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at years end

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There are more Holiday Handmades to come next week, but I wanted to pause today to wish you a Happy New Year!

I love New Years so very much - the chance to reflect and ruminate on both what has been and what will be. And an evening spent most definitely in the right now.  2009 has been a full year for us - up and down all over the place as life should be, and as I'm certain it has been for each of you too. I want to thank you for joining me here in the adventures of 2009. I thank you for the time you spend here - I am inspired, energized, deeply touched, and supported by you doing so!  I am very much looking forward to another year together.

{2008, New Years Eve}

Tonight, as has come to be our tradition, we'll celebrate with good food, games, stories and  little children trying (quite seriously) to stay up as late as they can. For a couple of years now, the kids have led a New Years Eve effort to document the year in lists. They compile first a list of everyone's 'favorites' - books, movies, meals, etc. And then comes the list of the the years' highlights.

Last year's list has been on the refrigerator since last New Years Eve, and it has brought a smile to my face in so many ways so many times. "What Was Great about Two Thousand and Eight" is my most treasured record of the year in our family.

I look forward to seeing what makes it onto this years list (the rhyming title is in great contention right now). I expect to see lots of wonderful, silly, fun and unexpected things, just as has been our year. I hope the same for yours, too!

Happy New Year!

The Handmades: Edibles!

 

 

Being away from home for the first half of December meant there was a lot less holiday baking than usual.  But oh, I just couldn't make it through a holiday season without a little bit of peppermint bark. So, among a few other things we squeezed in, there was one epic triple-the-recipe peppermint bark making session one night. Yum.

(And guess what? There's a stashed supply of ingredients tucked away somewhere in this house for a dark February day. Oh yes - I am quite pleased with myself about this one.)

My favorite recipe for it, found here - Orangette

 

 

While these aren't technically edible, if you ask my children, they do fit under the 'food' category. (While  I agree with them that it's perfectly safe to do so with this mama-made stuff, I'm just not sure I understand eating lip balm). In the tricky days of our autumn - when "crafting" time had to fit neatly into fifteen minute increments of time with the kids, we all fell just a little bit in love with making lotions, potions and balms (and other yummy body care goods). There was a whole lot of this made in the month of December and then scattered about to friends and family. And I think there will be lots more making in the winter months to come. (The boys are concocting a special 'skiers lotion' that they have grand plans for.)

My guides have been - Organic Body Care Recipes, and Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair, with beeswax provided locally, and most other supplies coming from Mountain Rose Herbals. (Muslin drawstring bags were purchased in bulk on Etsy, and the "keep calm" stamp is from Rubber Soul.)

The holidays are so yummy, aren't they? Tell me - what were your favorite handmade edibles this holiday season?

The Handmades: Solstice Jammies

The Solstice Jammies have become such a treasured tradition for me.  On Solstice night, upon arriving inside from a bonfire, the kids slip into their jammies (lined up in front of the tree) for the rest of the nights festivities. They're worn on and off throughout the holiday week, and through the rest of the year, too. I have so many sweet mental images through the years of these oh-so-simple matching jammies on my loves.

Also fast becoming a tradition is the making of the Solstice Jammies, which seems to  - more often than not - fall last on the holiday to-do list, landing them right on the evening before. (Ahem.) This year I was particularly grateful that all came together, as (at 10pm) I couldn't for the life of me track down my handmade pants pattern pieces, nor the kids current measurements. A moment of panic nearly set in before I  set myself straight with a good old fashioned piece of strong self-advice that never fails: Wing It.  And so, sneaking into their bedroom drawers for pants to trace, and draping a tape measure across the legs of each sleeping babe...I wung it.

It worked. Thank goodness.

Something about this fabric totally evokes the curtains in The Sound of Music, doesn't it? Or maybe it's more like The Partridge Family. Yes, that's it. I think we should take it on the road. Oh, the boys will love that. (It's a vintage print, and I can't believe I had exactly the yardage on hand needed to make these!)

I'm well aware that this sweet acceptance/tolerance of matching (paisley, no less) mama-made pajamas might not last forever in our family life. But perhaps that's one of the reasons I love the tradition so much. It's perfectly right now. Cozy and sweet right now for these little ones.

