The plan – drive back home to Ohio from San Francisco and camp the entire way. After three nights in a tent, and two in a hotel for the wedding – my back and hips decided to stage a mutiny.

Suddenly my last post about pregnancy being a breeze became a haunting jinx as I struggled to walk without pain. We weighed our options- I could fly back or we could keep going, staying in hotels. I would stay back and bench it while the rest of the family hiked. We opted with the later and I am feeling much better, but still have to rest as much as possible. Eleven weeks to go now.

We started in Yosemite, Heaven on Earth- by far my favorite stop so far- then headed through Idaho to meet my brother, Ezra in the Grand Tetons. Now we are in Wyoming and headed toward Iowa City to see another brother. Keep up with us on Instagram – @alaina_gray or @sethgray.

Here is a view from last night as we drive through Bighorn Canyon, a hidden treasure just west of Yellowstone.

More pictures when we get back.

xoxo,

Alaina

The post I take it back (and where we’ve been), appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

First the stare down, literally, and then the “How are you feeling?”

This isn’t a bright, happy “How are you feeling? You must be so excited!”  On the contrary, it is a “How are you feeling? You must feel like shit. Because, well, you’re pregnant.”

When I answer, “I”m feeling fine. You know, normal sleepiness at night but just fine overall,” their response is a disbelieving, “Really?”

“Yes, really, I’m fine.”

Our bodies, as women are designed for this. Maybe it’s just me, but pregnancy isn’t really that big of a deal. It’s uncomfortable, sure. It’s annoying because I can’t ride with Seth or have a shot of whiskey after a long week of work. And I hate not being able to go for a jog. But all in all, not a big deal.

But after you hear the sympathetic, “How are you feeling?” so many times you start to think, “Well, should I be feeling worse?”

It must have an affect on some pregnant women, especially if it is their first pregnancy. This is a plea to you, World – please, stop projecting so much negativity onto us pregnant mamas. We’re just fine.

And then there is the next question:

“When are you due?”

“September 1st or somewhere around there.”

And then…

“Oh no! You will be pregnant in the summer.”

“Yes, I know.”

The dreaded summer. I have been hearing about this and the horror it will most certainly bring me since January now. The summer is coming!!! Oh, holy hell. You would think, based on everyone’s reactions that I am facing almost certain doom.

The truth is – the third trimester is pretty awful no matter what the season. And having Benjamin in March, and gaining 70 pounds because of it… I am looking forward to being a hot, sweaty mess who will hopefully be eating lots of summer salads instead of big, thick stews and steaks.

And then I try to change the subject before we get to the third question which is usually, “Which hospital did you choose?”

“No hospital. We are having a home birth.”

Another shocker. I am now, to my beholder, a woman who must be on a mission that will, without a doubt, take me to the Gates of Hell and back (if I’m lucky). I try to calm them down with assurances that women had been giving birth just fine without hospitals for thousands and thousands of years until about 100 years ago. And that the C-section rate is 25% at hospitals and 4% for home births.

“But what about the pain?” they ask.

The pain will be awful, yes. But I want to experience my body doing what it was designed to do. Also, after having a hospital birth I can say, with authority, that nothing went as planned. The idea of delivering another child in a hospital is far more horrifying than the idea of giving birth in my home, with my wonderful husband and two fully attentive midwives at my side.

That is all.

Pregnancy is what you make of it, World. And, so far, mine is fine.

If you are pregnant and considering your options, I strongly recommend watching the Business of Being Born on Netflix to start.

xoxo,

Alaina

The post I am feeling fine. Due 9/1. And having a home birth. Please don’t project. appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

And he will push back. He does push back. Every day.

Benjamin is a defiant little guy. It’s hard for me to watch because I was the same way, and still am. I am as passionate as I am stubborn and while these can be strengths in adulthood, children with these traits are often a handful. So, while Seth issues his stern warnings and Benjamin stands his ground, I am torn. Part of me is cheering on Benjamin’s strong spirit and the other half of me, the parent half, is willing him to just listen.

So, here we are, one year after moving in with one another and Benjamin is still testing Seth’s authority. But then the dust settles and there are moments like this when the two find a common ground.

