SouleMama

11.27.17 ~ It was a party!

Oh goodness! I am still struggling to find the words to express how I feel about Saturday's grand opening for Taproot and Milk and Honey at 84 Cove Street! It was such an epic undertaking, this grand opening and getting it ready in such a short period of time. I've spent as many nights on a couch in the new space as I have at home in the past month, for all the late nights and early mornings spent renovating there, it just made more sense to stay put. So many friends and community members jumped in with helping hands and encouragement, I can't even tell you. And then, there was panic as I began to worry that no one would come! That it would be all for naught! That the last thing Portland needs is another space. 

And then....Saturday morning at 10am, there was a line at the door to get in. And then I started to worry that people were actually going to come. Ha! Oh the emotional rollercoaster of it all was just so wild! Quite simply, I'm blown away at how many people came by and filled our space with joy and celebration, infusing our new endeavor with such goodness. Truly, I'm blown away and so excited now for what comes next. There are so many good things yet to come. I'll share with you our December schedule just as soon as we tighten it up. But for now, thank you to all of you locally who came by to say hi and wish us well, and thanks to all of you who were wishing us well from afar. 

Oh so many years ago, Steve and I were at a crossroads in our career paths, both working in the same industry and quite suddenly needing to change directions, before our children were even born. One of the things we dreamed about was a space - somewhere between a bookstore and a cafe, a community center and a classroom. A gathering place that served as a way for a community to connect and learn, share and gather. For many years that particular dream took place in the virtual world of this blog, and then a magazine. And well, now we have a place. And I can't wait to see what goodness comes from all the gathering that is to come from this little place. 

 

Nova Natural {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Nova Natural!  

Nova Natural is a small, family-run business based in the beautiful state of Vermont. Our goal is to be your source for toys, dolls, games, crafts and more to spark and encourage your child’s natural creativity and imagination. We carefully handpick every item that we sell, and it’s important to us that we try our very best to offer you fair trade products made with renewable resources. We hope you find beauty and wonder in our toys!

Families are transforming their indoor (and outdoor) play spaces with our Double Playstand Set. Add a child's active imagination, and a set of playstands can become almost anything—a general store, a spaceship, a cottage, a castle! We recently did a photo-shoot play session using Elsa’s Kitchen under the canopy, flanked by the stands and the kids were completely engrossed! The wind was blowing a bit, so the wooden clips that come with the set came in handy in keeping the rainbow canopy in place.

We’re delighted to have added a new Balance Board to our active play lineup. We’ve seen children use them in so many ways!  Beyond the obvious fun in trying to stand and rock, a balance board is often a quiet spot for reading, a bridge to a new world or over a swiftly rushing river, and a cradle for beloved dolls.

We recognize that when you share a gift among family members, children get to experience it with those they love and trust. Everyone who hears the sweet song of our Singing Marble Tree is mesmerized, making it a joyous addition to the family home. As you drop the marbles and they wind down the rainbow, it gives off a soft song.  Children have a chance to see adults meditate on the falling marble and delight in the pace and timing as a new song is created.

When you choose items for a whole family, whether your own or another, you are giving the opportunity to enrich and more firmly connect the family bonds. Our new diorama-style Nativity Set features colorful, durable figures that are not only beautiful display pieces, but children can engage and act out scenes with them as well.  

This year we’re pleased to make gift giving a little easier by offering unique German Gift Bags. Featuring the bustling atmosphere of a European Christmas market, these affordable bags are made from recycled materials and will help make your holiday a little more green.

This weekend, Nova Natural is generously offering the following gifts to TWO lucky SouleMama readers:

$75 eGift Cards

 

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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...

Love, love, love Nova Natural!! My first intro to Waldorf toys many moons ago. Their toys last forever!
Posted by: AHNUH HAYES

My little one has been asking for a doll house since July. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Meg

Bee's Wrap: Sustainable Food Storage {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Bee's Wrap: Sustainable Food Storage!  

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 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.

Bee's Wrap is on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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: It has been an busy, busy year for us here at our workshop in Bristol, VT.  After some big media attention earlier in the year, we have more than doubled our staff and expanded our space in order to meet an exciting increase in demand. In the midst of this rapid growth spurt (and a few small growing pains!), we also launched our newest product, the 3-Pack of Cheese Wraps, which has proved to be mighty popular among cheesemongers and cheese lovers alike. After all, cheese needs to breathe and, unlike plastic wrap which can cause your cheese to sweat and form bacteria, Bee's Wrap provides a natural, healthier environment, keeping your cheese fresh longer. Also, as we close out this unforgettable year, we are finalizing the details of a new Bee's Wrap print, which will be available in January. Stay tuned. :)

This weekend, Bee's Wrap: Sustainable Food Storage is generously offering the following gifts to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

NEW! 3-pack Cheese Wraps and 1 Bread Wrap 

Our washable and reusable Cheese Wraps (3 pack) and Bread Wrap make the perfect treat to yourself or a friend this holiday season. Fold these breathable, all natural wraps around a block of cheese and rest easy knowing you’ve chosen storage that loves your cheese as much as you do. The popular bread wrap is large enough to cover a casserole dish, and doubles as a handy baking mat for kneading dough. Simply use the warmth of your hands to soften the wax and mold the wrap around a piece of food or over a bowl; when cool, the wrap will hold its seal. Wash in cool water with a mild dish soap, and air dry. 

 

In addition, Bee's Wrap: Sustainable Food Storage is offering all SouleMama readers 15% off your total order with the code SOULETHANKS17. (Valid 12am 11/25 -11:59pm 11/29. Not to be combined with any other offer.)

 

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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...

I have been thinking of picking up a couple of wraps to try. This is the best!
Posted by: Tina Abbott

11.24.17 ~ grand opening tomorrow!

Final touches are being put on the new space today in preparation for our grand opening tomorrow! I hope to see you there! 

 

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 offer 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 2018 and can't wait to share them with you!

 

From now through Monday, November 27th 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

This season, as you prep for holiday gatherings galore with fresh baked loaves of bread, pies and casseroles that need covering, and leftover ingredients that need wrapping, be sure to keep Bee's Wrap on hand. Our washable, reusable, food storage wraps are ideal for naturally storing bread, cheese, fruits and veggies, or covering bowls. They also make a thoughtful and practical gift that lasts long beyond the holidays. 

And be sure to use the discount code SOULETHANKS17 11/25 through 11/29 to enjoy 15% off your total order. 

