Throwback Thursday- Ideas for Babymoons (Where you Don't have to be Massaged)

When we started to plan our babymoon, we saw the same list over and over again. They all suggest fancy hotels, lounging by bodies of water, and prenatal massages. Why do people think having a good babymoon just means doing nothing and having strangers touch you? Won't enough randos touch you while you are giving birth?


I also think there is a strain of condescension in all writing about pregnant women- every writer is pretty sure you just want to lounge places, when you might actually feel better up and moving? Wouldn't you like to do something fun before the little one in your uterus covers your life in poop?

I think a babymoon is a worthy goal, but I also know that a good vacation can look different ways to everyone. I think even having a short roadtrip to a nearby town or a staycation in your house is worth doing, because planning a little trip gives you something fun to look forward to (and it can be great for you to have something else to talk about with your partner that doesn't include what is hurting). I will grant that planning a babymoon requires you to consider all sorts of strange factors paired with your financial and physical ability to get away..

So, here are some of my best ideas for babymoons, by the challenges you might be facing as a prego:

Best Babymoon if Food has Turned Against You

The Basic Idea:  So you aren't traveling for the food, and you only have a small list of things you can eat, in some ways you can do a lot (on the other hand if what you can eat is nothing, please stay close to your hospital and feel better). If it is a small and specific enough list, then you basically have to go where that is available to you. If you can handle simple things like crackers, the good news is you can go anywhere, though I wouldn't recommend Las Vegas or New Orleans where you show up for the food (because booze is already out).

Places You Could Go:New York City, Jackson Hole, or Hawaii. If you have been sick a lot, odds are good you haven't had too many adventures the past few months. So if you can do it now, do it big. Stay somewhere where you can see a lot without spending too much time on foot (really thorough public transit or easily driveable areas is key). Places like Jackson Hole give you amazing views and easily distance scenic splendor, but make sure to bring what sits right with you. In a similar way, on The Big Island of Hawaii, you can get most anything you need for food, but you can enjoy the place without food being the main event.

Best Babymoon if You aren't really Moving and Shaking

The Basic Idea: If you don't want to move too much, you might try doing a fun roadtrip! Rather than accepting being totally sedate and sitting all weekend (which I am guessing you are already doing plenty at home), get a rental car with comfy seats and get moving on the road. Plan ahead, so you are never too far from a bathroom, but try to do some strategic sitting (with air conditioning and silly photo ops) and see something newer than your living room.

Places You Could Go: A miniature road trip, maybe through South Dakota or by the Coast? Up and down the Mississippi? I have found that any big roads in the Midwest have all sorts of awesome on them. Set the bar low, so you can enjoy it and take your time, since rushing may be no fun right now.

Best Babymooning if Napping is your New Best Friend

 

The Basic Idea: Time for an eating vacation, because you need those afternoons for sleeping. I took a nap almost every day of our trip to New Orleans. I think the Southern slow burn of days encourages a slightly sleepier vacation. Austin (or San Antonio) might also be great, because you can get a hotel in the thick of things, and feel no shame (or significant time wasted) if you want to take breaks mid-day to lay down for a while.

Places You Could Go: New Orleans, Austin, San Antonio- Southern cities really are a great option, because the vibe is so chill (and people are so friendly and warm to pregos, oh the stories I heard). It makes a huge difference to have those around you be positive and patient. If these great cities are too far now, I highly recommend going to any smaller city or a small town, and booking a hotel right in the thick of things. It helps if you can leave your hotel without committing to being gone for the rest of the day.

Best Babymooning if your Bladder is your New Worst Enemy

The Basic Idea: I get it, you never want to be far from a bathroom, because you are pretty sure you have to pee again by the time you are finished washing your hands.This may be the best excuse for going somewhere that you basically plant it. I still would probably not stay in some super fancy hotel, though if you want to splurge and can, then go for it. But I think a larger hotel or resort guarantees you will never be far from a bathroom. Also, airports. You could just vacation in the airport, because there is usually a bathroom every 20 feet. You could just go from airport to airport, testing all their bathrooms.

