HADLEY DESIGNS

We've Moved!

2013-09-26T09:52:00.003-05:00

Please come visit the new site and blog!

Thanks for following!

2013-09-12T15:32:00.000-05:00

Devin Ford sure makes me look like I know what I'm doing!

This will be one of my last posts on this blog. It's sad and bittersweet for sure, but GREATER things are ahead. New blog address and web design coming soon..

In the meantime, I MUST figure out how to transfer blogger posts to Wordpress. Does anyone know how to do this? I've been researching it and talking with my programmers, but haven't gotten very far...Help please!

My Website: Programming Patience

2013-08-30T15:59:00.001-05:00

Lots of back and forth with my programmers around here. We're finalizing my new website—and crossing my fingers we will launch very soon, hopefully 2-3 weeks max.

So much hard work, sweat and tears have gone into this site. I honestly don't think I've ever worked so hard on any design project in my entire life. This site redesign started Spring 2013, so considering it's now FALL 2013, I am ready to have this baby behind me and in front of you!

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Recent Branding Boards

2013-08-14T22:42:00.002-05:00

Here are some recent branding boards I've designed.

I haven't blogged about many of these because I've been so busy working on new projects. Every time I think about blogging, another deadline gets priority. Needless to say, all of these clients are very special to me and deserve their own post(s)...hopefully some day soon I will have time to share the stories, tears and sweat that went into each project. BUT, these days I'm lucky to post one work-related project per month—so here goes....

More coming soon. I saved some favorites for the next round so stay tuned...

New Branding and Website: Caroline Ceramics

2013-08-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

The new Caroline Ceramics website is live! This was a true labor of love, and we so worked hard to make sure this site was everything it needed it be, including a shop and a blog. I can't tell you how much I love this girl, and it thrills me to see her beautiful work come alive on the site. The site design and branding is so Caroline, and that's what matters most in the end.

We can't wait to celebrate this beautiful artist's wedding in the Highlands in September!

Check it out. Caroline is the complete package. Her work is so original and beautiful, just like her sweet little self!

Around the house

2013-07-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

I just realized I never shared the "after" pics from our landscaping project. It was completed a few months ago, and believe me, every time I walk outside I am so thankful to finally see grass and plants and trees! Charles Royal with Royal Landscaping helped us and did a fantastic job. Give him a call if you ever need anything landscaping related. 251.767.8725

Bruner built this window box a few Sunday's ago. I'm amazed that something so small (and cheap!), can make such a huge difference.

I forgot to take an "after" shot of the entire house. Maybe I'll remember to take one eventually...when the weeds have grown back and the grass is brown again:)

Photo shoot #2 - Devin Ford Photography

2013-07-17T15:57:00.002-05:00

Devin Ford Photography recently shot these photos of me and my family for my new website (coming August). Didn't she do an amazing job?? See photos from our 1st photo shoot here. I couldn't be more pleased with how these turned out. I swear she made us look 10x better than we actually do!

You should definitely hire Devin Ford Photography for your upcoming photo shoots. Devin worked as a photographer in Hollywood for 10+ years (photographing the stars) before she recently moved back home to Mobile. Check out her website for more info or follow her facebook page. I seriously can't give her a higher recommendation!

New Branding: Friends of the Delta

2013-07-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

I just finished the branding design for "Friends of the Delta," which is a group of folks who work together to promote a new National Park in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. See the website here. A new website is currently in the works! It was such a fun project to be a part of, and I can't wait to see what the "Friends of the Delta" do to help promote and restore our beautiful Mobile Delta.

insta-tile

2013-07-14T21:33:00.000-05:00

I'm obsessed with these new photos on my fridge. We were at our neighbors house recently, and I spotted these tiles/photo magnets on her fridge. My neighbor, Leslie, is SO creative —separate post about her house coming soon! She's an art teacher and full of amazing ideas. Well, after 4+ days straight of rain on July 4th weekend, we started to get crafty. I completely copied her and got a bit carried away...

These are all of the ones I had left over, but I will find a home for them soon...

