Hi y’all! We are so excited to share that we are starting a accountability challenge that we will conquer together monthly throughout 2013! Starting with Clearing the Clutter in April! We know a big part of Making Things Happen is all about community. We will sharing our encouragement, failures, successes and little wins on clearing the clutter during April. Isn’t it the perfect challenge to start out spring with? We really want to lift each other up, so make sure to tag your instagrams & tweets with #mth2013 #MTHclearingtheclutter.Now get over to Lara’s blog to go through the steps in detail, but here is an overview of what we will be CONQUERING in April. Your Clearing the Internet Clutter To-Do List 1. Do a social media free weekend. Take (at least) one weekend off in April of social media. You can do it and I promise you won’t fall over and die. (I made it happen last weekend and I am still here to tell you how awesome and refreshing it was) 2. Gut your facebook and twitter feeds. 3. Gut your blog list. See google reader even says so. Simplify. 4. If you have twitter, facebook or specific distracting blogs in your toolbar delete them. Right now. 5. Clear your computer desktop. Then fill it with a beautiful screen, like the amazing FREE ones Lara has designed . 6. Unsubscribe. Cool Tip :: Search unsubscribe in your email search and boom here are all the emails that you can go through and UNSUBSCRIBE! 7. Install Rescuetime or Leechblock or any other limiting device to your browser. To really put the stop to your i-spend-all-day-on-facebook-and-get-nothing-done syndrome. 8. Do a happy dance you rocked this!!! (I will be posting the physical clutter steps soon as well, but if you are ready for more they are in this post as well) Remember Progress not Perfection!!! Reach out if you are struggling. Keep us up to date with what step you are on and how you are CLEARING the clutter!!! We are SO excited to see all the hard work that is going to be done!!! YEA! Gina Emily and Lara aka. your biggest cheerleaders!

Hi y’all! We are so excited to share that we are starting a accountability challenge that we will conquer together monthly throughout 2013! Starting with Clearing the Clutter in April! We know a big part of Making Things Happen is all about community. We will sharing our encouragement, failures, successes and little wins on clearing the clutter during April. Isn’t it the perfect challenge to start out spring with?

We really want to lift each other up, so make sure to tag your instagrams & tweets with #mth2013 #MTHclearingtheclutter.

Now get over to Lara’s blog to go through the steps in detail, but here is an overview of what we will be CONQUERING in April.

Your Clearing the Internet Clutter To-Do List

1. Do a social media free weekend. Take (at least) one weekend off in April of social media. You can do it and I promise you won’t fall over and die. (I made it happen last weekend and I am still here to tell you how awesome and refreshing it was)

2. Gut your facebook and twitter feeds.

3. Gut your blog list. See google reader even says so. Simplify.

4. If you have twitter, facebook or specific distracting blogs in your toolbar delete them. Right now.

5. Clear your computer desktop. Then fill it with a beautiful screen, like the amazing FREE ones Lara has designed .

6. Unsubscribe. Cool Tip :: Search unsubscribe in your email search and boom here are all the emails that you can go through and UNSUBSCRIBE!

7. Install Rescuetime or Leechblock or any other limiting device to your browser. To really put the stop to your i-spend-all-day-on-facebook-and-get-nothing-done syndrome.

8. Do a happy dance you rocked this!!!

(I will be posting the physical clutter steps soon as well, but if you are ready for more they are in this post as well)

Remember Progress not Perfection!!! Reach out if you are struggling. Keep us up to date with what step you are on and how you are CLEARING the clutter!!! We are SO excited to see all the hard work that is going to be done!!!

YEA!

Gina Emily and Lara aka. your biggest cheerleaders!

Posted 2 months ago
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We’ve made it to the end of the week, y’all! Happy Friday! We hope you’ve accomplished all that you set out to do this week. We’d like to wrap up the week by introducing you to our Making Things Happen 2013 Conference guest speaker, Amber Housley. Amber founded her creative studio in 2007 which encompasses her many passions and talents. Her wedding and design work has been featured in notable media such as Southern Weddings, Southern Living, Bridal Guide, Style Me Pretty and Martha Stewart.com. With a passion for helping other small businesses succeed, she shares inspiring content, strategic business coaching and community building through her Amber Housley Inspired workshop series. Raised in Southern California and Las Vegas, she and her husband moved to Nashville and haven’t looked back. With a full-fledged southern plantation wedding and a sweet little boy born one year later, they truly feel like they are living the sweet life each day. Amber also enjoys sharing home entertaining, recipes, decor and gardening how-to on her lifestyle blog at amberhousley.com We asked Amber a few questions to see what fired her up: What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then? Amber: In the two+ years since I attended MTH, I feel like I’ve been on an amazing journey that is just getting started! The most significant, I relaunched my business from Sweet Life Designs to the Amber Housley brand. I’ve doubled my business year over year. I challenged myself to get my work published and since then I’ve appeared in Southern Living, Southern Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Munaluchi Bride, Bridal Guide, Wedding Planner Magazine and the Sage Wedding Pros blog. I continued to better myself and my business by attending many conferences, workshops and seminars, some of which I later returned as speakers for. I was featured by MarthaStewart.com as a ‘Dreamer Into Doer’ and also developed and launched the Amber Housley Inspired national workshop series for creative women entrepreneurs. Most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace my gifts, celebrate them, and focus on what matters — which is a huge shift in my thinking prior to MTH.  What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen? Amber: There will never be a perfect time for anything. I tell this mantra to myself and my friends all the time: “done is better than perfect.” So many times we hold ourselves back from this or that because we think there is some magical perfect time when the stars align and we will finally be ready. We say to ourselves, “if I just do A, B and C, then finally, I’ll be ready for D….” Guess what, if you are always waiting for the perfect time, you’re never going to launch anything. What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference? Amber: I’m most looking forward to connecting with other creatives. I get so fired up being around other creatives who want more out of life - for themselves, for their businesses. I look forward to new friendships to be made through the MTH connection. Many of my closest friends are those that I met through the MTH network and I’m so grateful for the experience that has brought these talented and driven people in my life.  What fires you up? Amber: My family, giggles from my son, designing weddings and developing new products, throwing great parties, southern culture, authentic + fearless women, growing flowers and vegetables in our yard, ballet flats + pretty dresses, swimming in the caribbean sea, afternoon coffee breaks, smart + creative marketing campaigns that speak to my inner geek, receiving a sweet note or card in the mail, helping others with their creative businesses What’s next for you? Amber: Continuing to embrace my many passions and talents. Professionally in 2013 I’m going to launch a wedding invitation line as well as many other products for weddings and social parties. I also will be a more active blogger and share many projects and articles that speak to the core of the Amber Housley brand: weddings, parties, entertaining and entrepreneurship. I am looking to partner with some lifestyle brands in the development of content for the Amber Housley blog and I would also like to challenge myself to work in the TV medium in some way. I’d like to develop my Amber Housley: Inspired workshop series in an online webinar format. Personally, I am going to continue to find ways to be a supportive and encouraging wife to my husband and an attentive mom to our son by giving uninterrupted time and scheduling ‘family fun days’. I will continue my on-going pursuit of eating healthier and goal of looking awesome in a bikini as well as setting aside time for new creative experiences and classes with friends.  Have a great weekend, everyone! 

