Mophie Cell Phone Battery Cases

I love my iPhone as much as the next guy, but I must admit to neglecting it's battery...when I walk in the door, bombarded by two adorable pups wanting scratches and three equally-adorable children wanting hugs, the last thing on my mind is putting my phone in it's charger.  This is why I count my Mophie Juice Pack Air as one of my favorite purchases from last year.

Mophie's cell phone cases have a back-up battery built right into them, doubling your phone's battery life...a nice perk for the busy parent or traveler who is both busy on their phone and away from a charger during the day.  But that's not the only reason I love my Mophie case.

This case first caught my eye when I noticed it on Heather Dubrow's phone in an episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County (that's right, I'm not afraid to come out and admit to being a Real Housewives junkie).  Hers, like mine, was the white case on a white phone.

I love the streamlined look and smooth finish...it's almost like not having a case at all.  I've received many compliments on my phone's look and have answered the question "what kind of case is that" many times.  

The last attribute of the Mophie case I consider a positive is it's weight.  There is certainly an extra heft to the phone due to the extra battery.  My husband says it would bother him to carry it around all day, but I believe I drop my phone much less often because of it. 

A Love Letter to Anthropologie

 

Dearest Anthropologie,

 

You are a long-time, trusted friend...one who has proven to be there for me time and time again throughout each stage in life. 

Our relationship began back in 1998 when I was on the market for a new blazer to wear to my college internship interview.  Of course you came through for me.  And as I saved money earned from that first job (landed in part, I'm sure, to my stylish jacket), I peppered my apartment with unique home goods I found in the pages of your catalog. 

When my family expanded, you did too, opening brick and mortar stores in Chicago where you displayed a lovely dress for my bridal shower, detailed dog sweaters for my dear wire fox terrier Skone, unique shirts I could disguise as maternity clothing, and baby hats and sweaters for my children during the holiday seasons. 

Oh, Anthro (can I call you Anthro?), how do I describe the joy I felt when it was announced you were opening a store in Milwaukee only 20 miles from my house?  Do I tell you about the countless times this homeschooling mama of three has hidden away from home and roamed aimlessly around the store taking in it's color palette and prints or about the cherished memories and artwork created by my children during your in-store crafting events and now displayed in my home? 

Where do I even begin...and will it ever end?  No, I'm confident our relationship will forever continue.  For just this week I received news that my aging eyes required reading glasses, and without skipping a beat you offered me multiple stylish designs to choose from...and some colorful hair ties at checkout to pull back my long graying hair.  

 

We are not only friends, Anthro, but family...and our tree is sprouting new branches as the years go by.  My daughter Martha is grafting her own relationship with you.  This past November she was filled with pride when she recognized your name on the Rockefeller Center store when we visited a friend in New York City.  She settle in on the bustling sidewalk, mesmerized, as the designers created your holiday window displays, insisting the whole while that I take detailed photographs so she could attempt to replicate the geodes and yarn designs when we returned home. Yes, our family tree is a healthy one.

We have an excellent track record, you and I.  We are celebrating our 16th anniversary this year, and to date, we've only ever had one argument.  You know the one.  It involved a $6,500 Stand Up Paddleboard out of my financial reach that was stylish enough to ruin the excitement of any other board I would discover after.  And so, board-free I remain, despite living in an ideal SUP location nestled between Lake Michigan and Cedar Creek.  But it's OK, I'm sure over time I will find a way to forgive you.

Thank you, Anthropologie, for walking alongside me through this adventure called life.  I know the warmth I feel when I add a vintage Anthro sweater to my outfit is your loving arms wrapped around me.  A stylish and trusted friend can make even the darkest days a bit brighter...and the glow of your website on my computer screen has always remained one click away, never failing me.  And for that I am forever grateful.

 

Forever yours,
Shannon

 

PS - If you want to settle our squabble once and for all, say the word and I'll forward you my address (FYI: the Kai Ko'o is my favorite board design).

Birchbox

Birchbox is like having a birthday each month...only you don't get any older!.  And you don't get a piece of cake, but that's a small price to pay for having the best high-end beauty and lifestyle products delivered to your door.

Each month, when my box arrives, everything stops.  I settle in, unwrap my petite package and read about each product tucked inside my tissue-lined box, including the additional product details provided on birchbox.com.

To give you an idea of what's included, in this month's Birchbox I received samples of a wonderful Mox Botanicals lip balm, Lulu Organics dry shampoo, theBalm highlighter, Juicy Couture fragrance, Twistband hair tie, and a Tili printed bag.  As always, I was happy with the selection; some of my favorite brands...and a couple sure to become new favorites.  All for $10.

