Indiscriminate Thoughts for the Day

Some random things to share:

+ I read this via @NYTimes Twitter yesterday: "An unpublished Tennessee Williams story about campus lust will soon be published http://nyti.ms/1gyM22F "  Yes, please!  I have been kind of obsessed with Tennessee Williams, namely A Glass Menagerie , since seeing friends perform it at my middle school. This is exciting news.

+ Saw this in my Facebook feed this morning:

"This is Aaron- father to the magical Elvie, husband to @Jessica Bornick and fiercely loyal and fun loving friend to all. Aaron will soon begin treatment for a recently diagnosed brain tumor. In order to raise funds and help offset medical bills we are adding a new special to our menu. Please join us every Wednesday for Aaron's Lunchbox: Mean Bean Burrito (yum!), chips, salsa, a donut (of course!) and special treats. Each week the items will change and we will be bringing on friends to help us curate this box of fun! All proceeds will go directly to the family, so come show your support and eat your heart out for one of Columbia's biggest sweethearts."

Aaron used to teach at my child's daycare, and his wife Jessica is behind the awesome children's line Owlette, which I have blogged about before.  Please support this family if you're in Columbia, and order Aaron's Lunchbox at El Burrito on Wednesdays.

+ I'm a huge proponent of raising the minimum wage in our country, as I see the human side of the issue daily.  I work with adults who are working--many times full-time--yet can't make ends meet to support their families because they make a miserably-insufficient minimum wage.  I fully admit that I am not an economist, and therefore don't understand that side of the debate, but I've been trying to educate myself a bit from that perspective.  This article/research makes some great points, taking into account the economics of it all: How to Reduce Poverty and Save Taxpayers $4.6 Billion a Year.  This makes quite a statement too: 600 Economists Sign Letter in Support of $10.10 Minimum Wage.

+ My Birdie will be 1 in a week, and her flower-themed party is scheduled for next weekend.  I have been "pinning" inspiration on my Birthday Party Ideas Pinterest board.  I am enamored with this cake, and plan to undertake something similar:

via here

I've also asked a local friend of mine to create a succulents centerpiece for the event; I can't wait to see what Succulent Columbia creates!

Planning my children's birthdays is kind of a hobby of mine, so I'll share how Birdie's 1st turns out.  I shared Jones' 3rd birthday party--marching band themed--on my Fig Columbia blog.

+ And last, but certainly not least, today is Bee Day 2014 in SC! Advocates for comprehensive sex ed reform in SC public schools are talking to legislators at the state house today.  If you want to be counted among the thousands of South Carolinians who believe the best way to address many of our state's problems is through age-appropriate, medically accurate health education and access to comprehensive reproductive health services, then add your name to the Reproductive Bill of Rights on the Tell Them site. 

Happy Wednesday.

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Local Gift Guide for that Precocious Toddler

 Clockwise, from the top:

1. This modern, unique, and eco-friendly belt made from recycled fire hose has already made its way from KD's Treehouse under my tree this year.  Jones will be getting the purple; they also have them in red, green, & blue.  The manufacturer, Gallo en Fuego, donates a portion of the proceeds from sales to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation! 

2. A membership to EdVenture Children's Museum is like a present for kids and parents.  There is always something new to see, and it is incredibly refreshing to take your toddler to a place where they are actually expected to run around, make noise, and touch everything! (The picture is of Jones playing in the ship at EdVenture a year or so ago).

3. How about this amazing handmade corduroy vest from Owlette.  I mean, this vest is over-the-top adorable, right?  She makes them in a variety of sizes.

4. Or, for the toddler girl, this precious handmade skirt, also by Owlette. Hounds tooth and corduroy...I kinda want this in my size.

5. I am obsessed with Charley Harper, and the Columbia Museum of Art Museum Shop indulges me at every turn.  This colorful puzzle-of-art would be an awesome one to Mod Podge and frame for a child's bedroom after it's completed, (if one were so craftily-inclined).

6. And a puzzle-of-art to beat all others, check out this handcrafted wooden dinosaur puzzle!  This thing is large and beautiful and perfect for a toddler or young child, (or child-at-heart-husband).  There are multiple dinos to choose from, and they're available locally at Nest, the new maker's market inside the Marriott downtown, selling only SC-made goods.  Handcrafted in the Midlands by Chris Salmon of Knifefish.

In addition to a few of these items, Jones will also be receiving a gift certificate to Columbia Children's Theatre.  He loves a performance, and I am all about giving experiences instead of things when possible!

Shop local, shop handmade!

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A Local Gift Guide for the Bouncing Babies in Your Life

Clockwise from the top:

1. A Hape Little Drummer drum is the perfect gift for a baby who likes to bang on things--channel that energy musically!  Available locally at KD's Treehouse.

2. Columbia is lucky to have so many creative-types selling handmade and often one of a kind items, and I would be remiss to leave Nana by Sally off of such a list.  These adorable bibs are available on her website, at Soda City Market most Saturdays, or at KD's Treehouse.  (I also recently spotted some of her beautiful bags at Mast General Store on Main Street).

3. And speaking of handmade, this unique bonnet with little ears by Columbia-local Owlette is on my wishlist for baby Birdie.

4. Columbia husband-wife duo, jellykoe, creates amazing "Wonky Dolls" and handmade plushes, perfect for that discerning and local-supporting little lad or lass. 

Stay tuned for more local gift guides that will be coming on the blog!
Buy local (and handmade) this holiday season!

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