1. Baby floor mats support little explorers (and their guides.) It comes as a surprise to most new parents just how much of life in the first few years is spent on the floor. It’s a hard reality that calls for some extra cushioning. Cue baby floor mats. Look for options that give you softness without losing support for tiny knees, elbows, tummies and bums (not to mention grownup knees, elbows, tummies and bums too). A baby floor mat that’s too thin will often bunch up or tear, while extra thick mats can get too wobbly and tend to look like gymnasium equipment. Many parents gravitate toward the “goldilocks” ½ inch thickness for baby play mats, like the Little Nomad Play Mat.
2. Baby floor mats are water resistant and easy to care for. Babies are high maintenance and parents recommend choosing equipment that is not. Using a baby floor mat instead of a rug or over carpeting will save the day faster than you can say spills, drool, and diapering disasters. With a baby floor mat, spills wipe up quickly with a dry cloth, and a simple all-purpose cleanser or mild dish soap and a little water is all you need for bigger cleanup jobs. (Keep heavy vacuums and abrasive cleansers away to prevent peeling.) One mother said, “We've had ours for a few months now and it has held up very well. Toddler messes, dogs, spilled coffee, crayons, etc., it is super easy to clean. Everyone who has come into our house had no idea it was a playmat and complimented us on our new rug.”
3. Baby floor mats can expand to fit any space with puzzle piece designs. Because many are made of interconnecting tiles, you can customize a baby floor mat to fit your needs exactly—and add to it over time too. To choose the right size, think about the area and its function. For areas where the whole family congregates, make it comfortable by mimicking the dimensions of a large area rug. For spots in bedrooms and playrooms, include coverage for climbing toys and an ample parameter. The flexibility of a tiled design like the Little Nomad Play Mat allows ultimate flexibility. One House of Noa customer said, “This is hands down my favorite kid purchase we’ve made. We have wood floors but our playroom is almost fully covered with this mat. I love the extra cushion it gives for wobbly babies and crazy toddlers. Plus it’s CUTE. We started out with a small section and have added to it 2 different times as our family/home has grown.”
4. When it comes to safety, it’s worth doing your homework. Don’t assume that every baby floor mat is safe for your baby. Many brands are less-than-upfront about materials used and safety testing. Look in the fine print for red flags like lead, toxic dyes and inks, harmful phthalates, BPAs, PFAS, PVC, formaldehyde, latex. Better yet, go with an established brand like the House of Noa’s Little Nomad Play Mat, which is made with non-toxic EVA foam and rigorously tested—even exceeding safety requirements.
5. If it calls for a rug, consider a baby floor mat. With parents and families spending more time than ever at home, the functionality of baby floor mats makes them a smart substitute for an area rug in any room—home office, family room, hallways and loft spaces. (And as mentioned, much easier to clean and care for!)
6. Baby floor mats don’t have to sacrifice style. Gone are the days when the only option for a baby floor mat was the red, yellow, and blue weird-smelling somehow in every dentist and pediatrician lobby. Savvy parents can now integrate soft, quality baby floor mats into their home decor. With more design options than ever, like these play mat designs from House of Noa, there’s a baby play mat for virtually every aesthetic. If you choose not to tell your guests that your cushy Boho Dream Play Mat is not a rug, that’s entirely up to you.
Between school shut downs, home schooling and ever changing conditions both at work and at home, it's been quite a year for mothers and mother figures around the globe.
On this Mother's Day, I hope you have a moment to reflect on how you've been able to cope and adapt in this past year - you're pretty amazing, right?!
From one mom to another, I sincerely salute you and wish you all the best this Mother's Day.
XX,
Elizabeth
]]>As we approach one year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we reflect on what an absolutely unprecedented 12 months this has been. It’s been difficult for so many, and we are truly thankful for our House of Noa family, our family and friends, and our customers - for without you we wouldn’t be here today, creating jobs and making your homes a little bit more comfortable and beautiful.
As a way to express our appreciation, we want to give back to our community and those still impacted by the hardships created by the pandemic. This month, every order you place will provide 10 meals to those in need through Feeding America.
Thank you for continuing to support our small business. With Spring approaching, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed with optimism for what’s ahead in 2021. We’ve got exciting plans including several new launches coming your way ~ we can’t wait for what’s next and we hope you're going to love it!
And your order will help feed those in need
With gratitude,
Elizabeth and the House of Noa Team
]]>Photo: Our Founder Elizabeth and her two children.
Recently we got to see our Dove and Marine NamaMats making an appearance on Los Angeles based @InHance_Interiors instagram feed and we had to share.
You know we have a special place in our hearts for Mompreneurs so before we spoil you with before and afters photos of this chic farmhouse please...
7 years ago, as her husband was building a real estate investment company, she saw an opportunity to turn her lifelong hobby into a career and launched InHance Interiors.
Now, Bre and her husband often get to work with each other. They’re both driven to be leaders in creating livable luxury homes that are both beautiful and family friendly. Together they’re raising two passionate and spunky little girls (ages 3 and 7 months) and service 20-30 projects per year. Ok, that’s a lot of projects #impressive
Featured: Marine NamaMat 30x108
She’s juggling it all, but always adds an element of fun to everything she does. Strategic, detailed, outgoing, and thoughtful. She’s been curating designs for professional athletes, celebrities and more, but most of her clients are families with young kids, so spaces need to be beautiful, but they also need to meet the needs of the family. Hey that last part sounds familiar…
“The Nama Mat was PERFECT for our Westchester Chic Farmhouse. (photos below). Our clients were about to have their second baby and we were remodeling the home their kids would grow up in. The mats are so kid friendly and easy to clean. With the farmhouse aesthetic, the Dove and Marine colors were the perfect accents.” –Bre Hance
We hope to feature more home reveals from InHance Interiors in the future to stay tuned!
Photos by Hunter Premo
Welcome! I can’t wait to pick your brain. But before we get started, could you introduce yourself? Your name, what you do, where you’re from, how you’ve spent the last 9 months?
