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 editionSplash 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 withDonorsChoose.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.
Our Outfit Details:
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!
I'm still not sure how I feel about one-pieces on me personally (I've seen other adult women look awesome in them)... mostly they just don't work on my body shape I don't think, but every once and awhile I find one that kind of works (like I love this fancier one I've worn for cocktail parties). This one today is more about comfort and is the perfect weekend play attire. I love it because I can move all around without worry, and heck - I can sleep in it even because it's so comfortable. I also love that you can layer it to change up how it looks.
Nora has been living in rompers this summer. It's easy for me, too, because I don't have to worry about her matching her bottoms to her top (which they typically don't). And she is free to be her wild self. She wore this one throughout vacation, too. So easy to pack, throw on and go!
HOT summer weekends are all about comfort and ease these days. We're in the hottest part of the summer here in Kansas City (high 90s!), and I just want loose and breezy (though all this black in the sun... ouch!). You can see some pics of us below dancing (yes, that's what that is...) and the is my favorite part about being comfortable - freedom to move! :)
Versatile anything when it comes to kids, but when it comes to MY kids - versatile shoes for sure. They wear theirs out so fast, and this sweet/sassy girl of mine is ultra picky. Because she's a tomgirl (or is it tomboy?), off stomping in any puddle and always running through the mud if given the smallest option, I also need ones that clean up easily. But I can really say the same for me, too. Somehow I got through this day wearing all white without a stain though!
I love white (um, obviously...) for summer and these white Birkenstocks are on their second summer. I still love them. I literally just wipe them down with water and a paper towel every month or less (as needed) and they are as good as new. Salt Water Sandals for kids are also known for durability and to be worn in and out of the water (perfect for all the puddles!).
Quick note - this dress is one SALE! I love a pretty white dress that has detail on it, plus sleeves! Nora's cute romper & swimsuit are from last year, but I've linked some similar ones below - as with her sunnies.
Shop our looks here:
These are just some of our favorite summer sandals - but here are a few other brands and styles that help us get by (for both toddlers and women):
Make sure to check out these other fabulous Mama's posts on their go-to summer sandals!
After a long vacation away recently (part 1 here!), I was really excited to get back to my kids, and home in Kansas City! I had tons of ideas and plans for our first weekend back (after a painful week of catching up at work and home)! We started out last Saturday as a family, running some errands on the Plaza (running errands can be fun when it's a beautiful day and you're on the Plaza!).
After, we split up, and Liam and I went on an impromptu mama/son date! I had been desperate to check out the new Simple Machines at Play at Kansas City's Union Station Science City, and was invited to check out the MilliporeSigma’s Curiosity Cube, which is making it's way around the KC area through May, ending at Union Station on Sunday, May 28th from 3pm to 7pm during Celebration at the Station - open to all! I thought his would be the perfect data location for Liam and I, followed by lunch.
{^ hugging good bye before we split up for the afternoon, haha}
I loved the Curiosity Cube! It is literally a cub filled with hands-on laboratory experiences that are critical to sparking interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). And even though Liam is only 5 (and a half almost!), he loved it (and so did I). MilliporeSigma is a global life science company with a campus right here in the area (Lenexa).
The first thing we did was learn about DNA - and Liam got to see his own! He is still carrying around his test tube of DNA (spit) and showing it off to all who are interested (or not). ;) . Then we learned about the brain - and even got to view a small sliver of it in
While this is just a temporary part, Science City at Union Station has a ton of wonderful things to offer and teach your kids - especially this summer when school is out and you might be looking for fun things to do (inside and outside parts). We also got to try out the new Simple Machines at Play outdoor portion - and Liam was in complete awe! These mechanical devices allow your kids to climb, race, lift and slide — moving their bodies and engaging their minds!
We especially loved the three-story tall Luckey Climber structure which had me super jealous of Liam's view over Kansas City! This was like a vertical maze through layers of "potato chip-like discs," as Liam put it.
There are also 7 other machines to explore! The Just Plane Zippy (zip line) was also a favorite - again, another simple machine I wish adults could play on (we need an adult version of this place!).
After the Curiosity Cube, and outdoor Simple Machines at Play exhibit, we headed inside to see some of our favorite things that Science City has to offer (like the dinosaur, tree bridge, and building room) before heading off to lunch.
I asked Liam where he wanted to go for lunch - and he was all about our local favorite diner, Winstead's (he knew he'd get a milkshake, that's why). But I do love this long-time KC favorite diner and all the turquoise and hot pink accents they have going on inside. It is definitely a favorite KC spot!
What a wonderful afternoon we had! Liam is already asking me when the next mama/son date will be and if can be a WHOLE day, so that certainly makes me happy. I'd love any mama/kid date ideas (in Kansas City or not) that you have. I'll be needing to take Nora on one next!
Outfit details:
My dress is c/o Lands End, and it's super comfy - also on sale!
Make sure to check out the other Mama's posts on their city and summer favorite activities! Sandy is sharing her summer bucket list, Carly is sharing fun things to do in LA, and Laura is talking all about vacation!
