tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27585711817528937142024-02-19T00:17:34.992-06:00People Who QuitEleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-45469210233272345112010-09-27T10:28:00.006-05:002010-09-27T11:01:35.132-05:00Meet Reed, Thank You Austin, Forgive Me Blogosphere.After 41 weeks of waiting and growing giant-sized with a grand finish of enormous stretch marks, I now have a son who toots on me daily. I couldn't love him more. His name is Reed Austin and he is the single reason I haven't written in say...oh, a lot of weeks. <div><br /></div><div>I haven't done anything as insane as become a mother since I married. After marrying my husband (who I am convinced is mostly saint) I was in shock for six months. The single life I'd known was gone. For the first time I was accountable to someone other than myself. It freaked me out. Some panic attacks followed while my saintly husband patiently waited it out. Then, things got good. Then, they got great. Six years later we have a son.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our house is now filled with baby noises. We have a jungle gym in the living room along with a car seat. A squirmy, warm body with big beautiful eyes toots on me at every feeding. And I'm exhausted. Sometimes I shower and sometimes I don't. Sometimes we bathe him and sometimes we don't. Life is now taken in moments, day by day because we're never really sure what it will hold. For me that's probably the best part. The surprise of a new day when, after an exhausting evening of little sleep, I wake up and my son is doing something new. Grabbing a toy, looking more alert, growing every day. Honestly, this is the best journey I've ever been on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday was my sixth wedding anniversary. Thanks to toots-a-lot I didn't get hubby more than a kiss and hug. So I'd like to take a moment to thank the man I love. Austin, you're the best husband and father I could ask for. Remember, "grow old with me, the best is yet to be." </div><div><br /></div><div>After weeks of sabbatical, I hope (fingers crossed) to be a more diligent blogger. Again, remember the "day by day" thing. Reed and I will do the best we can. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-45294465950100535362010-08-06T09:16:00.000-05:002010-08-06T09:16:35.950-05:00Start Up Advice from a Pro, Sew Crafty's Sarah Gabbart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU2QtrR8fl9Rs3FoM2sCI5X2ftvMVTrBbAdt4_KFryKem4eLccDyXpeQRMNMvi3SECRcQjYcfijAX07W98Z9Sz0C_1WUsDfr6qzP6W8BgzK50aLrkC1BV3IXZhExGmjGicGnPn7czMtQ/s1600/Sew+Crafty+Storefront+Image.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501764674619261682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU2QtrR8fl9Rs3FoM2sCI5X2ftvMVTrBbAdt4_KFryKem4eLccDyXpeQRMNMvi3SECRcQjYcfijAX07W98Z9Sz0C_1WUsDfr6qzP6W8BgzK50aLrkC1BV3IXZhExGmjGicGnPn7czMtQ/s320/Sew+Crafty+Storefront+Image.jpg" /></a> It takes some nerve (some might say stupidity) to walk in to a business owner's establishment to conduct an interview without any prior experience. Nonetheless, this is exactly what I did today. Being 39 weeks pregnant, I blame it on hormones and the raging Houston heat.<br /><br /><div>While sitting with <a href="http://www.sewcraftyhouston.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sew Crafty's</span></strong></a> owner, Sarah, for our informal interview I took note of the cheeriness of the joint. Bright colors, smiling faces and fun grown-up toys surrounded us. These "toys" consisted of crafting tools, glue guns, fabric and thread- all the makings of the business' mission: to bring a fun crafting environment to the Houston Heights and beyond.<br /></div><br /><div>There were a few things I wanted to know. Why did Sarah start <a href="http://www.sewcraftyhouston.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sew Crafty</span></strong></a> and how did she coordinate the funding and the nerve to risk.</div><br /><div>After chatting a bit about various topics, we got down to the nitty gritty. When asked whether she wanted to puke starting her own business, Sarah jested, "my mom always says I have more courage than sense." She and I agreed having courage and a capability for decisiveness were probably good strengths for an entrepreneur and small business owner.<br /></div><br /><div>Starting <a href="http://www.sewcraftyhouston.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sew Crafty</span></strong></a> became a passion pursuit for Sarah as she traded her penchant for perezhilton.com for crafting blogs. After being a life long DIYer, crafter and attending the Parsons Art School in NYC, Sarah returned to Houston to finish her degree at St. Thomas University in communications. After graduation, she worked in PR at the Natural Museum of Science, as an operations manager for Alexandra Knight (a local hand bag designer) and as a copy writer for David Weekly. Although she found it difficult to leave a comfortable position at David Weekly, it was time to make her dream of building a crafting lounge come true.