A Gathering of Creatives | The Art of Resting

October 26, 2018 Shyla Yoder

I HAD THE WONDERFUL PRIVILEGE OF HELPING TO HOST THIS FALL'S > A GATHERING OF CREATIVES < EVENT WITH ABIGAIL TROYER & KENDRA MILLER IN OHIO. IT IS A GROUP CREATED TO REFRESH, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE & TEACH CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS WHERE COMMUNITY IS NOT COMPETITION BUT A GROWING FORCE! 
AT OUR FIRST GATHERING, REBECCA MILLER OF, REBECCA'S BISTRO SAID, "IT IS IMPERATIVE TO FIND PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING." IT WAS LOVELY TO GATHER AGAIN IN THE FALL & CELEBRATE THE COMING SEASON.

A Gathering of Creatives | The Art of Resting | Northeast Ohio | Floral, Creative, Business Workshop/ Retreat/ Conference | Loveshyla.com

White Barn Gatherings // VENUE

WE GATHERED AT THIS BEAUTIFUL VENUE > THE WHITE BARN GATHERINGS < NEWLY BUILT & FURNISHED TO HOST GROUPS & EVENTS IN DUNDEE, OHIO. WE COULD NOT HAVE RECEIVED WARMER CARE OR A BETTER SLATE TO CREATE ON. THE INSIDE IS CLAD WITH SIMILAR WHITE & BLACK DETAILS AND BIG OPEN SPACES! THE KITCHEN FULLY FURNISHED WITH 50 MATCHING ENAMELWARE PLACE SETTINGS & COOKWARE. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A  PLACE TO HOST YOUR BANQUET OR EVENT, LOOK NO FURTHER.

THEME // The Art of Resting

WE CHOSE "THE ART OF REST" AS THE THEME FOR THIS GATHERING AS WE ARE CLOSING A SEASON AND ENTERING INTO A SLOWER ONE. WE ALL KNOW THAT IT IS HARD FOR AN ENTREPRENEURS TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKES INTENTIONAL EFFORT, BUT IS SO INCREDIBLY NEEDED. SO WE FOCUSED OUR EFFORTS AROUND CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR MAINTAINING BALANCE WITH OURSELVES & FAMILIES.

“When you get tired, learn TO REST, not to quit.”

— Banksy

Tiffany Reiff & Red Mug // COFFEE & HEADSHOTS

THE MORNING STARTED OUT WITH COFFEE FROM RED MUG COFFEE COMPANY, BAGELS & TIME TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER WHILE WE TOOK TURNS GETTING STYLED BY KATIE YODER (MAKEUP) & ANNIE MILLER (HAIR) FOR HEADSHOTS WITH TIFFANY REIFF DESIGNS. TIFFANY WAS ALSO THE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER (WHO TOOK ALL OF THESE GORGEOUS PHOTOS! / I INCLUDED A FEW OF MY OWN, WHICH I'LL NOTE). TIFFANY IS ONE OF THE KINDEST, MOST EFFICIENT PHOTOGRAPHERS & APART OF OUR COMMUNITY. WE LOVE HER.

PC // (Above & Bottom Right) SHYLA YODER

// GIFTS

GUESTS WERE GREETED WITH WELCOME BASKETS FILLED WITH ABIART CREATIVE NOTEBOOKS, FLORAL SNIPS, A SEASONAL SCENTSATIONAL CANDLE & MATCHES & A SPRING DAFFODIL BULB.

REST by Ruby Yoder // SESSION 1

RUBY YODER, WIFE OF SAM YODER (OWNER OF BERLIN GARDENS/ PASTOR OF GOSPEL HAVEN CHURCH) SHARED WITH US A WEALTH OF WISDOM ON CREATING SPACE TO REST. SOME OF MY FAVORITE POINTS SHE SHARED ON THE SUBJECT WERE, "THE FIRST STEP TO REST IS RELEASE/ WE MUST OPEN OUR HANDS; EXHALE AND LET GO BEFORE WE CAN REST." & "REST IS NOT SLEEP, REST IS WHAT YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR SLEEP SWEET."

