Coffee Date with Natalie Freeman

My design-loving heart skips a beat each time I walk in Anthropologie. Every one of their items feels like it has a story behind it and no two pieces are the same, however they all fit together perfectly in an thoughtful, inspiring collection. They have a style that's one-of-a-kind and lovely. The same is true for Natalie Freeman's style. It's one-of-a-kind, homey, and creative, and the first time I stumbled upon her website I couldn't help but spend a half hour looking around, getting excited about every pretty little detail.

Natalie and her husband own Freckled Hen Farm where they raise goats, chickens, and a vegetable garden. Their home is a collection of colorful items that Natalie has so thoughtfully collected and paired together, and she blogs about their life, her thrifting and junking adventures, and her latest crafting projects. She also has a little shop where she sells "a happy little mix of handmade and vintage items." The way that Natalie finds beauty and simplicity in the day-to-day makes her a joy to follow along with, and I'm thrilled that she's joining us for a Coffee Date. Meet Natalie!

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

What's in your coffee cup this morning?

I love a good cup of coffee made by my husband in the early morning hours with maybe a little too much half & half.

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

Give us a glimpse into a "day in the life" of Natalie.

Every day looks a little different, but each day is always filled to the rim with good stuff. On any given day, you'll find me harvesting flowers and vegetables from our garden for our sweet Freckled Hen Farm customers. Other days I am washing eggs at the sink & dreaming up where we might raise our pigs or place our future beehive. Almost every day, you'll find me typing away & sharing my story on my blog in my studio. If I am lucky, I can sneak away for a couple hours to sew up some goodies for my etsy shop. I also volunteer as a garden educator within the public school district. Hands deep into the soil & surrounded by a cackle of students, you'll find me digging up worms & identifying insects in the school garden. A good day wouldn't be complete without a visit to the local thrift shop, one of my favorite places to get lost in my thoughts & find those forgotten treasures. In the midst of the busyness of life, I am always incredibly thankful that I get to call this wild & precious life mine. 

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

You and your husband, Luke, share about life around the Freckled Hen Farm. How did you start this venture and what do you enjoy most about living on a farm?

The farm really did fall into our laps. We had always dreamed of owning a piece of land, but never would we have ever imagined that it would happen so soon. We bought our first home & the farm a little over a year ago. Here we raise dairy goats, a large flock of chickens & a vegetable garden. When we first arrived on the farm, it instantly felt like home. It was the refuge my weary soul needed. Since our first day, my favorite part has always been the quiet. The calm mornings & the quiet evenings on the farm are so incredibly peaceful. I don't think I could ever go back to the city life.

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

What advice do you have for newbies like me on how to start a garden? What are your favorite plants to grow?

Just start. Don't worry, you'll mess up. But you'll learn a whole lot. And you'll continue learning with each new garden & season. But if you grow discouraged, plant some salad greens. In just a handful of weeks, you will be harvesting fresh greens from your garden. They're oh so easy to grow & quite tasty, too!

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

Between having your own Etsy shop, keeping up with the farm, blogging, and crafting, I'm sure your life stays busy! How do you simplify?

My own little word for 2014 is Quality & with each month, I learn a little bit more about what it means for my particular journey. I have a really difficult time simplifying my life & saying no to new opportunities. This year, and with each day, I am learning to say no so that I may say yes to those aspects & people in my life that are most important. Quite honestly, each day is a struggle, but I find that when I allow a bit of white space in my life, I reap the benefits of a quality life.

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

What is something you've been loving lately?

Just recently I have loved disconnecting from social media. This time away from social media allows me to fully connect with my husband or notice the little details of life I would have otherwise missed with my face to the screen. 

Photo by Nikki Toth Photography

And just for fun, what do you hope life looks like for you and Luke thirty years from now?

We hope we're still having fun, seeking adventures, living out our passions & most importantly, loving each other fiercely.

---

Follow along with Natalie

Blog   |   Etsy   |   Freckled Hen Farm   |   Instagram

---

Recent Coffee Dates

5 Tips for Successfully Juggling Multiple Projects

Like you, I rarely have just one thing on my plate. Between writing blog posts, working on branding projects, designing new items for the Library, and keeping up with administrative tasks around Elle & Company, I'm constantly juggling. Focusing on one thing at a time is easier than managing multiple projects and clients at once, but the reality for most designers/entrepreneurs/moms/students is that projects often need to be worked on simultaneously. 

Successfully conquering multiple projects at once is a fine art and a balancing act. Project management can make or break you in business, hinder your success in school, and cause a lot of stress for those of us who are prone to saying "yes" to everything.

I don't know if I'll ever consider myself a pro at project juggling, but I've come across some tips that add order to my routine and allow me to stay on top of multiple projects, clients, and tasks at the same time. My way isn't the only way and it isn't super high-tech, but this project management system might be helpful for you too. Here are 5 tips that that have helped me juggle the many tasks and to-dos around Elle & Company. 

