tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17562747435068320192024-03-14T05:11:54.522-04:00Row House 14A Charm City home for art, design, music, and foodHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-6374639445046230122014-06-13T00:00:00.000-04:002014-06-13T00:00:01.613-04:00Row House 14 is Moving!To celebrate one year of running my business full time, I have launched a new <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/">website</a>! The new website is now hosting my blog and my shop. Please head on over to the new website for more information. I'd love to continue having you in my handmade and blogging community!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/"><img alt="http://www.rowhouse14.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xGpT6FOtBQr8Hy8j4OGT5FetMG7SMq3AbM6bHPozq6opVkzwvNI4hxHj8EhYN3jCubb9Rk1QWGdOodNoq1bGEzKrcrtUUtCF9SqyLORtHl4AZeBmUAU0hKQEKZMA0yqJzGMsg7joZjU4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-12+at+12.28.34+PM.png" height="594" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition, you may follow the new Row House 14 blog on Bloglovin' <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12401887">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12401887" title="Follow Blog - Row House 14 on Bloglovin"><img alt="Follow on Bloglovin" border="0" src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/en/widget.gif?id=12401887" /></a><br />
<br />
Thank you for following along as I continue to grow my handmade business! Your support has be phenomenal and I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for all of you!<br />
<br />
xo Heidi
Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-16072969275665140982014-05-19T05:00:00.000-04:002014-05-19T05:00:00.051-04:00New Father's Day CardsWith Father's Day around the corner on June 15th, I thought I'd share the new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14/search?search_query=father%27s+day&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search">Father's Day cards</a> that I've added to the shop this year. I feel as though I'm finally happy with the cohesive nature of my shop with the addition of some of my latest work. Again I've opted for bold colors and simple designs that provide something both recognizable and relative for most of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_532107862"></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188747497/funny-fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card?ref=shop_home_active_2"><span id="goog_532107863"></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEppMQ16KttHiYuRyJzDISTXHYfJj7Q87r-beG7j3-_xniQC5rIxylEpvbHDUuKNx4Gk2ba8SaLdpF2n_XFJPhAwRFZHgHsVXDfnkJrlzo9tAEOahqRBh6F9uq7V1aHF_W3E7DZqMl6F2/s1600/fathers-day-card-1.jpg" height="590" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188745385/funny-fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card?ref=related-6"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188745385/funny-fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card?ref=related-6" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECcAgdfa16tzKC2Iyl7jOG4WxFDqCiQl6IhrH5oN2lMVIy3No1eSoadATR1GIuJ8Kehlzfb5urPDpdFXv1r1DfF73KXQT9dN0zz6y7VXY7WW8SviCtV1LnXE1w57lEtZg4CNx2i4dAiC0/s1600/fathers-day-card-2.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186949121/fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card?ref=related-7"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186949121/fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card?ref=related-7" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBww8HvpltI509bgwe3fvQvWFZe3BjnscC48p6deZ88aPAPA83uzrdHF9iKYyPddiQIdybU8TGn-EAbDtQCgB6eapy3yb4jt9XHb2_FJG2nPrNJI0QDT_ojb01hSx57BdBZ1dSi2MY33cT/s1600/fathers-day-card-3.jpg" height="664" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188749099/fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card-card?ref=related-5"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188749099/fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card-card?ref=related-5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdpy5i26Ttn-MY8CLFixNXggbmdCCM8-3u8chJ_Z6MsKRdHIIExXjtY4jUcVoAIB0MWJsI34yuuy1SI0Xb12u0zXL6TX1mLKG7IXviRyr3lHfW6S_X3XT_9yUytoRZN4F7va3jZo-aYd8/s1600/fathers-day-card-4.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188743631/fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card-card?ref=shop_home_feat_4"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188743631/fathers-day-card-fathers-day-card-card?ref=shop_home_feat_4" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEGf88UK2VE5gU78Bg-lV5gNXmYgokVG-hBYCoBJm8Ad8exznR1DB_83HYECRsJKt2CMNgkGDl_38lrDUFXSHJd6iNNURQyzTThnfuXpu_mKocDajFSYjkHVqLXlr4n6V5k6DDLRiOmtS/s1600/fathers-day-card-5.jpg" height="526" width="640" /></a></div>
While Father's Day tends to be a less card heavy holiday than Mother's Day, I still feel that it's important to recognize the dads in our lives. When I was growing up, my dad was the stay at home parent for quite some time, so I have many fond memories as a child in a different way than many people may have had, and for that I am incredibly thankful. While I didn't crash the family car and I rarely text my dad, one thing that I do enjoy doing with him when I visit home is sitting and chatting over a good cup of coffee at my mom's bakery.<br />
<br />
What are your favorite things to do with your dad? Did any of you have a stay at home dad?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-46244396443367654252014-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:002014-05-15T05:00:02.363-04:003 Sharable Links That Will Change Your PerspectiveWe're all guilty of getting sucked into the black hole of the web. However, sometimes that black hole isn't such a bad thing. Recently, I've found that some of the articles I've happened upon have literally changed the way I think about my daily life. I thought I'd share three of those with you today in the hopes that they'll give you the same boost or that "aha!" moment that they gave me. <br />
<br />
1 // Andrew and I bike a lot when the weather is nice, he even more so than I. As we have officially entered the season or gorgeous weather, he bikes to work almost every day and we try to ride our bikes as a way of getting to Orioles games, happy hour, the farmer's market, or wherever we are traveling locally. Last week, Andrew already had two very close calls due to drivers that were not paying attention to the fact that he was in the unprotected bike lane. Things would be much easier for all parties involved if we had a system like this ingeniously designed intersection for protected bicycle lanes.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/86721046?byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/86721046">Protected Intersections For Bicyclists</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/nickfalbo">Nick Falbo</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
2 // I think as whole our society tends to get burned out on the job. I loved this article about <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029110/5-simple-office-policies-that-make-danish-workers-way-more-happy-than-americans">5 simple office policies that make Danish workers more happy than Americans.</a> The points made are absolutely true for many people. Especially important in my book, was point number five in which being happy with your work is an absolute priority.<br />
<br />
3 // Some days, I find myself having an incredibly bad or unproductive day for one reason or another. This article about <a href="http://www.yesandyes.org/2014/04/how-to-restart-badannoyingunproductive.html">how to make your unproductive days better</a> has some really great ideas on getting a restart and sums up a lot of the same strategies that I often use.<br />
<br />
What new ideas have helped put things in perspective for you lately? <br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-89641960455160625292014-05-13T12:49:00.002-04:002014-05-13T12:49:58.203-04:00Copper and Gold Foil StationeryAfter introducing <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164645037/birthday-card-happy-birthday-card-polka?ref=shop_home_active_4">gold foil pressed cards</a> into my shop several months ago, the creative wheels began to turn as I thought of all the beautiful foiled stationery that I could create. While the <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/2013/08/vintage-kingsley-hot-foil-press.html">hot foil press </a>seemed to be an easy shoo-in for foil stationery, it came with many limitations that began to irritate me. I could only press paper with letter type that was sized small enough for my press, and I couldn't really use my own designs.<br />
<br />
With these limitations in mind, I began looking into the process of foil embossing and printing without the use of the hot foil press. I spent many hours completing test runs, and finally felt confident with the results. I have since debuted two new designs in my shop-- a beautifully simple stationery set printed in copper paired with aqua envelopes, and a gold foiled hello card sweetly paired with light pink.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189344610/copper-foil-arrow-stationery?ref=shop_home_active_11"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189344610/copper-foil-arrow-stationery?ref=shop_home_active_11" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK5DAXOs-we7-vvQ320hJjvWhqfEcBgMIacR9DO2AEm3HhXryfA7AjdfMLGhaXcayds1TzOXnRH2RsBJHNLkWiR2ATpi2FoFtBvRxy0Z2wMmOVIv955ZoZi5eB9lq480TReD2H3Y_mPb-/s1600/Copper-Foil-Arrow-Stationery.jpg" height="546" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189347281/hello-gold-foil-card-card-for-a-friend?ref=shop_home_active_12"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189347281/hello-gold-foil-card-card-for-a-friend?ref=shop_home_active_12" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXocZU-TLQIbXzdAqUjsyTaEfeHt8F1p2LFf1ELD7VfYTYvwbp7ysZBW0GDTWyzwB0AKjzS-FUG9VAGlSVhjnhOKUYTalUeLG-RKomzrj7Wf3uaDwyG-KtaUnrx2VrAhBcGUqMxzci1rjr/s1600/Hello-Gold-Foil-Card.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm thrilled with how my original visions for these designs have come to life on paper, and look forward to adding more foiled paper products in the near future.<br />
<br />
Do you like the foil look? Do you prefer foil on stationery or art prints?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-30755229605394660972014-05-07T13:49:00.000-04:002014-05-07T13:49:31.026-04:00The Biltmore EstateA few weekends ago, Andrew and I planned a four day weekend mini road trip to Asheville, North Carolina. Our basic plan for the trip was to enjoy the vast number of craft breweries in the area, eat amazing food, and take a day trip to the Biltmore Estate. Beer, food, and architecture tend to be our general itinerary for most places we travel to or explore, and Asheville didn't disappoint in any of those departments. In fact, there were so many places that we didn't get to try, beer and food-wise, that we hope to make another visit sometime in the future.<br />
<br />