(No worries...Harper got what he was after. His first sips of hot cocoa. He approved.)

H for Harper (and Nellie too!)

This was the scene on Christmas Eve morning, when my dining room was still serving as the most chaotic (and wonderful) of work space/hiding spot/sewing studio rooms for approximately twelve energized crafters (oh wait, there are only six of us? It felt like more). A fantastic, festive flurry indeed.

Last year, Harper spent his first Christmas sans mama-made stocking. At just a few weeks old, I figured he didn't mind. And there was just no way I could have done it. But this year, I was determined to make his stocking happen...even though it meant that the final stitches were added just hours before it was actually filled. It was, indeed, finished just in the Nick of time (how could I resist that pun?).

Even though it took me a full year to get around to it, the pattern is one I had in mind just as he was born. It's the Monogrammed Stocking from Alicia's lovely book, Stitched in Time. The pattern is written beautifully, and it all came together quite smoothly (a blessing for timely crafting!).

Just as I cleaned up the chaos of last-minute crafting that morning, the kids reminded me that I had 'forgotten' to make a stocking for someone else. Goodness me. And so...we squeezed one in for Miss Nellie too.

Our stockings are as eclectic as they can be, I think in style, color, and even material (half are knit, half sewn), having been made over the course of ten years as our family has grown. But oh, I love them so.

enjoying

 

 

 

 

I do hope you're all continuing to enjoy this holiday season! We are here, so very much. It's been a beautiful blend of the 'busy' of family and festivities and the 'quiet' and still of home and each other.

After (nearly!) five years of this blogging gig, I've come to fully understand and love what comes next. That despite being a tree-out-the-door-on-the-26th kind of a gal (I can't help myself), the holidays happily linger on just a little bit longer in blogland. There is much to report (and see, too!) of what was cooking in top-secret before it all. So while we'll be lazing around around here in the bliss of post-holiday nothingness, this week I'll be rolling out some of the crafty things we've been up to...for a little bit of show and tell on the blog.

Because, really, letting the holidays linger just a little bit longer feels so very good, doesn't it?  (With or without a tree?)

I hope you're holding on to the magic too!

merry-making

{a little bit of five-minute holiday crafting, inspired by Maya's lovely trees!}

 

 

Some pictures from our little Solstice celebration yesterday. I think this year might be my favorite ever - simple, sweet, so meaningful. As the children are getting a little bit older, there's something so magical happening as our traditions begin to carry themselves, in a way. So much life. I love it.

We have lots more merry-making, and Christmas celebrating to do around here in the days to come, as I'm sure you do in your homes too. I think I'll keep this space quiet for a few days, and return to the blog early next week. 

Until we meet again, friends...

I hope you and yours have the merriest of days with all the joys of the season!

on Solstice Day

"Lighting one candle
from another -
Winter night."
- Yosa Buson

Wishing you moments of peace, joy and reflection on this Winter Solstice! 

shhhhh....

 

 

 

 

Making, Making, Making.

Paper, fabric and fiber - oh my. Fueled by peppermint bark, The Temptations Holiday on Pandora... and a little help from my friends, of course.

I hope all your holiday making is going well!

Friday, From the Archives :: This Week in 2006

It's Friday - time for our weekly trip down blog memory lane!

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my little elf
{Originally posted December 17, 2006}

My little elf, staying up later than usual, plopped under the holiday tree working, working, working away on his gift projects (in this case - pipe cleaner ornament pins, something he learned to make in a class, and not from his crafty mama). It isn't always that he wants to craft with me, which I think makes it all the sweeter when he does. Tonight, he's peaceful, content, and reflective. The house is cozy, quiet and softly lit, and it's just the two of us crafting and chatting. I watch him as he gathers his materials, sets them all up rather methodically, and begins to work with such intent. Counting, lining up, and listing off the people he wants to give them to. His silent focus is interrupted from time to time with meaningful questions about the people in our lives - it tells me he's thinking hard about the person he's creating for. He chooses carefully which color he thinks they'd like best, or whether a ribbon or bow is just right for them. Little things. Important things. I can see the excitement in his eye, the flurry with which he works, and can hear it in his voice when he anticipates what it will feel like to hand his special treasure to it's lucky recipient. And my own heart swells a little at his spirit of true kindness that comes from nowhere but his own heart. I look down at my own handwork to be gifted, which was beginning to feel tiresome and like a chore, and I am reminded and inspired. My little elf. My little teacher.

