Here at my house we are in the midst of a not-so-fun baby milestone. My little girl is getting her first molar(s) and it is turning out to be a pretty difficult experience for all involved. The poor kiddo is either whimpering in her sleep, sobbing in pain, or clinging on for soothing snuggles and cuddles. We are doing our best using all the standard teething tips and tricks, and hopefully soon those sneaky teeth will come through and all will be well again. In the meantime, anything that offers comfort to my little girl is golden in my books! I think these adorable hug-able fleece pillow monsters from LemonPie are just the ticket.
Toothy the Hippo would be a perfectly squishy friend to help sooth a teething baby
Lobby the Lobster has cozy claws!
Chimpi is a great monkey friend, perfect for bedtime cuddles.
These pillow pals would be perfect for a kids bedroom, or playroom, or the living room for a fun-loving family! I believe that every day should have smiles and snuggles, and these LemonPie monster creations supply plenty of both. The pillows come in regular size (about 7″ x 7″) or large (about 9″ x 9″) if you want more squeezable fun. Visit the Cargoh store or the Etsy shop to meet the rest of the LemonPie monster family. Head to the blog , facebook, or twitter, and get to know Klaudea and Lawrence (aka: the LemonPie team). There is even a giggle-worthy Monster’s Day Out video on YouTube!
Because everyone deserves the comfort of a warm, friendly hug… even if you aren’t busy growing molars!
~Jennifer
I love our Christmas tree. I love that the ornaments are all different, and have been collected over the years. Sometimes I admire those colour co-ordinated, perfectly put together “decorator” trees, but in the end they always leave me feeling a little cold. For me, I think the heart and warmth of the tree comes from the tradition and stories behind all the decorations. The other day I found these cute little felt penny rug ornaments from Folky Dolky, and I think I may have to stock up for next year!
Felted from upcycled wool clothing, they are an earth-friendly choice too!
Or get them with a monogram!
Then, after I had already fallen for Julie’s ornaments, I saw something else that caught my eye (and my breath!). These pretty little felt brooches would add a stylish touch to almost any outfit. They would also be a great stocking stuffer or gift exchange idea for the fashionista on your list.
These soft neutrals compliment almost anything, and the layers of petals give it added dimension!
This cream one is my favorite! The middle showcases a vintage reclaimed button.
Julie gets plenty of inspiration from living in Newfoundland, and loves the added touch of history that comes with using upcycled materials. I have to agree, and I think her pieces would fit right in on my tree… and in my wardrobe!
See it all in the Folky Dolky Etsy shop, and put a little bit of “the rock” on your tree.
~Jennifer
Winter has definitely arrived, with cold temperatures, and some snow (ok, in some places a LOT of snow). That means it’s time to snuggle up with cozy blankets in front of a fire, or stay just a few extra minutes tucked into your warm bed before facing the day. I love the feeling of a nice soft, comfortable blanket tucked around me just right. So when the weather dips into those dreaded negative numbers, out comes my stockpile of fleecy or knitted delights. If you want to wrap your little one in something a little more personal than a generic pink or blue blankey, you won’t want to miss Baby Magoo. I have seen them at shows over the years, and always end up coo-ing over their lovely designs!
I was obsessed with all things purple for several years as a kid... I would have LOVED this!
Choose a custom theme to suit your child's dreams!
If you have a baby shower coming up, or your kids are a bit older, you can choose one of the other styles without the custom work. They are just as soft and beautiful, and you can easily find one to go with any room decor too!
These colourful dots are perfect for a modern mama and her stylish baby!
They also have the most adorable hooded towels in fun animal prints:
This is one giraffe that I could just Eat. Right. Up. too cute!
You can find the full Baby Magoo line (including some sweet “lovies”) on their site, and follow them on Twitter. Stay tuned for the upcoming Eco Magoo products!
The weather outside may be frightful, but staying cuddled up and warm is delightful!
