11.30.2022

2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR GROMS

It's really no secret how much I love Christmas, it's my favorite holiday and while summer is my favorite season and I'm really not a fan of the cold, you have to admit, there is just something about the holiday season. It's filled with twinkling lights, tinsel, candy canes, Christmas trees, fresh baked cookies, gifts, and of course, best of all... happy children! I still remember how excited I would get for Christmas morning growing up, it was one of the best days of the year, and being able to bring the joy of Christmas and the holiday season to our home for my own kids, is truly a special thing and makes my heart so happy. I love seeing their eyes light up, not even over the gifts, but just for everything during the holidays, the lights, the tree, reading a Christmas book together, watching The Grinch for the hundredth time, baking sugar cookies, making salt dough ornaments... and about a million other little things. I think as a mom, Christmas is just that much more fun, I mean yes, it gets stressful, but it's so much fun shopping for their gifts, finding that perfect thing that you know they'll love, or maybe it's something they've been asking for for ages, there's nothing like their joy when they find it under the tree. To make it easier for everyone shopping for kiddos this year, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite items for kids/groms/little ones/children in my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! Find them all below!



I love shoes that my kids can wear both wet or dry, it makes cleanup easy when they want to jump in puddles, or dance in the rain, or when they venture too close to the ocean when I've asked them to stay dry. Lets face it, staying dry is something that literally never, ever never happens during a beach walk, so it only makes sense to plan ahead for these instances, so these Jefferson Bloom shoes from Native Shoes are perfect for Bella and Bodhi! Not only are they super cute, but they are created from environmentally friendly materials which I love! They are made with repurposed algae, using Rise by Bloom technology, and the process to create each pair helps restore clean air and water on our earth (how cool is that? You can read more about the Native "Rise by Bloom" technology and process HERE. They feature a perforated upper, shock absorbent bottom sole and a rubber toe cap made with recycled materials. These slip on shoes are easy for kids to put on and take off all on their own, and even easier to clean. Just wash them off (hand washable) and you're ready to go again! They're lightweight so kids don't get tired as easily while walking and they're odor resistant as well (because let's face it, stinky kids shoes are not a fun thing to smell haha). Native really thought of everything with these shoes. They come in 8 beautiful colors, I of course chose the "Bone White" because I wanted them to match with all of their clothing, and well, I do love a good neutral, but I also really love the "Ivy Green" color (it's pretty much the perfect shade of green. If that wasn't already great enough, they also sell them in adult sizes! I don't know about you, but these are definitely on my wish-list! You can find all of Native Shoes styles HERE!

I've been a customer of Briar Baby for YEARS, I'm talking all the way back when Bella was a toddler years ago (yep, that long, and I can't believe she's getting ready to turn 9). They've consistently been one of my favorite brands for so long, but last autumn, Bodhi finally outgrew his last bonnet and decided he wasn't really into bonnets anymore. I was a pretty sad mom to say the least (I love bonnets haha), but I was pretty stoked to recently discover that they have bucket hats now, something I know Bodhi will definitely wear, and Bella is already obsessed with bucket hats. We are in the sun a lot throughout the year here in coastal South Carolina, so these make so much sense for our lifestyle. Not only because they protect their little faces so well on beach days, but because they're also so ridiculously adorable! I chose this Buttercup Bucket Hat (made with Liberty fabric) for Bella because it was my favorite print bonnet of hers when she was little, and went with this Rust Linen Bucket Hat for Bodhi (I'm such a sucker for a good linen fabric). They also have adult sizes (which of course made me happy, especially since I'd already been looking for a nice bucket hat for myself), so you can go for the "mama and me" look, or get matching hats for all your kiddos of all ages! I love that all of their hats are proudly made right here in the USA, that their hats are easy to wash and wear and especially that all of their products are created using the highest quality natural fabrics to ensure breathability (that are also water friendly). Their hats are inclusive and made for ALL hair types, and they are ethically hand crafted in their studio in Vancouver, Washington! Check out all of Briar Baby's adorable hats HERE!


One of my favorite things to give to our kiddos every year is a cozy new blanket. There's nothing better than a nice soft blanket to snuggle up in during winter, and since winter doesn't really start until around January here, these blankets couldn't come at a better time for my babies (who aren't quite so little anymore). Coco Moon Hawaii has some of the softest blankets around and they're without a doubt one of our most favorite brands. They're made of 100% rayon (made from bamboo and cotton), super snuggly (so snuggly I find myself sleeping with them quite often as well haha), and of course come in the cutest ocean and surf inspired prints ever! The Surf Report Quilt and Plumeria Quilt have been favorites in our home for the past several years, and I'm stoked to give Bella the Sea Flower Throw Blanket (which is sadly sold out and will not restock, but they have so many beautiful new prints) this Christmas, and Bodhi the Nalu Throw Blanket. I'm sure I'll swipe them on occasion because they're just THAT GOOD, but thankfully the groms are pretty good about sharing with mama. A few things I love about Coco Moon Hawaii is that they've worked with small artists to create the designs and prints on their products, their packaging is eco friendly and biodegradable (shipping bags made from cassava starch), and that 1% of all sales are donated to Hawaiian non-profits! You can check out all of their beautiful designs HERE, they even sell baby clothing, swaddles, crib sheets, hooded towels, security blankets, baby quilts, changing pad covers, mama robes and so much more! Use JOYFULTRIBE10 for 10% off!



