Looking for a fool-proof “become her favorite new toy” gift? These uniquely handmade dolls from BlaBlah seem to have magic powers over kids. If you’ve got a little girl 6 months or older, she will love these dolls. They’re hand knit from super soft, 100% cotton in South America using Fair Trade practices. No hard parts and parents love that they’re machine washable.

Sharing snippets of juicy reviews is my new favorite thing… because people are finally leaving really helpful reviews!

Hey, who spilled common sense all over the Interwebs?

I have to say when I first saw these cats, I didn’t get it. They seemed a little simplistic and overpriced. The only thing that convinced me to get them were the scores of positive reviews. They were right! Little ones love these toys. They are used as pillows by both of my girls nightly. And they wash up great in the washer and dryer (even though it says air dry, I dry on the lowest level and they come out perfect).

The colors are very vibrant and wherever we go we get compliments on him, that’s right, he goes everywhere with us! He was a great addition to our family and I am sure he will be a treasured toy in the years to come.

My daughter loves her and has slept with her every night since she got her. I think we have a doll that is going to last a very long time. I would definitely buy another one as a gift.

From the moment [he] came out of the box it has been true love. He has been dragged, thrown, hugged, drooled on, snoozed on, given Cheerio’s and sips of milk, even spit up on and has held up wonderfully.

My little girl absolutely loves this doll! She sleeps with it everynight and takes it with her everywhere she can.

Posted by Lauren in Kids on March 7, 2012
3 Comments

Good Idea: Grow a righteous mustache.
Better Idea: Get a fingerstache tattoo.
Best Idea: Get a temporary fingerstache tattoo.

There are few accessories as unexpected as a moustache tattoo on your finger. It’s like waving a hipster’s magic wand and instantaneously having a cute opening line. (And some faux whiskers, too.) Perfect for girls who dig irony or guys with more scruff than stache’. Kids love playing with them, too. Those whippersnappers.

We’re actually quite enamored with the moustache. Our Co-Owner Sean is the (sole) owner of an enviable handlebar mustache.

Maybe you could have guessed?

Posted by Lauren in Fun on February 29, 2012
1 Comment

There you are, on a gorgeous sunny day, just trying to relax and soak up some rays… when sand starts itching it’s way onto your towel. Kids and dogs running by, or just moving around to get comfortable seems to add more sand into the mix. I guess you just have to deal with it, right?

Nope! The military’s got you covered. Kind of.

This technological marvel called the Sandless Beach Mat was indeed developed by the military for landing a chopper and not blowing sand every which way. Now you can use this technology to spend an awesome day at the beach, connecting with nature, while staying comfy, too.

This sandless towel also eliminates dirt, dust, and water from its surface, so you have a perpetually clean outdoor space. Perfect for camping or watching outdoor concerts.

What, you need features? Well it’s also strong enough to resist abrasions from outdoor furniture or pets, the towel will remain flat, and it never absorbs moisture, so it can’t grow mold or mildew. Available in two sizes, and two color choices.

So get out there and enjoy the rest of the summer – and all your other outdoor activities – with a sand-free smile

Posted by Lauren in Outdoors,Unique on August 3, 2011
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** SALE: Use coupon code genesis15 to save 15% **

Just over a year ago, I talked about the Genesis Water Ionizer in the post Do You Know They Sell an Actual Fountain of Youth?. I shared the personal story of my in-laws, who introduced me to ionized water:

All they did was add in the alkaline water instead of drinking bottled water/filtered tap water. With that ONE change, they began to lose weight without effort, had more energy and slept deeper, they ‘felt hydrated for the first time ever’, and the water was even ‘much easier to drink’.

I’ve got good news. Now it’s your turn to try.

The once a year water ionizer sale is ON.

Save 15% on the Genesis Platinum water ionizer. Use coupon code “genesis15″.

If you have questions – and I mean any questions at all – about ionized water, email me at .

I have been a solid gold fan of my water ionizer for over a year. Ask me anything, because I wanna help you feel healthy and vibrant, too

Posted by Lauren in Green Living,Household on April 24, 2011
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Because sometimes, seriously, you should just take a chill pill.

Now I want to suggest something that might sound impossible…

This ice cube tray produces actual Chill Pills. Like real, working, effective “calm your crazy self down” chill pills.

How? Simple. The placebo effect.

“Placebo effects can arise not only from a conscious belief in a drug but also from subconscious associations between recovery and the experience of being treated—from the pinch of a shot to a doctor’s white coat. Such subliminal conditioning can control bodily processes of which we are unaware, such as immune responses and the release of hormones.”
“Placebo Effect: A Cure in the Mind.” Scientific American February 2009.

“Ha ha, these ice cubes are cute. Chill pill. I get it. It’s even printed on the pill with the dosage amount just like a real pill…” Unh huh.

