The Yin and Yang of Being a Working SAHM with Gina Bender

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 - Hello Fresh Casseroles or Dish-in-One meals Take out! Bonuses - Starbucks mobile order Outfit planning (thanks B. Jones Style!) Weekend staycations Expectations

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 Style Story 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 topics such as why she's chosen a minimalist lifestyle, how she achieves such a clean aesthetic, where she shops, and what she believes makes a successful fashion stylist and styling assistant.    Jamie describes her style as minimalist, mono-chromatic and elegant.       SHOW NOTES: Melanie Tarver's Style Story Seaminx Artist Management Agency Gaston Made Flea Style "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo Set & Co. Jamie's Instagram, @theanticolor   JAMIE'S FAVE SHOPPING RESOURCES: Mur Lifestyle: http://www.murlifestyle.com Labour And Wait: https://www.labourandwait.co.uk Kaufamann Mercantile: https://www.kaufmann-mercantile.com Maufactum: https://www.manufactum.com (The "Martha Stewart Mop": https://www.manufactum.com/sponge-mop-p1517753/?a=49184&h=10&s=mop) Qui Shave: https://www.ouishave.com (If I hadn't bought the one below, I love these.) Ockham Razor Co.: http://www.ockhamrazorcompany.com (I have an all black version of this from when it was still being Kickstarted. I LOVE it.) Fog Linen: http://www.shop-foglinen.com Verso: http://www.versoskincare.com (Currently using and love.) Need Supply Co.: http://needsupply.com (A few favorites include Grown Alchemist, Aesop, and The Laundress) My favorite toothbrush: https://shop.goop.com/shop/products/binchotan-charcoal-toothbrush-standard Ebay Tradsey Poshmark Vestaire Collective The Real Real Amber glass spray bottle Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds cleaner Closet paint color - Farrow & Ball "Off-Black"

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 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

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 episode, I talk with Ari about just that - her creative journey from high school crafts to a college fashion degree and now freelance styling career and Owynn bag line. Additionally, Ari shares her reasoning for keeping a capsule wardrobe and a simplistic approach to fashion.   Show Notes: Owynn History of the "capsule wardrobe" What is a "capsule wardrobe"? (from my favorite capsule blogger) Madewell Lou & Grey Aritzia American Apparel @laurenashleymaddox @paige_morse The Business of Fashion MUJI Tina Fey Julia Louis-Dreyfus   GOT QUESTIONS or FEEDBACK? Share it HERE!

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 money. Yes. I'm talking about responsible consumerism and social enterprises. We have more power than we think! Political voting may have closed (for now), but the opportunity to affect change in our world is still here and it's so much easier than it may seem. All you have to do is buy something! Let's put our money where our values are this season and buy from businesses that are producing responsibly and give back generously.  Tune in to today's episode for my version of a holiday gift guide that will make a difference.   Branded Collective - Tiny Brass Cuff Gaia Empowered Women - Mini Kitty Purse (Paula Minni's Style Story) Tribe Alive - Convertible Pocket Backpack (Carly Burson's podcast episode)   Nisolo - The Emilio Chukka Boot (2012 Dhaka factory fire as mentioned in podcast) Accompany - Jute Macramé Wall Hanging Noonday Collection - Fringed Crescent Earrings FashionABLE - Ring Bar 48 & Sea - Flour Sack Napkins in Dusty Rose, Set of 4 The Citizenry - Enzi Basket Ten Thousand Villages   Everlane - "Tissue Tee" Turtleneck Elizabeth Suzann - The Florence Pant in Silk   Sources I didn't mention in the podcast but you should still totally check out! Mi Golondrina - Tuxedo con Flor (Cristina Lynch's Style Story) Worn - Vintage Silk Crochet-Edged Scarf (Abbi Ice's Style Story) Redone Jeans (thanks for the rec B. Jones Style) Akola Project - Layered Horn Necklace Redemption Market - Gold Marble Journal Cuyana - Poplin Boatneck Tee Zady - Zady Silk Skirt Sseko Designs - Yoga Mat Bag Girlfriend Collective - Leggings (for the cost of shipping!) Etsy - My shop favorites The Good Trade (a fantastic reference site for all things ethical fashion!)

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 home.     Show Notes: NEW Our Style Stories RESOURCE FORUM Jayme and Allie's Style Story UNT Communication Design Program Joan Miro art Built By Bender, Milan's business with his 3 brothers Built By Bender logo Devendra Banhart music Sai Baba incense Palo Santo sticks Heylee Heep's Style Story Himalayan salt lamp Find Gina's work on Instagram and hire her for all your stellar branding needs!   ~ SHARE YOUR QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK HERE ~

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 - [it] is where your essence meets your expression."  Quote from Style Statement by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte   Show Notes: Style Statement Danielle LaPorte The Fire Starter Sessions The Desire Map Design*Sponge at Home In the Company of Women Mary Going of Saint Harridan Ira Glass on Storytelling   "You have to be willing to be bad at it in order to be good at it." - Mary Going

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: "My Favorite Places to Shop for Props" blog post Send me your feedback... Leave me a voicemail!

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 Style Story guest) riffing on a topic that has been nagging me for the past few months. Aspiration versus contentment. What is too much of one and not enough of the other? And how do I manage the pitfalls of comparison and the vicious perfectionist's cycle that can be Pinterest and Instagram? I discuss all that plus more. Don't worry, I won't be preaching from my soapbox every episode! ;-)    Show Notes: My styling portfolio Magnolia Home Real Talk with Real Moms... On Comparison (blog post) Speak Pipe feedback (send me your feedback!)

Last week's Style Story 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 meets travelled global style, this episode will definitely interest you as it is a lovely journey into the thought process and care that went into her home.   Hope you enjoy!