In My Haven: May 2022
This May in my haven I'm thinking about growth. The spring flowers blooming and summer on the horizon have my thoughts turning to how to grow my business, how my daughter is growing up, growing our vegetable garden, and nurturing important relationships so that they grow deeper. Does spring make you think about growth too? If so, read further for news about how Haven Handmade is growing, as well as products, projects, recipes, and reading recommendations to help you celebrate spring growth.
In My Haven: April 2022
This April in my haven I'm thinking about sustainability. How do I create a business structure that is sustainable? How do I use materials in a sustainable way both in my business and in my home? With Earth Day celebrated on the 22nd and spring cleaning on everyone's mind, April is the perfect month to focus on how to make better use of all types of goods. Read on for more about how Haven Handmade focuses on sustainability, projects that help replace disposable items, creative ways to use up leftovers, and some eco-minded reading selections.
In My Haven: March 2022
This March in my haven I'm thinking about motivation. What motivates me to sew and to have my own business? What keeps me motivated and what drains it? I think it's an important topic to reflect on and hope you'll read further to find out more of my thoughts on motivation and check out the products, projects, recipes, and reads I have for you this month.
In My Haven: February 2022
This February in my haven my thoughts are centered around what brings us comfort. February can feel like such a long, cold month here in Chicago even though it has the fewest days, which leaves me wanting anything and everything that is cozy and comforting. My attitude this month can basically be summed up like this: Give me all the mugs of hot tea, bowls of savory soup, and pile on the afghans! February just makes me want to hibernate, and if that's the case for you too, then I have some ideas for us in this month's newsletter. I hope you find one or two that bring you some comfort this month.
In My Haven: January 2022
This January in my haven my thoughts are centered around birthdays! My birthday is in January, but that's not the only reason this topic is on my mind. It's a new year, which means that all of us can start looking forward to our next birthday. There is so much to love about birthdays, whether you prefer a simple celebration or an elaborate affair. In this journal entry, I have several great birthday-themed ideas to share with you, from birthday gift ideas to delicious birthday cake recipe suggestions. I hope you find something you like!
This Week in Our Haven: No. 35
This week I’m in the mood to write a little different type of journal post for you. If you read this journal every week, you probably already know that books are an important part of our family routine and culture. We really believe in the power of a story to educate, entertain, inspire, and connect us. So what I’d like to write about today is some book recommendations to pair with a Huggable to create a perfect gift for a special young person you know.
This Week in Our Haven: No. 34
This week in our haven has been quite busy. I was letting my brain run through all the different things we did this week as I was trying to think of a better way to describe it, and I realized just how much we did. In my sewing room…
This Week in Our Haven: No. 33
This week in our haven has been good in an “everything’s normal” sort of way. We worked on our yard and garden plans and even enjoyed a snack on a restaurant patio last weekend. Peter and Joanna are both back to school in-person part time during the week. I am making plans to sell at some local craft markets too.
This Week in Our Haven: No. 32
This week in our haven has been an in-between week. There are some weeks where my main focus is on sewing and others where it is on planning. This week was a mix of the two.
This Week in Our Haven: No. 31
This week in our haven has been...something. It’s hard to sum up this week in a word or two. Work-wise, I’ve been busy creating a few custom orders (at least one of which will be available regularly). This week also had a few “first time since quarantine began last March” moments.
This Week in Our Haven: No. 30
This week in our haven has been busy and productive. I had some extra special projects to work on this week and I’m excited to be at the end of the week so that I can share it with you. You can now find (and purchase) Haven Handmade products
This Week in Our Haven: No. 29
This week in our haven has gone by really quickly, for me at least. I’ve been busy getting new items ready for the shop, preparing for Joanna’s birthday, getting back to our school and work routine, and enjoying some unseasonably beautiful weather. Between the weather and the new Huggable designs,
This Week in Our Haven: No. 28
This week in our haven has been spring break, so I haven’t done much work for the shop. Because of that, this week’s journal post is going to be short and sweet. It was nice to have a lighter workload this week by choice, but I am looking forward to getting some new Huggable designs in the shop next week. Keep your eye out for them because they are super-duper cute!
This Week in Our Haven: No. 27
This week in our haven we have been anticipating spring break and a welcome intermission from the school routine. Even though we are a family that generally thrives when we have a routine, it is nice to have a break once in a while too. I know I am looking forward to some quality family time this week.
This Week in Our Haven: No. 26
This week in our haven we saw the unpleasant side of spring in Chicago: cold, dreary, wet, and windy. But besides the weather and adjusting to the clocks changing it has been a pretty regular week. I am continuing to add to the Huggables line little by little.