Here's how easy it was...
1. 4"x4" white tiles (I bought mine at Lowes but I'm sure you can buy these anywhere. They were only $0.16/each)
2. Take your camera to Walgreens. They print directly from your instagram photos.
3. Mod-podge the photos onto the tile
4. Use thick double-sided tape and put wherever your little heart desires.

I'm telling you I got a little carried away, but I love standing in the kitchen and showing calder all of her aunts and cousins and friends. That never gets old. We love looking at these fun memories and snapshots of good times we've had. Well you should definitely try this. You'll might love it so much you almost fill your entire room with these tiles! I almost did I swear.

New Website - Sneak Peek

2013-07-11T10:48:00.001-05:00

The new hadleybinion.com has been sent off to get programmed. We'll keep you posted once it's live! All photos by Devin Ford Photography.

our trip to maine

2013-07-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

I have lots of catching up to do. Calder and I went to Maine a few weeks ago for my cousin's wedding. It was a quick trip, only 3 nights, but what a wonderful time we had! It was Calder's first plane trip too, and it was full of surprises to say the least. BUT, I did have a blast with my girl and she was such a little trooper. I love spending quality time with her like that, even if it's on a broken plane in the runway for a few hours or delayed flights at the airport.

I promised my mom (and my Aunt Bev) that I'd blog about our weekend trip to Maine, so this post is for you!

The first morning we were there it was cold (especially compared to Mobile heat that is) and very foggy, so we sported our colorful PJ's on the beach for an early morning walk with grandaddy. That little walk cracks me up! And her "bam-bam" hairdo is a result of a fit she pitched when I tried to put it up...so that was the best we could do!

How sweet is this photo? Those two, I swear, have the sweetest little relationship.

And then it magically cleared up, despite all bad weather forecasts, a blue sky appeared. Don't you just love when that happens?

We stayed at this adorable bed & breakfast (see below) right on the beach. I just LOVE Kennebunkport. See this post about our recent trip to Kennebunkport for my other cousins wedding, Ben. Aunt Bev has 3 boys and their wedding's have been back to back years, so we've been spoiled with several fun trips to Maine. On a side note: My aunt Beverly owns the most amazing shop, Antiques on Nine. See this post for details. If you haven't been — you must visit this adorable town some time!

The rehearsal dinner was truly magical. It was at Bev and Jon's house—and was such a perfect celebration of Will and April. The lobster rolls were out of this world, and every detail was so creative and thoughtful — just like the groom and his bride. I wish I took more pics, but I was busy chasing this little girl around in her lobster dress!

Dad was our babysitter for the weekend and he left early with Calder so she could go night-night, and the girls stayed up and drank wine and talked!

I just love my cousin Katherine. We had a great time catching up and I just wish Mobile and Nashville were closer together!

Having fun with the groom, Will

all dressed up for my first wedding...

...with my lobster shoes on of course (a gift from aunt bev at my baby shower that has been put to much use!)

watching the waves

such a sweet memory

here we are at the reception. every single was perfect! again, wish i took more pics!

loving on her susu

the beautiful bride and groom!

And here we are on our way back home. Such a short trip but worth every minute it took to get there...and then some! Calder had the biggest crush on this precious boy at the airport. Thank you for entertaining her for so long!

And thanks for all of the memories, Main! Until next time...

Photo Shoot #1 - Devin Ford Photography

2013-07-02T16:54:00.002-05:00

The talented Devin Ford with Devin Ford Photography came by a few weeks ago and shot some photos for my new website. As a designer, there's nothing harder than designing for yourself. It takes me twice as long and I agonize over every single pixel. So, I knew when it came to the photography, I needed some professional help. Devin did an amazing job and is such a joy to work with! Check out her website here. I can't say enough wonderful things about her and her work!

My new site should be live by the end of the summer, hopefully that is, if I can get my act together. More pics from our second photo shoot (with calder-bear as our guest star) coming soon.

Susan LeSourd Interiors

2013-07-01T17:34:00.001-05:00

So proud of my momma!

She was recently featured in City Scope: Homes & Design magazine. She is so, SO talented and such an inspiration for me in design and most importantly, in life. Check out the digital version here.