My name is Laurel Duff and I am an Interior Architect and Designer at CallisonRTKL, a global architecture, planning and design firm. I’m originally from Wakefield, Massachusetts but I currently live in Washington, DC with my husband and my dog. We have been quarantining in a 900 square foot apartment for over ten months now, so I can safely say I have never been more aware of how important space is to a happy life.
What inspired you to start your career as an interior design/interior architecture?
I was working at a small technology startup right out of college as an Employee Engagement Specialist (read: spearheading and maintaining programs that made our people happier at work). As part of our lease agreement, we underwent an office lounge and pantry renovation. The pantry finishes were upgraded and the lounge was expanded to include a video game room and a larger social space where employees could take a break from their screens and unwind. Helping coordinate this process and seeing the drastic, positive effect it had on my colleagues when it was finished planted a seed for me. I enjoyed coming up with ideas about how to make people happier at work through programs, but what if I could make them happier by physically changing the space they worked in? After doing some research and a few informational interviews, I decided to go back to school for a Master’s in Interior Architecture with a focus on Commercial Workplace.
So today we’re featuring a room designed by influencer Hunter Premo. We love this space...but why? What makes this room so visually appealing?
There’s a lot about this room that works! Between the ample daylight, earth tones, natural elements, and pops of color, it exudes warmth and comfort while still maintaining a level of sophistication. Each individual element holds its own while still sharing commonalities with the rest of those in the room. For example, weaving is everywhere – whether it’s the rattan table or chair with its intricate curvatures, the knitted rug, or even the soft rope of the baby gym – it invokes a sense of ‘handmade’ and intentionality. These are complemented by the other organic, earthen materials in the room, such as the Himalayan salt, the gold leaf in the large painting, the live plants, and the brass of the lamp. These subtle details have helped to curate a cohesive larger picture of a soft, inviting space to relax and play.
This is a small room with so many personal touches but it doesn’t come off as cluttered. How can I make a small space my own but keep it comfortable?
This has a lot to do with the type of aesthetic you are going for. If you are looking for a sleek, modern living room with clean lines and minimalist elegance, your definition of ‘clutter’ is going to be a lot different than someone who is going for more of a Traditional look. With that being said, being very intentional with the decorative and ancillary elements in your space will help keep your design cohesive. It’s easy to want to add more and more to a space, but you run the risk of overcrowding if you never pare down. Choose things with a story behind them if you can – a piece of art you bought while traveling, a vase from a local artisan. If you’re prone to impulse buys, try to stick to a ‘one in, one out’ rule. If you have fifteen pillows on your couch (no matter how beautiful they are), no one will have anywhere to sit.
Similar to Hunter’s space, you want to make sure you’re leaving room for circulation – keep your larger furniture and design elements along the perimeter of the room. This will expose the center and make the space feel more open. You can also use mirrors to give the illusion of more space. Bonus – they reflect any light in the room so they’ll help brighten up your space!
Let’s take a look at the artwork she has on the wall. Where do you start when you’re looking for wall art? What makes this piece work? Is there a way to know when you should be aiming for a large art piece vs. say, a gallery wall?
I love to buy art when I’m traveling. It’s a wonderful way to remember a trip, and it has lead to a widely varied collection of styles, cultures, and colors. Sometimes I have an idea in my head of what I’m looking for, and sometimes I fall in love with something completely unplanned. I also like to follow local DC artists on social media to see what they’re coming up with – that’s been a cool way to source art during the pandemic especially. For the art piece in Hunter’s room, what works the most in my opinion is its scale. While the room doesn’t feel cluttered, there is a lot going on along the perimeter. This large, very neutral piece still ties into the natural elements of the space, and doesn’t add the kind of busyness a gallery wall would. Typically, busier art should be above simpler furniture and vice versa. A gallery wall is about variety; multiple elements catching your eye simultaneously. It’s full of dialogue, whereas a large art piece can be more of a self-contained statement. This piece doesn’t overpower the room, but instead provides a calm accent.
One of the most striking elements of this space is the couch! How can you make a bold colored couch or larger piece of furniture work well in a living space?
One of the reasons this couch can be bold is because of the neutrality of the rest of the elements in the room – the only other truly bold colors come from the live plants and the woven carpet. (Live plants are an excellent way to bring color and texture to a space). As the largest piece of furniture, the scale of the sofa combined with its pop of color grounds the room, allowing the other elements to almost float around this anchor. In fact, I think the couch could have actually been even brighter (maybe a coral or an emerald green) and still not sacrificed the tone of the room.
Okay, we’re a bit biased but we love Hunter’s use of our Sand Castle Play Mat. Why does Sand Castle work best? What would have been your back up choices and why?
The Sand Castle Play Mat is seamless in this room – it doesn’t pull attention away from the rest of the room, and accents it while still maintaining its functionality as a mat. Its patterns are very subtle, similar to the other patterns and shapes in the room. They are very textural and have depth but they don’t overpower. The pattern repeats are really understated. The hidden dichotomy of good design is that you almost don’t notice it if it’s done really well, and the Sand Castle Play Mat is a great example. I think this mat in Petal would have worked equally as well, bringing out more of the blush tones. I could also see the Heart of Gold Play Mat work well; whose patterns echo those same concepts of woven and handmade that permeates the room.
Any advice for people who are currently looking to remodel or redesign this year? Up-and-coming design style to look out for in 2021 that is small space + family friendly?
These are unprecedented times, and people are getting more intimate with their personal spaces than possibly ever before. When we spend so much of our time in one location, it’s difficult not to see all the things we want to change about it. I would encourage everyone (whether you’re considering a renovation or redesign right now or not) to take a data-driven approach to how you spend your time in your space. How much do you sit on the couch? Where does the majority of your natural light come from? What direction do your windows face? Does your back hurt after sitting in your office chair for eight hours? What are your circulation patterns in the kitchen? Are the materials used to make your table from sustainable sources?
