// THE WEEKEND //

weekend




Oh THANK YOU! Even with a shorter work week, I thought today would never get here! The cons of being in the cubicle all day while your head is in the clouds I guess! This week was filled with awesomeness on the creative front. I was inspired by so many things and I've started to work on doing more of what I love. I'm finding my way remember? 

Let's get all up into that awesomeness shall we!

// By Regina + Vale Design offer up some great tips for launching your freelance biz.

// Looking for tips on finding your signature style? Betty Red can show you how!

// Just do you. Follow your own unique path.

// Ah, I love it when in-person programs are offered online so everyone can partake in the awesomeness! Blogcademy now has a home school program!

// Chasing Happy is now Hello Neverland! Kenzie is just awesome - I'm loving watching her blog grow! And guess what? She's now offering blog + brand audits!

// With so much to do + so little time, it's important to remember to work smarter, not harder.



It's very evident where my mind was this week huh?


Have you signed up for the newsletter? It's filled with encouragement + inspiration. I'm also sharing some of my projects there! 




LOVELY PINS


I thought it would be fun to share some awesome pinners that I'm currently following. I also thought it would be fun to share the DIY board from each of them! This way, you can tackle some of these this summer maybe? If you aren't following me on Pinterest yet, you can follow me here. I also have my own craft/diy board where I've pinned awesome crafts + diy projects that I'd like to try. 

Deluxemodern Design | Miss Modern Shop



lovely pins



Jonathan Lo / happymundane

lovely pins





lovely pins


Henry Happened

lovely pins





Aren't these pins awesome? Have you tried any of these projects yet? If you have, which ones have you tried? And if you haven't what would you like to try? I have supplies to make the jewelry dish + the bar earrings. If you do try something here, send me an email - I'd love to see how it turns out!

FINDING MY WAY





In high school, I studied journalism, was on the yearbook staff, I took creative writing + photography. I excelled in History and English, I loved drawing colorful notes on notebook paper for my friends. You know the ones - Crayola markers using the hand lettering techniques that only a high schooler could. I took my time on these notes. Every letter had to be drawn out, shaped and colored in just right. Then the letter had to be folded just perfect before they could be passed to a friend or slipped into a locker. I loved my journalism class + being a part of the yearbook staff. I loved going to different events to capture the perfect image + write up the perfect story to match that image. And oh my gosh I was in love with creative writing! I'm sure my notebook is somewhere around here-if I can find it, I MAY share something for some giggles. And I loved photography. I actually learned about composition, shooting in manual, and developing film. Then I went to college and somehow ended up studying business and lost it all. 


How in the world did this happen?? That's the question that I'm asking myself today because although I have learned so much since graduating and being employed full-time, being able to look back and reflect on the things I enjoyed before being slapped with reality, I realize something just isn't adding up. And it's interesting that I've been working toward to figuring out what I really want to do since 2011 (when I started thinking about grad school), that everything is coming back around full circle. I'm blogging, I've picked up a camera again, I signed up for that calligraphy course that I still need to take + I'm painting. I've also started journaling + I'm thinking about a creative writing course once grad school is over in a few weeks + life settles down. 

Crazy how that happens - how things come full circle, especially when you're meant to be doing something different. My sister started off as a bio major, switched to accounting, worked for a few years, and now she's back in school pursuing her first + true passion, to become a doctor. I'm still working out the kinks, but I'm finding my way. It seems that sometimes to find your way, you must go back to the beginning. So that's what I'm going to do! 

What is something that you loved/love to do that maybe slipped away or you don't have as much time to devote to it as you'd like? How can you find your way back to it? 

WERK CHIC MAGAZINE


image via Werk Chic Magazine // text via 27th + Luxe


I discovered Werk Chic Mag the other day while I was on Twitter and was immediately intrigued. Werk Chic Magazine is a digital publication that brings "inspirational, insightful and intelligent" content to women everywhere. 

A few of the columns that I think will be the most interesting to me are: Living, Food, Culture, Career, and Style + Beauty. Since Aaron + I have gotten married, I've started thinking about our household budget and have even started the process of putting one together for June. So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across the article "Budget: The Other B Word" on Werk Chic Mag. 

But my favorite article thus far is "The Journey". The reason I love this article so much is because it talks about being sure to focus on all the small accomplishments and not just what's at the finish line. How true is that?! I just endured another lecture about everything I've accomplished (because I'm having a moment and I'm upset about what I have not accomplished) - I tell you, having someone else in your space to correct you isn't any fun when the correction is happening, but appreciated over the long haul...I guess! This article really articulates the importance of enjoying the journey not only in your career + professional endeavors, but also in your personal development + growth. What a great way to start off for this magazine! 

