1. Family. 

There is nothing better time worth spent then being with family around the holidays. Mom, Dad, brother/sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and grandparents. I love how we used to do the secret Santa on Christmas Eve, talking away with catching up on our lives and what we've been up to.  Oh and to also catch up on the latest gossip on people from your small town.  Does your family do that to?


2. Friends

There has been a lot of holiday parties around here. There have been great company of some friends and then making some new ones.



3. The smell of a Christmas tree.

Needless to say more?!
Wait a minute,... I have a fake one this year...

So my allergies are not so forgiving this season .. but I still love to smell them.



4. The smell of burning Yankee Candles. 

Ah! The scent of Christmas Eve was the one scent I grew up on. If you ain't smelled one, ya gotta.



5. Memories of Christmas Eve on Scotts Lane.

It was grandpa and grandmas Daugherty's house. It was an absolute beautiful mid-century modern houme on a beautiful piece of land. And Christmas Eve made that house was so magical. Open floor plan, cozy family room with the fire place roaring, HUGE Christmas tree all over looking the great wall of windows to the winter wonderland woods. It was one of the most beautiful settings you'll have ever seen.



6. Christmas Eve.

I remember growing up coming home from our family festivities of the evening, lighting candles, our family room lite by our glowing tree, and my dad reading to me T'was the Night Before Christmas.



7. Christmas Mornings.

The smell of cinnamon rolls, and breakfast casserole baking in the oven just before we would open presents. And not to forget drinking a cup of coffee with some Baileys.



8. If your lucky, a snowy evening on Christmas Eve. 

Have you ever experienced a perfect snow fall on the eve of Christmas? If you haven't, you should add it to your life's bucket list. It's magical, beautiful, and kind of serene.  And when you step out into it, it's so erringly quiet, even when your in the middle of town. You can even hear the snow sprinkle on the clinging leaves with some of the trees.



9. Christmas Movies

Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas Carol

You know... the classics.



10. Christmas Music

The hymns, Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra.

So darn wonderful.


Hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas week!

Let's have a small discussion about hallways, shall we? Hallways is one of thee most lived in space, believe it or not. We always go through them, like, everyday. Therefore, they really should be a celebrated space, or at least, a space to really be a part of your home. Seriously. Think about it. Here are some of my favorite designed hallway spaces.

Source: Pinterest

Wainscoting. Beautiful, traditional use of space. Plus cozy.  Give it more a gem feeling by adding a statement piece through the use of pendant lighting. 

Source: Pinterest

Adding a collage of your most prized photos.

Source: Pinterest

Adding texture to the ceiling, contrasting colors,  but light and an airy use of space. 

Source: Pinterest

The one favorite thing that I love about this hallway is the shine to the ceiling and the drum shade lighting pendent.  THose pendents are my favorite now a days. 

Source: Pinterest

Ah! This space. Purely simple. This color is so underestimated but works so beautifully with the natural walnut colored wood flooring for contrast. Don't you think this space is striking?  Plus the vocal point really adds to the sparkle.

Hope this gave you some inspiration like it does for me. Lately, I've been obsessing a little of hallways and the "entrance" feeling it can give you. It's probably because I'm currently looking into an adorable modern/craftsman house to buy. Ever since then, I've been planning in my head what I would do to the inside. Right when you walk into the home is an hallway entrance.  Of course, I'm plotting the way to make it better. I will definately keep you posted whether or not we have purchased this home. 

See you Wednesday!

  

Weddington Way,  an online boutique for all your wedding party essentials, has asked me to create a custom look for a bridesmaid for a New Year's Eve wedding.  This site offers such a variety from bridal shower dresses, to maternity dresses, rentals, and even groom accessories! So Brides, you have to come and check out this website. This will help narrow down all your searching into just one place. And for us other ladies who are either already married, waiting to get married, - you can still come and search this site. There are beautiful options on here for wedding parties, dance events, showers, business parties, graduations, or whatever!

Below is my custom bridesmaid look for the New Year's Eve wedding. The palette is truly inspired (but of course) by the traditional colors of the night such as champagne golds, whites, touch of black.. Though I went for a more traditional look, the aim is to be simple, elegant, classic romance with the use of soft gold, ivory, pearly white, neutrals, and then adding just small hints of "black". When I visually see this wedding, all shades of gold, champagne, white, and hints of black will be all done in the bouquets, the lights, and other beautiful accessories throughout the event. Before you go, be sure to check out their latest dress collection.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

Hands down that fall fashion and beauty is the most fun and most inspiring to me. Just love it. Here are this months favorite beauty products you must try. 

