Winnie’s first birthday is in a little over two weeks and I am feeling nostalgic. She is the star of our family show and has each and every one of us wrapped around her chubby finger. Yesterday we were in a local boutique buying a sweet birthday crown when Winn discovered a stuffed animal on the display. Actually, she discovered ALL the stuffed animals. She reached for each one like an old friend, and when it came time to depart from a particularly fuzzy fawn, it was a VERY sad moment. Needless to say, my birthday girl might be getting a new lovey this November 28 and I think the ones from Cuddle + Kind are just about the sweetest. Thanks, Lorae, for finding us a few of your favorite things this week!
Make Your List: Oprah’s Favorite Things
via Caroline’s Cakes
Snuggle: Cuddle + Kind Loveys
via Cuddle + Kind
I know lots of babies who will be celebrating their first holiday season and this could be the perfect gift for the one in your life. Who am I kidding, I have a 9- and 7-year-old who still adore their stuffies and dolls, and would be elated if any of these whimsical characters appeared under our Christmas tree. Cuddle + Kind is a company that specializes in artisan crafted, ethically produced, heirloom quality dolls. With every purchase of a doll, 10 meals are provided to partners from World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, WE Charity and the Breakfast Club of Canada. To date they have provided over 1.5M meals as well as offered economic opportunities for the artisans who make these hand-crafted beauties. Benedict the Bunny, Zoe the Unicorn and Lucy the Lamb are my favorites of the bunch.
Follow: Seersucker and Saddles
via Seersucker and Saddles
I joined Instagram in November of 2011 and I am not sure when I started following Seersucker and Saddles, but my admiration for her has only grown through the years. Of all the bloggers I follow, I identify with her the most. Her fashion-forward feed is extensive but she has evolved in all the right ways. Bloggers sometimes give the perception of having an effortless life, but Beth has been a wonderful example of strength in the adversity of motherhood. A woman independently carving a beautiful life for herself and her girls, I have loved watching her redemption story unfold. For me, she is the perfect mix of casual, preppy and girlie. Her presentation of her life feels very authentic to me, and did I mention that she just had her third baby on October 14th!? I feel like Beth Chappo is a friend we would all be lucky to have, she is strong, funny, creative, and real. I hope you enjoy following along as I have.
Subscribe: The Sunday Paper
via Maria Shriver
We are used to seeing Maria Shriver reporting here and there and continuing to live the philanthropic legacy that we have been accustomed to from the Kennedy family. Of late, she has been very busy. Maria has recently launched a newsletter that is worthy of being on any woman’s list of weekly email subscriptions. I have found it educational and inspirational. Think of it as a more enlightened version of The Skimm. Her newsletter “The Sunday Paper” is delivered to your inbox and aimed at giving you “news and views above the noise.” She also has begun a video series called “Architects of Change” which is conversations with people who are helping move humanity forward. There are so many relevant and incredible writings here. I think we could all use the change of scenery in reading new stories that help us better celebrate those who are making a difference in their world.
Honor: Veterans Day Events
via military.com
Regardless of whether there is an active duty or veteran service member in your family, it is good for all of us to attend an event honoring our military men and women tomorrow. I am proud of the way companies and organizations have stepped up to show love to our nation’s veterans over the years. All national parks are offering free admission to vets this weekend, restaurants and resorts are giving out free meals and recreational activities, and many stores, both local and big box, are providing discounts this Veterans Day. I commend those businesses that offer the discounts year round, and my business goes there. Take time tomorrow to attend a parade or Veterans Day event and be sure to thank the soldiers you know. A comprehensive list of Veterans Day offers and discounts can be found here and here.
Leave a Reply