What's Going On

Oh hey. It's been a couple of weeks. I've been busy working on something special - a new brand - a new business - a new project. Something had been stirring in me for months and it finally became realized a few weeks ago.

Love More.

Many of you know that "love more" has been my mantra for the past few years and now I am turning it into something more than that. I need to be reminded to love more each and every day moment and I know that unless your name is the Dalai Lama, you probably need the same reminder. So, we are starting by printing shirts, tanks, and onesies with a simple Love More design on them. Shirts that will remind you to love more when you see your kids wearing them or help you avoid that negative remark when you know what words are plastered against your chest. It's cool and simple - but the real excitement comes from our Love Fund. A portion of the proceeds from every shirt will go into a Love Fund and each time the Love Fund reaches $100, we will pick a winning couple (or single parent) to go out and nurture their love for one another (or themselves) because a loving world starts with a loving home and a loving home starts with loving parents. Read more about it on our site and stay with us as we get everything rolling and spread the word!

Follow on instagram or check out the site that is still under construction.

I just discovered Portland company Camp-Wolf and immediately ordered a pair of mocs for baby this summer. It's no secret {or maybe it is?} that I love Pendleton Woolen Mills so it's exciting to find cute baby clothes and shoes made out of their wool. It's also no secret {?} that we are pretty serious about buying USA made products around here and if they are made in Portland, well that's just a thousand times better. 

We recently had some family photos taken with sweet Nakalan Mckay. It's rare that we are all in a photo together so it's nice to have these. 

There is always noise. The freeway, the bridge, the train station, the construction, the factories, the ships, the occasional outraged homeless person, the kids in the playground, the dishwasher that sounds like heavy machinery. What is it like for a baby growing up in a city? What's it like for you when we walk under the bridge? The environment in which you are growing up is very different than the one I grew up in. How will that affect the person you become? Will you love cities? Will you love noise? Will you crave quiet country air?

You are asleep in your stroller in the front hall. I hope you stay that way for a while because you are sick and haven't been sleeping well at night. I am eating a soggy sandwich.

You have four teeth now. Although they are tiny, I think that is another things you got from me - big front teeth. Did you get any of your dad's genes? You have started to stand on your own but your record is only two seconds. We play in your room a lot of the time these days but I know we are both looking forward to dry/warm weather so we can spend our days in the park.

I am starring at my soggy sandwich. I don't think I can finish it.

Wooden Swords For Boys

Sometimes, all a person needs is a good sword fight in the rain. 

Schmidts Deodorant

I have smelly armpits. Really. It started when I got pregnant, so it must have to do with hormones - but it's lame. I have to tell you this in order to tell you how much I love Schmidts Deodorant. It's AMAZING. I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and I've never known a deodorant to work so well! I no longer feel bad when my baby is sleeping smooshed against my body.

What makes this deodorant better?? It's made in Portland. Hey-oh (did I really write that?) it's local and awesome. I have been using the Ylang-Ylang-Calendula and, obviously, I love it.

Seriously, people. If you struggle with smelly armpits, there is hope.

A Trip To The Animals

Yesterday we visited the zoo. It was a sunny 65 degrees in Portland, so baby and I thought we would visit the animals. Aside from a few concerts, I haven't been to the zoo for almost twenty years. They are sad places, aren't they?

Aside from the sadness we felt for the animals, it was a wonderful outing. Baby was relaxed on my chest and stayed awake long enough to see all the animals. It was just the two of us, winding our way between groups of children and strollers, peeking through fences, and standing in front of giant glass windows. Our favorite parts were the cheetahs pacing only a few inches away from us, the penguins eating their lunch, and the seal swimming around like some kind of creature from a storybook.

xo

Portland Made: Northwesterner Bag

This bag by Wood and Faulk is awesome. I had my eye on it for a while and then surprised myself at Christmas with it. This is why I like it:

-It's made in the USA/Portland. Local!

-You can use it as a purse for regular pursey things OR as a tool bag, a knitting bag, a camera bag, a diaper bag... Whatever. It opens up like an old school medical bag so you have easy access to whatever you need.

-It's made for a Pacific Northwest climate. They are built using water repellant canvas and have heavy duty handles and straps. Rain ready.

-It's cool looking.

-I look cool with it.

Thanks Wood and Faulk for the beautiful bag!