Small Style: Holiday Pleats

Holiday looks for kids don't have to be frilly and fluffy.  This sweet holiday outfit is adorably simple and sleek.  I am loving this pleated green jumpsuit for little divas that don't want the fuss.  A cozy white cardigan helps keeps arms warm, and the sequins give it a subtle holiday flair.  You can't go wrong with with adding a pair of gold flats to the mix, and these Nine West Kids flats totally fit the bill.  I may have a bit of outfit envy!



Shopping List
Party Pleated Jumpsuit (Antique Haze)
Sequin Cropped Cardigan (Winter White)
Feliciah Flats (Light Gold Scratched Metallic)

Small Style: Winter Wear

There's a lot of opinions that boy's clothing isn't as fun to shop for, or as cute as girl's clothing, but I totally disagree.  I think putting together looks for boy's is every bit as satisfying.  What little man doesn't look adorable in flannel?!  I love this causal winter look for boys.  A cozy fair isle print sweater over a warm flannel, paired with jeans and a cool boot is a staple winter look.  I love the contrast of patterns of the red flannel print with the sweater.  The touch of brown in the boots also makes for a fun detail.  Each of these pieces is also super versatile which make them great additions to the closet.  So while boys clothing may not have the glitz and glitter of girls clothing, it doesn't mean the outfits can't be just as fun!

Shopping List
Boy's Fair Isle Cardi 
Boy's Flannel Shirt
Dakota Jean in Skinny Fit
Brayden Boot

Wear It Mama: Black Friday Fashion

The holiday's season means parties are in full swing.  Having a go-to party outfit is a must this time of year.  I love this easy no-brainer outfit.  It's super simple, but stylish without being fussy.  The faux leather pants are a sexy upgrade from everyday leggings and, alone with the heeled booties, give the outfit a little edge.  This fluffy white sweater is so soft and comfy and adds a sweet element to the out.  Add a cute clutch purse and you have the perfect outfit to make the rounds for the holiday.

Shopping List
Faux Leather Pull On Bengaline Skinny Ankle Pant 
Fluffy Sweater White 
Nine West Kuinby Ankle Boot
Foldover Clutch Purse 

Small Style: Soft and Cozy

I can't get enough of this adorable Fall outfit!  I am trying to piece one together in my size.  This Zara leopard print cardigan is so super soft and comfy, it's the perfect sweater to keep your little one warm on chilly days.  We like to throw on a black and white striped long sleeve tee underneath and black sweater tights for a cozy look. I also love how versatile these pieces are and can be styled for several different looks.  Definitely some must have additions to your little fashionista's closet.


Shopping List
Animal Print Knit Cardigan
Basic Denim Pinafore
Knit Hat with Pom Pom (Sand)
Jani Fashion Boots (Cognac)

Wear It Mama: Living and Lounging

Who doesn't love to be comfy?  With winter upon us, comfy and warm lounge wear is an absolute must for me.  Walmart has been really stepping up it's game lately in all areas, including clothing.  I recently picked up this "YAWN" sleep top recently and was instantly in love.  Super cute and casual and suuuuuper soft.  What more can I ask for?  I was so impressed with the comfort level, that I almost immediately ordered this pair of sleep pants and these crazy soft slippers to complete the lounge look.    Getting out of bed is hard in the mornings, but made just little bit easier when able to take that comfortable feeling with you.



Shopping List
Secret Treasure Women's and Women's Plus Hacci Sleep Top, Yawn
Secret Treasures Essentials Women's and Women's Plus 2 Pack Hacci Pants Hearts/Solid
Secret Treasures Women's Luxe Two-Band Slippers

Product Reviews: Label Daddy

I recently received the opportunity to create labels through Label Daddy. This opportunity couldn't have presented itself at a more perfect time, because I have been wanting to create packaging labels for outgoing orders as some extra blog promotion. Label Daddy labels are wearable, washable and totally affordable. Perfect for parents who want to keep track of family items without having to worry about damaging them with permanent marker. 

Label Daddy offers a variety of label types and sizes.  There's a label for everything! Clothing, backpack, shoes, lunchboxes, food containers and more are covered by Label Daddy labels.  If labels aren't enough, there are also luggage tags and zipper tags. It's a labeling frenzy!  I also love that the company offers "packs." The school pack is perfect for the back-to-school crowd and offers an assortment of labels to make sure your kids are covered when back in the classroom. 

