things i love // spring break

Even though it’s still weeks away, I am getting SO excited for Spring Break. Airplanes and beaches and glamorous cities were off the table this year, so we set our winter-weary sights much closer to home and we’re taking a little road trip to the Utah desert. It’s a place we’ve been to many times, but that could absolutely never get old. It’s one of my hands-down favorite landscapes on the planet and I have found in the past couple of years that my bones and very soul crave being there. The jaw-dropping scenery, the energy, the shadows, the flora and fauna...I love it all and it’s been too long since we’ve made the trek. So we’re packing up the truck and making our way West to take it all in with our BFFs slash most epic travel buddies. I’m giddy just thinking about it. So this week, I’m sharing with you my most tried and true travel gear; the things I never set out on adventure without (at least not on purpose). I hope it helps you prep for your upcoming adventures, near or far. And PLEASE tell me where you’re headed, I LOVE some good travel inspiration for daydreaming and future getaways. xo

I’VE TRIED just about every type of stainless steel water bottle out there. I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m a sucker for brightly colored powder coating [I am] or what, but I’ve given almost every major brand a solid test run and my little fam has settled on a hybrid combo of Hydro Flask (sksksks - are VSCO girls still a thing?!) and Yeti. We have Water Bottles, Tumblers, Mugs for hot drinks and Can Insulators for keeping drinks icy cold. I’ve given the Wine Tumblers for gifts because nobody wants warm Chardonnay, even out in the woods. Um, yeah, when I say that out loud it does sound like an awful lot of 18/8 stainless, which is why I felt like a bit of a heel spending $65 on yet ANOTHER bottle. BUT… the Hydroflask 64 oz Wide Mouth I bought last summer is hands-down one of the best travel purchases I’ve ever made. My husband first visibly rolled his eyes at me, but now is first to fill it up when we’re headed out.

WE USE this big boy on road trips short and long to refill all of our water bottles when they go dry. The water stays super cold, even in summer, especially if we fill it to the brim with ice. We’ve even come off of days-long river trips, all dry and hot and parched, to find cold, fresh water still chillin’ in the car. Those moments are life-changing and worth their weight in gold (or 18/8 stainless). This thing is HEAVY when it’s full, so not ideal for air travel or dragging around Paris, but for road trips, picnics, days at the beach or pool, kiddo sporting events or any other activity that gets your crew thirsty, it’s everything. And Hydroflask just keeps releasing awesome new colors, which just may be my excuse to buy another biggie so I don’t have to share.
// HYDROFLASK 64 OZ WIDE MOUTH BOTTLE $64.95 //

ONE OF the best things about Colorado is our gorgeous weather. We have 300 days a year of glorious sunshine and the brightest blue skies. But it’s also super unpredictable. It can be show-stopping 65 + sunny one day and fully snowing the next. Which makes camping and travel a constant crapshoot; you have to be prepared for just about anything. To that end, each member of my cutie family got a Rumpl Puffy Blanket for Christmas to take care of the possible chilly part of that equation. They call them ‘sleeping bag blankets’ because they’re basically just that. And like a sleeping bag, they pack down super tight into their own stuff sack, so they’re easy to drag along wherever we might be headed. They’re cozy by the campfire on a chilly night or wrap you up in warmth as an extra layer while you sleep. My guys hug them in the car on a long drive up skiing and at home on the couch. Even if you’re just hanging in your yard to socially distance with friends, Rumpl Puffy Blankets are super comfy. My boys have the Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon blankets from the National Park Collection, which felt special to them since they’ve visited both. But there are all kinds of cool prints and solids that would appeal to just about everyone. And this week they launched a really gorgeous new collaboration, called Teton Dreams, with Montana-based artist Rachel Pohl.

RUMPL is also part of 1% For The Planet, which means they donate 1% of their profits to environmental causes. They use 100% post-consumer recycled materials to make their blankets, diverting 5 million plastic bottles each year from the landfill. And they’re carbon neutral, offsetting their entire footprint with credits. So not only will you feel warm and toasty in your puffy blanket, but your heart can feel warm and toasty knowing that you’ve supported a company that’s passionately responsible for taking care of the planet.
// RUMPL PUFFY BLANKETS $99+ //

EVEN BEFORE I had kids, I always carried a giant “mom” bag. I’m just kind of a Boy Scout and like to have everything that I could *possibly* need right at hand. After I had kids, the collection of things I *had* to have to leave the house was more like a packing list for Semester at Sea. Then, the pandemic. The day I learned that we weren’t going anywhere for a while (who could’ve imagined how long), I took everything out of my gorgeous mom bag, put it away and pulled out the Aloha Collection Mini Hip Pack that I’d bought the summer before for hikes. And I never took it off. Seriously. I wore that thing for 8 months straight and couldn’t have been happier about it. It was like an extension of my body. I only reluctantly took it off in October because it started to look super weird with a jacket.

