Uncommon Goods for Mothers Day

So you all might know about my love affair with Uncommon Goods! In fact our home is filled with their items! I love different and I REALLY love quality! When Sophia was born I knew we would find some amazing items from Uncommon Goods! A few of our favorites that you may have seen on the blog are the Construction plate & Utensils and her Safari Puzzle Blocks.
 

With Mother's Day rapidly approaching Uncommon Goods has you covered!  I was honored to have the opportunity to shop over there to bring you all a review! Because truth be told this is where not only my mom and mother in law will be getting their gifts but where I will be spoiling myself as well!
 
One thing as a mom that I desire most is Organization!!! Two dogs and a baby running around is enough chaos that I want everything to have a place that is "not living" ;) I have been dying for an overhaul of our storage cabinet! To say it was a wreck is an understatement...well just take a look for yourself.

No lie when I tell you half of these containers don't have lids and half the lids I do own don't fit on any of the containers! How does that happen?! Needless to say being gifted with The Nesting Storage unit from Uncommon Goods will be the best give I receive this Mothers Day...with the exception of sweet baby kisses from my little Sophia! Want to purchase your own Nesting Storage containers? You can buy yours at Uncommon Goods HERE

I received these products free for review purposes but all opinions are 100% honest.

It's rare when you purchase something and know the masterminds behind such an item. Buying products from Uncommon Goods lets you in on who the artistic genius really is. Meet the two men who have made my Mother's Day...

Richard & Anthony Joseph

 

"Twin brothers Richard and Antony Joseph founded their contemporary kitchenware company in 2003, combining their respective experience in product design and business. Antony studied design at Central St. Martin's while Richard studied business at Cambridge University. Remaining true to the brothers’ vision, the brand’s main goal is to “tie up the loose ends” that a simple utensil has neglected by only partially solving a problem. Their team spends hours in the office kitchen looking for these loose ends, and through testing complete sets of kitchen utensils and appliances has generated fresh, problem-solving ideas and products that meet the company’s high standards in four core areas: functionality, innovation, longevity and aesthetics."
 
Uncommon Goods has EVERYTHING you could want for a special gift for Mother's Day. Visit Uncommon Goods to see all of their Mother's Day selections! Every style and interest is touched upon and truthfully lets give those Mama's something they will want and deserve this Holiday! Something that they can use, wear or look at and remember how absolutely loved they truly are! Check out their Gifts for Mom HERE!
 
If you are still wondering why I'm obsessed with Uncommon Goods other than the sheer fact that they carry super rad unique items (that EVERYONE asks about when they come over or see the items in pictures!) Well prepare to be blown away.... Did you know that Uncommon Goods makes it their mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers, in fact, half of what they sell is handmade!! one third of their entire collection is recycled and/or upcycled material! A business that strives to impact the world in a positive way is right where we want to be! I want to be apart o something meaningful. I want the things I own and the gifts I give to have more meaning behind them than something cheap and heartless. Not to mention that everything is created in harmony and without harm to animals or people!

Head over to Uncommon Goods to shop for Mother's Day now by clicking HERE

With every purchase you make, Uncommon Goods will proudly donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice! Hooray for independently owned businesses that have the freedom to support causes we all believe in and impact the world once again in a positive way! Their nonprofits include RAINN, American Forests, Women for Women international and City Harvest. Seriously could they get any better???

Well in fact YES! They have the best customer services around, have any questions...contact them any time.
 
Thought I would share my parenting "win" moment as well. The bottoms of the storage containers have a color dot to match with the lid. Great learning tool....and keeps Sophia busy while mom gets some things done in the house! Thank you Uncommon Goods!!!

Don't forget t check out Uncommon Goods on Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram!! Lets see those Mothers Day Gifts Peeps, Hashtag #uncommongoods & #uncommongoodsmothersday Get Shopping while making a difference....The Uncommon Goods way!

Dear Mom by Peter Wilson

We are HUGE fans of the author Peter Wilson... In fact Ralph and Sophia still read the book "Daddy's Little Girl" together often. It has become a tradition in our household. Sophia calls it the Dada boo. I was over the moon to receive a copy of Dear Mom from the author! And Peter Wilson has done it once again! A timeless book that will be cherished by all! It goes through the stages of a young boys life with his mother. It is sweet, heartfelt and a must read for all!!! The pictures are beautifully illustrated as Sophia loves the doggie in the pictures!

What I really love about this book was it was a tribute to the authors mother and he gave it to her for Mother's Day as a surprise.  That totally gets me...is that not the sweetest thing ever! This really would make the perfect Mothers Day gift for all moms!!!

