SouleMama

From Hectic to Harmonious {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from From Hectic to Harmonious!

How do you most want to feel this holiday? Laura Thompson Brady, author of the FREE From Hectic to Harmonious Ebook, believes that this is the most important question you can ask yourself as December approaches. Moreover, she envisions parents everywhere experiencing joy, calm presence, and deep connection to the ones they love through the holidays.

This is the 6th year that Laura is offering the From Hectic to Harmonious Holiday (H2H) Experience, where you’ll receive a FREE Ebook and a weekly email from Laura in December helping you anchor into your intentions for your family. The H2H Ebook offers simple daily practices to help you banish holiday overwhelm and make space for the rituals and experiences your family will cherish.

Personal note from Laura: As I look through the pages of the H2H Ebook, I remember the magic of realizing I didn’t need to buy into the pressure I felt to “do it all” as a young mom to my two girls who are now eleven and eight. When I let go, I discovered my freedom to cultivate simple rituals that are true to us and bring us great joy. Although we've changed over the years I remain clear that simplifying and slowing down will always serve us well. As I find myself starting over again with my third daughter who turns one in December, I'm even more committed to living all of life in devotion to our individual joy, connection to each other, and freedom to make space for what feels right and true to us.

Access your FREE From Hectic to Harmonious Holiday Ebook.

Receive a free sound healing recording from Laura that gives you the cellular experience of feeling at home within yourself.

Follow Laura on Instagram.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

I believe that beyond the holiday season, every day of your life can be experienced as sacred and that no one can define what that looks like but you. My work is devoted to helping you remember the truth of who you really are and embody that knowing in your daily life. I have created an immersive year-long online experience with a culminating in-person retreat in Maine that I share with an intimate circle of women from around the world called Journey Home to YOU (JHTY). Each woman releases cultural conditioning and programming around “who she should be” so that she is free to live from a place that is grounded in her own knowing, creative joy, and unique gifts. I help women liberate themselves from the fast-paced demands of our modern culture and remember a way of being that is led by seasonal cycles and moon cycles, re-aligning with the inner rhythm that guides them so gracefully in their bodies, personal growth, and creative endeavors. I offer a unique combination of spiritual guidance, coaching, and sound healing that helps women release blocks, heal wounds, and let go of old stories that no longer serve. Through this experience they lead their lives with reverence, courage, and joy. If you are interested in learning more about JHTY 2019 I would love to learn about you at the application link for this experience here.

This weekend, From Hectic to Harmonious is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

Laura is offering one complimentary 60-minute private session and customized sound healing audio recording (value $250) where she will hold space for you to honor the celebrations and challenges of your journey in 2018 and receive soul-awakening clarity around your vision for yourself in 2019.

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Posted by SouleMama on November 25, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (44)

Nova Natural Toys & Crafts {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Nova Natural Toys & Crafts!

Late fall, with the days growing ever shorter and the weather growing wetter and colder, is a perfect time for indoor pursuits. Whether you’re making holiday presents, playing board games or cooking special foods, we wish you and yours all the best through the wonder of this special season.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

We’re happy to be offering new handmade dolls from Bulgaria. These lovely dolls are the work of a mother and her friend who wanted their children to have natural dolls that would seem more like playmates. The three styles range from a dear little baby up to a larger doll with curling mohair tresses. Their garments are all soft knits and Liberty print fabrics.

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

$125 gift card for you to choose something to brighten your holidays.

In addition, Nova Natural Toys & Crafts is offering all Soulemama readers free shipping on orders over $75 through 11/25. Code SMWINTER18.

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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 beautiful give away! Thank you so much for the opportunity...my little ones would love to win this, we <3️ Nova Naturals!!!
Posted by: Bethany

Posted by SouleMama on November 24, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (218)

Bee's Wrap {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Bee's Wrap!

Bee’s Wrap is the natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage — because good food deserves good care.

We set out to find a way to store food that is healthier for our homes and our planet. What we discovered is a lost tradition made new again. In our Vermont workshop, we infuse organic cotton with beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Durable, versatile, and reusable, the resulting food storage wraps celebrate sustainability and sustenance.

Cover a bowl. Wrap your cheese, fruit, vegetables, and bread. Pack a snack for your next adventure. Handmade and crafted with care, Bee’s Wrap is simple, beautiful, and practical — a joy to use and reuse.

Handmade in Vermont.

Visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

Sarah: Bee's Wrap turned six years old last month – SIX! – and we've been busier than ever. This has been a very exciting time for us as we continue to grow our team; if you'll believe it, we've hired 18+ team members since the beginning of the summer! We also made our big move to Middlebury, Vermont, where our production and shipping teams have more space and are better equipped to keep up with growing demand. From a home kitchen to a bustling workshop, we are taking this month especially to reflect on how far we've come.

In the midst of all this change, we are also thrilled to announce our recent partnership with National Geographic! We teamed up with this storied icon on our new Explorer Pack as part of their “Planet or Plastic?” campaign, which is a multi-year, global initiative designed to raise awareness of the global plastic pollution crisis. Our Explorer Pack makes it easy to take green choices with us through the day, no matter how large or small the adventure.

This weekend, Bee's Wrap is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

NEW! Explorer Pack + Variety Pack

Featuring one sandwich wrap and two versatile medium wraps in our brand new Monarch print, the Explorer Pack makes it easy and — dare we say — fun to bundle up your sandwich or snacks, fruit, cheese, or trail mix. Use one of your wraps as a place mat, and when finished, conveniently fold your wraps and tuck away for later use. Plus, we're throwing in our bestselling, 7-piece Variety Pack, which includes 2 small, 2 medium, 2 large, and 1 bread wrap — the ultimate collection to help you kick the single-use plastic habit for good.

Bee's Wrap is reusable. Use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and create a seal. When cool, the wrap will hold its shape. Wash in COOL water with a mild dish soap. Let air dry.

Made of beeswax, organic cotton, organic jojoba oil and tree resin.

In addition, Bee's Wrap is offering all Soulemama readers 20% on beeswrap.com now through Friday, November 30th using the code SOULETHANKS18 at checkout.*
*Valid 11/23 through 11/30, 11:59pm EST. Not applicable on holiday bundles. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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Posted by SouleMama on November 23, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (153)

in gratitude

During this week of gratitude, I want to pause today to say thank you to the people and businesses who support this space as Sponsors. I am inspired by their ethical, creative, thoughtful and sustainably-minded efforts, and I'm honored to be working with each of them.

Many of these great businesses have offered special discounts for the coming weeks that you can read more about below. I encourage you to check out their businesses as the coming holiday gift giving and craft-making season begins. And I thank you for your support of small businesses!

in gratitude,

Amanda

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Alewives Fabrics

Alewives Fabrics wishes all of SouleMama's readers a happy holiday season and we extend to you our gratitude for your support of our family-owned business! Please enjoy our shop's offerings of all the latest designer fabrics for quilting, garment & bag making and creative home sewing. We have lots of exciting things in store for 2019 and can't wait to share them with you!