THE Mini Hip Pack is the best accessory for travel near or far and I found that I actually really don’t need much to be very happy out in the world. It holds my little wallet, keys, phone, hand sani, tissues and chapstick. And as it turns out, that’s pretty much all I need most of the time. It’s awesome for hiking and hands-free grocery shopping. I love it for camping + adventuring because all of my actual essentials are literally strapped to me at all times, so I don’t have to fumble around trying to find a tissue while I’m squatting in the woods (TMI? We’re friends, right?). And all of Aloha’s bags are “splashproof” so it’s ok if it gets super sweaty or you dribble a bit of water on it. Mine is still in excellent condition despite its sincere abuse.

ALOHA is a Hawaiian company that’s all about prepping you for travel with a beautiful, tropical vibe, even if you’re headed to a decidedly less exotic locale. Their awesome pouches, duffles and totes are equally comfortable and useful globetrotting in far flung places or at a park playdate. They’re lightweight, durable and easy to clean, which is everything right now. If you’d prefer a more refined hip pack, by elke’s Veg-Tanned Leather Zip-Top version is stunning and functional. If your t(w)een is in to them, Stoney Clover Lane makes adorable Fanny Packs in a bazillion colors that would wow just about any kiddo.

I WILL never completely abandon my love of giant bags, especially for travel, and have been eyeing Aloha’s giant reversible Holo Holo totes for a someday-soon-I-hope beach vacation or even our neighborhood pool. But for our upcoming desert wander, you can be sure I’ll be busting out my old Hip Pack, just in case I need to duck behind a cactus.
// ALOHA COLLECTION MINI HIP PACK $40 //

HAPPY FART Out Loud Day! JK. Sort of. That’s just one hit single from our family-favorite kids podcast, Story Pirates, because anything to do with bodily functions is obvs funny. My older son gets SUPER car sick (not as funny), so long road trips are kind of torture for him, which is very unfortunate because we take them all the time. Thank goodness, over the years and miles, we’ve found some things that work pretty well to help pass the time while he stares out the window trying not to vomit. We bring loads of fidgets, a whole box of crackers just for him and we listen to fun podcasts to distract from the nausea.

WE DISCOVERED the Story Pirates podcast when it was brand new and the whole lot of us was instantly hooked. It’s a group of improv actors and musicians who take stories that real children write and turn them into hilarious songs, which they then perform. It’s magic. They don’t try to edit the kids’ charming stories to make them more polished or less silly, in fact the more fantastical, the better. Some of our favorite episodes include The Chess Master, Fart Out Loud Day and All 8 Unicorns, but there are countless other just exceptionally fun performances. It’s appropriate for all ages and is so entertaining. I especially love the epic stories written by the littler kids, they’re just so sincerely off the wall and delightful. There’s also some banter and a little storyline that happens with the actors in between songs that’s silly and keeps the pace. You def don’t need to start at the beginning of the series, but some of our favorite episodes are from the early days, so if you have a l o n g road ahead, I’d throw it way back and settle in.

AND IF a silly form of musical theater isn’t really your gig, we also love The Big Fib (now also a show on Disney+). It’s a riff on two truths and lie and it’s also super engaging. Each episode has a theme that ranges from Skateboarding to Dolphins to Caves (so something for everyone) and a kiddo contestant has to try to figure out which of two supposed experts on the topic is telling the truth and which is a liar. It’s entertaining and super fun to try to guess who the liar is along with the kiddo on the show. There’s also a robot sidekick that brings the laughs, keeping the pace so minds don’t wander.

MY SON still feels woozy while we’re driving, but off-the-wall entertainment helps, so we’ll keep it going until the boys say ‘uncle.’ It def beats hearing the same 9 songs repeated on The Pulse for 7 straight hours.
// STORY PIRATES PODCAST //

OK, LOVELIES, I’m going to let you in on one of my greatest mom [and gift-giving] secrets. If you haven’t already met one of my best friends, Plus Plus, I’d like to introduce you. Plus Plus, this is my lovely friend. Lovely friend, this is Plus Plus, one of the greatest [travel] toys of all time and saver of so many restaurant meals I could never try to count. I have been dragging them with us wherever we go for about 7 years and I kid you not, I’ve never seen my boys make the same thing twice. Total strangers approach our table, initially drawn to the spectacular mix of brilliant color, but then they get sucked in to examining the boys’ magnificent creations. Even when we’re out with other kiddos, the whole lot of them get totally engrossed in building, looking up only to trade colors with the kid next to them.

MADE IN Denmark, Plus Plus’ tagline is “one shape, endless possibilities,” and I can totally attest to that truth. They are so simple in concept, but just brilliant in execution. They make sets of varying sizes and “themes,” but we just dump ours all together in a big, colorful mess and have at it. I put a heaping pile + a baseplate in a reusable bag for each of the boys and I ONLY bust them out at restaurants or traveling (that is part of the trick to keeping them exciting for 7 years). My boys have made epic battle scenes, robots, animals, machines, guys and a hundred other things. It’s just awesome to see the magical creations that come out of their expanding brains. They also have a biggie size for little hands. The colors are just so appealing and they’ve also introduced metallic, glittery and glow in the dark pieces, making it nearly impossible to resist buying *just one more* little tube even though we already have SO SO many. They’re a perfect gift, gift topper, party favor, stocking stuffer, Easter basket filler or travel surprise.

