Southern Design Bee

happy 7 months

2012-01-23T17:00:00.002-06:00

today makes 7 months since the perfect man walked into my life- I couldn't imagine finding someone as great & amazing as him before, and now I can't imagine life without him.
Happy 7 Months Sweetheart.

2012-01-06T15:17:00.000-06:00

Hello 2012

2012-01-02T11:20:00.001-06:00

a little kentucky adventure....

2012-01-01T11:26:00.000-06:00

This christmas Blaine got to meet my family for the first time, and they loved him (I knew they would). So, one day we all went on a little andventure for a real taste of my old kentucky home. We traveld down little windy roads, past some cows, and deep into the country down to Loretto, the home of Makers Mark. We took the tour, did the tasting, and even dipped our own bottle!

VOTE! Our window display needs you!

2011-11-23T15:44:00.002-06:00

The girls & I crafted our little fingers off to design & sew together the christmas window display for latte land in the power & light district. Check out our photo & bio here. And you can vote once per email address, everyone has like 5 emails right?! Use them all! Vote here. If we win $2500 will go to Operation Breakthrough!!! http://kcholidaywindows.com/?page_id=70
Thanks for the support!! ;)

five flew by....

2011-11-23T15:40:00.002-06:00

Happy 5 month anniversary to the sweetest guy ever. Even with all the long crazy work days, and his crazy work nights, we seem to always make time for eachother. Every minute together is fun, happy, blissful, & more than I could ever ask for. I'm a lucky girl that we found eachother. <3

You're invited....

2011-11-09T11:57:00.001-06:00

Save the date & come celebrate with us!

Sewing, Fluffing, & Stuffing....

2011-11-07T10:51:00.000-06:00

...that's what we've been up to! My little place is so jacked up, with fluff & string everywhere. We begin our install in to Latte Land this coming Sunday! Voting begins Nov. 18, next friday & we need ALL your votes! I'll post the link as soon as we have it! As for now, we have to finish some of the really big pieces...

2011-11-02T11:18:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned before, the girls & I are on to our next big craft project. We are participating in the Kansas City Power & Light Christmas window display, and we have Latte Land! Even better news..... this year voting is online! So all of you can vote! I'll post the link for voting Nov. 18th, thats the big reveal & when voting starts. Pics to come as well! But, as a start, we had some photos taken of us by the fabluous Danielle Mousley! And, had to come up with our Bio & artist statement.

Our Story
Em Byerly, Katie Larson, & Lindsay Stanley are 3 young professionals that settled in Kansas City & found each other in 2006,
when they all relocated here to start their careers at Hallmark together.
Em graduated from Savannah College of Art & Design, with a BFA in Graphic Design. Katie and Lindsay both attended Iowa State University, where Katie graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design, and Lindsay graduated with a degree in Interior Design.
5 years later they remain close friends, and although their jobs range from design and lettering to visual merchandising, there are quite a few things these girls have in common and enjoy doing together. Their love for fabrics, sewing, baking and a variety of crafting projects keep them inspired and close to each other. And, the passion they share for bringing people together, and enjoying the simple (and well designed) things in life bring new friends and the best kind of memories.
Em and Katie participated in the Holiday windows debut last year with their display in Cosentino's Market, and plan to bring even more cheer this year as they design the holiday windows in Latte Land!

Giving is the Sweetest Gift of All
We invite all of you to join us this year at Latte Land to experiance the sweetness! We have designed a fun, festive enviorment that celebrates the sprit of giving, by incorporating different ways of giving, with all the sweet little things of the season. The display can be enjoyed from the outside, as well as when you are spending time inside.
We're also very excited to be partnering with both Latte Land & Operation Breakthrough this year, and having the chance so spread our holiday cheer to you, Power & Light visitors, and to families who need a little extra help this season.
The display will leave visions of dancing sugar plums in your head, and that warm holiday feeling in your heart. (Or that might be that Latte you just had) Either way, come down & see us!

adventures

2011-11-02T11:15:00.002-05:00

For the past 4 months, I've been spending my time getting to know a wonderful man. & It seems like we are always on an adventure together. We've done the big things, like vacations & citycations. But, even things like raking leaves are fun with this guy. I feel so happy & so lucky. It's been a busy, but wonderful fall.

Power & Light Christmas Windows!

