4 Items that make your home SMARTER and your life EASIER
This morning I stopped by News 3 This Morning to chat with Kevin Hunsperger about the latest in Smart Home technology. In the past couple of years, creating a connected home that uses technology to save you time, energy, and money has become all the rage. I decided to try out several of the newest innovations and report back!
This morning I stopped by News 3 This Morning to chat with Kevin Hunsperger about the latest in Smart Home technology. In the past couple of years, creating a connected home that uses technology to save you time, energy, and money has become all the rage. I decided to try out several of the newest innovations and report back!
Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation
A leader in smart home technology has been the company Nest, who "reinvent unloved but important home products." Founded in 2010 by two Apple engineers, they first introduced the Nest Learning Thermostat - a wifi-enabled thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature in your home accordingly.
We easily installed our Nest within minutes and were immediately impressed by the large and easy to read display screen. I particularly like Nest Leaf™ that appears on the screen when you turn Nest to a temperature that’s energy efficient. There's no guessing - just turn the dial until you see the leaf!
The Nest Learning Thermostat has been proven by third-party researchers to save people, on average, about 10 to 12 percent on their heating bills and about 15 percent on their cooling bills and pays for itself within two years. We've already noticed savings in our energy usage in only a few weeks.
You can control your Nest from anywhere using your phone and set the thermostat to "away" for additional energy savings while you're gone.
There are tons of rebates and rewards offered through local energy services depending on your area as well so click here to check your zip code.
Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock
My absolute favorite feature on our Prius was the smart lock. No digging for keys. Just touch the lock and you were in! Now, Kwikset has brought the same technology to your front door. For anyone like me, who struggles with carrying babies and groceries, the Kevo Smart Lock uses Bluetooth technology to turn your cell phone into an eKey and unlocks the door with a touch!
Even better? You can set up temporary eKeys for babysitters, house cleaners, or dog walkers. There's a Bluetooth key fob for anyone without a compatible device and two traditional keys just in case.
Philips Hue
So, we've connected your thermostat and your front door - now what about your lights? Philips Hue is a connected light bulb that allows you to control your home lighting from a smartphone or tablet. With over 16 million color options, Hue can create the perfect tone to match your mood, decor or party theme.
We have three lamps in our main family room so, on the most basic level, it's awesome to turn them all on or off by simply asking Siri to do so. We've also really enjoyed the different light recipes you can use based on whether you are reading, relaxing, or concentrating.
You can even use a schedule to alert you to important events or flash when you receive an email or want a weather alert.
Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo was our first introduction to smart home technology. My father sent us one for an early Christmas and - at first - I was a little skeptical. We had Bluetooth speakers so I wasn't sure what the big deal was.
However, Alexa (that's her name!) is so much better than a wireless speaker. She can set timers and order more toilet paper from Amazon and add items to your to-do list. (She can also control your Hue lights after a bit of setup).
I mainly enjoy the Echo because it has brought music back into our home. We don't own a stereo anymore or a radio and I moved my computer back into our room. We could pair our phones with a speaker, but that's a little more trouble than I'm willing to go to. Now, I can simply ask Alexa to play NPR or our favorite kids music station and we're good to go!
I highly recommend any of these items for a unique Christmas present to anyone not intimidated by technology and looking to make their lives easier!
This post contains affiliate links.
Baby products I'm trying out for the first time
On a stroll in our Britax B-Agile 3.
Recently, I stopped by News-3 This Morning to talk about baby products I'm STILL using five years later AND baby products I decided to upgrade or try out for the first time with Baby Felix. I like to think that after three kids I'm savvier consumer and can spot the products that will really make a difference in my life - as opposed to the ones with empty promises.
Britax B-Agile 3
After five years, I decided it was time for a stroller upgrade. I loved my previous stroller, but I knew that there had been a ton of improvements in stroller engineering that I wanted to try out.
I started by checking out the newest edition of Baby Bargains (the baby products BIBLE) which had high praise for the Britax B-Agile 3. I also talked to several friends who loved their Britax B-Agile 3. If you want something lighter, check out these Umbrella Strollers.
