Little Peanut Mag Summer 2015

Page 1



ON THE COVER PHOTOG RAPHY | becky kimball DENIM SHIRT | zara JACQUARD LEAF SHORTS | zara SANDALS | zara MODEL | laiya white littlepeanutmag.com

|

2


little peanut MAGAZINE

FOUNDER + EDITOR MEGAN BAILEY

ART DIRECTOR MEGAN BAILEY

ASSISTANT EDITOR JANEE ARHETS

ADVERTISING SANDI MONSEN

PHOTOG RAPHY BECKY KIMBALL

CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOG RAPHY SAMANTHA KELLY SHANNON SEWELL

LITTLE PEANUT MAG www.littlepeanutmag.com submit@littlepeanutmag.com



FROM THE EDITOR Summer! Yes, summer is finally right at our fingertips, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to put on our sandals, make homemade popsicles, and spend some much-anticipated time in the sun with our little peanuts. There is something about this time of year that creates memories that last forever. Some of my favorite memories as a child are of summer days with my family in Bear Lake. From building castles in the sand and launching water balloons from the cabin balcony with my cousins, to simple afternoons spent lying under a shaded tree on my favorite blanket eating slices of watermelon. I’m so excited to share with all of you our second digital issue filled to the brim with colors, textures, toys, fashion, recipes, crafts, and of course sunnies + swimsuits! This issue is overflowing with everything you need to live life to the fullest this summer and more.

G ET SOCIAL WITH US INSTAG RAM

@littlepeanutmagazine FACEBOOK

facebook.com/littlepeanutmag PINTEREST

pinterest.com/littlepeanutmag TWITTER

@littlepeanutmag

5

| littlepeanutmag.com

One of my favorite features in this issue is a simple yet visually inspiring picnic party complete with personalized lunch boxes and the most delicious strawberry cake you can imagine. What better way to celebrate summer than by spending time outdoors and setting up a lovely picnic spread for those special little ones in your life. We are also sharing our current cravings and favorite products for babes, toddlers, and of course you mamas! Additionally, we were honored to interview inspiring mom, Katie Richardson, designer and founder of Puj, an innovative company specializing in simplified products for parents. You’ll also get to know Oakley Peterson and her darling son, Welles, and their story + life embracing Down syndrome. So grab your favorite summertime drink (mine would be raspberry lemonade) and find a comfortable spot in your house or at your favorite park, and enjoy flipping through the pages of our summer issue. I hope you cherish every moment of the magical summer days to come. Cheers!

MEGAN BAILEY

founder and editor



13

22

30

61

PICNIC PARTY

PLAY TIME

SUMMER SWIM

INSPIRING MOM

Celebrate + welcome summer with tons of inspiration from our picnic party filled with DIYs and the perfect summertime recipes.

Featuring three handmade wooden toy companies that encourage imagination and creative playtime.

Grab your sunnies, beach balls, and snorkel gear because we are headed to the beach in our favorite swim + summer fashion.

Meet Katie Richardson, inspiring working mom + founding designer and creative force behind the innovative product brand for parents, Puj.

7

| littlepeanutmag.com


70

78

96

104

REAL MOM STORY

ROOM DESIG NS

RECIPES

DIY CRAFTS

Meet real mom, Oakley Peterson, and read about the beautiful dynamic that Down Syndrome brings to her family.

Get inspired with 3 amazing spaces for little peanuts. From a neutral room with sweet details to a colorful + bright space fit for the whole family.

3 summer recipes to try: a yummy chicken + strawberry spinach wrap, basil pesto pasta, and easy homemade popsicles to cool down this summer.

Keep your little ones entertained during the long summer months with our DIY craft ideas: milk carton bird feeders, DIY colored noodle necklaces, and the perfect craft to brighten up your house.

littlepeanutmag.com

|

8


SUNNIES The coolest shades under the sun, specially designed with UV-blocking mirrored lenses and clear frames.

J.Crew $24.50

JUMP ROPE Get your jump rope on this summer with this darling classic wooden jump rope in yellow.

