Link it: Sunscreen Guide

(last summer...hats, sunnies, and long-sleeve layers)

We are entering the Summer months and although our Memorial Day weekend is starting off a bit chilly, tomorrow it will be much warmer and we are thinking of heading to the Crane Beach for the morning. I love going to the beach and I love spending as much of the Summer outside but my skin is not cut out for it. Thanks to my Scots-Irish descent I have fair skin that I loving passed onto Oliver. And it also looks like Huck too may have more my complexion than Matt who has more of a sun-loving olive tone complexion. Needless to say whether you have a darker or lighter complexion sunscreen is a must and in our house that generally means a high SPF of 50. 

In the past, I have used a multitude of different brands; from Coppertone to Neutrogena to Philosophy. And in general I thought I could trust the reputation of a company and believe that their products were protecting me and my family. That was until I found EWG's 2015 Guide to Sunscreens. This website lists both the Best and Worst Sunscreens on the market. And there on the hall of shame were two products (Coppertone Sport High Performance and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist) that I used often last summer; both on myself and Oliver. They are all going into the rubbish and we are starting fresh with a couple of brands that are trusted and we have used as well; Babyganics for Oliver and for Matt and I we are going to be slathering ourselves in Supergoop.  So before you head outside into the sunshine check out the list and you can even search for a brand if you do not see it listed and it will outline why that is a good or bad option.

Be smart and keep your skin protected because there are few things worse than going to the beach to have fun and coming home with a sunburn.  

Link it: Project Wild Thing

Since I've been feeling a bit under the weather with the first cold of the season (yay, back to school germs) I have been taking Oliver to school then coming home taking Luna (our dog) for a walk and then settling in with a cup of Tazo Refresh Mint tea (my fave) and either reading or popping on the telly. I love documentaries. I love all types of documentaries. Historical. Social. Science and Nature. All of it. So I tend to try to browse through the documentary section of Netflix when I have the time to watch a program all for myself. And the documentary that I found to watch was interesting enough to share here called, Project Wild Thing.

The basic premise of the documentary is about a normal Dad from London, David Bond who appoints himself as the Marketing Director of Mother Nature because he sees that his children are watching too much telly and are not playing outside as much as they should. Bond goes to various marketing gurus and creates a lovely manifesto that implores people of all ages to go outside and explore and embrace their childhood:

"The Wild Network exists to champion and support connection with nature and 

wildness in children and young people.

The Wild Network mission is to support children, parents and guardians 

of children to roam free, play wild and connect with nature.

We believe all children should have the right to access the outdoors for play, 

learning, expression and development of healthy mind and body.

We encourage, provoke, nudge, support, innovate and campaign for children, 

kids and young folk to get up and outside."

Even though we live in the city we do try to get Oliver outside as much as possible. We go to our neighbohood park daily (weather permitting) and we go hiking in the surrounding reservations and we also go to Drumlin Farm to see animals but we still do exist in our daily life in a city setting and I do hope that Oliver can foster a love and respect for Mother Nature. I hope that we as parents can remember to let go a bit and embrace the saying coined by Lady Allen of Hurtwood a landscape architect; "Better a broken bone than a broken spirit."

Link it: Clean Eats

happy Friday everyone! After taking Oliver to camp this morning I struck off to one of my favourite local spots, Porter Square Books to browse and get a coffee from Cafe Zing. I have been reading a bit about "clean" eating and although I do not think I can give up all gluten or sugar but I am interested in finding ways to incorporate some of the clean eating aspects into our house. I really liked this book because it is not a cleanse or a dictatorial tone of only eating one way rather than is a compilation of recipes that I can use as inspiration and follow along some of the concepts of clean eating. 

Link it: Mortified Nation

Oh my God, do you want to laugh until you pee your pants?! Then hop on Netflix and look up Mortified Nation where people read and perform their diary entries. It is amazing and hilarious and it makes me want to dig out my old diaries. There is something to be said in this digital age about the ephemeral quality of a good old paper journal. Seriously, watch it. Amazing stuff.

image via

Link it: I'm (not) Fancy

I have been reading Girls With Glasses for a while and I love how candid Brooke and Summer are about being moms and also have a company together. It honestly seems like they have so much fun putting together their videos and other projects! This video is a parody of Iggy Azalea's Fancy and it just makes me giggle, especially since Oliver always asks me to turn up the song on the radio! So happy Friday and enjoy the silly video.

