by the power of grayskull! my 9-year-old's birthday presents

My ‘baby’ is turning 9 [gulp]. He wanted to have his tight crew over to play, so we had a rad little backyard birthday party. The sun was shining so bright and everything just felt so ‘normal’ and heavenly and right; just a handful of little dudes (and 2 wee girls) running around screaming with delight and bonking each other with pool noodle light sabers. The cutie birthday boy requested a Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie for his treat, and it was a huge hit, complete with Darth Vader perched on top.

My little guy has a GIGANTIC + spectacular imagination and still loves toys, especially action figures. And he’s a very dedicated Star Wars fan. He likes to set up epic battles where an Ewok is pit against a T-Rex and Darth Vader is taken down by an old-school army guy. He’s also very curious and artistic and loves books and cooking with mama.

So I’m sharing with you the gifts he was so generously given by dear friends and family, far and near in case it might lead you to your own perfect gifts. If you love a kiddo that digs fantasy + Star Wars + mythology, this one’s for you. And may the force be with you. Always. xo

>> NINTENDO SWITCH LITE
Grandma + Papa surprised my little with his own Nintendo Switch. It’s compact and great for travel. If you plan to drag it around I recommend including a protective case along with it.

>> MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE
This is a gorgeous + fascinating book that teaches you the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects in a totally accessible way. It’s a really beautiful and interesting book.

>> DARTH VADER FLEXIBLE TURNER
My little sous chef needed a good spatula for pancake-flipping. Who better than Lord Vader himself for the hot job.

>> STAR WARS MISSION FLEET
This cool series of Star Wars toys are about the size of a medium-sized built lego, but don’t break when you actually play with them. They have some nice details and little extra bits and they seem super durable.

>> LEGEND OF ZELDA BREATH OF THE WILD
The kid has been dying for this game for MONTHS. It’s a great one for kids interested in fantasy and epic quests.

>> OPINEL LE PETIT CHEF SET
Every legit chef needs a solid knife to work with and this one is super safe and sturdy. It comes with a finger guard and a peeler, too. He asked me 8 times today when we could start making dinner to test it out.

>> THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS
In addition to the awesome recipes in this book, I really love the instructional bits that teach kids that it’s ok to make mistakes and has really useful sections about how to measure things and find their way around the kitchen.

>> HE-MAN ACTION FIGURE
I could NOT walk away from the retro Masters of the Universe toys. They are so much fun and super posable. I mean, the muscles and hair are amazing.

>> CELESTRON TELESCOPE
His interest in the Star Wars universe has sparked curiosity about the real one. With this beginner telescope he can look at actual space instead of a galaxy far, far away. It’s easy to use and portable enough to take camping.

>> STORMTROOPER APRON
We love to cook together so I got my guy a Stormtrooper Apron from the impressive Star Wars collection at Williams Sonoma. It’s SO cute.

>> ALTER NATION ACTION FIGURES
These action figures based on the comic series are so cool. They have some unexpected + cool details that make them extra fun to play with.

>> KNIGHTOLOGY
My fantasy-loving kiddo loves these ‘ologies’ books. They’re super clever and fun and have wonderful details. We already had Dragonology and Wizardology and love them.

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 // mama loves you

I can’t really believe it’s mid April. I mean, the snow out my window surely doesn’t help set my seasonal context, but even so, this time of year just flies by. The settling in of true springtime means that my ‘baby’ is about to turn 9 [gasp, sob], that things will be bursting from the ground every day [hooray] AND that it’s almost Mother’s Day. I am SO lucky for so many reasons to have my own mom just across town and we’ve already made a brunch reservation for the big day. Like, at a restaurant. Okay, outside the restaurant, but still. The idea of sitting outside in the beautiful sunshine with my family while someone else brings me food is almost too much to think about. We haven’t been out for more than a year and I’m SO excited (thank you vaccines + science). I couldn’t dream of a better way to spend the day.

