inspire

Miami Trip

Happy Wednesday Everyone! I'm still getting back to my normal routine from getting back from our amazing trip to Miami! We had such a fun time visiting and I'm excited to share all the details with you guys!


We drove to Miami on Friday and for the most part missed rush hour traffic...for the MOST part lol! Once we checked into our hotel we immediately got ready to go to happy hour at a retro place I found called Vagabond Kitchen & Bar that is part of a motel! Guys! This place was probably my favorite place of the entire trip! The drinks and food were absolutely amazing! The menu is simple and clean the food is impeccable paired with the craft cocktails this place is a must when visiting Miami! Also the decor in this place is like none other, it's like something out of a movie, very retro chic! Seriously so good! Below is some of the food which included truffle fries, croque monsieur, and goat cheese croquetas! Also how awesome is the interior of this place?! So cool!

Below that you will find my light and airy outfit from happy hour and can shop the look as well! 

Check out the Vagabond Kitchen & Bar HERE


Saturday was our South Beach day of course! We hit the News Cafe for brunch before hitting the beach! This place is so fun and right across from South Beach! The food was delicious and it's a popular place for locals and another must if you're just visiting the area! Below you can find some of the food and details from this fun restaurant! After brunch and the beach we hit Wet Willies for a cold daiquiri before walking around Collin's Ave and Lincoln Rd. Later that evening we got take out from another cool place, Crust! Super yummy pizza and great price point! Needless to say Saturday was a blast!

Check out Crust HERE

Also check out News Cafe HERE


Sunday Funday consisted of the Dodgers vs. Marlins game! We were representing the LA Dodgers! Go Dodgers go! The last time I went to a baseball game I'm pretty sure I was 10 and had no idea what the point of this game was! Needless to say I still don't understand all the rules but it was really cool to be pretty close to the field and watch the game! You can't go wrong with a hot dog and a baseball game on a Sunday, right?! It was a pretty cool and fun experience! My outfit was a pretty standard comfortable and blue of course pairing to represent our team that of course WON! Shop my look below!


As you can see we had an amazing time in Miami! It was a blast exploring another city! I've always loved Miami and it's a different experience every time I visit, that's the best part about a city like this! Let me know where you guys would like to see us venture to next! xoxo

Art & Chat with Katie Meek!

I have teamed up with a beautiful creative, Katie Meek, of Meekly Yours! Seriously how awesome is the name of her business!? Thanks to Rising Tide Society, Katie and I have collaborated to showcase some of her stunning pieces and give fellow creatives/girlbosses some insight on business and taking risks! Meekly Yours (www.meeklyyours.com) is a design, hand lettering, and illustration studio owned and operated by Katie Meek. Meekly Yours creates unique products using hand drawn lettering and illustrations and positive messages, including laser cut word signs, greeting cards, and art prints, that bring joy and whimsy to customers and clients. Meekly Yours also offers custom services for all products to make your special moments unique and personal. Make sure to check Katie out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meeklyyours); Instagram & Twitter (@meeklyyours) and show her some love!


How did you get started doing your business?

 After graduating from college, with a B.A. in graphic design, I worked in print production as a project manager. As a creative outlet, I started sketching and doodling more and decided creating my own cards and prints, featuring my designs, to share them with the world.

How long have you been creating these pieces?

 I started creating designs at the end of 2014 and officially formed my business in January 2015. I have been in business just over two years. 

What inspires your work? 

I'm inspired by everything around me, but a lot of my inspiration comes from seeing the work of other creatives, being in nature, and spending time with my friends and family. 

What is your goal for your business? 

Hand lettering is a unique, expressive approach to design that I'm drawn to and bring me joy. I strive to create designs that are bright, positive, and help bring joy and personality to my customers and clients—whether it's brightening their home and office decor or celebrating a special event in their lives.

What would you suggest to other creatives and girl bosses that want to grow their business? 

There are two main things I would recommend when starting and growing your business. First, be willing to take a leap of faith sometimes. Planning and troubleshooting is great, but at some point you have to take the jump and do what your planning to do—whether you're opening your business, adding a new product, or starting a new avenue of your business. There is no “right time.” Second, you don't have to and shouldn't do everything. Trends, business philosophies, and social media platforms come and go, but some may not be right for your business. Look at what makes the most sense for your business, your life, and your customers and it will all work out.

What is your favorite piece? 

