Mark Your Calendar - Sale at Wren House in Worthington!

This blog has helped me create so many amazing connections with dear people, like my friend Nancy of Buckeye Brittle (yes, the same brittle I can eat an entire bag of in one sitting...lol!)

Nancy sent me some great info about a super duper sale this week at the (utterly adorable) Wren House Gifts in Worthington that she asked that I share with you dolls. (How could I refuse?!)

So here you are folks, mark your calendars...the deets on the superfantabulous January Open House sale, starting this Thursday! I don't know about you, but I'm planning on a trip with my momma. I'm crossing my fingers for some darling little addition to my office and maybe a few festive things for the holidays (it's never too early to stock up!) I love Wren House because you get a nice mix of local artists, classic farmhouse-meets-country craftiness, and super awesome little tchotchkes...cuz who doesn't love tchotchkes?!

{wren house gifts via yelp}

January Sale – 10% to 75% Off 
Get ready for Wren House Gifts January sale!  Everything in the store will be at least 10% off (excluding Pandora jewelry).  Savings will be up to 75% off. The sale runs January 6 through January 9 (See below for store hours.)
 
Thurs, 1/6: 6pm –9pm (we will close 3pm – 6pm to prepare for the sale)
Fri & Sat, 1/7: 10am –  5pm
Sunday, 1/9: 11am –  5pm

Wren House Gifts is located in beautiful, Historic Worthington, Ohio at 695 N. High Street. (614) 848-8442.  www.wrenhousegifts.com -- if you can't make the sale, check them out online! ♥

Country Living Fair, Columbus 2010

Mom and I headed to our first Country Living Fair in Columbus a few weeks ago and, boy, was it fun! This will be something we plan on attending every year, if we can. We picked a Sunday afternoon and the weather was perfect -- just a bit overcast and cool. Very autumnal! It sure helped get us in the spirit of the season...as did all of the amazing vendors. Next year, we'll bring a rolling dolly shopping car thingie and more cash (because the kettle corn folks take cash, and, well, who says no to kettle corn?!)

Happy mid-October, folks...Enjoy the eye candy :)

Scarlet Fever: Tailgating 101 - (614) Magazine - Columbus, OH

 {photo by Chris Casella for 614 Magazine}

Scarlet Fever: Tailgating 101 - (614) Magazine - Columbus, OH
{click the link to read the entire story}

The Reeve men and the Buckeye Squad are famous! Can't think of a better way to kick off Buckeye football season than this great write-up about our tailgate! Want to learn more? Check out the Buckeye Squad Facebook page. Go Bucks!

O-H!

Good Morning Ohio: Catawba Island Peaches

{Wendelyn's peach post says it all -- I couldn't agree more!}

If you've never had a Catawba peach, you've never really had a peach. Having spent this past weekend on the Lake Erie coastline (my first home), we made our regular stop at the Bergman's Orchards farm market for locally-grown peaches, bi-color sweet corn, and Ballreich's potato chips (seriously the best potato chips EVER, and they just so happen to be Ohio-based, too!.) If I could find a way to live off of those three items, I think I'd be a pretty happy girl.

Then: "The Dock, Catawba Island, O."  Now: The Miller Ferry dock, Catawba Island, OH

{Middle Bass Island}

So, back to the peaches. Did you know that Catawba Island has an agricultural history in peach orchards? Interestingly enough, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, fruits (especially grapes and peaches) were a mainstay of the area. As well as grapes grew in the rocky, hard-to-till soil, the vines produced grapes with thin skins, making it difficult to transport but perfect for wine. After the onset of Prohibition, many farmers took to planting peach trees to replace the grape vines (read article here.). Today, you can still see many of those peach trees running along Route 53. Luckily for us, the small families and local farmers are still producing these delectable fruits. Trust me; Georgia's got nothin' on a Catawba peach!

This time around, we got a quart basket of 6 peaches, two of which I ate. The rest were turned into peach cobbler. Oh my word. It is delish!


The next time you find yourself up that way, pop into the nearest fruit stand and pick up some peaches. Or even better yet...make it out to Port Clinton's 6th Annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival on Labor Day weekend :)

Good Morning Ohio: Ohio State Fair

It's true. I love any and all fairs, festivals, and carnivals. I love deep-fried food on sticks, precarious rides, surly people, and petting zoos. The Ohio State Fair has all that and more and the $6 Kroger ticket price (plus parking costs) makes it worth every penny. This year, we saw a momma cow and her 2-hour old calf, got a 2 lb. bag of candy, ate both a deep-fried S'mores AND a deep-fried Twinkie (and when I said 'we', I meant 'I'), and snapped some cool shots with Hipstamatic. Because Hipstamatic is to the state fair what peanut butter is to jelly. I'm even considering entering some baking or craft handiwork next year. At only $10 to enter plus $1 per item, it's a fun + cheap way to participate.

