HANDCRAFTED GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

I'm excited to be partnering with World Vision this holiday season, the global organization working to empower people out of poverty and directing a variety of other social justice projects. Their child sponsorship program is well known, but they also have holidays gifts to specific relief efforts, as well as a tangible handcrafted gifts in their gifting catalogue, which I think is a wonderful way to give something wrappable that is ethically made and gives back. I'm sharing my top three picks from the handcrafted catalogue today.

1. The Kenyan Salad Scoops ($75) These are beautifully made out of olive wood by artisans in Kenya. I love the modern, short handles and how versatile they are. They look awesome with our classic, big, white, salad bowls.

2. The Upcycled Artisanal Bowl ($135) Made from reclaimed scraps of wire and metal by artisans in India, this bowl is the epitome of turning trash into treasure. It is substantial and beautiful and no two bowls are alike. I love it on top of a wood table filled with seasonal decor.

3. Wraparound Ring ($65). I really love this ring. Made by fair trade artisans in India, it features two stones and is adjustable, so no need to get exact sizing. I love the delicate gold band and the colors of the stones.

This is just one small way to give back this Christmas. I want to incorporate some kind of giving into our family holiday traditions each year, whether it's through conscious gift giving or other ways. One thing I'm thinking for slightly older kids is to give them $5 each Sunday in December to give away to someone throughout the week. I like that this encourages them to keep their eyes open to need, and teaches them of the reward in giving. Because it's true that the joy really is more in the giving than the getting.

FALL FINDS

A random assortment of a few things I'm thinking about this fall.

ON CLOTHES: It seems like every time I turn around Trey needs new clothes. I think the first two years see the most in terms of rapid growth, combined with the fact that here in the northwest we have very distinct seasons, but it honestly seems like every couple of weeks he needs the next size, or something warmer or cooler, or new shoes, a jacket, etc.

I'm hoping that as he approaches the 2T size, we'll need to buy less often, since theoretically that size should last us a whole year, instead of the 3 month (or shorter!) craziness that is newborn land.

Photos from the pumpkin patch last weekend...the Disneyland of the Pacific Northwest. (Side note: are your kids still into pumpkin patches? At what age do they think it's "uncool"? I feel like we'll only get a few years out of this tradition... everyone in the patch was either a baby, toddler, or parent. Hoping to get at least a few years out of this one and enjoying all the photos we do get at this age.)

Trey's romper is by Gray Label, one of our favorite children's clothing brands, super soft and stretchy. These are loose fit and running big, I bought up so it'll fit for more than one season.

Gray Label also just released this fun game for getting your toddler or younger child dressed. Roll the dice to see who's turn it is (child or adult) and then roll the other dice to see what item you get to choose (socks, shirt, pants, etc.). At Trey's age I still do all of the choosing, but I thought this was a fun, non-threatening way to approach the getting dressed struggle if other people are needing ideas.

Needed to size up in tees. We've graduated from onesies to the pull on kind. Love these by Colored Organics, both for the quality of their clothes and how they're ethically made. Read more about their commitment to building orphanages for children in India here.

I am still such a fan of our Baggu bags. Newest fall prints include strawberries and the oranges, which look like something straight out of Anthropologie. These last forever, carry up to 50 lbs, and can be thrown in the washer and dryer as well. The baby size is perfect for work lunches.

Fall uniform: denim, stripes, puffy vest, clogs, and this crossover purse.

Sickness has his our house big time already this fall. Doing all that I can to disinfect and stay healthy. Still using our Babyganics products. I like the travel sized of the soothing protective ointment as lip gloss and keep these in the car and in my purse.

This cute little bear headband is actually a set of headphones for kids! Since we travel with Trey a lot, we got him a certain hand-held electronic device so he could watch a show or play a game when flying or on long car rides. I looked for headphones for toddlers and was so happy to find these by CozyPhones, that have sounded embedded into them. So much softer and easier for little ears to wear than the standard kind.

Happy fall! So many things to love about this season.

Shared in partnership with all companies listed, although I was not paid to endorse any item.

TODDLER LUNCH IDEAS

My child can eat. It's amazing to me how much one tiny little body can put away.

Sharing a list of healthy snacks and lunch ideas, mostly for me for when I need to shake things up, and also in case it helps someone else who's looking for something new to try. This list is not revolutionary by any means - we keep toddler food pretty simple around here - but I like having it all in one place that I can refer back to when I need new ideas. Feel free to share your own in the comments!

TODDLER LUNCH IDEAS

-sliced turkey

-chicken apple sausage (Be very careful with sausages and hotdogs - Trey loves them but they can be a choking hazard. You know your child best if they're ready for chewing them, and always watch your child very carefully while eating.)

-chicken

-beans and rice

-tofu (totally serious if you have an adventurous eater - we get the extra firm kind, slice it and grill it and so far Trey thinks it's great)

-pesto pasta

-greek yogurt

-beans (all kinds)

-lentils

-cheddar (grass fed at TJs)

-fruits - any kind: fresh, dried, frozen, etc. Bananas, apples, berries, stone fruits, cuties, grapes (halved with a knife or scissors), figs, etc.

-applesauce packets

-veggies (peas, corn, tomatoes, avocado, etc.)

-hummus

-quesadillas/grilled cheese

-cheesy quinoa

-PB & J sandwiches

-frozen mini pizzas

-pretzels, crackers, cheerios, granola bars, etc.

When we pack a picnic I use the Zoli Lunch Kit, it comes with a layered snack container and a thermos for hot or cold items.

Trey's favorite water bottles and sippy cups are by Zoli. I really like the straw kind. Be sure to get the replacement straws as they can wear out after a few months of use.

If you'd like to share, let me know your go-to toddler snacks and lunches in the comments. I always love hearing new ideas.