Simply Ari: Simply Me
The Inspired Thoughts of a Ready Writer
"My tongue is the pen of the Ready Writer"
Psalm 45:1
Psalm 45:1
9/22/2018 0 Comments Ari's Blogger Watch List The blogosphere is a world all its own. It is growing in popularity and the content that is being put out is as diverse as the bloggers themselves. I started my very first blog, The Culinary Chronicles back in 2010. As a foodie and lover of culture, I wanted to explore the world right from my kitchen, through flavor. I often say my kitchen is my place of solace when the world around me gets to be too much to handle. I cook away the stress and I along with my beloved family reap the benefits of the meals I create. Two years after, I created a second blog entitled "Simply Ari." Simply Ari began as a blog back in 2012 during my junior year of undergrad at Mount St. Mary’s University. My idea for the blog was to create a space online that was uniquely my own. A space where I could share my thoughts and ideas with the public and attempt to gain a decent readership. As I penned and crafted each blog post, I began to discover my writer’s voice. Writing had always been my safe space, and now, I was allowing others to come into my world. No hoopla, no gimmicks, just me, Simply Ari. I wanted to see if anyone outside of my beloved family and friends was interested in what I had to say about the world. Turns out people were reading and commenting on different posts and it ignited something in me that I now understand to be purpose.
This blog as you may have guessed was the precursor to what is now Simply Ari Media. But there was still something missing. My relationship with God has always been really important to me. There is an ugly stigma that plagues our society from the inside out that Christians don’t go through hard stuff. That simply is not true. What I desired to do through, my third blog On Reserve: A Blog for the Modern Day Esther, was to minister to young women who are dealing with self-esteem, singleness, self-worth, self-doubt, hurt etc. All of those emotions are real, but for me, the most important aspect of those difficult seasons of life is to remind others of who God says they are and rest in the knowledge of those life-changing truths. It took me a long time to get to a place where I felt that I could be vulnerable enough to share my testimony. The Lord showed me little by little that my testimony is not for me, it’s for His glory to be seen through me to minister to others. Through blogging He blessed me with an opportunity to do just that. Check out my list of “bloGAListas” to watch and follow below:
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Being able to host The Simply Ari Soiree was one of the most exhilarating and proud moments of my budding entrepreneurial endeavors . It was also truly a labor of love. I wanted the experience for my guests to be one that they would look back on fondly. That was ultimately my goal. During the months that I spent researching leading up to the actual event day, what I quickly learned is that experience is created. But where do you start? and How do you create it without breaking the bank? Throwing this event was definitely a learning experience. Had it not been for the assistance and advice of my family and friends in business, I'm not sure how everything that went into the event would have come together. Thinking back on it, the Lord met me at every turn.
Thinking about throwing an event of your own? Go for it! But first, here are some tips that I've learned along the way. I pray that they aid you in your event planning. No. 1 Be PRAYERFUL- seek the Lord about what He wants from you and what He wants from the event that you're putting together. You and the Holy Spirit are a team. Remember that. No. 2 Utilize the Talents of Your Friends and Family- despite what you may think, you cannot do everything and be everywhere at the same time. If your family and friends are making themselves available to help you, take them up on their offer. Truth moment? My strength is not in executive functioning or organizing for large functions. So it was important to find people who knew how to do that and do it well. By God's grace, I didn't have to look very far, my sisters and my Godmother have been blessed with both of these gifts. We collaborated on ideas and they took the dream that was in my heart and the vision that was in my head and made it a beautiful reality. No. 3 Set and STICK TO YOUR BUDGET- At the beginning I had a budget, toward the end...I blew it. What I realized is that I did not have realistic estimates of what the food, the cutlery, the party favors and above all the venue would cost. I wanted to replicate the idea I saw it my head, but I quickly learned that that was going to come with a high price tag. Tip: DIY can be your friend. Find ways to save wherever you can. No. 4 Just Because It's Cute Doesn't Mean You Should Buy It- I found so many things to purchase for our event, at one point my Amazon cart was