Dear Reader,
With only a few more days until Christmas, I hope that your final preparations for the holiday are coming together well and that you are enjoying these last days of anticipating the celebration. My son and I made a batch of Christmas cookies that we completed at about 7:30 in the evening, and then we both sampled one. Not a wise move on my part to give my dear four year old a cookie so close to bedtime, but he thoroughly enjoyed it!
My husband, son, and I are certainly looking forward to Christmas. We will be celebrating with my family on Christmas Eve and with my husband's family on Christmas Day. We love that our small families and proximity to one another allow us to see everyone on holidays! And after Christmas the anticipation continues. We are looking towards the arrival of our second baby before the end of 2011! We can't wait!
As you would imagine, I am hoping to savor this next period of time as fully as possible. I will be writing here as time allows. The shop will reopen sometime in the New Year. And in the meantime, I hope and pray for healthy, happy moments with my growing family.
Merry Christmas! Best to each of you as you begin 2012. And thank you for reading.
Showing posts with label about me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label about me. Show all posts
Craft Show Recap
Dear Reader,
I hope that your Monday has started well! After a number of posts and references to the craft show, I thought a quick recap would be in order. Here are a few highlights from the day:
- Meeting some very kind people who expressed interest in the blocks
- Seeing some wonderful family and friends who stopped by or sent a "thinking of you" text (including a visit from Jill who stopped by with her less than week old precious newborn - impressive, right?!)
- Spending time with my mom, mother-in-law, and dear friend Kara who all helped with the booth - many thanks to each of them!
- Talking with the two fabulous women with booths close to mine, both very talented women who seem to juggle their businesses and family life very well
Thanks for reading!
Fall Features
Dear Reader,
I hope you had a lovely weekend! My husband, son and I spent plenty of moments together as a family this weekend, which is the ultimate highlight for me, especially during my favorite season - autumn! Here are a few fall favorites of mine these days...
Leaves. I love taking drives and being surprised by the new colors that emerge with each turn. (I will admit though that we have a limited number of leaves in our yard, and so the raking aspect of things isn't present for me!)
Wreath. I prepared a new wreath for the front door this weekend. Strips of burlap and berries and linen ribbon. Couldn't be easier but a nice hint of the season to hopefully welcome people.
Pumpkin. We will head on a pumpkin patch field trip with my son's preschool class next week, and I can't wait for the real deal on our front steps. In the meantime this dollar bin special has been used for carrying many of my son's "treasures" around the house in the last week.
Cider. I love it hot or cold. For my husband, cider may be the best part of the season. He whips up a special version of hot cider (sometimes with mulling spices) + caramel + whipped cream + sprinkle of cinnamon + cinnamon stick = perfection.
Do you have a favorite aspect of autumn? I'd love to hear about it! I hope you have a lovely fall day! I'm linking up with Life Made Lovely Monday to enjoy some of the ways others are embracing life right now!
I hope you had a lovely weekend! My husband, son and I spent plenty of moments together as a family this weekend, which is the ultimate highlight for me, especially during my favorite season - autumn! Here are a few fall favorites of mine these days...
Leaves. I love taking drives and being surprised by the new colors that emerge with each turn. (I will admit though that we have a limited number of leaves in our yard, and so the raking aspect of things isn't present for me!)
Wreath. I prepared a new wreath for the front door this weekend. Strips of burlap and berries and linen ribbon. Couldn't be easier but a nice hint of the season to hopefully welcome people.
Pumpkin. We will head on a pumpkin patch field trip with my son's preschool class next week, and I can't wait for the real deal on our front steps. In the meantime this dollar bin special has been used for carrying many of my son's "treasures" around the house in the last week.
Cider. I love it hot or cold. For my husband, cider may be the best part of the season. He whips up a special version of hot cider (sometimes with mulling spices) + caramel + whipped cream + sprinkle of cinnamon + cinnamon stick = perfection.
Do you have a favorite aspect of autumn? I'd love to hear about it! I hope you have a lovely fall day! I'm linking up with Life Made Lovely Monday to enjoy some of the ways others are embracing life right now!
Thirty
Dear Reader,
Today is the start of a new decade in my life. The celebration started last week with a getaway with my husband, son, and parents. Last night I had a lovely birthday party with my husband's side of the family. And so today - my actual birthday - feels like the icing on the cake!
