bugaboo bugs [giveaway!]

When Bugaboo did their design collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation, we were lucky enough to be able to go to NYC to celebrate with them! Today we’re excited to be able to celebrate with YOU and have a fun little surprise Saturday giveaway on our Instagram feed. Head here to enter! // @smallfryblog

The Andy Warhol Bug canopy is such a fun shade, it’s so got a neutral base with pops of vibrant colors, it is lively yet classy and we love it! Here’s what we’d wear on the town with our Bug Bugaboo: neutrals with pops of color! Bundle up because it’s freezing where we are!

Andy Warhol Bug Canopy Giveaway!

1. A Lo & Sons bag to hold everything we need and more.

2. JCrew sunnies in the just-enough-round frame.

3. The perfect black beanie from Madewell.

4. The vital and graphically awesome phone case via Kate Spade Saturday.

5. A pop of color and warmth with these JCrew gloves.

6. More color and a little bit extra polish to combat our hat hair with Nars lipstick.

7. A cozy camel coat via Zara.

8. The Bugaboo Bug stroller, of course, to keep our little ones warm and cozy.

9. A graphic blouse that’s perfect for layering via Zara.

10. Lounge pants with hints of leather via Zara.

11. In times like these we ditch our mid-ankle Sorels, for the mid-calf welly. Nothing’s more shocking then getting snow dumped down your sock! We love this pop of red on this pair of Hunter’s at Nordstrom.

12. While we’re on-the-go we love to have something to keep the boys occupied, they love to pretend with Twig Camera and we love that they are looking around at the world in front of them.

 Comments are closed on this post to avoid confusion! Head to Instagram to enter to win the canopy, and have a wonderful weekend!

4moms + @HelpingNicuMamas

We talked earlier this week about all the children who will be hospital bound for the holidays. They aren’t the only ones! Earlier this week we had the humbling experience of spending the evening with four families who’s little ones are in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the University of Utah Hospital. We are so grateful to Jess and Erin of @HelpingNicuMamas and 4Moms for making this evening possible! You don’t have to look too long to realize Nicole wasn’t able to make it, she was home sick. We missed her (and her photography) terribly!

4 moms donates MamaRoos & Bathtubs to NICU parents

These families shared their stories of suddenly finding themselves in labor as early as 28 weeks pregnant, all being life-lighted (one mama actually had her baby on the Heli-pad!) to the UofU to save their baby’s lives. They beamed with pride as they showed us their five pound fighters, and we could not stop crying! Both Jenna’s boys spent 2-9 days in the NICU so she could definitely relate to their feelings, but  I, Emily, cannot imagine what that must feel like. Having my boys in Bilibeds for jaundice for a couple weeks was torture, but this is hard on a whole new level!

4 moms donates MamaRoos & Bathtubs to NICU parents

After hearing all their stories we just wanted to hug and cry with them, but luckily 4Moms sent us prepared. We were able to gift them each with MamaRoos swings and Infant tubs!

4 moms donates MamaRoos & Bathtubs to NICU parents

After we had our little party, the UofU was so nice to let us tour their NICU. They took us through each room and showed us how high-risk deliveries are literally a window away from the NICU, and baby’s are often passed through the window, as the difference of seconds can mean the world to these babies!

4 moms donates MamaRoos & Bathtubs to NICU parents

We cried more tears walking through the rooms, watching mothers and fathers, nurses and doctors caring for these sweet angels. Touring the rooms with Erin and Jess was even more emotional. Jess had twins, both taking their own turns in the Primary Children’s NICU. Erin lost her first baby after only 4 days in the NICU, her second baby born at 28 weeks, spent several weeks there. Watching Erin greet nurses and recall memories was so heartbreaking and inspiring. @HelpingNicuMamas is putting together gifts for NICU families and delivering December 20th! Watch it all unfold on their Instagram feed here.

