I’m so excited to share that the new Heart Be Your Guide website is officially live! 🎉

You can take a look HERE.

This has been a true labor of love, and I hope you enjoy exploring everything we’ve been working on—from the refreshed Shop Small Directory to the new Professional Directory and Journal.

Since we’re still a very small team, I’d be so grateful if you let me know if you spot any glitches, broken links, or anything that doesn’t quite make sense. Fresh eyes are always helpful, and I’m happy to jump in and fix anything that needs attention.

And as always, if you know of an incredible small business that should be featured in the Shop Small Directory, or a wonderful professional who would be a great fit for the Professional Directory, I’d love an introduction. This community has grown through thoughtful recommendations, and I’m so grateful for every one.

Thank you for being part of Heart Be Your Guide. I hope the new site helps you discover wonderful businesses, connect with talented professionals, and maybe even find a little inspiration along the way.

Have a wonderful week!

Caitlin

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I hope you’re all enjoying these last days of summer and soaking up as much sunshine as you can.

It’s been a full season over here—moving, travel, kids’ camps, and all the wonderful chaos that comes with summer. As much as I’ve loved it, I’m looking forward to settling into fall with a little more rhythm.

I’m excited to share that after months of behind-the-scenes work, the new Heart Be Your Guide website is launching on Monday, August 31st!

Photo: Stephanie Bassos

This redesign has been a true labor of love. My hope is that it’s easier to navigate, more inspiring to explore, and an even better resource for discovering incredible small businesses.

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The biggest addition is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time: our new Professional Directory. In addition to discovering amazing small businesses, you’ll now be able to connect with trusted professionals—from marketers and designers to bookkeepers, HR consultants, advisors, operations experts, and more—all dedicated to helping small businesses grow.

And if you are a professional who loves helping small businesses—or you know someone who would be a wonderful fit for the directory—I would absolutely love to hear from you. The directory is growing through thoughtful referrals, and those personal recommendations are what make this community so special.

Photo: Stephanie Bassos

Don’t forget to stop by the Journal, where we’ll be sharing thoughtful interviews and stories about the remarkable people and businesses behind the brands we feature.

Thank you for following along, sharing recommendations, and believing in Heart Be Your Guide. This community has grown because of all of you, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

I hope the new site helps you discover your next favorite small business, find the support you need if you’re a business owner, and brings a little extra inspiration as we head into the holiday season.

I can’t wait to share it with you on Monday!

With gratitude,

Caitlin

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What a spring and summer it has been. Seth and I bought a new house, sold our old one, and I spent an inspiring week in France on a pottery retreat. Through all of it, I’ve also been working behind the scenes on the next chapter of Heart Be Your Guide.

I’m so excited to share that our redesigned website is on track to launch in late summer or early fall!

Heart Be Your Guide will still be a place to discover and support incredible small businesses, but we’re also adding a Professionals Directory where business owners can find trusted help with operations, bookkeeping, accounting, HR, marketing, strategy, and more.

I’m still growing our Founding Professionals group, especially in:

• Operations

• Bookkeeping and accounting

• HR and people operations

• Fractional leadership

• Business strategy

If someone comes to mind—a friend, colleague, family member, or professional you’ve worked with—I’d be so grateful for an introduction.

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In the meantime, there are two things I’d love for you to check out:

• First, I shared a new Journal post featuring some of the wonderful artists, makers, and small businesses I discovered during my trip to France. Click HERE to check it out!

• Second, one of our Founding Professionals, Amanda Laird, is leading a free workshop on business metrics and how to use them for growth. It’s exactly the kind of practical, thoughtful support I hope to bring more of to the Heart Be Your Guide community. Click HERE to sign up!

I’ll be sharing more Founding Professional introductions, behind-the-scenes updates, and website previews over the next few months.

As always, if you are able to support us as a paid subscriber that really helps support this mission as it is being built. Thank you for being here and cheering this little dream on. I’m so excited for what’s ahead.

With gratitude,
Caitlin

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I hope you’re all having a good March. Spring is almost here (finally!) — and it also happens to be my birthday this week, which I mostly use as an excuse to celebrate the season shifting :)

The start of this year has been full — work, kids, a new puppy (!), and continuing to build Heart Be Your Guide. It’s a lot, but all good things!

I wanted to share something I’m really excited about.

For years now, there’s been one question I hear over and over again from small business owners (and have asked myself):
“Do you know anyone who does…?”

Whether it’s bookkeeping, marketing, branding, operations, virtual assistance — finding the right person to help can be surprisingly hard.

Photo by : Meagan Shuptar

So I’m starting to build something new within Heart Be Your Guide:
A services marketplace designed to connect small business owners with trusted professionals who can support and grow their businesses.

It will be curated, thoughtful, and rooted in real recommendations — a place built on trust and community.

And this is where I’d love your help.

If there’s someone you’ve worked with and loved — someone you would genuinely recommend to another small business owner — I would be so grateful if you sent them my way. I’m currently gathering a small group of founding professionals to help shape the marketplace from the beginning.