1. Essie's Carry On. One of my top color picks for this years fall fashion. Just a  deep merlot color. What can I say more about it? It's just a beautiful color. 

2. Olay's Autumn Renew. This is honestly my first time trying Olay body wash. Well, I'm hooked. Not only does it smell well, fall, but it is so moisturizing! 

3. Charlotte Tilbury. Okay. I honestly don't have this (it's a bit pricey), but it is on my most wanted list. These colors see, so perfect for the eyes this time of year. Especially if you have hazel green eyes like myself. I bet they'll pop! 

4. BareMinerals - jack of all trades in Sure Thing. Love. I'm not really a lipstick kind of gal but I do like wearing some every now and then. However, this - this is a lip balm lip stain. It gives just a pretty subtle hint of color on your lips without looking too overdone. I just love this product - perfect for daytime.

5. Smash Box Halo Long wear Blush. This is one of my other favorite products. A little bit will go a long way. I personally like to blushes with a hint of bronzer with a soft hint of pink. It gives a natural glow. You need to try this. 

Have you tried any of these products? Which one is your favorite?

Being an emerging professional of interior design has its perks, don't get me wrong, but it also has its downfalls. The biggest downfall is that I'm surrounded by what I call "design couture". Great and beautiful things that I will probably never be able to afford. I've been to showrooms with rugs that are worth $30k! Yep, you heard me right folks, $30,000 rugs. Well, personally, I'd never ever spend that kind of money on rug. Anyway, there are so many other great finishes that are so beautiful and such a work of art and craftsmanship... I digress.

I need to get back to my bedroom... As a designer, I'm always looking to improve. I'm not even near the level I want to be at. So, I'll just practice some of those skills at home. My bedroom really needed to be updated but really can't afford (yet) of what I'd really love to do. Besides, it is a rental after all.

Here are the existing furniture:

- Bedroom set - Mine is fairly nice overall; it's a bit traditional looking.

Solutions:

- Keep the existing furniture then move furniture to the other wall, facing the window.

- Add more artwork to the walls.

- Add curtains.

- A reading nook chair in the corner by the window.

- A touch of contemporary

- Add more white to the bedding (This could be dangerous folks. If any of you know my husband, he                                                         is truely a mans mans and likes to get dirty)
- Do my own artwork, and photography. This will be added to the walls.

- Make this as affordable as possible!!

Now bare with me on this, this is may take a while for me to complete for the after. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, this should be and will be a home investment!

Here is my concept board (or inspiration board) for my room. My goal is to give it more of a contemporary feel but it'll be more of a eclectic feel due to the existing bedroom pieces which are a traditional style. The colors used would be black, grays, browns, with accents of silver, gold, and hints of soft soft pink to add just a touch of girly to the room. The room will have more of a rustic flare to just so my husband will like it more. Just so that it can have a mans feel to the overall space.

You're probably wondering what the room looks like now. Well I got to starting on this project when I totally forgot to take my before. All that was done was move the bed and night stands to the  other. Plus it is pretty messy right now. Hey, I think it'll give the end results more drama when the after is revealed. 

See? Pretty messy. I've already been working on the after, and I'm already very happy with the current results. Thank you for visiting!

K-T!

I bet you know by now that I love fall. There is no better way to add touches of coziness to your home with these few ideas that I put together for you. Here is are a few ways (and some afforable) that you can do now to make your home more cozy.

• Blankets. Lots and lots of blankets. Not just any blankets, but the one that are knit or faux fur to drape on chairs, your bed, or your couch. 

Source: Pinterest

•  Now you gotta have a lot of pillows to also cozy up to. LOVE pillows. The best kind are the down feathered pillows. And I think the best place to get affordable ones would be at Home Goods store or TJ Maxx. They are not only comfy but do fluff nice and hold a good shape.

Source: Pinterest

• Tea. Yes tea. Perfect simple way to make you feel extra cozy at night. 