PLUS (can’t resist) the Plus Plus factory in Denmark uses 100% wind energy, has a zero-waste facility and both the toys + packaging are totally recyclable. So huge win there. They are also super easy to wash when they get dribbles of soy sauce or ketchup [or germs] on them. So, if you haven’t already met, I highly recommend getting to know my friend Plus Plus before your next adventure or when you just need a few solid minutes of quiet time.
// PLUS PLUS $7.99+ //

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things i love // warm up

Sheesh, Old Man Winter really unleashed some serious shade this week. Wherever you live, I sincerely hope you and yours are all safe and warm. We’ve enjoyed our typical super erratic Colorado weather this week too, which has led us gracefully from gloomy negative temps to dumping snow to warm sunny melting and back again. No boring same-old weather here, we’re always on our toes. My little family finalized some plans for a close-to-home, but worlds away adventure for spring break, which I’m super giddy about (more soon). I’ll be holding on to that bright dream to help me ride out any cold gloom coming our way in the next few weeks. I have some fresh ideas this week for keeping YOUR winter blahs at bay, too. So make a hot cuppa or hug a fuzzy blanket and settle in for a little warming trend for just a few minutes. And take good care of yourselves, lovelies. xo

I realized this week that we’ve been in some form of quarantine for just about a full year now. I know, I know, I DEF don’t need to remind you (gah, sorry!), but I’m *just* now starting to feel a bit claustrophobic. Don’t get me wrong, I am eternally BEYOND grateful for our health, our beautiful home, our ability to access fresh air and the stunning outdoors, the fact that I actually like my little family and a million more things big and small that I thank my lucky stars for each day. Maybe it’s the shot of real winter we’ve had these past weeks or just a craving to get out to see new things, but in any case, it might just be time to mix things up a bit.

Like maybe learn something new? Like maybe punch needling? The super clever sisters at The Modern Crafter in the U.K. make it look so appealing, I think it just might be the answer. They sell ready-made kits for beginners that come with all of the high-quality supplies and tools you need to create something beautiful all by yourself, even if you’ve never even heard the words “punch” and “needle” in the same sentence. And when you’re finished with your project, you’ll have a magical piece of artwork or pillow that YOU MADE. Now, I’m not gonna lie, the shipping charge for kits is a bit eye-popping because they’re sending you super luxe heavy yarn and supplies from across the pond, but if you take into account that it’s hours of entertainment + finished artwork + boosting your mental health, it all seems totally worthwhile. Plus you get to support a beautiful independent maker, to boot.

If you’d rather not have your crafts shipped across the ocean, there’s also this pretty framed Sunrise kit or this Mountain kit that originates stateside and will also impress your visitors (once you can host them). If you want to do a fun indoor (warm + cozy) project with your kiddos, there are lots of options for super cutie themed kits that would be fun for the craft-loving little or t(w)een in your life. So get ready to mix it up a bit and hang in there, the end is on the horizon.
// MODERN CRAFTER SUNSET PUNCH NEEDLE CUSHION KIT $88 //

Pandemic of Love is the absolutely brilliant brainchild of ONE woman at her kitchen table that has turned into a stunning global grassroots phenomenon. Shelly Tygielski is a Florida-based meditation teacher who saw a need last March to help people struggling in her community from the onset of the pandemic. She developed a volunteer-based “mutual aid” system that pairs people who have specific financial needs with community members who are able to help. The idea is that all members of a community should be responsible for caring for one other so that no one member suffers needlessly. Her beautiful movement really caught on and has grown exponentially to include “micro communities” around the world, including Pandemic of Love Boulder.

Like their sister communities, Pandemic of Love Boulder has a unique system that pairs people together directly so that those with financial needs can personally connect with “patrons” who are able to help. For anything from a tank of gas to a single utility bill to school supplies to medicine, any short-term financial gap is eligible for assistance through their network. Patrons can choose to help once or twice or pledge to pay a recurring bill monthly until the need is resolved, creating a safety net of not just funds, but also love + support that’s crucial during this stressful time. And, if making that super personal connection isn’t your thing, you can also either become an anonymous patron, make a one-time donation that will be disbursed as needed or purchase something from the Amazon wishlist that goes directly to the family that requested it.

By the numbers, there are now 100 national chapters, plus 3 dozen internationally, for a total of 1500 worldwide dedicated and compassionate volunteers. Wow. Just since late last March, the Boulder chapter alone has cared for more than 500 families, collecting more than $100,000 in direct support. They also provided winter coats, hats and other cold-weather gear to more than 100 families. How awesome is that?! Pandemic of Love is hoping to keep their powerful mutual aid model going long after the pandemic is over, so please help if you can or reach out if you could use a little supportive love boost from your community.
// PANDEMIC OF LOVE //

I’ve been having my ass handed to me lately (in the best possible way) in an outdoor bootcamp led by my awesome friend, Melissa, of Fit For Me. It has been really nice to get back into working out with other actual people in a fun and supportive environment (she’ll gladly coach you online, too). However, because we’re working out outdoors and in runners, my poor yoga mat is taking a serious beating. It is now an ‘outdoor mat,’ kind of like an outdoor cat, and it’s not welcome in my living room anymore. So, I need a new one for my indoor Bar Method workouts (and my husband’s Asana Rebel workouts).

