Holiday Mystery Boxes Are Coming!

This news is admittedly arriving a bit late as I have been unthinkably busy lately. These past two months have been exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It has been so much fun keeping up with such a busy shop and seeing the different kinds of packaging and gift wrapping supplies everyone is ordering for the holidays. I love seeing what buyers put together! :)

 

I have a really exciting announcement today and it involves something I think everyone can appreciate — surprises! About a month ago, I was brainstorming a few fun promos I could hold for my shop for the holidays and I really loved the idea of creating mystery boxes! If these end up being a hit, you can certainly count on seeing more in the future. :)

What's inside? That's the surprise! Mystery boxes will contain holiday themed packaging and gift wrapping supplies from my shop. It could be items I sell regularly or all new products! Even better, the price of each box will be less than what the contents are worth. How exciting!

How many will be available? There are four different boxes and only ONE of each kind will be sold. For this reason, I am promoting them ahead of time and posting when they will be put up for sale so everyone will have a chance to grab one when the listings go live.

Why am I selling only one of each kind? There are a LOT of items in each box. I hand selected every item that makes each one of these packages special and meant to inspire holiday gift wrapping. It would take an incredible amount of time to pack up dozens of these boxes and being the first ever Mystery Box promotion, similar promos in the future and factors such as quantity will be determined by this years sales.

When will they be up for sale? Starting Sunday, December 15th, 6:00 PM CST they will be on sale in my shop - Thatch & Thistle Supply Co. Once they sell out, they're gone! So mark your calendars and snag one while you can. ;)

How will they arrive? Each box is ready to ship and will be sent via First Class or Priority Mail depending on weight. Each order will come with a tracking number and will arrive wrapped in the lovely striped kraft paper as shown in the photos.

Below, I've outlined the four mystery boxes that will be available.

THE GOLD BOX – $30.00 // (Value of $40.00+)

Festive packaging and gift wrapping supplies in shades of gold.

THE SILVER BOX – $30.00 // (Value of $40.00+)

Festive packaging and gift wrapping supplies in shades of silver.

THE SMALL BOX – $25.00 // (Value of $35.00+)

Festive packaging and gift wrapping supplies in holiday themed colors.

THE LARGE BOX – $50.00 // (Value of $70.00+)

Festive packaging and gift wrapping supplies in holiday themed colors.

IMPORTANT INFO:

• While these boxes are on sale, any active coupon codes in my shop will be temporarily disabled. If you have a coupon code that you would like to use on an order, feel free to write me directly and I'd be happy to get the order set up with the discount included in the purchase. 

• You may receive duplicate items if purchasing multiple boxes.

• All shipping rates will be available on actual listings.

Please comment with any thoughts or questions you have! I would love to hear what you guys think about this promo and if you would like to see more events like this in the future. I am always trying to come up with ideas to create fun promotions for my buyers. :)

Happy holidays everyone!

Brynne

Black Friday Sale

Such a fun weekend planned! I'm starting off with an amazing offer for Black Friday. Receive 20% off any order of $30.00 or more in my shop by using the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY13 during your checkout! All orders will also come with a free gift. :) 

Happy shopping!

– B

What I Am Thankful For This Year

The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on the things in life you are thankful for. While I try to always remind myself that I have so many wonderful things I am grateful for that have shaped me into the person I am today, sometimes making a list and writing them out can really put it all in perspective. It has been a wonderful year. I always tell people that I love growing older because each year brings wisdom, knowledge and a better sense of self. This year, I've experienced lots of change. Dan and I have made so many decisions together to plan our future. So many things feel like they are falling in place. 

There is always beauty. Always a reason to be happy. So today I'm sharing with you what I am most thankful for this year. 

Dan // Without question, Dan is the most stable presence in my life. When everything seems to be going wrong, he is the one thing that is right. Even when we have our 'off' days, there is never drama. We just fit. Our humor, our lifestyles, we are best friends on our worst days. Every little girl dreams of the husband she will one day marry and in so many ways, Dan isn't like anything I ever expected. And how perfect that is! Because I never dreamed I would be worthy of such a handsome, intelligent and honorable man. I am so thankful for his love and for every moment he chooses me over the rest of the world.