4 moms donates MamaRoos & Bathtubs to NICU parents

And we are still stunned by 4Moms generosity. They basically reached out to us and said they had product to give away and would we like to place it with someone who needs it. We love when company’s give back in that way! As it turns out, the MamaRoo is the bouncer the NICU uses, we were so happy to see it in action there. It really is a genius little thing, and bounces up and down, not just side to side, which would’ve saved our poor rocking arms a time or two! The tub is amazing as well as it filters out dirty water and puts fresh water in as you’re using it. It is temperature stable as well so you can rest easy it is comfortable and warm. Check out 4Moms here!

4 moms donates MamaRoos & Bathtubs to NICU parents

To all of you who have been or are still NICU bound, we want you to know our hearts and prayers are with you. We have seen your courage, and we have watched your little fighters. One thing we felt strongly that evening is that all mothers are essentially the same. Proud of their babies, and tirelessly fighting for their health and safety. We admire you all!

 •••

We have a sweet FRYday deal for you via Cents of Style today! These awesome Gyspey necklaces are all $14.95 (down from $34.95!) from now until December 31st! We have a few of these colors and they’re the perfect addition to any outfit. Stock up and tell them Small Fry sent you (enter SMALLFRY at check-out.)

Have a great weekend!

Holiday eCookbook giveaway [closed!]

Congratulations to our 10 WINNERS! This giveaway is now closed.

Rachel
Ashe-monique
Diana Cote
Brandee
Courtney
Serifina
Becky
Brianna
Nicole
Tara

We’re excited to welcome back our old friends from Prescribe Nutrition! We did an awesome giveaway with them last year for their online Nutrition Programs and we love hearing that so many of you are still doing their programs. Really cool! Today, they’re here sharing a recipe from their new Holiday eCookbook which takes favorite Holiday dishes and switches out ingredients with healthier options. (They’re offering readers $5 off, keep reading for the code!) Take it away, Anna:

“A wise mother once told me that we aren’t raising children, we are raising adults. I couldn’t quite comprehend this with a newborn in my arms, but now that my kiddos are three and four, it’s starting to make a lot more sense. This makes the most sense for me in the kitchen.

Kids + Veggies

Bringing them into the kitchen with me has truly transformed the way they eat. Learning about the food they’re preparing by asking questions regarding where it comes from and how it grows has created a connection and appreciation for food they used to scowl at. Yes, their help probably adds about ten minutes to the cooking window, but if in the end it means I am just making one meal that everyone will eat, it’s worth it in my book.Kids + Veggies

The holidays in particular are such a fun time to party it up in the kitchen together. Crank up some holiday tunes, whip up some festive treats and enjoy eating your creations together. When we dreamed up what our Prescribe Nutrition Holiday eCookbook would look like, we knew we had to upgraded the traditional foods we love by replacing the the crash-inducing ingredients with wholesome, nourishing ingredients that our bodies could use more of. And of course we had to add in some amazing new recipes to knock your socks off – the cauliflower shooters will do just that! There’s even a list of cookies for the cookie exchange! We’ve got it all, and it is even toddler approved.

Here’s one of our favorites, Superfood Chocolate Holiday Bark:Superfood Chocolate Holiday Bark Makes one 9 x 12 sheet

1 pound dark chocolate chips, dairy-free chips (such as Enjoy Life) or non-dairy white chocolate chips (such as Kind David)
2 teaspoons coconut oil, + extra for greasing
½ cup dried goji berries or unsweetened cranberries
½ cup shelled pistachios
¼ cup toasted large flake unsweetened coconut

✔ Coat a 9 x 12 rimmed baking sheet or 6 small loaf pans (2 x 5) with coconut oil cooking spray (or manually with paper towel and coconut oil) then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on long sides.
✔ In a saucepan, melt chocolate with 2 teaspoons coconut oil over low heat until it is completely melted, mixing frequently (or you can do this in the microwave in 30 second increments).
✔ Pour melted chocolate into baking sheet or divide among pans and spread in an even layer with the back of a spoon.