Places You Could Go: Las Vegas might be a great option if you like tacky and fun. You go in one of those casinos and you basically never have to leave, you can see all sorts of bad behavior, money loss, and retired people gambling all at once. The crazy thing is there are also great restaurants and shows in many of the casinos. I also think the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo might be really fun, because if you are going to plant, doing it in the cheesiest knick knack cowboy theme rooms might be a little more fun. You could also go somewhere out in nature, like a cabin, just go for one with a working bathroom. No one needs to push the ruggedness here.

Best Babymooning if You are Saving for Diapers

The Basic Idea: The easiest way to cut cost from travel is to cut out the distance you have to travel. Luckily, no matter where you are, you probably aren't far from something cool or new. If you want to play it even more low key, you could be a tourist in your own hometown, buy a few nice towels, and try turning your house into a hotel room.If you want to get further away and save money on lodging instead (also, you are outdoorsy), camping at a state or national park might be awesome. Just be sure to plan ahead!

Places You Could Go: There is something amazing not too far from you. Get on google maps and start finding things within the distance that feels good to you.  Cast a small net and get on Trip Advisor. Go somewhere with great reviews within a few hours.For example, here in Seattle we could go to Vancouver, or the San Juan Islands, or Portland, anywhere on the Pacific Coast, Olympia National Park, or Leavenworth. If you live in Pennsylvania, you could go to Conneaut and Pymatuming, Pittsburgh, Cedar Point, or Warren and the Allegheny Resevoir. You can even make it into a day trip! Don't talk yourself out of doing anything at all.

Best Babymooning if the Heat Makes Everything Swell

The Basic Idea: There are plenty of literally cool places to go so just free yourself from the idea that vacation= hot or beach. You could try taking a trip in a less hot season, or you could just go somewhere North, where hot is not their deal.

Places You Could Go: Alaskan Cruise (Before 22 weeks), Maine, Vancouver, or Idaho. Have you ever heard anyone talk about how gorgeous Idaho is? I feel it should come up more, because it really is a beautiful place, so you might consider one of these less-discussed but pretty northern places. Or, if you are better prepared (and loaded) than we are, we thought an Alaskan cruise would be a super cool babymoon. The downside is that the cutoff for cruise ships is way earlier in your pregnancy than airplanes. They do not want to risk birthing your child on a boat. The mermaids don't like that.

My last piece of advice? Stop sitting by the pool, no matter where you are at, and get in. Swimming is heaven when you are prego. Also, why do people enjoy just sitting by things? How did that become a big vacation thing?

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Throwback Thursday- Go See Art Outside this Summer

from seattletimes.com

Now that it is getting so nice outside, I have been pining to go check out the Seattle Art Museum Olympic Sculpture Park. Sculpture parks are one of those amazing things, because so often they are free, and it is a great way to check out art (often contemporary art) in a more laid back and fun setting. I know from teaching at the Cantor, if you want to get kids excited about art, helping them move through sculptures outside, where the rules seemingly change, empowers them to connect in ways you won't see outside. Plus, you can experience the environment, the sun, the ocean breeze while you look at art. It's pretty awesome.

A lot of museums now have sculpture parks because beginning in the 60's, a lot of sculpture was made to be semi-monumental, and to be viewed outside. Museums like SFMoMA stage huge shows in public settings (such as Mark di Suvero at Chrissy Field, which just closed last month), and they can make you see a place in a totally new way. Permanent outdoor collections also just feel like an adventure. The best ones combine the beauty of the environment with art objects, so you find them in surprising places.  If you have some travel planned this summer, or you are just looking for something different in your neighborhood, think about what art is living outside. It might make a great place for a summer afternoon. Here are some great ones:

The Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden at the Getty- I don't care how you feel about art, there is no better place to spend a Saturday in Los Angeles than the Getty Museum, which has gorgeous views of the city and a breeze from being up on the hill. They have an interesting collection of art (the shows I have seen there, honestly, were a little lame), but some of the great pieces are actually outside, and I had one of the best days ever with my brother just hanging out there.