1. Write out your process

Think through every step of your project from start to finish and write it down. Record every detail, big and small, so that you can account for it in your schedule. Once you've considered all the steps, compile them into a workflow chart. Workflow charts are especially useful if you're working with similar projects on a consistent basis (all you photographers, event planners, teachers, and designers can relate). 

The workflow chart that I created to keep up with my branding clients has been a lifesaver. It keeps all of my tasks organized and gives me a visual for where I'm at in the scope of a project. My workflow chart streamlines my process and helps me become more efficient with my time.

This workflow chart is now available in the Elle & Company Library! Click here for more details.

2. Generously estimate your time

If you're like me, projects always take longer than you originally anticipate. To prevent last-minute scrambling and night-before-the-deadline panic attacks, get in the habit of overestimating the time it will take you to complete a project. Creating a buffer is a win-win for everyone: if a project takes you a little longer than you had hoped, you've already built in some extra time to complete it. If you finish early, you have more room in your schedule to get ahead on other projects (and you'll probably impress your client or project recipient, too).

3. Rely on your planner

Easy to say since I sell planners, right? But I designed the Daybook Planner because I've seen how fundamental organization is to productivity and successful time management. I would never be able to keep up with several projects at once if I didn't write down every single task in my Daybook and block off sections of time to complete them.

Once you've come up with your workflow chart and have generously estimated how much time each task will take, write down the steps in your planner. This is probably the most important step; you'll overcommit, fall behind, and miss deadlines if you don't account for each step of a project in your schedule (and I say this from experience). Save stress and block off time to get things done.

4. Categorize your weekly schedule

Having the same routine day after day works for some people, but I've learned that monotony in my schedule causes me to be less productive. I have to mix it up and add variation to my days so that they don't all run together. For example, Mondays and Fridays are designated for blog writing and administrative tasks, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are blocked off for client work, and Saturday mornings I work on new Library additions. There are some tasks like emailing and posting to social media that have to be done each day, but categorizing my week gives me something to look forward to and helps me plow through similar tasks. 

5. Stick to the plan

Steps 1 through 4 are only the beginning; the hardest part about juggling multiple projects is finding the self control to stick to your system. I'm still trying to find a magic solution to this self-control dilemma, but I've learned two tricks that keep me on track. 

Unplug. I'm certain that this isn't the first time you've been advised to do this, but it doesn't hurt to reiterate how distracting social media and incoming emails can be when you're trying to get work done. And again, I speak from experience. Turn off your phone, x-out of your email, and do whatever is necessary to keep from being interrupted.

Schedule rewards for getting work done. Because we all work a little harder when there's something in it for us. Your reward could be something as simple as a quick run through the Starbucks drive-through or an episode of the Office on Netflix.

---

Like I said before, I'm no project management pro and I'm still fine-tuning my system. I would love to know what tips you've found helpful for juggling multiple projects at once. How do you keep up with all of your tasks? And just for fun, what rewards motivate you to check off the boxes on your to-do list?

---

Related Posts

Weekly Truth - Beatitudes Week 2

I'm back with week 2 of the Beatitudes series, a little study I started within my normal Weekly Truth routine. I'm digging deeper into the Word to discover what these 8 verses in the book of Matthew mean for us as we go about our day-to-day lives, and I'm adding in design by sharing a free phone wallpaper (because as much as I hate to admit it, I often check my phone more frequently than I open my Bible). It's helpful for me to see a verse several times throughout my day, not only for memorization, but to be reminded of Truth. 

The Beatitudes, Week 2

Last week we talked about the poor in spirit, those who know who they are in light of who God is and understand their need for a Redeemer. This week's verse goes hand-in-hand with that first beatitude.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

Although we often associate mourning with death, the scope of this verse goes beyond finding comfort in times of loss. This second beatitude clarifies what it looks like to be poor in spirit. Jesus tells us that those who are grieved by their sin are blessed. Those who feel inadequate and empty in their faults and failures, who are driven to the grace of God, will be comforted.

A great example of mourning over sin is found in Psalm 51. David had been caught in an adulterous affair with Bathsheba, and after being confronted by Nathan the prophet he wrote these familiar words:

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blog out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgement."  Psalm 51:1-4

This is the type of mourning that God blesses: a heartfelt, sincere grief over wickedness and sin. And that's why the first two beatitudes tie in so nicely with each other. Those who are poor in spirit, mourning their evil ways, have nowhere to turn but Jesus. They will be comforted by knowing that their sins are washed away by His blood, and they will inherit the kingdom of God because of His gift of salvation. 