Fawn Shoppe $28

for little peanuts CURRENT FAVORITES

BEACH SOUNDS Enjoy listening to your favorite tunes even at the beach with this portable radio. Fawn Shoppe $50.00

SANDALS These classic sandals are super durable and crazy comfortable, thanks to shock-absorbing soles that mean kids can wear—and play in—them all day.

FLAMINGO FLOAT

J.Crew $59.50

COLORED NOSECOAT Get colorful + stay protected in the summer sun with colored zinc oxide sunblock! Zinka $6.99

Think pink – a pink flamingo that is! This water bird features a surface large enough to stretch out on if you wish and float the day away all summer long.

SunnyLife $69

SKATEBOARD Skate Skate! This board is great for cruising around the neighborhood, the beach, or the city. You can easily fit it in your backpack and carry it with you wherever you go. Globe $129


BARENAKED WASH

PACIFIER

The ultimate newborn experience. Spoil your little one with everything needed to cleanse, hydrate, and protect sensitive skin without the use of harsh chemicals.

100% all natural pacifier follows baby’s natural mouth movements and are environment friendly + biodegradable

Natursutten $9

Wash with Water $22.55

TEETHER The ideal first toy for babies to grasp and chew. Handcrafted with Hard Rock Maple, a non-splintering wood that is naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. Little Sapling

Toys $12

CAR SEAT COVER Designed with your baby in mind this stylish Car Seat Cover fits almost any infant car seat and protects your babe against harsh sunlight and wind. Perfect for summer in colorful fleur.

for baby CURRENT FAVORITES

ALBERT THE MONKEY Albert is hand-knitted and wearing a striped top and solid pants, finished with a cute striped bow tie. He will make a charming companion for your little one. Fournier $62

Milk Snob $34

TUBBY TIME Make bath time easy at home or on the go. Setting up bath time has never been easier with no buttons or fasteners, the Flyte can be setup by simply in the sink. Puj $34.99

CRIB MOCCS Our favorite moccasin brand now has moccs to fit the tiniest of piggies. 100% genuine leather featured in Petite Burch Freshly Picked

$45


MOM’S STUFF Superfood for the skin, Mom’s Stuff Salve offers a natural, healthy, skin care solution free from chemicals and fillers; made with ingredients that utilize nature’s amazing power to nourish, restore, soothe and protect. Mom’s Stuff $30

RETRO SUNNIES A polished metallic browline stands out on the vintage-chic profile of scene-stealing gradient-lens sunglasses.

Prada $385

G LOSSY STAIN Lightweight texture immediately melts onto your lips, delivering intense glossy color + extremely long-lasting shine in the perfect shade for summer! Yves Saint Laurent $36

COFFEE BODY SCRUB Bloke Coffee + Sweet Orange Scrub is rough enough to scrub away your skin’s imperfections, yet gentle enough to hydrate and moisturize your skin. Bloke $14.95

for mom CURRENT FAVORITES

BB CREAM A one-step complexion perfector that acts as your primer, moisturizer and SPF protection, with a hint of color.

Philosophy $38

PANAMA HAT The perfect hat to throw on for summer days on-the-go + add a little tomboy touch to pretty much any ensemble. J.Crew $58

ACCESSORIZE Shiny, sleek and just right for creating a minimalist bracelet stack (or wearing solo

J.Crew $38



how to party PICNIC STYLE

ENTERTAINING IN A UNIQUE WAY bring chic table design to a park near you PHOTOGRAPHY BECKY KIMBALL | STYLING MEGAN BAILEY

13

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

14


By definition, a party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purpose of socializing, conversation, recreation, or as part of a festival or other commemoration of special occasion. When it comes to parties, there are so many types. From formal sit-down dinners to casual backyard BBQs, all are special in their own way. Most are usually meant to simply bring a group of people together, and what better way to do that than to share delicious food and conversation. Entertaining in your own unique way is really what it’s all about. Summer is the perfect time for getting together with your family and friends because there are so many great options and locations when it comes to the setting of your party. You can transform a simple picnic in the park to be a beautiful and fun informal party. Start by planning your table design. Figure out what you want the focal points and centerpieces to look like and work from there. For a summer party, you can easily create a stunning tablescape by using fresh flowers and even fresh fruits and vegetables from your very own garden. Use different sized buckets, vases, and berry boxes to add to your display, and don’t be afraid to get creative by using things like milk glasses filled with asparagus spears.

