My Turkish Life: Limonata Recipe

Merhaba friend!

Lemons grow EVERYWHERE around us in Bodrum, Turkey. Lemon trees produce fruit and flowers literally all year long. Everywhere you look you can find some ready to be picked!

This was my second full summer living in Bodrum, Turkey and holy moly it gets soo hot here during the middle of the day. It is essential to have something super cold and fresh from the land to drink to keep cool. Limonata is my go-to. Here’s how I make it:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Lemons

• 1 Orange (Totally optional but delicious obvi)

• Fresh Mint Leaves

• 1 cup Sugar

• 1.5 liters Chilled Water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash fruit (Guven typically asks me if I missed this step lol).

2. Place the fruit in the freezer until frozen (About 4 hours).

3. Remove the fruit from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10ish minutes.

4. Cut the fruit into about 5 pieces each and place in blender (remove any visible seeds if possible).

5. Add 1 cup sugar to the blender and blend on high setting.

6. Add 1.5 liters of chilled water.

7. Leave to rest 30 minutes.

8. Strain fruit through a muslin textile or a fine filter.

9. Squeeze out the remnants and discard.

10. Pour into your cutest glass cups, add some mint leaves for texture and taste, and voila!

“Afiyet Olsun!” = Enjoy!

If you try this recipe, you MUST let me know how it turns out in the comments or IG DM :)

Sending you all the chill vibes,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

How to Make Your Space More Homey

If you’ve known me for any amount of time you know that I am no stranger to relocating and creating cozy homes for myself.  Following my mom’s job in sales, we moved from Southern California to Massachusetts, Arkansas, Ohio, and later back to Massachusetts.  I also transferred all 4 years during my time studying my undergraduate.  All this to say that I have experience creating cozy homes no matter the length of time spent there.

1. Textiles - seems obvious coming from us but honestly, a cozy blanket, a favorite Turkish towel to wrap up in after your morning shower. Nothing can make you feel more like home than the touch of the softest Turkish cotton. Our Lake House Collection is my current obsession.

2. Candles - a calming scent can create a familiar ambiance instantly (if you have the right candle). We love HyggeLight | The Growing Candle because not only are the scents amazing, you can plant the seed paper label once the candle is burned through to repurpose the ceramic container.

3. Framed Photos of people and places you love - This personal touch will make you feel surrounded by the people and places that create safety and love in your heart and soul. I love purchasing second-hand frames. Try searching through your local thrift shop to give an old frame new life!

Whether you are preparing to go away to school this fall, or maybe you took a new traveling nurse assignment: making your new temporary home homey is important for a smoother transition.

What would you add to this list?

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Photo: Steph Sheldon

Before you Buy your 1st Robe..

So.. you’re not a “robe person.”

Good news.  It’s never too late to become one.  I know we all have that friend or family member who says that the robe life chose them, and that could be true.  But it is also true that you could choose to live that robe life, too.

Seriously, it’s a choice.  You could start this week!

If you’re new to robe shopping, there’s a few things you might want to keep in mind.  

1. Weight

Just like when purchasing sunglasses, it’s important to think about the weight you would feel most comfortable wearing for long periods of time.

Are you looking for a heavy, bear hug robe? > (Shop our LUX Robe)

Are you looking for something so light it’s barely there? > (Shop our Toros Robe)

Are you looking for something in between? > (Shop our Work From Home Robe)

2. Contents

100% Cotton Robes are known for their absorption and softness.

Cotton / Linen Robes are known for their “lived in” look and structure.

Terry Cotton Robes are known for their warmth and weight.

Wool / Cotton Blend are known for their texture and warmth.

3. Cost / Quality

Purchasing a low quality robe will not elevate your life the same way purchasing a quality, handmade robe will.

Fast fashion brands that sell low cost robes are known to be using toxic dyes and over-treating the cotton using processes that are harmful to the land, air and water.  They are also responsible for the growing problem with increasing textiles waste.

4. READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

DO NOT put your new cotton robe in the dryer.  Simply wash cold, gentle cycle, and transfer it DIRECTLY to your bathroom to hang dry and be ready for you next time you need it!

DO NOT put your new wool / cotton robe in the washer.  Dry clean it once every few weeks along with your seasonal coats and blazers.

If any questions popped up while reading along, please side into my DMs on IG.  I love chatting all things robe life.

I never imagined I would become a cotton expert, but here I am.  Adding that title to my mental resume.

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Photo: Steph Sheldon

How to Use Your Turkish Towel | Mom Edition

If you’re here reading this blog, it probably isn’t your first time hearing about Turkish Towels. But you probably haven’t heard of these unconventional uses - I consider them my mom hacks!