The biggest selling point for me was the one-hand quick fold. My old stroller came in two pieces and was a pain to get in and out of the car. This baby collapses in second EVEN with the car seat adaptor still attached. It's lightweight, has a reclining seat, and a huge canopy. I've been using it daily since Felix was born and I'm so happy with it.
Britax is giving one lucky reader a B-SAFE 35 car seat!
The next thing I knew I wanted to upgrade was our diaper pail. I absolutely hated the pail we had before. It was stinky and hard to use. And yet I didn't want to give up on the idea of a diaper pail altogether.
I had been intrigued by the Ubbi diaper pail since it came on the market a few years ago. The idea of steel pail that wouldn't soak up the smells like plastic made since to me and I like the fact that you can use your own bags. I also discovered Ubbi made cloth diaper liners, which was a revelation after using a regular trash can for my cloth diapers in the past. In fact, I've been using the Ubbi primarily for cloth diapers and think it's a great fit for that purpose.
My closest friend recommended I also try out the Dekor Plus. This baby holds a TON of dipaers and has a hands free design which is incredibly "handy" in the messiest of situations. It also can be used with regular trash bags, as well as having a cloth diaper liner. However, because the Dekor Plus holds so much and contains the smell so well I've found it works really well for disposable diapers.
UBBI World is giving away one UBBI pail to a lucky reader!
Boob® Nursing Wear
I had ONE nursing dress with Griffin and Amos and I about wore that piece out. It was the only one I could find at the time and I was desperately hoping there would be more options this time around.
This company has been around for a while but has greatly expanded their offerings in recent years. They have cute stylish options in all styles for all seasons. The best part is that many of the items you can wear while pregnant as well. The B.Warmer Dress became one of my staples during the colder months and now that it's turned warmer I'm wearing the heck out of the Simone.
I know for a FACT I have nursed in these dresses and people around me had no idea what I was doing. They offer great access without feeling like you are either showing your breast or your stomach. In fact, when I'm wearing one of their designs, I don't even bother with a nursing cover!
What new baby products do you want to try?
Top 5 Pregnancy Must Haves
We've spent a lot of time recently talking about baby products (the good and the bad) but I have a TON of pregnant friends right now so I thought I'd take a step back and talk about the products that helped me survive pregnancy.
We've spent a lot of time recently talking about baby products (the good and the bad) but I have a TON of pregnant friends right now so I thought I'd take a step back and talk about the products that helped me survive pregnancy.
1. Leachco Back 'N Belly - Contoured Body Pillow I could write this entire post about my pregnancy pillow - "Ode to a Pregnancy Pillow" by Sarah Stewart Holland. I LOVE this pillow. I'm convinced it is the reason I avoid 90% of the back and hip pain that plague my pregnant friends. I also think it's the reason I wake up only once a night (to pee, of course) until the baby's arrival. You might be tempted to get a body pillow that only supports one side of your body. DON'T. You want the full wrap around style. Your husband might regret it but you never will.
2. Pregtastic Podcasts Pregnancy can sometimes be a lonely endeavor, especially if you don't have any close friends who are also pregnant. All you think about or want to talk about is being pregnant, which usually can't be said about your husband, childless friends, or coworkers. That is why I love Pregtastic. Every podcast features pregnant panelists who ask the questions you are wondering about and share the worries and anxieties all pregnant women face. They also all come back after their babies are born to share their birth stories.
Sadly the show stopped being produced in 2012 but that doesn't mean it's still not an excellent resource for all pregnancy, birth, and baby information. If you find yourself totally overwhelmed by the stack of baby books on your bedside table, this is an excellent (and less stressful) way to take in all that information. I still think their breastfeeding series is one of the most helpful resources out there for the new breastfeeding mom.
3. Baby Bargains Oh, the dreaded baby registry. It seems like something that should be fun (picking out free stuff!). It's not. It's high pressure and overwhelming. Don't believe me? A simple search for "stroller" on Amazon turns up 8,550 results. How the hell is a hormonal pregnant woman supposed to decide? Because as much as you want to tell yourself it's just a stroller, in your weaker moments choosing between Chicco and Combi feels like choosing between Harvard and Yale. Your child's future is at stake here!