So if you missed the fair this year, consider coming next year. Eat some deep-fried stuff. Drink a massive iced tea. Take some photos. Get some sun. Pet a cow. It's good times.

Good Morning Ohio: Little Alouette + Handmade Toy Alliance

{images via little alouette}

I'm excited to share a special edition of Good Morning Ohio this week...because this is the Handmade Toy Alliance's Blog Week, where supporters of the artisans and handmade toy crafters in America, get to spread the word and show some love to these amazing folks. I get to talk about one of my big favie Ohio companies Little Alouette!

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Not only is Little Alouette a member of the Handmade Toy Alliance, Little Alouette is run by Amy and Joe Sharp in Columbus, Ohio. Amy is amazingly sweet and, together with her husband, they create the most amazing natural wood toys, teethers, and rattles.

Let me talk about the first time I found Little Alouette on Etsy...

I had been shuffling through my local Etsy listings when I spied a darling Ohio Maple Tree Teether. Of course, even though I don't have babies, I was smitten with the simple, clean, organic design and wanted to learn more about the folks behind so many darling creations. Having been featured on Etsy's Featured Seller, Etsy's The Stork Quit Your Day Job series, and all over the blogosphere, I also came across Amy's own blog Doobleh-vay and, a little later, discovered she's a contributor on Scoutie Girl! (What can I say? We Ohioans dig craftsy types.) Little Alouette represents to me the best in finding balance between work - home - life. Cheers to the Sharps for keeping at it :)

So. My first (and lasting) impression upon discovering Little Alouette? These are the kinds of toys I want to buy for my kids one day. These are the toys we ALL should want for our little ones. Simple, natural, local, organic, and above all...safe. No toxins. No plastics. No huge carbon cost to ship it from a factory in China. This is the real deal. Made by hand, with love.


Want to know how to get involved in supporting folks like Amy + Joe? Want to find HTA business members in your area? Visit the Handmade Toy Alliance website for more information.

About the Handmade Toy Alliance: The HTA is a non-profit organization made up of crafters, manufacturers, and importers of small batch children’s products.  In 2008, Congress passed the CPSIA to regulate the children’s product industry, but the over reaching law has unintended consequence requiring all children’s products to be tested at a third party testing lab.  The testing costs are expensive and often require the destruction of several pieces for a result.  The HTA is urging Congress to amend the CPSIA in a way that keeps safe products in the market place and maintains safety standards that protect our children.  Do your part by going to www.handmadetoyalliance.com and contacting your member congress.

Good Morning Ohio: Wayward Seed Farm

{images via wayward seed farm}

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Good morning to Central Ohio's own

Wayward Seed Farm!

The Wayward Seed Farm is a bio-intensive, organic method farm specializing in heirloom vegetables.

Found in Marysville, Ohio, Wayward Seed Farm not only provides many central Ohio farmer's markets and restaurants with fresh, organic, and unique varieties of heirloom and heritage vegetables, they have pioneered the successful creation of a CSA (or Community Supported Agriculture) program which serves as a direct link between local consumers like you and me. To date, the Wayward Seed Farm CSA program is one of Central Ohio's largest, further demonstrating their commitment to our community through honest farming, education, and support. Though this year's CSA spots are all filled, the fruit and veggie shares are very competitive. I encourage everyone to consider participating next season! For much more information, including farmer's market lists, what they grow, CSA information, and more, please visit www.waywardseed.com.

Good Morning Ohio: A HUGE Giveaway!

What better way to kick off a holiday weekend than to play host to a giveaway of nearly epic proportions?!

{WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT}

When I began the Good Morning Ohio posts here on Oh My Word!, it got me thinking about all the serious Ohio talent, right here in the heart of it all, and how much I wanted to share with the world just how proud I am of our Ohio artists, artisans, business owners, crafters, creatives, and all folks local.

{WHAT'S UP FOR GRABS}

Over $250 in goods from well over a dozen vendors -- all Ohio-made! There's lots of variety here, folks. A little something for everyone. Plenty to share the Ohio love with friends + family, if you're the lucky winner!