1. Tissue

With 3 young children, at least one nose is leaking at all times it seems. This is my ultimate mom hack for runny noses.  The towel is soft on their sensitive skin, absorbs and dries so fast!  Game changer. Not to mention the sustainable nature of using cotton instead of one use paper tissues.

2. Wipe sweaty face

Summers are hot but winters have been hot for me too while pregnant and breastfeeding, I suffered what seemed like continuous hot flashes.  Wiping my face dry throughout the day was helpful.  It feels nice, like a quick self care moment during chaotic normal mom life.

Fun Fact: The flat weave of a Turkish towel (versus a looped weave terry) is gentle on sensitive skin.

3. Dry Park Equipment - Dry the Bottom of the Slide!

How many times have you been the first one at the park in the morning only to find the equipment is a little damp from a recent rain shower or morning dew?  Bummer.  It’s not a big big deal if the kids dry it with their own cotton bottoms but, it would be nice if you could prevent it. (Enter Turkish towel).  I even smile while I use it feeling more “together” than usual.

I do need to also add a plug for the original purposes of a Turkish towel too because there are still skeptics among us that don’t use Turkish towels as actual towels!  You won’t know how wonderful it feels to swap your terry towels to Turkish towels until you do it, so what are you waiting for? Literally.

Me and the girls are having a beach morning eating simit and watching the abiler swim.  Mia and Fulya will be joining us shortly.  We’re going to have ourselves a beach day.

Hope you’re doing something you love today too!

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Photos: Avi Loren Fox

Top 5 Favorite Gifts for 2022

So my sibling got married last weekend, and my best friend’s wedding is this weekend .. and regretfully, I will not be attending either.  I never imagined a world where I would miss those life events but here I am on the other side of the world with a young family and I didn’t make it happen.

My mindset has been on gifts especially with Mother’s Day recently passing and Father’s Day quickly arriving. I recognize the added time and thought that goes into purchasing from a small business like TOGETHER TEXTILES for gifts to others or yourself.  As someone who loves curating the perfect gift for the humans in my life, I decided to share my list of fav products that I have gifted or that have been gifted to me during 2022.

I just know that you know someone (probably yourself?) that deserves something special while supporting small.

Top 5 Favorite Gifts for 2022

Small Business Edition

1. Mary Allan Skincare - Infused Beauty Water

   Living in a hot climate, I wipe my face (with my Turkish towel) all day long.  So every time I walk into my bedroom, I mist my face and neck (sometimes 4 times a day!).  It is ultra-fine and dries before I leave the room, heightens my senses and sense of humanness, and hydrates my skin!

2. It’s never too late to fall in love with your life by Waylon H. Lewis

   I follow an indie media and mindful community on Instagram called @ElephantJournal.  This is where I first heard of this book release by the founder of Elephant Journal.  Also, it is marketed as carbon negative book - what? already so cool.

3. 1820 House Candle Company - Elemental Signature 22 oz

   Candles are important to any ritual.  Having the presence of fire and scent adds so much to our human sensory experience.  I always treat my quiet time as a ritual.  If you don’t, you can start now.

4. Cloudland: the secret land that only I can see by Regan Noelle Smith - Poetry Book

   I met Regan a few weeks before we moved to Turkey at a @makeitposhpicnic and felt an instant connection. I purchased her most recently released poetry book and brought it to Turkey to turn to during my new commitment to adding more “me” time into my life.  I love the place this book transports me to.

5. Together Textiles - Through the Clouds Turkish towel - fog

   Would the list be complete without one of our own?  We recently gifted this towel to our new friend (which we met at @TheCityFlea), Morgan, Founder of Skinny Dip Jewelry.  She wore hers as a shawl during her most recent trip to @WestCoastCraft.  The versatility and easy washing makes it the perfect travel companion!

Let me know if you like this list or if there’s anything I should add to my personal wishlist! Find me either in IG DM’s or leave a comment.

Hope you’re enjoying your day and living your life!

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey currently in TURKEY on Instagram @togethertextiles.

photos by: Jaime Jozic

Family Biz + Life Blog Updates

Wow—it has been a while since I’ve posted a blog.  It took longer than expected to settle in to this new life and organization.  If you’re new here, hello!  March 1st, of this year, we put all of our belongings in storage and moved to Turkey with our three young children.

While we intentionally set up our life to be a “full time family,” as we lovingly call it, we have realized that some scheduled time a part helps us grow individually and have time to process our days and lives.  When we are all together, I often feel like I’m in a pinball machine going from fulfilling child need to child need which feels exhausting.  Not to mention my 11 month old is still doing multiple nighttime wakings 😑.

