ONE STOP DESIGN SHOP
new posts weekly
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4nWPzXQvZFg2hYFFjX8KjW?si=PGM8cgbiTsicFT-tLxlA5Q
If you need a good cry
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5AYLOA1CGiyStHVdoz7RKo?si=xijthF1DT4C8s5ZNWCgQnw
If you want to feel incredible
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0cWjBXIX5z2RkZgAhCvwtO?si=NS5kCXBwRp2ycfifNgcicA
For a quiet evening with your partner
Whenever I am having a difficult time looking forward to the next day or life ahead of me, I always find solace and comfort in writing out what I’m thankful for. It always grounds me and provides such a great perspective- that there’s so much in life to be thankful for and so much living still left to do. Here’s what I’m grateful for at the moment:
eucalyptus showers
a fenced-in backyard
a family who would drop anything for me
a new home
financial freedom
a car that runs (and my dream car at that)
training progress with Georgia
my evening tea
a new greenway route
quality conversations with friends committed to shared personal growth
my first official hire with CKCreations
listening to soft music in the evenings
a big new bed!
quiet moments
evening craft cocktails
a healthy cooking habit
baby niece + nephew that I get to spoil
new places to adventure
my sense of style
being able to afford getting my nails and hair done.
and so many more things! we have so much to be grateful for in this life and stopping to remember helps keep us present.
xoxo,
CK
As promised - my spring and summer bucketlist! And this week for my 7 for 7 I’m crossing one off the list each day. Attempting to do all 21 in 21 days and planning on writing and documenting about my experiences with crossing each one off. Without further adieu- the list:
Picnic at Dix Park
This past Sunday we celebrated my friend Kate’s birthday - we gathered with drinks (and kombucha for me) her boyfriend brought his guitar and his friend with a drum set (and pepper shaker lol) and we harmonized to Chris Stapleton all night. It was such a special evening under the stars and the view of Downtown Raleigh.
Sing at Open Mic Night
Monday I walked in to attend my first open mic night at Luckytree (something that’s been on my mirror for months) and I found Kate, her bf Chris and Skylar (the drummer) all sitting front row center by pure coincidence. I knew from that moment I would have to sing, whether I was ready or not. I later learned, it was the full pink flower super moon 🌝 🌸 all about releasing blockages and opening up to possibilities. Believe what you want- but it wasn’t by pure chance that the very same people I just sang with the night before were at that open mic ready and waiting to be my band. Now that I’ve conquered my fear, nothing is going to stop me. Do the things that scare you because once you kick the door wide open there’s nothing stopping you from going for anything you want.
Take the top off the Jeep and take it for a joyride
5/15 - This weekend we took the top off the Jeep and rode up to the Cardinal for a dog. We had a blast and I’m surprised it took me this long to do it. It was super easy and I’m going to make it my regular weekend thing (when we don’t have markets).
Day trip to the beach
8/19/22
Carolina Beach
Go “out west”
Buy a fiddle leaf fig
5/1 - Bought a fiddle from Houseplant Hippie and we named her FERGIE. Got to get her a cute pot but she’s very happy in her home.
Go to the Farmer’s market
6/14 Went to the Farmer’s Market on a girl’s date with Rachel + Bby Gwen - had breakfast at the restaurant then walked over to find some plants for us both. It was such a much needed time for me and Rachel. So glad we were able to go together!
Walk 15 miles in one day
Pitch a can design for Trophy
6/28 I have sent the follow up email!
Buy a Bungalow
A little blue house became available close to me and we shall see!
Visit Olde Raleigh Distillery
Start waking up at 8 am (then slowly move to 7)
Well-ask and you shall receive! This week we’ve been on a strict 8 am schedule with the new pup - 8 am potty + feeding then lots of coffee for mama. I foresee us working towards 7 am eventually.
Paint another mural
Today (Wednesday, April 28) The Town of Clayton returned my call and asked to move forward with a mural project - sight unseen.
