things i love // settling into fall

Now that we’re a few weeks into the new school year, a nice [busy] routine is starting to set in. It feels comfortable and welcome after the fun seesaw of summer days and the hubbub of starting a new year. The weather in Colorado is still hot and dry, but shouldn’t be for long and the first signs of fall are cropping up. It’s my favorite season by far for the crisp air, the changing colors, the launch of football season and the shift into heartier, slower cooking. This edition is all about helping you ease into your new routine and enjoy each moment of this glorious shoulder season. xo

Part of settling into any routine with littles means regular bath time, which can be a bit of a struggle if your babes don’t totally love the water. Well, fret no more. Bubbles & Joy is THE cutest little box of happiness that delivers a surprise package full of splishy bath time fun to keep your tinies excited about swimming around. There will be no more begging and pleading for them to hit the showers. And in addition to being SUPER fun and exciting, they’ve partnered with top notch brands to deliver the best non-toxic and natural goodies so you don’t have to worry about what else is swimming around in the tub with your little fishies. Everything they send is non-toxic, cruelty-free and has no gross chemicals. Plus all the toys are hermetically sealed so you don’t get that super grody layer of mold that grows inside most squirty kinds of bath toys. Choose from one of their adorably themed Single Boxes or a Subscription to keep the fun surprises coming. They even have a special edition Birthday Box that’s so stinking cute. Bubbles & Joy would be a super adorable gift for any little fishy [enthusiastic OR reluctant] that you love. Now go wash behind your ears.
// BUBBLES & JOY BATH BOX from $39 // Use code ALLAFLUTTER 10 for 10% off your whole order (that means if you prepay a subscription you’ll get 10% off the whole thing!)

Settling into a routine for me includes settling into meal planning. Summertime gets a bit loosy goosy in this department with the fun flow of spontaneous BBQs, travel, dinners out and a more general ‘flying by the seat of our pants’ attitude that’s super fun for a while. But now that we’re in a rhythm, it’s time to buckle down and plan out some dinners. Like. Every. Single. Night. Which can get tiresome and boring really fast, right? Well I found a solution for at least some of those nights and it is anything but boring. Omsom has paired with well-known chefs to create a variety of Asian meal starters that are super flavorful and equally easy to use. They tell you the exact ingredients you need [basically just protein + veggies] and how to easily prepare the dish and then supply ALL of the flavor you need to make a fantastic, SO not boring meal. I mean it couldn’t be easier and more delicious. We had the Larb the other night and I have Yuzu Misoyaki salmon on the menu for this week. I am so thrilled to have something new and easy to throw into the rotation. And Omsom has beautiful packaging and great sample sets that would be an awesome gift for any foodie or busy home chef you love.
// OMSOM STARTERS from $12 //

My middle schooler asked me for more body wash so I grabbed him the whole set of Boulder-based Alpine Provisions Castile Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner. Yes, I LOVE the absolutely gorgeous aluminum packaging, but I also love what’s inside (and what isn’t). Their products are not only plastic-free, they’re also organic, cruelty-free, vegan and sustainably produced and distributed. So there’s no weird stuff getting slathered on my precious little dudes. And the smell. AHHH. That’s the clincher. It’s bright and fresh and a touch masculine in the best earthy and natural way, not a ‘cloud of Axe Body Spray’ way. It truly is like a breath of fresh forest air. My husband was so jealous of the boys’ new kit I had to go get him a set, too. We have just about all of the scents in some combination and they’re all lovely. The Rosemary + Mint has a little fresh tingle to it, which my husband likes (is that TMI? Sorry, babe). They also make Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer and Lip Balm that we haven’t tried yet, but are also plastic-free and I’m sure equally lovely. And because it IS so beautifully packaged and gentle, it would make a really gorgeous gift for just about anyone, even the most sensitive littles.
// ALPINE PROVISIONS BODY + HAIR CARE $19 //

Fall in our house means football. My boys both play Flag and all of my guys love to watch the real deal any chance they get. And football watching ALWAYS means popcorn eating. It is by far the snack of choice with a little nutritional yeast sprinkled on top. MMMMM. And as passionate as my guys are about football, they feel even more strongly about their popcorn and nobody is willing to share their bowl. Which is where W&P's new Personal Poppers will come in super handy. You can microwave straight kernels in individual 4-cup servings in a cute little silicone bowl. It’s plastic-free and waste-free and that weird toxic microwave popcorn dust-free. Then the whole thing can be ‘popped’ into the dishwasher, collapsed for easy storage and used over and over again. If your crew IS willing to share, W&P also has a larger original size Popper with the same awesome benefits and 9 delicious cups of popped corn. Sko Buffs!
// W&P PERSONAL POPPER $17 //

