Brittany Garner: Life & Design

5 Things

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

+ This picture kinda-sorta captures my life right now. Toddler doing everything except what I want him to. Me laughing and drinking my way through it. It's really something.

+ I graduated from college 3 years ago this weekend. I remember willingly only getting 2 hours of sleep so I could stay out until the bars closed then get up at the crack ass of dawn to go to another bar. I remember my dad meeting us there and buying Tyler, me and our friends rounds of Vodka Red Bulls. Then I remember drunkingly riding a pedicab with my cousin in our caps and gowns and arriving at the field to become college graduates. That's also the weekend I played matchmaker to two dear friends who are now engaged. And now it feels like 3 years has flown by and dragged by all at the same time. Ah, memories.

+ Moving day is getting closer and we've (Tyler has) packed exactly 1 box.

+ I added two new little buttons to the ol' sidebar: the BGD Wedding Design Guide and the BGD Custom Design Process. These cover the basics of two of my most frequently asked questions so I hope they are helpful. But if you have any questions don't hesitate to email me: hello {at) brittanygarnerdesign {dot} com.

+ The Slider starring Harrison:

Slider from Brittany Garner on Vimeo.

Branding: Love & Kismet

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Corinne on her exciting new business venture! While this lovely lady was planning her wedding she discovered a beautiful way of creating a bouquet that will not only look gorgeous in pictures but be a lasting keepsake for the years to come. When Corinne first told me about her plans to start selling her silk taffeta bouquets and boutineers my first thoughts were of what a great "something old" they could some day be. Could you imagine using the same bouquet your mom or grandmother used? Or pinning the same boutineer your husband wore on to your son's tuxedo for his wedding or prom some day? It's a really cool idea and I hope you all check out her shop!

Love & Kismet Etsy Shop

Discovering My Kismet Blog

Color Palette: Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Some nights, this is the view from our apartment. I like those kinds of nights.

Custom Design: Save the Date

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I don't think there is a more fun couple than Chelsey and Scott. I mean, look at these pictures! I've been good friends with these fools for 5 years now and I am SO excited for their upcoming wedding.

Office/Playroom Plans

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I am so very excited to finally have my own designated office space! Up until this point my office has been both a small corner of the living room and (after Harrison figured out how to open drawers) a small corner of the bedroom. It's worked fine but I have officially outgrown it. I need more space to package orders, organize files and space to just spread out. Because sometimes I just have to lay on the floor for a few minutes in between projects. :)

We move on June 1st and the plan is to go room by room and actually make our little apartment feel like a home. We always have great big plans and then end up with nothing on the walls and projects are always saved for "another time."

Starting with the combo office/playroom.

In case you were wondering, yes, Ikea is going to be getting a lot of business from us in the near future.

Current To Do List:
+ MOVE!

Stay tuned! :)

5 Things

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

+ There were too many hoodlums (read: teenagers. I'm 80 years old.) at the pool the other day so we decided to make our own pool. On our second floor apartment patio. I thought H was going to explode, he was so excited. Screaming. Squealing. Our neighbors love us.

+ I survived bachelorette weekend! In both a mom-way and drink-too-much-booze way. It was good all around. So, so good. I love my friends.

+ Harrison had a grand ol' time at grandma and grandpa's. So much in fact that he SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT. Yes, people, you read that right. My 15 month old newborn slept through the night for the first time ever at my parent's house and I wasn't there to reap the benefits. And in case you're wondering, no, he hasn't done it since.

+ Tyler did good. I didn't get home until 4 p.m. on Mother's Day but he had flowers, chocolate, and gifts on the table waiting. The entire place was clean and perfect. We got takeout sushi and he listened patiently as I told him 98345739487 stories about my weekend and asked him exactly 0 things about his (best wife ever).

+ I have the month of June off from the day job. It's so close I can taste it.

Pricing Your Time

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I hold my breath, clench my teeth and feel my heart race every time I see an email reply to a price quote that I sent.

You're not worth that much money!

Your work isn't good enough.

Are you serious?!

Are all replies I'm terrified to receive.

Someone I really look up to once said to me "charge enough to make the work worth it to you." If I had all the time in the world, I would work for free. I'm not kidding! I love creating beautiful invitations for a wedding or fun art work that I know will hang in a nursery for years to come. Those things make it exciting to me!

So it really comes down to this: what is my time worth? This is time away from my family, late nights at the computer, missing a workout that I was just dying to go to (hahaha ok, not that last one). Time is a valuable thing. And as a working mom, that time is even more weighted now.

This post in the Biz Ladies series on Design*Sponge couldn't be more timely. "Putting a value on your services and time creates an expectation that others will as well and the amount they’re willing to pay you is directly related to how much you value your time, your work and yourself."

