SouleMama

Blue Platypus Clothing {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Blue Platypus Clothing!

We are an indie, made in USA clothing company producing custom-sewn, dyed and printed tees, tops, dresses, skirts... We love what we do, and we find inspiration everywhere--- you will find our pieces are generally whimsical in nature, and include plant/flower themes, animals, kitsch, vintage inspiration, bold colors, and adorable girls doing a variety of fun activities.  

Blue Platypus is contemporary sized-- yes, there is a graphic t-shirt that isn't junior! We use a variety of soft cottons, and cotton blends, because we love the feel of natural fibers. It is also important to us to make sure our pieces are top quality, so we wash our dresses and tees before shipping to ensure they can withstand the test of time.  

We consider ourselves fashioneers, and we love participating in all parts of the process, from design of the graphics to patternmaking, choosing the best dye colors, inks and placements. We want to continuously evolve, and that's why you'll rarely see a style that reappears later (there's a good chance it will be printed in different color inks on another shirt body).   

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Tell us about it.

Meagan: We are venturing a bit into home goods (our new tea towels are just beginning to ship to stores) as well as sustainable items made locally in Detroit. We are diversifying and modifying the product line constantly. 

This weekend, Blue Platypus Clothing is generously offering the following gift to TWO lucky SouleMama readers:

 

$50 gift certificate!

In addition, Blue Platypus Clothing is offering all SouleMama readers 20% off SITEWIDE, even NEW ITEMS, through May 20th. Enter the code INBLOOM at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Sunday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winners are...

Love the desert goat shirt - super cool!
Posted by: Val :)

In love with the Amelia Shirt....thank you for the introduction to your beautiful clothing
Posted by: Emily A 

paradise city*

*You know, where the grass is greener? 

Oh goodness, I think I just referenced a Guns and Roses song in a blog post title. Eleven years now I've been at this blogging thing and never have done such a thing as that. I have no excuse except to say that it's Friday! And it snowed this week! On the eve of May! And ... well, that's enough, really to warrant all the punchiness in the world, I'd say. It's been a bit of a long week.

But it is true, that reference. Because our sheep and goats did have a little trip over to Paradise City last night and I'm anticipating another tonight. From my studio, I heard Greta raising a ruckus in the kitchen and walked into find her quite upset about the goat that was just about on the back steps of the house. I started to send out the alarm, the frequent "goat out!" holler of an alarm, when I pulled the glasses down from the top of my head and onto my face and saw all the goats, and all the sheep....just about on the back steps of the house. That turned quickly into a jog right on out there where I saw clearly that everyone who should be behind a fence was in front of one.....and then there was a picnic table full of quietly watching, observing and casual onlookers.

"Um, hello?" 

"They needed green grass!" Adelaide chimed in, happily, quite pleased to have gotten what she wanted obviously. And it's true, they did and do need grass. We've been holding them back from the main pasture that we frost seeded this spring, until it grows just a little bit more. And they've been itching to get to something green, we know it. We've been supplementing with hay much later into the spring than is ideal, but necessary still. 

"Okay...but there's no fence." I countered. As usually we use the portable fencing at least to contain them when we move them about. This free range roaming about for twelve sheep and three goats seemed like risky business to me.

"We're shepherding!" Harper stood up and declared. 

But of course. (I should mention that Papa was a part of the shenanigans too - smiling all the while at his three young shepherds.) And you should know that everyone quite easily found their way back to their respective pastures in plenty of time for dinner. I won't admit this to them, but I'll tell you....sometimes, I think it's best if Mama just stays out of the way.

 

getting started

Ignoring the few inches of white stuff that stuck around for the past 48 hours, we are still, without a doubt, on the path towards spring. And as such, so much time is being spent out there - in the pastures, in the garden! I couldn't be more thrilled. First things first, a garden shed clean out, for I love having that as a home base out there - a quick respite of shade, a chance to organize and store all the things I need. And then onto Ani's cottage, which really is where all the action happens. I can't believe how much time that little corner of our garden gets - she is so happy there, with her table, a sandbox, a hammock, fire pit, and recently built (by her brother) wood rack. What more does a girl really need? So engaged in their own projects, all the kids, I think it's going to be a fabulous year of garden work and play for us all.

And seriously upping the 'cute' factor out there are the arrival of two new critters, this year's pigs! Patch (after a character in the Newsies) and Batman, they have been named. With their current spot right next to the garden, just on the other side of Ani's garden fence, we're sure to enjoy their company each day. 

Yes, there is snow. Yes, there are cold temperatures (I'm layered in wool today). But there's no stopping spring and the excitement of all that comes with that. Seeds are beginning to go into the ground (also, pelleted lettuce and carrot seeds, where have you been my whole life? love!), corners tidied, plans made, and livestock added. Spring is here!  

As it goes

The only explanation I have for what's happening right now in my creative world is by looking at the narcissus and the cherry blossoms. The forsythia too. We start each day with so much less than we end it with and I must be inspired by that. Which is to say that we are outside all day long right now.....and I swear to you that those daffodils have not yet bloomed in the morning when we head out there to work, but by the end of each day - they, or something else - is shining in the full blooming glory of spring. "Do you see that? Can you believe that?" I find myself saying to the kids each and every evening, before we finally call it a day and head to our daily baths, because daily baths are an absolute necessity these days (the dirt!). 

All of that excitement of the season might explain why I want to make so many things each day right now. Actually, I want to do ALL the things. I finished machine quilting a quilt that's been in languishing forever. I dyed some of our yarn (this time with Cushing's Perfection Dyes), and I spun up some of our roving too. I made soap (funny looking, I know. It'll still work though). I cast off and cast on. And I even pulled out and put together my rug hooking frame and started a project on that. And there's the late night searching online and in my head and wallet to justify the purchase of a small electric kiln. You know, because I want to play with clay too. And then there's the garden, which I wake up thinking about it with a whole lot of anticipation too. Oh, what a gift this time of year really is...all this energy and creativity quite literally in the air, and so much possibility with each new day. Spring! 

