Hello, hello! It's been awhile, now hasn't it? Perhaps some of you wondered if I was returning to my blog! Well, I am definitely still here and have so much to share with you; but first, let me explain why I've been away for a few weeks.
A couple of months ago, a buyer from Anthropologie approached me on Etsy about carrying my deluxe pie box kits and color block utensils online. Needless to say I was ecstatic!! I've worked hard to create these pie boxes over the last couple of years and it feels like an absolute dream to have these original packages for sale on one of my favorite sites. Even if they don't sell well for some reason, I still consider the collaboration a career high. This opportunity created an increased incentive for me to officially copyright my boxes through a patent attorney (email me if you need a rec), rebrand (new logo designed by Rachel Jones), and increase product offerings. I've been meaning to tackle these projects for some time now, but this experience gave me the kick in the pants I needed!
When I think about my products joining the ranks of all the other beautiful things on Anthropologie's site in about 3 weeks or so, I feel a combination of emotions--shock, honor, gratitude, disbelief and frankly, a bit of anxiety. Putting yourself or your work out there can be a bit frightening, although I do believe these types of feelings are indicative of being on a path to grown. I appreciate Eleanor Roosevelt's advice to, "do one thing every day that scares you". Wise words indeed.
I shipped the order just last week, so the few weeks prior were pretty intense. Our family life was turned upside down and we did our best to get through with as little upheaval as possible. I survived with help from a few good friends, my husband, and divine intervention. The hardest part was dealing with an increased workload on top of existing family life. Just because I was dealing with a momentous project didn't mean my children's lives stopped--they still needed to be fed, bathed, dressed, schlepped, tended to, read to, listened to, etc. And my husband's work schedule didn't suddenly lighten up. Nights became later and later and one by one balls started dropping. My home fell apart, my time in the kitchen was minimal, routines were neglected and I know my children sensed I was distracted, even if I tried to do all my work while they slept. I learned many important lessons throughout the experience--one being that no one can do it all. When you choose to take on a project, albeit worthwhile, something has to give. In fact, some things have to give. I am so grateful to have this awareness now.
Now that picnic pie box kits and utensils have arrived to distribution centers, I am appreciative for the sense of normalcy that's already being restored to my life. It will take a little time to put everything back together, but I don't have any regrets. I am excited to clear out our bedroom (my temporary warehouse, much to my husband's chagrin), work on decorating my kids rooms finally, choose a laundry solution (thanks for all the tips!!) and get back into the kitchen. It turns out, it's the simplest things that bring peace and happiness to my life {note to self}.
Last weekend I mentioned the Anthropologie collaboration on instagram / facebook and I want you to know how much I appreciated all the well wishes. They truly warmed my heart, so thank you!