Storm King Art Center- In Mountainville, New York (in the gorgeous Hudson River Valley), this park is consistently on the lists of best sculpture parks in the world, with one of the best collections in the United States. I haven't been to this one, but clearly, I need to go. He has a huge collection of David Smith's anchoring the whole thing, with works from everyone from Alexander Calder to Maya Lin (of Memorial fame).

the deCordova Sculpture Park- This is the other staple on every list of great sculpture parks. It is worth going just to see the Lichtensteins, but the grounds and building on it are also some of the most gorgeous you can see. If you are near Lincoln, MA, you should check it out!

Some museums have great sculptures parks right outside their door as well- I am thinking specifically of the Hirschorn in DC,  The Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford, outside the Chicago Institute of Art, Mass MOCA, and the DIA Foundation. There are plenty of wonderful outdoor sculptures near museums- you don't even have to go in!

If you want even more outside art, try checking out what monuments and land art might be around you. These works are often more site specific, meaning that they were built specifically for the world around them, so you can really enjoy and think about the relationship between the object and its setting. Plus, some of the most famous ones, like Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson, are absolute adventures (see: ridiculous) to get to. Here are some Land Art pieces for you avant garde adventurers and monuments for those of you who like more kitchy or historical cultural fun (no judgement- I love both!)

 Double Negative- This is outside Overton, Nevada, and it is an adventure to get to, from all accounts, specifically so you can see a giant hole in the ground. But a freaking brilliant hole, right?

Navajo National Monument/ Montezuma Castle Monument- This is way towards the top of my Bucket List (right next to Monument Valley, God's monument to John Wayne). These historical monuments preserve the most intact cliff dwellings of peoples who lived in Pueblos. They are so strange and beautiful, and they are a good reminder that the Western Canon actually destroyed other cultures in its search of progress.

The Portland Headlight- Everyone go see some lighthouses. They are pretty and cool, and are usually really really windy. I love them on both coasts, but this is probably one of the greatest.

Cadillac Ranch- The Ant Farm made this piece simultaneously lampooning and praising American car culture. This piece is pretty popular for artists and tourists alike, and it lives just outside Amarillo Texas.

Cloud Gate (The Bean)- Chicago tourists often get their picture taken in front of this giant mirror, and I wonder how it would be to spend a whole day in this plaza- that probably makes for a great people-watching for the day. I also wonder if Anish Kapoor was building off of Nancy Holt's gates, which are famous land art works that you can go see as well, and there are "gate" sculptures in Seattle Center! Maybe I will do a whole blog on sculptures with "gate" in the title.

There are about a million suggestions I could give of things to go see. These are either ones I love or would love to go to. Just don't go to Mount Rushmore. Seriously, that place is my enemy, and it will turn against you.

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Wedding Wednesday- Eco-Friendly Wedding Guest Wear

In your early 20's, it still feels weird to go to friends' weddings. 

By your mid-20's, it is an established part of your summer routine. Most of us even get into those binds where we are invited to more than one in a weekend. 

By the end of your 20's, you are a pro, and you could probably fill your Saturdays watching people get hitched. 

Wedding Guesting is an art all its own, and it can become a big part of life (and your budget). We may spend most wedding talk on issues of planning, but most of us will go to more weddings as a guest than a participant (unless we are a real badass), so it might be worth it to figure out how to do it well (find that drunken shenanigan line- yes to dancing, no to anything you wouldn't want a professional photographer present for), how to do it with style, and even how to do it in an eco-friendly way. 

I love going to a wedding- how many events do you get to go to where you just get to be excited for someone else, eat cake, and get dressed up? I just like when good things happen to people, and weddings are usually (but not always) really good things. The weddings in our life have picked up from year to year, though this year we are in a lull, and we had to miss a few people we really love due to travel and pregnancy-related limitations (before this year, we always tried to make it, and I think we were only thwarted once due to a nasty case of viral exanthems- sorry Kate!). I would like to believe we have gotten pretty good at guesting, at least as good as we can while still being super awkward dorks. These are the key responsibilities as I see them: 

1. Have a Good Time- Someone spent a bunch of money trying to make this party a good time. So get on board whatever ship they are sailing. Dance even if the dj is not the greatest (or prioritizes taking selfies). Participate in the activity, even if it is dorky. Make small talk even if you truly are the worst at it. You are a collaborator in the good time, so get in there and have fun like it is your job. 

