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!

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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!

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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!