Well, Baby Bargains to the rescue! Most baby books offer generic (and less than helpful) advice like "Pick a stroller that fits your lifestyle." Gee, thanks. Baby Bargains provides actual reviews and ratings of the actual products. I haven't recommended this book to a single pregnant woman who didn't end up with a tabbed, dog-eared copy she described as her "Bible."
4. Sara Holliday: Prenatal Yoga Series We all know how good prenatal yoga is for you. However, not everyone has access to good prenatal yoga classes or the motivation to add one more thing to her schedule. I also never liked how most prenatal yoga classes mixed women from all trimesters in the same class. My favorite thing about this DVD is each trimester has its own workout. They range in length from 35-45 minutes and are more than doable a couple times a week. I notice such a difference when I skip a week. When I practiced regularly, my body feels less sore and stiff and I feel more relaxed and less anxious overall.
5. Majamas Organic Easy Bra There comes a point in most pregnancies where an underwire bra is simply no longer an option. I loved this bra because it is comfortable and super-soft. The best part is you can use it as a nursing bra after the baby arrives.
This post contains affiliate links.
What were your pregnancy essentials?
Baby products I'm still using after 3 kids
Recently, I stopped by News 3 This Morning to talk about baby product I'm still using five years after the birth of my first son. These are the products I've carefully packed away and pulled out to use with Amos and again with Felix because they are JUST. THAT. GOOD.
Recently, I stopped by News 3 This Morning to talk about baby product I'm still using five years after the birth of my first son. These are the products I've carefully packed away and pulled out to use with Amos and again with Felix because they are JUST. THAT. GOOD.
Amos swaddled in his brother's Aden + Anais swaddle blanket.
Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket
These swaddle blankets were new to the market way back in 2009 when I had my first son. He was a summer baby so I thought they seemed like a great option for the warm weather.
I used them ALL. THE. TIME.
Then, I used them with Amos. Now, I'm using them with Felix and they still look brand new. They don't seem to stain. They don't even wear. They've just gotten softer and more wonderful.
Now, since then Aden + Anais has greatly expanded their product line and I was psyched to try the burpy bibs®, which is a burp cloth that then snaps around the neck for a bib! I'm also really loving Aden + Anais snap bibs.
Aden + Anais is giving away a 4 pack of their classic swaddle blankets to one lucky reader!
Snug & Tug Swaddle Blanket
I use Aden + Anais blankets all day and then Snug & Tug blankets all night. My boys are big and there are VERY few swaddle blankets from which they can't escape. I bought the Snug & Tug on a lark when Griffin was a baby and used it every. single. night after he was born.
I'm not saying they never ever sneak a little hand up and out the top but it's very rare.
If you're a swaddler, I can't recommend the Snug & Tug highly enough.
Go Mama Go Designs is giving away a Snug & Tug swaddle blanket to one lucky reader!
Trumpette Socks
I realize novelty socks are a funny thing for a mother of three to be endorsing but hear me out. Trumpette socks are adorable and come in a wide variety of styles but they are carefully packed up and handed down to each of my babies for one reason.
THEY STAY ON.
Babies kick and squirm and Trumpette socks are the only socks I've found that stay on those little feet through all that movement.
I absolutely love them.
Trumpette is giving away one pair of My Little Cupcake socks and a set of Ballerina socks!
Baby Felix sleeping peacefully in his swing.
Duet Soothe Swing + Rocker in Cascade
Look, I BELIEVE in holding a baby as much as you can. However, I also believe in occasionally taking a shower and meeting the most basic needs of my other two children. A great baby swing makes that possible.
I'm a HUGE user of the baby swing. In fact, I've already burned one up. However, I was happy to replace it with the Duet Soothe Swing + Rocker in Cascade from Graco. Graco is the undisputed leader in baby swings and for a good reason.
This swing has all manner of fantastic options but - after 3 babies - only one matters to me. It PLUGS IN. The first swing I had ran on batteries and I was constantly replacing batteries in the most acrobatic of positions to prevent the baby from waking up once the swing stopped.
