In this email:

• 😅Reflecting on a very busy June
• ⛰️Getting back to nature - have you heard of The Chimney Bluffs?!
• 🧙🏻‍♀️A recipe from my kitchen to yours: Lavender Simple Syrup 💜

Do you ever find yourself at your desk after a whirlwind month of constantly being on “GO!” wondering what the hell happened? That’s me right now, friends.

In June, I did A LOT:

• I designed a new product.
• I designed the landing page and sales process for that product.
• I designed and launched the marketing campaign and collateral.
• …and am happy to report that it was successful! If you’re on the NikkiMaki mailing list, you’ll get a detailed update on its success (numbers and more) there soon. 😉

I feel like I’ve just landed back in my body. I’m finally getting the chance to reflect on all that happened and figuring out what’s next. As I readjust, I’m realizing there’s not a huge amount of time to process as I’m about to move into another particularly busy time:

• ​Work in Progress Pro Season 5 applications are opening Friday! 🫣
• I have a solid amount of design and design strategy client work scheduled.
• Development of my email course companion to Logo To Go continues.
• And a big portfolio update is in the works.

All exciting stuff, but I know myself well. Rest is a necessary part of my creative process. Since I'm moving from a jam-packed June straight into a fast-paced July, I need to carve out some dedicated nature time ASAP!

Taking time to recharge is everything in terms of keeping my mind and body at their best. I usually bookend busy months with decompression periods. While the July 4th holiday broke things up a little bit, today (Monday) is proving to be a bit of a heavy lift. I'm feeling it.

This morning, as I was scrolling through my Instagram feed (not where I was supposed to be, mind you), a post about The Chimney Bluffs jumped off the screen at me. It’s the first time I’ve heard of them! But I instantly knew it was a place I am going to visit ASAP.

It’s been about four and a half years since I moved to the Central New York region, and visiting natural landmarks like this appeals to the nature girl in me something fierce. It's just what my tired mind needs. When I swiped through the carousel of pictures, I thought, “How have I not heard of this place before now?! 😍 I need to go!”

It’s gone straight onto my list for the very near future. When I go, I’ll be sure to snap some pics to share with you.

Thinking on the topic of recharging and rest has me thinking more about what I share in this newsletter. My intention is to integrate a bit of life outside of work to go with my musings of running a small business. After all the two go hand-in-hand. The way they work together and inform one another is a big part of why I am so invested in my path as a solo business owner. I chose this route so I would be able to design my life. Both in terms of work and pleasure.

And a HUGE part of my life are the simple pleasures I enjoy. The outdoors/nature and hiking, cooking, drawing, gardening, and spending time with my family.

With that, I’m signing off with a recipe from my kitchen to yours as part of my intention to share more of my personal journey with you.

I made this syrup over the weekend. It’s very easy. But it's the entire process – from planting and harvesting the lavender to the prep for the table – that's where the real magic happens. ✨

This recipe got me out into my garden, fully stimulated my senses, and I ended up with the most deliciously sweet addition for my tea, coffee, ice cream, and more! I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

This recipe starts in your garden, but if you don’t have a lavender plant on hand, you can order dried lavender buds here.

Lavender flower prep:

1. Harvest a few bunches of lavender
2. Give them a light rinse to remove extra debris/bugs
3. Enjoy them in vases throughout your home for a week or so
4. Dry out the lavender by tying it up and hanging upside down
5. Once dry, get a large bowl and remove the buds from the stems
6. Store in airtight container (I love these!) for use

Making the syrup:

1. Add equal parts water and sugar to a pot
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of lavender buds to the pot
3. Bring to a boil. Simmer on low/med heat for about 8-10 mins.
4. Let the syrup cool a bit before adding to your glass jars
5. Add 2-3 teaspoons of lemon juice. This changes the color to a beautiful pink/purple! 😍
6. Enjoy in your lavender lattes and wherever else you’d like a little lavender flavor

Making life a little bit sweeter,

💜 Nicola

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