Darling Companion


Today I wanted to share a bit of news with you guys! I recently acquired the privilege and opportunity of being a contributor for the wonderful new blog Darling Companion.
When I first started talking with Lauren, one of the blogs founders, I loved what she told me about the vision she had for the blog:
"We're all about celebrating women as Daughters of Christ. For me personally, it's about worth. Let's make these women feel loved by building a community filled with other Godly women to reaffirm who they are and how much they're loved through the gospel as well as good ol' fellowship."
How awesome is that?
So needless to say I'm really excited to be on board!
I'll be writing up a post for them once a month.
My first one has actually already been published and you can read it here. Some of you may remember reading this post from a week or two ago. I got so much positive feedback from it (thank you so much if you were one of the people who sent me an encouraging email or message!) that I thought I would go ahead and share it again with the readers of Darling Companion, in hopes it could maybe further encourage others.
So make sure you stop by their blog and give it a look!
And make sure you watch this video.
I love it.
Mostly because it has sparklers... ;)


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Be sure to check them out elsewhere too!

Now Presenting...

The new and improved Etsy shop!
It was one year ago today that I opened my shop, so I thought it was fitting that I should introduce the somewhat improved edition today.
(Well as much as you can improve an Etsy shop... I have a new banner and profile picture at least!)

I'm going to start offering a more consistent number of specific designs with the options of different colors for each piece, as well as a more cohesive look for all of the things I make.
Overall, I just want to start being more consistent.
So hopefully this is the start of that! 

I definitely couldn't be doing any of this without all the friends and family (and even a few strangers) who have helped me over this past year. From buying things themselves and promoting the shop, to taking photos for me or just giving words of support and encouragement. 
Thanks to all of you who helped make this a possibility.

I will be adding new things as the week goes on, but go ahead and check out a few of the new items and maybe get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

P.s. Happy October :)

Life According To Instagram

This week...

-I made a new cover photo for the Facebook page
-I tried to wear scarves even though it was too hot
-I ate a lot of eggs
-Lewis discovered he liked blankets
-I had the first cup of hot chocolate (and apple cider) of the season
-I asked for some advice on work routines
-I spent some time with some good friends
-I welcomed fall
-I had a pumpkin milkshake (so glad they're back!)
-I went on a picnic
-I bought the biggest crochet hook you ever saw
-I received some roses from a nice guy
-I saw Moonrise Kingdom
-I worked and worked on the soon to be new and improved Etsy shop! So so excited about it :)


A Little Note


Dear You,

Thanks for buying me flowers.
Thanks for writing me notes on paper towels.
Thanks for carrying things for me all the time. You know I have little baby arms...
Thanks for letting me eat your cereal (especially when they're golden grahams).
Thanks for helping me edit papers at midnight.
Thanks for taking me on picnics.
Thanks for forehead kisses.

Love, Me


A Picnic

Sometimes you just need to drop everything and do something fun.
Like have a picnic with one of your favorite people.
Especially if you pack mac n cheese.
And then record it all via Instagram.

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Hope you're having a happy Wednesday!

Work Routine

Photo credit

Having your own business is definitely a challenge.

I'm not going to lie, being my own boss is awesome.
I make my own rules and don't have to ask for vacation time for starters.
Not to mention I get to do something I love!
However, it's definitely a challenge as well.
I've mentioned before that I'm a procrastinator, and when it comes to work related stuff I am no different. Especially because what I do is fun (most of the time), I can so easily not take it seriously at times. However, I've learned that when I do that I'm at risk of not having others take me seriously either. 
So it's something that I'm working on.

I'm also still working on a good work routine. 
Today was one of those days where I sat in front of the computer all day because I let some things build up. 
Editing photos, answering emails, posting on Facebook, answering inboxes, texting, blogging, listing things on Etsy, watching tv shows while working on custom orders, writing, instagraming etc. etc.
My eyes are kind of hating me right now.

So my question to all of you is...
How do you do it?
For those of you who have your own business and work from home, what is your routine?
What are your tips?
How do you balance out work life and everything else?
And in the midst of it all find time to relax and do something for yourself?
Please enlighten me! 
I'd love to hear your answers.
Because it's something I'm still working on.
And always will be honestly.
Because you can always learn something new:)


Hello Fall

(Since it doesn't quite look like Fall yet, here's a photo from last year!)

Fall is officially here!
I can hardly believe it.
After wishing and waiting it has finally arrived.
I cannot wait to...

1. Go to a pumpkin patch
2. Go star gazing
3. Take a trip to New York City 
4. Introduce some new designs and ideas in my Etsy shop
5. KNIT
6. Go apple picking
7. See some movies at the drive in
8. Wear Fall clothing
9. Sit by fires (indoors and outdoors)
10. Have hot drinks like apple cider and tea and hot chocolate
11. Take walks in crisp evening air
12. Wear Snuggie's and footy pajamas
13. See new colors in the trees
14. Have a Birthday!
15. Eat my Mom's sweet potatoes
16. Celebrate Thanksgiving
17. Have a different scenery for photoshoots
18. Eat a funnel cake at the state fair

This list is pretty much the same as my one from last year...
But hey, there are some things you only get to do during a certain time of year, you know?

What are you looking forward to this Fall?