Image courtesy of Oliver's Twist

We feel so blessed to have Linnea’s Lights candles carried by so many wonderful stores. Our family is always growing and we’ve gotten to know many of our vendors over the years. We thought it would be fun to chat with some of them on the blog and see what professional buyers are buying, what’s on their minds, their wishlists and what trends they’re stocking up on as the seasons turn.

First up, we went around the corner to the incredible (and Indiana local!) ladies at Oliver’s Twist. We adore working with Kristyn & Becky and we love their shop just as much. Filled with inspiring stationary, custom letterpress, gifts, accessories and more (not to mention quite the selection of our latest candles, of course), we recommend a visit if you’re in the area or find yourselves with a few spare minutes online!

We spoke with Kristyn recently and here is what she had to say~

Linnea’s Lights: What items are you buying this season?

Oliver’s Twist: Fabric gift-wrap from Chewing the Cud, Curly Girl Designs 2012 calendars & Boogie Monsters Dancing sets and hand knitted hats/booties from BlaBla for our little fans.

LL: From the shop, what’s on your personal wish-list this season?

OT: Kate Spade Greeting Card kits so I am never caught empty handed, Snow & Graham desk calendar, letterpress stationery from Smock paper using a monogram done in calligraphy, and a handmade fabric photo album from Rag & Bone Bindery to safely store all of this year’s kodak moments.

LL: What’s your go-to scent from the Linnea’s Lights collection?

OT: Cashmere has always been a true favorite…

LL: Describe your ideal Fall getaway:

OT: Healdsburg, California. A combination of excellent food & wine and organic/modern accommodations at Hotel Healdsburg. Alongside beautiful weather and even better company to enjoy it with, an ideal day would include renting bicycles to tour area wineries, stopping for lunch, enjoying the historic town square in the afternoon and ending the day with dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen. (pretty specific, huh?)

(LL note: Sounds incredibly perfect!)

‘Tis the season once again and the Linnea’s Lights studio is neck deep in Holiday packing, shipping and mixing! We thought it would be fun to give you a peek behind the scenes at some of the madness. As you can see, everything is packed lovingly by hand here in Indiana and the candles (including Forest Fir, Fireside and Winter, along with the wonderful gift set complete with all three) are ready to arrive at your door.

As the seasonal stress-levels rise, I always think that there’s nothing better than a candle to help “keep calm and carry on.” So get a jump on the holiday cheer and spread some of our wonderful new collection all throughout the house. And while you’re at it, why not stock up on some of your favorites and gift them to friends? Everyone can use a little more merry to go around, don’t you agree?

The Holiday Gift Set is on sale here now!

image courtesy of marthastewart.com

The leaves have started to change and it’s finally beginning to feel like Fall. The kids are throwing around the cutest Halloween costume ideas and I’m happy to be thinking about ways to decorate the house for the occasion.

For this I turn to the professionals at Martha Stewart and see what D.I.Y. projects the family can work on together to make this home a Haunted House! This year, I’m loving these adorable vampire and bat pumpkins, petrified potion displays (which remind me of some of the beautiful bottles we use in the studio), and these “shocking” silhouettes which will fit perfectly above a cluster of our Linnea’s Lights Pumpkin candles!

Want a little help readying your home for the festivities? Pick up a Pumpkin candle of your own here and get crafting!

Image courtesy of homespuninn.com

The changing seasons always make me feel ready for a new adventure and a weekend trip this Fall sounds just perfect! Keeping it short and sweet is key, with the kids in school and so much holiday prep happening in the studio. Some friends recently recommended Nappanee, Indiana, settled on the edge of north-central Indiana’s Amish Country, and I’m thinking a family getaway is in order.

Nappanee has a philosophy centered on the phrase “Embrace the Pace”, which I just love. Horse-drawn wagons are a common sight, which the kids will get a kick out of, while Nappanee’s downtown has shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings. Family-owned shops are in abundance too, which is always refreshing and Amish Country and the free Quilt Gardens Tour are two more big draws to the region.

While we’re there and looking to break from Amish tradition, I’ve heard good things about La Fogata. Mexican food will be perfect for lunch or dinner and its colorful atmosphere is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

For other great Midwest getaway ideas, check out sites like Midwest Living for inspiration. Do you have any getaway tips or planned trips? I’d love to hear about them!