Believing on the Inside

This is the lesson I'm learning right now. I am always doing some kind of self work, but lately I feel a real shift happening in my life. I have been working on changing some of my old belief systems and in turn a lot of cool shit is happening.

I'm mostly finding this is in some of the authentic and inspiring people I've been able to connect with lately. It's amazing how the when people are following their right path it can give you an energy bolt (or that's how it feels) and make your world expand just that much more.

I am very intrigued by the idea of manifesting and it's something I'm working on a bit lately and finding the work is all internal.

As a person who has looked for outside approval for years, this inner thing has really got it going on!

Thursday's Blog!

When I write these blogs, sometimes I have an idea in mind and other times like today, I read a quote that really speaks to me and I want to share.

I celebrated my 15 year wedding anniversary last month. My husband surprised me with a trip to New York. It was awesome!

The reason I bring this up is that there are some experiences that open you up to further possibilities and this was one of them. Sometimes the day to day of life can actually be pretty uninspiring and taking yourself out of your environment, routine and structure seems to expand things.

I'm in a place right now of stepping back, working on my priorities and values and staying true to this process for really the very first time. What I found is that being away from 'regular life' it was easier to get clear on what's important.

Dreams surface, ideas brew, inspiration arises. And the small stuff, well, just seems small.

Enjoy...

Love This Quote...

I was just about to hit send on my Thursday Blog Post and decided not. The reason...It felt inauthentic. I want to commit to my Thursday Inspirational Posts but I don't want to just post something that seems inspirational but I'm not feeling it...you know what I mean?

So I deleted it and started over with something does feel inspiring to me.

I have been on the Oprah bandwagon reading Dr. Shefali's book Conscious Parenting. I haven't read a parenting book in quite a while, but this one is different. It's really more of a book to learn about your own self and in turn become more present with your kids. I relate to a lot of her writing and really recommend it!

On that note, I follow her on Facebook and yesterday saw a quote she posted on what she would tell her younger self. Here it is below. I love it. I think we all have this angst for things to happen. I have so many ideas and for some reason feel like they all have to happen tomorrow or they will just fade away. I found this comforting and I hope you do to...Enjoy!


"You will find your manifestation. Don’t be so restless. It’s going to come to you. I used to be so restless. I knew I had a message and I just didn’t know where it would come forth. If only I had trusted it more. I began trusting it much later, but in my early years was full of angst and chaos to get it out there. If only I had trusted the universe and that it would come to me. That I would manifest it.”

What Would Beyonce Do?

I kinda love this. The reason I love this doesn't really have a lot to do with being a fan of her music, though I do really like that 'drunk love' song. It's more to do with the fact this girl is gotta going on!

I watched part of her documentary a few months ago and to be honest was pretty fascinated with her. Not only is she mega, mega, mega successful but she gets the inner stuff as well. 

One of my favourite things she said was that life is like a puzzle. People and things come into your life for a reason and if you're paying attention it becomes so easy to see why and make the next move or decision. And when you look back you see how this puzzle all came together. It's how you get into the flow of life.

I'm trying to be more aware of those 'puzzle pieces' these days and where they show up. And, if that doesn't work just say...what would Queen B do?

Enjoy!

Creating Space...

The interesting thing about committing to this Thursday Blog Post is it has me reflect on what is going on for me that week. My intention is to share in hopes of inspiring with all my other "self help junkies" out there.

This week has been pretty awesome actually. And for me to say that is a big deal. I'm not naturally a glass is half full kinda gal. I think I was born with the gene to be a 'realist' as my mom calls it. This can be a good trait in the fact that I am in tune with things but over the years I really wished I just lived in la-la land once in a while.

The reason this week has felt pretty awesome is I have lived a bit more on the side of the quote above. I am in a process of really nailing down my priorities and creating space for them. It's allowed a week of a great date night, a fun seawall outing with my girls, and some creative new ideas I have brewing for my design biz.  I haven't changed anything major, just created some space.

Feels pretty darn good!

An Inspired Design...

It's Thursday - my day for an inspirational post. I was feeling some pressure today as I didn't know what I was going to write about but want to keep my commitment to this.

