Get ready to dive into your next adventure. JuJuBe just released its latest tokidoki collaboration, Sea Amo 2.0. The whimsical, underwater print is featured on JuJuBe’s diaper bags, backpacks, totes, organizing cubes and much more.
Sea Amo 2.0 by tokidoki x JuJuBe features a pale blue background, funky underwater sea-creatures and colorful hidden treasures along with a few fun additions. Sea Amo 2.0 is refreshed with cool blue lining that matches the exterior swimmingly and updated with one cute collectible zipper pull per bag.
Sea Amo Blind Boxes (sold separately) will help make your zipper pull collection complete.
Hi! I'm a blogger, author, & mom of 3 big kids. I live with my husband & kids in Little Norway - a little town just a ferry ride from Seattle. And yes, I drink a lot of coffee.
Bring Hygge Vibes to Your Home this Holiday Season
Are you familiar with the lifestyle of hygge? In short, hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish word derived from the Norwegian word “hugga”, which very basically means… to comfort. The Danish word, hygge takes the concept of comfort to the NEXT LEVEL. The word hygge is used to describe spaces, such as a cozy living room, but it is also used to define an entire lifestyle… a Danish lifestyle that has really risen in popularity over the last several years. Any scroll on Pinterest or Instagram offers solid proof of that!
Dictionary.com defines the noun as “the feeling of coziness and contentment evoked by simple comforts as being wrapped in a blanket, having good conversation, enjoying food, etc.” My only question is, why did hygge take so long to go mainstream?!
Life can be difficult on a good day, with or without a pandemic or extreme politics. It is no wonder the philosophy of hygge has taken wings. We all long for comfort and warmth. Who isn’t longing for a simple, delicious existence these days… including but not limited to candles, soft blankets, warm beverages, and cozy socks?
We may not be able to control what happens outside our front doors, but we do have some control over the vibes with create in our home. In my opinion, the hygge vibe is where it’s at! Most mornings over the last few months, I light a favorite candle, make stovetop espresso, and steal as many quiet moments with my cozy blanket I can before the chaos/kids/email/Facebook scrolling begins. It’s my little effort in hygge, just for me.
Mamas, I know stealing time is HARD, but I highly recommend giving it a shot. You deserve a little hygge… even if in just a little corner of your heart and home. Just a few moments wrapped in cozy blanket is a solid way to baby step towards ushering in little hygge… and little comfort & joy into your home.
1
Skandinavisk Hygge Scented Candle
This candle is LIT.
$32.62
This painted glass votive with engraved beechwood lid isn't only lovely, but in the spirit it simplicity, when this candle is used up - simply clean and re-use with tea lights!
If slowing down is your struggle, you may relent and give in when you have this soft, chunky knit snuggle magnet waiting for you to warm-up and get your hygge on in.
Harney & Sons Caffeinated Hot Cinnamon Sunset Black Tea
Best. Tea. Ever.
$13.99
I don't know if this flavor would be an official hygge pick, but if happiness can be found in a cup of tea - you will find it in this delicious blend of tea time perfection.
I have two of these. A baby size and a mama size. The Bialetti is a handy way to make your own espresso, and A LOT less expensive than a fancy espresso machine. I enjoy the routine of the making process as I start my day.
It's warm, it's soft, it's CUTE. I get compliments every, single time I wear it. The fleece lining and that adorable fur pom on time makes it just... pure, adorable perfection. Take a little hygge with you when you go outside.
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Dig deeper into hygge life with this book!
$15.26
The hygge life goes beyond than candles and warm blankets. This popular book on hygge digs deeper and could make you a full-fledge hygge lifestyle, and a great read after getting a fire going in the fireplace.
Gnomes are a symbol of good luck, and tomtes are believed to be protectors of the farmstead. Place this guy on your mantle, under the Christmas tree, or on a bookshelf... whether good luck or protection, they certainly add fun and whimsy.
It’s Mando Monday and Columbia just announced its fifth collaboration with Star Wars. In December, you’ll be able to shop the special-edition Columbia Sportswear and Star Wars: The Mandalorian collection online and in select stores.
The five-piece lineup ranges from $40 to $300 and is rich in detail with fabrics that resemble the Mandalorian’s beskar armor and winks to storylines and characters. There are even secret messages written in the Mandalorian tongue, Mando’a. The collection includes an infant bunting inspired by The Child, kids jacket, heavyweight hoodie and gaiter and technical 3-in-1 jacket.