Birchbox has grown in popularity and currently has a waiting list of a few weeks.  If you're considering joining their monthly subscription program, I'd fill out the request form now...before the wait gets any longer.  When you receive your emailed invitation to join, you can choose to either have your $10 fee billed each month or to pay upfront for the entire year for $110 (one month free).  Another Birchbox consideration is their 3 or 6-month gift subscriptions for that special friend, sister, or hip aunt or mother! 

Visit birchbox.com for more information on their subscription program and to purchase full-size products in their online store.

Pura Vida Bracelets

My first order of Pura Vida bracelets arrived today...and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts with you all!

I had very high hopes for these little bracelets and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The colors are so vivid and bright, the coating on the threads is comfortable, and the little beads on the beaded one I purchased are adorable! I'm already wearing two of them (which I've secured with a knot because let's face it, these little guys are not coming off of my wrists for at least the rest of summer).

When I was placing my order I kept my children's color preferences in mind and picked out a couple for each of them as well. We opened the package over lunch today and they all chose the ones I had selected for them and quickly asked for me to put them on. Theirs too are tied in knots since they said they didn't want them to come off - ever.

Each bracelet consists of 9 colored, waxed threads tied together with a slip fastener for an adjustable fit...these will fit anywhere from an adult's wrist to a 2 year old's, judging by how Hazel's bracelet fits on her wrist.

Pura Vida, which translates to pure life, donates 1% of it's sales to the Surfrider Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to protecting beaches and oceans worldwide. They have over 50,000 members that have completed over 140,000 hours of volunteer work. In addition to cleaning up beaches, they also are providing more and more full time jobs to talented artisans in Costa Rica, where these bracelets are hand made.

Pura Vida bracelets range from $5.00 to $10.00 each and are available at puravidabracelets.com and in boutiques nationwide.

Fine Featherheads

Today the sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and my children and I are done with school for the year! Summer is right around the corner!

With summer comes loosening up a bit, having some fun and letting go...and one way my daughters and I are welcoming the warmth this year is with feather hair extensions. While my girls are rocking turquoise, emerald, pink and purple, I opted for neutral tones of browns and khakis that are similar to my hair color (after all, I will be 36 next month).

There are quite a few brands out there, but I'm going to sing my praises for Fine Featherheads! Their colors are amazing and their patented technique of bonding the feathers together before installation ensures your feathers stay in longer...I'm talking months, ladies!

Feather hair extensions can be washed, dried and styled just like your regular hair without the risk of them falling out or being damaged. They're applied to your hair using a silicone-lined bead that is crimped with a needle-nose pliers. To remove them you simply crimp the bead in the other direction. The feathers can then be repositioned and reused.

Visit finefeatherheads.com to locate a salon near you who provides these fun, quirky and stylish hair extensions...but be prepared to get stopped repeadedly by people wanting to know where they can get the look!

Calyspo St. Barth for Target

Tomorrow is a big day...the day Calypso St. Barth hits Target! I can't wait to go to the store in the morning and take a look at the pieces I've been dreaming about online the past few months.

On my list so far is an elephant teapot, metallic pouf for my daughters' room, a bathing suit for Hazel, dress for Martha, drinking glasses, a necklace or two, a sequin and straw tote, and some tie dye clothes (I'm a sucker for anything tie or dip dyed). And I'm sure other things will be added to my cart that I didn't even know I needed.

View the collection at target.com and visit your local store...I'm sure the pieces will go fast!

Twistband

I have very long hair that I like to wear down...except when I don't. I like to pull it back when I'm cooking, when I'm hot, or simply when the mood strikes me. My girls also have long hair and they too like it pulled back when they're active. It's probably no surprise that I keep a lot of hair bands handy.

The hair bands I've fallen in love with in the past couple of months are from Twistband! Their hair ties are so cool, they're now a piece of funky jewelry as much as they are a necessity for me. I always have at least one around my wrist, on a bag strap, or in my or a daughter's hair...or all three!

My girls and I love the fun colors (I'm wearing a yellow one as I type this in honor of my beloved Green Bay Packers playing in the Super Bowl later today) and we've built up quite a collection. My favorite are the tie-dyed and Martha's pick is the pink set with the heart.

If you're not a fan of the ponytail or if your daughter has shorter hair, Twistband also makes some great headbands that offer the same cool factor as they can be twisted a few times around a wrist to keep on hand.

