enJOY it

around here.

July 17, 2015

around here we are still doing Whole30. Yesterday was day 10 and so far it's been good. Mostly it just feels like a challenge in meal planning. Which, for me, is really working out well. I don't know how I forget this, but having a real goal in place just works for me. If I had said, "Elise, be smart about how you plan dinners for the next 30 days" I wouldn't have felt motivated. But when I said "Elise, stick with Whole30 for 30 days" suddenly I'm all over it. Funny how our brains can work.

around here I think we've got a name for our second little girl. I think.

around here I am still making gods-eyes to hang in the kiddo room. My parents are coming at the end of July and we're going to get things set up in there so it's ready for two little ones and Ellerie can start getting used to a toddler bed. Should be exciting.

around here I am reading Design Mom. I own many home decor books, but I can say with certainty this is the first one I have READ. Like I am reading every word not just looking at the photos. I'm very impressed (I bought it after reading the extremely positive reviews on Amazon). It's aspirational (like all decor books) but it also feels so practical with ideas I can put to use (like the "it's your special day" plate, family goal setting journal and even if we have a dining room someday, using it for something else). Most of the time Gabrielle is talking about how to use what you already own, systems that wouldn't cost anything to put into place or helpful things to consider if you are looking to invest in something new. To me, it seems a bit more applicable for folks with kids that are not toddlers and I love that. It's going to help me make smarter decisions as the babies grow up and it's making me really excited to have our family grow (both in size and age).

around here we are going to the park a lot. I shared this on Instagram but on Tuesday, Ellerie woke up, ate her breakfast then tucked her Cinderella DVD under her arm, grabbed her cup of milk and said "Park? We go?" It was 7:15am and off we went. It's been really fun to see her get better at using the playground equipment. It's seriously the coolest thing for me to watch my kid grow up. (Have I said that already?)

around here we are gearing up for a week of Camp Mama. Daycare is closed next week and so it's going to be a time-zone shift for me to "close down business work" (because that's realistic when you work for yourself) and re-frame how our days go.

around here I just got out my wooden pottery barn cubby. We've had it for years, but it's still available (and on sale) here. I was storing it in Ellerie's closet, thinking that someday it would be the perfect unit for her to "collect" and place her small toys. She "got it" yesterday and it was interesting for me to see her match toys (like put the wood blocks next to each other) without any prompting. I think this guy will get some use.

around here I am holding a mid-year sale at the elisejoy.com shop. Through Monday 7/20 at 10am PST everything is 25% off with the code SUMMERLOVE. This includes all physical product, eCourses and digital stamps & downloads.
our backyard garden 2015.

July 16, 2015

I have shared little bits about our backyard garden this spring and summer, but no big updates. Which is crazy! We've actually had our most productive garden this year. (Tomato wise, that is.)

Our planter boxes are on the East side of our house and they probably get too much sun. To try and help this, we added some shaded covering this year (picked up at the hardware store and strung on wire) and can really tell a difference. We hung it directly over each box and the way the sun hits this means the first two get much more shade. Everything in my third box looked much more dried out after a few months.

We are restricting water in San Diego according to the city requirements, so we water just twice a week. This did not mean good things for the other plants I tried (cucumbers, peppers and squash) but my tomatoes are handling it. I've realized after four gardens that backyard tomatoes are my favorite part of this whole adventure anyway so it's a good deal.

I got an email a few months ago about trying out a garden sensoring system called Edyn, a new product that was funded through Kickstarter and is now sold through Home Depot. I am always interested in improving my garden and so I happily agreed to try it out.

So far I'm a fan! It was crazy easy to set up and runs through my house wifi. I get updates on how my soil is doing through a (good-looking and easy to use) app. The device is solar powered and since that area of my house is basically on the sun that's a good thing.

You can see in the photos above what my water levels looked like when I got home from WDS and hadn't watered in over a week…and then how they looked a day after the soil was watered. Usually, since we're in a drought, I keep things around 15%.

We are on round two of our tomato plants. Due to the heat – we are about eight miles inland and feel it here – our "best" plant harvest seems to come in May and the very early summer. Some of the original tomatoes, planted in early March, are still doing okay, but because I decided to replace the other veggies with tomatoes, I have a lot of smaller, new plants in there too. It's sort of nice – I'm hoping to get two successful "harvest" seasons this year. (And by harvests, I mean a few weeks where we get to bring in and eat bowls and handfuls of cherry tomatoes.)

It's been fun this year mostly because Ellerie is so interested. She has picked nearly every ripe tomato (and many a green one as well) and climbs right into the planter boxes, usually in her boots, to do her thing. We spend a lot time reminding her to grab "the red one Ellerie! RED!" but it's worth it to see her starting to connect it all together.