We first discovered Love Lotte beach toys a few years ago when I was on the hunt for some eco friendly beach toys. Every time we vacationed at the beach I noticed how many cheap plastic beach toys we saw on the beach. Lost, forgotten, broken, discarded, or just left because people were going back home after vacation and didn't need those cheap toys anymore because they didn't live near water, so out of plain carelessness they just left them. They had no use for them, so they just left them scattered along the beach, not caring whether they ended up in the ocean, floating and polluting our seas, broken on the beach, etc.. Since moving to the beach living here, I've seen it even more than before, it's constant. It's been very eye opening, how much plastic waste ends up in our seas so carelessly, so we try to be even more mindful of what we bring to the ocean now. While my kiddos do still have some plastic toys they bring to the beach sometimes (most of it found abandoned on the beach), we try to make sure we pack out what we pack in. We try to keep our toys away from the water while we're not actively plating with them so they're not accidently swept away by a wave, and we also try to use a lot of beach toys that are more naturally made. We love that Love Lotte beach toys are fun, but we especially love that they are created with bamboo, so they are more environmentally friendly. Another thing we love is that these beach toys are extremely sturdy and last for years! We actually have another set of these beach toys that we've loved for several years now and I'm stoked that Bella and Bodhi will have another couple sets now (so they won't have to argue about who gets to play with them now haha). They'll be able to make even bigger sand castles now, while also having enough sand toys that friends can play with them as well! Their Eco Beach Toy Set is constructed from bamboo fiber, ensuring that it will last for years to come. However, if they do ever happen to accidently end up lost in the ocean (or buried in sand or dirt), it makes me feel better knowing that they will break down into harmless organic matter in about 12 months! How cool is that? Shop Love Lotte toys HERE on their website or find them HERE on amazon! Use 10YBCH9P for 10% off when ordering through amazon!



Like most kids, Bella and Bodhi both adore plating with play dough, whether that be store bought or homemade, they really don't care as long as it's squishy and pliable and can be crafted into cool things and you know, mixed all together to create a huge (fun) mess! While I love making them dough to play with, I don't always have the extra time (or more honesty, the extra energy) so I was really excited when Land of Dough offered to send over a few cups of dough for the kids this year! They've been one of our favorite brands of play dough for the past couple of years and I love that they create their products with the environment in mind! Land of Dough uses all natural colors, compostable glitters and even paper packaging for their dough! Land of Dough products are made here in the USA and their manufacturing process is also designed to leave a small carbon footprint. They use a wind powered facility and use reclaimed landfill gas as a heat source. Their dough is crafted with all natural ingredients, including coconut oil, compostable glitter, natural colors and essential oils, like chamomile, lemongrass and lavender. Why essential oils? To create a calming, sensory, play experience for your child while they use their imagination and create whatever their amazing little minds can come up with! Each cup of dough is hand made and their designs are the coolest! They sent over their "Under the Sea" and "Mermaid Lagoon" dough cups that I know Bella is going to love, and I plan on giving Bodhi their "My Treasure Island" dough cup (he loves pirates) as well as the "Seascape" dough cup. Their dough not only smells good, but is fun to play with, and lasts so well (it can be rehydrated to make it last even longer), and it makes the most perfect stocking stuffer! Find all their dough HERE! Use JOYFULTRIBE10 for 10% off from now until December 31.



Do your kids love accessories as much as mine do? Bella is at that age where she loves all things accessories, bracelets, scrunchies, necklaces, hair clips, rings, you name it, if it's an accessory, she probably loves it. Her absolute favorite of all though, are bracelets. She has a whole collection that she loves wearing (and adding to), and she of course loves choosing which bracelet she's going to wear with her outfit every day. Poppy Lane and Co. is a super cute shop that sells beautiful bracelets, we actually had some of their bracelets for Bella when she was little (but unfortunately she outgrew them) and I am so excited to give Bella another one this Christmas. She is going to be so stoked to find this Pastel Letters on White Beads (Without Metallics Between) Bracelet under the tree (or more likely in her stocking) this Christmas morning. I love that the Pastel Letters Bracelet bracelet is customizable, you can choose which size works best for your little one (or you) and you can also choose which letters you want to make whatever word you'd like! Poppy Land & Co. has so many bracelet options, different bead styles and colors to choose from, it's so much fun creating bracelets on their website. I also grabbed this Baltic Amber (Polished Multicolor) Baby Necklace and Baltic Amber (Polished Rainbow) Adult Bracelet for Bodhi that I'm excited to give him. We've been huge fans of Baltic amber jewelry for years (since Bella was an infant) and since Bodhi has been wearing an old one of Bella's for quite some time, I thought it was time for him to get a new one entirely of his own! I love the colors in this necklace and bracelet combo and I know they're going to look darling on him. Head HERE to check out all of the jewelry (and other amazing products) that Poppy Lane and Co. has to offer! Use JOYFULTRIBE15 for 15% off during checkout!