Love you mom! I couldn't help but brag on you :)

normal days...

2013-06-17T15:21:00.000-05:00

I read this quote on one of my favorite blogs, A Cup of Jo: 5 beautiful motherhood tips, and got teary and thankful and sad—all at the same time. Of course I had to quickly redesign it and print it out, to tape on our fridge as a constant reminder. We all must enjoy every moment, because before we know it, it will be gone.

So, here's to our "normal" days...

happy friday, y'all

2013-06-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

I went on a boat ride this morning through the Mobile Delta with a new client—brainstorming ideas for an upcoming branding project. We explored the delta for 3 hours; Bill Finch (the Mobile Botanical Gardens executive director and the Press-Register’s garden writer) was our amazing guide. I learned so much about this incredible treasure we have right here in Mobile Bay. Did you know we're getting a National Park in 2016? Pretty amazing to be a part of this project—and it's these times I'm reminded how much I love my job.

We're taking another boat ride tomorrow on our new boat. It's an 7 ft '87 Negus, so not NEW, but new to us! Bare bones—no bells and whistles—which is just what we wanted. SO excited! It'll be our first family boat ride so say a prayer it goes smoothly (or as smoothly as possible with a toddler!)

Happy Friday, y'all. Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Caroline Ceramics - Sneak Peek

2013-06-13T21:16:00.003-05:00

I just finished Caroline Ceramics new site and all designs have been sent to my programmers. This was a true labor of love. I am so in awe of her work — gosh, what a fun site to design. We'll let you know when it's live!

lately

2013-06-12T16:09:00.003-05:00

So much going on around here!

Here's sneak peek of my desktop and camera roll from the past couple days. I'm working on some exciting projects, including my own re-branding and website. More details coming soon. As always, thanks for visiting!

the beach + white space

2013-06-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend away with my two loves. This was our first actual "family" vacation— just us three. I think the images speak for themselves but we had a wonderful time. It was my-kind-of perfect: laid-back, sans makeup, sunshine, lazy beach days, catching up on sleep, building sandcastles, lots of snuggle time, poolside reading, yummy seafood and just good, quality time together.

I recently read something that has stuck with me:

"Life is all about the white space."

If you're like me, you make very little time for white space. My day is packed full of to-do lists, phone calls, errands and appointments. I always feel like there are never enough hours in the day to finish it all, and then 4pm rolls around and I don't know where the day went.

So...I'm trying to make more time for the "white space" in my life...to say "no" to a design project when my plate is too full, to stop trying to be everything to everyone and everywhere at once...because that white space is so critical to balance and joy. That white space is where the things that matter happen and where our relationships grow.

Well, our little 4-day getaway was definitely full of white space! It was a relaxing, quiet, non-event-filled, long weekend—which was just what we needed. How nice to slow down for a little while and let time stand still.

Gold Foil

2013-05-20T11:46:00.002-05:00

I'm loving gold foil these day, and am having a blast designing with it right now for my client (and good friend) Caroline Reehl.

I've had the pleasure (and true honor) of watching Caroline develop as an artist. When we first met she was 22, fresh out of college, and beginning to follow her dream (and god-given talent) as an artist and ceramicist. In just three short years, Caroline has grown into a successful entrepreneur / business-woman / ceramicist. We just updated her logo and overall color palette (see below). I'm in the process of redesigning her website, blog, and other print material. She's wanting a more professional look, to reflect where her work is now.

Here's a sneak peek of her blog redesign. MUCH more coming soon! For now, you can follow Caroline here.

Caroline is so, so talented and an absolute JOY to work with. We've worked together for 3+ years, and have become such close friends along the way. Stay tuned for many more designs featuring this amazing artist!

Beautiful quotes with gold foil via Emily McCarthy.

How Great Thou Art

2013-05-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

I could watch this video over and over again. Wow. I've seen it so many times, but every time I get goosebumps all over and can't help but tear up. How could you not? God is so good!

