Lesley Graham

MY FUNNY VALENTINES

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

photos from my instagram

I love these two people. I've had these moments recently where it is so heart breakingly clear how much I love them. I took Matilda to the park the other day and her hair was shining in the sun and she was running towards me. It was the most beautiful sight I think I've ever seen. She chased me and then we rode down the slide, holding hands and she said, "I love you. You are my Mama." I could cry just thinking about it. The most tender of words. Everything she says comes from a pure place, so when she says things like that I know she means it. I love being her Mom.

Then there's Sam. I couldn't ask for a better husband. He forces me to go to Barnes and Noble and read magazines when he knows I need it, he's an amazing cook, he takes incredible care of his girls. He's creative and funny (don't tell him I said that), he's brilliant - after my computer crashed last week he had it up and running within 24 hours. Take that apple. He's just this guy that I really like a. lot. I'm so grateful. I never thought he existed before we met and the longer we're married the more I appreciate him. Hopefully I'm not making anyone nauseous with all of my sappiness. Ha! My friend Laura posted that she would be doing this for her husband for Valentine's and I love this idea.

I'm so excited about the dinner menu I have planned for tonight. We would much rather stay in on a holiday and I'm going to try to make it really special. What are your plans?

NEW ITEMS IN SHOP

2012-02-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last week when I was sewing up a carryall I broke my sewing machine. I've been wanting to upgrade for a while and well, I sure did. I've been sewing up a storm ever since. I recently added the Lilly dress in this color wave. I also created a custom Grey Arrow Print carryall. I really love the contrast of the gray with the gold satin fabric. I had a dear friend request a custom baby blanket for her little one's car seat. I made this one out of super soft flannel and then organic cotton fleece on the underside. I finished it off with some quilting to make it extra cozy. I can make this in a variety of prints, so just convo me if you are interested. I also created a carryall in a hot pink/ chevron combo. Valentine's Day has me feeling pink! I also added a fun chevron pocket for a little pop of fun on the inside.

WEEK TWO

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Red pepper recipe here/ Christy Turlington for Madame Le Figaro

Here we are... week two! Read about week one to get all caught up. Week two is exactly the same as week one if your goal is serious overhaul on your health and you need to lose weight. If you are just wanting to incorporate more healthy foods and to change your lifestyle then you can now start adding in berries to the rotation. The goal is to restart your metabolism. When your body is used to constantly burning carbohydrates, it can never really burn fat. Once your body can start burning fat, then you'll really start to see changes. Continue to avoid all alcohol. Don't forget to print off your health log so that you can visually see the changes that are happening!

Would love to hear from anyone who is playing along with us. How are you feeling?

GETTIN' HEALTHY LOG

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I created a free print out to use with the 12-week program that I'll be sharing with you guys. I tried to design it in an easy-to-use way. Not one less thing to mess with, but an inspiring way to track your progress. If you're participating... how are you feeling? I'm not gonna lie. Sometimes when I'm withdrawing from sugar I find that I get a little down in the dumps. You just have to get past that. Food and emotions go so hand in hand, because we are SO conditioned. I try to be mindful of this with Matilda, because I don't want her to seek comfort from food.

Hope you guys have a great weekend. I also wanted to tell you about a great greens mix that my friend Paul told me about for those that struggle with getting the veggies down. It's called Delicious Greens and it's available on Vitacost which is a terrific website that can save you lots on supplements, etc.

KID LUNCHES BY BLEUBIRD

2012-02-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

Wanna hear a not-so-funny story? The other day when I dropped Matilda off at Parent's Morning Out, I came back to pick her up and all of the kids were sitting nicely at the tables and Matilda was in the corner crying. Lady at PPO: "She's a little upset." Me: "Oh no. Why are you upset Matilda?" Lady: "Well, she wanted a lunch." Me: "Oh, well how does that work." Lady: "Well, you have to bring her one." Yeah. Mother of the year. I had no idea that they served lunch. Now I do!

So, after that notsofun experience I've been on the hunt for a cool lunchbox and I remembered seeing this series on the Bleubird blog. James is one of those superwomen that home schools and cooks perfect meals for her adorable family and runs a megablog. She is always perfectly put together, etc. I love these creative lunches that incorporate fun and healthy elements. I also remember thinking these bento boxes were amazing. So, I ordered Matilda her very own Goodbyn in strawberry. Here's to healthy lunches and kids not crying in corners.