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Blue Platypus

We are so thankful for all our lovely customers! This season, our holiday bounty will include new tees, tops, and dresses, all MADE IN USA as well as some adorable tea towels, scarves and gift packs!

Code SPRINKLES will get you 30% off purchases of $75+ throughout the holidays!  

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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 THANKFUL20 starting Friday, November 24th, through Monday, November 27th.

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Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary

 

We wish you all the joys of the season and unlimited gratitude and happiness throughout the coming year. Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary is a handcrafted small-batch farm-fresh soap & skincare company founded on the philosophy that you should care as much about what you put on your body as you do about what you put in it. Our products are all natural and safe for the entire family.

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Fabula Nebulae 

Our family makes small batch, all-natural, handcrafted skincare set apart by its quality and simple, effective ingredients. Whether you'd like one of our gift bundles, or prefer to build your own gift box, you’ll find a little something for everyone in our shop! 

With the season of gratitude and gathering upon us, we’d like to share 15% off storewide with the code GATHER through 12/10. Hope you'll stop by!

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Grasshopper

Books, toys, and art to spark your child’s imagination.  

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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!

10% off all orders with the code “SouleMama” through November 24th.
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Lusa Organics

Hygge is a Danish word for coziness, comfort, and warmth. And it's at the heart of our holiday collection this season! Choose from Lavender & Pine or Clementine and Clove, and while you're there have a peek at our other products for mamas, babies and kids, and the rest of the family. 

Use coupon code "SOULECOZY" to receive a free surprise gift with any order, and claim free shipping on orders over $75 with coupon "SOULE75" - now through December 5. 

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Monaluna

Happy handmade holidays from Monaluna!

 

To help keep you in a crafting spirit we're giving away a free holiday e-book with every order from Friday 11/24 - Monday 11/27. The book includes patterns for our Reversible Raglan Pullover for kids, our Patchwork Infinity Scarf and our Chevron Quilt with a new twist, as well as 4 embroidery templates. You can also save 20% on our Canvas and Lawn fabrics using the code BLACKFRIDAY17!

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Morris & Essex

Morris & Essex makes beautifully designed, original goods, including our super-soft scarves, hand-printed in our Maine studio, and a thoughtful collection of high-quality paper and home goods featuring sweet, colorful designs. We are so grateful to our community of customers and supporters, and to SouleMama readers for supporting our small family business.

Please enjoy a special discount from Morris & Essex this weekend, 15% all purchases using code THANKS2017 at checkout. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you so much for being a part of our business. 

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Nest European Toys + Home

Nest is the online version of a neighbourhood toys and crafts shop, the kind you sometimes stumble across in Europe (especially Germany). Our focus is on quality, European-made, eco-friendly toys (no plastic), crafts, and homewares. We stock over 2500+ products from more than 100 suppliers.

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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.

This Friday through Monday (November 24th-27th) we're giving away an order a day! If you prefer to shop earlier, use the online code EarlySoule17 through 11:59pm EST on November 23rd 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. 

Please join the #OMoptoutside Black Friday celebration and enjoy our deep discount offer! We're offering 20% off everything in our bookstore Nov 24-27. 

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Moon & Moth Magic Co.

Brand new Potion Kits are here for the holidays! Fresh book styles, recipes, cards and ingredients for the magical child.

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Root & Star magazine

From the ROOTS below to the STARS above, we seek to connect with the ones we love. Try a single issue or subscribe to receive six issues a year, and discover a beautiful magazine that inspires peace and love with art, stories, poems, and activities. 

Through 2017, use coupon code SOULEMAMAROCKS to receive 10% off your order.

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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.

 

Through the month of November, we extend thanks to our Silk Oak Family & Friends with Free Shipping on all orders using the coupon code FREESHIP17.

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Texture Clothing

Happy Holidays from Texture Clothing! We have been making cozy clothes and accessories to make your winter warmer. Great for gifts, or for yourself, these locally made items are constructed from hemp & organic cotton.

Please enjoy 20% off your entire order with the code: CHOOSEPEACE. Expires on Nov 30, 2017 and there are no returns/exchanges for items bought on sale.

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Urban Baby Bonnets

Urban Baby Bonnets is wishing you a season of Gratitude and Giving!

And in that spirit, we're having a Black Friday Super Sale! Really! There are hundreds of hats priced up to 76% off regular retail. Better yet, we're offering free shipping for all US orders over $80! Since stuff sells out SOOOOO fast during the sale, we'll combine ALL your orders ALL weekend long and if they end up totaling $80 or more, we'll refund your shipping. Even if you place just 2 orders, we will refund all shipping overages. AWESOME!!! You can find the sale by going to our site and clicking on the first slide. :-) Have fun shopping! Think: GIVING SEASON!

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Whole Family Rhythms

Whole Family Rhythms wishes you and yours a warm and joyful holiday season together! Celebrate with the Whole Family Christmas Guide written to inspire meaningful, creative and authentic holiday traditions for years to come.

Enjoy this magical eGuide, Whole Family Christmas at 15% off  by using the coupon code: BLESSINGS through the month of November.

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Wild Feather Woodworks

Wild Feather Woodworks is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Ben and Melissa Bailey. We make wooden toys and home goods, furniture and cabinetry. The majority of our toys are made from scrap wood left over from other projects.

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Woolen Moss

Woolen Moss would like to wish you a happy season of gratitude! Enjoy this season's organic merino wool garments, currently in three different weights to suit your needs. And as always a lovely selection of organic cotton and bamboo garments as well.

And through the month of November enjoy a special thanks from us by using coupon code THANKSGIVING for 15% off your order.

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Woolymossroots

WoolyMossRoots offers artisan buttons, shawl pins, wooden jewelry, and more. Check out all the new earrings in the shop, our unique wooden earrings make such great gifts! (They come on sterling silver plated ear wires, other ear wires can be available upon request.)

Through the month of November, enjoy our biggest discount of the year with the code GIVINGTHANKS20 and receive 20% off all orders over $20 in the shop!