Collecting this kind of information will help you make informed and evidence-based design decisions, which are in my opinion the best kind of design decisions. Your space is your space, and it should be designed to suit you, not the masses. Given that we are spending so much time in our homes, shouldn’t we make sure they’re functional as well as beautiful?
With that being said, I think 2021 will be the year of personalization. We haven’t been able to express ourselves at social gatherings in the same way, so I think people have been and will continue to turn to their homes as canvases. I imagine lots of custom pieces and loud, bold patterns. One of the Pantone colors of the year is in fact a bright yellow, so I don’t think we are going to shy away from boldness. I also think, similar to the rise in Athleisure, comfort and Hygge will be big this year: think plush, soft textiles and lounge pieces. This in particular is exciting for small spaces, since coziness is often more achievable on a smaller scale!
One last thought is the idea of sustainable design. It’s growing rapidly in the commercial sectors, and for good reason. When design elements are sourced ethically and sustainably, it’s not just about the environment. It means healthier materials with fewer toxins come into your home, which I am definitely on board with this year and every year.
Where can our followers find you online?
People can find me @design.duff on Instagram!
]]>Here is a round up of five amazing Mom-founded businesses we think you'll love.
Sixty years ago Ann’s grandfather, Stewart Simonson, gave her grandmother, Mary Jane, a simple 14k gold bangle to commemorate their wedding anniversary. After Mary Jane passed, Stewart gifted her bangles to their children for them to continue the custom into their own marriages. Thus, a meaningful and lasting tradition was created. What started as an anniversary bangle tradition in Ann’s family has grown into celebrating the special events in your life with meaningful jewelry.
The Swingly Doorway Playhouse is a space-saving playhouse that's designed to fit within your doorway, transforming everyday doors into the most creative play spaces. Swingly kept all the fun and got rid of the mess - and there's nothing more inspiring than seeing a Mom take her idea to Kickstarter to get it off the ground!
Created by two moms who came together to solve a problem that has existed for decades. Diaper changing tables in public restrooms are old, outdated and uncomfortable. These two Moms set out to change the table and make the public changing experience better for both children and caretakers. All babies deserve a safe and hygienic experience on a public restroom changing table - we can't wait to see this game changing product in public places everywhere!
Melissa Ben-Ishay is a mom, baker, and founder of Baked by Melissa, the New York City-based brand famous for its signature, bite-size cupcakes and treats. Passionate about baking since childhood and with the idea that people should be able to taste more flavors without a post-dessert guilt trip, she decided to do what she loved and launched Baked by Melissa. I love it because its a perfect alternative to fruit on a stick for a next day delivery to celebrate any occasion!
Cynthia and Kathryn are a mother-daughter duo who are putting their hearts into creating dolls with meaning. These dolls are made with every skin color, showing girls and boys of all ethnicities that they are important. In regards to a lack of representation in the doll market, Cynthia and Katheryn write, “It is hard to be what you cannot see”. These dolls are the cutest and truly empowering for all of our little ones!
Comment below to share your favorite Mom founded businesses ~
xx
]]>To kick off Valentine's early, we've gathered up three fun crafts that you can do with just some paper and pens!
Happy Valentine's Day!
I used to love doing ad libs with my friends in grade school! I remember all the laughs we had after putting "gross" as an adjective or writing in a friend's name for one of the blanks. I put together our own silly ad libs game that's, you guessed it, Valentine's Day themed!
Another childhood favorite, the fortune teller can entertain for hours...and determine your future! Folding is a little tricky to get the hang of, but once you learn, you can't forget. Make sure to follow our directions and use the photos for help!
1. Fold a square piece in half, reopen, then fold in half the other way.
2. Unfold it so you can see the creases that you just created. You should now see four squares.
3. Take one corner and fold it inward until the point reaches the center of the square.
4. Repeat step 3 for the remaining corners.
5. You should now have a smaller square. Flip it over so all the folded-in corners are facing away from you.
6. Again, fold the 4 corners of the square inward until they reach the center point.
7. Now, fold this smaller square in half one way, unfold it, and then fold it in half the other way.
8. Keeping it folded in half, you will see two little flaps on each side of the paper. Place your thumbs and pointer fingers in each opening and then adjust it so it forms the final shape.
9. Yay! Now you have a fortune teller. Don't forget to customize it with numbers, words, colors, and fortunes!
Here is a YouTube tutorial that helped us!
These little hearts are oh-so-cute and will definitely be cherished by your Valentine! All you need is a square piece of paper and these directions. Let's go!
1. Fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally both ways.
2. Lay the paper flat so you can see the creases. Make sure one of the points is facing towards you.
3. Fold the top point into the center crease.
4. Fold the bottom point until it reaches the top fold.
5. Hold the bottom right half of the shape you have now. Pull it upwards until the bottom fold connects with the middle of the paper. Press the fold so it stays in place.
6. Repeat this step for the other side.
7. You should now have a shape that resembles a pointy heart. Flip the heart over.
8. Fold all the points (besides the bottom one) towards you.
9. Flip the heart back over and you're done! So cute!
We like to watch this video tutorial when we get stuck!
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DIRECTIONS
Add the 4 cups of water into a large pot and bring to a boil on the stove. Meanwhile, place the lavender into a reusable tea bag or cheesecloth and seal it closed.
Once the water has been brought to a boil, take it off the heat and add the sealed lavender buds. Allow to steep for 15 minutes, then remove it from the water and allow the lavender water to cool.
Combine the lemon juice, lavender water, and honey. You can put this in a pitcher to make it easier for serving! Add ice to your drinking glass of choice, pour the drink, and enjoy! This pretty pink drink is the perfect refreshment (and so elegant, too)!
DIRECTIONS
Place the hibiscus flower at the bottom of your drinking glass.
Fill the glass with sparkling water and then top with the hibiscus syrup.
Drink up! This super-simple drink is a beautiful rich red in color and the hibiscus adds a nice raspberry taste!
