2018: New Year, Better Me

Happy New Year everyone! This year I want to stay dedicated to writing no more "I'm Back" posts. The last post I wrote was back in Sept 2017 and that is just way too long ago. I love writing posts, but I definitely got caught up with life and work and put blogging on the back burner - even though I teeeechnically had the time to write. I just didn't think to make it a priority among other things. This year, I've committed to things I want to stay on top of, and I want to keep blogging a priority on this list since it can be pretty beneficial for a design career. Since we are planning our wedding for 2019 and I am Maid of Honor in my sisters wedding this year, there is no question this year will be all about planning. But I definitely want to take the time I can this year to better myself before life gets even crazier and more busy (like eventually moving and starting a family within a few years). This is definitely a more personal post than I've ever written, but here are some of the things that are of high importance to me this year...

1) Get in better shape: My amazing fiance gifted me 4 personal training sessions and I cannot wait to start. I always try working out on my own but I need that extra help to make sure what I am doing is actually benefiting me and my overall goals for my body and wellness. 

2) Go to all the Dr's appointments: This one can sound silly, but I just got much better insurance than last year and I'm so excited to go to Dr's that I've ultimately held off going like the dermatologist and neurologist because I want to focus on getting clear skin that lasts and eliminating my migraines.

3) Straighten my teeth - again: I had braces in high school, and now 14+ years later since having them, my teeth have not exactly stayed straight. I finally connected with an orthodontist my dad knows (thankfully my dad is a dentist) and have an appointment set to get that ball rolling, and not think that "I should have" come my wedding day..

4) Take those classes: I keep researching different classes I can take to grow my technical design skills and overall career, and I never actually commit to it. It's a constant battle in my mind whether or not to take classes because ultimately I don't want to waste money. But I need to stop thinking that way and just do it. I've pretty much already decided that I do not need a degree right now, but I definitely want to sharpen my AutoCad Skills, and learn new ones to help me grow in my field. There is no better time than now and I don't want to look back and regret not moving forward with what I am passionate about. 

5) Finish my portfolio: This goes hand in hand with #4, and I actually am almost done with my portfolio. I tend to think too much, which is why it's taken me so long to actually put one together. But it could never hurt to just finish what I have, and see where it takes me. I've been waiting on getting the right photos taken of my own apartment so I can add that to my portfolio, too, but I don't technically need it with what I have right now so why hold it off any longer? I just don't want to limit myself anymore and not have a complete portfolio if the right opportunity arises. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

6) Save all the money: This one speaks for itself. I need to food prep more, bring my coffee to work in my thermos, and reinvent ways to wear clothes I already have. Doing this, I can put all the money saved towards my above goals.

With alllllll that said, I can say that actually helped me to organize my thoughts a bit better than 10 minutes ago ;) I am excited to start all these goals and see how they all work out for me. I could probably add like 10 more things, but then I wouldn't end up doing any of them wholeheartedly so by focusing on less goals, I can put my all into them and then on to the next. Cheers to growth in 2018!!

xo,

Lauren

Bring it On, 2017

Hello all and Happy New Year! It's been quite some time that I haven't made a post (I feel like that is the start of the last few post's I've done) but I am back! This year I am committed to doing a few things that I been thinking about for quite some time. For more than a year, I've been pondering the thought of getting my degree in Interior Design versus taking individual classes, or just gaining as much experience as possible without taking any classes. Although I have been gaining invaluable experience, I would love to take classes to learn the different computer programs which ultimately leads me to my first goal of 2017 - to apply to FIT and start classes this year. My second goal is to own my art business. Lately, I have only been creating custom paintings which aren't always what I want to paint. I would love to create one piece each month or two, and post it on my Etsy page. I have fell off of my Etsy, too, as I haven't kept it up to date at all so I really would love to take the time and create paintings that I love and mean something to me, and if someone wants to purchase it, even better :) My third goal this year is to design a whole space whether it's my own or another's and enhance my portfolio. I can create space plans and mood boards, but I would love to see them come to life in one's home. My very fourth goal is to learn Spanish. I have taken Spanish in high school and two years in college so you would think I could speak fluently by now but that's not the case. I think it's so beneficial to know another language, and this is the year I am going to try my best to learn Spanish as fluently as possible. So there it is! I know it sounds like a lot, but I feel like if I stay committed and set timelines for myself, I can reach them all. I encourage all of you to continue to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. The below quote couldn't of said it better. Stay tuned for my next post!

PS. Redesign of my blog coming soon :)

Hello 2016!

Well hello everyone. It's been quite some time since my last post! Thanksgiving, the Holidays and the New Year flew right by. 2015 was a great year for me all around - I painted often and participated in art shows, moved back to New York (although I dearly miss CA), started a new position with Restoration Hardware, and my sweet niece and Goddaughter, Andriana, was born. I cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store for me. My goal is to push myself to take my art and blog to another level and focus on growing in the design field. I'd love to see where it can go if I truly put my all into it. In the meantime, I've had my eye on some new pieces for our place so I wanted to share a sneak peek. Stay tuned for which ones end up in our home :) 

1930's Martini Side Table / RH 

Go-Cart White Rolling Desk / cb2

Mini Industrial Cage Lamp / west elm

Parisian Cornice Single Shelving in Black Oak / RH 

Reclaimed Russian Oak Parquet Coffee Table / RH

Vintage Steel Desk Chair in Antiqued Brass / RH Teen

xo, 

Cheers to 2015!

Well hello January! It feels like a year since I've last posted :) I've had some time to reflect on this past year and although I have accomplished a lot -- moving to CA from NY and now living here over a year, working at a company that inspires me and encourages me to do what I love, and creating and selling more custom art pieces -- I still have SO much more yet to do for ME. Also, I was home visiting my family for the Holidays which is why I have not posted much in the last month. It was an amazing trip and I hope all of you had a wonderful time with family and friends this Holiday as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more home projects, photography and art which will give me a lot more to post about. Right now I am working on a DIY terrarium so stay tuned! In the meantime here are some pics of my new years with family!

Oh yea -- I'm going to be an Aunt again this May! 2015 is going to be a good one :) 

Xo,