From now through Monday, November 26th receive FREE shipping ($10 off international shipping) AND a free extra large Alewives Fabrics canvas tote bag on all internet orders over $50 when you enter the code THANKYOU into the promotional code field at checkout.

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Aurora Shoe Company

The Aurora Shoe Company was founded on the idea that a good pair of shoes should be made well and fit comfortably. We use American made materials and create all of our shoes in house and by hand. Assembled organically, using simple cuts of leather and minimal stitching, our shoes mold to their owners’ feet the way that only natural materials and careful design can.

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Bee's Wrap

Bee's Wrap is the natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage, made of GOTS-certified organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Our beeswax food wraps are washable, reusable, and compostable. Great for wrapping up cheese, bread, fruit and veggies, covering a bowl, or packing a snack for your next adventure.

Save 20% on beeswrap.com now through Friday, November 30th using the code SOULETHANKS18 at checkout. Valid 11/23 through 11/30, 11:59pm EST. Not applicable on holiday bundles. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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Chasing Windmills

Time to get cozy! Embrace the season and the adventurous spirit of childhood with the natural goodness of merino wool.

Chasing Windmills is offering 20% off (including merino wool thermal long johns) with the code SOULETHANKS20 starting Friday, November 23rd, through Monday, November 26th.

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Dean'sSweets

Dean’sSweets wishes you all the joy and goodness of the season. Our Maine-made, nut-free chocolate caramels, truffles, sauces, and seasonal confections are crafted with real and simple ingredients. We use the best local sources, combined with the finest Belgian cacao, with no preservatives and never any nuts, ever.

Use the code Soule10 exclusively for SouleMama readers to get a 10% discount on any item on our website – good through Sunday, November 25th.

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Fabula Nebulae

Fabula Nebulae is all-natural, simple, effective skincare for everyone in the family. In an effort to follow nature’s slow and quiet example as the snow begins to fall and thoughts turn to gift giving, almost everything in our little shop is discounted (30%!) early for the holiday.

For fellow SouleMama readers, we’ll send along a free travel-sized product with every purchase, now through December 1st. Click our link to choose your travel product, then browse our natural, small batch, handcrafted offerings; enter the code GRATEFUL at checkout to convert the travel item into a gift from us! With hearts full of gratitude we wish you a beautiful holiday season - thank you for shopping small!

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From Hectic to Harmonious

How do you want to feel this holiday season? If you want more calm, joy, and fun with the ones you love, the FREE From Hectic to Harmonious Ebook will be the daily whisper that connects you to what matters most. This free Ebook offers simple daily practices to help you banish holiday overwhelm and make space for the rituals and experiences your family will cherish.

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Imagine Childhood

Imagine Childhood specializes in earth-friendly goods, craft & activity tutorials, and educational supplies. Our carefully curated collection focuses on products that inspire children to create, imagine, and explore. With an emphasis on quality materials, our toys and tools are made for real kids and real adventures and many are $25 or less with free shipping on orders over $100!

Special Offer: Take 10% off all orders with the code “SouleMama” through November 26th.

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Nest European Toys + Home

We are one of the largest online shops in North America offering a wide selection of quality handmade natural toys and crafts, books, clothing for kids, and sustainable home goods. Some of our suppliers include Ostheimer, Grapat, Drewart, Grimms, Norbert Verneuer, Fagus, Ruskovilla and Disana clothing, Walter Kraul, and many, many other lesser known but wonderful individual crafters and small companies with great ecological and social ethos. We have a growing and great selection of furniture and home accessories. Our focus is on sustainability and materials that biodegrade and that are sustainable in more than one sense. The questions of how to move from where we are now in terms of our shared carbon footprint, energy use, and social equity propel us to continue to shape our business and its greater impact.

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No 'Poo 101

Wishing you a warm, cozy Holiday from Taste of Simple! No 'Poo 101 (a community-based, live, shampoo-free-lifestyle online course) will be open for new students in January. Dive in with us to get soft, silky, clean hair without shampoo.

Join the waitlist (link above) to be the first to know when our next round of No 'Poo 101 starts up in January. Happy No 'Pooing!

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Nova Natural Toys & Crafts

Nova Natural Toys & Crafts is a trusted source for high quality, natural toys, crafts and homegoods. Nova Natural’s core mission is to provide wholesome products that encourage every child's individual and beautiful spirit to flourish. We’re your go-to for Waldorf Dolls, Wood Toys, Play Silks, Science & Discovery Kits and so much more.

We have some amazing promotions coming up Black Friday through Cyber Monday! Be sure to click our name above to sign-up for our email list and stay in the know. If you prefer to shop earlier, use the online code SMWINTER18 through 11:59pm EST on November 22nd and receive free standard shipping on any order over $75.

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Oak Meadow

Oak Meadow wishes everyone warmth, peace, and happiness this holiday season.

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Root & Star Magazine

Root & Star is an ad-free, quality children's magazine that celebrates the whole child -- with art, words, and nature. As so many write us to say, "I wish this magazine were around when I was a child!"

Discount code for 10% off: GOODTOGIVE for subscriptions (six per year), individual issues, and other gifts.

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Silk Oak

Silk Oak wishes you a joyful season. Enjoy old and new hand silkscreened favorites in sizes from newborn to 3X. Something for everyone on your list.

Our thanks with 15% off with the code SOULEMAMA through November 30th.

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Thank you!

Texture Clothing

Thank you for being so supportive of our endeavors at Texture Clothing! You can read all about us and our ethics on our website.

Use coupon code THANKS for free shipping until Nov 25.

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TogetherMade

No batteries required - give unique, fun, beautiful wood and leather craft projects this holiday season – Sawing, sewing, sanding and staining super cool projects with your own hands. Wooden pocket knives, leather bracelets, neck satchels, keepsake boxes, wallets & more. TogetherMade is a USA made family business and we donate a kit for every kit we sell.

All orders from now through Christmas will include a free ornament project at no cost – just enter SOULEMAMMA at checkout. Note: The $5 ornament kit must be in your cart to apply the discount.

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Posted by SouleMama on November 21, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (1)

snow days

It's been snowing! A lot for November, really. As seems to be tradition - I spent the first storm inside rearranging things. Ah! It's really my very favorite thing. For a long while I've been wondering about our big table in what we use as the living room - it's a oddly shaped long room with the woods stove at the end and always a little strange to arrange furniture in there. It's full of bookshelves these days plus the woodstove and what better place to eat than that? There's still a little cozy comfy spot in front of the stove, so all is well. Plus, COUCH in the KITCHEN! I have no idea if any of this will stick but for now it's going over surprisingly well with everyone and it will work perfectly for the large house full of people I'll have here on Thanksgiving. So, yay for new things! Or old things in new light.

I've been knitting a little this week but mostly it's in the form of picking up dropped stitches because Ani is a new knitter! Woot woot! Exciting times. And her interest has sparked Harper's interest once again, and so the three of us are happily stitching together this snowy day, and good golly, if that isn't pure bliss I don't know what is.

