I absolutely love seeing all the back to school pictures this time of year that flood social media. It makes me reminisce back to those seasons with our kiddos. All the excitement, prepping outfits for the first day, school supplies, new backpacks, breakfast together, packing lunches, making sandwiches with their favorite cookie cutters (airplanes & butterflies were our kids favs!), taking pictures on the front porch before they embark on their new adventure… oh what joy & organized chaos all at the same time.

When our kids were little, other parents/grandparents equipped with much more wisdom always said things like, “don’t blink”, “they grow up so fast”, “they’re growing like weeds”, etc. As a young momma I remember thinking, “ehh I’m not so sure about that… do you remember what it was like having kids at this age?”. Just like that, they were right. Every single word… I blinked and they’re grown and find myself sharing the same advice. 

This week I was thinking if Blackberry & Honeysuckle was my child (which definitely feels like it at times!) she would be starting kindergarten in another year. Gasp. But seriously, how did she grow up so fast?! 

Owning a small business has similarities to parenting. You’re constantly learning new things, keeping people engaged and connected. It’s a labor of love with some of the greatest joys. It’s so important (especially for me) to prioritize time to rest and refuel your soul, which enables us to give our best to others.

What keeps me grounded?

A grateful heart. 100%.

What sustains me?

Jesus. He is my anchor, my hope, my strength. 

How do I find joy and peace?

Be still and embrace the little moments & try to be fully present with my people.

Make no mistake, I complain and whine about things. I’ve learned that being grateful is a practice. Giving myself a heart check and bringing it back to a posture of gratitude works every time. 

I heard something recently… “Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is dependent on our circumstances. Joy is an inner contentment despite our circumstances.” Joy is something God has gifted us with. Our joy is complete in Him.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” – Romans 15:13

Being still is another practice, it just does something in my heart. It realigns it with His and brings me contentment and joy. Being fully present with my husband, kids, family, and friends. Having conversations in the shop with our customers, hearing your stories. All of it. 

What keeps you grounded, sustained & brings you joy and peace? 

So here’s to another year full of God’s goodness! Praying for all of you sending your kids off to school this season (especially if it’s for the first or last time). God’s got you (and them!) covered.

May we all remember to go swing on the swings with our kids (or grandkids). Slide down the slide. Do all the fun things they ask us to do. I promise, your heart will be fed just as much (or even more!) than their little hearts.

Thank you for being here and supporting my almost kindergartner!! 😉

B&H BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

We partnered with Black Oak Art in Waco, Texas and we have the most beautiful handmade mugs available in the shop, just in time for our birthday!! If you’re a Magnolia fan, this the same pottery studio that makes their mugs! They’re perfect for all your cozy morning & evening sips. 

Through the end of August, the following B&H branded merchandise will be $4 OFF: our new mugs, logo t-shirts, aprons & tote bags!!! You can snag one here while supplies last!

On top of that, we’re offering FREE SHIPPING as well! Enter code BIRTHDAY at checkout for free shipping on your online order. 

We’ll also be giving away this gift box, which includes a set of our new Blackberry & Honeysuckle mugs and blackberry jam shortbread (a customer fav!), and a $50 gift card. 

To enter to win, leave a comment and respond to one of these below.

• Who would you invite to share a cup of coffee or tea with? 
• Tell us about a memorable time you had a cup of coffee or tea with someone.
• Do you have a favorite place to be still and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea? 

Enter giveaway by Thursday, August 17th at midnight. Winner will be announced Friday, August 18th.

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