 There is such a personal story behind this book, All the illustrations in the book are based off of real pictures of his mother and himself  throughout the years.  The dogs in the book are all dogs they have had in their lives.  There are a few quotes he built into the book that are actual quotes his mother has said to him throughout his life.  Oh how I would have LOVED to see his mothers face as she read this book for the first time! There even illustrations of their cottage and the tree on the property. To top it off the dedication is something his mother used to say to him as a child.  

Essentially the book is littered with elements of his life and relationship with his mother. It makes the book all the more special! To know that there really is an emotional connection to this book! You can envision your own relationship with your mother throughout! I seriously can not get enough of Peter Wilson!! We are on the edge of our seats and await whatever he has in store next! For now we will cherish both of our books dedicated to moms and dads everywhere!!!

 

Check out their website HERE to learn more and order your copy!

PETER WILSON is an accomplished Canadian writer and musician, Peter has been bringing his emotive prose to life since 1992. Originally focusing on song writing and production, his creative style has evolved to include authoring several books. Through his creative endeavours, Peter has also partnered with several environmental, cancer prevention and blood donation charities. Peter and his family reside in his home town of Ajax, Ontario.

CAROL MATSUYAMA studied fine arts in New York and has been a children’s educational book designer and illustrator for over twenty years. She homesteads with her husband and her little dog, Pip, on five acres in Port Perry, Ontario, and paints with acrylics in her Red Trillium Studio. Carol is a member of the Port Perry Artists’ Association, the Oshawa Art Association and the Scugog Council For the Arts. Visit www.carolmatsuyama.com to find out more about Carol.

Check out Dear Mom on Facebook HERE

Some pictures from when we first fell in Love with Peter Wilson's books!

Freshly Picked Review & Giveaway #2

Sophia's spring Freshly Picked Moccs are IN!!!!!! This time we went for Glacier in a size 6! If you have been following us from Sophia's first months then you know her signature platinum FP Moccs that adorned her sweet chubby toes! In fact I think they may be in every other picture I have ever put up! She learned to crawl in them...and WALK! Those moccs hold a special place in my heart...I will hold onto them forever! The quality of this brand is like no other. I am ecstatic that her new moccs have come in just in time for spring!!

Here are her new Glacier's:

$60.00 & 100% Genuine Leather Moccs they have an elastic opening and they STAY ON your babies feet!! Freshly Picked Moccasins fit true to size so be sure to see their shoe size chart on their website!

Freshly Picked has been featured everywhere from Parenting Magazine, IN TOUCH, US weekly, People.com, not to mention Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Kourtney and Kim Take New York!!

Sophia's daddy's favorite part, they are hand made in the U.S.A.

Sophia's mommy's favorite part, we love to support small local businesses.

Sophia's favorite part, how super rad she looks wearing them!

Go Purchase your Freshly Picked Moccs HERE

 

Ready for the BEST NEWS EVER..... Freshly Picked is once again giving another one of my readers any Moccasin of their choice!!! Enter to win below...extra entries earned by sharing and following on Instagram @Sarahreneev  GoodLuck EVERYONE!!

**not eligible if you have won FP moccs in the past 60 days!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Polagram Review & Giveaway

Ok want to know something that I feel shameful about?!?! I have like no pictures of Sophia around the house!!! ugh. I swear these past 16 months have flown by!! Life with a baby is BUSY! That is why I am forever grateful to have been introduced to Polagram!! My house is filled with adorable pictures and a new book for our coffee table...and it literally took me 5 minutes! Did I mention that it was delivered right to my door! Even the packaging tugged at my heart strings...The Pink envelope screamed Sophia!

 

How it works:

Download the free app Polagram

 

Select your favorite pictures from your phone or even from your Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Enter your address or your friends one to make him a surprise. And Voilà!

 They will print and send your memories quickly, and always with love.

 

#Polagram

 

It really is that EASY! Not to mention if you share the link with friends you make money towards free prints or goods! I take about 300 photos a month and of that around 20-30 keepers. I set an alarm on my phone for the first of the month and I will print a book for that month! Knowing that I will have these keepsakes forever makes me so happy....because lets face it, the days of scrapbooking Ralph and I's life is long gone! I also LOVE that I can order any images I want for family and have it sent right to their doorsteps! Great way for Grandparents to get a sweet surprise in the mail!

 

I LOVE the old Polaroid style pictures!

 

Check out Polagram's website HERE, Find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest too!

Polagram is so Awesome that they are going to Giveaway goods to THREE of my readers! The 1st winner will receive a Photobook and the 2nd and 3rd will win 10 prints each!! GoodLuck!!!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nate & Jake Co.

Nate & Jake Co Rocks our world!!