The Mandalorian Interchange Hybrid Jacket ($300) is inspired by Din Djarin’s armor and is constructed with a durable canvas and softshell construction with lightweight insulation and a powerful Omni-Heat™ 3D thermal-reflective lining. The Helmet Gaiter ($40) is made with water-resistant fabric, fleece lining, and stretchy soft shell construction. It comes with a coded message written in Mando’a on the fleece lining and a Mudhorn signet on the back label.
Keep your baby cozy in The Child Bunting ($50), with iconic ears and microfleece and ultra-soft Sherpa lining. Bigger kiddos can cuddle up with The Child Jacket ($75-$80), a water-resistant shell and Omni-Heat™ thermal-reflective lining, Sherpa fleece, a hood with stowable ears, a snackable Sorgan frog label, coded messages written in Mando’a, and a graphic screen print of the Child.
Finally, adults can layer up with the Heavyweight Hoodie ($120), a special-edition hoodie with a tonal Mando’a message.
Shop the new pieces at columbia.com/StarWars starting at 12:01 a.m. EST on Dec. 4 and at select Columbia-branded retail locations in the U.S.
It’s terrifyingly cute! The next limited edition Disney x JuJuBe line is inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will be available Thurs., Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. PT. The spooky print is featured on JuJuBe’s diaper bags, backpacks, totes, pacifier pods and much more.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Lineup:
BFF mini BFF Bundle
Be Cool
Be Dapper
Be Light Plus
Be Packed
Be Quick
Be Right Back
Be Set
Changing Pad
Messenger Strap
Midi Plus Backpack
Paci Pod
Super Be Plus
Zealous Backpack
Find all your favorite characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie shining in spectral silver on an inky black background as dark as Halloween night. Each character floats in frightful frames surrounded by other ghostly residents of Halloween from Scary Teddy to Lock, Shock and Barrel. You won’t find any tricks inside, just the treat of iconic Giant Snake mysteriously slithering on purple lining.
Jack and Sally meet again as their outlined heads form matte black zipper pulls that ghoulishly adorn the double-zippered bags and individually on the other select bags. The Nightmare Before Christmas print is sure to be every Disney fan’s dream come true.
If you’re in desperate need of some new puzzles to add to your stash as we continue to navigate the pandemic, new offerings from LEGO fit the bill. Chronicle Books is about to launch three new 1000-piece puzzles later this month!
The LEGO Ice Cream Dream, LEGO Minifigure and LEGO Minifigure Faces puzzles are not for the faint of heart, but they are perfect for major fans. Each one retails for $17.95 and releases on Oct. 27 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Chronicle Books.
LEGO is also launching a new adorable Minifigure Journal ($10.95) and Minifigure Notes ($15.95) greeting cards later in October. Express yourself on the 192-lined journal and share the love with 20 hilarious, full color cards that come in the notes set.
Finally, preorder a copy of the new book, LEGO We Just Click ($15.99), before it releases in December. The unique book is perfect for a gift and features LEGO icons while sharing sweet stories of romance and friendship.
Head to Chronicle Books for all the info on release date, preorders and pricing,
Love is in the air! JuJuBe will release its first Disney collaboration, Amour des Fleurs Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. PT. The floral print is featured on JuJuBe’s diaper bags, backpacks, totes, organizing cubes, pacifier pods and much more.
Iconic JuJuBe florals combined with Disney’s favorite couple make Amour des Fleurs the print of your dream. Search for hidden Mickeys (large and small) frolicking amidst the flowering forest. Think you’ve found them all? Look again!
The illusion of embroidered flowers and foliage delicately decorate the classic black background. “Hand-stitched” petals in coral, yellow, pink, aqua, indi- go, and white create a colorful bouquet! Inside you’ll discover a soft mint lining adorned with wildflowers arranged as Mickey, reminiscent of a manicured garden. Brushed gold metal hardware adds a sense of wonder and elegance. Three unique zipper pulls adorn every bag – raised gold flowers upon a black Mickey head plus nostalgic Mickey and Minnie with hands shaped as 1⁄2 a heart. Join their hands together to form one timeless heart expressing their adoration for each other and this magical print.’
Grab your wands! JuJuBe will release its latest Harry Potter collaboration, Lumos Maxima, on Thurs., Sept. 3, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. PT. The dazzling, celestial print is featured on JuJuBe’s diaper bags, backpacks, totes, organizing cubes and much more.