My kiddos love skateboarding, usually during the summer you'll find us in the water, but when the weather is cooler, you'll find us at the local skatepark a whole lot. My kids are board riders of all kinds and I know they're going to be completely stoked to find these rad new items from iWipeout under the tree this year! iWipeout is a skateboard brand made by Triple Eight Distribution (such a great brand in the skateboard industry) for kids ages 3 to 11 and aimed at letting their creativity run wild! I feel like surfing, skateboarding and art all cruise along hand in hand, there are so many talented artists in the surf and skate community and iWipeout is the perfect way to usher in a whole new generation of little board rising artist groms! iWipeout boards and gear are dry erase and even come with their own non-toxic dry erase markers so your groms can get them customized to their own likes, interests and personalities as soon as they arrive! Their helmets, protective gear (wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads), and even cruiser skateboards are durable and fun, because who says you can't look super sick while also staying safe? iWipeout has lots of colors and styles to choose from as well as two different size groups for groms of multiple ages! I'm pretty stoked to give the kids their own Wipeout Dry Erase Helmets (I chose Bella's in Teal Blue and Bodhi's in Black), Wipeout Dry Erase Pads (went with the "Groovy" colorway for Bella, with the black for Bodhi), as well as their own Wipeout Dry Erase Cruiser Skateboards this Christmas (how adorable are these skateboards?)! Check out all of their products HERE!



We've used Storm Blade surfboards lots of times this past year, during surf lessons but also at our local Take A Kid Surfing Days by the Surf Dreams Foundation (super fun days where the Surf Dreams Foundation comes together with volunteers to give free surf lessons to kids who might not normally be able to afford surf lessons in our community throughout the summer) and we've loved them. Storm Blade surfboards are so easy to pop up and catch waves on, and they make the experience of learning to surf so easy! Bella and Bodhi both rode their first waves on a Storm Blade and even I caught my first waves on a Storm Blade this past summer! I'm pretty stoked that they were kind enough to send their 8' SSR Soft Top Surfboard (in Azure Blue), as well as their 8' Double Swivel Surf Leash (in black) our way to share about and I can't wait for the kids to find this under... well, probably more like beside the tree on Christmas morning. They are going to lose their minds (in the best way possible), and I really can't wait to see them shredding and catching waves with it! If you (or your groms, aka kids) have been wanting to get started in surfing, I highly recommend starting with one of these Storm Blade boards. They have more volume than typical boards so they're perfect for beginners, and because this is the surf school model, they're also a little bit wider than your average surfboard, which is one reason they are so easy to learn with and stand up on! If you're local here in the Grand Strand area, you can find their boards here in Surfside Beach, SC at Good Vibes Surf Shop (a super cool shop with an awesome selection, and even more awesome people), or if you're based anywhere else in the US, you can check out all their boards HERE or ask your local surf shop if they stock them!



Like any girl, Bella LOVES nail polish! She'd probably paint them a new color every day if I let her, and half the fun is picking the nail polish off just so she can repaint them haha. One of our most favorite brands of nail polish is Piggy Paint, she loves them because they have so many pretty colors to choose from, and I love them because they are natural and non-toxic! We've been using their nail polishes for about 3 years now and at this point, Bella has quite the collection haha. She's going to be so stoked to add some new ones to the nail polish rotation (and honestly, I'm probably just as stoked to see her little face light up when she finds these under the tree). I love that Piggy Paint has an ethical and eco-minded mission, and that with their nail polish, children can experience the joy of painting their nails, but without all of the awful chemicals that's in your average nail polish. Piggy Paint is water based, almost completely odorless, dries hard (and doesn't just wash off), contains no parabens or alcohol, and is free of ALL harsh chemicals! Piggy Paint comes in so many colors (like so many) and each one is not only free of toxins, but also cruelty free and vegan! This year, she'll be getting "Sea Ya Later" (a super pretty matte seafoam green), "Neon Lights" (she's been asking for a "Barbie" pink to this one should be perfect), "Mermaid In The Shade" (even the name of this one is cute), and the one I'm especially excited about, because she's been asking for glow in the dark nails for months, "Radioactive" (clear glow in the dark nail polish). They also sent over their adorable "Oh Holly Jolly" and "Santa's Sweetie" nail polish gift sets (that both include some super cute 3D nail art). Head HERE to check out all their colors and grab some nail polish for your favorite little girl! Use JOYFULTRIBE15 for 15% off from now through 12/10/2022 (cannot be combined with any other offers or codes).