Recently Paul and I had a long talk about our long-term goals. What do we hope life looks like in five years? Ten years? Twenty years? There were shockingly few "must haves" on those lists, but one of mine was a huge garden that I can wander and putter in. Something where I can really experiment with and get things right. Something where I need a basket to carry out the day's produce. 😉 Something right into the ground. Something that might be ideal for more that just (crazy delicious) tomatoes.

But in the meantime, this is pretty fun too.

This post was brought to you by Edyn. Words, photos and opinions are all mine.
finding what’s essential.

July 15, 2015

I think I’ve read three life changing books.

I don’t use that concept lightly. Harry Potter is great, but it didn’t “change my life”. Born to Run inspired me tremendously when I was running a lot but it doesn’t effect the choices I make on a daily basis. Amy Poehler made me think and laugh but I’m not pondering “WWAD?” constantly (though maybe I should?). I re-read Into Thin Air every 18 months but have no plans to climb Everest.

You might remember my game-changers:

The first one was Secrets of a Healthy Metabolism (I wrote in detail about this four years ago here). It completely changed my relationship with food which forever changed my relationship with my body and overall health outlook. I’ve heard from some folks who connect with it and some who haven’t so obviously I’m not saying “THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.” I’m saying, “this book changed my life.”

The second one was The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (I wrote about this more recently here). Again, I think some people connect and some people are repelled by this book. Marie Kondo makes the point that once you get your house to a certain point (and you’ll know when you’re there because you’ll feel completely content) you will no longer even want to buy more things. And (for me) this turned out to be accurate. Since I de-cluttered every one of our spaces last spring, I shop way less and more than once have walked into Target for season salt, toilet paper and dental floss and walked out with …waitforit… just those three items. This is (obviously) not worth a medal, but it for sure represents a new outlook on “stuff.”

And this past weekend I read Essentialism. When Kal was in town she recommended it. I think she said something like “You probably already do some of what he says but you’re going to really LOVE hearing how he says it.”

Yes. Yes. Yes. Did I ever.

If I summed up the book in three words it would be: LESS IS MORE.

If I summed up the book in a a longer sentence it would be: we gain much more when we focus our energy on a few things (or just one!) instead of many.

If I was going to pull one quote it would be: “Most of what exists in the universe – our actions, and all other forces, resources, and ideas – has little value and yields little result; on the other hand, a few things work fantastically well and have tremendous impact.” – Richard Koch

I appreciated a lot about this book. Author Greg McKeown makes the whole concept (which in many ways goes against everything we might have learned for decades) seem so practical. He admits this is hard as hell while illustrating why it’s worth it. He gives strategies for actually cutting back and saying “no”. He has examples that make sense and feel truly inspiring.

I found myself thinking over my routines and habits and criteria for saying yes and no for everything I do. At the simplest level, I have three work related projects: the blog, the podcast and GTWB. They are all important to me for various reasons but together they are a full-time job and a half. Do I want a job and a half with just part-time child care? Can I streamline parts of each of these jobs? Do I want to do anything half-heartedly? Can I recognize every single time an email, offer or opportunity comes through my inbox that the work I am already trying to do is “enough”? Can I start saying “no” more? Both to myself and others?

I don’t have answers to those questions yet. But I’m asking them anyway. I’m working on determining my “essentials.” There is an obvious balance that needs to be found between financial security and creative challenge. There is a more obvious balance that must be maintained between “successful business” and “satisfying life.” In less than four months, I’m going to have a brand new person living in my house helping me throw “balance” out the window and watching me learn (yet again) that the “essentials” really boil down to just a few things (milk and sleep).

Yep. It’s a lot. But I’m inspired, not panicked, thanks to this book. Great read. Highly recommend.

+

Coincidentally, this week’s ELISE GETS CRAFTY episode is “on quitting.” It’s something I recorded weeks ago (thank goodness or it might have just been an un-authorized audio book of me reading Essentialism). It’s not really about cutting back but it is about how to growth. Subscribe here or stream here.

*links are affiliate. Photos were taken by me of book pages and are just to illustrate how great this book is – they are copyright the author.
my WDS 2015 takeaways.

July 14, 2015

I spent last weekend up in Portland for another World Domination Summit. I was there to take a bit of a break and recharge and listen to other people tell their stories. It was inspirational on many levels and I left not ready to “take over the world” but instead to “do better tending to my small corner of the world.”

Here are some of my favorite take away points:

Bravery feels like you’re going to throw up. One of my favorite speakers of the weekend was Jon Acuff. I appreciated his humor, his honesty about his flaws and connected well with his message. Probably my favorite line was about how we think of bravery as this bold and ambitious feeling but really, in the moment, “being brave sucks.” In the moment, you’d do anything to NOT do what you’re going to do. If it was possible you’d turn your back and run away. But you can’t. You’re committed or it’s out of your control and so bravery is about taking the leap ANYWAY. It’s only after that we think of what we did as “brave.” In real time we think of it as terrible.