And when we’re not watching a bunch of huge dudes crash into each other on purpose, we have found the best new family show. Bake Squad. It’s awesome. Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar and author of the Milk Bar: Kids Only cookbook [heart emoji] , has a new Netflix hit where 4 insanely talented bakers ‘compete’ to have their dessert served at a different special event for each episode. For anything from a kids’ birthday party to a wedding to a ‘you kicked cancer’s butt’ party, the Bake Squad turns out the most creative and mind blowing desserts and then the party’s host has to choose one to serve at the big event. It’s super fun to watch these incredible artists at work and as an added bonus, the whole Squad is super kind and encouraging and supportive of one another, which is really refreshing. It’s just fun and positive and appropriate for any age. My guys are completely hooked and so impressed with the Squad’s talent, especially after having watched many episodes of Nailed It! It’s equally entertaining but with a VERY different vibe and results. And if you love a baker who’s totally inspired by the Squad, Milk Bar: Kids Only would be an awesome gift.
// BAKE SQUAD ON NETFLIX //

Hey! Just a heads up that this post includes affiliate links that could earn me a small commission, but rest assured that I stand by all product recommendations 100%. Questions? Reach out, I’m always here for you. xo

things i love // off to college

WHEN MY oldest was about 7, my husband told him casually that it was move-in day at the University. He reminisced about the day his own parents left him at his freshman dorm and said goodbye, leaving him to experience college on his own. When I went to tuck my little in that night he crumbled and SOBBED and told me in no uncertain terms that he DID NOT want to go to college. It sparked some serious anxiety in him about a ritual that wouldn’t come for another decade. I’m only sending him off to Middle School now, but the thought of dropping him at his freshman dorm already makes ME want to sob. Sending our children off to learn independence and test out their fortitude Is such a special rite of passage. And with a little forethought you can send them armed with a few things that might make the transition a bit easier or at least prettier and more fun, which totally counts for something, right? Good luck fierce freshman [and their sobbing parents], you got this. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

There’s nothing more important than the safety of your undergrad. With all of the terrifying statistics out there, you’ll both rest easier knowing that your ‘baby’ is armed with Birdie, a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It was designed by two moms of new college students to scare off attackers and attract attention, but Birdie is also excellent for anyone you love who might be out and about anywhere a little added safety measure would be prudent. And Birdie is designed to be super cute, compact and lightweight so it can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag while they’re out on campus, on trails, in the city or wherever they roam. There are 12 fresh, fun colors to choose from and for every purchase Birdie donates 5% of proceeds to a variety of organizations that support women’s safety, shelter or health.
// BIRDIE PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM $29.95 // Use code AFLUTTER10 at checkout to save 10%

Last I checked freshman dorm rooms were pretty, um, ‘compact.’ You can save some coveted space by sending your frosh with a few super cool + slender Nomadix quick-dry towels instead of thick, plush, space-eating ones. They come in a bunch of really cool prints, including National Parks and Island-inspired. They even have hand towels, too. Plus, because they’re quick-dry, they won’t develop the nasty stank of a terry towel that got thrown in a corner and forgotten about for days [I’m sure your kid would never do that though, right?]. I have an Agua Blue one and I love it. I’ve brought it on a river trip, to the pool and to a music festival and have been thrilled every time with its performance. It dries really quickly and is super soft despite [or because?!] being made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. They’re also part of 1% for the Planet, so that’s a win-win for me [and the planet, of course].
// NOMADIX TOWELS from $19.95 //

You can’t play nurse to your sick or bleeding teen from hundreds of miles away, but you might *feel better* knowing that your fledgling adult has all of the tools they need to take care of themselves when they’re a little under the weather or crash their bike into a stump [or are just a bit *off* for other reasons]. Arm them with a first aid kit that houses the basics so they can focus on what really matters instead of trying to track down a few ibuprofen or a bandaid. Letterfolk has a super cute compact tin that’s roomy enough for the essentials, but wee enough to be easily stashed. And by filling it up yourself, you get to decide which items make most sense so you’re not stuck with sterilized gauze when you really need Pepto. Now don’t you feel better already?
// LETTERFOLK FIRST AID TIN $27 //

