Hi, I’m Annie. It has taken me a while to get here, but along the way, I have learned some things worth sharing.
It turns out that striving for my own version of a “plenty perfect” life is so much more productive and rewarding than the quest for anything objectively “perfect.” In a world of Kim Kardashian weddings and Martha Stewart Christmases, one can lose perspective and start to think that anything short of guaranteed perfection isn’t worth the effort. Unfortunately for many people, the cost of striving for the elusive “perfect” is often not accounted for and can sometimes get in the way of the real goal for most of us – happiness.
There are a lot of blogs which will show you how to live a perfect life, have a perfect home, or be a perfect parent. Reading my blog should make you feel better about not living up to that standard. I believe that we connect with other people through our aspirations, imperfections, and vulnerabilities – so I am willing to share my own bumpy path to a plenty perfect life.
For years, I have worked as an interior decorator and understand living in a real house with real kids, a budget, a dog, and not enough storage space. I have spent time at home with my kids and I wrestle with what the next phase of my life is going to look like. I love talking with other women about making our lives more the way we want them to be and sharing ideas for finding work that is a natural extension of our indiviual strengths and passions.
Recently, I have made room in my schedule for a new venture with J. Hilburn Custom Men’s Clothiers. As a Style Consultant, I meet with men and help select fabrics and styles which flatter them and feel comfortable. Together we build a wardrobe full of outfits which enable these men to present their best selves in any situation. Working with these men is very rewarding, but one of the best parts of my job is mentoring my team of Style Consultants. We are all finding ways to do work we enjoy and have more and more happiness in our lives. It is often challenging to balance it all, but it is well worth it.
My experiences have given me a unique perspective on what it really takes to create a home and build a family – and balance that effort with finding work that is fulfilling and engaging. I have moved 10 times to 7 different states, lived through national disaster and divorce, and have created a new home for my family each time. I am a gal who can happily swing a hammer, bravely dispose of bugs and pesky varmints, as well as manage a busy family, decorate a beautiful, comfortable home and make the work I love to do fit into my family life. Well, at least, most of the time!
I am here to share my experiences (and failures!) with intentionally designing my life around the idea that less can be more, good can be great, and just enough can be plenty perfect. I don’t profess to be the best, the most, the first, or perfect in any way…plenty perfect is more my style!