What I'd really like to do, is feature people I know who are inspiring me right now and pick their brains a bit for us all to tap into that feeling.

For today, I want to share the inspiration from a design I'm working on. My mandate is to 'create spaces that inspire people about their home.' To some this may sound cheesy, to me it feels real. Loving your home can make a huge impact on your life.

I am working on a living room design that gets me so flipping excited right now. It's a little different in some ways than other rooms I've worked on. It's fresh and contemporary but I also has a mix of softness and edge.

It's still a work on progress...but here's where we are in the process.  Enjoy...

How do they make you feel?

This week Maya Angelou passed away. She seemed to live her life on a higher frequency. There have been many of her quotes floating around social media this week and this one really stuck out to me. 

I used to have what I called a bit of a "paranoia" if I said the right thing. I would never want someone to take things the wrong way because I know where my intention is. What I am getting more clear about with my own self and others is it's not what people say but their intention behind what they say and that's how you feel the words. There is an energy around it and we all "feel" this around people. 

For me this is a good reminder to not worry so much about saying and doing the right thing, but to be clear on the energy I'm bringing forward in each situation which is what people feel.

Happy Thursday...Enjoy!

When A Man Loves A Woman...

For today's inspiration, I saw this statement given by Brad Pitt on "Angie" and how to love your woman. It's worth sharing. Enjoy...

Wise words. Brad Pitt about his Lady:

"My girl got sick. She was constantly nervous because of problems at work, personal life, her failures and children. She lost 30 pounds and weighted about 90 pounds. She got very skinny and was constantly crying. She was not a happy woman. She had suffered from continuing headaches, heart pain and jammed nerves in her back and ribs. She did not sleep well, falling asleep only in the mornings and got tired very quickly during the day. Our relationship was on the verge of a break up. Her beauty was leaving her somewhere, she had bags under her eyes, she was poking her head, and stopped taking care of herself. She refused to shoot the films and rejected any role. I lost hope and thought that we’ll get separated soon… But then I decided to act. After all I’ve got the MOST Beautiful Woman on earth. She is the idol of more than half of men and women on earth, and I was the one allowed to fall asleep next to her and to hug her. I began to shower her with flowers, kisses and compliments. I surprised and pleased her every minute. I gave her a lot of gifts and lived just for her. I spoke in public only about her. I incorporated all themes in her direction. I praised her in front of her own and our mutual friends. You won’t believe it, but she blossomed. She became better. She gained weight, was no longer nervous and loved me even more than ever. I had no clue that she CAN love that much.

And then I realized one thing: the woman is the reflection of her man.

If you love her to the point of madness, she will become it."

Ending the Mommy Wars Article...

Photo by Meagan Baker Photography

I like Gwyneth Paltrow. There, I said it. I think she gets a lot of flack because she does a lot of cool things and it seems people who do cool things get a lot of flack.

Recently she was slammed in the media for some comments she made about being a working mom and how it's easier for those who have a 9-5 job etc. She recently posted more about this on her lifestyle website - http://www.goop.com/journal/be/283/ending-the-mommy-wars

What I liked about this article was it opens up a subject that a lot of women don't talk about. The judgment of the working - stay at home mom wars. Everyone says they support, but come on, let's be real - there is judgement on every side.

I've been the corporate working mom, the stay at home mom and the mom starting her own business. I have struggled with each of these stages in my 6 years of parenthood. I think I'm finally finding a groove that works for me and my family (maybe?) but what I do find is we all still have to justify why we do what we do or choose what we choose.

So for any mom out there that relates a little to what I'm saying this article is worth a read. I think it's time to drop the super mom thing and be the real mom thing. Enjoy...

Are You in Prison?

Somedays I am. I saw this quote early in the week and it was like a big whack in the head. I have had some really great things happen lately and with the wave of life there is always the challenges that come, teaching some sort of lesson.

For me, this quote is the lesson. Actually to be honest, looking at challenges as a lesson that I will grow from has helped a lot in putting them into perspective.