You can reply directly to this email or send an intro email to:
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

Thank you, as always, for being part of this community. I am looking to launch the first version of this in the summer and can’t wait to provide this resource to you.

It means so much that you are here and part of this community. As always, I would be so grateful if you shared this project with your friends, fellow small business owners and family.

Have a great rest of your week and happy spring!!

Caitlin

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P.S. Here is a picture of the new puppy, Ozzie (not because of Ozzy Osbourne;). He’s a rescue and has Australian Heeler, Beagle and maybe a few other breeds in him. We just did the DNA test and will have results in a few weeks. He’s the life of the party and we love him!

We’ve known each other for years — back when I worked at a flower shop across from her salon — and I’ve always admired her determination and deep care for her clients and craft. That same intention is what led her to create Sparrow For Everyone — a line of truly clean, high-performing hair products made without the artificial fragrances and toxic ingredients so many of us have unknowingly tolerated.

As someone who gets headaches (and that sick-to-your-stomach feeling) from synthetic scents — you know the perfume counter experience — I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to use products that actually feel good.

I swear by the Hair Cream, and The Magic is next on my list for a little volume boost.

Click HERE to read the full journal feature to learn more about Suki’s story and why ingredients matter more than we think — then treat your hair (and nervous system) to something better.

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Welcome to the Year of the Horse.

Last year felt a little sticky at times—like shedding old skin, releasing what no longer fit, making space for something new. And now? There’s a sense of momentum. A quiet but steady acceleration forward.

In January, we added some really beautiful businesses to the directory, and I hope you’ll take a moment to explore them (and maybe even shop with them). Each one brings something thoughtful and special to this community.

Behind the scenes, though, something bigger has been taking shape. I’ve been working on evolving Heart Be Your Guide into something that makes discovering and supporting these businesses even easier—and more meaningful. It’s still in the works, but it feels like a true next chapter. I can’t wait to share more in the coming months. It’s going to change the way we gather here.

Until then, thank you for being part of this space. If you’ve been enjoying Heart Be Your Guide, sharing it with friends and family makes a world of difference. And if you’re able to move to a paid subscription, that support truly helps keep this project growing and going.

I’m grateful for you!
Caitlin

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January Added Businesses!

1. Dalkin & Co - Cooking Spices

2. Roark - Home Goods Store

3. Rawson - Clothing

4. Sun Dew Sewing Co. - Hats & Clothing

5. Mithras Candles - Candles

6. Hebe Studio - Paper Goods/ Illustration

7. Animal Handmade - Leather Goods

8. Alexis Smart Flower Remedies - Herbal Remedies

9. Alex Rooted - Woven Baskets

10. Studio Grun - Jewelry

11. Summer Morning Ceramics - Ceramic Goods

12. Grainne Morton - Jewelry

13. STL Herbs & Aromatics - Herbal Remedies

14. The Good Together House - Home Goods Store

15. Burstenhaus Redecker - Brush Maker

16. Marigold Market - Home Goods Store

17. McGuckin Hardware - Hardware & Outdoors Store

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I’ve often thought of Valentine’s Day as a bit of a Hallmark invention—designed to sell cards, push consumption, and encourage buying more than we need. And yet, I also believe there are beautiful ways to mark love and gratitude without losing ourselves to excess.

Love, after all, isn’t confined to romance. It’s a feeling we hold for a home, for a shared meal, for a place that makes us feel seen. It’s love for a community, for the small rituals that anchor us, for the people and spaces that make life feel meaningful. Loving—widely, gently, intentionally—is what makes life worth living.

When possible, the most meaningful gifts are the ones we make: cooking a meal, painting something small, writing a note, collaging a card. But I also know life is full, schedules are tight, and sometimes support looks like choosing thoughtfully rather than making from scratch. With that in mind, I’ve shared a short list below—ideas that support small businesses and keep the exchange personal and intentional.

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As always, thank you for being here and for supporting this project. If this space brings you value and you’re able to, a paid subscription is a quiet but powerful way to help sustain Heart Be Your Guide and keep it accessible. Sharing this with someone you love means just as much.

Caitlin

1. All Together Now - Box of Cheese

2. Cosmic Piece Studio - Forever Flowers

3. Studio Grun - Lace Heart Necklace

4. Wooden Spoon Herbs - Rose Colored Glasses Tonic

5. Anima Mundi - Happiness Tonic

6. Thistle and Spire - Lingerie

7. Birdie Puzzle - Any puzzle!

8. Big Sis Bevs - Tonic Sample Set

9. Tales - Card Games For Better Conversations

10. Martha Mae - Prairie Palette Watercolor Bundle

11. Alex Mill - Taylor Cardigan (My absolute favorite cardigan. I want them in ALL the colorways;)

12. Red Cap Cards - Stationary or Love Cards

13. Flamingo Estates - The Guide To Becoming Alive Book

14. Mithras - Candles

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I’m excited to start sharing regular recaps of what’s been added to the website—an easy way for you to discover the newest small businesses joining the directory throughout the year.