The Pugs // I know it sounds silly, but my pugs are my children. The endless love I have for them feels deeply maternal. Sometimes, I look at them and feel completely overwhelmed with love and fear, worrying about any possible thing that could happen to them. My sweet Lucy and Pippa are the loves of my life. They make me feel alive and nourish my soul in the most tender way. I would be lost without them.

My Shop // When this year started, I was completely bored, unchallenged and desperate for a change. All my life, I have wanted to run my own business, be my own boss and make the creative decisions that would enable me to become successful. When I started Thatch & Thistle Supply Co., it was little more than a thought. I never could have dreamed of what it has blossomed into today. It is truly everything I love in one place: packaging supplies, organization, business ownership, relationships and the rewards that come with a work ethic I never even knew I had. I am so thankful for every person that has supported me and helped this beautiful idea grow.

New Friends // I am so inspirited this year because so many new, bright and inspiring people have come into my life. While the relationships that I built years ago will always be close to my heart, it's exciting to make new friends that challenge you and inspire you in ways you wouldn't know otherwise. I am especially thankful for Latrina, Linda and Corina. After starting my shop and moving gradually to my blog, I have had amazing opportunities to meet some remarkable people. I so look forward to the many more friendships I will make in the future.

Abilities // While it can certainly sound cliche and very typical to say, "I'm so thankful for my health," it really is true. I have had the astounding good fortune of having nearly no health issues the entire life I have lived. It is a beautiful gift that I desperately try not to take for granted. It has made me capable, able and offered opportunities in this life so many are never given. It humbles me to think about the blessings I have been gifted and inspires me to live a life that earns them. I hope to always be a light in this world that makes the earth we live on a better place, in big ways and in small.

Tolerance // If you asked me who I am, I mean really who I am, what makes me, me? It's the belief that all people should have the freedom to be who they want to be. Every person has the right to decide how they want to live their lives, be with who they choose to be with and believe in what they choose to believe in. It took me many years to figure out that I didn't need other people to agree with me. My beliefs are my own. And while I try to be open-minded, I am unwavering in what I believe to be true. The beauty of this life is that you don't have to feel the same way that I do. I can't speak enough of how passionately I feel about this. I love all people, appreciate that we are all different and that it makes the world diverse, vibrant and interesting. Over the years, I have nurtured an accepting heart and the result is that I feel more myself than I ever thought possible.

This blog adventure is still so new. And I'll be honest, it's incredibly challenging to keep up with and I'm still trying to find a working balance with everything. I appreciate all of your support, every comment, every bit of encouragement. I love all of you and hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving with your friends and families. :)

Please share what you are thankful for this year! Do you already have a post? Add the link in the comments, I would love to read it. :)

Brynne

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Five Weird + Random Facts About Me

I was tagged by the lovely Kristyn of Milk + Crown for this fun little game. And I'm jumping on this train because weird is awesome. Not many of you know me in person, but if you did, none of the things on this list would surprise you. If you do end up having your socks knocked off, get to know me better. I never disappoint. ;)

1// Pajama Tunes – Most of my pajama pants have some cute or strange design on them. Most of them also have their own theme songs. My polar bear pajamas even have their own dance. I also have lobster pants that have sparked one of the longest lasting inside jokes between Dan and me. Yes, it involves lobster claws.

2// Synaesthesia – I am synaesthetic, meaning almost all letters, numbers, shapes and more have their own individual colors in my mind. For most people, the number two exists only as the number two in their head, but for me, it's bright blue. The letter A is red, a triangle is yellow and so on. Sometimes, numbers and letters even have feelings. I'm exceptionally influenced by color and texture. Bright, neon colors make me nervous while earthier shades such as olive green and burnt orange draw me in like a fly to honey.

