There’s been a lot of soul-searching (and late-night tossing and turning) in these first days of 2010. I don’t always feel so reflective as a new year begins, but this year my mind has been swirling! My life has become extremely full lately, with running a business, blogging, homeschooling, and all the other great parts of my everyday life.
After much thought and discussion, I have decided to close the Let’s Explore Shop. This was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly. But, I know it is the right one for me and my family right now. Running an online retail store was a big adventure for me – I learned SO much, met so many fantastic parents and teachers, and shared my passion for open-ended, creative play. It was an amazing opportunity and a huge undertaking, and I know it has helped me prepare for whatever adventures are coming my way down the road.
A big, big, gigantic thank you to all my customers and supporters – I read and re-read every lovely comment and e-mail and they mean the world to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I am looking forward to returning some balance to my life, with more time for reading, crafting, and of course, playing with my girls! (Maybe some writing, too….)
The good news is:
1. I will still be here blogging away – hopefully even more often than before. (I’ll get to spend some time over at my homeschooling blog too – yay!)
2. We get to have one more big sale as a final hurrah!
Starting today, everything at the Let’s Explore Shop is 40% off. Some items are in very limited quantities, so keep that in mind. If you would be interested in spreading the word about the closing sale, that would be much appreciated. Feel free to grab the graphic at the bottom of this post. 
So, here’s to changes and new adventures! Happy playing!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I will really miss your online shop! I love your site but even more than that, is the fact that your family comes first. Good Luck!
We love you! This just means we have more time to get together now!
Good for you to put your family first. Too often people are stretched out & stressed out b/c of too many things on their plate. I look forward to learning more from you on the homeschool blog. My little boy always asks- Did that lady post a new activity yet? So cute! You are great. Good Luck with everything.
Change is definitely good….you are amazing for embracing it!
So glad you will still be blogging….whew!
I’m glad as well that you’ll be continuing to blog here. I look forward to seeing your projects and being inspired to try them with my kids. That’s a really cool picture of a really cool “tossing and turning” and growing and ever-changing tree, by the way!
I agree…change is good. And, I’m happy to see someone putting her family first, too! Although I’ll miss browsing your store–and all of your neat products…I’m glad you are making a decision that will make you happy! Have fun with your girls!!
Good luck! I’m glad you’ll still be blogging. I certainly enjoy your shop but I can understand the need to take a break.
As they say: one door closes and another opens. It’s never easy to make those sorts of decisions, but new advwentures will await.
It’s great that you are going to continue to blog. I really enjoy stopping by here for a visit.
I am super excited that you will still be blogging. I am an avid reader of both your blogs, glad to see it will continue. My kids and I will miss your shop, but understand family should always come first!
recommendations for other places to go and purchase the stuff you used to sell?
I’m sorry to hear that, but selfishly as a homeschool mom I think “Yey!!” I look forward to more posts on your other blog. I really appreciate the creative ideas.
Thanks for all your lovely comments – they mean SO much! I will be working on a resource page for those of you looking for the products I used to carry… stay tuned!