We're at that age with Bodhi that (nearly) everything ends in a meltdown, he's extremely strong willed, which I know will be a good thing later in life, but for now, as a 3 year old who likes getting his way with every single thing and isn't such a happy camper when things don't go as planned, it's a little challenging some days. As a mama, I want him  to learn new techniques to deal with emotions and frustration in a healthy way, so these Mop Rides books came at exactly the perfect time for us. I love that these books teach mindfulness, breathing exercises as well as emotional regulation for kids, all in a fun and surf-inspired way! Bella and Bodhi both learned how to surf this past summer and love all things surf and ocean related, so I know these books are going to be a huge hit with them. Little surfer boy, Mop, studies the lessons of the sea, learning the ways of the waves, breathing, letting bad waves go by, and riding the good ones. Mop shows readers of all ages how to bring mindfulness (and the joy of surfing) into their lives in a cute, fun to read way, as well as bringing awareness to the issue of pollution in our oceans and on our planet. Mop Rides the Waves of Life is the first book in the series, where Mop's Mom first introduces Mop (and all of us) to breathwork and mindfulness, becoming aware of what we are feeling, as well as our surroundings. In the second book, Mop Rides the Waves of Change, we are introduced to Mop's Uncle, Kimo, who also teaches us some new mindfulness tips! I can't wait to sit down and read these books so Bella and Bodhi and I especially can't wait for the newest book in the series, Mop Rides the Waves of Courage, to be released (coming April 4th, 2023, you can actually pre-order it now). You can find the Mop Rides books on Amazon, Target (online only), as well as at most online book retailers, you can give them a follow on Instagram HERE to keep up with future book releases!



We've been using Tubby Todd products for years, I'm gonna say probably since Bella was around a year old? So since she's turning 9 this next week, we've obviously been using (and loving) their products for awhile and are huge fans. I love that their products are created from easy to read ingredients and I don't have to worry that I'm bathing my kids in toxins when they have a bath. Both the kids love bubble baths, but Bodhi is at that age where he is especially into them right now, he could spend hours upon hours in water, he loves it, so the Sweet Jasmine Clove Bubble Bath from the Tubby Todd Winter Collection is going to be a perfect gift. It smells so festive (perfect for the holiday season) and the designs on this limited edition bubble bath are perfect for the holiday season! We love how well their bubble bath suds up, but we especially love how perfect their products are for gifting to our family and friends who also have little ones! But what makes Tubby Todd stand out from all the other brands lining the shelves out there? Aside from the great (and cleanly sourced) ingredient list, their products are formulated using only natural ingredients, are gluten free, dairy free, certified animal cruelty free and made right here in the USA! So much to love about Tubby Todd! You can find all of their products HERE!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

11.29.2022

2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

My husband always insists he doesn't need anything for Christmas, and always tells me to just get gifts for the kids and myself... but every year, like any good wife would, I completely ignore him (hahaha) and make sure he gets something he'll like, because let's face it, dudes deserve nice and thoughtful gifts too! So if your husband/boyfriend/fiancé/dad/uncle/etc.is anything like my husband and say they don't want anything, make sure you ignore them, because chances are, they really don't mean it, and this gift guide is the perfect way to find some cool, new (and useful) gifts for them that they'll love for years to come!



We find ourselves at the beach 4 to 5 times a week, so we've found ourselves at times in need of extra gear that we hadn't needed before when we just visited the beach on vacation, versus actually living here like we do now. One of those things we've discovered that's super nice to have, is a changing poncho! They're nice to throw on when it's windy or chilly out, when you're changing into or out of swimwear, or just for throwing on top of wet swim or surf wear on the drive home from the beach. My husband has been wanting a poncho for awhile (after he realized how great the one he gifted to me earlier this year was), so needless to say, I'm pretty stoked for him to find this one from Nomadix under the tree for Christmas this year. He's actually had his eye on this Baja Aqua Poncho Towel for awhile and he mentioned to me that it reminded him of the years he lived in Arizona, so this will not only be a great way to give him something that's not only practical, and something that will be used on a regular basis, but also something that will remind him of good memories made while living out west. Some things I love about the Baja Aqua Poncho Towel is that it is a 3-in-1 product: it's of course a changing poncho but also a towel, but also can turn into a beach blanket (the hood even doubles as an umbrella hole! It's made with post consumer certified recycled materials (1 poncho towel = 66 water bottles), it's sand resistant, quick dry, super absorbent, pet hair resistant, it has button closure to allow for changing on the go, and comes in a ton of colors! Nomadix has so many styles available for everyone, and sizes for every age and every body. Head HERE to shop and check out all of their styles!



Do you love taking your music on the go? We do! We never really had that option before this year because we didn't have a portable speaker, but over the summer we purchased a Speaqua portable speaker from Good Vibes Surf Shop (in Surfside Beach, South Carolina) and we were so stoked to finally be able to listen to our favorite songs, anywhere, anytime! Wanna know one of my favorite things about them? They are 100% waterproof!! They're also shock proof, sand proof, floatable, dust proof, Bluetooth enabled, BUT you can also store up to 2,00 songs on them if you'd rather not take your phone with you! They have a 4-in-1 mounting system (the suction on the bottom is my current favorite way, but it's also removable), and dual speaker pairing, which I am super stoked to try after Christmas! Things that make this speaker even cooler? They have an 8 hour battery life, are water play enabled (this thing was so much fun to bring to the pool and beach this past summer) which enables you to play and listen to your favorite songs anywhere, with or without your phone). It also has a speakerphone! Honestly, the features just keep going, this is one cool little speaker, not to mention for as small as it is, it packs a powerful punch and has a great sound! We have the Barnacle Pro in Pelagic (such a pretty color) and I'm stoked to give this new Barnacle Vibe 2.0 in Stone to Frank for Christmas, I know he's going to be so excited to have more than one so we can both listen to our music (and so he can also play music on this and play his guitar along with it). Speaqua has so many cool colors and several more styles available, check them all out HERE!



