Anneliese Mueller (of Lieshchen Mueller) is an amazing German artist who creates fanciful softies, handmade pinatas, feather headbands, and some of the sweetest children’s clothes I have ever seen!  Her color palette is a dream and her creativity is endless! She can be found on her BLOG / FLICKR / ETSY…..and some of her creations are sold at lineandliv.com.  I am spying THIS little dress for Ry. La la looove.

Slouched Sailor Blouse / Joe’s Jeans / Nixon Watch / Vintage Hat & Belt / Steve Madden Heels

FIrst, I just wanted to say thanks to those of you who responded to my last post.  It meant a ton to me and I was so encouraged by what you all wrote.  Nothing will be changing here as far as content goes (other than hopefully MORE content)….there will just be a new look or “face”, if you will, to the site.  It’s a work in progress, as is life, and I really do appreciate your feedback!  You’re pretty great.

But about this outfit…it’s one of my fav’s and i’m not sure why.  I think it’s just one that well represents my everyday style. I love it’s ease and simplicity.  I think black will forever be a dominant color in my wardrobe.  I have tried so many times to get away from it, but it’s impossible.  I love it too much.  Although a lot of my lookbook posts are taken of me wearing skirts, dresses and tights….these black skinnies by Joe’s Jeans are my favorite go-to.  I wear them ALL the time.  I dress them up and down….but mostly try to style them to fit somewhere in the middle of casual and fancy! It is in fact the best place to be!  My favorite nail color right now is this mint colored Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer by Sephora.  Really, anything mint gets me excited. But I have to admit, the Hello Kitty shaped bottle is really what sold me!  It’s super thick and opaque, which is sometimes hard to come by in nail polish.  Anyway…nail polish has been fun lately because my fingernails are actually long enough to warrant polish.  I have always been a biter, but something about pregnancy made them grow like crazy….and i’ve finally curbed my habit (crossing my fingers) for forever.

]]> http://www.kellimurray.com/2012/02/01/sail-on/feed/ 15 http://www.kellimurray.com/2012/01/27/new-beginnings/ http://www.kellimurray.com/2012/01/27/new-beginnings/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:19:58 +0000 kelli http://www.kellimurray.com/?p=8536 Ok all of you blog readers….I am need of some help.  A bit of advice from one blogger to another! I realized my post yesterday made it seam like I had ground breaking news….but no all of you who asked….I am not pregnant again! haha.  I’ve just been thinking A LOT about this blog over the past few weeks.  What am I doing and why I post what I do.  Is it relevant to you guys or is there something more I should be focusing on?  What do you enjoy most and why?  I began this blog as just a small stem of my website.  A website that is currently getting a major overhaul.  Yes, it has been a long time coming.  Hence all the lost content on my gallery and design pages.  I promise, the new and improved (and modernized) kellimurray.com will be much more….well, ME.  Anyway, I’ve never been the best writer, so I will do my best to articulate my thoughts, and if you have an opinion or some advice, please….I am all ears. Like I was saying, this blog came as a result of me wanting to share my art projects and freelance work.  I only posted ever so often and it always involved the art I was working on at the moment.  Over time, this blog became far more personal.  I posted on things going on in my life, personal struggles and accomplishments, and incorporated much more of my own personal style into my blog.  I didn’t intend for it to turn into a “fashion” blog, but as I became more and more busy designing at work, it left me with little to no time to work on my own personal art….which was the sole reason I started this blog to begin with.  As a way to keep this going, I decided to share my own style and fashion finds on the “in between”.  But soon, that aspect seemed to dominate over the art.  I was frustrated that I was not able to “do it all”.  I wanted to excel at work, but I also wanted to do all the things I personally was inspired to do : paint, draw, design invitations and paper goods.  Because those things in fact are my PASSION, but just do not pay the bills.  Time just wasn’t on my side.  I was stressed and unhappy in a lot of ways because I just did not feel fully invested in anything.  I had a million creative ideas that I wanted to work on on my “off time”, but there just was no off time.  Have you ever felt that way?  I wished so often that my body only needed to sleep every OTHER day, because then, maybe THEN, I could do everything I wanted to.  Well, I had to face the facts and realize that no, I can’t do it all.  I entered a season where I tried to learn how to better manage my time, prioritize my workload, and do as much as I could while still maintaining my happiness (and sanity).  I know this is something we ALL strive for.  Balance is the key to life right?  I believe it is something I will continue to work on for the rest of my life.  The important thing I guess is that I consider it a priority, and remember every day that my HAPPINESS should take the front seat to any extra money in my pocket or portfolio addition.  And in the midst of this soul searching season….I was smacked in the face with a surprise pregnancy!

