Karen Harlow for the Home

being still

2010-06-08T03:03:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share a photo I took at the store. I like how I captured a quiet mood. Don't ask me to do that twice. I'll need a lot more practice before I can take pictures like this on purpose.

It's hard to believe that we are already in the 2nd week of June! Time seems to wait for no one and sometimes we find ourselves or actually lose ourselves just trying to keep up with the pace. Every once in a while we get thrown a curve ball that forces us to slow down and "smell the roses." How many times have you been stuck in bed with the flu and realize that there's nothing more important than your health? How about those days when you decide that you've had enough and take a "mental health day" and realize that everything at the office went along fine without you? Let's not get pushed to our limits to be still. Summer is upon us. Take a moment to enjoy the sunshine and the long days. Even a tiny break from our daily grind can put things in perspective and help us feel refreshed.

swept away

2010-05-27T01:46:00.001-07:00

I just love the vibrant colors of these brooms. These are original Sweep Dreams brooms made in the mountainous jungles of Thailand from 100% renewable sorghum and bamboo dyed with natural non-toxic colors. They are great for the home and safe for the environment. You can't beat that, right? Well, what if I told you they also bring you luck? Embedded in the vibrant colored bristles are seeds and buds that according to folklore bring good fortune. A lucky broom? Why not? All I have to say is, it kind of beats carrying around a rabbit's foot.

Do you have anything that has proven to bring you good luck? Leave me a comment. I'd love to hear about your lucky possessions.

happy anniversary

2010-05-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm blogging, I thought it would be a good idea for me to get re-acquainted with my camera. I found this photo that I took last year still saved on the memory stick and it just made my day. The beautiful bride is my niece Mary with her darling groom Jeremy. They got married a year ago this month. I hope they look at each other that way forever. Happy Anniversary!

new beginnings...

2010-05-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

Noah's Ark Set

Hello friends! I am so happy to be blogging! I can't wait to share with all of you all the new happenings at the store (Karen Harlow for the Home) and hopefully, lots of ideas for the home with some posts here and there about just anything and everything. If you've been in the store, you know I love to chat, so this should be a lot of fun!

I love the Noah's Ark set. It was one of the first bestsellers when I opened the store. The story of Noah and his ark symbolizes new beginnings doesn't it? Sometimes new beginnings can be scary. Take Noah for example. Not only was he told that a huge flood was coming to wipe out EVERYTHING but then he was given the task of building a giant ark big enough to facilitate all his loved ones and 2 of every known creature on this planet. Everything about Noah's story is about taking a huge leap of faith and embarking in to the unknown. I can imagine Noah going through his check list, "Family. Check. One female elephant and male elephant. Check. Check..." Noah weathered the storm and eventually faced a beautiful new beginning. The best part is that he had all of his loved ones with him on the journey (along with some creatures big and small) and I like to think he was able to face and tackle everything that came his way because he didn't have to face it alone.

Opening my store was my leap of faith and my journey in to the unknown. I had my checklist too. Great husband. Check. Amazing family. Check. Supportive friends. Check. As long as we've got someone who's got our back then we become braver and things become a little less scary. That's what I believe. So...here's to another new beginning. Welcome to "Karen Harlow for the Home," the blog!