{THE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTORS}

Please pop over and visit the websites, shops + blogs of these dear Ohioans who so kindly offered up their wares for the Good Morning Ohio giveaway. I bet you'll find more than one new favorite among these amazing people. Let's show support to those who work hard to bring you alternative shopping options!

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{FOR THE WEE ONES}

· Little Bean Embroidery elephant bib + $10 gift certificate to the LBE shop
[facebook] [blog] [twitter]

· Rügrat Dēsign Mobile Monet crayon roll (with a whole set of crayons)
[facebook] [blog]

· Bree Bee's pacifier clip in cheery primary colors (never lose a binky again!)
[facebook] [blog] [twitter]

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{FOR THE FOODIES}

· A bag of yummy peanut Buckeye Brittle (I can eat a whole bag in one sitting, seriously)
[facebook] [twitter]

· A bag of crunchy Keric Korn & Candies Karamelcorn

· A bag of all-natural My Dadz Nutz Caramelized Jumbo Redskins peanuts
[facebook]

· A bag Lucy's Blend Breakfast Roast whole coffee beans by Chief Cooker Coffee Roasters

· Executive Sweets Chocolatier's speciality Milk Chocolate Potato Chip Clusters
[web]  

· Ludwig's Buckeye Magic spice rubs for beef, chicken, and fish

· Schlabach Amish Bakery Low Fat Grand-ola (perfect with blackberries)

· Stadium Salsa's Sweet & Spicy salsa
[facebook] [twitter]

{And a special thanks to Pam at Walker Food Group for providing nearly all these treats!)

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{FOR THE LADIES}

· Set of 5 handmade cards, featuring 5 special occasions by Twin2Kim
[facebook] [email]


· Squid12r's one-of-a-kind embroidered patch flower earrings
[blog] [twitter]

· Silver flower + glass pearl bracelet, handcrafted by BrittanyChavers
[facebook] [twitter]

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{FOR THE HOME}

· Polka dot rag basket + set of 3 crocheted cotton washcloths - Handmade by Annabelle
[facebook] [blog]

· Red, white + blue 'Americana' hand-poured soy blend candle by Emma's Enchantments
[facebook]

· Hand-crocheted cotton 'Wakefield Market' tote & 1 cotton + jute "Harmony" dish scrubbie by Hello Magpie (p.s. that's me!)
[facebook] [twitter]

· An original artwork print from O'Reilly Ink Illustration -- you choose your favorite!
[web] [blog] *this item will be mailed separately by O'Reilly Ink.

· 6" x 9" 'Pink Leaves' original photography print by Christa Kimble Photography (who also happens to be our wedding photographer!)

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{HOW TO ENTER: UP TO 5 ENTRIES PER PERSON}
  (PLEASE leave me your email address/link so I have a way of contacting you if you're the winner!)

· 1 entry: Leave a comment + share your favorite local product

· 1 additional entry: Follow or subscribe to Oh My Word!
(Leave another comment, please!)

· 1 additional entry: Tweet about the giveaway + include the links: bit.ly/OhioRules + @evereeve
(Leave another comment with a link to your tweet.)

· 1 additional entry: Blog about the giveaway
(Leave another comment with a link to your post.)

· 1 additional entry: "Like" Oh My Word! on Facebook
(Leave another comment, please!)

{This contest is open to folks with continental U.S. addresses only, please!}
*CONTEST ENDS 11:59pm EDT - SUNDAY JUNE 6th!*
Winner will be selected at random and posted on Tuesday June 8th
so check back then to see if you've won! 

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Big thanks to all of my super Ohio contributors + good luck!

**Contest + comments are now closed. Thank you to all who entered to win! **

list eighteen: what my weekend looked like.

Let's just say that Bubs and I hit the ground running this past weekend...

1. Had lunch with my best friend.
2. Bought & installed a PUR water filter on my kitchen tap.
3. Finished crocheting a mesh tote bag.
4. Slept in Saturday morning.
5. Went to Plain City Heritage Days uptown, took some photos & played a "Guess this vintage object" game...I think I did pretty well, actually.
6.  Drove over to Der Dutchman for continued Heritage Days fun.
7. Pet a pony.
8. Ate a doughnut.
9. Met great folks at the Etsy Columbus Craftacular.
10. Bought some Ohio-made preserves at North Market.
11. Worked on a second crochet tote.
12. More friendly faces at the Agora art show.
13. Bought a screen printed art poster from Will Ruocco.
14. Read three chapters of No Impact Man (which I love & wish everyone would read.)
15. Listened to the birds chirp in my back yard.
16. Did some urban gardening...Planted our veggie garden, herb garden, and flowers in 4 containers.
17. Ate a delish dinner of grilled teriyaki pork chops, hericots verts, asparagus, an organic potato, and spinach salad. Yum.
18. Then ate a coconut popsicle (thanks Tony for the idea!)
19. And then ate a bowl of Amish granola and bananas. I don't like bananas.
20. Got an email from an old friend I haven't heard from in ages.