GATHERING AROUND THE TABLE // Rebecca’s Bistro

TO ME THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN GATHERING AROUND A TABLE WITH A GROUP OF PEOPLE. IT'S COMFORTING, PUTS THE HEART AT EASE, HEALS & NOURISHES -  IT IS AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY. 

WE SET A TABLE WITH SEASONAL DECORATIONS.. FORAGED & DRIED FLORA, PLACED THEM IN APOTHECARY BOTTLES, SPREAD FRUIT...POMEGRANATE, PLUMS & PEARS, & LIT TALL WHEAT COLORED CANDLES. ABI, KENDRA & I SERVED A MEAL HANDMADE BY REBECCA MILLER (REBECCA'S BISTRO), FIRST CORNBREAD SALAD, THEN BOWLS OF PUMPKIN APPLE BACON & TOMATO BASIL SOUP WITH HERBAL CROISSANTS. FOLLOWING A LONG CHAT - DESSERT.. BY ABIGAIL'S MUM.. HONEY ALMOND PEAR & RUSTIC APPLE GALETTE'S FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN WITH SCOOPS OF CINNAMON ICE CREAM MELTING ON TOP.

Discussion Groups // AFTERNOON

THE AFTERNOON BEGAN WITH DISCUSSION GROUPS, LED BY LORENE  STUTZMAN & MYSELF. WE DISCUSSED TOPICS AROUND INSTILLING THE ART OF REST INTO OUR OWN LIVES & BUSINESSES  - INCLUDING BEING IN CHARGE OF OUR OWN LIVES/ A PASSAGES FROM PRESENT OVER PERFECT BY SHAUNA NIEQUIST/ HOW TO TAKE CARE OF OUR BODIES & WHEN TO SAY NO TO CREATIVE ENDEAVORS.

Wreath Making & Foraging by Root Design Co. // WORKSHOP

LARONDA & ROSITA OF ROOT DESIGN CO. LED OUR AFTERNOON WORKSHOP > WREATH MAKING. THEY OWN A FLOWER FARM & DESIGN COMPANY IN CAMBRIDGE, OHIO WHERE THEY GROW A FEILD OF GORGEOUS BLOOMS & SHARE THE JOURNEY GENEROUSLY WITH FRIENDS & COMMUNITY ONLINE. THEY BROUGHT ARMFULS OF BEAUTIFUL GRASSES, DRIED GREENS & TEXTURAL BLISS ALONG WITH VINE WREATS & FLORAL WIRE FOR US TO CREATE WITH. THEY STARTED OUT INSPIRING US WITH IDEAS & SHOWING US THE MECHANICS BEFORE SENDING US OUT TO PICK OUR OUR PIECES AND FORAGE MORE. IT WAS WONDERFUL FUN.

Hillcrest Orchard Cider & Salties // AFTERNOON SNACK

A GATHERING OF CREATIVES

THIS IS US. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR EACH GROUP WE GET TO KNOW AND THE COMMUNITY THAT GROWS EACH YEAR. ALL OUR WELCOME. IF YOU ARE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR & NEED SUPPORT WE HOPE YOU'LL JOIN & THAT WE CAN CONNECT YOU TO ONE ANOTHER.

THANK-YOU SINCERELY FROM KENDRA, ABI & I TO EACH ONE THAT MADE THIS EVENT LOVELY, POSSIBLE & A SUCCESS. SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

EVENT SPONSORS

WHITE BARN GATHERINGS
REBECCA'S BISTRO
TIFFANY REIFF PHOTOGRAPHY
ROOT DESIGN CO.

An Autumn Day in Amish Country Ohio

October 11, 2018 Shyla Yoder

Hello! Happy Autumn from Amish Country, Ohio. This is where I grew up and still love to come visit after moving away. Clad with rolling hills and lush farmland, Ohio’s Amish Country is such a wonderful place to go this time of year. In fact, National Geographic named it the #3 best spot to view fall foliage in the world a few years ago.