So my prayer us this week is that we would mimic this heartfelt repentance and find comfort in Jesus. I pray that the attitude of our hearts will reflect these sweet words of Psalm 15:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."  Psalm 51:10-12

Are you an Elle & Company Library subscriber? This week's Scripture cards were just added to the printable collection. Would you like to subscribe to the Elle & Company Library? Click here to set up your account today!

---

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!

Home Suite Home - Introduction

Jake insisted that our first home together needed a name. So as soon as we returned from our honeymoon just over 2 years ago, we took one look at our frumpy little rental and came up with the most generous name we could think of: The Cottage.

Like most typical recent college graduates/newlyweds, we filled our home with a mix of items from our wedding registry, old furniture that our families were willing to donate, and a rambunctious not-so-little black lab puppy. It may have been a far cry from an HGTV dream home or a Southern Living magazine spread, but it sure was homey. And it was ours. For a year and a half those rooms housed many Saturday Netflix marathons, Thursday night Bible studies, and Sunday morning pancake breakfasts. The back porch heard a lot of laughter, the kitchen saw a lot of dance offs, and the front yard is probably still scarred from Tebow's squirrel-chasing path. The Cottage was well-loved by the two of us and all of our friends and family.

Then late last fall, things puzzle-pieced together perfectly for Jake to pursue seminary three and a half hours away from our hometown. This new chapter brought with it an internship for Jake at a sweet little church right outside of Charlotte, and a warm couple in the congregation offered to let us stay in their fully-furnished apartment throughout Jake's three years in school. So we packed up those wedding gifts, donated our furniture to newlywed friends, and waved goodbye to our first home together. 

This time I was the one who insisted that our second home together needed a name. So as soon as we pulled into the gravel driveway that Saturday afternoon, we took one look at our new place and came up with the most sophisticated name we could think of: The Suite.

We consider ourselves blessed to call the Suite our home. It has a cozy living area with a kitchenette, a bedroom with a walk-in closet for Jake and I to share, and a large bathroom that puts the Cottage to shame. Our hosts, Hudson and Deborah, are an added bonus; not only are they kind enough to share the Suite with us, but they invite use over each Monday night for dinner (and if we're lucky, some funny story-telling). We love them dearly.

We've been official North Carolina residents for just over 8 months now and we're still in the process of putting our touch on the Suite and making it our own. Its size is perfect for the two of us, but I know that we could be using the space more efficiently. And now that I'm working from home full-time, it's even more important for me to stay productive and inspired in our space. We know that this residence is temporary and borrowed so we don't want to go overboard with changes, but we do want it to be functional and put together. So I called in the expertise of my dear friend and interior designer, Michaela from Michaela Noelle Designs, to help me come up with design solutions for our Suite. Michaela has an eye for all things lovely, and for the next several weeks she will be working her magic on our space. We'll both be sharing the transformation on our blogs so you can follow along, too!

One of the biggest things that I hope both you and I can take away from this series is that no matter what your living situation is, you can always find ways to make it yours. It doesn't take a large budget or even a great amount of space - just a little creativity, a thankful heart, and a fun name.

Michaela is sharing her design plans for our Suite on her blog today and they have me swooning! Head on over to see her inspiration for the space and the ideas she has in store.

I have a feeling we aren't the only ones who have a habit of naming their homes (and cars... and bikes...) Do you have a name for your home? I would love to hear about your one-of-a-kind living situations, too. How have you made the most out of your space?

---

Would you like to keep up with our Home Suite Home project? Follow along with us!

Michaela Noelle Designs

Bloglovin'   |   Pinterest   |   Instagram

Elle & Company

Bloglovin'   |   Pinterest   |   Instagram

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, I say this each and every time, but long car rides are a thousand times more fun with you in the driver's seat. Thank you for making up ridiculous song lyrics, singing them in your "Creed" voice, and coming up with new dance moves. No one makes me laugh until I cry quite like you do.

Dear Hudson and Deborah, thank you for taking great care of our sweet rascal of a cat while we visited family in Virginia this weekend. Thank you for inviting her over for a play date with the dogs (I still can't believe she played with them and let them lick her head!) and thank you for spoiling her rotten despite her Houdini escape from our bathroom window. You're the cat's meow :)

Dear half marathon, training for you has reminded me just how out of shape I am, both mentally and physically. Without the accountability and motivation of my 3 best friends/running buddies (and a little help from the cardio playlists on Spotify), I would have given up on you long ago. Here's to long Saturday runs, sore muscles, and ice cream recoveries ;) I know it will be all worth it when we cross that finish line in November! 

Dear Jake, yesterday we took our "day of rest" literally and rested our eyes for 4 hours in between morning and evening church services. Even more ridiculous? We went to bed early last night and slept for another 9 hours. I'm hoping that it was just our fun-filled weekend finally catching up with us and not that nasty cold bug that's been going around...

---

Recent Letters