When people find out I own an online toy shop, they invariaby ask how I source things for Brimful. I usually reply with a grin, because I love telling the stories behind each of Brimful's products.

Trade fairs are the traditional way retailers like myself would typically find brands, but I prefer doing my own product hunting. Sometimes I scour the online catalogues of little European toy companies until I find something really unique. Other times I have a particular new item I want to add to the shop and then research from there.

In the case of Winnie, Lola, and Jane, the new cloth dolls just introduced to the shop, it was a combination of pure happenstance and one late night of research.

My family and I were in the Seattle area this past summer, walking to pizza along a cute street with a variety of eateries and boutiques. All the shops were closed, but when we passed one nicely styled window, a doll in the front display caught my eye. I stood and looked for a long while - it was so cute and had such lovely simple details! Exactly the kind of doll I had been wanting for Brimful. 

Through the window, I couldn't see any information about the doll, but I returned after dinner and took a photo of it. We were leaving early the next morning to fly back to the east coast, so unfortunately I couldn't go back and ask more about the doll. After my children were in bed that night, I must have spent a good three hours researching online to see if I could find the doll's designer. Nothing came up that night, but I got a few good leads. The next morning, as we were waiting for our flight - I did one last quick Google search on my phone - and found it! Gosh, what a great feeling that was.

Not too long after, I emailed the doll designer (Carman) and we set into motion the small-batch production of "the Brimful girls". I am so pleased with how they turned out and hope you will love them too. Handmade dolls can be pretty pricey, especially if they are made here in the US. What makes these dolls special is they are at a price point accessible to everyone - each one is truly one-of-a-kind. All three dolls come without removeable clothing, so you can feel safe gifting it to a little one of any age. And, because Carman has triple-stitched all the seams - you can be assured that these dolls can take quite a lot of loving and still stay in good shape over time.

So, that's the story behind Winnie, Lola, and Jane. I hope you enjoyed this peek behind the scenes to how I curate the shop.

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!