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Celebrating Our Partners & Makers This Giving Tuesday
Happy Giving Tuesday, friends! As a company that places so much value on giving back, it’s safe to say this is one of our favorite days of the year. For those who may not have heard of this special holiday before, here’s a quick rundown!
“A global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”
Started in 2012, the founding initiative was starting a day for people to do good. Since, it has grown tenfold as a day where giving, action, and generosity is celebrated around the world. They say that every act of generosity counts, and we couldn’t agree more.
As an ode to the holiday and to spread the movement, we want to share a little about what we do throughout the year that contributes to the global economy and welfare of disadvantaged communities, supporting the environment, advocating for animals, and more.
Giving is a major principle we’re founded on; you are giving with every purchase you make from Simply Inspired!
Global Artisan Partners in Nepal
For years, we’ve been working with a small artisan cooperative in Nepal that employs women artisans around Kathmandu. Working directly with a creative team, we help design creative products that are true to their intricate Nepalese handicraft traditions to expand their business through selling on Simply Inspired. All of our fair trade felted wool ornaments, puppets, dolls, and décor are made by these incredible artisan partners.
Through working with them we’re able to ensure that those disadvantaged women are taken in and provided training and an opportunity to work for living wages to support their families. There is absolutely no child labor and the processes they use to create their goods are all sustainable. Good for the world and the environment in so many ways!
Perhaps the most exciting steppingstone in this relationship is the new initiative we are developing with them to launch soon. We will be spearheading an education program with the artisan cooperative to support school children in the area with books, meals, and more to ensure they have equal access to valuable education that will help them thrive!
This is why we love what we do at Simply Inspired. Your purchases directly impact the lives of these women in Nepal and provide them with opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise had! So, for that, we are ever grateful to you for your support.
Organizations Supported by a Portion of Simply Inspired Profits
If you’ve shopped with us for a while, you probably know that we donate 20% of our Simply Inspired profits to organizations that protect, support, and empower women, children, and animals. These are just a few of the organizations we give back to, with your support, throughout the year:
Many don’t realize that there is a huge gender imbalance in film production. This unique non-profit empowers young women through education in media, showing them how to film and tell their unique stories to revolutionize the film industry and defeat gender inequality.
A powerful organization combating the maternal health crisis globally. To date, they have contributed over $5.6M to create community-based programs that provide access to equitable maternity care across the world to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all.
Supporting the women survivors of war and conflict by providing skills-based training to improve lives, this non-profit has already made an impact on the lives of over 500,000 women across the world. Through teaching job skills that they can use to rebuild their futures and connecting them with women who have gone through similar struggles, they allow them to take their power back.
We love their tagline, “Save a bee, save the world.” Many don’t realize what an integral part of our ecosystem buzzing bees are, and Karma Honey Project uses 100% of their profits to create hives to help repopulate bee communities and teach people how to manage their own hives, donating to research on bee mortality and how to combat it, and finally to educate the youth on just how important these creatures are to our world!
Farm Sanctuary raises awareness about the terrible effects of animal agriculture on the environment and the animals while fighting for justice through advocacy, education, and animal rescue.
Brands We Love to Share That Give Directly
When we source the products that we share on Simply Inspired, we search for brands that are:
- Good to their employees and community
- Good to animals and the environment
With that, many of the brands we purchase from to share with you are intentional about sustainability, giving, supporting others, protecting animals, and more.
These are just a few of the purposeful and intentional brands we love that give back directly to a cause with a handful of our favorite products:
A sock company producing the coziest footwear! Each pair is produced by workers paid fair wages in underserved communities, and also gives back to causes that are near and dear to us like the environment, animals, women empowerment, and much more.
A passionate company making a change here in the U.S. and in the Dominican Republic by employing artisans to sustainably handcraft craft mugs that make for the perfect morning coffee vessel and tell a wonderful story.
Kazi, which means “employment, jobs, source of income” in Swahili, is a sustainable enterprise based that provides immense opportunity for African artisans. They’ve created employment opportunities for 4,575 artisans from Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana, helping them get out of poverty with living wages to create their magnificent woven homeware pieces.
A fair trade fashion brand that employs women artisans in Nepal, where the founder was initially in the Peace Corps, to craft high-quality bracelets that spark joy and connection.
