Why My Husband Is...Pretty Much Amazing

So, I don't mean to breed discontentment within anyone here, but I feel like I need to tell you that my husband is the most amazing of all husbands. The end.


For my birthday this year he prepared months in advance, contacting some of the women that I most admire out there in the blogging and craft world for autographed photos. Wow. 

I can always tell when my husband has bought a new book on improving your marriage, because he gets inspired and starts doing random sweet things, or asking me questions about myself. (Cute.) So a few months ago, when he started quizzing me on which craft bloggers I followed and who I admired, I thought it was probably his latest book's doing. :o)

Then when my birthday came around recently, he presented me with these framed photos of some of the women I admire most. He wanted me to keep them on the wall of my craft room so that when a project is going wrong, when I'm exhausted, frustrated, or feeling like I'll never get anywhere, I can look to the women I admire for their perseverance and hard work and carry on. I could have just bawled. Either he knows me really well, or he's heard my late-night stomping and growling a little too often and wants a little more peace in the man cave. :O)

In any case. It's just what I need. I don't think it's good to compare ourselves to others too much (something I'm often guilty of) but sometimes when you're facing the seemingly impossible, it helps to know that others have accomplished it, and you can too!

So! Which ladies did he choose? I'd love to tell you about them!

Firstly:

 Um. 
...What else do you need, right?

So, I know that all people are just people. We're all human. Right, I get it. But please allow me a little hero-worship here. Because in my eyes, Amy Butler might just be a little beyond human. Yes, she designs beautiful fabrics and products, blah blah blah, we all know that. But even more than that, Amy herself is so kind and unselfish. Just a few months after I started Ruffles and Stuff, I contacted several "celebrity" crafter-types for a giveaway, and Amy was by far the nicest. Not only did she reply sweetly, but she sent even more than I asked for, and offered to be in touch again if I wanted. Wow. 

Some of Amy's fabric designs:

Amy began sewing and making things when she was just a little girl. She and her husband, David have built quite an empire which includes fabrics, thread, yarn, handbags, wall art, wall paper, stationary, endless patterns (including many free pdf patterns!)and many other fun products!
On her website, she shares that she and her husband "want to improve the lives of those whom we touch." A goal that absolutely shines true though in whatever she does. I think that is the real reason I admire her the way I do. 

And P.S. True to form, along with the photo, she sent some more patterns! But I'll post more on that another day and we'll have a little giveaway. :o)

Amy, you inspire me. Not only artistically, but as simply a human being. Thank you!





I love Heather Ross' work! It really speaks to my more lively side. The side that is fun and bright and cheery and sometimes even a little silly! She is the daughter of a painter and a writer and was designing clothes for herself and others at the age of 9!

I love her prints to the moon. and. back. Her latest line, Far Far Away 3 is absolutely darling:


She is also founder of Munki Munki, where you can buy the cutest pj's on the planet. (How much do I need a pair in this sewing supplies print?)


 I love her project book, "Weekend Sewing", and her illustrations in the cutest kid's book ever-"Crafty Chloe" (which I'm pretty sure was written about my childhood. Just sayin'.)


I just love the thought that this woman, who grew up with no tv or telephone, took initiative and made a life for herself doing what she loves. Thank you so much for inspiring me, Heather!



If someone asked me to describe my style, I wouldn't need words, just a url: http://shopruche.com/.
Ruche is the vintage-modern online shop that Mai and Josh Olivo started as a hobby in 2008 and has grown into a gorgeous source of style, inspiration and, well...really cute shoes.


Mai inspires me in the most practical way; style! Many of the projects or color schemes I've chosen have been heavily inspired by the romantic and vintage looks they choose for their shop. Their breathtaking photos and videos are so inspiring as well!

I also love that Mai and Josh are self-starters who haven't let go of their love for realness and honesty. On the Ruche website they share: "Please know that there are real people behind the website and we always put ourselves in the position of our customers." 