Growing up, our Mother’s Day tradition included going to the local nursery and picking out TONS of annuals to plant in the yard. It’s the gift my mom always chose, both the sunny flowers and the beautiful time spent planting them together, especially as we got older and more, um, *independent.* It was a super sweet way to spend the day, digging in the dirt as a family. There are as many ways to make a mama feel special as there are mamas in the world. Gifts of your time are always heartfelt and sweet, but if that’s not possible or you want to add another layer, I am sharing a few more ideas this week. I’ve already peppered you with some gems in weeks past, from pretty handmade notebooks to gorgeous olive oil to stunning glassware, so it might also be worth a trip down Things I Love memory lane for some other goodies. And if you still need some more tailored ideas, reach out, I’m totally here for you, lovelies. xo

Is there a better way to honor the beautiful variety of mamas in you life than by supporting a super innovative and gorgeous multi-generational family business based out of Tuscany? I’m thinking no. UASHMAMA makes stunning, refined and stylish bags and home goods from their own painstakingly developed washable paper. Yep, you heard me, WASHABLE PAPER. It’s so cool. It has the elevated look of well-loved leather, but with a relaxed Italian vibe and is completely sustainable. Their range of goods ensures that there’s something for everyone from classic totes and sweet little cross-bodies to placemats and wine bags. They also have a perfect collection of accessories that would make any gal (or guy!) swoon, plus their signature product, the Paper Bag. These genius little vessels come in a wide range of sizes and can be used to store or display anything from plants to toys to office supplies to cotton balls. I have given the littlest ones as a pretty wrapping for a gift card that can be reused for tiny treasures. Between the gorgeous metallics, the refined woven collection and the super classic designs, you’re sure to find a treasure for all of your favorite mamas.
// UASHMAMA PAPER BAGS from $10 //

One of my most prized possessions is a brass Canopy Mobile from Austin-based Circle & Line that was gifted to me a few Mother’s Days ago by my own sweet mom. I love it so much I designed my whole living room around it. For real. Circle & Line Design hand-fabricates stunning mobiles and wall hangings, combining ‘simple’ shapes into complex and elegant art pieces. They just launched two new colors, bronze and violet gray, both equally soft and graceful (I also LOVE the green). I gifted a Reflect Wall Hanging to my SIL for the holidays and she found the perfect nook for it in her house; it just instantly elevated the space, adding beautiful interest and movement. Circle & Line also recently launched a collaboration with Design Within Reach, introducing Treble and Bass, two mobiles that are suitable for hanging both indoors and out. Circle & Line’s collection is so classic and elegant it would look right at-home in lots of different spaces and would make a very special gift for a very special mama.
// CIRCLE & LINE from $150 //

Nopalera is a stunning artisan natural beauty brand designed to celebrate the richness of Latina culture and the beauty of Mexico. The child of immigrants, founder Sandra Lilia Velasquez, was inspired by the nopales that were abundant around her childhood home near the CA-MX border. The nopal cactus is a highly sustainable + resilient crop and super nourishing, making it the ideal foundation for each of Nopalera’s super natural products. The nopal they use is all wild-harvested and the company’s packaging is reusable or recyclable, though I don’t know why you’d want to throw away any of the AMAZING packaging. I want to wallpaper my dining room with it. Yes, I am a bit biased given my lifelong passion for Mexican Folk Art, but I’m pretty sure it’s objectively stunning.

The dreamy Cactus Flower Exfoliant is colored with achiote seeds and has a super subtle tangerine scent perfect for warmer days. I’m also super intrigued by the Moisturizing Botanical Bar that’s used in place of lotion. The unique ingredients are designed for maximum hydration and literally melt into your skin as you rub the bar across all of your dry bits. And then there are the Cactus Soaps, shaped like the beautiful nopal itself. Any of these gorgeous products would make a lovely gift on there own, but combine them all and you have yourself a REALLY special gift for any mama who could use a little self-care.
// NOPALERA from $14 //

Even if you can’t go to the nursery with your mom to pick out plants together, The Sill makes it super easy to send them to her instead. They have lovely brick + mortar shops now in NYC, LA and SF, but The Sill’s online plant delivery business is hopping and for good reason. They ship high-quality house plants in chic pots all around the country. Tending to plants brings people closer to nature, which can help them feel calm + happy, so in addition to giving them something beautiful to look at, you’ll also be nurturing their soul. It doesn’t get much better than that. You can choose your favorite for a one-time gift or order a subscription to have a plant a month sent to your favorite plant mom. Depending on how dirty you want your recipients hands to get, you can choose to include potting soil for a more DIY approach or have it totally display-ready. The Sill also has really pretty skincare, candles and wellness gifts to add on for a complete mind-body boost (Brooklyn-based Palermo Body’s products are really gorgeous + squeaky clean).

