February — a time for wedding bells, hello-agains, and the prettiest pink nails.

She’s baaaack (and with a cutie little rebrand to match). I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I’ve written on this blog, but I’m finally in a place where I want to write again. Believe it or not, I missed you (more on that here) and this past year has been a whirlwind of both ups and downs.

Oh, where to begin?

Let’s take it from the top in our much-missed CQ monthly moodboard fashion.

major life updates

Cheers to the New Year, new goals, and intentions! I’m still clarifying my new goals and intentions for 2023 (seriously, it’s never too late), but there is so much to catch you up on.

First, she’s engaged. YES. It finally happened. Me, engaged to my literal best friend. It’s been officially 3 months since T proposed to me, and it still feels so surreal. Sometimes I’ll glance down at my ring (a beautiful solitaire with a hidden halo) and get little flutters in my heart. We recently celebrated our 8-year anniversary, and I truly can’t believe that we’ve been together this long.

Secondly, she has a new job! This isn’t as recent as an update, as I started a year ago, but I have officially switched out of finance into the world of creative agency (and interior design). The past year was a whirlwind as I got adjusted to the new world, but your corporate queen is technically now a work-from-home girlie (and she absolutely loves it).

Third, she built a business! The last time we touched base, I was just getting started on CQ Interiors, my virtual interior design studio, and taking it off the ground. Well, the brand is built, the website, and 15+ clients later, and we have so much experience and stories under our belt! Whew, what a year. I’m currently taking a pause (as I was basically doing two full-time jobs at once) and I’m hitting the drawing board on how I can make this a little more passive, as it was definitely overwhelming handling both at once.

VIBE OF THE MONTH: LITTLE LUXURIES

One of my close friends coined the phrase “little luxuries” for things like getting flowers, taking a walk, curling up with a good book, and how we can always take time to enjoy them in life. And I loved that so much.

I feel like something I can struggle with is feeling like I need more. In material items, especially. But time and time again, I always fall into the same thought pattern and ask myself the burning question: more things don’t always make me happier, so why have I convinced myself that it has?

It’s true. We live in a world of consumption, where everything around us is begging us to press “buy” and convincing us we need the latest thing. I can’t even count the number of times that I’ve bought something mid-scroll on Tik Tok because someone aesthetically placed it on a boucle chair and told me that it was the best thing ever. (I mean, granted, it really was, but the issue is now I want two more of them).

But sometimes it really is as simple as less is more. And taking time to enjoy and be grateful for the breath in my lungs makes me feel way less stressed and more at peace in my spirit.

On my calendar

Wedding bells! My sweet friend got married this month, and it was the most joy-filled beautiful wedding. I was a bridesmaid, and it made me realize so many things about weddings.

Don’t be afraid to have your wedding on a Sunday — the vibes depend on the people, and if your guests are excited to be there, the vibes will be immaculate.
Don’t sweat the little things, it will truly all come together and be perfect.
I’m sorry, but little ones will not be invited to my wedding.

Other than that, my February will (hopefully) be more chill. I have a fun trip to Dallas coming up, and I’m excited to spend time with my family + friends.

Also, something on the calendar is spending time pouring into creative projects.

Inspiration

When I’m not pouring over wedding inspiration, surprise surprise — I’ve been head first in the world of interiors when it comes to inspiration. Statement marble + contrast elements have my heart. I’ve been dreaming up about my dream kitchen, which will have some element of statement marble and beautiful white oak wood (yes, I’m still into the light woods tyvm).

But because I’m still in my cute apartment (and not planning leaving anytime soon). I’ve been on the hunt for some marble pieces that I can incorporate into my space now. I found these coasters on Etsy, and they’ve been a major source of my serotonin lately. So, so good.

In terms of style, I’ve been leaning into everything cozy lately. Last year, I traveled 25 times out of the year, which means I was gone from my apartment every other week. This year, I realllllly need to press pause — as it was really starting to jeopardize my mental health, and I’ve been smooth sailing at home. Because of that, cozy half zips, a matching sets have been my jam.

As well as all things neutral (yes, still a neutral girlie), with a pop of pink to keep it festive for the month of love. Pretty pink nails have been my jam and inspired me to try dip for the first time. (Scared, but it ended up being a vibe).

Home Happenings

I’m now going on my fourth year at my apartment, and I can’t believe that I’m still here! At this point, majority of my home (besides my bedroom) is furnished and now I’m at the point where I’m switching out pieces here and there to keep it fresh.

It’s nice to have a furnished home. Feels extra cozy and it’s made hosting so much easier + there’s always enough seating.

This is almost my fourth year with my couch, and I can tell you that it is TRULY holding up for being under $1000. I sleep on it probably 3x a week because it’s so comfy and my friends + family all agree. If you’re looking for a super affordable couch, this is definitely one to check out.