2. Get a Good Gift- A gift's value can come from a lot of things, but gifting is my love language, so I take it very seriously. MORE HERE. 

3. Don't Look a Hot Mess- Don't be the guest they are trying to crop out of pictures. This is a wedding; no camo shorts, nipples, or super fashion moments are needed (these are all things I have seen while a guest). The bride and groom probably indicated to you the level of formality and the general style of the wedding (often the colors too) in the invite. Don't try to dress like a bridesmaid, but you can try to get in the spirit of the event with your clothes. 

But here is the problem. If you are going to be a professional wedding guest, that adds up to a lot of travel, a lot of gifting, and a lot of merriment. It also means you are dressing up A LOT. 

You can green your gifting by seeking out the green items on their registry, giving them honeymoon money, or by doing simple substitutions by using the Made in America and Eco-Friendly Wedding Registry, 

It turns out you can turn your many fashion moments into productive and eco-friendly purchases as well. Let's go through it by formality. Not that I actually understand the different formality levels, because they are impossible, and we are a generation of ragamuffins. I'll split by gender too, but obviously you should ride the line or do whatever makes sense for you. Just gathering resources.

Formal (white tie) and Semi-Formal (black tie)

For Guys-  Rent a Tuxedo! If you think you have enough black tie events in your future, buying one might make sense. Even mainstream stores like Men's Wearhouse have their USA- made selections obviously marked. I saw a few on Nordstrom as well, but they are so expensive! How many times would you have to rent before it is cheaper to buy? Sharing/ renting makes sense to me for your average guy.

For Ladies- I have always hated that men can rent a tux and women are supposed to shell out so much money for a dress. It's not that way anymore! I am all about Rent the Runway, where you can rent formal dresses I know I could never afford. It gives you the chance to switch up your look, and it is more environmentally-friendly than all of us having some formal dresses just collecting dust in our closets. You can get dresses at every level of formality (starting as low as 30 bucks), but it makes the most sense when you are headed to a black tie wedding, because, really, when are you reusing that gown?

If your answer is "all the time, B," you are in luck. Certain designers of more formal dresses- Nicole Miller, Zac Posen, Jason Wu, Jennifer Kroll - have already pledged to make (at least some of) their dresses in the United States. Nordstrom has 46 options for made in America formal dresses. You can even try Amazon (just read the description before you buy. They love "or imported" in the descriptions). Anthropologie sells one line of Made in America dresses that would work for bridesmaids or guests. I tried to aim on the simple side, because you can always switch up the style around it, but that is my best tip- go classic in a simple color, and you might get more years of life out of the dress. 

Informal (Suit and Cocktail Dress)

For Guys- Most men (but not all, so self-assess don't sweat it if this isn't you) should probably own at least two suits: a grey or black one and a navy one. The nice thing for dudes is they can buy one or two really well-made suits, and then wear them forever. It's kind of this blog's dream for all people, regardless of their gender. Most suits aren't cheap, but a good one can last you so long that you really get your money's worth. 

I know Men's Wearhouse carries a brand Joseph Abboud that are sewn in the United States, so you can go pretty basic and still buy something ethical with minimal negative impact. Their dress pants are even on sale, so it can have minimal pocket impact as well. Nordstrom has a whole section of Made in America suits as well, though I cannot imagine ever being rich enough to spend that kind of money. 

I don't have much advice on men's fashion, but I do HIGHLY recommend the American List on the Continuous Lean. They have a massive list of American-made fashion and gear for men. We have had great luck with everything they have recommended. 

For Ladies- First, a lot of the answers for a great cocktail dress are the same- check out Rent the Runway, you might be surprised by their 1127 options. I think I will do this next time, because the dresses look so beautiful and at least at this moment, my body is always in flux, so purchasing something doesn't make a ton of sense. 

Lots of cocktail dresses are made domestically, so if you do want to buy, you can support slow fashion, the American worker, and shrinking the fossil fuel consumption that plagues uneccessary imports. Nordstrom has 400+ made in America options. Amazon has hundreds as well. You can also find beautiful cocktail dresses made by American designers like Nanette Lepore or (my favorite) Eva Franco. (you can also shop for both of their stuff on Anthropologie). You could also browse Modcloth's Made in America pages.  Lastly, try Shabby Apple- this American brand sells gorgeous dresses that would work perfectly for weddings and cocktail events. 