DIRECTIONS
Place a few gummy bears into the bottom of a champagne glass (or any glass of your choice!).
Add a few more gummy bears onto the top half of a swizzle stick.
Pour the sparkling cider into the glass and top with the swizzle stick and straw! This fun drink will definitely be a hit with kids and adults alike. Cheers!
Need something to stand on while bartending? We used our Nama Kitchen Mat in Eden! But you can click here to view our full collection of anti-fatigue Nama Kitchen Mats. It feels like you’re standing on a zillion gummy bears ;)
Thanks to these recipes for inspiring us!
]]>And, just like the gourmet judges of reality TV, kids are quick to judge what they eat - visual appearance can be just as important as taste! So here are three ways to plate healthy snacks that your children may actually want to eat!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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DIRECTIONS
You may want to check out our Everly Highchair Mat for young children or our Table + Place Mats for those that are a bit older! The Everly Highchair mat featured above is Seaside.
We were inspired by the following:
Silly Toasted Animals
Panda Bagel
Being mostly indoors during the winter my two children look to me to set them up with a new project. After viewing a friend's recent Instagram story and how beautiful a painting she and her daughter created I was inspired to give this fine art collaboration a shot!
Here's what you need to get started -
Supplies:
Encourage your child to begin to draw loops and swirls with a pencil for that minimalist abstract look. This may seem a bit drab (and not their color of choice), but it's a great foundation, and it will give the art a more mature look in the end - you'll see! Let your child try a few different designs then choose which one fits your style.
Now it's your turn to collaborate! Break out your watercolor paints and begin to fill in the shapes your little artist has rendered.
Remember - there's no wrong way to make art!
To clean up, use a wet paper towel or washcloth. Our Everly Activity Mats are completely waterproof, which means you can wipe up leftover paint with a quick swipe. We've even used a garden hose on our mat when outdoors!
Pro Tip: If you're working on a dry craft like beading, sensory tables, or cutting paper, you can pull together all four corners of your mat to form a 'basket shape.' Then, you can bring all your scraps to the trash bin and dump them in!
Place your painting in a frame of your choice (we prefer a frame that comes with a matte - it gives it that extra sophisticated look). Then find a spot for all to admire! These paintings look great in a series and also make a thoughtful gift!
The Everly Activity Mat we used during our painting was Pisces (in the larger 50” x 72” size, but it's also available in 48" square!). You can find all of our Everly Activity Mats in different colors and sizes here.
]]>Here's what you have to do to make your own custom puzzle:
Scroll through your phone or desktop to find your favorite family pics - I picked one from one of our camping trips this summer. "Favorite" the pictures you like so you'll have them ready for our next step.
Note: I chose a photo that would make an easy puzzle (my kids are still little), but if you want to make this a bit more challenging, try something with a lot of repeating patterns like leafy trees, the ocean, or a photo with a lot of sky + clouds.
There are a few custom puzzle sites out there but I decided to create my custom puzzle on Shutterfly.com. You can click here to access their puzzle builder or just look under "Gifts" and then "Puzzles".
We chose the "Photo Gallery Kids Puzzle" with 30 pieces (again - young kids so trying to keep it easy over here!).
If you're looking for something more challenging use the sorting feature to the left to choose more pieces and how many photos you'd like to include - there are so many options!
It took about a week for our puzzle to arrive but it was so worth it! When it arrived in the mail the kids were blown away. This is something the kids keep taking out on their own (a huge win in my book) and of course, they always set up on our foam play mat which offers a bit more comfort and support than our thinner 'scratchy' rug.
Looking for your own soft place to set up a puzzle night? Our beautiful Roam Free Play Mats are here to save your hands and knees! We love our Cinnamon Mat (shown above) but you can find more colors and sizes here!
Finding serenity, positivity and playfulness is something we all need! So let's start off the new year on some well planted feet and pointed toes! Our friend from the New York City Ballet, Olivia MacKinnon, recorded this beautiful 20 minute flow for us to share!
"As a ballerina with The New York City Ballet I’ve fused my professional ballet, and fitness backgrounds into graceful Ballet Inspired Fitness classes. Designing exercises that lengthen and tone to promote long lean lines kindred to those of a ballerina." ~ Olivia MacKinnon
The Yoga Mat Olivia is using in her video is our Taupe Yoga Mat. We also have six more beautiful designs to choose from all hand Illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy and available in adult and child sizes!
Share a photo with us on instagram by tagging @houseofnoa_
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Order arriving late or just need something for under the tree? We've got you covered.
1. Click here to download our printable PDF
2. Print out the card on standard letter size paper
3. Fold in half, and then in half again
4. Sign and put it under the tree!
Visual instructions below - Happy Holidays!
Visual Steps:
]]>These trending and personal gift ideas are sure to be a hit for everyone on your list:
Second Wind Face Mask - The year 2020 has brought us a new fashion accessory: face masks! Second Wind offers beautiful, trendy masks that are handmade in NYC. Need another reason to buy? This small business is woman-owned.
Golden Coil Custom Planner - For the organization freak in your life...or someone who might need some help with that. Golden Coil offers customizable planners that allow you to choose the cover, contacts, layout, calendar dates, events, etc.! Perfect for anyone and they come in the cutest colors!
Still Novel Art Prints - Upgrade from the usual framed photo to something that really takes them on a trip down memory lane. These prints, specifically made for wedding, birth, and travel photos, include personalized summaries and combine beautiful minimalistic graphics with your favorite memories. Make room on that wall!
Nama Standing Desk Mat - So you started working from home and thought you’d try a standing desk… but realized your feet and back just weren't ready yet? Our very own Nama Standing Desk Mat will provide you with the perfect amount of cushion to get you through the work day.
The Bouqs Co. Subscription - Who doesn’t love getting flowers? The Bouqs Co. offers a subscription service that allows you to receive flowers on a regular schedule as you choose. All their flowers are sourced from sustainable farms to minimize waste, recycle water, and protect workers’ well-being. This ensures bouquets that are fresher and last longer than your run-of-the-mill grocery store flowers.