We can do hard things. I sobbed my way through Jeremy Cowart’s entire presentation (honestly though, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience). Surprisingly, WDS was the first I had heard of Jeremy and his talents and I was blown away. Jeremy talked about being diagnosed with severe learning disabilities as a child, then finding art – first paint, then Photoshop and finally photography – and turning it into a career (a crazy, successful, world-changing career). Growing up he was told over and over again bible verse Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” It became his mantra when things were hard. It continues to be his mantra when things are hard.

And things can be hard. Hard things happen. Earth shattering, senseless things happen. And from Megan Devine learned the value of bearing witness without trying to “fix” a problem. Some problems cannot be fixed. Grief can go on forever. It’s really difficult to accept this – we don’t (or I certainly don’t) want to accept this. But to truly support one another, we must. The rawness of Megan and her story cracked my heart and reminded me again of the difference between real problems and fake problems.

Let go. This take-away was a reflection from many of the speakers and also from the book I was reading over the weekend, Essentialism (more on that later). “Be willing to course correct” said Asha Dornfest. “Stop trying to be a superhero” said Lewis Howes. “Don’t let negativity drain your energy” said Vani Hari. Over and over we heard about letting go and how freeing and powerful that can be.

A year is a really long time. Last year, I sat in the theater Sunday afternoon and wondered what the hell I was going to do next career-wise. MAKE29 was almost half over and I had no plan. Not even an inkling of a plan. This year, I have a new business that I believe in and want to spend every day working on. A year is a really long time. A year makes you wonder what’s really possible.

And then after WDS, you realize everything is.
for the love of july.

July 13, 2015

sarah k benning embroidery art, camp goods here comes the sun tee, lo&sons weekender bag, maria marie's entire website, leah flores we are wild things mug, keens toddler shoes, fox hollow design co elephant art print, the puzzled one color wheel puzzle.

Half fun and half practical this month. Love that tee so much. Those shoes might finally be the winners. Ellerie destroys inexpensive shoes but these…these seem to be working. And how sweet is that elephant print for the girls' bedroom? Ahhhhh….girls!

Happy Monday! Hoping to have a WDS recap for you tomorrow. 🙂
weekend links / 72.

July 11, 2015

here's some fun stuff I found online this past week…

these Andy bloopers made both Paul and I cry from laughter (thanks, Mer!)

a food blogger gives up sugar for 60 days.

one of my favorite IGers (@hey_jules_studio) opened an etsy shop of her rainbow prints!

seriously loved this kiddo art kit idea.

tiny houses continue to blow my mind.

as someone who puts their voice online every week, I really appreciated this. (via Cup of Jo)

this really would make a great gender reveal cake.

I'm loving the Mystery Show podcast.

this mug made me smile.

the case for the 32-hour work week.

and then there's this : does time off make Americans anxious?

Ellerie's loving this book.

great business card.

here's a NO-sew rope basket tutorial.

excited to check out a few more San Diego spots!
headed to portland!

July 10, 2015

I am so excited to head up to Portland today for WDS.

Last summer Paul came along but sadly it didn't work out this time so it's just me adventuring out. Sort of like a business trip. Actually, exactly like a business trip.

I get to travel "for work" a few times a year. Sometimes it's a conference like this. Sometimes it's a teaching opportunity. Sometimes it's to get together with other friends/entrepreneurs and talk life and work. I always look forward to these trips very much.

I run a very one-woman show over here. I have started to hire out some stuff (thank goodness, my Canon printer is great, but it wasn't quite up for the task of printing 2000 GTWBs) but it's otherwise just me. Making all the decisions, calculating all the risk, doing all the marketing, processing all the shipping and handling all the customer service. It's totally isolating and totally inspiring.

About 75% of my creative work happens completely in my head. Ideas get generated, sifted, veto-d and processed…usually before I even speak them out loud. Then 15% of my work is discussing at length the tippy-top ideas with my parents or Paul or both. But usually this is very frustrating because it's mostly me having a conversation with myself and they are trying to figure out what the hell I am saying (it's probably a lot like talking to Ellerie with less peek-a-boo). And then 10% of all of that work is what rolls out to the world via the blog or social media or products.

When I think about it, it's intense, but I never think about it because I hardly know anything different. I can't imagine another way of working.

All of this to say: I am so looking forward to my weekend. These trips by myself always feel like a corporate retreat of one. I have some time to relax. I have some time to write the first draft of a few big blog posts that have been rattling around in my head for the past few months – called "Own Your Sh*t" & "Two Years of Motherhood" – (which could actually be the same post in a lot of ways). I have some time to read. I have some time to come up with 12 killer ideas for the next round of GTWB illustrations (for the 2016-2017 book). I have some time to walk and wander and take photos.