I have my eye on this Alo Yoga Warrior Mat. It’s a bit more expensive than some others, but it’s loved for its thickness and grip, which is just what I want on my wood floor. Plus, it’s pretty and since it now lives under the couch in our front room as part of our decor, that kinda matters to me. I love the gorgeous, deep Eclipse and Smoky Quartz colors. They’re also PVC-free, non-toxic and are made with ethically-sourced natural rubber, so that’s a win for me. These Liforme Yoga Mats also get amazing reviews and have a cool alignment tool if you’re using it for actual yoga. They’re also free from grody chemicals and will biodegrade when you’re finished with them.

If a bit more budget-friendly mat is best, these Jade Yoga Harmony Mats are also super well-loved and come in some really nice jewel tone colors. These pretty Navajo and Reversible Sun and Moon versions from Gaiam also look awesome. And if you’re going for straight aesthetics, Society6 has a bunch of REALLY pretty yoga mats that will double as artwork in your space. Now if only my shiny new ‘indoor mat’ could instantly transform my body to be able to do so gracefully what’s in those pictures above, we’d really be on to something.
// ALO YOGA WARRIOR MAT $100 //

Do you live where the frigid temps rolled through like a tsunami this week? To help you feel toasty from the inside out, I’m sharing our hands-down family-favorite soup recipe in hopes that it’ll heat you up (assuming you have power and can find anything in stock at the grocery…). This Nom Nom Paleo Watercress & Chicken Soup is so nourishing and delicious, and I make it so often, that my little guy put it down as THE family recipe for his school family heritage project (um, sorry, grandma). Even my super picky one slurps this up, it’s just that satisfying. I add a little pile of cooked rice ramen noodles to the bowl before pouring in the soup for an extra hearty meal and it all just feels like a hug. Her Wonton Meatballs and Pork and Napa Cabbage Soup are also on heavy rotation at our house.

Michelle Tam of Nom Nom Paleo makes beautiful, healthy food that you’ll actually want to eat and can make on an average weeknight. Many (but def not all) of her recipes highlight super delicious Asian flavors and are inspired by her childhood. All of them are healthful and nourishing and I’ve never made anything that I didn’t love. If you eat paleo or KETO, you’ll DEF want to check out her site or her awesome cookbooks (her husband does the illustrations and design) and even if you don’t, it’s just really good food. She shares a lot of recipes or adaptations specifically for Instant Pot, too, if that’s your thing. I have gifted Ready or Not! to several people I love along with a tin of her umami Magic Mushroom Powder (c’mon now, it’s for cooking). It’s a fantastic present for anyone on your list who loves to cook or eat well or for your own rad self. Stay warm and safe and dry, lovelies. Old Man Winter won’t stick around forever, but while he’s here, make a batch of this soup and feel the warmth that I’m sending your way.
// NOM NOM PALEO WATERCRESS + CHICKEN SOUP //

If you’re still chilled to the bone after a workout and a bowl of hot soup, I have one last suggestion this week for warming you up once and for all. Colorado-based Trek Light Gear makes drool-worthy blankets (I’ve been coveting the Gold Peace Blanket for months) and this week they launched their newest design, Halley’s Comet, which is just a lovely breath of fresh air. All of their wares are made for adventuring, near and far, a value super evident in founder Seth Haber’s contagious passion.Trek Light Gear’s mission is to “spread happiness and change the world one customer at a time” and I think they’re succeeding beautifully.

All of Trek Light’s blankets are handmade by artisans in Mexico using excess clothing materials that would’ve ended up in the landfill for the rest of time. The artisans use traditional wooden pedal looms and weave in their own homes, giving them freedom and control over their own work. So what began as a humble venture selling hammocks at festivals, has grown into a truly beautiful company. And in this strange time, they have taken their mission to “spread happiness” one step even further by introducing a “Pay What You Can” system that allows customers to choose from a range of  discounts if needed or pay full price if they can. I mean, who does that?! Trek Light Gear does and it’s just another heartwarming example of people helping people in the best way they know how during difficult days.

If you follow along, you already know that I think blankets make AMAZING gifts for just about anyone and any occasion, especially if you love someone who’s freezing their buns off right now. What better way to warm their buns and their hearts than with a cozy blanket made with the hope of sunnier days ahead.
// TREK LIGHT GEAR HALLEY’S COMET BLANKET $136 //

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things i love // love yourself

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies. I hope you’re all feeling the love today, whether from your sweetheart, your kiddos, your neighbor or your favorite pet goldfish. And In case you didn’t get spoiled like you deserve to be by someone else, this week I’m gifting you ideas to spoil your OWN RAD SELF. Sometimes you just need to give yourself a little pat on the back, say “I love you” with meaning and hand over a little something special to celebrate how awesome you are. All of these things would also make amazing gifts for a friend of course, but it’s only fair that you test them out first to make sure they’re worthy, right? I’m all about the “one for you, one for me” method of gifting. So give yourselves a big ol’ bearhug from me and dive in, because you all deserve to be spoiled today and everyday. xo

I got my ears pierced when I was 9 and shortly after that I screwed something up and my cute little holes became more like grumpy ‘meh’ slits for the next 30+ years. It’s such a silly thing to feel self-conscious about, but I could never wear studs in my ears because they drooped down like a melting ice cream cone and just looked sad. So two years ago I went and had them sewn up. It felt very frivolous, but I have to say it made me really happy. Then on my birthday, my husband and I went to the local piercing studio and had my lobes re-pierced and now I can wear studs for the first time in my life. Which is super convenient, because there’s nothing worse than having your earrings snag on your mask while you’re trying to whip it off after escaping the grocery store.