✔ Sprinkle toppings over chocolate and very gently press toppings into chocolate (so they don’t pop off). Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour – you can also place in freezer. Remove and break or slice into small pieces and share!”

We’re so excited to try out this cookbook, doesn’t it sound awesome?! Prescribe Nutrition is offering ten readers a free Holiday eCookbook, TEN! The odds are ever in your favor, so here’s how to enter:

 Leave a comment telling us the Holiday treat you just can’t put down. Like, don’t leave you alone in a room with it, or the bowl, pan, bottle will be empty. (Jenna’s is Reese’s Trees, Nicole can’t say no to Peppermint Ice Cream, and Emily’s achilles heel is homemade caramels. Seriously, don’t ever give these to us.)

For extra entries, follow Prescribe Nutrition on Facebook and Instagram and leave a comment for each.

If you don’t want to risk it, they’re offering readers $5 off each book by entering “smallfry” at check-out.

We’ll announce the winners Saturday December 15th!

holiday gift guide: for the fam

You made it! The last gift guide of the season, are you relieved? Today it’s all about togetherness. Things you can do side by side, meaningful mementos, and ways to improve your life as a family.
holiday gift guide for the family1. We’re trying to play it cool about these Wanderlust City map play mats, but it’s not working. They’re so beautiful!! Perfect for floor playtime, or even as a wall hanging. Buy NYC or San Francisco here. [$84] via Shop Ellalou.]

2. A Year of Gratitude. This gorgeous box is filled with 52 thank you cards, one for each week of the year. We love this idea of continually focusing on who we’re grateful for and vocalizing it each week. You could decide your recipeients as a family, take turns, and discuss it all each week. Wouldn’t it make for the best family dinner conversation? And an absolute steal at [$30] Via Uncommon Goods. See their Gift Guide here.

3. Naturebox. Are we sounding like a broken record (this might be our third mention of them)? Naturebox’s monthly subscriptions are so helpful. With a new delicious and healthy set of snacks each month it opens our, and our kids, horizons and saves us in a pinch when we’re out and about. Sometimes it’s nice to not have to turn to the drive-thru! [19.95]

4. A blanket is the basis of so much family fun. A picnic, getting cozy on the couch, a blanket fort, peek-a-boo, a makeshift hammock, you really can’t have too many! This one’s from Target and comes in four different colors. [$19.99]

5. We think every family should have that “thing” they do together. A tradition that is just theirs. Whether it’s an old movie marathons, or karaoke, or milkshake Mondays, for instance. No time like the holidays to start a new tradition! This one works amazing, and has the perfect retro feel that makes it stay-on-the-counter-worthy. [$169] via Williams-Sonoma.

6. Cooking together is the perfect family activity, but if you can’t all be together, at least you can remember home while you’re in the kitchen! These AHeirloom State Cutting boards are so lovely, and would make a great gift for those far-away loved ones. [$48]

7. Last but not least, what is a better gift than a reminder of where you come from? These modern genealogy charts from I Chart You are not only stunning graphically, but represent generations of family all in one circle. Customizable from top to bottom and an absolute bargain at [$25]. This print would hang proudly in just about any room in your home.

The homes we grew up in seemed to always have one fun big gift for the family, we’re excited to carry that on. Do you do that as well? We’d love to hear your ideas! Any awesome family friendly gifts we missed?

Catch all our gift guides here.

