Kelle, Author at Enjoying the Small Things

Enjoying the Small Things Sponsors: Devyn and doTerra

December 12, 2012 By Kelle

Welcoming two returning sponsors today:

Devyn Bag

The Devyn Bag company was created from one mama’s search for a bag that would meet her needs when she returned to work after maternity leave. She wanted a multi-use bag that could hold everything she needed for work and baby as well as store milk and accessories. The Devyn Bag was born and has since expanded to include the more compact and practical Elle Bag. Both bags are manufactured in Denver, Colorado and use materials that are free of BPA, vinyl and PVC’s. Both bags provide insulated compartments to keep milk and food cold and yet separate from the bag’s padded pocket for iPads, tablets or other electronic devices (so they won’t get condensation).

I love how small and portable our Elle Bag is and yet perfectly functional with enough room and organized pockets for diapers, clothes, your phone, your keys and your iPad as well as snacks and drinks that won’t spoil.

And the adjustable strap allows you to carry the bag a number of ways–over the shoulder, backpack, messenger, etc.

Devyn Bag is offering 10% off your purchase using code “1212.” Check out both the compact and effortless Elle Bag as well as the roomier Devyn Bag.

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DoTerra Essential Oils Independent Consultant, Jessica Litster

We’ve received many questions about the essential oils we use. We’ve been using doTerra oils for several months now after being introduced to them through a wealth of information and research showing their benefits (and lots of locals who’ve been using them and swear by them!).

DoTerra essential oils independent consultant Jessica Litster joins Enjoying the Small Things in sponsorship again, and she is more than willing to answer any questions regarding what oils would work best for your family. You can contact her through her site or e-mail her at jessicalitster22@yahoo.com.

We use On Guard oil almost every day for immunity as well as Frankincense and In Tune oil blend for Nella (cognition and focus properties). The girls love the daily drill. I pull out the oils, and they run to lie down with their feet in the air. Nella’s oils are now Lainey’s job, and little sister is happy to get a massage.

We also use lavender oil in our aromotizer at night, citrus bliss blend during the day when we need a little stress relief, and a number of other oils as needed.

Our bedroom aromotizer, leaking out some relaxing lavender oils.

From fighting allergies and acne to relieving arthritis and disinfecting your home, essential oils provide safe and natural remedies for your family. Jessica is happy to help you discover how doTerra oils can be safely and effectively used, and she’ll get you started with what works for you.

Oh, and we never use peppermint oil in our bath. Learned that lesson once.

Christmas Ninja Warrior

December 11, 2012 By Kelle

Southwest Florida decided to fizzle out its nice cool weather and bring back heat and humidity, this time with ominous gray clouds that–like the little devil on your shoulder–attempt to make you listen to whispers of “Florida Christmas blows.”

Fine. You wanna play that way? Game on.
I’m like a ninja warrior when it comes to fighting Christmas snuffers. I’m like Harry Potter blastin’ dementors. I’m like–okay, Jesus would be too far, right? My point: I happen to take great pride in the fact that I’ve learned to spark a Christmas fire with wet matches.

Cue vintage Christmas coloring books.

Cue a mid-afternoon cup of hot wassail (also known as, simply, cheer).

Cue Christmas red manicure.

Bracelets from The Shine Project, employing at-risk-teens. “Be the Change” bangle and Nykelle chain bracelet

And friends. Good God, I must miss my family because I cannot get enough–warning, I’m breakin’ out an old church word—fellowship. My sister and I can’t contain our laughter at the presentation of this word now, and I’m not sure why, other than the fact that our old church used to throw the term around a lot. As in, “Let’s fellowship,” “Time for fellowship,” “Oh, the sweet fellowship of brethren.” And if you really want to Church Lady it up, you go with the Greek interpretation of this word–Koinonia; except you throw a “dude” in for juxtaposition. Such as, “Dude, I’m majorly needing some Koinonia.” Translated: I want company.