As an architect, Andrew always wants to take in the famous or historic buildings that are nearby, so the Biltmore was an obvious no-brainer. If you ever plan to visit, you will need at least a day to take in the gardens, go on the house tour, and enjoy the winery afterward. The estate is absolutely huge, which we knew going into it, but we still hadn't realized just how huge until we arrived.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwfeu9ph4YG69uxvO7nSldKpbNfNSv8CvVpc-kEs-O_Cjoj4yxVmzSasvLo1jrPJkJXyUEf2VetPn7UMwCqoSmZx_ZmMb2WyNYjyPAGLCmdGdgSP9eEY88DLdDPlLI-hewlTbtYMYuX9f/s1600/biltmore12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwfeu9ph4YG69uxvO7nSldKpbNfNSv8CvVpc-kEs-O_Cjoj4yxVmzSasvLo1jrPJkJXyUEf2VetPn7UMwCqoSmZx_ZmMb2WyNYjyPAGLCmdGdgSP9eEY88DLdDPlLI-hewlTbtYMYuX9f/s1600/biltmore12.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-zynafzV9qQuuWqQxQvFM76xw1lgIytQkFLu3uCS6CH-_z8ri66BmGf3CXBb7jGypuWg2Bq0VFg76nzIQsqwm3eV_Qt_Hi9L7sh6IcTq_gxejHON_J7jTSu3tN8YthOMFINN7EOw0R7w/s1600/biltmore14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-zynafzV9qQuuWqQxQvFM76xw1lgIytQkFLu3uCS6CH-_z8ri66BmGf3CXBb7jGypuWg2Bq0VFg76nzIQsqwm3eV_Qt_Hi9L7sh6IcTq_gxejHON_J7jTSu3tN8YthOMFINN7EOw0R7w/s1600/biltmore14.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL867FhuF6G92bGZP1Tk65ezOCs3CnzcLFg6-1t7ZxV8PU9QOVdQqpH1IGpTo72ubnKrhtmJEFF-JQwocav9AKkTTNcs3_dSiBHR0oRo5iWJsGWfUCPewcCHe320MOm9mQcyZsX_hh2w0w/s1600/biltmore17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL867FhuF6G92bGZP1Tk65ezOCs3CnzcLFg6-1t7ZxV8PU9QOVdQqpH1IGpTo72ubnKrhtmJEFF-JQwocav9AKkTTNcs3_dSiBHR0oRo5iWJsGWfUCPewcCHe320MOm9mQcyZsX_hh2w0w/s1600/biltmore17.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmnmVFO3AS-MZHhQip4ZuG-KgLb1PAcTygJ8iK24MW711yjaIwm8voTbkDpr3KjNJHyAd9RUexAsG1Q5RwhfGb9dB8UCFzIStceLyBjYumPQxMPy2d8vsODR7QyBW4v3ApWRI_EWCQAOO/s1600/biltmore9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmnmVFO3AS-MZHhQip4ZuG-KgLb1PAcTygJ8iK24MW711yjaIwm8voTbkDpr3KjNJHyAd9RUexAsG1Q5RwhfGb9dB8UCFzIStceLyBjYumPQxMPy2d8vsODR7QyBW4v3ApWRI_EWCQAOO/s1600/biltmore9.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s8aHFLA-e8PVVTJ0ef0xyJZnQyd2A7wjF0-LUemJ8wTKyXICY1yn8x_rVbSAGLNXsZroue3tPTpSKy3iFWjZbWQqYLyA2ho9ThSwA03dUVt50S3mFWrG3zUTvjpwpD3r2X254S8p-E2I/s1600/biltmore10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s8aHFLA-e8PVVTJ0ef0xyJZnQyd2A7wjF0-LUemJ8wTKyXICY1yn8x_rVbSAGLNXsZroue3tPTpSKy3iFWjZbWQqYLyA2ho9ThSwA03dUVt50S3mFWrG3zUTvjpwpD3r2X254S8p-E2I/s1600/biltmore10.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorswob1f8CN1GoC10so0O5TMctViMy0pNX362Ln1dMo2NSizJoHcSEG1gKFdnPCUtxOx_aL2fPJMnLamdMp0AXa3GcGOjXVONb3z3qJpZZj_xkpa0mCbB68WQl6SuAp-i4t4gfVgxvoHD/s1600/biltmore11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorswob1f8CN1GoC10so0O5TMctViMy0pNX362Ln1dMo2NSizJoHcSEG1gKFdnPCUtxOx_aL2fPJMnLamdMp0AXa3GcGOjXVONb3z3qJpZZj_xkpa0mCbB68WQl6SuAp-i4t4gfVgxvoHD/s1600/biltmore11.jpg" height="562" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhoy2VOmlR36nCq7iDQgwuIvSQUxfM6aoxMNU0FpF-Xp2EqMrCS9Eapn16iT94TCR8J-SCVh5uUTt1BcfhwoAVOz_4ZSkmB61aOa4nMD9rqB8wBRlJfuidebMS0IEpax_awrf1flilT0F/s1600/biltmore13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhoy2VOmlR36nCq7iDQgwuIvSQUxfM6aoxMNU0FpF-Xp2EqMrCS9Eapn16iT94TCR8J-SCVh5uUTt1BcfhwoAVOz_4ZSkmB61aOa4nMD9rqB8wBRlJfuidebMS0IEpax_awrf1flilT0F/s1600/biltmore13.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRtmYfzPYOwwZA2-Wrc5tyBT3Xh273jRCrEeZJJR9Fs_K6ZAg4-tummxLVAbWiLp4i0hm51mBs0DCSp1jsCOt1M65TJPaffcM7uIZsRv2uKnoc_XhUx2eItkVBuoA3qoqrqYsUG9PR1jO/s1600/biltmore16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRtmYfzPYOwwZA2-Wrc5tyBT3Xh273jRCrEeZJJR9Fs_K6ZAg4-tummxLVAbWiLp4i0hm51mBs0DCSp1jsCOt1M65TJPaffcM7uIZsRv2uKnoc_XhUx2eItkVBuoA3qoqrqYsUG9PR1jO/s1600/biltmore16.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKNcqbH-ilM9cPhWKXYKZcRZzMey_e8qrBVw1soE5DjciYP7w32-uJZbStJ9U5X00uK62JSTMccumMpkWzrpAXnJdrkAGLOwOSFsZHsP2m3zWm3_KhVlArsBIUHMHie7M9HAbWflH-z3d/s1600/biltmore8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKNcqbH-ilM9cPhWKXYKZcRZzMey_e8qrBVw1soE5DjciYP7w32-uJZbStJ9U5X00uK62JSTMccumMpkWzrpAXnJdrkAGLOwOSFsZHsP2m3zWm3_KhVlArsBIUHMHie7M9HAbWflH-z3d/s1600/biltmore8.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcju9J7u24_-o-ccbTgdbT8C4NCiusx3XcdW91NGnmVokvbnSAjbv98FJpFfuHwDp26bhnjSxBJFFFJnHpQZ_fZyHHvml5D4xLUHJTCPqVLGItM6j0JTQ5Y6aS0QA3qkX8Migka3lpMGFi/s1600/biltmore7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcju9J7u24_-o-ccbTgdbT8C4NCiusx3XcdW91NGnmVokvbnSAjbv98FJpFfuHwDp26bhnjSxBJFFFJnHpQZ_fZyHHvml5D4xLUHJTCPqVLGItM6j0JTQ5Y6aS0QA3qkX8Migka3lpMGFi/s1600/biltmore7.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56ULbhOcSG_UXdWs1Ydpq21j2Ywtl-olreFovDHTHbONk0vxp6hswEljaevzfvnlenyeQ88oEqmRtMp3XiJRHuXyAjFuw37FRU9A9q9XiiTCgYCg1di2dfpbXyGPumk7opa2oHDbuLBX7/s1600/biltmore5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56ULbhOcSG_UXdWs1Ydpq21j2Ywtl-olreFovDHTHbONk0vxp6hswEljaevzfvnlenyeQ88oEqmRtMp3XiJRHuXyAjFuw37FRU9A9q9XiiTCgYCg1di2dfpbXyGPumk7opa2oHDbuLBX7/s1600/biltmore5.jpg" height="1107" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuAZhNMF_-Lw_WqwbyX_SaOE6giGxrk77OPnjCpY1uRA4d-_E5tBoLaNE-kKKxiVediXZKkE3urPpeyxoIw6_ZgcdT_4voC9wQ-PyvAylKtiF1GaDYrHAImxWhceZ-XE0-iulON1-RGBJ/s1600/biltmore4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuAZhNMF_-Lw_WqwbyX_SaOE6giGxrk77OPnjCpY1uRA4d-_E5tBoLaNE-kKKxiVediXZKkE3urPpeyxoIw6_ZgcdT_4voC9wQ-PyvAylKtiF1GaDYrHAImxWhceZ-XE0-iulON1-RGBJ/s1600/biltmore4.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65Tyvb4x0E6KJ1m_4b9NjaI9awHIl6BRmF9cFC-r3jWOuyYM5yCO-iRJU8UPta9R0HnaLNtHVyWo2R0wj2uF5wPJqhF-zcDXpi03utD1M24VG0hvsOROjFHofawK_YE6oM263ckeBmqFr/s1600/biltmore1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65Tyvb4x0E6KJ1m_4b9NjaI9awHIl6BRmF9cFC-r3jWOuyYM5yCO-iRJU8UPta9R0HnaLNtHVyWo2R0wj2uF5wPJqhF-zcDXpi03utD1M24VG0hvsOROjFHofawK_YE6oM263ckeBmqFr/s1600/biltmore1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17vCu5Sg2vv9PJaMJ7x6m6fKIdz83N0NaDqPgUE4eQFwb-6hZJ73HjpgN-m7eSuwRCmvBPRWZo_pz6G-pE4Npx8diCRXEdZCnWD21qZOmkWw6bA1QCpMeLxZUyG0yGJu88iJGenqlC_2s/s1600/biltmore2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17vCu5Sg2vv9PJaMJ7x6m6fKIdz83N0NaDqPgUE4eQFwb-6hZJ73HjpgN-m7eSuwRCmvBPRWZo_pz6G-pE4Npx8diCRXEdZCnWD21qZOmkWw6bA1QCpMeLxZUyG0yGJu88iJGenqlC_2s/s1600/biltmore2.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
While it ended up being a rather overcast and gray day, we still enjoyed our time strolling about the estate. The spring flowers were in bloom and were just gorgeous. Perhaps my favorite part about the entire estate were the many greenhouses that you could wander through. I could have spent hours amongst all of the lush plants and flowers had Andrew not nudged me along to the next thing.<br />
<br />
Have you taken any quick road trips lately? Have you had the chance to visit the Biltmore?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-38262984445565043802014-04-14T12:30:00.000-04:002014-04-14T12:30:13.197-04:00DC Cherry Blossoms and the MLK MemorialOn Saturday we decided to brave the crowds and take in the beautiful cherry blossoms that were blooming along Tidal Basin in DC. We had not been down that way for the blooms in a couple of years, and since the weekend had brought with it such beautiful weather, it seemed like a fun enough way to spend a leisurely afternoon.<br />
<br />
The blooms were beautiful as they are each year, and walking amongst these old trees makes you feel as though you're in a winter wonderland of petals instead of snow. It's hard not to sigh a few times here and there as you take in the beauty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRN8cfmqS_6dLrDHrNfMPptLN10qzP_yQN2K0Y0geJp650dpQ_Z50N8iRD95JKGeqclDI95DJlvKNOIIDYLzPnsyeK0ImlthV0mZku6BbRS-g7SRBO0dATIPFzMiLRi0H_a1tgrjrvPka/s1600/cherry-blossoms-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRN8cfmqS_6dLrDHrNfMPptLN10qzP_yQN2K0Y0geJp650dpQ_Z50N8iRD95JKGeqclDI95DJlvKNOIIDYLzPnsyeK0ImlthV0mZku6BbRS-g7SRBO0dATIPFzMiLRi0H_a1tgrjrvPka/s1600/cherry-blossoms-1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0912oSCWJd1E1nb4v6o80MwdVanG1ugB9jeSDNwQDDlhEREDgww2CJtvT1Uji4MZ1EH8avXdgBiKaq1Z4FHjh0h_umM659c40OMTYVtkmL5mEye7CJBffT7Mcwj9QcPemNYLj2XGUc5-H/s1600/cherry-blossoms-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0912oSCWJd1E1nb4v6o80MwdVanG1ugB9jeSDNwQDDlhEREDgww2CJtvT1Uji4MZ1EH8avXdgBiKaq1Z4FHjh0h_umM659c40OMTYVtkmL5mEye7CJBffT7Mcwj9QcPemNYLj2XGUc5-H/s1600/cherry-blossoms-3.jpg" height="984" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbkeWgZW1VDYxQtAUeCRmoQeH2KNmJdWO68waR_DjaukY_L9A7CENDLuJ1Axz8SHiz_kPhVsQuYGV4LHtWJSxALNNdSFlY6cv7t5W_SMJrSjyiiBywu-Ps-HT8IhgvDatqbUn9Lm5ETOH/s1600/cherry-blossoms-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbkeWgZW1VDYxQtAUeCRmoQeH2KNmJdWO68waR_DjaukY_L9A7CENDLuJ1Axz8SHiz_kPhVsQuYGV4LHtWJSxALNNdSFlY6cv7t5W_SMJrSjyiiBywu-Ps-HT8IhgvDatqbUn9Lm5ETOH/s1600/cherry-blossoms-5.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTm2IYpfqXPFuhpBf-_RFYSCrtoUFltymcShEjEV8cjdaiiDpTlhe798LvT9eKCABgJbqaZnooPNs0aDv6OiOKlWYbSyZhXbvr6WiTUfoSqlv7k4-6KOVwFCaHVXVAdOT0K_Tm34G0ups/s1600/cherry-blossoms-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTm2IYpfqXPFuhpBf-_RFYSCrtoUFltymcShEjEV8cjdaiiDpTlhe798LvT9eKCABgJbqaZnooPNs0aDv6OiOKlWYbSyZhXbvr6WiTUfoSqlv7k4-6KOVwFCaHVXVAdOT0K_Tm34G0ups/s1600/cherry-blossoms-6.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG-1IPFImyZapaT9NlKNKeg5S1crWK2CjPeWoxWPhsrw7TyFERGzShyXu16LcnPyMsMo3MdwT68kwUSPlwEh7GwW2J4gabNRwFpzGI-juJAK5FHwMbHtvuFfp6zF0rOVSnalLBIH72e7x/s1600/cherry-blossoms-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG-1IPFImyZapaT9NlKNKeg5S1crWK2CjPeWoxWPhsrw7TyFERGzShyXu16LcnPyMsMo3MdwT68kwUSPlwEh7GwW2J4gabNRwFpzGI-juJAK5FHwMbHtvuFfp6zF0rOVSnalLBIH72e7x/s1600/cherry-blossoms-7.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UGDklp2xI3viaGBzYc_vcHO_vXvLkdmhoK0FsIKiXDT6ffSyci-327DPxkd4RXcKeBvl9dqxgVZz_29nQqFz5LZW_s46cLof-H0hLvF-l5AHqVkSWKZtO9WhUePlg3IXY5c7ySW6TyOt/s1600/cherry-blossoms-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UGDklp2xI3viaGBzYc_vcHO_vXvLkdmhoK0FsIKiXDT6ffSyci-327DPxkd4RXcKeBvl9dqxgVZz_29nQqFz5LZW_s46cLof-H0hLvF-l5AHqVkSWKZtO9WhUePlg3IXY5c7ySW6TyOt/s1600/cherry-blossoms-8.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUMcf4hSzCNJnmqgToWgXKyExMSjVBrUrorZFuhC-_5x60e9vClaiMQdg34wGS7XchV4GNeMGi809wiYIKBuxWyxIB_UD_wgS3AGewKvdHvqOe1N2OZB2u_tj1jiErfK6TiF7O2tgwcUd/s1600/cherry-blossoms-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUMcf4hSzCNJnmqgToWgXKyExMSjVBrUrorZFuhC-_5x60e9vClaiMQdg34wGS7XchV4GNeMGi809wiYIKBuxWyxIB_UD_wgS3AGewKvdHvqOe1N2OZB2u_tj1jiErfK6TiF7O2tgwcUd/s1600/cherry-blossoms-9.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4ytVac52RMjqSxqg3R6tDZHpPiEeK7DDiXl7sXnOOqCY5zLYoynhJSggVdcDrjg6YycY5ckAmYKr67lNIa5CdjYqLH9CX5Po8_1xcTukOz9dobGWCwV24u5I4asXXas1V1fum2CQFEJy/s1600/cherry-blossoms-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4ytVac52RMjqSxqg3R6tDZHpPiEeK7DDiXl7sXnOOqCY5zLYoynhJSggVdcDrjg6YycY5ckAmYKr67lNIa5CdjYqLH9CX5Po8_1xcTukOz9dobGWCwV24u5I4asXXas1V1fum2CQFEJy/s1600/cherry-blossoms-10.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aKzSGd7UwBnK35psNwHua86tqlhZDEWztVDWSOxet7x2hOx9n1w7eYah4q_q2ZFsb8xBsw24qopnDE4wzCmmvOzPD4exyNDAXqLcm_ARXx0bbubIGDM6h1NxYv6-5QVYyO3CWN3b6UGg/s1600/cherry-blossoms-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aKzSGd7UwBnK35psNwHua86tqlhZDEWztVDWSOxet7x2hOx9n1w7eYah4q_q2ZFsb8xBsw24qopnDE4wzCmmvOzPD4exyNDAXqLcm_ARXx0bbubIGDM6h1NxYv6-5QVYyO3CWN3b6UGg/s1600/cherry-blossoms-11.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-6C-DMDuHCma5PctfmNv7FTov7FWc6anZurfkHGsc_LK74O2eLeUQffoMKAtz6lS0dHti-JNXkSgPx1m_TNx6jEK_lvw_EJPmoFT9KSLHd4GCxAarj3hY-XxbI3KAc003UvEoUUD4cOs/s1600/cherry-blossoms-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-6C-DMDuHCma5PctfmNv7FTov7FWc6anZurfkHGsc_LK74O2eLeUQffoMKAtz6lS0dHti-JNXkSgPx1m_TNx6jEK_lvw_EJPmoFT9KSLHd4GCxAarj3hY-XxbI3KAc003UvEoUUD4cOs/s1600/cherry-blossoms-4.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
