New hobbies, child-wrangling, and a fresh batch of Kootenay clothing. Our last month and a half, quarantine-style.

Hey everyone,

A lot has happend this month and we're excited to share some of the positive and fun parts! Small business-wise, we launched our Spring line of Kootenay and outdoor-inspired apparel on April 10th and have had some great feedback so far. Thank you to everyone who has purchased items. Our small business hearts are bursting! This run of casual and laid back apparel had a pretty big focus on one of our most popular designs - East West Kootenay, and we even have it on a kids T-shirt, yahoo! 

Yes, we finally have Kootz Kidz clothing back in the online shop so we went all out and launched three fun and unisex styles. Like many of our adult styles, we wanted unisex looks. We love that tons of other apparel brands that do kids (and adult) clothing have taken on unisex styling and we have always felt that is the most inclusive approach.

I guess our timing was well played as we launched what are probably our cutest and coziest ladies Kootenay-themed tops yet - just in time for a worldwide stay at home order. The women's Wave Wash hoodies are so, so soft and in a fresh modern cut. They are just a bit more refined than our classic crews, with a slight v-neck and scoop raw edge hem along the bottom.Super flattering on all the ladies! These have been selling very fast and we are loving all the photo sharing, whether you're cozy at home or hiking a mountain!

Have you been on KootzCollective.com and checked out the new stuff? Let us know what you think. We also have all of our winter stock on sale and shipping is FREE on any order in Canada. We've also just launched gift cards! Shopping for someone else but not sure what to give them? Give them the gift of choice with a Kootz Collective gift card. Cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to digitally redeem them at checkout.

We've had a couple of emails with inquiries about Kootz Collective goods and what we will be releasing for Summer. We are so thankful that you all are asking and anticipating what could be next! As of right now our plan is to hopefully have a few items ready for the Summer months but we are on hold for anything proceeding right away due to the pandemic. Our Spring line was in production well before COVID-19 hit so having it printed was not an issue for us or our screen printer. However, as things have progressed we need to consider the impact on our business. Like that fact that we will not be able to sell at any markets or pop-ups this year. This is how we make a bulk of our Fall/Winter line budget. Additionally, we recognize that the more products and deliveries going out can put a strain on our postal service and our screen printer. We are grateful for the work they are doing already so we want to be cognizant of how our actions affect others. Overall though, many provinces are slowly opening up, so our outlook is looking good.

Aside from keeping Kootz Collective ticking along, we have been spending time at home with our families doing our usual seasonal stuff as well as a few extra activities thanks in part to the quarantine. Between daily work, childcare, Kootz Collective and wrapping up our awesome year managing the social media for Creston Valley Tourism, we've been busy. However, with significant changes to both of our work schedules and no commuting, we have managed to find a bit of time for new things. Here's a breakdown of some of the activities we've been up to. We would love to hear what you've been doing! Any new habits (good or bad, haha) or an old hobby you've rekindled? Let us know on social media or in the blog comments.

Leah

Started vegetable seedlings indoors (These little greens will be ready to transplant this week) We were ambitious and planted a pretty big array of veggies including lettuce, kale, chard, beets, beans, and more! Wish us luck.

...And a windowsill veggie scraps garden!

Baked bread for the first time and surprisingly nailed it! (I love to cook but I am not a baker.) Fresh bread with butter, let's just say I was very popular with my family that day.

And lots of outdoor time with the kids. Whether it's just a walk around the block or a day spent outdoors in the wild or the park, we are trying to get as much fresh air as possible.

Kelsey

At our household we have been busy with yard work. Cleaning up our first ever perennial garden we planted last Summer, so this year is the true test. We see green shoots coming up so we are hopeful!

We did a big garage clean up and discovered a bunch of scrap wood. We put on our DIY thinking caps and created a leaning herb shelf out of some of the pieces. Everything is assembled and the exciting part comes next, planting the herbs!

Being outdoor enthusiasts during a pandemic has its challenges, but we've discovered a few places to go explore and fish, with not a soul around. Just how we like it! Nature therapy is good for the mind and body and we hope you are are getting out safely to enjoy it too.

GIVEAWAY ON NOW

• Mother's Day Giveaway on Instagram - now live!
  We are giving away a $75 Gift Card to one lucky Momma. Nominate a special Mom on this post in our Instagram feed: