The pumpkins start to surface in July. Craft stores are eager to get their fall merchandise out of the box and on the retail floor before we have a chance to close the sunbrellas. Red, white and blue of Labor Day are hushed, carefully consolidated in one corner off to the side while the newly stocked bins and shelves scream autumn. Pumpkins, scarecrows, mums, are all in a fresh fury of fall color. I admit, I absolutely love fall, especially the smells once again invited into our kitchen. Summer was quick cooking. Fall is simmered and slow.

One winner side dish I often make is an easy recipe I created combining a couple of different versions found online for my Honey Butter Carrots. These humble root vegetables are sweet, a little firm, and a hearty flavor friendly with chicken, pork or beef. I actually eat the leftovers by themselves many times. I love the flavor! All you need are a few simple ingredients to satisfy sweet and salty in one nice package.

Honey Butter Carrots

1 tablespoon light olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 lbs carrots, cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons dried (or fresh) parsley 

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1) In a large skillet, heat the oil and melt the butter together to coat the pan, Add the carrots and cook about 2 minutes to slightly brown them, stirring a couple of times.

2) Add the broth and honey, stir together and bring to a boil in the pan. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until a crisp tender, about 10 minutes.

3) Uncover and add the parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Cook an additional 7 minutes or so on medium-high so that the carrots are tender and the liquid is syrupy. There should only be a small amount of liquid remaining, and they are done!

Step aside pumpkins, it's time to root for another flavor of the season!

Orange you glad it's Fall? xoxo-Sonya

One kind word can warm three winter months. ~ Japanese saying

I created Take Heart Tokens ® to mingle souls. Each colorful card is made with lots of love... Hand-cut embossed stock is detailed with sentiments and photos printed on fabric to enhance their charm and ornamentation. I like to leave the page blank inside so they can be personalized with a special thought for someone.



Detailed, delicate and different,.. My close friends always received handmade cards, because they were really part of the gift. Each year our annual Christmas card is carefully planned using bits in the biggest troves collected! But I always have some Take Heart Tokens on hand. They are available individually or in sets of three in the showroom for purchase, so when the stock is depleted, it's time to make a few more. Custom order gift packages always include a Take Heart Token for the recipient.



The whimsical mix of elements make each one special, unlike typical store-bought cards that come in multiples. Give a cheerful note to a girlfriend, a sincere thank you, or celebrate an anniversary remembrance with these via snail mail. It really is quickly becoming a lost art amid all the virtual correspondence.



Many of the images I print on the muslin are photographs taken during our trips to The New York Botanical Garden or just from our own backyard. I really love to mix things up!




A fragment of wallpaper, printed muslin swatch, embossed bouquet of flowers and jeweled sticker all add depth, layering one atop the next.


Take Heart Tokens ® are perfect for any occasion. I often make custom cards and invitations to order for special events or as a personalized thank you when correspondence calls for a little something special.



Someone will always appreciate a gracious token, a little something showing you care... xoxo- Sonya