WHAT IS KOMBUCHA?

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

After watching this video and this video, I was all "What is Kombucha?!"

Kombucha is a tea-based beverage created by fermenting tea and sugar with the kombucha culture. Huh?! Basically you take this culture that looks like a rubbery pancake called "the mother", put it in some sweet tea and it creates all of these acids and probiotics that do wonders for your health. It sounds a little freaky deaky, but it is so great. I love it and although they isn't a lot of evidence that there are health benefits from drinking this "living beverage," it certainly has tons of claims. If nothing else it is a delicious drink that has an all-natural fizz that is a great pick me up for those trying to wean themselves off carbonated beverages. It tastes to me like sparking apple cider with a little hint of vinegar. Read more here.

I'm curious if any of you have tried making your own. Are you a fan?

FINDING INSPIRATION

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! So happy to hear that a few of you are on board with making some lifestyle changes. Educating people on the importance of what you put in your body is something I've been extremely passionate about ever since Sam and I decided to change our lives through eating healthy and exercising. I've been much more laid back lately because I got tired of other people's resistance to wanting to eat whole foods. I just got discouraged from fighting for change and really the best way to inspire people is not by being a know-it-all (ugh I don't want to come across that way) but by just living your life in a way that makes people interested in what you're doing.

So, along with trying to inspire anyone who reads this blog, I'm also working to re-inspire myself. I have been taking on a lot of negativity recently and am embarrassed to admit that I let other people really shake my confidence. I don't think people realize how their words and actions can affect me. I try to be really strong, but I'm sensitive. I wish I wasn't. It's a pain in the butt sometimes and I'm working on not caring what other people think. I've also noticed that "unwinding" at night without a glass of wine gives me more time to think and worry. Pushin' through that.

Back to inspiration! Boy-ee. I think people who are passionate about nutrition and wellness are so inspiring. There are lots of great blogs that focus on a holistic approach to living. Adrienne Eats is one that I really like. Adrienne's participating in The Food Matters project which I think is really cool. If you haven't seen Food Matters or Forks over Knives, I recommend watching them both. They are usually streaming on Netflix.

I am still having a morning cup of coffee. I decided that I still really enjoy having my coffee in the morning and one cup seems to treat me alright. I am snacking on nuts and I'm not hungry. Protein is so much more filling than carbs and when you eat the right balance of veggies and proteins it sustains you. Also, when you start the day with grains, it makes you crave them all day. If you have any questions I'll try and answer them and I'd love to hear what you're eating, what recipes are working for you and how you're feeling!

Pictured Above: Bryce Dallas Howard for Kate Spade

WEEK ONE

2012-02-06T09:01:00.001-05:00

This week marks week one of 12-week Biggest Loser competition that Sam has started at his work. They are doing a team-based weight loss challenge that will extend to their spouses as well if they want to participate (this goes for YOU too). The winter months start to take their toll on your fitness level and overall health, so this will be a great way to invigorate your body and to work towards showin' off a little skin in the warmer months (who am I kidding, it was 70 here yesterday - not complaining).

Week One
-Cut out all processed foods and sugars.
-Cut out grains.
-Cut out fruit minus a handful of berries a day.
-Cut out drinks other than water (this includes alcohol - sorry).
-Cut out diet anything. Diet drinks or sweeteners actually make you gain weight and are full of harmful chemicals.

-Add in lots of green vegetables. Avoid the starchy ones.
-Eat healthy proteins like grass-fed beef, free range chicken, turkey, etc.
-Drinks lots of water with lemon. Drinking lemon in your water actually speeds up your metabolism.
-Cook with coconut oil and avoid all other oils over high heat. Olive oil is great for salads! -Try my favorite breakfast: Greek yogurt with nuts, tiny amount of preserves, cinnamon, and a little pinch of organic shredded, unsweetened coconut.
-Exercise should include: walking, yoga, light cardio. Nothing too strenuous. We'll ease in to all of that.

This is a quick way to drop up to 5 lbs. We'll be re-introducing fruit after the next two weeks. Wanna join us? Leave me a comment and I'll be sure to help keep you motivated.