At the end of our walk around Tidal Basin we paused for a bit to take in the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial. We had not had a chance to visit the relatively new memorial since it was installed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsSDtyISedLh81AT5VrE2lbK2kcXxeqtFWXol3EAbuM-eKP5dslQB1yQalVMsmMPN3HnKTD874_9Fl1UBRpGt6PXwCmrvzBKrFh3l2eThY-NLh5dAqvhlbI8xTJF0rZBPlJakdl9QHhFp/s1600/mlk-memorial-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsSDtyISedLh81AT5VrE2lbK2kcXxeqtFWXol3EAbuM-eKP5dslQB1yQalVMsmMPN3HnKTD874_9Fl1UBRpGt6PXwCmrvzBKrFh3l2eThY-NLh5dAqvhlbI8xTJF0rZBPlJakdl9QHhFp/s1600/mlk-memorial-1.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXYcvq3WRHXkGeSRZbH9QhFvh1f2J_bq0M9cMcL56XwbaUErnA3BbWo_3JjTEQstIYW9rZNnDoKxUQaBDMUl3Ex2gHKo9DGt2SHoLJBkW963y-Z4GQJrRJoFzX82xbMdLDAsE3UkSJw68/s1600/mlk-memorial-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXYcvq3WRHXkGeSRZbH9QhFvh1f2J_bq0M9cMcL56XwbaUErnA3BbWo_3JjTEQstIYW9rZNnDoKxUQaBDMUl3Ex2gHKo9DGt2SHoLJBkW963y-Z4GQJrRJoFzX82xbMdLDAsE3UkSJw68/s1600/mlk-memorial-2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4bdf1HljzQXcHRqpkI2sHw9M-6aKwOmGwkWVfJExMGxx1DFipDG9IL4FrBXNh-RNmeQv7-t-7EP7dWlbq9Q2kPnvG2RyMnvEpEsMmWtA6BjLhymyFvyQh4zEoc1pWyqZFWaIBfma699t/s1600/mlk-memorial-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4bdf1HljzQXcHRqpkI2sHw9M-6aKwOmGwkWVfJExMGxx1DFipDG9IL4FrBXNh-RNmeQv7-t-7EP7dWlbq9Q2kPnvG2RyMnvEpEsMmWtA6BjLhymyFvyQh4zEoc1pWyqZFWaIBfma699t/s1600/mlk-memorial-3.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While reading some of his most famous quotes, that had been engraved on the memorial, I thought of how powerful his words are still today. So many of the quotes deal with us understanding each other and placing the importance of all of humanity above anything else. And here we were, amongst the beautiful cherry blossoms with thousands of others from all over the world, and at that moment none of the strife, or conflict, or inequality that exists in the world mattered. We were all there together just to take in beauty-- and there was nothing complicated about that.<br />
<br />
Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-85521614357665859662014-04-11T11:40:00.002-04:002014-04-11T11:40:54.952-04:00Oregon Ridge ParkYesterday morning, The Beast died. The Beast, also known as my printer, was four years old and had finally decided that it had fulfilled its duty after printing thousands of cards and stationery sets in that time period. This left me at a standstill yesterday until my new printer would arrive. The weather was gorgeous, and so I decided that it only made sense that I spent my new found extra time outdoors.<br />
<br />
I decided to make a quick 20 minute drive just north of Baltimore to Oregon Ridge Park. We first went to Oregon Ridge for the <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/2011/08/hot-august-blues.html">Hot August Blues Festival</a> a few years back, and subsequently found out that there are plenty of trails to hike there as well. It's a nice place to head to in the Baltimore area if you want some decent hiking without having to drive about an hour away.<br />
<br />
Oregon Ridge was full of sunshine, but at first felt disappointingly dead to me. The brown colors and crunchy leaves under my feet made me feel as if it were November. And then slowly, but surely, I began to find peeks of green amidst the brown. Spring may have arrived later than it usually does, but it certainly was making itself visible in a small way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJIeJTRGdwVmmej8bxwEpWk0SVEMy81YJrsFGSMBNVt_3yPEwtMiETbDR9eeCbgiBtY6_bG77_wn5JSX_G-HHN4OMxjP9h9q1ul7ZBIysYHrGzi7vbkupHl1Id-w24WDLVC4eZlWHDKAk/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJIeJTRGdwVmmej8bxwEpWk0SVEMy81YJrsFGSMBNVt_3yPEwtMiETbDR9eeCbgiBtY6_bG77_wn5JSX_G-HHN4OMxjP9h9q1ul7ZBIysYHrGzi7vbkupHl1Id-w24WDLVC4eZlWHDKAk/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-1.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfkT5XkX0BGU5llo6osmVadJW_P8WcjXsc61kaEGxFgYVY3CJOHJNL-bsX3o-2t_yBfRvqa8-1H-iSSI3M91cI-EpmS6mzJppi-N_pCSR0_X-3AdzNl-ty5q7j0Vg-e81oLQdowYDoutY/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfkT5XkX0BGU5llo6osmVadJW_P8WcjXsc61kaEGxFgYVY3CJOHJNL-bsX3o-2t_yBfRvqa8-1H-iSSI3M91cI-EpmS6mzJppi-N_pCSR0_X-3AdzNl-ty5q7j0Vg-e81oLQdowYDoutY/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-2.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY6JDlqA1hpSGOjIXR44sRCt0RnNiNRtlxuHRIwhj5xl34WI7E2uLrO_9rB2WHBTBHGdH70EPINTG3GNxv2KkdG1UMgqrhJo3i9Tlsmt-9pmGMOmFHz2HdLqkTf654XpE2XkGA3GyAP5B/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY6JDlqA1hpSGOjIXR44sRCt0RnNiNRtlxuHRIwhj5xl34WI7E2uLrO_9rB2WHBTBHGdH70EPINTG3GNxv2KkdG1UMgqrhJo3i9Tlsmt-9pmGMOmFHz2HdLqkTf654XpE2XkGA3GyAP5B/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-5.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3uMEyp02pIyTtrLllhvYAssUfobDfgQh2j_yPzymwfYuIC-eAeH17oincb0b2_Ni7tZXU6uHd0a056Y2pls4uqkuge5ZUnhwLd_lCzUpT-ffYi_Nb4EXkuERcpeBwArKOJrCX_B3Z2KB/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3uMEyp02pIyTtrLllhvYAssUfobDfgQh2j_yPzymwfYuIC-eAeH17oincb0b2_Ni7tZXU6uHd0a056Y2pls4uqkuge5ZUnhwLd_lCzUpT-ffYi_Nb4EXkuERcpeBwArKOJrCX_B3Z2KB/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCdKF8ZvZiYZZwJwmMWPZa5w4XHFWsrSlPF9WlhyphenhyphenZqvVUVJCg0u7tmnSUKvbDttfHbRg4xlKDNQjz21lNVQlciahvWRiHl0H9iSqUQB5X0T3rY4AYrY4YetTGTJeIGx8w4iIf_m9-4ul_/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCdKF8ZvZiYZZwJwmMWPZa5w4XHFWsrSlPF9WlhyphenhyphenZqvVUVJCg0u7tmnSUKvbDttfHbRg4xlKDNQjz21lNVQlciahvWRiHl0H9iSqUQB5X0T3rY4AYrY4YetTGTJeIGx8w4iIf_m9-4ul_/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-9.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0uLb8MTgN-I3e7gbDAdb_lzMcislhjcXOqmXPiphG3ue6V5B77CbZ0xhJ5kUrq5DwHaihcqyMjo7al_1obN6T1utNorOqNLajuIDzTve7I8SV26VzjRlF-cG2m7gWS5QFvpnJIen-s0O/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0uLb8MTgN-I3e7gbDAdb_lzMcislhjcXOqmXPiphG3ue6V5B77CbZ0xhJ5kUrq5DwHaihcqyMjo7al_1obN6T1utNorOqNLajuIDzTve7I8SV26VzjRlF-cG2m7gWS5QFvpnJIen-s0O/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-3.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhfXNyRsvbFml5xXbUNv_DAvv3PD5BhW39VOlUJrXZxXfx4VkqIL3NLAZFPsA-eMZnrUOGo-tbBZFVCqh3L6WG16QI1-Bp5ESiOC69K9PB7RrillYV6J9Yi_SfzTiXDvBUnL7RnHytW8Q/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhfXNyRsvbFml5xXbUNv_DAvv3PD5BhW39VOlUJrXZxXfx4VkqIL3NLAZFPsA-eMZnrUOGo-tbBZFVCqh3L6WG16QI1-Bp5ESiOC69K9PB7RrillYV6J9Yi_SfzTiXDvBUnL7RnHytW8Q/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-8.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv8nHo-WzpsPyQX7D2StLIOieXogMip-QQtLAZcpZdf-VDa-TJg0vWbB_oAUP_NuOWAAM8XJ9vCeJFxhhxYbLJFAeH4kUJfbNoc2P_NtbykscEqsevv6QOTLCoxVTz7DTP6vTIPYQWcnb/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv8nHo-WzpsPyQX7D2StLIOieXogMip-QQtLAZcpZdf-VDa-TJg0vWbB_oAUP_NuOWAAM8XJ9vCeJFxhhxYbLJFAeH4kUJfbNoc2P_NtbykscEqsevv6QOTLCoxVTz7DTP6vTIPYQWcnb/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-6.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexbRp_APBJPy1SKRpkL7bSpnvq5-eOLOAvGPm-NhmYqVpMmGOOM_Knt6TE_yW6UVgUBn8bEy8J2_IOrpy0dF4ZpjrsYwW1DAsbPqK4ka_rLTLig_IAsqqNnvDpbpWzO6vNnHGZ5XhdBSd/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexbRp_APBJPy1SKRpkL7bSpnvq5-eOLOAvGPm-NhmYqVpMmGOOM_Knt6TE_yW6UVgUBn8bEy8J2_IOrpy0dF4ZpjrsYwW1DAsbPqK4ka_rLTLig_IAsqqNnvDpbpWzO6vNnHGZ5XhdBSd/s1600/oregon-ridge-park-7.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What I had hoped would be an hour hike, turned into a two hour, 3.68 mile hike throughout the park. My hike was followed by a stop at the coffee shop for an iced coffee and some reading. While my day began with a stressful event, it ended with time off that I realized had been greatly needed. And this morning, I have felt newly energized and recharged.<br />
<br />
Has your spring finally arrived? Have you had some time off to spend outdoors lately?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-40409105930479576602014-04-09T15:05:00.000-04:002014-04-09T15:05:29.880-04:00Richmond Weekend Wrap-UpWe spent this past weekend in Richmond, Virginia as I was participating in the Richmond Craft Mafia's Spring Bada-Bing. You may remember from back in December, that we were in Richmond for a day for their <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/2013/12/handmade-holiday-in-richmond.html">Handmade Holiday</a>. We had previously never been to Richmond before our one day in and out in December, so this time we decided to stay for an overnight and do a little exploring on Sunday before heading back to Baltimore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnUxtbrb6KsdTpeQa4C3IXaXWQtpodiEQiIsHE944VvkrA-ZEQLrGKB4dUrE7C8YwVQdMZFiIihh9UCHxPDCAhyphenhyphen23CKYeb74pxIBMhSWcN9ljKEPQ05j0b2ciSbpNQIjX4dlZVpXOlHyT/s1600/spring-badabing-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnUxtbrb6KsdTpeQa4C3IXaXWQtpodiEQiIsHE944VvkrA-ZEQLrGKB4dUrE7C8YwVQdMZFiIihh9UCHxPDCAhyphenhyphen23CKYeb74pxIBMhSWcN9ljKEPQ05j0b2ciSbpNQIjX4dlZVpXOlHyT/s1600/spring-badabing-1.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqeh7OLGXZnZaVZD_cC3cN2w23Y3C_W5CRMf4fUWtnHahfxzpsMrS_6-XvI0qbqcTWVvC0hDB5F0kNQkxJk31n7Wdd6y6VulqWrUJl8ZexqsKKZ0QQsWUtFbM-pzYhDRWtkbT9sjRxaVW/s1600/spring-badabing-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqeh7OLGXZnZaVZD_cC3cN2w23Y3C_W5CRMf4fUWtnHahfxzpsMrS_6-XvI0qbqcTWVvC0hDB5F0kNQkxJk31n7Wdd6y6VulqWrUJl8ZexqsKKZ0QQsWUtFbM-pzYhDRWtkbT9sjRxaVW/s1600/spring-badabing-2.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAxAqTS0yTkl8ETTv9OtkpXlADtD9tHSifR1QZuJ62SIGTKahGimIWCE96iN1J__MapLbZlKrCgzhiDsnIXLermbVxISlgJ5MoQA9sJflJSGNMzRCiSp7mE6_WAWsc8xzMYhmizXkSyR0/s1600/spring-badabing-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAxAqTS0yTkl8ETTv9OtkpXlADtD9tHSifR1QZuJ62SIGTKahGimIWCE96iN1J__MapLbZlKrCgzhiDsnIXLermbVxISlgJ5MoQA9sJflJSGNMzRCiSp7mE6_WAWsc8xzMYhmizXkSyR0/s1600/spring-badabing-3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHbRyNXnXF9iOpMw4AR31_U8hTHA3ftmrdVkPGDzlW96-4s75tlGVey_lZnHQEy69DPWiolDTrzsQ-Q4yIyce1KzIixGmMlaX2HbegFOuy8Z6xkJ_HCdyvJku3deh6sNAyPN2ZndtlZhP/s1600/spring-badabing-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHbRyNXnXF9iOpMw4AR31_U8hTHA3ftmrdVkPGDzlW96-4s75tlGVey_lZnHQEy69DPWiolDTrzsQ-Q4yIyce1KzIixGmMlaX2HbegFOuy8Z6xkJ_HCdyvJku3deh6sNAyPN2ZndtlZhP/s1600/spring-badabing-4.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
The show itself on Saturday was held at the Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, which meant that we were able to enjoy the fabulous smells and tastes of their craft brews. My booth was set up directly next to one of the many large fermenters. Oak barrels line the walls, and two bars were open for customers and vendors alike to enjoy in a few libations. The show went exceedingly well (I feel a lot of love from Richmond in the last several months!) and the general atmosphere was something that left me feeling incredibly happy to be doing what I do.</div>
