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!