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11.20.17 ~ REST ~

Issue 24::REST has hit the newsstands and hopefully your mailboxes too! I love this issue for so many reasons - obviously the great content - art and craft and food and so many great stories. I love that I was able to rope my nieces into a little photoshoot, and I love the look on their faces when I showed them themselves in the pages (see them snuggled into the blanket above!). I love the little lavender tuck-in pillow that Kata Golda made for us (available in the pages as a pattern, and in the shop as a kit). I love this cover art, wrapping up our year of work with the wonderful Lisa Congdon. But perhaps most of all, I love that this issue made it out the door and finally into our hands. Each issue has something about it that stands out - a particularly challenging story, a photoshoot gone awry, or (the worst) an error that we missed. But this one? Oh gosh, this issue barely made it out the door! The week we were only deadline found our assistant editor out of town, and our copyeditor, marketing manager, and myself without power and often without cell reception. Our designer held down the fort, taking communication in any and all forms from us whenever we could manage. There was lugging of computers to places where internet worked, and all of that in between shoveling out flooded basements and candlelight. It was an epic feat, this one little issue, and I couldn't be more impressed by and proud of our team for pulling it off. (Please, please don't tell us if you find any typos in this one - have mercy on us!)

The irony of the theme word for this one is not lost on me. I remember choosing it well over a year ago and thinking that it was just what we should all be doing this time of year as we come in and hunker down, catching our breath from the busy seasons before. I thought too, that it isn't often the case for us this time of year - that we're so often rushing around and that this word and this theme and the content within might be a nice reminder for us all to pause and slow down. Little did I know, of course, that when this issue launched, I'd be deep in the middle of one of the biggest projects I've undertaken and getting very little rest! We open on Cove Street in Portland in just five days and there is so much still to do! All fun and good and very exciting. And I am doing my best to remember to rest in the little moments of time we can find. A good reminder.

This issue also wraps up year six of Taproot, which is just unbelievable to me. It has been a wild ride, this journey, and I'm so grateful for your support in making it happen and making it grow. Next year, we stretch our wings in a the physical world with this new space of ours, and in the magazine, we grow to six issues a year, starting in January. There is so much goodness yet to come! 

You can find REST (the magazine!) on our website now!

 

Morris & Essex handmade {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Morris & Essex handmade!  

Morris & Essex makes beautiful hand-printed goods, including soft, sustainable bamboo scarves, organic cotton tote bags, letterpress greeting cards, cotton tea towels, and t-shirts for babies, kids and adults. Everything is designed by artist and printmaker Eliza Jane Curtis, and hand-printed in Maine.

These colorful, original and practical goods make perfect, thoughtful gifts for loved ones. (Or for a special treat to yourself!)

Designs are inspired by a rich mix of sources including vintage ephemera, nature and fantasy, geometry, folk art and traditional patterns and textiles from around the world. Eliza says, "I choose to work with organic, natural and sustainable materials as much as possible. I love creating a world filled with pattern and color and fun, turning my designs into useful products that serve a need and make someone happy, and that last for years and years. I believe that the things we use everyday are important and valuable; rather than contributing to a culture of disposable goods, I aim to produce durable, meaningful, beautiful items that last beyond the first impression. I hope that the pleasure I take in designing and making is evident in the finished products."

I am also available for custom design projects, including gorgeous, personal wedding invitations.

Morris & Essex is on Instagram and Facebook.

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?

Eliza: I'm super excited about adding some brand-new products to my website: Natural Birch Wood Holiday Ornaments, beautiful Blank Journals with my pattern designs on the covers, and some fun new designs for my soft, Hand-Printed Bamboo Scarves. I've also been working on some gorgeous new enamel mugs which I'm hoping to have up in my shop very soon!

In the past year, my little family business has gone through lots of changes! Morris & Essex grew out of my farmhouse studio and we built a new studio space in Cornish, Maine, which I share with my wonderful studio-mate and fellow screen-printer, Sabrina of www.thinkgreene.net. We also welcomed a new baby to our family, Sadie Rosemary, who's 7 months old now. And this fall my partner Mike started a veterinary medicine program at UPenn, so for the next four years, our family will be splitting our time between Philadelphia and Maine. I'm finding lots of excitement and new inspiration in all these transitions, and trying to make sure to allow time for creative practice amidst all the busy days and big changes.

This weekend, Morris & Essex handmade is generously offering the following gifts to THREE lucky SouleMama readers:

Winner #1: two Natural Wood Holiday Ornaments, made in Maine with my original designs, laser-cut from birch wood.

 

Winner #2: a set of twelve assorted Letterpress Greeting Cards, printed in Maine on an antique press, with my nature-inspired designs.

Winner #3: a beautiful aqua-blue Birdwatching Scarf, made from super soft, eco-friendly bamboo fabric, and one Blank Journal with my original floral pattern on the cover.

 

In addition, Morris & Essex handmade is offering a special discount for all SouleMama readers this week, 15% off any purchase using code NOVEMBER17 at checkout, through Friday, November 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 winners are...

Gorgeous patterns: thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Erin

I <3 Thank you cards!
Posted by: Peach Ranch

How absolutely lovely!
Posted by: Spring

Root & Star {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Root & Star!

Root & Star magazine brings quality art and literature to children six times per year. We bridge the gap between quality children’s books and the ephemeral magazine form, showcasing contemporary artists, fresh poems, funny comics, and nature-based activities. We hope that when you reach the end of the magazine, you and the children you love will feel more peaceful, joyful, and connected to your ROOTS and to your STARS.

Root & Star began when my children were aged 2 and 4, when I realized that I knew enough artists and creative people that I could curate a thoughtful, intentionally made magazine to inspire children and their caregivers. Together with Christine, my co-editor, we dreamed of a magazine that celebrated and cultivated emotional intelligence and that preserved the sacred space of childhood.

Because adults often love children’s art and literature just as much as children do, we aim to make a magazine that speaks to the child and the ageless one in all of us by accessing a deep level of beauty, wisdom, and joy. In this way, while we like to say the magazine is for the child who is read to in a caregiver’s lap, we have many adults who get the magazine just for themselves!

Follow us 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?

Courtney: We approach each issue of the magazine as a work of art: we are always looking to see where we can play and change and grow and push ourselves. The very ephemeral form of the magazine allows us to experiment! We have most loved connecting to other artists and writers who embody the spirit of the magazine. As we grow, our mission becomes more clear: we believe that the more we encourage attunement with our emotional intelligence, the better we are as humans—of all ages. We believe in modeling and supporting each individual journey, and for us that translates into artful, authentic imagery and language.

We are a small business with no private funding, and our magazine is ad-free. We feel strongly that small, socially responsible businesses sustain a necessary authenticity and humanity. We therefore rely on subscribers in order to continue. We are SO grateful for the support of our readers because it allows us to continue to grow! Please consider giving Root & Star as a gift or subscribing for yourself. We ship your order out within the week!

