Hello Friends!

I decided to start a new series of blog posts highlighting some of my favorite small shops. The first shop in this series that I'm going to share with you is Teeny Weeny Toys, they have a home base of Dubuque, Iowa. This is a husband and wife team, Kayla & Chisum-- they run a brick & mortar store as well as an online shop. Their shop features a wide array of classic wooden peg dolls, custom peg doll sets, wooden blocks, wooden stackers, wooden buses, firetrucks and lace up toys. They have also recently added Babylit books to their site! The classic princess set will be under our Christmas tree this year, no doubt. [Also, if you're  a Harry Potter fan you really need to check out this shop!]

The family behind the brand: 
Chisum is the wood worker and numbers guys, he grew up in Dubuque and spent 5 years in the US Marine Corps as a Weather Forecaster and then finished he business degree. He pours a lot of time into cutting out and sanding each piece of the toys, his favorite is the wooden car. Kayla is the artist and marketer for Teeny Weeny, she went from teaching preschool to forecasting the weather in the US Marine Corps to becoming a full time student, mom and small business owner. Kayla is passionate about early childhood development and raising creative and caring children. Kayla's favorite toy is the Rainbow Family color sorting set. They have two sweet children, Zoey and Charlie. Play is how children learn so it is their passion to creative toys to spark imagination with classic style to butter innate desire to play.

Mission Statement:

Teeny Weeny Toys are inspired by the basics with the goal of cultivation creative and imaginative play. Because we believe that play is the key to a better world.

|| Q&A ||

Why did you decide to start your small shop?
I started making wooden toys for my daughter as a creative outlet. I studied Early Childhood Education and have always loved the simplicity, beauty and nurturing qualities of wooden toys. Soon my friends and family were asking for toys and thats when I decided to try my hand at starting a small shop on Etsy.

How long have you been in business?
We have been in business for close to 3 years! The shop has grown to a website and now a brick & mortar location. Each time we take another step its like jumping off a really high diving board; you’re nervous and excited and slightly terrified-but you just have to take the chance.

How do you balance home life and running your store?
Honest answer- I don’t. I struggle every day with trying to balance all of the hats I wear and there are days I just cant hold it together. I want to be there for my kids and be the mom they need at this important part of their lives, but I also want to be an individual person. Im learning how to achieve this a little more every day.

Can you describe your customers?
My customers are intelligent and creative individuals who care a lot about the little ones in their lives.  I’m so happy when I get to meet them in person. The children we meet are just so full of life and imagination, you can tell they have a lot to give the world.

Happy Monday, friends!

This morning I'm sharing my favorite bread recipe. This is something that I've really had to work at because for some reason it's taking me a reallllll long 'hot minute' to figure out working with dough. I've tried so many different recipes and then finally I just gave up- either I couldn't get the dough to come together, couldn't get it to rise, and the list went on, and after many trials and errors, I discovered that my water was too hot in most cases. So, when I found a recipe for Dutch Oven Bread I decided to give it one more try. It's no secret that I love my le creuset dutch oven; it's probably my most favorite kitchen item and I use it for so many things. I read and reread the directions a thousand times and although this recipe only has 4 ingredients I knew for sure that I would screw it all up. But, surprise, surprise I actually had my first successful loaf of bread sitting on my counter the next day. It was like the heavens opened up and angels were singing and the first bite didn't disappoint. This particular loaf of bread has earned a spot as a staple in our home and I love gifting it to friends and taking it to holiday gatherings. Last year for Thanksgiving I made a rosemary, olive oil, and sea salt variation and served it with a homemade whipped herb butter.

So, even if you think you can't make a specific recipe turn out right just keep on trying because I'm sure you will eventually be successful!

Happy Friday friends!

I am loving all of the velvet and corduroy that has come back for this season, also the colors! The colors are so good this season. Here are a few things that I'm {crush}ed on when it comes to velvet. 

1.| Shoes

Girls -  Velvet Sparkle Chelsea Boots

Women - Velvet Sneakers

2.| Dresses

Girls - Crushed Velvet Cutout Dress [on sale]

Women - Strappy Back Dress

3.| Tops

Girls - Freshman Peplum Tee [on sale]

Women - Peplum Top with Sleeves 

[use code: thehessgirls10 for 20% off]

4.| Lounge

Kimono Robe

Chill Leggings [on sale]

5.| Home

Washed Throw Pillow

[use code HERO for 15% off]

Oversized Plush Throw

[use code VETSDAY and QUICK15]

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