If the mamas you love like to get their hands MUCH dirtier than potting a sweet house plant, consider a subscription to Urban Organic Gardener’s Seed Club or Seed Bank Box, both of which will send your green thumb high-quality, non-GMO and in many cases organic or heirloom seeds each month. Some are even super rare, giving them bragging rights and exposing your seasoned gardener to something unexpected and new.
// THE SILL from $21 //

They say that necessity is the *mother* of invention, which makes SKiVY’s Femme founder, Kelly Degnan, mama to both lovely human children AND brilliant ideas. How many times have you been puttering around your house in your pjs, sans bra, and had the doorbell ring or your kiddo’s buddy pop by unannounced, leaving you scrambling to get “the girls” saddled up and ready for company? It’s def a thing and Kelly wanted to solve it with grace and style. So she invented SKiVYs, a loungewear line designed to take you seamlessly from bed to school drop-off to WFH without having to worry about your mom parts hanging out. Her soft and stylish dresses have a specially-designed built-in bra that’s made for both comfort and function, leaving you looking put together and ready for the day while still feeling insanely comfy. With four styles to choose from, there’s sure to be one that suits your favorite mama. The Godess Gown looks super flattering and has pockets for function, while the Slip Dress would be amazing for steaming hot days and nights. It’ll be so tough to decide, but I have faith in you. Use AFLUTTER15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase.
// SKIVVY’S FEMME GODDESS GOWN $78 //

Ok, yes, this is supposed to be all about mamas, but I couldn't resist this and besides, mom wouldn't be mom without her precious offspring, right? This mommy + me collab from Hedley & Bennett x Rifle Paper Co is so pretty and cute that I just had to share. Hedley & Bennet is THE gold standard in aprons for both industry and home chefs. Combine their quality and styling with Rifle’s always-lovely and feminine floral prints and you get such a sweet match. They made one for mama and one for your favorite little sous chef for just the perfect set. I love the springy Herb Garden and Rosa prints. If the mamas you love aren’t moved by florals, there are also some really pretty, classic solids that are equally lovely, or you can mix & match with your cutie little kitchen helper. How cute is that?
// HEDLEY & BENNETT APRONS from $45 //

things i love // just add water

The sun was out this week and it felt so good I had trouble getting anything done. I had to get out my warmer weather clothes and start putting sunscreen on my arms each morning (I’m REALLY trying to do my hands when I’m out hiking). Of course, in typical Colorado fashion, there’s snow in the forecast for next week, but it doesn’t bother me one bit because I know there are LOTS of sunny days ahead. And with that in mind, everything I’m sharing with you this week is perfect for those glorious sunny days, a few are even designed to share with friends and family as the prospect of gathering becomes more realistic (YAY YAY YAY!). So check it all out and then GO OUTSIDE and enjoy all of the glory of spring. But don’t forget the sunscreen, lovelies. xo

+ If you ever have questions about any of my recommendations or just want to chat, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out. I’m totally here for you.

Our family has A LOT of gear. We have rafting gear, camping gear, ski gear… you get the idea. And most of it has been carefully curated over years of adventures so we’ve amassed some pretty baller stuff. But… I have a massive crush on these Igloo 50th Anniversary Edition Little Playmates. They are just so fun and bright and we def *need* one [or two] for weekend football games, pool days, hot summer car trips and just chillin’ in a friend’s yard. I’m just sure none of our other 17 coolers will do the job. The 50th Anniversary Edition comes in 9 super rad color combos, plus they have a huge range of other special editions that honor everything from The Grateful Dead to Star Wars to Nascar. The whole Retro Collection is just nostalgic and fun. These little guys would make a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, your favorite fishing buddy, soccer mom or sports fan. I mean, who wouldn’t love one of these gems? I guess we’d better make more space in the garage.
// IGLOO 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION LITTLE PLAYMATES $29.99 //

Now that the possibility of more far-flung travel destinations is looking just a *bit* more promising, my radar is back to scanning for stuff to make the whole experience more enjoyable. Airline travel isn’t exactly glamorous, especially now that you have to don a full hazmat suit for the duration, so a little forward thinking is key. I always bring lots of nourishing snacks and the whole fam’s reusable water bottles on the plane. I mean, those tiny little plastic cups are like 2 sips (and totally wasteful) and it’s a must to have a bottle on the other end for the journey ahead. In the “before times” I bought a GOpure water filter for my water bottle so that I could feel confident in the tap water wherever we went. It makes filling your bottle in the filthy airport bathroom not feel so bad. The little Pod eliminates a whole host of grody stuff found in municipal water supplies (hello arsenic, chlorine, lead, micro plastics and more….um, GROSS). And it makes your water just taste and smell better. Heck, you don’t need to be traveling to exotic locales to use your GOpure Pod, you can use it in the comfort of your own home everyday and feel confident knowing that the water you’re drinking is safe and clear. It’s designed to filter 246 gallons of potable water and each lil’ Pod keeps 2000 plastic water bottles out of the landfill and ocean. Gulp. That’s a lot. Pair a GOpure Pod with a shiny new water bottle to make a brilliant gift for anyone you love who loves travel, wellness or adventuring.
// GOPURE POD $54.95 a pair //

