Home Love: 10 Staples from IKEA That Don't Totally Suck

Friends!

I've missed you guys! I missed this space! I took some time over the madness that is the holiday season to spend time with friends and family and honestly, I don't want this blog to be a chore for me. It would take all the fun out of it, ya know? When I'm inspired, I write. When I'm knee deep in the insanity of toddler-momhood, sometimes I don't. When I started this blog, I totally had the expectation that I was going to write every day; at least 3 times a week. God has a cool way of leveling my expectations...annnnnnd here we are:)

That being said, I had an "inspiration" moment the other day! I went over to my friend Rachelle's house, and she has this awesome IKEA console/entertainment center. So I went home and basically lived on the IKEA website for three hours looking for pieces that won't make your house look like your college apartment/standard frathouse. I'VE NARROWED IT DOWN TO TEN. Anyone who knows the plethora of options that is IKEA knows that this is a true miracle, and that I deserve treatz. 

My criteria:

1. Moderately well made/looks like a quality product. Meaning the particle board isn't obvious from across the room. This is IKEA people, pretty much nothing is top notch quality, but you're broke so beggars can't be choosers right? Right.

2. Isn't a LACK table (see: college apartment/frathouse). No shame, we've all done it. 

3. Pricepoint: not a LACK table, not a west elm Parson's desk, though the majority are closer to a LACK price point. 

*sidenote: Pretty sure I could get sued for the amount of times I have referenced and bashed that table.

Okay, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that these pieces are going to look best when they are layered in among items with character. Things that are special to you personally (think trinkets, family heirlooms, flea market finds, etc). If your entire house is IKEA, you will be able to tell. You gotta decorate with IKEA like you would decorate yourself. The best outfits utilize a relatively close "high:low"pricepoint ratio. Do the same thing with your house.
Now that we've talked about some ground rules... Here's my favorite IKEA items!

        

1. mirror

2. rug

3. throw pillow

4. couch

5. wall shelf

6. pendant lamps

7. side table/plant stand

8. plant home

9. coffee table

10. open shelving

XO,

Maddi 

Disneyland 2015

Friends!

So. We visited the "happiest place on Earth"! The Pea's verdict: ambivalent, except for the characters.

We went with Lucas' mom, dad, and grandma, which was so fun! Gavin got precisely 3 tons of love that weekend.

The first day we were there, we took him on a few rides which he was definitely interested in, but as usual he mostly remained observant. Not a whole lot of excitement, just wide eyes. He keeps his cards close to the chest, that one.

 However, we did take him on the Finding Nemo ride- which, of course, out of all of the rides with pleeeenty of elbow room and air to breathe and with absolutely no room for claustrophobia-induced panic, he LOVED. I have to just say: This thing was a death trap. It's this teeny tiny submarine that you cram into with like 20 other people (and you all share each others air, die). Everyone is sitting on each other's laps. And then it goes under the water. I realize this isn't an earth shattering concept a lá the entire contraption that is a submarine, however the terror is a little more palpable when I'm sharing your air, okay? So we're all sharing each others air (did I mention we're sharing each other's air?), and then the ride seemed to languidly drag on for approximately 83 years. The whole time Gavin is squealing, and pointing, and touching the poor girl sitting with her boyfriend next to Lucas, who basically looks like she's going to cry and then die right there due to all of the NO AIR. So. That was the ride Gavin enjoyed the most. Extremely fitting, I must say.

But the thing Gavin loved the most while we were at Disneyland happened on the second day of our trip. He discovered the characters. And he thought they. were. amazing. As evidenced by the joy on his face in these pictures. His happiness and excitement in that moment made the entire trip worth it. He ran right up to them and gave them hugs and kisses! He didn't want to leave. He met Tigger, Eeyore, and Winnie the Pooh.

Other highlights of the trip for the Pea included eating. Dole whips at the Tiki Room with Pops. Beignets with Nana at the Mint Julep Bar. French fries. Churros- everywhere, but especially with his GG on her sweet ride. She taught him how to honk the horn, too! 

Negatives included: No naps for an extraordinarily active 15 month old. It's kind of terrifying how much adrenaline this small guy gets from having no naps. He's like a really demanding psychopath. That hits. And yells. But is simultaneously very emotionally expressive.

