"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
- John Quincy Adams
Friday's Feature: Cora Anne
Dear Reader,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. We certainly did. This post at the conclusion of Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season seems to be the perfect intersection of time to highlight Cora Anne.
I am so thankful for the friendship that I share with my friend Jill. She was my college roommate who also has been (and continues to be) one of my dearest and closest friends. We've stood up in each other's weddings, worked across the hall from each other for the same employer for a number of years, and entered motherhood at very similar times. Jill deeply commits herself the roles she fulfills in her life, and the start of her Cora Anne Etsy shop and craft business is no exception. She makes a variety of products, each new one ending up just as impressive as the previous. Her sales on Etsy and the offering of her products at a new downtown shop called Minty Keen demonstrate the innovative and lovely nature of her designs.
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to highlight three items from Cora Anne today. Since, indeed it is the day after Thanksgiving, I think the Christmas season has begun. These gift tags would be a wonderful way to place the finishing touch (and give a fabulous first impression) on a holiday gift. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. We certainly did. This post at the conclusion of Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season seems to be the perfect intersection of time to highlight Cora Anne.
I am so thankful for the friendship that I share with my friend Jill. She was my college roommate who also has been (and continues to be) one of my dearest and closest friends. We've stood up in each other's weddings, worked across the hall from each other for the same employer for a number of years, and entered motherhood at very similar times. Jill deeply commits herself the roles she fulfills in her life, and the start of her Cora Anne Etsy shop and craft business is no exception. She makes a variety of products, each new one ending up just as impressive as the previous. Her sales on Etsy and the offering of her products at a new downtown shop called Minty Keen demonstrate the innovative and lovely nature of her designs.
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to highlight three items from Cora Anne today. Since, indeed it is the day after Thanksgiving, I think the Christmas season has begun. These gift tags would be a wonderful way to place the finishing touch (and give a fabulous first impression) on a holiday gift. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
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| Peace and Noel Gift Tags (set of 4) |
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| Green Chandelier Folded Tags (set of 2) |
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| HO HO HO Large Christmas Tags (set of 4) |
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
On the Menu: Grape Salad
Dear Reader,
My dear little niece was baptized this past weekend, and I brought this side dish to the delicious luncheon following the service. I recall receiving the recipe at a church potluck almost a decade ago, and this recipe has made it's way to many a family gathering. Is it fruit salad? Is it dessert? Maybe a bit of both. Regardless, it's a tasty addition to the table.
Sincerely,
Abi
My dear little niece was baptized this past weekend, and I brought this side dish to the delicious luncheon following the service. I recall receiving the recipe at a church potluck almost a decade ago, and this recipe has made it's way to many a family gathering. Is it fruit salad? Is it dessert? Maybe a bit of both. Regardless, it's a tasty addition to the table.
Sincerely,
Abi
Friday's Feature: On a Roll Cozies
Dear Reader,
I learned to knit on a spring break trip to Florida with my college roommate (and wonderful friend) and her parents. It rained often the first few days of the week, so my friend's mom kindly taught us how to knit as we waited for beach time. I have held onto that lesson and have knit a number of scarves over the years, but have never progressed much beyond this point.
I came across On the Roll Cozies, and I love the twist that these knitted creations take on everyday use items. Cup cozies, iPod and cell phone cases, and even the patterns if I ever get brave enough to venture beyond scarf-making. And the added detail of buttons are adorable! These items would be a wonderful holiday gift (or even stocking stuffer), and the variety of styles and colors leaves something fun for all.
I have highlighted three of the shop's items below. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
I learned to knit on a spring break trip to Florida with my college roommate (and wonderful friend) and her parents. It rained often the first few days of the week, so my friend's mom kindly taught us how to knit as we waited for beach time. I have held onto that lesson and have knit a number of scarves over the years, but have never progressed much beyond this point.
I came across On the Roll Cozies, and I love the twist that these knitted creations take on everyday use items. Cup cozies, iPod and cell phone cases, and even the patterns if I ever get brave enough to venture beyond scarf-making. And the added detail of buttons are adorable! These items would be a wonderful holiday gift (or even stocking stuffer), and the variety of styles and colors leaves something fun for all.
I have highlighted three of the shop's items below. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
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| Handmade Light Blue Cup Cozy (eco-friendly, hand knit coffee cup sleeve or wrist warmer) |
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| Hand knit iPod or iPhone cozy in Pumpkin Yellow (MP3 player, cell phone, or camera case) |
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| Handmade Bright Green Cup Cozy (eco-friendly, hand knit coffee cup sleeve or wrist warmer) |
On the Menu: Crusty Parmesan Chicken
Dear Reader,
When we have people over, I like to be able to put at least part of dinner in the oven and know that I'm freed up to make sides and appropriately welcome people when they arrive. This recipe is quite ideal for that purpose. I often pair crusty parmesan chicken with my oven roasted potatoes, add a nice salad, and some rolls to round out the meal. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
When we have people over, I like to be able to put at least part of dinner in the oven and know that I'm freed up to make sides and appropriately welcome people when they arrive. This recipe is quite ideal for that purpose. I often pair crusty parmesan chicken with my oven roasted potatoes, add a nice salad, and some rolls to round out the meal. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Alphabet and Duck Patterned Blocks...