Postscript: I wrote this post last night. And this morning, woke up to this. Spring, indeed! 

a vest for Harper

This weekend, I cast off this Little Shoreline Vest (from Swoon Maine by Carrie Hoge) for Harper. It's knit in a DK weight of our own fiber, but mill-spun (I can't for the life of me make DK weight yarn yet, such a beginner to spinning I still am). I think this is from Nutmeg (the sheep), in fact I'm almost certain. Though, I am beginning to lose a little bit of track of that, both the names of each sheep and matching them to the fiber. Thank goodness for Adelaide - she always knows. The vest was a lovely knit, begun when I travelled south and finished just this weekend, a fast one too. Oh! And it was the very first time I've ever used Sunday Short Rows (as called for in the pattern), and I am definitely a convert. Wow, so easy and invisible and just plain fun. (Yes, short rows are fun, what of it?) 

I loved knitting this not just for the ease and pleasure of the pattern, or the satisfaction of using yarn from our own flock, but most of all because the recipient is just so darned happy to have it. The kids are all pretty sweet about wearing the things I make for them. But Harper is such a sensitive fellow, he really gets that I made it for him....and that means something to him. I can tell by the twinkle in his eye, not to mention that he has worn it everyday since I handed it to him and says, "Mom, you know, I think this is the most favorite thing I have you that you've made me." Granted, he'll say that likely about the next thing too, but that's just Harper.  Sensitive, sweet and shy this one, with a healthy side of impish mischievousness. And just so suited to this vest, I can hardly stand but to squeeze him up all day long in it. Thank goodness he's a happy snuggler.

Silk Oak {a soulemama sponsor}

   

Greetings from Silk Oak!

At Silk Oak, we've been making our hand silkscreened, original design goods in downtown Ithaca, New York since 1977, having fun and making lots of friends along the way. In that time, we've printed over half a million shirts, sending them from our little studio in Ithaca, all over the world as goodwill ambassadors- from Galapagos to Katmandu, from Tahiti to Siberia. 

Silk Oak is more than just a way for us to make a living. We believe it's possible for business to help create healthier, more vibrant communities. We print on U.S. grown cotton, sweatshop free garments and choose organic when possible! We pay living wage or above and work to strengthen our local economy and keep more dollars circulating locally. 

We love color, cool design and the hands on feel of our traditional, low tech, eco friendly process. 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Tell us about it.

Jan: The long anticipated move of my brick and mortar store happened at the beginning of October. It was a whirlwind, amazing operation, accomplished in 2 non-stop days. Now, almost 7 months later, things feel settled, old customers have found us, as well as many new ones.

While the store, Ithacamade, carries many other local artists and products, it’s the year round home of Silk Oak. The only other place I show as much of my wares as my booth at the Ithaca Farmers Market.

I’ve been having the most fun creating new displays for the Silk Oak kids area. The store really has been a terrific blank canvas!

We just finished our first #ShowUsYourSilkOak photo contest, which was huge fun. I’m looking forward to doing another one that features vintage Silk Oak. How far back can you go with Silk Oak?!

2016 is a big year for us. This year is the lead up to our 40th birthday in 2017! It’s the perfect time to stop, revisit our path since 1977 and create a vision for where and who we want to be in our future. 

This weekend, Silk Oak is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

$100.00 shopping spree

 

In addition, Silk Oak is happy to offer all SouleMama readers 15% OFF with SOULEMAMA coupon code good from today until May 4th.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Monday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winner is...

What a cool business!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would love to rock some of their clothes! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: megan

Whole Family Rhythms {a soulemama sponsor}

 Greetings from Whole Family Rhythms!

Whole Family Rhythms are seasonal eGuides for Mamas (or carers) who have young children at home and who are yearning to slow down, create and connect with the rhythm of their days together.

The Guides are designed to help you plan, create and animate a peaceful, balanced and holistic rhythm in your home, flowing between structured, adult-led activities and child-led, imaginative free play. 

Each Guide contains a seasonally inspired early childhood curriculum (or rhythm) complete with ingredients and supplies master lists; early childhood stories and fingerplays and detailed directions for daily themes such as whole foods baking & cooking, watercolour painting, beeswax & salt dough modelling, drawing, crafting and hiking. 

The Guides also contain weekly mindfulness meditations for mothers or carers, simple monthly handwork patterns, as well as seasonal nursery rhyme and picture book recommendations.

Follow Whole Family Rhythms on our blog and Instagram.

SouleMama: Welcome to sponsorship on SouleMama! Please tell us about the beginnings of your business, and how you've come to be where you are now?

I’m Meagan, Mama to 4 beautiful souls: North, Indigo, Juniper and Sage and loving wife to Brad. After living ten years in Sydney, Australia we just recently took flight and put down new roots in the  Canadian countryside just outside of Toronto. 

I began researching play-based learning, natural parenting and early childhood education in 2008 after the birth of my first child and on that journey I stumbled across some Waldorf inspired blogs that resonated with me deeply (especially Soulemama!). From that moment on I spent countless hours reading about the importance of rhythm and developing, planning and animating our own daily rhythm. With each new year, new child and new stage & age our daily rhythms change and adapt to our needs, but the steady beat always supports us. 

My vision is to to connect and inspire mothers, carers and communities with each other so that they feel empowered to raise children who are wholly connected with themselves (head, heart and hands) and to the planet. I believe from the bottom of my heart that peace begins in the home. 

This weekend, Whole Family Rhythms is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

All Four Seasons of the Whole Family Rhythms Guides- Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. 

Each Season includes twelve weekly guides consisting of a weekly story, bushwalking theme, recipe, seasonal craft and themes for watercolour painting, drawing and beeswax modelling, an Ingredients and Supplies Master List, Seasonal Book Recommendations, Twelve Weekly Caregiver Meditations and Three Caregiver Handwork Projects

In addition, Whole Family Rhythms is happy to offer all SouleMama readers 15% off the Northern Hemisphere Summer Guide and the Southern Hemisphere Winter Guide until April 30th, 2016 with the discount code SOULEFAMILY.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Sunday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winner is...