I was ecstatic when I was given the opportunity to do a review from one of our favorite baby clothing designers Nate & Jake Co.  You will fall in love with these adorable threads, I can assure you!

We received the Green Skirt, Made out of soft sweater knit poly cotton blend. Elastic back.
Fit is intended to be mini skirt length...and I'm OBSESSED! I love that the material is super soft and comfy but still keeps my little Sophie trendy! We are currently having a never ending winter here in New England but it can be paired with adorable leggings. Although So just Rocks her mini around the house because this momma keeps the heat cranked up in here! This Skirt has my heart screaming for Spring! The perfect staple for her wardrobe.

We also received the pink square top. I can't even handle the cuteness of this top! It is made out of cotton poly blend. but Please Note: This fabric has no stretch. If your child is in between sizes they suggest your size up! It fits Sophia perfectly. I love how it hangs off her shoulder when she is busy in her playroom or taking care of her babies! Swoon! I could really go crazy over at their shop... The yellow penguin top and rompers have my heart skipping a beat

 

 

Here is a little bit about the masterminds behind the brand, "Nate & Jake Co. is a mother and daughter duo from Phoenix, Arizona. Everything in our site is designed & handmade by us. We strive to make unique and trendy items for you little loves with high quality materials. All of our items are made with industrial sewing machines and professionally serged for extra durability."

Oh how I love that it is a mother daughter duo! Every single piece in their collection has stolen my heart! Nate & Jake Co. makes their clothes true to size but there is a little give within that to grow. It was a perfect fit but knowing Sophia is in the 99% for height I know the time will come when we will need certain clothes to fit her height. Not a problem if we shop with Nate & Jake Co. as they will adjust sizes for no extra charge. Just contact them and let them know whether your little one is slim, husky, or extra tall like my dolly! They truly have the best costumer service and can answer any questions you may have!

Shop Nate & Jake Co. HERE

Don't forget to check them out on Facebook and @nateandjake!!

Party Print Express Review

Ok Ladies & Gents its crunch time... Our Rustic Barn Wedding is right around the corner!!! 3 months 6 days and 23 hours to be exact! I want this day to be as magical as I envisioned it in my dreams...and I'm getting there! The most important part besides my Groom is the details, details, details! I have searched high and low for the best of the best! In the months coming I will be sharing with all of you how you can achieve your very own dreamy rustic wedding!! Taking place in the Heart of New England here is a sneak peek of our day!

RUSTIC WEDDING PROGRAMS

"Get the cottage chic Wedding Programs you’ve been looking for, for your joyous occasion, custom designed with the colors of your choice; Stick with the classic brown, or mix and match the colors! See the last photo for color swatches. This design works great for rustic, western or even 70's style. This retro wedding program is professionally printed on thick commercial stock. These programs are sure to put a smile on your guests face when they receive them! Each program is approx. 4x9", printed on BOTH sides, produced quickly and with high quality for your special occasion!"

Here is my Layout Template Information that I used....although Party Print Express is super accommodating and can make any customizations that you may need!! Not to mention they are Shipped quickly & FREE by USPS First Class Mail (2-5 days)!!! Perfect for last minute peeps too ;)

✔Front:
Couple's Name
Wedding Date, time, venue, location
Processional Song
Officiant's Name
Any Solo/Song/Music/Poem -- Style & Name
Recessional Song
Wedding Quote or Bible Verse

✔Back:
Parents of the Bride
Parents of the Groom
Matron of Honor
Bridesmaids
Best Man
Groomsmen
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer
Usher

What the peeps at Party Print Express had to say, "Custom high-quality party supplies for all party occasions! Birthdays, Baby Shower, weddings, Sweet 16, Quinceanera. Favors, invitations, thank you cards, cupcake toppers, bag toppers and more! Also selling high-quality custom gift prints and artwork. Note on Turn Times: Items ordered & approved by noon central time, will normally go out the next business day. If approved after noon, it will go out the next day (2 days from order date). Items do ship on Saturday, so if you order and approve by noon on Friday, they will ship on Saturday. Any questions, please ask!"

I can't rave enough about this company! The quality is remarkable and truly the best prices around! I really believe it is the little details that make each and every event special. I want Ralph and I's day to be unforgettable. Party Print Express is that key component to make any event unforgettable!

You can purchase your Rustic Wedding Program guides and check out other amazing items HERE!!!!! Don't forget to check them out on FACEBOOK!

Brave Breastfeeding Momma

I went into this whole mommy hood thing pretty open minded. It didn't take long before people started to show me a whole new kind of ugly. The kind of ugly that exist in the mommy world... that I obviously knew little about! You know the democrat or republican kind of politics which became the breastfeeding vs. formula, cloth diapering vs. disposable, homemade baby food vs. pre-made, vaxing vs. not vaxing and really that's the tip of the iceberg.

