» Erin Loechner: Founder/Writer, Design For Mankind + Design For MiniKind

My A-list

erin loechner, design for mankind | the list collective

Erin Loechner: Founder/Writer, Design For Mankind + Design For MiniKind

Design Discoveries That Will Improve Mankind....Or At Least Your Shopping List!

ELAINE SAYS: I've known of & read Erin Loechner's, "Design For Mankind," blog for some time, so when she launched her follow-up, "Design For MiniKind," motivated by, yes...a bebe (congrats, Erin!), I happily jumped on board that train as well. I'm always excited to witness a new mom experience her firsts. But it was over the holidays, as I was soul searching about The List Collective...what it's meant to me, where I've been, where I hope to go...that I stumbled on a post Erin had written on her own New Years Goals. That post inspired me in a truly meaningful way and soon I began to see my own goals more clearly. Erin wrote about slowing down...and it was the simplicity with which she wrote about it that got me to do exactly that. And in this slow moment, I recognized how easily a fast-paced schedule, endless lists of goals and and a Type A attitude can actually cause you to derail, when in fact, you're trying so very hard to stay on track. It is so frightfully simple to find yourself focusing on "more" instead of "good" or "potent" or even just, well, meaningful, in order to keep things moving forward. In other blog posts I've discovered on her site since then, she's made many honest confessions about all sorts of notions from performance anxieties to Pinterest envy. Now perhaps if you're not a blogger, "Pinterest Envy" may sound frivolous...I get it. But the message reaches all lines of work and even relationships . Spending too much time taking inventory of what others are doing is a trap...a trap that if we're all being honest, has trapped us all at one time or another. Quite simply, it pulls your focus from the very enjoyment that motivated you in the first place. Wether you're blogging like us, a pro in another field or a stay-at-home parent, the point is just as salient. Stay in the moment and let your love for what you're doing lead the way. I think Erin is honest...and I think she's brave. On top of all of that, she also has mad design cred and always something interesting to say....combine that with the down-to-earth sensibility that makes you just want to be her friend and she's a pretty unique kind of triple-threat. Check out her list...check out her blog...see what I mean. Cheers to us all being reminded today to reclaim whatever it is we love about whatever it is we do! PS: Shop the A-Lists [including Erin's] HERE

A Note From Erin

Hi guys! I wanted to pop in and share with you a few things I use (and love!) every single day. As a new mom, I've found it incredibly helpful to rely on a routine in an attempt to stay organized. And even though routines often sound restrictive, they can be worlds of fun when you throw in a few daily indulgences! Here are a few staples I keep close at hand - every single day!

Erin Loechner's A-List

A Well-Planned Day: Whitney English Day Designer SHOPI recently discovered Whitney English's Day Designer (thanks, Twitter!) and it's everything I want in a planner: spiral-bound, ample writing space and lots of lines+boxes. Highly recommend!
Luxurious Lip Balm: Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SHOPThis lip balm feels luxurious, and I love that it gives just a hint of color so I don't feel like a lame girl who took the time to apply lipstick even though she's wearing yoga pants and dirty tee.
Sacred Style: LuluLemon Groove Yoga Pants SHOPSpeaking of yoga pants, I love love love these [groove yoga pants by lulu lemon]. But then again, the entire world does. They're crazy comfortable and double-layered for chilly winter walks. Perfection.
Hydration Fixation: Takeya USA Water Bottles SHOPI have to trick myself into staying hydrated, so pretty water bottles are always helpful. This one's glass, but has a silicone jacket for easy gripping and durability.
Keep It Cozy: Gap Moccasin Slippers SHOPI spend my mornings playing with my daughter at home, so these slippers are a cozy pick-me-up for those very early wake-up calls.
A Shampoo That Makes Scents: JF Watkins Aloe Green Tea Shampoo SHOPThis shampoo smells just so... clean and makes my quickie 5-minute shower feel that much more refreshing.
Fabulous Key Fob: Baggu Wedge Pouch SHOPYour keys are something you see every day; why not dress them up in a fancy gold ensemble?
Snuggle Bunny: Wee Gallery Bunny Cloud Organic Blanket SHOPOK, so this is technically an indulgence for Bee, but I'm always carrying it. Whether we're out and about for the day, snuggling on the floor or reading books in her nursery, this blanket is always closeby!