Review: February Kiwi Crate "Around the World" Part Two

I had to break our Kiwi Crate Review into two posts because we spent too much time on the second project, I forgot to take pictures of the kids playing with it! It's not that the second activity took so long because it was hard or difficult, it was because the kids kept playing the game over and over and over. They LOVED it.

If you didn't see my first Kiwi Crate review post, I'll give you a little refresher

We opened the box and it came with two activities. We did the World Flags first and you can read the review of that post here.

The second activity was the World Map game. It came with a deck of cards and playing pieces. First Bear (with a little help from Mr Sunshine) punched out all the world landmarks and then added a piece of sticky foam and placed them on the map. Next he put together the game pieces and punched out the red circles. The game came with a bingo style card. The object was to use the deck of cards to visit the different continents and landmarks. It was quite fun! The map is now hanging on the boys' wall and they can play whenever the mood strikes.

Our overall grade for Kiwi Crate is: A+

Bear is a hard kid to impress and he has asked to continue receiving crates. I am an excited mom because I love spending time with him but I also love that he can do these crafts almost entirely on his own, it helps him to feel capable and independent.

If you're interested in trying Kiwi Crate, you can use my referral link and get $10 off your first box.

*note - we were not compensated for our review of Kiwi Crate. We're just a family exploring our crafting options

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Etsy Best Bets: Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day will be upon us soon (Sunday, May 11th, 2014 for those not in the know). It's the day where you get to show Mom just exactly how much you appreciate and love her. Mostly, you could do that through actions and words but a little gift doesn't hurt to sweeten the pot. ;)  

I've combed through some of my favorite Etsy items to bring you a gift list for the Mom in your life. Whether she's a book lover, a fitness guru, the outdoorsy type, etc, there is a gift on this list for your mom. 

And if all else fails, there's always an Etsy gift certificate, right?

For the Book Lover

Book Lover's Scented Soy Candle by FrostBeard, $15.00

What bibliophile doesn't love the smell of books? Treat mom to a relaxing afternoon and pair this soy candle with a novel by her favorite author

Stack of Books Locket by The MeltonPot, $26.00

Help mom keep her favorite photo or treasure close to home in this sweet book locket. Bonus, mom doesn't have to choose which child is her favorite, all three lockets open!

Kindle Case by nimoo, $34.00

Give mom this made to order Kindle Case along with an e-book gift card and you have the perfect present! Mom has an iPad or other tablet? Visit nimoo's Etsy store for more case options!

For the Gardener

Ready to Hang Succulent Planter by SucculentWonderland, $134.00

Bring the outside in with this beautiful hanging planter. Mom will appreciate its beauty! Not ready to spend $134 but love the look? Check out less expensive options in SucculentWonderland's Etsy store. 

Herb Garden Markers by OneGirlsPottery, $4.50 each

Help mom remember where she planted her favorite herbs with these handmade garden markers. Set in non toxic glaze and available in 19 different colors, including a naturals palette, mom is sure to have the brightest garden on the block!

Organic Heirloom Seeds Gift Set by Cubits

Give mom's garden a jump start with a package of six different organic heirloom seeds. Then enjoy the fruits of your gift all summer long! Leave a note to the seller letting them know which seeds you'd like :)

For the Foodie

Edible Vintage Candy Buttons by AndieSpecialtySweets, 50 for $42.50

Have you ever seen candy so detailed and intricate? Mom is sure to love a bowlful of these beauties and may even display them for guests. Be the favorite child and scoop these up!

Noodle Bowl Set with Chopsticks by yevgenia, $85.00

What mom doesn't love curling up with a bowlful of noodles? This set is made to order so be sure to get your purchase in ahead of time. 

Kitchen Apron in Oatmeal by STUDIOPATRO, $68.00

If your mom is a whiz in the kitchen she'll love this apron designed for minimalists. Let her look the professional chef part and maybe she'll serve you up a treat!

For the Jewelry Lover

My Family Necklace by Palomaria, $47.00

Make this a group gift and give mom a lifetime of memories. Spouse initials in the center and each child's on separate discs around the chain. Visit the shoppe for more variations.

Hand Embroidered Cuff Bracelet by sidereal, $48.00

Give the gift of love with a hand embroidered cuff bracelet. Mom will think of you each time she wears it! 

Copper and Dipped Enamel Arrow Ring by MijuAndYou, $25.00

This adjustable ring is made from copper and then hand dipped into enamel for a one of a kind look. 

                                                         For the Fitness Guru

Yoga and Kale Pillow Set by KatieScarlettCo, $43.50

It would be hard to be sedentary at Mom's house with these pillows around. Let Mom know her reminders for you to eat more veggies haven't fallen on deaf ears. 

