My Everyday Featuring ... Krysta Manthe

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I am a free spirit with a love of bubble baths, almond milk mochas, the beach, good music, and fresh flowers on my dining room table. I'm on a journey to simplify life as much as possible...letting go of material things and exploring the world around us. I'm a mama to my son Crosby, who is 17 months and my step-son, Mikey who is 8 years old. I'm married to an amazingly supportive husband who reigns me in when I need it - I tend to get carried away with ideas sometimes so he keeps me grounded. We're a good pair...he has the patience of a saint!  Five years ago I was working as a Marketing Director for a radiology firm. I loved my job and they were very good to me. However, that year I lost my father unexpectedly and he was very young. Losing him made me look at life with a new perspective. I pushed all fear aside, left my job, and went full time into photography. It has been a wonderful experience and I have never looked back. I have met so many beautiful people, have the opportunity to travel, and get to work from home which means more time with my baby boy. I also currently mentor, teach at The DEFINE School, and have a few other projects in the works that I hope I get to announce soon. More than anything, though, I love being a mother. It is more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. There are so many things I want them to experience and want to teach them. At the end of the day, though, as long as they are happy, kind, and know that anything is possible, I feel like I've done right by them. Life is good! 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
I love so many things about our days together, but I think my most favorite time of the day would be when we lay down together before his nap or before he goes to bed. He is at the age where he is constantly on the go. He's always running around on an adventure. It's really fun to watch, but it means that cuddling time with Mama is limited. Before he goes to sleep, we lay down together while he has his bottle. He snuggles into me and it's the best feeling in the world. He always has to have his face touching mine and likes to twirl my hair. I look forward to it every day as I know that as he gets older, he won't always be up for cuddling. On the weekends we have Mikey, my favorite part of the day would also be watching Crosby when Mikey walks through the door. He adores him and follows him around wherever he goes. The adoration is mutual and I'm so happy they'll always have one another. 

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.

This was actually very difficult for me as I find so many women inspiring for different reasons.  The women in my day to day circle that I converse and interact with daily continuously inspire me. So, I decided to pick three women I've never met, but inspire me through the way they document their lives with their children on Instagram. @andreahanki /  @theroadishome / @kristinamcpherson

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you and you've got 45 minutes of personal free time...how would you spend it? 

Meditating, doing yoga, reading, going for a run, taking a bubble bath...anything that will rejuvenate me and calm my mind.

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month? 
Besides my yoga pants and my husband's t-shirts? :)  I would love to say it's sundresses and sandals, it's still quite chilly here in the Midwest. I'm currently living in my Frye boots, black leggings, and have a weakness for Free People slips. They're easy to throw on and I can wear a sweater or a jacket over them when we go outside. I'm chasing after an energetic 17 month old all day so I'm all about comfort!

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
It would have to be my son's nursery. It's my favorite room in our home. I dreamed about what it would look like for so long and spent a lot of time in his nursery while he was still in my belly.  It's where we play and read and snuggle together. I also love watching my husband (who is 6'5") crawl inside his tee pee to play with him. It's a sight to behold. :) His nursery is a bright, clean space and suits him perfectly. 

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
I probably wouldn't post this on Instagram for silly reasons - the frames are crooked, there's dirty laundry all over our bed, etc. But this is our every day. My son usually starts off the day fully clothed and ends up being down to only a diaper by mid-day. It seems like there's always a never ending pile of laundry or something to be cleaned, picked up, sorted through, or organized. Crosby is always at my side so he's right there in the middle of the chaos with me. ...and I would have it no other way!

Be sure and follow @krystamanthemetcalf on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

RED CABOOSE

HELLO Friends!

It's Kelli here....and today I wanted to give you a peek into what My Everyday [at work] looks like. My husband and I own and operate a self-serve frozen yogurt + coffee shop, Red Caboose. We are located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana....which is a resort town, so we are quickly approaching our busiest time of year- summertime!