~Jennifer
First, you choose the perfect gift for someone special. Next, you wrap it and make it look lovely. Then, you place it under the tree and wait to see the expression of joy as they unwrap it on Christmas morning. There is something so special and festive about seeing all the different shapes and pretty colours under the twinkling lights, knowing that each one was chosen or made with love. However, there is one thing that is not so festive: Garbage. All that wrapping and packaging, while it looks great, can add up so quickly, leaving you (and the earth) with a big mess to clean up. So what’s a girl (or boy) to do? Reuse whatever bags or paper you can, or even make the wrapping part of the gift. You could wrap your mom’s gift in an antique handkerchief from a flea market, or your best friend’s pretty bangle in a colourful scarf, even comics and old magazines can find a fun second use before they get recycled! Of course, we have crafty Canadians who have come up with even more creative solutions, like the reusable fabric gift wrap from Hop Frog Pond.
These simple to use and stylish wraps are as easy on the eye as they are on the earth!
Christmas trees all ready to sit under your tree!
Wrapping gifts in fabric has been a tradition in Japan and Korea for centuries, and I say it’s time for everyone to hop on board. It’s really quite easy to do, just click here to see some wrapping instructions. Each one can be used over and over again, saving you money and reducing waste.
I love this one, it's perfect for men or women. Use it for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!
Don’t forget to get the little ones in on the act: it’s never to early to learn about conservation and being kind to our earth.
Just right for a little birthday girl or valentine, so sweet.
Hop Frog Pond (also known as Doris), is from North Vancouver, BC. She loves colour and great fabrics, and doing her part to be kind to our planet. Find out more about her and Furoshiki wrapping on her website, or stop by the Etsy or Cargoh shops to see all the available styles. Then head over to Facebook and Twitter to share the love.
I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas…
~Jennifer
Keeping our kids safe is definitely a full time job. We baby-proof, we supervise, and we continually drill safety lessons. Amidst all that, we hope that our kids get to have fun, be free, and be… well… kids! Yes, protecting our children to the best of our abilities is incredibly important, but who says it has to be boring? Not us! and definitely not the fine folks over at Tail Wags. They have found a way to make protecting our little one’s noggins an entertaining and creative experience.
Their adorable line of helmet covers encourages kids to wear their helmets by letting them express themselves during their active play. In the summer they can be used while riding bikes, skateboarding, rollerblading, or horseback riding. In the winter helmets are a great idea for those little skiers, snowboarders, or for extreme sledders. Just ask my brother Philip about our game with our G.T. Snowracers – we called it “Ambulance”, and to this day I am shocked that we never needed one to pick up any pieces!
This is one of the newest designs, and I think it's so cute!
Having a unique cover on your child’s helmet can also help you pick them out of a crowd. Trying to ski down a hill while keeping an eye on your completely fearless, snowsuit-clad torpedo among all the other little fearless, snowsuit-clad torpedoes? No problem, just look for the one whose helmet looks like a bumble bee!
Increase your visibility, and spread a few smiles along the way.
This little penguin is too sweet for words
Helmet covers are available in two sizes (Adult and Child), and fit all models of approved helmets. You can find them on the Tail Wags website, follow along on twitter, or be a facebook friend (and get a 10% discount!). I even hear rumours that they will be attending the upcoming One Of A Kind show in Toronto, so if you are in the area you can pick one up in person.
Here’s to keeping our loved ones safe all year through, and having some fun at the same time!
~Jennifer
It’s an almost magical moment for a kid. Getting everything ready for the jolly old elf’s arrival. Hanging (or placing) your stocking, putting out the milk and cookies, and trying (really trying!) to feel sleepy so that morning can come THAT much faster. The stocking is so special, and it is so much fun to dig through it the next morning and see all the little goodies inside. I know that as a new parent, one of the things I am most excited about is watching my little girl experience the holiday magic for the very first time.
So what to do if your stocking is looking a little worse for wear? Or you have a new little person who needs a stocking of their own? Try a handmade felt stocking from Rikrak! They are stylish and fun, and even eco-friendly. Custom work is also available for those truly unique folks (or critters) gathered around your tree.
So pretty! I love the cool white and bright turquoise together.
You can even personalize it with the name of your precious pooch.
A holiday classic.
Don’t miss these stylish retro themed ornaments to dress up your tree!
These colourful ornaments are so fun and pretty!