Will keep you all updated on its progress but they have a whole Public Arts committee set up so I’m hopeful.
Update: 5/17 - Got connected with the leader of the Arts rehabilitation program for Town of Clayton! Excited to be moving forward.
Update November 2022: I’ve averaged 1 mural a month for the entire year!
Build a blanket fort and watch old movies
Went to Target and bought string lights and push pins and brought together every pillow and blanket I had in my studio apartment and built myself a little fort to watch Legally Blonde. It was magical and exactly what my childhood soul needed.
Start a manifestation board
I took Whitney’s advice and bought a cheap foam board from Target and got some free magazines from Harris Teeter - and added some handwritten calligraphy personal goals- still working on bringing the finishing touches to life. Y’all know my imperfect a** won’t stop until it’s well… perfect.
Go Kayaking
7/4/2022
Go tubing down the Neuse
Go cliff jumping at Eno / Rock Quarry
need to put this on the books for this weekend.
A trip to Charleston
We went to Charleston to celebrate Kate and found her wedding dress! We ended up doing a window sign on the way down and kind strangers (and our friends) venmoed us $400! We used it to go out to a nice dinner then fun drinks out (way too many espresso martinis) and a hangover brunch the next day. It was an amazing trip!
Walk around Lake Johnson
Took a walk down memory lane with Walker - who said he needed it more than I did. We did 3 miles but the feeling of being lakeside is something my soul craves more than the exercise.
More random acts of kindness
I’ve made it an effort in business and in life to be more intentional with my kindness- what you give is what you shall receive. I have been putting freebies in everyone’s order and tagging every Jeep I see with CK merch. I’ve also been volunteering with two dog rescue nonprofits.
Start selling vintage clothing
Today I also dropped off my clothes at Father and Son’s and to my surprise they accepted 4 pieces! I will be on the look out for more pieces I can sell.
August 2022 Launching my first vintage collection at Freehand Market
BONUS:
Adopt my golden retriever
this is already in the works as I will begin fostering goldens soon and it will only be a matter of time before I have to keep one. The fun part will be the joy of seeing them to their FURever homes and falling in love with one I HAVE to keep. so excited!
Update: I’ve fallen in love with my first foster. She’s unbelievably sweet with loads of personality and I think I have to keep her.
For those of you who saw my insta story post- thanks for joining me here in this new space. I can’t begin to tell you how free I feel and how excited I am to really dive into all the things I’ve been putting off for myself. I am continuing this blog as a way to document my progress and hold myself accountable to these 7for7 challenges. I love all of the topics we have unearthed together so far and I’m excited for all of the new things to come. On my next post - I will also be starting the 21in21 spring / summer bucket list and I will document them as I go in one post you can keep up with- things I’ve always wanted to do but have just never done!
This week I wanted to keep it light and fun. Music helps us in SO many ways (ps: one of my bucket list items is to sing at open mic). It inspires, heals and connects. It’s sad, celebrational, sensual and creative. It makes you feel all the things!
Monday: Windows Down. To truly invigorate your soul and make you feel ALIVE! like anything is possible and you want to run off and frolick or soak in the sun. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6dNuwW9doX0wFwtIKtzzo9?si=kJiLSteGSpeYTxzqTxYl1w
Tuesday: Smooth Booms. A soft and sensual vibe perfect for prepping for a night out or in! Inspired by Sarah for her bday today. All of the music she loves and might love! 29 songs for her 29th bday! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pTMrPZUJWRWVG4JbIsfuj?si=XuM8CHXtRqm8zcXpHc9xmw
Wednesday: Guilty Pleasures. All your favorite cringeworthy sing a long songs that were* played to death during their rise to popularity but now evoke a faint fond memory. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5TasuIivZtVPYFINyNNObT?si=bFBBi-7zTSeNxn6PK1VxpA
Thursday: Myspace. Yes, I will admit I was on a roll here with nostalgic bops but if you listen to this you will be instantly transported to your top 8 friends list I swear. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RN2VCxWFnLeEZgpr35R5V?si=WQcvJ3gcRB6v0a2XL3dd7w
Friday: Yearning. A calling for an unknown- person place, thing or idea. Whatever you yearn for, turn this on and let your mind wander and daydream for it. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2oqzfLhthsKhJpRl4mhUFz?si=BwjN81U8TGO1t6x7Eq2bjg
Saturday: Saturdays. A chill upbeat mood for relaxing, cleaning, running errands or finishing up last minute work. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/26I8FCk1zsMIjg2kWwkfyI?si=AEMeLDulSnKJ50LiTEq7FA
Sunday: Rhythm + Blues. A saucy mid 2000s R&B moment. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78dSMAafAw3xpQIGZgwMIR?si=YkWXNkf-QBGSq78IfFTmbQ
Bonus: booty werk. My playlist for getting up, dancing + getting those glutes boot toot scootin.
