I would like to give a BIG congratulations to one of my favorite blogs Fifi Cheek! This blog is written by Lindsey who was the event planner at the Bald Head Island club when Kyle and I were married there almost two years ago. Since meeting her over a year before that I have (sometimes not so secretly) coveted her style, and now that of her little girl Tilley-Gray who was born about two months after Abby.
Fifi Cheek has over 70,000 page views each month, and has its first official sponsor. Lindsey gives Chic Moments and Chic Mommy Moments from an amazing perspective. Not only that, but she has genuine care for all of her followers.
Three CHEERS to Fifi Cheek on all the blogging success! Keep bringing us those Chic Moments!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Feeding you soul...and your stomach too
Something you should know about me is that I am an amateur foodie. I have all of the passion for fine food and wine, and the creativity to pull together tasty meals, but I lack any formal kind of training. As I mentioned in the previous post, Kyle is going back to school to get a culinary degree. From now on, I will be living vicariously through him and taking full advantage of all of the training he will bring home. I'm not exactly the type of "chef" to follow a cookbook (unless I'm baking), yet I have about 40 of them in my kitchen. I'm more the type that opens the fridge and thinks "what can I make with the random things in here". Personally, I think I would do fantastically on "Chopped".
We are turning weekends in our house into cooking classes. Kyle has the syllabus and I have the "experience". I have to say, I wish my syllabi in college looked like his...I drool when I look at what he is going to make and it's only the first class. All of the students were told to get a "mentor chef" and he asked me if I would be one of his. Major "Awww" moment for me, but maybe he was doing it in part to preserve the balance of our marriage because he knows that I'm (not so secretly) jealous of him taking all of these cooking classes. This weekend it's sauces, next weekend will be soups, and the weekend after that will be everything eggs. We're going to practice what he has coming up, and let's just say I cannot wait for the baking class.
There has to be a Chic Moment for every mom when it comes to the kitchen. Maybe you're not the best cook, that's ok. Maybe you have set a thing or two on fire when it didn't call for it, that's ok too, as long as there were no small children injured in the making of your meal. My new blog related task is to think of a name for these themed weekends related to chic cooking. I love to cook, and I think that it should be accessible to everyone. There is something very satisfying about being able to put a snack, dinner, or any meal on the table for the people you love that you loved making. It's even better when you can make it look effortless!
I'll have a recipe tomorrow for you to drool over, but until then....
Dabble
We are turning weekends in our house into cooking classes. Kyle has the syllabus and I have the "experience". I have to say, I wish my syllabi in college looked like his...I drool when I look at what he is going to make and it's only the first class. All of the students were told to get a "mentor chef" and he asked me if I would be one of his. Major "Awww" moment for me, but maybe he was doing it in part to preserve the balance of our marriage because he knows that I'm (not so secretly) jealous of him taking all of these cooking classes. This weekend it's sauces, next weekend will be soups, and the weekend after that will be everything eggs. We're going to practice what he has coming up, and let's just say I cannot wait for the baking class.
There has to be a Chic Moment for every mom when it comes to the kitchen. Maybe you're not the best cook, that's ok. Maybe you have set a thing or two on fire when it didn't call for it, that's ok too, as long as there were no small children injured in the making of your meal. My new blog related task is to think of a name for these themed weekends related to chic cooking. I love to cook, and I think that it should be accessible to everyone. There is something very satisfying about being able to put a snack, dinner, or any meal on the table for the people you love that you loved making. It's even better when you can make it look effortless!
I'll have a recipe tomorrow for you to drool over, but until then....
Dabble
Friday, April 6, 2012
Constant Reinvention
Last weekend one of my friends from high school came to visit and meet Abby for the first time. Steph is the perfect "wild child" aunt for Abby! I was SO excited to see her and just hang out for the weekend and let whatever shenanigans we always end up getting into just fall into place. We of course took a trip to the outlets and spiced up our house with a fantastic sale at Yankee Candle. I took a little bit out of my "emergency" fund for candles. Emergency? Absolutely....it's the little things that make you feel better when sometimes you feel like everything is falling apart.
In between the running around moments Steph was able to witness a big change moment for our family. Abby attempted to crawl. Ok, she lifted up her arm from the crawling position and immediately toppled over, but it was a start and incredible cute! More importantly, Kyle went back to school. I have been hinting for a while that there were big changes coming, going on, circling around, and I have been virtually ripping away at the pages to find the best way to talk about it all. We have made the decision to sell the brand that we have built as a custom printing company, and that's about all I can get into with that side of things at the moment. Kyle and "the guys" are working on potentially buying a restaurant and with that Kyle is going to get a culinary degree. I admire his ambition and drive to yet again take on the task of mastering a truly specialized field, and I know that he will be beyond successful in whatever he chooses to do.
Of course, that means more $$ out of our pockets to pay for school. Having Steph here reminded me of how easy we had it in high school. We were essentially care free and finding our footing, ourselves, and dreaming of where we were going to go in life. I would like to think that I still have that dreamer in me, and for better or worse I am constantly reinventing myself. Luckily enough, Kyle is in the same boat with me and we can go through the constant changing together supporting each other. However, it's very different now that we have Abby.
Parenting "forces" you to have a sense of security for your family unit and your child(ren). It creates a sense of selflessness in you that says "no matter what is going on in life and how much I have to sacrifice, my child(ren) will be taken care of". I am blessed enough to have incredibly supportive family, but every day I strive to take care of my own on my own. Maybe I finally know how my parents feel when they tell me they want to make sure I am taken care of, but as a parent I want to be able to provide for my family as my own parent. I guess the days of carefree living are over, but to all the parents, supportive families, and everyone else out there do NOT read that to mean that the days of DREAMING are over.
This blog was started with the idea that we all need a moment every day to make ourselves feel absolutely fabulous, even if it's only in a dream!
Until Next Time
Dabble
In between the running around moments Steph was able to witness a big change moment for our family. Abby attempted to crawl. Ok, she lifted up her arm from the crawling position and immediately toppled over, but it was a start and incredible cute! More importantly, Kyle went back to school. I have been hinting for a while that there were big changes coming, going on, circling around, and I have been virtually ripping away at the pages to find the best way to talk about it all. We have made the decision to sell the brand that we have built as a custom printing company, and that's about all I can get into with that side of things at the moment. Kyle and "the guys" are working on potentially buying a restaurant and with that Kyle is going to get a culinary degree. I admire his ambition and drive to yet again take on the task of mastering a truly specialized field, and I know that he will be beyond successful in whatever he chooses to do.
Of course, that means more $$ out of our pockets to pay for school. Having Steph here reminded me of how easy we had it in high school. We were essentially care free and finding our footing, ourselves, and dreaming of where we were going to go in life. I would like to think that I still have that dreamer in me, and for better or worse I am constantly reinventing myself. Luckily enough, Kyle is in the same boat with me and we can go through the constant changing together supporting each other. However, it's very different now that we have Abby.
Parenting "forces" you to have a sense of security for your family unit and your child(ren). It creates a sense of selflessness in you that says "no matter what is going on in life and how much I have to sacrifice, my child(ren) will be taken care of". I am blessed enough to have incredibly supportive family, but every day I strive to take care of my own on my own. Maybe I finally know how my parents feel when they tell me they want to make sure I am taken care of, but as a parent I want to be able to provide for my family as my own parent. I guess the days of carefree living are over, but to all the parents, supportive families, and everyone else out there do NOT read that to mean that the days of DREAMING are over.
This blog was started with the idea that we all need a moment every day to make ourselves feel absolutely fabulous, even if it's only in a dream!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Friday, March 30, 2012
Learning to relax
I'll admit, I've had moments as a new mom when I find myself literally walking around in circles wondering to myself what I'm looking for. Inevitably when I sit down I remember, and quite often it just isn't worth getting up again to go get whatever it may have been. To every mom out there remember that you still need some privacy (just like you did when you and your man first lived together). Abby's Fairy Godmommy got me a door hanging sign that has a picture of a bathtub and says "Can mommy PLEASE just have ONE minute of privacy". Of course, that sign might lead me to use some more Lush Products in the tub, but today it allowed me to get a massage!
For Valentine's Day LAST year, Mimi (Abby's name for Kyle's mom) got us a couple's massage. After our "experience" with a couple's massage on our honeymoon, Kyle decided he didn't want to go. Sure, I could have been mad, but what it meant is I got to have it all to myself! Just over a year later I finally used it today and had a "Touch of Three" massage. It featured deep tissue (my favorite), aromatherapy, and hot stones. I had never had a hot stone massage before, but I was pleasantly surprised. Big thanks to Mimi!
I've been paying more attention to taking care of myself inside and out. As any good "friend" should do, I'd like to give you some recommendations!
Dabble's Favorite Pamper Products:
Bath products: Twilight Bath Bomb, or if you don't want the shimmer in that one; Sex bomb (yes, I went there...I'm old enough and I have a child....c'mon)
Hair Products: Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint shampoo, this is relaxation in a bottle. It's a moisturizing shampoo with the mint for the scalp tingle feeling I love!