I’m not sure what I love most about Dabble and Dollop; it might be their commitment to clean ingredients (there are no parabens, phalates, sulfates….) OR it could be their whole unique model, which is designed entirely around kids having FUN and exploring making heavenly smelling concoctions in the bath with their bubbles. They have painstakingly formulated their line’s natural scents with fruity aromas that are meant to be mixed and matched together for a fun and refreshing experience. AND they can be used as bubble bath, body wash or shampoo, eliminating the need for a bunch of products. It’s gentle enough for babies, but also rad for older kiddos who have outgrown baby shampoo both in concept and function; it’s cool AND it’s effective on older kids’ thicker, dirtier hair. Mix any of their Gels with some Vanilla Whip or pop a few Droplets Bath Bombs into the tub just for fun. You can buy each individually or choose a Gift Bundle for variety (they also have a subscription so you never run out). Plus, they support STEAM non-profits and work to inspire kids’ interest in science. Bonus! These bright, fun sudsy bottles would make a seriously adorable gift for any splashy toddler or kiddo you love OR one you don’t know very well - you really can’t go wrong with clean, cute bubbles.
// DABBLE AND DOLLOP BODY WASH + SHAMPOO from $13.99 //

AAAGH! Have you guys seen Estelle Colored Glass’ Stemwear?! You already know that I just CANNOT wait to start entertaining friends and family again. I’m so excited to gather and eat and drink and listen to the kids’ shrieks of laughter. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I also seriously love bright pops of color, so…if those two passions had a refined, fancy love child, it would pretty much look like Estelle Colored Glass. Founder, Stephanie Summerson Hall, was moved to create the vintage-inspired heirloom-quality hand-blown Polish glass by her grandmother’s passion for antiquing and it is exquisite. The Stemmed and Stemless wine glasses are just stunning and I love the Champagne Coupes for their vintage feel. The Cake Stands reminded Hall of her grandmother’s special Sunday desserts and are also such a special vintage nod. All of her pieces come in a gorgeous variety of pastel and jewel tone colors that can be mixed and matched for a more whimsical vibe or kept monochromatic for a more formal feel. Needless to say, anything from Estelle Colored Glass would make a dazzling gift for a wedding, anniversary, Mother’s Day or your very favorite hostess with the mostess.
// ESTELLE COLORED GLASSWARE from $35 //

Ok, so “nourishment” may be a bit of a stretch for a boozy drink, but Tieghan at Half Baked Harvest has jammed such gorgeous fresh ingredients into this Frozen Blueberry Paloma that I’m totally running with it. It’s a super refreshing blend of fresh grapefruit juice, blueberries and fresh lime that are so yummy with or without the tequila. This will be such a stunner for guests, especially with the addition of those beautiful edible flowers. I mean, nothing says welcome to the sunshine like a pretty frosty cocktail. And a mocktail version will make the kids feel super special, too. So, if you need me, I’ll just be outside with my face to the sun sipping one of these. Who’s in?!
// HALF BAKED HARVEST FROZEN BLUEBERRY PALOMA //

things i love // easter

Hi lovelies. Happy Easter. It’s so nice to see the bright sun and feel the warmth. My guys are SO excited to hunt for eggs and eat too much candy and to finally get to spend the day with grandma + papa IRL. But I feel like I’d be remiss not to recognize on this day of rebirth and renewal the unspeakable horror that my beloved hometown endured while our little family was away for break and that other communities continue to face with each passing week. My heart is so broken.

We did have a lovely break, tromping through the Utah desert in the sleet and snow and rain, but there was an unshakable cloud that hung over the adults in the group as we tried to forge ahead and enjoy the moment despite the suffering of our community. The kids were blissfully ignorant of the news until we got home and they had the best time on our trip, fully unplugged with no TV, tablets or laptops to distract them from the company of their friends and the goats and weather systems moving in and out of the stunning valley where we stayed. It was wonderful to hear their easy laughter and see the relaxed bliss on their faces.

