We continue our Creative Chat series today with Lee Cordon, the Creative Director of DoSayGive, a go-to destination for gracious etiquette, meaningful gift ideas, classic style, and intentional motherhood. Lee’s current focus is on her third annual Classic Children’s Summer Book Club that begun earlier this summer – we feel that this is so meaningful this summer especially with all of the libraries closed!
Lee and her husband, Justin, live in Dallas with their four children. We last featured Lee in 2017 as one of our Holiday Tastemakers. We enjoyed our time catching up with Lee and hearing about what her socially distant season has looked like – plenty of downtime with her family as well as some outdoor adventures in their backyard.
What is currently inspiring you?
My backyard! I used to think it wasn’t big or pretty enough but I’ve discovered that even the smallest spaces can have a quiet charm about them, especially when filled with blooming flowers, ferns and ivies. My girls and I planted an herb and vegetable garden and they can’t wait to run outside each morning and see what has burst forth into new life. We’ve also had lots of garden picnics and dinners al fresco in this glorious spring weather.
What is one positive to being at home for you during this time?
As a mother I believe I have the most influence/impact on my children during the unstructured times at home rather than when running around doing a million activities with them. So I’m enjoying more opportunities to slow down and talk about our values more. Of course, it’s not easy to be at home nonstop (all the laundry!) but we’ve all grown closer as a family and have had the sweetest conversations!
How are you practicing:
Creativity – In the Kitchen! More time at home has allowed for baking and cooking. My thirteen-year-old daughter and I made royal icing cookies for the first time and it was so much fun!
Kindness – We have been sharing lots of thoughtful things to do for others on DoSayGive.com. My girls and I have enjoyed writing notes/pictures and dropping them in neighbors’ mailboxes.
Discipline – I have to get up at 5 am to work – before homeschool – otherwise I don’t get anything checked off my list!
Name something in your home that is bringing you joy or that has new meaning in this time?
Books have been a springboard for sweet time together. We may not have been able to go on many adventures, but through the (sometimes) forgotten pastime of reading aloud we have taken many adventures together as a family. We can’t wait to read more in our Classic Children’s Summer Book Club.
Also, this is probably really representative of slowing down and enjoying the simple things right now but it’s our bird house. Really it’s the squeaks of delight from my girls when they spy a blue jay or cardinal outside our kitchen window. I think a beautiful birdhouse would make such a great gift right now, too!
We’re seeing a surge in physical correspondence as there is always something special about receiving a hand-written note and people now have more time. If you were to send a physical note to three of your Instagram friends, who would they be?
I agree! My girls and I have been writing letters every week. Now is a great time to teach children the proper way to write a letter (and email for that matter!) and share with them gracious greetings and phrases for handwritten correspondence.
Born on Fifth – Emily has been so kind since we met at a conference last year. I would congratulate her on all her success (and her new beautiful baby!).
Elisabeth & Butter – Elisabeth Epperson is such a joy to watch. I would thank her for being such an example of refinement and grace to her generation.
Kathleen Jennings – A source of fun and laughter which we all need right now! I would thank her for keeping us entertained and informed when it comes to skincare.
What are three of your favorite items or patterns currently on Dixie’s website?
The Butterfly Crest Recipe card – For all my favorite new recipes!
The Hampton Wrapping Paper – We photograph so many gifts for our gift guide so I am always looking for exquisite wrapping paper!
The Gentlemen Navy Notecard– These classic notecards would be the perfect graduation gift for males.