Pedicure: There's a salon by me that has a sugar scrub and a seaweed masque for your legs. The sugar scrub smells like fruity pebbles, and they put the seaweed masque on under HOT towels. It's the most amazing hot to cold sensation and it makes me feel like I'm not really going JUST to sit in the chair...
Dablet has woken up from her "nap...bedtime" schedule confusion so this mama's gotta run. Maybe she wants to share her favorite baby pamper products! I'll ask her!
Until Next Time
Dabble
For Valentine's Day LAST year, Mimi (Abby's name for Kyle's mom) got us a couple's massage. After our "experience" with a couple's massage on our honeymoon, Kyle decided he didn't want to go. Sure, I could have been mad, but what it meant is I got to have it all to myself! Just over a year later I finally used it today and had a "Touch of Three" massage. It featured deep tissue (my favorite), aromatherapy, and hot stones. I had never had a hot stone massage before, but I was pleasantly surprised. Big thanks to Mimi!
I've been paying more attention to taking care of myself inside and out. As any good "friend" should do, I'd like to give you some recommendations!
Dabble's Favorite Pamper Products:
Bath products: Twilight Bath Bomb, or if you don't want the shimmer in that one; Sex bomb (yes, I went there...I'm old enough and I have a child....c'mon)
Hair Products: Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint shampoo, this is relaxation in a bottle. It's a moisturizing shampoo with the mint for the scalp tingle feeling I love!
Pedicure: There's a salon by me that has a sugar scrub and a seaweed masque for your legs. The sugar scrub smells like fruity pebbles, and they put the seaweed masque on under HOT towels. It's the most amazing hot to cold sensation and it makes me feel like I'm not really going JUST to sit in the chair...
Dablet has woken up from her "nap...bedtime" schedule confusion so this mama's gotta run. Maybe she wants to share her favorite baby pamper products! I'll ask her!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Mailbox Magic
After a visit to my mom's new townhouse this morning to meet the inspector (more on that later), and a quick run by the office, I came home to actually get some work done. A couple hours went by and then I heard one of my favorite sounds of the day...the mailman. I cannot explain to you why, but for as long as I can remember I have LOVED getting mail. I get giddy at the thought of something fantastic in my mailbox, and today I was a lucky girl. I found a breaking point in my financial review and scooted out to find this lovely specimen inside:
This 282 page Outdoor Sourcebook from Restoration Hardware is the "baby sister" to the prized possestion of the 655 page Spring 2012 main book. Coming it at 3/4" thick I can only imagine the close look Kyle would give this book to see the production process behind it. Me, I am drooling over the things on the inside. I think it's an accurate statement to steal from the Sex and the City 2 movie "I've been cheating on fashion with furniture" because I never knew that accent chairs, lighting, and headboards could get me so flustered!
I've only had a chance to flip through it quickly, but I am seeing a lot of natural wood, linen, and the traditionally loved rope and metal work that evokes classic tones to the type of furniture I dream about being able to afford....
I suppose with that said I should get back to working on my retail platform so I can put some $$ in my "Furniture Fund"!
Until Next Time
Dabble
This 282 page Outdoor Sourcebook from Restoration Hardware is the "baby sister" to the prized possestion of the 655 page Spring 2012 main book. Coming it at 3/4" thick I can only imagine the close look Kyle would give this book to see the production process behind it. Me, I am drooling over the things on the inside. I think it's an accurate statement to steal from the Sex and the City 2 movie "I've been cheating on fashion with furniture" because I never knew that accent chairs, lighting, and headboards could get me so flustered!
I've only had a chance to flip through it quickly, but I am seeing a lot of natural wood, linen, and the traditionally loved rope and metal work that evokes classic tones to the type of furniture I dream about being able to afford....
I suppose with that said I should get back to working on my retail platform so I can put some $$ in my "Furniture Fund"!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Why even blog? She's why...
If you've been following me in any way, shape, or form, you'll notice one thing first and foremost: I am a mother, mom, mommy, mama, parent, and due to that I am slightly all over the place. At least, I'd like to say that it's because I'm a mom that I'm all over the place. Honestly, I wish that I had "new mommy brain" years ago to blame thing on. So why do I put all of my anecdotes on "paper" and give whomever is following me some inspiration on style both personal and home oriented? Because I have a fabulous fashion consultant who guides me every moment of every day. Would you like to meet her? While my little "Dablet" is in bed, I think I might be able to do a pretty good introduction.
Abigail Rose graced us with her presence (finally) on September 14th. Now, I say finally not because I was late in delivering (she was 5 days early), but because I was in "early labor" for almost two weeks. I had NEVER heard of early labor, but apparently my version consisted of contractions every 2-10 minutes in increasing intensity for TEN DAYS!!!! Holy $&#)*%. They predicted her to be over 9 pounds, which was better than I expected (Kyle was 10lb 14 oz and I was 9lb 6oz...yes I really said 10) and I gracefully accepted a scheduled c-section. Of course, this little girl decided she needed to have an active say in the matter and my water broke in the shower the morning of my scheduled c-section. Rather than getting to go to the hospital "like a lady" I was leaking everywhere and Kyle and I could not stop laughing!
This is the fabulous style advisor she has turned into:
Let's be honest....we've never been parents before so we didn't know what we were doing (really). I found out in recovery that Kyle had never held a newborn before Abby was born...not sure how that didn't come up. Dabs (one of her MANY other nicknames) has gently broken us into the idea and is putting us through a fantastic parental training program. For a child who started sleeping through the night at 2 months old, we might even decide to give it another go. We've already decided to extend her contract for another 6 months...she agreed to our terms! I will mention that our pediatrician told me not to mention her sleeping habits too loudly because I might have mothers commissioning hits on me, so I won't tell you where I live. If you already know where I live, I'll allow you to verbally abuse me for a bit because she's more than worth it!
Here's a special nod to all of the working moms out there, and that includes the ones who stay at home with their little ones every day. YOU are WORKING moms too! Let's put our heads together and have some Chic Mommy Moments
Until Next Time
Dabble
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Making home workable
Anyone who has ever worked from home knows that you have to have a space that is both inspirational and workable. Sometimes a desk is not enough. Paint adds dimension and character, and organization is key. However, if you asked anyone who has ever worked with me they would tell you it might take a search and rescue team to find something in my office. Let's just say that I have always had my own type of office organization, yet I love how I feel when I get my space "publicly organized".
Given that I will be working from home exclusively for a while in the not so distant future with our corporate shift, I decided to dedicate a blog to office inspiration and organization. I immediately went to pottery barn (virtually of course) to look at desks....and it kind of spiraled from there. Here are some of my favorites:
This Bedford "build your own" desk allows you to be creative even in the process. Personally I LOVE the industrial handles, but even more so the inspirational boards on the walls. I always have bulletin boards with photos, cards, paint swatches, and anything else that I am drawn to. Sometimes when you see something it draws you without a direct significance, and then *BAM* you find the perfect use for that piece of inspiration.
This above fabric from Serena and Lily is one of my favorites. It is shown in a mocha, but also comes in a sky blue and a grass green. I have been eyeing it for Abby's nursery, but think it would be a great accent for a home office as well...Chair, curtain, pillow....
Just so we can better look at ourselves being creative, Serena and Lily gave us the Bungalow Mirror. I am personally obsessed with turquoise this year, and I always love natural-esq items. Of course I might need to get a little more work done before I can add this piece to my office collection, but that's what inspiration is for...Right??
I must take my inspiration to cleaning out my home office now and getting it ready to be the home to so many fun and exciting projects!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Given that I will be working from home exclusively for a while in the not so distant future with our corporate shift, I decided to dedicate a blog to office inspiration and organization. I immediately went to pottery barn (virtually of course) to look at desks....and it kind of spiraled from there. Here are some of my favorites:
This appropriately named Printer's Suite (above) offers up SO much in the realm of organization with all of the drawers. I'm not sure I would know what to make out of all of this possibility but the desk itself makes me inspired to try and find out!
I must take my inspiration to cleaning out my home office now and getting it ready to be the home to so many fun and exciting projects!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Monday, March 26, 2012
Oh yes...it's Monday...
I think I am going to adopt a new practice for Mondays. I need a "fun" way of saying a pro and con list...but essentially that's what it will be. Normally coming out of the weekend you're happy about something, and of course upset that you're coming out of the weekend. I think that if you can find just ONE thing to make you happy about your Monday then we can avoid the phrase "Someone has a case of the Mondays". Today my something to be happy about is that Monday is OVER and I have a fabulous glass of wine in my hand.
My New Year's resolution was perseverance, and here we are at the end of Quarter one and I feel like I'm on the stairsteppper of perseverance more than ever before. I just keep climbing and climbing and everyone at the gym moves on to another machine while I just keep on stepping.
I wish this virtual life gym of mine would automatically lead to toned legs, abs, and a nice ass to boot (hah!), but right now I am less worried about how my dedication could make my body look (because let's face it, I'm not hitting the gym on a regular basis), and I'm more concerned with how my Monday experiences can be turned into life lessons to pass onto my daughter.