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A Note Today:

Oh, there is so very much of this going on right now...only with two more makers than this time in 2006! Little ones rushing around with "packages" tucked under their shirts, whispered plans, and hidden away crafting. In the last days to go do - when I still find myself with so many things  left I had wanted to make - I am once again, as always, inspired and fueled by their spirit to enjoy and savor right now.

Wishing you - and your little elves - all the joy to be found in the merry-making this season!

dreaming of clara

 We kicked off this holiday season a few weekends ago with a performance of the Nutcracker. We've done this before, but never like this. Because this wasn't just 'any' old Nutcracker performance, but a very special one indeed. One with the sweetest and loveliest of four year old performers. Oh yes - a certain Miss Adelaide Margaret Soule.

{Some photos from around the performance. Sadly, I couldn't take photos during the show. Not that my worried, shaky Mama fingers could have done so anyway.}

Now, granted, it was all of twenty seconds that she pranced (because reindeer 'prance,' you know) across that stage. The very last twenty seconds, I might add. But while the Maine State Ballet did a wonderful job throughout the entire show (of course!), really, those last twenty seconds were hands down the best twenty seconds of any performance I've ever attended (but, of course!). And the pride-full giggles coming from her brothers and Papa (and grandparents, and aunts, and great aunts!) on either side of me were pretty awesome too. 

Getting up on that stage in front of two thousand people ("a really, really, really, really, really big stage! Like, SO big." she declared with stretched arms, wide eyes and excitement)? Oh, she is a brave and strong little girl.

But it wasn't just that day that has made the Nutcracker so special this season. The excitement began months ago when she decided she wanted to do this, in the weeks that we read every single version of The Nutcracker we could get our hands on, as we talked and watched all the parts ("I think I'll be Clara instead of a reindeer!" she declared one morning), and right on into the moments after the show when she was showered with flowers and hugs and kisses from all of us. Everything around it has been....sweet.

As we walked out of the theater that night, I couldn't believe the magical timing of a light snowfall. Adelaide - full of pride (and maybe a bit of relief), danced around and around in a world of her own. And the boys were lost in their own quiet dreamy thoughts and plans for next years Nutcracker (in which  they both declare they will be on that stage too).

It looks like we have a new kind of holiday tradition on our hands.

I love it.

knitting for him

This fall, I determined (in my broad testing poll, that is) that there must be no profession more thick with knitters than that of nurses. In each doctors office and hospital visit we had, nearly each time I pulled out the needles, someone stopped by to chat knitting. It always lightened the moment for me, and I can only guess that in that job - with what they see each day - knitting provides a bit of comfort to them too. It does that. Sweet knitting.

So it was only natural that when I was telling a friend of ours about Steve's daily infusions at the hospital, and his PICC Line, she instantly pointed me in the direction of this. She is, of course, a knitter and a nurse (Hi, Megan!). 

And well, I got right to it. The knitting flurry was strong at the moment, and I was happy to make something that might provide just a bit of comfort - physical, emotional or otherwise. Or maybe just even a laugh. Laughing is good.

This simple little tube knit up in an evening (in Mission Falls washable wool), and Steve wore it for many weeks in place of the plasticky, itchy (my assessment, anyway), hospital-issued band.

I am so happy to report that this PICC cozy is no longer in use, as of yesterday. His blood levels were finally 'normal' enough to stop antibiotics and remove that tube. He's still moving a wee bit slowly, and a few things are up in the air, but my goodness, it's all moving in the right direction. We are so happy, and enormously grateful.

Never have I been so happy to see something I've knit be discarded. And with it, I realized that it had only been that PICC band and hats that I have ever knit for the man I love.  How can that be so? After a full decade, I do think it's time to commit to something bigger and better for him, don't you? So, please wish me all the Elizabeth Zimmerman blessings you can, my friends. I think I'm going to need them, because this is an awful lot of yarn, and my goodness those directions are oh-so-vague (seamless hybrid)!

