Back to School: Fashion by Hatchling

I'm always on the hunt for fabulous & unique clothes for little ones. This time, I think I hit the jack pot. Hatchling is an Orange County based company creating "organic clothing for little peeps." As their website says:

Hatchling tees are not what you typically think of when eco-friendly children's clothing comes to mind. Rather than providing a soft color palette with gentle motifs, Hatchling brings you a bright and bold alternative with a sense of humor... Hatchling clothing is made with love in the USA using the softest 100% organic Supima cotton, azo free dyes, and non-toxic enviromentally safe inks. Hatchling was designed for high spirited children everywhere while doing a little something to help keep our planet safe and beautiful for them.

My boys love THIS "Rabbit Food" and THIS "Monkey Around" tee. While I'm secretly wishing that I could get THIS "My BFF" in adult sizes for C & me.

Found something you (or your kids) absolutely love? Don't you fret! As a Just Spotted reader you get 20% off! Just enter promo code JS20 at checkout! Shop HERE.

xoxo, K

image via Hatchling

Back to School: Fashion by Francie Pants

Okay, if you have little girls. THESE are a must buy. Seriously! Where were Francie Pants when I was a kid? They are the best & simplest solution for all little girls. How else is your little darling going to practice her cartwheels & hang upside down from the bars at school... all while wearing her favorite dress or skirt? Francie Pants gives a whole new meaning to that old nursery rhyme "I see London, I see France, I see someone's underpants Francie Pants." As their website says:

"When girls wear Francie Pants they have the power to be proper without having to be prudes. These are not the itchy, uncomfortable "privacy" garments you may have seen in the past. So lightweight, silky and comfortable, you can barely feel them on. We embrace an active lifestyle for girls. Francie Pants shorts are a sassy yet modest way for girls to express who they are, without shame or hesitation. They're free to twirl, do a handstand or a high kick, because we've got them covered!"

Not only will your little girl feel comfortable, confident & ready to take on the world (or at least show off that handspring she been practicing, without flashing the world), but with so many colors & designs... she'll want to wear her Francie Pants every day of the week. To be honest, I'm trying to figure out how I can pull them off - they are that cute.

You can check out the Francie Pants website HERE. Have your little girl pick out her favorite Francie & let her "virtually" try on all the different designs. Trust me, this is one product you (& your little girl) can't live without. You'll be thanking me soon & I can't wait to hear how cute you think everything is... the website, the packaging, the Francie Pants themselves. & Did I mention that they are an Orange County based company (or at least one of their owners is an Orange County mom)? Gotta love that!

xoxo, K
image via Francie Pants

$2 Rib-Knit Tanks at Old Navy

Woot! Woot! Old Navy's having another "one day wonder" sale. This Saturday, August 15th, women's rib-knit tanks on sale for just $2 a piece! (Limit 5 per customer.) Better get there early, it's only "while supplies last" & you know they'll go fast!

While your there, be sure to check out their "Ten-Dollar Deals For Back-to-School." Tons of stuff for just 10 bucks! (I know my boys will love THESE Super Hero Tees.) &, be sure to go HERE to search for a "hidden" in-store coupon.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo, K

Back to School: Fashion by Tiny Whales

Meet Brittany & Shaun, the husband & wife duo behind Tiny Whales, an infant & children's clothing line based right here in Orange County. Their designs are fresh, funky & fun... perfect for adding some life to your little ones back to school wardrobe. With tons of tees (both short-sleeved & long), hand-knit beanies, hand-made booties, hand-painted belts, & more.... there is lots to choose from. With their "imaginative and modern designs that are appealing to all ages" you'll find something your little one will love. I know I'm already eying that "Take Me To Your Leader" tee & painted belts for my boys, & the "Orange You Glad" beanie for the baby. So cute!

If you act quick, they're offering the "Endless Summer Savings." For a limited time only, they will be offering 10% off any order of two items or more, plus FREE shipping on all items in their store. (Just send them an "etsy conversation" prior to ordering, so they can hook you up with the discount.)

