Samantha K Schmidt

As a kid there is nothing like the pure joy of bringing a black and white page to life with a little Crayola magic. Coloring provides hours of internet-free entertainment and stress relief for children around the world. Even as an adult I've been known to pick up a box of crayons and get lost in the limitless possibilities. Finally, publishers have caught onto the relaxing qualities of this seemingly monotonous activity and have created what I like to call adult coloring books. The lined pages provide enough guidance for the amateur and enough depth for the professional. Here are some basic supplies to help you master the art of coloring as an adult. Books:  Johanna Basford has created an incredible series of detailed drawings in her books that make all of your aesthetic nerves tingle. Utensils: These double tipped pencils will give you enough variety to bring your creations to life. 

As the engagement season begins to come to a close you may still be waiting around for that perfect ring, or you may be gearing up for a new year to find love. Either way millions of girls around the world are dreaming of the perfect ring to mark a special bond between them and their one true love. Unfortunately, when thinking of the perfect engagement ring the same image pops into every girls mind. When I got engaged there was one thing I knew I didn't want... the same thing everyone else had. And let's face it the diamond is so overdone. It wasn't until the 1900's that diamonds became a popular gemstone among the general public. Previously, diamonds were only possessed by kings and queens (which probably increased their desirability). In the meantime, however, common people wore less rare gemstones made of brilliant colors and precious metals. When we think back on our grandmothers' jewelry collections we remember all of these beautiful colors and antique des

The beginning of a new year is a great time to start over or for many start again. I find that I go through motivational cycles. The new year is one of those times where I feel reenergized and begin the process of reinventing myself and my brand. Morning Lux has always been a great format for this evolution. I get the chance to ebb and flow with the trends and with my own creativity. As this new year begins you will definitely see some new things here on Morning Lux. I want to more clearly define the brand of this blog by including a variety of material. Like opening the newspaper every morning, when you check Morning Lux you will find everything from pop culture to personal short stories and fictional work. I hope that this revitalized perspective will help my creativity blossom while simultaneously inspiring creativity in others.  So, good morning Luxers! How will you seize the new year?