Last year was a major life change for me.  I knew that having a baby would change my life forever, I just wasn’t sure how it would really factor in to my work life.  Needless to say, it factored in A LOT.  Working moms….you rule.  Seriously though, it’s the biggest challenge I have yet to face in life.  I was a borderline full blown work-a-holic for ohhhh… 7 straight years or so.   What does a work-a-holic do with a baby!!?? Well, they change is what they do.  With Rylee’s arrival came a whole shift in my outlook on life.  I honestly think she is the best thing that could have happened to me.  While experimenting with working part time for a few months after her birth, I realized that the best thing for me would be to shift into becoming a full time freelancer.  It would allow me to be at home with Rylee and complete my projects on my own time.  It was a hard decision for me because I am the type of person that loves to get out of the house and be in an office with other creatives and feel productive.  I loved my job and the people I worked with. Changing to be a freelancer took some, but not all of that away.  A big portion of my freelance work still comes from Jedidiah….and I still am lucky enough to have an office space there that I can go to when I really need to focus…and when Grandma can babysit!  But in the spirit of this whole new shift into freelance, I realized the importance of THIS…..blogging, branding and representing myself.  It seems that if you are going to “make it” these days as an artist, having an online presence is imperative.  But don’t get me started on twitter….I think I need to get one of those “for dummies” books on the topic! ugh.  I guess i’ve never really considered branding myself a priority because I had such limited time to invest in other projects anyway.  In fact, I couldn’t even take on half of the commission requests I received as it was.  I am hoping this year things will be different.  I want to rebrand ME!  I want to work on projects that inspire and excite me.  I want to get my spark back!  And I want to pursue the things I have been dreaming about for years (there are a few!)  So here is where I need your help!  I’ve picked the brains of a few close friends….but really I am still processing all of it myself.  (I am kicking myself for not attending Altitude Summit this year….because I am sure I would have walked away with a swift kick in the butt to get my act together!  SO many inspiring speakers!)  Anyway, here are the big “undertermines” right now as I am thinking this all over.  I know it’s quite transparent, but I would love to hear if you have some ideas or opinions on the matter.  And if you happen to have a lot to say….email me!  I’d love to hear from you!

 A NAME

Does my blog need a name??  EVERYONE has a name.  But mine is…well, just my ACTUAL name.  Ha…I guess not even my actual name.  My name as of two years ago is Kelli Larson, but my “art” name, as people know it, has always been Kelli Murray.  So I kept it.  Poor Sam.  But really, a name.  Almost every blog I read is NOT the person’s name….it’s some cute title or phrase that represents them and what they do or who they are.  There are a few illustrators out there that I know of that just use their own name for their blog, but those are far and few between.  If I were to start fresh today, I would probably choose a name (there have been hundreds running through my brain lately).  But I think I may be too late in the game to turn around now?  Most people just call my blog “Kelli Murray Blog”.  And others have mistaken it’s title for “All Things Inspiring”…which is an easy mistake to be made since that is the header I have had since it’s beginning.  Regardless, I’m stumped on what to do.  No matter what, my URL will stay kellimurray.com….it’s just what to do about my blog (in the sense of it’s title).  What do you think?? Is it time I finally solidified a name for my blog since I am in the midst of a total re-brand?  Or is it safe to keep what has been working so far?

 SPONSORS

What has been your experience with adding sponsors to your blog?  I have had a few people ask why I do not have sponsors, and honestly, I just have not thought about it until recently.  I didn’t feel like a “good enough” or big enough blog to warrant sponsors….but perhaps i’m wrong.  I’ve never been a big fan of a whole grocery list of sponsors running along a sidebar….but I do see the worth in having a select few each month.  Maybe other small businesses or blogs could benefit from being featured here!? If you are a blog with sponsors….how did you begin?  And how does it benefit you? (I guess I know the obvious answers here, I just feel a bit naive to the whole thing and am looking for more insight from those of you more experienced in this world!)

CONTENT

This is mostly out of curiosity.  What is it that you most enjoy about this blog?  Do you like my personal posts on my family /adventures / ideas, hopes & dreams?  Do you prefer my lookbook posts?  New art projects, designs or illustrations?  Or do you like my features on products or art I love or my inspiration boards?  I love doing all of these….but I’m interested to know why you like to come back!  Are you picture people or are you readers!? (I guess if you are not readers you have not gotten this far!! ha!) And what in your opinion would make this blog BETTER!?

And lastly, if there is anything you’ve learned along the way….things you’ve done wrong or things you’ve done RIGHT that have made the biggest different in your blog or business…I would love to learn from you.  I feel like I have so much to learn in regards to social media.  And there is no better place to go than straight to the source.  YOU!  So I just want to say thanks in advance! Thanks for your advice and encouragement. And thanks for following me and supporting me along this journey. I am more excited then ever dreaming about this year and the possible collaborations and projects I hope to dive into.  Your opinions are so valued and I am so thankful to be able to do what I love as a job.  I am excited for this new adventure into freelance….and I have a REALLY good feeling about 2012!