Browse their cute shop HERE. & Check back soon, their new Fall/ Winter '09 collection will soon be unveiled!

xoxo, K

Back to School: Count Down

Can you believe it? Back to School is just around the corner! I love counting down to everything & anything. So why should "Back to School" be any different? Make preparing for the new school year fun & exciting... cut strips from colored paper. On each of the strips write a different task or activity that needs to be accomplished before the school year begins. For example, buy school supplies, practice writing your letters, etc. Link the strips together making a chain & attach a small candy bar or treat. Hang the chain in your child's room. Every morning your child will pull off one strip, read the activity & he or she can enjoy the special treat after fulfilling the task.

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

Back to School

My little guy just started pre-school, so I am still full swing in the "Back-to-School" mode. I love THIS Back-to-School planner over at Parents.com. It covers all the bases... calming first day jitters & getting kids excited for preschool, a countdown to to school - what to do when, tips on how to fight the homework battle, lunch & snack ideas, and so much more! Check out the back-to-school planner HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Parents.com

Back to School: Healthy Lunches

With school back in session I am trying to create healthy and creative lunches for my kids. Sara Moulton shared some great ideas on GMA. I think the Sesame Noodles looks great and you could use that recipe for dinner. The turkey roll-ups are also fun and nutritious and will probably be in lunch bags on Monday.

xoxo, C
image via GMA.

Back to School: Earth Friendly Lunches

A Lasting Lunch Bag

+

A Reusable Water Bottle

=

An Earth Friendly Lunch

xoxo, C

Back to School: Supplies

Millions of kids, right here in the US, live below the poverty line. Most of these kids don't even have the basic school supplies they need to start the year off right. Do Something 101 is a campaign started to collect new school supplies for kids in need. Drop off NEW supplies at any Staples store through September 13th, & they'll be delivered to kids who really need them. Another way to donate is to donate money at any Staples locations, 100% of the proceeds will benefit local teens.

For more information, go HERE.
Watch the PSA, HERE.
Find out what the 11 most-needed supplies are HERE.
Find a local drop-off location HERE.

Get your kids involved... teach them the importance of trying to make a difference.

xoxo, K

Back to School:Daily Routine

As a mom the routine of school also means the routine of me repeating myself over and over about daily tasks that need to be completed. Ohdeedoh introduced me to Let's Explore's great idea of making a door hanger that has visual reminders of daily tasks for kids. This door hanger might be just the trick to make sure I don't sound like a broken record this fall trying to remind my kids to remember to brush their teeth before bed.

xoxo, C

Mommy and Me Dates & the Backpack Fairy

I'm getting excited to send my little one off to school, even if it's only preschool. I love the idea of having a "Mommy & Me" Backpack Date. Picking out a new backpack & a special lunch together sounds like such a fun tradition to start with your kiddos. Follow that up with a visit from the "Backpack Fairy"... have your kids leave their new backpacks out the night before the first day of school. They wake up to find their backpacks filled with new schools supplies, some books & the traditional "First Day of School Outfit". What a perfect way to start off the new school year!

xoxo, K

Back to School:Fashion

courtesy of Gap

courtesy of Children's Place

Some visual inspiration for your back to school shopping

xoxo, C

Back 2 School Countdown

I love THIS idea for making the back to school countdown fun... cut strips from colored paper. On each of the strips write a different task or activity that needs to be accomplished before the school year begins. For example, buy school supplies, practice writing your letters, etc. Link the strips together making a chain & attach a small candy bar or treat. Hang the chain in your child's room. Every morning your child will pull off one strip, read the activity & he or she can enjoy the special treat after fulfilling the task.

xoxo, K
image via bright ideas.

Back 2 School: All About Me

My oldest is starting preschool this year. I'm a bit excited & terrified all at the same time. In an effort to make this new transition go as smooth as possible, I going to prepare an "All About Me" card for his teacher. I got the idea from Laurie last year. With so many new faces & personalities to get to know, I love the idea of giving his teacher a little jump start on getting to know my little guy. I'm haven't decided which approach I'm going to take yet... a simple Word Document, similar to what Laurie does would be quick & easy. I might do something similar to THIS poster, although it would probably be more fun for an older child because they could actually do it themselves. Or, maybe some of THESE printables might do the trick. However it's packaged, as long as it provides basic information about my guy, a little bit about his personality & what makes him tick, I think (& hope) his teacher will find it helpful.

xoxo, K

Thanks Old Navy!

I really appreciate that Old Navy is having a sale just in time for back to school shopping.

xoxo, C