Keep those brilliant expanding brains well nourished with a monthly delivery of healthy snacks. There are a bunch of options for snack subscriptions, but TasteCrate will send your student a fairly giant selection of unique snacks that you may not have seen before, which is pretty fun. You can set it up to ship once or monthly all year long. If your frosh has dietary restrictions, SnackSack offers boxes that are GF, Vegan or both. And if you just want to blow their mind with a little something super special, Candy Club will deliver a bright, fun, sweet sugar party in a box once or monthly. Now, you already know that I’m a big fan of subscription gifts. They’re so easy to set up and then they just keep *delivering* the goods, so your people continue to feel super special over and over again with almost no effort on your part. Whichever box option you choose, your young adult will feel like a little kid again when their special care package arrives.
// TASTECRATE SNACK SUBSCRIPTION $39.99 //

There’s just not space in a dorm room or studio apartment for a hefty collection of picture frames to lovingly display the beautiful faces of everyone you love. So, help your undergrad feel connected to friends and family with a Nixplay Smart Digital Picture Frame. It’s compact enough to fit almost anywhere, including on the wall, and can be easily updated with new photos or short videos instantly from anywhere in the world there’s an internet connection. Anyone you invite can share to it, so if your student’s BFF lives in upstate New York, brother lives in San Diego and grandma lives in Paris, they can all upload photos to the frame anytime via email or through the Nixplay app. It’s seriously magical. My sister and I gave one to my parents a few years ago and they are SO delighted when a new photo of their grand babies magically pops up on the frame. It couldn’t be easier to use and is such an awesome way for everyone to stay connected and let your hard-working student know that they’re top of mind. And it’s especially fun on a birthday or holiday to upload a special surprise tribute. The frame comes in a range of finishes, but the basic 10” frame is available in black, white or a wood finish to match just about any decor. It would be a fantastic gift for parents and grandparents, too, so everyone can feel the love.
// NIXPLAY SMART DIGITAL PICTURE FRAME $179 //

MORE IN… kids + teens

things i love // back to school

Summer is flying by so quickly I feel like I hardly even had a chance to buckle up for the ride. Our district’s early out (pre-Memorial Day) + early back (pre-Labor Day) school schedule means that in just a few short weeks, my babies will become 4th and 6th graders (eek, middle school) and another harried year will begin. I’m so thrilled + grateful to be back to fun activities and time with friends and SCHOOL in a real building, so I’ll *try* not to complain about the nutty scheduling of it all and just enjoy the ‘normal.’ You lovelies will keep me in check, right? In preparation for a new year, my big kid just picked out a rad new lunchbox and some Stasher Bags. I have rounded up some other awesome Back to School stuff this week to get you thinking about what’s to come, whether you have a kiddo headed off to their first day of preschool or a too-cool middle school veteran. And wherever your kiddos land, enjoy your last weeks and days of summer. It just goes SO dang fast. xo

Oh my goodness, if you have teeny tinies heading off to school or even just to the park across the street, these We Might Be Tiny Snackies are just the cutest. All of this Australian company’s products, from Plates to Placemats to Cups, have my design-loving heart. And, in addition to being the MOST adorable tableware I’ve maybe ever seen, all of their products are designed to encourage independent eating and are made from super durable food-grade silicone that’s free from gross chemicals, so you can feel doubly good about serving up your sweet littles’ delicious snacks in the world’s cutest container. So, would it be cool to send my middle schooler to class with one? I mean, he’d be ok with that, right?! Or… maybe it’ll just be my go-to toddler gift.
// WE MIGHT BE TINY SNACKIES $29.95 //

You guys already know that my big kid loves a good fidget. He just needs a little something to keep his hands busy, especially when it’s time to sit and focus. I’m new to this whole middle school mom thing, but I’m just *guessing* that a wildly distracting [annoying] fidget toy that pops or whirls or splats might not cut it in class anymore. So, I ordered him Calm Strips. They’re a ‘sensory adhesive’ designed to ground fidgeters while they drag their fingers on the sandy or pebbly surface or peel up the corner over and over. They’re subtle and satisfying and they can be easily removed from any surface and stuck again somewhere else. They’re now also selling Carry Tags that you can stick your Calm Strip to so you can bring it anywhere or attach it to a backpack. They come in a bunch of cool designs, some of which earn a portion of proceeds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Human Rights Campaign and several other super worthy causes. Don’t you love it when something you want anyway has the added bonus of contributing to an organization you’re super happy to support?! Middle School here we come.
// CALM STRIPS $12.99 //