We opened our doors in February 2011....and are enjoying the adventure. It's truly a blessing to not only be able to make a living here, but I get to bring Ezra to work with me- everyday. He's actually the best little greeter.....he loves seeing all the people come in and out of our doors on a daily basis. I think people swing by the shop just to see him sometimes! I love it.

Balancing motherhood, creativity and entrepreneurship is not easy, but I take it one day at a time. Everything I put my hands to- goes through a filter that I must ask myself: "How does this benefit me and my family? Does this strengthen my role as a wife and mother? Does this take me away from the most important things in my life?" I know that it's not about me.....but it is about my family and stewarding the lives that are my responsibility here on this earth.

For me, being a shop owner- doesn't allows allow for a strict schedule [naps, feeding ect...]. Ezra really has jumped on our boat....and is going with the flow. It was really easy to do this when he was younger, but we are entering a new season. He will ONE in just a few weeks.....and he really has developed a schedule of his own....and has started to nap/sleep better in his crib. As he has been flexible- I am doing the same. Things will start to change around here.....but flexibility for all of us has made this a win-win.

Our staff is amazing...and they just adore Ezra...and the feelings are mutual. So, they love to help out, hold, distract and play with Ezra as well. This is usually how I ended up getting all my orders placed for the week. As you can see in the photos below- Ezra is very much a part of our team. I believe this is how I've been able to balance these two worlds- it would be impossible to separate these two, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

How many of you own your own businesses? Would you be interested in a "shop talk" series? Let us know...we are up for new topics that would you would be interested in reading!

Here's a peek inside the Red Caboose!
XO!

Web Design by Tyler Thorney
Photography by Jeremiah & Rachel

My Everyday Featuring ... Shaynah Dodge

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I am Shaynah of the blog "pirates and peonies" or @ruffledsnob on social media. I love fashion, coffee table books, and interior design. Laughter is my favorite sound in the world and I don't take anything too seriously. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 9 years! He is my rock and keeps me tied to reality. Together we are raising our 3 boys who keep our lives full of chaos and wonder. You can often find us jumping on the sofa, singing at the top of our lungs, and giving lots of sloppy kisses. We love costumes and we love adventure and we love life!

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
The mornings! We always wake up slowly and I love the intimate moments that happen when the boys hop in our bed - those are the times where we all really sit and listen to each other and laugh over nothing. It is so pure and just full of moments I want to bottle up!

I also love our daily adventures to new parks and trails. Minnesota is filled with beautiful views and amazing scenes. We love venturing out and discovering the little world we live in. Climbing trees and running free is a beautiful part of a child's memory and I hope to encourage all these behaviors for as long as possible! We try to get muddy every day the weather allows!

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
@kellywilde - she has such a beautiful outlook on love and raising children. She shares her true reality and I love that! / @danniremender - she has a clean and crisp way of capturing her happy children and their stylish life. Plus, she is super fun! / @dancelittleliar - she is extremely talented! Her photos always seem so deep and emotional

[#4] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?

Always a maxi dress! They are so comfy and simple. Such a no-brainer.

Madewell Andie Sandals - the perfect summer heel, they go with everything.

Rag and Bone floppy fedora - makes yesterday's curls look acceptable.

Converse - always +forever.

[#5] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you and you've got 45 minutes of personal free time...how would you spend it? 

If I have free time you will definitely find me running to Anthropologie or any book store. I don't even need to make a purchase! I just love looking around and being inspired. I am so visual, and I love looking at things that other minds have created!

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?

I would probably say our fireplace area. We spend so much time building forts and reading in that space together - it is open, yet feels so small and cozy. 

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.

I am not a neat freak. I am more of a free spirit and I am very laid-back. I try to enjoy my kids while they are little, so it often means something is forgotten or left for another day... haha this is definitely part of my life I try to keep a secret! 