There’s no better place to start than December. Below, you’ll find a roundup of the latest additions, and I hope you discover something new to love, save, or support.

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If this list sparks something, please take a moment to click through, share with a friend, and support these businesses as well as Heart Be Your Guide when and how you can. And if you haven’t already, subscribing to this newsletter helps keep this project growing and these small businesses visible. Also following us on Instagram is a big help too!

Thanks for being here—and happy exploring!

1. Gwen’s Hot - Yummy Hot Sauce

2. Fostered Collection - Kids Apparel

3. Mmoody - Kids Apparel

4. Milk Teeth - Kids Apparel

5. Verloop - Knitwear

6. Heritage Bikes and Coffee - Bikes and coffee

7. Little Beast - Pet Apparel

8. Goody Vault - Customized Apparel

9. Letherbee - Gin and Spirits

10. Basker - Horticulture Therapy (Check out our Feature!)

11. Mohawk General Store - Clothing, Apothecary, Home and more!

12. Bathing Culture - Soap, Bathing Supplies

13. Fablerune - Skincare

14. The Little Art Shop - Art Supplies and art from owner Rani Ban!

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So when she recently launched BASKER, alongside becoming certified in Horticultural Therapy, it felt like a natural and powerful evolution of her path. BASKER brings together care, creativity, and a meaningful connection to the natural world—and it’s something truly special.

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Read the full interview on our website to learn more about Jessica’s journey and the thoughtful vision behind BASKER.

Happy New Year!

Caitlin

The holidays can carry a lot. I hold some anxiety around this time of year because of my own past, but each year I learn a little more how to breathe through it and make space for moments of enjoyment when they arrive. Progress, not perfection.

It’s snowing today, which feels fitting as we settle into the close of the year. Just yesterday it was foggy and almost spring-like, and now winter has fully arrived again. The back-and-forth has been hard on my body, so I’m especially grateful this year for gifts that support rest, warmth, and care. If you’re curious, I shared a few of the things I’ve been loving and looking forward to using this winter here.

Before the year ends, I want to say thank you—truly. This project can sometimes feel solitary, but your messages remind me it’s anything but. Hearing that you’ve used the directory to shop for loved ones, book experiences, or plan small getaways means more than I can put into words. That’s exactly why this exists.

I always say we can’t shop small all the time—and that’s okay. Even choosing to do it once in a while makes a real difference.

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As we look ahead, I’m feeling energized and excited about what’s possible for this project. I have so many ideas for what’s next, and I’m deeply grateful to have you here for it. If you feel inclined, please share this directory with friends or family, and always know I’m open to your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas.

Wishing you a gentle close to the year. Thank you for being part of this community—and I’ll see you in 2026.

Last night I was listening to an investing lecture by the amazing Amanda Holden and she mentioned her new book How To Be A Rich Old Lady and while purchasing the pre-order from bookshop.org I saw the saying “Friends don’t let friends buy books from Amazon.” So true - so I wanted to provide some great places for you to buy your books that you will be reading in January, February and March while you wait away the winter days.

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And before that list, I want to go gaga a bit for Amanda Holden. She is cool, cute, quirky and a self proclaimed ex-finance bro who really knows her shit about investing. Her goal is to make everyone feel financially secure by teaching everything she learned while she worked for a big company for lot’s of rich men. If you would like to become better at investing, saving and diversifying your money for a more secure future, I highly recommend you either take her course, check out a free webinar or buy her book. And she also has wonderful advice and knowledge for self-employed people (AKA small business people;)

Ok, let’s get reading with books we buy at places that care about books! This is just a teeny tiny list of book stores that I like but, obviously, there are hundreds to shop from. If you have one you love, let me know! I am always adding new companies to the Heart Be Your Guide website!

1. Howling Pages (Chicago)

2. City Lit Books (Chicago)

3. Myopic (Chicago)

4. Anchovy Book Co. (St. Louis)

5. Zibby’s bookshop (Los Angeles)

6. Shakespeare and Company (Paris, FR)

7. Bound Booksellers (Nashville)

8. Letterpress Books (Portland ME)

9. Powell’s City of Books (Portland, OR)

10. City Lights Booksellers (San Francisco)

If you would like to support an independent book shop that is not accessible to you, check out bookshop.org. You pick a bookshop to support and they send all the profits of your order to that bookshop. Happy shopping!

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A few more things below:

1. Don’t forget to check out the new website for any last minute shopping that you need to do! If the stores have cut off dates for delivery don’t be afraid to hop in your car and shop at your local stores. I just popped into Winsome in Logan Square, The Center of Order and Experimentation and Wandawega Bureau of Tourism for some great gifts for friends and family.