With my new scheduled “me” time, I intend to continue writing.  It will be a mix of biz and personal because to us, they are one of the same.  We will always have one foot in Ohio and one in Turkey.  Ohio is where we met, started our family, and our biz.  We plan to come back often and continue to attend our favorite markets when possible.

Connecting with our Together Textiles community has always been one of my favorite things about our small biz.  In person is preferable, but virtual will continue to play an important role as we travel back and forth.

It is important to us to spend time with the animals, land, and people that contribute to the making of our textiles to ensure the highest quality possible and ethical practices for the people and planet involved.  I feel gratitude for our past which led us here: in Turkey, raising babies and a business, together.

Thanks for being here, for caring about us, and for supporting us.  We care about you and would love to hear from you!  DM me on IG or leave a comment to let me know you’re here.

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Photos by Steph Sheldon

WE MADE IT TO TURKEY 🇹🇷

Merhaba from Bodrum Turkey!

Although it may seem Güven and I have it together, we do not escape the common feelings of fear and anxiety.  Saturday we drove to Chicago (8 hours - we stopped in CLE to pick up a friend), Monday we flew (10 hours) to Istanbul, Tuesday we drove (8 hours) to Bodrum, and today we wondered how much more of this adventure we could physically and mentally take.

We take photographs of happy times to store for later but the hard times take up a lot of mental storage.  Traveling to the other side of the world with 3 kids under 5 years old during a pandemic isn’t easy.  But once we rounded the corner of the last mountain obstructing our view of the sea, I felt the calm (My 2022 Word!) I’ve been seeking.

Today we shared hellos, homemade food, kisses and rakı.

Tomorrow will be a bit of exploring and shopping.

I love this small life. We worked so hard for this moment.

I moved to Turkey on purpose this time.  I was afraid we wouldn’t make it here.  Now that we are here, I am focused on feeling deserving of it.

Oh, did I mention my close friend and biz BFF is here too? Founder of Cleveland Flea and @theslowstartup, Steph Sheldon (+Churro), decided to adventure with us and rented an Airbnb in our neighborhood!  She’s also a wonderful Teyze (aunt in Turkish) to our kids.  I can’t wait to see what fun things we dream up and execute together!

Hello March 2022, you are looking good from here.

Hope you are having similar vibes.

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

p.s. I left my phone on our shuttle bus. But I think that was the only physical hiccup we experienced while traveling so I’d say it was an overall success. And I’m getting my phone back this weekend 😁 📲 🎉.

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey currently in TURKEY on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Photos by Steph Sheldon

Winter, but make it cozy.

Hi.

Contrary to what you may think, I haven’t always been a robe person. But once you find the perfect robe, there is a distinct pre-robe home life and current cozy life. Don’t know what I am talking about, I have great news: It’s never too late to become a robe person.

Upgrade your home life to the cozy life.. #robelife for life hehe

25% OFF ALL ROBES until 02/14 - code MAKEITCOZY at checkout

www.togethertextiles.com

Is the sun shining where you are? What a beautiful day in Columbus, Ohio.

Cozily,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Me IRL

Are you as surprised as I am that this is my life?  Honestly, if you knew me 10 years ago, you would assume I am teaching Spanish in a school and probably a high school softball coach.

If we were close even 5 years ago, it would be hard to imagine a path outside of the corporate HR safe space I had created.  A photo in my archive from “3 years ago today” on IG showed my corporate OOTD accessorized with a Su Yolu Turkish towel being worn as a winter scarf.   We will be selling the very last Turkish towel from that collection probably before the new year with no plans to restock!

A milestone.  A hard-earned milestone.  We loved this collection. I wish I counted how many color options we’ve had through the years.. But it’s time to retire Su Yolu and focus energy on creating new.

I am a very different person than I was in that photo working for JPMorgan.  And my experience has lead me here.  I have studied about the tradition, culture, and craftsmanship of our small business for the past 5 years and I’m thrilled to shift my focus to explore where we are taking it next.

Hi!  I’m Allie and I’m happy you’re here.

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Life Update: ONE WAY flights to Istanbul

Hello. It’s been a while. As per usual, we underestimated our capacity at the end of the year. Some things fell a part, some things fell together but a looot was accomplished. Then we (all five of us) were sick with multiple viruses (including COVID) for the month of January. Happy New Year.

As I am writing this, we are 3 weeks until we board ONE WAY flights to Istanbul, then hop in an 8 hour shuttle to Bodrum where we plan to live for the next 6 months.

Why? We are on a medical journey seeking a brand new treatment option for our middle child, Derya and want to explore what is available in Europe and Asia.

