Crush and Covet: Colouring Books, Bags & Beauty Subscriptions

This is part two of Crush and Covet’s little Mother’s Day nudge. We’re here to help. There’s so much to love this week: revisiting a favourite childhood activity, fashionable accessories that do good, and a monthly delivery service to keep us looking like we get more than 2.5 hours of sleep every night.

Karen Humphrey : “When I was a child, there were two things that I loved so much they both consumed all of my free time; colouring and reading. In the car, on the way home from school, every recess and lunch there was either a book in my hands to read or colour, depending on my mood. So it’s no surprise that when I discovered Johanna Basford’s colouring books for adults I was all over it.  Ms Basford’s first book Secret Garden, was a runaway bestseller, selling 1 million copies worldwide. There’s no doubt adults have a passion for colouring too! On her site, you are invited to “Tumble down the rabbit hole and find yourself in my inky black and white Wonderland.” Rich, intricate black and white illustrations invite you to pick up coloured pencils and get started. It’s almost impossible to say no.  At least, for me it’s impossible. I haven’t been able to put my copy of Enchanted Forest down.”

Robin Edwards: “I am a big fan of TOMS One for One® business philosophy of giving back. Everyone is familiar with their shoes, where each pair purchased gives a pair back to someone in need. TOMS has just launched their Bag Collection, in dozens of gorgeous yet practical styles, all of which work to benefit saving lives. For each bag purchased, TOMS gives in kind a birth kit which contains all the necessary tools to help provide a clean, safe delivery for a mother and newborn. A network of TOMS Giving Partners also work towards education and training for birth attendants in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti and India. Over half a million lives are lost each year due to unsafe birthing conditions, and TOMS is working to help lessen that number.” 

Kelli Catana: “I’ve been a Birchbox subscriber for 4 months now and I am totally crushing on it. Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription that sends you 5 full size beauty samples to your door monthly tailored to your preferences. There’s nothing better than when my Birchbox arrives filled with a sampling of fun and exciting new products to try. Plus, if you find a product you love, Birchbox also offers a full service e-commerce site to order from. Truth be told I just love to receive a surprise for the low price of just $10 a month. If you’re stuck for a Mother’s Day gift idea Birchbox also offers gift subscriptions as well.”

Laureen Farnam: “I don’t carry a purse. (I know. I know.) They’re just not practical and well, I am. I have two kids and frankly, I’d rather impress the kids with my ability to conjure everything they need from a backpack when we’re on an epic playdate at the park, than my fashion forward friends with a handbag. BUT this Handbag of Holding is my kind of purse! I mean look at it! Clearly ThinkGeek has thought this through for people like me. There are 15 different pockets! It’s roomy enough to hold everything I’d normally carry in my backpack, including my favourite reusable water bottle. It can be worn cross-body, slung over one shoulder, or carried by the handles. This is an excellent example of form following function. All that, and then to top it all off it is lined in “… the lavender hue of a newly hatched amethyst dragon”. It can’t get more perfect.”

Katja Wulfers: “Do I really need to explain why I love these bangles from the KnotworkShop on Etsy? At a glance they’re delicate bangles, but take a closer look and the attitude comes out. The time came — quite a few years ago — when I stopped apologizing or justifying my decisions to anyone. Being a grown up means being comfortable in our own skin and willing (and able) to own who we are and wear whatever we please. These please me.”

Image source: TOMS, Johanna Basford, Birchbox, ThinkGeek, Etsy.