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Aug 31, 2015

Time to Get Back to School

I can’t believe we are lacing up our shoes and getting ready to go back to school next week. Seriously, I need a few more days, weeks, months to soak up these tiny people before they sprout on me all over again. Over the summer, they have surely grown half a foot. We had to buy all new everything — even socks and underwear!

When choosing clothes for my kids, I have always been of the mindset to

let them wear what they like.
Dress in a way that makes them feel confident.
BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. BE YOU.


The best part about getting dressed is expressing yourself, letting a bit of your personality shine through in what you’re wearing and for the most part I have been extremely lucky they have a pretty good head on their shoulders and eye for what suits them best.

They each have such a strong aesthetic and couldn’t be more different, but we managed to find pieces at Tea Collection that catered to them all.

My wild child who can’t get enough of bold prints or pops of color, my animal lover with a heart of gold, and my cool kid who just wants to be comfortable while he’s jumping over and under everything on the playground.


I love the concept of teaching children about the world around them through design, you’ll see us start to focus more heavily on design for kids in the months to come and Tea Collection is a perfect way to fuse fashion with function with education. I hope this is a partnership that will continue through the seasons.

This fall, they released a new German inspired collection and it has been the perfect way to open up conversations about this wonderful land two of my children were born in. They may not remember the rolling hills and green valleys, the industrial cities or lightning fast train rides we took while they were very young, but they do feel a deeper connection now thanks to the way Tea presents its materials each season — the adorable graphics, inspiring blog posts and videos and really awesome activity booklet that comes in every box.

Aug 19, 2015

My Baby's First Day Of School


Today, my baby went to the new school. Not to actually start school, but more to acclimate before it begins next week with a few playdays. Little did I know, this week is not only about him acclimating.  I managed to freak out a little too. Starting when I woke up at 5:30am a nervous wreck.

What if he doesn't like it?

What if he cries the entire day?

What if I am pushing him too hard?

Every over-protective first-time parent worry and awful scenario imaginable was running through my head.

And even though this school comes HIGHLY recommended, and the teachers have all been there forever and a day, and I know they are nice people and they don't bite... but...

THEY ARE STILL STRANGERS!!!

I'm leaving my child with strangers!

So after three hours of being a paranoid parent, a little reluctantly, I drove him to school.  I was a total mess, but doing my best to hold it together.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? I know this is the right thing to do but...

When we walked in to the classroom to find two strangers greeting us, I held Ollie extra tight.

I swear I tried to be brave. I did. It was just SOOOOOOO Hard!

I immediately asked where Ollie's teacher was, then practically ran to her, clutching Ollie.

I'm. Such. A. DORK!

I walked right up to his teacher with a big smile on my face, and in the kindest sweetest tone I could muster, I said, Good Morning! I'm totally freaking out...

Thankfully, she laughed then spent the next 2 minutes talking me off the ledge and reassuring me he would have a great time.

I scooped up Ollie and went back to the classroom with the strangers. I put him down, gave him a big hug and kiss, then left... With my heart in my throat.

Of course, Ollie will be fine. He will have a wonderful day, and make new friends. He will get to do new things and learn fun stuff.

This Happy First Day of School Note Free Printable can be used as  gift tags for teachers, other school staff or for students from teacher! I designed this for my boys’ First Day of School gift for their teachers; I punched a hole and attached it to a gift bag with a string.  I also plan on putting this note in their lunchboxes.