So, the only thing I know how to do in the aftermath of what happened in my favorite place on earth is to even more fiercely celebrate life and love and the living the best I can, knowing that other families no longer have that privilege. I’m making Confetti Pancakes with Sparkle Syrup for breakfast and am taking LOTS of big, deep breaths outside with my face to the glorious sunshine. I’m stealing lots of hugs from my guys and trying harder to be present for them. Hug your own babies extra tight today and all of your loves and send just a little stash of your good Easter vibes and healing mojo to Boulder for the journey ahead. Thanks, lovelies. It means a lot. xo

In the very first Things I Love post, I introduced you to Lisa Congden’s new book, You Will Leave a Trail of Stars. Well, I finally got my copy this week and I’m here again to tell you just how awesome it is IRL. It’s a book full of GORGEOUS, whimsical, colorful and downright stunning illustrations, yes, but it’s also jammed with such profound wisdom. There are excellent quotes from some expected places, but also Lisa’s own sage advice and reminders (like “Embrace the Suck”) from lessons learned by overcoming her own adversity and challenge. This book would be a truly gorgeous and heartfelt gift for any grad, teacher, friend, sister, daughter or really anyone you know who is facing a transition, a challenge or just needing a bit of encouragement as they make their way. I can see myself using it as a super helpful parenting tool as well when my own words fail me as they did last week. Her words are concise and not fluffy, but meaningful and impactful and could bring about a true change in perspective for someone ready to receive it. Plus, it’s so beautiful to look at. You Will Leave a Trail of Stars will def be a new go-to gift for me.
// YOU WILL LEAVE A TRAIL OF STARS $15.95//

Ok, and while I am having a Lisa Congdon love fest, have you guys seen the new Mondo Llama line of art supplies at Target?! AAAAGH! I had to exercise my most severe restraint to keep myself from pulling at least one of each thing into my cart. It’s SO FUN and so reasonably priced and they have an exceptional variety of materials and kits for kids and adults alike. AND Lisa Congdon designed the rad packaging (and you might as well just throw some of her crazy adorable Method hand soap in your cart while you’re at it). You could put together a seriously bonkers gift from their awesome selection. I made off with the Paint-Your-Own Wood Pets Kit for an upcoming school give-away and the Give it a Swirl Tie Dye Kit for a fun sunny day activity for my boys (plus LOTS of white tube socks to dye). The Kickin’ Kaleidoscope Paint Pouring Kit and Paint By Number Canvas Kit would be amazing for older kids or t(ween)s. I had to back away super slowly from the 3D Multi-Surface Paint (really ALL of the amazing paint) and Bright Glitter Washi Tape, but will def be back for my little’s birthday. From beads to chalk markers to glitter glue, you could never go wrong making a seriously RAD gift out of anything in this line for any aged artists you love.
// MONDO LLAMA ART SUPPLIES from $2//

Oh you guys, this HOKA x Cotopaxi collab makes me so happy. I’ve been wanting to try a pair of Hoka’s forever and this might just be the push I need. The colors are so happy and fun and summer-ready. And I’ve admired Cotopaxi for years, drawn to their colorful aesthetic, but after listening to the How I Built This episode about their founder, Davis Smith, I liked them even more. The company’s “Do Good” creed is executed at every turn. One of the tenets of Cotopaxi’s super thoughtful and impactful business model is to give their employees full creative control over the pieces they sew; the employees get to choose the colors they use from the remnant fabric for every single piece they put together so that no two are the same, which I love. So if you order this Cotopaxi x HOKA ONE ONE Batac Del Dia Pack, you won't know exactly what you’re going to get, but you can be sure it’ll be colorful and so fun. Plus a portion of the proceeds from this collab are going to Big City Mountaineers, an organization committed to getting kids from disinvested communities into the outdoors. Both pieces from this drop are unisex and would be a fantastic Mother’s or Father’s Day gift for the outdoor lovers you love who appreciate a rad pop of color. This stuff will be gone in a flash, so think fast and bring ON those summer adventures.
// HOKA x COTOPAXI from $65//

JaxKelly handcrafts delicate, pretty and super affordable gemstone jewelry and candles out of San Diego. I picked up a pair of their Clear Quartz Mineral Points at Favor the Kind in Crested Butte a few months ago and have been wearing them a lot lately. They’re almost invisible on my ears from a distance, but I love how they refract the light and Quartz is said to have cleansing properties, which just feels right for me these days. I’ve been waiting patiently for them to restock their Mineral Points in other stones and they finally have, but… now I’m having trouble choosing. The Amethyst (healing), Amazonite (hope) and Rose Quartz (love) all look so pretty and I love the mojo they’re putting out. I also love the simplicity of these little Minimalist Hexagons and Moons. JaxKelly’s Crystal Candles are hand-poured in their studio and have different stones embedded in them that each carry a different intention, like Inner Peace (peach quartz), Calming (blue chalcedony) or Balancing (Dalmatian jasper). Just lighting a simple scented candle is said to have therapeutic benefits, so adding some intention and earthly energy might just kick it up a notch.
// JAXKELLY MINERAL POINTS $34//

