HYD Blog
thoughts on dwelling
Our lives are so very full of stressors, and the constant pressure to go, Go, GO onto the next thing that by the time the day is over, we are completely spent and left feeling empty and exhausted. One way to help encourage ourselves to more actively take care of ourselves, is to create a place in our home that enables us to quickly and easily do just that.
We want to encourage you to be mindful as you approach gift giving this holiday season. With fewer parties and events taking over our calendars, we can choose to be more intentional about the gifts we give this year. Make time to think about those loved ones and friends on your list, and consider some new ideas…
My mom & my girls 2016
After leaving the home of a client who recently lost his mom, I’ve been a bit more reflective thinking of my own mama and my life as a mother. I am so very fortunate to still have my mom here and healthy. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters by encouraging me, toting my kids from here to there, attending all kinds of her grandkids’ games and performances, and mostly loving me well in all my ups and downs that motherhood, marriage, and owning a business can bring.
We’re 3 days away from Mother’s Day 2019 and I’ve been contemplating how do I really celebrate my mom, let her know how priceless she is to me, and create a memory that I can enjoy when she’s no longer here. As some of you who know my mom or may have read in previous posts, my mom is quite the collector of things. She’s got some mad skills when it comes to finding deals, personal shopping for family and friends, and creating an amazing storyboard of all her finds and family pieces in the place she and my dad call home. Having lived in the same old farmhouse for over 40 years allows one to create quite the collection. : )
I say all that to explain why giving my mom some of my time, a little muscle, and some serious purging encouragement would (wink, wink), by far, be the best gift I could give my mom this Mother’s Day. Now for you, your mom may be a natural born minimalist and giving your time in her home may not be the best help. My encouragement to anyone reading who has a mom that they’d like to love well this Mother’s Day is to take a minute now and think about her. What’s her season, her newest hobby, a restaurant she’s always wanted to try? There are lots of directions we could go here, but my hope for you is to be able to find one act of sacrifice on your part that would be life-giving to her. Below is a short list of ideas, and I would love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Whatever you land on, I hope you get a chance to connect with your mom, be it in person, over many miles, or in your memories.
And to all you mamas out there, Happy Mother’s Day!
Big love,
taryn
IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
Technology teaching session // Help her get up to date on the technology she needs to stay connected either with giving her your time, the time of your teenage kiddo, or professional help from a local techie like Neighborhood Nerds or Happy Mac
Take her out to brunch or lunch // Some great spots in Knoxville are: The Plaid Apron, Olibea, Holly’s Gourmets Market, Wild Love Bakehouse, Farmacy, Cazzy’s Corner Grill, Jackie’s Dream Cafe
Make an appointment for the both of you to get a mani/pedi instead of just a gift card for her // Natural Alternatives, Lox Salon, Moda Nail Spa
Offer to assist in getting her photos printed and make a photo book or maybe just get some recent one in frames around her home
Schedule a photo session with your mom and extended family with a professional photographer
And our favorite… give her a Help You Dwell gift card! Our Mother’s Day Special is available until Saturday night at midnight & you get a whole hour for FREE!!
Image Texture Photo
Experiences
Tickets to The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph’s Baby
Rock climbing @ River Sports
Photo Session with Carrie Jo Savage, of Texture Photo
Yoga passes @ Glowing Body
Blue Apron Meal Subscription
Ice Skating on market square
Pottery Class @ Mighty Mud
Progressive dinner- visit 4 different downtown restaurants and walk between courses
Cooking classes and a 4 course meal with Chef Cedric. See this article for more info.
Image from The Hive
Image from Knoxville Holidays on Ice
Image from River & Rail Theater Co.
Goods
Coffee from 41 & Change Coffee Co.
New Minimalism: Decluttering and design for Sustainable, Intentional Living
Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
Brass Easel Photo Desk Calendar
A set of hand made glasses from Pretentious Glass Co.
A best seller from Union Ave Books
A plant from Stanleys Greenhous
Image by Artifact Uprising
Image by Pretentious Glass
Are you having trouble this holiday season finding the right gift for a loved one? It can be hard to find well made and meaningful gifts while on a budget but we have compiled a few ideas and along with a list of some of our new favorite shops to help you with those last minute gifts on your list.