One of the best weekends in memory. How was yours? What did you do?

Good Morning Ohio: Weekend Warriors, May 22-23

This is a fun Good Morning Ohio post for me, as I'm happy to report several fantastically awesome events hitting central Ohio this weekend. Here's what's on my agenda. Hope you see you out + about!

Good Morning Ohio: Pink Moon Cupcake Bakery

{cupcakes via Pink Moon}

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Good morning to Powell's

Pink Moon Cupcake Bakery --

Columbus's first cupcake shop!

I was lucky enough to be living in Powell when Pink Moon first opened the doors to their quaint, pink-house-turned-cupcakery. Love-at-first-smell, I was a fan from minute one, but what's not to love? It feels like you're visiting the coolest grandma's house ever. From the displays of handmade cupcake creations under a hodge-podge mix of vintage cake domes, the well-worn wood floors, and the huge chalkboard wall donned with the feature flavors in brightly-colored chalk, it's everything I want in a cupcake bakery. Just enough kitsch to keep me coming back for more.

My favorite flavor is strawberry, but buckeye is a close second. Honestly, you can't lose. Pink Moon knows how to handle the classic vanilla cupcake, too. The prices are about $2-2.50 per cupcake, depending on how many you purchase, and is  worth every penny to support this small, local business. The ingredients are fresh and the cupcakes made with love. Cinnamon Nuhfer, owner of Pink Moon, loves what she does and it shows.

I would be remiss to not mention the lovely folks of Pink Moon. You get more than you bargained for here; they offer up more than cupcakes at Pink Moon. They dish up healthy servings of good, old-fashioned customer service with a smile. No gimmicks, just gracious thanks. 

So the next time you're craving something sweet, head on over to Pink Moon for a cupcake! Don't forget that Powell is full of really special little boutiques, all deserving of a visit. It's a great way to spend a sunny, summer afternoon. Did you know that Powell's Farmer's Market runs every Thursday from June to September, from 3-6pm? Pick up some fresh veggies for dinner and Pink Moon cupcakes for dessert :)

*note: Pink Moon had an oven fire! Oh no! They'll be closed today, but never fear. They're back in biz tomorrow!*

What's Cookin? Wednesday: Cafe Ephesus

{cafe ephesus}

I've been fighting a head cold all week. (boo!) On Mother's Day, when I called my mom, she said the best gift I could give her would be to stay home, rest, and not get her sick. So, I did. Nyquil was my friend. My health is holding steady at about 80% today, but much improved since the weekend.

Which brings me to this. I didn't cook dinner last night. Instead, we met up with mom & Mr. M for dinner at local Turkish restaurant Cafe Ephesus, as a belated Mother's Day dinner. Delish! I forgot the camera (batting zero, seriously) but I can describe what our menu looked like.

Appetizers:
Humus & never-ending fresh pita triangles
- Both were really amazing. I'm picky about my humus, but theirs is very tasty. One big plate is $5, but the 4 of us couldn't finish it.
Calamari
- So tasty, not rubbery at all. Fried with a flaky, tempura-like coating, seasoned with something a little spicy. Worth every penny. Again, you get a huge plate.

Entrees:
- Everyone tried something different and every one of us cleaned our plates. I had the shish kebab - big chunks of seasoned, marinated filet with rice, a chunk of tomato and green pepper, with cucumber sauce (if you wanted it, which I did.) Perfectly cooked, super flavorful. Mom had a vegetable & shrimp stew dish, which, was fresh, seasoned perfectly, and deceptively-filling. Mr. M had a chicken doner and Bubs had a doner kebab -- basically the same thing, but one's chicken and the other's a beef/lamb combo. Both were great, served with rice, too.

Dessert:
- No room! I turned away baklava, which is history-making, but they were charging $5, which I thought is too steep anyway.

