Family Crafting Books

 

I am constantly looking for ways to keep my older kid busy (and quiet) while my younger child naps-that doesn't involve a screen! I was happy to try out these family craft books that I thought were so cute and creative. I knew my son would be a tough critic-how many times have you bought your kid something only for them to glance over it and toss it aside, minutes later? Lucky for us both-he loved them and probably logged close to an hour with the mom & me: an art journal to share and Stick it to Em sticker book. (The Hand Lettering A to Z would be great for kids over 8 in my opinion...or myself!)

Each layout in the mom & me journal has a page for the kids and a page for the mom with the same prompt. I found it interesting to see what my son wanted to include on his pages and actually learned a lot about him!

Our unique sticker creations from Stick it to Em! I will say, some of the stickers definitely had an adult theme to them (a sticker that says "vodka is my spirit animal" for example) but thankfully there were lots of kid friendly ones to chose from and I could easily explain the pinata sticker that said "I'd hit that". ;)

Featured on The Fount Collective

Head over to The Fount Collective blog to read about my thoughts on motherhood and see more photos from our family shoot in Hawaii taken last fall.

Valentine's Day with VitaTops

I recently had the chance to try VitaTops Deep Chocolate muffin tops and was blown away. For 100 calories I need to have something substantial, not just one little bite of chocolate or a single truffle. VitaTops fit the bill-they are light and fluffy, loaded with vitamins and minerals while still being decadent. They are located in the freezer section and wrapped individually so you can always have them on-hand for whenever a craving hits. I prepared mine right in my toaster and the smell of the warmed up chocolate chips was an added bonus.

I decided to make a healthy snack for my kids for a Valentine's Day treat. First, I warmed up my VitaTop in the toaster, then topped it with almond butter and sprinkled coconut shavings and chocolate covered sunflower seeds on top. Festive without being toxic! The kids flipped out and I felt good about serving them something that wasn't loaded with artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup. (Chocolate covered sunflower seeds are from Trader Joe's and coloring is from tumeric, beet and red cabbage powder, FYI)

Greening your bathroom with Green Goo

I recently had the chance to try out products from a company called Green Goo. I had never heard of them before and was happy to find out they are a B Corp company! I have made a huge dent in greening my bathroom, but there are always those less-than-green products that sneak their way back into my cabinets. With Green Goo, I now have even more options to not let those sneaky products back into my life!

First product that I am 1000% on board with is their lip balm, seen above. So we all know every company has tried this, some come close to perfection and some are total garbage. I have tried them all. I have a tiny stash of lip balm in a few spots in my house and since adding citrus zest and cool mint to my collection, I will dig around specifically for those instead of just grabbing any one from the cup and using it. Yes, those iconic mustard yellow lip balms you can see in my picture aren't getting any use now that I have Green Goo. It goes on so smooth and leaves my lips so moisturized and shiny but not heavy feeling! The lip balm is so easy to put on and doesn't drag like some other natural brands. Also of note: some natural lip balms get weird in cold weather (like the coconut oil in your pantry...) but so far these Green Goo lip balms haven't changed one bit. Both scents are amazing and I can't wait to try Sweet Honey and Kiss-On next!

Product Love: Hip Peas

Have you heard of Hip Peas? They are a great all natural company that focuses on kids' hair care and other bathroom essentials. We got the chance to try out the products shown above and are big fans! Before I even cracked open the lids, I was swooning over the design and packaging. And the scent itself is lovely, I actually enjoyed that it was a calming scent other than chamomile or lavender. I love those scents but it was nice to have a little departure from the tried and true with the rosemary and green tea. The foaming soap and bubble bath passed the test for my myself and my kiddos. We just used the foaming wash for shampoo but I think I might check out their actual shampoo once we run out.


And heads up for all new mamas to be or people like me who want to get useful gifts for baby showers: they have a cradle cap care product that looks like a must-have! It is made of a blend of natural oils and no harsh soaps-perfect for newborns.