<div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg0iMXb-ArngEWtd8P_PN3YGvrxRiTJ-AWts8L4BFJ_jLinEdIsFGCVdMshfi0fbAYZ5hiVwyw9NquAovZ2e8RPPweZJOGlljFwPRpPPjybBu4Nda0P0QgYF7osgeHE7Km_Ee9fMMCKpU/s1600/hardywood-park-craft-brewery-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg0iMXb-ArngEWtd8P_PN3YGvrxRiTJ-AWts8L4BFJ_jLinEdIsFGCVdMshfi0fbAYZ5hiVwyw9NquAovZ2e8RPPweZJOGlljFwPRpPPjybBu4Nda0P0QgYF7osgeHE7Km_Ee9fMMCKpU/s1600/hardywood-park-craft-brewery-1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPT7nTK8Q1Rsn44XL7BotjsFX3jrgFMx2wyGg_AOLONMVuF2z7MhAdorm73GdXrrhyxdmmCrvYfhR1Myri-YyT43VhoX8JwBE4PLeo8EClN5sFfaeAkULe2gT8MyW4rnGJdGrkiyxSMOQ/s1600/hardywood-park-craft-brewery-2.jpg" height="544" width="640" /> </div>
I was also able to briefly meet Karl of <a href="http://www.blackbirdtees.com/">Blackbird Tees</a>. He and his girlfriend Jody create the best screen printed tees and and other such textiles. I have to admit, I truly look up to them in terms of the way they carry their handmade business as a lifestyle, so it was awesome to finally meet! Not to mention, I was able to snag one of their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/178109928/share-the-road-bicycle-shirt-for-men?ref=shop_home_active_9">Share the Road</a> tees for Andrew, the semi-avid cyclist, who may now have about one of their shirts in one form or another for every day of the week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a successful day at Hardywood, we stopped at Legend Brewing to enjoy a pint and some outdoor time in the beautiful weather. We noticed in December that Legend has a fabulous patio that overlooks the river and the city, and so we decided to test it out this time around. After a quick pint, we headed downtown to the Capital Ale House for dinner and more brews. The food was delicious and the selection of local beer on tap was the highlight for us. The weekend was definitely a good one for us craft beer lovers!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h8QXTZUQzvFv5SPCwYnek1rzDdVVXp-P73xCrURv4qd0AIn1PiB29AC4FcwmC3aemNBVMacdli98G3CkXSCGp-jxtMeDwmquck0666nBRMfQqfHI2dqjGgERb76zd1NZudZgJ9wMe6yJ/s1600/legend-brewing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h8QXTZUQzvFv5SPCwYnek1rzDdVVXp-P73xCrURv4qd0AIn1PiB29AC4FcwmC3aemNBVMacdli98G3CkXSCGp-jxtMeDwmquck0666nBRMfQqfHI2dqjGgERb76zd1NZudZgJ9wMe6yJ/s1600/legend-brewing.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We stayed overnight at an apartment we had found through AirBnB, and then spent a lazy Sunday morning at Lamplighter, an amazing coffeehouse nearby. If you ever find yourself in Richmond, do yourself a favor and get your morning coffee and breakfast there. You won't regret it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWbIE-Sq441mRWYjJbZENGGMhJ1PwV4LNf1wwOmcv-8qCyB1ZzxUlMRbRT5lHxE5F37jxoeSVifDiIXHiA37bbLn9l5UUu3Hj6WX1A6AC41KHqZMkZH4OJ3v_EfnIzwrV6qLxXlS2BcnW/s1600/lamplighter-roasting-company.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWbIE-Sq441mRWYjJbZENGGMhJ1PwV4LNf1wwOmcv-8qCyB1ZzxUlMRbRT5lHxE5F37jxoeSVifDiIXHiA37bbLn9l5UUu3Hj6WX1A6AC41KHqZMkZH4OJ3v_EfnIzwrV6qLxXlS2BcnW/s1600/lamplighter-roasting-company.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After fueling up on coffee and food, we spent some time exploring the Historic Fan District, which is filled with beautiful homes and architecture. Lastly, we spent the early afternoon meandering through Carytown, popping into a few boutiques and browsing through records at a local record store before heading back up 95 to Baltimore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy362IFD-yoSw2x41eRSjeL2pPZZziB2BTi48EGDz93P0bl2fUrbAi2GBcDHMLD6lhz7zDOWzM9-ekP3ZcqWPi8t0z4JXBQwSb4An6u4yLBnpZA2qOl6mPgoH36OWBL1esvWPxypl6UmW/s1600/byrd-theatre-richmond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy362IFD-yoSw2x41eRSjeL2pPZZziB2BTi48EGDz93P0bl2fUrbAi2GBcDHMLD6lhz7zDOWzM9-ekP3ZcqWPi8t0z4JXBQwSb4An6u4yLBnpZA2qOl6mPgoH36OWBL1esvWPxypl6UmW/s1600/byrd-theatre-richmond.jpg" height="957" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This weekend was incredibly exhausting, but it a good way. And now that Wednesday has arrived, I'm finally feeling reenergized and ready for another adventure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Did you do anything fun this past weekend? Do you have any adventures planned for the near future?</div>
Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-88635336707422786522014-04-03T05:00:00.000-04:002014-04-03T05:00:02.080-04:00Mother's Day Cards2014 <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14?section_id=7609685&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1">Mother's Day cards</a> have arrived! I listed them in the shop a while ago, and posted a few here and there on <a href="http://instagram.com/rowhouse14">Instagram</a>, but I wanted to make it official. These are some of my favorite cards to date. I picked up some new pens to draw with and they have been absolutely inspiring to work with. It took me a while to come up with the concepts for this line of cards, but once I started drawing, the ideas began flowing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183131379/funny-mothers-day-card-mothers-day-card?ref=shop_home_active_8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183131379/funny-mothers-day-card-mothers-day-card?ref=shop_home_active_8" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7zXy51zZ-wCv_co5fHy1i2G1Dce9W9NgKYAjUMdV0oGWuxZIffMCD4XWLXzyykUhORWQGwTJ68zaqF557ajgS88gBb6FExC7DVdFmUida6C6RLVE5iL6QKpcKdfTI8dLr9m_e3IjDfPH/s1600/Mom+Peed+1.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183114674/funny-mothers-day-card-mothers-day-card?ref=shop_home_active_2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183114674/funny-mothers-day-card-mothers-day-card?ref=shop_home_active_2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl9r4GzXA3f49083PSqgpCiiulwe4Gl4ZLe8VDXqvBl1coaWx11GEKJfGDn0NlgTbpoPHtnrMngEWC-AYhqX7oWA79fG60olrx_vj1-lDginRVcWJ3-ugu2mywy9TLN18XzqTONA4l8OO/s1600/Why+Mom+1.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183016449/mothers-day-card-funny-mothers-day-card?ref=related-4" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183016449/mothers-day-card-funny-mothers-day-card?ref=related-4" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4puie9-lIY36usjoJSoYUy8EC57QDPiNg_Pj7v6ejROEy0tJ1gWHWo3g8mO5vDkup_BTrW9M2z1m_zAWg5TeqoX1ofxdJnw5hF_nHQVmT3NfqF1_yJgNXrCpH3Yt3ywhYoyZi7nExArE/s1600/What+Time+Is+Dinner+1.jpg" height="538" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183122899/funny-mothers-day-card-mothers-day-card?ref=related-0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183122899/funny-mothers-day-card-mothers-day-card?ref=related-0" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpTRwfs2ZN0O7a2ZiaFhWso6lBI6ro1JFHUU3bVG5tq_i3v8jEn8zPQukMdq5hUk_fEm_yNYtQYsQ_xSwYGR7bWn1VA5xLhyphenhyphenXkMssxBTKibOC9vsCw0-Zy5YeK9eb87Md8YE72tj1dWnx/s1600/Skinny+Jeans+4.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183007367/mothers-day-card-funny-mothers-day-card?ref=related-5" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183007367/mothers-day-card-funny-mothers-day-card?ref=related-5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPGonKrjnvJdZBlxMqWGa5Hoq9YKfckd1-lZLPCKK8N_eZFXGkiAGE7Nm0UmBgeClcwzYr2HOrU3uff8Tk9fKHSZx97XMjWgky7_DpozloPeU_4-tEGEdWgcTmjzfh0aDVx8dtYPaLLqm/s1600/Mom+Listening+1.jpg" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love these five cards because the designs are bright and bold, but the concepts in the cards themselves are incredibly easy to relate to-- they're jam packed with plenty of truth, you know?<br />
<br />
Don't forget! Mother's Day is May 11th! Which is your favorite of these new cards? Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-70656639792954045142014-04-01T05:00:00.000-04:002014-04-01T05:00:03.076-04:00Renewing Expired Listings on EtsyA few weeks ago, I posed this question on twitter: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-MRlvO4HinIX14H5-O4rSyro7ggkiRq9q5v6B-kSpLJAMqH3EP5EE2nQOupsJK-ABsy2moSQSrUq_mYWqKDcqgclE6QbQ8HjeL7sWJQrQFgUhPk-KNRlTmmn39HYIPylW5ch0-zDx4-E/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-28+at+3.13.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-MRlvO4HinIX14H5-O4rSyro7ggkiRq9q5v6B-kSpLJAMqH3EP5EE2nQOupsJK-ABsy2moSQSrUq_mYWqKDcqgclE6QbQ8HjeL7sWJQrQFgUhPk-KNRlTmmn39HYIPylW5ch0-zDx4-E/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-03-28+at+3.13.24+PM.png" height="102" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was in the midst of cleaning up my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14?ref=si_shop">shop</a>, and realized that a) I had grown emotionally attached to designs that just weren't making it big and b) I was spending a lot of money renewing these items and it didn't seem to make sense to do so anymore.<br />
<br />
My questions led to a lot of response from many Etsy sellers in my handmade community-- a very mixed response. Some suggested that I keep renewing until I sold the card. Some said I needed to let go and just let it expire. And others felt that I should keep renewing items simply to have more outlets for customers to enter my shop-- in other words, that I should think of it as advertising.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180910107/funny-i-love-you-card-i-love-you-card?ref=shop_home_active_10"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180910107/funny-i-love-you-card-i-love-you-card?ref=shop_home_active_10" border="0" height="560" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/031/0/6116276/il_fullxfull.570022349_2m9p.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As I work toward streamlining and making my business stronger, renewing items on Etsy is a legitimate concern. I realized that I had no system in place in terms of keeping track of how many times a card was selling and how many times I was renewing a card with or without sales in between. For me, not having a system to keep track of these things seemed like a possible source of losing income and spending money that didn't need to be spent.<br />
<br />
Selling a card for $4 when I had renewed it 5 times, suddenly meant that I had already cut $1 off from the price of the sale. For this reason, it just doesn't seem to make sense to keep renewing cards for sale if they don't sell. Additionally, I don't know that I could justify renewing a card's listing simply from a traffic standpoint when there are other ways that you can advertise that are much more cost effective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181851585/thank-you-card-card-for-a-friend-thank?ref=shop_home_active_14"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181851585/thank-you-card-card-for-a-friend-thank?ref=shop_home_active_14" border="0" height="576" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/022/0/6116276/il_fullxfull.573347274_qwr6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That meant only one thing-- I would have to let go. While there are some cards that I love, they just might not be popular or they may never sell. And it simply doesn't seem to be good business practice to spend money simply because a design is near and dear to my heart. In turn, I've been starting to develop ways of keeping track of these things, and I've set limits for myself. If I've renewed a card a couple times and it just hasn't taken off, or it has never sold, it has to go.<br />
<br />
