Supermom: Abbey Hendrickson of Aesthetic Outburst

 

Abbey Hendrickson - Aesthetic Outburst

Today's Supermom is Abbey Hendrickson of Aesthetic Outburst! Abbey is currently renovating a beautiful farmhouse that is over a century old, runs an Etsy shop full of beautiful handmade creations, is a mother to two adorable and creative children, and somehow still finds time to write inspiring posts on her blog every day. Read on to find out how on Earth she does it all...

I used to work at a museum and a co-worker introduced me to blogs. I started my own, thinking it would be great motivation to make art and document my experiences as a parent. Almost five years later, I’m still doing both of those things, but Aesthetic Outburst has taken on a life of it’s own.  

Our kids are interesting, creative people and, as simple as it may sound, I really just enjoy being with them every day. I love the sound of their laughter, the giant stories that they both tell, the drawings they make, etc. For me, the little moments have been the most rewarding part of motherhood.   

The most difficult thing about being a parent is when something happens to one of them; if they’re hurt, I’m hurt. Feeling this connected to two other human beings can be terrifying at times.

1. Manhattan Toy Beads Wood Rattle, 

2. Black & White board books byTana Hoban 

3. Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

Besides costumes, these are the most consistently popular toys at our house:

1. Educo wooden play kitchen

2. Rody horse

3. Vintage Fisher Price buildings (etsy and ebay are good sources)

Here are three things on my wish-list:

1. Every issue of Paumes

2. A subscription to Anthology

3. This ring is gorgeous

Honestly, I don’t and I don’t condone trying to. I often catch myself trying to juggle everything, but it just never seems to work at our house. What does work for our family? Constantly making lists, trying to keep our priorities in check, and allowing ourselves to say NO to people.   

Trust your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and be kind to yourself.

My friend Alisia is a mother whom I particularly admire. She’s brilliant, thoughtful, interesting, and incredibly supportive. She has two amazing kids and has always encouraged them to be who they want to be. That they’re both so happy, sweet, and well adjusted is a testament to Alisia’s supermom talents.  

Wow, thank you so much to Abbey for your insightful thoughts on motherhood. Motherhood is wonderful and beautiful, but it can be so scary at times to care so much about another person. If you haven't already discovered Abbey's blog, check it out here, and view her amazing shop here.

XO,

Featured Artist: Esther Ramirez

I have always loved Esther Ramirez' artwork - her laser cut artwork and colorful collages are simply stunning. But after paying her shop a visit the other day, I've found quite a few new things to love in her just-released winter 2011 collection! Check out her beautiful cards and ornaments at her Etsy shop Essimar. Here are a few of my favorites:

I'd like one of each!

Eye Candy

For your Monday...

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For Babies & New Mamas - Christmas Gift Guide 2011

Clockwise from top left: Pom Blankets, Organic Striped Booties, Eat Sleep Poop, Orfeo Bloom Rattle, IGLU Wooden Play Gym, Striped Bodysuit, lifefactory Bottles, Knit Rattle, Knit Pom Booties, Wooden Crochet Teether, Birth Print, Gizmine Humidifier, Donna Wilson Plush, Sakura Bloom Sling

Give a Little Luxury: Christmas Gift Guide 2011

During the holidays I love to give my friends and families little luxuries - things that they may see and admire, but might not buy because it just isn't practical. Let's face it, in these economic times we only buy the things we need, but everyone needs a few luxuries now and then - a silk scarf, a pretty painting, or a beautiful book. Here are a few of my current favorites:

Clockwise from top left: iPhone Case, Slippers, Splash Pillow, Heart Sweater, Leather Notebooks, Pocket Planner, Striped Scarf, The Art of Instruction, Design Sponge at Home, Bird Print, Personalized Stationary & Calling Cards, Watercolor Scarf, Dipped Geo Earrings, First Aid Kit, Chevron Throw

Clockwise from top left: City Map Print, Poker Set, Grill Tool Set, Swiss Army Watch, Bamboo Keyboard, Grill Addiction Spice Kit, Whiskey Stones, Krups Beertender, A Clockwork Orange, Custom Chocolate Bar, Stainless Steel Water Bottle, iPad Case, Leather iPhone Case, Alarm iPhone Dock 

Plus a few Friday Favorites:

If this isn't the most adorable video ever! Note to self: get Hubster to edit together some of Violet's videos.