You can find the whole selection at the Rikrak Etsy shop. You can also visit the Rikrak Studio Art and Design blog to see all kinds of beautiful, inspiring, and creative things. Or, if you like to Twitter (and you know we do!) follow the Rikrak twitter stream.
Wishing you all a beautiful day,
~Jennifer
UPDATE: The RikRak Studio is running a fabulous Mega Happy Holidays contest on their blog – gorgeous handmade goodies to be won! Head on over there and get your entries in (tons of ways to enter!) Click here for all the details.
Kids are cute. Kids dressed up in adorable outfits are extra cute. Kids dressed up in adorable outfits that are unique and special?? Ridiculously cute. So, if you are like me, and enjoy making sure that the little people in your life look ridiculously cute… you may want to check out the hot real estate on Lilikoi Lane. Lilikoi is the hawaiian word for passion fruit, and just like the fruit, their shirts are bright, fresh, and full of life. There are all kinds of designs to choose from, and each one is made to order! Pick the design that you love, then select the colours and sizes to make it just right for your precious little person.
This style is called the Giving Tree. So sweet, and perfect for fall!
This giraffe is so adorable!
Put your little one's initial right on their shirt!
Oh, and just so nobody feels left out, Lilikoi Lane has adult sizes too! From six months, right up to Mom and Dad, everyone can have their very own unique piece. Or, if you prefer, the whole family can match, or have variations on one theme. There are so many possibilities and combinations with these fun and colourful shirts. If you don’t see a template design that suits you, just ask, custom work is always available.
See more at the Lilikoi Lane Etsy shop,or in the online store. You can also follow Crystal (that’s the brains and busy fingers behind the clothes) on Twitter and Facebook!
Have a great day!
~Jennifer
Colour can set the mood for every room in your house. You may prefer deep, vibrant hues, or maybe lighter, softer shades, but it is always worthwhile to infuse your home with the colours that make you feel great. This doesn’t always mean that you have to move all the furniture and spend a day or two with paintbrush in hand. It can be as simple as a new pillow, some pretty coloured glassware, or a fabric wall hanging like these ones from Cores Fortes. I love the energy that comes from these bright and fun images, lovingly sewn and ready for your wall!
I love the bright colours and energy in this piece
Peaceful and soothing, it's absolutely perfect!
Capturing a moment of childhood joy
Cores Fortes is Portuguese for Strong Colours, and I think it suits these lovely pieces to a tee! You can see more at the Cores Fortes DaWanda shop or Etsy store.
Here’s to living with passion, strength, and colour.
Cheers!
~Jennifer
Jacki, the creative mind behind Plushoff, obviously has a great sense of humour! Her shop has had me giggling for the last little while, and I just had to share.
If you have a child who has trouble sleeping, maybe the Sleepy Marshmallow Bed Bug would help them snuggle in a little more…
Do you love ice cream, maybe want to impart that love on your little one early? Let them play with this plushie Strawberry cone!
Better yet, combine the ice cream with a jar of dill pickles for your pregnant friend ;)
Thanks for the smile today, Jacki from Kamloops! To see more of her work, check out her Etsy shop, visit her website or chat it up on Twitter and Facebook. She’s also been known to do custom orders, and wouldn’t these make adorable stocking stuffers?
Cheers,
~Sarah
Updated: Just discovered there’s a Plush Off shop on Cargoh, too :)
What can make you smile, even when you are paying for a cart load of groceries? Yes, that bag of brownies might do the trick, but even better than that would be a really cute wallet. A pretty, unique wallet has way less calories than the brownies, and is just one more way to express your own sense of style and personality each and every day. Enter: Bliss by Heather. These handmade fabric wallets have a slightly retro feel, and lots of space to keep your daily life organized.
Pretty in Blue
I love this fabric with the Mod circles
There is also a whole line of carriers to help keep any “personal hygiene products” discreetly (and stylishly) stashed away.
Don't want the world to see? No problem!
Even your checkbook can be looking lovely, thanks to this sweet pink cover!
A little bit of bliss can go a long way. If you want to see more, or pick up a piece to hang out in your favorite purse, head over to the Bliss by Heather Etsy shop or visit her blog. You’ll be glad you did.
Blissfully yours,
~Jennifer