In this case, Seth’s birthday cake and Lily and Cohen across from the table making them both laugh about what he should wish for…

And it’s all suddenly clear- everything will be alright.

xoxo,

Alaina

The post My guys. appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

The first time just wasn’t good enough, so I called the client and explained it was going to take a little longer to get it to her. Then I took it apart and threw it in the scrap bin.

This is the first time I’ve had to start over completely, and hopefully the last.

When I’m done with one of these handmade leather bags, all I see are the places I didn’t get it right. I see every botched cut, stitch, and rivet. 1/16″ off is too far. But, it’s those slight imperfections that give handmade leather goods that undeniable feeling. Truth. Maybe even soul.

And it’s that hunger that fuels me to make the next bag better than the last. I’ll never hit perfection, but I’ll get closer every time.

This is the first Beauty and the Biker handmade leather bag I made.

This is the first Beauty and the Biker women’s handmade leather bag

Beauty and the Biker men’s handmade leather bag number two.

work in progress: this is how I make the handles for Beauty and the Biker men’s handmade leather bags.

this handmade leather bag sold in 4 hours, but it’ll outlast the new owner.

this is a hand cut, hand dyed, hand burnished, and hand stitched leather motorcycle tool bag I made.

Nothing worthwhile is easy. Fun? Frustrating? Hard? Yes. But worth every second.

-Seth

The post Handmade is hard work appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

But, having already had one Benjamin and far few pictures to tell the tale, I can say with authority there are just as many sweet and cute things for baby boys. Here are a few on my wish list for Foster. (Because he is really coming– something that is just now starting to hit me. 16 weeks to go…)

1. The sweetest tie shirt and leggings.

I discovered tights and leggings for baby boys when Benjamin was two or three. Foster will have them right from the start. Buy these cute ones here for $11.45. 

2. A baby blanket I would be envious of… 

$42.00 on Etsy. Click here to purchase.

3. This Shits and Giggles onesie is hilarious. 

Find it here on Etsy for $20.00.

4. Cutest sleepers ever.

All three available from Next.co.uk for 15 pounds (or about $20.00 + $5.00 for shipping).

5. Bibs with the mostest. 

These are ridiculously awesome. Must have them. $25.00 for all three on Etsy. 

Have any other cute boy things? Leave them in the comments!

xoxo,

Alaina

The post Shopping for Foster appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

My dream man set the whole thing up.

After staying up all night to finish his man bag, briefcase – which is now already sold – we spent all day finishing up a few things and then headed to Gay Street in Columbus to pitch our tent and fill it up with goodies.

I’ve never see Seth so tired. See the bags under his eyes? And he was only really half way there all day. It was like talking to zombie Seth. Preparation for the baby, I suppose.

But per Seth’s usual, he did not complain once. 

 And here it was – our little closet on the street.

Seth’s bag literally stopped people in their tracks. You really don’t see things like this every day with your own eyes, in the flesh.

And every man, woman and child who passed couldn’t help but do a double take. Many stopped just to stare and inquire about how Seth made it.

By hand. Every little stitch. Hand-made, hand-dyed. A bag that will outlast you. As Seth likes to say, you’re buying a bag for the grandchildren that you get to break in first.

The crates are from an Amish farmer.

The scarf holders are from the Flower Factory, a last minute stop I made for some bags and tissue paper.

I thought they were just perfect.

And then there were the clothes, all of them – and the bags and scarves – are thrift finds from the Volunteers of America. The cool pipe clothing racks were Seth’s doing. He made them following this Lifehacker blog post. 

Seth’s beautiful keychains.

Jeans…

And his hand-made belts and some buckles I found thrifting.

I made the sign myself - obviously.

The street traffic was light, as it was a bit chilly, but things were going really well until a flash storm hit around 10:00 PM. We frantically packed up and now… most of this stuff, aside from the bag, of course, is in safe keeping in the garage.

I admit, I’ve been robbing myself every morning since.

We’ll be at more Moonlight Markets later this summer and possibly some other festivals. In the meantime, Seth will be selling his bags made to order in our Etsy shop. Click here if you’re interested. 

xoxo,

Alaina

The post The debut booth appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

We love the name and it was one of those – “Yep. That’s it.” moments, so, we know it’s right. Thank you so much for helping by giving us your name ideas.

xoxo,

Alaina

The post Foster Raymond Gray appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

He loves it out there (and so does, Archer).