Posted by SouleMama on November 20, 2018 in family life, knitting, the farm | Permalink | Comments (16)

cathedral grove

I really do need to get serious about all the hat and cowl knitting I hope to do for the holidays, but it seems each time I finish a hat, someone snatches it up out of my hands and claims it as their own. And isn't that the goal really? Nothing makes me happier. (Says the woman who will clearly be scrambling on gift knits in less than a month, while having a house full of children with more hats than they know what to do with.)

This one is Cathedral Grove and I loooove it. Though the design is fun, the yarn might help a whole lot too - it's from Cashmere People Yarns, purchased from my Portland neighbor Casey at Port Fiber. I think this is the Cashgora - mohair and yes, cashmere. Ridiculous for a seven year old's hat? Maybe, but look at that face! It's the softest, yummiest of hats in that yarn. We all need a little bit of cashmere!

There's such a busy week ahead - a holiday to celebrate, of course, and a gathering at our Portland space for Taproot (our one year anniversary in Portland! Come join us!) and a whole lot more life and family fun in between it all. But I'm sure there will be moments here and there for some knitting too. I wish you the same!

Posted by SouleMama on November 19, 2018 in knitting | Permalink | Comments (6)

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.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

Jan: Since the last time we were featured, we have added a whole new line of accessories for babies to adults. There is something profoundly satisfying in being able to continue to reinvent ourselves and keep evolving, even after 41 years!

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

This weekend, Silk Oak is generously offering the following gift to TWO lucky SouleMama readers:

$50.00 in our shop.

In addition, Silk Oak is offering all Soulemama readers 15% off with the code SOULEMAMA through November 30th.

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I love that owl dress.
Posted by: Sarah E.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful inspiring company!
Posted by: Molly

Posted by SouleMama on November 18, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (122)

Dean’sSweets {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Dean’sSweets!

We are Dean and Kristin, a husband and wife team. We love chocolate, our Maine way of life, and everything our beautiful state has to offer. Our 100-percent nut-free chocolates take full advantage of Maine’s bounty to source ingredients for our hand-made, hand-dipped truffles, caramels, and seasonal confections: We use regionally harvested maple syrup tapped in Madison, sea salt from coastal Marshfield, cream from Westbrook’s Smiling Hill Farm, and butter from Kate’s Homemade in Old Orchard Beach. We use Maine blueberries, of course, and the spirits in several of our truffles come from Cold River Vodka, an award-winning distillery in Freeport. (Their vodka is made from Maine potatoes!)

We create more than 30 varieties of nut-free chocolates in small batches in our 1200-square-foot kitchen and storefront in Portland, using no preservatives or artificial ingredients. Our nationwide-customer base affirms that adding a bit of Maine to our signature sweets is a great thing! And for kids and families dealing with nut allergies, our creations are a haven for fun and chocolate. Every product we sell is completely safe from all tree or ground nuts.

Find us on Instagram: @deanssweets and Facebook: deanssweets

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?

Kristin: Our business began as a fun hobby that turned into an engaging passion and career. Dean was an architect, and I was working as a textbook editor and fitness instructor. Dean began making truffles in our home and what started in our kitchen, spread to our dining room, living room, and finally guest bedroom. When the 2008 recession hit and everything changed for a lot of people (including us), we decided to take the plunge, leave our home kitchen and double-down on the chocolate life in a tiny 700-square-foot production space in downtown Portland. The hope and dream was, if we could make our chocolate business work during the depths of the financial crisis, we could make it anytime. Our reasoning and our wager were that our business would grow as the economy grew. And (thankfully) we were right!

Now, 14 years out from our home-kitchen start-up, we have a wonderful, thriving business. Dean’sSweets has continued to grow, has created jobs, and has become a constant source of deliciousness for customers far and wide. Dean’sSweets welcomes everyone, from loyal locals to folks visiting from far away. What’s most important to us is to keep our products at the highest standards while enjoying the bounty of Maine, choosing quality in our chocolate and being part of this wonderful community.

All photos by Melissa Mullen Photography

This weekend, Dean’sSweets is generously offering the following gifts to THREE lucky SouleMama reader:

1. Dean’s Maine Gift Crate – Hot Fudge and Maine Sea Salt Caramel Sauces. In a simple, elegant, and reusable crate, constructed out of Maine reclaimed wood, this gift package includes Dean's hot fudge and Maine sea salt caramel sauces. (each 9 oz jars)

2. Chocolate Holiday Tree - Our hand-made trees are an original design by Dean'sSweets. Built from dark or milk chocolate squares, the tree practically glows with holiday festivity. Each tree is individually decorated with white or multi-colored (red, green, and white) nonpareils. A stunning gift or holiday centerpiece. 5 1/2" / 5 1/2" wide at the base. approx 1 lb, 7 oz.

3. Maine Sea Salt Caramels(16pcs) – The number one best seller at Dean’sSweets, this box is a combination of dark and milk chocolate salt caramels. A definite people pleaser!

Use the code Soule10 exclusively for SouleMama readers at www.deanssweets.com to get a 10% discount – good through Sunday, November 25th.

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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...

Would make wonderful Christmas gifts for my aunt and uncle. Chocolate looks amazing and I loved the snow men.
Posted by: Diane P.

Will have to visit Dean’sSweets next time I’m in Portland.!
Posted by: Karoline

What beautiful creations. Thank you for the introduction! I look forward to gifting some of these.
Posted by: Kimberly A. Busby

Posted by SouleMama on November 17, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (142)

Norwegian Star

I finished this hat last week for Adelaide. It's the Basic Norwegian Star Hat pattern, knit with (ack!) four of the five colors of our fiber that I recently got back from the mill. Satisfying, to say the least. Warming the heads of my babes with the wool from the very sheep we love. I've so been enjoying color work lately too, though it's new to me and I'm a little slow, and I have some things I need to perfect. Namely that my colorwork rows are generally too tight. Thanks to an Instagram plea for help, I got all sorts of ideas and was led here to Leah's tutorial that helped enormously.

I cast right on for another (in a different pattern) after this was finished, and am trying knitting it 'inside out' as suggested. So far, it's helping with the tension on the colorwork and I'm oh so pleased. I have a great many hats on my holiday list, and the colorwork patterns just make each pattern fun in the making.

Also, my baby girl up there? She can stop growing now please.

Posted by SouleMama on November 15, 2018 in knitting | Permalink | Comments (18)

Minneapolis!

I'm just back from a wonderful time in Minneapolis for Vogue Knitting Live! What fun to be surrounded by so many knitters, and to meet some of you who stopped by the Taproot booth. Where else does yarn literally fall from the sky, and there's knitting for yoga, not to mention yarn tastings? At a knitting convention of course!

I had a little time for exploring around town as well, with a constant but mellow stream of flurries it felt just like home. I loved wandering the Walker Art Center, as well as a few evenings visiting the North Loop and the fun spots there.

But a highlight of the weekend was spending time with family, as Steve's sister lives there and Gram is currently staying there as well. It was a total delight to have so much family time together in the midst of a busy work weekend.

And now...home to flurries today. It's the perfect day for tucking in with some of the knitting I've got going on right now. Oh the dream knit list is a long one this time of year!