Of course, he's worth it. And not only will he help me with the math, but he won't complain when it's 2011 before he gets it. Oh, and he'll take all the photos I request in the process too. I love that man. We're so glad he's healthy.

on our way home

Our time at the farm (Broadturn Farm!) has come to a close!

In our three week stay - we saw so many beautiful, real, true, funny and sometimes grim things about animal life on a farm; we managed to keep all the animals where they belong (well, except for that one time - escaping animals is a family bonding experience like no other, 'tis true!); and I think we kept all those creatures on the healthy side (though, the places my hands have been, I never would have imagined. Ahem).

In the process, we fell in love with each of those animals and the farm - the rhythm, the feel, the smell (yes, really!). And we gained an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the farmers who care for all of it - day in and day out, season after season, and year after year. We are so grateful for their hard work.

We learned a lot about so many things, but mostly - perhaps - we learned a lot about ourselves. It was just the motivation our family needed to keep on our path. What a lovely reassurance.

I've so enjoyed sharing the Postcards here - thank you for receiving them so warmly! To answer a few questions that kept appearing in the comments - Nellie was with us (and had a blast!), Banjo stayed home (but was visited and loved upon often!), and we were close enough to town that Steve was able to continue his daily treatments (he is doing well!). All else, I think, was clear enough through the Postcards.

Right now, we are so, so happy to be home! With a fridge full of cheese, our laundry full of hay, and our hearts full of happiness - both at the adventure we've had, the anticipation of those to come, and the current joy of being home!

Postcard no. 14 (the last days!)

 

 

 

Even - perhaps especially - when we are away from home, I am reminded and grateful for the rhythms of our day that guide us. The work and play that comfort, nurture and unite our little family, and remind us of home - wherever we are in the world, and whatever adventure we may be on. We are at home when we are together.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ THIS and THAT FROM JAPAN ~

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Today's featured sponsor is This and That From Japan. In their words:

"Japanese fabric, craft supplies, craft books, paper clay and molds direct from Japan.  Enjoy high quality Japanese crafting supplies and the cutest fabric you can find.  We carry Disney, Hello Kitty, My Melody, Little Twin Star prints that are made only for the Japanese market."

 

 

For today's giveaway, This and That From Japan is offering the following to FIVE winners:

* a $25 gift certificates for fabric, stamps, and trim!

To enter, simply leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday.

In addition, This and That From Japan is also offering a discount to SouleMama readers: enter "soulemama" for 10% off on fabric for fabric totals over $10, 15% off on fabric for fabric totals over $100, 10% off all stamps and craft books for totals over $10.  (does not apply to shipping, valid through Dec 18th, Japan time.) 

Thank you, This and That From Japan!

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Comments closed! The winners are....

Totally fun - count me in! ...and thanks :)
Posted by: Penny in VT

I've been wanting to order from This and That for a while and just haven't gotten to it. What a great giveaway!
Posted by: Fun Mama - Deanna

looks like fun!
Posted by: Elizabeth

Good stuff, Amanda, thanks!
Posted by: ahk

such sweet and yummy designs!
Posted by: em

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ STUBBY PENCIL STUDIO ~

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Today's featured sponsor is Stubby Pencil Studio. In their words:

"Stubby Pencil Studio offers eco friendly craft supplies like crayons made from soy - not petroleum; stationery, greeting cards, sketchbooks and journals made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper - not virgin trees; pencils made from sustainably harvested wood and recycled newspapers - not dying forests. You'll also find unique eco friendly gifts, non-toxic toys, classic games, do-it-yourself kits, reusable bags, party decor and favors, and many other fun and creative eco products for kids."

 

For today's giveaway, Stubby Pencil Studio is offering two prizes:

• a $100 shopping spree!
• a $50 shopping spree!
  

To enter, simply leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday.

In addition, Stubby Pencil Studio is offering a 10% discount to all readers, redeemable by entering MAMASAVE10 at checkout. (Valid through 12/31/09.)

Thank you Stubby Pencil Studio!

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Comments closed! The winners are...