Every day I see more free will open up from her and while she is proving to be a VERY decisive child it is mixed with sweet moments of reaching for me to pick her up, and throwing herself backwards while chucking her Nuk across the floor. She is after all my daughter, strong willed. I hope she grows up to be a person who isn't afraid of telling you exactly what she wants. If you fear honesty, who can you look to if you don't end up with what you want? At least if you voice your desires you have a chance of them coming to you; if you stay silent, you have no one to blame but yourself.
OK, so this post is a tad "deep" and not so much "fun Chic Moment Mommy"....but this Chic Mommy needed to have a moment.
Moment over, moving to Mexican food....wish the wine was a margarita. THEN it'd be a great Monday Moment!! Maybe that's the answer...Monday Moments....hmmmm
Until Next Time
Dabble
My New Year's resolution was perseverance, and here we are at the end of Quarter one and I feel like I'm on the stairsteppper of perseverance more than ever before. I just keep climbing and climbing and everyone at the gym moves on to another machine while I just keep on stepping.
I wish this virtual life gym of mine would automatically lead to toned legs, abs, and a nice ass to boot (hah!), but right now I am less worried about how my dedication could make my body look (because let's face it, I'm not hitting the gym on a regular basis), and I'm more concerned with how my Monday experiences can be turned into life lessons to pass onto my daughter.
Every day I see more free will open up from her and while she is proving to be a VERY decisive child it is mixed with sweet moments of reaching for me to pick her up, and throwing herself backwards while chucking her Nuk across the floor. She is after all my daughter, strong willed. I hope she grows up to be a person who isn't afraid of telling you exactly what she wants. If you fear honesty, who can you look to if you don't end up with what you want? At least if you voice your desires you have a chance of them coming to you; if you stay silent, you have no one to blame but yourself.
OK, so this post is a tad "deep" and not so much "fun Chic Moment Mommy"....but this Chic Mommy needed to have a moment.
Moment over, moving to Mexican food....wish the wine was a margarita. THEN it'd be a great Monday Moment!! Maybe that's the answer...Monday Moments....hmmmm
Until Next Time
Dabble
Friday, March 9, 2012
Let's talk baby
I don't mean, "Baby, let's talk", but seriously "let's talk about babies". Before someone in my family (or Kyle) sees this and thinks "Holy $#*% she's pregnant", I assure you I'm not. However, I am utterly IN LOVE with my little diva! Recently I have been satisfying my inner design demons by virtually flipping through inspirational books of home decor photos. Everything I think about doing to our house right now orbits around Abby.
She's going to be 6 months old next week (minor mommy freak out moment), and we have ordered a dozen cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes (featured on TLCs DC Cupcakes), AND I just found out that they are going to open a store in Boston!!!!!! Unfortunately, I no longer live there, but my mom does, and I can assure you it will be added to my list of "must visit" places as soon as I get off a plane. Of course, Abby won't be able to actually eat the cupcakes, (her pediatrician would probably verbally abuse me), but she can play with the frosting!
Anyway, I recently did a post about her playroom, or the idea of her playroom. What I have recently come to decide is that our second floor NEEDS HARDWOOD floors!!!! Carpet is great, but with 3 dogs, 4 cats, and a soon to be crawling still drooling child....they have got to go.
Personally I'm loving how this new (potential) home improvement also means I get to pick out area rugs...but I'm getting ahead of myself. The BIG change next week will be Abby moving to her big girl room. It's funny that I still call it a nursery at the same time, but she has been sleeping in our room since she was born. Before I get chastised by the people against room-sharing, she goes to bed by herself, sleeps through the night, and does just fine thank you very much. It has been SO much easier because our master is on the first floor. Also, I'll add that it's been MUCH CHEAPER because we only have to worry about climate control on one floor!
Since my darling diva will be upgrading very soon, I feel it's time I finish decorating her modern safari themed room. Here are a few pictures of what we have so far (thanks to Britten Berry Photography from my maternity shoot)
Tree hand painted by yours truly...Giraffe from Melissa & Doug
Crib is from the Catalina collection of Pottery Barn Kids (big thanks to Kyle's mom aka "Mimi")
Changing table is literally the Ultimate Changing Table also from pottery barn (big thanks go to my mom on this one, aka "Grandy")
We also have hot pink framed black and white photos I took on a safari in Africa, but I am dying for a little more "omph". I know, it's a room for an infant, but I want her to be able to explore and discover things in it. I have some ideas up my sleeve, and a strong desire to pull something off this weekend.
I'll post my dreams (and some fun before/after shots of Abby's closet renovation *BIG thanks to Kyle*) later tonight or tomorrow.
Until Next Time....
Dabble
She's going to be 6 months old next week (minor mommy freak out moment), and we have ordered a dozen cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes (featured on TLCs DC Cupcakes), AND I just found out that they are going to open a store in Boston!!!!!! Unfortunately, I no longer live there, but my mom does, and I can assure you it will be added to my list of "must visit" places as soon as I get off a plane. Of course, Abby won't be able to actually eat the cupcakes, (her pediatrician would probably verbally abuse me), but she can play with the frosting!
Anyway, I recently did a post about her playroom, or the idea of her playroom. What I have recently come to decide is that our second floor NEEDS HARDWOOD floors!!!! Carpet is great, but with 3 dogs, 4 cats, and a soon to be crawling still drooling child....they have got to go.
Personally I'm loving how this new (potential) home improvement also means I get to pick out area rugs...but I'm getting ahead of myself. The BIG change next week will be Abby moving to her big girl room. It's funny that I still call it a nursery at the same time, but she has been sleeping in our room since she was born. Before I get chastised by the people against room-sharing, she goes to bed by herself, sleeps through the night, and does just fine thank you very much. It has been SO much easier because our master is on the first floor. Also, I'll add that it's been MUCH CHEAPER because we only have to worry about climate control on one floor!
Since my darling diva will be upgrading very soon, I feel it's time I finish decorating her modern safari themed room. Here are a few pictures of what we have so far (thanks to Britten Berry Photography from my maternity shoot)
We also have hot pink framed black and white photos I took on a safari in Africa, but I am dying for a little more "omph". I know, it's a room for an infant, but I want her to be able to explore and discover things in it. I have some ideas up my sleeve, and a strong desire to pull something off this weekend.
I'll post my dreams (and some fun before/after shots of Abby's closet renovation *BIG thanks to Kyle*) later tonight or tomorrow.
Until Next Time....
Dabble
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Interview attire....
Interviews can be scary enough without worrying about what you are going to wear. In today's technology era, we can often get away with only looking pulled together from the waist up (via Skype), or even interviewing in our PJs if it's over the phone. However, let me make a suggestion....wear something that makes you feel like a million dollars. Why??
If you feel good, you'll be confident. Think about going out to a bar to grab drinks with your girlfriends. (OK, I haven't really done this activity in years...but just play along). You want to wear something that makes you look like the knockout you are, even if you're married or engaged. It makes you take notice of yourself! So if you're going into an interview, or to meet a new potential client (you're still selling yourself there!) do your make-up, pick out a fun pair of shoes, and look your best.
Key points to remember:
Wear something that represents YOU
Shoes - practical, fun, pop of color
Jewelry - If you're meeting with someone who designs it...wear something of theirs if you can find it...even on a clearance rack
Tops - Don't let your "girls" hang out...unless it's that type of job...often something a bit flowy works best
Bottoms - Repeat it with me....If you can't sit down without taking a trip to Grand Canyon National Park...DON'T WEAR IT. Pencil skirt, trousers, even jeans (wide leg or skinny are my favorite) work depending on the rest of your outfit.
This goes for work clothes too....want an example? Even though I'm a CEO and Director of Marketing/Design I personally feel like you can make jeans work on a professional level. Today I'm wearing Joe's skinny jeans (medium wash), black patent Tory Burch flats, Navy blue silk top (gathered neck line with a Grecian zigzag ribbon pattern and silver beaded shoulders).
Jewelry: My Abby necklace, pearl flower stud Stella and Dot earrings, tennis bracelet, and my wedding rings
I'd walk into just about any business meeting without skipping a beat, but this look is my personality.
Sure, I can wear stockings, a skirt, and a "formal" top....but I'll get out of it as soon as I get home.
Fashion is a representation of yourself! Rock it out!!
Until Next Time
Dabble
If you feel good, you'll be confident. Think about going out to a bar to grab drinks with your girlfriends. (OK, I haven't really done this activity in years...but just play along). You want to wear something that makes you look like the knockout you are, even if you're married or engaged. It makes you take notice of yourself! So if you're going into an interview, or to meet a new potential client (you're still selling yourself there!) do your make-up, pick out a fun pair of shoes, and look your best.
Key points to remember:
Wear something that represents YOU
Shoes - practical, fun, pop of color
Jewelry - If you're meeting with someone who designs it...wear something of theirs if you can find it...even on a clearance rack
Tops - Don't let your "girls" hang out...unless it's that type of job...often something a bit flowy works best
Bottoms - Repeat it with me....If you can't sit down without taking a trip to Grand Canyon National Park...DON'T WEAR IT. Pencil skirt, trousers, even jeans (wide leg or skinny are my favorite) work depending on the rest of your outfit.