Twistband has now hit the big time with their products being offered at Anthropologie...but don't fret, you can still get a great deal. Enter coupon code LUCKY2 at checkout and you'll receive 40% off your order! Prices start at only $2.00 at thetwistband.com.

Lytot Pacifier Sunglasses.

Luckily, Hazel wants to do everything her big brother and sister do so I don't really have any difficulties keeping sunglasses on her (hopefully she'll potty train early too). But I do remember when Martha was littler...she would never wear them. I wish Lytot's pacifier sunglasses had been around back then!

These are the world's first such combination and I have to say, they're brilliant! And adorable! I may get a pair for Hazel anyway...just because they're so darn cute!

They're available in the five colors you see above and made for children 0-36 months of age. I'll be in New York City next month and I just might have to visit one of the retailers to see these in person...and to pick up a souvenir for Hazel.

Visit lytot.com for worldwide purchase information.

1¢ Agoo Leg Huggers

I've written about Agoo Leg Huggers before and how I always have a pair on hand for diaper changes in the Wisconsin winters, to keep my little one's knees protected when they're learning to crawl on our hardwood floors, and for summer day trips when the weather takes an unexpected chilly turn.

If you haven't purchased any Leg Huggers yet, now is the time to give them a try! Agoo is selling Leg Huggers for only 1¢! There is no catch...order only one pair for 1¢ or more than one pair and your first pair will be 1¢ and the rest will be regular price ($10-$12). What am amazing time to order Leg Huggers for your little boy or girl!

They work on baby legs and arms scrunched up and on toddlers and older children as well! Talk about a long-term investment!

Visit agoo4u.com to start browsing their extensive collection today!

The Copper Ewe

I am on a first name basis with not only my postal carrier, but the UPS and FedEx delivery men as well due to them delivering packages to my home almost daily. Very rarely am I disappointed when I open a package. And even less often is my breath taken away when I unfold the top of a box and reveal it's contents...as happened today.

Because today my package from The Copper Ewe arrived!

The Copper Ewe is run by a talented artist named Roisin who I've had the pleasure of exchanging emails with over the last week. She is as lovely as her work....which is quite a feat in itself! I mean, just look at the intricate beauty of each letter above!

So when I opened my package, I first spied my daughter Hazel's name in the natural twig letters and then August's name in silver...each beautiful in their own unique way and each fitting their personalities. And then I saw the jewelry...an intricate silver bird nest with three little eggs inside and then the initial pendent for Martha. We both put our necklaces on at once!

Since this afternoon when the art arrived, my mind has been racing with more uses for the twig letters and people I can gift with The Copper Ewe jewelry. I could picture the twig letters spelling out FAMILY over a wall of photographs, LOVE over a bed, EAT in my kitchen, and SISTERS in my girls' shared room. And the meaningful necklaces and rings Roisin creates are perfect for modern mothers as they are subtle in their representation of children.

Another favorite product of mine that I plan on purchasing in the very near future for my fairy lover Martha is the Faerie Kits! These amazing kits come partially assembled and are to be completed by the recipient. I can imagine the hours of fun Martha and our family will have creating an intimate wonderland.

The Copper Ewe has products available at Chasing Fireflies and Viva Terra...two of my favorite online retailers. However, if you're like me, if you have the opportunity to purchase directly from an artisan, you jump at it! And here is that opportunity because all of these great items I've mentioned, and more, are available on Roisin's website located at copperewe.com. Although I do understand if you want to add a few twig letters into an order with one of the before-mentioned webshops!

mimiTENS

My little Hazel is reaching many milestones these days...she's jumping off the ground with both feet, she's feeding herself with a spoon, she's learning five new signs a day, and she's taking her hat and mittens off on her own. The last one is less exciting than the others since it's the dead of winter here in Wisconsin with another 13" of snow added to the ground today. It sure is a good thing that her pair of mimiTENS arrived this week!

mimiTENS makes hats, scarfs and the most amazing mittens for little ones...mittens that prevent drafts up sleeves and mittens that children who should not be taking off their mittens can't take off. And all of their products feature the most fun and adorable designs. But in addition to the designs, mimiTENS makes these great products under equally great standards.

mimiTENS are designed and manufactured in Canada where people are paid a living wage and work in safe environments. There is a great relationship between the craftsmen/women and mimiTENS...they're able to form relationships face-to-face. And all lining in the products is made with Oeko Tex certified bamboo fleece for obvious environmental and health concerns. Those are just a few of the reasons mimiTENS feel so great to wear! Now if only they'd come up with an adult size!