For the $100 Shopping Spree:

What a generous give-a-way --- that penquin is looking at me. Posted by: coffeechris

For the $50 Shopping Spree:

another great giveaway. please include me in the draw. thanks Posted by: Mu Mu Designs

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ CLOUD9 FABRICS ~

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Today's featured sponsor is Cloud9 Fabrics. In their words:

"Cloud9 Fabrics is of the next generation of fabric companies. Co-owners, Michelle Engel Bencsko and Gina Pantastico, are work-at-home moms who are determined to make a difference. Putting their years of industry experience into practice, they provide certified organic cotton options to the quilt and craft market in fresh, modern prints and colors. Their first collection, My Happy Garden offers 44"-45", 100% certified organic cotton prints perfect for any baby or toddler project. Their second collection, Beyond The Sea, due out in March 2010 will broaden the appeal with a slightly more mature assortment of beach-inspired prints. They've also added coordinating solids to the mix so there's no end to the sewing possibilities."

You can catch some of the behind-the-scenes action at their blog - Floating on Cloud9.

For today's giveaway, Cloud9 Fabrics is offering the following to three winners:

* A fat quarter bundle of My Happy Garden (8 prints!)

To enter, simply leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Saturday.

Cloud9 does not sell direct, but check out their page for a list of shops - online and across the globe - who carry their fabric.

Thank you Cloud9!

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Comments closed! The winners are:

I know the perfect holiday project for this beautiful fabric!! Thank you! Posted by: Nycole

Wow that is so great stuff! Posted by: Ivalou

Ahhhh, these are so beautiful! Posted by: jmbmommy

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Postcard no. 13

 

 

There's nothing like a farmer's bookshelf (with a few of our own mixed in there, too) to keep all of us entertained right now and excited about the future.

And after shoveling that beautiful but heavy snow yesterday (oh my!) I do declare today a day in which we only pick up books. Well, maybe a baby and some knitting needles, too. Yes, yes...sounds just right.

Postcard no. 12

 

Finding, and gathering the very last of the harvest just got a whole lot more challenging.

Thankfully, I know a few people who love a challenge.

{The snow just started falling outside - looks like we're in for a bit of a storm! Hoping you're all cozy and warm, no matter the weather.}

Postcard no. 11

This year's first snow!

Postcard no. 10

 

Just a few of the faces in the cast of characters around these parts. Their company is being quite thoroughly enjoyed during our stay...

SouleMama Sponsor ~ NATURAL KIDS ~

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Today's featured sponsor is Natural Kids. In their words:

"Natural Kids is a gateway to individual shops who create all natural toys and other items for kids. When what you want for your child comes naturally. We are a diverse group of artisans who make natural toys, utensils, clothing and accessories for kids. Our sellers work with materials from the Earth - wool, cotton, silk and wood. Our goal is to support, promote and have fun together while building our businesses."

You can catch a glimspe of many of the sellers through the Natural Kids blog, as well.

For today's giveaway, Natural Kids is offering the following prize:

A collection from many of the Natural Kids Team artisans, this prize bundle includes a wide selection of handcrafted all natural items for kids - ranging from a knitted horse to wooden toys, to all natural play clay.

To enter, simply leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday.

Thank you members of Natural Kids & Good luck, everyone!

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Comments Closed! The winner is...

super fun!
Posted by: Cate

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ BEEBEE MOD ~

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Today's featured sponsor is Beebee Mod. In their words:

"Beebee Mod is a shop specializing in handmade goodies for the little one, as well as items for the crafty person too."

For today's giveaway, Beebee Mod is offering the following two prizes:

• Two of Oliver + S newest and sweetest patterns: Jump Rope Dress and School Days Jacket and Coat Pattern. Winner selects appropriate sizes.
• A set of Organic Wooden Blocks by Little Sapling Toys. Walnut, Maple and Cherry wood lightly finished in local beeswax and organic jojoba oil. A total of 24, 1.5" square blocks.

To enter, simply leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday.

In addition, Beebee Mod is offering all readers a 10% discount on orders placed by 12/11/09, redeemable by entering the code holiday at checkout!

Thank you, Beebee Mod & Good luck, everyone!