This goes for work clothes too....want an example? Even though I'm a CEO and Director of Marketing/Design I personally feel like you can make jeans work on a professional level. Today I'm wearing Joe's skinny jeans (medium wash), black patent Tory Burch flats, Navy blue silk top (gathered neck line with a Grecian zigzag ribbon pattern and silver beaded shoulders).
Jewelry: My Abby necklace, pearl flower stud Stella and Dot earrings, tennis bracelet, and my wedding rings
I'd walk into just about any business meeting without skipping a beat, but this look is my personality.
Sure, I can wear stockings, a skirt, and a "formal" top....but I'll get out of it as soon as I get home.
Fashion is a representation of yourself! Rock it out!!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Monday, March 5, 2012
Showing the love....
Did you thank someone today? Tell someone you love them?
About 30 minutes ago my phone buzzed with an email saying I had a comment on my blog. REALLY?!?! Someone wanted to leave me some feedback? I had a flash of a moment of "Julie and Julia" thinking, "well, it must me my mom"...nope. I got a thank you from Kendra Scott for "showing her some love" when I posted a pair of her earrings. I think I blushed slightly and was giddy like a 5 year old, then Kyle reminded me Abby was sleeping and I had to kick back into mommy mode....shhhhh....
Sure, my blog has about 1,000 views. Not too shabby for someone without a "following". What I realized in the moment of awe was that just a simple thank you means the world sometimes when you've had a rough day, and most of all, when you are not expecting to receive it. So, what should I do in return?
How about a feature blog around Kendra Scott's jewelry. If you love what I post here check out her online store!
In the spirit of "statement pieces"m because I have been drooling over things like this to pair with a simple top and cut off shorts....we'll start with a Paley Cuff
Not to leave the upper atmosphere of ourselves "unattended" let's jump to earrings. If you are the type of person that likes statement pieces - you'll trip over your feet running to her site...if you like vintage - you'll feel right at home in your own era. You've seen my pick of long, so let's look at the Carly Botanical Stud 
About 30 minutes ago my phone buzzed with an email saying I had a comment on my blog. REALLY?!?! Someone wanted to leave me some feedback? I had a flash of a moment of "Julie and Julia" thinking, "well, it must me my mom"...nope. I got a thank you from Kendra Scott for "showing her some love" when I posted a pair of her earrings. I think I blushed slightly and was giddy like a 5 year old, then Kyle reminded me Abby was sleeping and I had to kick back into mommy mode....shhhhh....
Sure, my blog has about 1,000 views. Not too shabby for someone without a "following". What I realized in the moment of awe was that just a simple thank you means the world sometimes when you've had a rough day, and most of all, when you are not expecting to receive it. So, what should I do in return?
How about a feature blog around Kendra Scott's jewelry. If you love what I post here check out her online store!
In the spirit of "statement pieces"m because I have been drooling over things like this to pair with a simple top and cut off shorts....we'll start with a Paley Cuff
I have to add another cuff, because she has SO many that I am dying over. I could absolutely build an outfit around some of these pieces. Fashion has moments when it's not about turning heads from across the street, but when you reach up to tuck your hair back and "BAM"...there's the Lande Cuff
Ok, so to all of my friends and family who are thinking "Who is blogging in place of Kate...she doesn't like yellow gold", I have to admit that with pieces like these and against the bright corals, (and you should SEE the teal version of this!) and a tan....I'm starting to accept yellow gold into my family!
When it comes to necklaces, I'm usually wearing a piece Kyle bought me when Abby was born that is an engraved "birth certificate" with her "specs" on it...so I'm a hard sell on pieces to replace it, but this is classic. Also, it's the logo for Kendra Scott, so it will stand the test of time of her brand
If you haven't already bookmarked her site, well....hopefully you've at least visited it. And at the very least, you'll notice that all of this free press or word of "mouth" came because she thanked me. Maybe I'm only blogging to a small pool of people, but my people LOVE jewelry! So if you like something, talk about it...pay it forward, and the thanks you get will make you feel warm and fuzzy!
That's my Chic Moment for the day, and the idea behind it all is my Chic Mommy Moment, I hope Abby learns the power of saying "thank you"
Until Next Time
Dabble
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Coral and nude - work in shorts
I have been trying to find something that I would go to work in that could be comfortable, functional, yet classy enough that it's work appropriate AND I can run to the beach after. So maybe the heels are a bit tall for my 5'10" self, but I would love to rock them anyway. and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the vintage Chanel earrings and Tory clutch, and the high waist shorts....YES please! Any shoe that can include a colored heel (that I can match to jewelry!) is a bonus. This is my clothing chic moment of the day!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Where do you wake up?
Putting my little bear cub down last night was about a two hour process, THAT hasn't happened in a long time, and it got me to thinking about how much the night before determines how we wake up in the morning. The thing is, Abby was still bright and bubbly this morning talking to herself when she woke up until someone came to get her. She didn't seem to care about her two hour crying and screaming marathon from the night before, but was simply happy to have her bunny and the tags to play with. Why can't my mornings work like that?!?!
It got me to thinking about what we do either the night before, or when we first wake up in the morning. Before getting into bed, and then out of bed when you wake up, I'd bet that you find yourself in the bathroom, and more importantly in the tub or shower. Since we moved into our house I have had a love/hate relationship with our master bathroom. For the LOVE side, we have a HUGE garden tub and a separate shower, lots of cabinet space and an L shaped counter for our sinks so Kyle and I are not on top of each other getting ready. For the HATE side, our shower surround is a blah white marble (as is the tub) and I don't really think the dark cherry cabinets go with the sandy colored tile floor.
I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I want to wake up and jump in a shower like this:
Personally I'm a sucker for sinks that are bowls on tables. The first time I saw this done outside of a hotel was in my dad's phenomenal condo in Rhode Island. The table was a black granite and the bowl plays off of the fire red/black lacquer look of the oriental themed half bath. Not too shabby for a guy who lives by himself....he had decorating help!
If you don't have a fabulous bathroom to wake up to, you might be better served with some suggestions for how to make using the one you do have more enjoyable. I'll also mention that this will be DRAMATICALLY less costly then a bathroom renovation, and thus why I stick with these products.
Look no further than LUSH Handmade Cosmetics
When I was pregnant I developed a personal relationship with my bath and my FAVORITE product to de-stress, deal with body aches, and attack pregnancy insomnia was the Dreamtime Bath Melt
This little bar of lavender, jasmine,and sandalwood has transformed my blah bathroom into a perpetual Chic Mommy Moment!
Until Next Time and the next room....
Dabble, and a special hello from Dablet (Abby)
It got me to thinking about what we do either the night before, or when we first wake up in the morning. Before getting into bed, and then out of bed when you wake up, I'd bet that you find yourself in the bathroom, and more importantly in the tub or shower. Since we moved into our house I have had a love/hate relationship with our master bathroom. For the LOVE side, we have a HUGE garden tub and a separate shower, lots of cabinet space and an L shaped counter for our sinks so Kyle and I are not on top of each other getting ready. For the HATE side, our shower surround is a blah white marble (as is the tub) and I don't really think the dark cherry cabinets go with the sandy colored tile floor.
I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I want to wake up and jump in a shower like this:
I must give credit for the above to Kohler (of course)....they make your water dreams come true.
I'm still not a HUGE fan of the grey, but would love a look like this:
If you don't have a fabulous bathroom to wake up to, you might be better served with some suggestions for how to make using the one you do have more enjoyable. I'll also mention that this will be DRAMATICALLY less costly then a bathroom renovation, and thus why I stick with these products.
Look no further than LUSH Handmade Cosmetics
When I was pregnant I developed a personal relationship with my bath and my FAVORITE product to de-stress, deal with body aches, and attack pregnancy insomnia was the Dreamtime Bath Melt
This little bar of lavender, jasmine,and sandalwood has transformed my blah bathroom into a perpetual Chic Mommy Moment!
Until Next Time and the next room....
Dabble, and a special hello from Dablet (Abby)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Dreaming of Summer Fashion
Abby is normally in bed by now, but a combination of teething and a late afternoon car induced nap on the way home from Nordstrom rack is preventing that. So, she's blogging with me. As I anticipated, the change of season has me drooling over bright hues that beg for sun-kissed skin (with plenty of SPF of course Abby would like to remind everyone!) I felt this way when the jewel tones came out last fall and I could dream of the cool nights snuggled up on the couch with homemade soup.....but that was last season.
Now that I'm in the position to, I'm adding homemade cocktails to the outfits, and trying to find the perfect navy and white striped bathing suit. Last summer I had one, but it was maternity, a one-piece, and not quite the look I'm going for this year. I rocked a bikini with my 7 month pregnant belly, and will again this summer with my 7 month post-baby belly!
Sticking to the navy and white, my first early summer find is from Tory Burch (did you really expect something different?)