Over at HYD we are trying to adopt a few new shopping practices...
1. We are learning to buy less but to buy better.
2. We are working on curbing our impulsive purchases and implementing the discipline of saving up for items that will last longer, are better quality, are made ethically, and are ultimately more meaningful.
With those things in mind, here are a few shops we have stumbled across recently that fit our broader vision. Keep reading to see our top picks from each shop.
1. Spartan Shop
Japanese Cloth Napkins
Wooden Walking Elephant Toy
Black amber and turquoise pocket knife
hand crafted Mexican glassware
Apron
Ceramic Pitcher
Brass and leather key chain
Bud vase collection
Mama cat and Kitten finger puppets
4. More & Co.
Jams and Marmalade made in Maine
city scape puzzle
throw blanket made in the USA
5. Rala
Downtown Knoxville tote bag
Farmers Market baseball tee
National Park explorers guide
If you would prefer not to purchase a physical item as a gift we have ideas for that as well!
-Consider making a donation in someones honor to a Gatlinburg relief fund to help victims of the tragic fire in our very own Smokey Mountains
-Purchase tickets for a play, musical or concert to give as an experiential gift
-Plan a dinner date to the restaurant of a loved ones choice and make a home made certificate saying "dinner's on me".
-Give the gift of organization and purchase a Help You Dwell Gift card for a friend or family member.
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8 this year. For those of us lucky enough to get to celebrate our moms, HYD wanted to make your search for just the right thing a little bit easier. As a mom myself, I've learned a lot about what it takes to do it well and how easy it is to do it terribly. It's an around-the-clock job that I wouldn't trade for the world. Lord knows I do it terribly plenty of the time, but those times I get it a little bit right are some of the most satisfying moments of my life.
I also get to be one of the lucky ones who has a mama close by, who's full of life, and more than willing to offer a helping hand anytime she's able. If you have that kind of mom, you know there is no gift we can give that will ever say "Thank you" the way our moms deserve it. But the older my kids get, the more I cherish the unsolicited hug, the homemade card, and when they're able, a thoughtful gift that they know will make my days a little easier or a little more fun.
With gifts in mind, HYD spent a bit of time finding just the right way to show her how much you appreciate her, think of her, and want your mama to feel remembered. Some moms just need the phone call or a card in the mail. But if you're wanting to do a step further this year, take a peak at our list below and please add any more unique ideas you may have in the comment section below....
Ok, so we had to start with this one because it reeeeeally is a great gift for any mama! Think of the joy she would experience if she knew that every month for a year, she'd have at least 2 hours of organizing help anywhere in her house, office, garage, or attic?? Details here.
2. Take Mom on a Date
Carving out time, having her served a meal, and listening to what's going on in her world may be the greatest gift she could receive. If you're in Knoxville, some restaurant/bakery ideas are OliBea, The Plaid Apron, Nama, Babalu Tacos & Tapas, Wild Love Bakehouse, The French Market Creperie, Savelli's Italian, or The Holy Land.
Locally made here in Knoxville, these individually crafted, hand-finished in silver or gold prints of a mother's children's prints are such a treasure for her to have a lifetime. I have them for each of my children and LOVE them! Check out Precious Metal Prints for more details.
Mom's are always on call and often times, her phone is the place where the calendar is, the notes about the PTA mtg are, and her grocery list that needs to be added to when she thinks of that odd thing she always forgets. This cute little number gives her a place to rest her phone at night under the shade of her favorite flower.
Let her fill these pages with your family's favorites to be passed down, added to, and treasured for years to come. This great little book has room for up to 80 recipes, photo galleries, tips for beginner cooks, and conversion tables.
6. Plant a Shrub or Tree in Mom's Honor
Think of her favorite color or season and decide what would bring her joy each time the plant of your choice blooms. For the Knoxville dwellers, HYD recommends Stanley's Greenhouse for a fantastic selection and knowledgable staff to help you choose just the right one.
7. A Bouquet from The Katelier
So lovely, so unique, and just the thing to let her know you remembered. And she's local!