I LOVE THIS THING.
Graco is giving a Duet Soothe Swing + Rocker in Cascade to one lucky reader!
A few items I didn't have time to talk about but that I also LOVE: the Puj bath tub which is perfect for tiny, slippery infants, My Breast Friend for those of you planning to nurse, and the Moby Wrap which is the best option for baby-wearing early on.
What are you must have products?
2015 Valentine's Day Gift Guide
This morning I stopped by WSIL News-3 This Morning and shared my picks for great Valentine's Day gifts for men and women with Kevin Hunsperger. I tried to find some unique twists on traditional presents so check it out!
This morning I stopped by WSIL News-3 This Morning and shared my picks for great Valentine's Day gifts for men and women with Kevin Hunsperger. I tried to find some unique twists on traditional presents so check it out!
Look, there's a box of chocolates then there's a BOX OF CHOCOLATES.
Michael Recchiuti has been crafting fine chocolate confections since 1997 and it shows. The Sweethome - my absolute FAVORITE review site - recently named the Recchiuti Black Box as the best boxed chocolate. The awesome team at Recchiuti recently sent me a box to sample and I couldn't agree with the reviewers at Sweethome more:
“Unlike many of the boxed chocolates we’ve tried, the Recchiuti offer a full sensory experience, which is part of the reason to give boxed chocolates in the first place. The flavors really set this selection apart from the competition. Classic concoctions, such as Burnt Caramel and Piedmont Hazelnut, offer just the right balance of sweet and bitter, while more adventurous flavors, such as Tarragon Grapefruit and Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn, are never overpowering (a problem we’ve found with most other flavored chocolates). And the black-on-black packaging—sexy, but not over the top or too obvious—looks and feels much more elegant than offerings from every other brand we looked at. Inside, the jewel box holds shapes and textures far more intriguing than the monotonous square candies in most other assortments. Overall, these bonbons are far more well-rounded than others we’ve tried.”
I also loved the Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn and the Burnt Caramel... and the Sesame Nougat... and the Lavender Vanilla... and the Kona Coffee... and the... well, you get my drift.
If you have a chocolate connoisseur or foodie for a Valentine then Recchiuti Confesions is the perfect choice!
Recchiuti is offering 15% off their special Valentine Amour Box with promotion code “Amour2015”. The promotion code expires February 11 at 1pm PST which is also the deadline for delivery by Valentine’s Day!
Jewelry is always a great choice for Valentine's Day and there are a thousand personalization choices out there. Unfortunately, they all start to look... the same.
I absolutely love this personalized necklace from Winifred Grace. You can add up to five special dates from the date of your engagement, child's birth, important anniversaries. I added the date of mine and Nicholas's first kiss, wedding, and 10th Anniversary renewal and I absolutely LOVE it.
Winifred Grace is currently offering free shipping with the code "freeshipvalentine". All orders must be placed by February 10th in order to arrive by Valentine's Day!
So, underwear (or - God save us - lingerie) is a popular gift for Valentine's Day. However, what if instead of something that's going to get worn ONCE you get your Valentine something they'll love to wear over and over again?!?
MeUndies is an underwear startup that makes a very basic assertion - that they make the World's Most Comfortable Underwear. They seem to have all the evidence to back it up as well. Each pair is made with Lenzing Modal - a fabric that wicks moisture, is anti-microbial, and retains color. The underwear is also made with flat lock stitching, which MeUndies says is the most comfortable stitching technique in the industry.
I can personally testify that this is some of the softest most comfortable underwear I've ever encountered.
Lucky for you (or your Valentine), MeUndies is giving one lucky reader a 5 pack of briefs to try out!
I'm going to be honest. I thought I'd seen all that could be done with salted caramel.
I was wrong.
Laughing Moon Chocolate - a family-run chocolate shop in Stowe, Vermont - handmakes the most amazing salted caramel treats I have ever tried. Chewy but not too chewy. Sweet but not too sweet. Salty but not too salty.
Send the Salted Caramel Heart Box to your Valentine for just $16. You won't regret it.