Now, it's only fair that I include Abby on this navy and white summer clothing dream fest. After all, she is my guest (albeit up past her bedtime blogger) I LOVE the yellow button accents on this from Nautica
Chic moments for the day....
Time to get this little bear cub to bed!
Until Next Time.....
Dabble
Now that I'm in the position to, I'm adding homemade cocktails to the outfits, and trying to find the perfect navy and white striped bathing suit. Last summer I had one, but it was maternity, a one-piece, and not quite the look I'm going for this year. I rocked a bikini with my 7 month pregnant belly, and will again this summer with my 7 month post-baby belly!
Sticking to the navy and white, my first early summer find is from Tory Burch (did you really expect something different?)
Simple and classic enough, and then you can add a pair of these Kendra Scott earrings available for purchase here
And back to Tory for the shoes.....Now I'll give you two options. One with a heel, and one without. Either you're 5'10" like me and worry about towering over everyone in heels, or would rather be in a "flip flop" type shoe because, let's face it, they're more comfortable.
Time to get this little bear cub to bed!
Until Next Time.....
Dabble
Designing a Playroom....
When I was pregnant with Abby I was very much into the lime greens and neutral tones, there was something in me that wouldn't let me go SUPER girly. Whatever "that" was, it's TOTALLY gone now and I love having a little diva to remind me of all of the fabulous parts of just being a girl!
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about how we're re-doing our house. I should probably just say "doing our house" because in the (almost) two years we've lived here we have grown more personally than we've grown into the house. The walls are still the off-white color, and there is not much feel to our surroundings. Now that I'm going to have some "change of schedule", and potentially a shift in concentration of subject matter within my schedule (yes I know I'm being vague)...design can pull itself into the fire of the front burners of my brain.
Here are some chic moments, and chic mommy moments for Abby's playroom...Enjoy!
I have been ALL about vintage/modern (crazy combo I know)
Dwell Studio Kids rug found at Layla Grayce
This worlds Away Star Light reminds me of how toddlers are everywhere at once!
Changing table/toy trunk...LOVE THIS!! 
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about how we're re-doing our house. I should probably just say "doing our house" because in the (almost) two years we've lived here we have grown more personally than we've grown into the house. The walls are still the off-white color, and there is not much feel to our surroundings. Now that I'm going to have some "change of schedule", and potentially a shift in concentration of subject matter within my schedule (yes I know I'm being vague)...design can pull itself into the fire of the front burners of my brain.
Here are some chic moments, and chic mommy moments for Abby's playroom...Enjoy!
I have been ALL about vintage/modern (crazy combo I know)
Dwell Studio Kids rug found at Layla Grayce
Abby will be 6 months old in just 11 short days. The time has FLOWN by so quickly, and I await the days to come with excitement and a few tears for the days that have past. She is an absolute joy of a child, and makes me proud to be her mom! I cannot wait to help her explore her creativity and artistic abilities!! (I should probably make sure I have plenty of stain remover handy....)
Until Next Time...and the next room....
Dabble
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sanity...it's crazy-making
The past few weeks have involved a never ending roller coaster of events, emotions, tasks, and trying to somehow come out alive on the other side. The worst part about all of it? I can't talk about it yet....
Inside, I'm a writer. This is my outlet, and I think that Kyle loves that I have it, because there are only so many times he can listen to me vent, or talk out my strategy to "take on the big guys". But the nature about this entire situation is protected by a looming necessity for confidentiality, and if I even started to talk about why I could be making things even harder for myself.
What I can say is that everything will be ok, life will go on, and at the end of it all, I will be a more valuable business person from the experience we're having.
What I hate about this....it makes me feel like I'm a bad mother. I cannot physically do everything during the day and night that I need to do, and do everything that Abby needs me, as her mom, to do. Yes, I accept help, and I have a super nanny, and Abby is completely well taken care of. For me personally, it's not enough. When we started trying to have a baby I knew it would be a challenge to balance everything, but I knew that we had the most amazing support system to make sure that we are all ok.
I grew up with working parents, and I know that I need to work (at least part-time) so I have something else to do. I never wanted to be in a position where I was there for the morning and bedtime...and nothing more.
Once this is all over, I'll be happy to take at least a day or two to spend with just my little girl.
Some mommy and Abby time....and maybe a glass of celebratory wine.
Until Next Time.....
Dabble
Inside, I'm a writer. This is my outlet, and I think that Kyle loves that I have it, because there are only so many times he can listen to me vent, or talk out my strategy to "take on the big guys". But the nature about this entire situation is protected by a looming necessity for confidentiality, and if I even started to talk about why I could be making things even harder for myself.
What I can say is that everything will be ok, life will go on, and at the end of it all, I will be a more valuable business person from the experience we're having.
What I hate about this....it makes me feel like I'm a bad mother. I cannot physically do everything during the day and night that I need to do, and do everything that Abby needs me, as her mom, to do. Yes, I accept help, and I have a super nanny, and Abby is completely well taken care of. For me personally, it's not enough. When we started trying to have a baby I knew it would be a challenge to balance everything, but I knew that we had the most amazing support system to make sure that we are all ok.
I grew up with working parents, and I know that I need to work (at least part-time) so I have something else to do. I never wanted to be in a position where I was there for the morning and bedtime...and nothing more.
Once this is all over, I'll be happy to take at least a day or two to spend with just my little girl.
Some mommy and Abby time....and maybe a glass of celebratory wine.
Until Next Time.....
Dabble
Friday, February 3, 2012
What are you doing?
Today I had a VERY thought provoking meeting about direct marketing with a fellow digital print professional who trumps me in experience on more levels than one. Yet I walked away from the meeting feeling very secure in the business mindset that I had, the values, goals, principles, and direction of our company. We were talking about his new advertising/marketing firm and the dilemma of a direct marketing campaign. How many times have you received something in the mail trying to sell you something? SOOO MANY! Sure, they personalize a salutation, or even a unique feature about you, but there is SO much more that can be done!
Think about this....
You have a business, and you have clients. Are ANY two people exactly the same? Nope. Does every one of your clients need or want something you offer? Sure! Are you trying to close a sale, or open a streamline channel of business? Well, both. Yes, you want to make money, but if you look at every customer as a single deal, that's all they will ever be. Same goes for non-profits; don't just go for one donation, go for perpetual giving! Once you look at your customers as unique creatures, you need to find an effective and cost-effective way to market to them not only in a WAY that is pertinent to them, but also at the right TIME for them.
The idea is mass production with a unit of one....
We have a printing company with no minimums. Seriously. It's more than a quantity system, it's a customer based model. If a company or association comes to us with the desire to send our a direct mail marketing campaign, we might produce 5,000 pieces. However, we are producing 5,000 sets of ONE.
After our meeting finished, I felt like asking him "Is there anything you want to do that you haven't done?" I'm sure there might have been something, but as I opened the door by saying, "anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask", he returned the open door. I am inspired everyday by people who are willing to let me pick their brain of experience, and humbled when they tell me I have the right mindset to get to where they are.
So again I sit here wanting to conquer the world, waiting for my next big break. Why wait? Here's my offer to anyone reading this that has a customer base and needs a better way to reach them. Email me!
kdsessoms@greetingexpress.com
I don't care if you have 5 customers, or 5,000....we can help you reach them in units of one, and I will give you my prep time at no cost. I will brainstorm with you and help you reach all of your dreams, and your revenue goals. Sales pitch? sure....but realize that it's almost 8:30 on a Friday night and I'm doing work market research while my 4.5 month old sleeps. Personally, I think that's a nice quality in a collaborative partner!
Looking forward to Kyle's return home and a nice weekend with my family. I might even be lucky enough to get some "grown up girl time" on Sunday with Courtney. Maybe a mani/pedi, a little shopping, and some lunch. After all, even working moms get some personal time!
Until next time
Dabble
Think about this....
You have a business, and you have clients. Are ANY two people exactly the same? Nope. Does every one of your clients need or want something you offer? Sure! Are you trying to close a sale, or open a streamline channel of business? Well, both. Yes, you want to make money, but if you look at every customer as a single deal, that's all they will ever be. Same goes for non-profits; don't just go for one donation, go for perpetual giving! Once you look at your customers as unique creatures, you need to find an effective and cost-effective way to market to them not only in a WAY that is pertinent to them, but also at the right TIME for them.
The idea is mass production with a unit of one....
We have a printing company with no minimums. Seriously. It's more than a quantity system, it's a customer based model. If a company or association comes to us with the desire to send our a direct mail marketing campaign, we might produce 5,000 pieces. However, we are producing 5,000 sets of ONE.
After our meeting finished, I felt like asking him "Is there anything you want to do that you haven't done?" I'm sure there might have been something, but as I opened the door by saying, "anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask", he returned the open door. I am inspired everyday by people who are willing to let me pick their brain of experience, and humbled when they tell me I have the right mindset to get to where they are.