Father's Day ideas...

Father's Day is Sunday and here are a few cute ideas if you still are looking for something sweet and fun. 

a custom cutting board by AHeirloom 

 the coolest t-shirt for Dad 

 stamped brass keychains to keep track of all of his keys.

tasty, boozy jams that are sweet and savory. 

Link it: Mother's Day!

Here are a couple of last minute ideas for Mother's Day gifts. Oh and ps. flowers are always a good idea! Enjoy the weekend. 

a gorgeous cookbook from one of favourite blogs. 

a unique way to personalize a catch all tray.

a new top for the summer. 

comfy new pajama pants.

Link it: Sony 4K Exploding Flower Petals Video

If you have not seen this video by Sony, then take a minute to watch. It is pretty fantastic. And I love the concept of making something totally destructive like a volcanic explosive and turning it into something beautiful and whimsical like flower petals exploding into the air. Sony is also responsible for the amazing bouncing ball advert a few years ago which was filmed on the the streets of San Francisco. 

It is also worth watching the behind the scenes bit as well because it is like revealing the magic but also gives you a better understanding of the scale of the project.

bonus...the bouncing ball video filmed in San Francisco! Happy Friday and have a lovely weekend.

Link it: Zoey and Jasper

Have you seen the adorable pictures of a sweet little boy (Jasper) and rescue dog (Zoey)? Dressed alike and staring in to the camera they are true besties. I love this idea of capturing these fun and sweet picture of a boy and his dog. And it will be such fun to see how they grow and change as Japer get older. Check out their Tumblr feed. 

all images via

Link it: Beautiful Video: FLOURISH

I love this video by Dana Tanamachi. And it makes me want to doodle all over my walls! Maybe in Oliver's room when he gets a little bigger. What a wonderful, unique way to make a bold statement. Watch and be amazed. Happy Friday. Have a lovely weekend.

FLOURISH from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

Link it: We are going to Amsterdam!

I am very excited to say that we are taking a family trip to Amsterdam at the end of May! Since having Oliver we have taken trips to weddings and see family and friends but I have been itching to get abroad and start getting more stamps in all of our passports. I have been reading a bit about Amsterdam and we are using Airbnb so we will have a "home base" which will be amazing. If there are any tips or things that we must see or do, especially with a toddler, please drop me a note!

images via google

Link it: Books, books, books

Currently, we are reading Goldfinch by Donna Tartt for our book club and although it is a bit daunting because of its length but now that I am into the plot I am really enjoying it. But of course because it is me and I cannot stop buying books I have a whole list of pending to read. Do you do that? See a book and buy it because you want to read it later? Or are you good and just read one at a time. What books are on your reading list?

Link it: Put a Spring in Your Step

flower crown

Still patiently waiting for Spring to arrive so I thought some pops of color and bright blooms would be a pleasant sight for a chilly yet bright Friday morning. I hope everyone has a pleasant weekend.

floral sneakers 

shower curtain

iPhone case

Link it: Home

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Perhaps it is because of the weather, ahem it is a high of 19 degrees today! But I think because at a multitude of points during this cold, cold, did I mention cold winter we have spent time inside our house baking, listening to music, building elaborate train tracks; I feel like I have become intimately familiar with the creaks of the floorboards, the tick of the heater and the way the light shifts through our curtains. This is our 2nd winter in this house (3rd back in New England) and I finally feel like it is ours, like we are home. I find that I no longer wake up in the earlier hours of the morning and think of things to explore in San Francisco rather than Boston. I have found farmers markets and coffee shops and art and friends and I feel like we belong, we fit right here in our little corner of North Cambridge.  So although I am anxiously waiting for Spring to make an appearance I am also glad to feel the soft wool rug under my feet, make another cup of coffee and sit in our home. My links are inspired by what is underfoot: home. 

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1. Miniature Wooden Frame house

2. Giclee print from Mer Mag 

3. Glass Terrarium house

4. Custom Coordinates Bracelet

5. Chalkboard Sticker ABC house

my cheesy little soap note to M before an early morning trip. Have a homey weekend!