has been really fun to dance to with arm weights or to do with booty band summo squats. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4JHQZjxPCQh4SymcSwUcNR?si=eqcd90OUTJOWxsqmIBuptg
Here’s a running list of some things that have helped me with my self-care + amateur workout journey:
https://youtu.be/Cw-Wt4xKD2s
here’s a fun dance video - 15 min and super fun - on days you don’t “feel” like working out! All her other videos are super fun too!
BOTTLED JOY Half Gallon Water... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FXGW3LD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Half gallon water bottle!
Hi! I hope that you had an amazing weekend and that you were able to unwind a bit. Here in Raleigh it has been cold and dreary so my weekend consisted of cozy comfy fits + decompressing in my space. If you have been following me for a while then you know that my idea of unwinding looks a lot different these days. Old school CK was completely consumed by my work; so much so that I just kind of stopped taking care of myself in other aspects. Think: overworked, fatigued and frustrated. I was struggling to understand why living my dream was actually so exhausting. I’m not sure what exactly happened- I don’t know if I unconsciously read something or what, all that I know is I woke up one day and decided to change up my life as I knew it. I know that sounds pretty ridiculous but that’s how it happened. I woke up one morning around 11am, looked at dozens of notifications on my phone, shuffled over to my coffee machine and fell into my daily pattern. Brew coffee, head back to bed, drink said cup of coffee, scroll through social media, check my emails, get back on social media; before I knew it I looked up and my clock said 1:30pm. My heart immediately sank as my anxiety crept in to remind me of all of the work that I had to get done and all of the time that I had wasted thus far. I needed something different. I needed some kind of change. I needed … to get outside. So, I grabbed some old tennis shoes and took off outside.
That decision to go for a walk drastically changed my entire life. I didn’t even really know what my plan was and I arrived back home some hours later, feeling surprisingly refreshed. That was it. That was all it took for me to change the entire relationship I had with myself. I started trying to wake up earlier and earlier which translated to me going to bed much earlier than I was used to. I began walking two miles a day… then five … then ten. My energy skyrocketed and I even managed to find a few friends to accompany me, which in turn strengthened my relationships with them. I started opting for kombucha instead of wine and skipping the sour cream on my Chipotle order. The next thing I knew, an entire month had passed and I felt like a completely different person. My body moved differently and my mindset shifted; I was falling in love with slowing down and showing myself love and acceptance.
CK, good for you but why do I care? Good point! I’m sharing this with you to hopefully inspire you, just a bit. My transformation actually led me to create a self-care collection, which was one of the funnest projects I have ever completed. I am sharing this to remind you to speak kindly to yourself, to love yourself the same way you do those around you. I am sharing this to encourage you to do something extraordinary for yourself today and then again tomorrow. I am sharing this because this platform has allotted me so many wonderful opportunities but I also know the stress that comes with that as well. I’m sharing this to remind you that I am an artist, a confidante, a loving friend and a human being. Please do not ever let this virtual space keep you from reaching out to me- I want to hear about your goals and ambitions. I want to talk about your favorite self-care rituals and celebrate your accomplishments. I have been and will always be right here for you, in any capacity you may need.
