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25 Oct '16

Twelve Caramel-Colored Fall Clothing Styles for Little Kids

Posted by Annie Messing

The rich honey-hued color of yellow falling leaves - I'm seeing it everywhere right now. No matter what you might call it - Goldenrod/Caramel/Saffron - isn't it just the most glorious shade? It makes me want to go bake a pumpkin toffee pie - ha!

Inspired by this autumn season, here are twelve caramel-colored clothing styles for little girls and boys. I can't choose a favorite - they are all just TOO GOOD. Ok, so actually it's ELEVEN clothing picks and one very adorable crochet corn rattle ;). Enjoy!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12

05 Sep '16

Seven Retro Classics For Mama + Child

Posted by Annie Messing in Fashion and Style

The transition from late summer to early fall is one of my favorite times of the year! The temps are (hopefully) just a bit cooler, school is back in session, and yet the carefree spirit of summertime still lingers during the beginning of September. In just a few weeks, on September 20th, we are adding our fall collection of toys/books/accessories to Brimful!

Kari and I couldn't be more excited about the new products we've chosen for you and your little ones to enjoy this fall! We've always found vintage toys and books to be a major inspiration and this collection really captures the vibe of what I'm calling "retro classic". Not sure if that's a thing, but I'm just going with it ;). Numbers 1 and 3 in this post's mood board are actually two of the products we'll be adding to the shop. Enjoy the sneak peek!

SaveSaveSaveSav1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

16 Aug '16

Back to Preschool!

Posted by Annie Messing

Mei-Mei is starting her second year of preschool next month! She doesn't have a required school supply list (whew!), but I think it'll still be nice to pick a few things out to make this school year feel extra special. If you have a 2-5 year old, here's a fun roundup of back-to-preschool gifts!

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02 Jun '16

My Mother's Smoked Salmon Potato Salad

Posted by Annie Messing in Recipes

When I think of my mother - her cooking is one of the first things that comes to mind. It's safe to say that my mother's Chinese dishes - the dumplings, stir fries, and soups are the backbone of my childhood! But then there a few rogue American recipes that made an appearance too (wink). Like the salmon potato salad she made one summer, which I loved it so much I kept asking for more!

Now when each summer hits, this salmon potato salad is a mainstay with my own family. It's super simple to make - we like eating it with corn tortilla chips or wrapped in warm spelt tortillas.

Smoked Salmon Potato Salad

8-12oz. Smoked Salmon

4-5 Yellow Potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 Apples, peeled and cubed, sprinkled with a little lemon juice

3-4 Celery stalks, chopped

1 cup Vegenaise

Spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill

1) Cover potatoes with cold water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for about 10-12 minutes (just until tender). Drain and set aside until completely cooled.

2) Mix the potatoes, apples, and celery with Vegenaise. Carefully crumble in the smoked salmon. For a stronger salmon flavor, add in the full amount.

3) If the salad doesn't seem creamy enough, add in a bit more Vegenaise. My measurements are always very approximate - so please do tweak to suit your own tastes! Once the salad is completely mixed, add in the spices. I've found that the salad's flavor will get stronger after a few hours of chilling, so I recommend going light on the spices, then adding a little more before serving.

Bon Appetit!

26 Apr '16

Mother's Day Gift Guide - Ten Gifts That Will Make Her Feel Special

Posted by Annie Messing in Gift Guides

Over the years, Kari and I have received a whole variety of Mother's Day gifts. There's been books, perfume, clothing, fresh flowers...but certainly the most treasured gifts are the cards and drawings created by our children. I remember one particular year, I was visiting my sister in London and came back a few days after Mother's Day. Upon my arrival home, there was a whole display on the kitchen table of cards, drawings, and paper crafts that Fen and Di had made. Gosh, it's one of my favorite memories!

We put our heads together and compiled a list of unique gifts, all based on same/similar gifts we've received in the past. May you feel beautiful and well-loved this coming Mother's Day!

Ace & Jig Jumpsuit in Flare - Buttons down the front make it breastfeeding-friendly and the bright cheery textile means you'll feel pulled together without even trying! Available from Seedstore in mid-May.

B10 Bracelet by Sergio Gutierrez - Kari's husband gave her one a few years ago...and it's just exceptional! The bracelet's silky mesh-like pattern molds beautifully to the wrist and it's the perfect statement piece without being too showy.

The Count of Monte Cristo - If there's anything I wish I could do more of, it's to read! Even after a long day of caring for the children, it's always such as stress-reliever to lose oneself in a few chapters of a good book. This classic by Alexandre Dumas is one of Kari's all-time favorites!

Intelligentsia House Blend, Direct Trade, Whole Bean Coffee - Good coffee is never a bad gift - and Intelligentsia makes some of the best! Motherhood and caffeine - it's basically a given, right?

40 Blinks Sleep Mask - I use this eye mask when I travel and even at home if I'm taking a nap during the day...it's amazing! I know, it basically looks like a bra for your eyes, haha! The mask has a special contoured shape so there's no pressure on the eyes, allowing for higher quality rest.

Le Labo Rose Lotion - There's lotion - and then there's Le Labo. I've been using this lotion for five years and it's still a favorite. The scent is mildly floral, but also mysterious...and I just love that it lasts all day!

Framed Photo - For grandmothers, a framed photo of her grandkids is always a well-appreciated gift. I love the entire concept behind Framebridge - they make framing a piece of cake...and the prices are reasonable. Win-Win.

Holepunch Transport Tote - Kari and I both have totes like this one - it's the perfect everyday bag for all the mothering necessities...wallet, snacks, sunscreen, toys, books, baby wipes, diapers, etc. Stylish on the outside, answers to all life's little problems on the inside (wink). Every mother should have one!

Tatine Garden + Forest Infusion Candle - Ten years ago, I walked into Tatine Candles' now shuttered candle shop in Chicago and have been a loyal customer ever since! These candles make great gifts - they burn long and smell utterly amazing.

Ceramic Fish Gurgle Pitcher - Whimsically designed and yet quite functional, Kari and I think cheery red carafe is so fun. The pitcher makes a delightful gurgle when pouring - talk about a great conversation piece at the dinner table!

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