I love that there are so many things in nature that can be used medicinally, CBD is one of those things that we started using last year and are such a big fan of. One of our most favorite brands, Coastal Green Wellness, is actually local to us here in the Myrtle Beach area! It was great going from purchasing online to actually being able to go in person to one of their locations to shop. There are very few brands I actually trust when it comes to CBD, and Coastal Green Wellness is at the top of that list. They'll give you any info you need, and are super knowledgeable and always available to answer any and all questions related to CBD at any time, whether that be in person at one of the Grand Strand locations (located in Market Commons, and North Myrtle Beach, as well as a separate location in ----- Georgia), or online through social media or email! We've used their tinctures for well over a year and a half and loved them (especially for anxiety and similar issues), this 1200MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture one is one we love and I highly recommend. This Nature's Way 500MG Pain Cream is one of my absolute favorite products of all time, it not only does wonders for muscle pain and tenderness, but also works fantastic for headaches! When I had my concussion this summer (from jumping into the pool backwards and it was shallower than I thought, ya know, yolo haha) I was suffering from some extremely intense headaches and neck pain, concussion symptoms are no joke and my neck muscles were so tense from it, this not only helped my neck feel better, but my headache also was less severe for a few hours after applying and I was able to rest (I sure love when products pull double duty). They have many more awesome products (gummies for example, that are awesome for the entire fam) that you can find in store at one of the locations I mentioned above, or on their website HERE that you can shop from anywhere and have it shipped right to your door! Make sure to use JOYFULTRIBE15 for 15% off all Coastal Green and Dankadence products!



One thing we always need here is sunscreen! We're in the sun a lot on the beach and of course the water reflects the sun making it even stronger. This past summer, we found that the days we spent out in the water the whole day, versus sitting or walking on the beach, we were always burnt more (even when we applied sunscreen multiple times), so I brought out the big guns and asked a bunch of seasoned surfers in a group on Facebook which sunscreen they found to be the best, and over half of the comments said the same thing: Surf Durt! What is Surf Durt? Well according to them, it's like regular sunscreen, but better! What makes Surf Durt better though? I asked myself the same question, so I delved into the ingredients and what makes them, ya know, them... and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed! First off, Surf Durt contains only 10 ingredients and each one of those 10 ingredients have easy to read names and half of them are certified organic! Surf Durt is all natural, reef-safe (a huge huge thing), zinc based sunscreen with an SPF of 30, plus it comes in a reusable bamboo container that is has an aluminum lining inside (reusable and up-cyclable to create less waste polluting our earth). It is high performance (hence why it was recommended by so many surfers), offers broad spectrum UV protection, boasts a water resistance time of 80 minutes (because let's face it, we all hate reapplying sunscreen, so the less I have to apply it, the better). It's also cruelty free and made right here in the USA (in California). Just how important is it to use sunscreen that is reef-safe though? According to studies, chemicals in sunscreen bleach and kill coral reefs, impairs growth of algae, causes birth defects in mussels and accumulates in dolphins (which then transfers to their young when they are born), gives unnatural characteristics to fish and harms their reproductive systems, and damages the immune systems of sea urchins. Not to mention toxic chemicals from sunscreens seep into your bloodstream in just a few seconds after slathering it on, they have also been found in human breast milk, and there are concerns that it causes hormone disruption in some people. I think it's a good time to take a good long look at the ingredients and products we all put on our skin, demand better for ourselves, our children and our planet, and that all starts with supporting the people who actually care and offer products worth buying, like Surf Durt! They even donate a portion of all sales to environmental charities! Find all of their products HERE! Use JOYFULTRIBE15 for 15% off during checkout!



Rambler is another local place that I've fallen in love with here in Myrtle Beach. They are a moto-outdoors inspired men's specialty shop with a focus on American made, quality, adventure ready goods for the men in your life, and let me tell you, if you are ever gift shopping for a man, Rambler is 100% the place you should be. I love the vibe of the store, it's earthy, makes me want to go camping, snuggle up in a cozy wool blanket while wearing a flannel, and sitting around a campfire while sipping warm coffee... It's just such a good vibe. While in Rambler, you'll discover the most perfect gifts at all price points, from tee shirts, flannels, jackets, wool blankets, grills and charcoal, handmade soaps, to hair/body/skin care for men, spices and sauces, accessories, drinkware, decor, pants, footwear, bags, hats and so much more. Last time I was there, I picked up a new handmade soap for Frank (one of the best, most universally usable gifts I love to give), along with a new flannel shirt! I absolutely love my husband in flannels in the fall and winter, I got him a Pendleton flannel from Rambler last year and this year I chose this Howler Brothers flannel. The color combinations of aqua, teal and brown flannel immediately caught my eye and I knew he had to have this one. It gives me all the surfy autumn vibes which I of course love. Pair it with a pair of khakis and a beanie and you've got a great outfit for family photos or for everyday life! The fabric is so buttery soft and so warm, it come with reinforced elbows, custom metal buttons, a hunters yoke on the right shoulder, it also has a small microfiber cloth stitched right to the inside of the hem so you can clean your glasses on the go (how seriously awesome is that?). If you're local here in Myrtle Beach or anywhere near Peoria, Illinois (where they have a second location), head to Rambler, check out their selection and scoop up a few gifts for the men in your life. If you're based anywhere else in the United States, you can shop their website and find all of their awesome products HERE!