This weekend, Root & Star is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

ONE free subscription to a lucky family! 

In addition, Root & Star is offering a special discount for all SouleMama readers this week, get 10% off with the discount code SOULEMAMAROCKS (because she does!). Code expires 12/20.

 

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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...

Such a magical publication. Thank you!
Posted by: Christa

11.17.17 ~ early holidays ~

Last month, we celebrated the holidays a little bit early! I had a lot of fun writing an article for DownEast Magazine, which just hit the newsstands this week. It was fun to be on the other side of the magazine work for a little while. The piece includes five projects and tutorials for making Maine themed gifts for holiday giving, as well as a little interview about my new book. Adelaide was all too happy to serve as my assistant on the projects, as well as the photo shoot, most especially because I think she really, really loves homemade marshmallows (she's got a sweet tooth, that one). She's turning into quite the photo stylist too, which is just so much fun when we work together on things like this.

I have all of these samples now made and ready for gifting, but oh so much more to do! Maybe it's time to get started in the elving for holiday season. Have you? 

11/13/17 ~ in progress ~

Last night I had a dream in which concrete sanders were circling overhead like a baby's mobile (dangerous, no?), and my children were running around on scooters (except they had multiplied into a dozen of children), and people were showing up for a party that I wasn't quite prepared for. I think it's safe to say we're deep in the renovation process! Ha! 

It's coming together though, and I'm thrilled. What a joy to have Lauren (of Swallowtail) as a partner in this, and just as much so, our husbands and children! Between the two of us there are - wait for it - twelve children, and each of them has played a role in making this happen. Though I think mine are quite tired for pizza for dinner, if that's even possible. Still, to have my family involved in these ventures means the world to me, and is the only way I can imagine doing anything at all.

We have an opening day set, and we WILL be ready for it! More details to come, including more info on some of the great makers who will share the space with us for the day, and all the delicious shrubs that Lauren has been concocting and the Taproot library I'm putting together, and oh so many details! Good stuff coming to Bayside! I can't wait to share it all....

Alewives Fabrics {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Alewives Fabrics!  

Alewives Fabrics is located in a big red barn in Midcoast Maine. We were established in 1975 and for the past 13 years have been owned and operated by the mother/daughter team of Barbara Neeson and Rhea Butler. Alewives carries an eclectic, contemporary mix of fabrics. We focus primarily on quilting weight cotton, but we also offer linen/cotton blends, lawn, voile, vinyl laminate, chambray, home decorator weight, rayon, jersey and more. Alewives is also a flagship store for Quince&Co yarn, and we have a special focus on English paper-piecing supplies.  

Alewives Fabrics is on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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?

Rhea: There haven't been many changes at all! We had a wonderful fall with a visit from one of our favorite fabric designers, Anna Maria Horner, and then just a few days ago we were hit (along with most of the state) by a severe windstorm that left us without power or internet for five days. Other than that, we are still the same old Alewives! New fabrics keep coming in all the time and we are gearing up for a busy holiday season here in our brick and mortar shop. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers (both near and far) who were so patient with us during the power outage. Your kindness and support during that time meant so much to us! 

This weekend, Alewives Fabrics is generously offering the following gifts to ONE lucky SouleMama reader:

A Winter Solstice panel by Julie Paschkis for In The Beginning Fabrics with a set of 15 coordinating, hand-selected fat quarters (a $60 value). The panel features two images: one of a stylized deer and the other a bundled up woman on a winter hike. The fat quarters are all in muted rainbow tones, and although these fabrics have a "wintery" vibe, they are not specific to any one holiday. There are lots of things you could do with these fabrics! You can of course make a quilt, but also a wall hanging, a tablerunner with mix and match napkins, a set of patchwork pillows, a tree skirt and wrapping bags... your imagination is the limit! 

 

In addition, Alewives Fabrics would also like to offer FREE domestic shipping ($10 off international shipping) on all orders placed between now and November 18th with the code "SOULEMAMA" entered into the promotional code field 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...

Beautiful fabric. So enjoyed a visit to Alewives a few years ago.
Posted by: Shirley

WoolyMossRoots {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from WoolyMossRoots!    

Hello! We're the Wilsons and WoolyMossRoots is our family business. We're based in Oregon and are so grateful to be able to work from home and make things for a living. Jeff is the woodworker and I (Taryn) run our online shop, taking pictures of all his beautiful wooden creations, and helping with various parts of the process. We sell what we make at festivals, a handful of shops, and online. In our online shop you can find artisan buttons, shawl pins, wooden jewelry, and cedar garden and homestead signs. You can stay up to date with shop updates, and enjoy other bits of seasonal inspiration, when you join us on the blog. 

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? 

Taryn: A big change for us is that fact that we just let go of the local market we had been doing for over ten years, since the very beginning of our business. We're grateful for the opportunity it gave us to start our own business and shape it over the years, for all we learned during that time, and for all the amazing people we met and connected with there. And now we're excited about what this change means for us! We will now be able to focus our energies on festivals, our wholesale accounts, and our online shop. (Be sure to look for us at Stitches West in Santa Clara in February if you're there!) 

We love working with designers and have been delighted to provide the buttons for some of Susan B. Anderson's new kits! (The Gigi Cardigan kit has already sold out, but you can enter your e-mail there to be informed when more are available, and WoolyMossRoots buttons will be available with the Roger Cardigan kit any day now!) All of the pictures here feature Annie's beautiful Meadowsweet Sleep Sack and Bonnet pattern with WoolyMossRoots buttons. (Thanks Annie for giving us your blessing to use these pictures here!) Our shop is full of buttons right now (and new jewelry!) and hopefully you'll find something that will work for your next project, but if you don't feel free to contact us about a custom order. Jeff makes lots of custom buttons for special projects and you can choose your wood preference, size, and more. If you want custom buttons in time for holiday gifts be sure to give us your order soon! 

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

For today's giveaway we've teamed up with Annie to give one lucky winner the Meadowsweet Sleep Sack and Bonnet pattern, custom made buttons by Jeff to go along with the pattern (in your choice of wood), and also a $50 gift certificate to spend in the WoolyMossRoots shop! 

In addition, WoolyMossRoots would like to invite SouleMama to use the coupon code: SOULEMAMA15 at checkout and get 15% off all orders over $20. Good through November 18th. 

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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...

