Friday, June 29, 2012

Weekend Crush + Things We Love!


Well, here's to another weekend! Wherever you are, be sure to step outside and do something that makes you smile; read a good book, walk the dog; grab a latte; or just relax! Don't forget to appreciate the small things and marvel at the big things.. Here are a few things that made our weekend crush list and we're just loving it!











until next time...Enjoy!



Thursday, June 28, 2012

A Country Chic Wedding: Giddy Up!

We've been busy in the stationery/invitation studio working on an inspiration board for a modern, country-chic wedding. And while we think we can be really creative, this one is a first for us. You would think that being located in Texas we get asked about country-chic weddings quite a bit but no such luck. So we started pulling inspirations for creating a wedding suite fit for a country king and queen. We're planning to have lots of fun with this one!






until next time...

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Tuesday Inspirational! Words to Grow By...


We only have one life to live. There are alot of people out there that are not happy or satisfied with anything or anyone. Why waste your time trying to please them? Make the most of your life! Focus on your goals and do the best you can. Don’t let the judgement and negativity of others run your life.
Richard S.


until next time...

Monday, June 25, 2012

Embracing Summer One Raffia at a Time!

After perusing an entire catalog of beach accessories, its certain that I will be embracing the summer months in straw accessories that have a decidedly urban attitude. These bold colors with graphic touches and the "can't miss" of-the-moment stripes gives raffia a bit of extra punch, without affecting your bottom line. Try out some luxe bohéme wovens now and feel even smarter when you pull them back out for the beach. 


Butik necklace, $75, singer22.com; Anthropologie hat, $48, anthropologie.com


Theory fedora, $90, theory.com; Soludos Opening Ceremony espadrille, $45, openingceremony.us


Dolce Vita wedge sandal, $79, revolveclothing.com; Mar Y Sol tote bag, $74, lordandtaylor.com


Zara sandal, $99, zara.com



Friday, June 22, 2012

The Business of Blogging!

I think we all at some point have many different fires burning. At my day job, I am required to help clients get the best out of their business so it can in return grow and give them a solid return on their investment. Running a small business is no simple feat; it requires owners to wear multiple hats and be flexible while doing it. And in order to achieve this, business owners must use a variety of business tools at their finger tips. Today, I want to talk a little about blogging. This is something I encourage all my clients to do, but in such a way that it not only fits into their daily practices but also makes sense for their business.



So, why bother blogging? Here's my take:
  1. It’s by far one of the most powerful business marketing tools used or studied.
  2. Considering all the benefits of blogging, the financial cost is tiny. A self-hosted blogger or WordPress site can cost less per week than getting coffee.
  3. If you show up and blog regularly over time, people will be able to see that you are reliable and durable. And, I am sure you can count on multiple hands blog owners that have launched businesses because of their blogs.
  4. Blogging makes you a better communicator because it forces you not only write but to respond and interact with your readers.
  5. Blogging gives you an amazing, creative outlet for you and your business.
  6. There are no limits on what you can achieve from your blog. There have been many blogs that have changed hands for millions of dollars.
  7. As a direct result of blogging you can meet amazing people and make great friends and future business partners.
  8. To blog regularly with fresh ideas, you need to feed your mind with rich, mental protein. This means blogging can make you smarter, or at least better informed!
  9. If you work hard enough, for long enough, you can become one of the most influential people in your profession. That makes you an expert; that makes you the person others turn to for help and advice, that makes you indispensable! 
  10. If you are passionate about what you do, and you should be, your blog gives you a platform to share your passion.
And never forget, you can make it fun too!

until next time....

Thursday, June 21, 2012

A Vintage Sort of Summer...

Today, I am happy and inspired by the amazing people who co-exist in this world! The people who inspire you to smile randomly and to keep working even when you are unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The truth is, there will always be negative, unhappy, bitter and uninspired people in the world but the idea that for every one of those you encounter, you get the chance to encounter two kind, amazing spirits is a great thing. So, here's to a vintage, fun having, bike ride in the park sort of summer! As I work from MY office, on MY time, staring at orchids a friend had delivered, I am really loving this summer!! Here are a few photos on our inspiration board in the office - if we work hard enough we get to go to NYC this summer to the International conference! Now, that's motivation.





until next time....

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Interior Brights + Bold Colors!

I haven't done an interior feature in quite some time but when I saw Kishani Perera’s work, I was in interior heaven. There are so many elements to admire. The bold tones and rich color and her use of vintage and modern pieces, simply amazing. I guess its safe to say that  I am a newly discovered fan of pieces that are collected as opposed to matching. And there's much more eye candy to browse over on her site!




thanks to small shop studio for first featuring her work! until next time!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Monday Inspiration: Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE!

Over the past few days we have been busy working on fulfilling online orders for stationery! When we first started, the only thing I could think was - oh my - this is a lot! But, the more we did, the more we got our pile of orders down and it feels really good to be crossing things off our list! So, today it is very appropriate that our inspirational words are "nothing is impossible, just set your mind to it and make it possible!" Happy Monday everyone!
until next time...


