Hey Folks! Thank you for checking out my blog post page! Happenings at the Hollow is my little check-in from life here at the homestead. What's growing, what we're creating, what's brewing, and what everyday life looks like behind the crafting. It's not polished or perfect, just honest little updates from home. Seasonal rhythms, family moments and events, small wins, big wins, hard days, and good. You might find humor, relatable situations, and moments to pause and think. With each month, a picture I captured in my daily life that showcases the simplistic beauty all around us.
I hope you enjoy!
The leaves have fallen, the tourists have retreated, and Vermont’s famous “stick season” has arrived — that magical time between pumpkin spice and full-blown snow shoveling. Around here, we’re trading iced teas for hot mugs, sandals for wool socks, and pretending the muddy driveway is “rustic charm.”
The gardens are officially put to bed, though if we’re honest, a few stubborn kale stalks are still out there clinging to life like they’re auditioning for a miracle. We’ve been trimming hydrangeas, stashing away local squashes and potatoes from our favorite farms, and making sure the pantry is stocked for that first “I’m not driving in this weather” snowstorm.
Inside, our old Vermont Castings woodstove (a beloved hand-me-down from my grandparents’ place up north) is back to its full-time gig. It creaks, it pops, and it occasionally cooks us out of the living room if we get too ambitious, but it’s home. The kids love warming their toes by it, and it’s the perfect companion while we’re infusing oils and dreaming up new products for Thompson Hollow Apothecary (like simmer pots). Heating your home with wood is a way of life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Life’s busy but good. The kids are doing great in school, we’re getting ready for Chris’s 43rd birthday, and I’m mentally preparing for Thanksgiving, which, let’s be honest, is really just a marathon of cooking, laughing, and pretending not to notice the mountain of dishes in the sink. However, it is my favorite of all the Holidays, and my inner child is always excited to watch the parade.
As we cozy up for winter, we’re feeling nothing but gratitude for our family, our health, our amazing new customers, and everyone who’s believed in this little business of ours. We’re so thankful to share our love for handcrafted, natural goods with all of you.
Here’s to woodsmoke, wool socks, full hearts, full bellies, and maybe a few too many slices of pie.
Stay warm, stay grateful, and if your garden isn’t fully put to bed yet… no judgment. Neither is ours.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
December arrived at Thompson Hollow exactly the way it loves to—wasting no time at all. Snow showed up early, dusting everything in that quiet, magical way that makes you pause for a moment longer before heading back inside. It felt like nature’s reminder to slow down, reflect, and soak it all in.
This month also marked a really exciting milestone for us: our first successful market. Seeing Thompson Hollow out in the world, meeting new faces, reconnecting with familiar ones, and watching people truly connect with our products was incredibly rewarding. It was one of those moments when all the behind-the-scenes work felt worthwhile.
As the holidays approached, the support we received continued to amaze us. Orders went out to neighbors down the road and to customers far beyond our little corner of Vermont. Knowing Thompson Hollow found its way into homes near and far as gifts, self-care rituals, and everyday comforts meant more than we can say.
This past year brought growth, learning curves, long days, and small wins that added up to something really meaningful. We’re deeply grateful for every order, every kind message, every market conversation, and everyone who chose to support this dream.
Looking ahead, we’re entering 2026 with excitement and ambitious plans. It’s shaping up to be a milestone year personally as well—one with a big birthday on the horizon and Chris and I celebrating 15 years of marriage. It feels special to be building this business alongside so many meaningful life moments.
Thank you for being part of the Thompson Hollow story. We’re heading into the new year grateful, inspired, and ready for what’s next.
Here’s to cozy winters, continued growth, and a beautiful year ahead.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
January gets a bad rap.
The holidays are over, wallets are lighter, the scenery is… let’s call it emotionally beige, and suddenly every day feels like it lasts three weeks. But behind the scenes here at Thompson Hollow, January has been anything but boring. One of the biggest surprises this month was being featured in the Springfield Reporter. That one truly caught me off guard, in the best way. It was humbling, exciting, and a reminder that even in the quiet months, people are watching, supporting, and cheering on small local businesses like ours. I’m incredibly grateful.
January also meant celebrating Jack turning 9. Nine feels big. There was cake, laughter, and the kind of pause that reminds me why we do all of this in the first place. We're building something meaningful while our kids are still little enough to be part of it and learn from.
On the creative side, this month has been full of experimenting and making. We’ve been working on: New body oils to help combat dry winter skin (because woodstove air is not kind), fresh simmer pot blends to bring a little life and warmth back into our homes. And yes… a few surprises we’re saving for the final stretch of the month
January might look dull outside—bare trees, muddy boots, gray skies—but it’s also a reset. A slower pace. A chance to plan, create, and quietly prepare for what’s next.
And speaking of what’s next… Valentine’s Day is right around the corner
Whether you celebrate it big, small, or just use it as an excuse to make your house smell good and treat yourself, we’ve got some cozy, thoughtful ideas coming your way.
So here’s to January: A little boring. A little slow. But still full of growth, gratitude, and good things ahead.
Stay warm,
Gianna