 

$1 neighbor buddy gifts

kid neighbor gifts for a buck!This year we sort of fell hard for the idea of having gifts come from the boys whenever possible. To help keep them involved in the gift giving process, and hopefully remind them to think of others this season. We’ll have a few more posts talking about this goal, which is also this month’s Fiesta Movement theme of Social Activism! (Is it just too late, or is this agent pretty funny?) For today, we came up with three easy and inexpensive gifts (with printables!) that can they can gift their friends at school, neighbor friends, and whoever else strikes their fancy this month!

let it snow neighbor giftLet It Snow! Our local big box stores, like Wal-Mart or Target sell cold weather accessories for super cheap, but no one can beat the Dollar Store! Hats and gloves galore, for a buck each! Roll up a hat or put a bow on a pair of gloves and you’re all set!

holiday tic tac toe neighbor giftHoliday Tic Tac Toe! We used Dollar Store beaded garlands, all cut up as game pieces and put in a glassine bag. (Truth be told we had our hearts set on acorns, but turns out they’re harder to find then you think around here.)

new years eve neighbor giftNew Year’s Themed! If you’re like us and need a few more days than the Christmas delivery deadline allows, go for a New Year’s theme! Add a confetti popper, noisemaker, or party horn as seen here, the party horns all though festive, when given to a handful of boys at once, was regretted immediately. You’ve been warned!

kid neighbor gifts for a buck!This post is inspired by The Fiesta Movement! Their contribution to this month’s Social Activism Theme is coming up this Thursday December 12th. They are partnering with What’s Trending to host a star-studded party on YouTube from at 7 pm MST! The best part is every tweet written during that time using the #Tubeathon or #FiestaMovement, Ford will donate $1 to the Covenant House, which is a charity for homeless youth.

WHERE TO SHOP:

Hayes YPorque Gorilla Sweater and The Brand Denim Jeans.

DIY gifts for Miracle Children

Today we have a very special post dedicated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Jenna’s sweetest baby cousin Brewer was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and spent a full month in a CMN Hospital. Here’s what she recalls about that time:

“I remember thinking, here is this cosmic event in our lives, that seemed to stop time, but these nurses see this or something similarly devastating everyday! Because of this I assumed that the staff would be hardened and disconnected to Brewer’s condition. It was so the opposite. They were Brewer’s biggest cheerleaders who triumphed at every success and who shed tears along with us at his set backs. The halls of this hospital represent such a wonderful community drawn together by one purpose, which is to cure children. I truly felt angels walk those halls all the time I spent there, it’s an amazing place!”

Primary Children's

It is almost heartbreaking to share, but did you know that a million children will spend this Christmas holiday in the hospital? Every single minute, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provides $6500 in care to those children – they call them all a “Miracle Child” – totaling $4.7 billion dollars since they founded in 1983. Most of those funds were raised just one dollar at a time. We are so lucky to have a CMN Hospital locally and any funds we donate will help children right in our own community.

In honor of CMN Hospitals and the wonderful work they do, we wanted to create a DIY for those Miracle Children! Those of you who have spent time in hospitals know that there are strict rules for the types of gifts you can bring inside, like no fresh flowers, no balloons, no stuffed animals,  etc. So, we wanted to come up with an inexpensive gift, made with love, to bring to those kids. Here’s what we came up with!

You can purchase a pretty great train set at Ikea for about $10, and then with a little trimming and craft foam you can make it extra special. Grabbing some mini trees, plastic animals, and these foam skylines and they can create a whole city scape!

handmade holiday gifts that are hospital approved

For the doll-lovers, we whipped up a foam “paper doll” set. Using a paper doll template, (this one is great) cut out your basic doll. Then add pieces of clothing, shoes, accessories and hair styles! We used a roll of double sided tape to hold the pieces on while playing.

handmade holiday gifts that are hospital approved

This post is brought to you by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We’ll be back later this month with an update on a special project we collaborated on for our local CMN Hospital, in the meantime if you have any room in your holiday budget, donate $5 and give a miracle to a child in the hospital this Christmas! CMNH Logo

Holiday Felt-aments DIY

We’ve been loving these Maypole felt balls as a base to making minimalist decor for the holidays! We last used them for Halloween, here, and came up with a couple more to decorate the tree with!