Many thanks to all the friends who have sent an e-mail or a Facebook post my way with well wishes. A special thanks to my friend Jill for the wonderful post that I woke up to read this morning! And, Mom, thanks for sending the flashing, musical greeting card; my little boy is in love with it. I will have heard a rendition of "You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet" many, many times by the end of today!
Off to have a fun day!
Sincerely,
Abi
Today is the start of a new decade in my life. The celebration started last week with a getaway with my husband, son, and parents. Last night I had a lovely birthday party with my husband's side of the family. And so today - my actual birthday - feels like the icing on the cake!
Many thanks to all the friends who have sent an e-mail or a Facebook post my way with well wishes. A special thanks to my friend Jill for the wonderful post that I woke up to read this morning! And, Mom, thanks for sending the flashing, musical greeting card; my little boy is in love with it. I will have heard a rendition of "You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet" many, many times by the end of today!
Off to have a fun day!
Sincerely,
Abi
Weekend Wrap Up
"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month."
Dear Reader,
Indeed, I think spring showed up this weekend. I was able to take my son out for a number of bike rides around the neighborhood, and we relished the great feeling of wearing short sleeves and no coats after a long wait for that occasion!
This weekend held a nice balance of work and play for our family. We soaked in the nice weather, and yet also accomplished a few key items.
My husband tiled above the shower in a bathroom this weekend. A nice improvement to the space. (My husband does a great job of tackling just about any project, which is amazing to me.)
I delivered a set of 4" photo blocks which I had prepared for a wonderful friend of mine. Here is a photo of the start of the process (tutorial sometime soon to follow.) You can see the end result on her blog, and I'm so glad they turned out nicely!
And the bike blocks for my not-so-little boy reached completion. My son is very happy with them, but his first comment to me in receiving them was, "Now you can start a set of owls." I may not be getting many blocks to the shop as my boy may keep his mom busy with sets for a while!
Hope the week is starting well for you!
Sincerely,
Abi
-Henry Van Dyke
Dear Reader,
Indeed, I think spring showed up this weekend. I was able to take my son out for a number of bike rides around the neighborhood, and we relished the great feeling of wearing short sleeves and no coats after a long wait for that occasion!
This weekend held a nice balance of work and play for our family. We soaked in the nice weather, and yet also accomplished a few key items.
My husband tiled above the shower in a bathroom this weekend. A nice improvement to the space. (My husband does a great job of tackling just about any project, which is amazing to me.)
I delivered a set of 4" photo blocks which I had prepared for a wonderful friend of mine. Here is a photo of the start of the process (tutorial sometime soon to follow.) You can see the end result on her blog, and I'm so glad they turned out nicely!
And the bike blocks for my not-so-little boy reached completion. My son is very happy with them, but his first comment to me in receiving them was, "Now you can start a set of owls." I may not be getting many blocks to the shop as my boy may keep his mom busy with sets for a while!
Hope the week is starting well for you!
Sincerely,
Abi
Shop Updates and Picking out a Pattern
Dear Reader,
As you may have noticed by now, I added two new sets of blocks to the shop this past weekend. The number and bike patterned blocks and the red flower patterned blocks both make me anxious for warmer temps to enjoy life outside soon!
I am finishing up a custom set of blocks, which has been a fun project, and I'm working on a set of blocks for my dear three and a half year old. He received my very first version of blocks prepared, and let's just say that my skills at block-making have improved in the past few years! My issue with getting a set ready for him is that my son keeps changing his mind on a pattern. Bikes. Rockets. Bikes with rockets on them. Owls. Dinosaurs. Race cars. I'm not sure when I'll have the final answer from him.
He loves the blocks that I make and always wants to "fix" them when I'm taking photos to try to match all of the patterns. He's also my second shooter for taking pictures of the sets, which makes it fun for both of us. Between my husband's work on cutting the blocks and my son's photography and matching skills, this is clearly becoming a family affair!
Sincerely,
Abi
As you may have noticed by now, I added two new sets of blocks to the shop this past weekend. The number and bike patterned blocks and the red flower patterned blocks both make me anxious for warmer temps to enjoy life outside soon!
I am finishing up a custom set of blocks, which has been a fun project, and I'm working on a set of blocks for my dear three and a half year old. He received my very first version of blocks prepared, and let's just say that my skills at block-making have improved in the past few years! My issue with getting a set ready for him is that my son keeps changing his mind on a pattern. Bikes. Rockets. Bikes with rockets on them. Owls. Dinosaurs. Race cars. I'm not sure when I'll have the final answer from him.
