gaining skills and knowledge. Success is staying motivated with reaching your goals going through trials and tribulations.

I Sharronn Turner AM BUTTERFLY. THIS IS MY STORY.

The Butterfly Society feature, is a monthly spotlight of women who have joined our networking & empowerment group. To join the Butterfly Society, please send me an email at abanks@butterflyparkway.com with the subject line Join, and you will be added to our monthly newsletter. Every month a different society member is choosen to participate in a feature spread on the Parkway. Are you ready to take the pledge and join?

Until we meet again on the Parkway,

Alaina B.

SAVE-THE- DATE

The WYEN Conference

May 17th-18th

New Orleans, LA.

For more info & to purchase tickets, please vist www.thewyen.org

If your following me on my other social outlets (IG/Twitter/Facebook) you already know that I have buzzed about an upcoming woman’s empowerment conference celebrating the SUPER woman in you. The conference is a certainly a Butterfly-Approved Event with a call of action to “Rise Up. Stand Up and Lift another Woman Up”. In March, I was given the honor and privilege of partnering with the WYEN (Women and Youth Empowerment Network) as the resident blogger and ambassador for this year’s conference, and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to be a part of such good company. For starters, this conference previously held in Atlanta, has since relocated to my hometown New Orleans. The significance of this transition alone speaks volumes to the caliber of people who are involved in not only providing empowerment resources to women, but are also committed to continuing the rebuilding efforts of this city. Secondly, I cannot stress how important it is for us to maintain a healthy balance for ourselves especially when considering the several hats that we manage to wear . Thirdly, it’s about INVESTING in ourselves to foster a foundation destined to succeed. The setting is very intimate with only 150 attendees allowing everyone the opportunity to network with one another in an uncompetitive environment. Last but not least, a large part of the conference proceeds are going back into the community as the kickoff of a yearlong commitment to provide programs, events and sponsorship to the New Orleans Women’s Shelter.

In a nutshell:: When is the last time you had the opportunity to sit in a room full of female CEO’s, top executives, successful entrepreneurs, mothers and wives engaging in a discussion about how to help YOU succeed? When is the last time you had trouble understanding how you are perceived from a male’s point of view? When is the last time you spent $125 on something that appreciated in value instead of depreciated the minute you purchased it? When is the last time that you not only purchased something for your own benefit, but in turn paid it forward to another woman less fortunate than you in efforts to help them succeed as well? When is the last time you took a class where the cost included a catered meal not a brown paper bag? If you are a woman who is serious about learning ways to improve yourself now and in the future you really don’t need me or anyone else to tell you where you should be May 17-18^th, 2013. Ticket sales end Monday, April 15^th that leaves you less than 7 days, don’t hesitate in INVESTING in your future.

If you’re going to be at the conference–let’s connect tweet me @butterflypkwy or @thereinventshop to let me know that you will be there, and I’ll have a special gift waiting for you.

P.S.—Sponsors/Vendors Space is Still Available: If you have a product or service that caters directly to women and you’re looking to increase your brand visibility. Please check out the affordable vendor/sponsorship packages available at www.thewyen.org . Don’t forget to tell them that I sent you J.

Until we meet again on the Parkway,

Alaina B.