Casual (everything else)

For Guys- My husband would probably still wear a suit, but for most guys, a few button ups and some trusted dress pants are all you need to survive those less formal weddings. Use what you already have and invest in pieces that will last you. My advice? Look for some button ups on The American List from A Continuous Lean. It may cost more at first, but get something classic and it should last you longer. For neckties, I recommend used or something from The General Knot Co or The Hillside.

For Ladies- If you are in a sundress situation, your first good bet is to check your own closet or favorite consignment store. There are plenty of sundresses out in the world, so you are likely to find something great without looking far. If  you are feeling like you need something special, try checking out Shabby Apple, Modcloth, or Nordstrom. Try a new consignment store, borrow from friends, Thred Up, or even Rent the Runway. You can get something amazing for 30 bucks, for goodness sakes! 

Prioritize getting things used, and if not used, made in America. Stop buying things that are ok, and only shell out for dresses you love enough to keep wearing! Bonus points if you can dress it up or down to get more use out of it. I also think doing separates might get you more bang for your buck- you can use different combinations on those wedding-saturated summers. You have so many options, there is no reason to spend money on a dress that was unethically-made and wastes fossil fuels.

A few other Green Habits for weddings-

Turn down the plastic straw or stirrer. You can't stop the train from rolling, but you can get off. They will last a teensy bit longer.

Give an eco-friendly gift. Check the registry, but a few switches might make the whole thing way more environmentally-kind. Consider who you are shopping for, but this may be a good choice. Or buying a "giftless" gift, like movie tickets or a gift card for a museum, might be the perfect gift. Get your card from a foundation like the Arbor Day Foundation. Wrap it in something recycled.

Recycle your program. 

Good luck, guesties! If you need some inspiration for gifts, be sure to check out The Made in America and Eco-Friendly Wedding Registry. If you want more general shopping inspiration, try The Giant List of Shopping Lists. 

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3 Things for Yesterday- Hangers, Grilled Cheese, and Bed/Cribs

1. Lessons in Wire Hangers- We have been trying to get rid of this pile of wire hangers (mostly from the dry cleaners) on Buy Nothing, and someone offered us the wisdom to just take them back to the dry cleaners! I know this is crazy, especially given that I write this blog, but the option never occurred to me. Though I would throw it out there

2. Grilled Cheese- Is there such a thing as an end of pregnancy surrender? I try to be healthy and exercise, but 2 weeks out, I just want to eat cake and grilled cheese off my belly while laying on the floor like a beached whale. My toddler son is like "hell no, I am better than this american cheese grilled buttery nonsense" so we can now say with confidence his tastes are more sophisticated than mine.

3. Tutu's Bed- Currently, the most fun thing is laying on the bed in the guest room. I don't know why, but I kind of enjoy these mysteries. Babies are weird.

Word of the Day "Did it" while throwing our arms up in the air in victory.

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Don't Buy Wilton, Instead Try...

In earlier, pre-spawn years, The Boy and I took a cake decorating class. It seemed like something that would be cool to do, and one of those skills that could come in handy. We took the class at Michael's, and the real first key point of the class is that you need a bunch of Wilton products. If you want frosting, go buy some Wilton powder and a bunch of Crisco (really? Gross). You need Wilton baking pans and Wilton decorating sets. If you don't fully submit to Wilton's cake-decorating dominance, you will never truly decorate a cake.

Well, it turns out that we weren't destined for Cake Decorating Greatness anyway. These are two of our masterpieces- the one on the right is an albino hamburger. We consistently got in trouble with our teacher, who just wanted to go home and watch The Voice, and I think we gave at least one of the Wilton decorating sets away (because of course we couldn't just share one). So, watch out Food Network, we are coming for your cake challenges.

So, Wilton has cleverly set up these "classes" all over the country at Michael's stores. They are easy to sign up for, and they all have the same pretty high stuff requirement. It must make them a ton of money, and you will never guess where absolutely all of their baking and decorating equipment is made. China! They do make some of their edible stuff (sprinkles, food coloring, etc) in the States, but I would still check. Maybe twice. Definitely check.