We’ll be popping up (for the very first time) at the Moonlight Market on Gay Street in Columbus on Saturday, May 11th.

Seth has been busy using this

to turn leather like this

into bags like this

Because it takes him 20+ hours to make bags like the one shown, I decided to fill our shop up with some goodies from the Beauty side of our brand – clothes, hats, purses and jewelry.

To find it all, I have been thrift shopping for the purpose of re-selling.

I have found it is completely different than shopping for myself and so much more fun. First of all, I can buy in any size. And secondly, I can buy things I may not wear myself but still think are absolutely adorable. With that said, I have invested a grand total of $300 thus far and have made out like a bandit at the local Volunteers of America thrift stores with dozens and dozens of one of a kind items.

I have found the sweetest light cotton and linen summer dresses, original Levi’s (shorts and Jeans), straw hats and bags, scarves and beautiful skirts. I’ve also found several cute corset-type tops and denim vests – all sticking to that theme of Beauty and the Biker. I am pulling clothes for women with a soft and organic style, but who also like a bit of edge. Because, you never know – a ride on her man’s motorcycle or a night out with her girlfriends may be in order at a moment’s notice.

The greatest challenge, I have found, is resisting the clothes I have purchased with the intent to sell. I have already pilfered a few dresses, a necklace, a hat and a purse. I may put some of them back on the rack, but the others I will be keeping.

Here are just a few of my favorites.

I can’t get enough of my straw purses… and this dress, oh my gosh, it is just too cute. Handmade, vintage. Love, love, love. And it just happens to fit right above my belly.

and did I mention the jewelry?

We will be scrambling this week, Seth while the kids are at school and myself, as soon as I get home every night, to tag the clothing, build clothing racks, etc. Fun. Fun. Fun!

If you live in Columbus or central Ohio, please come to our booth at Moonlight Market.

After this adventure, it will be time to prep for a flight out to California for Seth’s brother’s wedding and then the long drive home across the West and through Yellowstone…

xoxo

Alaina

The post The next thing. appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

1. It’s a boy and all of his little pieces and parts are in perfect working order!!! I was indifferent either way on gender but am now a bit relieved because I can do boys. Girls, on the other hand… phew, makes me nervous just thinking about it.

2. Lily was severely disappointed, but only for a few minutes. Then she was perfectly fine. This after I spent hours worrying about her reaction.

3. Children under 8 are terrible at coming up with baby names. Unless you had something like Mario, Donkey Kong, or Sushi in mind.

4. We are stumped on names. Middle name will be Raymond after my father. If you have any name ideas, leave them in the comments and help us out (we beg of you).

xoxo,

Alaina

P.S.

Cierra won the new leaf necklace. Thank you all so much for commenting!!!

The post Severely Outnumbered appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.

I think it’s a girl, but am fine either way. I’m more curious as to what type of little person he or she will be. Having three already, it is clear the personality and spirit trumps the sex.

So, yes, on Monday – we will know.

Guess what you think we’re having in the comments and enter to win a new leaf necklace! And if you guess correctly and then, IF you are randomly drawn – you win.

Here’s another baby bump picture. Some of you have had theories on Facebook as to what the sex is by the shape and height of my bump. I know nothing of these things and leave it all to you, Ladies.

Also, I am nearly 20 weeks and due in late August or early September.

We have been busy bees, as usual. Seth has been quiet on the blog because he’s been either in the garage making bags (he has sold four now) or running about the yard doing mad yard work for our party next weekend to celebrate our birthdays and our one year wedding anniversary.

Last weekend we had a little party at the Cement Marketing office to open the first Moonlight Market on Gay Street. Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman stopped by to kick things off and took a moment to say “Hello” to the kids. 

We thought that was particularly awesome of him. And a big special thanks to Brothers Drake Meadery, Elevator Brewing and Polish Nose Perogies for providing beverages and good eats.

Oh, and a huge thanks to the Fox N’ Hounds for playing late into the night.

I am a lucky, lucky girl.

Don’t forget to guess what the baby is for a chance to win a necklace. Click here to see them.

xoxo,

Alaina

The post Oh boy, or girl? appeared first on Beauty and the Biker.