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Do What You Love and Create A New Future

I consider myself an avid reader even though at times, I really do not get the time to complete a book in one read! Well, these days who does? One book I have been reading that has inspired me and hopefully all the people I have shared it with is The $100 Startup. In this book, Chris Guillebeau shows you how to lead a life of adventure, meaning and purpose while also earning a good living. I have heard so many friends struggle with unhappy lives and unhappy jobs and unhappy bosses that this book struck a cord.



Chris, who is still in his early thirties is on the verge of completing a tour of every country on earth – he’s already visited more than 175 nations – and yet he’s never held a “real job” or earned a regular paycheck. Rather, he has a special genius for turning ideas into income, and he uses what he earns both to support his life of adventure and to give back.

In preparing to write this book, Chris identified 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from a modest investment (in many cases, $100 or less), and from that group he’s chosen to focus on the 50 most intriguing case studies. In nearly all cases, people with no special skills discovered aspects of their personal passions that could be monetized, and were able to restructure their lives in ways that gave them greater freedom and fulfillment.

And in this one easy-to-use guide, are the most valuable lessons from those who’ve learned how to turn what they do into a gateway to self-fulfillment and creating a life with intention. It’s all about finding the intersection between your “expertise” – even if you don’t consider it such -- and what others will pay for. You don’t need an MBA, a business plan or even employees. All you need is a product or service that springs from what you love, your passion, people willing to pay, and a way to get paid.

"If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to get started in a microbusiness that fits your lifestyle, you will find plenty of it here." Valerie Maltoni

until next time...

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Stationery - Oh My!!

So, loving all the new stationery these days that we are cranking out at the studio...must say - we are like busy bees over here! We added a new face to the team and I am very excited about all the happenings!




images via Koby and Kylie Co. Stationery and Invitations

Monday, June 11, 2012

Monday DIY Inspiration

So, I've never been the self-proclaimed DIYer but I do have my moments, especially if its something I've always wanted to do and/or refused to pay the hefty price tag. Sometimes you just have to draw the line somewhere! Well, I ran across this DIY project here and was absolutely in awe. Any girl/woman who loves candles understands the need for an amazing candle in your home and what better way to have the best of both worlds than to have the candle plus the amazing vintage china that goes so perfectly!








happy Monday...until next time..

Friday, June 08, 2012

It's Great News Friday: Confessions for the Soul!

So over the past months, I have been hinting at so much happening behind the scenes with me and so today I can actually tell you guys a few of the great news I have been holding on to. Wheww! The first is that I started dabbling in stationery a few months ago and I really loved it. It was such a stress reliever for me - not to mention it was fun. From there, I decided that I was spending tons on stationery supplies and so I wanted to recoup my investment. From this, Koby and Kylie Co. was born. Named after my two pooches, it gives me something to look forward to on days when all you need is something creative. You can find me at Koby and Kylie Co., on Facebook and also on Twitter and Pinterest. I would love for you guys to let me know your thoughts. I am still very small and growing but it makes me smile everyday as I see it mold into something. And while I must admit, I have lots of work to do here because I have neglected it for some time now!

My next great news is that about three weeks ago, I decided to start my own marketing, branding and communications company. As many of you know (or may not know), I worked in the interior design industry as a Marketing/Communications Director for a firm. I think it was time to take the leap and put the faith in myself to do the things I am capable of doing and to do them on my own terms for my own happiness and well being. My company is called Studio Brand Collective and you can find more information about me here and also on Twitter and on Facebook and on LinkedIn.

It's funny how as I write this, I get teary eyed because there has been so much that has been happening behind the scenes and there has been so much that has motivated me to do these things (whether negative or positive motivation). I am happy I did this and I will work hardest for me because I know I have my own good intentions in mind. And that's the most important thing after all. Because over the years, I have learned that happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. You work hard and design the life you intend you live.

And this post wouldn't be complete without saying thank you to those people who listened to me, heard me stress, saw the tears and still knew my strength even if I questioned it sometimes. See, that's who we are as human beings, we question our capabilities and ourselves and ultimately, we are our own worst enemy. Well touché to those days and touché to those people who stand before you and smile and with every breath also try to cut your legs from beneath you. Touché to those who while you give, they take and take and take and with no good intentions. And touché to those who will always put their ulterior motives and interests in the game and always ahead of yours. And thank you for people like SB, KA, LT, SL, BM, BH, RS, and RL. You give me hope that there really are great people who can be in your corner! And thank you for everything you are!

until next time...

P.S. This is the first post I think I have done without any photos!  Please feel free to email me any questions or comments at lifesunnyside@gmail.com. Happy Friday!!

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Typeface + Hound

Yesterday, I spent a significant part of the day looking at typefaces of all varieties. By the end of it all, I stumbled across this great typeface board with illustrations of a few of my favorites hounds. Great way to continue the week.

until next time...

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

This Morning...

I was reminded that!


so, I have resolved to work really hard in hopes that there will be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Monday, June 04, 2012

An Easy Breezy Vacation...SOON!

So, it seems like I've been busy for all of this year. Somehow, the time has flown by and we are now in June. It's as if nothing I planned as gone like I expected it to (go figure...it's just the way life is) but somehow, I am right where I need to be. Well, I am looking forward to a great vacation in the Hampton's with great friends. Love New York but love NY even more in the summer. Maybe I'll even run into a few famous people! Ha.. Have a great Monday everyone! Today's lesson - "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."


Can't you just imagine being here?