May – the time for sunshine, risen dreams, and hello agains.

I feel like a cloud has been lifted and the fear is gone. Maybe it’s too early too tell and I’m hopeful in ignorance, but as I keep hearing about all of these places re-opening and people out and about, my heart has felt warm and bubbly inside. While, I’ve enjoyed this time of solitude in my own home, I’m excited to get back to society.

My job recently announced that we would be working from home until July which means I still get to enjoy my creative freedom and being the boss of my own schedule for two more months. So cheers to a month of endless possibilities.

Mantra of the month: Don’t stop until you’re proud

Last month, we talked about “embracing”, in which I allowed myself to truly be open to experiences (both good and bad) and lean into it instead of completely avoiding it. And in that, I was able to unlock so much about myself because I let myself embrace the moment.

It was hard for me to come up with a word for this month, especially because I feel like I am still in the midst of “embracing” (last month’s word), but I saw a quote on Pinterest the other day that said “Don’t stop until you’re proud” and it’s been constantly on my mind.

I have a history of stopping. In fact, I think one of the worst things that I constantly speak over myself is that I lack consistency in creating.

Sometimes, I feel discouraged and get fed up. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed and decide to tuck it away until I’m ready to face it. And other times, I hide behind fear and what others will think of it, and stop because I can’t ever achieve the thing that I think everyone is looking for - perfection.

So, the thought of not letting anyone define my work before I’ve defined it myself is… liberating. Like a secret between me and God alone, in which nobody has a say until I’ve determined that I like it. I want to create in this mindset.

I want to not stop until I’m proud. Not anyone else, but me.

So this month, we’re going to keep going, keep pushing, and not stop until we’re proud.

 On my Calendar

Houston finally started opening up restaurants (up to 25% capacity) but I’m not too sure yet if I’m going to try it out. I do plan on ordering more take out though (like that ever stopped lol). 

Memorial Day is coming up and it will be another vacation day in quarantine. It’s refreshing that holidays still excite me, even though I have a lot of freedom working from home. I think it’s just good to have a day where I don’t feel guilty or like I should be doing something productive.

I also plan on creating some more this month. I didn’t even realize that last month I wrote 10 blog posts because I was just focused on getting each newsletter out. My newsletters have become my pride and joy and something that I genuinely enjoy creating (as much as I complain about them haha).

I love the thought that a valuable hub of my cultivated thoughts, finds, and works can exist in one place and be delivered to your inbox every week. It makes me feel warm inside every time I see someone open up to read one or my friends text me to tell me they got it. Like, how cool!

 Inspired By

It seems like just as Spring has come, Summer is around the corner and ready to reign in full glory. Despite us being stuck inside, I’ve recently been inspired by everything summer things. Beautifully curated flat lays of orange slices, knit bags, sandals. Floral-scented perfumes and high waisted bathing suits.

I can’t wait to be able to go to brunch and let my skin soak the sun.

In terms of fashion, I’ve still have been loving the neutral tones and creamy whites. But now warmed up with yellows and oranges and other things that look so nice and golden against brown skin. 

I also have been on the hunt for a perfect brown sandal – one that is a classic piece and that can go with everything, but isn’t $500. I’ve seen a lot of dupes from Zara, Steve Madden, and H&M. 

My style inspiration is still the fabulous @laurajadestone, in her dainty close-up shots and aesthetically-pleasing instagram feed. Such a vibe. One of my friends challenged me to do a Laura Jade Stone inspired shoot, so I’m excited to try that this month as well.

 Home Happenings

I’ve put majority of my furniture shopping on hold as I let this pandemic play out (and also to save some coins) so majority of my home-happenings have been in the planning and designing of my new space. Which is definitely a theme I’m familiar with.

I think I’m starting to learn what my interior design style is which makes me so happy that the things I like can be nicely placed in a bucket. It makes it so much easier to search for specific items on Pinterest and pull up inspo that automatically speaks to me.

I’m also learning that a design style can be fluid, which moves and changes as you do. So the things you liked in November may not be the same things you like in May - and that’s perfectly ok.

It’s a result of growth and maturity, as you realize who you want to become and the space you want to help define who you are. So that being said, I’m trying to take my time in selecting pieces and make sure that I genuinely like them vs. only liking them in the moment.

Right now, I would describe my design style as California Casual with accents of modern boho and a touch of modern farmhouse. Think light, airy, breezy, natural light wood, and lots of plants. Also touches of terra cotta color throughout the place. Leather and cane material, and an overall super warm and comforting feeling.

My 3 next home purchases I am on the search for are (1) a cozy living room rug, (2) a TV stand to fill up the empty gap, and (3) a faux floor plant to bring finish up the space.

That’s all for this month, friends! Thanks for tuning in. If you want to check out some of my other favorite mood boards, you can go here:

January ‘20 Mood Board
March ‘20 Mood Board
April ‘20 Mood Board

Love always,
The Corporate Queen

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For When You Face Trials

Nehemiah 8:10
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

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