I always like to make a stop at the end of September to pick up some pumpkins and apples and any fresh produce that I need for canning before winter sets in. I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite spots with you.

// Rebecca’s Bistro

When picking up fall adornments at Hillcrest I almost always make a stop at Rebecca’s Bistro just down the road to pick up a Pumpkin Spice Chai to sip on while I stroll for pumpkins and apples. Rebecca’s is a dearly loved place by locals, serving up the sweetest homemade dishes and treats by Miss Rebecca Miller, herself - who will make you feel like you’re in her kitchen - in the cutest space, a remodeled old house. It is the perfect place for brunch with the girls! Choose the house special - Creamed Eggs over Sourdough, or have Stuffed French Toast or her famous Tomato Basil Soup (sold around the country) with a cup of house coffee, Jamaican Me Crazy. There is always a demand to eat here, especially Saturday mornings, and they take customers first come, first serve, so show up when they open and you won’t be disappointed. If you pick up a latte to-go like we did, you can call ahead and it will be ready when you come in!

Other Cafe’s I Love in Amish Country // The Red Mug (serving up the best Espresso around (My Fave: The Cubano) you can also get a rich cup of pour-over coffee here, Der Bake Oven (Seriously cute space designed by local designer Sadie Beachy, with amazing daily lunch/ brunch specials, latte’s as well as some of the best of Amish Country’s Pastries), Pick up a couple Macarons or other fancy treats like Danish’s, Croissants & artisan bread at Olde World Bakery (also serving breakfast/ lunch & dinner), Get yourself an amazing Affogato (ice cream & espresso) at Wallhouse in Sugarcreek, Ohio or check out the newly designed space by Sadie Beachy in the quaint town of Winesburg - The Beacon Cafe). A new cafe, East Main Kitchen, recently opened up in Baltic, taking the place of a local restaurant & boasting newly remodeled rustic charm as well as wonderful pastry, coffee and lunch and dinner options. And if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path in the most peaceful, beautiful space - make reservations at The Inn At Honey Run for brunch or dinner and enjoy a culinary celebration as you look out the window into the wooded oasis.

// Hillcrest Orchard

Hillcrest Orchard in Walnut Creek, Ohio is one of my favorite places to go in the fall for a stroll in the apple orchard, to pick out pumpkins, sip apple cider, & get some fresh kettle corn! It is a beautiful and fun place. They are the most celebrated and well-known orchard in Amish Country, though there are plenty of other places you can get good apples, Hillcrest provides such a lovely experience. They are notoriously busy on Saturdays in the Fall because of their reputation, but I always grab a coffee, try not to be in a hurry and enjoy the experience - everyone is always having a good time and the staff work hard to serve you quickly!

Sue & I took a stroll through the market to look at the mums & pumpkins, big orange ones and little mini white ones and those beautiful dusty green, orange & mauve autumn colored ones before getting a cart to fill up! Inside you’ll find a wonderful display of fresh produce from pears, to concord grapes, peppers & onions, to their showroom of apples. You can fill up a bag of apples just for eating if you like - they have a chart posted above this area telling what each apple’s notes are and what they are best used for (canning, applesauce, eating, baking, etc.). Then in the back you will see their apple processing line where baskets and baskets are lined up of each type of apple. Here is where you can order apples in bulk and have them carried out to your car as well as sample the freshest apple cider you’ve ever tasted! ( ;) biased opinion). I always take a couple 1/2 gallons home with me and put one in the freezer for later (usually Thanksgiving).

Sue and I finished up our trip at Hillcrest by putting our bags in our car and taking a stroll through the apple orchards. They are stretched out over a beautiful hill with a view of Walnut Creek and bordering towns.