Contact: Katie Roach--thekatelier@gmail.com or call 901.870.2531
Tis' the season for loving our family and friends through the spirit of giving! This year HYD suggests a gift for the home. We've found gifts for everyone on the list from homeowners, renters, folks with roommates, and little ones too. And as always, we love to hear from you, so please add your suggestions as well!
1. The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith
A book for the "perfectionist, renter, single girl, newly married, empty nester, mom with littles or for anyone waiting on the next house who secretly hopes that it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." -The Nester (Myquillyn Smith) We love how Mrs. Smith gives great tips for any dweller, whatever their season of life or living. She gives such practical, realistic, and yet beautiful ideas for the home.
A great way to keep warm in your home this winter. Gather your roomie, your kids, or just enjoy the quiet as you hunt for the right piece. This small company out of Nashville creates beautiful puzzles that are works of art as well. Such a fun gift for all ages! Available locally and online at Rala.
3. Table Linens from Mighty Nest
Anyone can use a fresh set of napkins or a new tea towel this holiday. Mighty Nest offers several colors and creative graphics made from organically grown cotton and printed with non-toxic water-based inks that make wonderful gifts. And for all you parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, this is a gift that keeps on giving as Mighty Nest donates up to 15% of purchases towards the school of your choice!
4. A Candle by Thistle Farms
So a candle might not be the most creative gift, but this is no ordinary candle. This is a handmade soy candle made by the women of Thistle Farms. Not only does it smell wonderful, it represents the light of hope for so many women trapped in addiction, prostitution, and trafficking. "This product bears witness that love is the most powerful force for change in the world." --Thistle Farms, a community of women survivors of addiction, prostitution, and trafficking in Nashville, Tennessee.
5. A Gift Card to Bliss Home
Not sure what to pick for that special someone? Choose a great gift for your loved one that lets them pick for themselves! Bliss Home, with two locations in Knoxville and one in Nashville, has all sorts of locally made, creative, and unique home decor items that inspires as you shop.
6. The perfect plant from Stanley's Greenhouse
For the local folks, this Knoxville tradition since 1955, continues to offer some of the most well-grown, beautiful, and unique plants in our region. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgable as well. Find that special Poinsettia, indoor plant, or accessory for anyone on your list and bring a little life and color to their Christmas!
7. Wall Clock from Objectify Homewares
This handmade wall clock instantly brings a pop of color and eye-catching beauty to any home. So many fabulous styles to choose from that we had trouble choosing which one to post as the photo! We love how unique this gift is for young and old alike.
8. Kids Wall Hooks from The Shabby Store
Get the kids in your life excited about hanging up their coats with these super cute cast iron moose wall hooks. These would be perfect for any kids' room, mudroom, or playroom. These aren't your color? Check out the Etsy page to find lots of other options too!
Give a gift that's one of kind and beautifully handmade by the very talented Leslie Eaton of Peppered Paper. Once again, so many wonderful prints to choose from that we just had to pick one to show off. With guitars, insects, furry animals, and lovely flowers, there is sure to be just the print you're looking for!
10. A Gift Card from Help You Dwell
And of course, the gift that keeps on giving, a HYD gift card. Let us serve your loved one by organizing, purging, staging, packing for a move or home decor work. The consultation is free so your money goes directly towards the work we will do for them.
On June 21, we celebrate the dads in our lives. HYD's gift guide gives you a head start on your hunt for the perfect thing. Some finds are local, some regional, others just straight from the heart. Let us know if you've got any to add to our list!
“A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again”
1. The Traveler Mug by Go Forth Goods is one of our favorite handmade gifts for dad this year. Great for a mason jar full of coffee or sweet tea on the go!
2. A vintage-inspired, super soft T-shirt from Nothing Too Fancy located near Knoxville's Market Square on Union Ave. They have an amazing selection of T-shirts with all kind of Tennessee goodness.
3. Give dad a basket full of his favorite treats while you let him eat it guilt-free! HYD recommends checking out Mast General Store on Gay St. for a selection that never ends.
4. My husband's favorite accessory, his Patagonia Tech Web Belt. This guy is multi-purpose keeping dad looking handsome, his pants up and opening a bottle if the need arises. Find it in Knoxville at River Sports Outfitters or Uncle Lem's Outfitters.
