At Sip and Ship, our employees are our most valuable assets. They are our partners and we are an extension of each other. Working together to create a special place for our community to experience excellent customer service and care through our shared core values. Together as each other's biggest allies and cheerleaders, eager to provide support where it’s needed, and ready to celebrate each victory whether it’s big or small. Familiar with failure, and disappointment too —in the face of it right at our service counters and behind closed doors to support and get through together.

Which makes our annual CHWAG (pronounced sh-wag) awards event one of the important ways we honor our employees, reminding them how special they are and making sure they feel appreciated. CHWAG is an acronym used to describe Sip and Ship’s core values: courage, hard work, authenticity, and gratitude. Peer nominated, each year we spotlight our teammates who go the extra mile to serve and connect with others daily. Sometimes it’s as simple as making a customer laugh over a cup of coffee, connecting over life milestones, or showing up for a struggling coworker to assist them during a hectic day. 

This year we were grateful to gather with the Sip and Ship team for a night filled with good food, great camaraderie, and even better company! We announced our 2022 CHWAG achievers and celebrated every employee with dinner from Sunny Hill and goodie-bag gifts from one of our favorite local vendors.

We are delighted to share with you how our achievers help create the magic that happens at Sip and Ship.

Always up for a challenge, Yasmin puts herself and her heart on the frontline every day, making it her sole mission to leave our guests with a positive experience.

Joe is a jack of all trades, assuming any role with an open mind and an unreserved willingness to support in any capacity needed.

Competent and gracious, Maddie shows up as the best version of herself each day to serve others and make an impact.

Going the extra mile, Megan connects with others over conversation and coffee, leaving lasting impressions on our customers.
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Carrie exemplifies all Sip and Ship values through leading by example, thoughtfully nurturing relationships, and maintaining an outstanding repertoire with guests and staff alike. 
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It seems fitting to wrap up the month of love with this evening of appreciation. We hope this sentiment may inspire you to acknowledge the people in your life that leave a positive impact by making your days a little brighter! For us here at Sip and Ship, our team and our customers are of the highest value, so go forth knowing that you are treasured!

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou​

As most of you know, the Sip and Ship team loves being a bright spot in your day. It’s our thing! Handing you your mail and packages, making your favorite cafe beverage, sliding a warm salted chip cookie in a pastry bag –made for easy nibbling on your way to your next stop. We also get a kick out of helping you find that special little something to show your love. Sure, we can all say it, but there is something to be said about the action behind the words that can really make an impact. Honestly, it doesn’t have to be with a tangible gift. 

In my house emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, and making dinner are all gestures of love that don’t come wrapped up in a pretty bow; they are service actions that speak my love language. I also love the spoken word, especially on paper so that I can touch the paper and revisit the message —treasures from friends, former bosses, crew members, family members, customers, and neighbors that remind me that I have touched them in some small way. These are my keepsakes safely tucked in my night stand that I pull out every once in a while. I’ve got a few Valentine’s Day, birthday, and holiday cards in there too! Have you ever given thought to your love language? What captures your imagination, touches your heart, and lights up your soul?

Team Sip and Ship loves what we do and we act from the heart - this is what ignites our joy and makes us happy--serving customers like you every day, one human at a time, with great attention and intention. 

As a matter of fact, we believe there is enough love for everyone through a simple hello and smile, gathering with friends to share a walk, one of our local wines, chocolates and cocktail mixes, or jotting a note to someone you think of often but never seem to find the right time to check in with. We’ve got an array of Galentine and Valentine cards so you can pull back cupid’s bow and let it fly! 

And remember, we are teaming up with Greenhouse Nail Spa to sprinkle a little extra on top of your acts of love and kindness. With every $50 purchase at Sip and Ship (Ballard & Greenwood stores), your receipt goes into a draw to win a $100 gift card at Greenhouse Nail Spa. Two winners will be announced at 4pm on February 14th. 

A wonderful bonus to whatever brings you through our doors. 

With love,

Diana and Team

Sip and Ship believes that small acts of kindness are always appreciated. 

It’s the little things that can make us feel loved, like receiving a simple card in the mail or someone making an effort to express themselves through kindness, encouragement, and thoughtfulness.

Come into Sip and Ship today, order up a Bee Mine Matcha and feel enchanted while browsing our card collection. You’re always welcome to take a seat while you’re sipping and jot a sweet thought from your heart to send it through the mail!

We think every day should be a chance for you to feel special. Over the next couple of weeks, every time you visit Sip and Ship and spend $50, your receipt will be entered to win a $100 gift voucher from Greenwood Nail Spa. We are proud to partner with fellow friend, female business owner, and neighbor, Kelly, and her amazing team to sprinkle a little extra happiness into your day with the most natural, green and gentle hand and foot services. Two winners will be announced (one from each of our store locations) at 4pm on February 14th. 
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Just think, you don’t have to write poetry or be eloquent with words –any effort to be kind and thoughtful is good enough–and if you need a card for that, we’ve got one! (wink-wink)

Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community. We love you! We hope you have an amazing day, and can’t wait to see you soon!

The other day, I got to take my love affair with paper and cards to a whole new level. I was invited to be a judge for The Louie Awards presented every year by the American Greeting Card Association, which is basically the Oscars for greeting cards. Winners will be announced at Noted, the card expo in San Francisco on April 26, 2023 ---squeal, how exciting!

There were several categories with over 200 cards to visit with—evaluating design, impact, emotional connection, price and overall functionality. I was in heaven! Discovering what I’ve taken for granted all of these years. What artists go through to translate art into a card and/or boxed notes; finding the right manufacturer, publisher and distribution channels. Let alone landing placement, aiming for sales and then doing that all over again for the next card. 

I found myself pouring over and really admiring the attention to detail and sentiments with a deeper sense of appreciation. Each card, each piece of art, in my hand is an expression of love enveloped with so much thought and care intended to make it easy for us to express ourselves with others. I am in awe at the incredible talent out there –delightfully delivered to us as an image on paper. Like a window opening breathing fresh air into new spaces within our hearts and minds. Renewing my love for paper and deepening the power of connecting with others through a simple but well thought out card.

Special thanks to Biely & Shoaf Co, for the invitation to participate in this amazing experience. To all of the artists out there who put their heart and soul on the line for hopefully, constructive feedback (and sales) to further their passion aka: make a living. And great appreciation to the American Greeting Card Association for creating such a wonderful pathway for artists to create, curate and transform all of us in new and engaging ways. 

Please note: the cards featured here were not in the judging sessions. They are ones I am simply smitten with and available at Sip and Ship. Wink-wink!

Hope to see you soon - xoDiana and Team