My confidence in my ability grows every day but there's always that small part of me, when I see other designers' work or can't get a project quite right, that doubts what I'm doing. Hence the panic toward my inbox.

Maybe email responses will always illicit a pounding heart and sweaty palms, I don't know. I do know that I will always do my best to produce the best product and the best customer service that I can possibly manage. Nothing but my absolute best.

How do you handle pricing your time?

{Roosevelt quote print}

A Little Love // 11

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

ONE // This deserted places blog is creepy and so, so awesome. Pictured is an abandoned haunted hotel. There's also deserted igloo hotels, hospitals, schools, theme parks, cities and more.

TWO // 36 Little Hacks That Will Make Parenting So Much Easier. Including making a mini table hammock.

THREE // Obsessed with this Creative Catharsis. A group of creatives got together and designed prints with some of the worst feedback they've gotten from clients. Hilarious.

FOUR // 22 Changes You Make In Your 20s. Whether you want to admit it or not.

FIVE // This is incredible photography blog with great tips and advice. My friend Jessica introduced me to it and she just had one of her own amazing photos chosen to be a part of their Critique Me series!

SIX // A non-profit Book of Beards. All proceeds from the first press go to the author's friend who has cancer, all proceeds thereafter will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. How amazing is that?

+

Today I'm off for my best friend's bachelorette weekend! So excited to celebrate Christina, go wine tasting and hang with my favorite girls. Have a great weekend!

Harrison :: 15 Months

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Stats
We have his 15 month appointment next week but my bet is he's over 26 lbs.

Favorite Foods
Blueberries, blackberries, anything sweet.

Favorite Words

Ball, down, hi, car, wah ooh eee (one, two, three). Mostly babbles though. He thinks he's hilarious. ;)

Favorite Toy

Balls! There are 3 balls at the pool in our complex. We've gone swimming a couple times and the entiiiiiiire time "ball?" point at ball. repeat 8793876 times. :)

Favorite Activities

Dancing. Climbing. Eating. Bathing. Running around like a mad man.

Least Favorite Activities

Surprise, still sleeping!

Signature Moves

Open mouth kisses to the mouth.

Other 13 Month Notables

+ Kid has 14 chompers now, including 2 bottom molars. I now understand the saying "molars are a bitch."

+ I know that the kid has had a camera in his face since he was born but now whenever I bring out the camera he is all CHEEEEESE. And I love it.

+ We had a pretty big breakthrough the other night when he was so eager to get to reading books at bedtime that he didn't nurse. So he went to bed without nursing. Progress.

+ When he doesn't want to hold your hand anymore, he'll just go limp and fall to the ground. It's a really fun little quirk when you're in public.

Color Inspiration: Flamingos

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Have you ever checked out Encycolorpedia.com? You just type in the hex code and SO MUCH INFORMATION (more than you'll ever need) about any given color. It even gives you the paint brands that make paint (and closely related) in that color! So cool. If you're in to design at all, be careful, you might end up spending hours on this site.

5 Things

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

+ Starting yesterday, the BGD Shop is on vacation until June. It was a tough decision but I need some time to put some organizational processes into place for my own sanity. I made a pretty big mistake on an order over the weekend, while so, so, so embarrassing we got it fixed and everything worked out. I just need a little breather. I also want to create some brand new stuff and this will give me time to focus on that. If you ordered from my big sale, those prints will be shipping soon! Keep an eye on your email. And while the shop itself is closed, I'm still taking custom orders so email me if you have something in mind! :)

+ Brittany Garner Design has it's own Pinterest! I will be switching over to this account from my old one full time at some point.

+ I bought a mom bathing suit. I like it but man, it makes me feel so much like a mom. That and the fact that there are at least three hot wheels cars in my purse at all times.

+The Garners are moving! ...to a bigger apartment in our same complex! Haha. It will be so nice to have my own office space though. I'm thinking I will make it an office/play room combo so that Harrison and I can both manage our businesses during awake hours. And it's totally crazy but I'm already sad that we are leaving Harrison's nursery behind. I am the epitome of irrational, you don't have to say it.

+ I'm going to be doing a Q&A/FAQ/WAY TMI series. What burning questions do you have for me? Any topic: design, owning a small Etsy business, being a mom to a mullet-haired child, being married to a smart ass, etc. All questions welcome! And if you don't want to comment your question, feel free to email me. brittanyngarner at gmail dot com :)

Freedom Bunting {DIY Printable}

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Memorial Day (May 27) and the 4th of July are just around the corner! This Freedom Bunting Printable is perfect for any mantle, doorway or party decor.

Download full banner here >>

Please link with love. Thank you and enjoy this banner!