Visit mimitens.com to see the full line of products and to purchase.

Blindmice

I can not tell you how many times I've come to the end of folding laundry and have been left with a lonely sock...with the mate never to be found. Or, one of my son's socks will get a hole in it and I end up throwing the whole pair away. Those days can be distant memories thanks to Blindmice!

These ingenious socks are sold in sets of 3 or 5 and are to be worn with intentional contrast in style...although all in the set match in color scheme. I've always loved stylish, colorful socks and still sport plaids, argyles, vibrant stripes and such to this day. I love these for my little girls (they don't come in my son's size or I'd love them for him too)!

The quality of these socks can not be beat! They are so very soft and the elastic at the top doesn't leave marks on my baby's legs...and let me tell you...they are chunky! If these don't leave a mark, they must be gentle!

Visit blindmicesocks.com to learn more and to shop at their online boutique. Prices range from just $9.50 to $14.50.

Grégoire Ganter

I love unique art pieces...especially for a child's nursery. I recently stumbled upon Grégoire Ganter's color collages and really loved the urban feel and boldness of them.

Each piece is printed in editions of only 100. Currently the colors available are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, black & white, and multicolor. They're educational, colorful, graphic and fun...can't get much better than that.

And if alphabet art is more your style, Grégoire Ganter has some amazing pieces in that theme as well! I'm just more of a color girl so thought I'd feature those.

Visit gregoireganter.com to see all of the artwork currently available.

Pottery Barn Kids Treat Bags

There are a few special things I've purchased for my two older children that I've needed to purchase in the last year for baby Hazel...who turns one next month! These sentimental items include a matching baby journal, Waterford Crystal first Christmas bottle ornament, Longaberger Easter basket, Garnet Hill embroidered beach towel, and now, her Pottery Barn Kids personalized treat bag.

I first chose the Pottery Barn Kids pumpkin treat bags for my children because I wanted them to have something personalized and eco-friendly, in that they would use them year after year. I realize that a plastic bag is also a recycled option, but I'll admit I wanted something cute...that would photograph well. And they do!

Although there are many adorable treat bags, and it's tempting to purchase one that corresponds with your child's interest or costume each year, I held strong and chose the classic pumpkin baskets. It's something I know they'll love year after year...and so far it's true!

Visit potterybarnkids.com to view the baskets and adorable costumes...which all SHIP FREE! Basket prices start at $12.00 plus $6.50 for personalization.

Baby Gardner Mobiles

I'm gearing up for vacation tomorrow morning but in my packing break I came across this lovely piece and had to share!

Baby Gardner is the talented hand behind this handcrafted mobile and I'm simply in love with it's old school charm, sweet colors, knotted button detail, and apron dresses...I'm a sucker for apron dresses!

I wouldn't mind one of these hung over my and my husbands' bed so I could stare dreamingly up at it as I drift off each night! But because I don't know how Mr. Mugga would feel about that, I'd certainly settle for a life-size apron dress for myself!

The Vintage Doll Dresses mobile along with three other lovely designs (scotty dogs, pink pigs and bluebirds) are available at thebabygardner.com for $43.99-49.00.

Zid Zid

When I was a child, my parents used to pack snacks for my brother and I when we'd drive to Kenosha, Wisconsin...it was a 30 mile drive that seemed to take an eternity. Today, my children travel with ease and the state of Wisconsin seems much, much smaller! In fact, one of my favorite things about writing Ugga Mugga is that it has proven to me how small the world has become! I've made friends across the United States and around the globe...something I hope my children do as well!

And so, with this small planet of ours in mind, I want to tell you a bit about Zid Zid, the stylish maker of products from Marrakech, Morocco! Zid Zid offers home and accessory items...many for children and a few for us parents.

Their babush slippers are unbeatable and are durable enough to wear outside and their stylish backpacks for children and clutches and totes for parents (see the giveaway!) are super strong and will last years of heaving toting! Their Folktale Dolls (another giveaway item) all have a lesson for your little one about teamwork or the importance of virtues. The poofs and pillows are perfect for throwing down for comfortable movie watching or kicking your feet up on game nights! But my favorite products are the Wall Panels!

My son started our city's Safety Town last week and it runs Monday through Friday two hours a day for two weeks. I've gotten a taste of the busy life ahead of me this fall when he starts Kindergarten...and I'm confident this Days of the Week panel will make my mornings as hassle-free as they're capable of being.