Get ready for a MASSIVE (text heavy) post tomorrow!! SO much I’ve been DREAMING about! And I need your help.  But for today….here are some sun drenched photos, resurrected from my archives, taken by the ever talented JOIELALA girls. I miss them.  This is back when I was 5 months prego.  Love them blousy tops! ha!

This bag is just cool.  Almost as cool as the cool kids who made it. A few friends of mine, Kahana Kalama and Billy Wickens, opened the retail shop ALOHA SUNDAY in May of 2011.  It’s located in the heart of Northpark and houses a collection of surf-inspired clothing and craft…some old, some new.  The name stemmed from the commonly used Hawaiian phrase “Aloha Friday” which is basically a celebration of the end of the workweek. As a play on this concept Aloha Sunday was born… a challenge and encouragement to live passionately and in a way that celebrates the start of the week. Good, right!?  So proud of these guys for making their dream a reality.  If you live in San Diego and have yet to check out the space….do yourself a favor.  Or check them out online here:

SHOP  / BLOG  / TWITTER / FACEBOOK

Aloha Sunday recently partnered with Apolis Activism to create this limited edition Market Bag.  Perfect for trips to the farmer’s market or getaways to the coast.  So glad I got my mitts on one!  Limited to only 50 pieces.

]]> http://www.kellimurray.com/2012/01/20/apolis-aloha-sunday-market-bag/feed/ 8 http://www.kellimurray.com/2012/01/19/5-months/ http://www.kellimurray.com/2012/01/19/5-months/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:25:36 +0000 kelli http://www.kellimurray.com/?p=8375 Baby girl is 5 months old today!  My how time flies! I was just going through all of the pictures I have taken of her!  It’s so cool to see how much she has grown and changed in such a short time.  I have already filled two whole photo albums and am on to my third! eek…it may be safe to say I take too many pictures!  But I just want to capture every stage of her life. (And photograph her in every cute outfit she has before she grows out of it! ha!)  Sometimes I miss how that tiny little newborn body felt in my arms!  Now, Rylee can sit on my hip and hold herself up all on her own.  I can’t leave her for too long because she is rolling like crazy now.  I set her on a blanket on one side of the room, and before I know it, she is on the other!  I swear, she is going to be an early crawler!  She is already trying to nudge her knees under her tummy and scoot!  As much as I love her now, I am looking forward to the day when we can talk and interact with each other.  When she can give me bear hugs and we can laugh together at cartoons! She makes my world a happier place!

But the last few days have been not so happy.  I’ve been sick with the stomach flu, or so I think  (I haven’t been to the doctor).  It’s the first time I’ve been sick since I had Rylee.  I knew the day would come….but it has been harder than I thought taking care of a baby while also trying to take care of myself.  I think Rylee knew I needed some extra rest because last night she slept from 7pm to 7am! Seriously, crazy right?!  It was the longest span she and I have slept since she was born.  I am just hoping I don’t pass along whatever it is I have, to her.  Luckily Grandma is coming over today to help me!  What would we do without Grandma’s?!  xoxo.

1.  Madwell Spring 2012 Collection. Drooling.

2. Pony Anarchy Magazine. An online magazine about creative folk, for creative folk.

Get inspired.

3.  I Love You to the Moon by Yellow Button Studio – Love everything about this.

3 and a half – Stomach Virus’s suck. But especially when you have a baby to care for.  Whatever got into me….come out please.

We have had the most splendid January days the last few weeks!  The temperature in the upper 70′s!  The sun is warm and the air is crisp! I am soaking it up while it lasts!  This was the outfit I wore the other day on a date night with Sam….and Rylee.  Our “dates” no longer consist of just the two of us.  But at least we are attempting to still go out!  Rylee is HUGE!  Every time I look at her I can’t believe how big she is.  I’ll post more pictures soon.  She’s not my tiny little peanut anymore.  Now she’s my chunky monkey and her cheeks are taking over her face!! haha.  Love that.

In other news, I am officially working as a FREELANCER now! I have been employed full time at Jedidiah since I was 20 years old.  7 years! Yow….that is a long time!  It has been a great place to work for so many years, but my new life as a mom needs something more part time.  I will still be working as a freelance graphic designer for Jedidiah, but my workload (and pocket book) will scale down significantly.  I’ll take that trade any day if it means more time with Ry.  I’m excited for what lies ahead and to see how I do with working just freelance.  It’s something I have considered for years.  Perhaps it will leave room for more custom art projects!  Hooray for new beginnings!

Totally inspired by Ma + Chr

An art and design studio based in Paris focusing on many areas, from web to print, interior design & textile.

Here is my Ma + Chr inspired photograph of the day.  Taken a few hours ago at the beach.  Yes, it’s January 3rd and warm enough for my 4 month old to wear a swimsuit and dip her toes in the ocean for the first time.  I love San Diego!

Happy New Year!! Let’s make it a good one!