As we enter into one of the busiest yet most meaningful seasons of the year, I want to pause & talk honestly about holiday hosting & gifting.
I’ve recently fallen into the trap of comparing my life, home, clothing & more to those perfectly-curated houses, outfits & families you find in droves on Instagram & Pinterest. Surely I’m not the only one.
It’s left me feeling a little less than as I go about my every day. What I used to find joy in – such as wrapping gifts for friends during the holidays – I now compare to “holiday gift wrap ideas” results on Pinterest.
Friends, I’m here to encourage you (& myself!) this season to decorate your home, host your people, wrap your gifts & do what you do imperfectly. Let’s aim for presence over perfection as we host & give generously this holiday!
When you come over for dinner this season, expect to find dog hair on the floor, mismatched cloth napkins & a simple meal most likely from the crockpot. What we lack in Pinterest-y tablescapes & Instagram-worthy dishes, we make up for in meaningful conversation & love.
I’m SO excited to share with you a wonderful company I have used & loved for years & years. Grove Collaborative helps me realize just how easy it is to say, “I can’t do it all! This sister ain’t perfect! I need help!” They make it easy by sending my favorite all-natural home supplies right to my door. The products are cheaper than what I find at the store & it is blissfully convenient.
Grove Collaborative just released their gorgeous red apron for the holidays (which I had monogramed & plan to do the same for gifts for all the gals in my family this Christmas)! Every Natalie Creates reader who signs up as a new Grove Collaborative customer & spends just $20 on their first order will receive a beautiful apron & a bundle of Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning supplies (a $35+ value) for FREE!
Through Monday, November 20th, 2017, you can grab a FREE: Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap (in the scent of your choice!), dish soap (in the scent of your choice!) & countertop spray (in the scent of your choice!) along with the exclusive Grove Co. apron & free shipping + a 60 Day Free VIP Trial with any $20 minimum purchase at Grove!
A limited number of these sets are available so grab yours HERE right away! When you click above, you’ll learn a few facts about Grove. Your cart will then be filled with a few recommended items (which you can totally change to whatever you need or want!). Once you’ve made your selection of goodies, you’ll finish & pay. In just a few short days, you’ll receive your first glorious Grove package with your freebies & purchased goodies inside! Simple, right?!
If there’s anything we can take off our plates this holiday season as we host, decorate & give, it’s the trip to the store to buy toilet paper. Can I get an amen? Let’s all remember, sweet friends. Presence over perfection.
Join me this season in hosting friends & family on a whim, making a comforting meal of crockpot chili, hanging twinkle lights from the dollar bin & saying yes to freebies that make life a little easier!
love,
natalie
P.S. This offer is valid for new Grove Co. customers only, but existing customers can grab a few sponges for free right HERE. Unfortunately, Grove Co. does not currently ship to Canada, Alaska or Hawaii.
I am finally reaping the rewards of my newly planted herb garden (I talked more about it in this post)! Throughout the summer I harvested herbs here & there for roasted potatoes & homemade salad dressings, but with the change in seasons comes the need to beginning drying & storing my homegrown herbs for the winter months.
After my morning walk, I headed out to the garden with my basket & shears to harvest the first of many baskets full of herbs.
I keep this little twine stand with scissors conveniently in our dining room hutch for tying bundles of flowers, last minute gifts & freshly harvested herbs. It truly does have so many uses. I also keep a plethora of baskets nearby – can you ever have too many baskets?!
Once I brought my herbs inside, I bundled them up with a simple tie of twine.
From left to right – hyssop (for winter tea), oregano, lavender (I love baking with lavender), bergamot (also for homemade hot teas!) & rosemary (my favorite).
I then hung each bundle on my herb drying rack (found here). Each time I walk by my herbs, I squeal in delight – the rosemary smells heavenly!
I will say, it is best to dry herbs in a dark, cool space. Unfortunately our small home doesn’t have a dark space that is not already being utilized. Thankfully, this little spot receives diffused morning light only so it has worked great.
Once my herbs are dry, I store them in my favorite Weck jars. If you don’t like the clamps, you can always use the wooden lids, which are equally lovely.
I appreciate the look of these jars & think they make such wonderful jars for gifting during the holiday season. Lots of relatives will be receiving Freckled Hen Farm culinary herb blends with a little wooden spoon this year!
I’d love to read your thoughts on drying herbs at home. What are your favorite methods & blends? Please share!
love,
natalie
With the arrival of August comes the desire to make little habit changes that are sure to positively affect the coming season.
One habit that I’ve made room for in my daily rhythm is listening to podcasts. I usually listen while I clean the house, run errands & complete repetitive tasks for work. It’s an enjoyable way for me to pass the time while staying productive. I also love the conversations that come about with Luke (a podcast junkie!) & friends simply from what I’ve heard.
Today I thought I’d share just a handful of podcasts I thoroughly enjoy. I’d also love to read your favorites, too, as I am hoping to add a few more to my weekly rotation! Enjoy!
– How I Built This: I love entrepreneurial podcasts that inspire me to do my work better. I am so motivated by the stories on this podcast of amazing entrepreneurs who built successful businesses all the while taking big risks & often times failing along the way.
– Elise Gets Crafty: Another entrepreneurial podcast but all about small business. I have actually been interviewed by Elise twice (here & here) so I may be a little biased (ha!), but I love the work that Elise is doing to shed light on the gifts & hardships of being a small business owner & creative.
– Happier with Gretchen Rubin: I am fascinated by habits & the power of choice. I love Gretchen Rubin’s books so I knew I’d love her podcast. It does not disappoint! While her voice drives me a little crazy, there is a wealth of knowledge to be enjoyed with each episode.
– S-Town & Serial: Excellent podcasts with a storyline that captivate you, leading you to learn about everyday people living their complicated lives. If you’re interested in reading a book but don’t quite have the time, this is an excellent way to fuel that desire.
Honorable mention: Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert though she’s no longer recording
Do you listen to podcasts? Share your favorites in the comments below!
love,
natalie