This would be wonderful!
Posted by: Pam

farm television

That's what we call it here, anyway. It's highly entertaining, what goes on in the pasture out there, or what we see out the window sometimes. More often than not, at least once during the making of dinner, or cleaning of the kitchen, or studio work in progress, I look out the window and declare, "what on earth?" Usually what I see involves a goat on a leash, or a cat. Never a dog, because that would just be too logical. Sometimes there is a duck in a wagon. Or a (full-grown) lamb on a lap. Plenty of handmade ramps for all of the above to climb on. And tarps and fabric and sticks for shelters here and there as well. Sometimes I get the notion that the kids need something in the way of more traditional 'outdoor toys' - like maybe I should buy a slide or something. And then, thank goodness, I'll see someone walking by dressed in full costume with a chicken under their arm and a goat on a leash, and I'm reminded that they're just fine.

I think it's safe to say that those goats are soon to be Mamas. Not until June or so (late breeding and a young, small and inexperienced buck!), but soon enough. Two pound (at birth) baby goats? Oh goodness. We'll have plenty to entertain us! 

bringing it in

I've been bringing in giant jars full of forsythia and apple branches for forcing. "Really, Mom? Are you serious with all these sticks?" I heard from my eldest as one nearly poked him in the eye when he walked by (texting and walking is a bad idea, I told him). Yes, really, I'm serious. Because while the buds outside are so close to opening, I think I'll rush it on the inside just a little bit. Oh that color! And speaking of color, I had a blissful day this weekend where I left my spinning wheel on the front porch. I think spinning outside might be one of my favorite things. And throughout the day, when the opportunity allowed, I found myself out there working with the roving we dyed with KoolAid a few weeks back. I realized when it was all washed and skeined up that it was the exact color of the daffodils that are opening quite literally before our eyes. Oh! All that sunshine feels so good.

crafting in the garden shed

The first moments off the plane in Maine on Friday night were indeed blustery, cold and a little bit of a shock to our systems. Which made us all the more happy to wake up to sunshine on Saturday. Warm weather that stayed all weekend long, and made us feel most definitely that spring is upon us. Hooray for that! We spent the weekend puttering around the garden. Puttering, cleaning up, and getting ready for the season ahead. First up was clearing off the table in my garden shed, which was covered in molding birdhouse gourds, having left them to winter there for just that reason. A craft project is just the right distraction and welcome home, I'd say, so we got right to it. We scraped the mold off the gourd with a wire brush and used sandpaper to clean it up a bit. We poked holes with a hammer and nail to create the opening, then emptied the dried contents out. And last, we put a few coats of a natural coating on the outside to make it last (and shine) just a little bit longer. I had thought we'd make some fun paintings on the sides of the gourds, but in the end, I loved how they looked naturally and left them as is. One cracked in the process of creating it, and well, since I couldn't bear to toss it on the compost pile just yet, that one just became a bowl for the always-overflowing nature table in the library....and a hat, of course. For the gourd-wearing-garden-girl. Spring silliness....

Marblemount Homestead {a soulemama sponsor}

 

 Greetings from Marblemount Homestead!

Marblemount Homestead is our five acre homestead at the edge of the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Our mission is to inspire, empower and teach people how to live a simpler, healthier, more wholesome life. In the past, people have come to our little farm to learn how to make artisan cheese, how to raise goats, ducks and chickens, how to grow and preserve food, and also to learn wilderness survival skills.

We expanded our offerings in an online format since not everyone can travel out to us in the boonies! I worked hard on these online courses, writing ebooks and filming demonstration movies in my kitchen. My husband Steve and I had fun shooting these movies, and I think it really shows!

I currently offer two online courses: one on cheesemaking (Greek Yogurt, Chevre, Gouda and Cabra Al Vino), and one on fermentation (Yogurt, Beet Kvass, Sauerkraut, Kombucha and No-Knead Bread). These courses are self-paced, so people can start whenever it's convenient for them. They have access to the ebooks and movies for life and can download, print out or revisit the materials over and over again. Part of the course is a private Facebook group, so students can ask me questions and build community with their fellow students.

Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channel.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed?

Corina: I launched my online cheese making course last year, and I am blown away by the popularity of it. I have made many wonderful friends since I've launched this course, and hearing my students' positive, enthusiastic feedback makes me cry sometimes. I know, I know... I feel like a mother hen and take my job teaching people how to make healthy food, especially something like cheese, seriously! I never thought an online course could end up feeling so personal and create such beautiful connections. It literally feels like I'm holding people's hands while they are learning, and they love it!

I also launched an online fermentation course, where people learn how to make Greek Yogurt, Beet Kvass, Sauerkraut, Kombucha, and No-Knead bread. Lots of people have posted pictures of the things they made in our private Facebook group. Several people freaked out at making bread that looks and tastes like a fancy European loaf of bread! It gives me such joy to watch my students learn how to make food that they would spend lots of money on for much, much cheaper themselves (and with much less effort than they imagined!).

Since last year, my blog readership has grown in a huge way. I think many people love reading about our wholesome, natural, sustainable lifestyle and are yearning to live simpler. People are hungry for growing more of their own food, and I offer many, many free tutorials on all things homesteading, cooking and DIY.

My husband and I are dreaming and scheming about offering weekend retreats on the homestead, where people can come and learn everything from animal keeping, gardening, food preservation to wilderness survival skills. My husband will build a fancy treehouse where people can stay in style! So excited about that one!

This weekend, Marblemount Homestead is generously offering the following gifts to THREE lucky SouleMama readers:

Winners #1 & #2: One cheesemaking course (worth $59 each)

Winner #3: One fermentation course (worth $49 each)

In addition, Marblemount Homestead is happy to offer all SouleMama readers a 10% discount off the regular price (which brings the cheesemaking course to $53.10, and the fermentation course to $44.10). Enter the code soulemama at checkout. Offer ends April 30.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Monday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winners are...

Yes, please!
Posted by: Jeanette S

Thank you for the chance!
Posted by: erin

Wow, I really enjoyed her cheese making course but I would love to learn more.
Posted by: krystal

Tall Earth {a soulemama sponsor}

 

 Greetings from Tall Earth!