Once you have the main focal points of your table figured out, it’s time to think about the individual settings and how you want them to be displayed. You can never go wrong with formal place-settings. One great tip for creating a memorable get-together is to create personalized place settings for your party guests. There is no better way to make them feel special than with a hand-lettered place card. Get creative with your place settings by creating custom utensil pouches out of glassine bags, and then add a personal touch by lettering the party guests’ names on each one. Simple touches like this really make for a unique and special setting. One of the most important aspects, of course, is the food! Get creative with individual boxed meals. This is such a fun and unique way to play on the idea of lunch in the park. Create a yummy lunch of individually portioned sandwiches, fresh green salad with strawberries, and your favorite chips all wrapped up in the perfect to-go box from Shop Sweet Lulu. And what would a party be without a delicious cake? Add a little dripping jam and fresh strawberries to the top of any cake, and you have the perfect summer-inspired dessert to finish off a beautiful gathering.

15

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

16


17

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

18


19

| littlepeanutmag.com


SOURCES

PHOTOGRAPHY BECKY KIMBALL | STYLING MEGAN BAILEY | FLOWERS AMBER DICKSON | CAKE SANDI MONSEN | BERRY BOXES + TAKEOUT BOXES + GLASSINE BAGS + WOODEN UTENSILS + PIECE OF CAKE BOXES + KRAFT FAVOR BAGS SHOP SWEET LULU

littlepeanutmag.com

|

20



handmade WOOD TOYS

ENCOURAGING IMAGINATION + CREATIVE PLAY three unique and beautiful handcrafted toy brands that inspire the development of little hands + minds PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY KIMBALL STYLING BY MEGAN BAILEY

littlepeanutmag.com

|

22


McKean Studio is the collaborative efforts of Sydney based husband and wife duo Joshua & Megan McKean. There fresh designs are inspired by mid-century design, flora + fauna, and the beautiful cities they have visited together. Featuring three miniature models of Palm Springs. A mid-century heaven in the Californian desert, USA - including cactuses, palm trees, cute cars, and incredible + colorful architecture. BUTTERFLY ROOF PINK HOUSE $75 ‘SWISS MISS’ A-FRAME HOUSE $75 ANGLED ROOF HOUSE BLUE $75 available at www.mckeanstudio.com

23 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

24


25 |

littlepeanutmag.com


Clifford & Sons MFG. makes simple, colorful and straightforward wood toys. The toys are built to be played with, stacked up, knocked over, lost, found, stuffed under the couch, and passed on to the next kid. Each piece is shaped, sanded and painted by hand then sealed with homemade, all natural, beeswax polish. They come ready to help encourage your little one’s imagination + development during playtime. WYATT BALANCING BLOCKS $50 LUMBERJACK AX $25 MUSKET $25 Cruz Car $10 etsy.com/shop/CliffordAndSonsMFG

littlepeanutmag.com

|

26


Help your kids play better by encouraging them to ditch the screen and toy with nature. A vibrant collection of classic wooden cameras, with movable knobs, buttons, and a rotating view finder. Handcrafted from eco-friendly materials and paints. The perfect accessory for any little aspiring photographer. PIXIE CAMERA $40 available at www.twigcreative.com