more full than I had ever seen it. I negotiated with myself over and over again and slowly eliminated products from my cart to salvage my budget. The items I kept were the perfect touch for the party favors and overall aesthetic that I was seeking to achieve for the Simply Ari Soiree. No. 5 Let a Business Savvy Person (That You Trust) Be Your Second Pair of Eyes - This is especially important when it comes to contracts of any kind. This is one of the many reasons I am so grateful for The Simply Ari A-Team. They have my best interests at heart and protect me from potential business danger. They are spiritually discerning, honest, talented, and efficient. For me it was imperative that I not be the only one reading over the contracts I had to sign. No. 6 Customizing is Expensive- I really enjoy customizing...well anything. So when it came to customizing items for this event, I had to keep in mind that too much customization is corny. I wanted to have statement pieces that preferably I could reuse. The rule here is not to get carried away. I advise limiting your customized items to two. No. 7 Pay Heed to Wise Counsel- As it pertains to the big picture, I've heard it said that, "sometimes we can be so close to the trees that we can't see the forest." It is good to step back and run your ideas past someone else on occasion to gain a different perspective. No. 8 Have a Clear Vision-and Understand Your Why- for you as the planner, this is super important. Event planning can at times be a bit overwhelming, so remind yourself of your goals for the event (vision) and know the purpose behind those goals (the why) and then sell that to your guests. When you believe in your "why" it gives others permission to do the same. No. 9 Trust Your Gut- if you are second guessing something...DON'T DO IT. Often times that "gut feeling" is the Holy Spirit tugging at us. Let that Him be your guide. No. 10 Enjoy the Moment- Lastly, when it is all said and done, take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Take in each moment and acknowledge a job well done (and be sure to thank those who assisted with bringing your ideas together, having an attitude of gratitude is key.) Happy Planning!!! The idea to host a Simply Ari Media Event had been a desire of my heart for quite some time. I wanted it to be a celebration of what this lifestyle brand has been able to accomplish and share some of the other dreams nestled in my heart for the future of Simply Ari. I also wanted to share about its history and provide an opportunity to bring my beloved Simply Ari Dreamers, the supporters and followers of the brand together to network, fellowship and meet them in person. The Simply Ari Soirée was merely a wish, my faith produced a deep seeded hope in what it could possibly be and the Lord took that idea and really put His super over my natural.
Four years ago, I would have never been able to imagine that I could put together an event like The Simply Ari Soirée, namely because I didn’t have the connections, relationships or the resources. I have been blessed with opportunities to meet some wonderful people: social media influencers, community influencers, bloggers, radio personalities, authors, entrepreneurs, artists and musicians. It has been through conversations and the following of each other’s social media pages that we have developed friendships, which has led to the building up of each other’s dreams and support for one another. The Simply Ari community is so special. It is an eclectic group of people who share a love for God, who are creative in their own way and who are just beginning to scratch the surface of the God-given dreams that He has placed inside of them. At The Simply Ari Soiree, it was important for me to celebrate and continue to encourage them as well. Perhaps the most important element of the event, was to publicly acknowledge how the Lord had met me and gotten me to this point. It’s been a long time coming, but the Holy Spirit has been with me every step of the way. It was only by His guidance that I was able to bring all of the ideas in my head together, create a plan and execute it with excellence. He laid me on the hearts and minds of some of my family members, friends and loved ones, who so graciously aided me with the supplies other elements that I needed to pull this event together. I could not have asked for a better turn out for my first major event! My over all goal for the event was to share my heart with Simply Ari’s blossoming community, to give them a better understanding of why a platform as unique as Simply Ari is so important, and to challenge myself to dream a little bigger. I couldn’t have done it alone, but at least I can now say that, “I did it!” There were some special moments throughout the event that I was able to enjoy. First was my dad’s introduction of me. He was really insistent on being the one who did it. He told me that the Lord had placed it on his heart to do so. Who am I to stand in God’s way? I am so grateful