Custom Cartoon Portrait - Another personal favorite! I came across this listing on Etsy and immediately ordered it for my dad. Our family drawn in the style of the show Bob’s Burgers. You can select the amount of people portrayed, describe what everyone is doing and wearing, and send in photos for the cartoons to be based off of. Nora (the artist) also offers portraits drawn in the style of many other shows!
Boy Smells Candle - I’m a scent person. I love candles, perfume, room sprays, anything of the sort. So when I say that this is the best brand of candles I’ve tried out, I mean it. These candles burn with a strong aroma and come in the most unique scents. My personal favorite: Slow Burn- a collab with country artist Kacey Musgraves. This brand is a large advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and hand pours all candles in Los Angeles.
Healthy is the Way Subscription - Healthy is the Way is a meal service that is local to West Hartford, CT (the home of the House of Noa). This service prepares “homemade” meals using real chefs! Customers can customize their preferences as to how often meals come, how many people to cook for, what kinds of ingredients, etc. This is the perfect gift for the busy parent or anyone who just is tired of burning their food.
Thin Wild Mercury Perfume - A perfume brand inspired by and made in Los Angeles. These aromas encapsulate the retro feel of the 1960s and 70s with scents such as “Whisky, 1969” and “Laurel Canyon, 1966”. Definitely an up-and-coming brand to keep an eye out for!
the House of Noa Play Mats - This play mat is the perfect gift for new parents. Don’t settle for those primary colors from the 90s. This mat is designed to look just like a carpet. It comes in so many neutral tones, there’s bound to be one that fits in with your home. Besides aesthetics, these foam mats help protect your baby during trips and tumbles.
ATL Boards - A fun gift for the kids (or the sweet tooth) of the family. Elizabeth Schmitt has creatively redesigned the charcuterie board into a colorful array of sweet candies. There’s a board to suit everyone’s preferences!
Kelly Bello Designs Mommy + Me Bracelets - Want a memorable gift that isn’t cheesy? These matching mommy + me enamel heart bracelets are simplistic but special. Definitely not something your kid will be embarrassed about (ex. Matching footie pajamas). If matching isn’t your thing, they also carry a kids collection with mini initial necklaces and more.
Jellio Gummi Lights - Recognize these? If you were ever tuned into the show iCarly on Nickelodeon, you’d instantly know these cute gummy bear lamps were placed around Carly’s bedroom set. A must-have for any age! Handcrafted in Brooklyn.
Sleeper Linen Lounge Suit - The cutest lounge wear that you won’t be afraid to show off on your Zoom call. Sophisticated yet girly, this is the set of your dreams. Sleeper also carries sizeless silk pajamas and dresses for any occasion!
Spaghettimeatballs Thankful AF Cards - Some fun thank you notes for after the gifts are passed around (virtually)! These cards are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Sophie and Lili Custom Watercolor Portrait - A beautiful memory artistically turned into cute watercolor characters! These paintings are an amazing gift for any family member and would stand out in a nursery or family room. Hand-illustrated by Jennifer Vallez.
It literally happens every day but when was the last time you woke up to watch the sunrise? Our children were in awe watching the sun emerge over the horizon from Cadillac Mountain in Maine, to Scusset Beach in Cape Cod. Feeling extra ambitious? Pack a breakfast picnic to enjoy from the trunk of your car!
Prior to the global shut down we spent far less time in nature. Going on nature hikes or long walks with small children sparks so many questions and leads to surprisingly interesting family conversations. Additional bonus after a long day of hiking? Bed time is a cinch. Just don't forget to bring a great carrier if you have a little one.
Our kids never seem to get tired of this classic simple game. Why I love it? If you lose a few pieces (which you inevitably will), the game still works. Hooray!
Something as simple as gathering sticks for our bonfire each night became an ongoing contest between our children for who could find the best or most kindling to watch burn. The solo stove makes it super easy to create a a smokeless, portable fire pit wherever you go - even in your own backyard.
Whether playing a classic game of Uno or an update on an oldie such as Bold Made, card games are surprisingly fun for young children and sincerely not that bad for grown ups either (just add wine).
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When life came to a screeching halt in March of 2020, it was like everything around me was suddenly moving in slow motion. Life before quarantine was like running on a treadmill at 8.0, every week a revolving door of hectic work days, chaotic dinner, bath time and bed time routines, punctuated with over booked weekend commitments and endless pending house projects and to do lists. Honestly when they told me we all had to stay home, I was so relieved.
When quarantine happened I decided to really lean in - I set up a TikTok account, wore sweats on repeat, and binge-watched Tiger King. I had not seen my husband for this many consecutive days since 2006 or spent this much one-on-one time with our children in their entire lifetime.
Prior to March the House of Noa had been experiencing increasing success and there had been a lot of swirling conversations at home about how my husband and I would continue to manage our demanding work schedules, two small children and living life at what felt like an ever increasing pace. There were talks of needing more. More childcare so we could spend more time at the office. More space so we could possibly hire a live-in nanny.
While in quarantine, life was so incredibly different and though bittersweet because of the circumstances of what was going on in the world, daily life was unlike anything we had ever known - a bubble of pure unadulterated family time.
When things started slowly reopening I resumed regularly scheduled mom tasks like taking our Subaru to the dealer for service. I was waiting for someone to pull our car around when the service guy asked if we were using our Ascent Touring to tow anything. Tow anything? What in the world was he talking about? I chose the Ascent for the third row, luxury leather interior and serious mom features like cooling seats. We struck up a conversation about how he and his partner love to use their “5th wheel” to go camping. What the heck is a fifth wheel? I took out my iPhone and started googling. Within minutes I had called my husband to inform him that a COVID friendly vacation could be achieved… if only we had a camper. Silence… “we can talk about it when you get home” …yes, I was literally still standing in the dealership when I made the call.