Posted by SouleMama on November 13, 2018 in field trip | Permalink | Comments (7)

Chasing Windmills {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Chasing Windmills !

We are makers of merino wool children’s apparel, and have a simple goal: to capture the adventurous spirit of childhood through the natural goodness of merino wool.

Springing from a deep appreciation of the outdoors, we longed to create a bridge for parents to share the goodness of nature with their little ones -- to be able to soak in the adventurous spirit of childhood everyday. By sourcing the finest merino wool from mountainous New Zealand and Australian ranches (courtesy of our friends at ZQ Merino), Chasing Windmills allows Mother Nature to provide the soulful base of everything we create. Amazingly, the merino wool used in our collection is naturally super soft, breathable, temperature regulating, and lightweight -- truly an ideal fabric for little ones all year round, and especially as the seasons change.

Our collection includes merino wool long johns, hoodies, and basics for everyday play.

Instagram: @chasingwindmillskids and FB @chasingwindmillskids

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

Sarah: Since our feature last year on SouleMama, our long johns have received an exciting new design update - reinforced knees! We know many children live in our woolen long johns- for a comfortable night's sleep, and then also for a cozy base layer as they head to the great outdoors. We aim to make clothing that is comfortable yet technical, beautiful yet simple, and just as ready for a good snuggle as play in nature. So, this simple design update allows for extended wear in all of the adventures ahead.

This weekend, Chasing Windmills is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

A shop credit of $75 towards anything in our collection!

In addition, Chasing Windmills is offering all Soulemama readers free standard shipping with code Soulemama through Monday, November 12th.

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So so cozy! Would love to win!
Posted by: Laurel

Posted by SouleMama on November 10, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (172)

knit. vote. adventure.

We're on deadline for the next issue of Taproot. FEAST is shaping up to be a beauty and I love it so much! (Today is the last day to subscribe in time to get that issue as your first!) But I don't love the way deadline time has me staring at a screen for far more hours in a day than I'd like. I use knitting as a reward to myself for all that screen time, and clearly that's working well as I've been knitting up mittens for the kiddos like the mad woman on deadline that I am. The pattern is Little Waiting for Winter Mittens by Susan Anderson and it's such a class knit! I'll tell you more about the hat when it's finish, which might just be in the next 24 hours when I hop on a plane to attend Vogue Knitting Live! I'll be in the marketplace with Taproot through the weekend - stop by to say hi and see if I've finished this hat!

P.S. VOTE!

Posted by SouleMama on November 06, 2018 in family life, knitting | Permalink | Comments (7)

tea leaves in pink

Ani got herself a new sweater this week. A Tea Leaves sweater! I had to check the blog to see how many of these I've made. There was the one I made for myself (sadly in a poor yarn choice as it pilled terribly though it was as soft as can be before that), and there was the teeny one I made for Adelaide all those years ago (and that Annabel then wore too). And so I guess that makes this my third! I do love knitting it - it's such a sweet little detail at the top and so easily accomplished (by switching needle sizes). And with worsted yarn, it knits up quite quickly. This one I made in Malabrigo Rios - a superwash, which I hope will make it easy for me to care for and hardy for Ani to wear. I love that color. So lovely.

Next up, I'm eyeing the bags (and bags) of yarn that I brought home from the mill and dreaming up some things to make with it. I'm feeling the pull towards thrummed mittens, so that's an easy one. But a nice colorwork sweater somehow using all five of my shetland colors, mmn....that's definitely on the list too.

Later this week, I head to Minneapolis for Vogue Knitting LIve! and I'm excited to be surrounded once again by fiber and knitters! And of course, for some totally justified knitting them too!

What are you knitting these days?

Posted by SouleMama on November 04, 2018 in knitting | Permalink | Comments (19)

Nest European Toys + Home {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Nest European Toys + Home!

You can find Nest on their Website, and on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

Lisa: We are mama-powered! We have 6 amazing human beings helping us pack orders and generally giving us wind and heart this season.

We're stocking the full line from Grapat, and we're really pleased with it. It ticks all the boxes, endlessly open-ended for the kids, without being overwhelming in our space. Easy to tidy up. Great for all ages. The aesthetics of their products are pleasing and stimulating, yet still soft on all the senses. And we find the quality truly heirloom. The woods they use have a good density, and the paint finish is quite durable, yet I also give it two thumbs up for being extremely gentle for young children or for people who are sensitive to off-gassing.

We've expanded our Disana stock, and our shelves are bursting with their soft, cozy large blankets and pillows. Also, as so many of us express the wish that Disana would make something in adult sizing, some folks will be happy to hear that their new infinity loop scarf fits most adults as well.

We're continuing to focus on maker mentality. Some exciting new arts & crafts offerings.

The global ecological projects for mid-century are getting more attention lately, and we're paying attention to some imperatives. We're continuing in the direction of being more pro-active about supporting more minimalist values.

This weekend, Nest European Toys + Home is generously offering the following gift to THREE lucky SouleMama readers:

$50 gift certificate with Nest.ca

We encourage you to shop early for holidays. Our everyday prices currently are among the lowest in North America on most Grimm's, Ostheimer and Holzitger wooden figures. We'd like to offer Soulemama readers, a SHOPEARLY discount code for 10% discount on Grapat wooden toys, our huge selection of Disana, and from our extraordinary selection of books in the shop. Expires Nov 19th.

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SO much beautiful stuff!!
Posted by: Holly

Thanks for this chance, they carry such beautiful and high-quality items!
Posted by: Liz

I love these incentives to get my holiday gifts taken care of early! Great giveaway!
Posted by: Cassandra

Posted by SouleMama on November 03, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (280)

Welcome, November!

Hello November!

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

. . . . . . . .

From Hectic to Harmonious

From Hectic to Harmonious (H2H): Make Space for What You Most Desire is a FREE Ebook offering 31 simple daily practices that will inspire you to release stress and create the space and time to truly connect in a present and loving way with your family this holiday season. Laura Thompson Brady Ph.D., author of H2H, believes your life is meant to be a joyful, soul-stirring adventure. She helps her clients bring the spirit of joy, centering ritual, deep wisdom, and sacred belonging back into their lives. Regardless of what traditions you celebrate, H2H will be that daily whisper bringing you home to what matters most to you.

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . .

Together Made

In a world that’s digital, disposable, and rushed - we offer a different perspective...

TogetherMade designs and manufactures high quality wood and leather craft kits - our goal is to bring families together to make beautiful, functional crafts from exceptional materials. This is about an amazing end result, but also about the process and the quality time it creates. These are the projects we always wanted to build with our kids (or build when we were kids...). Projects that inspire joy, learning, creativity, craftsmanship, patience and pride in a job well done.

We are highly selective with our materials and all design and manufacturing is done in-house. All projects come with step-by-step directions. You’ll learn about working with wood and leather - sanding, staining, assembling, stitching, molding, etc.

This work is good for the mind and soul of adults and kids alike, we hope you love these projects as much as we do! All our kits are sold on www.togethermade.com. Family Owned | USA Made - Fall City, WA

. . . . . . . .