that my dad was obedient to what the Holy Spirit was leading him to do, because his speech truly set the tone for everything that came afterwards. He spoke on some of the things that I had been blessed to accomplish, some awards that I’d won and some organizations and associations of which I am apart, but then he (from a father’s perspective and from a place of love) spoke about my character. He recounted stories that I didn’t even remember, conversations that we’d had over the years that had made an impact on him, and provided profound analogies that really drove his heart felt points home. One of which really stood out to me: “She is actually an encourager. She’s always wanted to be the person in the stands routing for somebody else, not just for herself. Somebody else who is just believing in you even though it may or may not seem like you’re winning.” Then my beautiful sisters spoke. Each of whom showered me with kindness. My eldest sister Rachel said, “Ariel has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She’s had some really high highs and some really really low lows. But she’s always kept God first and she’s always had such a positive attitude and right spirit. She’s such an inspiration to me, she has plowed through life in such a way that people knowing or not knowing her are tremendously inspired her and the walk that she’s led. To see her grow not only as a person but also in her craft and watch her move as journalism has transitioned to social media and where we are in that and to see her keep up with the times in that way. To see other people appreciating her is remarkable.” It was her words that I think gave a glimpse of perspective on the journey and the process that I’ve had to go through to get to this point. It’s not something that I talk about often, but I do believe that it has made me stronger as a woman of faith, and has helped me be more relatable to those I meet and minister more effectively. Then my younger sister, Moriah took the floor and shared her thoughts saying, “Anyone who’s met Ariel just knows that there is a light about her. In the way that she walks, in the way that she talks in the way that she smiles at you; she’s always rooting for you and she spreads that positivity to not just with her family but to everyone she meets. I pray that you continue to walk in God’s grace and his ways for your life, and continue keep your positivity and love. I also love that she keeps everyone up to date. I really love looking at her Instagram. When it comes to pop culture, I don’t want to read the whole newspaper article. I like that I am able to look at photo, read a blurb and I’m good. She definitely appeals to many people. I’m just praying for God’s grace, presence and blessings for you continuously.” Her prayer and well wishes really blessed me. I also had supporters of the brand who attended the event share their sentiments: “You give a fresh input on pop culture. It’s not over kill either, it’s just enough. The impact that you’ve had, you’ve pushed me to do better. It’s good to see someone pursue their passion and do it wholeheartedly with a support system.” - Daniel Bennett “Any time that I have an event, Ari has come through with her light, her experience, with her glow. And I am excited to see her shine brighter. What you do is what a lot of people don’t do, you keep God first. Do your thing baby you are Shining! You are winning.” - Ashlee Koonce I think I speak for everyone when I express how proud I am of Ari. I have been watching Ari's path to success for the last few years and I have seen her evolve as a writer and a journalist. I have seen Simply Ari Media grow into a positive brand with integrity. These are essential, and rare, qualities in today's world and Simply Ari Media serves as a safe haven for many of us searching for a positive yet accurate take on current events. As an artist and entrepreneur, I am constantly looking for new sources of inspiration to create and grow as a business. Ari has inspired me with her persistence in the pursuit of her goals, and I look forward to watching her evolve in the months and years to come." -Rasheed Bonner (Artist/Owner, illSheed Fine Art Studio, LLC) Hearing how Simply Ari Media has impacted my followers was so important. It humbled me. It inspired me. And it reassured me that this ministry is bigger than me. It is with a spirit of expectancy that I look toward the future for Simply Ari Media and by the leading of the Holy Spirit I desire to forge ahead with graceful precision, a greater sense of purpose and tunnel vision. I hope to continue to hone my skills as an interviewer helping to tell the stories of the world and challenge myself as a writer. I aspire to create innovative ways to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His message and give back to the industry that I’ve grown to love so dearly. I Feel Pretty is a charming film that will resonate in the hearts of those who can appreciate the quirks that help shape who they are.