I grew up going to summer camp in Maine but I don’t think anyone would peg me as a “camping” kind of girl. Our most recent vacation (pre-COVID) had been to Rome and Positano so let’s just say we’ve been fortunate to enjoy some of the finer things in life. Sure camping wasn’t an obvious fit but I learned during my rapid fire googling that those adorable Airstream campers were actually still being manufactured and you could buy a brand new one, being marketed as a ‘hotel room on wheels’ - I was sold. Quarantine had taught me that being cooped up in the house with our nuclear family was actually something we enjoyed very much and now we could take our show on the road.
Actually getting a camper was no easy feat. Apparently a lot of people have had this same “ah-ha moment” during COVID and finding an available Airstream was close to impossible but that’s another story for another day. It was finally time for our inaugural trip - one glorious week in Maine. We arrived at Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport and were ready to begin enjoying the wilderness. When I first spotted the camp site we had booked, I was confused. There was another family about 30 feet away… and another family about another 30 feet away from them. “This is too crowded” I thought. We began unpacking our gear and the kids started climbing on a small boulder near our site “get down from there! It’s dangerous!” Maybe I had made a mistake. How was I going to keep the kids tame, enjoy the outdoors and have a relaxing vacation? The buyers remorse started to set in. Suddenly, I hear thunder in the distance. Oh G-d. What have I done? This was all a mistake. Then the final straw, a mosquito took a large portion of my thigh for its dinner - that’s it, I’m already so over this.
I reached for the bug spray and started to mist the kids from head to toe. And then it hit me, the smell of bug spray. I had not smelled bug spray in close to 25 years but the aroma went straight to my head and I was instantly transported back in time to my 13 year old self, Liz Alpert (my maiden name). Liz Alpert loved every thing about summer camp in fact it was her favorite thing in life. She had the most insane unibrow, twiggy legs with knobby knees, and an unprecedented amount of orthodontic appliances - but 13 year old Liz Alpert was the most self-assured, enthusiastic, creative weirdo and the best part is that she gave zero sh*ts. Liz Alpert was a very very happy camper.
When Liz Alpert showed up and found ultra type-A, wound up too tight Elizabeth Granados, she was horrified. How in the world could I have been so blind as to how unbelievably fantastic this camping adventure truly was? In that moment I started to see all of the wonder of camping thru my children’s eyes and the eyes of my own inner child. Day turned to night, our friends arrived with their children. We grilled veggie kabobs, played Jenga, and gathered sticks for the campfire and it was pure magic. With all of the distractions of home so far behind us, we could be even closer than we had been in quarantine and I knew in my heart that this would be the first of many many camping adventures to come.
With the cold weather now approaching in the Northeast and camping season finally over, I have had the time to reflect on the joys our family has discovered thru camping. This experience has helped me realized how few material things our family really needs to be happy. All these years my husband and I have been working our asses off to provide more and more and more but what we really needed is less. Camping has helped us to find more joy in life's simplest pleasures - from playing Jenga or card games to going for a family hike or walk. And it has served as a glaring reminder that no matter how weird the world can feel some days, that when we have each other, we truly have it all.
Sending love to you and your family.
xx,
Elizabeth
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They're probably having the time of their lives. This is dog heaven - everyones home!
But, make sure your dog practices being alone. Once we go 'back to normal' you may have found your dog has developed Separation Anxiety.
This can occur when a dog becomes overly attached or dependent on family members. They can become extremely anxious. You may notice that they cry, pace, drool, bark, tear up the couch, claw at the doors, or start to have accidents.
Lucca owned by our General Manager waiting for treats on our Marine NamaMat
What can you do to prevent Separation Anxiety?
Make sure Fido is fed and exercised and has something to do (like a puzzle toy, or special chew) while everyone leaves the house to take a sight seeing car ride, or a walk around the block.
You can even toss a few of these treats (recipe below) around your home for your pup to sniff out and find while you walk out the door - a great distraction!
Tip: Turn on the tv or radio for your pooch. This can help the home feel less quiet and vacant while also distracting from hallway or outdoor sounds.
Things are different right now but, they won't be this way forever! Make sure you prepare your pup for success!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
NYC has become the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Help us support NYC hospitals through #loveopenswindows, a fundraising campaign created to help supply much needed PPE equipment to doctors and nurses on the front lines.
Shop Now to Donate
The Love Opens Windows artwork was hand illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy and is now available as a printable Memory Card Game!
How to Play:
Download All Four Scavenger Hunts Here
Download the Spring Scavenger Hunt Here
Download the Dogs Scavenger Hunt Here
]]>We'll be donating 10 diapers per order thru Sunday night to Baby2Baby. Baby2Baby has been working around the clock to provide essential items like diapers, wipes, formula, blankets, hygiene items, school supplies and more to children impacted by COVID-19.
Shop Now
We got the team together (remotely) to see what everyone was up to and how they’re giving back right now. Here’s what they told us:
I'm reading Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
I'm watching Outlander (Netflix) no spoilers please! and The Outsider (HBO)
I'm listening to Vermont2020 (Spotify Playlist) Built by all of my besties for recent ski(or don't ski) trip
I'm finally Building my chicken coop!
I'm trying To do yoga every day - shout out to Yoga With Adriene on YouTube!
What I'm doing to help
I'm checking in with family over the phone more than ever before. I've reached out to neighbors on NextDoor to see if they need any supplies. I've donated to Wolf Hollow (non profit) who can no longer take visitors but still needs to feed their ambassadors.
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: 30x72 Marine NamaMat - The dog loves it! He thinks its his bed for the kitchen 😂
I'm reading The Warsaw Protocol by Steve Berry
I'm watching The Mandalorian (again) + all the Marvel movies (Disney+)
I'm listening to “Somewhere On A Beach" + Jimmy Buffet Radio (Spotify)
I'm finally Riding my motorcycle in the NH cold and snow!!
I'm trying Not wearing pajamas everyday while I work from home
What I'm doing to help
Staying isolated and not leaving the house. Donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation - a first responders fund I recently found online
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: 20x32 Sand NamaMat - Comfy cooking time!