3// Wordsmithing – I like to get creative with words. You probably wouldn't call it creative. You would see it as senseless torture of the English language. Our current favorite word is dorbs. Here's how we got there: adorable > adorables > adorbs > adorb > dorb = dorbs. Lately, we've been telling our youngest pug that she is The Dorb. Somehow, the pug's names have also taken dramatic turns for the worst over the years. Lucy mostly responds to Wooties these days while Pippa has become either The Spip or Skippa Dip.

4// Nothing is Inanimate – It began as a very young child but I personify everything. Everything has a name, a personality, feelings or some level of animate behavior in this house. Especially dog toys. They've all got a story to tell. At times, our Wii remote becomes a rabid animal with a tail and attacks Dan. I have no idea how. And I never leave things lying around by themselves because I feel like they get lonely. I remember being little and crying when my mom put celery sticks down the garbage disposal because she was killing them. Life has gotten easier since then, but my imagination is clearly here to stay.

5// I Secretly Wish I Was Amish – After seeing the movie The Village, I've always secretly wanted to live in a forest clearing, wear prairie dresses and make homemade soap. Something has always fascinated me about pre-1900's living. I get this feeling that people were so much more in touch with nature and with each other back then. I'm still waiting for someone, somewhere to come along and offer me a chance to live like the olden days for a week or two. Leave Netflix behind forever? GASP! Never. But I can't deny that the experience calls to me. Perhaps one day I will churn butter with the best of them!

Maybe not back in middle school, but these days, being weird is cool. I would love to hear about all the strange things you guys feel like sharing. And feel free to tag yourself and post your link here in the comments. I'll certainly read your list! :)

Other strange folks out there – Latrina (Oftreesandhues), Jessica (Coco/Mingo), Corina (Cocorrina) and Kristyn (Milk + Crown). 

– B

Coming Up For Air

Hello long lost friends. :)

Already I have set this fledgeling blog in a corner all by its lonesome just weeks after my first post. The truth is, I haven't even thought about writing this past month. I should quickly explain that it's actually a good thing. I never in all my dreaming could have imagined the amazing things that would happen to my Etsy shop come November. Mind = blown.

It's no secret that I am the most balanced when I am busy. Give me deadlines, a challenging schedule, projects and creative freedom and I will amaze you. It has been extraordinarily fun working with buyers in recent weeks and scouring the earth for unique new items to bring to the shop. Even repetitive tasks anyone else would find boring such as packing up orders, labeling hundreds of products and counting thousands of yards of twine has been invigorating. I feel so at peace with what I am doing. All the struggling through the beginning stages of my shop's concepts, spending tireless hours on photos and item listings, every effort has been worth it. I feel undeserving but truly thankful for the successes my small business has seen in eight short months.

I have had the incredible honors this Fall to be featured in Elizabeth's beautiful Holiday Gift Guide, Latrina's celebratory one year blogging giveaway and two, very exciting, upcoming collaborations with West Elm! I'll be sure to share the posts and details with you guys once they go live. :) 

Busy, busy, busy are the three words to describe life lately for me. I feel a bit like a tiny animal, scurrying around hoarding winter supplies to survive the cold season. I'm still working on a holiday promo for my shop come December and deciding on a sale for Black Friday. I have, however, started a return buyer gift program for all you fancy people who love to shop for packaging supplies. All orders $10.00+ from return buyers will now include a free gift! I love surprises and gifts in the mail so I knew it would be fun for my buyers, too. Shop here!

Aside from news with the shop, Thanksgiving is approaching! Baking is my art, so naturally I've staked my claim on all things sugar. I'll be toting a peach cobbler, and apple pie, two pumpkin loaves and cinnamon roasted pecans to our holiday this year. (Yes, from scratch.) Not surprisingly, most of that will turn into leftovers. But that is the idea, right?

Are you doing anything special for Turkey Day this year? Are you responsible for a certain dish? I'd love to hear about your traditions! I wish you all a wonderful evening and a cozy cup of hot cocoa. :) Goodnight!