Pieces by Purpose don’t just look good, they do good! Their mission is to, “empower girls and young women escaping human trafficking to embrace their true identity and worth.” Now, they operate in five countries globally where they provide sanctuaries for these women to learn trades and reclaim their futures.
This unique company is a for-profit, fair trade social enterprise that sells handcrafted ornaments to provide support to disadvantaged children and families in Africa. They utilize fair trade labor in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Peru, and Nepal to craft the ornaments, so your purchase does good in every stage of its lifecycle.
Shop Intentionally This #GivingTuesday & Share!
The more we share about beautiful days like this, the more people that we can get to join in on the movement. Head to Instagram or Facebook and share one thing you’re doing today for Giving Tuesday. Share with the hashtags #LiveSimplyInspired and #GivingTuesday. We can’t wait to see the good you do for this world!
P.S. Since it is the giving season, enjoy 20% off our holiday collection for a limited time. It’s filled with products from some of the intentional partners and brands we’ve shared today!
Deck the Halls: Christmas Stocking Stuffers & Gift-Giving Traditions
Christmas is celebrated all around the world in different ways. But one tradition that is cherished across the globe is the beloved Christmas stocking. Many of us adopt traditions without knowing where they started, we know we do sometimes! But we also love uncovering the stories behind what makes each special tradition so unique. So today, let’s uncover the history of stockings and discover how they’re used in family holiday traditions across the globe, shall we?
The History of Christmas Stockings
Like most historic traditions, there are a few theories about the roots of where the Christmas stocking originated, but there’s one that sticks out as the most well-known—the legend of St. Nicholas.
Back in 800 A.D. St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, heard of a poor man whose wife had died, leaving him as a sole provider who did not make enough to give a dowry for his daughters to marry well. Hearing of his struggle, Saint Nicholas wanted to help and tossed gold down the chimney. The gold landed in socks left by the fire to dry, and the family’s woes were solved! This later transpired to people leaving toys and oranges, to signify the gifts in this beloved legend. We know it’s been a part of American tradition for years, due to the mention of stockings in the ever-popular poem, The Night Before Christmas, originally written in the 1800s.
Today, it’s up to each family to create their own traditions surrounding this lovely story of giving. Which Christmas stocking story do you share with your little ones during the holiday season? Depending on where in the world you live, your traditions and the stories behind them may look different!
Where Stockings Are Hung by the Chimney with Care
These are just a few of the countries across the world where stockings are a part of holiday tradition. And each place uses them in celebration differently which is so special!
Germany
United Kingdom
China
Stocking Stuffers for Everyone in Your Family
Stocking stuffers change throughout the years. While everyone loves sweets to nibble on, kiddos love toys and trinkets, while adults may prefer a meaningful token or functional item. The good news is, at Simply Inspired, we have stocking stuffers for all ages and personalities!
Stocking Stuffers for the Little Loves…
Stocking Stuffers for the Adults…
Stocking Stuffers for Everyone…
Simply Inspired’s Meaningful Stocking Stuffers Will Bring Joy to Your Holiday Celebrations
We could keep this list going for a while, but we’ll let you browse the collection for yourself. Our carefully curated Stocking Stuffers Collection is filled with purposeful gifts that will spark joy and meaning for all! Stocking stuffers to us are an opportunity to show those you love that you’re thinking of them, and see them for who they are, with a gift that shows you care and know what is important to them.
So browse and shop today for those who have stockings hanging on your mantles, as stock is limited and time for shipping will run out before we can say, “Happy Holidays!”
‘Tis the Season: Simply Inspired’s 2021 Holiday Gifts That Give Back Gift Guide
What inspires you to purchase gifts for those you love? This year, it’s more important than ever to be intentional about your gifting. Rather than supporting big box stores, join us in supporting small, supporting women artisans, and supporting companies with a mission to do good for their employees and the environment! We wanted to share a few of our favorite gifts that give back for this holiday season—as giving sustainable and kind gifts is our mission all year round!
Without further ado, let’s dive in our 2021 holiday gifts that give back guide!
For the Adventurous Spirit…
Washed Linen Stripe Tote - Navy Stripe
We all have a traveler in our midst. And every traveler needs a trusty tote! This 100% jute tote features a 100% cotton lining that is lightweight and ideal for carrying necessities wherever the world may take you.