Be sure and follow @ruffledsnob on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday Featuring ... Emily Anderson

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
My story...well, I've been married to Mr. Anderson for ten years and we have six children running circles around us. After having our fourth baby, we felt pulled in the direction to adopt from Ethiopia. So, we went forward with that process, even though it seemed crazy because we had 4 very small children at home. In March of 2011, our sweet Elsa came home from Africa.  Our family of 7 was done, complete. Then two weeks later, we found out we were pregnant with surprise number six! Apparently we weren't done. Nine months later, Olive joined our family and officially made it complete. It was a crazy year. Shortly after that, my husbands job moved us from Orlando, FL to Dallas, TX where we now are raising this brood. We have had very hard, dark days...but through it all, God has proved his faithfulness to us, time and time again. I never would have imagined that at 31 years old, I would be a mother to 6. I am really grateful to be on this journey.

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?

I go through periods where I really struggle with enjoying my day to day interactions with my little ones. Some days, I have to really dig deep to find an enjoyable moment. But it's usually always there. And it usually always involves a quiet moment. My house is loud, like always. So, I relish those rare, quiet moments when exploring is happening. When somebody is working hard and using their brain, and they get it. When siblings aren't fighting, but instead, sharing and playing. I absolutely adore watching my kids use their imaginations.

[#3] Name Three Instagram MOMS who inspire you.

@mrsmogun / @mockabee7 /  @honeyholden /  @mckenziekk  (i can't pick just 3!)

[#4] What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and your passion for creativity?
The biggest challenge is actually finding time to be creative. There used to be a time in my life when I could accomplish any DIY project.  Those days feel long gone.  My creativity now comes in the form of writing on my blog.  It's become my sanity saver, my outlet. That is what I choose to work on, when I get free moments. I've collected years and years of memories on that blog. So, I would say that beats any DIY project :) 

[#5] What is a family tradition that you love sharing with your kids? 
I am a big believer in family traditions. I still remember things I did growing up, and I desperately want my kids to have memories like that, and to carry them on into their own childrens' lives. A lot of our traditions stem around holidays. But one big thing we do is a family movie night every weekend. We've been doing it for quite a while now and the kids adore it.  We are currently going through some of our favorite kid movies from the 80's (Honey, I shrunk the Kids, Mighty Ducks, etc.) and it's awesome. Reminds me of my glory days. We've actually missed movie night for the past few weekends, because of other commitments, and our kids are aching for it. It's a big deal in this house.

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
I love this image. When we lived in Florida, our five big kids all shared one room. Then we moved to Texas, and our home practically doubled in size. Our kids were able to split up into different rooms. But, when they get a chance, they all come back together in one room. As much as those kids fight with one another, I can tell that they really do love each other. They might not always enjoy each other, but they care deeply. This picture gives me hope that these are the memories they'll have of our home, when they get older. (Crossing my fingers!) 

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.

Honestly, I pretty much share everything. I strive to be a "real" mom in the online world. I wouldn't ever want people to think my life was a highlight reel only. As I was going through my camera images, I realized I never shared this photo, so here ya go. Olive is doing a dance for everyone, on the coffee table. That's her favorite place to dance. And it gives me a heart attack nearly every time.

Be sure and follow @theandersoncrew on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday / Creator Series featuring ... Bobbi Bankston of The Mason Bar Company

[#1.] When did you launch "The Mason Bar Company" and what prompted you to start your own business?
I launched TMBC in August of 2012. It was a “sister store” to my first Etsy retail shop, Poppy & Pearl co. which I started a year before in 2011. I was prompted to start my own business when I found myself craving some spark and adventure in my career. It was a time in my life that a new chapter was necessary and with a leap of faith I followed my heart... it’s been the best two years!!

[#2.] What tool/marketing strategy has helped you the most in regards to getting your business noticed?
Etsy- without a doubt! Etsy has been an unbelievable platform. I worked really really hard, researching and learning the ropes for my shop. I got plugged in to the community and learned the importance of consistent network marketing. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Etsy as it truly changed my life! 