I was thinking - imagine how free everyone would feel and how you would get to see the best and most creative parts of people if they didn't care what others thought. Now, with this might be some nastiest, but the nasty people will be there doing their thing, it's usually the good souls who worry too much.

The older I get I do get glimpses of this freedom. Sometimes I then get knocked back down but the difference now is I'm trying to get back up quicker, dust off the negative self talk and live life with authenticity and integrity, imperfections and all!

Callin all my Girlfriends!

I saw this photo and was inspired to write this post. Partly because I've started watching the Sex And The City amazingness again and man, that show is classic. The story lines, the wardrobe and most of all the friendships are still just as relevant today.

What I love about this photo is the freedom. Girls together just having fun (yes, I guess that's why there's a famous song about this!). Anyway, as I get older (not too old, just maturing) I am becoming more clear about friendships and the value they hold. I have always been someone to have quite a few friends and some very long term friends - we are talking over 25 years - yikes! But as weird as this may sound, until recently I really learned about what a stress reliever friends can be. How when there is a give and take it feels so refreshing. 

I think this new found enjoyment has a lot to do with opening up more, sharing and being vulnerable. I'm also seeing the value of having different circles that relate to the different parts of ourselves as maybe mothers, career women, being active etc.

I am very thankful for the gals in my life and very conscious of all those relationships and the value they add to me and I hope the value I add to them. Now, let's go get a glass of wine ladies!

Deliciously Complicated!

Today's blog is short and sweet. I saw this quote the other day and just love it. Getting to know the complicated parts of people is really getting to know who they are. Perfection is boring, pretending is see-through but complicated is raw and relatable. Enjoy!

Energize or Deplete You?

This is a very simple formula that kinda works with every aspect of your life. Does something Energize or Deplete you?

As someone who used to spend a lot of time on the Deplete side of things, I can tell you this makes a big difference. It's really all about energy. When I first really got this and probably the easiest way to test it out is with people. When you are around someone and leave the situation do you feel a bit better or like you need to go have a gin and tonic? If it's the latter, take note. When you do an activity, attend a class, a certain part of your job - we can notice where we feel a little bit lighter.

Saying no is very hard. I have a very common disease as I know many of you do as well - 'the need to please disease.' But what I'm slowing (and when I say slowly, I mean like a turtle) I am finding the more I can say yes to what feels like a 'Hell Ya' and leave the other stuff I am more focused on what really matters, find time for what fulfills me and feel fuller on the inside.

Don't get me wrong, every time I say that dreaded 'NO' word to something I brace myself as if the world may start crumbling. But so far, the world has kept on going (kidding of course on this) and it actually starts to feel like a world of more freedom and choices.

For the next week, let's all try and do the things that energize us and see if it makes a difference. Go with your gut, go with your feelings. If it fills you up, do it more. If it makes you feel a little less, try and do it just a little less.

Enjoy!

Ready for a Truthbomb?

It's Thursday and I'm holding to my commitment to post on what I'm finding inspiring, helpful and interesting in hopes you may too.

I had a few ideas swirling around and thinking which to start first. I then started watching a branding video and the speaker referred to Danielle LaPorte. There was my sign. Let's start with Danielle LaPorte.

Last year I kept hearing and seeing her name pop up. I was intrigued. I got her book at Christmas time and finished in about 3 days. For me this is a miracle as I was in a book club a few years ago and probably didn't actually finish 1 book (which I still get harassed about!). The book is called Fire Starter Sessions and it is about living by your core desires. Now, that description does not give it any justice, but I want to do a whole other post, or many posts, about all the good nuggets I got from it.

What I wanted to share today is go on to her website and sign up for what she calls her "Truthbombs." It's a daily little bomb of truth that feels like Danielle is talking directly to you. I know that not everyone might read a book, watch the seminars but you can get this which takes 10 seconds to read and I find lots of times what she has to say when I'm reading it usually around 6:30 am holds true to what I need to hear that day.

Here is one of my other favourites. Came to me at the exact right time. Enjoy...

My Intention...

I must fess up, I've been feeling very uninspired on the blog front lately. Could be a number of reasons. Sometimes there is a lack of new ideas, loss of motivation, knowing that this blog doesn't directly generate business etc.