2014 Holiday Gift Guide
This morning I was a guest WSIL News-3 This Morning talking about my favorite gift ideas for the 2014 Holiday Season! This year I focused on non-tech items because - honestly - don't we all have enough chargers in our lives? Instead, I found unique products that will make your recipient feel special in one way or another!
Recently, I stopped by WSIL News-3 This Morning and had a fabulous time talking with Kevin Hunsperger about my favorite gift ideas for the 2014 Holiday Season. I take a little bit different approach to gift guides then most. Instead of following the latest gift-giving trends, I keep an eye out all year long for unique products that make me (or my family and friends) sit up and take notice. I literally keep a notebook and jot down every time I think "Wow, what a great idea!" or a friend raves about something.
Then, I round them all up for y'all at the end of the year ... with some giveaways of course!
For her
If you live in the world, you know that essential oils are HUGE right now. The ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower Kit is a new and unique way to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine. The kit includes the attachment device that clips onto your shower head and 3 essential oil pods. Once attached, the pods dangle in the water stream diffusing the essential oils and turning your shower into a spa!
I've been using mine in the evenings to relax and absolutely love it!
Win an ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower Kit!
I bought a pair of these adorable felt slippers at a charity auction early in the fall. Then, I brought them home and NEVER. TOOK. THEM. OFF. Apparently, the employee who donated them to the auction is also a huge fan and has tried numerous pairs of slippers off Etsy and these are the BEST. Made by hand by a woman name Katerina in Russia, they have real leather bottoms and are so, so warm and comfortable.
Win a pair of Felt Slippers from RainbowWool!
Surprise! Erin Condren made the list. I know my love of all things Erin in well-documented but I can't help it if she keeps knocking it out the park. I briefly mentioned her fabulous acrylic trays in my last video with Shannon but I have only fallen deeper in love since then. It is the perfect adorable catchall at the end of my counter and would make such a fantastic gift for your best friend or favorite sister.
Win one of TWO $50 gift cards Erin Condren is giving away!
For Him
I first saw the genius work of Josiah Morgan on Modern Mrs. Darcy and was immediately taken. Josiah creates tintype prints using modern digital images and the 160 year old process of tin typing. This is not a photoshop filter, y'all. This is the real deal.
“At this moment in time, we find ourselves searching again for the imperfect but wonderful human touch that exists in handmade photography. Don’t get us wrong, we love our digital cameras, camera phones, and inkjet printers. But when it comes time take a photo out of the digital cloud and physically put in our home and life, there is something to be said for doing it using very old techniques.
Wetplate photography allows us to rediscover the magic of handmade silver-based photography—and it provides a durable, long-lasting image.”
Josiah told me that holding one in person is like holding a diamond...a picture just can't compare. He was absolutely right. The one he created for me has the most beautiful depth and shine. This would be perfect for your history buff or dad looking to add something special to his office decor.
Josiah is offering 10% off your total order with the code BLUEGRASSREDHEAD.
If your husband is like mine, he likes to carry a pocket knife. He doesn't own only one pocket knife, however. Oh no! Apparently, knives are like shoes. You can't have too many. Well, no one understands that better than Kershaw Knives. They have a wide array of knives from a small everyday carry like the Shuffle to the Kershaw-Rick Hinderer designed award-winning Cryo.
If you want to get a gift the man in your life will actually appreciate, look no further than Kershaw.
Win the Thermite Blackwash™ from Kershaw!
If you have a loved one already suffering from seasonal affective disorder (truthfully this would be a great gift for him or her!), then the Philips Wake-up Light is a great gift. More than just an alarm clock, the Wake-up Light simulates the sunrise in the dark winter mornings making even the bleakest beginning more enjoyable. I've had several friends rave about how they went from being best friends with the snooze button to facing the day with a smile on their face.
Win a Wake-up Light from Philips!
Toys that help your kids learn to code
Steve Jobs once said, "Everybody in this country should learn to program a computer... because it teaches you how to think."
Learning the language of computer coding was once thought to be a niche skill needed only by those wanting to pursue a career in programming. No longer. As our world (and economy) changes, computer literacy as valuable an asset to anyone in our information age as a second language and parents want their own children to learn this important language along with reading and writing.
