My brother, Brian, has a unique business called Hawk & Hatchet.  A dream he thought about for many years before making it a reality.  He handmakes candles, soaps and apothecary items as well as charcuterie boards and beer flights.  He also sells note cards and post cards that are really unique and vintage looking. 

I love that Brian took his interests and passions and turned it into something that he can share with others.  I love that he started pouring candles years ago in his basement.  I love that he believes strongly in the quality of his products and hand checks each item.  I love that he includes his family and has taught his kids how to help in the studio making product.  And, I love his products.  I burn his candles regularly (my favorites are Sage & Citrus, Oak & Vanilla and his Christmas scents), we use our charcuterie board often for cheese and cracker spreads, and Kenny loves Brian’s beard wash and oil.

Recently Brian was interviewed by a local CBS affiliate.  I teared up watching the interview – I’m so proud of him!  

Local CBS Interview

I encourage you to check out his products and read about how he got started at the link below.  

Hawk & Hatchet Website

Collecting fresh, clean snow to make snow ice cream!

Snow Ice Cream:

1 c. milk
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pinch of salt
8 c. CLEAN snow
Toppings – sprinkles, chocolate sauce, caramel, etc. 

In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and salt together until combined.  Go scoop up fresh, clean snow and immediately stir into milk mixture until you reach your desired consistency.  Add more snow if needed.  Should be fluffy, not runny.  Add desired toppings and eat quickly!

The past year has been an emotional roller coaster in relation to school.  Not only the ups and downs of being quarantined, but also the disappointment for all of the field trips, concerts, events and day to day school activities that have been canceled.  

Anna’s class has been quarantined the last week and a half and she can return again this week.  Her class was quarantined mid-February very briefly while someone was waiting for a test.  Thankfully it was negative and they returned to school quickly.  This quarantine was longer and she is so ready to go back.  

Anna has been so independent; working hard on school work while at home.

It’s been a year since the crazy of COVID began.  We are finally rolling with the punches a little easier but it is still hard.  The kids and myself alike are no longer so frustrated and upset when our routine is completely turned upside down.  We’ve learned that since there’s nothing we can do about it, our only option is to just keep moving forward with a good attitude.  We make ourselves – and our family – miserable when we focus on all the things we’re missing out on.  

Anna getting comfy to listen to her read-aloud assignment.

So, Anna has handled this quarantine like a rock star.  There were tears at first, finding out she’s quarantined again, but then we thought about all the fun we’re going to have and move forward.  She buckled down every day to do what she needs to do and we’ve had time to have some fun too.  She also helped me out with some projects around the house and I’m grateful for her help.  

Anna and I went shopping and she spent her own money on these awesome, flashy pants. Yay for clearance racks!