Slantt is a small Austin studio where Jennifer Rodgers hand makes really pretty, very sculptural jewelry. Some is delicate, much is dramatic, but it’s all unique. It has movement and form that is usually reserved for other art forms and I think it’s stunning. Plus her studio is focused on sustainability and uses recycled metal whenever possible, which makes it even cooler. I love these hand-stamped APHERA studs that come in 3 different metals, but if you’re looking for something that makes a bit more of a statement, the SABIA are also gorgeous. I’m totally eyeing her LEGER Cuff, too. All of her designs are super interesting and beautiful. And, FYI, it’s totally ok to buy yourself jewelry. We all deserve a little bling in our lives and who better to spoil you rotten than your biggest fan.
// SLANTT APHERA STUDS $48 //

I was staring kind of wistfully at my closet the other night, lamenting the complete abandonment of my beautiful boots and flats. I’m only just a *wee* bit embarrassed to admit that I put on a pair of suede wedge booties with my dirty old yoga pants and wandered around the house for the better part of an hour, just to remember what it was like to have somewhere to go in clothes that weren’t made for doing squats. I got some looks from the peanut gallery for that one. But the truth is, aside from that little sentimental outburst, I’m really pretty happy in my favorite slippers most of the time. I mean, they’re obvs WAY more comfy than suede wedge booties.

So maybe what I actually need isn’t to mourn my Fryes, but to add a little variety to my comfy slipper wardrobe. Enter these amazing Topdrawer House Shoes. They look like heaven. They’re all hand sewn in Japan, are totally unisex and reversible. Plus you can throw them in the wash after you dribble maple syrup on them, which I totally can’t do with my suede booties. They come in 30 (yes, THIRTY) different color + print combos, so there’s def something for everyone. And they roll up into nothing, so you can bring them traveling. Some are all fuzz, some are just cotton. The only thing that’s kept me from pulling the trigger is choosing THE ones that I love most. Can you help?! Please? Otherwise, it might be back to yoga-pant + wedge-heel walks of shame.
// TOPDRAWER REVERSIBLE HOUSE SHOES $59 //

Ok gals, this is not the sexiest of gifts to express your self-love, but I will tell you that these babies are one of my most-used and prized kitchen tools. And, I’d argue, there’s no greater gift to yourself than the gift of not having to wipe splattered melted butter or marinara from every corner of your microwave. I know they look like cutie little sombreros for your cat, but they are actually Food52’s own line of Airtight Silicone Lids in 5 different sizes to cover just about any bowl you have.

I have an older version that I use for everything from keeping my tea steaming hot while I pack lunch to minimizing splatter to keeping finished food warm. You can also use them to cover prepped grains or veggies or leftovers in the fridge. They basically replace pot lids, plastic wrap and whatever weird old plate you’re using now to keep stuff warm. They can go in the dishwasher over and over again so you can pop that buttery mess onto the top rack and not deal with it again. The lids are also stain-resistant, antimicrobial, airtight, and have no grody chemicals. I honestly use mine just about everyday for something. So, maybe this time leave the sexy gifts to someone else and get yourself something that’s actually super useful and will make your life better.
// FIVE TWO AIRTIGHT SILICONE LIDS $40 //

Wanderlust Creamery is a California-based ice cream shop like none you’ve ever visited. There’s no bubblegum or mint chip to be found, all of Wanderlust’s super distinct flavors are inspired by destinations in the far flung corners of the world. Founders, Adreienne and Jon-Patrick, draw from their childhoods, the places they’ve traveled or places they’d like to visit one day to come up with flavors like Sticky Rice + Mango, Abuelita Malted Crunch (dying for this) and Kashmiri Pink Tea. The Oolong Pineapple Tart also sounds completely outrageous, packing oolong flavored ice cream with house-made pineapple jam and “pieces of buttery Taiwanese style pineapple pastry” into each pint. Um, that’s a big yes, please.

In an effort to keep their business afloat during strange times, they’ve started shipping their ice cream all over the lower 48. If you can’t actually go someplace exotic and far flung right now, you can at least get a sweet little taste of someplace you’ve never been (or maybe feel nostalgic for) and support a really special small business to boot. If you live near one of their 5 California brick + mortar stores, lucky you! Otherwise, you’ll have to order a minimum of 4 pints to qualify for shipping, so… lucky you! Pack some extra spoons and go on a little culinary getaway with friends or family or travel solo, I’ll never judge.
// WANDERLUST CREAMERY PINTS $12 //

Artist, Kerri Rosenthal, is all about the love, so today seems like the perfect day for you two to meet. She’s an artist, stylist and designer with a super distinct style that’s all about spreading happiness, kindness and sunshine in a big colorful joy explosion and it makes me smile. She is ALL about the hearts and her signature imperfect “drippy hearts” have become iconic (apparently we share a love of yellow ones), but she also does playful portraits and abstracts, and often gives meaningful words center stage. In addition to adorning walls, she has created a little empire, putting her original, happy artwork on everything from greeting cards to surfboards to wallpaper in an effort to spread the love as far and wide as possible. She also makes clothing and accessories if you prefer to wear your happy and radiate it wherever you go. If you’re local, you can find a few of her things at Eleanor and Hobbs in downtown Louisville, lucky gals.

