the best restaurant toys

i’ll have what they’re having

MY LITTLE family went to an actual restaurant a few weeks ago for the first time since going on lockdown and it was straight heavenly. I’d almost forgotten how amazing it is to sit and relax and have a lovely conversation while someone else makes you fantastic food. I mean, what an awesome idea, right?! But about 2 minutes in, both of my boys looked at me and said “where are the Plus Plus?” AAAGH. I was so out of practice going out in public, I completely forgot our trusty restaurant toy stash. The one we’ve been dragging with us for the past 10 years every time we go out. Thank goodness I had a good ol’ pen and the tiny notebook I always keep in my bag, which was perfection in a pinch. They happily played hangman and tic-tac-toe for this round, but with a little effort, your kids can be fully entertained at restaurants while you chill and enjoy the company.

WE LOVE to eat out and have been taking our boys to nice restaurants since my oldest was about 12 days old. It’s such a great way to connect with friends and family (+ the break from cooking + cleaning). But, we realized early on that it’s not at all realistic [or pleasant] to ask small children to sit quietly for hours at a restaurant without something to do. And screens at the table just aren’t our thing. When my oldest was tiny, my brilliant mom started a tradition of bringing a small treasure for him each time we went out for dinner so that I might steal a few minutes of peace and adult conversation while we ate. It was so effective that I started really intentionally seeking out stuff to add to the collection. Over the years I have learned which toys are best at truly keeping the kiddos happy so the adults can actually relax. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

THE BEST ‘RESTAURANT TOYS’ FOR KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED

I’VE KIND of already spilled the beans about our hands-down favorite…Plus Plus are my mom secret weapon and the brilliant solution for a calm and relaxed meal any time of day, whether a block from home or an ocean away. Our Plus Plus have seen more play time than almost any other toy we own and they ONLY come out when we’re at a restaurant (it’s def part of their allure). They’re made up of a single shape in lots of fun colors and I’ve literally never seen my boys make the same thing twice. They have lots of different sets, including cute themes like Dinosaurs or Unicorns, but we just chuck all of ours into a sturdy Stasher Reusable Bag with a few Baseplates and let the kids have at it (they also make chunky ones for littles). They’re also super easy to clean, which is essential when combining small kids and food.

WHEN MY nephew was little (he’s now 13 and has a man voice, AAGH!), he was NUTS for construction vehicles. He had a little set of wee Construction Trucks that would keep him entertained for HOURS. We’d give him some teeny tiny bits of balled up paper or a few grains of rice and he’d push and lift and dump them happily well through dessert. My little had a similarly fierce passion for animals and would spend the whole meal fully enthralled with the little rubber ‘teeny tiny animals’ that we carried around in a Teeny Tiny Mini Barn. I think we have every Safari Good Luck Mini they ever made, from Rainforest Animals to Sea Life to Dragons. He would intently line them all up in a sweet parade, patiently righting any that toppled over.

BOTH OF my guys have been huge Lego fans, so we also sometimes switch it up with some Lego Classic sets. They’re the ones that just have random bright pieces and no instructions so the kids can imagine whatever they’re into that day. And they LOVED the Lego Sticker Books that let you find which stickers go into each scene [there are zillions of them]. We’ve had Star Wars, Super Heroes, Ninjago and Minifigure books and my boys loved them all. The Disney Princess and Lego Friends versions look adorable, too.

NOW THAT my guys are a bit older, I’ve upped the cool factor on their restaurant coloring situation with this Crayola Edge books. The illustrations are detailed, but not blinding, and perfect for t(w)eens. They have a bunch of really appealing themes, like Optical Illusions, Sugar Skulls and Animal Ink depending on your kiddo’s interests. Of course, a blank Sketch Paper Pad is also fantastic for artists who’d rather create their own scenes. Throw in a convenient tube of Arteza Colored Pencils or Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons and they’ll be set for a good while.

THERE ARE a bunch more of our favorite restaurant toys below. Also check out my posts on Road Trippin’ and Origami for even more ideas. Whatever your kiddo is into, it really pays off to spend just a few minutes on your way out the door gathering up some entertainment so everyone can actually enjoy a [semi] relaxing meal. During busy social times, I just chuck everything into a Baggu and have it ready to grab on the way out or stash it in my car for spontaneous meals out. You’ll be happy, the kids will be happy, the people at the table next to you will be truly ecstatic. It’s a win-win-win. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Toys for Keeping Kids Entertained in a Restaurant

~~ There are lots of cool Paint by Sticker Books to choose from ~~

~~ PicassoTiles are colorful and open-ended fun for building and sorting ~~

~~ My guys loved dry erase books of all kinds and this How-to-Draw Baby Animals book is adorbs ~~

~~ Wikki Stix are endless fun for a wide range of ages ~~

~~ Pix Brix Pixel Puzzle Bricks are another amazing open-ended toy ~~

~~ Pushpeel keeps kids busy creating unique designs over and over again ~~

~~ Math Link Cubes are awesome for open-ended building ~~

~~ Smartmax toys are awesome and this sweet Farm Animals set would entertain a little for a long time ~~

~~ Colorful Building Bars are fun for kids who like to engineer ~~

~~ I LOVED Snap Beads when I was little and these are such cute shapes ~~

~~ Magna-Tiles Micro Mags are a mini portable version of a major favorite ~~

~~ There are lots of silly adorable themes for this fun, contained Janod Magnetibook ~~

MORE for little kids + big kids

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.

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