Friday, April 24, 2015

A Different Kind of Friday Faves

This photo was a gift from my friend, Se'lah.  

I was looking at my calendar yesterday and I realized that Mother's Day is only three weeks away.  To tell the truth, I usually let it sneak up on me and then find myself rushing around like a crazy woman trying to find a gift for my mom and Jeffrey's that can convey what's impossible to say: "I love you.  I thank you.  You make my life possible.  You are wonderful, amazing, nearly miraculous."  You know, just the little thoughts that add up to a speechless kind of love.

And, we really are blessed, Jeffrey and I.  Our moms have been pastor's wives for nearly 80 years between them.  They've raised four children, and enjoyed eight grandchildren.  They've taught me about the kind of home I want to make and the kind of woman I want to be.

Well.  What do you do for two women like that? My answer is, I try to find a gift that is as special as they are.  And, then, I write a card that doesn't say enough - not nearly enough about who they are to me.

As I was shopping for them, I visited one of my favorite stores, Uncommon Goods.  I love their whimsical selections, and I really love their blog, The Goods.  I spent hours following the links from this interview with Richard Upchurch.  We have so many spending options, don't we?  I want to spend my money with a company that tries to do a little good, even while they are selling goods.  I really love all the personalized options, too.  Uncommon Goods showcases the work of amazing artists, and I love their support of Reach Out and Read.

I had so much fun shopping for our moms.  But, I got a bit distracted by all the goodies I wanted to add to my own wishlist.  You know how much I love lists.  Maybe this one will help you as you shop for your moms.  Or, for yourself.

 I've always loved typography; especially the ampersand.  I just adore the whimsy of this.  
I think it's perfect for a mom who just happens to be a wonderful hostess.  


Sloane and I both fell in love with this crazy glowing dinosaur.  
It's full of bio-luminescent plankton and we have GOT to have one!
It might just be perfect for a new mom who has to stumble awake several times a night. 


Isn't this sweet?  I love the idea of tucking pink roses into this tiny wonder  and placing it 
on the nightstand when my mother-in-law comes for a visit.  It could also be a perfect gift 
for the amazing aunt or  older friend you love so much.  Why not use Mother's Day to thank 
the other women who have mothered you?



I don't know about you, but I have been searching for a stylish way to haul around all my library books.  This tote would be great for a bookish mom.  Or one who goes to the farmer's market every week. 



If you ask me, a woman can never have too many pairs of beautiful earrings.  Uncommon Goods has so much gorgeous jewelry.  I finally narrowed my choice down to my two favorite pairs of earrings.  The pair on the left is made from recycled sake bottles - I love that.  The pair on the right are handmade of mixed metals - so beautiful!



OK, I found it - a gift that's a perfect combination of tech and cozy.  This handy gadget can turn a smart phone into a projector.  Perfect for the mom who always has half the neighborhood kids in her backyard.  (Or wishes she did.)  Now you can give the neighbors one more reason to love you - backyard drive in movies.  




Do you have a mom who is always taking pictures?  Is she an artist?  Someone who sees beauty in imperfection?  If she is, let's introduce her to the Diana.  This gift is a perfect combo - a book and a camera.  Add lots of love, and a few sweet words on a card, and Mom is bound to be thrilled.  


I hope you've had fun exploring my little list.  One of my lovely readers is going to be really happy this Mother's Day.  I have a $25 gift certificate to Uncommon Goods to give away.  If you would like to enter, leave a comment and tell me which of my picks was your favorite and why.  Or, tell me what else you found over at Uncommon Goods that you would choose for yourself.

Be good to all the lovely, mothering women in your life this year.

8 comments:

alexa said...

Very cool selection, Relyn! I went off to have a look at the projector for the smart phone - I think my tecchie son would be intrigued by this. (But I'm not entering your generous draw, as being on the other side of the pond makes it a no-goer - but thank-you anyway!).

Jeanne said...

Beautiful indeed.
I love all you share.
You and your husband are both so lucky to still have your Mother's to love on this Earth I miss mine more and more each day
Love Jeanne

Jennifer Richardson said...

There is such a strong gift
of mothering in you;
it's easy to see that there
must be a deep gift box
to draw from;
you're one of the greats,
as well:)
-Jennifer

Marilyn Miller said...

The shopping bag would be just perfect for my daughter as she runs through her day. For me, I am trying to surround myself with flowers and that little row of glass vases sings to my heart.

amelia said...

What treasures you found--thanks for sharing!

Melinda said...

I love the tote! It looks like the perfect size and i love the colors!

Unknown said...

Love this beautiful dedication to your mothers and Uncommon Goods is such a great store! Wow, how wonderful that you have not one but 2 pastor's wives in your family!

xo Mary Jo
http://www.trustyourstyle.com

-blessed holy socks, the non-perishable-zealot said...

High.
I gotta lotta thots and stories in our 22 blogs…
and I’m more than happy to share,
to give to you what God has granted me - a steward
in this finite existence, this lifelong demise.
And why not?
Aren’t we all in the same family made by God?
Faith, hope, and love -
the greatest of these is love:
jump into faith...
and you'll see with love.
Doesn’t matter if you don’t believe
(what I write);
God believes in you.
God. Bless. You.
Meet me Upstairs where the Son never goes down…

Oldies, but Goodies