For the Fashionista…
Any one of our alpaca or infinity scarves is the perfect addition to any outfit. They’re crafted in a way that helps them warm you up in the winter, but they’re light enough for multi-season wear!
For the One with a Sweet Tooth…
Raw Honeycomb from Savannah Bee Company
This sweet treat is organic and 100% made by the bees! You can eat it by the spoonful or spread atop a buttermilk biscuit. It also makes a special addition to any holiday charcuterie board.
For the Functional Friend…
Winter Night Felted Wool Zipper Bag - Handcrafted Fair Trade
This beautiful, handcrafted pouch is made with soft, yet highly durable felted wool. Each piece is unique, as our artisan partners in Nepal craft each one individually with love and care. These beauties are perfect for carrying everyday essentials in style. Plus, they help support Nepali families with each purchase.
For the Homebody…
Candles make any home a little more cozy. This one is made with 100% soy wax that’s hand-poured and scented with phthalate-free fragrance. Each candle is sustainable and made by wonderful partners here in the USA.
For the Self-Care Guru…
Felted Wool Garden Bee Bag + Hand Salve + Arnica Oil Gift Set
Give them a felted wool bee bag, filled with two self-care goodies we love: arnica oil and beeswax hand salve. Perfect for taking with them on the go to practice self-care anywhere! These bee-autiful bags are adorned with nature-inspired designs hand-stitched by our artisan partners in Nepal who are paid fair wages for their craft!
For the Tea Lover…
This wonderful gift set has all the staples for winding down stress-free the evening, cozied on the couch with a blanket. You’ll find a tasty caffeine-free tea, a honey-scented Bee Inspired candle, a jar of Orange Blossom Honey, a tube of Honey Lip Balm, and a Honey Lollipop. Pro tip: Make the tea and swirl the lollipop in it as a honey spoon!
The company that makes this tea uses natural ingredients and focuses on environmental education and bee education to ensure these buzzing beauties will be around to pollinate our world for generations to come. Grab them a Bee’s Knees
For Mom…
"First My Mother, Forever My Friend" - Gold + Silver Necklace
This charming, artisan-made 11K gold vermeil and sterling silver necklace is a beautiful way to show your mom you care. Whenever she wears it, she will think of your unbreakable bond!
For the Animal Lovers…
Cuddly Cat, Loving Pup, + Friendly Fox Felted Wool Zipper Bag Trio - Handcrafted Fair Trade
These cute and durable bags are the sweetest gifts for those who love our furry friends! They’re crafted sustainably in Nepal with only vegetable dyes and 100% felted wool—no chemicals here. Easy to tote around as a clutch, use as a makeup bag on the go, or gift to a little one to hold their toys!
For the Hostess with the Mostest…
Handmade Ceramic Sugar + Creamer Set w/Tray - Green or Blue
Do you have a friend who always serves coffee or tea after dinner? Gift them this stunning, handmade in the USA, ceramic sugar and creamer set with a beautiful little bud vase that adds a perfect accent. The real treat? It’s dishwasher (and microwave) safe, so you’re not giving them the gift of extra dishes.
For the Messy Chef…
Every Now and Then I Fall Apart - Flour Sack Dish Towel
These 100% cotton flour sack towels are super absorbent for any kitchen messes! And they have fun sayings, too. Each towel is handmade, and screen printed with non-toxic ink by artisans in Asheville, NC.
For the Chocolate Fanatic…
Haute Cocoa Dark Chocolate Body Gift
Now the chocolate lover in your life won’t just be indulging in chocolate, they can integrate it into their self-care routine, too! This gift set includes a cocoa mask, body butter, body scrub, and soy candle. All are sustainably crafted and made in small batches on the East Coast, USA!
For the Newly Engaged Bride…
Every new bride needs a special place to keep her ring! We all know how easy it can be to lose track of those special keepsakes. But with a beautifully crafted, lead-free trinket dish in the bathroom and by the kitchen sink, she’ll never lose that special token of love!
For the Plant Parent…
Plant Hanger with Dragon Fly Design
There’s nothing our Nepali artisan partners can’t do! These beautiful hanging décor staples are each handmade at a woman-run production center where they meticulously weave these beauties for fair wages that support their families. You may need one for every room!