I'm reading Cook books for new recipes
I'm watching The Stranger (Netflix)
I'm listening to Yacht Rock! (Spotify)
I'm finally Catching up on some sewing
I'm trying Not to watch the news :)
What I'm doing to help
Trying to make surgical masks for people who need them
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: Roam Free Play Mat in Sand Castle - Perfect for my grandson who’s still a bit wobbly!
I'm reading Kennedy Babylon by Howie Carr
I'm watching Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) + Better Call Saul (Netflix)
I'm listening to Hot Country (Spotify)
I'm finally Painting the bedroom 🙌🏽
I'm trying not to Watch sad movies, and to remain positive.
What I'm doing to help
Calling family members and making sure they have what they need. Leaving large tips on take out from our local restaurants.
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: Everly Petite Skipping Stone - Perfect portable play space for when my granddaughter visits
I'm reading Elin Hilderbrand - Barefoot
I'm watching Versailles (Netflix)
I'm listening to "Alexa play Country music!"
I'm finally Working on my 1000 piece puzzle with my children who are back home from college
I'm trying Staying active with in home workouts (thanks to my trainer who's gone digital!)
What I'm doing to help
Picking up groceries for my neighbor and exchanging Purell for tomato sauce (Oregon Trail style 😂)
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: 20x32 Seaside NamaMat - Makes washing dishes so much more comfortable
I'm reading The Source by Tara Swart
I'm watching Love is Blind (Netflix)
I'm listening to Jesus take the wheel 😂
I'm finally Using our home gym (loving @MelissaWoodHealth)
I'm trying to be patient while homeschooling our 4 year old
What I'm doing to help
My family was gifted 100 face masks - I’ll be donating them to my local hospital.
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: Everly Classic Jardin - Spring picnics in the yard!
I'm reading The Silent Patient Alex Michaelides
I'm watching Westworld (HBO)
I'm listening to The Lumineers (Spoitfy)
I'm finally Cleaning out the garage
I'm trying to learn guitar with my son Everett - This is the Guitar we've picked up and we're using Guitar for Kids Method & Songbook
What I'm doing to help
Supporting local brick + mortar businesses. Donating $$ to those affected by the pandemic. Picked up delivery take out for quarantined neighbors!
Favorite House of Noa Product in my home: Everly Classic Seaside - This worked perfect as a blanket during our recent trip to Florida.
Spring is here and for me that means its time to start cleaning! Here are five simple steps you can take toward creating a play space both you and your little ones will LOVE!
If you do not have a dedicated play room, keep your children’s toys in one central location that’s intended for play time. Don’t spread them out throughout your home. This keeps everything together in the child’s mind and will help you not to lose yours. When it comes time for clean up it wont seem so overwhelming. Think about it - would you keep some of your kitchen utensils in the bathroom and your mixing bowls in the living room? That would make cooking really overwhelming and the same goes for play time and clean up.
We celebrated Ellis' 1st Birthday with our friends and family at a wonderful Reggio Emilia inspired play space here in Connecticut called Mimmo.
"The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them."
Mimmo has so much to offer parents and children alike. There are classes daily and special events happening weekly. They have a sunlit cafe adjacent to the class area where parents can feel comfortable chatting with other parents or just take a moment to breathe. It's so much more than a children's play space and it's an amazing addition to the Farmington Valley area.
In addition to classes and events, Mimmo offers customized Birthday parties. The owner, Heather, will do as much or as little as you want depending on how involved the parents like to be. We opted to have her VERY involved, which made life a little easier for everyone! We are so excited to share the photos from Ellis' special day.
Ellis' outfit was made custom for him by Three Turtles Studio
Sensory play dough favors made by Splendido.
Photography was done by S. Dos Santos (it's a total game changer to not worry about snapping photos the entire time and actually enjoy your child's Birthday!)
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our little guy's big day! xx
]]>Happy New Year, LN Tribe!
We thought it was fitting to do a post on something Little Nomad CEO, Liz and I are embarking on for the month of January-WHOLE30! While we were texting each other the other night and sharing some highs and lows so far, we decided to take it to the blog to share some of our fave ideas and recipes in case anyone else is trying to clean up their act in 2019.
If you don't know what WHOLE30 is or just want to read more about it, you can head to their website for a full rundown.
This is my second time doing Whole30 and I have to say that it is definitely easier this time around. While I did lose some extra baby weight when I did it last year, Whole30 is not a weight loss diet. It is a change in your diet to help kick the bad habits. For me, this was so helpful because I was consuming a lot of extra refined sugars that I didn't even realize and probably why I struggled losing the extra weight. I found that even after the 30 days ended, the way I ate shifted significantly. I loved how I felt on Whole30 and I didn't want to bring back any of those old bad habits.
This time I am bringing my husband along for the ride and am so excited so many friends have also made the decision to try it this month. It makes it a lot more fun when people around you are doing it too!
First things first-You definitely want to do some prep work. The Whole30 shopping list is a great place to start. I don't eat beef or pork so most of my meals are either plant based or contain seafood or poultry. The beauty of the program is that you can tailor it to your personal preferences.
Burrito Bowls - These burrito bowls are a weekly staple even when I'm not on Whole30. I use ground turkey instead of beef and sometimes I use a lettuce base instead of cauliflower rice (I'm still learning to love riced cauliflower!)
Tostones - I made these last night and I didn't know what to expect at first but they were so easy to make and delicious. They are definitely going to be in rotation when we are craving some comfort food. I didn't make the dip she recommends but instead used this habenero ranch dressing that I can't seem to get enough of at the moment.
Tessamae Dressings are a staple in our house on a regular basis but they are a necessity (in my mind) when you're doing Whole30. There are a lot of salads in rotation and the variety of dressings and uses are amazing. I'd recommend getting this pack to get you going.