In addition, focusing on the more popular designs has helped me to get a better idea of what sorts of inventory I should take with me to craft fairs. It has also sparked my creativity in terms of building a focus for new designs. I spend more time thinking about which ideas are truly great ideas. I'm less quick to make a card with just any old thing that pops into my head. And to honest, it's been freeing! I see the number of available designs in my shop dwindle, but at the same time, I know that what I am producing is truly something I am proud of and am completely satisfied with sharing with others.<br />
<br />
I'm learning. Slowly, but surely, I'm figuring out this whole running a business thing. I still have a lot to soak up, but at least I'm making small steps of progress here and there.<br />
<br />
What do you think? How do you decide whether or not to renew expired listings? Do you have a way to keep track of these statistics for your inventory? I'd love to hear your point of view!Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-65848556383664768582014-03-31T10:40:00.001-04:002014-03-31T14:28:05.469-04:005 Reasons Why Not to Wear Yoga Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2FKRaQHG4GXslFHXbybb20B24UXkmxA247cxvFdClACdppVUyZ3oH4ETO6bM0hPcsVPQF9l9CiHZJYT9TgkPfPHcVTzCABUHc1jxm-ANy0ubQHDlV5wT6RpHVj70v_YtCEl9Q56if-iv/s1600/5-reasons-why-not-to-wear-yoga-pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2FKRaQHG4GXslFHXbybb20B24UXkmxA247cxvFdClACdppVUyZ3oH4ETO6bM0hPcsVPQF9l9CiHZJYT9TgkPfPHcVTzCABUHc1jxm-ANy0ubQHDlV5wT6RpHVj70v_YtCEl9Q56if-iv/s1600/5-reasons-why-not-to-wear-yoga-pants.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
Unless your job requires you to dress professionally, you are probably sitting there reading this blog post while sporting a stretchy, oh so comfy, pair of yoga pants that have seen better days. Let's be honest-- I don't blame you. Those things are probably the comfiest damn things on the face of the earth.<br />
<br />
However, after wearing yoga pants most days for a couple of months into self-employment, I realized that it needed to end. Wearing yoga pants was quite possibly one of the worst things that I could be doing for myself, and I needed to break the habit. If you think I've totally lost my mind at this point, I'll convince you otherwise.<br />
<br />
1. <b>You shower.</b> Think about it. How many times do you crawl out of bed, throw on some yoga pants, and then stumble to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee, never to change out of those yoga pants for the rest of the day? Yup. That was me. And quite honestly, after a while I just started to feel dirty if I still hadn't taken a shower by late afternoon.<br />
<br />
2. <b>You feel better about yourself.</b> If you've showered, taken the time to put on a nice outfit, and have accomplished this by 9am, then that's a win. You will feel 200% better about yourself. You won't feel like a slob. You'll feel put together and most likely have a better body image of yourself, which only leads to a better outlook for the rest of your day. It's a confidence booster.<br />
<br />
3. <b>You become more productive.</b> Getting out of those yoga pants and into a nice outfit will make you feel like you're on a mission. If you can accomplish that, I guarantee you'll start your day with more motivation to accomplish your goals for the rest of the day. I have noticed that on days that I don't shower and put on real clothes by 9am, my entire day slowly becomes a complete waste. I often like to throw on a cute pair of shoes in addition to getting nicely dressed. Cute shoes <i>always</i> up the ante. <br />
<br />
4. <b>They're an incentive to work out.</b> If you're like me, you love fashionable workout clothes just as much as any other type of clothes. Choosing a few pairs of yoga pants that you really love can be an added incentive to be active and sweat it out. <i>If</i> you work out, <i>then</i> you get to wear your yoga pants. Use them as an incentive to be active, not to lounge around the house.<br />
<br />
5. <b>You have more reason to shop for cute clothes.</b> What's the point of shopping or buying fashionable items when you never wear them? Not wearing yoga pants all day makes me more excited about what I can do with my day to day wardrobe. I love being able to dress for my mood. For example, if I'm feeling like a rock star businesswoman that day, I choose a blazer and pumps. And, knowing that I'll actually be wearing the clothes I purchase makes it easier for me to justify buying them.<br />
<br />
I've stuck my guns with the No Yoga Pants rule for a few months now and it's a game changer. Of course I indulge on the weekends and have at least one lazy day because we <i>all</i> deserve that. However, I've jumped ship on the yoga pants during the week. Have I convinced you yet? Are you guilty of wearing yoga pants non-stop?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-43220209404475583812014-03-26T14:43:00.002-04:002014-03-26T14:44:03.850-04:00Homemade Dog Biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_m-cQa65jgPY74XdGjjR_nBMPLnuBOeHcUGZQ5b2kgOWWFvzjnW2f8NkPzOMsi2dBFx6Il1DKZPFt9jQPF9YVc_HrcLcXc2SitBuwrvEnORT5kSUNsWKBRnyPb11fLHGm7ztIJfWgCU6/s1600/Dog+Biscuits+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_m-cQa65jgPY74XdGjjR_nBMPLnuBOeHcUGZQ5b2kgOWWFvzjnW2f8NkPzOMsi2dBFx6Il1DKZPFt9jQPF9YVc_HrcLcXc2SitBuwrvEnORT5kSUNsWKBRnyPb11fLHGm7ztIJfWgCU6/s1600/Dog+Biscuits+1.jpg" height="826" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This past Sunday was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSRtO9Ua7zkDewx9_PiFX5uQ2yr02iUkQVtxAy2tnNF2f9uDQbHdFTothGPEdn2aD1AWkyZK6ds8W2J1PdX1arbN0GfhrVqVg-dDDs5equ558ljXrFl0vpbikOwEO16E_BzSTFFxN3usa/s1600/lilah1.jpg">Lilah</a>'s fifth birthday. While she is starting to grey a little in the chin, when most people ask us how old she is, they are shocked to find out that she's not one or two years of age. We've been told by many of our friends that she has mellowed out considerably in these five years, but she truly is one of the happiest dogs I've ever met and just doesn't slow down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3ucZv-UcjBASAMhtYZTIOCYoQHAUYR1ZAEY-5VwQGRgkGn42bKx5XQgWZm2YYzjdlKBy1C9Xqh-4UN4FKqmaiMIMMTPvcy8cKvw9t47RsQDd-S6ZBlJ5rUPpWMAGebpngL7HAFWxy_dm/s1600/Dog+Biscuits+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3ucZv-UcjBASAMhtYZTIOCYoQHAUYR1ZAEY-5VwQGRgkGn42bKx5XQgWZm2YYzjdlKBy1C9Xqh-4UN4FKqmaiMIMMTPvcy8cKvw9t47RsQDd-S6ZBlJ5rUPpWMAGebpngL7HAFWxy_dm/s1600/Dog+Biscuits+4.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
Andrew and I usually give Lilah something special for her birthday, so this year we decided to make her some biscuits. They were quick and simple to make and boy does she love them! Between her high level of energy and the fact that she snarfed her biscuit down so quickly, I gave up all hope of capturing a photo of her for this blog post. After glancing at several recipes, I decided that I could have a go at making my own concoction that would please Lilah based on some of her very favorite things. This recipe includes simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and is fairly healthy. Lilah will eat just about anything and can put on a few extra pounds quite quickly if we're not too careful, so I kept that in mind. In addition, we've still only been giving her one biscuit about every other day so as not to overdo it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKlWurDxQ7vbNrCZef16AD5DwK-9MJGmio2JJ1lXkPiiyFNW3HiEQR_aVwPFp6nv5yNPJadhOoStegkyFKkkNUx-1o4LI7W_MUDF6PNaMGhVE0PATtqZqI_wQw2ipYeP5rfY29WU-UprX/s1600/Dog+Biscuits+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKlWurDxQ7vbNrCZef16AD5DwK-9MJGmio2JJ1lXkPiiyFNW3HiEQR_aVwPFp6nv5yNPJadhOoStegkyFKkkNUx-1o4LI7W_MUDF6PNaMGhVE0PATtqZqI_wQw2ipYeP5rfY29WU-UprX/s1600/Dog+Biscuits+2.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Homemade Dog Biscuits</b><br />
<br />
What You'll Need<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups whole wheat flour</li>
<li>1/2 cup rolled oats</li>
<li>1 Tablespoon baking powder</li>
<li>1 cup low sodium chicken broth (please make sure it is low sodium! too much salt is not good!)</li>
<li>1/2 cup peanut butter</li>
<li>1 mashed banana</li>
</ul>
Directions<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, and baking powder. Stir in the broth, peanut butter, and banana until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball on a floured counter. Kneed the dough for about 30 seconds to make the dough smooth. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about a third of an inch thickness. Use a dog bone shaped cookie cutter to cut biscuits and place the biscuits on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes until the biscuits are crunchy.<br />
<br />
And from one dog family to another, we hope that your pups enjoy these biscuits as much as Lilah does!<br />
<br />
Do you celebrate your dog's birthday? Have you made dog biscuits before? I'd love to hear about your recipes!Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-67794687568425424472014-03-18T12:58:00.001-04:002014-03-18T12:58:42.600-04:00Oatmeal Coconut Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAudU4nmVx4PXIjKi2MA4CUCn5btQVJD_6qIEk_3iju7jY5blMfxXfGZ6fomEm94rk5KGP1S1fBMX8adJOuXmAsCBxDR3MssWhgWSc7me0m_cyMIcZjKLDIoJ4pT79PmZeHMC1JKLYl7U/s1600/Oatmeal+Coconut+Cookies+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAudU4nmVx4PXIjKi2MA4CUCn5btQVJD_6qIEk_3iju7jY5blMfxXfGZ6fomEm94rk5KGP1S1fBMX8adJOuXmAsCBxDR3MssWhgWSc7me0m_cyMIcZjKLDIoJ4pT79PmZeHMC1JKLYl7U/s1600/Oatmeal+Coconut+Cookies+1.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday was Saint Patrick's Day (as you all know), but instead of the normal sunshine and 65 degree weather we tend to have around this time of year, we got dumped on by several inches of snow. This winter in Baltimore has been rough. I mean really, really rough. I've really tried to stay positive through it all and hopeful of warmer weather making it's way into the forecast, but I'd say I'm probably not alone in this city (or this country, for that matter) when I say I almost feel like it has gotten the better of me. So when the snow started falling on Sunday night, I decided I would make the best of the situation and at least make cookies. After all, who doesn't like to eat cookies while stuck inside the house with the snow swirling outside. And nothing makes you feel more warm and cozy than some of your mom's best cookies, so I busted out an old favorite my mom had baked many a time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOaoXK1_jQHGRz17yG7fPG7_CiqY3rwTseL0YF4cf8vGKByf0DP8ZrScU1-aopvLZ7r2JYyBrhOdNLduTSQGBeTvKmnQHvCL5JxsUqW_uHK5sBt0ieu5pmFrFkk9s_-Vz6qZjHHGFzsYA/s1600/Oatmeal+Coconut+Cookies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOaoXK1_jQHGRz17yG7fPG7_CiqY3rwTseL0YF4cf8vGKByf0DP8ZrScU1-aopvLZ7r2JYyBrhOdNLduTSQGBeTvKmnQHvCL5JxsUqW_uHK5sBt0ieu5pmFrFkk9s_-Vz6qZjHHGFzsYA/s1600/Oatmeal+Coconut+Cookies+2.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These oatmeal coconut cookies may be the best on the planet. They are soft and chewy and last for weeks! I might sound crazy, but the back story is that when my mom was in college, she drove from Indiana to Santa Fe to visit her aunt. She had made a batch of these cookies to munch on in the car. Upon returning to Indiana, she forgot about the cookies until finding a bag of them under her car seat about a month later. Laughing at the entire scenario, she decided to taste one to see if they still were any good, and sure enough, they were just as good as they had been a month prior! So while the "official" name of this recipe is Oatmeal Coconut Cookies, the other name in our family is Oatmeal Coconut Cookies that Stay Good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1Hqdv7-PK9ss7xUXuRO0of8vbzxscLrrxntEOGaufMTKbeGLlDgQ_-Z89nui5JYAHfv7BJ8W7YFlbprXswUVmlKrAQHKSMh5VZExpiqomDjEEBkw4P3nWzNSUVxnIGhv3xUtuwX-GuJ-/s1600/Oatmeal+Coconut+Cookies+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1Hqdv7-PK9ss7xUXuRO0of8vbzxscLrrxntEOGaufMTKbeGLlDgQ_-Z89nui5JYAHfv7BJ8W7YFlbprXswUVmlKrAQHKSMh5VZExpiqomDjEEBkw4P3nWzNSUVxnIGhv3xUtuwX-GuJ-/s1600/Oatmeal+Coconut+Cookies+3.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
