{ when all else fails... }

I went to bed late late night with a migraine while trying to finish up a client project, and groggily woke up at 6:45 to get little Taylor off to school (the daughter of the family that I've been staying with since June). I was wishing my alarm clock would let me sleep a little longer. I went to bed the night before feeling defeated, worried, stressed, and plum sad, and all I really wanted to do today was stay in bed, despite the fact that my to-do list heavily disagrees with that sentiment.

But, up I got. I poured a cup of coffee, made breakfast and then headed out to walk Tay off to school. As soon as we stepped outside, I was glad that Diana had asked me to take Taylor this morning. The fresh air felt good, and the blue sky revived my spirits a bit.

I don't mean to be overly wordy with these posts lately, but the truth is, its hard to blog about cute products and pretty things when life is kicking you in the rear. That being said, I recognize that I am so fortunate in so many ways, and I am working to dwell more in that than in what I am lacking and have yet to resolve. I only wish I know how to make everything simple again.

Thank goodness for all of the people I have in my life who encourage me, push me forward, and bring me light and positivity. Thank you for all of your kind words.

lovelovelove.

-C

{ like a chicken with its head cut off }

One of these days I'm going to stop apologizing for disappearing for days at a time. One of these days I'm going to be one of those girls who wakes up at 5am and gets a work out in and starts her productive day promptly at 8 and eats by 5 or 6. 

'Til then, I'm one of those girls who runs around like a chicken with her head cut off. 

I've been working on a mix of client projects. Like this one:

Bless my little clients hearts for being so sweet about this heinous photoshop job. The project has a super quick turn-around (3-4 weeks from start to finish) so I couldn't take my time making the storyboard ultra beautiful because we've got to get to making decisions and placing orders (it's kind of a hybrid of an e-design and local interior decorating project).  And obviously the plant would have a planter. Luckily, they got the idea. It's very urban, no? They live in an awesome lofty space in downtown Chicago with beautiful views. We're actually going to be going in a different direction than this, but I'm still a little obsessed with the kelly green. I'll have to find somewhere in my next home to utilize a little taste of it.

I'm also working downtown as a leasing agent a couple days a week to provide some steady income. On Sunday, I worked with Anne Book on her adorable son's room. All we did was rearrange the furniture, declutter, and reorganize and it feels like a completely room. All it cost was labor. Such an amazing testament to what a little elbow grease can do for ya! I wish I had before and after photos, but there will be plenty of those to come.

I'm still working on my website, y'all. Almost there. ALLLMOST.

I need to find something to wear to The Everygirl Contributors Party that is happening this Thursday. Must do laundry. Shoot.

See how scattered this post is? This is what my brain looks like these days. But in the end, you've just gotta keep going. So I shall. Off I go to shower and run like a bunny to try to catch the bus downtown!

Hope you all have the most wonderful day. Thanks so much for stopping in. lovelovelove

-C

{ guidelines, not deadlines }

Since starting my decorating business a few months ago, there have been so many rewarding moments. Sometimes I stare at my inbox and the fact that I have any emails at all from people who want to work with me just still astounds me and fills my heart with so much joy. So on that note, thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you.

And then there are weeks like this. Weeks where I feel so entirely, completely incompetent that I wonder why anyone hires me to begin with. Weeks where I beat myself up because I didn't nail a design board on the first try. Weeks that I do nothing but doubt myself and my ability to be in this profession. Weeks that I look at all the things I have yet to do to make myself more "official" as a designer/decorator and so I feel silly and small. Weeks that I dwell on the fact that I don't have an apartment right now. Weeks that I dwell on the fact that every time I think I'm getting closer to getting one it seems like a million expenses are thrown at me, making it feel light years away before I will ever get one. Weeks that I miss my friends and Trevor so much my heart hurts and I wish I was back in Cincinnati, hanging out with him and watching a movie in my little apartment that I left behind.

But the truth is, there is a learning curve with changes that are this big. I've never had my own business before, obviously. So as much faith as I have in my abilities and as much as I really, truly do believe that I have something great to offer my clients (I do! promise!) of course I am still learning. Of course I am still figuring things out. And while, yes, I should own my strengths and abilities and be confident in my work, if I was so arrogant to think that everything I do is perfect and that I already know how everything works, no one would want to work with me to begin with. 

