A    N E W   Y E A R  ... Endless possibilities.

 

Welp, another year is upon us and I realize I am a little late, as it has been the New Year for a bit now… maybe I’m just fashionably late, so it’s okay.

 

Like almost every other human being, I embrace a new year whole- heartedly just like I welcomed each past one I have been lucky enough to be a part of.

 

This year, I am going to focus on being grateful daily. My mom sent me this video {she will be so excited that I am talking about it, as she asked me if I watched it for two weeks each time I saw her after she sent it. ;) } It’s about gratefulness and how being grateful and conscious of the act of thankfulness can actually make you happier. I believe it. It works. The best part is that it has sort of a “pass it on” effect, and who doesn’t love that idea? 

 

While I was taking our Christmas tree down this year, I realized something major. As I was pulling each ornament off, I reflected on this past year. {Note: Usually, I am just hastily putting them back to get everything away and de-cluttered.} I remembered the ups the downs, the good, bad, the ugly and all of the grey areas. As I was packing away Grace’s handmade tree art, I thought back to a time when I was a wild and free 20 something living in NYC, when all of my ornaments matched precisely with my décor. That life feels like forever ago and how so much has changed. I laugh a little (like I often do) when I think about what my former self would think of the “me” that is in the here and now. But boy is it funny how those hand-made masterpieces are now my favorite and I couldn’t imagine any tree, going forward, without them.

 

:: Switching gears ::  I am beyond grateful for the year that Dainty Cheeks has had. For my amazing customers who are the coolest, hippest and most fun you could ever imagine. For allowing me to do something I love that fulfills me and inspires me fully.

 

I am excited for what is in store this 2014. Many people say “This is your year!” and maybe it is, whatever that means… but I think 2013, and 2012, also 2011 and each and every year that has brought me to this point was “my year”. They had some, disappointment, sadness, stress, unexpected changes, struggles, etc. but those are the very things that have helped mold the energy and spirit that’s present now. Sometimes though the toughest of times you find someone you would have never known existed if you had not made it out… you find yourself. An even better self, ready to take on everything this New Year has to offer… gratefully of course. ;)

Here is the video... if for no other reason, watch it for mom! (hehe)

 

xoxo,
Chrissy

Extraordinary Princess Fox Plush

I am the worst at keeping up with blog posts. With all of the other sources of media (Facebook, twitter, Instagram, website, Etsy, etc.) It's sometimes overwhelming to stay up to date with them all. But I wish I blogged more because, I know personally I like to find and read new blogs a lot. I especially love to see how a certain product evolved. I am obsessed with finding out meanings of things... Lyrics to a song, or where an artist gained inspiration for a certain piece, and this list goes on...

The latest addition to the shop is the Extraordinary Princess Fox. I love them, and Grace approves... so that is always a plus! My inspiration for them (like much of what I create) comes from her. These little off beat plush dolls embody a new chapter in which I am going through with her now and that is, her having a voice in what she wears. While some mornings can be frustrating as we are rushing out the door for preschool, I am trying to embrace it. She is becoming a little person and I love that. I have to admit that when she dresses up in my clothes, most of the time she rocks stuff way better than I could dream. It is imaginative and confident. Somehow in the mumble jumble of patterns upon patterns, dots upon stripes upon ikat print, it all makes sense to her and in a way, I love it. These little ladies are an ode to that. Being a princess... any kind that you think up.

The amazing print is by Jen from  The Little Illustrator . If you are looking for unique prints for kids and grown ups alike, check her out! :)

Fall Photo shoot ---> Behind the scenes

The last post I wrote was at the start of summer and I can't believe we are already in August! While I do like the summer season, fall is my favorite and we are almost there, woo hoo!

 Fall is always a nostalgic time for me and my life personally, but it is also the time when I officially started Dainty Cheeks to begin with. It all started with an old sweater, some scissors, my sewing machine, and the decision to actually do this thing.

 It has been quite a journey and through it all I would not change a thing. The process of the upcycled sweater dress is well, just that... a process, and a lot of work for each individual piece because each one is just that... and individual. Literally---> One of a kind.  I am trained as a designer and designing is what I love. To gather inspiration (daily really) from everyone and thing I possibly can, then to process it in a way that makes sense to me. But as a maker it doesn't stop there. You must also follow through with the production. Sometimes when you are producing something over and over again, it can be monotonous. That's why I love all the different variables in the upcycled sweater dress. It is challenging... since all knit is not created equal, there is stretching and in turn a lot of thinking involved with patterns measurement, etc. for literally each and every individual sweater. It is a labor of love and I have found that there is beauty in the imperfections of doing anything. Not only in making things, but in life altogether; which has taken me the last 3 years to truly understand and accept.

 That is really where the whole idea and inspiration came from for the Fall line "Live Simply". You will find a lot of neutrals and warm earthy tones and simple appliqués that appeal aesthetically and meaningfully. One of my favorite pieces in the collection is the “live simply” headband  (which you can find here ---> yup, just click to get yours ;)

 

Life is about making the best out of what you are given. It's about being grateful and expressing that gratitude daily and really living in a way that makes you happy.

 While you will find the beautiful shots that the amazing @daviddean3 has taken on DCB's  Facebook Page and in the Etsy shop, I really wanted to share some out takes from the day. Not only because they make me laugh and are cute as can be, but because it's all part of the process. Out of roughly 600 pictures, it's funny to think really only a handful are used.

 A very special thanks to my dear friend Angie, for lending her seriously beautiful girls to the project. They are the 3 cutest kids ever and the 4 of them are a blessing to Grace and I. So thank you for not only your support of Dainty Cheeks, but also for just being you!

 And thank you to my awesome customers and friends, family and "fans". Your support is truly overwhelming, and it keeps me certain that this is what I am meant to do. So thank you.

 xo (times infinity)

Chrissy

 

 

 

Summer Giveaway- Enter Now!! Ends July 1st!

Today marks the first day of summer, (cue the : "woo hoo") and while my favorite season is still fall, summer holds a special place in my heart for a lot of different reasons. I have fond memories of summer, growing up. What I remember most is the simplicity of it... through the years of doing "nothing," but in all the little simple, "nothing major" moments, I took away an unimaginable amount of feel good memories and life lessons.
Now having Grace, I want to show her the simplicity of summer's beauty that I remember. Enjoying the little everyday things together that I know will not be here forever.
So, with that being said... why not have a giveaway??? Be sure to enter, you have until July 1 and winner will be announced July 4!

ENTER HERE!!

"Birdie's Big Girl Dress" Party

This weekend we celebrated Grace’s “Big 04” Birthday. She picked the theme of her favorite book “Birdie’s Big Girl Dress”. From homemade decorations, to homemade deliciousness (cake + cookies) - A super HUGE and GRATEFUL thank you to Ang J, to a homemade photo booth (thanks brother J ), we had a pretty awesome day. Thanks to our family and friends who shared in the fun and helped make her celebration so special. It’s “get togethers” like these that make me realize and appreciate the blessing in my and Grace’s lives.

 

xox Chrissy

Fall Giveaway Winner Reveal!!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

 

 

Fall Giveaway!!!

"No Spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have see in one Autumn face"

Tomorrow is the first day of Fall (my absolute favorite season) and what better way to celebrate than having a giveaway?? From today until Monday 9/24/12 11:59pm est "like" Dainty Cheeks Facebook page, share on your wall and then count off on the post for the giveaway. Click here to enter!!
The winner will be announced in a fun video that will be shared on Facebook, Tues. 9/25. The winner gets a custom upcycled sweater dress made exactly as they wish. They pick the color, size and design. Have you entered yet?

Happy Autumn ;)