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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

learn more about ME + MY BIZ

How is it that Summer is almost over?! Well, we still have another month to enjoy the sun and sand, so shall we continue to Summer road trip with our CWTS friends?! Today I’m hanging out with my friend Gwen from The Makerista.  Gwen and I have had the awesome opportunity to work on some projects together this summer and it’s been great to collaborate with her!  She’s one to follow for sure friends! 

The Makerista CWTS

Mon: What have you been up to blog-wise this past year? Any exciting things you can share?

Gwen: A lot has happened in the last year. We moved out of our first home, spent six months living in a two room log cabin and then settled into our current home. I did a fun Moroccan wedding blanket tree skirt for Design Sponge , our first home was published in DIY magazine , The Makerista was named the top decorating blog of 2015 by Better Homes & Gardens and I became a monthly contributor at domino.com.

BHGTheMakerista

Feature in BHG

Mon: I love to travel- Have you gone on any amazing trips? Work or Pleasure?

Gwen: I’ve done several things that were definitely a bit of both. In September I went to New York and stayed with some old friends to attend the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker event and celebrate my 30th birthday. This spring I went to San Francisco to help some clients and North Carolina to shop High Point Market with Lowe’s. I just got back from another stent in North Carolina working on a secret project with Lowe’s. I can’t wait to share more at the end of next month!

The-Makerista-High-Point-Natural-Curiosities-Saturated-Sofas-Art

High Point Market

Mon: Got any funny memories or stories from your experience trying to survive CWTS?

Gwen: Be prepared for little sleep, but you’ll feel alive through it all…it’s quite a rush! I just remember starting to work at 10 or 11 at night and working through the wee hours. It wasn’t ideal, but when you know it’s only for a short stent it’s doable. I’m not a caffeine drinker, so those nights were pretty wearing, but worth it.

The Makerista-CWTS-Round One-Knock Off-Mid Century-Anthropologie-Lamp-Rothko Art-Fringe Pillow

Gwen’s CWTS gorgeous round one entry seen here and here

Mon: What’s one TIP you’d give to someone considering entering CWTS in 2016?

Gwen: Go for it! Submit something that’s a bit outside the box to grab their attention, and be bold if you become a contestant. This is your chance to go big or go home, and I knew I’d rather go out with a project I really loved and was proud of than trying to do something I thought was safe (Ex. the project I went home with can be seen here.)

The Makerista-Hand Painted-Wall-Pattern-Green-Mint-Blue-Navy-Crib-Far Shot

Stenciled Wall Art

Mon: What’s your favorite summer food?

Gwen: Caprese. All day, every day. Literally.

Caprese Salad

{Source}

Mon: What’s in your beach bag- I’m headed to the beach for a week on Saturday. Do Tell! 

Gwen: I keep things pretty simple. My kids are at the age where I’m not really lounging much or anything. Water, sunscreen and a huge hat. Any swimsuit looks way more glamorous with a big hat, and it means I don’t have to worry about sun damage as much.

The-Makerista-Backyard-Pool-Concrete-Pineapple

Gwen’s Backyard

Mon: What’s your summer song of 2015?

Gwen: This is a tough one. I love all kinds of music but I regularly listen to pop and alternative. Anything with a good beat is perfect for the pool (where we’ve been spending most of our time). Two songs that have stuck out to me have probably been The Weeknd’s Can’t Feel My Face and Major Lazer and DJs Snakes Lean On. My college music professors would be shooting me glares right now…

Mon: Did CWTS push you to be a better blogger? more creative? take your business to the next level? give you more confidence? etc…

Gwen: CWTS pushed me to break past my comfort zone and really made me realize how much I love the challenge of design and a tight timeline.

Here are a few of my favorite projects she’s done recently.  Check them out!

The-Makerista-Dining-Room-Black-Blue-Baker-Sarouk-Williamsburg-Windsor

Dining Room

The-Makerista-Ikea-Bookshelf-Hack-Billy-Built-ins-Library-Ladder

IKEA Bookshelf Hack

The-Makerista-Wire-Basket-Coffee-Table-DIY-Target-Playroom-Red-Velvet-Tufted-Couch-Stripe-Rug

DIY Coffee Table

The-Makerista-Party-For-Girls-Swan-Lake-Poolside-Party-Black-White-Blush-Burgundy-IMG_3781

Little Girls’ Swan Party

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I can’t wait to be share what Gwen and I were working on together for Lowe’s!  We can share our secret soon!

-Mon

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