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 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! We currently have openings in some categories.

Posted by SouleMama on November 01, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (4)

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Punky Brewster, a Police Officer and her Convict, and Bert, the Chimney Sweep
....and the rest of us!

Posted by SouleMama on November 01, 2018 | Permalink | Comments (10)

a bit of yarn

So...that happened. And it might explain why I managed to walk away from Rhinebeck without buying any yarn. Because....I picked up my own! This was three shearings worth of fiber that I sent off to Battenkill Fibers. It's the second time I've worked with them and I couldn't be happier about the work they do. This yarn is so yummy. Really and truly - yummy.

When I picked it up, I promptly stashed in the back of the car, and the moved it to my studio once home. It's been sitting there for a week - tempting me, reminding me, calling to me! This morning I was finally able to take the time to unpack it all, really dive in and organize it, finishing hanking the skeins and such. Taking tally of it all. It's a lot of yarn. Like, a lot.

To be honest, I'm at a loss for words about it all. Not only what a joy it is to have it here, in this beautiful finished yarn product - the result of all the days caring for and loving up our sheep. But also at the reality that there is more to come, with another shearing from last week being ready to send off to the mill. (Though cutting our herd from 12 to 7 this summer sure does make things a bit more manageable. Still, we shear our shetlands twice a year. It's a lot of wool!) But I'm also at a bit of a loss for words with wondering just what I'm going to do with it all! I never got into this sheep business intending to sell yarn, and all this time in, I feel even more strongly about that and for perhaps different reasons than I originally had. In the beginning, I wanted to keep the hobby a hobby, and to keep my working life focused on the things I already do. Simplicity, as much as I can find it. But as time has gone on, and I've run the numbers out of curiosity, I find I've stumbled onto the shocking and true cost of wool. Granted a slightly larger scale makes things easier. But for the small farmer? The price I estimate each skein of yarn to be is nearly triple the average skein you'd stumble upon at a yarn shop. And that would just cover my costs in processing and hay alone. But there's so much more - infrastructure (oh the fences!), vet bills, shearing, and oh - that little thing called our time! I suppose just like so many other industries of product we've come to buy that has been mass produced - there is so much that goes into the making of it, and in order for it to be done well - ethically, and with thought to the planet and animals - well, wow. There's a real and true cost to that.

I say this not so that you can encourage me to sell it (I really truly don't want to do that), but maybe just as a thought to tuck in the back of your head for the next time you feel sticker shock at a skein of wool yarn produced by a small farmer. I've felt the same myself before. Now I wonder how it's even possible to sustain as a business model! Is it? (Trust me, I'm already scouting out a Taproot article diving deeper into this very subject!) And I have even more respect for those farms selling their own wares.

So, no to selling. But yes to sharing with friends (and a few community groups - my children's school is going to be set with wool for ages!). And heck yes to more knitting! It looks like there's going to be a lot of that in my future. And that, well that's precisely why I got into this all to begin with, and the full circle nature of it all is beyond any words I can summon. So gratifying, and real. I feel like a lucky lady - so rich in wool.

Posted by SouleMama on October 29, 2018 in knitting, the farm | Permalink | Comments (41)

Herbal Adventures

I am so very excited to tell you that my friend Rachel Wolf has just released her first book! We connected long ago through our love of family, farm, homeschooling and so much more, and despite our miles apart, had the great pleasure of meeting and connecting in person last year. It was a reminder that those connections we have and share can come to life in such beautiful ways. Her new book Herbal Adventures is a wonderful guide for families to explore and dive into the world of plants and their magic. This book highlights so many of the common plants found in our backyards and all the many possibilities for use with each one. I was so honored to write the foreword to this book, I believe so deeply in its message. The time that a family spends together gathering from the wild, bringing inside to create - these are some of the greatest and most powerful of family moments. My own family will certainly be using this as a guide in the coming weeks (before the snow flies!), months and years to come. Congrats, Rachel and family!

And as a treat - I have two extra copies that I would be so glad to send out into the world to some of you to experience! Dash a note in the comments below to enter! I'll pull two winners by Friday evening!

Posted by SouleMama on October 25, 2018 | Permalink | Comments (247)

Rhinebeck!

Woah, Rhinebeck! This weekend I attended the New York Sheep and Wool Festival for the very first time. I had always wanted to go, but this is a tricky time of year for escaping and it's often full of Taproot travel in recent years. Not that it isn't this year too, just that I decided to go for it, and was encouraged by my family to just do it. I picked the kids up from school yesterday, eager to see them, and Ani barely gave me the time of day, as she had plans to "meet a friend" at their special meeting up spot, despite having just spent the whole day together. So funny, and a good reminder to me that they're just fine without me, really.

But Rhinebeck! Oh wow. I knew it would be crazy but I don't think I got the full picture of just how big it is until I wandered around...and kept wandering....and kept finding whole new buildings I hadn't even seen yet. So much fiber goodness. So many gorgeous sheep. And the handknits everywhere - um, yeah. Incredible handmade eye candy everywhere you could look. It was a delight to catch up with so many friends who were there....and a treat to meet and make so many new ones too. It's amazing what can grow from a simple common love of fiber! Such beautiful things.

And now, to recover...this introvert is going to lock myself in a room alone, in the dark, for as long as I'm not missed.

Posted by SouleMama on October 23, 2018 in field trip | Permalink | Comments (9)

Taste of Simple ~ No 'Poo 101 {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from No 'Poo 101!

Hi, SouleMama sisters! I'm Missy Campbell: homeschool mama to four, Taproot Magazine contributor, passionate no ‘pooer, and lover of simple at tasteofsimple.com and in real life.

Ever wonder how to no ‘poo gracefully? So did I—for.ever. I'm sharing everything I've learned during my 4-year, shampoo-free journey in an online course and community experience: a fun, interactive, live training called No ‘Poo 101—starting in November.

No ‘pooing's fun, simple, and family-friendly. I’d love to see you there and help you go no 'poo successfully.

1 | Join my free live workshop: 3 Days to Successfully Getting Started With No ‘Poo, starting October 30th.

2 | A giveaway! I’m so glad Amanda welcomed me to share my no ‘poo experience with you. Today we’re giving away three seats in No ‘Poo 101 to three lovely SouleMama readers. Can't wait to get to know you in a few weeks!

3 | Get 25% off (expires Thursday, October 25) by heading to No ‘Poo 101 and signing up to become a founding triber—snagging a virtual front-row seat when No ‘Poo 101 kicks off in early November. If you sign up, but (fingers + toes crossed) you win this giveaway, you’ll receive a prompt refund.

♥︎♥︎Missy

- - - - -

This weekend, No 'Poo 101 is generously offering the following gift to THREE lucky SouleMama readers:

A spot in No ‘Poo 101

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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...

