Gradient Girl

She is really cute and that color brightened my morning.

Also thank you for still sticking around and to all those comments I didn't respond to directly I truly do appreciate the time you take out to type something in this small corner of the internet - love you all :)

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Beginning

I disappeared for a lot longer than I had expected and rather than bore you all with the details of my absence I just thought it better to start off with "Hello" for all of you who are still here :)

I will be easing back into the social networking scene slowly and I honestly can't tell you how often I will be here, hopefully at least once a week - fingers crossed. However if you are just looking to see some of the pretty things that I find inspiring you can check out my tumblr (they make it so easy for this girl with a crazy schedule) here. 

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Some People On Some Days

Just make me feel like this....

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White Walls Are Nice

I first came across that lovely office space in the upper right hand corner while visiting Jenn at A Home in the Making and it really struck me as a lovely space that I could get creative in. Well as it usually is on the internet one thing leads to one hundred things and many hours layer on Pinterest I had pinned rooms with lots of white space and pops of color. Some people may think white walls are boring but I like the brightness that comes with them - like a blank canvas to allow ideas to get moving. 

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Paper, Paper Everywhere

I am a organizing freak - give me matching plastic containers and a label maker and I am one VERY happy girl. But there is one aspect of my life that does not fit neatly in a container, and it's the day to day. Between appointments, assignments, and the activities of a very busy 10 year old on most days my to do is a game of where did I write that down and where did I put it? My inner Martha Stewart silently weeps- I just know it.

Now dont think I am not a planner kind of girl- I love planners!!! They hold such promise of an organized year ahead of me and I collect them like I do sketchbooks. I fill them with lists and then put it down and hardly look at it again until I add more things with the intention of lugging it around with me. I am genuinely surprised that I make it to any of the items I am scheduled for, thank God for follow up phone calls.

So I need to find something that works and travels with me, my solution is to try I and go paperless this year. I am not sure how it will go for a girl who likes to write things down ( something about typing it just doesn't feel the same to me), but I have many apple products that play nicely with one another and a new calendar app that practically promised to make my life more streamlined and less cluttered.

How do all you beautiful people keep track of things? Any apps you can't live without?

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Fancy Feathers

Don't you love old photographs - the people always look so fancy to me. I just purchased three fun vintage photos from Etsy and I'm not sure what to do with them, but they are fun to look at. Here is just a fun combo to start out the week.

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Lately...

This is what last week looked like for me. One of our chairs is done and it is pretty fantastic. I have to take a proper picture of it to share with you all. 

One thing I have learned about myself is that if I say I am going to do something (take a picture every day) I typically have a hard time following through, but if I just keep my mouth shut and do something it works out better for me - what's that about?

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These layouts by Les Graphiquants are quite nice, don't you think?

Classy Lady

Every now and then I come across a picture and I think - why don't I dress like this? Case in point...

I really like how simple and chic pencil skirts are, throw in the fun colors they have at J. Crew and you can't go wrong. I really hate spending money, but I think I may need to purchase some new closet staples and class things up around here.

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Running Start.

2012 - can you believe it?!?! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and were able to spend some time getting rejuvenated and rested. I had a nice break, but by day 5 I was a bit antsy and wanting to get back to the grind. 

I have decided to take a little bit of pressure off of myself this year. I guess you can say my resolution is to be kinder to myself, it's hard to be creative when you don't give yourself the freedom to make mistakes. 

So I resolve to keep finding my own voice, take more pictures, laugh as much as possible, and enjoy my morning cups of coffee in a less frantic manner.

Do you make resolutions or is it overdone?

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Hibernation

So if you have been wondering where I have been I have been in serious "move your butt because Christmas is right around the corner, and don't forget about those finals, and oh yeah we have to head to Vegas for Punky's cheer competiton, but don't forget you have to head into the office today" mode. 

So yes friends it has been a bit hectic in the Q household, but now I am giving myself a time out and heading into hibernation mode. I need to take some time to get inspired, eat cookies and catch up with all my blog reading. 

Have an AMAZING holiday and I will see you all next week!!!!! 

Just What I've Been Waiting For

I am pretty thrilled to have this week over with, it was one of those weeks that was a disaster from the moment I woke up on Monday morning. But the weekend is here and we are headed up to Disneyland on Sunday for a little family fun. I haven't been there in probably 5 years even though it is so close, I have to say I am pretty excited!!

Hope you all have a wonderful couple of days and we will meet again next week.

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Two Steppin'

Sometimes you have to find a good way to let loose during the day and release some stress. I use to be the type of person who would say I would relax later - you know once the weekend comes, or when this project is done, or as soon as this final is over. The problem is like most people another project usually follows, there are errands to run on the weekends, and after the semester you have to deal with the things that you have been putting off at home. So I made a promise that I would find a way to unwind for at least a few minutes everyday, a mini mental health break. 

Enter my new afternoon ritual...

When Punky and I get home in the afternoon before we do anything we pick a song, turn up the volume, and sing and dance our little hearts out. I will be honest and say most days it is a Selena Gomez song, but I look forward to this part of my day and it is pretty incredible how afterwards I feel ready to tackle what the afternoon may hold.

So what about you guys, what are some fun ways that you handle stress?

A Note To Myself

Feeling slightly overwhelmed this week and it's only Tuesday.

I always feel pulled in a thousand different directions and I really am getting better at handling it. I just have to tell myself that things always have a way of working out exactly like they are suppose to, although sometimes it is hard to remember that.

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All She Wants For Christmas

I am happy to report that I got a few things crossed of my shopping list this weekend, I am a heavy online shopper so that makes it a bit easier. I did head out to the mall and nearly had a panic attack from all the noise, traffic and blaring music in the stores - are there people who enjoy the frenzied holiday shopping, and if so what am I missing?

As you may have guessed the MOST important person on my list is Punky and I thought I would share with you what is on the wish list of a very free-spirited 10 year old. Enjoy!!

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Most of these things I wouldn't mind for myself, truth be told. And why wasn't there a Bubble Writing Guide book when I was 10?!?

Morning Mouse

I would very much like to have these sparkly Marc Jacobs flats to go along with my bowl of Fruit Loops, please. 

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Blue Sky Hello

Hello all you wonderful people!! Did you have a wonderful turkey day? 

I unplugged last week and spent the week holed up with Z and Punky - it was pretty quiet and uneventful - my idea of perfection. It is important with as much as we are connected these days to take a moment and allow yourself to enjoy the sun shine, blue sky, and family.

Did I get done all I planned and hoped to - no, but it's ok because I was able to catch up on a few things and I am not going to dwell on what I didn't do. I am feeling quite energized and with the semester end a mere two weeks away I hope this feeling lasts. 

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She's Pretty Cool

Diane Keaton in the 70's - I think I would like to be her friend.

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She's Got Legs

The good news is I finished my paper, the bad news is I am still about 50 steps behind were I need to be. However I decided I am going to become I shut in next week and get down to business - yep that's my story and I am sticking to it.

As I was gathering examples for my Paul Rand project I came across these pieces that he did and well that's just great design there. 

If you are interested in learning more about this brilliant man check out his website, it pretty incredible!!

Monday Plans

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty low key spent most of it trying to shake this cold that is trying its hardest to be my new best friend. I should have been working on my paper that is due tomorrow, but that is what I have today for, right? It should be pretty easy considering it is about one of my favorite designers, Paul Rand. That quote pretty much sums up design to me and well that living room is nice to look at.

Wish me luck.

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