Girl on a bike shot by Alexi Lubomirski for Bazaar Magazine

FEBRUARY GOALS

2012-02-02T08:48:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that its been a month since I set up my monthly goal calendar and did my January goals. I was so terrified a month ago and I am so thankful to say that I met some of my goals. Yahoo! We survived! Although there were several goals that I fell short on, I'm learning! Thank you all for your incredible support, encouragement, comments, etc. Made the first month of working from home way less scary. Thinking of February and what I would love to accomplish, there are a few goals on my list that involve RESTING. I have been going a mile a minute around here and I want to make sure that I'm taking time to enjoy Matilda and the little things. Stopping to smell the roses, if you will. I also want to make room for quiet time in the mornings which is a bit of a challenge right now. I recognize that nothing is more important. Realigning my priorities. I listed a few of this month's goals above, including finally finishing Creative Inc and The Handmade Marketplace (two excellent resources).

You can print your own February Goal Calendar here. Need a little inspiration? Check out Ben Silbermann's (founder of Pinterest) keynote speech for Alt Summit.

Pencils/ Carryall/ Flowers

ORGANIZING MATILDA'S ROOM

2012-02-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, holler if you hear me. The toy/book/clothing situation at my house is outtacontrol. I basically just keep Matilda's room in a state of constant chaos because as soon as I clean it, it looks exactly the same as it did before. My little one is a vivacious, curious soul. Wouldn't change that for the world. Just trying to figure out how to make her room work for her. This weekend we are planning on gutting and reorganizing her room with shelving + hooks and fun storage bins specific to different things like: art supplies, dress-up clothes, instruments, etc. I want to be able to bring a basket down, have her play her heart out and then be able to clean up the aftermath in a hurry. The main dilemma right now are the books. They are everywhere! I love them so much, I just don't want to see them (and their jackets that are always removed) on the floor. Matilda's room is such a happy place when it's clean. Solutions welcomed!

top left/ bottom right

WIN!

2012-01-31T07:54:00.001-05:00

The lovely and hilarious Bridget is hosting a Tiny Fete giveaway today over on her blog. Tales of Me and the Husband is one of my all-time favorite reads and an obvious choice for me to advertise with. Hope you'll enter to win a $40 shop credit. I would love it!

In other news... did anyone else watch The Bachelor last night?! Please discuss.

A WEEKEND IN THE WOODS

2012-01-30T09:20:00.001-05:00

Hello! We just got back from the woods of Alabama and I'm feeling so rejuvenated. We had an incredible time at my Grandparents' beautiful woodland home. It is one of our favorite places to escape to. Sam especially gets completely lost in nature and goes on these long hikes and Guinness wears himself completely out. I usually end up reading and chatting with my Grammy and Lynndaddy and Matilda is obsessed with taking rides on the gator (which she's done since she could hold her head up). We even got to spend a night with Jake which was awesome. He's such a fun uncle.
We ate a lot of amazing food so I'll be sticking to proteins and veggies this week. Ha. No one makes better pancakes than Grammy. We also had some incredible margaritas here when we went in to town. Before we left we rolled all of Matilda's piggy bank money and picking out a toy was on the agenda. We have never done this before, so I didn't know how it would play out. She was so decisive (unlike her Mama). She went straight to a doll and said "This is it." Amazing! I was so proud and it made me realize how much she is maturing and that I should really give her more chances to make decisions and choices. She has great taste.

I felt so inspired while I was there with some downtime to draw and read. I feel ready to conquer the week. Speaking of this week... I have something fun to share tomorrow so stay tuned!

FRIDAY READ + NEW CARRYALLS

2012-01-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

Happy (almost) friday! I've added some new carryalls to the shop. Lots of bright canvas that can be customized if you would like a different color. Stripes and satin arrows are also making an appearance. I'm having so much fun dreaming up new color/texture combinations.

We are off to the woods and so excited about it. Hope you all have a very beautiful, relaxing weekend and check out pugly pixel for my friday reads. The lovely Katrina taught me how to make pictures move and lots of other things about photoshop. That lady is my hero.

TOSS IT IN SMOOTHIE

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sam got me a Vitamix for Christmas the year before last and it is something I use every day. It is definitely an investment and I have a lot of friends who've splurged on one as well. Any high powered blender will do the job, but I highly recommend treating yourself to one of these bad boys.

My body has been craving raw produce and smoothies are one of the best ways to sneak it in. I worry so much about Matilda getting all of the nutrients that her growing body needs and most of the time the girl does not want to eat. Lately, unless it's bread, she's not touching it. However... she will crush a smoothie. Woohoo! This smoothie in particular is a "everything but the kitchen sink" recipe, with the coconut milk making it nice and creamy. The color was the prettiest mint green. It was awesome.

