November | Life Lately
November – December Full Moon
I'm not sure where the last month went but every month is flying by right now. I'm trying to slow things down in order to be more present to all the beautiful things the holidays bring—family time, cozy weather, laughter—while keeping my wellness at the forefront. It's difficult this time of year with final grades for my students, Q4 goals, holiday traditions, gift-giving etc. but I'm trying my best to maintain some balance and not be completely burnt-out. We'll see how it goes!
Recommended book: The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
November
Thanksgiving
We went to my Grandpa's for Thanksgiving this year. I made my Grandma's famous green bread for the first time ever and plenty of pumpkin muffins that Joel enjoyed. Tiger road-tripped with us this year and it made me so happy to be Up North with my family. My cousin, Mom, & I may have stayed up too late to see the moon rise over the field and reminisce on our memories of Grandma over a bottle (or 2) of wine.
Freelance Workshops
I'm looking forward to hosting 2 freelance workshops for senior design students at Grand Valley this month. One of the reasons I was hired to teach is my experience as a freelance designer. Freelancing is becoming more & more popular for young designers but they're not sure where to start, which is where I come in. There aren't a lot of us in the local design community, at least not actively talking about it, so I'm looking forward to sharing what I know from 5+ years as a freelance designer in hopes it will help inspire & motivate the students.
3 tips to be a freelance designer / Freelancing behind the scenes / A day of freelance
Studio Closed starting Monday, December 3
It's time for a break. Last year I closed up shop mid-December for some R&R in Florida and it made a huge difference to my mental health and the energy I brought in to the New Year when I returned. I'll be tieing up loose ends for current clients and finishing out the fall semester. Closing up shop a couple of weeks early is a business move I'm excited to make. It seems counter-productive to shut it down just when retail and 2018 budgets are ramping up but I have an inkling it's exactly what I need to do this year to start 2019 strong.
Book your 2019 design project with me [here].
October
Fall 10x10
A year of 10x10's is now in the books! My 4th challenge wrapped up on Halloween. I spent the week afterward reading through #10x10representationmatters which has unpacked a lot of realities on my privileges as a white woman. So it was a very successful 10x10 for more reasons than my 10 looks but I'm also happy with my looks from Lee & Birch. Feeling very confident in my style these days.
Lee & Birch Holiday Fashion Show
I talked all about my night walking in the holiday fashion show [here]. I realized doing things like a fashion show, photoshoots, and getting ready for local events is my version of pampering. I work a lot, I'm always thinking or writing or scheming up ideas so spending more time getting ready and dressing up is a nice little way I've found to give myself a little self-love.
Fall 10x10 with Lee & Birch / Style posts / How I define a capsule wardrobe
3 Weddings
We survived our season of weddings! haha. They were all such amazing days. My favorite part is watching the groom's face as his bride begins walking down the aisle. Most everyone is looking at her but I always turn to see her groom because his reaction tells all. It brought me to tears each time to see our friends begin their journey's together and I think Joel and I finally have our outfit coordination down.
Our wedding / My bachelorette party / A letter to my husband
Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.