Tall Earth is a family-run company that manufactures eco-safe wood treatment products. The entire line of Tall Earth Wood Treatments is non-toxic, VOC free, easy to apply, and safe for the environment and all of the members of your family, including any four-legged ones. We're committed to designing effective, affordable products for home, garden, construction, marine, and pleasure use and our products preserve and protect as well as enhance the natural beauty of each unique variety of wood with a signature silvery finish.

We believe in environmental stewardship, but we want products that get the job done, so you won't find our name on anything that doesn't work and work well.

You can find us at our store.

We're on Facebook and Instagram.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed?

At Tall Earth, we're growing fast! It's such an exciting time around here as we watch our community of like-minded builders, gardeners, wood-workers, homesteaders, and families grow. Our social networking team has been busy creating a community via social media, and we now have a blog where we post twice a week. It's been an amazing way to connect with our family of customers, including people like Noah Hedges of Frontier Fortresses, a builder based in Wyoming, who graciously allowed us to use his photos here today. He uses Tall Earth products in his home, cabin and deck building projects. We're also reaching out to create exciting partnerships with charitable organizations who are dedicated to sustainability like the Victory Garden Initiative in Milwaukee. We'll be taking part in their annual Victory Garden Blitz in May.

{Photos courtesy of Noah Hedges of Frontier Fortress}

This weekend, Tall Earth is generously offering the following gift to THREE lucky SouleMama readers:

The chance to try a Tall Earth product. Each winner can choose from any one of our available wood treatment products.

In addition, Tall Earth is happy to offer all SouleMama readers 10% off their order from Tall Earth from now until June 30th, 2016 with the discount code SOULELOVE.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Sunday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winners are...

Neat! Thanks
Posted by: Anne

Don't know if these comments are already closed, but would love to treat the wood near the raised beds with this lovely nontoxic alternative!
Posted by: Kristen

I've been looking for a company like this, would love to try the products. Thank you!
Posted by: Ally

Postcards from North Carolina: Biltmore Estate

Our trip to Asheville just wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the United States, built by the Vanderbilts in the late 1800s. Adelaide was most excited about this stop on our tour, not only because she's writing a story with the estate as the setting and had lots of questions and research she wanted to do. But also, because my parents joined up with us again. I know it's been invaluable for this middle child of five to have my full and undivided attention for a whole entire week. But then to get a few days with her grandparents and their full attention too? Where she is one of fourteen grandchildren normally? You can see why she'd be in heaven, and she certainly was. Glowing, I'd have to say, after this week. 

The house was, well, impressive. I found myself of course drawn to the textiles and often looking up at the ceilings, so textured as they were. But the gardens were what I was most excited about seeing, and they did not disappoint. The observatory was magical, the grounds and gardens (designed by Frederick Law Olmstead) just stunning. We spent our afternoon wandering some trails and being met at the end by the magical picnic fairies that we call our friends the Englishes. Another picnic was had, on the edge of the pond, on a beautiful spring day. I can't imagine a more fitting end to this trip! 

Today, Adelaide and I meander our way back to the airport and tonight we'll sleep in our own beds. Tomorrow, we won't wake up to quite a full spring as we've been enjoying here, but I hear warmer weather is headed to Maine. And before we know it, we'll be out there just like we are here. 

Thank you to all of you who stopped by the Fair this weekend to say hello, and those of you who came to our Brewery visit too! And all the new friends we've made along the way. And of course, our old friends who have spoiled us so beautifully and shared their fabulous city with us. I have often heard my hometown of Portland, Maine compared to Asheville and I now see why. There is so much we share in common, and this entire trip has felt a little bit like home-away-from-home. I'm so grateful for our time here.

Have a lovely weekend, friends! 

Postcards from North Carolina: Asheville Botanical Gardens

One of the greatest pleasures of this trip has been jumping ahead in time, so to speak, on the spring season. At home, we had just barely watched the last of the snow in the woods melt. Garden season seemed a far way off yet. But here, we are seeing plant color and full bloom on so many things! Each morning as we wake up here, and I feel the warm air coming in, I get an instinctual garden itch. It's time to get out there and start planting! A day in the garden is ahead! But alas, we are not home, and home is not ready for a day in the garden even if we were. Instead, we'll just enjoy this spring-forward peek of flowers and blooms, grass and trees that is happening here in North Carolina. 

Yesterday, we spent a lovely afternoon at the Asheville Botanical Gardens doing just that. Noticing new-to-us plants, and recognizing familiar ones too - "Oh, hello columbine! See you again in nearly two months in Maine!" and so on. Adelaide and I both soaked that goodness right up, and enjoyed the sweet smells and sights all around. And, because we were traveling with the (dubbed by Adelaide) King and Queen of picnics (A Year of Picnics by Ashley comes out in 2017 via Roost Books), we were also treated to the most delicious tastes in that beautiful place. A picnic on the rocks by the stream. Delicious and delightful - the sun on our faces. Our first picnic of the season! 

 

Postcards from North Carolina: EchoView Fiber Mill

Echoview Fiber Mill
Weaverville, NC

Adelaide and I had a lovely visit to the Echoview Fiber Mill yesterday, where we had a tour of the facility and did just a tiny bit of shopping in the retail store. What a special place! Truly farm to fashion (we didn't visit the animals, but they're right there!), their eco-friendly processing is inspirational. And the support they lend to local artisans, farmers, and the community alike is wonderful to see. Having seen a few fiber processing mills in recent years (my visit to Harrisville Mill in New Hampshire and a stop at NEWAIM Fiber Mill in Maine), I was thrilled to visit another, each with their own twist or spin on the business.

If you're traveling this way, I encourage you to stop by! The tours happen on Tuesdays at 1pm. We were both inspired by our visit there, though Adelaide admitted to met that it made her miss our sheep just a little bit. Soon enough we'll be home and snuggling them. But first...a little more exploring in North Carolina! 

 

Postcards from North Carolina: Black Mountain & Montreat

(The wonderful Black Mountain Yarn Shop, Dobra Tea, Roots and Fruits Market, Robert Lake Park in Montreat. The last two photos are from downtown Asheville.)