Stuff those stocking with Back to the Roots

As the kids I am gifting for are growing up, we are heading more into "activity" type gifts. The kids are busy with an activity that isn't a screen and the parents are happy for a little quiet time, win-win. Some of our favorite activity gifts include gardening and getting little hands dirty! Don't be afraid of a little dirt, folks, just have a proper set up and you'll be fine. My favorite kits to include in kids' stocking (ages 4-12, in my opinion!) are by Back to the Roots.

It's more and more important to teach our kids where our food comes from and simple kits like the mushroom farm and garden-in-a-can are great tools to get the conversation going. Check your Whole Foods, mine has these all stocked up and ready for gifting!

We are currently doing our mushroom kit and Jonas loved misting it each morning. We always see mushrooms in the yard that I tell him to stomp so it will be fun to explain that these are the kind of mushrooms we can eat! And a random side-note: do you watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette? I am guilty. Second question, did you watch Emily's season of the Bachelorette? Then you might remember the super cute mushroom farmer named Alejandro?

What about now? Yep, that's the same mushroom farmer that started this company, Back to the Roots! Was a fan then, am now a customer, thanks Alejandro and company!

Post Halloween come down with Crispy Green

If you're anything like me, you are happy that the week following Halloween is over. The candy negotiations have lessened, I have secretly thrown out all the Twizzlers and Whoppers and only a few Dum Dums remain at the bottom of my son's pumpkin. It is time for an overhaul! Especially before the holidays and unhealthy eating try to sneak back into our lives. Enter: Crispy Green! Crispy Green is packaged fresh fruit that has been freeze dried. Nothing else.

We love the apple for my kids, my daughter is still too young for regular apples because they are choking hazards but these apples basically melt in her mouth and I love that they are simply Fuji apples, nothing else. There is ever only one thing on their ingredient list-the actual fruit itself. Imagine that! ;)

To encourage healthy snacking, we have them placed in a basket on a lower shelf in our kitchen. Kids should be able to have things they like at plain view. This way my son feels empowered to help himself and snack healthy. A couple bags of these are always floating around my purse and car-excellent to keep on hand for the adults and kids alike.

Find out where to buy Crispy Green here and happy snacking.

Pura Vida Bracelets

My latest obsession is Pura Vida Bracelets! They are hand-made in Costa Rica and offer endless options to show your unique style. I recently wore the gold track bead and Silver Cali black bracelets on my Hawaiian vacation and never took them off! Even though I am back home and the weather is a lot colder than Hawaii, I still like the laid back California feel so I don't see myself taking them off anytime soon. I love the layered look so I can't wait to add to my stack as the seasons change for more warm layers and colors.

Pura Vida bracelets would make awesome stocking stuffers this holiday season. Just sayin' :)

Just Bones Boardwear

I was so excited to learn about Just Bones Boardwear-a stylish company featuring board shorts with a unique technology for fitting the waist just right, without compromising the length! My son is long and lean so this is a MUST for us. So often we have to move up to the next size because of his growing body, but as most other moms know, either the waist fits or the length fits, rarely both.

I put the shorts on my son (who loved the pattern!) and flipped open the discreet panel in the back to adjust them exactly to his size and then Velcroed it shut! Super simple. And next summer when he has likely grown, I will be able to adjust them once again. My son was super active on the beach and the shorts held up on the sand and surf just great. Thanks Just Bones!

Shop toddler board shorts here and while you're there, take a peek at their styles for women and girls, too!

How I Use: Seabuckthorn Oil

I am a big fan of oils in beauty routines and lifestyle in general, which is why I was excited to try Seabuckthorn Berry and Seed oils. I have used their cleanser and taken their supplements in the past so I knew it was a company I trusted. Both of these oils are excellent to put directly on the skin to help with inflammation, which is the root of all health problems. These both are excellent Omega sources and can be taken internally and externally! They are truly super, hardworking powerhouse oils that you need in your medicine cabinet.

Personally, I like to put it directly on my face before bed but be warned, it will turn your pillowcase (and face!) orange. It soaks in during the night so when you wake up, there are absolutely no traces. If you aren't down for slathering it on, you can also add a few drops to your night cream, stir it with a toothpick and then apply as normal. I know you will soon be as hooked as I am.