I'm very interested to see how this magazine grows + how much of an impact it has on its target readers. You can find Werk Chic Magazine at the links below:





WEEKLY WISHES 13


LAST WEEK'S WISHES


// Go back to personal training + Pure Barre. Oh my gosh! Pray for me that I don't die tonight. I haven't been since before the wedding and my trainer is not going to go easy on me. Oh and pure barre how I've missed you! Please be gentle to all my muscles as I stand on my highest tippy toes, tuck and pulse. 

// Get back on track with blogging. This means scheduling my posts and engaging. I still wish I was on vacation. I think the other thing is that I am overflowing with ideas and I am trying to focus on one thing at a time. It may be time to revisit my content plan to help me get back on track.

// Start skillshare course. So, I'm thinking I'm going to go with a Photoshop course first. I added a lot to my wish list, but Photoshop really needs to be tackled. Thankfully I have three weeks left so I can really start digging into the other subjects I'm interested in learning.

// Tie down business ideas. I guess it's okay to be flexible when it comes to this because I'm still figuring it all out, but it really feels (only to me-everyone I ask thinks I make sense so...) like I'm a tad bit all over the place? Any other business owners feel like this? 

// Thank you cards. Guys. There are still gifts at my mother's house. And gifts at my house. I have a four day weekend this week so I really need to start working on this before time gets the best of me. 

I did make it to personal training this past week and I survived!! I'm excited to get back on track with my fitness routine! As far as blogging is concerned, I've written out some ideas + I'm working on getting things organized. I did get a chance to start that Skillshare course! Awesome sauce! I'm still working on streamlining my business ideas and now I believe I'm on the right track! The thank you cards...well...I've sectioned out the gifts so that Aaron + I can start this week since he is off. Four hands are better than two right?


THIS WEEK'S WISHES


// Go back to personal training + Pure Barre. Adding Pure Barre this week + I'm sure I will be in pain! But, it will be worth it, I'll feel good by the time the weekend gets here!

// Get back on track with blogging. This week I want to focus on engaging. I was able to do this a little bit last week, but I really want to focus on reading and commenting on blogs this week. I've missed it to be honest.

// Start skillshare course. Continue working on Photoshop course. 

// Thank you cards. Aaron is off this week, so ideally we'll be able to get quite a bit of this done. I really want to have all the thank you's sent out by no later than mid June. 

// Start working on the household budget. This is my job because I'm good at it. Aaron will pay the bills and I'll keep track of the spreadsheet. This is the first time we'll be doing this together so it will be interesting!

// Come up with a date idea. So Aaron has told me that I can pick whatever I want and we will do it this weekend. Yay!! Do you have any suggestions? 



Best of luck accomplishing all of your goals this week! And, if you're anything like me, you should consider linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. They don't have to be weekly-they can fit your schedule however you see fit!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND




I love this weekend because it means that summer is near! I am not taking a trip this year *so sad* BUT I do plan on lounging poolside at several points this weekend! And while I'm lounging, I'll be catching up on some reading!

Have a great one!

INSPIRED BY

miriam-makeba



I was inspired by something that my husband (still sounds so weird!) said to me last night about my name. One of his good friends just found out he's having a boy this time around. Aaron asked him  if he would be named after him to which he replied "No", because he doesn't like his middle name. Naturally, this got us talking about my name. I still cringe when I'm meeting someone for the first time + as an adult I've mentally prepared myself for the fact that 9 times out of 10, my name will be slaughtered. 

That was such an uncomfortable feeling growing up, dreading the first day of school + hearing the little kids sniggle (snicker + giggle) as the teacher stumbled over my name. I hid my middle name for 28 years too - it's only been publicly shared with all my friends when we sent out wedding invitations. Yes - they said it at graduation, but nobody remembers that! Seeing something on paper...it sticks with you. 

I've grown to love my first name. It's my mom + dad's name smashed together - another symbol of the love that created me. As I've gotten older, I understand that + so I don't cringe nearly as much when meeting someone for the first time. So as we're talking I said "Well, I don't like my middle name and  would not pass it on." And then Aaron began to lovingly lecture me (it wasn't really a lecture but he can talk for days when he's passionate about something!) about how people make fun of things they don't understand and so forth and so on. And then he said "Your middle name is beautiful. Just think of how much knowledge of the world your young parents had to name you that!"