This would be amazing! I have skin issues and think the no-pop would be super helpful. Trabaja so much!!!
Posted by: Becca

I've attempted no 'poo a few times already, with disappointing results; I'd love to find someone to guide me in the journey and a supportive group to try (and succeed!)
Posted by: Paola

This would be great for me! I haven't been able to figure it out on my own.
Posted by: Andrea

Posted by SouleMama on October 20, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (45)

Taproot, AGE

The latest issue of Taproot is out in the world! Issue 29::AGE. I love this one (I know, I know, I say that every time). But this one does feel special. I don't know, maybe it's the aging kiddos of mine, or this senior year that I'm in, or thoughts of my own parents and then my own middle-life place. This issue just felt close to my heart. So much so that when I sat down to write the Editor's Letter for it, it all came pouring out (at a word count higher than the page allowed!) in an epic flurry and was finished in record time. That's not usually how things roll. I spend a lot of time usually staring at a blank screen, or procrastinating (nothing like cleaning closets to avoid a deadline!), or pulling teeth (my own) to get the words needed. But this one? Whooosh! It felt so good.

Here's a peek at just some of the goodness inside....

First up is the piece that came about after I spent in the woods with Peter Hagerty, his horses, and John Bliss and Stacy Brenner (plus Peter's lovely wife Marty Tracy - both of whom started and ran Peace Fleece for years). It was an honor to photograph this piece that John then wrote. That feels an inadequate way to describe the experience of spending the day following someone who has been such a leader in our Maine farming world about sustainable forestry, among other things. It's a wonderful piece about low-impact forestry! Besides being a wealth of knowledge, Peter has a heart of gold and such a dear relationship with his horses. It was an inspiring day and I'm glad to have the results of it in the pages of AGE!

And of course there's knitting (and crochet in this issue too!). These mitts are by Bristol Ivy and they're on my to knit list!

Knitting, crochet AND hairpin lace crochet, oh my! This was my first introduction to this old craft, and I'm fascinated by it. Butcher's twine magic!

Plus all the goodness of the harvest season! I can attest to this Modern Waldorf Salad by Ashley English being absolutely delicious, as a friend made it last weekend and brought it to our writer's weekend. And with so many apples around right now, I had to give it a try and make it myself this week. So good.

Roasted Ratatouille Tart? Yes please! Sarah Waldman shares in this issue a collection of one-pot meals that make for easy nights and happy bellies.

Dawn Coombs shares recipes for healthy skin, using the power of honey!

Another special piece in this issue is by Suzanne Travers, about Sage Workshops - the wonderful organization that preserves the old craft of chair weaving while providing work and community and meals for an aging community.

And one more of Peter and one of his horses, just because it brings me so much joy to look at.

There's a whole lot more in this issue, and if you haven't already received your copy as a subscriber, hop on over to Taproot to get your copy!

. . . . . . . . .

This weekend, I'm so happy to be heading to Rhinebeck for New York Sheep and Wool Festival for my very first visit! I'll be spending some time with my friend Tammy (and her critters) at Wing and A Prayer Farm in building 31. Stop by to say hello if you're there - and there might just be a little Taproot gift there too!

Have a great weekend, all....

Posted by SouleMama on October 19, 2018 | Permalink | Comments (7)

writing and reading

I'm just home from a lovely weekend away, on a favorite Maine island, with a group of women for a writer's weekend. I'm so grateful for the invitation, and so full-up after a weekend during which I didn't drive anyone around, make any meals, or clean, except behind myself! The companionship with other women? Even more delightful.

I did a little bit of writing, but not a lot, really. I did a lot of sitting, and that was dreamy and very much needed. Imagine that! Sitting still on a beach by myself. There was knitting too, of course. And reading. I brought my favorite book of the moment - a poetry book by Ada Limon. I was recently introduced to her work and have been savoring her words each night before I fall asleep (reading poetry at night being a new strategy to somewhat calm my mind for a hopefully restful night of sleep). I highly recommend her work to anyone, her latest book The Carrying being a beautiful collection. This morning, I want to share just one line that has stayed with me since I first read it, and that I've quoted to so many people lately, I love it so -

The big-ass bees are back, tipsy, sun drunk
and heavy with thick knitted leg warmers
of pollen.

(From Dandelion Insomnia in The Carrying)

Isn't that just such a perfect vision? I love it so.

Wishing you a peaceful start to your week, and a reminder to us all to pause and notice when we can.

Posted by SouleMama on October 15, 2018 in family life | Permalink | Comments (15)

Aurora Shoe Company {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Aurora Shoe Company!

The Aurora Shoe Company was founded on the idea that a good pair of shoes should be made well and fit comfortably. We use American made materials and create all of our shoes in house and by hand. Assembled organically, using simple cuts of leather and minimal stitching, our shoes mold to their owners’ feet the way that only natural materials and careful design can.

We enjoy using our blog to feature the travels and adventures our shoes have been on. Close to home, or around the world, we love them all. We invite you to share a photo on Instagram #aurorashoes

This weekend, Aurora Shoe Company is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

One pair of shoes, any style, any color.

In addition, Aurora Shoe Company would like to offer SouleMama readers free shipping on all domestic orders received through 10/30/18. To receive the offer, please enter "Soule Mama" at checkout.

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Oh sweet Aurora shoes!! thank you for the opportunity. Your shoes are the dreamiest.
Posted by: Cheryl

Posted by SouleMama on October 14, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (381)

Texture Clothing {a soulemama sponsor}

Rachel is wearing the Knee Length Comfy Skirt.

Catherine is wearing the Galaxy Dress, which uses our 2 new prints.

Greetings from Texture Clothing !

Let yourself fall in love with an outfit you know was made sustainably right here in the USA. We try our best to stay true to the concept of shopping local and support businesses who do the same. Texture Clothing is created in Bellingham, WA with high-quality materials like hemp and 100% organic cotton. The beautiful fabrics we use are ethically sourced and made by wonderful hard working artisans around the world.

We believe in focusing on love. With so much fear and hate in the world it’s easy to get pulled down by negativity. But love is a verb, and we believe that making the choice to actively love is the power that can help us rise above the rest. Our clothing is made from the best things to help you focus on the important things. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Rachel & Carla figuring out the trains in Berlin. Texture Clothing is perfect for traveling.

SouleMama: Since the last time you were featured on SouleMama, in what ways has your business grown or changed? Is there anything new you'd like to tell us about?

Teresa: We are fine tuning our process of ‘Towards Zero Waste’ by more and more thoughtfully using up scraps and end of bolts fabrics. Even though we are a very small business, we realize that we all can make a difference by adding up small efforts.

Teresa with the 100% hemp scarves she hand dyed.

This weekend, Texture Clothing is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

1 Comfy Skirt of the winner’s choice!

This is how the story will go when you buy this practical skirt: 4 way stretch and the hemp & organic cotton blend make it so comfortable, so you will wear the Comfy Skirt for 5 days in a row. Your family and co-workers will begin to tease you. You will find yourself on the website again, buying the same skirt in another color. Please know that you are not alone! These skirts are just that good!

In addition, Texture Clothing would like to offer SouleMama readers 20% off all orders until Oct 17, 2018 with code COMFY20.