"Toss it in" Smoothie - 1/2 c coconut milk
- 1/2 a lemon
-1 carrot
- ginger
- 1/2 cup raw brocolli
- handful of kale
- 1 orange peeled
- 1 green apple
- 1 cup of frozen berries
- 1/2 a frozen banana
- ice

I am working so hard to keep up healthy habits. Matilda and I did sun salutations outside yesterday in the warm sun. Oh how I have missed the sun. We also snuck in a walk and coffee date with friends. I'm really trying to find a life/work balance. It has been a little crazy 'round here. I feel like I'm hitting the pillow harder than ever. Downtime mostly consists of tv (this and this in case you want to chat about that) and I'm craving God-rich solitude. Luckily, we are heading to the woods this weekend. Couldn't have come at a better time.

PARTY GIRL

2012-01-24T13:20:00.000-05:00

I was recently commissioned by the lovely Tiffany to create a dress for her daughter's first birthday. I am always incredibly honored to be able to create a garment that will be a part of such a special day. Those photos from a first birthday are so special. Love birthday parties! This dress was inspired by a picture Tiffany found on pinterest (thanks pinterest) of some dresses I made for two little cuties a while back. This dress (the Ava dress) is now in the shop. Tiffany wanted something bright and colorful and I am happy to work with you if you would like more options than the swatches I have listed. Just convo me!

RAINY MORNINGS

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

The mornings have been so quiet around here. Mostly because our house is dark and still with the incessant rainy, grey days. I sort of love having the house to myself in the mornings when everyone else is still asleep (including our dog, Guinness). I get up and read (I'm currently reading this, this, and this) and have my morning cup of coffee in peace and then I'll hear this little voice talking about her "satchel" (a frying pan that she thinks is a satchel, which she picked up from Tangled) and reading her variations on her favorite books. Yesterday it was Angelina and Alice, which I must admit I love just as much as Matilda. It's these little moments that I'm trying so hard not to miss in the midst of our chaotic days.

Also, I wanted to mention that we had the best veggie tacos here. Give this little gem a chance.

FRIDAY READS: THE BEAUTY DEPARTMENT

2012-01-20T08:07:00.001-05:00

As far as beauty blogs go, The Beauty Department deserves to stand alone. Created by Lauren Conrad's team of beautifiers: Kristen Ess (hair) and Amy Nadine (makeup), the site is FULL of info from how to create your own Missoni-inspired nails to how to calm frizzy hair during the winter. Seriously, you name it, they cover it. They also preach the importance of what you put in to your body and how that affects your skin/hair/everything. Have fun! Hope you all have a relaxing weekend. It's raining all weekend here, so that means pajama day at our house! - Lesley

WINTER ROOT VEGETABLE SOUP

2012-01-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

This soup is the perfect compliment to the gray, cold weather we've been having in the south. This is the time of year where I start to get the winter blues and good soup is usually a pretty great cure. It's also a lovely way to get in your vegetables. You can also puree this soup for those who don't like to look at the vegetables they're about to eat cough-Sam-cough.

Winter Root Vegetable Soup
based on the winter soup recipe in The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook (thanks Mom!)

1 medium yellow onion

3 cloves garlic

4 t ginger (I grate mine with a microplane)

4 carrots

1 medium turnip

1 small head of green cabbage

32 oz chicken stock

2 t tomato paste

salt and pepper to taste

Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger and add to 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large pot. Stir frequently and let cook until the onions are translucent (about 10 minutes) then add the carrots and turnips (both diced as chunky as you like them) and cook until they are "firm tender" another 7 minutes or so. Then coat with tomato paste and add the cabbage (cut in to strips about 1" thick) and chicken stock. Salt to taste and let come to a boil. Then let simmer for 20 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste and finish off with fresh squeezed lemon juice if you like! Enjoy. - Lesley

WRAP IT UP

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finally all of my packaging for Tiny Fete has arrived and I was able to put it to good use for a recent order. I am so thankful to have orders. I've been busy! Yay! Last week was surely a test of insecurity, but I'm feeling better. It's amazing the power that insecurity can have. I was all kinds of doubting myself in all areas of my life. This video was a nice little nudge to keep pushing forward (thanks Lindsay!).

Matilda had her first morning at a really sweet mother's morning out program that I found. It killed me. She was so excited to get out the door to go to "school." She was skipping down the hall with her backpack on. She said, "Mama, I'm gonna be a real kid." Tearing up as I write this. Sheesh. Parenting is not for the faint of heart.