2. If you are a small business I have opened my books to consulting/coaching. You can learn more about that here!

3. And finally check out our first featured business Cities in Dust! I have known Meghan for many many years now and her jewelry pieces are functional, modern heirlooms. I love her style and her brand - if you need something special she does custom!

Have a great rest of your year, friends! It means so much to me that you are here and I really hope that you get something out of the Heart Be Your Guide Newsletter. This project exists to spotlight small businesses I believe in, and it will always be accessible to everyone. For those who wish to support the work behind it, one way to help is a paid subscription. But, I get it, everything comes with a subscription these days, so if that’s not in the cards for you, you will still be able to see all the HBYG newsletter content!

Happy Holidays,

Caitlin

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It’s been a minute since I have sent one of these out. To be honest, being consistent is a hard thing for me. Not that I am not consistent at all, but rather, my body/mind/desire/creative spark work in a cyclical manner. I ebb and flow with the seasons, the times, the inspirations. So, doing something every week, or every month is a healthy challenge. I hope to continue to work on showing up more consistently here, but if I do drop out again here and there, just know I am always coming back.

That all said, I am very excited to introduce that I have launched the Heart Be Your Guide website! It feels great to have it in the world for people to use to shop small businesses. It is a constant work in progress. I am still working on getting images up for each business and I have a list of about 200 more businesses that I want to include, but a full time job, kids - the life stuff - makes it hard for me to get everything done. Not to mention I am notorious for wanting to make soap, naturally dye fabric, make Christmas tree ornaments with Jonnie and cook all at the same time.. so it makes organizing my brain and time a little challenging:) With that said, I did have some help in getting the site ready. I must give a shout out to my new friend, Amin, who has helped me with the technical side of this website.

I couldn’t have done it without him and for that I am so grateful. I have so many dreams for this little project and this is just the very first version of what I hope people will embrace, use and enjoy for many years to come.

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There are two parts to the website. The main part is the directory. You can filter through what you are looking for - clothes, toys, books, bikes, gifts, home goods etc.. and the businesses that offer those will pop up, making it a little easier for you to find what you are looking for through a small business and not Amazon. I mentioned this in previous communications, but I am not ever going to shame people into shopping small all of the time. The truth is, in this world it is not a reality to always shop small. But I do hope that eventually everyone shops for one thing a month from a small business or even more if you can!

The second part of the website is more for the business owners. I have struggled with how to word this so bear with me. I have worked for 20 years as the right hand to many small business owners, helping them grow their businesses and being a guide to help them improve systems, marketing, administrative, operational, people management and more and I know how hard and lonely it can be. I also ran my own floral company for 7 years and know how many questions you have and you don’t always know where to turn. So I am offering my services to small business owners at a price and cadence that works for them. Have an idea but need someone who has experience to bounce it off of? I am there. Need to work on a bigger project like operations/marketing/people? I am there. I am not a corporate “Business Advisor” wearing a suite and making things feel overwhelming ( though they are amazing and at a certain growth level are absolutely worth it). That’s never been me - but I do have the experience and above all I have the desire to help small businesses succeed.

Why?
It’s the holiday season. Seth and I are getting lot’s of gifts delivered. The Amazon and Target boxes - the products are haphazardly wrapped in plastic in an oversized box with no care for the actual product we purchased. The small business products are tucked into incredibly thoughtful packaging with stories, scents, textures and care that no corporation will ever give you. It makes living worth while and brings human touch back into your life. More on this soon….

I know this is lengthy and I don’t have fun images here, but I do hope you will go check out the website, tell your friends to check it out, and let your business friends know, if they need some help, I am here for them and for you.
And if you made it this far in reading here is a little treat. I just bought this thanks to Saipua’s newsletter (one of the best) and think you might like some too. It’s great for the colder months!

Happy Holidays and keep shopping small business my friends!

xx Caitlin

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Through this loss, I have been dealing with the aspect of how you need vulnerability in order to have joy, positivity and happiness in your life. I struggle with vulnerability both in myself and with others. This is something I am working through, thinking about, trying to open up to vulnerability in a new way and not being afraid of it.

Heart Be Your Guide started as a resource to finding out how to support small businesses. I have been thinking about that a lot, too, lately. Because it isn’t just, how do we support small businesses, it’s how do we support people? How do we lead with our heart and not with our fear? Lead with our HEART and not fear.

Our world seems to be speeding up the fear factor so fast that our limited human bodies are struggling to keep up and keep the light on. Every day we are exposed to horrors that other humans are putting on other humans. Hate, rage, fear based thinking. So, how do we allow our heart to be our guide. Something we should all practice daily.

So while Heart Be Your Guide will always be supporting small business, it’s really about so much more. About leading your day to day with your heart and being of service to others, not just tearing people down and, well frankly, tearing yourself down.