• Lighting. I love how task lighting can actually make a home interior just glow inside.  Task lighting can be found easily by bed side lighting, lamps in the living room, or just simply dimming your lights. 

Source: Pinterest

• Candles. Lots of them. Unless you have children and you may be better using Scentsy. Back at candles, I love the warm glow and the scents. Yankee Candle is a big favorite of mine. Then of course, if you have decor lanterns, candle pillars or whatever grab some general candles for those to. 

Source: Pinterest

• Grab one of your vases and put flowers in them. Make it fit for the season. Just about anything will do for fall as long as it is fall-like colors. A no brainer right? Place them in you kitchen, on your kitchen table, on your bed side table, coffee table, office desk... Plenty of places! Keep in mind of scale to. Go big on kitchen table but go smaller on the bed side table and office desk. But really whatever you see fits. 

• Bake up some of your pumpkin or apple recipes! Yum!  This one is a favorite of mine or this one. By the way, they make your home smell A-mazing!

• Then lastly, pull out fall decor in general. Love bringing them out to start the season of the holidays! Don't forget to refer to this post or even this post to get your DIY juices going!

Thanks for visiting today! I hope your enjoying the fall season as much as I am. 

Much love, 

Today makes the 6th anniversary with this guy. A lot has changed for us over the years. A bit of good and bad, but I'm so glad that he was here to share it with, to hold my hand when things got tough... Here's is a look bad at us over the years.

Well babe, here's to the 6 years we've been together and many, many more to come. I love you way more now than I did last year, last month, last week, yesterday....Heck, 5 minutes ago... Your still my favorite boyfriend, ever. 

Yesterday, after church, I've convinced my husband earlier in the week to go and pick some apples at a local orchard.   It was surprising to learn that he has never done this before. Throughout our marriage, I've manage to expose himself to many things that he has never tried or has never done before. And honestly, I find it very entertaining. He puts a good effort into trying things I introduce him to just because he knows I love it. It's one of the many reason why I love him so.

 This is such an unflattering picture of me! Anyways, moving on...

After the orchard, I decided to try something new for myself. For a while, I've been really wanting to make my own applesauce to just eat as is, and adding it some baking goodies that I plan on making later this week. When fall comes, I really get in the mood for drinking tea, to reading more, cozy up to my blanket and baking.  I'll have to let you know how my homemade applesauce turned out. So far, my home smells A-mazing. How was your weekend? Do you do some apple picking?

Thanks for visiting!

Catie

This week has been a busy one yet, really rewarding.  For the first time in my young career, I saw my interior renders come to life on a project. To me, there is no greater award to see something you've help create come to life. If you haven't been keeping up with my on my Instagram, I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to job train on installing and to shadow on project manage. Honestly, I'm not sure how my principal does it. By the end of my short 2-day trip, I was throughly exhausted.

Here are my top 5 for the week.

1. My husband and I on Sunday, went to an orchard to purchase cider. Guys, this was a big deal for me. You know why? Because when I left my home state of Michigan, I feared that I will never again taste raw, made on site, fresh apple cider ever again.  Well on that Sunday, I was wrong. And my husband, never tasted it either. He loved it - I loved it!

2. Flying down to Arizona for work, I got to do the touristy thing. Well, for a few minutes, in the air anyway. I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Well, I did. :)

3. I've said it earlier, and I'll say it again. What a reward it was to finally see this project almost completed and to see my interior renders come to life for the first time. That was awesome.

4. I'm probably going to sound silly, but I thought it was cool to see palm trees and cactuses. More so impressed to see cactuses since it was my first time ever to see any at that size. Sheltered, I know.

5. Over all, I learned a lot from this trip. Met a lot of people to help make this project possible. In a way, I felt like I was back in college. Did I mention I really love what I do?

How was your week?

Okay, I'm such a music nerd. Perhaps it is because I came from a very artistic/talented family or it could be because I learned to really appreciate music since (at one moment of my life) I used to be a bandy.  Either way, I love listening to music to match my moods. If I'm feeling fun and playful, it's usually upbeat and ready to get my dance on. Or if I'm kinda of sad, I listen to soft instrumental stuff. This months playlist is all about jazz. Tony Bennet to be exact. September 23rd is the first day of fall, and I personally happen to be ahead of it. This playlist to me reflects relaxation for a "quiet" evening, curled up to faux-fur blanket, sipping wine or herbal tea, and thumbing through some magazines. Oh and don't forget to light up some candles. Especially ones that are scented just for fall. Didn't I just set up your evening plans now?  Let's sip some wine shall we?