If you have space in your heart and your wallet, please consider donating to the Colorado Healing Fund. This nonprofit was founded in 2018 by victim advocates and the Colorado AG’s office to give people a safe and efficient way to support victims of mass tragedy. I’m just so sad that their important work continues to be relevant over and over again. The CHF provides both immediate and long-term support to victims and their families, including their financial, emotional and physical needs. They work with community partners to effectively disperse the funds, so you can feel confident that your donation will get to the people who need it most.
// COLORADO HEALING FUND //

All images via @bouldercolorado

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 // spring forward

Happy Daylight Savings, lovelies! I love the ‘spring forward,’ it’s just so hopeful. It feels like we have more and more to feel hopeful about with each passing day, which is such a nice change from the chaos and uncertainty of the last year. The prospect of having a semi-’normal’ summer with friends and family being able to gather + more relaxing travel is almost too exciting to process. I just can’t wait to have everyone over for a big BBQ and to be able to HUG the people I love. I’m going to be running around like Scott Campbell’s Hug Machine just as soon possible, so look out, you might be my next unknowing victim.

And on another note, I just got my Runamok Sparkle Syrup in the mail and it’s even better and more sparkly IRL. It looks like there’s still availability from their limited release, so if you were hoping to glam up your breakfast, there’s still a chance. They also just released two brand new infusions that sound incredible.

I hope you’re all feeling the same optimism this week that comes with the changing season [and the prospect of mass vaccination]. The light is near, we can totally make it. xo

When I was a single gal, dinner for me was whatever looked good in the Whole Foods prepared case that night or maybe, if I was feeling ambitious, a pot of spaghetti. When my husband and I met and started to merge our lives and then grew into a family, my cooking repertoire slowly started to grow, too. Cooking is now obvs an everyday part of my life (more like 3-5x a day) and probs fueled 70% by love and 30% by necessity depending on the day. I’m super passionate about food and health and want to share that with my family, but I’m for sure still learning how to be a ‘good’ cook. I’m not a creative chef or adept at adding just a little pinch of this and a splash of that to whip up something amazing. But I can follow a good recipe and am a FIRM believer that having the right tools for the job is key, be it your go-to kitchen supplies or the best ingredients you can get your hands on. It’s something I’ve been slowly and intentionally honing over the years, swapping out big piles of mostly useless gadgets for a few of the RIGHT ones. It’s the reason I buy organic when I can and the inspiration for finally splurging on some truly gorgeous Brightland Olive Oil.

I’ve honestly always just bought a simple, inexpensive olive oil believing that anything coming from the Mediterranean was probably pretty good and basically all the same. Um, no. It turns out I could NOT have been more naive. When you dig in, you find out that much imported olive oil sold in the US as ‘extra virgin’ is actually nothing of the sort. It can be [and often is] rancid, moldy, contaminated with larvae and filled up with a bunch of other super junky types of oil. EEW. GROSS. It’s apparently a massive global scandal and actually super fascinating (I now want to read this book for the juicy details). The oil I was buying may not have even had the powerful polyphenols and other awesome health benefits that I was using it for in the first place. So I took the leap to something SO MUCH better. If I’m super honest, my leap started more like a casual wander fueled entirely by Brightland’s stunning branding (I’m like a barracuda drawn to shiny objects), but after learning more, I didn’t hesitate to jump and will never look back.

Brightland produces small-batch, high quality, gorgeous olive oils with only locally-grown fruit straight from the rich Cali soil. They source all of the little gems from a family-run farm and know exactly what they’re putting into their final product. So you can rest knowing that you’re not putting mold or larvae into your Taboule. And the flavor is spectacular. It’s bright and herbaceous and so super delicious. I started with their ‘basic’ oils, Awake and Alive plus pretty Spouts for both (quickly now some of those ‘right’ kitchen gadgets). I have been using them each for different recipes and have noticed such a difference in the flavor. I use Awake for soups and chicken and Alive for all the veggies. I am now coveting Rosette (garlic), Ardor (chili pepper) and Lucid (lemon), especially as the weather gets warmer. They also make two gorgeous vinegars, Parasol (champagne) and Rapture (balsamic) made with the same high standards. And they have stunning sets that would be truly spectacular gifts for anyone on your list who loves to cook or eat fabulous food. I know it seems like eons away, but Mother’s Day will spring up before you know it and a set of Brightland oils would be gorgeous.

