gift guide

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day ( and our birthdays) are the two days that Leah and I ask “off”. You know… “off” from adulting, mothering, cleaning, and maybe even wifey duties. You knooooooow! Anyway, we are dreaming up our perfect Mother’s Day and hoping our husbands read this post and follow it exactly. haha. Okay, ours won’t, but maybe YOURS will. How great would it be to have an extended pj morning followed by a nice brunch and any one of these items wrapped up? Pretty great, right? Anything that makes our lives easier, makes us feel pretty, relaxes us, helps us enjoy our hobbies more, or gives us all the feels came together in the form of this gift guide. We hope it helps!

 

ONE | NECKLACE | TOTE | FLOWERS | GIFT CARDS ( It is more than just a gift card. It is insured time alone with money that won’t get spent in a toy store.) Again…. you knooooooow!

TWO| ROBE | DIFFUSER | TEES | FACIAL | HEATING BRUSH

THREE | PHONE CASE | CHARGING STATION | LIST PAD | WATCH BLING

FOUR | DUTCH OVEN | SPRINKLES | FLEUR DE SEL | SLOW COOKER | MARKET BAG

 

xo

Leah & Jenni

 

 

GIFT GUIDE – UNCOMMON GOODS

Here are a few of our favorite things!
Uncommon Goods literally has something for everyone. Helloooo taco mobile. Anyone having a baby? Can we please get you a whole taco themed gift? Personally obsessed with the light box, and my kids are obsessed with the ice cream truck! Our friends, Haulin’ Oats have their amazing oatmeal on here- and we can testify that the cinnamon girl flavor is to die for!
The best part about Uncommon Goods is that they promote small businesses, emerging designers, and hand makers. Each item has a story behind it and a bio of the artist. As makers ourselves, we SO appreciate that! They also keep sustainability in mind- helping the earth and helping us gift beautiful, handmade items? Yes please.
Scroll down for links.
Love that the ice cream truck is made out of very easily put together cardboard, so it can be disassembled easily when your kids are finished playing. Great for small spaces.
As a blogger/instagrammer, the light boxes are perfect props for styling photos! And we’ve been using this as our shop sign when we do markets.

Here are our favs below, but also check out these easy to shop gift guide links:
BABY
KIDS
FOR HER
FOR HIM
bloody mary mix
men’s wooden watch
moscow mule carry on kit

RECIPE: CHALLAH

This challah is the BEST. The recipe is actually by our close family friend, Carol. She made this challah for everyone at my wedding. Like every single table got one. Seriously. Not only do I love eating it, but I love the memories we have surrounding it. Friday nights with family and friends, eating this soft, chewy bread, spread with butter or dipped in honey. Every time my mom would make challah, the whole house was filled with the smell of baking bread! That’s probably my favorite smell in the whole world. That and my newborn babies. Equally delicious.
Full recipe below.
RECIPE:
Mom’s Famous Challah
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp honey
1 pkg yeast
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/4 c sugar
2 tsp salt
2 eggs
4 – 4 1/2 c bread flour
1 egg yolk
  1. Dissolve 1 tsp honey in 1/2 c. warm water in large mixing bowl which has been rinsed with hot water.
  2. Sprinkle yeast on top, mix, let stand 10 min.
    Stir in oil, 1/2 c. warm water, sugar, 1 tsp honey, salt, eggs, and 2 c. flour. Beat well.
  3. Stir in remaining 2 c. flour. Dough will be sticky. If it’s too sticky when you test it with your finger, add another 1/2 cup of flour.
  4. Knead 2-3 minutes with a bread hook attachment or turn onto a floured board and knead.
  5. Round up in greased bowl (I just use the same dough bowl and put vegetable oil all around it), cover, and let rise in a warm place for 2 hrs. It should have doubled in size. Gently put finger in top; if dough stays indented, it’s finished. If it bounces back, continue to rise.
  6. Punch down, cover, let rise again 45 min.
  7. Prep the counter with cooking spray.
  8. Divide the dough on the counter into three or four sections and loosely braid* (instructions below), tucking in the ends. Put the braided challah on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  9. Cover loosely with saran wrap or a non-textured kitchen towel and let rise 20-30 minutes.
  10. Brush with beaten egg yolk and 1 tsp water.
  11. Bake 400 degrees 20 min or until it’s a good color on top. Cover the top with foil, put it back into the oven for 5-8 minutes until a toothpick in the center of a braid comes out clean.
  12. Immediately remove the challah from the tray and place on a wire rack so the bottom doesn’t continue to bake.
  13. Eat! Delicious with butter and/or honey. Perfect the next morning for french toast.
* Traditional challahs are braided in one row. On holidays or special occasions, it’s made into a circle.
* This video tutorial is super helpful! I usually do a 4 strand with a circle challah, but I LOVE the 5 strand technique for a straight loaf: CLICK HERE.
* Round challah braiding tutorial (above) CLICK HERE
* Four strand challah:
Divide dough into 4 equal sections
Leave the ends loose if you’re making this into a circle- you’ll weave these ends in at the end when you connect your circle
Take the strand at the left and weave it over-under-over the other three strands
Take the next strand at the left and do the same- weave it over-under-over the other three strands
Repeat until you can’t anymore, form it into a circle and connect the ends on each side- just sort of weave them together…as long as they stay together it’s fine! Just keep tucking the ends in.
xo, Leah