If you have a kiddo that doesn't want to totally blend in at school, consider letting them customize their gear with a set of Posca paint markers. We have several sets (regular, glitter, 'flesh tones' and fluorescent; the metallic are on our list) and my guys LOVE them. My older son used them to customize the Swooshes of his plain white Air Force 1s with a cool design and both boys went totally Shrinky Dink crazy for a good while (we have a whole medieval army and the entire population of Springfield cast in tiny plastic 😂). Because they write on almost any surface, you can use Poscas on notebooks or binders, phone cases, water bottles, skateboards, cleats or sneakers, helmets, bikes…you get the idea. And if you’re not into marking up their stuff, you can also use them for Kindness Rocks or other fun art projects. They also have a super inspiring Instagram feed that might just spark your kiddo’s creativity. I even used them to draw on the ends of my weights for Boot Camp so they don’t get mixed up with the others. Nerdy? Totally. But at least I won’t blend in.
// POSCA PAINT MARKERS from $15 //

School is hard enough to navigate for t[w]eens without having to worry about things like getting their first period. If it’s a subject on the mind of your growing gal [or you!], Lola’s brilliant First Period Kit will give you both a sense of confidence and calm that might take at least one thing off your list. Lola is a female-run brand dedicated entirely to women’s reproductive and sexual health and wellness. Their products are all non-toxic and dye-free and are a score for mamas, too. The First Period Kit comes with a complete sampling of all of the tools your t[w]een will need (organic tampons and 3 kinds of pads) to examine ahead of time and experiment with when the time comes, including a little carry pouch you can stash in her backpack or locker. The Kit also includes period-tracking stickers and access to a super helpful pediatrician-authored e-book with honest and straightforward advice and answers to their period questions [including the ones they didn’t even know to ask]. It could be invaluable at demystifying this rite of passage and is a fantastic way to start a conversation that might otherwise be awkward. So let them worry about their math homework or when practice starts and scratch this off the list.
// LOLA FIRST PERIOD KIT + GUIDE $34 //

So… you getting tired of packing the same lunch every. single. morning? I mean, I LOVE a good routine, but if your kids are getting bored of the same old, Catherine at Weelicious has all of the inspiration you need to earn yourself a gold star for school lunch making this year. A trained chef and mama of 3, she started posting healthy, kid-friendly recipes when her oldest was little and has grown her blog to include amazing food for the whole family (she also makes my guy’s hands-down favorite special treat). Her school lunch photos + ideas are super inspiring and are a fantastic reminder of the huge variety of things we *could* be packing for our kids. You can even search her site by dietary need, which is SO helpful if you have restrictions in your household. Check out her Insta for the adorable videos she makes with her daughter and some excellent cooking tips. And, now I’m hungry.
// WEELICIOUS //

Hey! Just a heads up that this post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that I stand by all product recommendations 100%. Questions? Reach out, I’m always here for you. xo

things i love // fathers day

IT’S JUST about time to celebrate those quirky + lovable husbands, dads, grandfathers and other super important dudes in your life. I’ve already shared a bunch of awesome ideas with you; everything from adventure-ready coffee grinders to blankets to coolers to olive oil. But if none of that resonates for you, I have just a few more. There are as many rad dad gifts as there are obscure dad hobbies, but hopefully I’ve hit on something that’ll get your guy going. And if not, reach out for some more personalized ideas, I’m totally here for you. Or there’s always breakfast in bed. xo

MY HUSBAND has been very intentionally honing his margarita skills for SEVERAL summers now. He’s caused many a puckered cheek with his creative experiments, but I think he’s finally nailed the formula. Because his “bar” is usually in the middle of the woods or next to a raging river, his top tool of choice has always been a trusty Stanley Happy Hour Adventure Set that was gifted to him years ago (thanks, JCJ!). It’s totally bomber and seriously might be THE most-used and reliable piece of gear we’ve ever owned [which says a lot]. He totes along the ‘ingredients’ in old stainless Kleen Kanteens because we can’t bring glass, and they’re super banged up from having the masking tape labels stuck on and torn off over and over again for years. It’s “a system” as The Home Edit gals would say, and it’s truly great for drinks in the great outdoors. But, if you prefer to make and sip your drink in a more, um, refined locale, then Crew Supply Co is THE answer to your handsome and super useful mixology needs.