There's a special kind of magic that comes at this precious age of ten or so, and I am enjoying soaking it up fully with my girl on this trip. The balance of this age is delightful, and it was so evident yesterday as we wandered about and explored in and around the beautiful and charming Black Mountain area. There was yarn shopping, and another pair of fancy earrings purchased for her ("I'm really into earrings and scarves right now, Mom!"). We browsed books, and had thoughtful conversation over tea. I found myself feeling so full of joy and gratitude at this growing girl, who is becoming a friend more every day. But just as we wrapped up all that grown up stuff, we hit the playground. There, on the monkey bars and on the swings, she was just as at home and herself as she was planning her next knitting project, shopping for the pretty earrings, and talking about her latest book idea over tea. Oh, this age. This sweet, sweet age. How blessed I feel to be sharing it with her.

Asheville! We'd love to see you this afternoon/evening if you're able to join us for some visiting, or knitting, or socializing. The rain is coming down, so let's gather at Highland Brewing Company from 4-6pm. We are looking forward to it! 

 

Postcards from North Carolina: The Mother Earth News Fair

We are here! Adelaide and I arrived in Asheville late last week. We got a good dose of hotel fun (because, really, it's all about the pool) now followed by the comfort of good southern hospitality at the work of our dear hosts and friends, the English family. We spent the weekend at the Mother Earth News Fair, meeting with many old Taproot friends. Longtime contributors Ashley English and Kirsten Shockey both gave wonderful presentations at the fair. And we made lots of new Taproot friends too - readers and contributors alike. What a treat to fly somewhere completely new and be instantly surrounded by such like-minded people. The fair was full of all of that - plus a whole lot of great food and treats. Who knew I had a little shopper on my hands? She talked me into quite a few things, this one, but after all the work she did through the weekend, it was well-deserved. This girl lugged boxes, shook hands, straightened up the booth and even became 'helper' to other vendors and presenters alike (thank you, Claudia, for sweetly including her in your cheese presentation!). And funny thing - my parents just so happen to be driving through this way on their own vacation. Naturally, I put them both to work this weekend in the booth. What a blessing it is to have a family team!

And now we settle on into the week ahead. There will be plenty of time for lingering over yarn, good cocktails, jewelry shopping (Adelaide's request), bookstores, stockists visits, museum visits and more. Most especially, the sunshine. And the blooming everything! I feel a bit as though we've cheated on our spring up in Maine by diving into this gorgeous place and climate that feels at least a month ahead of our own. We plan to fully enjoy that.

Asheville folks! We have a plan! Tuesday (tomorrow), April 12th, we'd love to gather with you from 4-6pm for a casual meet and greet, knit session, what have you. We'll plan to meet in Carrier Park near the pavilion, unless it's raining in which case we'll bring it to Highland Brewery in the tasting room. Ashley English will be joining us, as well as the ladies from Fern Fiber. I'll be sure to post a definitive location by noon on Tuesday on Instagram. I hope to meet some of you there! 

And now, the sunshine calls......wishing you and yours a lovely day, wherever you may be.

 

 

Nova Natural Toys & Crafts {a soulemama sponsor}

 Greetings from Nova Natural Toys & Crafts!

Nova Natural is a small, family-run business based in Vermont. Our goal is to be the trusted source for toys and craft supplies that allow children to follow their imagination. To that end, we offer a carefully chosen selection of products that encourage creativity and truly engage children. We are concerned with the effects our lives and business have on the environment and make every effort to ensure that our toys are made in accordance with the the principles of Fair Trade, as well as working with companies, workshops and individuals who use renewable resources. We hope you find beauty and wonder in our toys!

Visit us on instagram! We're @novanatural

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed?

Spring has sprung and we’re putting the finishing touches on our first-ever Summer Catalog full of beautiful toys for outdoor exploration and play! Sign up to reserve your catalog here. Inside you’ll find beautiful, wholesome toys like our quality sand tool set made from wood and enameled steel, and our botanist’s case with everything needed to collect and explore the plant world all around. Our silk fairy dress is back and ready to enjoy the sunshine with your little one and our wooden tree swing and wooden horse swing  are just waiting to be hung from a budding branch to be enjoyed daily.

This weekend, Nova Natural Toys & Crafts is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

A $75 Novanatural.com eGift Card

In addition, Nova Natural Toys & Crafts is happy to offer an exclusive SouleMama promotion: $10 off when you spend $75 or more, using the promo code SOULE10. The promotion will run through April 24th.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Monday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winner is...

This is my favorite giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Emily

Woolen Moss {a soulemama sponsor}

 Greetings from Woolen Moss!

Upstate New York is such an interesting and amazing place. With its lakes, waterfalls, and gorges, its natural beauty is just stunning. But it’s weather, well, I’m not sure whether to place that in the interesting or amazing category. I was all set to do one last photo shoot before joining the SouleMama blog for the day, featuring some new skirted leggings, a side slit tunic, maybe a new pocket dress for spring. And then… snow. And now, more snow. I know many of you in the northeast find yourselves in the same boat (or sled). Somehow, even the weatherman doesn’t change the surprise of waking up to snow covered daffodils.

I used to think that farmers were the only ones who worked so in sync with the seasons, following mother nature’s lead day to day. But I find myself a clothing designer, following the whims of her days too. In fact, my whole year has a definite cycle to it that I never could have foreseen, but I now don’t think I could live without. I do not work on the same things in the fall as in the spring. Sure, there are a few overlaps, because my customers hark from all around the world. But in general I design more during the awakening of spring, I swim more during the heat of the summer, I sew madly during the changes of fall, and in the winter I hibernate in wool, drink tea, and communicate with women from around the world. All of my seasons involve sewing, designing, and writing, but there is a definite rhythm to it. For that I am grateful.

So I pulled on my woolies this morning, grabbed my jar of tea, and sat down at my computer to write. Further into the day, I finished a new design, hemmed a pair of pants and slipped into some new organic cotton clothes to photo. Feeling very out of season I stepped out into the snow to experience the conundrum of a northern spring. Aside from swimming, I may have crammed all four seasons into one day. Thanks mother nature, for keeping me on my toes.