Recommend? YES! Lovely, small, clean, great food, friendly service. I'd definitely return!

Cafe Ephesus
6720 Perimeter Loop Road
(4 stores from Giant Eagle)
Dublin, Ohio, 43017
http://www.cafeephesusdublin.com/

Good Morning Ohio: Walker Foods - A Taste of Ohio

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Good morning to Walker Food Group's

A Taste of Ohio!

I had the pleasure of meeting Pam Pribanick of Walker Food Group a few weeks ago, while attending the A Taste of Ohio food event at the Lewis Center Kroger. If you've never had a chance to make it out to one of their events, you're seriously missing out. More than 50 Ohio vendors, farmers, and producers of yumminess were there sharing their products. What a treat!

Pam and I are kindred spirits when it comes to being passionate about keeping things local, healthy, natural, and "slow". She's the kind of lady I feel my life is enriched by knowing. Trust me, all Ohioans are better with her out there, spreading the word about Ohio-made foods! This darling lady also was kind enough to send me a huge ol' box of Ohio goodies for me to try -- Schlabach Amish "Grand-ola" and granola bars (which taste so fresh and natural you almost can't believe it), Buckeye Mustard, Vino de Milo Artichoke Garlic Bruschetta, Ludwig's Buckeye Magic seasoning rubs, and a bag of whole bean coffee from Chief Cooker Coffee Roasters. Hello! I'm in Ohio foodie heaven, here! Thanks Pam for your kindness & generosity!

The "A Taste Of Ohio" local foods prgram from the Walker Food Group makes a complete menu of artisan food items produced in the Buckeye State available to Ohio retailers. With over 400 high quality products from all corners of the state and more being added every day we are proud to be "Helping Ohioans Buy Local."

There are spots all over Ohio who feature many of the A Taste of Ohio/Walker Food Group-represented companies, but many products are available for purchase online through the A Taste of Ohio website. Natural, Ohio-grown teas, sweet & spicy mustard, finger-licking BBQ rubs and sauces, creamy, perfect cheeses (oh, the CHEESES! You have no idea!), brownies, jellies, jams, and even peanut butter, are just a click away. You are really missing out if you don't seek out these amazing Ohio vendors (Aisle 10, Lewis Center Kroger is a good start.) Happy eating, Ohio!

Guest Blogger...Jen of Little Bean Embroidery!

{little bean embroidery}

Jen and I met through the wonderful world of blogging and I knew right away that she'd have great things to share with us on what it's like to be a mom, a blogger, crafter, and business owner...trust me, she's cut from the same cloth as so many of us! Without further ado, please welcome Jen of Little Bean Embroidery!

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When Evelyn asked me to be a guest blogger… my response?

Oh My Word!   How exciting ;)

It’s so nice when people are interested in you and your story.

I’m Jen.  I live in central Ohio (born & raised!)  I just turned 31. I sew. I embroider. I craft. I take pictures. I scrapbook. I cook. I bake. (I’m obsessed with decorated sugar cookies at the moment.) I jog. I blog. I listen to music. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 9 years now.  We have 2 little ones… who maybe shouldn’t be called little anymore. Lilly is newly 6, and Cohen is even newer to being 3.

When people ask me what I do, you know… as in “Do you work?”, I always struggle with my answer.  “Well… I used to teach, before Lilly (whose full name is Lillian) was born. I’ve been home since. And I have a little embroidery business.  So I don’t really work…but I do.”

So, the answer is yes.  I do work.

I’m a mom and CEO of Little Bean Embroidery.

CEO sounds so fancy doesn’t it? 

Balance is tricky.  I don’t even know if I call it balance as much as…‘this little creative outlet that keeps me somewhat sane and feeling important’. While I am a mommy first and 24/7, I use my nights and weekends to work on embroidery orders for customers. I don’t have an ‘order’ form or instant ‘add to cart’ buttons on my site. This is partially because I built LBE’s website on my own (and I don’t know how to add it) and mostly because I love having the interaction with each individual customer via email. I want the colors, fonts, designs… everything, to be just what the customer wants! Sometimes it only takes 2 emails, sometimes 10.  I’ve even been called a perfectionist by some (I’d use other words, but ‘perfectionist’ sounds so pleasant.)   

I want each order to be custom made with love. I handwrite my receipts. I tie a little business card on each order. I can wrap your gift, attach a gift card (if you’d like), and even mail it right to the recipient (if you wish). I strive to give the boutique experience, but from the comfort of your home. Each order is as if I were gifting it myself…and remember, I am picky.  I love seeing all the great names, classic and unique, come through on orders.  I’m a little infatuated with names and would have 10 kids just to name them all. Well, not really, but maybe someone will let me name some of their kids?

