ctrl + curate

your shortcut to a thoughtfully curated life

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diy-hand-dish

Welcome to ctrl + Curate

Hey! You found the About Page. I’m Cat, the creative director behind ctrl + curate.

ctrl + curate started with a move to Chicago with the promise of a freelance job that fell flat. Yikes. I was in a new city with no money and a lot of time. ctrl + curate was a way to push myself and still feel like my design degree was getting used. And, you know, to live cheaply.

Today ctrl + curate reaches readers interested in DIY living and works with brands like Soltech Solutions and Mountain Crest Gardens to inspire others to live mindful lives.

If you’re are curious about the name, it’s a nod to all the digital work I did as an Industrial Design student (yup, I was a pc user, a carry over from my 3D modeling days) and a reflection of what I want this blog to be- a curation of thoughtful living.

 

Questions or comments? Advertising or collaboration? I’m all ears. You can reach me at ctrlcurate@gmail.com.

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    Thanks for visiting ctrl +curate! Unless otherwise noted, all projects, text, photographs, and graphics are the property of ctrl + curate and should be credited as such. When sharing something you’ve found while visiting, please include proper credit and a link to the original post.

    You may use one photo on your website or blog without permission, but please do not edit the image. DO NOT post the entire content of any blog post, step-by-step photos, or written instructions without written permission. ctrl + curate is protected by copyright laws.

    I sometimes use affiliate links in my sidebar and posts. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, this means I earn a small commission without any additional cost to you. If a post is sponsored or uses gifted items, I will always disclose the relationship. ctrl + curate strive to only work with companies and brands we believe in.

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    If you would like to exercise any of those rights, please contact us by email at ctrlcurate@gmail.com

Oh Hey, I’m Cat

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Look twice; it’s no split image, it’s my one of my Look twice; it’s no split image, it’s my one of my favorite parts from the  #haileyhome condo. There Michael had his desk shoved in the corner of our small bedroom. As much as I wanted a light and airy feel, the desk always felt unintentionally “floaty”. With just paint and shelves, his desk went from an afterthought to a defined workspace with it’s own voice that felt distinct yet still a part of the room.

In our current house, I’m looking back at this project since next on my list will be Michael’s office! Michael inspired me with his 5 year anniversary gift to me (a nice furniture piece- he definitely knows me ☺️) so my gift to him will be wood shelves for his new office, plus a little space makeover. 

Excited to take on a small project while the kitchen reno is underway. It’ll feel nice to feel project progress somewhere and get hands on for the first time since Cade arrived ☺️
I set up a baby studio for Cade’s “month by month” I set up a baby studio for Cade’s “month by month” shots and there’s no way I’m taking it down for the rest of the year 😅 

It’s worth the space it takes up though. Capturing his growth and personality feels like the greatest privilege. I can’t believe there were only 3 weeks between his newborn and 1 month photos 🥲
Room is ready. Just waiting on baby boy to make hi Room is ready. Just waiting on baby boy to make his appearance. 

I’ll take any and all inducing tips 😅
#ad #cricutmade #cricutbright360 I’ve been auditi #ad #cricutmade #cricutbright360 
I’ve been auditioning different rooms around the new house for my studio space. Some have great storage, some have better natural light, but NONE have over headlight lighting. I didn’t think much of it until I tried crafting after work and realized, dang, I really can’t see anything 😅. I tried to make it work with different table lamps, photography lighting, even grow lights (spoiler: do not attempt unless you like being blinded). It wasn’t great. I figured I’d eventually get a proper crafting light, but wasn’t thrilled with the limited, and frankly ugly, options. 

I bet you picked up on this from the photo, but I finally found THE solution. @cricut just released their Cricut Bright 360 task lamps and it’s everything I could have ever dreamed of! I’ve been putting this lamp through its paces for a few weeks with nesting DIYs and will have a full review on the blog soon!

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Modern DIYS for a thoughtfully curated life
CTRL + Curate 2020 / Code by MTT
Modern DIYS for a
thoughtfully curated life
ctrl + curate 2020 / Code by MTT