I always envisioned breastfeeding my babies so I just assumed I would. In the event that it didn't work out (because TRUTH: some people just cant! Whether it be because of preference, health issues or a number of other reasons.) I had hoped it would go well but the "planner" I am also had formula on stand by. Sophia caught on and I loved nursing my baby...weeks went by and reality started to set in. When you leave the bubble of your home aka Safe Haven you found how difficult the world can be. Especially for a first time mom that needs to feed a crying baby when you are out!!

Here it comes.... the awkward "Where do I feed my hungry baby" oh that's right in a filthy target bathroom stall because I'm a new mom and I fear the stares as if I'm committing a crime because my sweet little baby is hungry. Or my car with the heat cranked in an empty parking lot (safe I know)...better yet I will just be a hermit until my child no longer requires breastmilk as a means to survive. That's basically how I lived my life for the first 6 months of Sophia's life.

Then the tired I don't give a shit mommy came out! The one that realized who really cares what these people think. And how in the heck are we going to normalize breastfeeding if we are all hiding in dirty bathroom stalls?!?

Time to brave the world...I bought SEVEN super rad nursing covers. What a little hipster mommy I will be...rocking these cool duds while being able to feed my baby in a now sanitary environment!

Or so I thought. Truth: who designed these non breathable sweat shops! Sophia HATED to have her head covered. So much so that she would scream bloody murder and would rather not eat then be stuck under the dark sauna of a cloth. Well ladies and gents...guess I'm back to sitting on a public toilet seat or better yet just never leaving my house but that's not reality...we have to live life.

 Get ready here comes the strangers (the people that really have no bearing in your everyday life but still want to have input) with their fabulous advice.... "Why don't you just pump and bottle feed when you are out?" Great Idea, Why have I waited 6 months to think of this! (Totally being sarcastic) Lets see because I have to put that breast milk in a cooler so it will not spoil. Which in turn leaves me with cold milk when it comes time to feed my hungry baby and because I do not have a microwave or stove in my purse to boil water and heat this bottle and I'm out of luck. Not to mention Sophia has rarely ever had a bottle in her life so she does not take well to them. But thanks for your words of wisdom stranger.

The day had finally come...We were at Long Horns restaurant and even though I had fed Sophia before we left the house she was hungry again. I had officially had it up to here with feeding my baby in a smelly public bathroom stall, I hated the thought of leaving the restaurant before our food even came out and I did not want to go out in the pouring rain to feed Sophia in the car! So I did the unthinkable, I grabbed my sweet faced baby, put her on my lap and lifted up my shirt. In ten minutes she was done, she was happy and all smiles! I was elated, my baby was fed, I didn't have to run around like a crazy woman and no one noticed nor cared.

Life has been easy. Then Sophia turned ONE! The age where lots of people believe it's time to automatically stop breastfeeding. I had a hard time with that, I didn't feel Sophia was ready and I really started to feel the pressure around me! Luckily this mamma has some pretty awesome family & friends that are super supportive! The best saying I've heard yet from a soon to be momma and Doula friend... Cows milk is for baby calves not baby humans. So I'm going to stick with my mommy instincts and we are still going...15 months strong! And boy do I have one, happy, healthy baby girl!!

We will continue to spread the word and normalize breastfeeding!! I couldn't be more happy to be doing that with these killer rags from Ratticle Baby!! They have Pregnancy announcement onesie, personalized onesies, custom baby clothes, breastfeeding onesies and shirt, attachment parenting apparel and more. We are totally OBSESSED!!They have the BEST customer service and are eager to help in any way! Here is a little bit about how Ratticle Baby came about, "So often, with my own kids, I have thought, "I wish they made a onesie/shirt that says..." and that is how Ratticle Baby was born. I decided if I couldn't find those shirts, I would make them, then later sell them. I am a parent educator and teacher of breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing, cosleeping, no-cry sleep solutions and more, and I wanted to find clothing that celebrated that. It became an opportunity for me to help support our family while being able to stay home and homeschool my boys. I also love that I can advocate for things like co-sleeping, breastfeeding, etc., in a fun way. It's also a fun to be able to say, "There's a onesie for that..."

As a breastfeeding, baby wearing, co-sleeping mama myself I was psyched!! Sophia received some amazing shirts and with her bold personality sports them proudly!!

Want to know the best part...Ratticle Baby is giving one of my Lucky readers a $15 Gift Certificate to purchase any Ratticle Baby item they want!!! Enter Now!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway To Purchase/Browse Ratticle Baby go HERE, don't forget to check them out on Facebook!