We’ve made it to the end of the week, y’all! Happy Friday! We hope you’ve accomplished all that you set out to do this week.

We’d like to wrap up the week by introducing you to our Making Things Happen 2013 Conference guest speaker, Amber Housley. Amber founded her creative studio in 2007 which encompasses her many passions and talents. Her wedding and design work has been featured in notable media such as Southern Weddings, Southern Living, Bridal Guide, Style Me Pretty and Martha Stewart.com. With a passion for helping other small businesses succeed, she shares inspiring content, strategic business coaching and community building through her Amber Housley Inspired workshop series. Raised in Southern California and Las Vegas, she and her husband moved to Nashville and haven’t looked back. With a full-fledged southern plantation wedding and a sweet little boy born one year later, they truly feel like they are living the sweet life each day. Amber also enjoys sharing home entertaining, recipes, decor and gardening how-to on her lifestyle blog at amberhousley.com

We asked Amber a few questions to see what fired her up:

What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then?

Amber: In the two+ years since I attended MTH, I feel like I’ve been on an amazing journey that is just getting started! The most significant, I relaunched my business from Sweet Life Designs to the Amber Housley brand. I’ve doubled my business year over year. I challenged myself to get my work published and since then I’ve appeared in Southern Living, Southern Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Munaluchi Bride, Bridal Guide, Wedding Planner Magazine and the Sage Wedding Pros blog. I continued to better myself and my business by attending many conferences, workshops and seminars, some of which I later returned as speakers for. I was featured by MarthaStewart.com as a ‘Dreamer Into Doer’ and also developed and launched the Amber Housley Inspired national workshop series for creative women entrepreneurs. Most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace my gifts, celebrate them, and focus on what matters — which is a huge shift in my thinking prior to MTH. 

What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen?

Amber: There will never be a perfect time for anything. I tell this mantra to myself and my friends all the time: “done is better than perfect.” So many times we hold ourselves back from this or that because we think there is some magical perfect time when the stars align and we will finally be ready. We say to ourselves, “if I just do A, B and C, then finally, I’ll be ready for D….” Guess what, if you are always waiting for the perfect time, you’re never going to launch anything.

What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference?

Amber: I’m most looking forward to connecting with other creatives. I get so fired up being around other creatives who want more out of life - for themselves, for their businesses. I look forward to new friendships to be made through the MTH connection. Many of my closest friends are those that I met through the MTH network and I’m so grateful for the experience that has brought these talented and driven people in my life. 

What fires you up?

Amber: My family, giggles from my son, designing weddings and developing new products, throwing great parties, southern culture, authentic + fearless women, growing flowers and vegetables in our yard, ballet flats + pretty dresses, swimming in the caribbean sea, afternoon coffee breaks, smart + creative marketing campaigns that speak to my inner geek, receiving a sweet note or card in the mail, helping others with their creative businesses

What’s next for you?

Amber: Continuing to embrace my many passions and talents. Professionally in 2013 I’m going to launch a wedding invitation line as well as many other products for weddings and social parties. I also will be a more active blogger and share many projects and articles that speak to the core of the Amber Housley brand: weddings, parties, entertaining and entrepreneurship. I am looking to partner with some lifestyle brands in the development of content for the Amber Housley blog and I would also like to challenge myself to work in the TV medium in some way. I’d like to develop my Amber Housley: Inspired workshop series in an online webinar format. Personally, I am going to continue to find ways to be a supportive and encouraging wife to my husband and an attentive mom to our son by giving uninterrupted time and scheduling ‘family fun days’. I will continue my on-going pursuit of eating healthier and goal of looking awesome in a bikini as well as setting aside time for new creative experiences and classes with friends. 

Have a great weekend, everyone! 

