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A Well Crafted Life

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Listening to an audiobook counts as reading. I stand by that statement 1000%. Audiobooks have gotten me through the last few years when too busy to be able to sit down and devote myself to a written book. After asking friends on Instagram for suggestions I landed on listening to Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

Read on for my thoughts on The Four Winds and for the other suggested titles shared by my friends on Instagram!

About The Four Winds Audiobook

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel (not usually my style) that centers around Elsa Martinelli, a Texan woman living through, “hard times.” Set in the time of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, The Four Winds certainly puts into perspective the hard we are living through right now. It highlights many of the same plights that we are facing, but all without the advantage of internet, electricity, and running water.

The audio version is narrated beautifully by Julia Whelan.

Two different people suggested this audiobook so I had to give it a shot. I didn’t even look up the summary before purchasing—gotta love having extra Audible credits to burn. I needed a good “read” for a long car ride by myself and thought that two recommendations would seal the deal.

The Four Winds Audiobook on ipad with earbuds

The Four Winds: Heartbreaking, Inspiring Look at Female Amecianism

First, I really was engaged by the book. Second, it was NOT the audiobook for a long car ride alone. SO MANY TEARS. It is also not a book for young ears.

I really felt drawn by Elsa’s no-nonsense manner, her desire to be loved, her hard-working heart, and the sacrifices she made as a mother. I was moved by the parallels painted between some of the frustrations of now and those of back when.

It was hard not to think of recent events when listening to the characters repeat the phrase, “this is not America.” Anyone looking to escape from the politics of today may want to hold off for a bit on this audiobook. However, if you want a good kick in the pants of “it could be worse” then listen as soon as possible.

The story alternates, and not exactly deftly, between Elsa’s character and that of her daughter as the story moves on. I wasn’t a huge fan of this. In general, I’m not a fan of changing between characters unless it is very pronounced– for instance as a chapter changes. I admit that this transition possibly happened, but I didn’t know as a listener instead of a reader.

In the end, the daughter’s perspective was needed and a vital part of the story. Her experience gave a depth that the story couldn’t have had otherwise.

Last Words

In the author’s note at the end of the novel, Kristen Hannah writes about this time we are in.

“As we know, there are lessons to be learned from history, hope to be derived by hardships faced by others. We’ve gone through bad times before and survived, even thrived. History has shown us the strength and durability of the human spirit. In the end, it is our idealism, and our courage, and our commitment to one another—what we have in common—that will save us.”

Kristen Hannah

That stayed with me long after I was done listening. If you like historical fiction or stories about strong women I recommend this book.

Audiobook Recommendations

Need more recommendations? Try one of these audiobooks that were suggested by friends on Instagram. Many of them have made my list!

(Note: The below links are affiliate links)

Featured photo is from my new home gym! If you haven’t seen the DIY home gym yet, check it out!

Are you like me and are still finishing up some holiday shopping for neighbors, employees, clients, or business partners? While some are already finished for the holiday season… I am not! However, I am just a little bit closer after creating these fun pear themed holiday gifts for my husband’s team at work.

Holiday gift idea for employees free printable tags

We needed several holiday gifts that were fairly affordable and ran across these beautiful boxes of Harry and David pears from Trader Joe’s.The addition of some cute printable gift tags and these were personalized and made for a great employee gift.

You could absolutely do something similar with a gift box, tissue paper, and beautiful pears from your grocery store if your Trader Joe’s doesn’t have these in stock or you are not near a Trader Joe’s store.

I had made these with no intention of sharing on the blog simply because life has been busy and I was working at 10 PM getting these projects done. Not the best lighting for photos! However, after posting photos in a Facebook group several of the wonderful members of the group requested tags.

I created tags that will work for employees, neighbors, clients, teachers, and more. All are free for personal use. However, if you’d like to help my blog, please share this post by pinning it on Pinterest or sharing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Instructions:

  • Download the design of your choice by clicking on the link below and saving the file to your computer. The 5 inch tags are the size that are pictured. I did make smaller tags as well so you could get more tags per page if needed.
  • For Tags: Print on 8.5X11 cardstock in full color. Cut out along black lines. Punch a hole in the corner and attach to your gift with ribbon or string.
  • For Labels: Print on 8.5X11 page-sized label paper in full color. Cut along black lines. Adhere to your package.

Pear Themed Gift Ideas Free Printables

I hope that these help make someone’s holiday just a little more pear-fect! 😉 Happy holidays to all! And, one last request to please share this post by pinning it on Pinterest or sharing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. It really helps a gal out!

Want more?

Maybe it is the season of life that I am in right now or perhaps it is because I like to host a lot of baby showers, but I’ve been getting asked frequently my thoughts on baby shower gifts. I often have a running list of ideas to share that haven’t really changed over the years…. however, very recently, I was introduced to two companies that I feel are out-of-the-box great ideas as gifts for new moms.

Both Finn & Co and Heartfelt Mamas were founded by mothers! They are both Spokane-area business women who felt a need was not being met and stepped up and met the need. I encourage you to check out their products or social media profiles and show them some support!