In May...

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:35:00 +0000

Get organized. The biggest goal for May. I want to streamline my workflow to up my productivity. I am busy, guys. Like, busier than ever. I love it but I'm also realizing that my creative process of jumping from project to project and trying to remember where I am with each client isn't really going to cut it anymore. I plan to utilize my Google Calendar more. Like, actually use it.

Take great pictures of my products. I need to learn and practice how to use my camera better. I want some beautiful photos of the invitations and such I've done lately.

Create. It's been a few weeks since I've created anything brand new. I am bursting with ideas but I need to find the time to sit down at the computer and just create.

Make healthy choices. When I was doing Shred March I was just in an overall better spot mentally (and physically!). Duh, Brittany. Working out, even just 30 minutes a day, needs to be more of a priority. I can set aside 30 minutes a day. In conjunction with working out, I need to make healthier food choices. But I won't give up cheese. Don't make me. :)

What are your goals this month?

50% Off Art Prints!

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

As a thank you to everyone who has supported me through my BGD journey thus far, here's a little 50% off coupon. Just in time for Mother's Day too!

Sale ends Sunday, 5/5!

The 'Grams

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Life as of late, via the 'Gram machine:

L: Brother week begins. BELLEH.
R: Swimming in April. Ain't no thang.

L: Brother week continues.
R: Before you start typing that comment about baby proofing doors... I'm aware. It's done.

L: Way too much time on our hands.
R: WWE training.

The Hard Days

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:57:00 +0000

I've had a few. I usually put my head down, grit my teeth and get through them. Intending to write about them, how things aren't always perfect, in hopes that even just one other mother won't feel so alone when shit isn't all rainbows and puppy dogs.

But I never do.

I think it's because once it's over I want to pretend they never happened. Or I don't want to relive them and continue wishing/hoping/praying that it never happens again.

I AM LIVING IN DENIAL. Obviously.

Today was a really rough one. The kind of day that started at midnight with a certain tiny human that wouldn't go back to sleep. The kind of rough start that forced a spouse to drive your 15 month old around in the car for 30 minutes to get him to fall asleep again. This was a day that still included a 5:30 a.m. wake up to head to the airport to get a sibling that you haven't seen in 6 months. Whose company you tried your hardest to enjoy on the drive back but all you could daydream about was begging him to watch the baby so you could take a nap. The early wake up also meant waking the Tazmanian Devil Child that early too. Which meant scream-cries 59% of the 3 hour total car ride.

Then a 20 minute nap.

Then the crankiness. Oh, the crankiness.

Then the hitting/throwing things/biting/laughing when told no. All the while feeling like your going to barf because... you know that sick feeling when a nap is cut way too freaking short and you wake up feeling like crap? Yeah, that.

And the cherry on top: it's only 4:30.

I know it's only only one hard day but I'm only human. This is hard. I am tapped out. My breaking point was an hour ago.

I would drink a bottle of wine only I know I'll still be up 34985793487560389467 times with the tiny human tonight. So it probably wouldn't be worth it.

Now excuse me, Harrison's episode of DVR'd Bubble Guppies is ending and I have to go start the next one. Mom of the year.

Pity, party of one, OUT.

Branding: BGD

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

In the past few weeks I've been making a checklist of goals for BGD, my brand, my business. At the top of that list is to brand myself. I've done it for others but mostly I just design and redesign my own logos at my leisure, never really committing to anything. I can't say that I will ever feel content enough with any design to keep it forever. I know I won't. But that's the beauty in it. If I feel inspired, I can change it up. The challenge for myself is being consistent.

This was really fun to design. Incorporating my current love of triangles and my tried and true hot pink/black combo with some fun accents.

BGD Lately: Vintage Baby Shower Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Boston

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:27:00 +0000

Devastating horror.

The only words that seem to come to mind.

When human beings can do this to other human beings the world feels pretty hopeless, doesn't it? Why are we procreating at all? If our poor children, choice not given to them, are forced to grow up in a world where hate runs rampant. Where a plane through a building or bombs at a finish line scare us in to not wanting to leave our houses.

The world is a scary place.

My heart is racing. Thankfully, our friends and family who were racing or in Boston are all ok. Not ok... how will anyone be ok after this? But they are uninjured. Now my thoughts drift to everyone else. I can't get the images of the blood out of my head. The smoke rising to the sky. The horror on people's faces. The constant search for an answer. The medical personnel. Their families. The runners.

I will admit that I am more affected by atrocities now that I have a child. I imagine his face everywhere. Him having to stomach these things as he gets older. Having to make sense of them. How do I guide him with such heavy things when I struggle to make sense of them myself?