Beautiful pattern and buttons- Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Jenn

11.10.17 ~ a cold front ~

Farm chores this morning were a chilly affair of cold hands and frozen buckets! It really is time to dig out the gloves (I couldn't find my work gloves!), and the layers, and find our winter groove of a morning rhythm. Each year, it seems, that rhythm changes just a little bit as our lives change. This year finds me out there with Harper as my sidekick. Papa leaves for work so early in the morning now, and the boys have left for school before it's time for chores (and before the sun has risen), and somehow my little farm girl has turned into a tween that really, really needs her morning sleep for all that growing. So she helps out with midday chores instead. And I, this year, am figuring out what I need to make it an enjoyable experience because honestly I do love that quiet early morning with the animals. It's just all about the right shoes, gloves and organizational system. Ha! But oh, it's true.

We had our first hard killing frost two nights ago. For a few nights in a row, I've dreamt about walking into the garden and finding hollyhocks, and cosmos, and even gladiolas still blooming while snow fell all around. But this morning I walked into the garden to find that even the hardy marigolds have sung their last song. It's all okay, it's time. And it was a glorious summer. But now it's time to tuck in....

11.9.17 ~ and another Fen! ~

We're going to roll with these photos, okay? Because my photographer is eight years old, bless his heart, and really just wanted to keep skateboarding and running around and chasing his sisters. Understandably, that's what one does while hanging out in Mama's new space waiting for her yet again. A garage bay full of concrete helps make it more fun of course, in addition to all the pizza we've been ordering on days when we're working down there together. 

Somehow - and honestly I'm not really sure when or how it happened - I made another Fen Dress this week! To be fair, it really is such a quick and simple pattern - perfect for post dinner, pre-bed hours and finishing in one evening. The fabric is Heather Ross in lawn and I love it so. And the dress is just so comfy, it's going to be a dangerous slope to not create an entire wardrobe of fens! Though, would that be such a bad thing?

 

11.7.17 ~ new corners

How about some true blue "before" photos today?? 

It's been such a flurry these past two weeks, and sending an issue off to the printer and losing power for five days wasn't the entirety of it! I'm incredibly excited to tell you about a new space I've been working on, in Portland, for Taproot! We've partnered with our friends at Swallowtail Farm, who run Milk and Honey Cafe in the Bayside neighborhood (84 Cove Street!) of Portland, and will be sharing their space with them! The cafe will remain (where you can also purchase their delicious yogurts and award winning cheeses), our offices will move in, and there will be plenty of space for collaborations and events! After a good bit of travel this year, I am so pleased to settle down some roots into this community of Maine that I love so much. And for our magazine - very much about community and place - to finally have one of our own, where folks can swing by to visit us, pick up the magazine, and other goodies (we'll have a small retail space as well). It's been a long time coming, this little dream, and I can't be more pleased with the way it's all unfolding. 

I have a lot more to tell you about this space, including details about our opening day and launch party coming up oh so soon! I'll do that just as soon as those details are secure....but for now, I've got to dash out the door to meet the electrician! 

 

 

Nest European Toys + Home {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Nest European Toys + Home!    

Nest is the online version of a neighbourhood toys and crafts shop, the kind you sometimes stumble across in Europe (especially Germany). Our focus is on quality, European-made, eco-friendly toys (no plastic), crafts, and homewares. We stock over 2500+ products from more than 100 suppliers.

Find us on Facebook.
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? 

JP: No big changes with the business, but we are definitely busier these days. We have some new suppliers like Dávid Pálhegyi of Hungary who creates beautiful, whimsical, fairytale-like wooden set pieces. Also Disana Germany who make great woollen outerwear for kids. And to any Moomin fans out there (our kids are really into the Moomin stories at the moment) I'd like to mention another of our wonderful suppliers - Ekelund of Sweden who make lovely Moomin textiles - blankets and tea towels. 

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

$50 gift certificate with Nest.ca

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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...

Absolutely lovely! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Patti

Toys are gorgeous could use as Christmas decorations too!! Thanks for the chance 
Posted by: Tabitha

Would love this!
Posted by: Stacey

Texture Clothing {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Texture Clothing!    

Love: At Texture Clothing, 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.”

Constructive Consumption: We believe in making thoughtful purchases. We don’t want to sell you something you don’t need, that won’t hold value in your life or breathe life into your wardrobe. We don’t want to contribute to the ‘fast-fashion’ consumption culture. Sometimes we want to buy something to mark a time, experience, or relationship we want to remember. Other times we use “retail therapy” to distract us from the things we don’t want to remember. Perhaps we don’t really have the money, but we put it on credit anyway. We want to encourage you to live in a deliberate way: ask yourself if this item will bring you joy. Ask yourself if you have an actual need for the item and if you can see yourself using it. Texture Clothing is about positivity, not pressuring you into anything. We produce long lasting high quality clothing that wants to be wanted! If you purchase something from us, prepare to have that item in your life for a long while!

Positive Body Image: We believe in celebrating our bodies by treating them with respect. Are any of us perfect at this? No. Do we all have bad days along with the good? Of course. Let’s keep moving forward with loving our bodies anyways! We have so many customers who enter our space and talk about the attributes they don’t like about their bodies. We had no idea that there were women who don’t like their knees, or their shoulders! It’s really made us pay attention to how we talk about our own bodies. After hearing so many gorgeous women put down their bodies, we have different feelings about the parts of our bodies that we used to fixate on. But we are all uniquely imperfect, so let’s come together in support to celebrate that fact!

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy(We put our sale items on our Etsy page!).

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: Since we were last featured, we have made our comfy, cozy Fall Collection! Made with the same yummy hemp & organic cotton fabrics, you can find it here.

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

A pair of Knit Mitts! The winner can choose the color combo they would like!

Knit Mitts are the knockout knuckle-warming classic that keep customers coming back again and again. Our fingerless mittens are the perfect transition piece for those long months that aren’t quite cold enough for you to surrender your mobility to the full suffocating restriction of gloves. Because Knit Mitts are made from upcycled scraps of the super soft extra stretchy sustainable fabrics you already love, we’re always rolling out new color combinations.

In addition, Texture Clothing would like to offer SouleMama readers the coupon code: CHOOSELOVE for 20% off your entire purchase. Expires: Sunday November 12, 2017.

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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...

I love these! They look soft and beautiful.
Posted by: Marie U.

Awesome - fingers crossed;)
Posted by: Kellie 

11.3.17 ~ light! ~

Hooray for electricity! We are happy to have power here once again. And now for all that laundry and those dishes...

