Author

Lucy

two girls having cold drink and clicking selfie
in MDWC

The Millennial Generation

I attended a great workshop featuring Tim Elmore, a nationally recognized thought leader on how to understand the next generation and prepare tomorrow’s leaders today. Tim is a best-selling author, international speaker, and president of Growing Leaders, a non-profit that creates innovative events and resources to equip the next generation for leadership.

A few takeaways I want to share that might be useful as we work each day alongside the 80 million millennials!

  • 26 is now the new 18
  • This generation is self absorbed yet generous
  • Narcissistic (selfie, anyone?) yet very giving
  • Social yet isolated by technology (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
  • Adventuresome yet fearful
  • Team oriented yet diverse
  • Savvy yet naïve
  • High achievers yet high maintenance
  • Achievers yet need hand-holding
  • Visionary yet vacillating, they don’t lack a vision, the problem is that they have 17 visions and don’t know what to do with them or how to begin working on one of them to achieve a goal. It is our responsibility as parents to guide them without overpowering.

Think about it and you’ll see. It’s very interesting how both can exist within one person.


 

We are experiencing our kids and future leaders growing up too fast and too slow simultaneously: our culture fosters artificial maturity. Kids are overexposed to information far earlier than they are ready.

Most of this information is not traumatic or evil, but they are under-exposed to real life experiences far later than they are ready.

Virtual reality experiences surround them, unlike real life experiences; these create a lack of hands-on learning, situational awareness and problem solving skills.

Internet presence knows no boundaries when it comes to data. The average millennial consumes over 1000 messages daily, which means they don’t need adults for answers or information. The majority of preschool kids are online!

Adults today have more fear of risk; we prevent them from failing or getting hurt. We are safety-obsessed, protecting them from mistakes or consequences. We basically structure their childhood days.

 

Not too long ago, 4 year-olds were doing age-appropriate chores, 7 year-olds working on the farm, 14 year-olds were learning to drive cars, 17 year-olds were fighting wars, 19 year-olds were getting married. We know that times have changed, and so have we, but are we being extremists? Today we do the chores for them, we don’t make them get a job, and they live at home late into their 20’s.

Our culture has created an artificial world: this allows millennials to enjoy virtual reality through video games and explore virtual relationships through social media.


WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA FOSTERS:

A Personal Platform – drives a narcissistic culture, self-absorbed life, “everything-revolves-around-me” mentality, when reality is; it doesn’t.

Reactionary Opinions – creates an obsession with judgments, children 12-18 are consumed in what others think of them, roller coaster of living for the approval of others, which is exhausting and takes away from productivity.

Instant Updates – impulsive behavior often creates problems with friends and co-workers.

Constant Information – causes anxiety and depression, creating a new class of at-risk kids.

External Stimulation – addictive lifestyles again, reducing productivity and focus.


So now that we have a better understanding of the issue, how can we improve?

  • An idea to help children/employees: inspire them to find 6 mentors in their lives to help, inspire and drive them personally and professionally.
  • Don’t be an over or under functioning parent/employer. Guide, but allow them to grow up themselves, make mistakes, try new things and experiment. Success and failure will come, but that means a learning experience and personal growth.
  • Mediocre parents/employers treat all their children/employees alike. Awesome parents/employers treat all their children/employees differently.
  • Allow your children/employees to connect with you. Recognize their strengths and their differences. Everyone is wired differently, and by tailoring our leadership strategies for each individual personality type we can help them achieve amazing results


PERSONALITY TYPES:

  • The driver: strong-willed, stubborn, large-and-in-charge, get their way, they have a lot on their mind and don’t often hear what you say. When facing this personality, as an adult or figure in charge you need to take over, be very clear and very direct with them: no “hinting or implying”. Be direct, but never rude. The Drivers are born leaders that need guidance and to be in control of their will.
  • The diplomat: loves harmony, they are peacemakers, “whatever it’s ok” mindset. The Diplomats are seeking cooperation, so a better way to lead them is by saying: “You know what would really help me? If you cleaned your room/office, it would help our family/company” instead of demanding that they complete a task.
  • The dreamer: they have a very big imagination, very creative, appear to be in Lala-land. The Dreamers are lead best by providing options such as: “Use your creativity to how you clean up your room; you can do some today, some tomorrow, some Friday, or do it all today, or half today half tomorrow, etc.” The Dreamers need choices and to be held accountable for the choice they make.

*People can be a combo of these three types. Analyze, understand and apply!


Parents and leaders, we are driving an EPIC generation:
E – Experience
P – Participatory
I – Image Rich
C – Connected

We need to encourage this generation to go for it! Support and create the experiences they want to have, they need to own the experience; allow them to plan it and try it! It may be risky to watch them try without offering assistance, but it is always a risk worth taking in situations like a school project, a trip, etc.