So again I sit here wanting to conquer the world, waiting for my next big break. Why wait? Here's my offer to anyone reading this that has a customer base and needs a better way to reach them. Email me!
kdsessoms@greetingexpress.com
I don't care if you have 5 customers, or 5,000....we can help you reach them in units of one, and I will give you my prep time at no cost. I will brainstorm with you and help you reach all of your dreams, and your revenue goals. Sales pitch? sure....but realize that it's almost 8:30 on a Friday night and I'm doing work market research while my 4.5 month old sleeps. Personally, I think that's a nice quality in a collaborative partner!
Looking forward to Kyle's return home and a nice weekend with my family. I might even be lucky enough to get some "grown up girl time" on Sunday with Courtney. Maybe a mani/pedi, a little shopping, and some lunch. After all, even working moms get some personal time!
Until next time
Dabble
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Milestones
It's only Wednesday and I feel like I've been running around for months this week...if that makes any sense. Abby officially started rolling from tummy to back, and is SO close from back to tummy but her stinking arm keeps getting in the way. We are decorating our house, finally, New Orleans Purple guest room, Girly Paris guest room (aka Fairy Godmommy room), Africa Living room, St. Lucia half bath, and a few other "undecided" areas. I find myself with the TV on in the background daydreaming of fashion, travel, cooking, decorating, things to blog about, and experiences I want Abby to have.
She'll be 5 months old in 13 days....it's CRAZY how time flys. I also find myself thinking about what it's going to be like to be pregnant with a little girl running around. No, I'm not pregnant yet....notice how I said while she's running around, clearly at 4.5 months old she's not quite there YET. It'll happen when it happens for us for #2, but for now I do not want to miss a single moment of her growing up.
Our company is finally hitting the biggest event that I feel like we've been planning for for YEARS (it literally has been). Pretty soon we'll have a website "facelift" complete with a live custom design studio. **Que high pitched girly squeel now**
The dreams I have for non-profits as affiliates, bringing them new ways to reach the public, make money for their causes, expand, I get giddy. Odd, ok, maybe.
In other news....
We had a FABULOUS trip to Daytona last weekend. Abby was a TOTAL champ, so was Courtney stuck in a car with us for 10 hours each way. Abby slept most of it, and Courtney didn't kill us at the end, all in all a success I'd say! Abs (one of Abby's nicknames) got to go to the track for a bit, just long enough to smell the rubber and exhaust, but not long enough for ear/lung damage! I got to watch my dad race for the first time (that I can remember) in my life. He amazes me, at 69 years old he was determined to race in the Rolex 24 hour race. I wish I had his ambition and dedication to the things I love. I guess I have years to get to that point, one that involves knowing exactly what is important to you.
I officially want either a Yukon.Tahoe XL or a Suburban. But more than anything right now I want to take a bath with some of my favorite products from www.lushusa.com/shop All fresh handmade natural products and the BEST bath bombs in the world. Yes...they're that good.
A nice hot bath is my Chic Moment of the day!
Until Next Time
Dabble
She'll be 5 months old in 13 days....it's CRAZY how time flys. I also find myself thinking about what it's going to be like to be pregnant with a little girl running around. No, I'm not pregnant yet....notice how I said while she's running around, clearly at 4.5 months old she's not quite there YET. It'll happen when it happens for us for #2, but for now I do not want to miss a single moment of her growing up.
Our company is finally hitting the biggest event that I feel like we've been planning for for YEARS (it literally has been). Pretty soon we'll have a website "facelift" complete with a live custom design studio. **Que high pitched girly squeel now**
The dreams I have for non-profits as affiliates, bringing them new ways to reach the public, make money for their causes, expand, I get giddy. Odd, ok, maybe.
In other news....
We had a FABULOUS trip to Daytona last weekend. Abby was a TOTAL champ, so was Courtney stuck in a car with us for 10 hours each way. Abby slept most of it, and Courtney didn't kill us at the end, all in all a success I'd say! Abs (one of Abby's nicknames) got to go to the track for a bit, just long enough to smell the rubber and exhaust, but not long enough for ear/lung damage! I got to watch my dad race for the first time (that I can remember) in my life. He amazes me, at 69 years old he was determined to race in the Rolex 24 hour race. I wish I had his ambition and dedication to the things I love. I guess I have years to get to that point, one that involves knowing exactly what is important to you.
I officially want either a Yukon.Tahoe XL or a Suburban. But more than anything right now I want to take a bath with some of my favorite products from www.lushusa.com/shop All fresh handmade natural products and the BEST bath bombs in the world. Yes...they're that good.
A nice hot bath is my Chic Moment of the day!
Until Next Time
Dabble
Monday, January 23, 2012
Have baby...will travel - Daytona Prep
We are getting ready to embark on our first road trip this weekend, leaving Friday morning for Daytona, Florida to watch my dad drive in the Rolex 24 hour race. He will be driving a Ford Mustang (not exactly the kind that you or I could get into on the street though) for my brother's race team (Rick Ware Racing). It's a big deal all around; we'll have 5 drivers including the 2011 Nationwide Rookie of the Year Timmy Hill. On my end, it will be my second traveling adventure with Abby, this time by car and not plane.
We will begin our journey around 9am Friday morning so that we can be in Florida in time for dinner. Kyle and I will take Ms. Abby (and all of her "things") with our fabulous nanny in one car, and the "uncles" (aka godfathers) Anthony and Clay will follow with Clay's girlfriend Faith behind. Yes, I did say the "n-word" Nanny....
We hired my saving grace in the middle of December, a little earlier than expected, and despite whatever ideas you may have in your head, or stigma that comes with a nanny, our family could not be happier. In our area daycare does not offer any part-time options until the kids are over one year, and I am planning on working from home one day per week going forward. So, I would have to pay for full-time whether we used it or not, and full-time doesn't come cheap. We're near RTP...aka...pharmaceuticals, NC based BIG companies, and high-income people....so....daycare = $$$$$ and still a 4:1 ratio for infants. Plus, it's cold and flu season, and our pediatrician pointed out that if we had her at this age in daycare, she'd probably end up sick pretty frequently so I wouldn't be able to send her and would either have to stay home with her, or quickly find someone to babysit. UGH!
I went to http://www.care.com/ (BIG RECOMMENDATION COMING FROM THIS MOM!) and found the perfect match. It's kind of like a dating site for moms and nannys, or babysitters, or pet-sitters, or elder care (yes, they have it ALL). We found Courtney and since then she has allowed me to get rid of the cleaning people, have a ridiculously flexible schedule, and provides us with 1:1 attention for Abby while there is SO much development going on. Courtney is my perpetual Chic Moment for a mom....
Anyway, since a race track isn't the perfect place for a 4 month old to be for long periods of time, Abby will get to hang out with Courtney on the beach, in the hotel, and wherever else they venture off to.
This adventure will also be our dry run for what will likely become our next vehicle:
Meet the Tahoe (or Yukon)...even though we'll likely need to get ourselves into the XL version, I'm excited to see how our family fits into this car, and how it does on a long drive. With Abby and our 3 dogs, plus any kind of luggage....there really isn't another option short of an 18 wheeler (slight exaggeration, but you get the picture). Kyle's lease is up soon, so we might be playing a bit of shuffle with our cars and getting me into this sooner rather than later. I'm SLIGHTLY RIDICULOUSLY excited, and maybe it makes me feel better about how we'd flee if a natural disaster hit...
So from the nanny (although sometimes I feel like I'm paying for a new friend) to the new potential car, today is full of Chic Mommy Moments....
Until next time...
Dabble
We will begin our journey around 9am Friday morning so that we can be in Florida in time for dinner. Kyle and I will take Ms. Abby (and all of her "things") with our fabulous nanny in one car, and the "uncles" (aka godfathers) Anthony and Clay will follow with Clay's girlfriend Faith behind. Yes, I did say the "n-word" Nanny....
We hired my saving grace in the middle of December, a little earlier than expected, and despite whatever ideas you may have in your head, or stigma that comes with a nanny, our family could not be happier. In our area daycare does not offer any part-time options until the kids are over one year, and I am planning on working from home one day per week going forward. So, I would have to pay for full-time whether we used it or not, and full-time doesn't come cheap. We're near RTP...aka...pharmaceuticals, NC based BIG companies, and high-income people....so....daycare = $$$$$ and still a 4:1 ratio for infants. Plus, it's cold and flu season, and our pediatrician pointed out that if we had her at this age in daycare, she'd probably end up sick pretty frequently so I wouldn't be able to send her and would either have to stay home with her, or quickly find someone to babysit. UGH!
I went to http://www.care.com/ (BIG RECOMMENDATION COMING FROM THIS MOM!) and found the perfect match. It's kind of like a dating site for moms and nannys, or babysitters, or pet-sitters, or elder care (yes, they have it ALL). We found Courtney and since then she has allowed me to get rid of the cleaning people, have a ridiculously flexible schedule, and provides us with 1:1 attention for Abby while there is SO much development going on. Courtney is my perpetual Chic Moment for a mom....
Anyway, since a race track isn't the perfect place for a 4 month old to be for long periods of time, Abby will get to hang out with Courtney on the beach, in the hotel, and wherever else they venture off to.