Chia Seed Pudding - I love chia pudding but I love it even more when I am on Whole30. It's nourishing, feels indulgent and can be breakfast, snack or an end of night. My favorite toppings are unsweetened coconut flakes, melted Whole30 compliant almond butter and berries.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash - Because the standard hard boiled egg WILL get old.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings - So, we definitely have some wing lovers in our house and these definitely fit the bill. I've managed to find a quick hack since first making them. Today, I tossed the wings into the Tessamae Buffalo sauce instead of making my own (I told you I love these sauces and NO this is not a sponsored post, but if someone does want to send some we will gladly accept!)
This is Liz's first time trying Whole30 and while the first few days were a bit rocky (totally normal, btw), she is now feeling the groove. Here are a couple of her fave recipes so far:
Jalepeno Turkey Burgers - Sometimes you just need to get your fill of a burger and fries. I love that these are a bit lighter using turkey meat but then get topped with all the goodies. You can personalize them to your liking. I also love that you can make them without a bun and then if you're kids are particular you can add a bun for them! I've also been known to stick them between some iceberg lettuce pieces for a "green bun."
Sweet Plaintain Apple Bacon Hash - The key to this recipe is the apples. You want to make sure you use a Pink Lady or Granny Smith apple. It's easy to throw this together as a side or with some runny eggs on top for a full meal.
Watch out, 2019! These two Mamas are coming for you!
]]>We are so excited to introduce the beautiful new collection of Little Nomad play mats called the Adilah collection. We've asked artist Sophia Vincent Guy to give us a few tid bits of how she created this beautiful new design.
"The Adilah Collection was inspired by the multitude of Moroccan style rugs we were seeing all around us. I sat down one morning at a beach cafe near my house and started doodling with my favorite ink brush pen. I drew a long strip of experimental lines and dots and squiggles trying to evoke the feeling of those rugs. I then proceeded to draw page after page of ink line work combinations (and some rabbits wearing silly hats) only to come back around to that first strip. Adilah was truly born on a Mediterranean beach with the sun on my back and the salt air at the tip of my nose."
The new collection comes in four different colors - Boho Dream, Tide Pool, Skipping Stone, and Moroccan Sunset. Each has the vibe of a hand-knit rug that will instantly transform your play space. We are so thankful to Sophia for her vision. She creates such beautiful designs that grace the homes of all our LN Tribe members.
Here's Sophia and her family in Israel 👋🏼
]]>1) Craft Box
Made Modern makes so many awesome craft kits but I love this one that leaves it up to the kids to create whatever they want. My kids have had one box for what feels like ages and are still using it to create their masterpieces. Perfect for a rainy or cold day inside.
My children love to help me clean. Why not display this beautiful broom to encourage them to help sweep up crumbs after dinner?
For the insect lover in your life! I'm always looking for new sticker books. I love this one because it teachers children about the bugs and their environments.
I have a soft spot for bonnets and there is no question this little beauty will be making it's way onto the head of my two year old this Winter!
Is anyone as tired and I am of their entire living room being torn apart to create massive forts? This is the perfect solution to create some awesome forts! I love that it glows in the dark as well.
I love the idea of children learning to sit properly and share food and drinks at an early age. I think it makes them feel special and there's nothing more beautiful than a hand painted set to keep for years to come.
While I will admit that my Son loves a great princess dress and tutu for the dance party his big Sister coordinates on a nightly basis, he is often looking for other fun things to dress up. I love the creativity of this fisherman outfit.
8) Bath Buckets
We are on a constant rotation of bath toys in our house because they usually get moldy from sitting in the bath bin and need to be tossed. These bath buckets stay clean and are fun for babies and little kids!
Playing store is a regular occurrence in our house (with children ages 2-6) and I love the look of this cash register. It is both colorful and fun without being obnoxious.
All the Hazel Village dolls are beautifully made and each comes with their own personality to fit each child. There are clothing and accessories that are each more special than the next.
11) Umbrella
The novelty of the umbrella never gets old. I love this umbrella and possibly pairing with a good set of wellies!?
My daughter had this teether as a baby and it was one of her favorites! I love how sweet it is and the shape made it super easy for her to hold as a young baby.
My children are obsessed with taking photos (there are several people to blame for this, including me.) Why not give them their own cameras to take photos?
I admittedly have an obsession with everything Jellycat. It's the only stuffed animal that will never be tossed/given away in my house. This giant Unicorn is for the child who is unicorn obsessed!
15) Lincoln Logs
I still remember building Lincoln Logs as a kid and I'm so happy they've become popular again. There is nothing more fun than building as a kid and I envision a large log cabin will be built to house many dolls in my future!
16) National Geographic Subscription
We have a subscription to National Geographic Kids and it is one of the most exciting mail days when it comes. We pull out the little cards inside and learn all about that months animals. A subscription would make a wonderful gift to any child + parent who doesn't need any more toys!
For the kids who love to color (who doesn't!?) This giant coloring poster will keep kids of all ages coloring for days.
My Son saw this and wanted it immediately. It's durable and does some added tricks to keep the kids playing with it for hours.
19) Stacking Rocket
To this day my children go back to the stacking toys they've had since they were babies. I love the colors of this stacking rocket. Pretty enough to display!
I am obsessed with these sticker kaleidoscope pages. They are currently a favorite of my six year old. I bring them with me to our meals out at restaurants and when she's done they are the most beautiful pieces of art to display at home.
21) Toy Car
There is no question that most families with little kids have their fair collection of vehicles but I love the look of this one. I imagine this one looking pretty on a shelf in a nursery as well!
22) Winter Themed Loose Parts Box
This Etsy shop is one of my favorites. I love this Winter loose parts box. It is the perfect mix of activity, textures and treasures for hours of creative play.
23) Wobbel Board
This Wobbel board caught my attention months ago and is currently waiting to be wrapped for a certain little boy. I love how beautiful it is and how many uses it has. I encourage you to visit their website to see the video. It is part balance board, chair, stool or whatever else your little one can imagine.
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