– B

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Rainy Day, Don't Go Away

I woke up today to the most peaceful scene outside my window. The skies were gray, the soothing sound of rain gave me the deep breath of fresh air that I have needed these past few weeks. There is something about rainy days that has always given me energy and peace. I have always preferred those deep, gloomy overcast days to open sunshine. I find that rain helps me relax and reflect in ways that balances me out. 

While Texas is certainly known for heat (our summers are brutal), it also has some of the most exhilarating thunderstorms in the country. Fall is our rainy season so naturally, I have been looking forward to these months all year long. 

I got so many things done today. I shipped out fourteen orders, pampered a sick husband and made a delicious batch of chicken soup from scratch. For the first time, too! I felt a calmness all day that nicely complemented my motivation to actually complete tasks around the house. It all seemed to fall in place. Certainly a change from the anxiety I have felt lately. I am just so thankful for today. For cloudy skies and rain. I am thankful for a break.

And tomorrow? There's a 100% chance of rain. I feel alive. As I'm typing, I'm breathing in the cool breeze from our open window and soaking in the booming thunder I hear in the distance. Somehow, life's tiny under appreciated moments make up for everything else.

— B

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Finding Peace During Stressful Times

Back when I was a teenager, I used to tell everyone that I didn't think stress existed. (Boy did that change!) Becoming an adult can be is very challenging. I'm very thankful to have had a good stack of common sense while transitioning but we all face the steep learning curve when we are trying to grow up and enter adulthood. To be completely honest, I never really enjoyed being a child. It seemed like I counted down the days until I could be grown, out on my own and be completely responsible for my independence. I've always been very mature, level headed and strong willed. And I think there are disadvantages to those qualities when you are young, as well. I was always so different from everyone else. I didn't want the same things as others my age. So I feel like I became an adult very early on in life.

With that title change comes many, many responsibilities and sometimes a great deal of stress. Lately, I've been a bit down. The reason for my internet silence, really. Stress doesn't have to be obvious, either. I don't have any big problems that I'm dealing with. It's more little things that just seem to tug at me or the absence of movement in life that can trigger anxiety for me. I got to thinking about things that have always helped me relax when I felt strained so today I'm sharing a few ways that I find peace during stress and pouring emotions.

A Good Read – Sometimes, I need to dive into an epic fictional world just to get out of my head for a while. I always feel refreshed and inspired after reading. /// Currently I'm enjoying Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. Death's Assassin + Historical Romance. Yes, please.

Fresh Air – Simply being outside makes me feel significantly more open, like I can breathe easier. A walk or even just sitting on our porch steps for a while watching nature relaxes me. I don't get out very much but I so appreciate the times that I do.

Conversation – Dan is the most incredible listener. He is my best friend and supporter through it all. He's there when I'm emotional over trivial issues and he's always encouraging without fail. I need his calmness and strength to balance me out at times. I love that man.

Pug Snuggles – It is a fact in my life that nothing makes me feel better than snuggling my sweet pugs. A dog's love is so pure and unconditional. I have such a deep love for those two and caring for them is so rewarding. I feel like they keep me going through everything.

Cleaning + Organizing – I am totally that person who gets kicks from organizing and cleaning my house. I would pick The Container Store over the spa ANY day. It serves two purposes by keeping me busy and offering a great sense of accomplishment at the same time. Not many things beat the feeling of a clean and tidy home.

Baking – Both the process of baking AND enjoying the finished goods, in my opinion, is very therapeutic. Baking is a creative art and I love experimenting with recipes and different flavors and textures.

Dreaming of the Future – This is something that has particularly helped me in recent months. When I take the time to just sit and think about all the things I want to accomplish or experience in the future, I feel comforted. I remind myself that the future holds so much and the journey towards reaching goals is just as important as setting them.

Overall, I think finding activities that inspire you and make you happy cultivate a clear mind and help you to work through feeling tense or overwhelmed. What are some ways that you relieve stress and unwind?

— B

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