Reevaluate

After posting about the busy article on Thursday last week (and hearing all your similar opinons!), plus some thoughts I've been having for a while now,  I've been thinking about what needs changing in terms of my business - designing + blogging.

The business side of designing has really been a learning experience and one that as designers, I think we'll always be figuring out. But I've recently had to remind myself why I'm doing this - because I love it.

That's what matters, right?

With the new site + blog coming soon, I'm trying to figure out exactly what I'm most excited about when working with clients and sharing with you. As readers, what are some things you're most excited about when reading through the blog?

Photos from our weekend away.

Glorification of Busy

I don't normally do posts like this, the ones that are vulnerable or thought provoking, because it's not really me. I'm definitely not a writer, so this space has always been more visual. But my friend Liz, shared this article with me today about the glorification of busy in our industry, written by Andrew Dumont. So I'm just going to tell you to go read it. 

I'm not going to say much, other than he's so right. I continually find myself working just to work, just ask my husband who often reminds me to just take breaks. I always feel there is something that needs to get done or there is something I could be doing better because someone else is working harder, but like Andrew says "...our bodies can only handle so much heads-down production. It's the law of diminishing returns, and it's very real. It's something that downing a few more cans of RedBull can't solve. Trust me, I've tired."

"Let's stop glorifying over-work, and start congratulating smart work. The truly brilliant people in the world are those that elegantly balance a heavy-workload and the rest of their life. They're also the most satisfied." - Andrew Dumont

+ Underwater Image

Pillows

I've put off 'decorating' our bedroom for the longest time. It's one of those things I always felt like doesn't get a lot of attention so why worry about it? Well I've decided this has to change. After a long day of work, I want to crawl into bed relaxed and inspired, like the rest of our home feels. To start, I thought I would get some miss-matched / matching pillows, to go with our cream bead spread.  I ordered these three little beauties this weekend. I've been eying the West Elm dip-dyed pillow for a while and CANNOT stop looking at Victoria, of SF Girl by Bay's cottage makeover. It's SO perfect. Right up my alley, with all that black/white/neutral. So I had to get the little Swiss cross pillow she shared. 

What about you? Do you feel the same way about your bedroom? Or do you have one room in your house that might get neglected? How do you make a room inspiring? 

Dip-Dyed / Triangles / Swiss 

Work Attire

Most of the time when people hear 'working from home', they think, 'oh! wearing your pajama's all day!' -- and maybe some people do! But I feel really uninspired and almost 'blah' if I work in sweats all day. Then I read Megan Gonzalez of Mae Mae Paperie's interview with The Everygirl yesterday, and she's SO right. Megan was talking about how she was inspired after reading Twyla Tharp's, 'The Creative Habit' (which I also highly recommend reading!), she explained... 

"Yes—you are an artist, but it’s a job. You can’t show up in your PJ’s and expect brilliant ideas and vibrant patterns to be in your client’s inbox by the end of the day."

What do you guys wear while your working? Do you feel that on days when you make yourself presentable you work better? I know I do. When you feel confident in yourself, your creative + work process will follow. Or does working in sweats versus working in jeans not make a difference to you? 

I put together a standard outfit you'll usually catch me wearing - jeans, oversized tee + sweater (because of course you want to at least be comfy) and I can't forget my llama necklace from Madewell that I wear everyday (here's a similar giraffe one!).

Sweater / Necklace / Tee / Jeans

BusyCal

I always get excited about new technology/apps/anything that helps productivity ( or are just plan awesome ) -- and I've recently started using BusyCal for my calendar. I was originally just using iCal, but ran into some issues with syncing, because my account is with google calendar. So after doing some research and trying the free version of BusyCal, I was hooked. 

Some great aspects to it: 

• I used to use TeuxDeux for everything. BUT BusyCal has it's own To Do lists (on the right hand side). Plus this syncs with Apple's reminders app, so I can access them from my phone on the go! I can also add certain To Do's on whatever day in my calendar, tomorrow of even three weeks ahead. I think I also like having the To Do's right near my calendar so everything is together in one place.

• The weather! BusyCal gives a little weather report for the next week or so! And with cool little illustrations. 

• Because I use Google Calendar as my account, I have a lot of old calendars for old clients, which can be annoying in my list on the left. With BusyCal you can upsubscribe from specific calendars and hide them from the list - keeping everything organized!

I'm sure there are a lot my really great features I could share! Do any of you use BusyCal? What are some other apps you use and love?

