How I Survive the Work Week
Our Style Stories
For all of you wondering how I make things work behind-the-scenes of my blog and Instagram feed... this is it. The tell-(almost)-all of how David and I survive the work week as two very busy working professionals with a toddler and two dogs. SHOW NOTES: The Basics - Daycare After school care Dog sitter Meals - Casseroles or Dish-in-One meals Take out! Bonuses - Starbucks mobile order Outfit planning (thanks !) Weekend staycations Expectations
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Minimalism + Self-Discovery with Jamie Lyons
Our Style Stories
If you were looking for a reason to tidy up in the new year, this. is. it... The stunningly edited home and wardrobe of Jamie Lyons. If you haven't seen her from last week, stop what you're doing. Right now. And go check it out! Seriously. I'm questioning all of my previously held beliefs about my proficiency to ward off clutter. In the wake of my visit with Jamie, I am clear on one thing... I am a total amateur. But today you'll get the full scoop from Jamie herself. In our conversation for the podcast, she and I dive deep into...
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Lessons + a Poem for 2017
Our Style Stories
When I look back on 2016, a lot has happened. Much has baffled and disappointed me. But I've learned a lot and met some fantastic people along the way. Today's podcast is a review of this past year's Style Stories and the lessons that I learned from each. #1 Prolific creativity is often the result of a youthful spirit. from Kelly Christine Sutton Sidenote on Kelly... This past year, she and her husband took what I'm now going to call a "leap of youthfulness" and purged the majority of their belongings in order to downsize into a mobile tiny house. It's pretty cool and...
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Mentorship & the Freelance Life with Arianna Jones
Our Style Stories
There was never a question that Arianna Jones would have a creative career. Artistry and entrepreneurship were in her bones and she knew from early on that she was meant to live a certain kind of artist's life. The question was more nuanced... How was she going to live that life. What would it look like, feel like... How would it come together, grow and operate on a daily basis. These aren't questions a person can necessarily answer on their own and, lucky for Ari, she didn't have to. Her journey has included some powerfully inspiring mentors along the way. In today's...
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Vote with Your Style... A Holiday Gift Guide That Matters
Our Style Stories
There are so many instances in which I feel like I don't have control. I mean... have you ever tried to reason with a toddler? Parenting at this stage (and who am I kidding, probably at any stage) is an exercise in learning to live without control. The world's problems are so great and the solutions can seem so very far out of reach. But I'm here today to say that while we may not be able to solve all the problems in all the places just by the swipe of a card, we do have a profound power to affect positive change simply by the ways and places in which we choose to spend our...
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The Yin and Yang of Being a Working SAHM with Gina Bender
Our Style Stories
Gina Bender describes herself as humble, creative and nurturing and her personal style as a mix of classic vintage, layers of color and mindfulness for minimalism. Today on the podcast, we talk about her work as a graphic designer - where she got started and how it has evolved into the work she does today - as well as the yin and yang, give and take, ebb and flow of being a working SAHM. I have tremendous respect for all of Gina's hard work as a mother and designer! Additionally, Gina shares a few tips for successful garage sale shopping and purifying the air in your...
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What Is Personal Style, Anyways?
Our Style Stories
Today's episode is courtesy of years worth of pondering on the subject of personal style. What it represents... how it's developed... where it comes from... how it manifests itself. Indulge me as I take a brief dive into these thoughts and more in today's podcast show. Additionally, get the scoop on two books I HIGHLY recommend for personal growth and personal style development. Plus, a few quotes to get your week going! "...It is a compass for creating a life that reflects what's true to you in every way. From your wisdom to your wardrobe, from your longings to your living room...
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A Week in the Life of a Prop Stylist
Our Style Stories
Miracle of miracles... I'm back with another podcast episode and it didn't take me three months! Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you are. Today, I'm sharing a glimpse into what a week of my work life as a prop stylist looks like. My schedule, my work load, the idiosyncrasies of this very unusual job. It's all there plus a bit more. I hope you enjoy! And if you're an aspiring stylist and want to know more about breaking into this behind the scenes industry, drop me a line! The link to my voicemail box is below. Show Notes: blog post Send me your...