For the past two weeks I've been trying to organize the day ahead by placing all I need in the corresponding day. This has helped me remember to bring completed paperwork, to apply sunscreen on outside days, and to return my daughter's ballet class projects. I can only imagine how helpful it will be when actual school begins!

And as with all Zid Zid products, I adore the bright colors, Moroccan inspiration clearly found in the designs, and the small-world concept it teaches my children! And to know that it is handmade by local artists living in Marrakech, Morocco who are fairly paid using chemical-free, natural and recycled cotton makes this product flawless!

Zid Zid products are available at many online retailers and in local boutiques across the United States and abroad! I've found a good selection at bebebabble.com, oliebollen.com, amazon.com, designpublic.com, and oompa.com. The Zid Zid Days of the Week wall panel is available at amazon.com for $137.99.

Jingle Baby Anklets

After a long Wisconsin winter, it's just so wonderful to see my children's arms, legs and feet again! Both of my older children get a new Nantucket rope bracelet each summer and I didn't want to leave the baby out of the tradition this year so I purchased a couple sterling silver Jingle Baby Anklets/Bracelets for her. They are just too precious!!!

She loves the singing of the chimes as she moves and I really find it calming as well. But I must admit that I also simply love how darling they look on her little bare wrists and ankles...I'd be lying by omission if I didn't mention that indulgent fact. Although I am fully aware that cuteness is not what Asian and Cambodian mothers were concerned with when they first began putting this jingle bell jewelry on their babies thousands of years ago.

Jingle Baby Anklets are available in a variety of sizes at sterlingandpearls.com where prices start at $28.95.

Old School Friendship Bracelets

My family and I were checking in to our hotel on Mackinac Island when I was 10, when I saw a friendship bracelet for the first time. It was being worn by the college kid who loaded our bags on his bike to transport from the boat to the hotel. As a child we returned to the same hotel every summer, but this particular stay has always been special.

It was the summer I learned the power embroidery floss held...when I taught myself how to manipulate the threads to made new creations for all of my friends. And I now make them for my children each summer...there's nothing like an arm full of hand-tied bands to make you feel loved...and to know summer has arrived!

This morning I was visiting the nonchalantmom blog when I saw her post on this book, Misanga Friendship Ring, from the Japanese Heart Warming Life Series (an amazing collection of craft books). I immediately knew I had to have it! So I began my search, which took me to websites all over the world (thank you Google translator!).

At first I thought my only hope was to have my friend Karl order the book from a German site that I was unable to translate...and then have the book shipped to his in laws in Austria and then have them ship it to me. That would have been very pricey (but worth it) when all was said and done. But then in one last effort, I discovered the site yesasia.com....and was able to order the book for only $13.49 and $3.99 shipping! Needless to say, the book is ordered and on it's way. And my children (and perhaps myself and some close friends) will be sporting old-school friendship bracelets on this continent in traditional styles as well as faux grosgrain ribbon and plaid.

Visit yesasia.com to find Misanga Friendship Ring and many other amazing Asian goodies you didn't know existed! Don't you just love how small the world is becoming?!

myMonkeymoo

When my first was born, I obviously bought a new stroller. When my second was born, I needed a double stroller...although looking back I probably really didn't need one as I only used it for a short time (anyone in the market for a double Peg Perego?). And for my third, I couldn't justify a new stroller purchase knowing this was going to be our final (planned) addition to the family.

And so, I was excited when a myMonkeymoo stroller pad and blanket set arrived! Something new for baby Hazel to call her own and love...and she does! She holds the silky soft swirl chenille of the blanket up to her face...she loves soft things! And I love the hip and stylish fabric on the reverse side.

myMonkeymoo offers stroller blankets, stroller pads, and stroller blanket/pad sets. Each of these products truly change the entire look of your stroller and come in 11 great fabric prints to choose from...everything from an Eiffel Tower print and blue zoo animals (like the Dwell Baby print) to stripes and florals. It's difficult to pick your favorite!

Blankets ($64.00), pads ($69.00) and sets ($133.00) are available for purchase at mymonkeymoo.com.

Piggy Paint Coupon Code

Back in January I featured Piggy Paint on the site...it's natural and safe for little ones to wear. I am excited to let you all know that through April 30, Ugga Mugga readers will receive 20% off their order with coupon code PIGSAVE20L.

There are some great three-pack sets available at a discounted price as well as their fantastic nail polish remover. Be sure to stock up for the Summer months ahead and your little one will be safe and stylish in her sandals! Read more about Piggy Paint here!