Dear Reader,
I found the October Afternoon "Ducks in a Row," and knew that these cheery patterns needed to be applied to a set of blocks. And now they are. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
I found the October Afternoon "Ducks in a Row," and knew that these cheery patterns needed to be applied to a set of blocks. And now they are. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
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| Alphabet and Duck Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) |
Inspiring Words...
"Do the things You believe in,
In the name of love,
And know that,
You aren't alone,
We all have fears and doubts."
- Carole King
In the name of love,
And know that,
You aren't alone,
We all have fears and doubts."
- Carole King
Friday's Feature: Ely Low Handmade Bags
Dear Reader,
I have mentioned mysignificant slight affection for bags. I came across Ely Low bags and wanted to share them with you. These bags are functional, practical, and beautifully original. And the bags are often crafted with repurposed materials. Winning combination? Why, yes.
Three of the bags are highlighted below. The robin's egg blue messenger is my favorite, but all three are entirely great. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
I have mentioned my
Three of the bags are highlighted below. The robin's egg blue messenger is my favorite, but all three are entirely great. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
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| Tall Messenger in Robin's Egg Blue |
 |
| Messenger in Flax |
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| Messenger in Rich Steel Blue |
On the Menu: Orange Carrots
Dear Reader,
Do you like to plan ahead? I'm certainly one of those people. If you're starting to think about your Thanksgiving menu, here is a suggested side dish. This recipe is from the mom of one of my closest high school friends, a woman who shares the same first name as my mom. She's a wonderful lady, and her recipe for carrots is yummy.
Sincerely,
Abi
Do you like to plan ahead? I'm certainly one of those people. If you're starting to think about your Thanksgiving menu, here is a suggested side dish. This recipe is from the mom of one of my closest high school friends, a woman who shares the same first name as my mom. She's a wonderful lady, and her recipe for carrots is yummy.
Sincerely,
Abi
Inspiring Words...
"Last night I lay in bed with my children as they were falling asleep, and I stopped making lists in my head. I stopped fretting about money and work. I stopped wishing the kids would fall asleep already so I could be somewhere else, doing something else. Instead I noticed the dark crescents of their eyelashes. I watched as the moonlight turned their cheeks to white apricots. And I felt my heart swell with joy and gratitude. It was utterly ordinary. And utterly extraordinary. It was an everyday blessing."
- Catherine Newman from her article titled "Dalai Mama"
- Catherine Newman from her article titled "Dalai Mama"
Spare Moments
Dear Reader,
I'm so sorry to have been off the radar for a few days. I have been spending my spare moments working on some new blocks. I added three sets to the shop moments ago, and I have a few more sets in process. These are really fun to make. It's kind of addicting, actually.
I hope that the extra hour of sleep last night agreed with you, and have a lovely start to the week.
Sincerely,
Abi
P.S. Pictures of the new blocks included below.
I'm so sorry to have been off the radar for a few days. I have been spending my spare moments working on some new blocks. I added three sets to the shop moments ago, and I have a few more sets in process. These are really fun to make. It's kind of addicting, actually.
I hope that the extra hour of sleep last night agreed with you, and have a lovely start to the week.
Sincerely,
Abi
P.S. Pictures of the new blocks included below.
 |
| Pink Pastel Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) |
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| Polka Dot Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) |
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| Pink Floral Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) |
On the Menu: Baked Oatmeal
Dear Reader,
My aunt and godmother gave this recipe to me many years ago. She is an excellent cook and equally amazing hostess. I recall her making this recipe for a group of college students following a worship service at their campus center church. She put such thoughtful effort into making it a wonderfully warming meal on a cold January morning. It's November, and with that change in the calendar month comes the chill in the air that makes warm comfort food all the better. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
My aunt and godmother gave this recipe to me many years ago. She is an excellent cook and equally amazing hostess. I recall her making this recipe for a group of college students following a worship service at their campus center church. She put such thoughtful effort into making it a wonderfully warming meal on a cold January morning. It's November, and with that change in the calendar month comes the chill in the air that makes warm comfort food all the better. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Abi
Inspiring Words...
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Ella Fitzgerald
Please allow me to introduce...
Dear Reader,
Over the weekend I listed these sets of blocks:
I may be going for longest titles of items on Etsy ever. I'm having a lot of fun preparing these blocks. My dear three year old keeps asking me why the patterns don't all "match" (as he wants all of the blocks to share the same pattern.) Always good to get some feedback!
More to come.
Sincerely,
Abi
Over the weekend I listed these sets of blocks:
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| BINGO Numbered Boldly Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) |
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| Brightly Patterned and Milk Painted Wooden Blocks (Set of Six) |
I may be going for longest titles of items on Etsy ever. I'm having a lot of fun preparing these blocks. My dear three year old keeps asking me why the patterns don't all "match" (as he wants all of the blocks to share the same pattern.) Always good to get some feedback!
More to come.
Sincerely,
Abi
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