Luckily, a degree in computer science is not required to teach your kids how to code. Initiatives like Code.org have touched off a wide variety of products that remove the intimidation factor and teach the basics of coding to children as young as 4.
Steve Jobs once said, "Everybody in this country should learn to program a computer... because it teaches you how to think."
Learning the language of computer coding was once thought to be a niche skill needed only by those wanting to pursue a career in programming. No longer. As our world (and economy) changes, computer literacy as valuable an asset to anyone in our information age as a second language and parents want their own children to learn this important language along with reading and writing.
Luckily, a degree in computer science is not required to teach your kids how to code. Initiatives like Code.org have inspired a wide variety of products that remove the intimidation factor and teach the basics of coding to children as young as 4.
Robot Turtles™ by ThinkFun®
The first board game to teach coding to children beginning in preschool, Robot Turtles™ was invented by Seattle software entrepreneur Dan Shapiro who wanted to spend quality time with his then four-year-old twins and share what he feels is "the single greatest superpower – the skill of programming." Robot Turtles began as a Kickstarter project where it became the most-backed board game in the history of the popular crowd-funding site.
Learning to code begins with the basic idea of using simple command to produce a result. Robot Turtles™ is a great screen-free way to let kids explore this concept by teaching children to move their turtle across the game board and to their goal by using simple steps.
ThinkFun® is giving away Robot Turtles™ to one lucky reader, who can start tackling the basics of coding in a fun and screen-free way using this coding board game! Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.
Dash & Dot from Wonder Workshop
Dash & Dot were my first introduction to toys that code. Launched under their former names of Bo & Yana with another successful Kickstarter campaign, I was immediately impressed with the idea of programmable robots that can teach the basics of coding to children as young as 5 (the company describes the product age range as 5 to infinity). Clearly, I wasn't the only one as Wonder Workshop received 11,000 preorders of the programmable robots.
By teaching Dash & Dot to move, play the xylophone, or even build Lego™ creations using a wide variety of accessories, kids learn that computers are merely machines that they can make do what they want using simple commands. Dash & Dot have sensors that make them interactive with your child and connect wirelessly over Bluetooth with four iPad and Android apps.
The four apps are incredibly engaging, beautifully designed, and user-friendly. We had the robots rolling out of the box - ready to play - within minutes of opening the shipping box. However, Wonder Works likes to say they "set a low floor but high ceiling for coding" so while they provide apps to program the robot, older children can also use Wonder Work's API (Application Programming Interface) to create their own unique apps.
The Wonder Pack, including all robots and accessories, is $365 and available for purchase at the Wonder Workshop website.
Sphero and Ollie
Receiving Spero or Ollie isn't like opening a new toy. It's more like entering an entire new world. App-controlled robotics has been a passion of the company since 2011 and experiencing the incredible range of options they present for these two robots makes that passion abundantly clear.
Sphero is an app-controlled ball. Ollie is an app-controlled robot "driven by adrenaline" (seriously, it can reach a speed of 14 MPH!). Both connect to your smart device (and a wide variety of user-created apps) through BlueTooth technology and offer a universe of fun from simple obstacle courses to complex video games.
What I really love about Sphero is the company's commitment to coding education. This year the company launched the SPRK (Schools, Parents, Robots, and Kids) program. The program puts the power in school's hands with lessons already written to teach kids the basics of coding using math and science. Sphero has even joined Apple and the ConnectED initiative to provide products and support to 114 schools across the country and put technology in the hands of students who need it the most.
One lucky reader will win a Sphero of their very own by entering below!
There are also loads of great, free resources online to get your kids started coding!
Father's Day Gift Guide 2014
This morning I was on WPSD Local 6 Today talking about the best father's day gifts for every type of Dad. Check out the video below as well as awesome giveaways and coupon codes from all these great companies!
This morning I was on WPSD Local 6 Today talking about the best father's day gifts for every type of Dad. Check out the video below as well as awesome giveaways and coupon codes from all these great companies!