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What Is Too Much & Other 50th Episode Musings
Our Style Stories
You may have thought I left podcasting (I wouldn't blame you... it's been forever), but NOPE! I'm still at it. In fact, this is officially my 50th episode, if you can believe it! Who knew? (I nearly missed it myself.) Turns out, I've been at this whole podcasting thing for quite some time but when you publish as irregularly as I do, 50 episodes takes ya a while. But no matter. I'm not letting that get in my way of creative expression and experimentation! Speaking of which, today's show is a bit unusual for Our Style Stories. It's just me (no guest) riffing...
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Layered Homes & Self-Confidence with Kris Drayovitch
Our Style Stories
Last week's visit into the home of home Kris Drayovitch was all about rich layers, worldly textiles and inviting details. In today's podcast, you'll hear from the equally beautiful Kris herself. Besides sharing her personal tips on for shopping second-hand furniture and decorating a home that is welcoming and layered, Kris opens an honest and graceful conversation about her interior struggle with perfectionism and self-confidence... two things I'm sure many of us can relate to! If you connected with Kris' traditional Southern...
info_outlineWhen I look back on 2016, a lot has happened. Much has baffled and disappointed me. But I've learned a lot and met some fantastic people along the way. Today's podcast is a review of this past year's Style Stories and the lessons that I learned from each.
#1 Prolific creativity is often the result of a youthful spirit.
from Kelly Christine Sutton
Sidenote on Kelly... This past year, she and her husband took what I'm now going to call a "leap of youthfulness" and purged the majority of their belongings in order to downsize into a mobile tiny house. It's pretty cool and definitely in line with this first Style Story lesson. Get the full scoop HERE.
Read Kelly's Style Story.
Listen to Kelly's podcast episode.
#2 Powerful impact starts in our own backyard.
from Carly Burson
Carly's company Tribe Alive, offers sustainable economic options for women in poverty in developing countries.
Read Carly's Style Story.
Listen to Carly's podcast episode.
#3 Do the work. Trust the path. The dots will connect eventually.
from Jamie Ditto & Allie Hill
Read Jamie and Allie's Style Story.
Listen to Jamie and Allie's podcast episode.
#4 Confidence is a work in progress... Like anything.
from Kristi Drayovitch
Read Kristi's Style Story.
Listen to Kristi's podcast episode.
#5 Hard work and kindness, practiced daily, have lifetime effects.
from Elaine and Christopher Moock
Seaminx, the artist management agency that represents my work as a prop stylist, is going into their 18th year of business. Turns out, the strategy for success doesn't have to be overly complicated or exceptionally original. #bekindworkhard
Read Elaine and Christopher's Style Story and interview.
#6 Successful artistry is deeply rooted in working with what you've got.
from Gina Bender
Read Gina's Style Story.
Listen to Gina's podcast episode.
#7 Find your tribe... In real life. Take note. Be encouraged.
from Arianna Jones
Read Arianna's Style Story.
Listen to Arianna's podcast episode.
In closing, a poem shared by my in-real-life acquaintance, Emily Paben, creative director of Magnolia Home.
"the year is done. i spread the past 365 days before me on the living room carpet. point to the one where i decided to shed everything not deeply committed to my dreams. refused to be a victim to self-pity. here is the week i slept in the garden. in the spring i wrung the self-doubt by its neck. hung your kindness up. took down the calendar. danced so hard my heart learned to float above water again. in the summer i unscrewed all the mirrors from their walls. no longer needed to see myself to feel seen. combed their weight out of my hair. i fold the good days up and place them in my back pocket for safekeeping. draw the match. cremate the unnecessary. the light of the fire warms my toes. i pour myself a glass of hot water to cleanse myself for january. here i go. stronger and wiser into the new."
The Year is Done by Rupi Kaur