My all time favorite thing to gift to my husband, for really any occasion, is coffee! Not only is it just an enjoyable gift because it tastes great, but because you start your morning with a big mug of it, it's something that has multiple servings and can be used quite a few times, it can be shared with family and friends, and when it's gone, it's gone. It's not something that will stay around forever collecting dust on a shelf after the newness has worn off, you consume it, enjoy it and buy more for the next gifting occasion. So as I'm sure you can already imagine, over the course of the past few years, my husband has tried many, many different coffees (haha). This year, I kept it local with one of our absolute favorites, Beach Hippie Coffee! I not only love supporting locals, but they are my absolute favorite coffee shop of all time. They have the best vibe at their shop, surf decor and local art all around the entire place and all of their employees always have the biggest friendly smiles on their faces every time I'm in. Their coffee is the real star though, and their "Longboard" coffee is to die for (I always get it iced with coconut milk), it tastes similar to an almond joy candy bar, layered with flavors of espresso, chocolate and coconut (not only my favorite scent ever, but one of my favorite flavors of all time). Thankfully though, even if you're not local, you can still try all things Beach Hippie Coffee via their website! They sell bags of their coffee beans (with 8+ roasts and origins available to choose from) as well as lots of super rad merch (like tees, hats, sweatshirts, stickers, mugs, can glasses and more)! I can't wait to give Frank one of their 1 lb. bags of "Tanzania Peaberry" origin coffee for Christmas this year, as well as one of their Beach Hippie Beanies (that's super soft and cozy) and one of their new 16 oz. Can Glasses (which is good for both hot and cold drinks). You can head HERE to check out all of their goods and scoop up your favorites to gift to your favorite people! Use JOYFULTRIBE10 for 10% off during online checkout!



I really love pottery and I've always been fascinated by the way it's created, from a hunk of clay, into beautiful creations of art in all colors, shapes and sizes. Hand made, wheel thrown or hand built, I think it's all just awesome, and what I really love is that due to the handmade nature of it all, each and every single piece is unique and slightly different than the last, no matter how much a potter tries to make them exactly the same, they will still always be slightly unique in nature (kinda like us humans). Last fall while walking through one of our local farmers markets, I was lucky enough to cross paths and meet Rebecca from Rooted Beauty Pottery! She is a former school teacher who followed her heart to pursue her art and is now a local pottery artist who makes beautiful nature inspired creations, and also teaches pottery classes for all ages at her studio! Her work at Rooted Beauty Pottery is all so beautiful and makes me think of a nice long walk in the forest, under a canopy of pine trees, mushrooms peaking out to say hello, and coming upon a clearing with a deep pool of shining blue-green water... Okay, maybe I waxed poetic, but just look at her website with all of her pretty handmade pieces and try to tell me you don't get the same vibes?! She was so kind to drop this beautiful handmade pottery mug off for me recently and I'm really excited to give it to my husband for Christmas this year (it's going to go perfectly  with the coffee I'm giving him). If mugs aren't your thing, she has some of the most beautiful handmade plates I've ever seen available right now (like this "Pistachio" dinner plate that would make a perfect mini charcuterie board for the holiday season), as well as some absolutely beautiful pottery Christmas ornaments (currently crushing hard on this "Deep Sea Snowflake" ornament)! Head HERE to check out all the current Rooted Beauty Pottery inventory! Use TRIBEGUIDE10 for 10% off!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

11.28.2022

2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER

It's the time of year again! The holiday season is here and I couldn't be more stoked, not only because it's Christmas (Christmas is about the only holiday I actually really, really love) but also, because I finally get so excited to share my holiday gift guides with you guys! These gift guides are the culmination of months of work and lots of late nights, putting together a list of items I know you'll love, well, because I love them! A huge thanks goes out to all of the brands involved because it wouldn't be possible without them! I can't wait to see what you choose as gifts (for friends, family and even yourself) from these lists! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays friends!



I've shared previously how much I love Briar Baby headwear, and if you've followed me over on Instagram for any amount of time, you'll know I used to religiously put my kids in bonnets. I mean, if they'd still let me put them in bonnets, I probably still would haha. I really love babies and toddlers in bonnets, and while I'm bummed that they're both much too grown up for that now (or at least they think so), I am pretty happy that they've released some hats for not only older kids, but adults as well! When bucket hats became all the rage a couple years ago, I was like "nope, big nope", but ya know, times are a-changing, and I finally ended up liking them. So over the summer, I started searching for that perfect bucket hat, I wasn't having much luck until I came across Briar Baby! Turns out, they'd started making more than just bonnets and baby sunhats, and had expanded their collection to include bucket hats for not only older kids, but *gasp* adults as well! Well, I've always had a soft spot for the fabrics they use and the colors they source, so of course I immediately fell in love with these. I'd always been slightly obsessed with their mustard floral "buttercup" fabric and slightly jealous that I didn't have anything in that fabric while Bella had both a bonnet (from Briar) and a hairbow (from another brand) in that fabric (you can bet I put her in them every chance I got). So when I saw they had a hat for adults in the same fabric I've loved all these years, my jaw dropped so far to the floor I had to reach down and pick it back up. Briar made all my bucket hat dreams come true with this adult Buttercup bucket hat (made with Liberty fabric). I also really love this adult "Picket" bucket hat (that's made from linen fabric) just screams summertime... and also makes me realize I have a thing for the color mustard. Briar products are made in the USA, created using natural fabrics for ultimate breathability as well as keeping the environment in mind (their fabrics are also water friendly which is a good thing considering how much we are in the ocean). Find all of their styles for mom, kids and baby HERE!



