Mom Monday

This week is all about MOM.

Because even though every day should be Mother's Day,

it officially comes once a year.

This year celebrate your Mom(s) on Sunday, May 10th.

For a mom that enjoys cooking,

try the Kitchen Playdates book

so she can cook up a storm with her little ones.

And for those mothers more likely to be found in Downward Dog

than in the kitchen, there is Fit Mama.

Perfect for the new mama in your life.

For those moms who shout at their kids

and it sounds exactly like their own mother,

there is the Anne Taintor book

I'm Becoming My Mother.

Whichever mother is in your life,

Whether as your mom or your wife,

There is always a way to celebrate her way,

Especially this Mother's Day.

Happy May Day!

In the 20th Century, May Day was often celebrated with baskets of flowers adorning your neighbor's front door. A sweet, anonymous surprise that has faded from our traditions.

In the words of Louisa May Alcott:

"...It was the custom of the children to hang them on the doors of their friends the night before May-day..."

Consider gathering some flowers, creating a simple and pretty paper cone and show your neighbor some bloomin' love.

Follow these simple instructions here.

Photo via Flikr and John Morgan

The 3/50 Project

As small business owners, our credo is:

Do Something Local Every Day

You can substitute your town/city with the word "local".

It really is that simple.

The 3/50 Project is dedicated to supporting the local businesses.

How? Commit to spending $50 a month in three locally owned, independent businesses.

Why? For every $100 spend at locally owned, independent businesses,

$68 goes back into the local economy.

For every $100 spent at national retailers,

only $43 goes back into the local economy.

As local business owners since 2004, we have recently

taken the opportunity to participate.

This project brings the facts to the forefront

about the stake we each claim in supporting our local economy.

You can join The 3/50 Project by visiting their website.

Anyone can register as a supporter whether you are a storefront retail store, brick and mortar business, association, group, manufacturer, wholesaler, sales agency, national/regional brand name, council member, or individual.

Registration is free, flyers are free, information is free.

Educating ourselves and each other on the positive economic impact

of supporting local businesses is priceless.

We are excited to be a part of this project,

both as a business and as individuals.

We hope you are too.

Taco Tuesday

One tradition that we love celebrating is

Taco Tuesday!

With family and friends joining us

it's a great and easy dinner.

And what goes oh so well with tacos?

Margaritas, of course!

Here are some of our favorite marg invites:

invitation by Inviting Co.

invitation by Stevie Streck

And if you want a great margarita

visit Bethenny Frankel's website

for this recipe.

Here's to traditions.

We'll drink to that!

Our Mountains

We are back together here in the mountains of Colorado.
Amy has been here all along

and Erin is finally back here
for a short visit.

Somehow mountains continue to play a roll in our lives.
Physically and symbolically they keep popping up everywhere.
Life is a series of peaks and valleys.
Wednesday is hump day.
Over the hill.

This quote really sums it up for us:
"I should be content to look at a mountain for what it is,

and not as a comment on my life." - David Ignatow

Well, these mountains are beautiful.

It's as simple as that.
It feels good to be home.
For now.

Oh Happy Day!

As you read this we are at a wedding.

Or about to be at a wedding.

Or recovering from the wedding.

Either way, it's a great day.

We love the bride & groom

and we are so honored to be a part of the first day

of their marriage.

So here is a little blessing for our friends Mere & Matt:

Now you will feel no rain,

For each of you will be

shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

For each of you will be

warmth to the other.

Now there is no loneliness,

For each of you will be

companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies,

But there is only one

life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place

To enter into the days of

your togetherness

And may your days be good

and long upon the earth.

- Apache Wedding Prayer

We'll be sure to post more wedding details soon - stay tuned!

A Spare Button

We were in a rush.

The train was leaving the station any minute

and the present was not wrapped.

A quick check of the wrapping supplies

turned up some packing paper...and nothing else.

Our inner creative diva had failed to stock up on her own stationery store supplies.

But we rallied and rescued the package with a little homemade touch.

Some string and ribbon scraps together with all those extra buttons we've never used

turned this package from a dud to a stud.