Pack your cooler or fill your guests cups with these cubes and 5 minutes later everyone will be maxin’ and relaxin’.

Did these chill pill ice cubes work for you? Tell your story in the comments below!

Posted by Lauren in Fun,Unique on April 20, 2011
2 Comments

If I had to choose my favorite spicing or flavor, I’m pretty sure I’d choose garlic. It’s delicious, and the health benefits of garlic are endless: great for your heart, metablolisim, keeping your cholesterol down, healing infections, and preventing the “big c”.

I bet garlic is a staple in your cooking, too, isn’t it? You know it can be tricky to prepare; peeling, chopping, mincing, and clean up can get so tedious. I use garlic in my kitchen almost everyday, so I needed to find a way to make garlic prep easier on myself.

There are a LOT of options available, and through trial and error I’ve found that only a few products work well.

Do you hate cleaning a garlic press as much as I do? The Garlic Card may have been invented specifically for us. You just rub a peeled garlic clove against the card and it creates a finely grated puree. To clean, just run under the faucet and BAM it’s clean. No picking to get little bits out of a garlic press…

But if you have the OXO Garlic Press, the clean up is tons easier. Outside of the Pampered Chef and Rösle garlic presses (which are both quite expensive), the OXO is the only garlic press that really works well. Unlike many other brands, even large cloves won’t squish up and out from the sides. Now you can mince my garlic in an instant, and cleaning the press out isnt a hassle either. Thanks to the little reverse cap, you can “flush” out garlic skin and other junk that you couldn’t mince. I love the fact it’s heavy duty steel, and I know I wont ever have to replace it.

Now go forth, fellow garlic luvahs, and spice to your heart’s content.

$3.99-15.99

Posted by Alison in Household on March 16, 2011
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They swear up and down this thermos set is made for coffee. They even added a liberal sprinkle of coffee beans at the photo shoot just so people like me wouldn’t misunderstand.

Then how come all I see is green juice on the go? Insulated travel bag, big old vacuum sealed flask, cups for sharing… I’m getting visions of easily bringing that homemade emerald colored elixir with me. But coffee…? Not so much.

Yah, it’s gotta be all the green juice. I’ve been drinking one for breakfast every morning for a couple years now. It just feels so good to my body that I never miss it. The holistic health benefits are off the hook.

If you had this bento style travel kit, do you think it would be any easier to add green juice to your life?

$56

Not sure why everyone’s talking about Green Juice? Check out this Green Juice on the Go video (1:16 long) and get clued in.

Posted by Lauren in Green Living,Just For You on February 28, 2011
2 Comments

Have you ever noticed a weed growing in the sidewalk? The defiant way it springs up, surrounded by cement? Now that’s the original guerrilla gardening.

Wildflowers are notorious for “blooming where they’re planted”. Seed bombs take that idea and crank it to 11. They transform any gray urban landscape into a slice of reclaimed green space.

They come in 6 growing regions for the US; west coast, midwest, east coast, pacific northwest, southwest and southeast. Just pick the right region, throw, and your gardening is done.

Seed bombs are awesome for both gardening enthusiasts and anyone who can throw! Even kids can chuck these over a fence and watch the magic happen. Chuck a seed bomb in spring, summer, or early fall, and see what blooms.

Posted by Lauren in Green Living,Outdoors on February 21, 2011
2 Comments

If you look at history, now is a flippin’ sweet time to be alive. Need proof?

We have problems like “I want to constantly witness the beauty and mystery of a butterfly, but without harming it“. Beats the pants off of “I hope we chopped enough wood to make it through the winter”, doesn’t it?

Like an adorable confirmation from above, these electronic butterflies remind you how good life is. Simple, fascinating, beautiful. This is exactly the kind of gift I give to my Type A friends. When you tend to “live in your head”, reconnecting with simple pleasures is key.

What about kids? Check out the video below to see how enraptured they are playing with their butterfly.

Hmm, can you think of anyone else who might enjoy these little marvels?

Posted by Lauren in Gadgets,So Pretty on February 14, 2011
2 Comments

On a scale of 1 to ohmahgah, how into your sweetheart are you?

Just tell the Uncommon Love Meter your level of lovin’, and it will show you hand-picked gift ideas perfect for your Valentine. Chances are, you’ll probably find a really stand-out Valentine’s Day present; this shop specializes in the truly unique. Check out how much of it is artisan made and eco-friendly, too.

So what’s your Love Meter at this year?

No matter who you spend the day with, or how you celebrate your relationship, have an awesome, heart-centered Valentine’s Day.

xoxo,
The Mable’s Crew

Posted by Lauren in Indie,Unique on February 7, 2011
2 Comments