If her over the top positive vibe doesn’t speak to you for your own walls (or heads), it’s still totally worth a pop over to her site for a minute to look at the actual artwork that inspires the brand and just take in the happy outpouring of love and color and inspiration. If you love someone who would *love* her kind of sunshiny bliss, there are some awesome gifts to be found for both your happy-loving adults and t(w)eens. And, lovelies, I really do hope we CAN hold hands soon.
// KERRI ROSENTHAL //

things i love // let me entertain you

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! All of my guys are big football fans, but my oldest is also a huge Patrick Mahomes + Chiefs fan (sorry, Broncos!) and my littlest is writing a biography about Mahomie at school, so they are PUMPED. My husband is rooting for Brady as a fellow “old” guy and just to spice things up because my boys are seriously down on the GOAT. I’m making Killer Chicken Thighs (aka Everyone’s Favorite Chicken” in our house - if you make it I recommend cooking it at 425 for about an hour and fifteen unless you have some very petite thighs) and Mushroom Cauliflower Rice, probs with a side of gooey nachos just because. I always love the Super Bowl commercials, of course, and am pretty excited to see The Weeknd perform. Though in my true heart, I desperately wish we could host our friends for our annual(ish) Super Bowl Party. You’ll notice in my selections this week that I’m pining for spring and just dying to entertain friends and family, it’s one of my favorite things to do. But alas, we’ll have to keep our family-only party going for a bit longer (thank GOODNESS I love our family-only party). Whatever you have on the roster today, enjoy it. I’d love to hear what kind of awesome [slash gross] things you make for the big game. I’m glad to have you all on my team, lovelies. xo

Hygge Life in the Vail Valley is everything you’d dream of in a space designed to celebrate warmth, coziness, togetherness and gorgeous Scandinavian design. It’s serious beautiful eye candy and I would basically like one or two of everything they have. But in particular, my eyes keep coming back to these stunning Danish Brass Twinkle Candleholders. Each teeny tiny hole is hammered by hand to create a magical twinkling effect that would be so pretty on a dining table. They have 3 different sizes that could be mixed up into a gorgeous little cluster. I also love these Swedish cast-iron candleholders that have 2 concentric circles that can hold 3 different sized candles depending on your mood or the ambiance you’re trying to create. Or these gorgeous tall solid brass Dome Candleholders that would be super dramatic and beautiful. Um, can you tell that I’m dreaming about entertaining someone in our house besides my cutie boys?!

If you’re ever in the Vail Valley, Hygge Life is def worth taking the small detour to find (it’s tucked away in an industrial strip mall off the frontage road). They also have a truly lovely cafe with coffee and sweets, so you can take a break and thoroughly enjoy the hygge.
// DANISH BRASS TWINKLE CANDLEHOLDERS $44.95 //

In addition to my passion for entertaining, I am also a bonafide cheese lover. And since there’s no better way to get a party started than with a heaping plate of cheese, I am now also a lover of Marissa Mullen and her brilliant cheese-plate-building method. She has developed a sort of paint-by-numbers way to build incredible, overflowing boards of cheese, meat, fruit, veggies, spreads, dips, nuts, herbs… you hungry yet? They’re dreamy and so appealing, but also totally accessible and something you could actually make with her streamlined method. She offers virtual classes + recipes on her site and some of her most popular plate builds to get you started. She even shares some of her favorite serving pieces for inspiration (spoiler alert: they’re super reasonable and not fancy).

That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life is Marissa’s drool-worthy book and it’s just fun to look at her dreamy photographs even if you only ever end up creating a mini plate for yourself (aka what I would *like* to eat for lunch EVERY darn day). So, if you love a cheese-lover or a hostess [or host] with the mostess, think about gifting them one of Marissa’s classes or books. It just might change their life. And when we can have piles of kiddos over again, I’m dying to make one of these char”treat”erie plates. Just fun goodness.
// THAT CHEESE PLATE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE $28 //

I LOVE a cup of hot tea (or two or three) in the afternoon. It feels so good to warm up your body from the inside out and to just take a minute to breathe. I crave it and start looking forward to my little after-school ritual by about mid morning. But I stopped drinking caffeine regularly like 12 years ago when I got pregnant with my first babe and even the mildly caffeinated green tea that I love is starting to mess with my sleep (sigh, getting older). I also have a seriously fussy constitution, so I skip out on some of the more popular herbs like mint and ginger. SO I’ve been on a really dedicated mission to find a tea that I can drink to my heart’s content without upsetting any of my *delicate* little systems. Well, shout it from the South African mountain tops, I have found my true love!