Today I wanted to share this Mel Robbins podcast with you. It’s an incredible insight on Dr. Doty and his way of manifesting a life worth living. I believe it is tremendously important to fill up what little moments you have in your day for pause, with positive ways to increase your ability to be present, not thinking about the past or future, but being truly present, in order for your intentions to have space to grow. In order for your life to be a happy one. Because right now, we need this. People and businesses and art and love are all struggling. As a collective we need to all work on fighting those forces of fear. I hope this resonates with you and if it does, send this to someone else that needs to hear it.

Dr. Doty passed away in July. It’s hard to hear his vulnerability in this podcast episode and know he is no longer earth side. But his messaging now hits even harder. Let’s remember we are human, remember we have a limited time on this earth and that we must fight and try are hardest to make it a positive and beautiful one for ourselves, our neighbors and our kids who will ultimately be dealing with the rage.

Episode 312: How To Manifest Anything You Want And Unlock The Unlimited Power Of Your Mind.

I really hope you have an excellent rest of your week. You deserve it.

Caitlin

To me mid - late spring really is the beginning of the new cooking season. When peas, radishes, carrots, beets, onions and so much more are waking up the garden and you can finally go out to your backyard or the grocery store and get fresh, locally grown produce to cook with. It’s the best and healthiest way to eat.

So that’s why I’m featuring some of my favorite cooks/cookbooks. I don’t have all of these yet, but have been following all of these cooks for awhile now and they inspire me to think seasonally, fresh and healthy. Cooking really truly doesn’t have to be fussy. Yes, there are some amazing, intricate, long process recipes, but for everyday eating it’s all about using real, fresh ingredients. Add a side of walking after dinner and you have a very satisfying night.

If you are interested and live in the Chicago area, I also have a project called the 100 project where I am trying to get people to grow herbs even in the smallest spaces. If you are interested in having an herb garden check out my project here.

Ok - enjoy the list below and thanks for being here!

1. Mississippi Vegan - Mississippi Vegan

   Vegan southern cooking at it’s best. I love his recipes, his garden and his vibe!

2. Nats Nourishments - Cooking Fast & Slow

   She is the bean queen! Every one of her bean recipes makes me want to eat beans. She also uses easy ingredients and has quick recipes.

3. Wyse Guide - There’s Always Room At The Table

   My favorite Iowa farmer! I started loving him for his gardening tips, but his down to earth, midwestern cooking is classic and hits the spot when you want to cook a recipe the way it originally was meant to be cooked.

4. Thomas Straker - Food You Want To Eat

   He’s just cool. Has his own butter line (come to America!) and makes the most sinfully delicious food. Like, if you want to be healthy, maybe only cook his recipes a few times a month, but they will blow your mind. Also, check out his restaurant when you are in London!

5. Justine Snacks - Justine Cooks

   She is the queen of snack foods. But also she is from St. Louis, my hometown. She too loves the beans and she works hard to use up all her groceries showing you how to reuse and repurpose.

6. Carolina Gelen - Pass The Plate

   Her recipes are just straight up fun! Has a unique modern twist on classic dishes.

7. Ambitious Kitchen - Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook

   A local Chicago gal, I love her recipes for the whole family. My kids can be super picky but their FAVORITE weekend breakfast are her oatmeal and banana pancakes in her new cookbook. The kids eat them up every time!

8. Love and Lemons - Everyday

   Vegetarian centric, fresh, delightful and helps me with all the sauces, pickles, dressing etc…

9. Julius Roberts- The Farm Table

   I have a crush on Julius. Who doesn’t? He cooks, farms and lives on a beautiful piece of land in England. His meals are hearty and comforting made with fresh ingredients in mind.

10. Molly Baz- Cook This Book & More Is More

    I also have a crush on Molly;) Cool Californian, she is obsessed with caesar dressing and sandwiches. So many incredible sandwich recipes. She also has a different approach to classic dishes, often turning them on their head with unsuspecting ingredients and flavor combinations. Very creative cooking!

11. Alison Roman - Sweet Enough, Dining In & Nothing Fancy

    She has a very traditional cooking feel. Clean, simple, beautiful food. No frills. I love her desserts!

12. Alix Traeger - Scratch That

    I JUST found out about Alix. Really fun vibes and she makes cooking easy.

13. Jesse Jenkins - Cooking With Vegetables
    Jesse makes vegetables high end food. Also, great branding on his instagram.

14. Heather Crosby - Yum Universe & Pantry To Plate

    Love Heather. She is a friend of mine and I have been using these two cookbooks for years. Definitely a staple in any vegetarian and vegans cookbook library.

15. Jessica Murnane - One Part Plant

    I was a recipe tester on my friend Jessica’s cookbook! Fresh, simple, delicious.

16. Hailee Catalano - By Heart

    Love her appetizers!

17. Gaz Oakley - Plant to Plate

    Very organic, natural, veggie focused cooking. I automatically zen out when I am watching one of his videos. It’s like yoga for the taste buds!

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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

We are supporting Bon Femmes a Chicago based woman owned business that focuses on lifting up other women. I hope you find something special PSST Mothers day is coming up! Her shop is incredible, fun, vibrant and has something for everyone!