I have been having this 'whisper' lately about my forever interest and curiosity about human nature. About how we live on purpose. Becoming our authentic selves. Learning life lessons and most of all growing. I have been on what I now know can be labeled as a spiritual quest for as long as I can remember. I'm not big on small talk and surface level to be honest. I love going deep. Most people in my life know this about me and I was telling one of my dearest friends that I am finally letting out the 'woo-woo' side of me. I have always been the friend that has been there for advice, trying to help as much as I can. This has actually been one of my biggest lessons (future blog post on this one) as I've had to learn to have relationships where I can still be that friend who can give advice but I don't forget about myself in the process.

So this bit of a ramble leads me to my blog. I have two main passions outside of my family life. Design and Spirituality. I probably used to call it Self Help but don't really like that word anymore. I want to combine these passions. When I wrote my Karla Dreyer Design business plan my mission was "to inspire people about their space." This keeps resonating with me and how I can incorporate this into my work? The blog. I am going to still post design/decor things but I also want this to be a place where I hope to inspire. Share books I've read. Articles I love. People that inspire me. Practices and life lessons. This is a vulnerable place to be so be gentle on me!

I will post every Thursday. It might just be a great quote, but my intention is to invite you on this personal journey with me to live your most amazing life...as 'woo-woo' as it may sound :-)

Since this is a long post already, I'll just leave it with the quote above. Everybody is always waiting for the right timing, me included. Guess what - it's never going to be the right time. If you have a burning desire, just take a step in that direction.

Enjoy!

Random

Ahh, what to write. Was thinking about a fashion post - I have spring on the brain. Then was thinking of a self help post because that's always on my mind. So why not a little bit of everything...

January was an interesting start in my household. A sick one. I was the only one who held strong while my hubs and kids have had about 6 colds, 4 flus and a case of double pink eye. Good times. Throughout this fun period of time I have had some highlights. I have been working on a couple fun projects. I am re-branding and super stoked about the new look for my biz and I have some exciting news soon about a national publication my work may be appearing in!

I have also been meeting with some very inspiration women. It's part of my 2014 Year of Inspiration. I want to sit down with people who inspire me and to sound corny just get inspired from what they do. I've met a couple fabulous ladies lately who are in creative fields and managing/juggling both kidlets, following their dreams and making it happen. It's helping me to learn and grow.

And on a lighter note...I'm daydreaming of spring. I hear the birds, the days are a bit longer - it's coming (well, one day?). I've started putting together something very important. Looks I love. Petty as it is, it makes me happy.

So there you have it. A little reflection, a little fashion and maybe next time a little decor! Enjoy...

via: Pepa by Alexandra

via Fashion Style Century

Via Harpers Bazaar

Via Harpers Bazaar

I'm obsessed with this hair!!

Toughest Client Yet!

That's right, you heard it. I got 2 new clients last week. One of those clients is very difficult. She's demanding, opinionated and has kick ass taste! Yes, it's my 5 year old daughter Isabella.

While working on a couple design boards last week she started telling me that she wanted her room decorated. This was one of those moments where I could have just said, ya...ya and kinda swept it under the rug but instead I decided to dig deeper. We went on Pinterest and flipped through a few magazines while she showed my her signature 'style.'

Nothing was too much of surprise. She is quite girly, she loves pink and she is a collector of many things so wants/needs unique spots for all her little treasures. If I had my ways I probably would have went a bit of a different decorating direction but I aim to please my clients.:-)

So, I've set us a challenge of $100 and using what we've already started, what is lurking in the basement and using some creative energy to see what we put together.

Here are the pics she decided for inspiration. Enjoy...

This one is her complete inspiration. She just likes everything. A pretty good start. I kinda want to girl it down a bit and luckily her other inspiration shots do this...

This one she picked for the treasures. As mentioned, she has treasures and wants them displayed. 

Visit mimub.com

This one was picked for that fox on the wall. Pretty cute actually.  

This one was a love of the rug. I told you...the girl has kick-ass taste! 