Do you ever find a brand that you just resonate with and you literally love every single thing about them? Their mission, their designs and branding, their products... like everything is just so good? Well, I found one of those good-good brands like that earlier this year. Maybe you've heard of them (if you're a woman who surfs you probably have), but maybe you haven't, either way, I'm pretty excited to introduce Wave Maiden! They offer surf goods that are good for the earth, as well as being pretty cool. They have a range of products including towels, tees, totes, stickers, mugs, but I'm especially stoked about their 100% organic surf wax and upcycled surf wax comb! I mean, I've seen lots of surf wax combs, and I'm sure you have too, but have you ever seen one like this? Not only does it look super rad, but I love that it's made from ingredients that normally would go to waste. Each Surf Wax Comb is created using excess bio epoxy from a custom eco surfboard factory's by product supply in Southern California. No two wax combs will be the same, each one is slightly unique with different placement of resin swirls and shred colors inside. I love that Wave Maiden and the shapers they teamed up with found such a creative and awesome use for this bio epoxy to give it a brand new life! I'm also pretty stoked to try out their wax come springtime and warmer waters. They sent over a bar of their Botanical Base Wax and their Warm/Tropical Wax, and not only do they smell great, but I'm loving how great they are for the environment too! They are crafted to be grippy and long lasting with clean ingredients that are safe for the ocean and for you (like organic, all natural, high performance wax). It's all small batch, hand poured in the USA, as well as non-toxic, biodegradable and doesn't contain any petrochemicals. Wave Maiden's motto is waste no waves, and leave nothing but footprints, and I think they've done a great job of creating eco-friendly goods for surfers and for the earth. Find all of their goods HERE!



Quite often over the past year I've found myself wishing I had a splash-proof bag, that I could sit on the beach and not have to glance at or worry over every few seconds on days when we go to the beach when the tide is rolling in. We've used a woven straw bag and also a large canvas tote bag for our beach days over the past year, but I've been ready for something new, and Aloha Collection was the perfect solution for us! I've had one of their smaller bags for years and absolutely adored it, it's been used to store my phone at the beach, as a little clutch style purse and currently, I'm using it as a makeup bag! I don't wear a ton of makeup, I usually keep it pretty simply with a BB cream, neutral eyeshadow, blush, a natural shade lipstick, an eyebrow pencil, a powder to finish everything off with, and if I'm feeling really extra, I'll throw on some mascara (which only tends to happen a few times a year if I'm being honest haha, so it all fits so nicely in my Aloha Collection bag). The biggest reason I started using my bag as a makeup bag is because every other bag I'd use would get stained and ruined after a few months with little spots of makeup that wouldn't come out even with washing, this bag still looks brand new even after a year of being used to store makeup! To say I've been impressed with these bags would be an understatement, so of course I'm pretty stoked to add a few new ones to my collection. Aloha Collection was kind enough to send the Tropics Day Tripper Bag my way, which I know will be perfect for all the things on beach days, as well as this pretty matching Tropics Mid Pouch (doesn't this print just scream summer?) and this adorable Seaside Mid Pouch (I absolutely love this color and print. I love that their fabric is as soft as it is functional, and I also love that for each purchase made, they give back 5% to Hawaiian based conservation organizations! Find all of their beautiful designs and bag styles HERE! Use ALOHATHEJOYFULTRIBE20 for 20% off your purchase!



Do you have anything that you just won't skimp on? For me, that's good undies! I started wearing all natural undies a few years ago and never looked back, they made such a difference in my health and were not only more breathable for my body, but were definitely made from softer fabric and were much more comfortable as well! My favorite brand of all time is, of course, Knickey! When I tell you their undies are comfortable... I'm just gonna tell you right now, you need them as soon as possible! Knickey is the only brand I wear at this point and for good reason. They are made with organic cotton! But why is that important? Well what if I told you, most cotton is treated using pesticides and toxins while being grown? I mean, I don't know about you, but I definitely don't want those touching the most delicate parts of my body, all day, every day. Organic cotton on the other hand (while being free of harmful chemicals) is typically grown in healthier, better soil, which in turn grows better quality cotton. Organic farming practices are generally more sustainable, and are also better for the environment, because organic cotton creates 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional cotton simply because they don't use harmful chemicals and toxins (and because they also use fewer mechanical farming practices). Knickey undies are created with 95% Certified Organic Cotton (with 5% elastane for stretch), feature a forgiving waistband that never digs in (seriously, I can't say it enough, they are just so comfortable), and minimal leg elastics for secure placement. I personally really love the High-Rise Brief (which I chose in colors Beach Bum, Peachy Keen and Mist). They have more than just undies though, they also offer bralettes (I'm excited to try this one), as well as maternity undies, socks and more! They have so many pretty colors and shades, with 8 core colors and 7 current limited shades (the limited edition color Pacific might just be my most favorite color of all time though, and they also have inclusive sizing for EVERY body with sizes ranging from XXS to XXXL! Find your next pair of undies HERE! JOYFULTRIBE10 gets ya 10% off your purchase!