27

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

28



SUMMER SWIM

LOOKS FOR LITTLE PEANUTS PHOTOGRAPHY BECKY KIMBALL | STYLING MEGAN BAILEY

littlepeanutmag.com

|

30


BOW SWIMSUIT mini rodini SUNNIES bon look FLIPPERS target

31

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

32


BRACE SWIMSUIT mini rodini

33 |

littlepeanutmag.com


SPOT SWIMSUIT mini rodini SUNNIES bon look

littlepeanutmag.com

|

34


FISHES SWIMPANTS mini rodini SUNNIES gap kids BEACH BALL target

35 |

littlepeanutmag.com


MARA HOFFMAN BIKINI j. crew SUNNIES j. crew FlOATY target

littlepeanutmag.com

|

36


COLORBLOCK BOARD SHORTS j. crew SUNNIES j. crew

37

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

38


RUFFLE SWIMSUIT mini boden SUNNIES bon look FLIPPERS target

39 |

littlepeanutmag.com


PRETTY BIKINI mini boden

littlepeanutmag.com

|

40


STRIPE SWIM TRUNKS mini boden

41

| littlepeanutmag.com


FLORAL PEPLUM SUIT gap kids HEART SUNNIES gap kids

littlepeanutmag.com

|

42


43 |

littlepeanutmag.com


GRAPHIC TANK gap kids WAVE SWIM TRUNKS gap kids ORANGE SUNNIES gap kids

littlepeanutmag.com

|

44


s m o k k s


summer fashion LOOKS FOR LITTLE PEANUTS PHOTOGRAPHY BECKY KIMBALL STYLING MEGAN BAILEY

littlepeanutmag.com

|

46


DENIM TIE SHIRT zara JACQUARD LEAF SHORTS zara SANDALS zara

47 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

48


POLKA DOT SHIRT zara DENIM PINAFORE DRESS zara SUNNIES bon look

49 |

littlepeanutmag.com


CORAL SHIRT zara FLORAL PRINT SHORTS zara FLIP FLOPS ZARA

littlepeanutmag.com

|

50


RAINBOW T-SHIRT stella mccartney PARTY SKIRT stella mccartney SANDALS stella mccartney

51

| littlepeanutmag.com


FLORAL DENIM DRESS stella mccartney SUNNIES bon look

littlepeanutmag.com

|

52


53 |

littlepeanutmag.com


FLORAL BLOUSE stella mccartney DENIM SKIRT stella mccartney SANDALS stella mccartney

littlepeanutmag.com

|

54


STRIPE TEE j. crew PULL-ON SHORTS j. crew SNEAKERS newbalance for j. crew

55 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

56


TRILBY HAT j. crew STRIPE BLOUSE j. crew CUFFED SHORTS j. crew TASSEL NECKLACE j. crew SANDALS birkenstock

57 |

littlepeanutmag.com


COLORBLOCK BASEBALL TEE gap kids CARPENTER SHORTS gap kids CANVAS HIGH TOPS gap kids

littlepeanutmag.com

|

58


PANAMA HAT gap kids FLORAL DRESS gap kids SCALLOPED SANDALS gap kids

59 |

littlepeanutmag.com



meet

KATIE RICHARDSON INSPIRING MOM + founding designer and creative force behind the innovative product brand for parents, Puj

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON SEWELL

61

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

62


63 |

littlepeanutmag.com


WHAT FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE PRODUCTS FOR PARENTS?

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT INSPIRE YOUR DESIG NS?

Ever since I was a little child, I have loved problem-solving by making things with my own hands. Whether the material is wood, metal, or fabric, I have always been a maker. My mother had all kinds of tools in the garage that she used to make crafts. It was growing up in this environment that ultimately inspired me to become an industrial designer. And then once I started having children, it was very natural to start problem-solving in the baby space. Babies require a lot of gear, and I want solutions that are simple and intuitive. Bathing a baby is particularly difficult and I knew there had to be a better way. So I decided to simplify bath time with the Puj Tub. Luckily, my little idea caught on quickly and Puj is now a globally recognized brand.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, I just have to keep my eyes open. The colors on a mossy rock can inspire me or the brilliant way a plant funnels water to its roots. When I see something clever, I try to capture the idea in my red moleskine or with a photo. Who knows, nature may have figured out the perfect color palette for my latest project. The inspiration for the Puj Tub came from an ordinary brown paper sack. It easily stores flat and in an instant can be popped open to hold volume. There is no mechanism or parts, only a living hinge. The first Puj Tub concepts started with a sketch. Then once I had the concept and form figured out, it was time to move to the third dimension. The first prototypes were figured as a scaled down paper version. With scissors and paper I could quickly see which ideas were working and which were not. This is how I figured out the folds in the tub so it would comfortably hold an infant and help them relax. Once the form was dialed in, I scaled it up and cut the first prototype out of hypoallergenic foam that is soft but does not absorb water. And BAM, the Puj Tub was born. The design you see today is the result of many rounds of simplifying and asking the question "what else can be taken away from the design?" Simplification is a process. But once I have distilled an idea down to its essence, THAT is where the magic happens! POW!