For Your Guardian Angel…
What better way to show the person who you consider your guardian angel you care than a set of felted wool angels to don their mantel all holiday season. We’ve named them Faith, Hope, and Love—all quintessential characteristics your guardian angels must have! Oh, did we mention they can also be tree toppers!?
For the New Mom…
Eco-Friendly Neckline Diaper Bag by Lassig
Diaper bags can be chic too these days. Especially these beauties! It’s stylish, practical, and eco-friendly/ vegan—the trifecta of diaper bags! It even won a Mom’s Choice Award and a TTPM Best of Baby Award.
For the Littlest Loves…
Dolls provide immense benefits for a child’s development—girl or boy! Our collection of soft dolls for pretend play features diversity and inclusivity, so there is a new friend for everyone.
For the One Who Has It All…
Sculpted Spa Soap + Body Butter Gift Set
We all have that one friend who has everything. So for them, give the gift of self-care that will allow them to indulge and treat themselves to something a little different, right in the comfort of their own home! This set incorporates French-milled soaps with essential oils and a luscious shea butter and cocoa butter lotion to nourish skin in the colder months.
For Anyone & Everyone on Your List…
There are some gifts that are just perfect for everyone, or they’re a great opportunity to treat yourself to get into the festive holiday spirit. That’s what we’re going to cover in this section of our gifts that give back guide!
Holiday Décor for Your Home
Felted Wool Holy Family Mini Nativity
Share the nativity story with your little ones as a part of your holiday traditions!
Snowy Winter Trees Tin Planter Set (3)
Going for a White Christmas theme in your home? These beauties will look perfect in any room.
Stocking Stuffers for Kids
Three Little Pigs Finger Puppet Set
Have your kiddos put on a Christmas show with their stocking stuffers this year!
Felted Wool Rainbow Babushka Dolls
There’s something magical about the surprises that come with stacking babushka dolls.
Stocking Stuffers for Adults
The sweetest winter fruit makes for a luscious self-care set that will fit perfectly in any stocking.
Shea Butter Mini Spa Soap + Lotion Gift Set
Gift this together, or split it up into multiple stockings for your loved ones!
Holiday Entertaining Staples
Olive Wood Nesting Bowls (4 Piece Set)
In multiple sizes, these are perfect for serving snacks for an afternoon celebration or sides on the dinner table.
Handwoven African Navy + Silver Blue Jua Coasters (4)
Make sure your guests are leaving joy and cheer, not stains on your coffee table!
Beautiful Tree Toppers for Every Style
Snowy Owl Handmade Fair Trade Tree Topper
If your tree has an animal or a white and silver theme, you need this little guy to watch wisely over your celebrations!
"Thor" Gnome Friend Felted Wool Tree Topper - Handcrafted + Fair Trade
Donning his best holiday hat, Thor is a clever little guy who will make sure the reindeer don’t eat any of your presents!
To Trim the Tree
Okay, we’ll be honest—we couldn’t choose which ornaments to feature. There are too many beauties in our holiday collection! Browse the full collection to find one that has meaning to your holiday story.
The Holidays are Almost Here, It’s Time to Spread Some Cheer
We hope this has provided you with some sweet inspiration for ways to gift intentionally this holiday season. Our carefully curated collection of self-care gifts, home and holiday gifts, made in the USA gifts, and honestly, just generally fabulous gifts, were inspired by the makers and the stories behind every product. We can’t wait to share that with you to help spread holiday cheer this year! Happy holidays, friends. And happy shopping! 😉
Creating Tradition This Holiday Season
If there is one thing that the past year and a half have taught us, it’s the importance of friends and family. So today we want to share with you a handful of holiday traditions you can start with your loved ones this upcoming holiday season! Life is what you make it, and these little moments can add up into warm memories that last a lifetime. Don’t miss those opportunities!
Thanksgiving Holiday Traditions
We all have traditions like enjoying an indulgent meal with family and friends and watching the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. But what else can you do to celebrate the spirit of giving and togetherness that Thanksgiving is all about? Here are some of our favorites:
Host Friendsgiving at Your Place
Volunteer or Run a 5K to Give Back
Decorate the Christmas Tree or Your Home The Weekend Following
Christmas Holiday Traditions
How many of your fondest memories are centered around Christmas traditions as a kid? Whether it was leaving out the milk and cookies or watching A Charlie Brown Christmas snuggled up with a mug full of tea, each is so special. Here are a few you can add with the whole family to start creating even more special memories together.