<b> Oatmeal Coconut Cookies</b><br />
<br />
What You'll Need<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup butter</li>
<li>1 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>1 cup white sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>2 cups shredded coconut</li>
<li>2 cups rolled oats</li>
<li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>2 cups flour</li>
</ul>
Directions<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter and sugars. Mix in eggs. Mix in coconut and rolled oats. Add the flour, soda, and baking powder. Shape in to one inch balls and place onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until edges start to brown. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-13343195806148184442014-01-23T10:47:00.000-05:002014-01-23T10:47:17.181-05:00Gold Foil Valentine CardRecently, I acquired some really fantastic vintage emblems for my <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/2013/08/vintage-kingsley-hot-foil-press.html">gold foil press</a>. One of them happened to be perfect for Valentine's Day. Through the daily grind of the busy season, I needed a little break from packaging orders, so I tested out the emblem and finally came up with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176814929/valentine-card-valentines-day-card-gold?ref=shop_home_active_5">this card</a>. I loved it! Despite having already released the 2014 Valentine's line, I just had to pop one more into the shop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176814929/valentine-card-valentines-day-card-gold?ref=shop_home_active_5"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176814929/valentine-card-valentines-day-card-gold?ref=shop_home_active_5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnG69hluZw2o3jD0XA8Vd3uyQI2a5z1aMD4Bt9hMA0jm2z0Hzi4he7F_vnQkgjJD5Zx-lJtzQJvQYl1vtqQuDYZvWySQtgRCEreAnV7AR4n-VKF6gHrxiqJ0h5Fs9d5FbqExILeBDee9G/s1600/XO+Heart+1.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176814929/valentine-card-valentines-day-card-gold?ref=shop_home_active_5"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176814929/valentine-card-valentines-day-card-gold?ref=shop_home_active_5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuzLS8suOK8ziVWfQFLUk6pOtmyU3yPYBPVnkholUFfgHkbwWVk7C0dPp_xCQFvNwwyTlRkRDbknGTs1O8yvi6PErmNsuD5KpMTd1uLFqFW3JWWwIEKif0Wpj64Rv_2f58khPgv59vaT3/s1600/XO+Heart+2.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the colors and the simplicity of this card, and am happy to welcome it into the shop! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-86396781879116147182014-01-14T11:41:00.004-05:002014-01-14T11:41:56.045-05:00Respect is a Two Way StreetAs a recently married gal who has been in the same relationship for nearly ten years, I have been more aware of blog posts and articles about the subject of marriage. They fascinate me mostly because I just simply can't relate to them. Many bloggers confess to marriage being the hardest thing they have ever endured, that marriage takes hard work, and that they are so thankful to have made it as far as they have. I have been inundated with posts like these as of late, but they leave me wondering what I'm missing. I'm just not quite getting what makes marriage so difficult.<br />
<br />
Maybe Andrew and I have it good. Maybe we're just that compatible, or we
just have a knack to working well together, or respecting others, or
communicating, or what have you, without even thinking about it. I not
sure really what it is, but I guess I just don't see it as hard work. If
you love and respect someone and that is a mutual thing, then I think
it just comes easily. That is not to say that we've never had arguments
about anything, but I just can't ever remember a time when I felt at my wits
end over our relationship as so many others have confessed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg45One5cqHkpu01wy_esruWp6VUrLgnaELHu95WAndPR8aout_OSVHg_WBrUuPSxTR_roIc1I3gPOHSQp8tgbVcwgnwxmM_fBQwOmu7r1OYC2LScdYI1v-_pkfZuxQB3dYpsytnYABGr_/s1600/Courthouse+Wedding+1.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg45One5cqHkpu01wy_esruWp6VUrLgnaELHu95WAndPR8aout_OSVHg_WBrUuPSxTR_roIc1I3gPOHSQp8tgbVcwgnwxmM_fBQwOmu7r1OYC2LScdYI1v-_pkfZuxQB3dYpsytnYABGr_/s1600/Courthouse+Wedding+1.1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend, after already reading a plethora of these articles on how to keep a marriage together, I happened upon another article dealing with marriage that I simply couldn't leave on the back burner. This time, my cousin had fueled the fire with a post on facebook sharing this article about <a href="http://lovinglifeathome.com/2012/08/06/25-ways-to-communicate-respect/">25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband</a>. As a married male, he was posting the article in a WTF?! kind of way and even stated something to the effect of "respect is a two way street."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was curious, so I began reading the article. As I began reading, I realized that it was a list of ways in which the woman must act only for the husband in a relationship-- to me, this was not a list of ways to maintain a healthy relationship. I got as far as number 11, "Eyes Only For Him," before I felt like I was going to lose my lunch and had to stop reading. Was this truly a woman writing this article?! And how could she possibly feel that thinking only of meeting her husbands needs and catering to his beck and call is a healthy relationship?! What about her needs? About what makes her happy? Is there no <i>mutual</i> respect?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I suppose there is some small amount of merit to a few of these points if taken on a mutual level, I just couldn't get past how archaic a large majority of her points were. I was angered that she suggested that women must reciprocate whenever their husband is in the mood for sex. Outraged at the fact she believed women should dress only to please their husbands. Horrified by the many points she makes in which the wife should not speak her mind, make decisions, or question decisions made by the husband. Disgusted by her insinuation that women should be the only one responsible for a clean house and food on the table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is submission. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Submission and choosing to accept that men are more powerful and mean more than the woman in a relationship. That women are less than. That women should not be honored and respected in the same way. It is antiquated thinking that I just can't wrap my head around or deem as acceptable in our modern society. Women have worked far too hard to make it to the point at which we are in the world today, and this article felt like a slap in the face, a step backward from the freedoms and equalities that have been accomplished thus far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Power is a frightening thing. When one has a sense of power, they will
most likely do things that they may otherwise not have thought to do.
And when there is no longer a balance of power in a relationship and we
give power to only one side, it is no longer healthy. Both sides of a
relationship should be equal, and to disrupt that equality to create a
system of subservience versus power, changes the way people view each other
and respect each other. While, the author of the article may find that a
woman should do these things to show respect, what she hasn't
considered is the way in which she is disrespecting herself in return.
And above all, if we don't respect ourselves, living a fulfilling life
is much harder to do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After mentioning the article to Andrew, I finally mustered the courage to finish reading it in its full length. I read the article aloud to Andrew as we drove home from our weekend grocery trip. "What is this?! What kind of man treats his wife like that or expects those things from her?!" he exclaimed. And then it hit me. Maybe that is why marriage is so easy-- because we take our relationship as a two way street. We respect each other equally, allow the other person to be who they are, and hold no impossible expectations over the other's head. And to me, that mutual respect is truly what love and relationships are all about.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-67681029307063470272014-01-07T11:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T11:00:19.235-05:00How to Survive the Cold if You Have the Metabolism of a HummingbirdI'm sure everyone is sick about talking about how cold it is. However, I'm just going to go out on a limb and say that aside from when I'm sleeping at night under my warm down comforter, I haven't felt warm for more than an hour straight over the last week or so. Apparently I have the metabolism of a hummingbird, because once I'm cold there's no going back. So how do I survive the cold with the metabolism of a hummingbird?<br />
<br />
I go with a pair of socks, a pair of skinny jean, a pair of knee high socks over said skinny jeans and original pair of socks, and then some boots just for added insulation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQIBSqF3EckZ1SaA91Q0NcSh0ck58IOKRxLQhfco2hvnFM8dJjyAbgSHqj-1mLr4ZoZZh6D5ZvEUlMCnN7CnGUpxBX9FfsTgVO6_nY-sPS0bhlBwBfsZHgAml1EX10OIn4qa-c5762Z0L/s1600/Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQIBSqF3EckZ1SaA91Q0NcSh0ck58IOKRxLQhfco2hvnFM8dJjyAbgSHqj-1mLr4ZoZZh6D5ZvEUlMCnN7CnGUpxBX9FfsTgVO6_nY-sPS0bhlBwBfsZHgAml1EX10OIn4qa-c5762Z0L/s1600/Boots.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then on the top, I go for a tank top, a tee, a long-sleeved shirt, and then a sweater. I like to add a scarf and hat to keep heat from leaking out of my head. And then.... then. If I'm <i>still</i> not warm enough, obviously I turn to my hot foil press as a heat source.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUs_e2zKHSImF7PhWXv1c3hKgZCGYnBHINocty4rgwRz3VVnTOeW4g8K1rEpui8a7AXfDdIGaVXKytXx6JwZEmu4WtyXiGsldH_qxRxVAPx7Ot0cptjDtahC2MFbPYQhQvcj92dBN7eHU/s1600/Heat+Source.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUs_e2zKHSImF7PhWXv1c3hKgZCGYnBHINocty4rgwRz3VVnTOeW4g8K1rEpui8a7AXfDdIGaVXKytXx6JwZEmu4WtyXiGsldH_qxRxVAPx7Ot0cptjDtahC2MFbPYQhQvcj92dBN7eHU/s1600/Heat+Source.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And that, my friends, is how I survive the cold with the metabolism of a hummingbird.