I'm going to do what I know I can do. Turn off the TV. Log off Twitter. Play with Harrison. Kiss my husband. Does it make me a bad human if I don't want to see the horrific videos on repeat? Or the images of blood spattered sidewalks? I don't know the answer. All I know is what's important and right now, when my brain cannot fathom the unspeakable acts of violence that occurred today, I'm going to focus on the important things.

Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. I will be.

A Little Love // 10

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

One. A little Gen Y in the real world.
Do Millennials Stand A Chance?

Millennials are the best-educated generation ever. Their challenge may just be to preserve that advantage for their own children.

Two. A little dancing machine.

Dancing Toddler from Brittany Garner on Vimeo.

Three. A little toddler Tumblr.
Reasons My Son Is Crying.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably seen this Tumblr. Genius, I tell ya, GENIUS.

Four. A little Instagram.
The escape artist.

Five. A little blogger reality check.
My Two Cents by Tyler Lucille.

For me, then, I want to start living in my perfect world full of rainbow cakes. I want to surround my world with the happy smiles. I know that I can't keep negativity from ringing the doorbell, but I can certainly stop inviting it over for drinks.

I am completely oblivious to the drama that this refers to but I think it's good advice all around.

Six. A little Facebook lying game.
We Need To Quit Telling Lies On Facebook.

And instead of pretending that everything is hunky-freaking-dory, let’s be real: Parenting is ridiculously hard. And all of us do ourselves and each other a huge disservice when we pretend otherwise. Sure, there are great times that should be celebrated. Sure, when our kids do awesome things, by all means, let’s get our brag on. But let’s also not tell each other so many lies by omission.

What did you read or see online this week that you loved?

Etsy Spree // 2

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Hold: Chevron storage container by Baffin Bags | Home: Triangle throw pillow by Les Miniboux | Happy: Polka dot notebook by 10 Ante Meridiem | Hang: Succulent monogram planter box by Rooted In Succulents

5 Things

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

+ I met my first Internet friend over the weekend. (Well, with the exception of my husband. I suppose he's my friend.) I was so happy to learn that the Gallawa's (hi Erin and Brandon!) were not serial killers but they were the normal, awesome people I imagined them to be. We went to the zoo and Erin educated us on the logistics of flamingo sex while the Gallawa twins are even cuter and more charming in person than in pictures. So much fun!

+ Prior to the zoo, we were in the bay area for a wedding. Harrison was a dancing machine and eased allllll of my fears about having him there past his bedtime. It also helped that there was a babysitter and church nursery to distract him for a couple hours. Funny thing is, no less than 3 people approached us saying something along the lines of "oh he is going to sleep SOOOO good tonight!" Nope. He was his normal sleep-hating self. But we still love him. ;)

+ This little Giants fan was stoked for Opening Day.

+ Before we left on our trip Sunday, I had the biggest scare of my parental life when a rather large frame fell down just inches from H's head. Secure things to the wall, people. Not worth it.

+ We made a large (for us) investment in BGD. I'm the proud new owner of this beauty. I've never owned anything so pretty. :)

Harrison :: 14 Months

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Stats

Getting taller. And leaner. No exact numbers.

Favorite Foods

Fruit, fruit and more fruit.

Favorite Words

CAH (car). All day, every day. Others include 'uh oh', 'whoa' and 'hi'.

Favorite Toy

His cars and trucks. Obsessed.

Favorite Activities

Hug-tackling children that are smaller than him. Blowing snot rockets. Waving 'Hiiii" to strangers.

Least Favorite Activities

Still sleeping and I sound like a broken record.

Signature Moves

He has a few new dance moves including, The Booty Drop, The Cello, Chicken Wing and The Yo-Yo. As soon as I can capture them all on video, you'll see. So freaking hilarious.

Other 13 Month Notables

+ He has mastered what we call the "sarcastic" laugh. He can't stand to be left out of any joke. If you laugh, he laughs and it sounds soooo sarcastic.

+ Suddenly he's grown tall enough to reach door knobs, although not quite sure how to work them yet. His feet now rest on the foot ledge on his high chair. WTF? Stop growing, kid.

+ Claimed ownership of the seahorse rocker at the park. No other kid is allowed to go for a ride while H is policing the place. It's ridiculous.

+ Breastfeeding in the morning and before bed. Also whenever he wakes up at night which could be anywhere from 1-3 times. Sigh.

+ 4 more teeth this month bringing the grand total to 12 chompers.

Easter Photo Dump

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Is it just me or is every holiday infinitely better when you have a little human to celebrate with? This was the best Easter ever.

Off The Wagon

noreply@blogger.com (BG) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:15:00 +0000

My inspiration is exactly zero this week. Be back soon.