This company is ubiquitous, but pretty sneaky about it. You won't see their ads, but they dominate a lot of baking shelves, from pans to cookie sheets, and I bet if you go through your cupboards, you will find something of theirs in there. They are just the basic, recognizable, and therefore trusted brand for baking.

Wilton started as a baking goods and candy-making equipment company in Chicago in 1929. They start their cake decorating school in 1946, and they quickly became so popular that they had to keep moving to accommodate the crowds. In 1959, due to demand, they started a mailing catalog of baking supplies. Through the 90's, they keep growing their schools and their line of products, going from one product to many. In the website's extensive description of their history, they never discuss the manufacturing of their goods or when all of it moved away. They also make a lot of Martha Stewart's baking tools, which we know are also made in China.

The schools do employ a lot of people in the States, and that is worth acknowledging, but this company also leaves a lot to be desired.

So if you want to bake cakes, but not waste oodles of fossil fuels shipping your pans long distances, where should you shop from instead?

from USA Pans on Amazon

1. USA Pans- Based in Pittsburgh, this pan company works primarily for commercial bakers, so you know their pans and cookie sheets are baked to last. They have such a good reputation that they make the fancy lines at both Sur la Table and Williams Sonoma. I love their no fuss approach, and I think their products are worth the money (but if you buy the USA Pans brand, it isn't even particularly more expensive) I am a hardcore fan of this company- the products that we have of theirs are awesome, and I really wouldn't buy another cookie sheet or cake pan from anyone else.

2. Parrish's Magic Line- These perfectly-named cake pans are also made in the USA and also come at comparable prices to Wilton's nonsense. Totally worth checking out before settling. You can also try Jacob Bromwell for cookie pan options.

from Sur La Table

3. India Tree- Wilton does make their gel food coloring in the United States, so good for them on that. The bad news is that their gel food coloring is super creepy goo that seems to last forever. Ours (from that cake class 3 years ago) still seems gooey when I look at them now. So not ideal. India Tree makes food coloring out of more natural ingredients, as well as lots of sprinkles and other doodads to cover your albino hamburger cake in. We have also tried a bulk option like made in the USA Chef O Van to cut down on packaging (and because red velvet cake takes a lot of red).

Best Manufacturers from Amazon

4. Best Manufacturers- Want to buy the baker in your life a gift that they will still think is awesome ten years from now? Try Best Manufacturers whisks, which are beautiful, well-made, and totally domestic! We recently got one to replace our target-bought failure (it lasted less than 2 years people, that is pathetic), and I only have good things to say about it.

Dexter Russell from Amazon

5. Dexter Russell- Do you like spreading your frosting with a big professional spatula? Well, that makes one of us, my friend. Don't buy a Wilton, instead look into one like this from Dexter Russell (they have a bunch, so check around). Need something more low key? Try a spatula from Fletcher's Mill or Epicurean (this one looks great- I might add it to my own wishlist).

As a side note, I did look (a lot) into decorating bags and those metal tips, and Wilton's big competitor, Ateco, assembles their products in the US, but it seems they are made in Korea. I don't really even understand what could be assembled here, but it is a pretty lackluster option, so I can't list it as a better one in good conscience. I honestly think your best bet is to keep an eye out in consignment stores or even ask on Buy Nothing- we can't be the only cake decorating failures out there.

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6 Things for this Week- Scones, Benches, and The Bieb at Canlis

Fisher Scones from Amazon

1. Fisher Scone Mix- I am currently trying to learn to make amazing biscuits from scratch. Trying. The first ones were not so good. Until I am biscuit master, these are an amazing backup. So delicious, still made nearby, and did I mention delicious? One of my current favorite things, next to the Boy's strawberries, which are seriously great. If he ever offers you any kind of strawberry treat, say yes.

2.The Sole Secret Bench- We replaced our laundry system because it was on wheels, and we have a crazypants toddler who liked to drive it into things. This on its own is not a big deal, but combined with a new infants and pack 'n play in the same room felt dangerous. The new Sole Secret bench is so pretty, and it really makes the room feel more put together. It's supposed to be for shoes, but remove the dividers and it works perfectly for this! Plus, these benches are made in America! Win!

