First Day of Kindergarten!

 

  The day has come. My first baby is in school.  Liam started Kindergarten this morning, and I almost made it out tear-free. I swear, I was so close.  Seeing Liam at his table, working on his welcome assignment, glancing up to see Greg and I start to leave (backing away slowly), giving us a nervous, toothless smile... teary-eyed instantly.  The last few weeks, Liam has been SO excited for Kindergarten. But the last couple of days, after his last day at his pre-school with his friends, I think it really hit him, and the nerves set in.  The most heartbreaking thing was when he asked me "what if no one wants to play with me?"  What do you say to that?!  But today, I feel good. His teacher is so nice - seems so great already, and all the kids seem really sweet. I think the hardest thing for him, and me, too, is that we are going into this school not really knowing anyone. We know one kid/family from Pre-School, so that's nice - and I know we'll look back in a few weeks/months and feel more comfortable!
So, I told Liam that he just has to be nice, and say 'hi' to people, even if he doesn't know them. And just start playing with the other kids. If they're running around, go run with them. If they're playing cars - go play with them. And it might feel weird at first, but that after a few weeks, this will all feel normal.  We are also starting soccer in a few weeks and will be playing with his school/class - so that will help get to know people, too.
And as for me, I am feeling more proud of him than nervous/sad - but it's a great reminder that time flies. And that change is hard at first, but we'll find our new normal quickly!
Thinking about all of you with kids starting Kindergarten this new school year!

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Mamas & Minis Collective: Fall Shoes for Back to School

 

  Minnetonka & Lindsay Stewart of Free Range Mama collaborated on a mommy & me hand painted collection that celebrates young imaginations and the people who help nurture them!  Just in time for back to school, Nora selected the limited edition Splash design, and I totally copied her.  But what I love even more than semi-matching (I prefer coordinated) with my threenager, is that a portion of the proceeds go towards funding classroom projects in partnership with DonorsChoose.org.
Nora's had little Minnetonka booties every fall/winter since she was 10 months old, so it's fun to see her style and personality shine as she picks out her own pair, this year with the fun splattered print. And I'm loving the mama-slip on sneakers that are SO comfortable (key).  Minnetonka is always a staple in our back to school/fall style - and now I'm ready for some cooler weather!
Nora's fall outfit is my most favorite.  It's funny, one day I work up and I was having way more fun dressing her (and now watching her dress herself) than I was with my own clothing and style.  Personally, I've really started to turn to pieces that are versatile, comfortable, simple and a splash of something special to make the look more unique.
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Make sure to check out the other mama's and their mama & me Minnetonka style, and add these to your back to school wardrobe update to support classrooms.  Carly is giving back to school tips and Sandy is sharing how her and her mini style the tan style!

Lipgloss & Crayons | Walking In Memphis In High Heels | Sandy a la Mode

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Travel Detox & Recovery

  Summer is all about travel for many - I've certainly been at it this summer, and I am often traveling throughout the year for work, too.  Typically I come home feeling way off - my skin is broken out, I feel dehydrated and dry and am not sleeping well/super tired.   I'm sharing a few of my current favorite tricks for feeling back to my self after a whirlwind of travel below!

I've just recently gotten my first oil diffuser and started researching oils (and talking to those who've been using themselves).  Aroma Foundry sells a variety that are all bottled in the US, sourced from native habitats.  

They recommended Peppermint for recovering from travel.  Bottled in Washington because this state produces more mint than any other region in the entire world. Nicknamed "The Evergreen State", their peppermint oil smells fragrant and green in the nose - and I could smell it throughout my entire house after just one diffuse.

Peppermint helps manage stress and treats acne!  Lavender is on my list for the next oil to try, as it eases stress and helps you sleep!

To combat my usually extra oily skin after travel, I immediately turn to a clay mask - this Nip + Fab one always helps get my skin back in shape.  And if I have room in my bag, I try to bring it with me. Once a week is all I need for a full face mask, and it's great for spot treating problem areas more often, too.

It's the weirdest things - my skin. It's oily, but dehydrated at the same time. So while I'm regulating the oiliness with the mask, I turn to the Rodial Dragon's Blood line that is all about hydration. 

The gentle cleansing water leaves my skin clean, but still soft and not stripped like harsher face washes sometimes do.  And I love coming home to slather my skin in this night cream.

Sleeping with a humidifier while I travel helps me come home not as dry, but it's sometimes hard to travel with this, too. Additionally, coming home to my silk pillowcase is glorious on my hair!

Please share your post-travel detox secrets with me, I need them all!

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