What does this mean for TOGETHER TEXTILES?

Similarly to our unexpected 6 month stay in Turkey in 2020, we plan to design new collections, continue sampling new products, and evolve current collections while in Turkey. We are grateful for the opportunity to keep a limited selection of collections available for online purchase while we are abroad. Güven’s sister, Fulya and mom, Annecim, have offered to fulfill orders for us while we are away. We haven’t solidified which collections will be available, however, so if you have a preference, LMK. I will be opening a poll on IG this weekend. Be on the lookout :)

Güven relocated our market and show inventory into a more longterm warehouse last week and will relocate our online inventory and packing/shipping office this week.

Have any questions about our travel plans? Comment below or DM on IG @togethertextiles

Hope this message finds you healthy and cozy as always.

Best,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Life in the fast lane..

Currently raising 3 kids under 4 while growing a small business has been a whirlwind.

A year ago, Güven, Rey Rey (2 yr), Derya (1 year at the time), and I flew from Istanbul to Chicago during the pandemic.  It was the toughest travel experience we had done to date.  We survived, but not without some trauma we still have to work through. Whew!

After finally returning to the US, It was imperative that we worked super hard 4th Quarter to be able to continue being self-employed.  So, we moved in with my parents (in Wisconsin), launched new collections online and attended 3 out-of-state shows to close out the year.  And of course our TOGETHER TEXTILES family really showed up and supported us and helped us achieve some record breaking numbers!  Such a motivator going into the new year.

Unexpectedly, we began expecting another child and decided to move back to Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio to continue to run the business, reconnect with our small biz network, grow as a family, and continue to attend pop up shows on the weekends.

Where to find us next?  This Sunday, Güven, Atlas and I will be set up in German Village (Columbus) for @GermanVillageMakersMarket from 11-4pm.

Hope you’re enjoying this perfect fall Ohio weather as much as I am.  The leaves have just begun changing around us.  Are they already changing where you are too?

With love,

xx Allie

& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.

Let's start at the very beginning..

Güven and I dreamed of the day we could be together as a family full-time..

In Feb 2017, after losing both our jobs and our first born in a 3 month span, we started a passion project continuing Güven’s family business (in Turkey) and called it TOGETHER TEXTILES.

Hi. I’m Allie, I’m half of Together Textiles and the one behind our social media and now our blog. I was born in Southern California, raised in New England, and currently living in Columbus, Ohio. I lead our design, website, marketing and customer service.

Güven (the other half of Together Textiles) spent his first 30 years growing and learning in Turkey. Güven is lead in inventory management, market day logistics, planning and shipping.

So, how did we meet?

August 2013, Güven was visiting his sister in Cleveland from Istanbul, Turkey. While shopping at Crocker Park on Cleveland’s west-side, I unsuccessfully attempted to sell him jeans. However, a few weeks later, I SUCCESSFULLY convinced him to to skip his flight home so that we could continue being life partners.

One week before my 30th birthday, we took the leap to take our business full-time during the Winter 2018 season.

That’s when we began to really hustle! We spent the following year traveling coast to coast by cargo van with our 1 year old (Reyla) and one on the way, hopping from hotel room to airbnb. We exhibited at 44 markets and 2 trade (wholesale) shows AND Derya was born in September. It was as insane as it sounds.

When I met Güven, I couldn’t locate Turkey on a map but when the pandemic hit during our 6 week trip in Feb. 2020, we found ourselves LIVING there for 7 months! Although we weren’t able to travel as much as we originally planned due to the state of emergency orders, living the culture and expanding my language skills was a transformative experience.

This year we settled back into Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio, welcomed another new addition to our family (currently raising 3 kids under 4) and we are continuing to exhibit at shows a few times a month!

Next show near you?
October 9: City Flea (Cincinnati)
October 17: German Village Maker’s Market (Columbus)
Nov 12-14: Greater Holiday Market (Cincinnati)
Nov 27-28: Crafty Mart (Akron)
Dec 2-5: One of a Kind (Chicago)
Dec 11: City Flea (Cincinnati)

Riding the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, here we are 4 years later living the full-time family life we had always dreamed of.

We wouldn’t be here today, however, without the support of our families, fellow small business friends, and our customers (many turned into friends)! Seeing your posts on IG using our textiles in your everyday life fills us up.

I’ve always loved writing and I’m excited to finally be publishing my first Together Textiles blog post. Hope you enjoy following along :). I’ll make a commitment to myself and to whoever finds joy in following along to post every Friday morning. I plan to share a mix between personal and business life because for me, its one of the same! And I’d like you to know that I am happy you’re here and supporting us along the way.

xx Allie
& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas

About Together Textiles:

Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.