May is just an excuse to party

It should be noted that I still often find myself composing blog posts in my head.  It should also be noted that I am currently blogging in a bit of a panic, as I realized that I had only posted once in the whole glorious month of May and I couldn't really believe that about myself.  

Since we last chatted, we have been living it up over here.  We celebrated mother's day and my birthday on back to back weekends and I had such a good time that I almost felt guilty about it.  Almost.  Steve loves me so well and he is teaching Arthur to do the same.  Those two took me out for lovely meals and frozen yogurt and surprised me with a framed photo and M & M's.  Arthur signed his "A" in a card that said "Happy Birthday Mom" on the front and I was unprepared for how that would make me tear right up with joy.  

Steve and I also went on an amazing, five hour long date.  It was exactly as wonderful as that sounds and we're already plotting how we can do it again.  We sipped lattes (sipped, I tell you!) and dreamed about the future, did a little shopping, and ate lunch outside.  I've found myself, in the weeks since, trying to remember that feeling- of nowhere to be and the cool morning air and a warm drink shared with my sweetheart.  

We also took a family vacation to the beach to celebrate nine years of marriage.  We actually stayed at this very same beach condo last year for our anniversary as well, about three weeks after we returned home from Taiwan.  It was so much fun this year to compare everything to last year and see how far we've come as a family.  (Arthur speaks English now!  He's almost potty trained!  We sleep most of the night!)

Taking a few days off for vacation meant that I was unusually busy with shop work the week before we left. I have four new bow tie fabrics (including two florals, which I'm super stoked about) waiting to be sewn into samples, a project I'm hoping to complete in June.  I'm also playing around with a new tie shape- something a bit slimmer in nature.  I was inspired by the bow ties on the most recent season of Downton Abbey and have been wanting to offer something similar in the shop.  

If May was the month of celebrations, June is shaping up to be the month of visitors!  We always host a lot of visitors in the summer and I can't wait for everyone to start arriving.  The June issue of Country Living has about 20 homemade ice cream and gelato recipes and I'm looking for an excuse to try them all!

summer products

 Hello and Happy May!  If you've been hanging around this blog for a while, you might remember that this is my favorite month.  Interestingly enough, the fact that it is my favorite month is only in small part due to the cards and gifts I will receive for several important holidays and mainly a result of the perfect weather.  Well, the weather, and the fact that this is usually the point where I finally stop shocking myself on every light switch in the house.  

 I realized that I hadn't shared any product photos recently and we had a quick photo shoot yesterday, so I thought I'd keep you up to date on some shop news and happenings.  I've added four new "summer" ties to the shop and have plans for at least three more.  My spring and summer ties are fairly interchangeable, but the summer ones tend to be a bit lighter in weight and color.  I added a coral seersucker tie, after having about eight people ask me for one.  Coral is so hot right now!  For good reason too- it's nice and warm and cheerful, close to pink without being annoying.  You know how some pinks can be annoying?  Is that just me? 

Steve has been wearing a bow tie to work every Friday for the past month or so and I love it.  It's fun to see which ones he chooses and also to hear the conversations he has with his coworkers about them.  I always imagine that we either sound really interesting or really crazy- a wife that stays home with a three year old, making bow ties?!?  What a unique life!  

I've been busy with wedding orders and gift orders and just general orders this spring.  Once (if) I get caught up, there are lots of new products I want to try out to prepare for later this year.  One of the best things about my job is that there is always something new to look forward to.  

These new pocket squares were inspired by a recent article in GQ and no, I don't read GQ, but it almost seems like I should.  I'm on the hunt for a certain jacket for Steve that will photograph well with all these blues, as well as a few new shirts for tie photos.  It is funny to shop for clothes with product photos in mind, but we've actually gotten some great things that way.  

Inspired by Cinco do Mayo, I'm making Mexican food all week.  Today I made a black bean salad, onion slaw, and pickled red onions to go with our shrimp tacos.  Later this week- more taco fillings, enchiladas, taco salad.  I'm trying out a new method to see if dinner prep is easier when all of the meals have a common theme- I'll keep you posted!