The following is a guest post by the beautiful Sarah P. from Seattle, WA.

My husband jokes that I have a lady who survived the Great Depression living inside of me.

Yes, it’s true. I am a thrifty, recycle and reuse kind of girl with a penchant for innovation. So it’s sweetly fitting to write about Nicole Miller’s new venture The Field House. Inspired by the turn of the century general store, The Field House hopes to revive that early 1900 spirit of sustainability, creativity and local community. Here you can support local artisans while buying basics of soap, in-season vegetables, and nuts still housed in their shells. You can also purchase your not-so- basic afghans, woolen blankets that carry on Native American folk art traditions, and dishware with insect themes. Get your “glamor on” while perusing the many perfumes, candles, stylish jeans and flannels that are fashionable and still have the essence of the Victorian period. If you’re in need of a snack, The Field House can also help you out with a simple cup of soup or small sandwiches which are priced and portioned to treat both your stomach and wallet well.

Besides being a cozy, eclectic store, The Field House keeps getting better because it also provides space for workshops. The workshop themes range from weekly gatherings such as “Mending Mondays” to one time events like Learning How To Spit Shine Your Boots authentically taught by a Marine. The playful-yet- practical intention is brilliant. Everyone needs more playtime and how appealing to learn how to mend your torn pants, thus saving both money and resources while sharing conversation. At the opening party in their workshop space, which snuggles up next to the store, mischief was being encouraged. Two stations were set up, one invited you to carve your personal graffiti into a wood sign complete with the store name and the other had instructions on how to make your own shrunken head out of an apple. Both tables had abundant pocket knives and band-aids. I impishly left my mark by carving a peace symbol into the sign.

After enjoying both the workshop and the store, I left the party with some apple cider in belly, a smile on my face and carrying my little hobo gift sack that Nicole was thoughtfully giving to her patrons. Stepping out into the rainy night the Field House looked even more inviting with its windows glowing warmly. This type of store is a welcomed change from the usual material, consumer experience. I do hope the general store concept can be revived because it certainly will help make the world a happier, greener place.