Organic Bamboo Terry Yoga Leggings by seaofwolvesdesign, $50.47

Does your Mom practice yoga? If so, she'll adore these organic leggings with henna print design. 

Hand Stamped Bar Half Marathon or Marathon Necklace by ShopSomethingBlue, $35.50

Your marathon running mom will love this tiny hand stamped bar necklace that displays her achievement!

For the Lover of All Things Geekery

Vintage Samsonite Train Case Charging Station by sugarSCOUT, $118.00

Satisfy your mom's love of vintage along with her techie side by buying her a new charging station. It's sleek, attractive, and all out perfect for the mom with all the fancy electronics. 

Real Mahogany MacBook Wood Keyboard Skin by AlvinIndustries, starting at $25.00

Does Mom use her Mac all the time? Give her a new perspective by snagging this wood keyboard skin.

Nerd Fox Necklace by Unpossible Cuts, $19.95

It's a fox wearing glasses made from laser cut wood and on a brass chain. How much cooler can you be?

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Liberty Tumbling Vine Hoodie by annajoyce, $64.00

Spring still has its chilly moments but this hoodie will keep mom fashionably cozy plus its perfect for afternoon strolls and hikes.

Soothing After Sun Mist by LayneLainey, $8.00

After spending all day at the park/beach/barbeque/pool etc, Mom can get some sun relief with this Soothing After Sun Mist. Made with organic lavender infused witch hazel, pure aloe vera, and vitamin E, this spray should be stored in the fridge for ultimate cool relief. 

Bird Nest Photograph by LupineGrainne, starting at $30.00

For the days Mom can't make it outside, this bird's nest photo will keep her soul connected to nature.

For the Zen Mamma

Boho Ring by Lepun, $12.00

This adjustable ring is sure to bring a pop of color to your Mamma's day!

Stretch Lace Headband (several colors) by TutusChicBoutique, $18.00

Who says simplicity can't be beautiful? 

Coffee/Tea Cozy by natalya1905, $18.00

Early mornings, late evening, heck any time is great for a warm cup of love. Give Mom's mood a boost with this gorgeous mug cozy and pair it with her favorite tea or coffee.

For the Artistic Mom

Felted Acorn Kit by fairyfolk, $20

For the creative moms who want to spread their fiber arts wings, this needle felting acorn kit is sure to please. It's the perfect introduction to needle felting and Mom just might gain a new hobby.

16x20 Signed House of Fun Art Print by KateZarembaCompany, $44.50

When Mom needs inspiration, this art print from Kate Zaremba is the perfect solution. Hang it where mom does her best creative work.

Lady Bird Mini Scrapbooking Kit by MyScrapCabinShop, $16.99

Whether Mom is a budding scrapbooker or a seasoned veteran, this scrapbooking kit from MyScrapCabinShop breathes new life into paper arts. 

For the Vegan

Rabbit Food Cookbook by BethBee, $30.00

Get out of town! Is this not the coolest Vegan Cookbook ever? It's out of print so copies are limited. Mom will LOVE this one of a kind gift to share for years to come. 

Fair Trade/Vegan/Certified Organic Raw White Chocolate by ChocolitaLLC, $4.86

There are several varieties of this Vegan Raw Chocolate available but you can't get more simplistic than a bar called "Nude." Buy one or several, and you'll make Mom feel like royalty. 

Coconut Milk Bath by WinsomeGreen, $8.50

After a long day, give mom the gift of relaxation with this Coconut Milk Bath made with lavender, chamomile, rose petals and essential oils. 

For the New Mom

Yellow & Gray Teething Necklace by The Vintage Honey Shop, $27.00

The Vintage Honey Shop has several prints available for their teething necklaces but grey and yellow is just so classic, any new mom will be over the moon. 

Mimosa Gray Diaper Bag by ikabags, $127.55

Give a new mom a break with a fashionable diaper bag. No more carrying a diaper bag and a purse since mom has her hands full enough as it is!

Mother and Baby Bird Vase by redhotpottery, $45.00

Splurge for a beautiful bouquet of flowers and place them in this Mother and Baby Bird Vase to to create the perfect first mother's day for a new mom.

For Any Mom

Wool Felt Wallet by LoftFullOfGoodies, $26.95 $19.50

This wallet is hand embroidered and made to order. The seller is even willing to customize the colors. Bonus, it's 25% off through April!

Limited Edition Winter Landscape Mug by paperandclaystudio, $48.00

The perfect cup of coffee or tea deserves the perfect mug and this Winter Landscape by paperclaystudio fits the billing. Available for a limited time and made to order, it's sure to be a unique gift. 