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I’m pretty sure I could live in a micro mini plus leggings aaaaallllll winter long :
Posted by: Andrea

Posted by SouleMama on October 13, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink | Comments (142)

with sleeves

Geransleeves-6

(Oh this girl and her teeth! Or lack thereof!)

I made a new dress for Ani this weekend. She has so many summery dresses that still work great this time of year and into the winter by being layered, but a few long sleeved would be nice I thought. It's a Geranium, and I used the Expansion Pack for the sleeves (peter pan collar up next!). I thought since I've made so many Geranium dresses that I could whip this out in no time at all, in the afternoon hours before dinnertime, actually. Which was a bit silly of me. The instructions are so clear and the construction not all that complicated, but wow, I really wasn't getting it right away. It was met with the seam ripper more times than I care to count before I finally got it right. I don't think it has anything to do with the pattern, actually....but everything to do with the interruptions. During the bodice only, I remember the specific interruptions of:

1. Help required to edit the last paragraph of a college essay by Calvin
2. A request to print out the PSAT form for the second time, since Ezra lost the first one
3. Turning down repeated requests to buy ("with my own money, Mom!") a sweater for Ada's dog online
4. Signing a violin practice sheet for Harper, along with listening to each practice song required, because Harper is a very literal rule follower and that's what his teacher requested (suggested?)
5. So many stories from Ani that she needed to tell me right away, that I can't even begin to count them all, little chatterbox that she is

...I think I broke up a fight or two as well. Mind you, Steve was home and so was Gram! Perhaps, though, it wasn't the best time to be sewing - and sewing something new at that. But sometimes, well....makers gotta make, you know?

It all worked out though, and the dress was finished. Not finding buttons that I liked for this fabric, I did something I haven't done on a Geranium before and dusted off my old snap press (I can't remember where I got it, since it was for cloth diapers for Ezra or Ada, so long ago!), and put some snaps on the back instead of buttons. Ani was so happy with this change, as she said it was easier for her to take on and off herself "without twisting around backwards like I'm an owl or something". So there's that new discover!

Eager to wear her new dress, she wore it to school the next day (and wanted me to take photos of it in front of what she calls her 'marrying flowers'), even though it ended up being eighty degrees. Ah! But that surely won't last and there's plenty of cool weather to come. Plenty of time for sewing...and then wearing new dresses.

Posted by SouleMama on October 11, 2018 in family life, sewing | Permalink | Comments (17)

colors

The color right now is so amazing. It makes all the driving I've been doing just so pleasant. And all the walks in the woods required for a new pup? Dreamy. All of that has been such a peaceful presence in my life this past week, which has had its hard moments too. But finding peace and comfort right in our own back yard and with each other, well that's a gift I'm certainly grateful for.

I'm drying marigolds in a flurry for winter dye fun, so pleased that they're still blooming and we haven't had such a hard killing frost yet. I bought gobs more spring bulbs to plant - feeling confident now after all these years, in saying that no, there can never be enough spring flowers. The garlic is here now too and I'm going to put that in the ground soon. I love fall planting of bulbs, it's such an act of hope, an intention of joy set for the future. There really can never been too many daffodils, you know?

Posted by SouleMama on October 08, 2018 in food & garden | Permalink | Comments (23)

making it work

A few weeks into this new school year full of so many changes, and we're finding our groove. Or rather, I've reached the point in the experience where I'm fine tuning and tweaking things here and there, knowing now a few things that work and some that don't work for my crew and all the various transitions that are happening. I like this part of parenting. I dare say this is where I can really help things, make it all smoother and ultimately more peaceful. Problem solving is fun!

First and foremost, what I thought was an early bedtime was actually not early enough. We've all shifted it back a bit, getting plenty of rest being key to happiness in the morning. We leave early, headed in so many different directions, and having rested bodies and minds sure does make that morning a lot more gentle. Okay, really all this talk of sleep? It's about Steve and I getting enough rest so that we're able to get up and at it, navigating everyone else! But I tell the kids it's for them too, and I really do believe that.

Lunches! I'm finding my stride, most definitely based on getting everything ready the night before. All seven lunches packed and in the fridge so that in the morning I just need to pull them out, add a cold pack if necessary,and line them up on the table for heading out the door. Some of you have mentioned that I should have my kiddos - especially the big ones - making their own lunches. Great idea! But then....honestly, it makes my job a lot more difficult if there are seven different people in the same space at the same time trying to get the last of the favorite kind of cheese they want for their sandwich. Or whatever the case may be. Gah! Assembly line style works better for me, makes less of a mess, and creates fewer dirty dishes. And there are plenty of other household tasks that my kids take on that are so helpful in making it all work (like washing those dishes!).

I'm trying to ease everyone into soup season - it's such a fundamental part of my winter cooking. I don't have picky eaters, I'm so grateful. But I haven't puzzled out lunch soup yet. Everyone eats soup for dinner quite happily all winter long, but for some reason, the second I pour it in a thermos and give it to them for lunch......I might as well just hand it back to myself at the end of the day. Still full. And hungry bellies to boot. I'm still sorting that one out, but I think it has something to do with the temperature of it at lunchtime, as only two of my kids have access to heating up their food at lunch. I have a variety of thermoses, some great and some perhaps not so great. I think the Hydroflask might be the answer (since I use one for me tea and it's still hot at lunch if I forget about it!), instead of some of the others I have that just don't keep things as hot as they should. I've got some soup/container experimenting to do. A puzzle to solve.

Two more food things. Yes, that's all I think about and talk about right now, please forgive me. But making a couple of frittatas on Sundays has been so helpful in the breakfast hours, just being able to pull a slice or two out to eat either quickly as one runs out the door, or slowly at the kitchen table with me, watching the flurry of those running late, if you wake your teen self up early enough to do so. Ahem. Oh and Pesto Pasta! Here's a well known fact at my house: I don't like pasta. Even before celiac, it was reserved for nights when I wasn't home. Of course it's the favorite of every Soule I know. And though I wouldn't think room temperature pasta would be a delicious lunch, it's what everyone wants. And couldn't be easier really, except for the fact that the amount of fresh basil and pine nuts required to make pesto for a family of seven many days a week is...well, a bit much. Last week I swapped out the less expensive walnuts for the pinenuts and no one said a thing. This week, instead of basil, I used carrot tops (of which I have an abundance of in the garden, the basil already in the freezer) with just a little bit of basil. Same story - empty lunches and full bellies! Hooray!

And one more perhaps not terribly exciting but oh so essential discovery I've had in recent weeks. Car entertainment. Our drives to school(s) and work are not short, unfortunately. The morning can bring out tired, short tempers. Depending on the general mood I'm feeling in the air (car), the mornings have been full of either audiobooks (I'm not sure how, but my kids have listened to all the Penderwicks so many times over that I forget that some of the characters aren't actually people we know) or a classical music rotation. It's gotta stay mellow in the morning, that's my goal. And then the afternoon? Oh the afternoon is for sure when tiredness comes in and everyone is reunited and sometimes that's less than peaceful, if only amongst the youngest two. It's a bummer to sit in the car for a while after such a day at school, I get that. In addition to encouraging FOOD at this hour, we've been finding projects to work on too. Last week, I bought everyone a new notebook and set of new colored pencils (nothing better than new art supplies) that LIVE in the car. A little bit of beeswax added for Annabel, some playing cards for Harper, and a book for Ada....and it's made that drive home a lot more pleasant, enjoyable even. It's all about making it work, making the most of it, finding our groove.