[#3.] Share with us a few of your tips for balancing motherhood and business.
Oh goodness...Is that such a thing? Just kidding! I’d say the first thing that comes to mind is to set apart business hours from mom hours when possible. When you get home or close the door to your home office, don’t “mentally” go back to work. Be truly present when the hours allow for they go fast and having quality time with your kids is irreplaceable. Secondly, I’d have say go easy on yourself because we can’t “do it all”. This concept is a daily struggle for me and I feel that I’m slowly but surely coming around. You will drive yourself crazy if you try to be perfect in every hat you wear. We can be exceptional mothers, wives and career women and still maintain balance- it’s a matter of allowing ourselves to accept the imperfections that naturally come along with life. Smile... Breathe... and have a dance party once in awhile!

[#4.] Divulge one of your dreams for your business.

I’d love to see TMBC expand its product line... there are several ideas swirling around my brain.

[#5.]What advice do you have for moms who have a creative dream in their heart and desire to start their own business from home?

1. Start simple... even if it’s selling one item. Take baby steps toward your big vision. 2. Use your resources and ask to barter with friends and family who might be photographers, graphic designers, constructive critics, etc... 3. Find an inspirational verse or quote that will motivate you when fear starts creeping in. I think I’ve recited Jeremiah 29:11 a thousand times!

[#6.]Share with us a peek of your working space.

[#7] Name three mompreneurs who inspire you.  

@EvelynFields / @SkunkboyCreatures / @Mockabee7

/// 24oz Mason Jar Tumbler EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT ///

Click here to purchase a 24oz Mason Jar Tumbler with PINK straw, an exclusive discount for My Everyday readers! After adding product to your cart- type in discount code "kelliandvanessa" which gives you 40% OFF your purchase! Offer good TODAY ONLY from 10am-noon CST! Sweet Deal! Don't miss out! 

Be sure and follow @themasonbarcompany on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms 

summertime sips | by Kelli

I really try and drink a good amount of water each day, especially when I drink more than one latte a day at our cafe! Infusing water with natural flavors makes for a super refreshing beverage. My go-to's are usually lemons and limes, but this time of year I love to pick up fresh fruit at our local Farmers Market. Adding herbs like mint or rosemary is pretty fantastic [and oh so pretty] too! It's amazing how quickly I can guzzle down 24 ounces of water when there's a treat at the bottom! This is also a fun alternative to plain ol' water for your guests. Try it!

And.....how fabulous is this Mason Jar Tumbler? My new friend Bobbi is the genius lady behind the Mason Bar Company, where you can pick one up for yourself. I met her on Instagram and instantly felt a connection to this sweet momma. I love her passion for Christ, her family and doing business in excellence. If you aren't following her on IG- you really should. Bobbi will be featured on our My Everyday series tomorrow [Thursday] and she's offering a super sweet deal on a Tumbler- so be sure and come back here to get the details!

What are some of your favorite summertime sips?!?

XO! -kelli

summertime sips | by Vanessa

i love summer.
i live in texas.
exactly.
it's HOT & there's nothing more refreshing then a delicious, chilled drink to sip on the porch while watching the littles splash in the water!
when i first ran across Bobbi's mason jar tumbler on IG, i knew instantly i a] needed one & b] needed to get her featured on our My Everyday series!
i absolutely LOVE that she's a mom who's working hard to build her company from the ground up & she's doing a might fine job at it!
her business, The Mason Bar Company, is one you should follow if you're on IG & also be sure to visit her lovely Etsy shop.
the tumbler is PERFECT for summer days.
TOMORROW we feature this lovely, hardworking mom + her shop on My Everyday, so be on the look out for an awesome deal on a tumbler!
thank you, Bobbi, for creating such a genius product!
- Vanessa
xo