First, tiny wreath ornaments!

diy felt ornaments

Here’s what you’ll do:

Thread a needle (the larger and thicker, the easier to go through the felt.) Then pull the needle through the center of each ball, we used six per ornament, finally connecting them and tying a knot on the other side. Grab a package of ornament hooks to hang them onto your tree, and you’re done! Easy enough.

felt ball christmas ornament wreaths

For the snowman:

felt ball snowmen christmas ornament

You could use the above threading technique or hot glue to secure three white felt balls on top of one another. If you’re threading, you can pull a loop through the top to hang, or if you glue, stick a ornament hook through the top. To give him the perfect snowman scarf we simply added a baker’s twine!

felt ball snowman christmas ornament

We like the threading technique because you can easily cut it and reuse the felt balls for a different project after the holidays. (Glue is definitely easier though.)

lilapops

‘Tis the season for cold and flu, unfortunately. If you’ve followed this blog for awhile you know we like to do a mixture of traditional medicine and and natural and holistic when it comes to our health. When the kids are ill, sometimes it’s that helpless feeling that’s the worst part. We wish we could take it all away! Sometimes those extra things we can do to make them comfortable and to soothe, offer the most peace of mind. Leslie Burket, the founder, CEO and creator feels the same a way and created Lilapops to help soothe and treat her kids’ coughs naturally!

Lilapops | Small Fry

 

So what is in a Lilapop? First here’s what is not: dyes, artificial flavors, gluten or dairy. What is in them, the money ingredient, is Marshmallow Root. Not the squishy white stuff, but the natural root. It reduces swelling in the mucus membranes and respiratory tract, soothing that cough the natural way! And we’re certain you’re wondering, so let us assure you, they taste like candy! Our kids have loved them, and we’ve loved having another thing to offer them when they aren’t feeling so hot.

Lilapops | Small Fry

Buy Lilapops online here, or check out where you can find them in a store near you!

cinch giveaway!

 

Today’s giveaway is sponsored by the new app for easing the stress of the holidays – Cinch. It’s almost like having your very own personal advisor who can share their wisdom with you – exactly when you need it the most.
Cinch by Klout is a free and easy way to get trusted advice from experts for just about all of your home and lifestyle questions. In a nutshell, Cinch extends your
trusted network beyond your friends by allowing you to directly tap into the people who know each area best.
Whether you’re seeking insight on the ideal present for your significant other, you’re in need of holiday décor inspiration, or are even wondering what the best kitchen gadget is to whip up your upcoming holiday feast — Cinch connects you to people with great advice to make every decision easier. Just tap in your question related to the holidays or beyond, and Cinch will connect you to the people with the most relevant advice!
 
Today, we’re teaming up with 34 awesome bloggers to bring to you a $2,000 Fall Style Giveaway! Cinch is giving 4 winners a $500 VISA giftcard each!
Perfect just in time for the holidays!
 
To enter the giveaway, download the Cinch app and sign in with your Facebook account.  Then enter the easy to follow steps below on the rafflecopter.  The more entires you complete, the closer you are to winning part of the $2,000 Fall Style Giveaway.  Giveaway ends Friday, December 13th at 11:59PM MST and is open to US Residents.  Good Luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Verification of Cinch Download required to win the Giveaway.
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holiday gift guide: stocking stuffers

Only two more gift guides to go and today’s is all about the stocking! Perfect for tiny gifts and treats and a great way to stave off the troops a couple more hours when they come a-knocking before sunrise. Here’s our favorites!
holiday gift guide: stocking stuffers

1. We’re all about stockpiling toys for indoor Winter playtime. This wood handled fox jumprope is perfect for it, being that it is actually rope, and won’t damage your floors like the plastic can! [$17] Seedling brand Via Giggle.