Hope you're all staying warm out there wherever you may be! And if you live in a warm location... well, just don't talk to me! ;)Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-16453999305374061042014-01-03T13:30:00.001-05:002014-01-03T13:30:28.972-05:00My Top Ten Tracks of 2013I'm having a little fun for Friday and thought I'd look back again on a really important aspect of every year-- music, obviously. As the year came to an end, Pitchfork put out their <a href="http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9288-the-top-tracks-of-2013/">Top 100 Tracks of 2013</a>. To me, their lists are always ridiculously overly pretentious or predictable. I mean, how many of you know most of the bands on that lists, and three tracks for both Daft Punk and Kanye? Really? <i>Really?</i><br />
<br />
After an in depth conversation with my sister about how ridiculous Pitchfork's music preferences are, I decided to take a stab at my own version. However, to spare you the most ridiculous blog post of all time, I decided to stick with my top 10 tracks for 2013 (read-- top ten tracks I probably listened to the most in 2013). So here they are. I give you Heidi's Top 10 Tracks of 2013.<br />
<br />
10. Wild Things - San Cisco
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/h32_wNcjLZA" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
9. Railway - Boy
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xswS7tFbi9o" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
8. Heavy Bells - J. Roddy Walston & The Business
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_LfmGZBuN78" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
7. You Can Be All Kinds of Emotional - The Lone Bellow
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/291T-9Lzp2k" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
6. Morning Song - The Avett Brothers
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7EwoxVZTuMM" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
5. Farrah Fawcett Hair - Capital Cities
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QjcOx4yYvEk" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
4. Departures (Blue Toowong Skies) - Bernard Fanning
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2evvDooWUIg" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
3. Hope - Kopecky Family Band
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D7Bs518dQT0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
2. Made Up Mind - Tedeschi Trucks Band
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kjha9ffO-G8" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
1. Just Beneath the Surface - Dawes
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hWmD8CuipMg" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
What are some of your favorite songs from the past year?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-27454009056342972182014-01-02T11:31:00.001-05:002014-01-02T11:31:28.962-05:002014 GoalsAs always, I like to set some new goals for the new year. I don't like to think of them as resolutions because I feel as though I am setting myself up for failure. I'm a goal-driven person and if I set my eye on something that I truly want to do, then I often will work to accomplish it. In addition, I feel that resolutions are not really reasonable for the most part. They don't allow you to get halfway there or slip up. Goals, on the other hand, are always a work in progress. After looking back on my <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/2013/01/happy-new-year.html">2013 goals</a>, I felt good about how far I've progressed in the past year. And as 2014 is beginning, it's time for me to find a new focus.<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Be showered and dressed by 9:30am.</b> This may sound crazy, but it needs to happen. It makes me feel awful when I have realized that I spent half of the day in yoga pants. I was warned this would happen when I started working from home, and it has. Now it needs to stop. Being fabulously dressed makes me feel fabulous, and I prefer feeling fabulous than gross.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Follow through.</b> There are a lot of ideas that I write down or verbalize. Sometimes they don't happen or they happen months later. I want to seize the moment and follow through on these ideas rather than just sitting on them and thinking that maybe they should happen. I will go back and forth in my mind about whether or not to do something. It's wishy-washy. I need to stop bullshitting myself and just do it. I was off to a better start with this already in the latter part of 2013, but I need to keep the ball rolling. I have big projects I want to accomplish for my business this year and it's time to just do it.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Cut out negativity. </b>Time to let go of anything or anyone that is causing unnecessary negativity in my life. This is something I started after we got back from Australia. If the habit wasn't good, I stopped. If the relationship wasn't productive or was giving me negative vibes, I moved on. I decided that it was time to stop worrying about whether or not I was stepping on the toes of others and just do what is true to myself. That in itself has already generated a lot of positive vibes in my life and I hope to continue to cut back on that negativity as I continue to seek a positive, creative, and fulfilling lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Live like I'm on vacation.</b> I wrote about my new found <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.com/2013/10/perspective.html">perspective</a> after our return from Australia. I want to enjoy every aspect of my life. I don't want life to feel like a burden. I want it to feel light and enjoyable, so I'll continue to think about how I can make every day feel like vacation. What can I do each day, even if just for a few minutes, that will help me depart from the idea of life being a daily grind? That is what I'll continue to challenge myself to do.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Unplug and spend more time in the moment.</b> This is easier said than done as my business is an online based business. I was good about this when I first quit teaching. When the work day was done, it was done. No more responding to clients after hours. My brain turned off the work day. That hasn't been the case recently, and I would like to make that a priority again. I also want to be more purposeful in the time I spend using social media with my business. Rather than checking in constantly, I want to think of it more as a scheduled use of time. In other words, hello productivity and goodbye time suck.<br />
<br />
This year I'm feeling more positive than ever about my goals! I feel as though 2014 has a lot of momentum that has built up from the previous year, and I'm excited for what is to come.<br />
<br />
Do you set goals for the new year? What do you hope to accomplish in the year to come?<br />
<br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-23692694791267444272014-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-01T00:00:07.026-05:00The 2014 Valentine's Day Line is Here!Happy New Year! I hope you all rang in 2014 in a fabulous way, whether that be out on the town or on your couch. We decided to have a fairly low-key event with another couple and decided to go duck pin bowling. Nothing says "Happy New Year" like the crash of some old bowling pins.<br />
<br />
2013 has been quite the adventure for me as I quit my day job as a teacher, got married, turned the big 3-0, and traveled halfway around the world to Australia for nearly a month. It has been a good year, and I can only hope that 2014 will be just as fabulous. I wanted to start 2014 with a bang, so I thought what better way to bring in the new year than to launch my new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14?section_id=7699585">Valentine's Day card</a> line? Just like last year's line, there are some sweet, some hilarious, and some naughty as well. New this year is a special card just for you Baltimore locals. Shall we take a look?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174246297/valentine-card-sexy-valentines-day-card?ref=shop_home_active"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174246297/valentine-card-sexy-valentines-day-card?ref=shop_home_active" border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdgKDWlIQL5t6qPTsov5pnq_pDvDxfPTbp4ADnh5zusiQeS-qKTP5dBJqoTK3Facc1XO_s0ZDk5upyayDjY-oeqP4X0LHNRhx5DInnQMbYvmBYxvxSDPiv_V-NpdvDN5y0Evr4i3hKum6/s640/Bawlmer+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174248443/naughty-valentine-card-funny-valentines?ref=related-3"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174248443/naughty-valentine-card-funny-valentines?ref=related-3" border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWSFLVI-KVy8EVFhsWr2FTMciXu5_p6jsVV34hbNR6DinPknhyuES-cIkvQW4xv8oereSc1MRYTX4ERcNZQe6zRWx0sKHfdjKUuh9C0uccCtvOoTPB0arf7eJQEdEdMsImozN8ZSKvwdF/s640/Let's+Make+Babies+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174232766/valentines-day-card-valentine-card-sweet?ref=shop_home_active"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174232766/valentines-day-card-valentine-card-sweet?ref=shop_home_active" border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjPFZhCyW57YkA4IVyEIkZoZoT2LqoppWmp6SBUqFJ84AuXCdfrdQKn4p0VhgYgF3DF8KNhNuVbXk4zSUAH8pdwRZyibo0FGP4iRCVjPUlhHsCGu1BSLufTFtMr6kzb9yBNwTz5D9_6WO/s640/Grow+Old+With+Me+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174246541/valentine-card-sexy-valentines-day-card?ref=listing-shop-header-2"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174246541/valentine-card-sexy-valentines-day-card?ref=listing-shop-header-2" border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjgZlnZP3Sl5tOmjsAwcQBCz7dKkqLrL_oRGxxrRIh1UDmXQF6fvMr2qgHIfcyp2XZLV5MoRvRcvNhDZSI50_bu0pBbh8x3VUTuKTueWolg5UaJ6XWIqrd0Q-k2VF0vSKg1w32GE0auQo/s640/Wanna+Cuddle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174247847/valentines-day-card-valentine-card-hey?ref=shop_home_active"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174247847/valentines-day-card-valentine-card-hey?ref=shop_home_active" border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AfhDOM5KZmuoQm8ncVdqsLLQW-YXP5B1Wn7OAZny4K_-x3zuSyfp8-z18MpnNY0ZU_a72r4nv_dudEk1Wnb1cO9f5xablcPkmgdH0sIJcf40keYAHImWt1JwYJaApWnFnYeEQtG644vx/s640/Hey+Lover+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174234446/valentine-card-sexy-valentines-day-card?ref=shop_home_active"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174234446/valentine-card-sexy-valentines-day-card?ref=shop_home_active" border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wJCu0cza1T2n4m_iGfrVotfWOIYYjsgPIscXr4fhsKau33vi-w-i1E07OuIS-WpHMnC4AImWbVYKyG2i6547PCa57WhdJk52MjgtffOJbCdsFIB_qHQ3ba2p-e_78sNbY0POt2k0oQN8/s640/You're+Hot+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174248115/valentines-day-card-funny-valentine-card?ref=related-2"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174248115/valentines-day-card-funny-valentine-card?ref=related-2" border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosjkUSB7LkEfL8FJQecaKhJnOAb_1oCZZcCR6A5wCmNjmyoXZmHhBfsTdwlBYxB9gcuH8zwjHSFcz0uXqkacDSisjc_sbZkjK2AtxAgsU4nsPEH364WhnPg-Wf798BHDYnBpfPcQhEcMn/s640/You+Win+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174234232/funny-valentine-card-mature-valentines?ref=listing-shop-header-4"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174234232/funny-valentine-card-mature-valentines?ref=listing-shop-header-4" border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gSxaCAIpfeRd3grLUwURiUw0dhe0XVmGRMve5SbELJ_EOIRG7XkZsIk935PsGzn9w5DxI2mUB4R86RFLjUcIQvVImz67uDVIZS5hwPtcmoaglW8_snkw7lb5xuM_f2pupdolAeYOXaIX/s640/Where+My+Chocolate+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174246703/valentines-day-card-valentine-card-two?ref=listing-shop-header-1"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174246703/valentines-day-card-valentine-card-two?ref=listing-shop-header-1" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs9d3X0w9q121D4eDtWVnVaiQl3a1KQxCdU4RPqJyn7KqH_LH5O9bbojgHYAZrAD5wH1u0QbQpJYUcsxovQUBLpMAd0oa2hssryvro0o4M1pZVh4hsVqKCWdac_LvwMMPk3hmG_Xi-_o7/s640/Two+Hearts+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174232252/valentine-card-naughty-valentines-day?ref=listing-shop-header-0"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174232252/valentine-card-naughty-valentines-day?ref=listing-shop-header-0" border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3ufU5AtWkSRuGJt4-ygGDhAEHKTzFITXEB9tq47GALkOr5OUWPlyn8uP9_XTY2ilgcWtN_abpHuG968jmRnJXRl9nLt2Ji-Blw7r_9SCQ4xZWOCLU_W2AEERQZsy-Li2Fec4UAQtSJxl/s640/Let's+Get+It+On+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have worked really hard on this year's line of cards and I am completely satisfied with how each and every one of these turned out. I feel as though I have found a groove and creative energy that has started to click for me not only in this new line, but in the set of cards I have most recently been producing. It's hard to choose just one favorite!<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out the full <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14?section_id=7699585">Valentine's Day card</a> line! And as an additional bonus to you all, use the code MYVALENTINE on a purchase of $20 or more and you will receive 15% off. That's for one day only, so hop on it people!<br />
<br />