My favorite piece changes a lot as I add new designs. I love the “Oh the Places You'll Go" wood sign (https://www.etsy.com/listing/509951652/oh-the-places-youll-go-laser-cut-wood?ref=shop_home_feat_1) and the “Mocha” cupcake print (https://www.etsy.com/listing/509359428/cupcake-hand-illustrated-5x7in-mini?ref=listing-shop-header-3). The “Monstrous Salutations” card (https://www.etsy.com/listing/218562336/monstrous-salutations-card-hand-lettered?ref=shop_home_active_4) was one of my very first cards and is still a top favorite. 

Art & Chat with Brittney Campbell!

I have teamed up with Brittney Campbell, creator of Royal Daughters to showcase some of her beautiful work as well as provide some feed back from her on what keeps her going and creating the beautiful, heart felt pieces she does. Brittney creates bible verse canvases, and prints to inspire women! How awesome is that?! Check out her answers to my questions below as well as follow her on IG: royaldaughters and show her some love!


How did you get started doing your business?

God truly motivated and inspired me to start my own business through His precious Word. I had a burning desire that more of His Word be cherished in our home and the homes around us. My love for lettering started in the pages of my journal. In my bible study times, I would find scriptures and songs that would resonate in my spirit and just create an illustration. It was not until the summer of 2016, that I decided to start my own business creating custom made God-inspired handmade home decor and gifts with inspirational quotes and scriptures on them. I love spending time in His presence and allowing Him to take the lead on all designs.

How long have you been doing this?

I have only been doing this about 10 months now.

What inspires you to create these pieces?

It is amazing how I have always had a love for art. It is the totally different language that I speak the language of the heart that is sometimes too deep for logic or for words. Art allows me to express visually what I do not have words for. I am a multi-passionate about a lot of things. I love combining the Word and art together. Bold colors and florals are truly my inspiration for a lot of my pieces. Flowers are my obsession.

What is your goal with your business and pieces?

I just want God to be glorified in every piece and His people encouraged by His Word. If I can just create art every day I am so happy!

What would you suggest to other creatives and girl bosses that want to grow their business?

Stop waiting for everything to be perfect in order for you to do what you feel is right for you to do. If you will just make that first step, He will do the rest. Continue to see the beauty in the process. Your process is going to look different from everyone else. Do not fear. Keep walking in your purpose!

Cheers to 2017!

Happy New Year! I wanted to write a quick post about welcoming the new year and summing up 2016! In 2016 I created Lifestyle with Laramie, this venture has already been super exciting and a blessing for me! I appreciate all of you who read my blog and support me! At the end of 2016 I celebrated my 25th birthday! I can't believe I'm already a quarter of a century old! I'm sure that my 25th year on this beautiful earth is going to be the best yet! I am looking forward to building my blog as well as L Photography my other baby! Mostly I'm excited to have new adventures and meet new people and continue building my business! I hope you have a wonderful new year and cheers to all you girl bosses out there! Let me know what you all are excited for in the new year down below! 

Orlando Artists To Watch!

Art...what do you think when I say that word? I have always loved art and studied art in school, granted I don't have much talent when it comes to painting or drawing. My art is photography, but I have always been super inspired by artists, whether it be a painter, a photographer, or a writer, in a way everyone is there own artist right? Well I am very inspired by two awesome artists in particular that I want to share with you, Genna Sweetnam and Peterson Guerrier. I want to thank these two fabulous souls for opening up their studios and allowing me to capture their art and them at work! You both are SUPER AWESOME!


Genna

Genna and I met in a drawing class in college and we were instant friends! This girl loves everything art and everything art loves her....she is so talented in all art forms! It's inspiring to know someone that doesn't want to limit themselves to just one art form but do their very best at every art form they try! She is a fabulous painter and creator, her pieces have a great sense of adventure and whimsy that bring such joy to everyone that sees them! Make sure to check out her IG @giggerbug and show her some love!


Peterson

Peterson and I met at my first job out of college at an art gallery. He quickly became one of my favorite people at work and another inspiring artist! Peterson is also super talented at all art forms! Not only is he a great photographer but painter as well! I love that he blends these forms together capturing his subjects through his lens as well as his paint brush! Probably my favorite thing about Peterson's work is that it is expressive and takes you to a place with true emotions. Peterson is super fun to be around and watch take on the art scene, truly inspiring! Make sure to check out his IG @mr_guerrier and his website HERE