I always think of New Year’s as being “the” time to make a fresh start.  It just seems logical, right?

So, I was at World Market last week and fell in love with the new Barbie calendar. (love the sketches of the vintage Barbie “couture” and the idolized woman she represents).  I bought it, of course, no hesitation.

vintage barbie

When I got home, I realized that it was a 2011 calendar but it had a combined page for September through December of 2010.  Hmmm…I doubt a lot of “Jersey Shore” fans are buying vintage Barbie calendars.  I guess “back to school” also applies to grown-ups!

I don’t know about you, but the last 6 months have literally flown by!  I barely know where I spent my energies.  Now that it’s September, I feel like I am finally able to take a breath and refocus my business and personal life.  Coincidence that it lines up with the start of school? Which got me thinking, maybe January isn’t always the time for a fresh start.  Maybe, it is just whenever you feel ready for a change.  Sometimes, it’s starting a new project, new job, new year, new haircolor, whatever you determine is your “fresh start”.

Here’s an update on my summer and what I am looking forward to for this fall.

First, from K Designs’ standpoint, I am very fortunate to work with a great family moving here from Arizona.  They are wonderful clients and their house is really starting to become their new “home”.   I am lucky to be a part of the process!  Along with this large scale project, I have had lots of smaller milestones with my existing clients, including new grandbabies, grown kids branching out and rooms being rediscovered by new generations.  All in all, I love being able to create these environments where my clients and their families make memories!

first look - a client's living room

Second, I have been working with a very talented team of creative people to execute a few DesignSpeak events and brainstorm for the future!  We had another successful homeowner event this summer as well as our first networking happy hour for industry professionals!  We are currently working on a revamp of the website to simplify and deliver the freshest ideas to you!  I’m also proud to announce that I’ve been asked to be a permanent blogger on St. Louis AT HOME‘s new website, launching this fall.  Thanks to everyone that has attended our events and especially to my team!  I’ll keep you posted on more exciting happenings this fall as well as spring of 2011!

evidence of our first designspeak "speakeasy" event

some peeps at our first "speakeasy" event!

Third, I am still “obsessed” with jewelry as my sister loves to point out!  And you cannot tell me that you are not obsessed after viewing the fall collection from Stella & Dot.  Love it! Love it! Love it!  I am focusing on booking lots of parties for the holiday season because I want everyone to have this jewelry!  It’s fabulous!  People used to refer to my trademark sunglasses but now I can be seen sporting the latest Stella & Dot trends as well. Wow, this necklace is gorgeous!!!

metropolitan mixed chain necklace

Lastly, I am considering this a fresh start on my health.  As I approach a semi-milestone birthday this fall, I realize that I need to establish better habits to get me through stressful times.  And frankly, I’m excited for the opportunity to challenge myself physically!  Stay tuned for a more enlightened and slimmer Kimberly…

Thanks for being in my life & I wish everyone a wonderful fall season!

K

I am so looking forward to the fresh flowers and new opportunities in store!  I thought it might be fun to move my newsletter to my website.  What do you think?  I welcome your comments and suggestions!

The theme for this month is: MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

More ideas, more color, more energy!  I don’t know about you but I’ve been very busy with lots of exciting endeavors and I can’t wait to share them with you here.

My New Desk

“Don’t ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”  – Howard Thurman

So, here is a photo of “command central” as I have fondly named my new desk.  It is important that my apartment not look too much like an office or I will feel like I am always at work.  Looks great & functions even better!

Charity Project: Habitat for Humanity 2010 with St. Louis AT HOME magazine.  I’m also very pleased to announce my involvement in this year’s Habitat Design Project with AT HOME magazine.  I am on a team with several talented designers and we are working hard to transform the interiors into a warm & inviting home for a very deserving family!  Please view my Target list if you are interested in donating.  All will be completed by mid-May and I will keep you posted on the progress!

Upcoming Events: As many of you know, I launched DesignSpeak last October and I am very committed to educating consumers about design and where to purchase locally.  I am very exited to announce our first ever “design decoded: kitchens & baths” event!  This is a free seminar for homeowners seeking design advice.  We will have refreshments, goody bags and giveaways!  Space is limited,  RSVP now to kimberly@designspeakstl.com!

Next Up: I am working on getting photos taken at several of my clients’ homes.  I am very pleased with how my projects turned out last year and am anxious to show them off!  Here is a sneak peek at one of my installations.  The frames turned out beautifully!  This project was one of my favorites this past year.  My client was so wonderful to work with and she had such a fun design aesthetic that it really didn’t feel like work!

Coming Soon - New Client Photos

Blazing Trails with the Girl Scouts: I am honored to be a part of such a fun group of young professionals whose goal is mentor recruitement for the wonderful Girl Scout Organization.  So many great opportunities to become involved!  We are hosting a fun adult camp-out on April 17th to get you motivated and just have fun!  To learn more, please join us for Happy Hour at the Moonrise Hotel on March 23rd.

Exciting News: Stella & Dot Jewelry – My sister recently enlightened me on my lifelong obsession with jewelry.  “Obsessed” is a little harsh…Maybe a bit co-dependent is more accurate?  I will admit it is hard for me to go to the gym without earrings…is that wrong?  So, I guess it comes to no one’s surprise that I’ve finally decided to start my career in jewelry as a stylist of Stella & Dot.  They are a wonderful company and I have admired their jewelry line almost since its inception.  I’m very excited and I am planning my first trunk show to introduce you all to the line!  Visit my webpage for more info.

That’s all for now!  Stay tuned for more updates!

-K