2011-10-14T10:36:00.002-05:00

We are doing it.... again! Katie & I decided after winning second place in the Power & Light District Christmas window contest last year, that we should do it again! So... we applied, and WE GOT IT! I can't tell you what we are up to, but I will tell you that the theme this year is "The spirit of Giving" and we have the location we've wanted for two years now, Latte Land!! More details & sneak peeks to come!

(wreaths above where part of our display last year.)

dreams

2011-10-14T10:22:00.001-05:00

A happy day ahead...

2011-10-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

Happy 28th Birthday Love Bug! I am so excited that we (B & Me) get to spend his birthday down here in Savannah! So far, the plan is breakfast at the Dolphin Reef Cafe, and a ghost tour later tonight!

Happy nights!

2011-10-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Eve to the sweetest boy ever! We had another perfect evening down here on the island. We had a beautiful dinner out on the patio with strung lights above us, and overlooking the marsh. & then feed the baby gators again. Somebody pinch me.

The biggest heart ever

2011-10-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

I am so in love with this man. He has the biggest heart! Every day I wake up and love him even more than the day before.

adventures

2011-09-16T16:22:00.001-05:00

enjoying the ride....

2011-09-16T16:18:00.001-05:00

Happy friday everybody! Enjoy the weekend!

2011-09-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

nobodys perfect

2011-09-14T16:19:00.001-05:00

Today, made me think a little. But, nobody is perfect. And, not every day can be a good one I guess. There is one person who makes a little good in all of my days though.

you & me

2011-09-11T14:31:00.002-05:00

I can't tell you how lucky I feel, every day, with this guy. I've never meet anyone like Blaine before...
He makes me instantly happy with that big smile, no matter what kind of mood I'm in.
He is calm & mellows me out when I get worked up.
He laughs with me, then we laugh at each other, and soon I don't know what we are laughing about, but It's funny to the point of gasping for air.
He wipes my tears off when I cry.
He says good morning and good night, no matter close or far apart we are.
He catches every little detail, all of them.
He makes me feel safe & protected.
He is equally as thoughtful as me, I've n e v e r meet a guy who I could say that about.
He gives me butterflies all the time, and I bet he doesn't even know it. I am so in love, and that "bliss" I was looking for, well I've found it.

Beach Planning

2011-08-28T16:35:00.001-05:00

Blaine & I are planning our Tybee Island trip! What's better than a Birthday? Having your birthday on the beach! YaY! I can't wait to celebrate it with him! And, I know that will be my favorite week this fall!! Hands down.

True, True, & True...

2011-08-27T16:35:00.000-05:00

bear & butters

2011-08-27T16:32:00.000-05:00

I love this statue! It's in Amsterdam. The bear has his favorite pillow with him! I can relate, this is my look when visiting Kansas! Favorite pillow a.k.a. butters in hand.

every minute counts

2011-08-26T16:44:00.002-05:00

I love spending every minute with him. And, they all count.

happy friday everybody!

2011-08-26T16:30:00.002-05:00

I'll be with my man, and most likely a margarita, in Kansas. Hope everyone has a FuN weekend!

Yes!

2011-08-26T16:30:00.001-05:00

Honey Badger

2011-08-26T16:27:00.002-05:00

I almost laughed out loud when I saw this! If you haven't seen honey badger videos, look them up on youtube. But, any time I have to be... less than sweet.... (it's rare, don't worry). B calls it a honey badger moment. And, I just thought this was perfect for a little friday blog post.

2011-08-26T16:26:00.000-05:00

2 Months!

2011-08-23T16:13:00.002-05:00

Radiating sunshine is easy to do when you are found a companion that makes you feel instantly happy every time you feel those arms giving you a big welcome hug, every day.
Today is our two month anniversary, and I don't know what we are doing tonight, but I can tell you.. I will be happy.. very happy... and under the stars with a great man.

Chicago= Amazing

2011-08-23T16:05:00.002-05:00

So, B & me went to Chicago for our first vacation... and we had a blast! I don't think it's humanly possible to fit more into two days. We arrived & rode the train into downtown & had breakfast at one of my favs, Orange. Followed by a peaceful day of shopping, at the Renegade Store, RR #1, Paper Doll, and a few other favorites. Had lunch at the famous, Hot Dougs. & Then went to the Willis tower to the Sky Deck! Which, by the way, was AmaZinG! The next day was waking up to an architectural cruise throughout the city, navy pier, and riding the Ferris Wheel. & then Water Tower Place, Millennium Park, and the Bean. Then the last morning there was Grant Park/ Buckingham Fountain & The Aquarium to the Jellies Exhibit! A flight home, and then the Kenny Chesney & Zac Brown Band Concert. Whew.... Work hard, Play hard, right?!