And I do. December calls for it, so I’ve lined up movie nights, an orange grove sunset, lunches and brunches and baby-hugging rendezvous. I want to be with my people.

And if all else fails in the heat of December, you pull a “Kids get in the car now!” And you peel out of the driveway with 106.3 Christmas carols blaring. And you don’t even switch the station if it’s that sad “Christmas Shoes” song or Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” You listen and you drive and you smile and you pull over as soon as you see the first thing that says December Adventure. And you know you got it right when you land at a giant tent full of Balsam and Douglas and Frasers. You tell your kids to inhale deep. “Smell that?” you say. “That’s what Christmas is supposed to smell like. That’s what it smells like in Michigan. Run! Go have fun!.”

You don’t know how badly I want to write “Two Points for Griffindor” because it would tie in that Harry Potter reference up there so well, but no. I will not go there. I will not. Oh, but I did.

We bought a wreath–a really wonderful wreath drenched with the scent of real Christmas–and even though the suction cup I used to hold it to my mirror gave out and the wreath is still lying in a puddle of scrap needles on the floor, it still makes me happy.

Ten days in to this festive little month. Enjoy your people.

*****

And now comes a fellow Christmas Ninja Warrior, my old friends at Blue Q. Many of you e-mailed last year that Blue Q helped you scrape up some hilarious stocking stuffers and gifts for hard-to-shop-for friends and family. Well, they’re back. Before I introduce my favorite products, let me help you know them. Blue Q is a Massachusetts based company created by two brothers. They design and manufacture everything they make, and they do it carefully with much thought toward quality, labor practices, and the environment. What I love about Blue Q besides their goods? They employ a workforce of disabled and non-disabled individuals working together to create their product.

Bags, totes, tins, retro house goods, bath products, lighting–Blue Q has it all. And a crazy sense of humor that’s infused in their products.

I get so many comments on our line-up of Blue Q lavoratory mists in our guest bathroom:

Which are not only hilarious, but really pretty to look at.

Other Blue Q gift faves:

Go browse the site. You will leave smiling.

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Take that, Christmas snuffers.
Off to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie and pick up my fallen wreath.

Journey to the North Pole

December 8, 2012 By Kelle

Our Second Annual North Pole Party.

It took a little work. And yesterday, I snapped at Brett, had an attitude talk with Lainey after school, cleaned up messes and threw dirty dishes in places they shouldn’t go fifteen minutes before the party.

But then the kids came and the rest was, truly, magic.

Last night’s memories, preserved:

north pole party from ETST on Vimeo.

Songs: Sufjan Stevens Lo, How Arose ‘Er Blooming, Judy Garland Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Chris Botti The First Noel

Thank you to our neighbor and dear friend, Nana Kate, who helped so much with the magic and mothering; and to my friend, Nici, for her help in getting Santa to call in.

Lots of North Pole Party details in last year’s post, if you’re interested in recreating.

Precious memories.

*****

My friends at Darlybird–and I can truly say friends, not just sponsors–are back with sweet, meaningful gifts for your family this holday.

Discovering Darlybird is discovering a little secret–a site full of artsy treasures, whimsical gifts, home goods full of character–and all at such fair prices.

New additions to the Darlybird shop include these beautiful cozy friends, made from 100% organic cotton and wool felt. Nella loves hers.

And this folksy wood mobile, hand carved by native craftsmen. It hangs over Nella’s high chair.

And finally, a colorful new line of wood art prints:

Loving the Christmas tree light reflection in the glass

Darlybird offers such a great collection of holiday help: vintage-inspired earrings and girly hair bows (stocking stuffers!), unique art and party goods, and fun decorative washi tape and fancy trim for wrapping presents. Use code ‘darlyenjoy’ for 15% off your order! So proud to have one of my very favorite sites back with us again!

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My girl is begging to go jump in puddles. Happy weekending.