So Disneyland with a 15 month old was Disneyland with a 15 month old- and it was awesome! We didn't have the typical Disneyland experience that someone with kids over 5 might have, but it was really fun in a completely different way. We got to see Gavin have a brand new experience! 

A lot of people had advice for me when it came to taking a little person to Disneyland. But honestly, I can't even think of any good advice to pass on! Every family will have their own unique trip. And isn't that the beauty and the fun and the genius of Disneyland? Every family has their own relationship to it; their own rituals; their own favorites. The magic of "the happiest place on Earth" is as far-reaching and impactful as it is for just as many individual reasons. As Lucas and I were walking down Main Street, we were a little bit in awe of being there; full of gratitude for creating our first memories with our little tri-pod family, but also to be creating new memories within the context of what the magic of Disneyland uniquely means to his family. 

The one piece of advice I got that I can say applies to everyone is this: Memories from Disneyland last a lifetime. What a blessing to be a part of them!

XO,

Maddi, Lucas, and The Pea

What I Want To Remember From This Season Of Life

Hi friends!

This morning I wanted to share the things that I want to look back and remember during the current season of life we're in as a family, and I am in as an individual, accompanied by our interesting lot of pictures we took at the pumpkin patch (and one from Halloween this year!).

A note on that: This series of pictures is so absolutely metaphorical for my life. EVERYONE WANTS TO GET CUTE PICTURES OF THEIR KID AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH. If you say you don't, you're a liar! I am a special breed of crazy that wants these pictures to be perfect. If a perfectly timed leaf could fall from the sky in the middle of the shot I would die a happy woman. Alas, God finds humor in my pursuit for perfection. And you know what? Not a dang picture turned out even close to perfect. God-156,875,307. Maddi-0. And I am totally okay with it- alright, I'm mostly okay with it.

This season feels really hectic for us, often. Lucas and I are both working a lot, and sometimes it seems like every hour of our day is itemized. The monotony of doing the same thing every single day for forever seems endless and I wonder how much I'm missing my son grow up.  I miss spending time with my son and my family, I'm tired of this baby weight still hanging around and not having the time to exercise because that would mean missing out on the sleep I already don't have, I miss spending time with friends, and I really miss sitting. Just sitting. These things sound so small, but they have such an emotional impact on me. 

SO. I want to take the time to remember the great, awesome, beautiful things going on right now. Because they are all worthy of thankfulness.

Accompanied by these awkward pictures. Enjoy!

 

1. I want to remember how awesome it is that I have a job that I love and is in line with what makes my heart happy that, as an added bonus, helps me provide for my family.

 

2. I want to remember that this baby chub is hanging around because instead of working out, I played with my son, or I took care of my body with sleep, other kinds of self care, or rare fellowship.

3. Speaking of baby chub- I made a baby! And look how cute he is! He's a derp just like me! My chub is a sign of my great derp-making abilities!

 

4. I want to remember the funny laugh that Gavin does when you tickle him- he tucks his chin to his chest and makes this creepy giggle like he is trying with all his might to stop himself from laughing but he.just.can't.

 

5. I want to remember how happy it makes me to hear him wake up in the morning at 6 am, because I know that he's going to come cuddle and giggle and play in our bed with us.

6. I want to remember our first little home together as a family, and how we've made it our own. I want to remember how awesome it is that we have a roof over our heads, food, running water, electricity, and all of these extras that I am not ignorant enough to think are standard in this country.

7. I want to remember how excited Gavin was to pet the horses at the stables on Halloween!

 

8. Most importantly, I want to remember this season of our life as the season that God began to change our hearts and grow in us new understanding, love, and patience for each other, and for our crazy everyday.

 

XO,

Maddi & The Pea

 

 

succiko

Hi friends! Lemme just say-it has been so nice to have a lazy Sunday. We went to the farmers market, and the Pea ate a bunch of peaches and strawberries. Besides that we've just sat. And sat. And sat some more. I have been so busy the last few weeks. Thanks for not forgetting about me and continuing to read!