Shop updates and general musings on life found @woolenmoss on Instagram and Facebook.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed?

Kate: I’m very excited to introduce my new organic cotton/bamboo/lycra french terry. It is now taking the place of both the old jersey and the old french terry. It’s weight falls right in between the two, making the most perfect and versatile of fabrics. Heavy enough to hide more of those pesky panty lines and waistlines, but light enough to drape so beautifully. I always did have a difficult time with the jersey, as I loved it, but I always worried about it wearing out too quickly. A large part of my interest in the fashion industry, is longevity and durability. And the presence of this wonderfully sustainable bamboo gives it a softness and drape with far less pilling than 100% cotton. I like to make clothing with long lasting integrity, so this new fabric is just perfect. And the colors? I think you’ll love them!

This weekend, Woolen Moss is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

A pair of skirted leggings in the new french terry. They move with your body so well, you’ll feel naked. But warm. And cozy. Both sexy and modest. And if you choose a 3/4 length pair? You’ll be ready for summer too. Your size, your color choice. Enjoy!

In addition, Woolen Moss would like to offer Soulemama readers 15% off their entire purchase (on top of the already marked down wool goodies in the shop!) with the code SNOWYSPRING through April 19th. Why April 19th? Because that’s my birthday, and I’m turning 40. And I want you to celebrate with me. My 40’s are going to be amazing, I can just feel it.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Sunday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winner is...

These sound perfect! Thanks for the introduction.
Posted by: Christyn

before we go

Because it makes PERFECT sense to do so twenty four hours before hopping a plane for a week (when you haven't even begun packing), we spent some time with friends yesterday playing with fiber. Not just any fiber, but our fiber...and their fiber (fellow fiber farmers, they are). And not just any dye, but Koolaid! I've never actually done that before, dyeing with Koolaid. But oh, what a perfect kid project it really is!( And I was not expecting the sudden flood of my childhood to come rushing into my senses as I opened that first powdered packet of grape. Woah!) There are loads of great tutorials out there on doing so if you search for them, we used a mix of this and that and I'm not certain exactly what we did because it was such a flurry of activity and fun. We did soak the fiber first in vinegar, because we were also working with food dye. 

And because I was so excited to see how it came out, I stayed up far too late last night waiting for the roving to dry so that I could quickly spin a little bit. Plying happened just after midnight, an almost-overnight soak, and drying by the fire once again as yarn in the morning. Phew! But planes are for sleeping on, yes? 

I'm so excited about this trip - not only about visiting a new-to-me place (Asheville, North Carolina!), and catching up with friends (Ashley, we're coming your way!), and doing fun Taproot work*, but also because of my traveling companion. Adelaide will be by my side for the next week as we work, play, visit and adventure together in and around Asheville! We're both so tickled to get on the road (or in the sky, as the case may be). But first - and quickly because we leave in an hour! - the important decision of what yarn to bring with us (two knitters! Double the yarn!). I suppose there's only so much room in a suitcase after all. But is there anything more important to pack? I think not.

*If you're in Asheville, we'll be at the Mother Earth News Fair this weekend! Stop by the booth to say hello, or come to Ashley's talk that we're sponsoring on Saturday afternoon. Visit the website for more details. And save the date for Tuesday, April 12th! More details to come, but I'm planning a picnic-style knitting/visit/meet and greet somewhere around Asheville in the early evening hours. I'll share the final details here when I have them, and of course you can also find that by following me on Instagram. I hope to meet some of you this week! 

 

 

elderberry cowl

(With love to Ace & Jig for my favorite new shirt, and to Steve for the photos!)

I finished my Elderberry-dyed cowl, a yarn that came back from the mill from my sheep and that of some friends. This blend is 25% shetland, 50% mohair, and 25% alpaca. It feels so good and very warm, and I do love the way the elderberry faded to a barely-purple gray. The pattern is the Waverly Weekend Cowl by Donna Brooks. It was a fun knit, easy to memorize and quick to complete. All of which I love, and having it finished just in time for a cold snap of spring is a bonus - more time to wear handknits! I can always count on that in this neck of the woods! 

April Days

It snowed all day yesterday. Not enough to amount to anything of significance, nor to cancel anything. But just enough to be annoying, I mean, very pretty! Mostly the trouble was with just how cold it was (is). After a good stretch in days prior of what was beginning to feel like spring, the snow and the cold was a harsh reminder that it's still only April. That sudden switch back in temperatures makes for challenging days inside when we have otherwise begun to shift out of doors in our play and work. And so we found ourselves yesterday searching this corner and that for something to do. I'm not sure who the leader was, but we were all definitely meandering and grasping for something new, fresh and exciting about the inside play we were facing for another day. 

After we did some springtime still-life drawing by the fire (each of us selecting something that we found through the house, and Annabel a few things more), and everyone tired of crayons and colored pencils, we started to look toward other tools and toys, so to speak. The apothecary was what we all landed on, with quick and easy beeswax (plus coconut oil) candles up first. Since that took all of ten minutes (maybe twenty), we moved onto lotion making. Something about that double boiler makes me so happy - I feel like we're cooking up potions and we are, really. The kids love it too, and some of them are beginning to understand what it is we're actually doing  "Ani, it's the beeswax that holds the oil and the water together!" Adelaide declared, while Harper was giddy with excitement at using one of his favorite tools, the "submersion blender." We made a simple shea butter, beeswax, and sweet almond oil lotion, with everyone choosing their own essential oil to add - lavender, clary sage, and peppermint it was. (There's a very simple and similar recipe for lotion found here.)  And after that because there was still so much more of the day in front of us, we moved onto lip balm, using this recipe (minus the lipstick). And with the lip balm cooling, they had the brilliant idea to play one of their favorite games (mine too!), called "Spa" in Adelaide's room. Massage, guided meditation, yoga, and hair and nail care all offered at a very low cost. And with that, I don't think I saw any of them until dinner time...

Keeping those apothecary shelves stocked has become somewhat of a rhythm just like keeping the art supplies fresh, and I'm always glad for that on a day like this when running out to get shea butter, for example, is nearly impossible and definitely inconvenient. And should it be helfpul to you....some of our favorite body care potion-making books are: Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes, Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair, Organic Body Care Recipes, and Homemade Beauty. And the supplies that I can't get at our local coop, I purchase from Mountain Rose Herbs.