And that my friends is what inspired me. I'm named after this lady, Miriam Makeba. It didn't really click with me until Aaron made that statement. My parents were young when they had me - so it's amazing to me that they chose that name for me. And so now I have questions about why, although I'm sure it's because she was a civil rights activist campaigning against apartheid, causing her to be exiled from her homeland. And, I'm inspired! Choosing a name for your child is important! You can't give them just any name. A name shapes you and is a part of who you are. 

I'm thankful to Aaron for helping to remove the uncomfortableness around my name + I'm inspired by + thankful to my parents for giving me these names that have meaning behind them. Will I pass it on? I still don't think so. I really believe in everyone being given their own identity + forging their own path. I believe in giving my future children names that have meaning + will build a strong identity. 

What are you inspired by?

**You can learn more about Miriam Makeba, aka Mama Africa, here + here.**

WANDERLUST: MOZAMBIQUE

ibo-island-lodge


I'm seriously wishing I was still on vacation. Seriously. So, I decided I'm going to start  a new series called "Wanderlust" where I'll share places I'd like to go and eventually, HOPEFULLY, I'll begin to share places I've been!

Aaah, Mozambique. This was my first choice for our honeymoon and you can totally see why right? I wanted to go someplace exotic and different and Mozambique definitely meets that criteria! Of course, you have to save the big bucks for this so maybe we'll aim for our 5th anniversary?

"Mozambique is Africa’s undiscovered jewel – a melting pot of cultures and exotic influences, from early North African and Arab traders to Portuguese colonists who have all left their mark. A splendid array of flora and fauna is interspersed with traditional villages and flanked by a coralfringed coastline of translucent tropical waters" (Turquoise Holidays).

This beautiful place is the Ibo Island Lodge. I want to go. So bad. 

OUT OF OFFICE




out of office






Today is one of those days where I feel like I just need to check out for a bit. Have you had one of those days? I feel like I don't want to be bothered, I need to assess + process my feelings, have a good cry and then pick myself back up to try again...tomorrow. I started to work on a post + just felt totally...bleh. So instead of whipping something together quickly just for the sake of posting, I'm going to be "Out of Office" today. And don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow! 

5 TIPS FOR PERSONAL BRANDING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA





Personal branding has become increasingly popular and all the more important in today’s job market. It is ideal to cultivate a personal brand that is unique and refreshing. Social media will continue to play an important role in personal lives and within business, so it is only fitting that you create a  personal brand that will present learning, networking and business opportunities for you. Personal branding is creating a specific look, feel or message that is associated with your name.

Through social media, it is entirely possible for anyone to create their own unique personal brand. When deciding to build your brand, you must first identify your goals – this will help you create a strategy to meet those goals through the use of social media. Here are some key steps to being successful in building your personal brand through social media.

WEEKLY WISHES 12





LAST WEEK'S WISHES


//Recover. You know how you need a vacation after your vacation? I am so tired it's not even funny! And I want to get all these thank you cards out of the way as soon as possible. So this week I will be trying to rest and get everything back in order.  

//Work on business website. I really want everything under one space. I'm not ready to make that change yet - going to one site - so everything will remain as is for now. I'm still trying to figure out what that would mean for the brand I'm working on building and if I'll need to change direction a bit. But I do need to work on my copy and fine tune some things. So my goal is to start working on that this week.

//Finish these last four weeks of grad school strong. It's almost over!! That's all I have to say about that! Once I finish I can start focusing on some other courses I have my eye on like Blog LifeBrandgasm, and Photoshop. I've been trying to start the classes on my list for the year for a while but, school comes first. So glad I'm almost done so I can pursue my other interests!

This last week was a pretty laid back one. I didn't really get to relax because I was visiting with one aunt before she left and then the other came by too so I was basically wrapped up in family time. Not to mention my daddy turns the big 5-0 today! We celebrated with him on Wednesday and again on Sunday. I had three assignments due, some interviews..."recover" was a bust!! I did get a chance to brainstorm about my business website and make a few changes. I brainstormed some more yesterday and targeted some additional things I'd like to learn and implement. Still a work in progress though. YES!!!! THREE MORE WEEKS!!! I've decided that for now I'm going to let lynda.com go and take some classes on skillshare - it's cheaper and seems like a fun online learning environment. With lynda, there's just too much of a "freshman american government 101 with 200 students" feel to it. 


THIS WEEK'S WISHES


// Go back to personal training + Pure Barre. Oh my gosh! Pray for me that I don't die tonight. I haven't been since before the wedding and my trainer is not going to go easy on me. Oh and pure barre how I've missed you! Please be gentle to all my muscles as I stand on my highest tippy toes, tuck and pulse. 

// Get back on track with blogging. This means scheduling my posts and engaging. I still wish I was on vacation. I think the other thing is that I am overflowing with ideas and I am trying to focus on one thing at a time. It may be time to revisit my content plan to help me get back on track.