I love the way my labels turned out despite not being able to preview them before hitting the submit button. The labels seem durable and of high quality. My only complaints is that the website falls a bit on the lackluster side. The ability to edit labels is limited, and some selections don't offer previews which make it difficult to envision the final product when ordering. The site would also benefit from an increase in the selection of graphics to add to the labels. Even with the website limitations, I am quite pleased at the final result of the product. I can't wait to start slapping these labels on all my outgoing packages!

Want to snag some labels for yourself? Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Head to http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com and use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. You must use the usfamily link in order to receive the discount.

Parenting: Reducing Back-to-School Anxiety

As we enter the last month of summer, and September creeps upon us, many parents will be sending their little ones to school, and many will be sending them for the first time ever.  In most cases it's the parents that have the hardest time with this transition, but it's not uncommon for kids to experience their share of fear and anxiety regarding the first day of school. Parents of anxious kids can take a few steps to emotionally prepare their child in this last month of summer and the beginning weeks of school in order to make it the best start possible.

1. Have Discussions About School - Begin talking to your children about school and what to expect in a typical school day. Discuss the social aspects of school in addition to the academic aspects.  Talk about lunch time, recess, peers and what drop-off/pick-up will be like. Head to your local library or bookstore and select books about going to school to read during the remainder of the summer.  Talk about your own positive experiences from school. Dig up your old class pictures if you have any to add a few laughs to the discussion.

2. Check Out The School - Most school's have orientation days for new students that include a tour of the school. If your school does not offer this, call your school or district board of education and arrange for a tour of the school or a meeting with your child's teacher to establish some familiarity. At the very least, prior to the start of the school year, take a trip with your child to the school to allow him/her to see the building up close. Walk around as much of the school grounds as you can and point out areas that would be of interest to your child, such as the playground. Visit the school more than once if possible for a particularly anxious child.

3. Schedule Playtime With Future Classmates - If your child is entering school for the first time, scope out your neighborhood for potential classmates and arrange for some play time. If you are unable to find potential classmates, explain the unknown peers as a fun "surprise". Make a game out of it and have your child guess the number of boys and girls that will be in their class and the possible names of some classmates. If your child has been to school before but hasn't had contact with classmates since the summer started, invite a few school friends over for lunch or a play date. Acquainting your child with a few classmates will decrease feelings of anxiety regarding peer interactions. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, host a small "back to school" party the week before class starts.

4. Involve Your Child in Back To School Shopping - Get your child involved in school supply list shopping and other back-to-school items.  Present your child with choices on such items as backpacks, lunchboxes and clothing. Have your child help you plan out his/her lunch menu for the first few weeks. These small activities will allow your feelings a greater sense of control, which is important a child who is anxious.

5. Role Play - If your child has a particular anxiety (bullies, riding the school bus, interacting with peers, navigating a large school, etc), role play the event with your child.  For example, if your child has anxieties about riding the school bus, practice walking to the bus stop together. Have a relative or friend play bus driver and have them drive up to the bus stop. Practice saying goodbye and putting your child on the "bus."  If possible, have your friend or relative drive your child to school just like the bus would and drive back to the bus stop to practice drop off with your waiting. Coming up with a plan and brain storming coping skills for your child's fears will help him/her feel more confident when faced with the event. Practice often and problem solve potential solutions together.

6. Reward and Reassure - Reward for brave behaviors that your child exhibits. Reward for a successful first day of school. Reward your child for using the coping skills practiced. Now is the time to boost your child's mood and spirits with a special gift or outing in response to positive behaviors.

Sometimes all the planning in the world won't ease an anxious child. An anxious child may exhibit a variety of negative behaviors as the first day of school approaches including physical ailments, withdrawing, fighting with siblings, being defiant towards parents/caregivers, bed wetting, thumb sucking, and other aggressive behavior. Acknowledge that your child is engaging in these behaviors due to school related fears. Normalize your child's fears and anxieties, and encourage your child to discuss those fears and anxieties. Encouraging your child to continually and openly discuss any fears and anxieties with you serves as positive coping skill and gradually increases your child's confidence with continued parental validation and support. If there isn't a noticeable decrease in your child's school anxiety level as the school year progresses, reach out to your school's guidance counselor for additional support and resources.