How we got from still life drawing to beeswax candles, I'll never know. But I do so love when a day allows us to follow those little tangents and trails of creativity. Certainly that's one gift of a snow day. Even if it has to come in April.

 

 

 

the 79th

Because Harper loves math and he needed something to do yesterday as we prepared for a party for Ezra and Harper was spiraling towards trouble, he counted how many birthdays we've celebrated as a family. Including Mama and Papa, and starting at Calvin's first, that makes for 79 days. When he came to me with the number I thought, of course! That's why this feels so second nature, this rhythm that we have, these rituals that we repeat. So simple and small, but they are the things that our family has come to know as how we do birthdays. Year in and year out - gifts in the morning before breakfast, but not until everyone is awake (and you can't yell at your sibling when they wake you up early on their birthday); the birthday banner hung from the same spot, so that the thumbtack holes are permanent; favorite meals prepared and desserts chosen (five out of seven Soules prefer pie); a birthday crown reached for often in the day, out of excitement from the littles and humoring Mama from the older ones (though they do it happily); the photos with two pieces of rolled scotch tape covering the kitchen windows. Oh, the photos! For the 79th time (well, fifteen less than that because I don't do my own), with a million things running around in my head for a pre-celebration to-do list - a house to clean for guests or a pie in the oven that needs washing or a child that needs my attention - I opened the closet door to search for the photos, feeling as though it were just one more thing on my list. And just like I've done dozens of times before on these birthdays, I paused for a moment in guilt at the state of my photo system (I'm a bit behind). Then, like I've always done before, I sighed, moved on, and brought out Ezra's box to fish around for photos in, mindful of the clock and the desire to tick this task off my to-do list. And then, just like the dozens of times before, the clock stopped. I sat down at the kitchen table, flipping through the box of photographs and began crying, then laughing. Then calling to this person or that in the house to look at what I found. I texted a few to my sisters and mother to say, "remember this?" and of course, they did. And that clock, well I forgot all about that clock and decided that I really didn't need to vacuum upstairs after all and everything else on the to-do list could wait, couldn't it? 

And just like it has likely done for me many times over, this little ritual that we do 'for the kids' became the very ritual that helped me settle on into what's important, and find my pace for the rest of the day. A day to think about nothing but celebrating this amazing person we are so blessed to watch grow, to share our days with. Thirteen year old Ezra - magical, musical, theatrical, funny, thoughtful and loving- just like he has been for all those days since he was born. Only bigger now - taller than his Mama, and with a much deeper voice. And as I look at all those photographs on the windows, I am newly inspired and reminded to treasure all the moments like it, the ones we are so lucky to share each and every day we are all together. It matters most of all.

"I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.'"
~ Kurt Vonnegut 

urban baby bonnets {a soulemama sponsor}

 

Greetings from urban baby bonnets! 

modern little sun hats for all the lovely littles in your life! perfectly hip fabrics and a totally updated design make our sun hats perfect for today's parent! no more slathered chemical sunscreens that inevitably get eaten… just pure, classic, gorgeous shading from the sun. our hats feature big brims that can be folded back if necessary… but when they’re out, you get sun protection that cannot be beat and a look that’s guaranteed (really!) to turn heads. invest in life-long skin health & cancer prevention— go UB2 this Spring!

we're on Facebook, google+, instagram and twitter! share your photos with us in one of those places or via email at [email protected]. We post everything we receive... but if we choose to use your photo on our website or in promo materials, we will give you a gift certificate for $25! keep the submissions coming!

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed?

 

Colette: We are so proud to announce the release of our spring line of ear hats!  They are SO CUTE!  We're totally in love with them... and I am even wearing one myself right now! (says company owner, Colette).  The cool thing about them is that they have all the same great features our customers have come to love about our hats-- machine washable, reversible, our exclusive snap-strap, handmade in USA, great sun protection... but they ALSO have interchangeable ears!  This makes them TOTALLY fun-- definitely hats that kids want to wear.  have a toddler who loves to pretend but hates hats?  Our wildThings ear hats are the solution!  Click here to see them all.

 

In addition, we've also released a brand new line of reversible bucket hats! Now a buck hat with the same qualities our clients have come to love AND full-circle sun protection!  Plus.... stinkin' cute!  We call them the "urban baby buckets"  :-) Click here to see them all.

This weekend, urban baby bonnets is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

gift certificate for $42... so you can try out whatever hat you most love!

In addition, urban baby bonnets would like to offer Soulemama readers free shipping in the US on any size order through April 15. Enter the code 'freemysoule' at checkout. 

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Monday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winner is...

Love the bonnets!
Posted by: Andrea G

Mindful Clutter Clearing e-course {a soulemama sponsor}

   

Greetings from Mindful Clutter Clearing e-course! 

The Mindful Clutter Clearing e-course is a six-week online journey to a more spacious, peaceful, and intentional home. This course is a wonderful way to jumpstart a whole-house clutter clearing effort with lessons, inspiring podcasts, guest interviews, journaling prompts, and take-action homework assignments, all within the supportive framework of a warm and nurturing group. Think of this course as your personal guide, walking you through simple steps that add up to great changes in your home and life. 

Along with the coursework, you will have lifetime access to the private Mindful Clutter Clearing Facebook group, which former students have shared with me is an incredibly helpful piece of their clutter clearing journey. I know firsthand that clearing out years of accumulated clutter is an emotional process, and it often takes more than simply reading a book or article to inspire real change - which is why connecting with others in the group who share in a similar struggle can be so powerful. This is a safe and welcoming space where you can share your stories and get feedback and encouragement.

You can connect with me on my website or Facebook, and stay up-to-date on future course offerings by joining my email newsletter. 

  

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed?

 

Laura: I have added 2 additional weeks to the Spring session of Mindful Clutter Clearing, including an entire week devoted to time clutter, which is so important! We will be learning how to intentionally choose how to focus our energy and attention throughout the day, clear extra room in our schedules, and find more time for the things we really want to be doing. This will be the last session of Mindful Clutter Clearing that I will offer until 2017, so if you missed out on the Winter session, now is a great time to jump in.