// Start skillshare course. So, I'm thinking I'm going to go with a Photoshop course first. I added a lot to my wish list, but Photoshop really needs to be tackled. Thankfully I have three weeks left so I can really start digging into the other subjects I'm interested in learning.

// Tie down business ideas. I guess it's okay to be flexible when it comes to this because I'm still figuring it all out, but it really feels (only to me-everyone I ask thinks I make sense so...) like I'm a tad bit all over the place? Any other business owners feel like this? 

// Thank you cards. Guys. There are still gifts at my mother's house. And gifts at my house. I have a four day weekend this week so I really need to start working on this before time gets the best of me. 



Best of luck accomplishing all of your goals this week! And, if you're anything like me, you should consider linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. They don't have to be weekly-they can fit your schedule however you see fit!

LUXE LINK LOVE



Cheers to the weekend!! I'm so glad it's Saturday, aren't you? Today will be my "rest" day because tomorrow we're celebrating my dad's 50th birthday, so I'll have some work to do early in the day. I can't believe it - and he still looks exactly the way he looked when I was a little girl. Both of my parents have good genes...gives me something to look forward to!

I couldn't let the weekend come + go without sharing some of the awesomeness I discovered during the week!  


// have you ever heard of The Freelance To Freedom Project? I just discovered this the other day, don't ask me how I found it, but I'm hooked! 

// are you an introvert + you dream of owning or already own your own business? Then visit The Marketing Movement to learn the "art of thriving quietly". 

// if you enjoyed Emily's guest post and were intrigued by the travel journal, then you'll love reading this oldie but goodie about creating a travel scrapbook

// I often struggle with being an introvert as I'm sure plenty introverts do. This is an interesting article about being an introvert in an extroverted industry

// this post makes me want to head back to Austin this summer - so much to explore there! 

// now that grad school is almost over, it's time to get back to this sewing business. I've been wanting to try my hand at sewing my own skirt. Do you sew - got any tips? 

// since the wedding has come + gone, I'm so excited to start dreaming (with more detail!) about our next home. This living room is so cute + gives me all sorts of inspiration!






And to start your weekend off right, a giveaway!! I'm sponsoring The Nectar Collective and we are giving away $230 in prizes to Etsy and Amazon. Enter the giveaway below and best of luck!


$230 giveaway to Amazon and Etsy, WOW!

THAT "AHA" MOMENT



If you read Darling Magazine, then you’ve probably seen the article “Redefining Your “AhA” Moment”. It’s all about redefining your success based on your unique passions and talents. For the past few weeks as I’ve been working on my last course for grad school and looking for a job, I’ve been thinking about my “aha” moment. It came earlier this year when I decided to create the job that I would love to have and to also work to build that job into the career (work from home entrepreneuress) I hope to have in the future. I figured why wait for someone else to decide to give me the job that I want when I can work to create the job myself.

What I’ve been struggling with is doubt, fear, risk aversion (ha!), and confusion. The first three are focused around my fear of whether or not I can really do this – build the career that I want on my own. Yes, I have people in my corner and I’ve got some online friends who inspire me every day to continue to reach for what I want, but there is still that little voice that says “Ummm…and who do you think you are? You can’t do that!!” I wonder if I’m good enough, smart enough and talented enough. Then that last one – confusion- that’s a doozy. I’m probably confusing myself because I tend to overanalyze. I think and rethink, and then rethink again. I also have tons of ideas so it has been a challenge to focus on the ones that are aligned with the brand that I want + hope to build.

One of the key things the author said that really stood out to me was that her major flaw was the belief that success revolves around money. My major flaw is the belief that my success is dependent upon having a great corporate career…and money. Since I’ve been developing my brand for this blog, I’ve discovered that I don’t really believe that. Especially when my end goal is to have a beautiful family that I can serve by being around, being soccer mom, chair of the PTA - maybe not this, but you get the picture! I want to serve my family on my own terms and not be at the beck and call of a company. Being my own boss will allow me to do that. The second big takeaway for me was this final thought:

“What dream do you have that has been silenced somehow, or that you feel is on the brink of either giving up or taking off? Either way, know this: simplify your idea of being a success or a failure. Focus on how you can rise by lifting others up along with you. Cultivate the ability to listen to your dream, because passion is loud, unstoppable and uniquely yours. Nobody on the planet was given the exact same gifts as you were, and how you use those gifts has the potential to change the world.”  - Courtney Sims –

What an amazing + insightful way to close! So, no “Luxe Link Love” today. Instead, I want you to think about how you define your success. What does failure look like to you? But, most importantly, while you’re on your own journey, how can you bring others along for the ride?