Have a wonderful weekend, all! 

 

Welcome, November!

 

Hello November!

I'm so pleased to welcome back the following Sponsor!

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LüSa Organics

LüSa Organics is an artisan body care company specializing in slow, herbal handmade goods. We delight in bringing herbal balms, soaps, baby care, and children's products into the world, and also offer a gentle, effective line of products for expectant, postpartum, and nursing moms. Owner Rachel Wolf (that's me!) delights in teaching others how to make their own herbal remedies both through her writing and in-person at her seasonal herbal retreats. Rachel and her husband Pete homeschool their two kids, Lupine and Sage, on a scruffy homestead in southwestern Wisconsin. You can follow along with their family's messy, authentic life on Rachel's blog, Clean.

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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 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. 

10.31.17 ~ on Halloween

Halloween happened! By some small miracle, I decided to get to work on the sewing on Sunday, rather than our usual day of preparations. How lucky for us, given that we lost power Sunday night and would have been quite without our petticoats and skirts and all those other good things required for halloween fun. Halloween was "postponed" in so many towns here, given the not so safe nature of things out there still, and lack of power everywhere. But somehow my parents are tucked into a neighborhood with relatively little damage and only a flickering of power during the storm. Grammie and Grampie to the rescue! We finished our hot glue gun activity there, and wandered around their neighborhood with all the cousins. A total treat, really, for my little Snow Princess, Day of the Dead Girl, and Zombie Doctor. They've been plotting their costumes for a while now, based entirely on the makeup that they've dreamed up with our friend Rachael, who did it all for them. So much fun. (And the boys? They dressed up during the weekend for various gatherings but were thinly disguised as "teenage boys" last night. Ahem.)

There's still no electricity at the house, and we don't expect it until Saturday at the earliest. Oh my! The basement is flooded (we're working on it), but the great news is that thanks to my father standing in line at a ridiculous hour of the day (three cheers for grandparents, once again!), we have a generator. In the nick of time, three freezers full of meat and garden goodness has been saved. We learned our lesson this time and will certainly never be without a backup plan again. Honestly, we've been so fortunate with this storm - driving around now that we can get out, I can't believe some of the damage. It was a wild one, indeed. I hope any of you that are close by are safe and well! 

And so we wait. And enjoy the quiet and the dark, for there is a lot of magic to be found in both of those things. 

10.30.17 ~ before the storm

Would you look at all that help? I'm rich in helpers, that's for sure. Kids, goats, cats. And with all those helping hands, it's a blink of an eye before a hundred spring bulbs are tucked in and planted! Since we put the yurt up, I've had a vision of the pathway to it being lined with spring flowers, and I'm so glad I got a start on that. I'll be excited to see it come springtime. 

We did all of that before the big storm hit. Oh what a wild night it was last night! So much more than we expected. Thankfully, the trusty but so very old maples in front of the house stood steady and strong, though we did lose a lot of smaller branches and smaller trees in the woods and pasture where it matters a bit less. And the power is out, and likely not to be restored in our neck of the woods for a few days at the least, which is a bit of a hassle especially considering the three freezers worth of food that I'm starting to panic about (oh, why didn't I buy a generator last week when they were still on the shelves?). I'm writing to you now because I managed to weave around a few trees to make it into the Portland Taproot office today, since we're on deadline for the next issue (though, I think that's getting pushed back just a bit, because....life!).

Ah! Wild storms and wild days, yes. But soon, I'll be tucked back into home with the kiddos, the house lit by a warm fire and candlelight, and there will be a great deal of knitting. And really, that's a lovely thought and a moment I look forward to.

Friends, I wish you a beautiful start to your week as we greet November! Electricity willing, I hope to be back here again soon! 

 

Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary!    

It all began with a dream.....A dream of living in an old farmhouse, growing & raising much of what we ate, and making things from scratch. Learning to can and preserve our homegrown harvest and chasing around after a flock of chickens with attitudes was what we longed for. Homemade bread, warm winter fires, a garden full of goodies, goats, chickens, bees.....all in the dream. By 2013, what had started as a personal venture had grown into a thriving small business, as family and friends responded enthusiastically to the farm-fresh natural soap & skincare. Motivated by the consistently positive feedback, we began selling our products online as well as at local craft shows and farmers markets. 

We took the leap to go after our BIG dream on a new path --- making a living doing what we love most. We are a small-batch, farm-fresh soap & skincare company handcrafting our artisanal products at the foothills of the Adirondacks in Upstate NY. Our farm is the headquarters for the entire Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary operation where we research, formulate and create all of our products.  We are truly blessed to be able to make a living doing what we love while jumping into a sustainable farm life.

Although our Company continues to expand rapidly, our original values remain at the forefront: high-quality natural products full of farm-fresh ingredients, created by our very own hands, and are safe for the entire family to use. We are a Veteran -Owned company whose products are proudly American Made. 

You can find us on Facebook 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? 

Staci: We are SO excited about our new manufacturing space!!! We've discussed, for about a year, the possibility of turning one of the outbuildings on our property into the company's headquarters/manufacturing facility and our dream is finally becoming a reality! We've begun the renovation and anticipate the completion to be June of 2018. It will house our manufacturing, back stock, curing, and shipping portions of our business. We'll be able to purchase larger equipment which means we'll be able to make our products in much larger quantities. And this also means less "out-of-stocks" which we are incredibly happy about.  

This weekend, Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary is generously offering the following gift to TWO lucky SouleMama readers:

A $50.00 spending spree!

In addition, Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary would like to offer SouleMama readers a 10% discount on all orders received through 11/03/17. To receive the offer, please enter "SouleMama10" 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 Creative Family Manfesto ~ with thanks ~

(Top photo by the lovely Kirsten Rickert, who so graciously wrote the foreword to The Creative Family Manifesto.)

