You might have noticed a few tiny visual changes around here lately - and a few more little tweaks are in the works in coming months. (I'm hearing you all loud and clear that you miss the "Inspiring" list of links - no worries, it will return soon!) The first of these changes was the addition of the SouleMama BookShop. I'm asked often for my 'favorite' books on particular topics - unschooling, crafts, parenting, and on and on. So I've been looking for a spot to share such 'favorites' lists in an always-accessible way (while keeping it all seperate from the "Currently Reading" sidebar feature, which I like to keep to 'current' books). The Amazon storefront was the solution for me - as I can keep the lists, while also participating in the Associates program. There is much more I want to add there - I haven't even touched on bird books yet, for goodness sakes. Or favorite board books, or chapter books, or....oh my. We love books. So if those book lists interest you, check back there often as I'll be adding more of the titles most treasured in our home.
Another new thing you've likely noticed in the past month has been the addition of the "Sponsors" on the right sidebar. For so long (years, I dare say), I've thought long and hard, searched high and low, and explored so many options in regards to this. And I am so happy that it evolved exactly where I wanted it to be - a place where I can introduce you to small companies and organizations who I support and believe in - in a low-key, non-obtrusive and well, pretty way ("pretty" is important!). I'm incredibly grateful to those Sponsors, especially, who took a chance these first few months as I've been trying it out - Nova Natural, Lisa Leonard, and Mama Merit Badges. Thank you!
I never could have imagined all the things that blogging would lead to when I began three and a half years ago. I never imagined the warmth, generosity, amazing friendships, and wonderful opportunities that have come into my life. And I certainly never imagined that this whole thing would turn into something that contributes in a small financial way to my family - and brings us closer to our goals of living, working, playing and creating together - as a family. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to continue writing and maintaining this blog and all that comes with it (the many joys and the many challenges) in a way that feeds my soul, and helps my family - rather than takes me away from it. So thank you, for your part in that particular aspect of blogging for me - for the things you've purchased in my shop over the years, for the Amazon purchases you've made through my links, through the support that you've shown my sponsors, for your notes and gifts of encouragement, and just for reading here each day.
What I'm finally getting around to, is a small token of thanks to you! In the left sidebar, you'll notice a new little feature "For You," and in there currently, you'll find two downloadable patterns (as PDF files - let me know if you find any kinks!). One for the Gratitude Wrap, and another for my favorite knit hat pattern (originally posted here a long time ago now, but reworked a bit as I remade it late last night! In yellow. Ahem). They're free and offered up as a little 'thank you' to you for being such nice readers. Because you are! You'll also find a link to all of the recipes I've posted here over the years - compiled in one place and organized seasonally (because I would organize everything that way if I could). My goodness, I make a lot of bread with berries, don't I? Hmn...
Well, anyway. Enjoy. and Thank You. Truly.
