Latest Post from Tiny Oranges

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I wanted to share my favorite finds for unique Mother’s Day gifts. Isn’t it remarkable how after becoming a mother, you instantly appreciate your own mother that much more? Because if anyone deserves something special, it’s definitely mom!

Here are some of my favorite unique Mother’s Day gift ideas…

Mother & Daughter Letter Book

In a world filled with emails, texts and facebook messages, the gift of a hand written letter is more meaningful than ever before. I love this mother daughter letter book because along with the set of 40 cards and envelopes, it also includes hundreds of inspirational ideas that encourage you to share tidbits about your life that you may not have thought to include. It’s a perfect gift for any mom, especially one that you may not get to see everyday. $38

Morse Code Necklaces

How cool are these morse code necklaces by jewelry studio COATT? The dots and dashes make up a word of your choice such as “Love”, “Luck” or, “Mom”. Necklaces are available in three different lengths and six different colors. Also offered as a bracelet. I’m totally hooked! $80

Plan a Picnic Date

I’ve always loved to give (or receive) an experience rather than a material gift. With this Rattan Picnic Basket from Pottery Barn you can do both. Fill this picnic basket with your mom’s favorite goodies and head off on a picnic date. If you need some ideas on what to pack, check out our Tiny Oranges summer picnic board on pinterest. $89

The Gift of Cozy

Do you want to let the special mom in your life know she deserves to kick back and relax? These pajamas from The Marigot Collection are the perfect way to do it. The line offers luxury cotton and cashmere options. I’d happily spend my Sunday mornings lounging around in any of these pretty prints. $120

Something to Make Her Laugh

Last but not least, there’s nothing better than giving your mom a chuckle and I guarantee this funny mug will make her smile! $14

What do you think, would you like to give or receive any of these? Do you have any Mother’s Day plans or traditions you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them.

I’m always looking for children’s room decor that is timeless and won’t need to be swapped out as my kids get older, so it’s no surprise that these live animal art prints taken by photographer Sharon Montrose caught my eye.

The photos, available at The Animal Print Shop, are so pure and gentle that they’d be perfect for a new nursery, but they’re also lively and spunky enough for any “big kid’s” bedroom or play area too. I mean, how could you not be happy waking up to any of these little darlings?

Do you have any tips and advice for decorating your child’s space? How do you create a room that can grow along with your child?

All images via The Animal Print Shop

Sidecar Doughnuts, a specialty doughnut store in Costa Mesa, opened its doors this month to the delight of Orange County doughnut aficionados everywhere.

First off, I love that they use the spelling of doughnut vs. donut, which after a quick Google search, is in fact the grammatically correct spelling. Who knew? I guess they did, and the spelling was only the first of many things they got right with their new business!

Dare I say, they really did score a hole in one. Sorry, couldn’t help it.

I was invited to a media sneak peek before it opened to the public and was able to meet the owners and find out more about their offerings.

We were also given this sampler plate of doughnuts along with a freshly brewed Stumptown latte. By the way, Sidecar is the only location in Orange County where you will find Stumptown coffee. AAAAMMMAAZING!

Now I am going to be honest: typically I eat a donut about once a year at a garage sale ~ a decision I usually end up regretting after when I get that “blah” feeling.

Not so with these yummy confections!

Sidecar Doughnuts is revolutionizing the doughnut world with doughnuts made from real ingredients.  We are talking doughnuts made fresh from scratch on the hour, using the finest ingredients and no preservatives.

Their speciality doughnuts include real yeast-raised, cake, and buttermilk varieties dressed up with fun extras to make unique flavors like Maple Bacon or Birthday Cake. Think your kiddo might like that one? You guessed right.

It was love at first taste for me. You can really taste the difference. My favorite? Maple Bacon hands down. It was an entire breakfast experience in one bite.

 Gluten-free Fridays! Avoiding gluten these days? Every Friday you will find gluten-free doughnuts; and even vegan options from time to time. Follow Sidecar Doughnuts on Facebook to find out when.

They are pricer than your typical donut, but worth the upgrade for the fresh ingredients and hip location. Plus, where else would you find a fresh, hot doughnut topped with crispy bacon?

www.SidecarDoughnuts.com

[Disclosure: I was provided scrumptious bites and a latte complimentary; along with a doughnut box filled with some goodies. Glad they spotted me on the corner with my sign, "Will work for doughnuts.']

The ImageMakers contest is a national kids’ photography competition organized by the Boys & Girls Club of America where club members ages 6 to 18 enter their photographs and compete through local and regional contests before competing in a field of 4,000 entries at the National Headquarters.

Over 800 entries were submitted for the Pacific Regional Contest, which draws from seven western states, and the Pacific Regional Winners’ work will be on display in Orange County at the Laguna Art Museum from April 21st – May 19th in the museum’s Young Artists Society Gallery.

To celebrate the exhibit’s opening, they are hosting an exhibition opening reception on Sunday, April 21st, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Admission to the reception is free and reservations are not required.

The Young Artists Society Gallery is located on the lower level of the museum’s gallery space and features art work by K-12 students from Orange County schools and non-profit groups throughout the year.

I think this would be an inspiring exhibit to take your children to experience and show them the beauty and creativity that can be expressed through photography; even starting at a very young age.

ImageMakers National Photography Contest: Pacific Regional Winners
Opening Reception
Sunday, April 21st, 2013 ~ 2:00 – 4:00pm
307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
Reception is open to the public and admission for the event is free.

Regular admission prices are $7.00 admission; $5.00 students, seniors, active military. Children 12 and under are free.

It has taken me a few days to let the horror of the unfathomable events of the Boston Marathon fully sink in. I wish I had something profound to say, but at times like this, there are no words quite appropriate other than to express Boston is in our hearts and will continue to be so in the days to come.

I pray for the families of those lost and for those injured, I also pray for the runners.

Marathon runners are special people. 

I am a runner. Not a marathon runner, but a half marathon runner so I can relate on a very small scale to what this event must have meant ~ a celebration of goals attained, hours sacrificed and the ability to do something not many can do.

These events really are a celebration of the human spirit and what is possible when you make a goal and put in the time and work get there.

I hope in the aftermath of this tragic event we can take a moment to celebrate the runners’ spirit. It is the strong spirit of the runners and the city of Boston that will heal and triumph over this tragedy.

Please join me this morning for a moment of reflection for Boston ~ whether you offer up a prayer or send your loving thoughts their way.

XOXO