Honeybush is a super delicate, slightly sweet tea that is naturally decaffeinated and is delicious as a single-ingredient brew. It comes from a shrub in a specific area of South Africa and its yellow flowers smell a bit like honey, hence its name. As a happy added bonus, it also has several incredibly beneficial health properties, including polyphenols that help combat heart disease and inflammation. It has been used in South Africa for centuries for everything from coughs to menopause to a digestive aid and I can’t get enough of it (my little adores it too, it’s super mild and has no tannins, so no bitterness). I’ve been really enjoying the Numi Organic Honeybush that I picked up at Vitamin Cottage, and I’m going try this Smith Teamaker version, too, just to mix it up (I know I’m getting super wild over here). If you love a good cuppa, give it a try, it’s divine.
// SMITH TEAMAKERS HONEYBUSH HERBAL INFUSION $12 //

To know me is to know my loving dedication to Baggu Reusable Bags (and to find a least one long strand of my hair in all the food I serve you. Sorry.). I think they’re the bees knees for so many reasons and they’ve just dropped some springy new prints that are so breezy and sunny, I might need to add a few more to my already, um…‘impressive’ collection. In fairness, I do share and before you judge, indulge me for just a sec… For starters, Baggus are hands down the cutest reusable bags you’ll find. So, right there, they’ve got me. I’m such a sucker for a great print + color combo and they continuously just nail it. I get so many compliments when I pull them out and the grocery baggers always pop a big smile (one asked me once if I owned the company because I had so many, which was *slightly* embarrassing, so…maybe do judge).

They’re also the most durable reusable bags around. I’ve had some for like 7 years and they look brand new. They can be machine washed and hung to dry, which I’ve done literally 100 times in the last 12 months, and there’s nary a tear or pull in a single one of them. Also they hold SO MUCH stuff and pack down tiny for travel. They make awesome gifts all by themselves (hello teachers, yoga instructors, galentines therapists…) or as the fabulous and eco-friendly wrapping for another gift. And maybe best of all, I use them all the time when I deliver meals to friends in need. It always makes them feel extra special to find their dinner wrapped up in a bright, happy bag that they can use when they’re feeling better (especially the Yellow Happy print).

See, not crazy, right?! They also have a ton of other awesome goods (I’m eyeing the Puffy Earbud Case and Laptop Sleeve) that would make excellent gifts. So, check out their new prints and you’ll feel just a little warm glimmer of the sunshine coming our way.
// BAGGU REUSABLE BAGS from $10 //

While we’re on the subject of springtime, among all of the other refreshing virtues of the season comes the promise of new outdoor adventures (yay!). VSSL is a very cool outdoor survival kit company with a unique product and they’ve just released their newest must-have gear piece to the lineup.

VSSL kits pack tiny canisters of essential outdoor gear inside a top-of-the-line flashlight and compass unit, creating a sort of Swiss Army Knife of survival necessities. You can either choose from one of their already well-though out versions, like First Aid or Camp or Flask (obvs a necessity for some), or you can customize your own with the tools that are most relevant to your particular adventure. It’s brilliant. I gifted a Camp Supplies kit to my husband for Christmas and he keeps it in the truck for all of the ‘just in case’ scenarios that run through your mind when you’re adventuring WAY out in the boonies. It has things like Fire Starter, Rope + Razor, a Fishing Kit, a mini First Aid kit and tons more that just give you a little peace of mind and are actually useful. It easily moves from truck into daypack and is super lightweight so you’ll never know it’s there until you need it. VSSL kits are waterproof, virtually indestructible and can be restocked so you can reuse it forever.

And now, they can solve all of your pressing (get it?!) coffee emergencies, too. With the new VSSL Java Coffee Grinder, your die-hard, adventure-loving coffee nerd can have freshly ground beans even 15 miles deep on a backpacking trip. It’s a burr grinder with 50 unique settings to get everything just right for your brew. It’s incredibly durable (made with aircraft grade aluminum) and also super lightweight. Pair it with the compact Aeropress GO and a Miir Tumbler and you are set up for a great morning, either in the far reaches of the wild or your backyard. If you’re still looking for a Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart, this could be a fantastic answer.
// VSSL JAVA COFFEE GRINDER $150 //

things i love // sparkle

WE FINALLY got some gorgeous, sparkly snow this week. I mean it IS winter and all, but it has been sunny and warm and absolutely gorgeous for months. I’m not complaining for one hot second, but we need the moisture and I’d much rather see it now than in April when I want to be busting out my sandals and not pulling on my snow boots. Plus, one of the best things about Colorado is that we don’t hang on to dreary for long. The sun always comes out and lights everything up with its happy, healing warm glow. I hope you were able to bask in some happy this week, too. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

I SPENT like 5 hours the other day cleaning out the drawers and cabinets in our bathroom, purging all of the stuff that doesn’t ‘spark joy,’ like the expired makeup that’s been sitting there abandoned for a year. It took m u c h longer than I expected, but I did feel pretty great afterward. And, now I maybe have a *wee* bit of space to fit these gorgeous Among the Flowers treasures that I’ve been eyeing. Among the Flowers is a northern California small-batch skincare line that’s as clean as clean can be and just so delicate and pretty. The Raw Honey + Sugar Face Polish looks heavenly and I’ll bet it smells divine, too. It only has 4 simple, totally natural ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about anything grody. The Lip + Cheek Tints are also formulated with just clays, roots, petals and oils. Which color? They all look too lovely to choose.
// AMONG THE FLOWERS RAW HONEY + SUGAR FACE POLISH $25 //
// AMONG THE FLOWERS LIP + CHEEK TINTS $9-16 //

Oh, and one more thing while we’re chatting beauty… I realized this week that they’ve stopped making the perfume that I’ve been wearing for years. I like to fancy it my “signature scent,” though in real life, my signature scent is, well, um, a bit more…natural I’d say. In any case, I’m on the hunt, so if you have some recommendations for a super light, natural scent that can be my new go-to, please share. I do like a little spritz to make my sweatpants feel fancy.