The overlapping blues and blacks in the starry midnight sky give an illusion of never-ending depth. No matter where the Sorting Hat places you will be able to pick out iconic representations from each house as they decorate the heavens.
See if you can spot the courageous lion, loyal badger, ambitious snake and clever raven gleaming in light blue undertones. Discover each house relic, the sword, cup, locket and diadem, shining brightly. Glimpse inside to find soft grey lining with house mascots encircled and interspersed among the stars. A dazzling raised, silver logo plate with deep blue background coordinates perfectly. Satin silver zipper pulls depicting Hogwarts Castle, as well as the Sorting Hat will leave you spellbound.
As the Gov says about wearing a face mask during these extraordinary times of COVID-19 and Coronavirus: “It’s a sign of respect.” Whether you need a face mask for yourself to up your mask fashion game, or you need a face mask for kids that actually fits well, there are New York City makers sewing as fast as they can to meet demand. Here are our favorite local NYC businesses and crafters making and selling face masks for adults and children. Support them with your dollars and keep everyone safe and healthy!
Rainy Day Waffles on Etsy
Rainy Day Waffles
Long Island's Lissette Gonzalez runs the Etsy shop Rainy Day Waffles, and she's making face masks for both adults and children. Masks for children come in lots on fun colors and patterns, including trucks, cows, flowers, Dr. Suess, and yes, pizza. Her double-layer fitted face masks are made of cotton thread, elastic and cotton woven knit. Each one is hand-cut and sewn, steam-ironed and packed immediately to keep it clean. Masks ship out in one business day and kids' masks are available for ages three to five and six to eight.
We daresay these are some of the most stylish face masks for kids we found, but they also come with your choice of two or three layers. In addition to featuring some very on-trend and cute prints ranging from Jeff Koons-like balloon dogs, Boston Terriers, and friendly-looking jungle creatures, these masks are made from 100% organic cotton, have a built-in wire to help with fit and come with one free filter. Owner of the shop Linda has even created some greeting cards you can buy to send with your mask if you're buying one as a gift. Made in Fresh Meadows, Queens, these masks ship in three to five business days.
Already a popular motif, the rainbow has emerged as a symbol of hope and community during the COVID-19 crisis. Brooklyn-based Uncommon Goods is donating 100 percent of profits from the sale of its locally-made rainbow face masks, featuring art by kids, to NYC Health + Hospitals. Masks are made with cotton and elastic and are for kids ages four to 12. Choose from three different pairs, each with two designs.
Bayside's littlepartyhaus typically sells (you guessed it) fun supplies for celebrations like balloon garland kits, rose gold confetti and cake toppers. However, this local Etsy shop is pitching in and making some adorable cotton face masks for kids which are getting rave reviews from customers. Choose from some very tasteful and chic solid-color masks, or understated and cute prints. Masks are for kids ages five and under, or five to 10, and ship next business day.
Based in the Bronx, Cultural Find Boutique can craft you a matching mask and dress set in a vibrant African print! Made for kids and adults, these cotton masks are made with a filter layer, but you can also insert a filter if you like. Masks typically ship for free in three days or less.
Yes, you and the child can hav a matching set of face masks! Dubbed the "Bethany mom and me set", this duo is made of 100% breathable washable canvas, with 100% soft polka dot cotton lining and a nose grip. Mom's has soft elastic head bands, and the child version has adjustable head straps. The masks have four layers of protection—outer canvas fabric, quality polka dot cotton lining, and one filter which is made up of two layers of non-woven meltblown polypropylene. Made in Brooklyn, the set ships in two to three days. Heads up: this shop also sells hand sanitizer.
Price: $29.99 for the set of two, one adult, one child
This self-described "crafty New Yorker" sells face masks in a variety of solid colors and patterns (camo! plaid!) made following the CDC standards for washable and reusable cloth face masks. The mask has three-layer cotton fabric protection that includes a pocket for a filter if you wish to use one (not included). Sizes range from extra-small to large and ship in one to three days.
If you’re running out of ideas for playtime with your toddler on these long days at home, here are some activities and toys to keep you both entertained. Read on for toys, books, make-believe play, sports, art projects and more.
Bunny Shape Sorting Bus by Plan Toys x PBK
Plan Kids x PBK
A Pottery Barn Kids exclusive, this shape-sorting bus and pull-along toy features a cute bunny bus driver and introduces your child to shapes, math skills and problem-solving in a fun, engaging way. Made from reclaimed rubbermaid and finished with child-safe, water-based paint, your child will have hours of fun pulling the bus and figuring out which slot each shape fits in.