Posted 4 months ago
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Happy Valentine’s Day! We know the holiday is not about chocolates and flowers but about faith, hope and most of all, genuine love. It’s about making what matters happen and taking the time out of our busy schedules to encourage one another. We like Valentine’s Day around here! Nobody encompasses that genuine love and innate grace better than our Making Things Happen 2013 Conference guest speaker, Emily Thomas.  Emily says her job as Creative Director of Southern Weddings Magazine is her dream job. She thinks weddings are magical and believes that anythings that brings people together with such a pure focus deserves to be thoughtfully and joyfully celebrated. When she is not working as a creative super-force for Southern Weddings Magazine, she works to inspire others toward a rich, full life through her personal blog, Em for Marvelous. She is passionate about serving God and loving people, personal finance, the outdoors, and her husband, John.  We asked Emily a few questions to see how she’s made things happen: What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then? Emily: I have actually attended MTH twice — the first time was in Dallas in 2010, and the second time was in Chapel Hill in 2012.  Since 2010, I have been part of a sea-change at Southern Weddings that brought an entirely new mission to the work that we do.  I might not have thought it possible at the time, but I love my job even more now than I did then!  In 2011 my personal blog went through a complete overhaul from Peach & Pearl to Em for Marvelous, and I’m so happy to now have a place to write that’s a perfect reflection of who I am.  Oh yes, I also married my high school sweetheart! What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen? Emily: Put yourself out there with boldness and confidence, but first, make sure that you have the goods to back it up — whatever that means for your situation.  If, for example, you’re asking for a job, make SURE you have what the company needs and MORE before you ask.  Be over prepared in every way.  If you’re not objectively ready for it (aside from just wanting it), then don’t ask for the job — perhaps ask for a learning opportunity instead. Also, stop worrying about things that don’t matter.  I know that might sound impossible or even a little harsh, but I think most people who let worry consume them LIKE wallowing in it just a little bit because there’s safety in paralysis.   What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference? Emily: As an attendee, I am looking forward to having a time to refresh and refocus my attention squarely back onto the things that truly matter.  No matter how “good” we are, I think we all need a restorative pause at least once a year!  As a speaker, I am hoping to challenge some of the ways “things have always been done” and encourage attendees to forge their own path — one that makes sense for them and is inspired by what fires them up. Emily: What fires you up? Oh my word, lots of things!  Being productive and efficient with my time; creating work that resonates with others; saving money and giving money away; writing thank you notes and letters; feeling content and satisfied; delighting and surprising others; budgeting; work that has a larger mission; the smell of freshly-cut grass; exploring new places; laughing with John; weekend hikes; singing old hymns; an afternoon spent reading a book; the outdoors; being prepared; and the ocean. What’s next for you? Emily: Honestly?  I already have my dream job, and I have no plans to change that anytime soon!  I know there are always changes around the corner at SW (the beauty of having Lara Casey as your boss!), but I am content professionally.  In the world of Em for Marvelous, I’ve challenged myself to branch out with the products in my shop this year, so keep an eye out for some new handcrafted goodies coming down the pipeline over the next few months.  The biggest “what’s next” for me, though, is (fingers crossed!) moving into a house!  The one we are hoping to buy is definitely a fixer upper, so I foresee lots of weekends spent painting and ripping up linoleum in my future! Remember, TODAY is the very last day to register at our early-bird rate. Come and make things happen with us! 

Happy Valentine’s Day! We know the holiday is not about chocolates and flowers but about faith, hope and most of all, genuine love. It’s about making what matters happen and taking the time out of our busy schedules to encourage one another. We like Valentine’s Day around here!

Nobody encompasses that genuine love and innate grace better than our Making Things Happen 2013 Conference guest speaker, Emily Thomas.  Emily says her job as Creative Director of Southern Weddings Magazine is her dream job. She thinks weddings are magical and believes that anythings that brings people together with such a pure focus deserves to be thoughtfully and joyfully celebrated. When she is not working as a creative super-force for Southern Weddings Magazine, she works to inspire others toward a rich, full life through her personal blog, Em for Marvelous. She is passionate about serving God and loving people, personal finance, the outdoors, and her husband, John. 

We asked Emily a few questions to see how she’s made things happen:

What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then?

Emily: I have actually attended MTH twice — the first time was in Dallas in 2010, and the second time was in Chapel Hill in 2012.  Since 2010, I have been part of a sea-change at Southern Weddings that brought an entirely new mission to the work that we do.  I might not have thought it possible at the time, but I love my job even more now than I did then!  In 2011 my personal blog went through a complete overhaul from Peach & Pearl to Em for Marvelous, and I’m so happy to now have a place to write that’s a perfect reflection of who I am.  Oh yes, I also married my high school sweetheart!

What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen?

Emily: Put yourself out there with boldness and confidence, but first, make sure that you have the goods to back it up — whatever that means for your situation.  If, for example, you’re asking for a job, make SURE you have what the company needs and MORE before you ask.  Be over prepared in every way.  If you’re not objectively ready for it (aside from just wanting it), then don’t ask for the job — perhaps ask for a learning opportunity instead.

Also, stop worrying about things that don’t matter.  I know that might sound impossible or even a little harsh, but I think most people who let worry consume them LIKE wallowing in it just a little bit because there’s safety in paralysis.  

What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference?

Emily: As an attendee, I am looking forward to having a time to refresh and refocus my attention squarely back onto the things that truly matter.  No matter how “good” we are, I think we all need a restorative pause at least once a year!  As a speaker, I am hoping to challenge some of the ways “things have always been done” and encourage attendees to forge their own path — one that makes sense for them and is inspired by what fires them up.

Emily: What fires you up?

Oh my word, lots of things!  Being productive and efficient with my time; creating work that resonates with others; saving money and giving money away; writing thank you notes and letters; feeling content and satisfied; delighting and surprising others; budgeting; work that has a larger mission; the smell of freshly-cut grass; exploring new places; laughing with John; weekend hikes; singing old hymns; an afternoon spent reading a book; the outdoors; being prepared; and the ocean.

What’s next for you?

Emily: Honestly?  I already have my dream job, and I have no plans to change that anytime soon!  I know there are always changes around the corner at SW (the beauty of having Lara Casey as your boss!), but I am content professionally.  In the world of Em for Marvelous, I’ve challenged myself to branch out with the products in my shop this year, so keep an eye out for some new handcrafted goodies coming down the pipeline over the next few months.  The biggest “what’s next” for me, though, is (fingers crossed!) moving into a house!  The one we are hoping to buy is definitely a fixer upper, so I foresee lots of weekends spent painting and ripping up linoleum in my future!