A great way to practice this methodology is by allowing them do it their way, and afterwards discuss how it could improve, what was just right, what they learned and what they want to try next.

Good leadership gives grace and tough love at the same time. Tender-and-tough is often hard to do, but necessary to get results with this generation that has so many distractions.

This generation needs two types of leaders:
– Leaders who are responsive, who display acceptance to support and believe in them.
– Leaders who are demanding, to establish standards and to hold them accountable.

Be clear on your messages when they are young or new in the position:
you are loved, you are safe, you are valuable, you have gifts, you are unique, etc.

As they mature into their teens or within your company, the messages they need to hear also mature, they are true facts; life is difficult, you are not in control, you are not always the most important, you are going to die, your life is not about you. (I know, tough love!)

Then, guide them. Allow them to find out how and what to think. They need a compass to navigate and find their own values, faith, upbringing and street smarts. This generation doesn’t need a GPS to tell them their every move.


A handmade gift from Lulie to me, her “helicopter mom”

I guess I am not called “helicopter mom” for nothing, and I have lots of room to improve, but we are all a work in progress everyday!! I would love to hear your thoughts, comments or ideas on this, and hope you got as much out of this as I did!

Love,

 

 

 

Featured: #TimElmore

Photos by: Suzanne Jones | Location: Old Town Columbus

in MDWC

Spring Cleaning!

Spring is here and so is the time to declutter!! But who has time to go through all that? We do!!

 

No job is too big or too small. We are experts in cleaning, organizing, decluttering and decorating spaces. Desks, kitchens, storage, entire houses or mini models!

We can use what you have and move it all around, we take any space from drab to fab!

Whether your space needs a small nip tuck or a full face lift, we got you covered. Indoor or outdoor, we can do it! Grow Landscaping provides the best service for all of your landscaping needs.

Location: Scarborough Farms, landscaping by Grow Landscaping

With spring in the air and summer around the corner, we will have your indoor and outdoor spaces ready to entertain!

 

Love,

two women posing for a picture
in MDWC

Mother + Daughter Day

I have three girls as you may have noticed and beginning the moment the second one was born the competition began.  And it continues everyday all day.  Each child is precious, sweet, smart and different from the other!  I realized the need for individual time with each one and when was this going to happen.  They get so jealous if I do something with one that I don’t do with the other.  I invite one to the store they all pile in.  So the week before Christmas in 2007 I had an idea.  I will give Laurie Clare and Liza a mother daughter day.  I can up with a set of rules so to speak even though I hate rules, but we needed some parameters!

Lulie ready to go!

The note was on the christmas tree one for Liza (4 yrs old) and one for Laurie Clare (5 yrs old).  It said I invite you to your first annual mother daughter day!

They were excited!  And did not even know what they were excited about, but the thought of spending just a day with me all alone sounded good to them!

I explained that on New Years Day or any day after that during 2008 they could plan a day we would spend together just they way they wanted to.  I would not work, I would have my cell phone, but only for emergencies.  That made the day sound even better.  No distractions, all my attention just on them!

 

Liza and I at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta

LC loved Boston from the moment we landed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went on to further explain the “real deal”.  Until you are 10 it is a day anything you want to do in 24 hours, when you are 10 you get to spend the night somewhere anywhere you can drive to.  When you are 12 you get to spend two nights anywhere and you can fly or drive.  14 three nights and 16 a week!

As I type I am teary because the times we have already shared have been magical memorable moments  #rondafriend

In 2009, our third child arrived and the competition got even crazier and mother daughter days even more important.

It has been fun to watch the girls each plan their days and nights.  The itineraries diverse, the ideas unique and the memories unforgettable!

Liza loves makeup and Sephora!

 

Good fun and great food!

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York City, Boston, Chicago, Serenbe, Atlanta (a few times) and even good old Columbus, GA!

The days always start with #Starbucks that is synonymous among the three!  A gift from me is always expected along with some cash!  What started with a one hundred dollar bill has now grown for the older two as their taste are in #FreePeople and #ToryBurch!

Lulie loves Mother Daughter Day gifts!

 

 

 

I am always amazed they think of the ones left at home and spend their money on something special for each other family member including the dogs!

 

 

 

 


When in Boston…

 

…you go to Fenway Park and watch a baseball game!! #greatseats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

I love Mother Daughter Day trips with my girls, inspiration is everywhere!! #Boston #PinkChalk

I’d love to hear how you celebrate Mother’s Day, or any adventures you’ve had during a trip with family! They’re always full of fun surprises!!

And as promised, here is your invitation to the Vintage Market Days of Nashville, where my dear Ronda Friend will be signing books!