3. Our New Helmet- I kid you not, off the side of the road. Has some sort of dragon/ fairy hybrid on it, and it is very purple. But he doesn't care, and it is good to build the habit even if he mostly just pushes his tricycle through the gravel.

4. Cuddles? Someone has learned the word for cuddles, which you would think might mean more cuddles for everyone. Not so much. Mostly he continues to try to escape, though he does love "cuddle boobs." Which is basically trying to use cuddles as a way to stick his head in my chest and make me mad.

5. Canlis Piano Music- Oh Canlis, you are so jazzy and classy. Also, are you playing Mike Posner on the piano? And the Bieb? Also, yay for this Rachel Pally maternity dress- it has done all the classy and fancy work this pregnancy, and it was made in America! I felt really pretty for a huge balloon of a woman.

6. Dungeness Crab and Zucchini- We went to a very fancy restaurant for our 4th anniversary, since The Boy is leaving next week. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but it is kind of a cool, fun experience every once in a long while. Plus, the view looked gorgeous and we got to see a truly special red moon rising over the city. Nice to have a grown-up night out, even if we will never truly feel classy enough for fancy dinners out.

7. Sick Days- I never finished this yesterday, which turned out to be a sicky day in our house. The Boy took great care of us, and we actually made a mature decision about putting our health before being busy. I hated it, but I am glad now. Trying to slow down is tough!

Word of the Day- "Many, many." Hilarious. Specifically in regards to many, many boogies, because we all have colds and are disgusting. The Boys have bounced back, but this prego is still many, many.

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Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Pack Your Lunch

I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

As we get ready for the school year, lots of us also get ready to pack a lunch! Not everyone does, and I think it is totally up to you whether your kid (or you!) brings a lunch. Still, this is another one of those things where there is no need to settle for the junk they sell at Walmart or Target- you can buy something specially-made in the US on Etsy and use it for years. Let's make our lunches zero waste!

For a Lunch Sack

from A Little Lark

A Little Lark sells simple cotton bags with all sorts of hilarious and/or adorable designs silkscreened onto them. Such a cool variety and I think this would be absolutely perfect most elementary schoolers. Cool and different, but also really affordable.

from Italic Home

I love these bags from Italic Home, because they look so much like a regular paper lunch bag, but on closer inspection, you see they are made from waxed canvas. It feels modern and totally eco and animal-friendly. If you like these waxed bags but are looking for a different color, you can try Newton Supply Co.

from Intericon

Intericon makes gorgeous cotton and leather lunch sacks that could look grown up enough for a workplace while still being sturdy enough for a kid. Might be a perfect transitional bag for a high schooler. I like that it stays standing on its own.

from Waami Industries

Waami Industries makes great-looking lunch sacks in some of my favorite colors. Based out of Minneapolis, this company takes low cost and low value items, chooses more beautiful and eco-friendly materials, and what results is just really sharp and well-suited to all sorts of students and adults.

from Cloth Bliss

If you (or your little one) want something with some pattern or fun, check at Cloth Bliss which has all sorts of cute patterns and designs. I can totally see this coming with someone to elementary school!

And Instead of those Ziploc Bags...

from Love for Earth

Love for Earth makes tons of sizes and colors sandwich and snack bags out of their shop in Virginia. They have amazing reviews, and you just handwash the bags with the rest of your dishes for the day. One bag can last years, replacing tons of ziplocs (saving money and preventing waste- score!).

from Olive Street Studio

Olive Street Studio also makes wet bags/ sandwich bags. I love the cute patterns they come in, though I would worry about getting something too cutesy since they last so long!

from Bag it Conscious

Bag it Conscious sells sandwich, snack, and lunch bags. I love the bright colors and simple designs. The patterns look so fun for younger kids. Plus, they have 3000 positive reviews, so they must know what is up. (check out equally fun napkins to put with it on Creekside Kid).

from Sweet Pea Purse Company

Sweet Pea Purse Company also makes sandwich bags in some seriously adorable prints that might even be cool enough for a high schooler to use. Other ones are pure kiddo, but check them out.

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