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love connecting with parents all over the globe. And thanks to the Internet, that happened instantly for me. I still remember boxing up my first international order. It was going to a new mother in Holland. We chatted over Skype so I could get her credit card info easily. I could see in the background her beautiful all-white home that was modern and minimal. She was so excited to use the latest bathtub innovation from a young mom in the states. I remember sitting in my tiny bedroom office thinking, "Wow! I posted a picture of my invention on the world wide web and a mom on the other side of the world just paid me money for it. This is an amazing time to be alive!"

HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK LIFE AND FAMILY LIFE? My theory is you CAN find balance between family and work, but you must be very clear on your priorities and be extremely disciplined. For me that means starting my day at 5:30am and going to the gym or attending a Barre 3 class. Pushing my body in hard ways gives me the emotional and physical strength I need to be a happy mom and entrepreneur. And then continuing to take care of myself by drinking a lot of water and eating an abundance of greens throughout the day. All of these little things add up to me being in a state of greater optimism, patience, and having a sense of humor. But if mean mommy tries to show up, I grab a few bites of dark chocolate.

AFTER A LONG BUSY WEEK WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND? We keep things pretty simple in our home. Especially with a toddler. These days we take it easy on the weekend with a simple dinner like tacos and then a wild round of family game night. My boys are loving Settlers of Catan, Blokus, and Rumikube. On Saturdays we love driving up the beautiful Oregon Gorge with our bows & arrows and sling-shots to try and find some good ol' fashioned adventure.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME PUJ? I wanted a name that embodied the essence of my brand. Simple, clever, minimal (only 3 letters) and something I could trademark. I remember hand writing several pages of names and Puj met all of my criteria. Plus it represents the whole reason I started this business, my children. I have very pudgy babies!

littlepeanutmag.com

|

64


65 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

66


WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE YOU COULD G IVE TO OTHER WOMEN? Our kids grow up so fast. Some day we will look back fondly on the days of feeling the crunch of Cheerio's under-foot or the hustle and bustle of a busy home. So take a deep breath and soak it all in. Especially in the early hours holding a fevered child praying they fall back to sleep.

WHAT QUOTE BEST DESCRIBES YOU AND WHAT YOU LIVE BY? If you want to be happy in life, then you must define what happiness means to you. For me, happiness comes through being there for my kids. My success as a mother is more important than any other success in my career. This means my family comes first. It requires rearranging sometimes, but I have never regretted putting family before work.

67 |

littlepeanutmag.com

BESIDES BEING A BUSINESS OWNER, WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO? Oh goodness I have a lot of interests. I love sewing with leather on my industrial sewing machine. Riding my bike up into the hills at dawn is a personal favorite. I juice greens, make cinnamon rolls, canning, and baking bread. I love furniture making, lathing, and welding. And I love humorous photo manipulation (you know, head swapping and such!)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE G IFT TO G IVE NEW MOTHERS? The Puj Splash is the perfect gift for every new mother. It has everything you need to have a relaxing first bath experience with your new infant. Plus a personal "how to" from me that takes out the guess work and calms mom and baby.


littlepeanutmag.com

|

68



meet

OAKLEY PETERSON REAL MOM STORY the beautiful dynamic that having a child with Down syndrome brings to her family PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA KELLY

littlepeanutmag.com

|

70


IT’S A BOY! The ultra sound tech declared. We could hardly contain our excitement. Scott and I both have several sisters and expected a family of all daughters. Our first-born is a darling little girl whom we love to pieces. In my second pregnancy, we were simply over the moon to get to experience a boy as well. I imagined little league, teasing his big sister, and watching sports with Dad. After months of staring at my husband’s baby photos, I hoped he would be a toe-head with blue eyes just like his daddy! I already loved the little guy who kicked incessantly inside of me and couldn’t wait to meet him. I found myself on Pinterest several times preparing the perfect nursery for our perfect little boy. Little did I know just how perfect he would be. After a fast (but rough) labor, they laid that sweet little boy in my arms. Scott and I were thrilled to have him with us. I was flustered when they interrupted our beautiful first moments to inform us of the possible diagnosis.