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Comments closed! The winners are:

For the Little Sapling Toys wooden blocks:

both prizes are amazing! **fingers crossed**
Posted by: dakota gal

For the Oliver + S patterns:

Great stuff!
Posted by: Mrs. Not the Jet Set

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ IMAGINE CHILDHOOD ~

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Today's featured sponsor is Imagine Childhood. In their words:

"Imagine Childhood is a catalog of nature and imagination based toys and activities for children, many of which are green, sustainable hand crafted or fair trade.   With items ranging from compasses, binoculars and wagons,  to lifelike plush animals, eco-friendly arts and crafts supplies, books, and dramatic play items, we have everything you'll need to keep your family exploring and imagining for hours on end!"

Imagine Childhood also keeps a lovely blog, which you can find here.

 

For today's giveaway, Imagine Childhood is offering a $75 gift certificate to one reader!

To enter, simply leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Saturday.

In addition Imagine Childhood is offering all readers a 10% discount on orders placed by 12/10/09, redeemable by entering the code soulemama at checkout!

Thank you, Imagine Childhood & Good luck, everyone!

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Comments closed! The winner is...

Oh how generous!!! I absolutely adore Imagine Childhood and their blog!!!
Posted by: mudmama

Thank you, Imagine Childhood!

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Thank You

I'd like to introduce you to December's newest Sponsors here on SouleMama! They are:

Rhythm of the Home - newly launched montessori and waldorf seasonal e-magazine (I'm honored to be on it's pages, too!)

Stubby Pencil Studio - eco products for creative kids

Cloud9 Organic Fabrics - organic cotton prints for quilting and crafting

Ida Pearle - fine art for children

I thank them, and all of the businesses who have spent time on SouleMama as Sponsors during 2009....

Current Sponsors:

Nova Natural Toys & Crafts
Lisa Leonard Designs
Bamboletta Dolls
Imagine Childhood
Fresh Squeezed Fabrics
Alewives Fabrics
Living Crafts Magazine
Satch and Sol
This and That Japan
Sarah Jane Studios
Le Papier Studio
Dress Me Up Organics
Feeleez
Bird and Little Bird
Bones of a Poet
Sew Liberated
Natural Parenting Center
Bee Bee Mod
Umbrella Prints
Natural Kids Store

Past Sponsors:

Eddy & Edwina
Mad Maggie Designs
Chest of Fairy Tales
The Purl Beehive
Little Alouette
MixTape Zine
The Paper Princess
Goodness
Dame Star Baby
Americana
Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm (now Juniper Moon Farms)
Apple Cheeks
Starr Strung Designs
Wee Gallery
Bloesem
New and Green Baby Co
Shivaya Naturals
Raglan Guld
In the Fishbowl
Hoot Baby
Nanty's Naturals
The Backwards Loop
bayanhippo
Unravelling E-Course
A Child's Dream Come True
Baby Bear Shop

It is truly a pleasure to partner with such wonderful people - I am honored to share this space here with them. I thank them for their support, and you for supporting us, too! I encourage you to check out their handmade, crafty, creative, thoughtful and beautiful work this holiday season.

For the next two weekends, I'll be running three days of giveaways - Friday to Sunday, so as to give you and these Sponsors plenty of time for holiday shopping and shipping. 

With much gratitude for the time that you all spend in this space, I wish you many warm December days with those you love!

Amanda

Postcard no. 9

She stood quietly like that while I finished the barn chores. Then I joined her.

Magic is everywhere.

Postcard no. 8

And so, what does one do exactly with gallons full of beautiful, yummy, creamy raw milk each day? Well, after sharing with the calf, and sharing with friends....there has been lots of drinking milk, and a dollop of cream added to just about everything (really).

And then...there is butter, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and more of all of the above!

Oh my goodness - Yum. I think I have a new hobby. Today's goal? Figuring out how to make my own cheese press.

(My cheese guide has been Home Cheese Making. Paneer, bondon, lemon cheese, cottage cheese, and mozarella - all so good. So far, though, this one with a bit of fresh rosemary, salt and garlic has been the hands-down favorite. Any other recommendations for me?)

Postcard(s) no. 7

Twice a day, I've been spending time in the quiet of the barn with this girl. She is sweet, and mellow and very patient with me. And her milk? Beautiful and abundant. Friends...I am in love.