My name is Katharine Cornfield, and I’m an blogger, a design coach and an entrepreneur.
I write about style and life in Ottawa, including fashion, design, arts & culture, community-building and bold local businesses.
Recently, I launched my own design coaching service working exclusively with home buyers. For more about this unique approach, click here.
This is what I’m all about….
I already know that I love:
My little girl. My man. Laughter. Soulful singer-songwriters. Rainy days curled up at home. Hot popcorn with lots of butter and salt. A bouquet of fresh cut pink peonies. Starry nights. High heels. Driving alone. Magazines. Innovative businesses. Cheese-ball romantic comedies. Rainbow art. Vintage fashion. Interior design. Rich, dark coffee. Cheap trendy sunglasses. Classic martinis. My green laptop. Acoustic guitar. Warm wind. Politics. Cashmere sweaters. Screen doors slamming, cicadas and other sounds of summer. Textiles and fabric. Singing harmony. Graphic design. Chocolate cupcakes. Expensive bags and accessories. Courageous use of colour. San Francisco, California. The Internet. Girls night out. Cowboy boots. Second-hand furniture. Sunshine and blue sky. Bonfires. Shopping. Non-fiction. Visionary leadership and true integrity. Taking pictures. Carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Crisp, cold beer. Brave bohemians who resist convention. Handwritten notes. Travel and touring. Smart marketing. Inspiring oratory. Grilled steak and stilton. Historic hotels. Poetry. Handmade jewellery. An organized clothes closet. Clean sheets. Cocktails at sunset. Genuine personal style. Glamourous beauty products. Doing things differently. Beautiful picture books. Open water. Old cars. Individual growth and empowerment. Restaurant dining. Deep, meaningful conversations. New experiences. The evolution of friendship. Cliches, idioms, and truisms. Slapstick physical humour. Musical theatre. Beautiful storms. Awesome natural landscapes. A diversity of ideas and perspectives.
These are some of the things I am still learning:
1. Feel good about wanting more. Pay close attention to all of your wants, whatever they are – be they big or small, conceptual, spiritual or material. Tune in and listen to them carefully…to their patterns, their rhythms and to their intensity. Longing stirs our dreams, dreams create hope, and hope moves us to act. These are the actions that can shape and improve our lives, and the lives of others.
2. Change is everything. Change what you do, what you believe, and the way you are. Change what you wear, the way you live and how you love. Change for the better. Change is inspired, so be open to inspiration from any source and embrace its potential.
3. Don’t let school get in the way of your education. I used to think this was my most brilliant insight, until someone pointed out that it was Mark Twain who said it first. The thing is, real learning happens when you take risks, and when you are prepared to fail. It is as enriching as it is uncomfortable. Step out of your comfort zone and be willing to grow.
4. Gratitude is great. It has been said so many times, but only because it is true. When we slow down enough to consider where we have arrived, what has been accomplished and who we already are, we can build strength, find courage and give more love.
5. Beautiful is smart. Beauty inspires. Fashion, design, art and architecture matter. They can stir emotion, and make a lasting impression. What we wear, how we look and how we surround ourselves express personality and uniqueness. These choices speak volumes about how well we know and love ourselves – individually and collectively.
I hope you will check in with me every so often, and that you find a just little inspiration when you do.
Header Collage: tearsheet images from Domino, Lucky, Vogue, Self, Martha Stewart, Organic Living and Wish Magazines.