71

| littlepeanutmag.com

They were ruining our precious first meeting with our baby boy, causing unnecessary worry and concern! There was no way our little boy had Down Syndrome. Obviously they were mistaken. They weren’t. The early days were painful as I said Good-bye to the ideas I had for a typical son and Hello to so much unknown. Fear and worry engulfed my entire being. What about his health? What will the future hold for my sweet little boy? How will others handle his differences? We are only a year-and-a-half in, but I can tell you, his doctors are on top of his health (which is very good, btw), his future looks bright and happy, and his “differences” are some of my most favorite things about him. It’s funny that something I would have never wished for or planned on has proved to be one of the most beautiful blessings to our family. Welles radiates happiness, which is something this world could use a lot more of!


littlepeanutmag.com

|

72


73 |

littlepeanutmag.com


WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION TO THE NEWS THAT WELLES HAD DOWN SYNDROME

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER OTHER FAMILIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME

If I’m being completely honest, it was painful. It was the strangest mix of emotions. My heart was full of pure and absolute love for the little boy in my arms, but I felt like the child I was “supposed to have” had passed. It felt like the little boy I had imagined and bonded with was taken from me. But at the same time, I had a very different little person who I loved unconditionally. Like I said, a very strange mix of emotions. It’s so hard to put into words. Author Emily Perl Kingsley describes it beautifully in a piece she wrote called, “Welcome to Holland.” She compares having a special needs child to planning a big trip to Italy your entire life. You do everything to prepare for it, study the culture, learn the language, decide all the places you’ll see, etc… Then when you’re finally taking the trip, you get off the plane and you actually ended up in Holland. Holland is beautiful and wonderful, you love Holland instantly, but it’s not the Italy you were expecting. Eventually you realize Holland was the place you were meant to go all along.

It’s okay to mourn. It’s not the child you were expecting. The early days are an overload of information and the unknown is terrifying. But it will all be okay. It will be more than okay, I promise! It will be wonderful. Even with the challenges. Before you know it, there is a new light in your life and it’s a bright, powerful light. A light you won’t know how you ever lived without. I would also recommend reaching out to foundations and support groups when you’re ready. There are so many parents that have been through that same shock and they want to be there for you. Let them in.

WHAT BLESSINGS HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM HAVING A CHILD WITH DOWN SYNDROME Where to even start on that one! Welles has blessed our whole family in countless ways. The over all spirit and energy he exudes is amazing. He’s almost always happy and pleasant. He has taught me to appreciate the little things, celebrate the simplest of milestones, and to slow down and be patient with life in general. He’s blessed me to have no choice but to sit back and take it all in. Life is beautiful, and we get too busy to stop and remember what’s important. Welles reminds our family daily. How awesome is that?

ON THE FLIP SIDE, WHAT CHALLENG ES DO YOU FACE? While I would say the wonderful far outweighs the challenges, there are definitely still challenges. With Welles only being one and a half, I haven’t had to face acceptance with peers, dealings in the classroom, or serious learning disabilities. But I’m well aware those things will likely be in my future. Right now our biggest challenges are teaching him to feed himself, regular appointments with specialists to check on his health, and working on those motor and fine motor skills, etc.

WHAT ARE THE BIGG EST MYTHS ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME? Holy moly, there are a lot of myths out there. I had one nurse tell me Welles would be “high functioning” because his Down Syndrome features were less severe! While we do expect him to be “high functioning,” it has nothing to do with the fact that his eyes aren’t super slanted. You’ll hear lots of silly things. Generally I’ve found people to be loving and ultra excepting, but once in a while I’ll come across an article or hear of a comment someone makes that is really hurtful. That’s becoming more rare. The biggest myth of all is that they won’t live a full and happy life. That’s absolutely absurd. If you’ve ever met someone with Down Syndrome, it won’t take long before you realize they’re typically the happiest people at the party! The outrageous 92% abortion rate of those pre-diagnosed with a Down Syndrome child wrenches my soul. Those poor parents have no clue what they are missing out on.