B

2011-08-15T16:56:00.000-05:00

yes!

2011-08-14T16:55:00.000-05:00

don't forget

2011-08-13T16:54:00.000-05:00

keep repeating...

2011-08-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

fairy tales

2011-08-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

they do come true...

2011-08-12T09:54:00.000-05:00

2011-08-12T09:53:00.000-05:00

so me!

2011-08-11T16:52:00.000-05:00

hello

2011-08-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

so so happy...

2011-08-09T16:49:00.001-05:00

... and so so totally enjoying every minute of life right now. Thank you Blaine, for always making me feel so special. Life is so great with you in it.

write, rite, right?

2011-08-09T16:46:00.001-05:00

So, so busy with work right now, I think the rainbowy stuff may actually start dripping out.... feeling a little goofy...

I love you..

2011-08-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

Falling in love with the most amazing man.... will blog soon.

One month of Bliss!

2011-07-26T16:10:00.002-05:00

Saturday was our one month anniversary. It seemed so fast, but at the same time like I've known him forever. It's been the best thirty something days a girl could ask for. Filled with the warmest hugs, the biggest smiles, and someone who always makes me feel special. I am so happy it's hard to put into words.

2011-07-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

That's Right!

2011-07-25T16:22:00.002-05:00

Think about it, how many little kids love art and then think about how many people are lucky enough to make it all the way through all they years of school, and all the starving artist comments, and can say,"I'm still a creative." and "By the way non-belivers, I'm glad I didn't listen to you, because I lOVE MY JOB!"
and I wouldn't be happy doing anything else, creative is who I am, from the inside out.

I feel like..

2011-07-25T16:01:00.001-05:00

Busy. Busy. Super Crazy. Very very Happy. Life is perfect, don't get me wrong. Just super super busy.

Chicago Jaunt...

2011-07-14T15:46:00.002-05:00

Ok, so it might be a little on a whim. But, today it seemed like a really good idea for a little vacation. Work has been crazy, and B was taking some vacation time and, and, and, why not take a few days off with him and have some fun?! It's a great place to spend some time together, you know? Riding the L, the bean, hot doug's, ferris wheels! And, we got tickets for an architecture cruise, it should be really nice. YaY! Definitely looking forward to this!

its the little things

2011-07-12T13:02:00.000-05:00

Lazy Sundays...

2011-07-11T01:02:00.002-05:00

... Today was oh about 105 degrees here in KC. So, it was out to OP to spend the day with B. It went a little something like this.. cuddle, cuddle, nap, out for lunch, a little shopping, cuddle, cuddle, nap. We did pretty much nothing at all and it was everything I thought it would be. :) Yay lazy sunday!

Yep...

2011-07-10T01:01:00.000-05:00

Exactly

2011-07-09T00:59:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th!

2011-07-05T01:22:00.005-05:00

This year I stayed in Kansas City for the 4th of July, and had no idea what to expect. And, staying turned out to be just fine, well more than just fine. B grilled out, and his dad came over for dinner with us. It was nice to meet him, he was just as cool as his son. Then it was out to Corporate woods to see the fireworks. It was a really simple evening, and really fun. I'd do it again. :)

Good moments...

2011-07-05T01:18:00.002-05:00

I love this quote, and it's so true. I don't know what I did to deserve the sweetest guy ever, but he's just so perfect. I've enjoyed every moment we spend together. And, I can't remember the last time I was this blissfully happy.

Happiest of Birthdays!

2011-07-05T01:01:00.003-05:00

Every year, when a Birthday is over, I think wow, that one just can't be beat. And after the 300+ cupcakes and lots of love last year, I didn't know what could possibly top it. But... a day like this did... here's the quick breakdown to an ideal birthday:
Birthday Eve: Blaine drives down to pick me up. We have dinner/ lots of fun at Dave & Busters. Finishing that up with matching Kazoos, lol. No, really, I'm serious. Then home to enjoy some wine, music, and bake my birthday cake at midnight. Oh, and with a birthday toast of course.
And, for the first year ever, I actually took off work for my birthday.
So, Birthday A.M. Blaine & I go to Eggct. my all time fav. breakfast in the history of ever. Followed by a very thoughtful gift, Mr. Lotso Then we hit up a store that makes me 10 shades of happy, Sephora. Lunch at spin, Happy Hour with my amazing friends. Even at like 120 degrees, and a melted cake, It was the perfect little party with some of my favorite people. Then a nice evening with a little True Blood.
But wait, thats not all... Reason number 10,587 why I love my job: nothing beats a hallmark birthday. After a sweet breakfast, I was off to work, only to find my desk swamped in cards, balloons, flowers, and gifts. And, I was once again reminded of how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.
So, yes, once again, my birthday got even better with age. :) And 28 is off to an AMAZING start! Woo-Hoo!