Linking my walking playlist below:
The sweetest January night I will ever have was made even sweeter by the friends and new friends who commemorated my first calligraphy workshop. The joining together of many female power forces made this event something to behold. I will try to capture the details as best as I can so you can feel the magic too.
Read more
Whether you are new to Raleigh, traveling or a well-established local (myself included), you can appreciate a well-rounded food, shopping and entertainment experience in the heart of southern tradition and innovation. I have composed a list of my personal favorite Raleigh staples that will make you feel like you own the town.
1. Jubala a local coffee shop where freelance designers and photographers set up camp. With two convenient locations-one in North Raleigh's Lafayette Village and the other on the cusp of downtown-these shops give you a quality buzz and a modern place to socialize. Jubala uses Counter Culture for lattes, pour-over and drip coffee to ensure the highest quality caffeine experience. This is also my go-to spot for a light sunday brunch. The nutella banana waffle and almond latte are my signature sweet orders. It is also a great midday work pit stop for panini press sammys with fresh local ingredients. I'd give this spot a 10/10 in location, quality and gram-worthy.
2. Trophy Brewing Company What started out as a micro-brewery has turned into a local competitor for the best pizza in Raleigh. Original brews with notes of funky flavors like banana, milky way and piña colada allows this place to have a taste for everyone. My favorite savory snack is the "Most Loyal" (a title I have truly earned) which is a pesto-based pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes and chicken (try subbing in soppressata) and finished with a honey-glazed crust. Pair that with the Trophy Wife (their most popular beer) and sit outside on the patio for a truly memorable experience. There is a well-rounded menu with vegan and veggie friendly items like the Farmer's Market pizza that rotate seasonal veggies into circulation. Trophy's other locations include a taproom where they brew all the beer for their other locations ( a great saturday night hangout spot) and a downtown tap + table with rotisserie chicken menu items and authentic soft tacos. Trophy makes the list for its diverse selection of beers and great eats.
3. The Flourish Market Shopping never felt so good. This sweet shop-new to the Raleigh scene-is in the Glenwood South neighborhood and sells ethically made goods like apparel, accessories, decor and gifts. Each line of goods is tied back to helping women be successful in their communities and part of each proceed goes towards a cause. They have such good taste in selecting trendy pieces for both your wardrobe and your home. It also makes a thoughtful gift to share the sentiment that you helped someone in need while selecting a special item for the one you love.
4. Lucettegrace The "sweetest" spot in town is an adorable pastisserie with freshly-made macaroons, croissants and other pastry perfections. The coffee is so underrated. There are lattes in cute camping-like mugs and it has recently started having succulent creations for every season. The decor is a chic yet cozy shop that makes you feel transported to modern-day paris. Last time I was there I had an iced vanilla latte and a maple waffle macaroon and I was reborn. This is a great place to pick up treats with a friend, for a meeting or just to stop in and enjoy the darling atmosphere.
5. Raleigh Times Giving a nod to Raleigh's one-time afternoon newspaper, this local watering hole and music venue smack dab in the middle of downtown will have you in hipster heaven with its historic context and exposed brick. It is the perfect spot for a first date in good weather because of its rooftop seating with a spectacular view. Tuesdays are for Beer & Banjos, an event that showcases the best brews and musical talent in the area. My favorite order: the pulled pork nachos and a carafe of seasonal sangria (perfect for sharing).
Matt Phillips Music performing at Beer & Banjos at Raleigh Times
Honorable Mentions: Crawford & Son, Art Deco, Virgil's, Yellow Dog Bakery, Farmer's Market, Father & Sons Antiques, Rise Biscuits, Cafe Carolina, Red Hat Amphitheater, Calavera and Raleigh Brewing Company.
If you need any more suggestions I would love to give you my complete list of #ckapproved places in Raleigh and the Triangle. Be looking out for my Top 5 places to feel like a local in Durham.
all photos taken by me and more of my lifestyle photos available on my instagram