Use Code VSB6P3Q5BQCW to get 10% off all orders over $20 through May 31, 2025!

WEEKLY INSPIRATION

"Attitude is the 'little' thing that makes a big difference."

– By Winston Churchill

Reach out with company recommendations or to just say hi!
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

❤️

How is everyone doing? I keep hearing everyone asking this. Rightfully so.
So I will ask you, how are you doing my friends? It’s been a doozy of a year so far.

There are moments where I want to get up and leave. But I know that isn’t the answer. It’s been hard to promote spending money since money is such a hot topic and people are focused on making sure they have the necessities, much less things that support others. That might sound harsh, but when times get tough, people have to put their mask on first before they can help others.

So in honor of promoting small business while also helping support your wallet I thought this week I would share some workshops, how-tos and resources to help you maybe make that next birthday cake, or grow those organice plants, or make that soap instead of buying it. So that you can learn, grow, support and be part of the community that cares.

As always, I hope you find something useful and that resonates with you and if you have any suggestions on small businesses for this community to support, let me know so I can share them with everyone. I sometimes hit a wall and have a hard time finding new businesses to love on, so any leads from you awesome people are so helpful!

Happy April!

1. Saipua - Make the soap!

   I feel like I am always telling you about this company, but I just love them so much and they also teach how to make soap. Not only do they have an online manual that you can purchase, but they also host workshops at their farm in Upstate New York through their Worlds End School. Give them a go if you want to learn to make gorgeous soap like theirs.

2. Wool And The Gang - Knit or Crochet Something!

   I get the itch to knit every fall, but Wool And The Gang has fun knitting and crocheting projects for year round use. Bags, little dresses, skirts, sweaters, cover ups, tanks and more. Check them out if you want to add something really special to your wardrobe, but you don’t want to give your money to bigger companies.

3. Bon Vivant Cakes - Make That Cake!

   Instead of buying a really expensive cake, next time make it yourself! Learn how to make outstanding cakes by attending an in person workshop, or by buying the current workbook so you can learn from where ever you are. They are also coming out with a book so keep your eyes open for that coming out soon!

4. Studio Herron Weaving - Make the Art!

   Have you bought art for your home lately? Well, having art and beautiful things surrounding you is VERY important for your mental health and well being. While I always want us to support artists, sometimes we just need to find beauty with our own hands and my dear friend Dee has just the workshop for those that love weaving and basketry. Try an in person class or online course and get creative. In this world we are living in, creativity is definitely the key to unplugging and finding the human side of us all.

5. Emily Watts Quilts - Make a cherished quilt!

   Remember all those handmade quilts that get passed down from generation to generation? Well, they are done so because A.) They are well made BY HAND B.) They have meaning and value to them C.) They keep you warm AF. So, before you buy another quilt, maybe try your hand at creating your own with her workshop here! And if you really get into it the Nook Membership is all you need to be in a quilting world of creative joy! Emily is one of many that can show you the way to making lasting comfort in your home. Also, let’s be real, her designs and website are CUTE AF!

6. The Dogwood Dyer - Make things new again!

   For those who want to learn how to do natural dying, this is the one for you. Dye items around your house to make them feel new again so you don’t feel like you need to go spend $75 dollars on a new pillow case, or napkins or whatever it is you need. Join the Year In Dying workshop and get those hands creating!

7. Gardenary - Grow something to eat!

   This is a repeat company, but I do think that it has given me so much knowledge in growing my own garden. There is a lot of marketing, so just be prepared, but once you get to the information you will have so much knowledge in how to start any size garden you want. I believe, no matter if you are a doctor, mechanic, artist, teacher, engineer etc…. you should always know how to grow your own food.

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   SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

   We are supporting Bon Femmes a Chicago based woman owned business that focuses on lifting up other women. I hope you find something special. Her shop is incredible, fun, vibrant and has something for everyone!

   Use Code VSB6P3Q5BQCW to get 10% off all orders over $20 through May 31, 2025!

WEEKLY INSPIRATION

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

– By Dolly Parton

Reach out with company recommendations or to just say hi!
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

❤️

Hello hello!

Spring is here! And though we did get snow yesterday here in Chicago, I can feel the shifting of the season. I started some of my herb seeds and had a Birthday yesterday as well. Every year I am excited about growing something different. One year its flower varieties, last year it was radishes. This year I am being called to growing a larger herb garden. Because it is now spring I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite companies to support you in your own gardens!

Also - for the next month we will be supporting Bon Femmes. Find out more below.

Next week I will be on spring break so will not be doing the post. But I will be back with some great companies you can support in a few weeks. Happy Friday!

1. Floret Flowers

   Flower education, growing tools, great interviews, great place for resources!

2. Gardenheir

   The chic gardener will love Gardenheir. Tools, clothing and gardening accessories that are stylish, comfortable and durable. I bought their garden clogs last year and love them!