Alright, which of the cards is your favorite?!Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-46130896560875494372013-12-30T10:17:00.000-05:002013-12-30T10:17:18.537-05:00January Is Officially Coat SeasonIn the last few days, I've felt a new chill in the air that seems to crop up around Christmas time and stick around until the end of January. Baltimore is mild in terms of winter weather, but it always seems that January is guaranteed to be freezing. You know, the kind of freezing where your toes don't ever feel warm and the tip of your nose is a constant icicle. After nearly seven years in this city, I have realized that my body has finally acclimated. If I were to go back to Syracuse or Indiana, I'd struggle with the long, cold winters. 40 degrees is now the new 20 and I find myself longing for the 70s of spring more than I did other years.<br />
<br />
I've also come to realize that along with hating the cold, I hate my coats. The long, black Michael Kors pea coat that I currently have makes me feel way too professional in a conservative way and not stylish enough. And for as cute as my bright teal Columbia ski jacket looks on the slopes, I'd rather not look like a ski bunny while I'm out and about in the city. So the search has begun, mid-season of course, which always seems to make things a little more difficult. I've been looking for something slim and fitting, with some interesting details to make it a little less plain and here is what I have found so far.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOxkDRHxM-JI1LK0gQ0Eu8R9QxOErNHqDUqmIcKbGWWPLhinJ--uxir5N6wY5g-4tGyNd26VCj&usqp=CAE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOxkDRHxM-JI1LK0gQ0Eu8R9QxOErNHqDUqmIcKbGWWPLhinJ--uxir5N6wY5g-4tGyNd26VCj&usqp=CAE" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/Sam-Edelman-Tweed-Anorak-StandCollar-Coat_301_-1_301_504076512?df=04052673_zi_multi">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdnc.lystit.com/photos/2013/10/08/sam-edelman-army-green-louie-faux-fur-trim-anorak-product-1-13926032-077688105_large_flex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdnc.lystit.com/photos/2013/10/08/sam-edelman-army-green-louie-faux-fur-trim-anorak-product-1-13926032-077688105_large_flex.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sam-edelman-louie-faux-fur-trim-anorak/3528851?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=2833&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_7_C">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn-s3-1.wanelo.com/product/image/9490738/full_size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn-s3-1.wanelo.com/product/image/9490738/full_size.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sashimi-faux-fur-trim-anorak-jacket/3626556?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Olive&resultback=213&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've pretty much narrowed my options down to these three coats, but am having the worst time deciding. I think I like the first one the most, but I'm not a huge fan of the faux leather on the sleeves and I love the hood option on the other other two. Originally the last one was my favorite and the one I was going to go with, but then I found the other two. The second coat has a great cut to it and the breast pocket details are a plus. However, I'm not a huge fan of the black pockets. What do you guys think?<br />
<br />
What kind of coat have you been wearing this winter season? Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-78492671785367758752013-12-20T12:00:00.000-05:002013-12-20T12:00:43.996-05:00No Photos Please!Recently, the biggest issue that I face at handmade shows are the people that want to take photos of my cards. They see the cards, laugh, whip out an iPhone, and then state to their friend, "I'm totally taking a picture to text to so and so! This is so perfect for them!" This scenario is my biggest pet peeve of shows. To me, it's as if they are stealing my art rather than spending $4 for the actual thing. I tend to get a bit snarky with these people. I have no problem stopping them dead in their tracks with a "No photos please! This is my art and I'm sure your friend would actually really like to be surprised with the real card instead of a text message."<br />
<br />
The offender usually puts away the phone and apologizes, but do they buy the card? No. Usually they don't because that wasn't their intention to begin with. This is something that has really bothered me a lot along with random people tagging their friends in my Instagram photos of my cards (ummm, no, I will delete your comment, you cheap jerkface with a face of a jerk!). <br />
<br />While preparing for Richmond, I decided that something needed to be done. I thought about signs that I could make or things that I could say to battle the issue, when I suddenly realized that I should just make a card, obviously! So make a card I did, and I placed it front and center of my display for all to see. Did anyone attempt the photo op this time? No. Was it completely related to the card that I made? That is up for debate. But either way, I was a happier card maker in the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/173494939/funny-card-for-a-friend-just-because?ref=shop_home_active" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/173494939/funny-card-for-a-friend-just-because?ref=shop_home_active" border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXv0Imy8cbM7iltpfNTVgRCo62NLkatwYgau924w4rlXDBjMrzmFuOf3o0UannXnxCU0RSmiNl65-IaFjfeLXfh5sD6gWPTBA_vTo4LMGnUAVCAEwKhcr0nVjbIWZu4XB3IMdl4TCaSDri/s640/Kicks+a+Text%27s+Ass+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And it is true. Wouldn't we all prefer a little surprise snail mail in our lives over a quick text message? Cards are more thoughtful and meaningful than the few seconds it takes to send a text. Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-74484502481611721492013-12-18T15:11:00.000-05:002013-12-18T15:11:57.699-05:00Handmade Holiday in RichmondI know I'm a few days late with this post, but I've been incredibly swamped trying to get orders out for the last day of shipping before Christmas. Now that I have, I'm taking a breather, remembering to eat lunch for once, and preparing to work on some design projects. However, nonetheless, I still wanted to give a big shout out to Richmond, Virginia and the Richmond Craft Mafia for their amazing hospitality, loads of laughs, and creative energy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mpK0plkpKCNL0QIkjbNaudsn2W2-YbI-p78y6sz_awdINeWMSupzq2qF-rsIDfXvU0XtOb44PdVHOjYvu5lN1-Fkc4H2ufdNCS_VAMNf0ghgyaHtkHF8IMBFD8C2o9dcR66pCHNuShLE/s1600/02476baa64d911e3b6060a121491ab0d_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mpK0plkpKCNL0QIkjbNaudsn2W2-YbI-p78y6sz_awdINeWMSupzq2qF-rsIDfXvU0XtOb44PdVHOjYvu5lN1-Fkc4H2ufdNCS_VAMNf0ghgyaHtkHF8IMBFD8C2o9dcR66pCHNuShLE/s640/02476baa64d911e3b6060a121491ab0d_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I spent this past Saturday at the Handmade Holiday show that the Richmond Craft Mafia puts on and it was easily the best show I've had to date. This was my audience for sure! I was so thankful to have people appreciate my work and LAUGH. I always have plenty of laughs at shows, but this one had quite a few less of those side eyed looks of disgust. Aside from meeting many new people, I was also able to test out five new cards, four of which will be new for Valentine's Day. You can catch a sneak peek here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfbPx3DxyvSAATnzUVW55zVbiPs5DEUG8WGfuWdUsPXTPfBIj7iEMlQsrGvd_iU3xmUoMLGA7-4tvAKWNxZ-KnP_jTc-BqrYS-OlyngVymN6Qoh18_NQmCGW4zvCIOrspU31OtZ4JluFE/s1600/9700d35c642b11e387de122034e6e329_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfbPx3DxyvSAATnzUVW55zVbiPs5DEUG8WGfuWdUsPXTPfBIj7iEMlQsrGvd_iU3xmUoMLGA7-4tvAKWNxZ-KnP_jTc-BqrYS-OlyngVymN6Qoh18_NQmCGW4zvCIOrspU31OtZ4JluFE/s640/9700d35c642b11e387de122034e6e329_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These cards went over <i>extremely</i> well, so I can't wait to share them with you in the coming weeks. And last but not least, I was thrilled to get to meet my friend Ayla! We have gotten to know each other through our blogs and the handmade world, but had never met, and it was a real treat to be able to finally make that connection. She actually wrote a bit more about the <a href="http://eyelah.blogspot.com/2013/12/richmond-handmade-holiday-craft-fair.html">Handmade Holiday</a> (and took much better photos as I forgot my camera) on her blog.<br />
<br />
As for now, I'm tying up some loose ends for the holidays, working on new designs, and breathing a sigh of relief that I'm done with my holiday shows and will (hopefully) have a little more down time for a few weeks. Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-4586892803891861682013-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:002013-12-02T12:00:08.227-05:00Happy Holidays GiveawayThis past weekend, Andrew and I went to see The Book Thief in the theater in Harbor East. As we left the movie theater, we couldn't help but notice that people seemed a little more cheery, more willing to hold doors for others, and in general a bit happier across the board. We decided that it must have to do with the arrival of the holiday season. There is something about the holidays that just seems to make people slow down from their daily lives and really enjoy the here and now. And as we made our observations, we agreed that this sense of happiness is one of our favorite parts about the holiday season.<br />
<br />
To spread that holiday cheer, I have teamed up with some fabulous handmade artists and friends for a fun Christmas themed giveaway. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhNz9Yk4D16tVBpvg0qQW3ELl6wPbuo6Z3o7HAisYgacQMsI_wrRdYJBOELDeksTXkIW1vlAp08qhCiGQwt2rZ9Z3SrUObihCN9lyGJGFytxBHuHBr_BYwIqasDV7MdtZCFb9LgyeQVY/s1000/Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhNz9Yk4D16tVBpvg0qQW3ELl6wPbuo6Z3o7HAisYgacQMsI_wrRdYJBOELDeksTXkIW1vlAp08qhCiGQwt2rZ9Z3SrUObihCN9lyGJGFytxBHuHBr_BYwIqasDV7MdtZCFb9LgyeQVY/s1000/Giveaway.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The loot: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Felt ornament from <a href="http://myhideaway.etsy.com/">My Hideaway</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Burlap Santa gift bag from <a href="http://ohnostalgiadesigns.etsy.com/">Oh Nostalgia Designs</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Pencil set and 3 Christmas gift cards from <a href="http://rowhouse14.etsy.com/">Row House 14</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. Your choice of woodcut ornament from <a href="http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com/">Memories for Life</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. 3" heart hoop/ornament from <a href="http://miloandmolly.etsy.com/">Milo and Molly</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. Christmas keychain pouch from <a href="http://eyelah.etsy.com/">Eyelah</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simply enter through Rafflecopter- one winner takes all! Good luck!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1475823/" id="rc-f1475823" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-43175643498353051672013-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:002013-12-02T08:23:35.355-05:00Cyber Monday Sale!Thank you all so much for your AMAZING support so far this holiday season! To be honest, I have been completely overwhelmed (in a good way) by the fantastic support I've had thus far in this self-employment journey of mine. For those of you that may have missed Friday and Saturday's sale, today's Cyber Monday deal is definitely one you don't want to miss. It's for one day only, so be sure to take full advantage of it! In addition, don't forget about the Instagram contest that is currently running. It is open until the end of the year, so be sure to enter! Again, happy shopping to you all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhum5xioz5leEVb5zjAalAGtxMIZQNyhqfMjqwZj4WLnHikuz5T5F8jwTm6SjmBccvmb8O_QdmJZGYiH8nJaAmr9cphiOsUAw8xMrjSey8TTgO4WeN_7k8cGab36SXTwwyQA6tJd4n-3_Pv/s640/2013+Cyber+Monday+Sale.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/rowhouse14#"><img alt="http://instagram.com/rowhouse14#" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AlH-TlK0ggKmJ87K_PrRZQjRC_Q1VKciligriHc7HsFUGJShXh8DqfnJYuBsTSrFYcP-Vg055PRYT9TwfnqEXPHmha60NLKs1DySbsDiDyriEUs8xOQUVOR9Cfvele_cxloKCmYDA_Bv/s640/2013+Instagram+Promo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756274743506832019.post-82562307591552791782013-11-29T00:00:00.000-05:002013-11-29T00:00:08.023-05:00Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Sale + WIN Cards for a Year!It's that time of the year! I have lots of fun promotions going on this weekend for my <a href="http://www.rowhouse14.etsy.com/">shop</a>. In addition, I'm giving away a year's worth of greeting cards to one lucky winner! Woot woot! The Black Friday sale coupon codes are valid both Friday AND Saturday, so enjoy. Plus, be sure to check back here on Monday for my Cyber Monday deal. I have a feeling it's one that you definitely don't want to miss. Hint-- it involves greeting cards. Lots and lots of greeting cards. I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and happy shopping to you all! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RowHouse14" border="0" height="699" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeezzRSqj_-anCT1RoK80GiiNwdMLuC5EzUnTd3fFC91y8_MRa1iHH8xf1rZtOuR48F9OjtxaavSRoHI72SNZ9RN8qiuA4jSWHOgQe_u-gWMTX-k-hDJvo5kNM8N2XnW3_ClfLc1kw0RiL/s640/2013+Black+Friday+Sale.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/rowhouse14#"><img alt="http://instagram.com/rowhouse14#" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepKUfyUxxqXTcROa-k3nc6fpJBj8ycoC2u8pjKsMrqWFU_1XTplu9lZMiLeY24rGj7CuZKIATTdbVJbhjmr24WMwUWiDI5EoZ0nYhZ_02UmXkSJFzIMViJsVCthrO60nyHPAysY2WYqHS/s640/2013+Instagram+Promo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16399278722730145545noreply@blogger.com0