And a special tribute to Vince Gill. We actually got to meet him last Thursday evening at the Mobile Rescue Mission event. His voice was AMAZING and he told the best stories. I just love his music, and most importantly, everything he stands for. He's about as solid and Godly as they come. See the powerful performance below at George Jones funeral. Vince, you are THE man, and we were truly honored to be in your presence.

Designer Spotlight: Lara Casey

2013-05-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about social media is that you stumble upon people and businesses you never would have known existed. Well, thanks to Instagram, I found out about this amazing entrepreneur, Lara Casey. Good gosh, whenever I feel like I'm working hard or making some progress, I just need to look at her work and step-up my game.

I don't know how she does all of this (with a toddler!) but she is definitely inspiring. I love following mommy designers. It's so refreshing to see other women creating fabulous designs and pouring themselves into their businesses, yet embracing being a mommy and putting their babies first, at the same time. I won't lie, being a working mom is not easy—to say the least. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm blessed to work from home. It's a balancing act (I could write a novel on it... to be continued)...BUT, the passion and faith Lara has behind her work is truly rare. I could read her blog and view her website(s) for days—that's how involved she is.

I personally have been very inspired recently and am wanting to take my business (my website/my branding/etc) to the next level. It's just hard to find the time, when I'm so swamped updating other businesses' branding and websites. Believe me, I wouldn't have that any other way (my clients are what matter), but it's people like Lara, who make me want to carve out the time to be the best I can be (as cliche as that may sound)...and most importantly, to do it for a greater cause. Check out her site here and her blog here, to see what I'm talking about.

Whew, she's one talented, BUSY lady, that's for sure. So here's to being inspired and many more "Designer Spotlights" to come...

Roberts Brothers Commercial - A Home...

2013-05-01T12:10:00.002-05:00

Roberts Brothers...A Home from Roberts Brothers on Vimeo.

Our new Roberts Brothers TV commercial hit the airways this week, and I am beyond excited to share this with y'all! There are very few projects that come around like this in your career. This has been without a doubt, my favorite project I have ever been a part of, and has literally been my (2nd) "baby" these past few months. (My #1 baby is the one walking in the first shot!)

A little background on the project...

My client (Roberts Brothers) and I have talked about doing a commercial like this for years, but we just couldn't figure out where to start. We wanted to come up with something that really captured the emotion and the meaning of a home. I had never produced a commercial before, but was willing to dive-in whenever the inspiration hit.

That inspiration came when I was watching the super bowl, and I was so moved by this JEEP commercial, with Oprah as the narrator.

It was an ah-ha moment for us and we thought: That's it! We need a script and a voice (not just any voice, but "the" voice) and powerful shots to back it up. I sat down at my computer, and in about an hour, wrote this script. I then presented it to Daniel Dennis (RBI President) and he loved it, and so our work began.

We teamed up with Cari Searcy (owner of All Good Creatives) for the video production. She is amazing and so talented, and we worked tirelessly together to make our vision come true. And also, a huge thank you to Cari's assistant for the day, the talented Devin Ford. We love working with Devin, and she helped Cari capture these shots. The commercial took an entire Saturday to film. We filmed it at my house, my neighbor's house and a RBI agent's house. We were so thankful for all of the people that showed up and acted out the parts. We couldn't have done it without their help!

The next task was to find "the voice". We knew this would make or break the commercial, and we spent months searching for the perfect voice. We looked all the way from Hollywood to Fred Thompson to Condoleezza Rice, and nothing was working out. They were either too expensive or just weren't the perfect fit. On our way home from the video shoot, I told Daniel my father-in-law's voice might be worth listening to. When we pulled up at my house, he just so happened to be there with my husband and daughter. We asked him to read the script, and immediately, we knew he was the one. After all this searching, the voice was right around the corner! Within a week, we met him at the recording studio. To say he was awesome is an understatement. Mack took our direction and nailed it! The fact that his voice is "the voice", makes this project that much more special.

The music is by the talented Sanders Bohlke. I went to Ole Miss with Sanders and have always loved this song, Lovesick Misery. I kept envisioning it as the instrumental. He was nice enough to take time out of his busy touring schedule, and rerecord this 60-second spot just for our commercial.