DESIGNED BY legit veteran industry experts, Crew Supply’s Crew Bottles and Pour Spouts are not only flawlessly designed, they’re also super useful for SO many things. The Crew Bottles come in a Classic or Crafty [which includes measurement lines for super easy mixing] depending on your needs. The Bottles are designed to be ultra hygienic, leak-proof, extra durable AND fabulous looking. And you can use them for so many things from simply storing liquid ingredients to making your own infusions to serving fresh juices. The Chubby Bottle is their stout little brother and is perfect for oils and dressings. All bottles come with a beech wood stopper, but you can also add a Pour Boy Pour Spout for easy use. And if all of that isn’t enough to sell you, check out the range of awesome colors and it just might push you over the edge. This is def not your river rat setup.
// CREW SUPPLY CO BOTTLES from $17.99 //

A FEW days before our first son was born, my dad gave my husband an antique Navajo cuff from his prized collection. It was the most heartfelt and precious gift. My man had never fancied himself the jewelry type, but he instantly took to the bracelet and it is by far one of his most precious treasures. It sort of opened a door for him to a new manner of subtle expression and he now has a little collection of different bracelets + cuffs that he rotates around. Bracelets + cuffs can be a simple, understated way to dip your toes into adornment or can add a sweet new layer to your man’s stack if he’s already totally on board. And if you want one that’s done right, look no further than local favorite, CLP [Christy Lea Payne].

CLP IS known for honing an elegant + refined, but slightly rustic + badass style that’s always on point. I love so many of her women’s pieces and have gifted them to LOTS of lady loves in my life. But it’s rare to find men’s pieces that I like just as much and she nails it. I love the understated, masculine detail on the Men’s Hammered Cuff. And the simple Black Coated Silver Cuff can be personalized with initials [yours, his, kiddos or grandkiddos…] or a short, sweet sentiment for an extra added layer of love. If the man in your life has a touch of rock + roll in him, the Silver Thunderbird Necklace is just rad (I have her Tiny Thunderbird Studs on a very short list for myself). So even if you never thought the dad you love was the jewelry type, he just might surprise you [and himself].
// CLP MENS CUFFS from $148 //

LOVE A dad who LOVES grilling + cooking + technology? Then meet Meater, your perfect gifting solution. Meater is a wireless, bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer that will seamlessly guide you to the perfect internal temp. The Meater app will help you determine the right internal temp goal for your cut, then track your cooking progress while you just sit back and chill with your rad self until the app tells you that it’s time to take your meat off the heat. It’ll even track the ‘resting’ phase and alert you when it’s actually ready to eat. No need to hack through the ‘thick part’ to see what’s inside, it’ll just come out perfectly every time. You can even cook multiple items at once (with multiple Meaters, of course). The thermometer is fully dishwasher safe and charges in it’s own pretty wood holder. Fully charged it’ll last up to 24 hours, so your favorite pit master can set it and forget it no matter how long it takes to smoke that butt.

THERE ARE a few different models that basically just determine how far you can walk away from your meat. The Meater Original has a 33 foot range, the Meater Plus goes to 165 feet and the super mac daddy Meater Block comes with 4 probes and can work over your wifi so you can seriously go about your day. And be sure to check out Meater’s insta for some insane juicy inspiration (unless your vegan and then seriously avoid it like the plague). Any meat + gadget lover you love will be in grill nerd heaven with this one.
// MEATER WIRELESS THERMOMETER from $69 //

I DON’T know about the dads you love, but mine are pretty much all still working from home. And I’ll bet they’re getting a wee bit tired of their own four walls. So spice up their space with a high-quality, beautifully designed infographic poster about an obscure passion to distract and amuse them. Popchart makes really cool posters outlining just about EVERYTHING you can imagine [and some you couldn’t] for just about ANY dad on your list. If your man is into something that Popchart doesn’t cover, PLEASE tell me what it is just for the sake of my own fascinated curiosity. Some even have a scratch-off feature so you can track how many MLB Ballparks you visit or classic Horror Movies you watch. Standard charts come in a crazy variety of themes from Beer + Whiskey to Golf Holes to Superpowers to Birds to Seinfeld to Rap Names and can be ordered framed or unframed. The design is flawless and they are sure to start a conversation or two. If you’re a bit behind schedule you can find some of their most popular prints like Football or MLB Stadiums, European Football Clubs, Sneakers, Guitars or The Beatles on Amazon for speedy delivery. Celebrate the nerd you love by inspiring even more of that lovable geekiness.
// POPCHART from $22 //

