My first charity donation from my business

My cousins' friend Theresa is running the New York ING Marathon to support the Boston Children's Hospital. She had a fundraiser event last Friday night, and I donated a door prize.
Here is a link to her web site... I wish her the best of luck!

How Dragonfly Fine Designs was Born

I think even before I had children, I loved walking around the baby sections at the stores. I don't know, there is something about baby items and clothing that is so precious. Maybe because they are so small and cute. And it is so hard to fathom that you were once a baby, and that you could have gotten away with wearing ruffled bloomers or a shirt that said, "I love dirt". I guess that is the beauty of baby clothes.

My husband and I struggled to have children, and we were over the moon thrilled when I found out I was pregnant in 2005. I was so excited to just be pregnant, and most importantly that I was going to be a mom. I tried to enjoy every second of being pregnant, which sometimes was hard when I felt so sick that I couldn't get out of bed. I loved registering, and looking at all the gadgets and fun things out there. My mother was in awe of all the new things that had developed a good twenty years after she had children.

I think when I found out I was having a boy, I started going into "mommy mode". I started sewing for my son, and thinking about what can I make for him next. I wanted to make him outfits, blankets, bibs, hats, it was insane how obsessed I became.

After he was born, it was a big adjustment for me. I guess I didn't realize how different my life would be. I thought I was prepared but I totally wasn't. I felt like I couldn't take anytime for myself, so the things I was doing before like sewing, going out with friends, fell kind of by the waste side. I worked full time, but my husband and I decided together, that once our little boy arrived I would be a stay at home mom. I thought staying home was going to be a piece of cake, boy was I wrong. I always worked, and not working outside the home was tough for me. Being a new mother I felt kind of isolated. My son was born in November so I didn't really take him out much, in fear of him catching something. So I was home a lot. I felt kind of disconnected from the world. He was NOT a good sleeper, so I was adjusting to getting little or no sleep. I thought loving him, and wanting him so bad would be enough to get me through being a new mother, quickly I discovered that wasn't the case for me. I need a creative outlet, I needed other people around, and most importantly I needed time for myself. So I started scrapbooking, joined a MOMS club, and took some sewing classes. I was creating some "me" time again. I started learning that being a mother was just one piece of the puzzle to my make up. It might be a huge piece of the puzzle, but there are other pieces that are just screaming to be put together.

So when my daughter was born in 2008, I said to myself that I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. I took time for myself, and I continued doing the things I loved. Like designing and creating. Also, I am more of a relaxed mother. I go with the flow more. I stress less. There is less of a schedule. And that is okay. I am okay. And my children are okay. And most importantly happy.

So when I turned the big 3-0 I decided I was going to do what I always dreamed of doing, open my own shop. I put my fears and anxieties aside and I did it. And in May 2008 Dragonfly Fine Designs was born.

Decided to jump into the blog world

I am still totally shocked at myself that I am starting a blog. I would describe myself as somewhat as a private person. Don't get me wrong, you can ask me anything about my life and you can't get me to shut up. But I guess someone has to ask, and I have to know you on some level. Here in the virtual world, I feel like everybody can see me, and they can judge. That is kind of scary, but I turned 30 this year, and I decided that I am not going to be afraid anymore. I decided to put myself out there, and most importantly put my work out there. I recently opened up shop, Dragonfly Fine Designs on etsy, and also started my own web site.

As long as I can remember I was always creating and developing things at a very young age. I remember putting on plays and concerts with my brother and cousins. We would come up with these elaborate productions, with costumes, props and all. As far back as I can remember I was always painting, baking, decorating, or anything else creative I could get my hands on. My mother being a self taught artist herself and my father being an incredible woodworker has had a great influence on the designer I am today. She was always painting and designing truly magical art. She always taught me the importance of art and creating in ones’ life. I can only hope that I can bring the same passion and love of art into both my kids lives.

It has been a challenge balancing myself, being a mother, a wife, and now a business owner. It is tough, and a lot of hard work. I don't think I really fully understood how hard it would be. But I am doing it. I think partly it is working because my husband has been there for me and he is my biggest cheerleader. Don't get me wrong, he still leaves his crap around the house, and has never cleaned a bathroom, as long as I have known him. But I don't think I could have done it without him. And with that, I say thank you to him....

So, my goals are:
1. I am hoping to post often, and talk about Dragonfly fine designs, the ups and downs of motherhood, and life in general.
2. Not be afraid and worry what other people say.
3. Most importantly have fun with this.