Other Favorite Markets // Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery (Affectionately known by locals as The Truck Patch) in Berlin, has a wonderful display of pumpkins and fall mums and produce as well as a petting farm for children! They also make MY FAVORITE {huge} maple cream sticks in the area! Get one and eat the whole thing, I dare you. Sweetwater Farm, in Sugarcreek is one of the “sweetest” and well-stocked little produce stands loved by locals as well. You can get in-season produce, pumpkins & mums here as well as freshly picked market flower bouquets. Guggisberg Cheese - Home to one of the locals favorite Amish Country Swiss Heritage Cheese, visit their factory, enjoy the Swiss design & culture and try some of their famous baby Swiss cheese (sold around the country)! Other // There are countless roadside stands selling wonderful mums and pumpkins & all kinds of offerings, you just have to drive around to find them and each one will have something unique to offer. I encourage you to stop by one of these as they will not be as busy as the bigger places, but I promise, still have quality locally-grown offerings & great prices as most places do in Amish Country.

// bfearless boutique

Sue & I ended our afternoon by shopping at bfearless Boutique in Walnut Creek. I picked out a new bag & a floppy felt hat for fall. This store is full of wonderful, high-quality staple pieces as well as in season trends and name brand shoes shopped for by local fashion advisor Rhoda Troyer. Stop by Rhoda’s salon next door - RIG & Co for your makeup needs or a massage or hair appointment (also doing some of the cutest nail designs in the area).

Other Shopping Favorites // Coblentz Chocolate - while in Walnut Creek you must stop by our favorite chocolate shoppe, where you can see the candy being made and pick up a delicious truffle, chocolate turtle or homemade caramel. Berlin Village Gift Barn - An amazing one stop shop for beautiful interior decor, newly added greenhouse and outdoor decor shop as well as a curated boutique with clothing, jewelry, accessories and cute things like Kate Spade stationary & charm bracelets. FOR THE MEN // Keim Lumber in Charm, Ohio (a gorgeous design & tool showcase for builders, working hardware store and specialty wood room) if you’re a quilter, you’ll want to stop by Miller’s Dry Goods while in town). Lehman’s Hardware Store in Kidron, Ohio (you’ll also want to stop by P. Graham Dunn, while in town, a local wooden sign creator with an amazing showroom with room by room decor set ups & boutique offerings).

// Lodging

Although, I don’t stay at local lodging spots myself, I can tell you a few that have a great reputation. The Inn At Honey Run - If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful retreat in the woods with trails and luxury service. Hillcrest Orchard nestled an amazing hideaway, amidst their orchards overlooking the Walnut Creek Bottom called Dwell Hillcrest. It carries very unique modern touches all hand designed by the owners including, a raw edge wood table, floor to ceiling windows, a clawfoot tub with a view and rooftop fire ring. You’ll want to check this out for your stay or retreat. Any of the hotels owned by DHGroup - Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek or Sugarcreek, Carlisle Country Inn in Berlin or Miller Manor in Walnut Creek - you will receive warm, quality care by these heritage-style accommodations all close to local Amish-style restaurants (Der Dutchman/ Dutch Valley). Wallhouse Hotel - Offering luxury, modern furnishings & service with an amazing rooftop view of Walnut Creek. Newly built Encore Hotel & Suites in Berlin offering a similar upscale experience. There are many sweet Bed & Breakfasts and cabins available as well in which I wish I could list them all here, but I’m sure you will have a good experience at any of them! A few charming ones are The Red Cottage Hideaway, Stone Cottage Inn & Ferngully Cabins. Please comment below your favorites!

Thank-you for following along - I hope you’ll enjoy your trip to Amish Country!

Vibrant Jewel-Toned Wedding

October 3, 2018 Shyla Yoder

Bobbi Jean and her husband were the kindest couple. She knew exactly what she wanted which included luscious magenta orchids in her bouquet and we made her vibrant summer wedding dreams come alive! Bobbi’s family was the absolute sweetest including her Dad and soon-to-be-husband who offered their hand with the installations! Congratulations sweet souls! May your life be as vibrant as your day!