This adventure will also be our dry run for what will likely become our next vehicle:
So from the nanny (although sometimes I feel like I'm paying for a new friend) to the new potential car, today is full of Chic Mommy Moments....
Until next time...
Dabble
Friday, January 20, 2012
Can a disaster be Chic?
So I have had WAY too many dreams recently about natural disasters and it made me look into emergency kits a little more seriously; at least that way I could be a little more at ease. Ever since I had Abby I have the dramatically increased level of protectiveness that seems to be inherent with parents. When we used to have a tornado warning or hurricane watch I would think about how I would get myself out and be able to bring the animals with us. They're easy compared to leaving with a child (food water and you're good). I've realized that I don't care if I have clean clothing, anything that would be considered nutritious, enough blankets, or even my toothbrush as long as we have everything Abby might need.
So I went to google and found some fun ideas to make the idea of an emergency kit a little less terrifying and a little more fun:
OK, so this is for a wedding day, but everyone assumes that a wedding day should be chic. Why can't evacuation be chic? You're probably wondering why in the world anyone should care about being chic when they're trying to escape a disaster, and might even think that I'm being too "impractical" or "superficial"...let me ask you this....when you're in a tight situation, stressed, or in face of peril...would you appreciate something trivial to make you feel a little better about yourself or the situation? So it may be a candle, or pillow mist, or a nice suitcase for you to have a little something just for you to calm the fear of everything you could have lost.
Of course the essentials...literal essentials, not the candles and pillow mist....are important too, so here are some of those:
If you have pets, check these out. First Aid kits geared for your animals. Make sure to at least remember to bring extra clean drinking water for them. Dogs can get enough nutrients by eating things you bring for yourself if you are out of food for them, or don't have enough of theirs to bring in a tight situation, but water is essential. Cats are a bit harder, but canned food lasts for a LONG time, and we all know they'll eat tuna (if you force them!) :)
For all of my mommy friends out there, I thought this was fabulous! A trendy silver carrying case, and 17 supermom essentials! Contains:
lip balm, breath freshener, dental floss, emery board, clear elastics, earring backs, mending kit, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, caffeine gum, facial tissues, adhesive bandages, hand sanitizing towelettes, thermometer, mini crayon set, mini playing cards
EARRING BACKS!!! That's fabulous! Already Abby at 4 months old is into grabbing any of my jewelry and if I lost and earring from some of my pairs I would be devastated!
So that's all for now....Crisis averted and in a Chic manner!
Until Next Time....
Dabble
So I went to google and found some fun ideas to make the idea of an emergency kit a little less terrifying and a little more fun:
Of course the essentials...literal essentials, not the candles and pillow mist....are important too, so here are some of those:
lip balm, breath freshener, dental floss, emery board, clear elastics, earring backs, mending kit, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, caffeine gum, facial tissues, adhesive bandages, hand sanitizing towelettes, thermometer, mini crayon set, mini playing cards
EARRING BACKS!!! That's fabulous! Already Abby at 4 months old is into grabbing any of my jewelry and if I lost and earring from some of my pairs I would be devastated!
So that's all for now....Crisis averted and in a Chic manner!
Until Next Time....
Friday, December 30, 2011
Chic Christmas Moments
This Christmas went above and beyond! The season is about giving and family, and above all a sense of coming together to feel truly blessed in all that life has to offer. This Christmas was Abby's first Christmas, and while she had no idea what was going on, the abundance of gifts under our tree went mostly in her direction. There was a special moment on Christmas Eve when Kyle said he wanted to give me a gift early, and he presented me with this:
A Sony Bloggie handheld video camera. It shoots HD videos, and takes still pictures while it's recording! So not only will we never miss any of her first moments (I'll be leaving it with our nanny), but we got to record her waking up on Christmas Morning. Now, some might say that the HUGE smile that ensued after we told her Santa came is pure coincidence, but I disagree!
Christmas brought a new Tory Burch bag....it's a brown/grey wool with a bronze(ish) metallic logo on it. It's large enough to not only fit my computer, but also double as a diaper bag (and a fabulous carry on bag for travel)! Abby was spoiled with all kinds of clothes and enough toys to fill her (first) toy box. Of course, we started her Disney collection with several DVDs as well.
Most importantly, we got to spend time with family, and it was truly a blessing to see everyone with Abby and Abby with everyone. It was just this time last year that she was about to come into our conscious thought and change our lives forever.....
Until Next Time...
Dabble
Christmas brought a new Tory Burch bag....it's a brown/grey wool with a bronze(ish) metallic logo on it. It's large enough to not only fit my computer, but also double as a diaper bag (and a fabulous carry on bag for travel)! Abby was spoiled with all kinds of clothes and enough toys to fill her (first) toy box. Of course, we started her Disney collection with several DVDs as well.
Most importantly, we got to spend time with family, and it was truly a blessing to see everyone with Abby and Abby with everyone. It was just this time last year that she was about to come into our conscious thought and change our lives forever.....
Until Next Time...
Dabble
Friday, December 23, 2011
Pictures with santa
I am SO excited for this guy to come to our house in a couple of nights
Yes, I do really mean come to our house. Last night Kyle and I went to Southpoint for Abby's first visit with the man in red. There is the chance that next year she will totally lose it and run screaming from the man with the bag full of gifts, although Kyle is determined that will NOT happen, so we wanted to get it done this year. She slept through the entire thing, then of course on the way home screamed. My interpretation of that is "I DIDN'T GET TO TELL HIM MY WISH LIST!!!!!" I wore my red "I believe" shirt with Santa's face on it, and potentially looked slightly young to be a mom, but I was happy.
I love the holiday season and the magic that comes with it (YES I said holiday season and not just Christmas because not EVERYONE celebrates Christmas this time of year). I'm always excited to get elbow deep in flour and make cookies and come up with clues for my gift tags. Those two things are probably my most favorite traditions of the season.
This year my mom and I included Abby in our cookie dough making, we have a few more cookie types to make and actually make the cookies hopefully today with Kyle. Next year we'll all be covered in frosting and will probably end up with more in our hair than on the cookies and I can't wait!! The clues, my family always writes witty clues on the gift tags to perplex the recipient as to what might be inside. We take it as a personal challenge to stump each other and then go "OHHHH" when we open gifts. Personally, I think it makes spending all that time wrapping gifts MUCH more enjoyable!
Speaking of wrapping gifts....I must finish doing that!
Until next time....
Dabble
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Perseverance...My 2012 Resolution
I am going to start this long overdue blog with a quote:
"If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying. "Here comes number seventy-one!" Richard M. Devos
I do not think it is a secret to any of my friends, family, readers, or even a select group of total strangers, that my life is absolutely normal chaos. Not to mention, it's the holidays. The holidays always bring their own fabulous group of challenges from finding the "perfect" gift, cooking, balancing a 3 month old and the rest of your family, to somehow finding a way to keep yourself cool, calm, and collected throughout the entire process. Well, last year I got pregnant over the holidays. Seemed all of the pressure of trying in the preceding months with no success fell to the wayside from the pressure of the holidays, and alas! Baby!
This year I'm hoping for another success at finally having the baby I've been dreaming of. No....I'm not talking about getting pregnant again just yet (after all Abby is only 3 months old), but rather the baby of the start-up business.
It seems that start-ups are never really out of their start-up phase until all of a sudden they are...kind of like infants to toddlers. Bam! How'd that happen?
Well right about now I feel like we're going through the terrible twos phase on our way to true bubbly enjoyable interactive toddler-hood. So my New Year's resolution is to persevere.
"If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average." M.H. Alderson
They say that 95% of new companies will fail in the first 5 years. WOW! With a "joyful" combination of things we have managed to stumble our way across the one year mark with a very bright future for Q1 of 2012. I guess that means that we're 20% of the way into making it out of the very dark tunnel that is on the path of every new company. To try and write everything I have learned during 2011 would take a book of its own, and probably a very nice bottle of wine (after all I'd need one to bring up all of the memories and not suppress some). But just like raising children, you don't start a company because it's a "cute idea", you do it out of a complete level of selfless love.
However it is not enough to just keep trudging on. It is not enough to keep TRYING to raise your children right, you have to find a talent for it.
"Perseverance is the most overrated of traits, if it is unaccompanied by talent; beating your head against a wall is more likely to produce a concussion in the head than a hole in the wall."
Sydney J. Harris
If you keep banging your head, you might not get the desired result. Sometimes I feel like I am doing the above, working more towards a concussion than a hole in the wall. Maybe I need to take a step back and grab the sledge hammer, accept assistance, and approach the wall again with the same amount of drive I had when I was beating my head against it. If there is one thing I have learned since becoming a mother that speaks to running a start-up company it is this:
Just because something works today, don't expect it to tomorrow. Yesterday's solution has a variable that today's problem does not...it was yesterday. If you feel like you have run out of options take a look at your child; they will show you the way to a new set. You have to be open to the possibility that your surroundings know more than you do.
Until next time....