 Visit decopeques.com

Again, a place for the treasures. Love the idea of using old crates. 

Visit moderncountrystyle.blogspot.

The gold, the treasures, the pink, the flamingo...she likey. 

Visit theinteriorsaddict.com

Lovin Some Large Art

One of the trends for 2014 is large art. I love it. That being said, I have just completed a couple gallery walls for clients and I still love this look and feel that it will always be timeless. But...back to the trend. What I love about it is the impact and I think it works really well in a small space as it's unexpected.

This is a trend I want to embrace in my home this year. I currently have a black ornate mirror above my couch and as much as I still love it I find the style of my home going a little less ornate, more sculptural, more simple, little hints of industrial and vintage.

Here are some images inspiring me lately. I love the work of Massimo Vitali. This would be my dream art/photography but probably isn't in the budget plan so I will keep my eyes open for where inspiration strikes.

Enjoy!

Via: Apartment Therapy

Via: Coco and Kelley

Via: Desire to Inspire

Via: Elle Decor

Via: Elle Decor

Via: Style at Home

Some Fun, Fresh Playroom E-Design

I want to "spruce-up" the playroom in my basement. For some reason when I'm doing something for myself it's much harder than for a client. There is a certain pressure where I can't have the ugliest playroom on the block! Right now it's a mix of what we didn't use upstairs and what fits into this small space. Yes, I think it is the ugliest playroom on the block.

I want it to be fun (duh!), eclectic (over-used word I know), cozy and a space that inspires creativity with my girls.

Here are a few E-Designs of playrooms that I've done recently and some Pinterest images that I have me thinking lately. As a fan of a pure white house, I do love colour, texture and energy for rooms with kids.  Enjoy!

Karla Dreyer Design

Karla Dreyer Design

Karla Dreyer Design

Like that this has adult furniture with a kid twist. Via: Anthology Magazine

Low shelf for books, wood toys, chalkboard wall - all must haves Via: thebooandtheboy

White with pops of colour Via: modern mommy blog

Bright fun art, craft area Via: Petit Tresors

I like these soft ikea baskets for toy storage

2014 - What I'm Feelin...

The problem about having a blog is you can't help but be a blog world people pleaser. Should I post some thoughts on my 2014 goals etc or is that totally boring and narcissistic. I wasn't sure and then one of my favourite blogs Oh Joy, popped up with a new post on some resolutions and I thought this is a sign. I love reading what other people are up to so why not?

I've always been a big goal person but this year is different. Instead of goals I'm on a quest to form my activities of 2014 around how I want to feel. I read a fantastic book over the holidays - Fire Starter by Danielle LaPorte. The concept is if we can find out what our core desired feelings are and then do more things in our life to feel that way.

I want this to be my year of Inspiration and carry that through all aspects. Along with Inspired, my other core feelings are: Connected, Strong and Free.

So here's how that looks for 2014:

Inspired: I want to feel inspired in my work. I flippin love design and want to incorporate it more in my life. I want to surround myself with inspiring people. Authentic, happy, complicated people that are making it happen. I want to attend events, plan my weekends and find activities that are inspiring for me and my family.

Connected: My family. Want to be more present with my girls. Put down the phone and give committed time. I used to feel that to be a good mom I had to spend all my time with my kids. What I now know to be true for me is having time where it's present and connected goes way further in my household. It's about the quality of that time. I also want to have more date nights with my hubby and make sure we remember those 10 plus years we were together before babies. I want to be with friends who make me smile and I feel more whole when I walk away from our visits.

Strong: This one is 2 fold. Firstly, I want to feel literally strong - in the muscle sense. I want to work on my weight training and yoga to feel physically strong. I also want to feel mentally strong and able to handle situations with a strong mind-set.

Free: Ahh, love this one. I just added this a couple days ago but means a lot. I used to feel trapped to please everyone and everything without even knowing what I wanted. Freedom means having the choices to live what is authentic. I saw a great quote over the holidays "I'd rather be someones shot of whiskey, than everyone's cup of tea."

So there we go. There are some other specific things like eating better, flossing more...you know!

Cheers to 2014!