2. Jack and Jill all-natural toothpaste is amazing! Made in Melbourne, Australia for the last 60+ years, it is fluoride, preservative, artificial coloring free! Not to mention darling packaging and yummy flavors that are okay if ingested. [$6.99]

3. Would it really be Christmas without the gift of socks? It’s funny how it’s become such a cliche, but without our yearly sock re-stocking, where would we all be? Sockless, we’re sure. Polarn O Pyret makes our favorites. Stripes now and forever, amen. [$11.50/pack]
4. Add these Hexagon crayons from Pkolino to that indoor play pile! We love their jumbo size and you can’t beat the price. [$2.99]
5. A darling take on the winter necessity: gloves! We love JCrew’s description “perfect for the shy guy” we’ve got a couple of those over here! [$29.50]
6.  We love these sweet bird whistles from Kid O. Fun to play with or sitting up on the shelf once you’re all whistled out. [$3.00]
7. Did your parents put oranges in the toes of your stockings growing up? We’ve got two updated ideas to keep your tradition alive. First, the fruit cutting set from Kid O
8. And second, EOS’ Tangerine Medicated lip balm ! When the harsh weather and dry heated air start coming on, everyone needs a little extra lip coverage. We swear by EOS’! [$3.29]
9. Twig’s “Pixie” wooden cameras are gorgeous! Such a fun addition to any nursery decor and wonderful for imaginative play (remember this post?) [$40]
10. CubeBots are such a cool take on the toy robot toy. Suspended by elastic and made of wood, they have a mobility unlike most plastic toys. Design Public has every color under the sun! [$18]
11. You’ll hear more about LilaPops tomorrow, but to sum it up, they are all natural cough drops that kids might just confuse for candy. A must-have for the Winter season! [$8.99]
 12. This Cargo Plane Balancer is great for develping precision and balancing skills. Keep it even or it may tip! [$29.99]
Do you have any items that make it into your stockings each year? See the rest of this year’s gift guides here. For Pop, Mum, Lil’ Sis, and more!

Christmas at Grand America

This past weekend we had the pleasure of staying at Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel and attending their Christmastime tradition of Breakfast with Santa with our families! You don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy all the Grand has to offer, which we loved. If you’re local or planning on traveling nearby for the Holidays, here’s a quick summary of what you can look forward to!

Christmas at Grand America

The Grand America is the only AAA rated 5 Star hotel in the city, and with a pedigree of that rank, we weren’t sure how it would be with our… energetic… boys in tow.

Christmas at Grand America

When we checked in, we were amazed to find cribs waiting (for those who still use them!) and when left for dinner and returned for bedtime, we each had a bedtime story “Maurice on Holiday”, plate of warm cookies and milk on ice to share.

Christmas at Grand America

We also felt right about home on this particular weekend because families are everywhere you turn! Touring the Holiday window displays, peeking at the giant Victorian Gingerbread House shopping the flawless Jou Jou Hotel Toy Store, listening to the live Jazz band and sipping cocoa (get the Coconut Almond!) in the lounge. There is a feeling of festivity in the air that you can almost taste!

Christmas at Grand America

Each of the Grand’s many display windows have been transformed into Winter scenes, they have am “Eye Spy” scavenger hunt card that the boys loved walking from window to window checking things off their list.

Christmas at Grand AmericaThen on Saturday morning we surprised them with the breakfast of a lifetime! While they got to pick from chocolate chip pancakes, brioche french toast, an omelette bar, fresh fruit, every kind of smoothie and parfait, we had butterflies knowing any moment Santa would walk in!
Christmas at Grand America

Santa and Mrs. Clause came in ringing their bells and leading all the attendees in a Christmas song, our boys were stunned and so excited! Then The Clauses came and sat down by each table, talking to every kid and taking pictures. After the breakfast they had a special photo-op and we know for certain… that beard is real! It was such a special weekend and we’re so glad we were able to share it with our families! It’s definitely a new tradition around here!

For those of you who are local, next time you tour the Grand America Holiday windows, you might find yourself with a free stay! All you need to do is take a picture and put it on Instagram or Twitter with the #GrandWindows hash tag to enter!