Inspire your little artist with these coloring pages inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's famous works, like this bouquet of sunflowers. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has made several scenes available for free download.
Indoor bowling is a go with this adorable set from GUND, featuring five fuzzy friends: a fox, llama, mouse, panda and owl. The animal pins are 6 inches high, and there's a soft toy ball to knock them down with.
Your toddler will have a blast scrubbing all the farm animals clean and helping Grandma do the laundry. When the pages of this ingenious book come in contact with water, all the "dirt" on the pictures disappears. When the pages dry, the spots reappear. This book is also great for the backyard kiddie pool!
Your toddler will make sweet (and probably loud) music with this tambourine and xylophone, both decorated with soft colors and a unicorn face. Both are BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free and have been finished with child-safe, water-based paint.
The large, chunky pieces of this brightly colored train set are easy for little hands to pick up and rearrange. In addition to the train pieces, the set includes people and cute animals for toddlers to play with. The set grows with your child, giving opportunities for imaginative play and to attach train parts and load and unload goods.
Introduce your littles to your favorite classic books, thanks to Juniper Books' board books. The books tell these tales in kid-friendly ways with colorful cartoons and engaging activities, like a focus on counting or colors. Choose from 30 favorites including Romeo & Juliet, Pride & Prejudice, Huckleberry Finn, Alice in Wonderland and more.
Available at juniperbooks.com; $12-$15 per book, $115-$125 for a seven-book set, and $375 for all 30 books.
HERO Blanket & Crown by Orange Lining
Orange Lining
Inspire your child's love of imaginative play with this soft and versatile blanket. Thanks to Velcro, it becomes a superhero cape, or add the matching crown to make an outfit fit for a king or queen. In quiet moments, it comforts your child as a cozy blanket or clever stroller blanket that won't slip off (thanks again to the Velcro). Breastfeeding moms can even use it as a nursing cover. The real superheroes here are the founders of Orange Lining, two sisters who donate a portion of proceeds from each purchase to charities in honor of their son/nephew and forever hero, Ryder, who passed away at age 3.
If you're looking for new bath-time toys, give this a whirl. This water wand has three pieces that kids can play with on their own and also snap together for even more fun. Let your little scientists see what happens when water moves through the three sections.
The colorful disks and cups help your toddler learn valuable sorting and counting skills. Lay out the disks and let your child sort them into the correct cups. A cotton bag is included to keep all the pieces together.
Attach this magical mirror to the outside of your child's crib, a playpen, or even a baby gate. In addition to the mirror, which kids find endlessly fascinating, the colors are visually stimulating, and there's a variety of textures and objects to explore.
You won’t remember these days the same way as we, adults, do.
You won’t remember being cooped up in the house.
You won’t remember not being able to have playdates.
You won’t remember Mom and Dad scrambling to come up with activities to do besides watching TV.
You won’t remember how stressed Mom and Dad were as they tried to balance work and taking care of you.
You won’t remember your Mom being worried about what will happen if she runs out of milk and eggs for you.
You won’t remember all of the financial stress your parents felt as they saw the economy on its way to collapse.
You won’t remember how scared your Mom and Dad were that they may get and spread the virus to the most vulnerable, including your favorite grandparents.
No, you won’t remember any of this…
You will remember how much time you got to spend with Mom, Dad and siblings in the house and all of the family fun, snuggle parties and love.
You will remember all of the creative games and shows you came up with and how you utilized all of your toys.
You will remember learning new skills.
You will remember spending time in nature.
You will remember finding new ways to connect with people. You will remember being kind and the kindness of others.
You will remember staying in your PJs till noon and eating all of your favorite foods.
You will remember FaceTiming with your grandparents and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, on a daily basis, seeing more of them than you usually do and taking turns “pushing the red button”.
You will remember how much love you felt when no one from the outside world was allowed into your home.
Remember: this too shall pass. We need to keep a positive attitude and appreciate the silver lining that comes from this time of social isolation.
Marissa Goldstein is a mama to two sets of twins, blogger behind @TwinsonthegoX2, & Founder of Rafi Nova (www.rafinova.com), a sustainable fashion brand that unites parents through thoughtful and ethically made bags and accessories. Marissa, her husband, and their 4 kids under 4, split their time between Boston and Vietnam.