Remember, TODAY is the very last day to register at our early-bird rate. Come and make things happen with us! 

Posted 4 months ago
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Goodness, friends. We were so overwhelmed by the incredible, wholehearted, passionate entries for our scholarship on Lara’s blog. It was nearly impossible to choose two winners.  We are THRILLED to announce Kendra Oxendale and Kandace Mccorrister as our recipients! So excited to see so many of you in MARCH! Remember, early bird rate ends TOMORROW. Register here.

Goodness, friends. We were so overwhelmed by the incredible, wholehearted, passionate entries for our scholarship on Lara’s blog. It was nearly impossible to choose two winners. 

We are THRILLED to announce Kendra Oxendale and Kandace Mccorrister as our recipients! So excited to see so many of you in MARCH!

Remember, early bird rate ends TOMORROW. Register here.

Posted 4 months ago
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Photo by Lauren Larsen Each of our guest speakers for the Making Things Happen 2013 Conference are truly remarkable women. One thing they all have in common is that they have made their businesses AND their lives happen. We promote a balanced lifestyle and these ladies are quite the role models. Today, we would like to introduce you to Stefanie Miles of Lavender Joy Weddings. With a background in public relations, graphic design and counseling, Stefanie began Lavender Joy Weddings in 2010, with a special passion for intimate and family-style events across Texas. She brings a thoughtful curator’s eye to event design, seamless planning in event management, and a passion in the joy found in the refining journey of marriage. She’s married to her husband Patrick, and they love traveling, supper club and their doxi, Ripken.  We asked Stefanie a few questions about how she’s made things happen: What have you made happen since you first attended MTH? Stefanie: I first attended Making Things Happen in 2010, and again as an alum in 2012. Since that first MTH, I have taken intentional time to transition careers by building a values-based brand and business, pursued mentoring from people that have given invaluable advice and guidance, incorporated better daily processes in both my personal and professional life, launched a networking group in my home city that encourages and supports collaboration in our industry, and sought to put the Lord and my marriage first, always. I’ve been blessed to have my work featured on Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings, Rue Magazine, and numerous other online publications, and to have experienced wedding days with amazing clients that I now call friends.   What has changed since then? Stefanie: Life has had quite a few ups and downs since that first MTH - good days and the kind of days we don’t want to ever admit that we have (you know what I’m talking about!)…but I consistently feel more confident in my ability to take action towards the life I want to live. Sometimes this means very practical steps and sometimes this means the very difficult steps to be still and breathe and trust the Lord with where I am in the process. I’m building a business that I’m truly proud of - that I believe serves couples and their families well during a very meaningful season of their lives.  What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen? Stefanie: Fight fear and comparison!  Don’t give your thoughts or energy to what others are doing or what you feel like you ‘should’ be doing. Listen to your heart and give yourself room to be truly authentic in your choices. Lasting change has happened for me when I get gut-level honest with MYSELF about how I need to grow + change. It’s not always about changing your circumstances or looking for the next thing to DO…but getting a change in perspective, and then taking steps towards that, bit by bit! Making things happen is about identifying what matters most to you, and taking the steps that will help you live the life you want to live.  What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference? Stefanie: Listening to and coming alongside the attendees as they do the work, doing the work again myself, and dance parties with Gina!! Honestly, I can’t wait to hear the stories of the attendees. The process and journey of clarifying what really matters most to you and moving towards those goals - these stories inspire me to no end! What fires you up? Stefanie: Time reading the Bible & in heart-encouraging community, supper club with friends, listening to clients’ desires and interpreting their ideas into a beautifully curated design and experience, snuggling with our doxi, investing in people, fresh florals, chatting with Patrick in the kitchen while he adds his own flavor to a new recipe,  championing marriage - even when it seems impossible, a hot cup of clean coffee, and noticing and appreciating the simple joys in the midst of everyday life. What’s next for you?  Stefanie: Saying yes to the right things and the things that are most important! Continuing to clear clutter and organize and create spaces + processes that reflect who I am - in my home and in my business. Adding the right people to our team, and making prioritizing living well and with contentment over the to-do list. Creating more through product + food styling. More date nights. More dinner parties. More laughter and love and gratitude and joy. Take a peek at my Making Things Happen in 2013 Pinterest board here: http://pinterest.com/stefaniemiles/making-things-happen-in-2013/ Ever heard that the early bird gets the worm? Well TOMORROW is the last day for early-bird registration and there are some huge savings. Register now! 

Photo by Lauren Larsen

Each of our guest speakers for the Making Things Happen 2013 Conference are truly remarkable women. One thing they all have in common is that they have made their businesses AND their lives happen. We promote a balanced lifestyle and these ladies are quite the role models.

Today, we would like to introduce you to Stefanie Miles of Lavender Joy Weddings. With a background in public relations, graphic design and counseling, Stefanie began Lavender Joy Weddings in 2010, with a special passion for intimate and family-style events across Texas. She brings a thoughtful curator’s eye to event design, seamless planning in event management, and a passion in the joy found in the refining journey of marriage. She’s married to her husband Patrick, and they love traveling, supper club and their doxi, Ripken. 

We asked Stefanie a few questions about how she’s made things happen:

What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?

Stefanie: I first attended Making Things Happen in 2010, and again as an alum in 2012. Since that first MTH, I have taken intentional time to transition careers by building a values-based brand and business, pursued mentoring from people that have given invaluable advice and guidance, incorporated better daily processes in both my personal and professional life, launched a networking group in my home city that encourages and supports collaboration in our industry, and sought to put the Lord and my marriage first, always. I’ve been blessed to have my work featured on Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings, Rue Magazine, and numerous other online publications, and to have experienced wedding days with amazing clients that I now call friends.  