Have a GREAT weekend!
xxo-Keiz

CHANGING YOUR FOCUS + WHY THAT IS OK!



Have you ever changed directions? How do you feel when you do? Does it make you feel relieved or like a quitter? Or do you feel confused? I feel a bit of all those things and decided it was time to make some adjustments to my plans for the year. 

At the beginning of the year I made some goals and while I've done pretty well with working to accomplish them, I've missed the mark on a few things like classes I wanted to take and new skills I wanted to learn. A lot of that has to do with my being overwhelmed with grad school, looking for a new job, wedding planning and working full-time. Now that it's basically June (can you believe it?!), I decided that it would be good to evaluate the goals I created at the beginning of the year. 

As I'm nearing the end of my degree program and as I continue my job search, I am constantly thinking about the plans I have for the blog and for studio27L. As things continue to evolve and change in my life, so do my goals for this space and my business. That can get really frustrating! I'm still working out the kinks where branding is concerned and I'm constantly considering whether or not what I choose will remain relevant down the road. 

I'm all about simplification remember? So I thought why not try to make my life a little easier and simplify my goals for the rest of the year: 

BLOG

+ continue to post consistently

+ create quality content

+ engage with the community

BUSINESS

+ work on website

+ secure more clients

+ HUSTLE

CONTINUING EDUCATION

+ blog life

+ brandgasm

+ photoshop

So much simpler right? How are you coming along with your goals? Or if you chose to focus on a word for the year, how is that going? It may be time to take a look at the progress you've made towards your goals/living out your word of the year. Are your  goals and your vision still the same? If so, GREAT!! And, if not, it is totally okay to reassess and change directions. Change is good. 



INSTALUXE

I thought it would  be fun to do a recap of some of my photos via my Instagram. I've never done an Instagram related post, so I thought it would be fun to share a few snaps from my last week!


instaluxe

Our wedding + honeymoon were so much fun! I'm blessed to have been able to experience that, I know a lot of people don't so I'm very thankful!

Have you signed up for the newsletter? 





I'M BACK!!!




Hello! I'm back...wish I was still on the island, but I'm back! First, I'd like to send a HUGE heartfelt thanks to all the ladies who guest blogged for me last week. In case you missed it, you can check out their posts here. They shared some pretty awesome information to get you ready for vacation season! Also, check out their blogs and follow them on social media. 






LAST WEEK'S WISHES


//Take care of last minute wedding to do list. Oh are there last minute to-do's! It's not as bad as it seems though. I've dropped everything off at the planners house that I needed to take to  her. Now it's the little things for the day like get nails done, get bridesmaids gifts packaged, etc. 

//Put last minute items into suitcase for honeymoon. I packed this past Saturday because I went to the mall to purchase my clothes for the honeymoon. I like to go through my things when I get home to see if I still feel the same way I felt at the store when I decided to purchase it. While I was doing that, I decided to pack. This week I'll just need to add lotion, body wash, etc. 

//Enjoy these last few days of being engaged. This has been a challenge because I'm sad about my cousin's death. I was so excited to see him and now I can't. I know he's at peace and I'll be seeing him later and he was so happy and excited for me. So, these next few days I need to be excited too and not sad. 

//Get married. Wow...all the planning and preparation has come to an end. I'm getting married on Sunday. 

The last week of pre-wedding festivities was pretty laid back! I got everything done, everything packed for the honeymoon, and I got married ya'll! BEST. WEEK. EVER. 


THIS WEEK'S WISHES


//Recover. You know how you need a vacation after your vacation? I am so tired it's not even funny! And I want to get all these thank you cards out of the way as soon as possible. So this week I will be trying to rest and get everything back in order.  

//Work on business website. I really want everything under one space. I'm not ready to make that change yet - going to one site - so everything will remain as is for now. I'm still trying to figure out what that would mean for the brand I'm working on building and if I'll need to change direction a bit. But I do need to work on my copy and fine tune some things. So my goal is to start working on that this week.

//Finish these last four weeks of grad school strong. It's almost over!! That's all I have to say about that! Once I finish I can start focusing on some other courses I have my eye on like Blog Life, Brandgasm, and Photoshop. I've been trying to start the classes on my list for the year for a while but, school comes first. So glad I'm almost done so I can pursue my other interests!

That's it for this week. Pretty simple. Just trying to ease back into real life and already thinking about my next trip in August. 



Best of luck accomplishing all of your goals this week! And, if you're anything like me, you should consider linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. They don't have to be weekly-they can fit your schedule however you see fit!