Cafe Elle

2011-06-28T23:15:00.003-05:00

Today was a perfect day for a little lunch outing. So, the Fabulous Scott & I went to an amazing little cafe. Cafe Elle is a little french creperie on the west side. It was amazing & very charming. I highly recommend a visit there.

great guy & great butterflies...

2011-06-28T22:45:00.002-05:00

Ahh! Butterflies are sO nice! I've spent ohhh the last week or so living on cloud 9, and I must say, it's nice up here! I really am at a loss for words on how perfect this guy is. He's the perfect mix of tough but soft, smart and sweet, and seems to know just what to say and when to say it. I always believe everything happens for a reason, and this is what I'm talkin' about!

Youer than You

2011-06-28T00:41:00.002-05:00

As 28 sneaks up, I can't help but looking back on the 500mph roller coaster that was formally known as 27. If I had of been told what I'd have to go through this year, I'd tell you that I wasn't strong enough. And, that I knew exactly who I was. But the truth is, I did make it through a lot, and I'm more me that me a year ago. So, I am looking forward to what the next year brings.

Enjoying life

2011-06-27T02:09:00.002-05:00

Oh, where do I start? I'm still soaking up all the happy from this weekend. There is this really great guy, who made my Thursday night really great. We had such a good time, that we ended up spending most of Sat & Sun together as well. Grilling out, watching movies, and just enjoying each others company. It was simple, fun, and a pretty perfect weekend. I feel lucky to have meet such a good one ;)

2011-06-26T00:41:00.000-05:00

2011-06-25T00:45:00.000-05:00

the journey

2011-06-25T00:40:00.000-05:00

thinking of you...

2011-06-24T00:38:00.000-05:00

... and hoping that you will.

She

2011-06-24T00:37:00.000-05:00

thats what I'm talkin' about!

2011-06-23T00:35:00.001-05:00

oh wait.. only 7 more days and it really will be! Yay!!

happy is as happy does....

2011-06-23T00:35:00.000-05:00

aqua luv... oh I can't wait for you to get here!

2011-06-22T00:46:00.003-05:00

This was on the top of my birthday wish list this year. And, thanks to an awesome family, It's on it's way! Ahh!! I'm already scoping out what shirt, hair style, and lip gloss will be worn with this aqua work of art to ring in 28. Oh, and if you want to pick up a great piece from the same artist, click here! All her stuff is nice!

the amazing-ness will come

2011-06-22T00:39:00.002-05:00

ever changing...

2011-06-21T23:36:00.000-05:00

almost laughed out loud...

2011-06-20T23:18:00.000-05:00

... Yes! So true.

Thanks.

2011-06-19T23:17:00.000-05:00

I loved you...

2011-06-18T23:11:00.002-05:00

... healing after hear break- not easy, but possible. I just found out some sad news about a guy I actually really cared about. Cancer is not fair, and seems to like my most favorite people. What breaks my heart more? When they don't want any help, support, or even try to lean on you or anyone else for help. Being independent is great, but sometimes you should trust in, and count on those of us who do care. And will care, always.

Life is good

2011-06-13T22:51:00.000-05:00

Perfect weekend, perfect monday. I'm just sayin'.

2011-06-12T22:44:00.000-05:00

FuN!

2011-06-12T08:09:00.002-05:00

Today my summer roomie arrives! One of the coolest chicks I've meet this year is Ashley. She's a super talented, crazy cool, fun, kindhearted girl. I first meet her in savannah after my presentation. She was just one of those people you feel like you've known forever, even though you just meet. Then we interviewed her the next day, and she's not only a really nice person, but a very conceptual designer. So, since her fabulousness scored her an internship at hallmark, and she'll be here for the summer, we decided why not be roomies?! It'll be fun to have her bubbly lighthearted spirit around. Can't wait to see all the FuN we get into! Yay Summer!!