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“Amanda Soule has been a beacon of light for so many of us creative, full-hearted women. Through her blog and her books she inspires, teaches, and shows us how to bring creativity into the every day. The Creative Family Manifesto is gift to us all.”—Carrie-Anne Moss, actress and founder of Annapurna Living

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“The work of Amanda Soule has weaved its way into so many of our homes, and what was a pioneering proclamation ten years ago, The Creative Family Manifesto has circled back once again to restore its rightful place on our nightstands, motivating us to live more fully.—Ashley Yousling, creator of Woolful

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“Amanda’s original book, The Creative Family, was my blueprint as a young mom. It helped shape my approach to parenting and our value system as a family. Her simple projects and activities became part of our daily lives and helped us start our own traditions. My kids are entering their teenage years now, but their unplugged, imaginative childhoods set the foundation for the thoughtful, creative people they've become. In this new version, The Creative Family Manifesto, Amanda gets to the heart of how to cultivate creativity and togetherness. If I had to choose one book to gift new mothers, this would it. I am so excited to watch as the next generation is shaped by the wisdom in these pages.”—Erin Benzakein, author of Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden

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“When The Creative Family was published ten years ago, I was a mom of two young children. At that time, Amanda’s lovely words inspired a new level of appreciation and discovery that helped guide me through those simple (at times monotonous) days I spent with my little family. The simple prompts reminded me to stay present and curious. My original, dog-eared, bookmarked copy, along with this newly released version, will be passed on to my son and daughter as they begin their own families.”—Blair Stocker, author of Wise Craft Quilts 

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“In the face of technological advances and endless child-raising possibilities, it’s easy to lose site of what matters most. The Creative Family Manifesto brings us back to the basics with a grounded reminder that creativity starts with family connection, play, rituals, and a focus on the handmade. When I was a new parent, this was the book that set me on my creative parenting journey. If you’re looking for direction on how to gracefully weave creativity into your family life, look no further than Amanda Blake Soule as your trusted guide.”—Rachelle Doorley, author of Tinkerlab

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I wanted to pause today in gratitude to all of the wonderful women above who so generously shared their time and their words with me as part of the launch of my new book, The Creative Family Manifesto. Knowing each one of them as I do, I know how full and busy their days are. And being asked to give blurbs to books often myself, I know how much time this seemingly little thing can actually take to do thoughtfully. That's why it means so much that they each were willing and able to do this! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am honored and humbled by your words.

It's been a delight to revisit the original Creative Family book. As I've been out at events recently, people have stopped by with their original copy and each time I hold one, it brings back a flood of memories of that time in my life. And my babies on the front cover! My babies who are no longer babies. But oh, those early days of our family discovering our creatives selves together were simply magical and precious and absolutely still with us today. 

A lot of you have asked about how similar this new Manifesto book is to the first edition. To be clear, The Creative Family Manifesto is a revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of The Creative Family. Some of the projects have been removed and all the photography in order to make it a more compact and readable version. I wrote a new introduction, putting the book into a ten year perspective, and I wrote a "manifesto." Kirsten Rickert wrote a beautiful foreword as well, and there are lovey new illustrations by Julianna Swaney. If you already have The Creative Family and enjoyed it, I think this new version might make a lovely gift for a new family! 

And if The Creative Family (Manifesto) has been one that you enjoy, or might have made an impact in your life, I have a small (but big) favor to ask you. Whether you are an Amazon shopper or prefer your local independent bookstore (yay!), the power of Amazon- and particularly their review system - is a huge factor in the success of a book, as their algorithm greatly favors books with over 50 reviews. I truly want you to feel no pressure to do so, but if you feel so moved to leave a review sharing what The Creative Family has meant to you, I would be incredibly grateful. (And if you've already done so, thank you! And if you'd rather not, no worries and thank you anyway!). 

Thank you, friends! I appreciate your presence here and your ongoing support. I wish you a beautiful weekend with those you love! 

 

10.25.17 ~ "Bored" Basket Making ~

Harper uttered the dreaded "B" word the other day. My kids all know that saying they're 'bored' is pretty much one of the worst things they can say to me. It's a curse word around here, of the worst kind. They could utter an actual curse word and get far less of a reaction than if they claim boredom. I mean.....bored? There's just no such thing. Life is too short, our days are too numbered, the world is too beautiful, and the possibilities too endless for such a thing as claiming boredom. Being "stuck" creatively? I get that. I can help with that. Boredom? Nope. Go read a book, or write a story, or climb a tree, or paint a picture, or run in the woods, or hug a sheep or oh my goodness shall I go on? (This is the point at which the kids roll their eyes and say, "I know, Mom...." and ultimately go climb that tree and forget that they were ever 'bored' to begin with.) 

But like I said, I get being 'stuck.' That's an entirely different thing, and it's something that I think makes a whole lot of sense in the transition between seasons, when our play and work moves from outside to in and we reacquaint ourselves with what is familiar and good and desirable inside. And for little ones, they're an entirely different person than they were six months ago! Passions and interests change and sometimes it's hard to find our groove once again.

And so after Harper's declaration, we took a stroll into the library together, and dug deep, deep, deep into the craft cabinet as I scanned the shelves for what might be just right for him. There, I found the Pine Needle Basket Kit (can be found here and here), which I am fairly certain I bought for Calvin when he was no more than six. (At which point I said a small prayer of gratitude that I have never - and will never - apply the Marie Kondo method of cleaning to our craft supplies! For that is an entire ten years of that kit just sitting around waiting for this perfect moment!) Something told me that his love of nature and fine details might make this just the right project for him, and, thank heavens, I couldn't have been more right about that. He took to it so quickly, and has been plugging away at his little basket ever since (except for the moments when I kind of steal it because it's SO much fun to do), all while plotting the next one he wants to make though he's contemplating how he can do it with Maine pine needles. Ah, boredom cured. Hallelujah!

 

10.25.17 ~ the Strata Top ~

I got a little bit of sewing in yesterday. Really, a very little bit, but just enough to stitch up the Strata Top I had cut fabric for earlier in the week. The Strata Top is the pattern featured in the Special Edition of Taproot, Make Volume 1, and is written by Meg McElwee of Sew Liberated. I love the simplicity of this top, and the shape of it so much. It was a breeze to put together, and just as soon as I finished it, I tossed it over the very dress I was wearing at the time (a few years old from Conscious Clothing) and I never want to take it off now. (The fabric is Clover by Cotton + Steel.)

I've been feeling a strong pull towards the sewing machine of late, probably due to the weather and that feeling of coming inside that's started to creep into our bones. To that note, I brought all of our sewing machines (mine regular one and I have two for the kids) in to the shop to be serviced and cleaned, anticipating sewing weather coming upon us! And with those back home, I've been finding little pockets of time for stitching here and there. I don't think I ever showed you my Fen Dress, did I? I'll have to do then when I make another, which I'm hopeful is going to happen soon. But then, there are a pile of halloween requests with that looming deadline! Ah! Maybe it will be a weekend of sewing ahead. I'd love that.  