Amy Schumer owns her role as Renee Bennett, a plus sized woman in her early 30s living in New York who works for LeClaire Cosmetics, and struggles silently with her self-esteem. Renee brings real-life insecurities to light and throughout the film learns how to face them head on. Through a series of attempts to try to conform to modern-day beauty standards and keep up with its ever-changing trends like: recreating hairstyles and makeup looks from YouTube vloggers, shopping at boutiques, online dating, and participating in a posh workout classes, it becomes difficult for Renee to find herself in the mix. There is a scene in the movie where Renee has to travel to the downtown office of LeClaire Cosmetics to personally deliver some reports that she had gotten printed. When she arrived at the headquarters, she was rudely spoken to by the receptionist at the front desk (whom we find out is an intern). She then sees the CEO of the company walk past her and finds out shortly thereafter that the main office is looking to hire a permanent receptionist. Renee (Schumer) immediately begins to picture herself in the role. Though career wise the receptionist position would be considered beneath her current one, she sees it as a stepping stone to be more accessible to the movers and shakers of the company and a place where she can be surrounded by beauty. Later on that day, Renee goes to Target and runs into a tall, model-like woman she met at her first cycling class. In the middle of their conversation, they get interrupted by a man who asks for the model's phone number. When the model turns down his attempt to flirt, Renee is left in shock at how that situation played out. The model and Renee resume their conversation and she says, "I've always wondered what it would be like to be unmistakably beautiful, like you." That night Renee goes home, curls up on her couch and watches a movie. We see that it is a scene where the main character desires more for his life. This of course resonated with Renee. Consumed by her own thoughts and disheartened by her circumstances, she throws a coin into a fountain and makes a wish to "be beautiful." To her dismay, no instantaneous miracle transpired that night. However, all of her ideologies about what is beautiful begin to change when she falls off of her stationary bike (for the second time) and renders herself unconscious. When she comes to, she looks in the mirror and to her amazement, she sees the idealized version of herself looking back at her perhaps for the first time (though to everyone else she looks exactly the same). There was an internal change that began to impact her in a beautiful way. Her new found confidence begins to shine through which leads to her landing a new job, trying new things, and even finding love. Along the way we see Schumer's character grapple with how to balance her "new life" and for a moment watchers of the film are left thinking that maybe her confidence will dwindle yet again when see feels that the "magic" has worn off. We see her two best friends, her new love interest and even her boss speak life into her spirit and from there, she makes a concerted effort to be the change that she desired to see. Watchers of this film will come away with the understanding that confidence is a choice and though commonalities may make life easier, it is our differences that make us special and unique. Perhaps I Feel Pretty's greatest message is that demanding the world to take the pressure off of us to fit its mold, begins with a decision to love ourselves enough to stop trying to fit in, in the first place. We as contributors to society should seek not to conform but to change, from the inside out. 7/19/2018 0 Comments A Letter to My Younger SelfKnowing what you know now about life, what would you most want to tell your younger self? This increasingly popular writing exercise can be a very insightful. So I thought I'd try my hand at it. If I were to address a letter to my adolescent self, it may be penned something like this:
Dear Ariel, You are a dreamer. There will be so many instances in your life where the world will try to change you, but inside of you there is a greater desire for you to change the world. You hope for better in the midst of bleakness. You may not always get things right, and that's ok. Learn to grow through the process. This journey is yours. Embrace it. It is paved with Grace and Purpose. Learn to do more of what you enjoy like writing! Your writing is important. Trust your intuition. Never let the ink from your pen run dry. The stories and ideas in your heart are part of a greater story that God desires to tell through you. Allow the Holy Spirit to anoint your hands and give you the pen of the ready writer. Your voice is unique. Never allow it to be silenced. In moments of frustration, uncertainty, or when life disappoints you, know that you have an inner strength that comes from your Heavenly Father that you can tap into. The enemy will try to distort your self-image and destroy your self-esteem. Don't let him win. Remember, he is already a defeated foe. Confess in faith what the Word of God says about you until it becomes heart knowledge. Push past those fears that you've never voiced aloud and walk in the authority that God has given you. Ari, learn