Here are some others I love: 

• Basecamp ( project management )

• Sparrow ( mail )

• iFontMaker ( fun! )

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone! I wanted to share our Christmas cards with you -- it's the first time we've sent them out, so I'm a bit excited about them! And I'm even more excited about them because of the beautiful photography behind them. Ryan and I recently did a little photoshoot at Griffith Observatory with Lehua Noelle and I couldn't resist using them for our cards. Lehua is a really talented photographer (and designer!) that I worked with prior to freelancing, but now creates beautiful images and designs at Poketo. 

I also wanted to thank each one of you for this past year. Your support has been so encouraging. From the comments you leave to your notes on twitter. I've had so much fun sharing with you this year, I can't wait to see what this next year brings. 

What are your plans for the holidays? We're headed to the snow! We couldn't be more excited about a White Christmas! 

Photos by Lehua Noelle 

Thankful

For all of you. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Travel Bags

Ryan and I are traveling a bunch in the next couple months and I'm on the look out for a new carry-on bag / purse. The one I have now, is starting to fall apart, due to the fact that it's filled with my computer, books, etc. and the cheap straps can't handle the weight.

Here are a few that stood out while I was on the search!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Gone!

Sorry to have been MIA for the past couple weeks. I spent the past week in Hawaii -- which was a really nice break from work and super relaxing! BUT now, I'm trying to get back into the swing of work (without being overwhelmed) and catching up on everything I've missed. 

I'll share more from our trip soon but stay tuned for a few big projects to be launched soon! 

For now, check out some of the trip on instagram. 

Design Journey

I'm over at Waterfall Creative today sharing my Design Journey! Joanna's newest blog feature that I'm really excited about, that features various designers and how they entered the design world. I can't wait to see who she features next.

AND I'm also over at Amy Moore Studio, sharing my Objets de Valeur, pop over and check that out too.

Design Life

Back from the retreat this weekend and I'm feeling really inspired by these crazy talented women. I've spent some time getting to know a lot of them over emails and twitter but it was great to finally meet them and connect in real life in a relaxed and fun way. They all have so much talent and knowledge that was really encouraging. 

Surround yourself with people that will lift you up, encourage you and teach you new things. Running a business can be hard, but when you have women like this to consult with it makes it a little easier! 

Retreat

I'm headed to Palm Springs tomorrow for a little retreat with some fellow designers. It seems to come at the perfect time too. Sometimes you just need a little get away to relax and have fun.

Enjoy your week!

Image

Golden Pines Paper Shop

I'm excited to share the launch of Golden Pines Paper Shop with you! Alex Choura and Erin Vaughan started Golden Pines when they merged their talents together. Alex, her hand drawn type and Erin with her whimsical illustrations. I went to school with Alex and Erin and helped create their first line just in time for Halloween! Be sure to hop over and get some of these limited quantity cards before they're gone!

Two Years

Ryan and I spent this past weekend in Palm Springs, celebrating our anniversary. Because Palm Springs is so warm this time of year, we spent our whole time at the pool and loved every minute of it. We stayed at the Viceroy, which was perfectly designed with so many black, white and yellow design elements. It was beautiful.

Past Week

This past week my family was out visiting for graduation. For me, graduation has been long overdue and didn't feel as big of an accomplishment as it could have been. I had finished all my design classes last year and have only had a few general classes left over the past year, so when it came, the achievement felt a little passed -- but having my family out for the week got me excited! We did a lot of tourist type things and took them to our favorite restaurants and beaches -- Ryan even took my dad out surfing!). Here are a few snapshots from the week. 

Lovely Lady

I'm honored to share that yesterday I was featured on Emmadime's amazing feature, Lovely Lady. She's featured so many inspiring people, so when she asked if I'd like to be apart of it, I was so excited! Head over and check it out and pardon my squinty eyes -- we had a fun location and just had to do it :)

Dearest Nature

I wanted to share with you that I've begun contributing over at the beautiful new Dearest Nature! I'll be posting every now and then with Two of a Kind and Write. Today I shared the amazing work of Rachel McCord and Annarack in Two of a Kind. Head over and check it out!

Valentine's

Happy Valentine's Day!

There is still time to download and print the Valentine's Day card I made, if you need a last minute card. Head over and share it with your friends!

Facebook

Over the weekend I gave in and created a Facebook Page for the studio. I had been debating doing it because I didn't use Facebook all that much and how many platforms can one little business have? But after thinking - most of my clients and blog followers have Facebook - so it's a way you can connect to me, especially if you don't have Twitter. And if you do have Twitter, I'll be sure to think up some fresh ideas for Facebook only.

Head over and check it out.

Upon A Fold Feature

I am so excited to share with you Folded's feature on Upon A Fold. Upon A Fold is a blog favorite. There are so many beautiful things featured. Take yesterday's embroidery post - I found it via Upon A Fold. If you haven't checked out the blog, go take a peak now and see my little feature.