There are a few other really notable companies that are part of this small-batch [gorgeous packaging] California movement. Both Wonder Valley and Pineapple Collaborative also have a line of olive oils that are super high quality and likely equally as delicious. Wonder Valley also makes luscious skin care that would be a stunning self-care gift (the Hinoki Body Oil is on my short list of ‘mama wants’). So, while I still have plenty of days when I’d rather just grab something from the prepared case at Whole Foods, on all of the other days when I’m excited to chef it up, I’m so happy that I made the leap to something better.
// BRIGHTLAND OLIVE OIL from $37//

About four days *before* we went on lockdown last year I finally decided that it was time to tackle my multiplying gray hairs and found the exact product I wanted to do it with. And, about 4 days *after* we went on lockdown, my first Hairprint delivery arrived at my doorstep. I was like “oh, great, just what I need” and shoved it under my bathroom sink. I mean, I didn’t see the point. A few months later, when the sun started to shine, I found the rejected box and pulled it out. I didn’t want it to go to waste and figured being stuck in my house with only my family was actually probs a good time to practice coloring my own hair. I got some advice from a friend, gathered all of my supplies, watched a SUPER helpful Youtube video and set to work. I’m not gonna lie, that first go was long and messy and I was super hangry at the end, but OMG was it worth it.

My hair is thick, dark and naturally curly [frizzy] and I don’t have tons of grays, but the ones I do have are wiry and stick straight up at the crown of my head like a lighthouse on a hilltop. I have so much love for women who choose to embrace the transition and let it come in naturally, but I’m just not *quite* there yet. I need those wild suckers to lay down. I’ve never dyed my hair before (except that one time in college, but we don’t talk about that) and I didn’t want a bunch of grody chemicals. I also didn’t want to start going in with full dye coverage that will grow out and leave me with roots, because that sets you up for a years-long commitment and I’m bad at commitment. So, when I put all of those criteria together, it lead me gracefully to Hairprint.

Hairprint is NOT a dye, and as such it doesn’t provide complete coverage; I still have some grays after treatment, which is okay with me (the extra step in Hairprint Plus makes a HUGE difference). But there are significantly fewer and they lay down much more gracefully. Hairprint IS a [miraculous] formula that encourages a chemical reaction that restores pigmentation of grey hairs to their innate light brown, brown or black hair color; it’s not covering anything up, it’s actually reverting hair to its original state. It was developed by an esteemed green chemist and I don’t want to make your eyes roll to the back of your head, but suffice it to say, Hairprint is totally free of ALL the stuff that you don’t want in/on your body (dyes, PPD, PTD, coal tars, fragrance, gluten, sulfates, PEG, silicone, parabens, high levels of ammonia or peroxide). And it’s cruelty-free. PHEW! Plus, it REALLY works for me, so there’s that. It also improves the health of your hair, making it stronger and shinier and all around better.

Now, before you hit “buy” on their site, take a deep dive into their FAQs to make sure it’s a good fit for you because it doesn’t work with ALL hair colors. For example, my beautiful blond and redheaded friends are out of luck, likewise those who’ve gone full white. BUT… everyone can enjoy Hairprint’s line of luscious natural shampoos, oils and hair regrowth products specially designed to give your hair the royal treatment that it deserves. I haven't tried them yet, but given my recent beauty product shopping bender, they might be next on my list [HIDE my credit card, please, it’s getting serious]. If you want to get serious about blending those grays into your natural hair color and you don’t love the idea of using a bunch of toxic chemicals to do it, check out Hairprint. I’m going in for another round, but this time I’m so bringing snacks.
// HAIRPRINT TRUE HAIR COLOR RESTORER from $42//

I was a SUPER girlie girl. I was all about clothes and makeup and Barbie and princesses. I took ice skating lessons just so I could have a Dorothy Hamill dress. I paraded around the house in my sequined dance costumes. And I would have thrown my best friend to the wolves without second thought for some Super Smalls bling. It’s shiny and stylish and adorable and made just for kids who like to rock the hardcore sparkle.

Founded by a legit fashion industry veteran and certified girl mama of three, Super Smalls mimics the look, feel and presentation of serious luxury jewelry and accessories, but is made just for all-out fun. It’s intended to spark the imagination, power up the the play and straight up wow its wearers. They make over-the-top adorable jewelry, accessories and hair bling that all take glitz and shine to the next level. It’s just plain fun and would make a seriously SHOW-STOPPING gift for any little or t(w)een that’s dazzled by sparkle. Their BFF Twin Stars Necklace Set comes with matching blingy necklaces, one for each pal, along with a super sweet guide that explains what each colorful stone represents about being a good friend. It’s so stinking cute, especially now when it’s tough to see our BFFs as often as we’d like.