I've been thinking a lot about how much technology I want to expose Violet to lately - what is appropriate and what is. Then I read this post and it was like Kenny was in my brain...creepy.

Love this pink + metallic party (via)

And kind of obsessed with this wedding.

Super cute shared room (scroll down). (via)

Paintchiptastic!

Teenage power couples.

Leopard  + Stripes.

Been feeling this way lately. Another note to self: Plan date night with Hubster.

Love how this girl knows how to spill her guts.

Happy Black Friday!

For Your Wee Ones: Christmas Gift Guide

Clockwise from top left: Tutu Dumonde Headband, Starry Night Horse Pajamas, Wooly the Sheep Bla Bla, Wovenplay Featherband, Pretty Little Things Boho Beauty, Maize Headband, Sequin Headband, Penguin Embroidered Classics, Custom Name Plate, Metallic Knee Patch Tights, Teepee, Knit Tights, Minnetonka Moccasin Boots 

Clockwise from top left: Wooden Toy Stroller, Wooden Toy Camera, Fingerprinting Set, Face It Puzzle, Wooden Sled, Custom Paper Dolls, Wooden Alphabet Puzzle

Clockwise from top left: Pull Toy, Sweater Vest, Tool Kit, Stripey Pants, Custom Neighborhood Play Mat, Tiny Toms Canvas Shoes, Band-aids, Train Set, Black Bear Pajamas, Fred Food Face Plate, Shadow Puppets, Mini Guitar

Happy Thanksgiving!

Supermom: Jess Craig of IROCKSOWHAT

Kicking off a new feature on zee blog today - SUPERMOM! There are seriously so many amazing women out there in the blogosphere who seem somehow to do it all - I thought it would be fun to pick their brains a bit to figure out their secrets.

First up is the amazing Jess Craig of IROCKSOWHAT. She not only has an adorable son and awesome blog, she also somehow finds time to be creative and design ridiculously amazing banners and buttons for the rest of us. Speaking of which, I thought it was fitting to start off the series with her considering that she designed the beautiful banner for me! Take it away Jess!

Blogging was seriously something I did because it was suggested to me from my step mom as a way for my family and I to stay connected while my husband was on his first deployment. I started it the day before he left for Iraq, but then found out I was pregnant about a month after he left. So things quickly changed as my focus was all about being pregnant. I had no idea what a baby blog was and hadn't even read any at the time! Little did I know that this was a huge world and now I'm fully submerged!

Getting affection from a sweet little cuddly person. I'm really touchy feely so it's it's nice having someone to do that with (not that my husband isn't affectionate).

I felt like I lost myself a little bit in the beginning. Trying to figure out that balance of being YOU and also being a mom was just really difficult for me. I kept feeling like I had to sacrifice all the time, or I was a bad mother or something. I'm just now learning that it's not true and it's so liberating! I'm much happier now that i have that figured out.

 Of course, the boppy, baby food in the pouches, and bjorn carrier.

 Boogie wipes, Yo Gabba Gabba Vans, and the Netflix app on the iPhone. 

 

I don't know if this would necessarily just be for mama's, but these are my most favorite products for ME - tweezerman tweezers, Stila blush in poppy, and bed head hard hold hair spray.

I do not sleep. Okay kidding, sorta. I really stay up late to get stuff done. It sucks and I tell myself every night that I don't care and I'm not going to stay up all night to work, but I do it anyway! Because I secretly like having things to do and having ME time. And I occasionally fall asleep on the floor beside Wyatt while he's playing with toys… don't judge! 

Just relax and roll with it. For the most part, kids are generally on track. You just need to guide them a bit. Everything will fall into place. It's okay if your house isn't perfect and clean, because when your kid grows up and thinks back, he/she is not going to remember if the dishes were done. 

Who is your favorite supermom? I love Chelsey from the Paper Mama. She's got a design/paper/whatever shop going on and she's so busy with her blog. She's my idol.


Thanks so much to Jess for participating! I can totally relate to the lack of sleep part. (If only there were more hours in a day...) If you haven't already checked out Jess's blog, definitely give it a look - it's full of honest and candid thoughts on motherhood, documents her weight loss journey, and has awesome hair and style posts to boot. Also, if you're looking for a banner or button design check out her shop here and help her get to Alt Summit!


XO,

P.S. If you haven't already commented on my ideabook for Houzz.com, I'd really appreciate one! Each comment counts as a vote for me and you could win up to $250 too!