TELL US WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH WITH YOUR BLOG? My main goal is to show my readers that having a child with Down Syndrome is not going to hold your family back but rather spring your family forward with unity, special adventures, and a happiness that is quite unique and very special. I want the world to know that anyone would be lucky beyond measure to have a child with Down Syndrome. It’s not something to be feared, but celebrated. “Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face. It’s about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart and a pretty soul.”

littlepeanutmag.com

|

74


75 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

76


film photography for your happy, wild, and brave samanthakellyphoto.com samanthakellyphotography@gmail.com


ROOM DESIGN THREE INSPIRING KID SPACES from neutral to colorful + the perfect family room

littlepeanutmag.com

|

78


79 |

littlepeanutmag.com


CATARINA’S NEUTRAL ROOM DESIG N BY SISSY + MARLEY When it comes to picking a color for any room, you can never go wrong with a neutral palette for both girls and boys. Catarina’s room is covered from head to toe in a delicate tan zebra wallpaper with touches of safari animal toys and decor throughout. Simple artwork, decorative pillows, and clean lines make for a minimal yet perfectly styled space. This dreamy + cozy room is perfect for any little peanut.

SOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY MARCO RICCA WALLPAPER SISSY + MARLEY FOR JILL MALEK CRIB STOKKE BED WEST ELM DRESSER | CHANGER OEUF PRINTS THE ANIMAL PRINT SHOP DEER HEAD TAMAR MOGENDORFF RUG UGG DOLL JESS BROWN BEDDING SERENA AND LILY

littlepeanutmag.com

|

80


81

| littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

82


83 |

littlepeanutmag.com



85 |

littlepeanutmag.com


SPENCER’S BRIG HT NURSERY DESIG N BY LIFE.STYLE. Spencer’s room is cool and colorful and is grounded by the use of black and white elements with pops of color throughout. Personalized pillows and creative artwork make for perfect additions. Modern pieces play a role in this room by being both decorative and functional. The room was designed around an Alexander Calder lithograph which set the tone for the entire nursery. The balance of unique and timeless + contemporary with a touch of funk is exactly what was achieved with this unique boy room.

SOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY DIANA RELTH ART ALEXANDER CALDER LITHOGRAPH PENDANT DESIGN WITHIN REACH DRESSER | CHANGING TABLE DESIGN BY LEE KLEINHELTER DRESSER HARDWARE LIZ’S ANTIQUE HARDWARE CHAIR REGENCY SHOP | EGG CHAIR LETTER PILLOW JONATHAN ADLER ZEBRA SERENA & LILY POUF CALYPSO HOME CRIB BABY LETTO | MERCER CRIB BUMPER FABRIC STUDIO BON TEXTILES | FUZZ ZEBRA RUG CALYPSO HOME littlepeanutmag.com

|

86


87 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

88


89 |

littlepeanutmag.com



91

| littlepeanutmag.com


MODERN FAMILY ROOM DESIG N BY HOUSE OF JADE INTERIORS This basement family room is filled with colors, textures, and patterns that are all perfectly welcoming! The mix-matched pillows, patterned wallpaper, and bright artwork fill this room with so much fun and cheerfulness while still creating a relaxing space. This room is the perfect place for entertaining guests, hosting a party, movies and games, or just relaxing together as a family.

SOURCES PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSEY ORTON WALLPAPER SERENA & LILY OTTOMANS + LEATHER CHAIRS OVERSTOCK SECTIONAL WEST ELM FISH ART + ABSTRACT ART ONE KINGS LANE ASTRONAUT ART SOCIETY6 COFFEE TABLE CB2 CHANDELIERS + FIDDLE FIG Z GALLERIE RUG RUG USA COWHIDE RUG ONE KINGS LANE PILLOWS WEST ELM MELON PILLOW HOUSE OF JADE littlepeanutmag.com

|

92


93 |

littlepeanutmag.com


littlepeanutmag.com

|

94


95 |

littlepeanutmag.com


RECIPES littlepeanutmag.com

|

96


97 |

littlepeanutmag.com


SIMPLE BASIL PESTO PASTA ING REDIENTS - 4 oz of basil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 cloves of garlic, peeled - 2 oz chopped almonds - 2/3 cup parmesan cheese - Âź tsp salt (plus salt to taste) - 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS - Add all ingredients except olive oil to food processor - Blend on high to break it all down - Scrape down as necessary - Drizzle in olive oil until combined - You may need to scrape down the sides a couple times - Serve with pasta - Store for a day or 2 in a covered jar - You may want to drizzle with lemon juice to help it from oxidizing if not eating right away.