YOU GUYS already know that I whole-heartedly subscribe to the “one for you, one for me” gifting method. Well, that [selfish-ish] joy could double when you gift a lovely adventure for two to a fabulous destination. Sneaky, but totally legit. And if your man is into adventure, epic mountain biking + hiking [or nordic skiing + snowmobiling] and then chilling in a seriously gorgeous off-grid cabin, I’ve got you covered.

Le Maelström, just outside of Quebec City, is a unique and totally stunning recreational wonderland. It’s a “bike-in, bike-out” destination that boasts 37 miles of incredible biking + snowmobile trails with stunning, eco-friendly cabins strewn throughout. Each gorgeous little chalet is privately owned and completely different from it’s neighbor, from the Hyyge (pictured above) to the Lagöm to the Rokh and they are all either off-grid or alternatively powered. It’s glamping at its finest. There are also other fantastic attractions nearby, including golfing, alpine skiing, yoga, spas and restaurants for when the epic riding is done. And part of the Oath for Le Maelström visitors includes a promise to “not leave your fire of joy unattended,” which just about sums it up. So whether your part of the ‘trip for two’ includes joining your man on this adventure or shoving him off with a riding buddy while you chill solo, you are both sure to enjoy.
// LE MAELSTRÖM CABIN RENTAL from $99 //

things i love // local love

We are so super blessed in Boulder to have an incredibly vibrant creative and entrepreneurial community that’s constantly growing. It’s so fun to watch what pops up from people’s amazing imaginations. And purchasing gifts from a passionate local who has perfected their craft is the best. This edition features just a few of the artists, makers, shops + creatives that I love. And keep watch for more, because there are just too many amazing Boulderites [and Coloradans at large} to keep to myself. Shop small this weekend [+ every day] and carry on blissfully knowing that you’ve supported someone’s dream. xo

When it comes to Boulder favorite, by elke, I def know what’s up (I worked for this amazingly creative and lovely woman for 5+ years). Elke designs and hand-makes beautiful one-of-a-kind and small-batch heirloom-quality bags and accessories in her Boulder studio. She uses both gorgeous leather and really special vintage fabrics to create each coveted piece and the outcome is always stunning. Her distressed metallic bags have reached near-cult status, and for good reason: they’re GORGEOUS and hide all the dirt and love being both casual or fancy. She often adds hand-embroidery or special handmade beads or some other unexpected and beautiful detail, further ensuring that each piece is truly exceptional. And, as if she weren’t talented enough as a bag-maker, she also throws in some fabulous handmade jewelry and other treasures when she feels inspired.

I do have an impressive collection of her treasures after being in the studio for years, smelling that unmistakable fresh leather smell and watching the never-ending flow of creativity. It was pretty hard to ignore the final products as I photographed them and sent them out into the world. Because each one is unique and often one-of-a-kind, I can’t really *show* you my collection, but I can share with you a few of my most favorite styles. I have a Double Strap that is truly the best medium-sized bag you could ever hope for. It’s roomy enough for all of the stuff you “need” and a few things you don’t. My Distressed Metallic Spruce Tote is a hair bigger making it an excellent travel bag and I get compliments on it constantly. You know I love a hip pack and Elke’s Leather Zip-Top version is sophisticated and gorgeous, while still super durable. And finally, my vintage military crossbody, similar to this Patch Pocket Tote, makes me SO happy. The perfect weathered green is super neutral and goes with everything. It’s basically indestructible so I don’t have to worry about damaging it because it’s already stood the test of time. The fabulous veg-tanned leather and pure brass detailing elevate it way beyond simple utility. It’s just awesome.

I can tell you unequivocally as part of the team, a fan, a customer and a lover of beautiful things, that Elke’s coveted bags are one of the best gifts you could ever hope to give someone you love. Obvs if you’re in Boulder or coming our way, you should check her out IRL, but she also has an ever-changing website and Insta that will make choosing just one nearly impossible. If you need help deciding, I’m *totes* here for you.