This weekend, Mindful Clutter Clearing e-course is generously offering the following gift to THREE lucky SouleMama readers:

A spot in the Spring session of the Mindful Clutter Clearing e-course, which begins April 18.

In addition, Mindful Clutter Clearing e-course would like to offer Soulemama readers 10% off registration in the Spring session of Mindful Clutter Clearing, when you sign up by April 8. Register here with the code 'SOULE' at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment below (one entry per person, please). Comments will close by 9 am EST on Sunday. Winners will be chosen by Random Number Generator and announced in this post shortly after. Comments closed. The winners are...

What a fantastic opportunity! Thank you!
Posted by: Tara

I simply need this! Thank you!
Posted by: Anuschka

Yes, please (!)
Posted by: lemon

snapshots

These were the photos on my camera at the end of the day yesterday.These, for whatever reason, were the things that caught my eye well enough when my camera was in reach that I took a photograph. A day. Our life. SO MUCH within and around that. I'm guessing that I'm not the only one who sometimes wakes up in the morning as my brain starts running through the list of the day and the tasks ahead and the places we need to be and the logistics (oh, the logistics!) of just how to make it all work....and thinks that evening is a long-away and distant goal. Or, who, at the end of that day, looks back and says, Really? Really we fit all of that into a day?? In our best of moments, that's when we laugh together, Steve and I. Because it's crazy, really, just how much we fit in a day (all of us - me, you...). Here in our world, right now, there's a lot going on. I suppose this has been a slow realization this academic school year for us - as Calvin started school, Papa went back to work, and the littles are not so little and their list of activities equally not so little. And it isn't even that any one of us is overdoing it, really. Singly, it all feels good and balanced - a few special things that we love. Work we love. A school we love. Activities we love. Not too much for any one person....but collective, put together in a family of seven (plus Gram, with her own adventures!), it sure is a lot going on. And it's all a shift, of course, a really big shift from the days when we lingered at home and didn't pay attention to the clock except the one in our hearts or heads that told us it was time to nap, or time to snack with the little beings around us. We are, as a family, in a different season of life than that one, to be sure. And I know I've talked about this here before, so forgive me for being on that same train, but well, I'm still really on that train right now (and I'm guessing some of you are too). And I often need to remind myself - or I want to remind myself - that my work in this season is to be the peacekeeper. Not in the way of keeping fighting siblings off each other (although there's plenty of that too), or taming temper tantrums, but in the way of keeping the spirit of home alive and healthy. In noticing when each of us needs to slow down and take a break, and helping to make sure we're able to do that. In making sure that there are moments of quiet - both individually and as a family - in our full and busy days. And in being able to - and help my kids be able to - slow down the rush of the world around us and be still.  And challenging though that task may be (so tempting it is to catch the tail of the flurry around us and anxiously follow it into chaos!), I do think it might just be the most important work I do as a Mama. 

Friends, as we all begin the weekend ahead, I hope for tiny, but important moments of peace and stillness for you as well. Amidst all the fullness of our days!

Welcome, April!

 

Hello April!

I'm so pleased to welcome (and welcome back) the following Sponsors for April!

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Fabula Nebulae

All natural products for body, baby, and bath. Handmade in small batches by family. 

 

Fabula Nebulae is a small, family operated business with honesty and integrity at its core. We are dedicated to creating quality products with well-researched, thoughtful choice of ingredients, and great attention to detail - for your family and ours. Maine’s fairytale-like woods is where our magic happens. 

 

All SouleMama readers will receive a free travel sized deodorant with every order in April - enter APRILSHOWERS in the comments at checkout!

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The Stomping Ground

The Stomping Ground is a summer camp in New York that's based on the idea that kids are creative, trustworthy, and inherently good. Grounded in the principles of unschooling, kids at the Stomping Ground are free to choose from a wide variety of engaging options, or to spend their days doing what they want with whom they want, as long as they aren't harming anybody else.

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Twelve Little Tales

Twelve Little Tales is a tool for storytelling. Each month Marna creates a Tale and 12 prompt cards, including art from original watercolors, that bring you to a place from where you will begin your storytelling adventure. Each Tale is a whole story within itself and much of the time is related to the current season but always related to the magic of nature, childhood and the treasures to be found in this big wide world. Read the starter Tale and then choose one of the 12 prompt cards to continue from. The Tales become what you make of them. You may choose to use your Tales to inspire some giggles or as a way to help your child through a struggle, as a bedtime ritual or as anytime fun. However you work with the Tales it will be a moment taken to create something with your littles, and any moment doing that is a moment well spent. Twelve Little Tales is now translated into three languages - French, Spanish and Dutch. You may choose to experience your Tale in the mail, printed on recycled card stock and including postcards and stickers or you may choose the digital version or a hybrid of the two.  

Happy Storytelling!

Marna Widom is an artist, storyteller, mother of 2 (one 5, one 20), kindergarten teacher in a charter school inspired by Waldorf Education and lover of wonder-filled things all around. 

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Waldorfish

New to Waldorf-inspired home education? Looking for support? Get a thorough introduction to the arts from Waldorf teachers Brian & Robyn Wolfe. This self-paced online course uses daily videos and written content to walk you through the materials and skills you need to get started. Explore wet-on-wet watercolor painting, block crayon drawing and learn to create your own chalk drawings! Also included within the course content is a discount code to use while shopping for your new supplies, as well as one of our ebooks for free!

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I'm so pleased to have them joining us this month as a Sponsor, along with our ongoing Sponsors in the sidebar. The support of these fellow small businesses helps me to carve out the time I love to dedicate to this space, and I'm honored they choose to spend their resources here. All of the sponsors I feature are carefully-selected and businesses that I am proud to support, and in most cases, am a customer of myself! I encourage you to check out their offerings in the coming weeks and months, visit their websites to learn about the inspirational businesses they all are. And if you think Sponsorship is something you might be interested in for your own ventures, please be in touch!