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14 Feb '19

Celebrating Black History Every Day

Posted by Annie Messing in Gift Guides

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With MLK Jr. Day in January and Black History Month in February, I always appreciate how our local library intentionally highlights African American history on its book displays during these winter months. No matter how many times I've read to my children about Rosa Parks, the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King Jr. and other important black history makers, we learn something new that deepens our overall understanding of race in America.

It is my humble opinion that if we want to raise up our children to be tomorrow's leaders, they have to learn and hopefully possess a deep empathy for what it means to be black in America. The books we read to our children, the dolls we give them to play with, and even a simple thing like crayon colors can all help shape their understanding of diversity.

In this months blog post, I've rounded up eight gifts and books that I hope will encourage children to champion civil rights and experience life from another person's perspective. In addition, here are a few other wonderful links on African American history and culture.

10 Black History Books for Bedtime

The Conscious Kid

Family Education: Black History Month

P.S. Read picture books to your children that show African-American/Asian/Hispanic characters! Regular stories - not just ones on historical figures. I would hate for our children to think that every book that features a person of color tackles racism or historical repression.

31 Jan '19

Sweet Elephant Themed Baby Shower Gifts

Posted by Annie Messing in Gift Guides

I am no expert on baby trends, but it really does seem that elephants are becoming more and more popular! I keep seeing them pop up in nursery decor, picture books, and even baby clothing. Since a new knit elephant was also just added to the shop, I thought this month's blog theme would follow suit! Here are six adorable elephant gifts to choose from for your next baby shower.

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02 May '18

10 Sure-to-Please Gifts for Mother's Day

Posted by Annie Messing in Gift Guides

It's been awhile since I posted a blog post - but with Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share ten easy gift ideas! These are all favorite things I've picked up over the years - things I cherish and bring me joy.

Mothering is a rollercoaster of high and low emotions - and in those "lower moments", I find a pretty dress or a favorite sweet can be such a good pick-me-up. Paired with a solid night's sleep, you may just feel like a new woman - ready and renewed to continue on the marathon that is motherhood.

1/ This dress is so comfortable yet stylish and I love that it's ethically made right here in the US. For those of you interested, here's a $30 coupon!

2/ The spinach pie from the Moosewood Cookbook is a family favorite we make quite often - it's so yummy! If you're looking to add more vegetarian dishes into your diet, this cookbook is perfect for that.

3/ I have a pair of very similar earrings (no longer available) that add just the right amount of "allure" to an outfit. This would make such a sweet gift for a jewelry-loving mama!

4/ With short hair that doesn't get nicely coiffed very often, a hat is a must for me! I love this military cap style - it goes with everything.

5/ L'eau De Issey by Issey Miyake has been my go-to scent for almost 20 years! I don't wear it as often as I used to, but when I'm in the mood for a refreshing scent, I still use it and love it as much as when I was 18.

6/ My sister introduced me to this beautiful plant last year and I've so enjoyed how pretty it looks on my bedroom dresser. It takes a little learning to care for it well, but now that I've gotten the hang of it - I've even propagated a few of the strands with success. Perhaps I'm not such a black thumb afterall!

7/ On more than one occasion, Dustin has brought home a box of macarons for me - and he knows I'll immediately respond with a squeal of delight. I especially love these ones from Olivia's, a local DC macaron confectionery. You can also order them online! Every flavor is amazing.

8/ This spring, I've been using this rose face mask - and wow, not only does it make my skin feel soft and wonderful, it smells so so good. Not sure if it will work for you? Ask for a sample first!

9/ Writing thank-you cards is not my forte, but I've gotten a lot better at it since discovering this adorable booklet of thank-you notes! Paired with a little piece of chocolate, it's just the right touch of appreciation.

10/ When I went in to get another tube of my go-to Nars lipstick, I was sad to hear it had been retired! Of course this one has been featured in fashion + beauty magazines for years, but I've never thought to try it. Well, one application at the beauty counter and I was completely sold. I now understand what all the fuss is all about! If you don't already, I think you'll love it too.

Happy Mother's Day!

 

28 Jun '17

Fantastic Gifts for Little Fox Lovers

Posted by Annie Messing in Gift Guides

SaveSave My five-year-old daughter LOVES foxes. I can't quite recall how it all started, but ever since she was a baby, she's always pointed out anything with a fox on it. Of course her favorite is when we spot the real red foxes that roam our neighborhood - oh the excitement!

Needless to say, Mei-Mei's love of foxes has endeared our whole family to this scruffy animal. With that in mind and summer being the most popular season to have babies, here's a fun round-up of gifts for all the little fox lovers out there.

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16 Jun '17

Splendid Summer Boredom Busters

Posted by Annie Messing in Brimful Favorites, Gift Guides, Happy Friday

 

School has been out for three weeks now and while my four children have been swimming daily at our neighborhood pool and enjoying playdates with friends, they naturally hit moments in the day when boredom overcomes them.

I believe boredom is very normal and actually quite healthy! It gives children a chance to problem solve and work together, perhaps while also winding down from a high-energy activity they may have just finished. More often than not, I spend a few moments helping them think of something new to do - and off they go! I thought I'd share some of the things we have been enjoying this summer. Hopefully it will help when your children hit a rut in their summer playtime routine. For school age kids down to toddlers - there's something for everyone.

1) Explore outside with this basket and collect interesting finds along the way.

2) Write a play/story for these wooden peg dolls and perform it after dinner.

3) Read all about real life inventions that seem too weird to work.

4) Take craft and art time to the next level with these wonderful watercolor pencils.

5) Introduce puzzles to toddlers with this wooden elephant puzzle that is a stacking toy too.

6) This visual perception card game is great to play during an afternoon lull or in the evening before bedtime.

7) Encourage open play with this castle block set. Use with or without the base to create different types of block structures.

8) Use this rainbow silk for dress-up or playscape. My children have their rainbow silks out every single day!

9) Paper dolls like you've never seen before - with adjustable limbs and stunning outfits, this paper doll set is sure to be huge hit.

10) Learn to draw 135 varieties of trees, flowers, animals - this fantastic drawing book has become a go-to for my kids this summer.

11) Even little fingers can learn to loom with this child-sized weaving peg loom.

12) Babies will enjoy these colorful ice cream rattles - makes a great newborn gift for a summer arrival too.

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