shak-shuka

Woolen Wrap Gift Wish

Dear Yenta/Santa Claus,

If you're reading this, I just have to say I found the thing I'd love for the holidays: the Carga Woolen Wrap. Why oh why did I subscribe to their newsletter so I could be informed about their latest (and greatest) creation that is exclusive to us readers? Adding insult to injury, it's a limited edition item - only 20 produced! How's that for handmade? Like everything Carga makes, it combines multi-function with minimalistic, rustic style that just oozes "gimme gimme". But not that I would ever say "gimme" Santa/Yenta Claus.....I've been a good girl.....so - PULEEZ will you get me this???!

Love,

Me

Do Good (Eye)Glasses

Leave it to our BFF over at the undeniably hip Coos & Ahhs to lead us to an eyeglass company that makes some of the coolest hipster specs ever. Enter: Warby Parker glasses. On the fantastic site, you can "try" on the glasses with a photo that you upload of yourself, they send them to you in the mail (at a crazy reasonable price) and they have a "buy a pair, give a pair" program similar to Tom's shoes that shares the wealth and the gift of sight by providing a pair of glasses to someone in need. If you're like me, grab a few pairs because you never know when life (or your child) will squish, steal or lose your next pair!

Ada Ada Necklaces Rock

My love for Ada Ada has been well documented - they make some of the most beautiful, and completely wearable (read: wash/dry magic! no dry cleaning/ironing needed!) clothes that both kids and adults love. Not to mention that the family behind the clothes is equally beautiful - a tour de force of a sisterly trio so amazing, you might just try and squeeze yourself next to them to see if you're passable as the fourth missing sister!

So this season they do NOT disappoint with their amazing galatic-inspired collection: think moon, stars, dust and everything done in tasteful colors that will mix and match with everything in the collection (not to mention the kids wardrobe already). What I love about Ada Ada is that they're also branching out in other directions as well - this season they included some fantastic tights, which both myself and my daughter love. But now....well, they've gone and done it again with these fantastic Rock Necklaces! I had actually seen a picture of one of the owner's sons wearing it, and as I was about to ask where they got it, they told me that they made them and that I was going to be able to share them with our customers! "YIPPEE" I believe were my exact words, and I think you'll agree. Handmade, poly/cotton loops with funky charms are just the thing that both boys and girls will love. My personal fave? How they look layered one on top of the other, super cool and incredibly lightweight and totally wearable (the Ada Ada trademark, I think). Maybe the Ada Ada sisters have started a kids accessories revolution!

Quirky Long-Life Tights

Even though I complain about the chilly weather here in Northern Europe, as soon as real heat strikes I realize I'm much better adapted to cold weather than hot. Hot weather makes me feel like I'm about to have a heartattack!

So as the cold weather approaches it's time for the hunt: the hunt for the perfect, comfortable, warm, non-pilling tights. Usually I rely on my heavy-duty-tried-and-true Walford tights, but sometimes I'd like something a bit more cozy, more unusual, that taps into the quirky side of me. While browsing around Beklina, my favorite online eco store for women, I remembered some tights that I had bought that I just L-O-V-E: Hansel from Basel. They make the most exquisite and long-lasting tights that I've ever owned. Made from quality fabrics such as bamboo, merino wool and cotton, these are not your run-of-the-mill tights! Currently I'm coveting the Homme Striped Tights, Puff Sock Crew, and the Zigzag Bag. I dare you not to be tempted, and I can attest to the fact that the legwear will outlast any and all of your current socks and tights!

Make-Up Your Mind (+Bag!)

Just as people make fun of me for having too many baskets, I now have become a hoarder of small bags. Now that I have a child it seems to make sense as she has about 100 bags filled with random toys, craft supplies, headbands - you name it, we bag it. But I've noticed that one area where I find it hard to discover a really nice compact bag is the make-up department. You should have seen some of the doozies I've been traveling with lately!

Low and behold one of our newest and favorite brands that we're carrying - Apple & Bee - does a wonderful selection of cosmetic and clutch bags. Love, love and love some more! Made from organic cotton and hemp, covered with a non-toxic, wipeable lining (on the inside so your make-up or creams don't splatter everywhere) are a dream come true for a gal like me. Personally I love them all, and they come in different shapes and sizes to fit your mood, which, if you're like me, are many, so you better just stock up on all of them!

 

Rain, Rain Come Again

It's been a long time since my last post, but we've been really busy over here at Shak-Shuka headquarters! Busy preparing for a wonderful (albeit short!) vacation, busy on vacation, then busy back to reality after the vacation! We were fortunate enough to spend some time in Hamburg, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark - both wonderful, family-friendly cities that we'll discuss in a later post.