</div><br /><div>So, how did she fund her passion project? She recommends starting with a very strong business plan. The next step is to pitch your plan to banks and/or investors. These days banks are much tighter with lending and she recommends making loan inquiries through the <a href="http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Small Business Administration</span></strong></a> where minority and women run businesses are of particular interest. Starting her business, she and her husband were able to limit their debt and save in order to put their money where their mouth is. They expected to turn a profit in 2-3 years and recommend having enough saved to weather the storm and run as lean as you can. "The hardest thing about running your business is you never really know how you are doing. Sure, there are sales and employee retention numbers but you always know there's something you're <em>not</em> doing."<br /></div><div></div><div>As advice for upcoming or new business owners Sarah says this: "Take the plunge and be decisive" and "Be quick to admit your weaknesses then seek answers, resources and address the problem quickly."</div><br /><div>Sarah finds having a realistic and relaxed view point of herself helpful. To her, it's more important to admit when she doesn't know the answer than to fake it 'till you make it. She finds the most joy in her business when she reads a good review or hears something positive said of her business. Also, she loves making people happy.</div><br /><div>Her willingness to make the customer happy is evident in the classes <a href="http://www.sewcraftyhouston.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sew Crafty</span></strong></a> offers, in the cheerfulness of the lounge itself and its retail. As a two time class member (sewing boot camp and Amy Butler birdie sling), I highly recommend experiencing this unique crafting lounge for yourself. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.sewcraftyhouston.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Sew Crafty's Web site and blog</span></strong></a> for future offerings including crafting kits for out-of-towners who can't attend classes and starter kits for class members. </div>Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-28710377758459102212010-08-05T10:47:00.012-05:002010-08-05T11:17:56.566-05:00Houston's Restaurant Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA_ZcclvB4oqZMil44Uj5KaA0tDRpDUe-OHZUGaIg-zerA2cLGadJqCSj90JlnMvD7iBwBmAZDOeuZwi-usssN47u3V-25X85P4a0lQkIiamQjIuKPHA8DL4JvUUspqtCCTVr2UxJAIY/s1600/Houston+Restaurant+Week+Image.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501957687685366962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA_ZcclvB4oqZMil44Uj5KaA0tDRpDUe-OHZUGaIg-zerA2cLGadJqCSj90JlnMvD7iBwBmAZDOeuZwi-usssN47u3V-25X85P4a0lQkIiamQjIuKPHA8DL4JvUUspqtCCTVr2UxJAIY/s320/Houston+Restaurant+Week+Image.jpg" /></a> "Do you eat to live or live to eat?" was the question posed from my grandaddy to my newly chubby Uncle Mike. As the family story goes, Mike didn't really appreciate grandaddy's interest in his weight and huffed off, annoyed.<br /><br /><div>Regardless of poor Uncle Mike's feelings, the question is valid. And, here's my answer: Both! Food is sustenance but it's also entertainment, fun, fulfilling. All great reasons to get involved with this year's Houston Restaurant Week. Wait, but there's more!!</div><br /><div>When asked why I'm participating in Houston's Restaurant Week my answer will be "to donate money to the Houston Food Bank, of course." But my tummy knows different. The donation is icing on a beautifully gourmet cake from places like Mark's, Ibiza, Feast and Catalan, restaurants offering pre-selected menus at reduced prices through August 21. </div><br /><br /><div>Most of the restaurants on the distinguished list offer both lunch and dinner. At lunch, for $25 per person, you'll choose one dish from three pre-selected courses. Then, $3 of your meal goes to the food bank. Similarly, dinner will cost $35 and $5 of your meal goes to the food bank. What better way to feed the hungry than to feed yourself? Everybody wins! (I'm only half kidding.)</div><br /><div></div><div>Seriously though, the opportunity to assist a very worthy non-profit organization <em>and</em> enjoy a special meal at a reduced price is something worth checking out. So do it!