What has changed since then?

Stefanie: Life has had quite a few ups and downs since that first MTH - good days and the kind of days we don’t want to ever admit that we have (you know what I’m talking about!)…but I consistently feel more confident in my ability to take action towards the life I want to live. Sometimes this means very practical steps and sometimes this means the very difficult steps to be still and breathe and trust the Lord with where I am in the process. I’m building a business that I’m truly proud of - that I believe serves couples and their families well during a very meaningful season of their lives. 

What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen?

Stefanie: Fight fear and comparison!  Don’t give your thoughts or energy to what others are doing or what you feel like you ‘should’ be doing. Listen to your heart and give yourself room to be truly authentic in your choices. Lasting change has happened for me when I get gut-level honest with MYSELF about how I need to grow + change. It’s not always about changing your circumstances or looking for the next thing to DO…but getting a change in perspective, and then taking steps towards that, bit by bit! Making things happen is about identifying what matters most to you, and taking the steps that will help you live the life you want to live. 

What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference?

Stefanie: Listening to and coming alongside the attendees as they do the work, doing the work again myself, and dance parties with Gina!! Honestly, I can’t wait to hear the stories of the attendees. The process and journey of clarifying what really matters most to you and moving towards those goals - these stories inspire me to no end!

What fires you up?

Stefanie: Time reading the Bible & in heart-encouraging community, supper club with friends, listening to clients’ desires and interpreting their ideas into a beautifully curated design and experience, snuggling with our doxi, investing in people, fresh florals, chatting with Patrick in the kitchen while he adds his own flavor to a new recipe,  championing marriage - even when it seems impossible, a hot cup of clean coffee, and noticing and appreciating the simple joys in the midst of everyday life.

What’s next for you? 

Stefanie: Saying yes to the right things and the things that are most important! Continuing to clear clutter and organize and create spaces + processes that reflect who I am - in my home and in my business. Adding the right people to our team, and making prioritizing living well and with contentment over the to-do list. Creating more through product + food styling. More date nights. More dinner parties. More laughter and love and gratitude and joy. Take a peek at my Making Things Happen in 2013 Pinterest board here: http://pinterest.com/stefaniemiles/making-things-happen-in-2013/

Ever heard that the early bird gets the worm? Well TOMORROW is the last day for early-bird registration and there are some huge savings. Register now! 

Posted 4 months ago
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Perhaps its because I have a two-year old (goodness gracious, when did THAT happen) or perhaps its because I always wanted to write and illustrate children’s books growing up (still do!) but this is one of my favorite sayings ever. We have everything we need to make things happen. Making things happen is all about action. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other (even when its scary) and DOING. Lara and I talk a lot about action in our Making Brands Happen Webinars. “Action is the forward process of DOING SOMETHING.” Dr. Seuss knew what he was talking about here.  I remember five (FIVE!) years ago when I wholeheartedly (terrified) made my plans to go to the first Making Things Happen Intensive in Watercolor, Florida. Little did I know… Haha, I can’t even begin to write what happened next. And none of it happened because Lara is amazing (even though she is!) She didn’t tell me any secret or give me any magical powers. But I did the hard work by getting myself to that room. While I was in that room I let my guard down and (for the first time) really began to make plans and determine ACTIONS that would allow me to live the life I wanted. A handful of questions we often get from people who are interested in coming to MTH (and joining our amazing community of over 700+ fired up friends): Do I need to own a business or have a business dream to come to MTH? I just want to make life happen. Oh friend. Amen! I own a business but half the time at MTH I end up making plans to make MY LIFE happen. If you are someone who wants to live a life on fire, who wants to make what matters happen… MTH is perfect for you. Is MTH a faith-based intensive? We (Gina, Lara and myself) find our stories deeply rooted in our faith and we share them honestly, but MTH is not a faith-based workshop. We love welcoming attendees from all walks of life, all religious backgrounds and in all stages of making what matters happen <— whatever it is that truly matters to them! MTH is all about releasing fear and making WHAT MATTERS happen. I’m scared. I have Doubt A, Doubt B and Doubt C about coming. I’m emailing you to tell you my doubts in the hopes that you’ll tell me they’re ok and that I should come anyways. Oh I get these emails daily! I know I can speak for Lara and Gina that they do too. And I love these emails. Seriously, friends, email me your doubts. I’ll tell you if I think MTH will be beneficial for you. Be prepared for me to blow your doubts out of the water, though. Emily(at)emilyley(dot)com. “You are the one who’ll decide where to go.” You’ll either get yourself in that seat you’ve been lying awake at night thinking about or you wont. It’s up to you. Hope to see you there :) EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS IN TWO DAYS!!!!! (THURSDAY!) xo, Emily PS: Email me. I mean it. My inbox is exploding but that’s ok. I’d love to talk with you about MTH and what it means to me and what it’ll mean to you. Seats are filling up FAST! REGISTER AT WWW.MAKINGTHINGSHAPPEN.COM

Perhaps its because I have a two-year old (goodness gracious, when did THAT happen) or perhaps its because I always wanted to write and illustrate children’s books growing up (still do!) but this is one of my favorite sayings ever. We have everything we need to make things happen. Making things happen is all about action. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other (even when its scary) and DOING. Lara and I talk a lot about action in our Making Brands Happen Webinars. “Action is the forward process of DOING SOMETHING.” Dr. Seuss knew what he was talking about here. 