3. Bergs Potter

   The most romantic pots in the world and the styling is beautiful! Love everything about these heirloom style pots.

4. Prairie Moon Nursery

   Fantastic resource for native seeds, plants and lusting over all of the options you can grow in your garden.

5. 3 Porch Farms

   An incredible selection of flower seeds, cuttings and tubers! Sustainability is a subject threaded through everything they do.

6. High Mowing Organic Seeds

   High quality vegetable, flower and garden seeds. I was turned onto this company by my friend Katie who founded Farmette last year and who helped me learn some things about my own kitchen garden.

7. Gardenary

   I have been using Gardenary as a tool to plan out my gardens the past few years. It can feel overwhelming when growing seeds and filling in a kitchen garden, but this is a great resource to learn about how to do that. The books are great too if you don’t want to get to wrapped up in the education online.

8. Sow True Seed

   Another great seed company for flowers and vegetables. It’s important to know where you are getting your seeds, which is why I share these seed companies:)

9. Neversink Farm

   This is for the person that is more into the idea of farming, but I have been a fan of Conors for years now. I don’t think I will ever have a farm like his, but it’s inspiring and worth getting into. If you do aspire to have a small working farm, his educational courses are incredibly useful. And the tool line they have created is amazing as well!

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

This month we are supporting Bon Femmes a Chicago based woman owned business that focuses on lifting up other women. For the rest of the month and a bit beyond Omotola, founder of Bon Femmes, is offering a sweet discount. I hope you find something special. Her shop is incredible, fun, vibrant and has something for everyone!

Use Code VSB6P3Q5BQCW to get 10% off all orders over $20 through May 31, 2025!

WEEKLY INSPIRATION

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

– By Muhammad Ali

Reach out with company recommendations or to just say hi!
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

❤️

Hello friend!

This spring like weather has been making me very happy this week! Even with the rain the smell and the temperature are signs of things waking up a bit. Sure, it will get cold again, but at least spring is in sight!

I wanted to share some happenings and offerings that don’t really fit into a theme this week and a plug of a project I am working on. As always, I hope you find something below that intrigues you and you can get to supporting those local and small businesses!

1. GROW CLUB x THE 100 PROJECT - As some of you know I am happy gardener both with flowers and food. I have been trying to find a way to get more people growing in the city of Chicago and decided the best way to do that was to make it easy for you! So, my goal is to get 100 herb gardens on peoples porches, windowsills or yards so they can enjoy the magic of growing plants. I do the work of planting them in the containers and you can either pick up or I drop off. It’s that easy. I will also provide a simple guide for each of the herbs in your container and a recipe idea for each so you can get to using them not only with your food, but in other ways as well! If you or someone you know might be interested, check out the project here! The gardens won’t be ready until mid spring, but you can get started with the order now. This is currently for Chicagoland only.

2. Wandawega Bureau of Tourism - Our friends over at Wandawega are just about to move into a brick & mortar city location! Celebrating their 100 year anniversary this is the perfect addition to the camp located in Elkhorn, WI. Keep your eyes peeled on their instagram to find out when the opening will be!

3. Eskell - Just went to Eskell’s 20 year anniversary this weekend and what fun. I have been going to Eskell for almost all of those 20 years and if you want or need any gifts, kitchen goods, home goods, beauty goods etc.. you can find it at either their brick & mortar or online. It really is a one stop shop! I go about every other month to pick up a handful of these candles for our house.

4. Filmmaker Friday Chicago - This is a cool gathering that has been happening for the film community in Chicago. Every time I try to go I have a conflict, but hoping to attend soon. I turned the novel that I was writing into a screenplay and I’m looking forward to meeting some other local film people as this is a new venture and community for me.

5. Red Clover Ranch - Annie has created quite the space in the driftless region of Wisconsin. I had never been to this part of WI until I attended a writing retreat at the Ranch and it is one of the most beautiful places in this area of the United States. Fun fact, it is the second largest area for organic farming in the US! Annie has worked with makers, shakers and doers to create a beautiful roster of retreats this year. Check them out here!

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WEEKLY INSPIRATION

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."

– By Alice Walker

READER RECOMMENDATION

Jenn L. sent this incredible female run travel company to me Madame Voyage and I can’t stop thinking about it. I am eyeing the pottery retreat in June 2026. It has been a dream of mine to not only return to the south of France (committed Francophile here:), but also to attend a Wimbledon game and I just might be able to pull it off next year with the kids and Seth! Anyone want to do this with me?????

Reach out with company recommendations or to just say hi!
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

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Hello friend!

This is coming at you a day late. Apologies! I was traveling and then at a landscape convention and ya know, life, kids etc…

A quick housekeeping note: My email trial ended with this newsletter platform and now I have to pay every month to send these awesome emails to you beautiful people because Squarespace wants more money. Seeing as though I make zilch from this project of mine, I have made the decision to move over to Substack. You don’t have to do anything and everything will remain available for free, but the platform is just a better way for me to continue doing this without the heavy monthly fee. If you have any questions feel free to email me at hello@heartbeyourguide.com THANK YOU for being here and for supporting this project. It means the world to me. And don’t forget to spread the word, the more people we can get to shop and support small businesses the better our communities and world will be!