to forgive. Don't get comfortable holding on to past hurts. LET THEM GO. Pay heed to this: unforgiveness bears a bitter fruit. Don't allow it to take root in your spirit. Don't be a blocker of your own blessings. Continue to love Jesus with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Be kind, be unapologetically you (quirks and all), be gentle, continue to deepen your personal relationship with the Lord. Seek Him ALWAYS. Incline your ear to His voice, spend time in His presence (you'll find that it is the safest and sweetest place), be a conduit of God's glory and allow Him to pour into you so that you can pour into others. Lastly, know that you are worthy: worthy of extended kindness toward you, worthy of respect, worthy of good opportunities and worthy of love. Never forget that you are loved by Love Himself. Your optimistic view of life inspires more people than you know. Your life is the greatest message you will ever preach. Make sure it's one to remember. XO, Me "I have a horror of the blank page. I simply cannot write on a blank page or screen. Because once I do, I start to fix it, and I never get past the first sentence." Life is a series of moments. As I mature I am finding that it is imperative to take more time to enjoy and appreciate each moment I am blessed to experience. One such moment since my break into the field of journalism was having the distinct pleasure of meeting a gentleman I only knew by name, Dr. Charles Krauthammer. Henry Luce once said, "I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world." In many ways, that is what Dr. Krauthammer did. He actively participated in the conversations of the world. He spoke his truth and stood by his convictions, and he penned columns that were equally as witty as they were informative. His work caused readers from around the world to think deeper and differently about the topics on which he touched. Dr. Krauthammer had a strong and very unique voice. The impact that he has had on the journalism industry is unparalleled. He has left behind a body of work that will be honored, treasured and admired for many years to come. Undoubtedly, he is a legend in his field. I've heard a number of people talk about the brilliance of Krauthammer as well as his colorful personality. Though our encounter at a mutual office gathering was brief, it was moment that I will never forget. I can remember being introduced to him by a colleague. He looked directly into my eyes, extended his hand and greeted me with such kindness. He peppered me with a few questions with a smile on his face and said, "Ariel, it's nice to meet you. Welcome aboard." In that moment, it felt like I had been initiated into something much bigger, not just a job, but welcomed into a community of people who shared the same passion for writing as I. Dr. Krauthammer's quiet strength, his humility, his kindness and his transparency are what I will remember most. His presence will truly be missed and his name will forever be engraved on my heart. I am grateful to have made his acquaintance. 6/10/2018 0 Comments Ace of Spades“She who leaves a trail of glitter is not ever forgotten.” I’ve never been super into labels. But there are a few brands that I think help capture my classic, minimalistic albeit sometimes quirky aesthetic: Chanel, Betsey Johnson and Kate Spade. I’m all about clean lines, timeless pieces, good quality, and I hardly ever shy away from color. Spade’s designs speak more to the young woman who’s sophisticated but still flirts with the innocence of her youth. Though I have yet to add a Kate Spade piece to my collection, I understand that girl, because in many ways I am that girl. I’ll never forget the day I saw the Kate Spade bag I wanted online. It was either the spring or summer of 2015. As I scrolled through my Pinterest, I came across the handbag of my wildest writer’s dream. It was a beautifully stitched aqua satchel in the shape of a…WAIT FOR IT…TYPEWRITER with a round coral keychain that said “You’re Just My Type” in gold lettering. It was too perfect! Alas, as a student at the time, I didn’t have the financial means to make such a steep purchase. It wasn’t until last year that I had finally saved enough to “secure the bag”; only to find out [to my dismay] that it had been discontinued. What Kate Spade offered the world and the fashion industry was permission to be innocent, playful, and sophisticated at the same time. Her stamp of approval made it OK to be both. On a more serious note, Spade’s sudden and truly tragic passing, reiterates that notoriety and material wealth mean absolutely nothing if the fractured places of your heart and spirit are not mended. That void is a God sized hole that no person, no amount of success, and no amount of monetary gain can fill. ONLY Jesus can heal and eradicate that kind of hurt and suffering. PLEASE if you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, I prayerfully and lovingly urge you to seek help. Hold on to this truth in 1 John 4:18, “Perfect love casts out fear.” Know that you can never escape the reckless Love of Jesus Christ. You are not out of His reach and you are NOT alone. Remember, He died so that you didn’t have to. Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
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