Well in all my excitement about these little details keeping us all going, I may have just put you all to sleep with my talk of the minutia of lunches and driving! Let's talk yarn tomorrow?

Have a beautiful day, friends!

Posted by SouleMama on October 02, 2018 in family life | Permalink | Comments (65)

Welcome, October!

Hello October!

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

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Chasing Windmills

Chasing Windmills is a Colorado-based maker of merino wool children’s wear, including thermal long johns, hoodies & tees, and nursery essentials. Co-founders Sarah & JP Box launched Chasing Windmills with a simple goal: to capture the adventurous spirit of childhood through the natural goodness of merino wool. By sourcing merino wool from mountainous New Zealand and Australian ranches, Chasing Windmills allows Mother Nature to provide its soulful base. Naturally super soft, breathable, temperature regulating, and lightweight, merino wool is truly an ideal fabric for little ones all year round. Their thermal long johns this year include reinforced knees for all styles- kids can love on them even more in all their adventures ahead.

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Dean’sSweets

Dean’sSweets Maine-made, nut-free chocolate caramels, truffles, sauces, and seasonal confections are crafted with real and simple ingredients. We use the best local sources, combined with the finest Belgian cacao. We make our chocolate in small batches in our Portland kitchen, always attentive to using the highest-quality natural ingredients, with no preservatives and never any nuts, ever.

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Fabula Nebulae

We’re not a luxury skincare company. We’re a family that wants to share our love for nature and all that it provides. We use only natural, safe ingredients - researched carefully, chosen purposefully, mixed with love. From our family in Maine to yours, wherever you may be: we offer small-batch, effective, high-quality products for everyone in your life.

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No-Poo 101

No ‘Poo 101 is the simple, step-by-step online course that will get you from asking: What's no ‘poo? Will my hair even get clean? What do I need? How do I start?...to beautifully shampoo-free hair in 7 weeks—without having to figure it out alone and without having to do a bajillion hours of Googling. Things you have in your kitchen work better than shampoo if you know which things and what to do with them.

Led by Taproot contributor and tasteofsimple.com's Missy Campbell—a 4-year (and thriving) no ‘poo devotee, mama to 4 no 'pooers, wife to the one who tests the myriad of chemical-free (and edible!) alternatives out there on himself, first—No ‘Poo 101 (a community-focused, live course) starts in early-November.

Dive in with us to get clean with no ‘poo. Jumping on the waitlist now snags you a founding triber's seat before No ‘Poo 101 goes live this fall and gets you 25% off. Join the tribe and be the first to know when we're set to get no-pooing live. Also, our free LIVE training: 5 Days to Successfully Getting Started with No 'Poo Challenge starts October 15th! Sign up here.

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Posted by SouleMama on October 01, 2018 in sponsors | Permalink

Sonny

It's been quite a week. Recovering from a wild and wonderful Common Ground Fair weekend. My kiddos were all sick (back to school for the first time immunity kind of thing, I presume). The news (I don't even know where to start there). An anniversary to celebrate. Work. Life. So full and then even more full. But this week we added some sweetness, some sweetness in the form of Sonny Soule. He's the new English Shepherd puppy that joined our family - a thirteenth birthday gift to Adelaide. I would say I'm not in the habit of gifting animals to children because it's a bad idea, but then my very own children would remind me that Adelaide got a cat for her fifth birthday, a duck for her sixth, and two goats for her seventh. So I'd be a liar. But to be fair, this girl of mine has been asking for a puppy of her own for two years and Steve and have been so strongly resisting. But....she found herself some dog walking gigs and saved every single penny of her earnings - enough for food and vet visits and a ridiculous amount of dog toys she has earmarked for the foreseeable future. And then she proved herself responsible enough by doing the daily animal chores on the farm without being asked for a solid year. And then, well, we found ourselves with nothing left to say but yes. And so we surprised her on her birthday with the announcement. The joy was magnified by the fact that her best friend got a pup from the same litter. 13 year old dream come true, that is.

Sonny, well he's a gem. He was the largest of the litter - one we're told who liked to hang out by the food bowl most of all during his first eight weeks. He's kind of bumbly and mellow and funny and fabulous and we already all love him so. Even Greta, who is tolerating his puppy antics with a great deal of patience, bless her. But of course, no one is happier than my girl Adelaide. She's doing this all on her own, dear one, waking up in the middle of the night for puppy breaks (I keep joking that it must be like having a night nanny for a newborn - I'm not tired at all!), and training and loving up this pup. She's a good Mama to him, and I'm so very proud of her.

Posted by SouleMama on September 28, 2018 in the farm | Permalink | Comments (12)

at the fair

I'm settling in after another wonderful Common Ground Country Fair. Gosh, this really is one of my favorite weekends of the year, even though my time there has changed over the years. I noticed that this year I didn't even step foot once in the Children's Area, whereas that used to be the only place I made it to. But this year, Annabel had her big brother to take her, and friends to run around with. That's what they all did there - run around with friends. I couldn't even find one of my kids to walk around with me if I wanted! Ah. Growing up.

The Taproot booth was nothing short of bonkers, in the best kinds of ways. It is always such a treat to connect with readers there and introduce new likeminded folk to the magazine. So many people have made renewing at the fair a tradition, and it's so fun to check in with them about how they're liking the magazine and what they've made.

After talking all day long, not to mention schlepping so much stuff (magazines are heavy), we found respite in the evenings and early morning hours once again at the guest cottage of Toddy Pond Farm. They host farmstays there on their farm, complete with a lovely pond, beautiful farm store, cows outside your window, not to mention the sweetest farmers around. We love it there!

And now, back to work and play, full of all the inspiration that the fair gives us!

Posted by SouleMama on September 26, 2018 in field trip | Permalink | Comments (6)

SouleMama

From Hectic to Harmonious {a soulemama sponsor}

Nova Natural Toys & Crafts {a soulemama sponsor}

Bee's Wrap {a soulemama sponsor}

in gratitude

snow days

cathedral grove

Silk Oak {a soulemama sponsor}

Dean’sSweets {a soulemama sponsor}

Norwegian Star

Minneapolis!

Chasing Windmills {a soulemama sponsor}

knit. vote. adventure.

tea leaves in pink

Nest European Toys + Home {a soulemama sponsor}

Welcome, November!

Happy Halloween!

a bit of yarn

Herbal Adventures

Rhinebeck!

Taste of Simple ~ No 'Poo 101 {a soulemama sponsor}

Taproot, AGE

writing and reading

Aurora Shoe Company {a soulemama sponsor}

Texture Clothing {a soulemama sponsor}

with sleeves

colors

making it work

Welcome, October!

Sonny

at the fair

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Good Things in Hard Times

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