Speaking of kids. I’m tired. At the end of the day, sometimes I’m excited to work on some embroidery!  Some days I look forward to my ‘alone’ time with my machine, a spool (or 3) of fun colored thread, and some cute baby items (or a tote and an apron). Sometimes I’m just looking forward to sitting on the couch with my hubby, our favorite show, and some ice cream. 

Motivation. Getting to embroider adorable little creations that become memorable gifts is really all the motivation I need. Each time I get an email, it’s like opening a present to see what I get to make next! Then, to get compliments…that’s the best. Who doesn’t need a warm fuzzy now and then? And it’s nice to have that extra LBE checkbook…you know…the one that pays for soccer, and a ($16!) kindergarten (!) yearbook, and the occasional phone bill, or trip to the grocery store if (or rather, when) the personal funds are low. 

LBE has a blog. Nothing over the top, just enough to keep Little Beaners up to speed with new items, designs, etc… And I very recently just jumped on the Facebook and Twitter bandwagon all for the sake of networking. Affordable networking. I have a personal blog as well (which I enjoy writing on very much!) and I follow over 500 blogs (via bloglines). Did I just admit that? Yes, I did. 

Little Bean holds an occasional raffle or drawing directly on the blog itself, so those who follow the LBE blog and/or FB will be in the loop of any fun things going on.  Besides that, Little Bean helps to support our community (and beyond) by donating gift certificates to help raise money for numerous causes, such as the local pre-school program, families dealing with cancer, CureDuchenne, Haitian relief and more.

Evelyn, thank you so much for asking me to be part of your amazing blog. I am honored.  I look forward to meeting more guest bloggers, reading more Good Morning Ohio!, and enjoying all the other amazing inspiring things you share with us!

Jen



website: www.littlebeanembroidery.com
LBE blog: littlebeanembroidery.blogspot.com
personal blog: itsmejen.blogspot.com
twitter & facebook

{Jen: You're so very welcome! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share some special insights with the OMW! readers. I wish you nothing but the best! O-H!}

Good Morning Ohio: Hello Magpie

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Good morning Columbus's (and my) own,

Hello Magpie!

Today's the day...I am officially releasing Hello Magpie to the world! It's been an amazing journey up to this point and it's only the beginning. Thank you to all of you who have encouraged me to lose fear, pursue my dreams, and enthusiastically encouraged my passions. From my heart, my sincerest thanks.


What started years ago as a simple dream of entrepreneurship has grown into Hello Magpie, an online retail shop specializing in functional, practical, durable and beautiful products for every day. Each product is carefully chosen to become part of our growing collection, each with a purpose. For some, it is the material choice, like organic cotton. For others, it's durability, which will extend a product's life cycle (or prolong how long it may take to get to a land fill.) Let's call it getting back to good, old-fashioned basics (and then some.) Some of our products, like our hand-crank rotary beater, have a classic vintage-meets-modern design. Others, like our recycled cotton lunch totes are fashion-forward and endlessly customizable (colorful permanent markers + doodles = a one-of-a-kind lunch tote!)

Alongside our shop is our Hello Magpie Etsy shop, which features handmade items (like the best darn cotton + jute dish scrubbie you'll ever use) and a hand-picked selection of vintage pieces chock full o' character. Looking for a little "spoil me" gift? How about organic bath fizzy bombs? Look no further than our organic Spring Mix Bath Bonbons, which are handmade in small batches with essential oils and homegrown + dried flower petals. The Etsy shop is ever-changing so check back often for all the latest + greatest.

Personally, I believe that we each have the opportunity to redefine the norm by which we live. I challenge and encourage you all to put conscious thought into every purchase, every product. Ask yourself how it can benefit your life. Will it help support ecologically-responsible living? Is it reusable? Safe? Practical? Local? National? Handmade? It's my goal for Hello Magpie to help find the answer to some of those questions and make living as a conscious consumer a little easier (and a bit more fun.)

Here's to the future + HAPPY 40th EARTH DAY!

xo,
Evelyn

P.S. Click here to subscribe to the Hello Magpie newsletter!

Good Morning Ohio: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

{top + bottom right: Element -- yet another amazing Ohio company!}
{bottom left: Jeni's/Salty Caramel}
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 Good morning to Columbus's own

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream!