He loves the blocks that I make and always wants to "fix" them when I'm taking photos to try to match all of the patterns. He's also my second shooter for taking pictures of the sets, which makes it fun for both of us. Between my husband's work on cutting the blocks and my son's photography and matching skills, this is clearly becoming a family affair!
Sincerely,
Abi
Spring To Dos
Dear Reader,
Since we are now in the month of March, I am starting to think toward some spring projects around the house. Here are a few items on my list:
I love clearing out and freshening, which may be one of the reasons I am always excited about springtime. What are some of your spring to dos?
Happy Monday all!
Sincerely,
Abi
Since we are now in the month of March, I am starting to think toward some spring projects around the house. Here are a few items on my list:
- deep clean the house (perhaps once the snow melts!)
- clear out the basement storage/determine if I should participate in the spring neighborhood garage sales
- collect spring/summer clothes for consignment or donation
- prepare two container gardens for our front porch
- research the process of sealing aggregate concrete
I love clearing out and freshening, which may be one of the reasons I am always excited about springtime. What are some of your spring to dos?
Happy Monday all!
Sincerely,
Abi
Trying Something New!
Dear Reader,
Today is Day 1 of my attempt to gracefully wear skinny jeans. I have read so many posts of former bootcut converts, and I have a number of friends who think they are fantastic. I have been skeptical but inspired to make an attempt based on the success of others. I found a pair on the clearance rack at Target this week that fit well. For $6.24, I'm willing to try something new.
I am attending a baby shower tomorrow, and, based on the amazing mom-to-be (and the lovely invites from her sister-in-law/shower hostess), this is going to be a fun gathering! I hope your weekend is a great one, friends!
Sincerely,
Abi
Today is Day 1 of my attempt to gracefully wear skinny jeans. I have read so many posts of former bootcut converts, and I have a number of friends who think they are fantastic. I have been skeptical but inspired to make an attempt based on the success of others. I found a pair on the clearance rack at Target this week that fit well. For $6.24, I'm willing to try something new.
I am attending a baby shower tomorrow, and, based on the amazing mom-to-be (and the lovely invites from her sister-in-law/shower hostess), this is going to be a fun gathering! I hope your weekend is a great one, friends!
Sincerely,
Abi
Most Mondays
Dear Reader,
Happy Monday! Our town just received what the weather forecasters call a "wintery mix" with plenty of snow and ice. Needless to say, last night and this morning have provided ample opportunity to spend time shoveling! The continuing snowy weather is getting a little tiresome, so I'm trying to view a positive in my life instead of looking at the driveway.
I so appreciate how most Mondays look in my life these days. With being an at home mom, I am able to often use this day as catch up. Mondays are laundry days. Mondays are grocery shopping days. Mondays are list making, errand completing, follow up with people days.
Some may consider this too routine. I find it a great luxury (and realize that this pace will probably not stay like this forever.) I have the flexibility to carve out time each week to feel organized and ready to go again. I admire those who don't have time to do this and manage to just keep on juggling.
And Mondays are a great day to do puzzles, play trains, read books, move around the furniture in the playroom, and just talk with my favorite three year old. Today has already been a good day, and it's not even 3 p.m.
Sincerely,
Abi
Happy Monday! Our town just received what the weather forecasters call a "wintery mix" with plenty of snow and ice. Needless to say, last night and this morning have provided ample opportunity to spend time shoveling! The continuing snowy weather is getting a little tiresome, so I'm trying to view a positive in my life instead of looking at the driveway.
I so appreciate how most Mondays look in my life these days. With being an at home mom, I am able to often use this day as catch up. Mondays are laundry days. Mondays are grocery shopping days. Mondays are list making, errand completing, follow up with people days.
Some may consider this too routine. I find it a great luxury (and realize that this pace will probably not stay like this forever.) I have the flexibility to carve out time each week to feel organized and ready to go again. I admire those who don't have time to do this and manage to just keep on juggling.
And Mondays are a great day to do puzzles, play trains, read books, move around the furniture in the playroom, and just talk with my favorite three year old. Today has already been a good day, and it's not even 3 p.m.
Sincerely,
Abi
100th Post
Dear Reader,
Yes, this is my 100th post on Sincerely Abi... Inspired. I'm thrilled to reach this milestone, and apparently this blog is sticking around! Here are a few reflections on the last half year of blogging:
Making Connections. I am amazed at how many wonderful people I've met through blog comments and through Etsy conversations. There is an incredible wealth of inspiration in watching the work of others unfold and reading their thoughts on everyday life.
