“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” - Rachel Zoe
Peonies in the office make work more cheery. But loving your job also makes work cheery. (Taken with Instagram at 500 Startups)
I’m back from our island hopping holiday! (Doesn’t calling it a “holiday” make a vacation seem so much fancier? Those Europeans know what they’re talking about.)
We had a lovely time learning how to cook Mexican cuisine, climbing Mayan ruins in Belize, ziplining in Honduras, and sunbathing on Grand Cayman.
I have a few hours at the airport before our flight back to the Bay area, so thought I would share a few handmade things perfect for a sunny holiday that I wish I would have picked up before our trip.
[sources clockwise from top left: Independent Reign, Amy Lehfeldt, Beverly Swimwear, Tumbleweeds Handcraft]
Do you have any fabulous plans for a holiday this summer? I’d love to know where you’re off to! Let me know in the comments!
xo,
Lauren
Hi Friends! I’m currently writing to you from 30,000 feet, somewhere over oh, Arizona, or New Mexico, or… (it’s hard to tell from way up here).
I just wanted to check in with you all and thank you for all of your support. Since our move out to the San Francisco area for 500 Startups earlier this month, things have been quite hectic, so I haven’t been as personally involved with subscribers and blog readers as I would like to be. I’m going be much better about it going forward, promise!
![[photo by Fevi Yu]](http://farm1.staticflickr.com/96/223515145_a953ded844.jpg)
[photo of Grand Cayman by Fevi Yu]
So why am I on a plane? I’m off for a much needed (though poorly timed- things are crazy around the Umba Box office!) vacay to sink my toes into the beach somewhere in the western Caribbean. I’m so excited, but a little bit apprehensive to step back from the Umba Box reigns for a full week. But fear not, the lovely (and HIGHLY capable) Allison and Erin are ready to help you out with any questions you might have. Feel free to email them at customersupport@umbabox.com or stop by our new site at www.umbabox.com. We have added a live chat feature on the lower left side. If they’re not in meetings, they’ll be logged in ready to chat!
If you want to live vicariously through my sandy adventure, feel free to follow me on Instagram (username: umbabox). I might post one or two shots on the blog this week.
xo!
Lauren
The time has come to show you this month’s Umba box! Subscribers received 3 awesome items this month!
Your kitchen will be brightened with a pop of bright blue color from the gorgeous blueberry basket flour sack dish towel from Tinaproduce. You’ll be able to scribble quick notes, grocery lists, or write sonnets and songs in the adorable note pad from Paper Lovely and while writing the next big hit you’ll be able to savor the amazing flavor of the goodies from The Caramel Jar (I want some right now!).
Get to know the designers:
Kristina Basgen from Tina Produce:
I love promoting sustainability by offering reusable napkins, kitchen/tea towels, totes and tees. My initial designs are inspired by farmers’ markets and aim to celebrate the abundance of year-round fresh local produce. All functional art pieces are designed, hand screen printed, and cleverly packaged in my Oakland, California home studio by me, Kristina Basgen.
Kim from Paper Lovely
I started my career as a graphic designer in a corporate setting, but soon realized that I yearned for something more. In 2006, I started my own graphic design studio. Today, I am happy to be able to combine my passions for design and paper by creating little paper lovelies to bring a smile to your face. Paper Lovely is cozily nestled in the heartland of America-in Omaha, Nebraska. I am inspired by life’s simple, sweet pleasures and I am here to rekindle your love for written correspondence.
Nicole Ebbitt from the The Caramel Jar:
My self-proclaimed love affair with food led me to the creation of the best job ever, I am the “Chief Caramel Girl” of The Caramel Jar. As a former non-profit executive turned full-time caramel maker (quite the switch I know!) now I spend my time creating creamy, homemade, hand cut and individually wrapped caramels. I also make it a goal to be conscious about my environmental footprint by packaging with reusable canning jars and unbleached, non-toxic parchment paper. Our signature soft and chewy Fleur de Sel caramels may just tame your sweet and savory cravings!
Moms everywhere have been treated over and over again with the cliche IOU coupon book for free hugs, a lukewarm breakfast in bed, or the traditional (and lovely) bouquet of flowers. This year, let’s try something new!
Umba Box has the perfect something for the Moms in your life: a limited edition Mother’s day box! We have curated 3 months worth of goodies that we think moms will adore.
Unique, lovely, and handmade (of course!) creations that will make Mom swoon and be amazed at your creative gift-giving!
Follow us here to the Umba Box site and pick up something new and exciting for mom this year! http://www.umbabox.com/mothersday.html
While we are busy with the final touches of our new web design, we have an opportunity for our favorite handmade friends.
This Sunday we are looking for a few creative gift-givers to join us for the afternoon. Your time will be rewarded with a $25 Amazon gift card and a tasty lunch.
We are looking for people who love to give and receive creative gifts. If you find yourself combing etsy for the perfect handmade items and are passionate about giving unique items we would love to chat with you.
We are working to make Umba Box the place for your handmade gift-giving and would love your feedback to help make it awesome.
Time: Sunday 4/15 for at least 30 mins between 2pm-4pm
Location: Downtown Mountain View, CA
Contact: allison@umbabox.com
Compensation: Catered lunch & $25 Amazon gift card
Amazing opportunity to meet with us and tell us what you would like to see at www.umbabox.com.
Please contact Allison at allison@umbabox.com if you think you would like to come.