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE LADIES

Drool-worthy gifts for the ladies in your life AKA for yourself. TREAT YO SELF!
Click item name for the link:
1. SLIPPERS could you wear these out of the house? Hmmmm…
2. BANNER Our talented friend The Bannerie knows how we do. I got this for my new office!
3. LEATHER TOTE Looks like the perfect size to hold all your junk and your kiddo’s inevitable change of undies.
4. TURTLENECK SWEATER Worried I’d wear this too much?? Not that worried.
5. FAUX FUR SCARF For feeling a little jazzy! How cute for a holiday party.
6. GOLD SCISSORS I just need this, okay? I’d definitely be more productive and creative.
7. LEOPARD CLUTCH Wear with jeans and a tee, or dress up with a cocktail dress!
8. DOORMAT Because you need a daily reminder.
9. CAMERA BAG Let me repeat. A camera bag!! With room for your other stuff!!! Perfection!
10. GLITTER EARRINGS Again, perfect for a holiday party or date night.
11. NECKLACE We looooove this jewelry company and everything they do.
12. CALENDAR Would love to frame these after the month is over! Gorgeous.
13. IPHONE CASE Have it. Love it. The clear design lets your phone peak through. FUN!
14. SWEATS Daily uniform, come to me!
15. AGATE BOOKENDS Wouldn’t this looks look gorg on a dresser or bookshelf? 
16. NAIL POLISH Perfect for the holidays – or any time really! 
17. COFFEE CUP A mantra was never more true.
18. SCARF – Gorgeous patterns and colors. Extra big to wrap around like a vest.
19. SOCKS Cozy comfies are always a good idea.
20. FEATHER PEN To make you feel super important, even when you’re writing your grocery list!
There you go! Just a small sample of some of our fav gifts out there!
::HINT HINT WINK WINK::
-L

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Kids!! ( I am talking to you dads!) Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. We have once again assembled a gift guide to help you pick the PERFECT gift for the special mom(s) in your life, no matter what her lifestyle may be. We absolutely cannot get enough of these goodies. We would be happy to receive any of these from our littles….. hint hint. 
Leah and I are fond of the sentimental (me) and super thoughtful (Leah) gifts on these special occasions, however, who doesn’t love a fab handbag, jewels to wear on a date night or girls’ night out, or a box of gourmet chocolates?? They pair perfectly with our DIY tea towel, beautifully framed artwork from your little or an instagram photo book. 
On – the – go: Iphone case / sunglasses / handbag / tassel keychain
Stylish: tee / shorts / scarf / sandals
If you want to see more of what we are loving for Mother’s Day and why, just follow our Pinterest board! We will be happily pinning leading up to that day.
Enjoy your day, friends!! We sure do appreciate you!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (HIM)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
(1) If you need a splurge gift for your fella, this is it. Classic, simple, manly. We love it!
(2) High def sound, noise canceling, cool colors, ’nuff said.
(3) For the major music lover. Hopefully our husbands aren’t reading this post……..
(4) Give him a chic, industrial desk set for his office by Areaware. We love this Williamsburg-based production company that fosters young and creative talent.
(5) Just clip the lens to your iPhone and wham! In seconds you get some pretty cool pics just from your phone camera! Includes fish-eye, macro, and wide angel. 
(6) Couldn’t you see Jim from The Office wanting this laptop bag? Love the vintagy, rugged look. 
(7) Probably the coolest iPhone docking station we’ve ever seen! Again, another Areaware product home run.
(8) These updated wingtips are TOMS, people! We couldn’t believe it either. Not only are they super stylish and hip (why does it sound so not hip to say “hip”), but with each purchase TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. 
(9) Beard balm to tame the beardiest of beards. Moisturizes and promotes beard growth. You’ve gotta check out the Brooklyn Grooming website- so many cool products, it was hard to pick just one! The scent Williamsburg “smells like personal triumph”. Yes. 
(10) Classic wool tie that goes with everything. No brainer. 
(11) This the coolest gift for the guy who has a healthy New Years resolution. The FitBit tracks your steps, calories burned, monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm. Wear it all day and night, even in the shower! Sleek and understated look in black or blue.  
(12) For the guy who constantly loses guitar picks (read: husband). This gadget just punches out new ones from any old plastic cards you have lying around. Now he’s ready to serenade you with some old school Dave Matthews Band. On second thought….