10.23.17

We've been running on empty just a little bit of late, feeling a bit frantic from travel and fall activity and oh so much on our plates. And on one day last week, feeling heavy with the weight of all of that, Steve and I started the day by deciding to call it all off. Push the pause button on our days, for just one day. Instead of the planned day of running here there and everywhere and in different directions, we loaded the kids (the ones not in school, anyway) into the car and hit the road to find beautiful and quiet adventure together. Gosh, it feels like ages since we did that so spontaneously as that, and it was so needed and so lovely. Maine has really been showing off of late, with this glorious fall weather and the foliage still plenty beautiful. We meandered our way to a little spot we like on the lake, where my children proceeded to swim (because why not, October?) and play and run and somehow Steve and I managed uninterrupted conversation even! And then we found our way to a favorite Maine spot for lunch, Nezinscot Farm where we not only ate farm fresh yumminess, but wandered the yarn and fiber shop as well. It's one of my favorite place to wander and I keep saying I'm going to take a class there one of these days. If you're ever near there (it's in Turner), I highly recommend a stop in for fiber and food treats alike!

Three cheers for ditching the plan! Sometimes it's just what we need, isn't it?

 

Monaluna {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Monaluna! 

Monaluna is an independent organic fabric company specializing in modern, house-designed prints for quilting, apparel and the home. We love to inspire your creative projects! We have now expanded into a creative retail store carrying a curated variety of sustainable and handmade gifts, housewares, jewelry and craft supplies.

Monaluna is on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

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? 

The last few months has been a busy time for us! We are introducing several new collections, and have expanded our shop offerings to include many new sustainable products, such as craft kits, sashiko supplies, new handmade jewelry and organic baby items. Our most recent fabric collection, Haiku 2 comes on both poplin and cotton lawn, and features delicate, watercolor florals and pops of metallic gold stamping. Next month, we will be adding luxurious new organic cotton knits in our Simple Life prints, and in early January we will be introducing our Journey collection, a moody range of Southwestern-inspired prints painted in indigo ink. 

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

A fat quarter bundle of our Haiku 2 collection, 10 prints of organic cotton poplin, and 4 of our organic cotton lawns. 

In addition, Monaluna is also offering 10% off to Soulemama readers through the end of October using the code OCTOBERSOULE.

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

Lovely
Posted by: Amy Wallace

Chasing Windmills {a soulemama sponsor}

Greetings from Chasing Windmills!    

We are makers of merino wool children’s apparel. We launched Chasing Windmills in June 2015 with 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, basics for everyday play, as well as nursery essentials. 

Chasing Windmills is on Instagram and Facebook.

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?

Sarah: What started out as an idea in between double midnight feedings, neighborhood strolls, and soul searching, now exists as Chasing Windmills -- our vision for a beautifully simple and timeless collection of merino wool items for babies, toddlers, and children.  After spending almost a decade in the corporate world, we both received a wake-up call with the birth of our twins. As we thought about what we needed in our lives to be happy, what inspires our hearts, minds, and souls, we were ultimately led to this vision for Chasing Windmills: We wanted to share our respect and appreciation of what Mother Nature provides with our children. One way that we do this is by the clothes we wear and the goods we consume. We love the adventurous spirit that embodies merino, and as a natural fiber, clothing our children in merino is consistent with many of the values we have in regards to caring for the world around us. 

Our children also love the outdoors, and at school they play outside every day throughout the winter too. So, practically, we sought to make clothing that would be comfortable yet technical, beautiful yet simple, and just as ready for a good snuggle as play in the outdoors. Although our business started with just nursery essentials, we've slowly grown with our children, introducing long johns most recently to our collection. 

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 10% off sitewide with the code Soulemama10 through Monday, October 23rd.

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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...

Oh how perfect for the changing seasons!
Posted by: Mary Moury

10.18.17

I can't believe the date when I write this, but we really just had our first hard frost this week. It is so very late for us, I can't remember it ever even going into October, let alone this far! The result was that during this busy month of activity and travel, I got a bit of a grace period at the end for getting the garden in. Monday was a scramble of pulling up and out and in as much as we could manage before the frost really hit.

Though there is still so much more to be done, the first real frost like that surely puts the brakes on the whole endeavor and slows it down at least. I still have garlic to get in and the beds could use some cleaning up and putting to bed, and of course the frost hardy goods are still out there for the taking! 

Beets, which seem to always do so well for me, were great this year. And carrots too, though that's not as common (I have such germination trouble with them). This year, I'm trying to store them in cardboard boxes in layers of damp sawdust, and then storing those into the coolest part of our basement. I'm hopeful that this method will find me enjoying those root veggies longer than usual. Someday, a proper root cellar will happen, but for now, improvisation is working! 

Has frost hit your neck of the woods? Is your garden season wrapping up too? I'm always reluctant to say goodbye to it at the end of the season (May planting seems so far off!), but it's a hopeful thing too. Oh, that reminds me! Time to order some more daffodils. 

 

 

 

Introducing Make, Volume 1

Have you heard the news about Make, Volume 1 from Taproot? It's a project that's been under wraps for most of this year and I'm so happy it's finally heading out into the world! For a long time we've been struggling with the back issues that are sold out. So many people ask for them, and we love the great content inside the pages of them too! Reprinting each of those issues is not only cost prohibitive, but also feels a bit like going back in time, when we're excited about where we're at now. You know? So we came up with the idea of this special edition, MAKE, collecting some of our favorite "hands" projects from the first five years of Taproot! With fresh eyes (literally! the designer never even peeked at those past issues until after this one was complete!), we re-examined some really fun projects. And of course, there's some new stuff in there too - particularly a pull out pattern by Meg McElwee for a top (that's currently cut out on my sewing table waiting for me to stitch it all together!). 

This special edition is nearly double in size from a regular issue, and of course, still free of advertising. It is not included in a regular subscription, but it is available now on the website for pre-sale, with free US shipping (and $5 international shipping) for just one more day! I think it makes a great addition to a Taproot collection, or a gift for the makers, doers and dreamers in your life! 

Magazine publishing is a tricky business, and then toss in the added challenge of being ad-free. And in print! Sometimes when I tell someone new that that's what we do, they think we're crazy (we might be). But I continue to be so amazed by and grateful for the support of the people who believe in this project. We DO all need a break from the screens in or lives - to read something offline and in our hands, and to be inspired to then use those hands in our days. Thank you for believing that too! And enjoy MAKE!