A Spontaneous Highlight Reel

Sometimes the unexpected happens, things come up, and Coffee Dates get rescheduled. And that's okay! Spontaneity is good for a type-A planner like me. It also gives me a chance to do a little recap of what's been happening around Elle & Company this month. Here's a look at some recent blog highlights:

I got a little sappy about the one thing that's transformed my business, made the jump and began working full-time for Elle & Company, and broke out of my comfort zone by writing this post

We switched things up when you joined me for a Coffee Date, and I had way too much fun illustrating your answers in this fun little infographic

I wrote a few letters each Monday, shared my heart and a handful of free wallpapers in the Weekly Truth series, and filled up the Library with more printable paper goods.

I made a long list of my design must-haves, compared websites and gas stations, and brightened things up around here with this colorful post.

I finished up the How to Start a Blog series and began new blog feature called Today's Top 3And of course I can't forget the handful of talented ladies that joined me for Friday Coffee Dates!


If you liked these posts, wait until you find out what I have up my sleeve for fall! Be sure to follow along with Elle & Company and be the first to see what's in store.

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Trusting Your Designer

It requires a lot of faith to hand over something as important as your business's brand, your wedding photos, or even your hairstyle to someone you don't know very well. It's easy to be anxious and hesitant when you aren't familiar with a designer's process or terminology. But the most helpful thing you can do to assist the creative professional you've hired is to trust them.

Today I'm here to set your mind at ease by helping you see how we think, why we make certain decisions, and how you can help us along the way. 

Here's why you can trust us:

We're perfectionists. You might associate creative professionals with the head-in-the-clouds, laid back, fine artist stereotype, but most designers are extremely type-A. We fixate on small details, spend hours tweaking and revising projects, and the thought of giving clients anything less than our best stresses us out. Striving for perfection is in our nature. 

We're problem-solvers. When you think about a designer's job, you probably think of aesthetics and all things visual. But there is another important aspect of our job that is commonly overlooked: problem solving. A design might look nice, but if it doesn't appeal to your ideal audience or drive sales and traffic, we know it isn't worth your investment. Good designers will work with you to outline and define any specific problems that you may have and come up with solutions.

We see the bigger picture. In the early stages of the design process, it might be difficult for you to see how all of the bits and pieces of your brand, website, or even your living room will fit together. Rest assured. Designers have the gift of visualizing a cohesive end result. We keep the finished product in mind throughout the scope of a project and we're able to see the bigger picture when you might not be able to. 

We have experience. Creative professionals are passionate about their work, they've dedicated countless hours to their field, and they've gone through a lot of formal training to get where they are. We have the skills and the experience to work with you, and we want nothing more than to give you a final product that you're excited about. 

You already like our work. You pursued a working relationship with us because you saw something in us that you liked. There's a great chance that if you were attracted to our portfolio and our previous work, you will love the final outcome of your current project. 

And here's how you can help:

Do your research. Before hiring a designer, photographer, interior designer, or any other creative professional, do your research. Visit the About section on their website, see what kind of formal training they've had, and look through their portfolio. Read testimonials from past clients. Ask for reviews from friends and family who have worked with them before. Doing your research before you work with us will set your mind at ease and allow you to trust us from the start. 

Meet with us. We understand the importance of client/designer relationships. Reach out to us, talk to us, and get to know us better before you sign a contract and relinquish control of your project. Getting to know a creative professional beforehand will help set our mind at ease.

Give us lots and lots of feedback. Communication is key. When a designer shows you drafts and revisions, be honest in your opinion and thoroughly explain the details you like and the elements you're not a huge fan of. Good designers will listen to your feedback and take your concerns to heart, but in the end they will make decisions that will benefit you in the long run. 

Keep an open-mind. We understand it's difficult to let go of expectations and preconceived ideas. It's hard to relinquish control, especially with something so huge and personal like the design of your website or the layout of your kitchen, but part of the design process is taking risks and considering things you may not have thought about before. After all, you're reaching out to a designer for help because you don't have the ability to tackle this project on your own. Have faith in the experience, knowledge, and creativity of your creative professional and appreciate their different perspective. 

Whether you are working with a designer, wedding photographer, hairstylist, or interior designer, know that you are in good hands. We have knowledge and experience under our belts, we have your goals in the forefront of our minds, and when we do what we do best, you will always be happy with the outcome. It's okay to trust us - you'll be glad you did!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

I do love summer, but this week I'm joining Starbucks and jumping on the fall-train. First up, an art print inspired by a popular fall favorite!

Log on to the Library and print one for you and a few for your friends. Not a Library member?

Subscribe to the Library today!

