*a sponsored but authentic post

I am here in Maryland visiting my brother and sister-in-law. Every counter, every nook and cranny of their home is remarkable. One stand-out space is actually a bathroom, yes, a bathroom. Nearly black walls, mod white light fixture, sleek hardware, and then this toilet paper holder that is in its own right, an art installation. The immense mirror is even backlit. Of all of these fabulous features, the one element most easily simulated in my own home is the toilet paper wall art.

I found it there on UncommonGoods’ site, near other treasure. See more rad home decor and ways to make every space more organized and brilliant.

(Photo from UncommonGoods’ site.)

I was smitten by the site long ago and it so it is a natural fit being asked to write a post. Their offerings are more diverse than I recall.

Now, looking through new arrivals and old favorites, I’m ready to make a housemade blend of hot sauce with my husband (one of their many culinary kits!!!). I’m ready to laze with this Sriracha-inspired pillow. See this home textiles page for hand-embroidered state pillows, too! I want Florida! What a great personal gift, too!

My wish list also contains the entire gardening section, with specialized seed bundles and bee homes.

I tell you. I’m ready to brew our own spicy ginger beer and Moscow Mules, customize our own wooden cutting boards, and stockpile gifts so that my loved ones can make absinthe (they have this, too, and a thrilling list of cocktail and infusion kits!). For my husband, magnetic running lights and clip on headlights for his sneaks.

Part of my excitement is about the character and behind-the-scenes action. I cannot not bring up all of the good. Each product fits with their vision of environmental and social responsibility. Figures they began in Brooklyn!

Each product fits with their vision of environmental and social responsibility. Figures they began in Brooklyn!

They meld commerce with art and community. Every product features the creator(s) with tidbits that further inspire. These are real people, not nameless factories with unnamed people. They offer beauty for the home in ways that are community/global-minded.

Uncommon Goods helps create uncommon connections, from their work donating to one of four stellar non-profit organizations, providing fair wages for employees, health insurance, and a pledge to present products created with handmade, recycled, and organic elements. We, the buyer, get to choose which of the four organizations our donation will go. To buy with more than a clear conscience is a deal.

The other thing is, knowing the maker behind an object of intrigue simply makes the thing cooler. You’ll even read how these runner’s mini headlights I’ll be ordering were first dreamed up.

Take a look. Let me know which pages grab you. Maybe we can window-shop together. Or come over; I’ll pour you an uncommonly delicious drink I’ve concocted.

 

 

List-Making, Part 1: Helicopters and go-carts are next time on the list! My kids and I have exhausted every other form of transportation on this summer trip. Seriously, we’ve done it all and have the empty plastic Dramamine containers to prove it.

On Amtrak an hour and ten mins. 

In the car today for forevvvvver. 

Some friends say they would under no circumstances travel abroad, especially sance second parents. Many say to me that trip to Publix or Harris Teeters is enough. “Just you and three children? Naaaaa.

Some say it is not feasible, no, not with the baby, too? But many have done it!

Many of us have crossed huge deltas, have left impossible situations, or jumped quite literally from a plane. I simply took a plane–granted for many hours, and came. I am not bragging; this is simply what it must be and what it gets to look like since we live in Japan and home turf is back in the US. We are here now, me lugging after and carrying much of the gear for my three humans.

I wonder if I have garnered enough wisdom from this last international flight (and many others with kids in tow), the domestic legs, and the many car trips to pen a list.

What to Not Forget Now & Next Time We Travel/This is what I’ve learned:

• Pack Meds. Pack Cortizone, Neosporin, and pack/buy/beg for that Dramamine for helping kids not feel queasy and not throw up. Every bump, every wind of turbulence is not your friend. Those potholes you experienced allll over Philly? The enemy of kids’ tummies. Just let your boy pee on the sides of roads and in the shrubbery backs of houses. Just climbed our of the pool? Just let him take care of business outdoors; it’s worth the ease.

 

• Help your dear daughter pee on the side of a road one day even though you will not want to, even though you will want her to be some perfect peeing fairy. Let her go our in sandals or anything to ensure that she does not oopsie pee on her shoes. That was rough.

 

• Absolutely, hands-down say, “Yes, okay!!” to ice cream all the time, every minute! YOu are making memories. Memories are important with chocolate fudge and rainbow sprinkles. Memorable family reunions do not only need to include crunchy apple wedges. Do it up. Yes, this means my kids have been on a veritable ice cream trip, sampling from the river of ice cream mayyyybe every day. Hopefully we return with all of our teeth.

• Do not freak out on them when they freak out from overtired fatigue. Do not be that group of passengers, Carol, the mom from The Brady Bunch, on Airplane who hits that woman to calm her down. No mom ever quelled panic with that. Au contraire, next time, Mel, please just hug them. (I admit to you that my consequences have needed help. Hey, I am half of a parenting team for a very long-time now). My mom, however, helped remind me that I need not be too hard on my dear, sweet, travel-weary, not in their own beds in their own homes in their own continental place of Asia. We are essentially people with suitcases and family who takes us in. I can simply love on my kids and be patient and full of peace. I can try, anyway.