5. Wildsam Field Guides not only navigate you through a city but tell the story of the place as well. Part documentary, part map, part oral history, these guides give the dad in your life just the adventure he's been looking for.
6. A gift card to one of these fine coffee establishments is great way to thank dad & to get his engine revving in the morning. Find them at Old City Java, KBrew, or Remedy Coffee.
7. If none of those strike your fancy, give dad a gift he will always cherish. A photo of the people that gave him his title. (Choosing a pic that includes the time he caught that really big fish is just a suggestion.)
Mothers Day is this Sunday and we wanted to offer a few last minute suggestions if you are looking for gift ideas. We picked items that are usable and won't take up long term residence on a counter or a shelf. Keeping in mind that we are trying not to add clutter, we have come up with 5 items that any mom would love to receive.
1. K. Hall Peony Candle : This candle looks and smells like Spring and has a 130 hour burn time. Extra bonus: the tin is definitely worth repurposing once the candle is used up. We would use it to store tea.
2. Seed Packet Notecard Set: These vintage seed packet note cards are to die for. 20 come in each set.
3. Blue Chair Tomato Jam & 7 Citrus Marmalade: Summer in a jar. Enough said.
4. A potted plant. Perfect pick me up inside or could be replanted in the yard!
5. Yoga classes: Or any other kind of class or event. We love giving gifts that include an experience.
We're now three days away from our Spring Pop-up with the lovely folks at Mid Mod Collective. It's going to be a gorgeous day to be out and about so we hope you can come. Details here.
HYD is so pleased to introduce to you our artists and craftsmen joining us on Sunday. Some are linked to their web pages, some don't have pages. You'll want to meet them all.
Image by Rala on Market Square. All items for sale in store.
We were thrilled to partner with WDWRK as guest bloggers last week. We wanted to give you the link to our Holiday gift guide:Shopping Locally in Knoxville in case you missed it. So without further ado...
Additionally, here are links to some of our favorite gift guides in case you are still looking for last minute ideas.
1. A Cup of Jo (gift ideas for everyone in the family)
2. Happy Pretty Home (gifts for every price range)
3. WDWRKCO (handmade gifts)
4. Little Green Notebook (DIY gifts)
We now offer gift cards for this holiday season. Email us at Info@helpyoudwell.com Or visit us at Helpyoudwell.com Thanks so much!
Yep. It's time. Get it done now & November & December become much more enjoyable, allowing you to enjoy the Peace, Joy & Love of this special time of year.
As a mom of three, my list always starts with my kids. Several years ago, Matt & I were given the great advice to just do three gifts per kid (just as Jesus received three from the Wise Men). This has been monumental for us in our giving to them & helpful for their receiving as well. Our goal is that each of their gifts fit into the three categories: Active/Sport-related, Educational/Creativity, & Something they love. It has helped us be much more intentional & creative ourselves. As you can imagine, it's also curved that last minute spending frenzy so many parents fall subject to in those last days before the big day.
Moving down the list to Matt, parents, in-laws, & friends the same mentality works. Taking just a few extra moments to think of that one person & thinking outside the scarf, slippers, candle box can add much joy to your giving. If handmade is your desire, you still have time for that if you start now. Etsy is a great place to find handmade items if you're not able to handcraft gifts yourself. If creating photo memories with books or calendars is your plan, start now & you'll have plenty of time. Two great sites for that are Shutterfly and Mixbook.
Organizing my list has become much easier over the years after I found this super simple little notebook to keep my current list, receipts, & lists from previous years in. It was designed by Pepperpot & has served me well for about 5 years now. Your smartphone is also another option, but I love having the previous lists & receipts all in one place.
And if you're a local here in Knoxville, Help You Dwell is making it even easier to Holiday shop by offering a Pop-Up Market on Nov. 8 with all kinds of delightful items for lots of folks on your list.
We'd love to hear some of your unique & fun ideas for taking the stress out of holiday shopping. Give us a quick comment below & help us enjoy the upcoming season just a bit more with your clever ideas. Thanks friends!