And of course, I have some time to sit and listen and get inspired… without panicking that it will be up there next. I can't wait.
june on film.

July 9, 2015

Yep. This month wins.

My baby became a little girl this month…on film.

She's a two-year-old!

With more spunk and personality than Paul and I combined.

And she's somehow also the sweetest…

…and most daring kiddo I have ever met.

I've made no secret that the newborn phase and first year baby phase were not a personal best for me. I struggled on every level for way longer than what felt "normal."

It's hard for me to remember that phase now. Just like everyone said they would, those days have faded into the background. I know though that grace and help and love kept us going. And now, we're fueled by those three things plus our crazy bond. She's my girl. I'm her mama. It's like magic. Actually screw that. It's like motherhood.

Love you, Ellerie Eve.

These photos are part of my "film project" where I take a roll of film of Ellerie each month. You can see all of these posts here. I shoot with an old film camera similar to this and this lens. I have been using Kodak Portra 400 film. I have my photos printed at Nelson's Photo Supply. These images are un-retouched digital scans of the film.
july : currently.

July 8, 2015

playing with more rope baskets. Yep. So addicting.

planning to work from a coffee shop this morning while I wait for my June roll of film to be developed.

going through all the baby girl clothes in the garage. I am embarrassed to admit how many bins we had in there. It was much more emotional than I thought it would be to sort through all those tiny onesies and outfits. I can't believe in less than four months we will have a tiny baby in our house again.

trying WHOLE30! We officially began yesterday after agreeing it was time for a meal jump start. I am (obviously) NOT trying to lose weight while pregnant but I'd love to have a bit more energy and reduce some of my sugar cravings. Last pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and we're not sure yet if I do this time (it usually presents between 26 and 28 weeks and I am 23 weeks today). Either way, I figure it can't be a bad idea to get more veggies and protein while cutting sugar and bread carbs. I'm interested to see how I feel in a week or two… if it's not working while pregnant, I'll ease up and will keep you posted for sure.

reading The Book of Unknown Americans.

taking night walks and enjoying them so much. The well-lit evenings are my favorite part of summer, hands down.

spending too much time window-shopping for houses on zillow. I think it's how I'm trying to "nest" without anything to really do on our house. (Toddler room is happening when my parents visit at the end of the month.) We will not be moving for at least 1.5 years but it's interesting (and addicting) to see what's happening in various neighborhoods anyway. And, in case you've ever wondered what a 10 million dollar house in La Jolla looks like, wonder no more.

using my GET TO WORK BOOK! Finally! It's so fun to actually get to use it and even more fun to see how others are using theirs with the hashtag #gettoworkbook. Instagram is a great little community.

looking forward to a trip to Portland this weekend! I'm going back to WDS as an attendee (not a speaker) this time and the relief is absurd. I can't wait to wander Portland and not be having a mild panic attack the whole time.

marveling daily at Ellerie's growth. They pick up so much, so fast at this age. Playing witness is my favorite part x100.

uploading a new podcast! Come hear artist and author Jason Kotecki talk about dealing with stress on Elise Gets Crafty here.
experiments in sewn rope baskets.

July 7, 2015

I have had this project on my list for months. I think the first time I saw them pop-up was on the SouleMama blog and I was SO impressed. I mean seriously. Hers look amazing. Of course I tried to just do it myself and didn't follow any tutorials (which has provided me with mixed results in the past) but this tutorial from Gemma Patford looks great.

For my first basket, I used about 200 feet of synthetic rope (purchased at Lowe's in 1/4 inch) and multiple colors of thread.

I LOVE the look of the colored thread but didn't like how my basket started to turn in (see how the top is narrower than the bottom and the whole thing is sort of lumpy?). I'm not exactly sure how to sort out this issue aside from just being more conscious of shape as I am working it. I also could have stopped lower and just made more of a rounded bottom catch-all sort of basket which would have been smart.

For my second basket, I ordered cotton rope from Amazon in what I thought for sure was 1/4 inch. NOPE. It was 1/8 inch.

I figured since I had it, I might as well try to work with it and I sort of love the results. It's tiny, so a bit harder to work with when the coil is small but it gets easier as you go. It was fun to experiment with for sure. I think I'll make a taller one as a plant holder.

Again, I think the fun part here is the multi-colored thread.

I'm just using my normal sewing machine. It's this one from Target and I got it as a bridal shower gift over 5 years ago. It's a total workhorse and doesn't have many bells and whistles so it's a great beginner machine (at least it's been for me.)

These are addicting and shockingly easy for something that looks so cool. I have a feeling these two are the first of many.