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you've probably noted my affinity (read: obsession) for ice cream. Jeni's Salty Caramel + Dark Chocolate all at the same time, to be precise. Or an ice cream sandwich. Or perhaps a delectable Ohio berry sorbet...you get where I'm going with this, right?

Jeni's Splended Ice Cream is exactly that: splendid. For me, a visit to my neighborhood Short North Jeni's is a visceral experience, playing on all the senses. The spickety, cheerful atmosphere -- complete with milk bottle light fixtures -- plays to my inner child. The staff is always friendly and the ice cream. Oh, the ice cream. Words simply cannot do it justice. Sourced from local farms, the ingredients which make up Jeni's Ice Cream's are, as they eloquently put it, "Ohio Love You is the whole story...Pasture to table, cow to cone." Not only are local ingredients celebrated, the products of any given growing season are reflected in the flavors offered. Jeni's redefines what 'fresh' means. 

"Cow to Cone is about flavor. Our pasture-raised, gently pasteurized,

local cream is exquisitely sweet and creamy - and that's what it's all about."

- Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

 

Did I mention the cucumber water for palate cleansing (or a quick refresher after a long bike ride?) From the DRY Soda to the gelato spoons, the hand-scrawled menu to the uber-creative flavors inspired by our beloved home state of Ohio, it's safe to say that I could sustain a happy life on Jeni's alone. 

Something you may or may not know about Jeni's: It's family-owned! Jeni Britton Bauer, along with husband Charly Bauer,  co-founded the company in 2002 and Charly's brother Tom Bauer became a partner one year later. This trio, together with a small, super-savvy team, create every bit of ice cream for all of the Jeni's shops in Columbus and every delivered pint. Way to go Team Jeni's!

For those of us not lucky enough to live in central Ohio, never fear! Jeni's Splendid is sweeping the nation and being sold all over the country (and online!) Reward yourself. You deserve it!

Don't forget to check out Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream in Columbus's North Market, Short North, Bexley, Grandview, and Dublin, Ohio locations, their official website and blog Salty Caramel.

PSA: Middle West Spirits *EVENT CORRECTION!*

In my over-eager efforts to support the great new local company Middle West Spirits, I didn't check my facts as well as I should have on this past Thursday's Good Morning Ohio post (shame on me, for serious.)

Thanks to an anonymous commenter, I was prompted to check again and now see that this Saturday at the Middle West Spirits distillery is a private event. I repeat...it's not open to the public! -- it's a strictly close friends & family, invitation-only kinda gig.

I stand corrected! Please accept my apologies for misleading you & erase it from your calendar. Instead,  you'll have to find another establishment in the Short North to occupy your time (Surly Girl and Bodega always satisfy.)

Also, it seems that there is contrary information out there on whether the Sandbox event is public (the commenter says public, the MWS facebook page says private), so I'm erring on the side of caution and will wait patiently for their opening and distillery tours coming very soon. When it's open to the public, we'll have to do a meet-up and check it out. Here's to looking forward to late May, when Oyo is expected to hit the shelves.

Until then, darlings, stay warm & have a great weekend!

xo
eve

Good Morning Ohio: Middle West Spirits

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Good morning to Columbus's first artisan distillery, Middle West Spirits!

Let me first just say how excited I am to be sharing this business with everyone. It's brand-spanking new...like...it hasn't opened yet! When I heard the news that Columbus was getting our very first microdistillery? Well, I couldn't wait to post the good news!

A big congrats is in order for co-owners Brady Konya and Ryan Lang. For the last couple of years, they have been working hard to launch Middle West Spirits, an artisan micro distillery, who will call the Short North neighborhood of Columbus home when they open their doors. Specializing in an artisan blended vodka named Oyo (a nod to the indigenous Iroquois who lived in the Ohio Valley), Oyo will be a much different, more complex vodka than most are used to. Fuller in flavor and body, it sounds to me like a perfect base for a vodka cocktail or martini. I can't wait for their infused vodka blends, too, which will feature macerated local and Midwest goodies. Doesn't it sound divine? What's more, Middle West Spirits will have a small retail area selling directly to the public. What could only be better for these guys is for some great local restaurants and bars to specialize in Oyo by Middle West Spirits (hint, hint.) Simply put, this is an amazing addition to our town and I wish them the best with their launch.

