Shine by Charlene

11/28/2024

Very blessed. Very thankful.

11/27/2024

Pssst. We’re doing something special for Black Friday. 🤫😉

11/25/2024

Life lately/things I love…

1. Making hot chocolate for my little loves (Pro Tip: Add a splash of your favorite coffee creamer. Thank me later.)

2 and 3. We made a “mudroom” nook in our garage. Our home doesn’t have a coat closet and the entry from the garage is through our small laundry room. Best DIY decision ever.

4. S’mores.

5 and 6. Mani/Pedi Twinning!

7. Backyard camping movie night.

8. My dad sent my son a saxaphone. If you know any good teachers, let me know ASAP.

9. Halloween was fun. My son’s costume was a hit. Layla was a princess for the second year in a row, and now I kinda hope she’s always a princess.

10. Lots of dancing with my mini me.

11/21/2024

[ah hm🎤, in my Mariah Carey voice]
🎶💃🏽 It’s tiiiiime!🎶💃🏽

Our decadent Hot Chocolate Gifts are back! Perfect for anyone on your nice list this holiday season. The code WARMHUG takes 5% off and you can take advantage of free shipping while it lasts. 🍫☕️🎁

https://justaddicecreamco.etsy.com

09/19/2024

08/16/2024

Pick a date.
Send the invite.
Hide the clutter in a corner or closet.
Celebrate.

07/23/2024

When reached out about gifts for her VIP guests for her brunch, I was elated. During our first chat, we bounced around ideas for personalized journals. Then I suggested we just simply put “more” on the journals. I knew how powerful and meaningful that word was to Carmen, and I knew it would also be poweful and meaningful for her event guests. She immediately said yes, and gave me full creative freedom. 🙌🏾

This is only the second time I’ve gotten to attend the event for which I provided gifts. What a treat to see them incorporated into the tablescape and to know they echoed the messages shared during the event.

I wonder how the guests will use their “more” journals. I imagine that they may use them to write down their biggest, boldest prayers and dreams for more. Or maybe they use the journal to capture bible study notes. Maybe they begin or restart a journaling routine just have a place to process their thoughts.

It was such an honor to be a part of such a wonderful event. And I am ready fore MORE 😉

pssst…don’t miss the perfect little body souffle jars tucked under the bows!

07/21/2024

MAKE ROOM FOR MORE…

The last few weeks—months actually—have been filled with confirmation that I need to make room for more.

I heard a song a church about surrendering doubt and making room. So I asked to make a bracelet for me that said “MAKE ROOM” so I could wear the words as a reminder.

A woman I had only talked to on the phone in a professional capacity 10 years ago (!) reached out to me and poured into me as a mom, wife, and a professional. Everything she said addressed the doubts and fears I have about letting go and making room. She shared her personal experience of surrendering that gave her more than she ever imagined.

And yesterday, I attended MORE brunch. It was beautiful to see, but even more beautiful to experience. I was moved and inspired immensly. Carmen reminded me to “cast my net again” for more.

I attended the brunch with my sisters and . I didn’t expect new friendships to become this amazing in my 40s but I’m so glad I have them.

And yes, I designed the journal gift sets for the brunch VIP guests. More on that later. 😉✨✨✨

07/02/2024

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo da Vinci

06/21/2024

Hey Mama! What if…

What if you had time and space to focus on yourself and your needs?

What if you engaged in intentional activities that allowed you to release emotional and physical tension?

What if you experienced moments of stillness and calm that allowed you to really hear your heart and your own thoughts?

What if you found a safe space to let those tears fall?

What if you walked into a room and immediately felt at ease?

What if you gained clarity on what brings you peace and how to feel more peaceful no matter how crazy life gets?

What if you connected with other mothers around a table where all are welcome and enjoyed a chef-prepared dinner?

And what if all this filled your cup with more joy?

Mama…you don’t have to wonder what if. Join us for our next Soulcare Experience August 18th. Early bird tickets are on sale now.

05/22/2024

I’ve been reflecting a lot on the beauty in simplicity…in gifts, in events, in our home, in our schedules. Our teacher gifts this year were small gifts with heartfelt notes of gratitude. My kids had amazing teachers this year. While I’d love to give them more, I hope these small gifts of our appreciation touch their hearts the way they’ve touched ours.

05/10/2024

We may or may not have had cake and cookies for breakfast. 🤫

Our desserts in “Paris” did not dissappoint!

Custom cookies by
Macarons by
Cake and cupcakes by yours truly ☺️

05/08/2024

Hey Mama Friends! We’re counting down the days, and we have just a few spots left! I can’t believe this idea we discussed over coffee is almost here! is less than 2 weeks away!

The Soulcare Experience is more than an event; it’s a sanctuary for deeper self-care, offering a serene and nurturing environment where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner strength.

This half-day mini retreat will be guided by Nishée Moore () who is a cerified maternal mental health therapist and Mi’Lisa Idora () who is a trained mindset and self-care coach.

Here’s what awaits you:
✨Guided Breathing Exercises
✨Meditation Sessions
✨Expressive Writing Workshops
✨Somatic Stretching
✨Sound Bath Experience
✨Chef-prepared Dinner and Refreshments
✨Connection and Community

Mamas—this will be an elevated and intentional event. You don’t want to miss it!

Hit the link to reserve your spot: https://linktr.ee/ShinebyCharlene

05/06/2024

We spent an afternoon in our very own Paris to celebrate Layla’s birthday. Our mini Paris included a boutique, sidewalk cafe, and a toy shop. C’est la vie! ✨✨✨

04/18/2024

Get the know the Soulcare Crew! Rounding out this trio, Charlene is here to create the vibes and ambiance at our Soulcare Experience.

When we say experience, we mean it.

The Soulcare Experience is more than an event; it’s a sanctuary for deeper self-care, offering a serene and nurturing environment where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner strength.

This half-day mini retreat will be guided by Nishée () who is a cerified maternal mental health therapist and Mi’Lisa () who is a trained mindset and self-care coach.

This will be an elevated and intentional event.
Here’s what awaits you:

+ Guided Breathing Exercises
+ Meditation Sessions
+ Expressive Writing Workshops
+ Somatic Stretching
+ Sound Bath Experience
+ Chef-prepared Dinner and Refreshments
+ Connection and Community

Link in bio for tickets! We’re already at 50% sold!
Mamas-don’t miss this. Save your spot!

04/18/2024

to Layla’s Ice Cream Co. birthday party (2022) and her Butterfly Brunch (2023). This year, her birthday party theme is an afternoon in Paris, and I’ll be using the same black and white cart again (that’ll make 3 years in a row).

(1) In 2022, the cart was an ice cream shop.
(2) Last year, the cart was a flower shop.
(3) This year, it’ll be a little French café.

And Layla still plays with the cart (it sits in our den). This has to be one of the best gifts/party props I’ve purchased.

There’s so much I reuse from year-to-year for both my kids’ parties (I have a boy and a girl 8 years apart).

One day, I’ll put together a guide on what to buy and how to repurpose with each party theme (Hint: don’t buy themed stuff).

Mamas (and dads) let me know if this is something you’d be interested in. Meet me in the comments. 👇🏽