THE SMITTEN KITCHEN catalog of recipes is so vast and amazing that I would normally find it actually impossible to choose just one to share. BUT, she just recently posted this recipe for Parmesan Oven Risotto that’s such a revelation, I CANNOT WAIT to try it and I couldn't keep it to myself. She’s developed a way to make perfect risotto in the OVEN instead of stirring it forever on the stovetop and I’m so intrigued. I love a good risotto, but I admit that when I make it at home, it usually comes out just a bit gluey. So this idea that you can cook it in an easy and foolproof way and have it come out perfectly creamy, but not gloppy is super exciting. Plus that butter and parm, I mean…tell me if you try it before I do!
// SMITTEN KITCHEN PARMESAN OVEN RISOTTO //

MERI CHERRY is a magical process art teacher in LA and I have been ogling her happy creations for years. I am consistently blown away by her never-ending flow of truly enchanting creativity. It’s so inspiring. In “normal times” she teaches coveted classes and camps in LA for a select lucky few. But, happy for us, she has added some downloadable classes and kits so everyone can participate in the magic. I’ve been eyeing both the Resin and Crazy Contraptions classes for my guys, especially my oldest. They’re just right up his alley. She has also paired up with Kid Made Modern to create an epic monthly Craft Club SUBSCRIPTION (be still my heart), so you can get a beautiful project and all the parts in your mailbox each month. And finally, she has also written a gorgeous book, "Play Make Create," that has an impressive collection of super fun and magical projects to do on your own. Surely there’s something for everyone with all of those awesome options. Whether for a rainy day in your own house or as an AMAZING gift for other littles you love, everyone needs a little Meri Cherry in their life.
// MERI CHERRY DOWNLOADABLE ART CLASSES $18 + art materials //

SO… ADVENTURE looks a little different these days, but I’ll take it where I can get it. On a gorgeous, foggy sparkly, snowy morning this week, I set off on an epic journey, driving 13 whole miles SE to… downtown Lafayette. C’mon, that totally counts. Sometimes a mama just needs a beautiful change of scenery and some quiet time alone in the car. Plus, I’ve realized that in addition to being a very visual person, I’m also SUPER tactile. I NEED to touch all the stuff in the store and I’m really missing that sensory element in my life. Kind of like somehow you can’t hear as well with your mask on, I can’t see as well without touching stuff. For real. Tell me I’m not alone. Anyhoo, I allowed myself a wee field trip to check out the sweetest shop on the whole downtown block called Thalken Mercantile.

THALKEN IS the creative love child of Hana and her husband, William, who have made a beautiful tiny space with delicate handmade jewelry + candles + artwork, plus a really lovely curated little collection of other small-batch home goods and self care treasures that would make wonderful gifts. They even had a little stash of gorgeous Mortar and Stone Ceramic goodies, which are nearly impossible to get your hands on. I picked up a few things for my own sweet Galentines (Obvs, I can’t show you them yet) and *maybe* a little something for myself, too (one for you, one for me only seems fair). It was all a really lovely, peaceful little respite for a very few brief minutes and well worth the journey if you’re in the area (they also have curbside pickup and ship nationwide). It totally satisfied my need to see and touch beautiful things IRL (in a very safe-feeling environment, of course). And while you’re in Lafayette, stop at the Tip Top Savory Pies window and pick up a yummy savory or sweet pie for the cherry on top of your totally epic journey.
//THALKEN MERCANTILE IN LAFAYETTE, CO //

I JUST discovered the Smartless podcast and am totally hooked. Does everyone already know about this and nobody told me? Old pals Jason Bateman (heart emoji), Will Arnett and Sean Hayes surprise one another each week by bringing on a guest that’s a mystery to the other two. Honestly, I could just listen to those 3 banter like all day anyway, they’re so dang funny. But when you add in people like Kamala Harris, Megan Rapinoe, James Corden, Stacey Abrams (fave episode so far) and on and on with the great lineup, I’m there for it. It’s pure entertainment. I mean, I’ll tell you upfront that when you’re done listening you still won’t know how to assemble a space rocket or anything, but I CAN almost guarantee that you will have laughed out loud or learned something a bit quirky about their guest that you didn’t know before. And that’s enough for me to keep showing up. Now I’m desperate to watch Arrested Development in its entirety from the beginning because I totally missed that bandwagon when it was on IRL. What other awesome podcasts are you listening to that I don’t know about?!
// SMARTLESS ON APPLE PODCASTS //