Here’s a detailed list of their Holiday Attractions this month.

nena & co. giveaway! [closed]

Congratulations to Kimberly for winning this giveaway!

A few weeks ago we had sponsor Alejandra from Nena & Co. over so she could show us her line of repurposed leather bags and share her love story for Guatemala. These experiences are such a blessing for us because we learn so much, it opens our world view, and we create new relationships we might never of have the chance to. We interviewed Ale and here’s what she had to say about how she has bridged her roots and heritage with her modern-day fashion-forward business.

Nena & Co bags from Guatemala

1. Tell us about Guatemala!
“For me, Guatemala is completely magical. If you know someone from there they will tell you that the fruit is the sweetest, the people are the nicest and color are the brightest you’ve ever seen and frankly, they are right. I’m for sure one of those people. (Ed. Note: Nicole spent a Summer in Guatemala and nodded along at how amazing it is!) When I’m there I’m ready to eat, laugh with my family and soak in as much as I can. Usually when I go to Guatemala it is to visit family and lately to do genealogy with my mom. But now I focus a lot of my time on working with artists on product development. It is important to me to know who is putting that final brand on Nena & Co. products, or the women I buy my materials from. My career experience is probably like anyone else but I would say what brought me to this point is working and watching my parents have an idea and turn it into a profitable business. My own mother was born and raised in Guatemala, came to the US as a newly-wed and lives the American dream with the opportunities this country provides for Entrepreneurs. Together with my dad I’ve seen them run successful business from designing and manufacturing pinatas in Mexico, to designing diecuts for scrap booking to exponentially growing their accounting firms. I think that’s were I get my inspiration and creativity. Most of my “real” jobs have kept me stagnate and from doing things I really want to do.”

2. How has using locals in Guatemala for product creation shaped your business?
“When I started Nena & Co. I just thought, I love working with the talented people in Guatemala and I love bringing them to people that otherwise might not ever enjoy the textiles from Guate. After a few month of Nena & Co. up and running I decided I needed to work on more product development plus we had raised enough money to take bring down a couple water filtration systems. When I reached the design studio, the Doña (or the female head of the household) pulled me aside to tell me Nena & Co. has been a blessing in their life and all the people they have had to hire. Their house had been burnt down and lost everything just a few month before I contacted them to work together. She proceded to tell me that they weren’t sure what they were going to do and then…Nena & Co. placed its first order. I looked around the room and realized, all these people work to make Nena & Co. products. All the sudden Nena & Co. wasn’t just a fun idea…it was people. I didn’t realize what a difference starting a small business could make.”

Nena & Co bags from Guatemala

3. You’re using textiles that are made with centuries old looming techniques and patterns, how have you brought those into the 21st Century and made them such a hot item for our most fashionable friends?

“I like to describe my design process like this: raised by a Guatemalan mother and an American father gives me a love for the bright colors and intricate designs of age old traditions and textiles in Guatemala and the American side lends me a love for style, fashion and innovation. I don’t want people to buy my product just because its for a good cause. I want them to love what they see and be even happier that they are helping someone less fortunate in a different part of the world. For me to go first hand and know every process of the design and production of my product gives me more drive and passion for these women and what we all do to make ends meet. It makes it more real.”

4. Tell us more about the actual bags, what are some cool features to look for?
“Yes! Aside from my earlier designs, Nena & Co, products will either have red or purple lining, the Nena & Co. logo and the bags will specificaly have a tassel on the back zipper and three pockets with a unique front pocket where we take the neckline of the Huipil (or the maya women shirt) and transform it into a front pocket on most of the bags. I like to do this cause its a great feature for mothers for their bottles or sippy cups but also its a way of preserving the Huipils original form. I’m also really excited to have just release Nena & Co.’s exlcusie accessory line which includes camera straps, Turbans and cosmetic bags all of which are priced under $100. The crossbody tote is also a Nena & Co. exclusive design. Meaning you would not be able to go to the market in Central America and find them there.”