One Solid Design. I have so much more to learn about creating a shop, managing a blog, and finding my voice in social media. I've found a product that I'm so excited to design and promote, and the new ideas keep coming. The sales on Etsy have been such an encouragement. (And my dear husband is so kind to keep asking when I need more blocks cut!)
Inspiration and Creativity. For a while now I have attempted so many crafts both out of curiosity and hopes of designing something fun (and hopefully pretty too!) Blogging has kept me at it with creating, both by crafting new designs but also by writing about my efforts. These endeavors provide a wonderful outlet for me.
Thank you to you, dear reader, for following along with me. I look forward to continued blogging in the weeks, months (dare I say, years?) to come.
Sincerely,
Abi
Yes, this is my 100th post on Sincerely Abi... Inspired. I'm thrilled to reach this milestone, and apparently this blog is sticking around! Here are a few reflections on the last half year of blogging:
Making Connections. I am amazed at how many wonderful people I've met through blog comments and through Etsy conversations. There is an incredible wealth of inspiration in watching the work of others unfold and reading their thoughts on everyday life.
One Solid Design. I have so much more to learn about creating a shop, managing a blog, and finding my voice in social media. I've found a product that I'm so excited to design and promote, and the new ideas keep coming. The sales on Etsy have been such an encouragement. (And my dear husband is so kind to keep asking when I need more blocks cut!)
Inspiration and Creativity. For a while now I have attempted so many crafts both out of curiosity and hopes of designing something fun (and hopefully pretty too!) Blogging has kept me at it with creating, both by crafting new designs but also by writing about my efforts. These endeavors provide a wonderful outlet for me.
Thank you to you, dear reader, for following along with me. I look forward to continued blogging in the weeks, months (dare I say, years?) to come.
Sincerely,
Abi
Weekend Goals
Dear Reader,
I have at least two goals for my weekend (probably more.)
One. Make more blocks.
I have at least two goals for my weekend (probably more.)
One. Make more blocks.
Two. Stay warm. (It's January in Michigan - enough said?!)
Happy Friday! Happy Weekend!
Sincerely,
Abi
Fresh Start
Dear Reader,
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful celebration of the holidays and are finding your way back to some welcome routines to begin this year.
I must tell you that I love the beginning of January. (The end of January is less than my favorite with its cold, snowy weather and gray days. I'm choosing to ignore this coming reality for now.) I love that something as predictable as the annual start of a new calendar year somehow jolts me into dreaming, living in possibilities, setting goals, and imagining the outcomes.
After the busyness of holiday time, the moments of celebrating relationships and the reflecting on the year that has concluded, what a wonderfully fresh start in the quiet of January to take up new tasks and look forward to what is ahead. We also approach the holiday of Epiphany, a great reminder that God sends us - as with the Wise Men - on unexpected routes home. And so we too may come to expect surprise in the what the year will bring.
In taking a bit of time off, I realized how much I enjoy blogging here. I hope to continue considering how I am inspired in the everyday of life. And one of my many goals of the year is to infuse fresh thoughts and ideas into the posts you read here. Please join me.
Sincerely,
Abi
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful celebration of the holidays and are finding your way back to some welcome routines to begin this year.
I must tell you that I love the beginning of January. (The end of January is less than my favorite with its cold, snowy weather and gray days. I'm choosing to ignore this coming reality for now.) I love that something as predictable as the annual start of a new calendar year somehow jolts me into dreaming, living in possibilities, setting goals, and imagining the outcomes.
After the busyness of holiday time, the moments of celebrating relationships and the reflecting on the year that has concluded, what a wonderfully fresh start in the quiet of January to take up new tasks and look forward to what is ahead. We also approach the holiday of Epiphany, a great reminder that God sends us - as with the Wise Men - on unexpected routes home. And so we too may come to expect surprise in the what the year will bring.
In taking a bit of time off, I realized how much I enjoy blogging here. I hope to continue considering how I am inspired in the everyday of life. And one of my many goals of the year is to infuse fresh thoughts and ideas into the posts you read here. Please join me.
Sincerely,
Abi
Apple Picking
Dear Reader,
My son and I have gone apple picking twice this year with my mother-in-law. It's becoming an annual tradition (maybe it already is?), and I think it's one of my favorite signals of fall. I am usually a Golden Delicious girl, loving the versatility of this variety. This year, though, I really started liking the Empire apple. I think we've picked about 40 lbs. of apples this year, and the amazing news is that there are probably only 8 apples remaining! More next year.