I remember five (FIVE!) years ago when I wholeheartedly (terrified) made my plans to go to the first Making Things Happen Intensive in Watercolor, Florida. Little did I know…

Haha, I can’t even begin to write what happened next. And none of it happened because Lara is amazing (even though she is!) She didn’t tell me any secret or give me any magical powers. But I did the hard work by getting myself to that room. While I was in that room I let my guard down and (for the first time) really began to make plans and determine ACTIONS that would allow me to live the life I wanted.

A handful of questions we often get from people who are interested in coming to MTH (and joining our amazing community of over 700+ fired up friends):

  • Do I need to own a business or have a business dream to come to MTH? I just want to make life happen. Oh friend. Amen! I own a business but half the time at MTH I end up making plans to make MY LIFE happen. If you are someone who wants to live a life on fire, who wants to make what matters happen… MTH is perfect for you.
  • Is MTH a faith-based intensive? We (Gina, Lara and myself) find our stories deeply rooted in our faith and we share them honestly, but MTH is not a faith-based workshop. We love welcoming attendees from all walks of life, all religious backgrounds and in all stages of making what matters happen <— whatever it is that truly matters to them! MTH is all about releasing fear and making WHAT MATTERS happen.
  • I’m scared. I have Doubt A, Doubt B and Doubt C about coming. I’m emailing you to tell you my doubts in the hopes that you’ll tell me they’re ok and that I should come anyways. Oh I get these emails daily! I know I can speak for Lara and Gina that they do too. And I love these emails. Seriously, friends, email me your doubts. I’ll tell you if I think MTH will be beneficial for you. Be prepared for me to blow your doubts out of the water, though. Emily(at)emilyley(dot)com.

“You are the one who’ll decide where to go.” You’ll either get yourself in that seat you’ve been lying awake at night thinking about or you wont. It’s up to you. Hope to see you there :) EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS IN TWO DAYS!!!!! (THURSDAY!)

xo,

Emily

PS: Email me. I mean it. My inbox is exploding but that’s ok. I’d love to talk with you about MTH and what it means to me and what it’ll mean to you. Seats are filling up FAST!

REGISTER AT WWW.MAKINGTHINGSHAPPEN.COM

Posted 4 months ago
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We consider ourselves so very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet so many extraordinary people since Making Things Happen began. One of these friends is our MTH 2013 Conference guest speaker Nancy Ray. Nancy is a talented photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Nancy’s passion for photography is feuled by one thought: that the moments she captures are the very first records of a marriage, a heritage, a new family tree. They are the moments that will be passed down from generation to generation - all in the form of photographs. We adore that idea! We asked Nancy a few questions so you, too, could get to know her! What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then? So many things! I re-branded my business, raised my prices, learned the importance of valuing people, photographed magazine editorials, hired team members, had work featured on several wedding bogs, taught 4 photography workshops, paid off my house, set office hours, and have grown my business to a place I never imagined it would be in just a few short years.  In all of this, I would consider my greatest accomplishment this: achieving a greater work-life balance. Time with my husband and family is more intentional and meaningful than ever. What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen? Know that what you get out of this conference depends on what you are willing to put into it. During the conference: get ready to be real and vulnerable.  Afterwards: stay consistent with your decisions for the days, weeks, and months to come. Small changes over time = a big change. What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference? Nancy: Being in a room with inspiring, uplifting, authentic women who live their lives to the full!  I have so much to learn from each of you. What fires you up? Nancy: Scripture. Running. Feeling sun on my skin. Painting my nails. Coffee. Open windows. Lit candles. Beautiful light. Worshiping Jesus with a new song. Creating new meals. A clean home. Organization. Setting goals with William. Waking up early and being well rested. A cold glass of whole milk. Local produce stands. Fresh flowers. Completing a journal. Snuggling with Will on a cold night. A clean car. Freshly baked bread. Water skiing. Reading a good book. Doing a budget. Creating music with my youth group kids. Handwritten letters. Dinner parties. Completing a Dave Ramsey baby step. A good pen. Homemade ice cream. Public speaking. Swimming laps. Laughing until my stomach hurts with my mom and sister. Laying down on my back in the sunlight. Walking Winston. Movie nights. The smell of clean laundry in my neighborhood. Antiquing. Giving a meaningful gift. Giving a life changing message. Giving my excess stuff to ministries. Giving. What’s next for you? Nancy: Reading more. Growing more. Loving more. Teaching more. Giving more. As I look ahead at what the future holds, I simply want to effect more people. I want a stronger marriage, I want adventurous travel, I want my life and business to bless others. I’m not interested in accumulating more stuff, but instead I want to embrace what matters. With that in mind, I am so excited for what’s to come! We can’t wait to see y’all in March!! Remember, this Thursday is the very last day to save over $1000 with our early-bird registration! xo

We consider ourselves so very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet so many extraordinary people since Making Things Happen began. One of these friends is our MTH 2013 Conference guest speaker Nancy Ray. Nancy is a talented photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Nancy’s passion for photography is feuled by one thought: that the moments she captures are the very first records of a marriage, a heritage, a new family tree. They are the moments that will be passed down from generation to generation - all in the form of photographs. We adore that idea!

We asked Nancy a few questions so you, too, could get to know her!

What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then?

So many things! I re-branded my business, raised my prices, learned the importance of valuing people, photographed magazine editorials, hired team members, had work featured on several wedding bogs, taught 4 photography workshops, paid off my house, set office hours, and have grown my business to a place I never imagined it would be in just a few short years.  In all of this, I would consider my greatest accomplishment this: achieving a greater work-life balance. Time with my husband and family is more intentional and meaningful than ever.

What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen?

Know that what you get out of this conference depends on what you are willing to put into it. During the conference: get ready to be real and vulnerable.  Afterwards: stay consistent with your decisions for the days, weeks, and months to come. Small changes over time = a big change.

What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference?

Nancy: Being in a room with inspiring, uplifting, authentic women who live their lives to the full!  I have so much to learn from each of you.

What fires you up?