Link it: around the world wide web

Happy Friday! It is a grey, dreary day here today. One of those days where everything you try to do takes you three times as long as it should.  So below you will find some pops of bright colors, tasty looking recipes, cheeky products and a fun photography project. Enjoy! Think sunshiney thoughts! Bring on the vitamin D.

Oh Joy! and other fabulous sites Poppytalk and Wit and Delight are partnering up with Target to create colorful and curated party ideas and decorations. Bring on the parties!

How fun is this product? Foodie Dice let you roll your way to inspiration for dinner. There are 9 dice in total that when rolled reveal cooking methods and ingredients. So I suppose the question is, are you feeling lucky?

Oh, Jaimie Oliver, you had me at "crunchy little stuffing balls"! This is a beautiful Sunday dinner recipe with warm flavors for a cold, damp evening.

This is an amusing photo project by QOZOP who takes photos of children and parents swapping clothes. The side by side images are both sweet and humorous. A fabulous way to see a bit of oneself in your parents. 

Waiting...waiting...waiting for Spring. Must find some patience. Have a warm weekend.

Link it: Valentine's day

Happy Valentine's Day! We keep it pretty simple around our house with a couple of cute cards and a few sweet treats. But of course I like to peruse some shops online for sweet items as well. An online shop that I adore is Leif.

A sweet scarf made of wool and silk.

A floral note with a lovely message.

A water bottle with a cause by BKR which send a portion of proceeds to the Obakki and Canary Foundations, dedicated to delivering water and education to people in Africa. 

Festive cutlery for a bon fête.

A box matches to light up the night.

Have a lovely, lovey day!

Link it: Olympic Party Ideas

The Winter Olympics in Sochi started last night with the Opening Ceremony taking place tonight night...yay! We are taking Ollie up to New Hampshire for a mini ski adventure this weekend but come bedtime Matt and I will definitely be tucking into some Olympic coverage. 

Below are some festive ideas for an Olympic party for both adults and kiddos.

Festive sugar ring Champagne drinks (via Cupcakes and Cashmere).

Yummy, brightly sugared doughnuts (via Whatever Dee-Dee Wants).

An international array of flags to decorate your living room (via Mr. Printables).

And just in case you have not seen the bits about the journalists who are running into problems with their hotel rooms in Sochi, check it out...it is good for a chuckle, but man that would suck.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Link it: Sand, Jewels and Valentine's day cards...

Are you ready for a random assortment of things that I found around blogs and the internet this week? Yes, ok...go!

First up. Andre Amador is a San Francisco based landscape artist who uses a rake at low tide to create fantastic, impermanent graphic sand art which disappears as soon as the tide draws in. Pretty impressive.

Next up, an Etsy jewelry design duo from Jerusalem, Israel with a beautiful shop called Artemer. The minimal lines and delicate jewels create beautiful, simple pieces which are sure to withstand the testament of time.

                        

Lastly, a silly Valentine's day card from Paper Source to strike the mood for February which rolls in tomorrow.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Link it: videos

Happy Friday! This morning Oliver and I woke up to a dusting of snow which was a pleasant surprise because I would much rather have it be cold and snowy rather than cold and rainy.

Here are a few videos that I have come across.

I am so excited for the Olympics and the P&G videos get me every time. 

This video made me laugh out loud!

The time lapse string art video is interesting to watch. 

Have a great weekend!

Link it: Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Here we go! The final countdown to the big finale! My last gift guide is for the first thing that get peeked into on Christmas morning, the stocking. Sometimes left to the last minute pharmacy run to fill with silly toys and candy, so why not try to fill it with some unique items this year. 

tiny studs from Elephantine. I own these and adore them. they are teeny and go with everything and add just a small bit of unassuming sparkle to your lobes.

candy cane shoelaces. we all have sneakers or boots with laces so why not jazz up a pair with some festive candy cane laces.

Peppermint Joe Joe's. ummm, chocolate cookie dipped in dark chocolate with peppermint bits sprinkled all over. perfection.

EOS lip balm. these are the best lip balms and the the twist top keeps it safe in your bag or car.

Kikkerland survival tool. Everything you need for "survival" including the ever necessary bottle opener. 

So there you have it! The last hurrah before the big event. Enjoy the time with family and friends, i know we will.