Sincerely,
Abi
Boots
Dear Reader,
Today is an October rainy day, complete with thunderstorms. I don't mind one bit. We've had an unprecedented number of warm, sunny October days. Even more, at the end of the summer I made the trendy leap in purchasing a pair of black and brown checked boots. Somehow these boots brighten an otherwise dreary day. Stay dry.
Sincerely,
Abi
Today is an October rainy day, complete with thunderstorms. I don't mind one bit. We've had an unprecedented number of warm, sunny October days. Even more, at the end of the summer I made the trendy leap in purchasing a pair of black and brown checked boots. Somehow these boots brighten an otherwise dreary day. Stay dry.
Sincerely,
Abi
A word about the picture...
Dear Reader,
In establishing this blog, I tried to select a photo for the header that complimented the concept of inspiration. My husband took this photo in 2005 on a Labor Day weekend trip to Chicago. (By the way, the original Ferris wheel was constructed in 1893 for exhibition in Chicago. And, Dad, did you love that I just inserted that fact?!) Anyway, I love Ferris wheels, and here's why:
Ferris wheels remind me of amusement parks where there seem to be endless rides and games which make the whole experience so full and exciting. Similarly, when I think about creativity and inspiration, the opportunities abound. There is always a way to add, subtract or tweak the decor of a room. In the rare moments where I think I've established a method to a craft, I'm always looking for a new take on it! The world of possibility seems endless.
Ferris wheels also seem to be a bit nostalgic, a ride enjoyed for generations. When I reflect on the current craft movement, I think about how many of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents took great pride in the handmade items they created. While the reason for producing handmade may have been more of a necessity in their generations, I think it's significant that these crafts and artistic endeavors have been (and may continue to be) carried on.
And, finally, Ferris wheels are fun. I find that seeking after new concepts - others and my own - is FUN! How enjoyable to see one's own project come together or see another person's take on how to make that (whatever that is.)
This is my rationale for the photo in the header. And, no, I do not sell or promote amusement park supplies.
Sincerely,
Abi
In establishing this blog, I tried to select a photo for the header that complimented the concept of inspiration. My husband took this photo in 2005 on a Labor Day weekend trip to Chicago. (By the way, the original Ferris wheel was constructed in 1893 for exhibition in Chicago. And, Dad, did you love that I just inserted that fact?!) Anyway, I love Ferris wheels, and here's why:
Ferris wheels remind me of amusement parks where there seem to be endless rides and games which make the whole experience so full and exciting. Similarly, when I think about creativity and inspiration, the opportunities abound. There is always a way to add, subtract or tweak the decor of a room. In the rare moments where I think I've established a method to a craft, I'm always looking for a new take on it! The world of possibility seems endless.
Ferris wheels also seem to be a bit nostalgic, a ride enjoyed for generations. When I reflect on the current craft movement, I think about how many of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents took great pride in the handmade items they created. While the reason for producing handmade may have been more of a necessity in their generations, I think it's significant that these crafts and artistic endeavors have been (and may continue to be) carried on.
And, finally, Ferris wheels are fun. I find that seeking after new concepts - others and my own - is FUN! How enjoyable to see one's own project come together or see another person's take on how to make that (whatever that is.)
This is my rationale for the photo in the header. And, no, I do not sell or promote amusement park supplies.
Sincerely,
Abi
Jumping In Again
Dear Reader,
About a year and a half ago, I started a blog. I had been an at home mom for over a year and read other peoples' blogs so regularly, but struggled to determine how I wanted to share my story. I wanted to preserve memories of my thoughts at the time and, even more, the small stories of everyday life with my husband and son. I love writing notes to people via e-mail but also in handwritten form on pretty stationary. Enter: Sincerely Abi - a blog that is a play on words with Dear Abby with posts written as letters. I found that writing these notes to my readers (which, to be honest, began as my husband and maybe my mom) was the perfect way to capture the story of the moment with enough details but not too many.
At the beginning of summer I started an Etsy shop. I love to try crafts and found this community to be the perfect way to join in a wonderful movement of handmade. Now I think it's the right time to start a blog more dedicated to my crafts and what inspires me in giving gifts to others, organizing and decorating a home, and just featuring other lovely works of art that are ready to be noted somewhere.
I invite you to join me as I jump in, and try this new experiment in finding inspiration and appreciating life every day.
Sincerely,
Abi
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