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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!

 

16 Oct '17

5 Picture Books Every Toddler Will Love

Posted by Annie Messing in Brimful Favorites
With my older three children in school full-time this fall, I have been enjoying a lot more one-on-one time with my three year old. He's a very busy little guy and has never been one to sit still for very long. Up until now, he'd last for just a few pages of being read to and then scamper off to play with something new. But just recently, I noticed his attention span is finally holding long enough to read an entire picture book - hooray!
I am thoroughly enjoying this new phase - we've been snuggling up every day before nap and reading a few picture books together. These are currently Shiloh's favorites, so I thought I'd share them here in case any of you are have toddlers who have reached the same phase. Happy Reading!
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19 Sep '17

Seven Autumn Picks for Mama + Child

Posted by Annie Messing
It's been almost five years since I bought a pair of jeans...and well, I've come to accept that my current pair isn't fitting me like it used to. (I have gravity, age, and a surprise c-section to thank for that!)

I think we can all agree that jean shopping is notoriously annoying...so many different fits and fabrics. So to my surprise, I found these jeans to be exactly what I was looking for...and it didn't take 20 pairs and half a day of shopping to find them! I'm pleased that even after several wears, the jean material hasn't stretched out and the high-waist feels very comfortable. Paired with this lovely cotton top, I feel comfortable and stylish while chasing my little 3 year-old around the house.

Speaking of being around the house, these children's pajamas/loungewear from Mabo are a real favorite for my 5 year-old right now. She comes straight home from school and puts them on...I imagine she'd wear them day in and day out if I let her! The high-quality cotton fabric paired with the classic polka dot design makes playtime at home very cozy and cute.

The fall season hasn't quite hit us here in DC, but I'm stringing up an autumn-inspired garland and dreaming of apples nonetheless. As my children spend more time playing indoors, I've brought more blocks out for them to play with. Blocks are rather like an ever-changing modern art installation, don't you think? (wink)

I just finished curating all the new fall/winter toys + books for the shop, including the milk-loving knit cat you can spot in this post. The new products will be arriving in about a month - Happy Fall!

 

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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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