My favorite scent in the whole world is coconut, more specifically coconut surf wax scent. It's just a beautiful, light, tropical scent that makes me happy and makes me think of the best place on earth... the beach of course! I came across Current Candle Co. last summer on Instagram, and then once again last winter at one of our local surf shops, Good Vibes Surf Shop! I've purchased more than a few of their candles now and I can confidently say, Current Candle Co. makes THE BEST candles ever! They make all natural soy wax candles (I seriously need them to make surf wax scented wax melts next... hint, hint, haha), using natural soy wax combined with 100% phthalate free fragrance oil, and a natural cotton wick (free from lead and zinc) for a clean even burn (they really do burn super clean and nice compared to a lot of candles I've used in the past). My favorite scent is of course their Surf Wax candle, but every single scent of theirs that I've smelled so far is a winner! Maybe coconut or surf wax isn't your thing? They have quite a few other scents like Vanilla (such a good one for all seasons of the year), White Birch (perfect for winter and the holiday season), spiced honey (autumn perfection), Aperol, Caribbean Teakwood, Lavender and so many more! If you have a candle lover in your life (or maybe you're the candle lover haha), these candles from Current Candle Co. make the best gifts! Find all current candles HERE and grab one (or a few) to make your home smell like a surfer's paradise! Use JOYFULTRIBE10 for 10% off during checkout!



I've been absolutely drooling over James Michelle Co. jewelry for years (and when I say years, just know that I'm not exaggerating at all) and when I tell you I'm excited to finally own a couple pieces of hers, it's real excitement. Her pieces are so beautiful, delicate, exquisite and perfect... with a nod in style to sea dwellers, wave walkers, and those with saltwater in their veins, it's perfect for a salty soul like me. As most of your know, we moved to the beach a year ago, and finally after living my whole life feeling like I never quite fit in anywhere, I finally feel like I'm home. The sea is home for me, that feeling I feel when I'm sitting out on my surfboard and the community we've found here that has welcomed us with open arms, I finally feel a sense of belonging after so many years of searching for that. I've been looking for a piece of jewelry to wear since we moved down here that represented that feeling for me, and since surfing has captured my soul and the surf community is the one that we've grown to become a part of here, these pieces from James Michelle just felt right. This Yin Little Wave Necklace is one of the prettiest necklaces I've seen in a long time and I can't wait to start wearing it every single day. It's available in 14k gold fill, 10k gold plated or sterling silver, and paired with a box style chain, it's perfectly minimal and feminine. The Surfer Ring is another piece of her jewelry that I am so ridiculously happy about, it's a simple way to add a touch of shiny to any outfit but also keep it simple. I love that when I slip on my James Michelle jewelry, I can wear a little bit of the sea and the waves that I love so much, on me. Head HERE to find all of James Michelle Jewelry and start (or add to) your own collection!



I'm drawn to the ocean and surf culture like a magnet to metal, it's what makes me happy and it's the home decor style that just feels right for me. It's been so much fun decorating our home since we moved in (in January of) this year, and I've gone with a California style surf inspired vibe. Lots of neutrals, light colors, natural fibers, rattan furniture and of course surfy and sea decor, like a tide clock, used surfboard fins, found seashells and coral, dried florals like pampas grass and palm leaves, a wooden wave, a vintage carved wooden whale, surf art, and more. I still have a few pieces of art and decor I have on my wish list to buy for our home and also still searching for a few vintage (or handmade) art pieces, but one thing I'm really stoked to hang up in our home soon is this Aloha Flag (in tan) from Slightly Choppy (a piece I've had my eye on for several years). I plan to hang it on the wall near our Atlantic tide clock (where you'll be able to see it throughout most of our entire home) and I love that it will match everything so well since it is neutral in color (but is also comes in this beautiful blue colorway). I also love that it has a vintage feel to it, and especially love that each flag is handmade by the artist and designer, Scott (who is also a surfer and painter), in a salt boat shed in Newport Beach, CA! There is so much history in the location where these are crafted, an area that was known for nautical craftsmanship in days gone past, and Slightly Choppy aims to preserve that feeling and inspire a homage to the history while also drawing inspiration from favorite surf spots to create these beautiful flags. I love that these flags are more about authenticity and handmade imperfection (which we know is always the most perfect), making them slowly, one at a time and giving them that heirloom feel, rather than just creating as fast as possible in a factory and to make a quick sale. This flag reminds me to slow down a bit and enjoy the aloha feeling that comes with surf life. Head HERE to check out all of the hand crafted flags (and other goodies) that Slightly Choppy has available! Use JOYFULTRIBE10 for 10% off (valid from 11/28/2022 through12/02/22).


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!