Hey y’all! I’m Nicole (nicknamed Nicole Canolie since childhood)!
I started Canolie Creations in 2014, when my husband went on his first deployment and I’m happy to say, after my forever-long hiatus (due to living overseas & then having a baby), I am back and couldn’t be happier!
The Air Force has given us the wonderful gift of being able to live in 3 different places over the last 7 years. From Wyoming, to Germany, and now San Antonio, Texas (what’s up local peeps! , we’ve had the overwhelming privilege of planting roots in each city we’ve lived in, but then eventually having to say “see ya later”, to way too many dear friends (who are more like family) , and family members, with each PCS.
I know what it’s like to be separated from your spouse/loved one for what feels like way too long, and I know how hard it is to leave friends behind every time you move. I also know how hard it can be to nail down a job with each PCS. It’s tough out here in these streets!
As if my 2 jobs and 5 volunteer positions weren’t proof enough, I’m just a regular ‘ol military spouse with a ridiculous amount of drive and love in my heart for all things military families.
With Canolie Creations, I get to showcase my creativity and my support for our service members. For those of you who have been following me since the beginning, I have nothing but gratitude for you! From one military spouse to another, I can’t thank you all enough for your unwavering love & support
P.S. You should totally join me in our private Facebook group, “Let’s Talk Military Life”, where we talk everything military life related! Link below!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkmilitarylife/
My husband has deployed or otherwise been away from me/us more times than I’d like to count, so:
- I know what it’s like to walk alone, even when you’re very much so taken.
- I know what’s it’s like to cry with your toddler when he just wants Daddy, but Daddy isn’t around at the moment.
- I know what it’s like to PCS to a different part of the world. ️
- I know what it’s like to leave a duty station that you’re absolutely in love with – and be completely heartbroken over it.
- I know what it’s like to have to leave your tribe that truly feel like an extension of your own heart, just to have to do it all over again – and hopefully meet some people who can somewhat live up to them.
- I know what it’s like to feel completely isolated. Everywhere you go.
If you’re a fellow MilSpouse, fiancé, girl/boyfriend – I. Feel. Your. Pain. I’ve been there, done that a few times, and even became a Key Spouse in my Alex’s squadron because of it. I was appalled at how isolating our most recent PCS felt, so I was determined to change how future incoming spouses were welcomed. Canolie Creations started as a way to keep myself busy during Alex’s first deployment, but it quickly went viral and orders were coming in like HOT CAKES! I’ve been making pretty things since 2014, and then went on a super long hiatus (which I am still kicking myself for, don’t worry), because we lived overseas and I couldn’t efficiently run the business there, AND THEN we had a baby (sidekick shown above).
So, suffice to say that #MilitaryLife and #BabyLife got in the way. But momma’s back in action, y’all!We are living in San Antonio, TX now – anyone else here? Please let me know if so! We bought a house and have finally settled down – AKA I’m back at it!
I am happiest when I’m at my sewing machine. I’m currently in the season of life where there aren’t enough hours in the day and my espresso machine can’t keep up with the amount of shots I feel like I need daily, but I wouldn’t trade #ToddlerLife for anything in the world, because my boy is a lover, y’all. I couldn’t get through the day with my head still screwed on straight if he didn’t remind me all day long, that no matter how much it seems he’s lost his damn mind, he loves his momma something fierce. This is me. This is us. But now I want to know about you. What season of life are you in?
xoxo – Nicole
Rapid Response Questions:
-A military spouse is adaptable, resourceful, adventurous, open-hearted — ready to open yourself up to new people from all walks of life.
-Military life is complicated, ever-changing, frustrating, and beautiful. There’s no other world I’d rather be a part of — for all the experiences and people it’s put into my life.
-Trello is the most amazing tool that I just can’t live without. When you wear as many hats as I do, and you live by lists, this is a list you can categorize and organize as much or as little as you want, and since it also has an app, I can have all my to-do’s with me at all times.
-The biggest need for a military spouse is belonging. We all, as humans, need to feel like we belong, and that we are understood. We are constantly uprooted from the lives we’ve created, so it can definitely disturb our inner peace. Finding your tribe in your new city is someone every military spouse needs to prioritize!
-I wish I would have taken my own advice and embraced our most recent PCS, and gotten involved sooner than I did. Seven months without any solid connection was way too long!
-My favorite quotes are basically everything that comes out of Rachel & Dave Hollis’ mouths. All of their books are LIFE.
LINKS:
www.facebook.com/canoliecreations