Nancy: Scripture. Running. Feeling sun on my skin. Painting my nails. Coffee. Open windows. Lit candles. Beautiful light. Worshiping Jesus with a new song. Creating new meals. A clean home. Organization. Setting goals with William. Waking up early and being well rested. A cold glass of whole milk. Local produce stands. Fresh flowers. Completing a journal. Snuggling with Will on a cold night. A clean car. Freshly baked bread. Water skiing. Reading a good book. Doing a budget. Creating music with my youth group kids. Handwritten letters. Dinner parties. Completing a Dave Ramsey baby step. A good pen. Homemade ice cream. Public speaking. Swimming laps. Laughing until my stomach hurts with my mom and sister. Laying down on my back in the sunlight. Walking Winston. Movie nights. The smell of clean laundry in my neighborhood. Antiquing. Giving a meaningful gift. Giving a life changing message. Giving my excess stuff to ministries. Giving.

What’s next for you?

Nancy: Reading more. Growing more. Loving more. Teaching more. Giving more. As I look ahead at what the future holds, I simply want to effect more people. I want a stronger marriage, I want adventurous travel, I want my life and business to bless others. I’m not interested in accumulating more stuff, but instead I want to embrace what matters. With that in mind, I am so excited for what’s to come!

We can’t wait to see y’all in March!! Remember, this Thursday is the very last day to save over $1000 with our early-bird registration!

xo

Posted 4 months ago
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We are so excited for you to meet our fabulous guest speakers at the Making Things Happen 2013 Conference on March 13th and 14th in Chapel Hill, NC. These ladies are all MTH alums and they are walking examples of how to make LIFE happen. Throughout the week, we will be introducing you to each of our lovely guest speakers. First up, the talented Michelle Edgemont! Michelle launched her wedding design company in November of 2011. She specializes in modern-quirky decorations and florals that help her creative clients throw conventionality out the window. She has tripled her business in one year by facing her fears straight on and by making sure that each project she works on makes her feel uncomfortable. She recently spoke at AltSummit, creates custom DIY projects for HGTV, contributes to Brooklyn Bride and Revel, and is currently working towards writing a book proposal to shop around. Michelle lives in Brooklyn, NY with her musician husband, Adam. Want to get to know Michelle better? We asked her a few questions about her MTH experience.  What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then? Michelle: When I first attended MTH I did not have my own business. I was dabbling in selling small, crafty items on Etsy and really wasn’t reaching my full potential. Since then, two years ago, I launched my full wedding design company and tripled my business in one year. I’ve learned to face my fears and take big steps toward being a successful business woman. My work has since been featured in Styled Me Pretty, Brooklyn Bride, Southern Weddings Magazine, WellWed Magazine, Ruffled, and 100 Layer Cake. I’m also a regular DIY contributor to HGTV. I’ve learned how to not let fear stop me from doing what I want to do, to set boundaries within my business with my clients, and to really implement the Life Is Too Short motto every day. What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen? Michelle: My best piece of advice for others who want to make things happen is realize that running a business means constantly living in the space between jubilation and terror. That if you aren’t afraid of your next project, it probably isn’t challenging you enough or making you better. That if you don’t even have a business yet, just a tiny spark of an idea in your brain, that with the right tools and intentional decision making, it can be a success. That, although you will hear it a million more times after this, life truly is too short to not be doing exactly what you want to be doing. What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference? Michelle: I’m most looking forward to going through the Making Things Happen process and comparing what I write down to what I wrote down two years ago. A lot happened in two years, some of it will be the same, although some of it will be wildly different.  What fires you up? Michelle: My super talented husband, my amazing loving mom, the fact that I got through two half marathons last year and lived to tell about it, cooking healthy dinners, a million cups of coffee, the NYC marathon, making babies, ice cream sundaes, anything shiny, anything colorful, flowers, making floral arrangements and bridal bouquets, the thank you email/note from the couple after their wedding, Brooklyn, the view from my Brooklyn apartment, swimming in the ocean, making money doing what I love, being able to support other small business owners with the money I made from doing what I love.  What’s next for you? Michelle: I have big ambitions for 2013: I have a rad idea for a book that needs to exist in this world and I’m going to write it, I’m going to resign from my day job, I’m going to keep trying to make a baby, I’m going to start adding video to my blog and website in some capacity, I’m going to figure out how to work less for more money, my husband and are finally going to find a church to attend in our neighborhood, I’m going to book five more weddings for 2013, I’m going to to try my hardest to stop shoving candy in my face and eat more vegetables. Are you as excited as we are? Remember, today is the very last day to enter to win the MTH Intensive Scholarship!! Winners will be announced later this week. xo

We are so excited for you to meet our fabulous guest speakers at the Making Things Happen 2013 Conference on March 13th and 14th in Chapel Hill, NC. These ladies are all MTH alums and they are walking examples of how to make LIFE happen. Throughout the week, we will be introducing you to each of our lovely guest speakers. First up, the talented Michelle Edgemont!

Michelle launched her wedding design company in November of 2011. She specializes in modern-quirky decorations and florals that help her creative clients throw conventionality out the window. She has tripled her business in one year by facing her fears straight on and by making sure that each project she works on makes her feel uncomfortable. She recently spoke at AltSummit, creates custom DIY projects for HGTV, contributes to Brooklyn Bride and Revel, and is currently working towards writing a book proposal to shop around. Michelle lives in Brooklyn, NY with her musician husband, Adam.

Want to get to know Michelle better? We asked her a few questions about her MTH experience. 

What have you made happen since you first attended MTH?  What has changed since then?