For the Beer Connoisseur Dad
Happy Hour Timepieces: The Ish
For the dad how loves craft beer and is constantly searching for an opener, The Ish solves that problem with a bottle opener built right into the buckle of his new favorite watch. Not only is the buckle a bottle opener, but the numbers on The Ish fade into the background... all except 5 o'clock - the happiest hour of all!
Happy Hour Timepieces is giving one lucky reader The Ish! Click below to enter!
For the Tech Savy Dad
Roku Streaming Stick
We've had a Roku for years and we absolutely love it! We've always loved streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. Once we cancelled our cable, the services and the Roku became even more essential. So, for the Dad who loves to binge watch the latest shows, the Roku has crammed all their best features (and over 1,500 channels of movies, TV, news and sports) into a tiny stick that fits into the USB port of his television.
Roku is giving away a Roku Streaming Stick to one lucky reader! Click below to enter!
For the Foodie Dad
Dad's Gotta Eat made by MOUTH
The people at MOUTH love food and they really love small batch indie food producers that are making great inventive products like margarita popcorn or chocolate gingersnap cookies. So, if the way to your foodie dad's heart is through his stomach, look no further than this awesome gift box from MOUTH.
MOUTH is offering 15% off through Father's Day with the code WPSD15!
For the Old-Fashioned Dad
Grovemade: iPhone Case
If your dad embraces technology begrudgingly and still bemoans the loss of find craftsmanship, then Grovemade is the perfect gift for him. Every case is sanded and filled by hand in a local shop in Portland, Oregon, where the designers and craftsmen work hand in hand. The result is the most beautifully designed iPhone cases - as well as iPad cases and docking stations. They also sell tradition office supplies such as pen cups and rulers... really, really pretty rulers.
For the Kid-at-Heart Dad
The Cooper Kit
This is for the down-in-the-floor-riling-the-kids-up dad. The Cooper Kit is a quarterly subscription featuring crafts, projects, and books all built around a theme. Cooper and Kid sent us a flight-themed box featuring a DIY catapult, sky lantern, parachute man, and much much more. Nicholas and the boys have had a BLAST working through the box... in fact the box itself turns into a cardboard airplane!
Cooper and Kid is currently offering a free grooming kit from The Motley ($65 value) with every purchase made before 6/15!
For the Grilling Dad
Cuisinart® 3 Piece Folding Grill Tool Set
Does your dad spend hours grilling out every week? Well, then he needs to fanciest grilling accessories available. He'll love them because they resemble a high quality pocketknife with the added bonus that they don't take up a ton of storage room in the kitchen!
Cuisinart® is giving away on 3 Piece Folding Grill Tool Set! Click below to enter!
For the Outdoorsman Dad
ENO DoubleNest™ Hammock
Whether your dad enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, or boating, any trip to the great outdoors is made better by a hammock! The Double Nest Hammock packs up small, sets up easy, and is roomy enough for two! The perfect gift for a dad who likes a little relaxation with his outdoor adventures.
For the Music-Loving Dad
Tego Audio™ - CERA Wireless Portable Speaker
It doesn't matter if your dad spends all his time listening to the latest NPR podcast or his favorite songs from back in the day a great wireless speaker is a must have! The CERA provides 360° sound and goes wherever dad goes. The CERA has Version 3.0 Bluetooth® technology and can play for 5-7 hours on a full charge. What I really like is the CERA has voice notification when it's turned on so you never have to wonder if it's on or off and you can daisy chain infinite CERAs together for expandable sound!
Tego Audio™ is offering 20% off to bluegrass redhead readers with the code Dad20!
For the Coffee Addicted Dad
If your dad loves nothing more than a hot cup of coffee, then the Chemex® Coffeemaker is for him! The Chemex® Coffeemaker was invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm PhD and was designed to extract all the flavor with none of the bitterness or oil of other brewing techniques. It also happens to be beautiful (seriously, a Chemex® sits in the MOMA). Honestly, the first cup of coffee I had from the Chemex® was like no other cup of coffee I've ever had. Completely smooth with no bitter aftertaste. I can't recommend it highly enough if your dad loves a cup of joe!
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