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR BABY GIRLS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 
(1) A cute little farmer’s market stuffed set. The milk actually has a little mirror inside. Peek – a – boo!
(2) Mini Boden is always a home run in our book. The little reindeers make it the perfect seasonal dress.
(3) We both own these blankets for our kiddos! They are AMAZING and so warm!! 
(4) Every little baby needs a hippo ballerina play mat, right?! We agree!
(5) A bright wooden walker to help those wobbly legs get stronger. Love Hape products. Amara is the happy owner of this walker. It will last for years!
(6) If you love the crafty look of felt hair bows, but don’t have the time or the talents to make them, buy them! 
(7) Keep those chubby baby legs warm all winter long with these polka dot leg warmers. The only downside is that you don’t get to see all of those fat wrinkles, which…hello!?! They are the best.
(8) We love trendy outfits just as much as the next fashion forward mom, but we also want our kids to be comfortable especially when they sleep. These Carters fleece sleep sacks are so warm and come in the most adorable patterns. They also have footed ones for your toddlers! We live in these during the winter months.
(9) The softest little stuffed animals ever. So many different ones to choose from, but we are loving the white owl. “Whoo! Whoo!”
(10) I feel like these moccs need NO introduction, but if you haven’t hear of them or tried them….please do! Not only are they quality shoes that stay on your littles’ feet, but they come in the most beautiful colors. Available in leather and suede. We love Susan and her team too!!
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR GIRLS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
(1) Every little girl can’t wait to get their hands on all of the kitchen gadgets that they see mommy use. This wooden baking mixer set will have you wanting to play with your kids’ kitchen gadgets! Adorable. We love the durability and classic gesture of wooden toys here at Love & Lion.
(2) Such a creative take on the classic memory game. Love the idea of putting family members’ faces on here!
(3) We are over the moon for this Oh Joy Pixie Dust camera from Twig Creative. Why can’t our Canons be this cute?
(4) Pottery Barn Kids anywhere chairs… enough said. We are swooning over the Sherpa!
(5) This is on Amara’s Gift list! A new take on the ole “fort”. We love the colors and patterns on all of the Land of Nod playhomes.
(6) Get your little ready for spring with some stylish boots just made for puddle splashing. Great in the snow also with the fleece lining socks.
(7) Meslissa and Doug never ceases to amaze us! Our kids already love “getting mail”, and this is the perfect gift! Again, wooden toys baby!!
(8) Top off her little holiday outfit with this fab headband. Sure to sparkle!!
(9) A scooter that grows with your toddler/little girl. Comes in such fun colors too.
(10) Take these on the go for restaurants or leave them at home on the dishwasher for endless entertainment. These wooden magnets are so lovely, and come in beautiful finishes.
Happy Shopping!
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR HER)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 
(1) We are absolutely LOVING this emerald shade suede bootie. It adds a subtle touch of color to any outfit.
(2)  Genius!! Bake a little bit of your batter in this nibble pan so you can taste test without cutting into your cake.
(3) If you haven’t tasted Jeni’s ice cream…. you haven’t lived. We sincerely mean that! We make it part of every girls night. The lovely lady in your life will thank you.
(4) Who doesn’t love a great nail color? With this Advent mani set, you will calm your color cravings all month long. Beautiful!
(5) We all love photos, and using calendars make us more responsible (kind of). These are ALWAYS good gifts for any occasion.
(6) A stylish way to listen to a good audio book or iPod.
(7) We are dying over this beautiful leather clutch that charges your iPhone. Stunning colors to choose from also.
(8) These rings are the sweetest, most stylish reminder of those you love most. Whether it be your kids, spouse, or your imaginary friend… initials never go out of style.
(9) Perfect pair of PJ’s! Classic and comfy.
(10) Rock these with a leather jacket and ankle boots or just around the house when you want to get out of your lounge pants that you have had since college (we all have them… your secret is safe here). They will make you feel cute for sure!