I also had my first meeting with Rachel at the shop and it felt great to be out and have a little time to get things done. Then we got home and a nap was not happening. Just rolling with the punches and doing what I can to keep calm and be kind and firm at the same time. Tricky business. Napping and parenting aside, something else that has really been troubling me is people in my life who I thought would be really supportive but aren't (just to clarify I do NOT mean supportive monetarily). I have so many awesome people cheering me on that I shouldn't care, right? I wish that were true. Gotta keep loving people anyway. God is teaching me that daily. Hardest lesson in life is learning how to not focus on ourselves and to forgive always. 70 x 7. - Lesley

STYLE INSPIRATION 02

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Miss Lana Del Rey is sort of this glamour puss bad girl (me to a tee, bah!) that sings some of the moodiest, most addictive music I've heard in a long time. She's totally the "I've never heard of her, oh wait she's everywhere now that I have" girl of the moment. She was on SNL over the weekend and her album hasn't even come out yet. "Born to Die" is slated to be released at the end of the month. She made her own videos and put them on YouTube and voila - overnight success. Isn't she gorgeous? She reminds me of a edgier young Julia Roberts. I can't stop listening to this song. - Lesley

image sources unknown

LIMITED EDITION VALENTINE'S APRONS

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is a little less than a month away and I would love to make your sweetheart their own heart pocket apron! There are two options: Limited Edition Valentine's Day apron + Heart Pocket Aprons. If you're a friend on facebook you'll get a coupon for 15% off. Convo me before you purchase an apron for the code.

CATAPULT!

2012-01-16T09:02:00.000-05:00

This weekend we had some low-key family time, which was just what we all needed. We went to see Beauty and the Beast 3D (amazing!) and we tried to do things that were totally all about Matilda since we can be so busy, I'm trying to be aware of her need for special time with us.

I am so thankful for a creative husband. Sam is always challenging me to step outside of the box and always comes up with these really silly, fun things to do with Matilda. He took her to the "orange store" and got supplies to make a catapult. Right?! So fun. He picked out neon pink duck tape to make it with because he knew us girls would be in to that. I was able to get the entire house cleaned because they were outside playing with the catapult for hours. I love seeing the two of them having a blast together. It's awesome. - Lesley

Do you have any fun/creative things to do with kids that you want to share?

LOVE.

2012-01-13T14:18:00.001-05:00

I put together my very first treasury over at Etsy. Perfect topic to start with, no? Valentine's day makes me really happy. Sure, it's manufactured and can make you feel crappy when you're single, but look at those colors! They are a instant dose of happy on this cloudy, wintry day. I put together a mix of kraft paper goods (I am in love) with sparkly hearts, cute pencils, and other adorable ways to say "I love you." If nothing else... treatyoself. - Lesley

FRIDAY READS: LAY BABY LAY + SEED FACTORY

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! When it comes to nursery design, it really doesn't get any better than Lay Baby Lay. Joni has a knack for putting together the most darling/cool rooms with themes that aren't at all cheesy. She finds the greatest prints, furniture, etc and even provides inspired paint colors. Where was she when I was pregnant? You'll love it.

Seed Factory is the best children's store in Atlanta (yes, I am partial) and I love penning the blog. I hope you'll check it out. There is a little bit of everything from "what's new" to our inspirations to recipes, etc. - Lesley

What are some of your favorite children's design blogs?

SETTING GOALS IN CALENDAR FORM

2012-01-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

I am a visual person. Period. When I think of business plans and forms I start to get sleepy. Boring. I wanted a way to track my growth as a freelancer and shop owner (and human being) in a way that was a little more stimulating and exciting. I'm working in monthly goals in order to keep myself from feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by my "big picture." Dreaming and then working backwards to see how to accomplish those dreams gives you an attainable way to make things happen! Goals are hugely important, because they work as a way to track progress. One foot in front of the other style. Each month I've listed ten goals that are s.m.a.r.t. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely), including everything from growing my etsy audience to spending a certain amount of time away from the computer each day. It's important to me to not get too swept up in the internet and what other people are doing because it stifles the creative spirit. Ya dig? - Lesley
(studio picture swiped from my instagram)

How do you set goals for yourself? Download your own January Goal Calendar here.

ps I'm guest posting over at my good friend Kathleen's blog. I'm talkin' bout what I've learned my first week of working from home.