If you want to hear more on Middle West Spirits, Walker Evans (Columbus Underground) has a fantastic interview with the guys here. It's a great read, so be sure to check it out. Don't forget to peek at the Middle West Spirits website where they have links to both Twitter and their Facebook page. Additional details on the preview open house can be found there, as well.

We're all lucky to have adventurous neighbors like Brady and Ryan who not only call Ohio home, but contribute to the continued development of our urban neighborhoods and support local economic growth. Good luck to Middle West Spirits -- we hope to see everyone at the Open House this Saturday. Can't wait!

Good Morning Ohio: Ohio Proud

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Good morning to central Ohio's Ohio Proud!

With April upon us, I can't help but think of planting flowers and veggies, dusting off my bike and hitting some great local farmer's markets. (Hello, sunshine. I missed you!) We Ohioans are extremely lucky to have been blessed with an abundance of local farms, but many of us don't take advantage of our local farming community nearly as often as we should.

Something I've been thinking about for awhile now is committing our household to a locally-centered diet, where the majority of what we consume comes from our home state (though I don't think I could commit to 100%. I would miss grapefruit too much!) Have you ever considered doing something like that yourself? Well, if you're in Ohio, the resources to support buying locally made and grown products are phenomenal. Just take a look at one of my favorite resources -- Ohio Proud. Based in nearby Reynoldsburg,  Ohio, Ohio Proud's website is a treasure trove of information and a great resource for finding local farmers markets, recipes, partners, and affiliate members selling and supporting all things Ohio-made, like the Fresh Fork Market in the Cleveland area and Buelers Fresh Foods and Heinen's grocers located all over Ohio.

Even if you're not in Ohio, I encourage you to find and support local farmers and grocers. Here are a few benefits of shopping local farmer's markets (as shared from Culinate.com):

• Locally grown food tastes and looks better. The crops are picked at their peak and have not been sitting in warehouses.
• Local food is more nutritious. The shorter the time between farm and your table the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost.
• Local food preserves genetic diversity. Smaller farms can grow a variety of products without worrying about shipping time and shelf life.
• Local food is safe. Local farmers take pride in the product and hope that the customer will return each week. We are not anonymous and Farmers take their responsibility seriously.
• Local food sales supports local families. Often wholesale prices are near the price of production. By cutting the cost of the middleman and producer receives a better return which helps keep families on the farm.
• Local food builds community. Local vendors often share stories, recipes and information which helps you, your children and your grandchildren learn about nature and agriculture.
• Buying locally cuts down on pollution by reducing the miles reliance on imported foods, which are often shipped or flown from foreign countries.

Don't forget to check out Ohio Proud's farmer's market search for markets in your area! Happy eating and planting!

Good Morning Ohio: Buckeye Brittle

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Good morning to Columbus's own Buckeye Brittle!

{images courtesy Nancy Monti Barcalow & Business First Columbus}

I'm particularly excited about this Good Morning Ohio post because this connection was born of a previous GMO post, it features delectable sweets and shows some love for women-owned, local, small business entrepreneurs. A trifecta!

I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy at the Hills Market local food event a couple of weeks ago. Not only is her peanut brittle to-die-for, Nancy's as sweet as punch and one of those folks you want to be around and chat with all day. Her story is like many others', but strikingly different too. Having gone through a big corporate "reorganization", Nancy didn't fret. She took her marketing expertise and got to work on Buckeye Brittle, an old-fashioned, homemade, natural peanut brittle based from her family's recipe. (Seriously, how cool is that?) Let me tell you what. Words simply do not do it justice!

“When I tell people I sell peanut brittle, 

you can hear it in their voices, they feel sorry for you.

I’m not doing this as a bake sale

I’m doing what I want to do.”

- Nancy Monti Barcalow, Business First of Columbus article by Dan Eaton

Because of Nancy's determination, know-how, and guidance from amazing local business development organizations like the ECDI's Growing Entrepreneurs Initiative and Walker Food Group, Nancy has landed her Buckeye Brittle in, literally, dozens of stores all over Ohio. She is anticipating even more growth as the year progresses and looks forward to Buckeye Brittle's premier at the Kroger Marketplace in Lewis Center, Ohio this April. Online ordering is also being considered. For more info, check out the Buckeye Brittle website here.

Want to meet Nancy (and lots of other Ohio food talent)...and maybe sneak a piece or three of her Buckeye Brittle? Mark your calendars!

A Taste of Ohio Sampling

Lewis Center Kroger Marketplace

April 17, from 11am - 6pm