</div><br /><div>Check out restaurants serving it up to help the hungry <a href="http://www.houstonrestaurantweek.com/"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">here</span></strong></a>. </div>Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-24591003073596495982010-07-19T19:04:00.015-05:002010-07-24T22:57:14.638-05:00Vindicated! It's about TIME.<p align="left"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495773706629456738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKG8j7RqHkbuyVwfEYtPEjw8R8GCwqmgay5y3ZZckWGWMO6I8fDa8p7t3z5Afm2YLewP2Zz6_yngKAj0Ghw-yt3YmXiHYY7wnq6ke-5N6dsdIPHbVnpdhlwppUe5np0oILPVMXwDvORs/s320/TIME+magazine.jpg" />Living life as an only child is, at times, similar to being born blind and blamed for it. People anticipate you're a brat because your parents didn't spit out a few extra siblings to "round out" your personality. I've lived with the only child label for thirty years and only recently feel vindicated.<br /><br />According to <em><a href="http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2002382,00.html"><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong>The Only Child: Debunking the Myths</strong></span></a></em> article in the July 19, 2010 issue of TIME Magazine, more American families are choosing the method of one and done. Citing reasons from financials to women bearing children at more advanced ages, only children are born and raised at a rate of 1 in 5 today, almost doubling the number of only children in America since the 1960's.<br /><br />The perception of the only child as spoiled and selfish began 120 years ago thanks to the work of Granville Stanley Hall, deemed history's first child psychologist. After conducting a famous study in 1896, he concluded that only children were ill-equipt to adjust to life because they lacked siblings. And, ever since his study was conducted and research published, we only children have suffered the label of "spoiled, selfish, solitary misfits".<br /><br />Apparently, most of society forgets the part where only children are forced with greater pressure to make friends and adjust in social situations. We don't have the sibling to lean on at a party or day care. Instead, we must learn early on how to adapt and make friends. Also, most folks don't realize that only children (at least the ones like me) play by themselves a lot. As a result, we tend to be independent and free thinking. Not bad characteristics if you ask me.<br /><br />Perhaps this article is not the most unbiased. The author is an only child herself raising a daughter who she thinks will be an only child as well. But, in spite of possible bias, the author also knows the only child scene like only an only would.<br /><br />The link to the article is included above. Check it out for yourself and make decisions based on what's best for your family. Onlies can be cool, raised in the right environment, just as kids with siblings can become great when brought up with good values. My two cents are this: It's not the number you have, it's the way you teach them. </p>Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-60628543470219388012010-07-17T15:56:00.014-05:002010-07-24T23:02:23.046-05:00A Risky Proposition: Requesting an interview with Sew Crafty<p align="left"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494986826771219378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdTDwmpCqhHjPoy_3hbymE8KYG1DECU3gUONBF8afrNLVKMZRa6eBLB_CtGwZeR1Ea9v4AgMgV75E790p71-BiAqH5FtlXL_oNMcTW4KBbXKlfSDBtE2MPBMelvHnLHPAKNLgir_wgco/s320/Sarah+at+Sew+Crafty.jpg" />The first business owner/risk taker I'd like to interview is Sarah. Sarah runs <a href="http://sewcraftyhouston.com/"><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><strong>Sew Crafty</strong></span></a>, one of the cutest, most clever and creative small businesses in the Houston Heights. Self described as Houston's first "craft studio and sewing lounge" I've taken two classes at Sew Crafty, and as a result, learned a thing or two (and not one more) about sewing.<br />Sarah is known to be a real DIY firecracker. A Houston native, she briefly attended the Parsons School of Design before finishing her education at St. Thomas University, a small private university located in the heart of Montrose.<br /><br />I've been so impressed with Sarah's Sew Crafty, the studio's offering of crafting classes and the instructors that for some time I've wanted to meet with Sarah and ask <em>just how did you do it</em>.