Click here to listen to September's playlist.

Today is my first time to travel via airplane for work. I'm heading down to Phoenix, Arizona to take part in the furniture move-in of our nearly completed 4-story behavioral health facility. It's really exciting to see this building for the first time in-person and to see my interior renders come to life. Anyways, I digress, I found I put a lot of work into packing my carry-ons for my 2 day trip. Hey, this is new to me!

Here is what I packed in my carry-on luggage bag:

- 2 dress pants
- 2 dress shirts
- blazer
- p.j.'s
- 1 small bag of toiletries (i.e. travel sized shampoo, face wash, hair spray, etc,..)
- curling iron
- dress flats
- 1 small bag of hair combs, hair ties, bobby-pins
- 1 small makeup bag - only what you need
- a pair of underwear
- phone & tablet charger


In my handbag carry-on:

- wallet
- business card organizer
- notebook
- tablet
- 1 small bag for lotion, perfume, kleenex, sanitizer,...

Hope this helps you for your first time ever traveling for work. I'll have to recap my trip!

Thanks friend for visiting!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

1. This is cute lil twist to your bedroom mirror. Love the grey and gold touch. I think I may have to do this to my bathroom mirror.

2. Hollow out the lemon seems like a really cute unique idea. I may have to do this put them out on my patio. Or an evening to add a decorative touch when having guests over. 

3. Owls. Nough said. 

4. I've been wanting these fringe boots for like years! But they are so much $$$!!! One of these days. 

5. Isn't this phone case pretty!? I love the geometric detail. 

6. Really, really need to get my hair done. Trimmed, touch of freshener of color. I'm confessing a sin right now and I haven't had my hair done since March! 

7. My anniversary is coming up, I'd really love to add this somewhere in our home. 

8. The "oh deer" sign, perfect to hang in home for the upcoming fall and winter season. 

Do you Pinterest? You probably do. 

Thanks for visiting today! Happy Friday!

Feeling fall fashion? Strips and plaid are the way to go! This look could be great for work or just casual. I dressed it up a bit with a light jacket yet add pop of red color with the red shoes, the scarf, and some red lips.

Shop my look!

Stripped Shirt: H&M,  | similar
Plaid Scarf: Old Navy, last winter | similar
Pants: Old Navy
Bag: Target
Shoes: Old Navy, old | similar
Jacket: The Limited, old | similar
Glasses: Dolce & Gabbana

There is something that has been bugging me for a while and highly take offense to. I would like to set everyone straight and just pour it out there. Okay. Here it goes... There IS a difference between Interior Decorator and Interior Designers people!! A gentlemen asked me recently what I went to school for, I said I majored in Interior Design. His response was "You mean to tell me you went to school just to learn how to hang up pictures on walls!?!" Needless to say, I had daggers coming out of my eyes at him. I was so offended! So I'm here to set everyone straight and to let you know what are the differences. We do have similarities but one is more involved then the other.

Interior Designers:

1 - 2-4 yr degree (4 yr degree seems to be preferred by most employers). Expect many long nights, days, and hours. Oh yeah and tears, sweat, blood. Basically a lot of hard work, but so worth it in the end.

2. Designers are responsible for the public health, safety, and well being in any project. I'm talking hospitals, government buildings, restaurants, etc...

3. We know ADA.

4. We also know building codes. Also, we have to make sure our finishes and materials are not only coordinated, but meet those code requirements.   Very tedious.

5. We. Spec. Everything.

6. Designers design interiors in a very artful, at times, unique ways. Like this:

Or this...

7. We know computer programs. CAD, Revit, Photoshop, InDesign, Illistrator, Sketchup,.. we pretty much know it and then some.

8. We work with a BIG team. The client, architects, engineers, contractors, product reps...

9. We have to be comfortable meeting and dealing with all kinds of people. Interpersonal communications are a must!

I say we as designers like to push the envelope of interiors. If we can... I mean if the budget will allow us to. I'd say it'd be worth the investment. Trust me.

