Today’s post, “why write a blog” is a peek inside our blog and shop. Read on to know more of the heart behind Home Sweet Harps!
Shortly into this blogging journey, I thought to myself, “why am I doing this? Why write a blog?” I could have simply started an online shop, and kept it at that.
Short answer? I like talking and typing. Long answer? There is a lot more behind my desire to create.
Home Sweet Harps Shop
When I was looking to streamline my embroidery shop products in one place, there were many options. The idea of a blog connected to my shop really stood out to me. Because from the start, my goal with embroidery was to create intentional gifts for people. I have always loved crafting and working with my hands, and was looking for a hobby to scratch that itch. I wanted something intentional that I could give away, so my house wasn’t full of projects!
It started with one project: a birth flower hoop for a mama-to-be. I “tested” it out by gifting it at her baby shower (talk about nerve-wracking) and the reactions from guests were positive. My friend gasped with awe, and I saw it displayed in her home later.
Then my inspiration for birth flower embroidery grew from a variety of things: a friend’s beautiful birth flower jewelry, my current stage of life (mom life!), and walking with friends through loss. I loved creating special gifts for people they could treasure for a lifetime.
Intentional Gifting
Through the process of opening my shop, and starting this blog, I knew this idea of “intentional gifting” was important to me. There are countless examples of people who have been intentional with gifting to me, and it has guided a lot of the heart behind this blog.
During a difficult post-partum season, I think of a dear friend who reached out to my husband and asked what my favorite snacks were. Later that day, there was a knock on my door with a bag full of delicious goodies, a homemade meal, and flowers.
Another friend dropped a “get well soon” basket at our front door when all five of us were sick. It included the necessary things: vitamin C, Sprite, medicine, and soup mix, but it was the small touches that stuck with me: stickers for my big boys, and my favorite lip balm.
I can’t move on without mentioning the countless meals we have received after each of our boys was born. Delicious homemade meals, thoughtful friends visiting and holding our baby, and dear friends who take care of me when I needed it the most.
Quite simply, I love well, because others have loved me well.
Thoughtful Hosting
I believe that such a huge part of caring for others is how we host others.
I have a vivid memory of a rainy morning one autumn day. My good friend and her two boys were coming to our house to play and catch up. Because of the downpouring rain, I knew we’d be stuck inside that morning, and with five busy boys (one being a newborn). I didn’t have much time to get my house looking “presentable.” At the time, we were living in a rental with little freedom to make it our own. Most of our furniture and decor were hand-me-downs, and I’m pretty sure our table was crusted with the boys’ breakfast from that morning. Toys were sprawled everywhere, and I could see literal cobwebs in the corner.
In my mind, I knew that this kind friend would not care, and I focused on one thing: my table. I turned on soft lighting in my kitchen, lit a candle at the table, and laid out my favorite autumn-colored mugs. I made some coffee in the Keurig, and poured a generous portion of my favorite salted caramel creamer.
Later that morning, as the baby was sleeping, and the kids were contently playing in the boys’ room, my friend and I had a chance to sip on that coffee and talk about life. And you know what she said? How peaceful my kitchen felt that day. How nice it was to sit and chat.
This memory is forever etched in my brain, and has guided my desire to focus on thoughtful hosting instead of perfect hosting. Walking into a home that is peaceful and warm is a breath of fresh air. I love a good table setting, or a decorated mantle, but if guests come into my home and they feel it’s too pristine to sit, or accidently spill, then I’m not doing hosting right. And I have found that when I focus in one one or two things, I can create an environment that opens up conversation, and companionship.
Loving People Well Can Be Difficult
One trait I gained from my mom is the gift of “seeing the need.” Growing up, I watched her care so well for others. She remembered everyone’s birthdays and special events. She knew your favorite book, color, or scent, and included that in your birthday present. And during a tough week, my mom knew how to respond. Watching her, I developed this same gift, and now love serving others in similar ways. I learned so much watching her example.
One thing I have learned in my adult life, is that not everyone had an example of this. Difficult situations can be uncomfortable, and helping someone through them is tough. Sometimes people don’t like others acknowledging their grief or pain, so they don’t do that with others. We worry about how someone will receive our well-meaning gesture, and end up not doing anything at all.
I typically go with “anything is better than nothing” and pray discernment along the way.
I am learning more every year, and hope that Home Sweet Harps can be a community of people learning to love better with intentionality and thoughtfulness.
Share
So I started this blog to share these ideas with you. I want to give tools to care and love people well through intentional gifting, and thoughtful hosting. You’ll see me share my shop, but also simple sewing projects you can do yourself. I don’t consider myself a recipe blog, but I’ll share recipes too, because what better way to love someone well than through a meal?
I hope you stick around, enjoy this journey with me, and share some ideas as well!
Other posts you may like:
- Unique Mason Jar Gift Ideas
- How to Decorate Mason Jars for Gifts
- Homemade Snack Mix
- Salted Caramel Coffee Creamer
Interested in being part of the Home Sweet Harps community? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter or find me on Instagram! @homesweetharps