End Christmas Eve with a Calling Santa Ceremony
Set Up a Nativity Scene with a Warm Cup of Cocoa
Watch a Family Favorite Movie on Christmas Eve
Start an Ornament Gift Swap on Christmas Eve
New Year’s Eve Holiday Traditions
As the years go on, New Year’s Eve starts to mean more than just getting dressed up to go to a party. It’s a time to reflect on the challenging moments that made you stronger, a time to bask in the goodness the year has brought for you, and a time to slow down and prepare for the blessings the year ahead will bring. Here are a few ways to do just that:
Have the Kiddos Start the Entertainment with a Finger Puppet Show
Write Down Things You’re Grateful For This Year & Save for Next New Year’s Eve
Celebrate NYE with a Self-Care Night Complete with Bubbly
Simply Inspired Goods Can Help You Create New Traditions
At Simply Inspired, we intentionally source products that are meant to spark joy and create memories. Throughout the holiday season, we’ll be offering sweet treasures that will add to your family’s celebrations, hopefully helping you create memories for years to come! Shop our holiday collection today—and if you haven’t yet, sign up for our email list for exclusive weekly sales through the holiday season!
Ways You Can Support Fair Trade Month This October
Did you know that October is officially National Fair Trade Month? You’ve likely seen the little green fair trade certified stamp on your bag of coffee from the grocery store, but do you really know what fair trade means? It’s an important guiding principle for us at Simply Inspired. So today, we’re going to give you the 101 on fair trade so you can consciously support this global movement for a better, more sustainable world this October, and beyond.
What is Fair Trade?
Put simply, as described by Fair Trade USA, fair trade is the movement “ensuring products grown, harvested, or made with care by farmers and workers according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards.” It’s a movement based on supporting equality and safety for global citizens, as well as a deep respect for the environment and Mother Nature.
Now there are a couple of ways you can look at fair trade products.
You’ll find fair trade certified products which are products that go through rigorous certification with organizations like Fair Trade USA or Fairtrade America. They evaluate products on factors like traceability of the product, paying minimum Fairtrade-certified pricing, no exploitative child labor, suitable working conditions, protection of natural resources, eco-friendly cultivation, and more.
Then, you have others, especially small producers and companies, who can’t necessarily afford the certification but still thoroughly implement the same ethical values in production. Both are equally as important to create a brighter future for underprivileged individuals and protect the environment! We carry both of these fair trade products at Simply Inspired.
How You Can Support Fair Trade Daily
Here are just a few ways you can support fair trade with your daily practices!
Why We Support Fair Trade at Simply Inspired
At Simply Inspired, we support fair trade because we believe that everyone deserves equitable opportunities in life. Furthermore, it’s our job to cherish the environment to preserve it for future generations.
And when we’re in a privileged situation, it is important that we do everything in our power to support those values and give back. It’s the only way we will create a better world for the future!
We’ve gotten to meet some of the most beautiful people from across the globe through our fair trade and equitable product sourcing and they are moments we will cherish for a lifetime. It’s magnificent to see just how much love, care, and intention is put into every product by these incredible global artisans. They deserve to be paid fairly for their craft.
On the environmental impact side of fair trade, no animals deserve to be harmed for our consumer benefit, and we support eco-friendly practices that will help salvage our environment and the beings that call this place home—humans or animals.
Shop Our Simply Inspired Fair Trade Partners This October
There is no better way to support fair trade than to shop sweet gifts that are either fair trade certified or made with fair trade practices! At Simply Inspired, we carry both with incredible brand partners who put people first and profit second. Here are a few of our favorite fair trade products, with more on our site!
Felted Wool Flower Bag - Handcrafted Fair Trade
Sweet, felted wool zipper bags that are perfect for gifting, especially because you can add a few little gifts to personalize inside! These beauties are all handmade with love by our talented Nepali artisan partners, a group of women who are paid fair wages to build a better life for their families.