Click here for link to event

May 12-14
1. Wear comfy shoes, they have 2 buildings and a mid-way!
2. No fur babies allowed unless licensed service animal
3. Tickets Friday $11, Saturday and Sunday $6 re-entry all weekend
4. Tickets available at the gate all weekend.
5. Bring a canned good, support the community!
6. Bring both cash and cards, some vendors do not accept cards
7. Located at 945 Baddour Parkway Lebanon, TN. Wilson County Fairgrounds.

 

Happy Mothers Day!

xoxo

 

 

 

Featured: #RondaFriend #Starbucks #VintageMarketNashville #RitzCarlton #Sephora #FreePeople #ToryBurch #FenwayPark 

in MDWC

Got 24 hours? It’s time for a makeover!

We were hired by Willow Point Apartments in Jackson, Mississippi. Willow Point is an affordable housing development that we turned from drab to fab in under 24 hours!

The Marketing and Design With Color team showed up with upbeat attitudes and ready to work. We were ready to tackle the task and arrived on site revved up!

Trip and Mallory meeting up with the Willow Point team

We worked with a divide and conquer mindset.

Our team dynamic is contagious, and aside from re-styling a mini model, we shared with the leasing consultants our experiences, training material and how to have fun in life and at work!

Our team spread out through the property and Mallory took care of marketing, training, motivating and brand development. Trip took care of the photoshoot, casting, videography, staging, and sign setup. Lucy and Katina took care of all the shopping, measuring, styling and behind the scenes work. Talk about a dream team!

Our goal is to create an environment where employees and residents alike are able to leave all their worries at the door and show up and get ready to work with a go-getter attitude!! What we call “ready for company”!!

No matter the budget, we can transform your space from the mundane to the dynamic! We love what we do and we do what we love.

Check out our style guide, before and afters and hire us to design your space!

Love,

 

 

 

 

 

Featured: #OhJoy #Target

 


Living Room view #2

 


 

Living Room view #1

 


 

Master Bedroom

 


 

Kid’s Corner

 


 

Powder Room


 

Property Sign

 

closeup shot of a beautiful artificial flower
in MDWC

A Splash of Color!

I love spray painting! I believe color changes everything!! My favorite color is the Hot Pink by Krylon Short Cuts because its so easy to use and it can be applied to almost every surface imaginable! Even plants!!


I spray painted a dead air plant and it came back to life!! Gotta love hot pink!

 

To perfect your spray painting technique, hold the can about 5 inches or so away from the surface you’re spraying, this way you will get drip free results!

 

 

Remember, take your time! Enjoy the process and long live color!

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

Featured:  #krylon #shortcuts

in MDWC

Stray Dog Designs

I recently received an email from Stray Dog Designs celebrating their 21st birthday. I remember working with them when they first started. This goes back to 1995, whenI worked for a catalog company called Sugar Hill, and we attended multiple design shows across the United States and overseas annually. I met Billy Pritchard the year they opened. They still carry some of their original products as well as many new, innovative, fresh designs.
The products that they carry are just my style! Whimsical and fun.
Their handcrafted lighting; furniture and home décor is something you need to see for yourself!
I love reading their blog, which talks about their travel that inspires their designs and creations right out of their workshop in San Miguel Allende, Mexico, and the fun they have along the way.

Over the years I have bought several pieces for design projects but finally one for me – in my office. Now, I get to enjoy it every day, and yes its my favorite color, pink!


My office was designed to be chic and bright a mix of modern and welcoming. In my office, I have a big Stray Dog Designs chandelier, the Celeste Sphere, that is definitely a conversation starter and adds some dazzle to the space. Stray Dog is a collaboration between talented artisans and designer Jane Gray. They use recycled materials and low VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, which makes them harsh-chemical free!!

I have also purchased the Paulina Otomi pendant for W Storage. W Storage is an energetic and modern self-storage facility. Marketing and Design with Color didn’t just want to develop the usual, boring, storage facility…We jumped all in!! We believe that color changes everything, and with that thought in mind, we designed and developed a state-of-the-art high design lounge, where you can take a break, sit, relax, and surround yourself by all things beautiful and fun!! Stop by and see Johnathan Adler , Emporium Home and of course, Stray Dog Designs!! Click here to read our post about W Storage!


Paulina Otomi Pendant at Woodruff Storage

My home office has the hot pink Drum Pendant, the perfect peppy touch making working at home FUN!


Photo via: StrayDogDesigns

 

I am so proud of this team and what they have accomplished through the years. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next and which will be the next piece we will use in future design jobs! Let us do the hunting for you and bring a pop of color, style, and razzle-dazzle toyour space! Hire us, Marketing and Design with Color!