And if you’re searching for wowee Easter basket filler, Super Smalls has you covered. Honestly any of their beautifully packaged goods would take your basket to the next level, but they also have Super Bundles that would make you MVB [bunny] for life. Grandmas and cool aunties take note, this would seriously BLOW your cutie little’s mind. The Easter Bunny will get mad props for delivering the blingiest loot your little could ever dream up.

So if you love a little that’s super wowed by big time sparkle, Super Smalls is a serious no-brainer AMAZING gift option. I guess it’s a good thing for my elementary school best friend that it wasn’t around when we were kids.
// SUPER SMALLS BFF TWIN STARS NECKLACE SET $43//

I have sort of a depressing [embarasing] confession. Though our beloved old dog passed away in December, his dog beds are still scattered around the house. It feels a bit like their absence leaves a bigger hole than absentmindedly tripping over them everyday. I’m used to seeing them there in the middle of the floor and not seeing them feels much more conspicuous. I know I need to get rid of them (and soon), but I’m just not quite ready. I’m glad all those years ago, I decided to buy handsome beds so that, ratty as they are now, they’re at least not a complete eye sore.

I don’t mean to be all gloomy (gah, sorry!), but it’s a good reminder that you have to look at the things your dog uses every day, so you might as well choose gear that you like. Fortunately, there are so many options for just about any style you fancy. If last week’s pretty floral and modern motifs aren’t really your thing, The Stately Hound’s elevated style might be just your jam. It’s a fantastic company out of the UK that hand-makes stunning collars, leashes and soft wool blankets for your pups.

The Stately Hound’s leather collars are handmade from Italian vegetable-tanned single grain, so there are no toxins used in the tanning process and it allows for a wide range of true bright colors that are all really stunning. All of the beautiful brass hardware comes from one of the oldest foundries in England and adds such a noble touch. They also make the collar with your own dog’s measurements, so you know it’s going to be a perfect fit. You can add a matching leather leash in varying widths to suit your preference for a beautiful set befitting a best pal. And if you need something a bit more rugged and waterproof for your pup, they also hand-make awesome, colorful webbing collars and leashes, as well as marine-grade rope leashes. And lastly, they make awesome dog blankets from super soft recycled Welsh wool. You can use it in a basket, on the couch, in the car or for travel to keep your pup cozy and protect your surfaces. All of this shipped FREE from the UK. And if you need some ridiculously cute dog porn in your life, check out their Insta feed, it’s a truly beautiful tribute to [hu]man’s best friend. If you love a dog lover, The Stately Hound’s gorgeous handmade line of products would make a stunning gift.
// THE STATELY HOUND LEATHER COLLAR $57//

As we mosey past the one year mark with this whole “safer at home” thing, we’re starting to lap some quarantine birthdays. A few of my peeps are coming up on COVID birthday number 2 and it’s just a bummer. Somehow a standard text to mark the day doesn’t feel like enough, no matter how many cake and balloon emojis or partying cat giphys you add to the end. If you want to get serious about making your special people feel REALLY special, you need Punkpost. For about the same cost as a blank letterpress card, you can have a super talented real-life handwriting artist personalize a card for your special person and deliver it snail-mail style from you. It’s absolutely brilliant.

Punkpost has 400 different insanely clever card designs to choose from for literally ANY occasion. Some are hilarious, some are sweet, some are straight up dirty, but they’re all incredible and exclusive to Punkpost. And they have more than 150 handwriting artists around the country who will handwrite your personal message on the card you choose. You can even add photos, gift cards or a confetti bomb to your card with a simple click. You choose the card + type style you like best, type up your special message and that’s it - the handwriting artists do the rest and have your completely personal, amazingly creative card in the mailbox and off to your special person within 24 hours. It will completely blow their mind and def make them feel SUPER special.

Plus any company who’s most popular product says “Just wanted to remind you that I love you and your butt is perfect” is tops in my book. So, whether it’s another trip around the sun or some encouragement or “just because,” find an excuse to send someone a Punkpost card today and spread some serious joy. And if you’re already an amazing handwriting artist, find an excuse to make your OWN dang amazing card and send it off to someone who could use a little pick-me-up this week.
// PUNKPOST CARDS $7//