Handwoven African Navy + Silver Blue Jua Coasters (4)
Crafted in Africa with timeless tradition, this beautiful set of handwoven coasters is a stunning housewarming gift or stocking stuffer that tells a unique story. The company we work with to source these handwoven coasters made with organic dyes measures their success on by how the lives of their artisans improve over time, and that is the type of relationship we strive to have at Simply Inspired.
Designed with upcycled Indian saris and handcrafted by talented women artisans in East India, each bag provides needed income for these strong and powerful women. The bag is made with traditional Kantha stitching by craft producers from a cooperative that was established to help at-risk artisan communities. Not only can you hold makeup, but it’s also a great pencil case, or just carry all for all your most cherished items you need with you on the daily.
Alpaca Liviano Scarf - Marine Blue
These stunning Alpaca Liviano scarves are made with the first shear of wool from Ecuadorian alpacas. These special animals are cared for with love by their owners and no alpacas are ever harmed by their annual shearing. The shearing provides the bountiful production of wool to craft these scarves and other beautiful, handcrafted products. Each scarf is handwoven using generations-old weaving traditions! This is only one of the stunning colors available for multi-season wear.
Now, these are only a very small selection of the over one hundred fair trade products we carry at Simply Inspired. Transparency is one of our key values, so you can also always find a note on the product description that notes fairly traded when applicable. We are also always adding new fair trade products, so you never know what you’ll find! Happy fair trade shopping, friends.
Let’s support fair trade together this month and all year round!
A Note from Darlene: Meet Simply Inspired
Welcome to our blog, friends!
I’m Darlene Hancox, the Founder of Simply Inspired. For our first post, we’re going to do something a little different. A get to know you style post to share with you, our loyal community, all about the why behind what we do at Simply Inspired.
Ready to dive in?
The Beginning of Simply Inspired
Simply Inspired was born out of my realization that international retail didn’t embrace important values. After spending over 20 years of my career in retail I came to understand that most of the industry was profiting from its disregard for humanity and our Earth—and I just couldn’t stand for that. And so, I started Simply Inspired to share sustainably crafted products that can spark joy in anyone’s day, made with love by talented women artisans and small makers. Now, that’s a long story made very short, but that is the core of why I started this e-commerce shop. I wanted to create a community with other women and like-minded individuals who share the same passion for being intentional about the way we are living our lives, supporting other women and the environment, putting family first to raise the next generation, and overall making our world a better place. And we can do that by being intentional about who we shop with, where our products come from, and what they’re made of.
Now, let’s talk about our products and what’s in store for our Simply Inspired community in the future, shall we?
Simple Intentions to Help You Live Simply Inspired
Part of what we aim to do is provide products that help you live a simply fulfilled life. Every piece we share with you in our shop is guided by a few principles that we use daily! You can adopt them too, even better if it’s with the help of some of our intentionally sourced wares. 😉 Here they are:
Giving Sparks Joy.
Looking Ahead for Our Simply Inspired Community
This September marks Simply Inspired’s four-year anniversary. Wow, how time flies! I have learned so many lessons over the past four years in business. But today, I stand more passionate than ever about discovering and developing products that delight and create a positive impact for this world and the people that inhabit it. Looking ahead as we continue to develop this Simply Inspired community, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.
As with any business, we are a work in progress—that’s part of the beauty, isn’t it? Constantly evolving. Consistently growing. Always listening to you, our cherished community. And while it can be difficult to find the perfect products that line up with all of our objectives, each carries an important piece of the puzzle. And as we grow, we will learn, and continue to create impact together.
What I do know is that as we grow and learn...
We will continue to support and empower women-owned businesses and fair-trade artisans globally and tell their stories.
We will continue to uncover products that spark joy and foster development.
We will continue to donate 20% of our profits to organizations doing good in this world and sparking change for a more beautiful future.
And we can’t wait to have you join us on this journey to make the world a better place through purposeful products—because we are stronger together, my friends!
Here’s to many more years of living joyfully Simply Inspired and making a difference.
-Darlene 
P.S. Our blog will launch new posts every other week, so sign up for our emails to stay connected and be the first to know when they’re launched (plus, you’ll get access to exclusive sales and be the first to know about new product launches)! You’ll enjoy stories, tips and tricks, design inspiration, and more.