First I have to share with you my latest obsession! One thing that I noticed in Denmark is that people are VERY serious about their rain gear. Even though it rains here in the Netherlands, I have never seen people be more prepared than carrying around an umbrella, or for long treks on the bike - maybe rainproof pants. The Danes seem to have it all covered (quite literally) from waterproof jumpsuits for the kids, heavy-duty rain jackets, and footwear that made me cringe with envy. Luckily the footwear department I had done my research on, and Ilse Jacobsen is the woman that I would turn to to keep my footers dry during the 9+ months of rain we have here. Jacobsen handmakes (ok, probably not her, she's the designer, but you get where I'm going here) all of her rainboots, and I have to say they are THE most comfortable boots I've ever worn. They have a fleecy interior so even when you're wearing socks/tights/the works, you still feel their fuzzy softness. There are quite a few styles to choose from (ranging from low ankle-style to high knee boots) and a million and one colors. I'm not as adventurous and I went with the ankle-height dark brown model, which I absolutely love. Handmade, local, and made from 100% natural rubber, there is very little not to love about these boots.....except maybe the rain that you need them for!

Simple Eco Flip Flops

When the weather gets warm, there's a part of my brain that makes me believe that I'm a beach mama who sports kaftans and sandals all summer. The harsh reality is that about 4 times during the summer it gets warm enough for me to do this (which in reality never happens!). But it's good to have a dream, and when I go on vacation, that is precisely what I do - nothing but mumus, kaftans, sandals and flip flops for me!

I have always had a bit of a strange feeling about flip flops: I'm sure you all remember that phase when people were wearing them with EVERYTHING - even suits (I saw that in NYC and almost passed out from fashion shock). For ease and wearability, you just can't be the flippity-floppity of the flip flops, but they are not always the most fashion-forward, or eco-friendly option. One of my favorite shoe brands - Simple - has come out with a great solution - flip flops with a foam insert that are made from post consumer recycled paper, and the sole is biodegradable! I really love the ethos behind Simple, and these flip flops really fulfill my hippy, beach-mama dream - even if it is a dream, I can live a bit of it in reality with these Simple flops!

Eco Necklaces for (Big) Little Girls

I suppose there comes a time in every mother's life that she realizes her daughter is no longer a "baby" but a real, bonafide, growing-up little girl. So scary to let go of those cuddles, diapers, and onesies - instead replaced with tutus, fancy shoes and....jewelry. Not sure if this is happening to us sooner than average (Lil'Miss is only 3.5yrs old!) but I can't hold it back anymore, the pink, dressing up beast must be fed - eco-consciously of course!

My good friend Chantale tweeted about a new online store that fulfills both the craving of my daughter (something "fancy" like mamas, please!) and me (nothing plastic or tacky FYI!): Fournier answered my prayers! Fournier has a gorgeous array of natural, eco-friendly necklaces for girls, but it's just as important to note how the items are made: by a poverty alleviation project in Bolivia that creates a high-quality product that empowers the artisans who make them. Love, love, love some more. Feel good feelings all around encompassed in some beautiful trinkets that will make your little one smile - while you're at it though, why not treat yourself to one of the women's necklaces - it is Mother's Day soon after all!

Backpack Baggu

It might be as much of a fashion faux-pas as wearing a fanny pack (sorry for those of you who speak British English, as I know that is an offensive name for something, but not sure what you guys call it!), but I must admit since becoming the mother of a toddler, a diaper bag won't do, instead, I rely on a backpack. Yes, a backpack. Sometimes the crossover-sling bag just doesn't cut it, and I'm more comfortable wearing a backpack than a huge shoulder bag. Comfort rules when you become a parent!

When I spotted the Baggu (known for their reusable, eco-friendly grocery bags) backpacks that were designed by Brooklyn artist Shabd Alexander (who also makes the most beautiful garments, but are a teensy bit out of my price range) - my heart did a little flip. I think I have a soft spot in my hippy heart for tie-dye related things, and this is just the right combo of delicate colors, soft tie-dye look, and function. I am really torn for colors here, so I might just have to get a Shabd Backpack and a Shabd Tote just so I'm fully covered. And did we mention the super green factor? Made from 100% recycled duck canvas, and made without the use of sweatshop labor, so you can feel good schlepping around your 10kg of booty you just picked up for the kiddo......

Panama Hat - Fair Trade Style

The sun is shining!!!! As always, we're waiting for the other (bad weather) shoe to drop, but until then, we're soaking up as much Vitamin D as our body's will allow.....

Sun is good thing but not when it comes to aging your face at a rapid pace. Besides slathering myself in sunscreen from head to toe even when it's cloudy and cold, this summer I've been searching for a great hat to keep me in the shade. I love the look of a Panama Hat, and I was so happy to not only find them, but also that they are fair trade! The only summertime straw hat company to carry the Fair Trade Organization label, the brand Pachacuti fits the bill (sorry, hat pun intended!) and then some. I am personally torn between a few styles, most notably the Twisted Weave Wide Brim and the Black Spiral Weave Fedora. Oh who am I kidding, the summer just started, let's get both!!!