Michelle: When I first attended MTH I did not have my own business. I was dabbling in selling small, crafty items on Etsy and really wasn’t reaching my full potential. Since then, two years ago, I launched my full wedding design company and tripled my business in one year. I’ve learned to face my fears and take big steps toward being a successful business woman. My work has since been featured in Styled Me Pretty, Brooklyn Bride, Southern Weddings Magazine, WellWed Magazine, Ruffled, and 100 Layer Cake. I’m also a regular DIY contributor to HGTV. I’ve learned how to not let fear stop me from doing what I want to do, to set boundaries within my business with my clients, and to really implement the Life Is Too Short motto every day.

What is your best piece of advice to those who want to make things happen?

Michelle: My best piece of advice for others who want to make things happen is realize that running a business means constantly living in the space between jubilation and terror. That if you aren’t afraid of your next project, it probably isn’t challenging you enough or making you better. That if you don’t even have a business yet, just a tiny spark of an idea in your brain, that with the right tools and intentional decision making, it can be a success. That, although you will hear it a million more times after this, life truly is too short to not be doing exactly what you want to be doing.

What are you most looking forward to about the MTH2013 Conference?

Michelle: I’m most looking forward to going through the Making Things Happen process and comparing what I write down to what I wrote down two years ago. A lot happened in two years, some of it will be the same, although some of it will be wildly different. 

What fires you up?

Michelle: My super talented husband, my amazing loving mom, the fact that I got through two half marathons last year and lived to tell about it, cooking healthy dinners, a million cups of coffee, the NYC marathon, making babies, ice cream sundaes, anything shiny, anything colorful, flowers, making floral arrangements and bridal bouquets, the thank you email/note from the couple after their wedding, Brooklyn, the view from my Brooklyn apartment, swimming in the ocean, making money doing what I love, being able to support other small business owners with the money I made from doing what I love. 

What’s next for you?

Michelle: I have big ambitions for 2013: I have a rad idea for a book that needs to exist in this world and I’m going to write it, I’m going to resign from my day job, I’m going to keep trying to make a baby, I’m going to start adding video to my blog and website in some capacity, I’m going to figure out how to work less for more money, my husband and are finally going to find a church to attend in our neighborhood, I’m going to book five more weddings for 2013, I’m going to to try my hardest to stop shoving candy in my face and eat more vegetables.

Are you as excited as we are? Remember, today is the very last day to enter to win the MTH Intensive Scholarship!! Winners will be announced later this week.

xo

Posted 4 months ago
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I have been asked these questions numerous times about MTH2013 :: What is Making Things Happen all about? Is it right for me? Do we focus on business? Is it going to help my business? My answer ALWAYS is the Making Things Happen Conference is all about getting to your core of what matters and motivates you.  Why you do what you do. Which I think is the base of everyone&#8217;s business. It&#8217;s where it all starts.  In my book, this is the pivotal point to grow your business from. Start from the heart, your core, your REAL life. Then build from here.  The problem is everyday we are distracted by the busy of life. Running a business, being a parent, email after email, deadlines, etc. RARELY do we give ourselves a day with no distractions. A day with others just like you and Lara, Emily and I calling your heart to the table. Your real fear to the table.  Give yourself this gift and attend the Making Things Happen Conference. With this new format, you get double the goods! Day one will be cutting through the cobwebs of why you do what you do. Refreshing your heart and setting your mind on what matters. Day two is chock full of awesomeness and steps to learn about your brand and business.  So it&#8217;s up to you. None of us can (nor want) to convince you to come. Don&#8217;t get me wrong, we want you there. I want you there. I want you to give yourself this gift more than anything. But now It&#8217;s your turn. The ball is in your court. Are you worth it? Is the base of where your life springs from worth it? Do you NEED this? If your answer is yes. Get over here and register while the Early Bird Rate is still available (only until 2/14).   If your answer is no, maybe, or I don&#8217;t know. At least get over to Lara&#8217;s blog and comment to get a chance at the scholarship. Write your heart out there. It will be good for you. You only have till MONDAY the 11th for a chance to win. Why not? What do you have to lose.  As always, you can ask me more questions by sending me an email. But most of my MTH story is here.  Happy Weekend y&#8217;all.  Gina Zeidler

I have been asked these questions numerous times about MTH2013 :: What is Making Things Happen all about? Is it right for me? Do we focus on business? Is it going to help my business?

My answer ALWAYS is the Making Things Happen Conference is all about getting to your core of what matters and motivates you.  Why you do what you do. Which I think is the base of everyone’s business.

It’s where it all starts. 

In my book, this is the pivotal point to grow your business from. Start from the heart, your core, your REAL life. Then build from here. 

The problem is everyday we are distracted by the busy of life. Running a business, being a parent, email after email, deadlines, etc. RARELY do we give ourselves a day with no distractions. A day with others just like you and Lara, Emily and I calling your heart to the table. Your real fear to the table. 

Give yourself this gift and attend the Making Things Happen Conference.

With this new format, you get double the goods! Day one will be cutting through the cobwebs of why you do what you do. Refreshing your heart and setting your mind on what matters. Day two is chock full of awesomeness and steps to learn about your brand and business. 

So it’s up to you. None of us can (nor want) to convince you to come. Don’t get me wrong, we want you there. I want you there. I want you to give yourself this gift more than anything. But now It’s your turn. The ball is in your court. Are you worth it? Is the base of where your life springs from worth it? Do you NEED this?

If your answer is yes. Get over here and register while the Early Bird Rate is still available (only until 2/14).  

If your answer is no, maybe, or I don’t know. At least get over to Lara’s blog and comment to get a chance at the scholarship. Write your heart out there. It will be good for you. You only have till MONDAY the 11th for a chance to win. Why not? What do you have to lose. 

As always, you can ask me more questions by sending me an email. But most of my MTH story is here.  Happy Weekend y’all. 

Gina Zeidler

Posted 4 months ago
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Get ready to make big things happen with us!

Get ready to make big things happen with us!

Posted 4 months ago
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