Thanks, Mai and Josh for your hard work and inspiration!



Another person who I'm not sure is entirely human is Ashley Hackshaw, of Lil' Blue Boo. She absolutely blows. my. mind. She is truly a "does-it-all" woman, whose energy level, despite struggling with cancer, is awe-inspiring. To be honest, Ashley is often the one who keeps me going when I feel like giving up. (Ashley, does it creep you out that I'm thinking of you in my craft room at midnight?)


When I feel like just giving up because it's too much, I think of Ashley. Running her business, her blog, her household, being a mother, designing patterns, writing daily for Babble, inspiring others to Choose Joy and supporting others' causes, all while going through who knows what at Dr. appts. and with the most open and optimistic attitude. It makes my head spin! But when it comes down to it, I know that she's made of the same stuff as you and me, and we can all work as hard if we want to. I really cherish her example!



There are many other women I admire. And some of the lovely women my husband contacted weren't able to send photos (and if they are reading this: please don't feel bad about that!) but these four ladies are definitely some of the best crafters/business owners out there, and I hope they inspire you as well!

Remember: Looking to other successful women shouldn't ever make you feel badly about yourself. It only shows you what you can do if you want to!

And husbands: don't feel bad that my husband is the best ever. It just gives you something to strive for! (Haha, ok, just kidding.)

Hope you have a great day, friends!

Love,
Disney

Comments

  1. I agree. Your husband is totally amazing. These women are also amazing. I have been following Ashley's blog and I can't believe all she does while dealing with her own health.

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  2. Thanks for the inspiration! I find myself always comparing myself to other people when I read their blogs, and I'm continually reminding myself that I can be whatever I want to be. I just have to have the motivation and work ethic.

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  3. This is too cute. Yes, he just might be the most amazing! I love the idea of having some heroes around to look up to for encouragement. And yes, it should never make you feel worse about what you are struggling to achieve. Great great post.

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  4. Awwww...what a special and wonderful gift!!! So awesome of him to do that for you! I love and look up to all of these women as well. So inspirational.

    Happy Belated bday luv! hugs!

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  5. What a wonderful husband! It's a great gift :)

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  6. Happy Birthday! Your husband is awesome! Way to think out of the box!

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  7. Woah. Amy Butler???!!!! That is such a special gift! Happy b-day!

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  8. I'm speechless - this is a gift that will hardly ever be surpassed! Happy birthday!

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  9. What an incredibly awesome, sweet, and thoughtful gift {and husband} !!! Of course you're very deserving of both. I just adore your blog! Happiest of birthdays to you...
    Rhiannon

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  10. this is so amazing!! What a thoughtful gift!!! Love it!!!

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  11. Oh, my goodness! That is so sweet! Happy birthday. =)

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  12. i love your admiration and elevation of your husband. Husbands thrive when their wives adore and respect them and wives blossom when they feel valued and loved. yours is a marriage that is beautiful and I was blessed to see how much your husband loved you and that he knew just what to do to show you that love. Go give him a tight squeeze and never let go.

    happy birthday!
    blessings
    janiene

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  13. Aw! That is such a sweet, thoughtful idea. Those kind of sentimental present are ALWAYS the best. What a sweet husband. And he found himself quite an incredible wife.

    Cheri

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  14. If I were to list the women I most admire I would definitely include you on my list. I look forward to your posts the most of all the blogs I follow. You always come across as being so sweet and honest and I love your creativity and ideas.
    Thanks for always inspiring me!

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    Replies
    1. Wow, what a compliment, I don't really know what to say. Thank you :)

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  15. Wow, that is one caring and amazing husband. Tons of love there. I think he's a keeper. It's nice to have a husband who is supportive and cares about you enough to be interested in the things that you love. So awesome.

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    1. Haha, well crafts pretty much equal torture to him, so he must really like me.

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  16. Awww! Happy belated birthday!