So, instead of dwelling on these things that I have yet to accomplish or figure out, I will do my best to celebrate that I have had the opportunity to work with gracious, funny, smart, sweet clients who love what I do. I will celebrate the fact that I have collaborated and worked with people like Alaina and Danielle and Jess. I will celebrate the fact that my portfolio is growing, (and it will be shared as soon as it can be). I will celebrate that I am living with an amazing family who has so kindly opened up their home to me for the past three and a half months and continues to do so everyday. I will celebrate that I have a boyfriend who is willing to spend his weekends driving back and forth to see me when he can, and is supportive and encouraging of what I'm doing. I will celebrate the fact that I have amazing friends in many cities. And I will celebrate the fact that I'm in my early twenties. That I'm learning. That I get to cut myself a little slack because I'm young and brand spankin' new to "the real world."

A few weeks ago, I was talking with two friends about how one of them is planning to move to New York for her career. I kept pressing my friend with questions about the date of her move, and after about the fifth time that I brought it up, her friend finally reminded me that life is about "guidelines, not deadlines." 

So that is what I will do. I will give myself guidelines for my career and life, and as long as I stay focused on those goals, they will come to fruition, without the added pressure of a looming deadline to make me stressed and anxious. 

And on that note, I'm off to work on a few projects (I am happy to say I currently have a full client load!). How lucky I am to be doing this. I cannot wait to share what I've been working on! If you're interested in a design service or signing up for the waitlist, be sure to email me.

Hope you all have a wonderful day. lovelovelove.

-C

image via

Love Note: Emily Henderson

Oh, Emily.

How I love thee.

No, but really.

I love her.

I remember many moons ago, watching Miss Henderson on Design Star and obsessing over her infamous glass house space. Then, she won the competition and I was elated because it meant I could keep up with her on Secrets From a Stylist on HGTV. Then I found out she was a blogger. And my little heart swelled even more. Sometimes when I see her working and talking with bloggers that I follow everyday, it makes me think I know her a little bit. Like, we know the same people. Run in the same circles. Though in all fairness, most of those people I just know (they don't really know me, persay) but who is getting technical about this? The point is, we're practically best friends.

I love looking to Emily's portfolio for inspiration when I work with my own clients. Her projects are so diverse, yet you sense Emily's aesthetic in all of them, no matter the style. They are layered, bold, comfortable, and interesting. And most recently, I'm so inspired by her new guest room. 

THAT is the magic of styling, people. 

In conclusion, I love Emily and you should too (though you probs already do).

Love,

Caitlin

P.S.Speaking of all of this, I've been working on a site for my design/styling services which will be up verrrry soon. Unfortunately for all of us, I'm designing it myself so these things go at a snail's pace because I first have to figure out what the heck I'm doing. But I'm almost done! It should be going up next week, so please stay tuned! 

**all photos via Emily's portfolio 

{ Styling: Jess LC Randolph and Webster Launch }

I had the honor of styling the new Jess LC Randolph Tray collection, and am so excited to share the beautiful photos with you. I absolutely love these trays. They are the perfect gift for someone you love (the holidays are getting closer) or treat for yourself. And as you can tell from the lookbook, there are so many ways to use them! Shop yours here. She also launched some ADORABLE new stationary that I'm dying to snatch up. 

Be sure to check out all of the goods. You won't be disappointed.

Off I go to work! Hope you all have a wonderful day. lovelovelove.

-C

{ remember }

today my heart and prayers go out to all of those whose lives were taken on this day eleven years ago, and my gratitude goes to those who have defended our nation since. 

always remember. never forget. 

image via

{ florals abound }

I can't get enough of florals lately. Such a delightful pop of pattern, and I find it provides the perfect opportunity to do some fun mixing, like the first room with the floral wallpaper and chevron rug, and the last room with the floral throw and striped sofa.

Don't mind if I do.

image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

{ tuckered out }

photo via

Hey guys and gals.

 Hows your week going? Despite the fact that it was a long weekend, I'm still feeling pretty tuckered out. I worked most of the holiday (albeit from bed with the Kardashians on in the background, so I'm not complaining!) and there is still much to be accomplished/to update you guys on this week. 

I have a couple of new upcoming design projects that I'm so, so excited to work on, wrapped up a fun styling project last week (that i cannot wait to share with you guys!) and am starting a new "day job" today so that I can pay dem billz. 

Its going to be a long road, folks. But it will be quite the journey.

I'll share more updates soon. Pinky swear. 

-C