Avery Lee makes stunning jewelry that’s both totally grounded and unexpected. She combines recycled metals with earthy semi-precious stones to create contemporary but timeless pieces. I first met Avery at a local Firefly Handmade Market and fell instantly in love with her work, initially SO drawn to her spectacular fringe. Oh the fringe. I just love it and hers is so gorgeous and somehow understated, creating *just* enough movement and boho free-spiritedness. Her Mini Calliopes are some of my favorites. I also love the Art Deco nod of the Thalias and Mini Moons, which I’ve gifted to a few of my own special people. Her Dual Toned Cuff lives in my everyday stack and her stone work is stunning. She chooses really gorgeous unique varieties and painstakingly transforms them into such beautiful pieces that they often sell out in minutes. And to top it all off, she has an admirable dedication to stewardship and sustainability that’s ingrained in everything she does. Just a little reminder that you don’t need an excuse to shower your special people with gorgeous special bling. “Just because you’re awesome” is excuse enough.

When I need a gift for any of the special women in my life, my first stop (and usually last) is almost always JONES + CO Modern Mercantile. This stunning little shop takes curation incredibly seriously so that each beautiful piece in their brick + mortar store is there for a reason and perfectly blends with whole serene scene. I would like to set myself up in their bright, calm space and maybe camp out for a few days to soak in the vibe, it’s just that lovely. They bring in carefully selected, beautifully crafted things that celebrate small-batch artists and artisans from various parts of the world. They recently settled in to a slightly bigger space down the street and brought in some unique apparel lines as well. Some of my most beloved treasures have come from JONES + CO, including the Canopy Mobile I introduced you to a few weeks ago. One of Rheal Gratton’s Concrete Hands holds my studs on our bathroom counter and makes me smile everyday. And they carry the Wonder Valley Hinoki Body Oil that I’m still coveting. They have such a beautiful selection of home and self-care goods that would make just about any gal on your list swoon. If you’re local or planning a visit to Boulder, def add JONES + CO to your must-do list and enjoy the few-minute respite. Of course, you can also shop their site online and find your own inner peace while you scroll.

I have had the joy of visiting Artist Liz Quan’s Boulder studio and seeing with my own awe-struck eyes all of the incredibly beautiful and inspiring pieces that she creates. Using mostly porcelain slip, she often works in painstakingly detailed multiples to shape jaw-dropping museum-quality pieces that are meant to be enjoyed and interacted with, though you’ll first just stare in wonder. Her White Coral Pendants are truly show-stopping. The Reflection Rings and Flora are designed to be touched and share a beautiful meditative quality. My very tactile son’s eyes were like saucers when he saw these pieces in her studio and he found out he could actually feel them. Both pieces are so magical. Liz also makes functional art pieces, including incredibly unique necklaces (I’ve gifted one to my mom) and some signature White Birch Vases that you need to see IRL to appreciate. The detailing is stunning. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to catch some of her gorgeous bowls and cups, many of which I’ve given family and friends over the years. She glazes them in the color of my heart and I treasure my own little collection. Liz often shows at galleries in the area and you can visit her Boulder studio to see and feel her beautiful work for yourself.

When my oldest son was still just months old, I was researching local non-profits for a side hustle copy writing job and stumbled across There With Care. As I held my precious healthy new baby and read about their mission and some of the sweet souls they have had the joy to work with, I was deeply moved and I have volunteered for them ever since. There With Care provides incredibly compassionate, loving and practical support for families with critically ill children. Yes, they deliver food and household supplies on a regular basis so that simple everyday needs are met without added stress. But what they really provide to families is SO much more. They support them in every aspect of their lives during crisis, from transportation to lawn care to legal services to mental health. They help bolster healthy siblings who may be feeling less seen or who just need to be entertained for long hours at the hospital. They care for the utterly exhausted parents who selflessly and tirelessly care for their unwell children [plus well siblings]. They not only listen to each family’s individual needs, but through their vast experience can anticipate what’s ahead and plan care before family’s even know they need it. There With Care is just an incredibly well-run and compassionate non-profit and I have been so honored to be part of it for the better part of a decade. If your heart is moved, there are lots of ways to support the amazing work they do. Now go hug your babies extra hard.