Handwriting Jewelry - Bangle by Scripted Jewelry, $99.00

Can't find mom the perfect gift? How about your handwriting engraved on a bracelet? Tell mom exactly how you feel in a few short words and she'll always have your love letter where she can read it. 

What category did I miss? Feel free to comment or link up to some of YOUR favorite Etsy items or items on your wishlist!

*all photos are copyright of the store owners

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It's NOT About the Numbers

I have been fearing my blog lately.

My real world has been over run with real world issues and I have had a bout of writer's block. I decided I didn't want to post just to "post," but also acknowledged that I can't just walk away because I feel I have nothing to offer. I need to give myself credit, we all have something to offer.

My goal of this blog is not to gain a mass following or increase stats exponentially. My goal is to gain an intimate readership and receive productive feedback for life's daily moments. As humans, we crave a feeling of being connected to something, to be part of a larger experience. We all have a longing to belong somewhere and my blog is longing to find its place in this vast online world.

I've realized my process is still in its infancy. Like a new child, this blog needs room to grow, cry, and have some meltdowns. My writing and the subjects of my writing will have kinks to be ironed. Some things will work, some things will not work and it will take some time to establish myself through this journey.

I always want to be the most authentic form of myself and to be honest about that is the most unburdening thing I could do for my blog.

If you have any kind words of encouragement or support, I welcome them!

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Operation Closet Clean Out

We have a "shoe" closet next to our front door. There's a shoe rack inside and plenty of hangers to hang coats and jackets.

They must be invisible to the male eye.

Around the house I find sweaters. and jackets draped over chairs and shoes scattered on the floor. Sometimes they make it into the actual closet but hardly ever in their proper places. Of course, I do have a toddler so he's sort of off the hook (although he knows how to put his shoes away), but the other two kids need gentle reminders (which is okay albeit sometimes frustrating).

Our closet is overflowing. The first day of spring arrived and went and I still hadn't cleaned out the snow bibs, boots, hats, and mittens. So a few days ago, I spent an hour sorting and organizing.

I honestly did not realize just how many pairs of shoes were in that closet, many of which the kids had outgrown.

We also have a rack hanging over the door where I usually store aprons, scarves, seasonal wreaths, and bags.  It needed a good weeding as well.

First I pulled everything out of the closet. I don't have a picture of this because I'm slightly embarrassed about just how much stuff we crammed in there. Then I started thinking, if the shoe closet looks like this I don't even want to see inside our bedroom closets.

In the midst of this purge, Mr Sunshine initiated a game of Peek A Boo.

Next I sorted items into piles: shoes, hats, scarves, mittens, coats, winter gear, reusable shopping bags, etc etc etc. I fibbed and told the boys I had a fun game for them to play, "Let's see how many pairs of shoes you can match up!" They all fell for it and proceeded to "race" to see who could match the most pairs. But then they fought over who won. For a second I expected those cartoon dust clouds to appear.

After everything was out, I swept the floor and began to put it all back in. Hats and gloves went into a Trader Joe's bag for storage, while winter gear and boots went into our designated "seasonal" tub. Items that were now too small but still in awesome condition went into a plastic bag for this fall's Just Between Friends Sale. Because there is a 3 or 4 size difference between Bear and Mr Sunshine, I've stopped hanging on to the hand me downs, unless of course there's a great pair of Bogs boots or some other item I've shelled out the dough for. I'm running out of storage space so it's not making sense for me to pack away some of these things for three or four years.

In the pink box, I replaced the winter hats with summer hats and a couple pairs of light mittens (for rainy/windy days). The mitten box was refilled with jump ropes, a kids umbrella, and baseball mitts. Next to those boxes are a couple pairs of Mr Sunshine's rain pants, kids lunch boxes, and Mr Sunshine's helmet (the other boys' helmets are stored with their bikes).

Out went the heavy coats and in came the lighter jackets, hooded zip up sweaters, and rain coats. I also removed the excess hangers because I can't stand seeing them all on the floor at the end of the week!

On the shoe rack we replaced snow boots and outgrown shoes with sandals, shoes, and tennis shoes.

The hanging rack now holds one apron, the felted story time apron, the seasonal wreaths (except Christmas, it's packed away with the ornaments), a few scarves, and a couple bags. I am storing all of my reusable bags inside an old Thomas the Train backpack hanging in the back of the closet. Also, in the space you can't see in the closet I have Mr Sunshine's umbrella stroller and the headrest to his car seat.


MUCH MUCH better.

Now, to tackle the REST OF THE HOUSE.

Do you have a storage closet? Mud room? Entry way? What are your secrets for keeping it neat?

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