2011-06-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

2011-06-11T07:34:00.000-05:00

2011-06-10T17:08:00.000-05:00

painting dreams

2011-06-09T17:08:00.000-05:00

Oh so true

2011-06-08T17:06:00.000-05:00

better, faster, stronger...

2011-06-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

...workin' on the strength thing.

2011-06-06T17:07:00.000-05:00

OK

2011-06-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

happy birthday daddie...

2011-06-06T08:09:00.001-05:00

A little blog-out to my dad. He's one guy who has always been there for me, and who's always guided me in the right direction. Today is his birthday, and even though I can't be with him today,I'm glad he's my dad.

brushed up

2011-06-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

Today- I paint. One of the sacred times when I love just being by myself is when I paint. There are a few things I've neglected in the past few months. Painting, and the Gym. Today, quality time will be spent with both.

so true

2011-06-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

I get by with a little help from my frannnds...

2011-06-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

I am one lucky girl to have so many wonderful, sweet, caring friends.
You guys are always there for me.
I've appreciated every shoulder to cry on the past few days,
every dinner, every txt, call, and pep talk.
Knowing that you are always there for me, means the world to me.

e is for effort

2011-06-04T11:31:00.000-05:00

2011-06-03T11:32:00.001-05:00

2011-06-03T11:28:00.001-05:00

broken heart

2011-06-03T11:14:00.002-05:00

So, yesterday (about an hour before a ReAllY important meeting, great timing btw.) The great Nate, decided to break up with me (Via text message). So I am heart b.r.o.k.e.n.
It makes me sad, because it could have worked- if he had of made an effort. I really feel like I wasted my time & effort on someone who didn't appreciate me.

2011-06-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

believe

2011-06-01T08:16:00.001-05:00

ticket this!

2011-06-01T08:12:00.002-05:00

Hummm.... 4 days of painting, scraping, moving, dragging, decorating, and sore to the core. + getting up at 5:00am to take Puffs back to the airport. + a FreAkiNG parking ticket from a cold mean beeotch at the airport = a rough start to a workday! Agggh.

you are sO great

2011-05-30T08:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday

2011-05-27T12:26:00.000-05:00

No more tonrados, lots of sunshine, and laughs. Fingers crossed

Ampersand luv

2011-05-27T12:13:00.003-05:00

Ok, so it's not my birthday yet- but I cheat a little and already buy my gift to myself. Jessica Hische is one of my favorite designers. While browsing her site today, I ran upon a little treasure that I could not live without.
My mind instantly went through the list:
Aqua (best color ever in the history of ever)-Check.
Ampersand (best letter, even thought it's like a distant relative of a real letter)- Check.
Jessica Hische Original (OMG I'd love to own one) - Check.
And "Gift" by my definition, is something you really want, but is not necessarily a need -Check.
So, signed, sealed, and soon to be delivered. SO excited!

She's Crafty

2011-05-26T14:14:00.004-05:00

A three day weekend? First of all, let's make that 4. What am I going to do with 4 days? CRAFT! Here's the project list:
-Pick color & Paint living room, dinning room, & Kitchen.
-Make new living room Curtains
-Finish Headboard for guest room.
-Frame up some new artwork & Hang it up.
-*possible wallpapering of hallway.
Can I do it all alone? Probably not in 4 days,
I'm flying my assistant out- Puffs!
Added perk: Getting to spend some time &
laugh really hard with the best mom ever!
I love you Puffs & can't wait to see you!! XO

I'm just sayin'

2011-05-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Official Midwest Resident Now

2011-05-26T14:05:00.005-05:00

This is the lovely little place I call home now, Kansas CIty. Yesterday, not so lovely.
Right when you think things have to get better, because they can't get any worse... well, I forgot to add natural disaster to the list.
I had actually run across the street to have my eyebrows done at lunch, and within the 15 minutes in the salon, things had gone from rainy and typical grey KC to really scary. All the stores were closed, no one was around, and then I find myself running out side in the pouring rain, high winds, and sirens blasting off, thinking "wow, WHY am I outside?!"
Only to spend the next hour or so in the bottom of a stairwell hoping not to get swept away. Several touched ground in the metro, but nothing too bad.
However, it makes you realize how quickly everything could disappear. I feel like an official Midwesterner now.

Science is hard

2011-05-26T11:51:00.002-05:00