Interior Decorators:

1  There is a certification program. I've tried it. Or try some courses if your college offers them.

2. They deal mainly on color, fabric, space planning, furniture styles, and more. Interior Designers also do this.

3. Decorators are more client focused. Whereas they help the client pick the style, choose the color scheme, furniture, and accessorize.

All in all, we are similar but we very different at the same time. But please be careful when calling a designer and decorator - we are not! And decorators, please don't call yourself an Interior Designer when you don't have the certification or a degree. Besides in some jurisdictions, it is illegal to yourself one unless you are NCIDQ certified.  Currently I am working towards my certification. Look into it!

Thanks for visiting today!

The weekend is in full swing. This week has been really busy since my work is still going through this super busy spell. But there have been some really good/fun days into the mix. Boy, I've really been needing them to!

Here is what I've been up to this last couple of weeks.

1. The firm I've been working for is in the works of opening a new studio space. We been picking out finishes, paint colors, tile, carpet, stains, lighting.... it's been a really fun process. Since we've been working really hard lately, my principal took us out to go thrift shopping to find unique pieces to go into our new studio space.  Let me tell you, I cannot wait to show the big reveal.

2. My husband and I did a mini mini camp trip. Just one night to meet with old friends, ride some horses, and do some exploring on the 4-wheelers. It was a well worth (short) camp trip.

3. I couldn't help it; I've said it earlier, and I'll say it again - I've officially brought out my fall decor out. There.

4. Earlier this week, I had a dinner event to attend to with my husband. It was good to see and meet his other co-workers, his bosses, and their wives.

5. Last night, I had my first ladies night. It's not my very first, first ladies night. It is because I still feel like the "new kid"on the block. Anyways  it was a really great time meeting new people! Hope I'll get invited again. :)

That's it for this week,


Thanks for visiting!

01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08

I love fall. I. really. Love. fall. Can't you tell? Not only the decor, but the fashion. The deep, rich, colors, the cozy sweaters,... it's a beautiful time of year.  My personal fall pallet for this year is more towards charcoals, pinot, and camel-colored browns. I like to wear sophisticated clothing yet versatile pieces that could be easily dressed up or down. Overall, I'm pretty simple when it comes to my wardrobe. What are your fall fashion craving?     

Fall is just around the corner, and believe me,  I'm ready for the season. Aren't you?  I've officially gave into my temptation of my fall decor. Am I the only one that brings out the seasonal decor out a little early? Please say that I'm not.  I love fall colors, the crisp cool air, the fashion, the smells... It's the best! Oh and pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING! Yes I am one of those fanatics that loves the flavor of pumpkin. By the way, I do have a couple of past posts here and here that are perfect DIY fall decor projects to display in your home. I've found a couple of really great inspirations into your fall temptation. Or just come and visit my pinterest board of more inspiration to get other fall decor ideas.

By the way, I've noticed that my Friday post didn't go up! OPS! I accidentally set it to the wrong day. Oh well. But thank you for visiting today. Have a great start of your week. 

Catie 

I've been working a lot again lately. It's probably time that I take another vacation. Ha! If only I had the time! That is why I don't have another post ready for you today - I did plan on it but work has happened again. Hopefully you understand. I found this picture on Pinterest and think I need to add this little gem to my work space. Have a happy Wednesday. Thanks for visiting.

When going to the gym, I like having a goal to work towards. It's important to not have the same workout routine every time you hit the gym. Why? It would get boring quickly for one, plus you need to keep your body guessing as to whats going to happen next. This is what I do when I head to gym, at least a 1/2 hour of intense cardio. I'm going to sound super crazy but I do want myself really uncomfortable when I do my cardio. I know, I'm nuts! It must be that I've been watching a lot of Biggest Loser or something. And honestly, I think it's melting my unwanted pounds. :) For my HIIT Intervals, I start on the treadmill with a 5 minute walk (3.3 mph), then 2 minutes at a comfortable jog (5.4 mph). Then I start really making my self run somewhere between 6-7mph for about a minute & a half BUT the 30 seconds, I amp the incline to 4 or maybe 5. I'll repeat that for about 15 minutes. Then to complete my intense cardio, I'll do 10-15 minutes of the stair treadmill. Talk about being uncomfortable!!! I hope you'll enjoy this workout. I love learning or seeing new workout routines. What's yours? Please share!