littlepeanutmag.com

|

98


99 |

littlepeanutmag.com


SUMMER CHICKEN SPINACH WRAP WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING ING REDIENTS - 4 large spinach tortilla wraps - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts - 1 teaspoon seasoning salt - 1 tablespoon oil - 3 cups packed baby spinach leaves - 1 cup sliced strawberries - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled - Âź cup crumbled feta cheese - poppyseed dressing (store-bought or recipe below)

DRESSING ING REDIENTS - 2/3 cup mayo - ½ cup Half & Half - 6 tablespoons sugar - 8 teaspoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon oil - 4 teaspoons poppy seeds

DIRECTIONS - If using poppyseed dressing recipe as listed: Blend all salad ingredients together (except for poppy seeds) until smooth. Stir in poppy seeds. Cover and chill until ready to use. - Rub seasoning salt on chicken breasts. Drizzle a pan or skillet with the 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken breasts and cook over medium heat 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from heat, chop into pieces and set aside. - Distribute spinach leaves between each of the 4 tortilla wraps. Top with chicken, strawberries, crumbled bacon, feta, and drizzle with poppyseed dressing. - Roll each wrap up tightly, stick a toothpick in the middle to secure the wrap (optional) and serve.

littlepeanutmag.com

|

100


101 |

littlepeanutmag.com


G RAPEFRUIT LEMONADE POPSICLES ING REDIENTS - 1 grapefruit - pink lemonade (or fruit punch) - grapefruit juice - popsicle molds - popsicle sticks

DIRECTIONS - Slice fresh grapefruit into thin slices and place a slice or two into each popsicle mold. - Mix together equal parts of pink lemonade (or fruit punch) with grapefruit juice. - Add popsicle sticks and freeze until hardened - about 3-4 hours. - Run molds under warm water for 15-20 seconds to easily slide the popsicles out of the mold.

littlepeanutmag.com

|

102



CRAFTS littlepeanutmag.com

|

104


105 |

littlepeanutmag.com


DIY MILK CARTON BIRD HOUSE FEEDERS Get inspired by nature this summer by making your own bird house feeders. These little homes are as cute as they are fun to make! Start by taking an empty milk carton and with the help of an adult cut out a little whole in the front of the carton for the birds to enter. Using your favorite craft paint colors transform the milk carton with a new look! After the carton is done drying add sticks to make a roof on top of the house and a little perch for the birds to enjoy their food. Lastly, poke holes at the top of the cart and string rope or jute twine through the holes. Hang outside from your favorite tree and watch as the little birdies enjoy! littlepeanutmag.com

|

106


107 |

littlepeanutmag.com


DIY COLORED NOODLE NECKLACES Give a classic craft new life by making your own colorful noodles! This is the perfect activity to do during those long summer months when the kids are out of school. Using dry noodles, put a handful into a large ziplock baggie. Add a tablespoons of vinegar and a couple drops of food coloring. Shake, shake, shake until all of the noodles are coated with coloring. Let the colored noodles air-dry on a cookie sheet. Repeat above steps for each colors. Once all the noodles are dry let your little peanuts have fun + get creative making their own colorful noodle necklaces!

littlepeanutmag.com

|

108


109 |

littlepeanutmag.com


PINEAPPLE PLANT POT It’s time to add a pop of color + a touch of tropics to your house for summer and we’ve got the perfect DIY craft to solve the problem! Easily transform any pot into a pineapple inspired plant holder! Start by spray painting an old pot with yellow spray paint. Once dry hand paint diagonal lines to create diamonds with white craft paint. Don’t worry if the lines aren’t perfect... that’s what makes it unique! Let the pot dry completely and fill the pot with a spiky succulent (the perfect indoor plant). And just like that you have one cute pineapple decor piece for your home!

littlepeanutmag.com

|

110


little peanut MAGAZINE FOR DAILY INSPIRATION VISIT www.littlepeanutmag.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.