ASMR HAIR WASHING AND BRUSHING

Lillejuleaften or Christmas

 

My husband is Danish, so we celebrate both Lillejuleaften and Christmas. Essentially, they are the same thing only the Danes celebrate on the 24th of December and the Americans celebrate on the 25th (that way Santa can visit everyone. Two days is a lot better to make it around the world). 

There are a few more differences between Lillejuleaften and Christmas and I'll go over those differences a bit more tomorrow. Come back tomorrow and learn a little bit about the Danish way to celebrate as well as a few traditional ways we Americans party. 

Check out my Little Library: https://youtube.com/shorts/yIsvIxeb-rc?si=xRYKVenExaozdDCZ

NATURALLY FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 

Handmade Crafts Journey

Siena and her mother Marcella, talked with me about their 17-year journey of selling handmade crafts, which began when Siena was only 6 years old, when they were homeschooling. Siena explained that she has dyslexia, which makes her more visual and naturally inclined towards creative activities, while Marcella shared that their family has a strong tradition of crafting, with both her mother and grandmother being artists. The conversation revealed how their homeschooling environment provided the freedom to explore various types of crafts, ultimately leading to the successful craft business they have built over the years. They have even been in Better Homes & Gardens magazines!

Family-Inspired Creative Exploration

Siena talks about her family's artistic background, particularly her mother's embroidery and knitting work, which inspired her own creativity.  She explained how having access to a variety of materials at home encouraged her to experiment and try new ideas without the pressure of saving materials for specific projects. Siena showcased some of her wool felt toys, including gnomes and mushrooms, which she creates without faces to allow children's imaginations to shape the characters and stories.

Naturally Fun Business Philosophy

Siena explained the origin of the business name "Naturally Fun," which reflects their philosophy of incorporating natural materials and a focus on fun in their products and homeschooling approach. She emphasized that people often describe their items as fun, happy, and unique, which totally aligns with their mission to infuse joy into their creations.

Crafting Journey and Market Expansion

Siena discussed her journey with crafting and selling items at markets, starting with school markets when she was very young and expanding to private markets during COVID-19. She noted that private markets reached a different audience and allowed her to explore her passion while balancing work and travel. Siena loves her flexible schedule and work-life balance that this creative business provides, motivating her to continue growing and pushing herself.

Upcoming Events and Promotions

Siena and Kimbra discussed upcoming in-person events, including the Oswego Farmer's Market Reunion, Baltic Holidays, Portland Wilder School, and several events in December, such as the Scan Fair at the convention center. Siena highlighted her unique crafts, including felt ornaments and sweater trees, and we all want to encourage supporting small businesses. 

If you want to check them out, here's a list of events they'll be at:

Check out my interview with them here: https://youtu.be/FWgOGZBr-kk

ASMR HAIR BRUSHING - Relax, Rejuvenate and get Ready

Author Interview - With Help for Writers

If you're a reader or a writer, you'll be interested to hear Mary Rose tell her story of her path to publication and how she found a publishing coach to help her get her book into print. 

And, if you're interested in middle grade fiction, Evelyn Am, just might be the story you'll want to pick up for the holidays. 

Readers have compared Evelyn Am to To Kill a Mockingbird and It's a Wonderful Life - so a perfect book for the holidays. 

https://youtu.be/vB60mAdZ4jo

Which One Did it Better - Ghosts or Snowmen

 I just finished our Harvest Festival, and now I'm moving on to Christmas Crafting with transforming my Firewood Ghosts into Firewood Snowmen. Which one do you think did it better? 

Vote down below

Ghosts?

or 

Snowmen?

Or maybe even the reindeer...? 

If you're having trouble deciding, check out my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/gJJ3SQZP_Yk and make sure to vote. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW With The Path to Publication and New Release Discussion

 

Margaret's Path to Publication with her New Book: Dying Cry 

CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/GiFruX2ss74

Margaret talks about her path to publication with her first book, "Killing Trail," published by Crooked Lane Books in 2014 after the arduous journey of finding an agent. 

She discusses using a canine character and how her books appeal to both male and female readers, including animal lovers and professionals like retired police officers and veterinarians. 

Success Strategies for Aspiring Writers

Margaret shared her success story with Crooked Lane Books, where her first two books were well-received, leading to a contract for ten books in total. 

Writing and Publishing Insights

Margaret shares her experience of writing and publishing her books, emphasizing the importance of querying agents, crafting elevator pitches, and building a social media presence before securing a contract. 

Dying Cry" Book Discussion

Margaret tells us a bit about "Dying Cry." Maddie, Cole, and Cole's daughters hear a scream while snowshoeing and discover a body at the base of a cliff, leading to a host of suspects and one heroic dog who plays a central role in solving the mystery.

Integrating Experience into Fiction Characters

Margaret also talks about her transition from writing nonfiction to fiction. 

I hope you'll check out her book and help out another reader and writer by giving her book a review - it really helps!