I am so excited to bring this interview to you today. I met Darya and Paolo a few weeks ago after my sweet momma-in-law bought me a get-well succulent after my surgery last month. This posed a problem: I kill all the plants. All of them. This is not an exaggeration. Compounding the problem is that I actually LOVE succulents. Like, a lot. I love them so much that I drown them. My love is too much for them to bear, I suppose. So I found myself in a "Succulent Care" class at the Castro Valley library-it was a game changer. I am happy to report that my plants are still alive and thriving-A WHOLE MONTH LATER. I know, right? So I had to learn more about these succulent wisperers. And so I bring you...succiko! A beautifully curated little shop on Center Street in Castro Valley, Darya and Paolo have created an environment in succiko that fosters creativity, sustainability, and good green vibes.

Get ready to have your black thumb turned into a green one!

     Hi Darya and Paolo! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me about your business. Would you guys like to introduce yourselves (and your pup!) to the readers? Bonus points if you add in one random, unique fact about your spouse!

Hey there, we’re Castro Valley’s fairly new plant boutique and (hopefully) soon-to-be coffee bar succiko.  For the curious (surely you must be), the company name is pronounced “sah-chee-koh”.  Anyway, there’ll be more on the company in the next question.  In the meantime, get to know about the personalities behind the shop @ Center.

Foremost, an unconventional company name cannot be without its eccentrically named founders: husband-wife team, Paolo and Dasha, along with their beloved beast of fluff and frustration* friendship Lohpi.

Paolo’s name was born out of his mom’s best friend’s fascination for Italian culture.  He is not at all of Italian descent.  His obsessions include plants (lately it has been succulents and bamboo), Ingress, and coming up with new projects for the shop.

Dasha, also formally known as Darya, is so-named because she actually is Russian.  For her mom, the choice of names was either Darya or Zhanna.  We’d say Dasha looks more like a “Darya” anyway.  Her fascinations are coffee, florals, and designing spaces.

Lohpi, on the other hand, was a name created that personifies this ball of fluff.  Inspired by the Norse god “Loki”, we named this puppy “Lohpi” after we woke up to him curled up by a pillow… and he looked almost like said pillow.  Say pillow several times and the sounds blend together to yield “Lohpi”.

*Note: Lohpi is the puppy of friendship and frustration because he’s made us many friends by being such an excellent conversation starter.  Albeit, the frustration comes from him greeting too loudly with his barking to the point that some people get startled or fear him altogether.

    So I know you probably get this question all the time, but I love the idea behind it! Can you give us a breakdown on the double-meaning of ‘succiko’?

Right, so what is a succiko anyway?  The naming of succiko is essentially a portmanteau of Paolo’s loves: succulents/cacti, kombucha, Japanese culture, and much to Darya’s relief, nothing to do with a girl named Sachiko (save for the actual name itself).  Sachiko means “happy child” in Japanese and the only reason that Paolo knew that was because he used to teach himself Japanese by watching Japanese soaps during his teens.

Did you both grow up with a love for plants? And more importantly-is the green thumb genetic?! Because my mom has some ‘splainin to do.

While we don’t necessarily recall either one of us growing up as a gardening prodigy, nature has, somehow, always been what bound us together as a couple.  Our dates to the beach or hiking trails have given us the fondest of memories and visiting nurseries and gardens was our favorite pastime.

As with all things worthwhile, investing time in perfecting a craft is imperative.  We disagree with the notion that being a green thumb has to do with genetics.  Rather, raising plants is a cultivated skill acquired by mastery of appreciating every moment.  It takes a certain finesse to be attentive to a plant while allowing it come into its own beauty.  So, no.  Mom is off the hook.

    Ha! She will appreciate that! Okay, so tell us about how succiko, the shop, came to be!

succiko is beauty out of the not-so-pretty.  It was the decision to be surrounded all day with plants over papers. (Read on for a bit more on this).

    What is the best part of being a small business owner, and the worst part, that might not typically come to mind?

Best part: knowing that every bit of work we do goes towards creating what we’re proud to stand behind.

Worst part: the stuff not related to plants.

   Your business specializes in succulents/air plants. Is there a specific reason for that?

They’re sustainable and constantly beautiful. The only other specific reason would have to be that they’re tried and tested before we set up shop.  Paolo had amassed a massive collection of these plants, and sad to say, has also learned the hard way (they died) from a good number of them.  Fun fact: part of the reason we created the retail store was when Darya’s dad joked around saying that our pre-shop collection was enough to start a shop.