Love,

lucysignature

 

Featured: #StrayDogDesigns #CelesteSphere #JaneGray #JonathanAdler #EmporiumHome #PaulinaOtomiPendant #WStorage #DrumPendant #SuzanneJonesPhotography

in MDWC

NYE Prep: Chambord Royale Recipe!

How to make a Chambord Royale

•​ 10ml ​Chambord​ ​liqueur
• Any fizz you fancy
• Raspberries

Directions:
Pour Chambord into a flute glass.
Top with whatever fizz your tongue desires.
Then plop. Finish with the important raspberry!!

 

Recipe via: ChambordChannel

Love,

 

 

 

Featured: #Chambord #SuzanneHughstonPhoto

in MDWC

Swallowtail Benches

Driving 70mph down the Florida Turnpike on the way home from Disney world, (Suncoast Parkway) I saw out of the corner of my eye an understated house with metal butterflies in the yard, and a small sign that said “Dan’s Metalworks”.

I made my husband turn around and go back so I could take a picture of the sign so that I could call Dan!! I was working on a design job and needed a butterfly bench at least 200 times the size of the butterflies on Dan’s yard. Powder coated in purple, turquoise, and orange. Dan was an amazing metal worker very talented and open minded to my exciting project. He even drove the benches to Columbus, GA and personally delivered them and they were better than I could’ve ever imagined.

Can you spot the butterfly?

Can you spot the butterfly?


SW6980 Gusty Grape


Bench in SW6950 Calypso


We sent him Sherwin Williams paint colors, SW6950 Calypso, SW6980 Gusty Grape, SW6885 Knock Out Orange, a spectacular color!! 🙂

Color: SW6885 Knock Out Orange

We always find awesome products during our travels. The challenge is getting my husband to turn the car around.

Fun fact: the mascot for Swallowtail Flats is a swallowtail butterfly, because it is the state butterfly of Georgia!

Love,

lucysignature

 

Featured: #WoodruffDevelopment #CathyHorne #BetsyIllges #WaltDisneyWorld #OldTownColumbus #SwallowtailFlats #SherwinWilliams #SW6950Calypso #SW6980GustyGrape #SW6885KnockOutOrange

in MDWC

Beechwood Metalworks

Beechwood Metalworks is an All-American company based out of Burlington, North Carolina. They create custom pieces as big as you can imagine!! We have worked with them for multiple projects and they never fail to let our imaginations fly! Hire us today to make your ideas a reality!

If you ever are on the hunt for a stylish, colorful, piece of metal artwork, give us a call!!

Can you tell where this awesome flower is at??

Can you tell where this awesome flower is located??


Frog designed by moi!

Frog designed by moi!


Great design collaboration with Beechwood Metalworks!

Great design collaboration with Beechwood Metalworks!

 

Love,

lucysignature

 

Featured: #BeechwoodMetalWorks

in MDWC

Got used books?

You can buy used books quickly and easily at Powells.com! This company is an independent bookstore based in Seattle that will sell and buy your books! You can type in the book name, author or keyword and it will show you all of what they have in stock!

We decided to give it a try and ordered the Domino magazine “Book of decorating a room”. The book was listed as used, but it arrived in great condition! Powell’s offers five different shipping options, ranging from standard economy shipping to as fast as next day air! We love options, so we went with economy shipping for $3.99. Our book arrived 6 business days after the order date.

So excited!! Our book arrived


We think their packaging could use a little color!! Don’t you?



The book was in great condition!!


This might be my favorite spread… guess why?!


On the flip side, we tried to post a book to sell! “P.U. You stink” by Ronda Friend

Quick tip for you: posting multiple photos of something you’re trying to sell online, will most likely land you a sale! Customers want to see what your product is about.

Once we got through listing our first book, we couldn’t complete the online listing because each bid (or listing) must contain a minimum of 7 books or $9.00 of credit before Powell’s can accept your bid. So, we stayed positive and went and found more books in good condition to sell!! It all was peaches and cream up until this point. This process was painful. For some reason, none of the books we tried to list were accepted by Powell’s. We tried looking around their site for FAQ’s as to why our books were not accepted, or how to make sure we were doing it right, but it took over 15 minutes and by that point, we were done. *If someone knows how to do this, please let us know so we can list our books!! Drop us a line!! 

Last but not least, Powell’s offers you to easily print out a shipping label (they will pay for postage) and collect your fee. We were unable to get to this step, so we can’t say how that works!!

On the bright side, buying the book was super easy, and they had exactly what we wanted!! Have you ever used Powell’s? I want to hear from you!!

Love,

lucysignature

 

Featured: #Powells #DominoMagazine #TheBookofDecoratingaRoom #P.U.YouStink #RondaFriend #Dropusaline

Close
Skip to content