Recent Library Additions

Today's Top 3 - Instagram, Guilty Pleasures, and Spotify Stations

I'm back today with another "episode" of Today's Top 3, a new series where I share some of my favorite things with you. Today I'm dishing on whose posts I love seeing in my Instagram feed, what guilty pleasures I enjoy giving in to, and which music stations usually have me bobbing my head throughout my work week. Here goes!

Top 3 Instagram accounts I follow

  • @nataliecreates - I love scrolling through Instagram and stumbling across accounts that have their own distinct style. That's why I enjoy following along with Natalie, a farmer's wife, crafter, and thrifter. Her colorful snapshots brighten my feed and my day; her life is lovely to follow along with.
  • @kristinschmucker - And then there are those accounts that both brighten your day and touch your heart. You might remember this pretty lady from our Coffee Date with her a month or two ago. Her account has glimpses of daily life as a church planter's wife, mom, and shop owner, but she also uses Instagram to share Truth. She's a light.  
  • @andreapescephoto - Andrea's feed is always near the top of my list. Yes, I might be slightly biased (she's a great friend of mine, she took all of the photos for Elle & Company, she was featured for a Coffee Date, and we have some exciting things in the works) but her account is simple, bright, and lovely. Like Natalie, she has that distinct style that makes the designer in me smile.

Top 3 guilty pleasures

  • Ice cream for lunch - And I'm not ashamed. Sometimes the same ol' salad and sandwich doesn't sound appetizing, so I treat myself to a bowl of peanut butter cup goodness. I rationalize it by telling myself that it would be more even ridiculous to eat a regular lunch and a bowl of ice cream, right?
  • Anything Martha Stewart - I wouldn't call it an obsession, but Jake might. When we were engaged, I registered for every Martha Stewart kitchen gadget, stacking bowl, and tupperware container imaginable, and not many things make me happier than visiting the Martha Stewart office section in Staples. She gets me. 
  • Pumpkin spice lattes - There are times when it's necessary to get the usual tall Pike Place in a grande cup with cream and 2 sugars in the raw, and then there are times when I give in to the pumpkin spice latte that's been calling my name. 

Top 3 Spotify playlists

  • Sweet Songs for Sunny Days - These cheerful songs add a skip in my step and a little pip in my pep. This playlist has some old favorites that make me smile (Teddy Geiger and Jason Mraz, anyone?) and other happy tunes that make working from home a little more fun.
  • Afternoon Acoustic - When I need to crank out a project, this is my jam. The Civil Wars, William Fitzsimmons, John Mayer - it's an acoustic dream team. 
  • Your Favorite Coffee House - Perfect for a rainy day, a second cup of coffee, and a mellow mood.

Your feedback last week made me so happy, so let's do it again! What are your favorite Instagram accounts, guilty pleasures, and music stations? 

Weekly Truth

This week I've felt a huge burden for all of the suffering that's been going on around me. Christians in the Middle East are being persecuted daily, people in our community are battling disease, friends are struggling with anxiety and depression, and loved ones are walking through grief and loss. Hardships are everywhere, often making me feel small and utterly helpless. 

Last night I met with some of the ladies from our church for a prayer meeting, and I was blessed when one of them turned to Psalm 46 and prayed it out loud. 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Pain and suffering are going on all around us, maybe even in our own lives, so I pray that this verse (and all of Psalm 46) would be a comfort to you and those around you this week. Here are some things that have been on my heart as I've focused on this short verse:

God is our refuge. He is our safe place, our shelter from danger, a place where we can find rest and security. In all of life's circumstances, in seasons of blessing and in trial, He is steadfast and secure. 

God is our strength. Because on our own, we are oh so weak. He gives us the power and the capability to move forward with endurance because we can't find it in ourselves.

God is a very present help. He is near, even in those moments where He feels far-off. He is present, He sees exactly what we're going through, and He guides us. 

But the most important truth in all of this is that God is our refuge, strength, and present help only because our relationship with Him has been restored through Jesus. We can have hope in the midst of pain and trial only because of the reward Christ gained for us through the blood He shed. And He can relate to our suffering because He Himself suffered. 

I hope this week's wallpaper reminds us not only to memorize Truth and draw near to God when we feel overwhelmed, weak, and helpless, but that it also reminds us to pray for those who are suffering. Is there something that you need prayer for this week? Please send me a message - I would love to pray for you. And feel free to share this wallpaper and the weekly Scripture cards in the Library with those around you who could use this reminder too. 

Download this week's wallpaper

Each week I design a new iPhone background with a different verse and share it on the blog. Seeing Scripture several times throughout my day reminds me of truth, strengthens my faith, and helps me me memorize God's Word so I can accurately share it with others. Feel free to download, pin, and share these backgrounds as many times as you would like!