 I know there are a couple new projects in the works at your shop this year! What can you tell me about plantParcel?
Essentially, plantParcel is a subscription box service where subscribers pay a flat-rate to receive a nifty package of plants and other plant-based trinkets.  We aim that a “typical” box would be non-existent in that each one should be a pleasant surprise.  Anyway, plantParcel is an idea we’re still trying to hash out mostly due to logistical matters.

You’re also working on Planting Futures- can you tell us about that and where the idea for Planting Futures came from?

The Planting Futures Initiative is an effort to fulfill our philanthropic mission to help the youth.  Education is, by large, the most underappreciated part of our society.  We’re hoping to change that by bringing more plants as teaching aids into schools.  In its early stage, the initiative works by having guests that visit the shop purchase plants for a school that they designate.  The succiko Team then pools the plants for pickup by/delivery to our respective school contacts on a monthly basis.  The next phase of the initiative would be to have succiko match donations.  The ideal end goal would be to have sustainable gardens for every school in our community that can be enjoyed and learned from by generations.

  What is a ‘succiko Social’ and what happens there?

‘Socials’ are our way of saying “workshops”.  Guests who follow us on social media/our newsletter are invited to join us in these monthly events to create a nifty composition while enjoying refreshments and the company of other planthusiasts in the community.

Okay- I have to ask a couple questions about succulents for the greater purpose that mine may live to see another day. ONCE AND FOR ALL: How do I keep my succulents from dying? How much water/sunlight do they need, and does that depend on the season or any other specifics?

Succulents thrive on gentle neglect.  Allow your plant friend to do what it’s used to doing –living without needing much– while intervening only when necessary.  We always say that succulents are more of a “sit back and enjoy” kind of plant.  Besides, plant rearing should be a stress-free and relaxing experience.

Just make sure that they get bright, natural light as much as possible.  Direct sun becomes more mandatory the bigger a succulent gets.  Once you have your plant friend in the right place, do an in-depth check on it every two weeks or so for drastic changes to foliage and soil moisture.

   Your shop also has lots of air plants hangin’ around! What is an air plant? What does their care and maintenance entail?

Airplants are epiphytic bromeliads.  “Wait wut?” you say?  Epiphytes are plants that grow on/outside of a surface.  Bromeliads are a family of plants of which famous members are the pineapple and, of course, tillandsias.

Tillandsias are special in that they absorb water through their leaves instead of their roots.  They generally come from humid environments and are spread by being blown in the wind.  That said then, their care involves a simulation of this environment: regular, thorough misting, good air circulation, and filtered light.

    If my succulent seems to be dying, is there any way to save it, or is it doomed forever?

There are ways to save a succulent from dying:

Prevention would be the best cure. (See the basics a few questions back- proper lighting & water!)

If the plant is showing signs of rotting, check for and salvage any healthy parts of the plant and place in fresh, dry soil.  Hopefully the plant will re-root, though success isn’t guaranteed.

If things do go awry and you don’t know what to do, don’t fret.  The succiko Team is also happy to look at and give advice on plants (even if not purchased through our shop) to the best of our ability.  Please note that this is based on our Team’s availability and with advance notice.

 What do you think plants do for a space, aesthetically speaking?

Love of plants is innate in all of us.  There’s something about verdure that naturally uplifts the spirits and makes any space aesthetically pleasing.  When we walk into a place with plants, we feel at peace, reconnected, and grounded.

We feel it’s our duty to facilitate this for the community.

           Finally- what do you see in the future for succiko? Do you have any 5 year goals you’d like to share?

We have goals and dreams for a bountiful future for succiko.  A nice indoor/outdoor garden setting where people can feel at peace and enjoy the company of plants is the basic vision.  Coffee bar, relaxing live music, community events, and collaborations with other like-minded businesses are definitely in the 5-year plan.

The endless possibilities are exciting!  We treat the company like life –as a journey.  How we’ll get there remains a mystery to us, but therein lies the fun.  One thing’s for sure: we know that it’ll all work out.

Thank you so much Darya and Paolo!

Be sure to head over to their shop and show them some plant love! You're sure to find all kinds of living treasure there.  Pro tip: drink the kombucha! Just do it.

succiko

19577 Center Street

Castro Valley, California 94546

t: 650 892 3042

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