Dabble
"If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying. "Here comes number seventy-one!" Richard M. Devos
I do not think it is a secret to any of my friends, family, readers, or even a select group of total strangers, that my life is absolutely normal chaos. Not to mention, it's the holidays. The holidays always bring their own fabulous group of challenges from finding the "perfect" gift, cooking, balancing a 3 month old and the rest of your family, to somehow finding a way to keep yourself cool, calm, and collected throughout the entire process. Well, last year I got pregnant over the holidays. Seemed all of the pressure of trying in the preceding months with no success fell to the wayside from the pressure of the holidays, and alas! Baby!
This year I'm hoping for another success at finally having the baby I've been dreaming of. No....I'm not talking about getting pregnant again just yet (after all Abby is only 3 months old), but rather the baby of the start-up business.
It seems that start-ups are never really out of their start-up phase until all of a sudden they are...kind of like infants to toddlers. Bam! How'd that happen?
Well right about now I feel like we're going through the terrible twos phase on our way to true bubbly enjoyable interactive toddler-hood. So my New Year's resolution is to persevere.
"If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average." M.H. Alderson
They say that 95% of new companies will fail in the first 5 years. WOW! With a "joyful" combination of things we have managed to stumble our way across the one year mark with a very bright future for Q1 of 2012. I guess that means that we're 20% of the way into making it out of the very dark tunnel that is on the path of every new company. To try and write everything I have learned during 2011 would take a book of its own, and probably a very nice bottle of wine (after all I'd need one to bring up all of the memories and not suppress some). But just like raising children, you don't start a company because it's a "cute idea", you do it out of a complete level of selfless love.
However it is not enough to just keep trudging on. It is not enough to keep TRYING to raise your children right, you have to find a talent for it.
"Perseverance is the most overrated of traits, if it is unaccompanied by talent; beating your head against a wall is more likely to produce a concussion in the head than a hole in the wall."
If you keep banging your head, you might not get the desired result. Sometimes I feel like I am doing the above, working more towards a concussion than a hole in the wall. Maybe I need to take a step back and grab the sledge hammer, accept assistance, and approach the wall again with the same amount of drive I had when I was beating my head against it. If there is one thing I have learned since becoming a mother that speaks to running a start-up company it is this:
Just because something works today, don't expect it to tomorrow. Yesterday's solution has a variable that today's problem does not...it was yesterday. If you feel like you have run out of options take a look at your child; they will show you the way to a new set. You have to be open to the possibility that your surroundings know more than you do.
Until next time....
Dabble
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A little bit of Louis...
So I just finished a logo design for a client, and they wanted this bronze brown color. When I was finished mt brain kept returning to the classic logo color on Louis Vuitton bags and I allowed myself a 10 minute indulgence while I ate my lunch to browse the Louis Vuitton website. Five years ago my dad did a "terrible" thing and bought me a Louis bag in their classic pattern that was a perfect school/work bag. Two and a half years later, he bestowed my second bag upon me:
The real "wow factor" from this bag came from buying it in Paris at their flagship store shortly after its remodel. I could have spent days in that store drooling over the classic trunks and running my fingers over the clothing, not to mention coveting the shoes that I would have to use every brain cell concentrating to be able to balance in them. I have used this bag almost every day for the last three and a half years and absolutely adore it.
During my online "window shopping" I stumbled across this little gem:
During my online "window shopping" I stumbled across this little gem:
It's a debossed leather, and comes in several colors. We recently had a photo book order at work that requested a leather cover close to this color and I loved it. They also have a deep purple, which might match more of my wardrobe, but beggars can't be choosers. I should note that I think it will be a long time before I add any more Louis pieces or bags to my collection, and I honestly think I would love to buy my next piece for myself; sort of an accomplishment....and I should also mention that even with that, I wouldn't turn away one as a gift. (Just a girl being honest!)
I don't care if it's a thousand dollar bag, a three thousand dollar dress, or something you found at a consignment store that hugs all of the right places. There is something about a piece of clothing or an accessory that has the power to raise your confidence level to where you need it on the rough days, and lets you say "I have my big girl panties on today and I can conquer the world".
I live for days like that!
Until next time....
Dabble
Monday, December 5, 2011
Daily Grind....family thoughts
It seems appropriate that on a Monday I would write something about "the daily grind". The first day back to the office is always something to be scowled at, but today was just a day full of changes that I think my entire family scowled at a little bit. Today Abby stayed home with Grandy (my mom), and I went to work without either of them. Abby has been refusing a bottle for about 6.5 weeks now, but had a breakthrough on Saturday while I was out of the house and took one. Given that she can smell me from ~30 feet away (at least that's what I'm told...but I think it's more like 30 yards), it would make sense that I would need to be nowhere around for her to consider a "replacement". This is the longest I have been away from her...ever...I did go home mid day to nurse her because she was again refusing a bottle and my "mommy guilt" just will not let me "torture" her like that just yet. I know she will not let herself starve...but she's so ridiculously pitiful that it breaks my heart.
So Grandy is doing us a favor by breaking her into the routine of me back at work, and the almost as fabulous perk of setting up a crock pot meal for when we get home. I love love LOVE the crock pot...how could I have had TWO in my house still in boxes from when we got married a year and a half ago and never broken them free?!!?!?
On a totally different note, today I am constantly thinking of the daily grind everyone around me has, more particularly my brother (even though he is not directly around me). We live about an hour away from my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews, and yet we never see them as much as we do. My brother is the owner of Rick Ware Racing and owns/manages Nationwide, Camping World Truck, Arenacross, and several other racing teams. Needless to say....he's VERY busy. I got to see the family this past Saturday at a funeral, and then again (with Abby and Kyle) for dinner at the Chop House.
The funeral was for Rick Ware Racing's Marketing Director whom we lost suddenly due to a heart attack. The amount of work that he put into the organization and his sudden loss was a harsh reality check for me about the fragile state of business and family. How can we ever protect ourselves from something like this being anything besides utterly devastating on all levels. I can offer to help in any manner I can, but I can never replace...no one can. I watched my brother during dinner and saw him talk to our dad about the next racing season (dad still races at 69...crazy....but he LOVES it)...and I saw the spark in his eyes. I have always admired the tenacity, dedication, and above all faith that my brother has in his business and family life. It it that much more apparent to me now that I have my own business and my own family, and every day I remind myself to "stick with it".
RWR had a HUGE accomplishment this year in winning the Rookie of The Year title for the Nationwide series with the youngest driver in NASCAR history to ever do so. I feel like I am on my own hunt for the Rookie of The Year for my own industry, but I have much of a less public setting in which to do so. I wish I had more time...or rather that life had more time...so I could sit down with my brother and not only tell him how much I admired him, but also ask him WHERE he finds the strength to keep going when you feel like you're moving away from the light at the end of the tunnel. How do you find the perfect combination of dedication, faith, tenacity...and above all hope for a brighter tomorrow?
I'll have a Chic Moment tomorrow I promise...just trying to sort through them all....
Until Next Time....
Dabble
So Grandy is doing us a favor by breaking her into the routine of me back at work, and the almost as fabulous perk of setting up a crock pot meal for when we get home. I love love LOVE the crock pot...how could I have had TWO in my house still in boxes from when we got married a year and a half ago and never broken them free?!!?!?
On a totally different note, today I am constantly thinking of the daily grind everyone around me has, more particularly my brother (even though he is not directly around me). We live about an hour away from my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews, and yet we never see them as much as we do. My brother is the owner of Rick Ware Racing and owns/manages Nationwide, Camping World Truck, Arenacross, and several other racing teams. Needless to say....he's VERY busy. I got to see the family this past Saturday at a funeral, and then again (with Abby and Kyle) for dinner at the Chop House.
The funeral was for Rick Ware Racing's Marketing Director whom we lost suddenly due to a heart attack. The amount of work that he put into the organization and his sudden loss was a harsh reality check for me about the fragile state of business and family. How can we ever protect ourselves from something like this being anything besides utterly devastating on all levels. I can offer to help in any manner I can, but I can never replace...no one can. I watched my brother during dinner and saw him talk to our dad about the next racing season (dad still races at 69...crazy....but he LOVES it)...and I saw the spark in his eyes. I have always admired the tenacity, dedication, and above all faith that my brother has in his business and family life. It it that much more apparent to me now that I have my own business and my own family, and every day I remind myself to "stick with it".
RWR had a HUGE accomplishment this year in winning the Rookie of The Year title for the Nationwide series with the youngest driver in NASCAR history to ever do so. I feel like I am on my own hunt for the Rookie of The Year for my own industry, but I have much of a less public setting in which to do so. I wish I had more time...or rather that life had more time...so I could sit down with my brother and not only tell him how much I admired him, but also ask him WHERE he finds the strength to keep going when you feel like you're moving away from the light at the end of the tunnel. How do you find the perfect combination of dedication, faith, tenacity...and above all hope for a brighter tomorrow?
I'll have a Chic Moment tomorrow I promise...just trying to sort through them all....
Until Next Time....
Dabble
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
