Walking for My Mom ~ Join Me or Cheer Us On 💜 | | |
On Saturday, September 27, I’ll be walking in memory of my beautiful mom, Sonja Behnke Festerling, as part of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Centennial Park in Ellicott City.
I want to thank everyone who has already supported me with kind words, donations, and encouragement. Your love means so much to me.
When we first heard her diagnosis, I wanted to help, but it felt overwhelming. After she passed, it was just too hard. Now, I feel ready.
Alzheimer’s slowly took the moments that made her who she was here with us, but I know all those memories were waiting for her in heaven. That gives me peace, and it’s why I walk with love, purpose, and hope.
➡️ If you’re local, I’d love to have you join Team Sonja.
➡️ If walking isn’t for you, a donation of any size still makes a difference.
Thank you for standing with me — in spirit, in support, or right there at the park. 💜
| | Photo of the month, by Larry Hurley | | |
Ultimate Nectar Plant for Monarch Butterflies
For Monarch Butterfly lovers, this is the perennial for you. Liatris ligulistylis, the Meadow Blazing Star. It’s native from Illinois and Wisconsin west to the eastern Rocky Mountain states. Although not the best of photos (taken August in my garden in Wisconsin), if you zoom in you can see six monarchs, two of which are in monarch love. (Stephanie has put the group shot at the link below. Left is the amorous couple.) Monarchs are drawn to Meadow Blazing Star like Ravens fans to beer at a tailgate party.
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Perennials
Trim dead leaves and stems as you see fit but consider the wildlife when doing so. Finches love the seeds from spent coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans. Don’t cut back ornamental grasses until late winter. Not only do the dried blades look attractive, but it makes a great cover for over-wintering birds.
- Many perennials will start to look a bit tired. You will start to notice some leaf discoloration. Hostas, for example, may start to turn golden yellow and stop putting out new leaves. This is a normal response to the sun being out for a shorter period of time, and for it being lower in the sky (that is to say, less potent).
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One of the best parts of running this little online shop is finding pieces that bring joy.
Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing a glass ornament that reminds me of a place or person I love, or spotting a tiny fairy nestled between flowers in the garden. 🧚♀️🌿
Those little touches always make me pause and smile.
Right now, a few customer favorites are still 25% off:
🎄 Glass Ornaments – 25% Off
🧚 Fairy Garden Pieces – 25% Off
✨ I won’t be restocking the ornaments, so if one has been tugging at your heart, now’s the perfect chance to make it yours.
As summer starts to wind down, I hope your garden is still giving you those moments of peace and joy, the ones that stay with you long after the season ends. 🌼
💙 Stephanie
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Quilled Greeting Cards
Buy 5 Cards and Get the 6th Card FREE
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There’s just something about an apple orchard in September, the crisp air, the first hints of color in the leaves, and baskets full of shiny red apples.
That’s why I love this quilled Apple Orchard greeting card, handcrafted with care through fair trade practices. Each tiny coil of paper brings the orchard to life, making it more than just a card. It’s a keepsake.
Perfect for sending fall wishes, thanking a teacher, or simply surprising a friend with a little seasonal joy.
Do you have a favorite fall tradition, apple picking, baking pies, or maybe just enjoying that first mug of cider?
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A Small Gift for a Calmer, Cleaner Home | | |
A Simpler Way to Care for Your Home 💙
If you’ve ever stood in the cleaning aisle feeling overwhelmed by all the bottles, the warnings, and the worry of what’s really safe for your family… it can feel exhausting.
That’s exactly how I felt—until I discovered Norwex. It showed me a smarter way to clean—just a cloth and water, without harsh chemicals!
No harsh smells, no extra waste, no second-guessing. Just simple, effective, and safe.
For a short time, Norwex is sending out FREE Mini Basic Sampler Kits to anyone who hasn’t tried it yet. The samples come straight from them, but the invitation is from me, because I’d love for you to experience this same sense of ease.
✨ Bonus: If you decide to order later, you’ll also get 10% off your first order (limited time).
No pressure, just a little gift to remind you: life can be cleaner, calmer, and safer without extra stress.
💜 Stephanie
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Watch MY Butter Demo Video Watch how I clean butter off a glass door and make it shine with water! See Norwex in action as I demonstrate how our products work—even with butter! It's the perfect way to see the power of BacLock® in action. Click here or below to watch the video.
Check Out My Online Store Click here or on the button below to visit my online Norwex store and explore our range of safe, effective cleaning products.
Need More Info? 💬 Have questions or want to learn more? Click Here or Scan the QR code below to visit my LinkTree, where I have many helpful resources, including tutorials, product details, and more. I’m here to help!
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Want to know more
about Norwex?
Just scan the code for more details on just what Norwex is! Or click on the link below.
Nor-What?
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Beyond Behnke's Sponsors
Just click on the photos to check them out!
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Spear Head Spade®
Spear Head Spade®
Behnke's garden writer Larry Hurley says: "I bought the long-handled version last year. It's the only shovel I use now for edging and planting. I love this shovel!"
MAKE SURE YOU PUT "Behnke's" in the Special Instructions section.
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