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  17. Happy Birthday!! And what a great gift! I also love Lil Blue Boo. Your blog is one of the ones that inspired me to start my own blog, sewfabulous-now.blogspot.com. I especially love your leather bow headbands. : )
    Jen

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  18. Wow how sweet! Does he have a brother? I love asians

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  19. Such a sweet surprise for your husband to give you! I am sure you could rent him out for lots of money!

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  20. Happy Birthday!!! He is so sweet....what an amazing thing to do. Thank you for the sweet words.....I feel the exact same about you :) xoxo!!!

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  21. wow. i am so impressed with your husband that he did something so thoughtful, and also that he knows the names of those ladies! what a sweet guy you have!

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  22. Happy Birthday and congrats to that awesome husband.

    Great choice of bloggers / designers!

    Greetings,
    Tina

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  23. What a totally awesome gift!! (And husband!!) Exactly which marriage books is he reading? I think I need to order them ;)

    Happy Birthday!

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  24. happy birthday and congratulations on your wonderful husband :-)
    ... and just to let you know: even though we lead very different lifestyles (other than faith and having children), you inspire me! mostly to remember to see the beauty and the possibility the world around me offers, and to think beyond the obvious, so thank YOU a million times! Julia

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  25. wow! that's amazing that your husband put together this little surprise!! happy birthday and many blessings! xx

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  26. That's awesome! He is definitely a keeper! Happy Birthday to you!!!

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  27. Ok, you could have stopped at your husband "reading the latest book about improving your marriage" and you STILL would have won The Best Husband award. Seriously, does anyone else's husband do this? Bueller? Bueller? Yeah, didn't think so. ;) {Not bashing my husband! I think he's the cat's meow, but if I ever caught him reading a marriage self-help book, I'd pass out. ;) }

    What a fun and incredibly thoughtful gift! Oh, and Happy Birthday!

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  28. You are a lucky lady & Happy Birthday!

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  29. Aww! He is great! Happy Birthday!!

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  30. Your husband is awesome. Mine swears I sound like nails on a chalkboard when I talk crafts lol. Yet mine did build me a amazing sewing cutting table then a closet in our bonus room so I could have an amazing sewing room ;) I guess we both have great husbands.

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  31. Thanks for this post. It's nice to see which bloggers inspire others. I would never have thought to approach Amy Butler - she's just so big - but this post made me realise that if someone inspires you there's no harm in sharing that.

    Happy Birthday too!

    x Elena @ Randomly Happy
    http://www.randomlyhappytoday.blogspot.co.uk

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  32. what an awesome present!!! ur a lucky girl to have such a thoughtful man!

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  33. I was thinking the same as serendipitychild, you would be, no wait, you are on my list of women I admire. Thanks for the great site, congrats on a great hubby & beautiful family, happy be-lated birthday, and enjoy your wall of inspiration.

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  34. That is so cool. I mean Amy Butler, wow!! Lucky lady to have such a thoughtful hubby. Happy belated B-day!

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  35. Dear Disney!

    If I had a wall of inspiring people, YOU would be up there on it! I love your style, the way you write, and your face! When you went away I was so sad, but I am so glad I kept your blog in my google reader because you came back to us ^_^

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  36. Oh wow I sound incredibly creepy. Sorry!

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    1. Haha, never!! I blog for validation, you know, you're making my day! (P.S. I love your funky style!)

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  37. Seriousl, loling at this post- your last line about your husband was hilarious! (A girl can dream right?) But really, this gift was SUPER thoughtful and reading about these women in this way is so uplifting. It is like all of your blog crushes are all rooting for you to get creative- that has to be one heck of a motivator. Wishing you every happiness in the coming year- and your poor hubby, how will he ever top this. He better get to reading :0

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  38. Disney, you and Micah are such a light to the world! You are both so inspiring as a Christian couple. We may not live close enough to get together as often as we'd like, but I know where we will do that for all eternity! Love ypu both (and Paige too, of course)!
    love, Kayla :)

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