We are such huge fans of Alejandra and the love she puts into each piece was more than evident as we spoke. Tears were shed, hugs were exchanged and we were immediately recruited to Team Nena & Co.! She is giving away a day bag valued at $200 to one lucky winner! We weren’t kidding when we said our most fashionable friends are rocking Nena and Co! Check out these babe moms, Sydney, Cara and Dani!

Nena & Co bags from Guatemala
Here’s how to enter!

Follow Nena & Co. on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest and leave a comment below for each!

For extra entries follow Small Fry on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, too!

Entries are open until Sunday December 8th at 11:59 MST, good luck!

holiday beignets

holiday beignetsToday we have an awesome holiday recipe from Melissa over at So Festive!

“Hello there! My name is Melissa, but you can call me Mel. I blog over at So Festive!, a collection of all things festive for holidays, parties, and life. I’m a big fan of traditions and today I’m going to share one of my favorite holiday traditions with you.

Have you ever heard of beignets (pronounced “bin-yays”)? If you haven’t, don’t worry because most people haven’t. My parents discovered these delicious french doughnuts at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans years ago. They fell in love with them and decided to make them for us every Christmas morning.

Today I’m going to show you how fun they can be to make with your kids. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Here’s what you’ll need: Beignet mix (can be purchased online , at World Market for $4 per box, or try the from-scratch recipe here) mixing bowl, water, rolling pin, holiday cookie cutters, paper bags, oil for frying and powdered sugar.Beignets | Small Fry

2. Combine 2 cups of mix and 7 oz of water in a mixing a bowl (for each batch). Stir until it is a soft, pliable dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more mix. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. You can’t mess it up!Beignets | Small Fry

3. Put the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to 1/8th inch thickness. Use holiday cookie cutters to cut the dough.Beignets | Small Fry

4. Put each beignet in hot oil and fry until each side is golden brown.

Beignets | Small Fry

5. Let the beignets drain on a paper towel.

Beignets | Small Fry

6. Put them in a paper bag with a few cups of powdered sugar and let the kids shake, shake, shake!Beignets | Small Fry

7. Last, eat! Don’t be afraid of the mess. They are just kids and you will make a memory–a festive one at that!”Beignets | Small Fry

Doesn’t that seem so easy and doable? And with so many steps the kids will love. We’re excited to try this one out!

For even more festive holiday ideas, follow So Festive on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
•••

We hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving! We have so much we want to share this upcoming month we decided to postpone our typical Fryday posts until the New Year so we can cover it all! If you need a consolation, we have a pretty killer Instagram giveaway going on this morning! Hint: #blackFRYday. Happy weekend, everyone!

happy thanksgiving!

It’s finally here! The most anticipated meal of the year. We are all hardcore traditionalists when it comes to Thanksgiving, yet we each celebrate very differently. For Nicole’s family it’s Sunday best, formal china, and a kid’s table. For Emily, each person contributes a dish, but the meal is comprised of recipes from her Great Grandmother and to stray from them is strictly prohibited. For Jenna her mom makes the meal with the help of her kids at her sides and it’s the one day a year her dad doesn’t wear a suit and tie. Football is on the TV and played in the yard. One thing each of our days will share is family at every turn, and a good long nap. We are supremely grateful for each of them, our health and safety and for you as well. So from our boys to you:

thanks

Thank you for reading Small Fry and we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

WHERE TO SHOP:

The boys are decked out in Fall favorites from Shop Belle! Shop Belle has graciously offered 15% off until December 5th, simply enter “SMALLFRY15″ at checkout!

Dash is in the Anchor Chain Tee 

Hayes is in the now sold-out brown flannel, but blue is still in stock!

Quinn is in the Striped Cardigan

Also, we can’t stop drooling over their incredible holiday party dress collection for girls! This cape!

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