Today is the economic black out. If you are able, please don’t shop with big companies or companies that support big companies for 24 hours. The power is given when we give them the money. Let them feel this where it hurts. You can however continue to support your local and small businesses.

Along this line of not shopping and my migration over to Substack, I thought today I would share a few Substacks that I have really been enjoying lately. You can really go down a rabbit hole here, so I challenge you to carve out some time this weekend to explore some of the below or just on your own. Really good writers, creators and thinkers on this platform and I am honored to be joining the group. Below are just a small few that I have been excited about lately, but there are so many that you can get into! Substack also allows you the ability, if you desire, to donate to your favorites and support their writing.

I hope you enjoy this list, don’t shop big today and have a wonderful wonderful weekend!

1. Jedidiah Jenkins - Jedidiah Jenkins

2. Samantha DeMarkles - The River House

3. Oliva Noceda - On The Rocks

4. Connie Matisse - Me and Tolkien on the Hungry River.

5. Chloe Walsh - Anchovies & Soup

6. Carmen in the Garden - Carmen in the Garden

7. Molly Ella - Slow Scottish Stories

8. Katie - The Sunday Stack

9. Zaynab Issa - Zaynab Issa

10. Rowan Brooke - Field Notes

11. Tess Rubenstein - Notes on Noticing

12. Jessica Murnane - Semi Important Things

13. Kyla Scanlon - Kyla’s Newsletter - Economics

14. Miranda July - Miranda July

Side note: Starting in March, I’ll be featuring a business each month in a month-long residency! This will include a special discount to that business throughout the entire month. I'm really excited to help you shop small and encourage our community to support these amazing small businesses that I talk about each week. Be sure to check out next week's newsletter to find out which business will be our first featured company!

WEEKLY INSPIRATION

“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”

– By H.G. Wells

READER RECOMMENDATION

Sarah R. alerted me to Sister Spinster, a plant focused newsletter from Liz. She is a practicing herbalist and educator who offers classes on creating flower essences and is introducing a new product line in 2025. If this subject floats your boat, sign up for her newsletter!

Reach out with company recommendations or to just say hi!
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

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Hope you are all having a wonderful week so far. I am very much looking forward to a trip to Denver to spend time with some dear friends this weekend.

It’s the beginning of the Pisces season and it is always a little difficult for me as my head is usually in the clouds most of the time dreaming up all kinds of things. Because I am a dreamer I thought I’d share a few people that have been inspiring my creativity lately. I hope you are all being creative in your own ways. In the world we live in now, creativity is a vital practice.

As always, I hope that one or more of the small businesses below resonate with you. Please, always feel free to reach out should you have a good company to recommend! I will feature them here.

1. Katie Lukes - Muralist & Illustrator

   I am in love with her map of Chicago.

2. Hebe Studio - Illustration

   First, this studio has the coolest Paint By Number kits! Who doesn’t love Paint By Number. And cool looking puzzles, art prints, stationary and more.

3. Soft Shapes - Stained Glass Studio

   I love stained glass and the modern spin that Kelsie takes with her pieces. Simply beyond.

4. Rani Ban - Artist & Art Supply Shop

   I have been inspired by Rani for years now, first with the note cards and now she has a small art shop. I want to buy everything!

5. Catherine Sieck - Copper Art

   Whimsical, stunning and magical. End of story.

6. Allison McKeen- Illustration

   Sometimes you need some light heartedness in life, especially these days and Allison does just that.

7. Debbie Carlos Studio - Ceramics & Photo Print

   Debbie Carlos creates stunning ceramics, but also incredible photographs. I have been following her journey for many years and she consistently creates beautiful work.

8. Kevin Chupik - Painter

   Instagram is still good for a few things and finding new artists is one of them. I stumbled upon Kevin’s work recently and they are some of my favorite paintings ever. The play on color, motif and subject is beautiful.

Side note: I just deleted 20 exclamation marks. Are you that person too? I use way to many and then while editing end up toning down my excitement. Ha!

RECOMMEND COMPANY

My friend Laura sent me this one. Thanks Laura for keeping your eye out for small businesses that we can support!

BAEO : Bare Essential Organics is a product line dedicated to using pure botanical ingredients to care for your skin and the planet.

WEEKLY INSPIRATION

“Endlessly consuming dark news and takedowns and, basically, the majority of things that gain traction online… absolutely distorts our view of humanity. It makes us scared, suspect, and cruel. It self-propagates. I’m intentionally ingesting old books, wisdom teachers, poetry, sweet stories. If the world isn’t good right now, at least I can be.”

– By Jedidiah Jenkins

Reach out with company recommendations or to just say hi!
hello@heartbeyourguide.com

❤️

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