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 //

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 //

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. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. 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 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 //