The following gift ideas are not sponsored, however, I received two of these items in a giveaway and was SO impressed that I had to share. All opinions are my own. These items were won through a giveaway without knowledge that they may be included in a blog post.

Finn the Panda from Finn and Co Gifts designed for babies in the NICU

Finn & Co Gifts – Finn the Panda

The idea behind this lovely stuffed panda is one that is both so smart and one that was born from a true need. While a great gift for lots of new moms, the purpose of the creation of this little panda was as a gift for a mom whose child is in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Armstrong, the creator of this adorable stuffie. (That is what my kids called all stuffed animals!)

Finn the Panda was developed to help comfort babies during hospital stays, as well as to foster the bond between the baby and their caregivers, even when they have to be apart. It features:

  • Finn is made of antimicrobial material to help prevent the spread of germs to baby. This is SUPER important in a hospital environment, but also a great idea for daycare or home.
  • He wears a washable heart-shaped scent patch that can be detached and worn, then reattached to the bear. This means that mom or dad can place the patch close to their skin for some time and then attach to the bear so that their scent goes with baby wherever they may be.
  • A recording device that allows a song or comforting words of up to one minute to be played back once or on repeat may help to soothe baby or help with familiarity. I could see this being great for a grandparent who may be far away.
  • The contrasting black and white colors that appeal to baby’s early vision.
  • Finn is made of 100% cashmere to be amazingly soft and cuddly.
  • Finn and Co Gifts offer free shipping on a purchase of Finn the Panda as well as a 10% discount if you sign up for their newsletter. (Visit the Finn and Co Gifts website and scroll to the bottom of the page to enter an email for their newsletter.)
Michelle Armstrong created Finn the Panda after experiencing a NICU stay for her son.
Michelle Armstrong, creator of Finn the Panda, with her son.

We all wish for babies to be healthy at birth, but for many new mothers and many new families…this just isn’t an option. Finn the Panda is such a thoughtful way to allow family members an opportunity to feel that they are in some small way able to be with their baby even when they physically cannot be there. This would make such a lovely gesture to someone in your life. Or, perhaps you simply feel the desire to help SOMEONE in need. Sponsor a Finn the Panda that will be delivered to a NICU or ICU in your city.


As a mom who spent several months of her son’s first year of life in the hospital, I know the stress and pressure of hospital parenting.  I wanted to do everything I could for my son and often felt the guilt of not being able to be there for him every moment during his 57 day NICU stay.  I developed Finn the Panda so that even when you have to be away, you can leave a piece of you to provide comfort and bonding for your baby and you.

Michelle Armstrong, creator of Finn the Panda

While I don’t want to take away from the purpose of Finn. When I heard about him I wished I would have had one of pandas for the first few months that I went back to work and my son was getting used to a his new daycare. I believe it would be a wonderful gift for working moms (or dads), grandparents, and other loved ones who may wish to be near baby, but are unable to.

Heartfelt Mamas gift box

Heartfelt Mamas Gift Boxes

When I go to baby showers I often gift something from a registry or something I feel will be useful to baby and mom. However, when I get the pleasure of visiting a momma in the hospital or at home after a birth, I try to gift her something simply for her. She has gone through a lot!

Heartfelt Mamas for sure has something for brand new mamas, but that isn’t where this company stops. There are boxes curated specifically for different aspects of motherhood including miscarriage, grief, post-partum, or just an day-brightening everyday gift box. Each curated gift box features local Inland NW products and services.

Some of the items that may be found in Heartfelt Mamas Boxes:

  • Wild June Co Coffee Scrub and Lavender Nourish Skin Cream
  • Winterwoods Pacific Coast Lavender Tea
  • Bucket of Moon Beams Accessory Pouch
  • Chocolate
  • Gift Cards to local services
  • Sparkles Bakeshop Granola Rounds
  • Caring Coconut Soothing Spray

Gift boxes may be purchased from anywhere, but those within 45 miles of Spokane, WA have the option of purchasing the “local” gift box which sports services from local businesses such as fitness classes, coffee shops, nutrition consultants, spa services, and more.


Heartfelt Mamas stems from my own personal experiences and journey to find joy, happiness, and peace in this crazy thing we call motherhood. My heart is to help reduce anxiety, stress & comparisons in mamas in order to create happier, healthier families.

Cheree Sauer, Founder of Heartfelt Mamas

I love a company with a heart. Gift boxes can also be sponsored to give to a woman in need. In addition, a portion of the sales of gift boxes goes to create and give a box to a woman in need.

Mother-Lovin’ Gifts

I know that I would have appreciated either of the above gifts as a new mom and beyond. It has been a joy for me to stumble upon both of these mother-ran and operated companies with a genuine heart for fellow women. Whether you are shopping for the perfect baby shower gift, a gift for a new mom, a thoughtful gift for a mother who is grieving, or a way to give back to local moms, check out these two great companies!

Finn & Co Gifts | www.finnandcogifts.com | @FinnandCoGifts

Heartfelt Mamas | www.heartfeltmamas.com | @HeartfeltMamas