Whew...sorry for the long recap, and if you can't tell, this project was very close to my heart :)

Happy hump day everyone! May you always live and celebrate life in the home of your dreams...

spring fever

2013-04-29T12:10:00.001-05:00

Spring has sprung, and after years of dealing with the azalea bushes we inherited (which were literally drowning the front of the house), we decided to re-landscape our front yard. Right now, our front yard is bare...nothing but dirt! But everything should be complete this week and I can't wait to see the end result.

Since our front yard is off-limits, we spent some time working in the backyard this weekend. After about a year or so of neglect, it was time to finish raking, plant some flowers, and lay down new mulch.

We tackled this little area below, which is outside of our screen porch and a small walkway to the deck. It desperately needed some love and was looking mighty sad! We dug up the existing sod/dirt, planted simple plants, and put down new mulch. We used red mulch (~~because that's what the hubs came home with~~) because that's the color of the leaves that fall there, so it won't be as much upkeep.

We also tried to improve this little eyesore too. What a difference that made!

And every year we plant our herb garden. This year, I planted basil, oregano, parsley and mint. Our rosemary is the same plant from last year...you can't kill this stuff...which I love! See my previous herb garden posts here and here. I can't believe this is my 3rd year to blog about this. Time continues to fly by!

And for some reason, our mint does so much better in a pot by itself. I guess you live and learn, and I've learned mostly by trial and error.

So with just one Saturday of work, Calder has a much friendlier backyard to play in :)

And I can't get enough of those little thighs and pig tails! I.could.eat.her.UP!

The art of cross stitching

2013-04-26T14:07:00.002-05:00

Cross stitch is a true art form. It takes so much patience and creativity, not to mention time! My mom is so very talented, and for as long as I can remember, she has loved cross stitching. I think it's therapeutic for her—she loves to cuddle up with her colorful threads and stitch away. But what makes her designs so special is that it is all freehand, and not done with a pattern. If you've ever tried cross stitch or needlepoint, you know how hard that is!

I guess it runs in the family, because her mother did some beautiful cross stitch and needlepoint work. See the wedding sampler/birth announcement my grandmother did below. I don't think I've inherited this gene. I'm not patient enough for this, nor do I have the time, but I hope later in life I can at least try :)

And here's the amazing wedding sampler my mom did for us. I adore this so, so much, and it will always hang in our living room, and remind us of that special day. Every little detail reflects our wedding...down to the flowers, the church and the exact bench where Bruner proposed to me.

Mom recently designed this beautiful sample for Calder. I can't even describe how much I love this. It is absolutely beautiful, and something Calder will cherish forever, as well as her parents.

I could stare at it forever.

Mom, you are so talented and I can't thank you enough for these treasures. You inspire me everyday, and I hope I am half the artist and mother you are!

Going home

2013-04-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know now that I have a family of my own and am almost 30 (sigh), my "home" is in Mobile, but Chattanooga will always be my real "home." Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Mobile and have some of the best friends here I could have ever dreamed of, BUT, there's something about going home that makes you miss where you came from. It's where your roots are, where everyone knows you and who your folks are. It's like going back in time — to where all your childhood memories were made. And let's be honest, I may be near the beach in Mobile, but I miss the mountains! I guess you always love what you're use to :)

Bottom line is — I don't go home often enough.

When Calder's with her Grandaddy, she forgets about everyone else. I was a huge daddy's girl, so it warms my heart to see this. Of course, she loves SuSu too, but right now Grandaddy is "it"!

Calder with her Godfather, Uncle Jake.

The weather was perfect for a downtown river walk.

I love this place. I use to sprint up this zig-zag trail all the time, whew...those were the days:)

Mom will probably kill me for posting this photo, but I thought it was so sweet. I think they were very concerned about the wind in her face. Gosh, I love my parents. Calder-bear is so very blessed to have them.

The girl loves to wave ... to EVERYONE.

It really was the perfect weekend. We cooked out both nights, had several dance parties (Calder's dance moves are hilarious!), slept in past 7 am (which is a BIG deal), and laughed a lot!

Such a sweet, sweet time. Too short of course, but couldn't have been better medicine for the soul.