<br /><br />My goal is to contact Sarah at Sew Crafty next week to request an interview. Crossing my fingers now for a good result... </p>Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-55149808951322513412010-07-17T12:57:00.019-05:002010-07-24T23:01:43.583-05:00Best ever and simple to make homemade pancakes<div align="left"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494949729678234770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgio3iOmRlEKJCBg2lo1O20FtmLM1aeL2IbAWMPdf64GwmAkT-UH_Tx0isomj-eNY-kakAFBRoU-u_SZ4JAlu6HFVLQAZR2ZQ66rl0FIf9CAY1943btd8gv8j-GJz8bo_YOvNYQ6LwpNbs/s320/IMG_0689.JPG" />My husband and I have a strange obsession with breakfast. It's our favorite meal of the day and sometimes we cook in while other times we prefer to do brunch. For us, breakfast doesn't necessarily just start the day since we also enjoy breakfast food for dinner.<br /><br />On a quest for a delicious pancake recipe, I really lucked out when I found this one on allrecipes.com. It's easy, requiring few ingredients which you'll most likely have in your pantry and fridge already (I love that because grocery shopping is something I like to avoid as long as possible). </div><br />I've made the recipe three times now, first with blueberries then blackberries and this morning with wheat flour, topped with fig preserves and cane syrup for me (as pictured), maple syrup for hubby. The wheat provides a denser texture than white flour. Personally, I prefer the white flour which lends a really light, fluffiness to the pancakes. Either way, you can't go wrong.<br /><br />Here's how you whip 'em up and 'cause a stir at your house in the morning.<br /><br />First, place all dry ingredients in one bowl while you whisk the wet ingredients in a second bowl. Then, make a little "cave" in the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture in. Mix until smooth (I always have some bumps so no worries if the batter isn't entirely smooth).<br /><br />Next, place about 1/4 cup of batter in to a lightly oiled skillet on medium high heat. Watch for bubbles. Once you see them rise from the pancake, gently flip the pancake to the other side. Generally, these cook pretty quickly and I find myself burning them with some frequency. Once the second side looks done (prod with your spatula to be sure) plop the pancake on a plate and apply some butter. Then, repeat the process with the remaining batter.<br /><br />Expect 10 medium sized pancakes with each serving. For a list of ingredients and complete instructions, visit allrecipes.com <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Pancakes/Detail.aspx"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2758571181752893714.post-75398112646934842192010-07-16T22:02:00.015-05:002010-07-24T23:00:15.289-05:00A Perfect Example: DC Cupcakes<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDUCF5gaaa9bKch6w6bnYzK_Wbs9IHV6GO_peDMZlTFvFZAsQoQOXnft0reOXlmUsbH7-GVfcXFOPOjFHUk7cqiklSpqqABo4jL501CzXrHD6_yEYpOu0h_G7399JcoviEBskOF568Xo/s1600/georgetown_cupcake_sisters.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 309px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495744128371533458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDUCF5gaaa9bKch6w6bnYzK_Wbs9IHV6GO_peDMZlTFvFZAsQoQOXnft0reOXlmUsbH7-GVfcXFOPOjFHUk7cqiklSpqqABo4jL501CzXrHD6_yEYpOu0h_G7399JcoviEBskOF568Xo/s320/georgetown_cupcake_sisters.jpg" /></a></p>DC Cupcakes, a show which premiered on TLC this evening, focuses on two sisters who quit the corporate world to achieve their dream of running a family business. The sisters, Katherine and Sophie, share a passion for baking and seemingly little else. Sophie, a short, stout blonde takes on the typical first child personality traits of perfectionism and control. On the other hand Katherine is a tall brunette who seems to have high standards for their bakery while bearing a more realistic, pragmatic approach to inevitable obstacles.<br /><br /><p>Alongside the cupcakery owners are loyal bakery workers Andres and Yasmin. These two are cousins and characters who, I suspect, will maintain pivotol roles throughout the shows run. Other notables include the girls' mother called Mommy by everyone at the bakery. As a result of these main characters the show takes on a familial aspect similar to TLC's other sweet hit, Cake Boss. </p>The women opened Georgetown Cupcakes Valentine's Day 2008. They make 5,000 cupcakes on an average day and, while DC patrons stand in line for their confectionery treats, they also ship the small cakes to locales around the country.<br /><br />To see a great example of people leaving comfortable jobs to take a risk on their own, check out TLC's latest show, <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/dc-cupcakes/meet-the-sisters.html"><span style="color:#cc66cc;">DC Cupcakes</span></a>.<br /><br />Sidebar: It's not a bad idea to watch this show with a cupcake from Houston's very own Crave or the newly opened Sprinkles in the Highland Village. Enjoy a sweet treat while getting a dose of passion project inspiration.Eleanor Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768762145103429867noreply@blogger.com0