When the ladies from Babyccino Kids hosted their first Shop Up in London in December 2013, I sent my sister (who was living there at the time) to check it out - and of course she reported that it was a raving success!

Kari and I had just launched Brimful a few months before that, but we already had "do a pop-up event" as a goal for the future. So when the invitation came earlier this year to join the Shop Up in Brooklyn, we were ready to sign up.

Despite part of our inventory getting delayed in transit from the west coast (oops!), the entire event was everything we hoped it would be. Kari and I have spent so much time choosing products for Brimful, so to see people's eyes light up upon seeing our booth was deeply affirming. Beyond just the special opportunity of seeing our customers in real life for the first time, we also really enjoyed swapping stories with them about motherhood. And it goes without saying that the children who came by our booth (some more than once) were lovely indeed. Kari and I wished our children could have been there too!

I'm so thankful to Courtney, Esther, and Emilie for giving us the platform in which to meet so many wonderful people in Brooklyn - we will definitely be back again next year!

Photos by Nicki Sebastian for Babyccino Kids. More photos here. 

When I was a new mother with Sydney I was intent on spending every hour with her or close to her. I could spend hours cooing and singing to her during those first months. I fully intended to be the perfect mother, as we all do. Toddler years and beyond now I understand that mothering isn't about being perfect but adjusting to life and staying humble, and that giving attentiveness, kindness, and boundaries, to our children is our job.

The toys we gather at Brimful aren't necessarily intended for independent play. Children love to be with, bond with, and learn from loved ones. Play is like the glue that sticks all that being, bonding, and learning together.

As we start off a fresh new school year, I encourage you to make the time to sit down and "just be" with your little ones. Look them in the eyes, watch their little faces light up, and play!

That "back to school" vibe is in the air - can you feel it?

I'm thankful my children wear uniforms to school, so other than the usual list of school supplies, it hasn't been too crazy getting prepared for the first day of school. Upon checking over Fen and Di's backpacks and lunch totes recently, I'm impressed to see they continue to hold up nicely - no need for new ones! Mei-Mei is starting preschool and oh golly, she's so excited. She doesn't need much this year, just a few little things to make this first going-to-school experience a special one. 

Here are my back-to-school favorites for both preschool and elementary ages - enjoy!

1 // L.L. Bean backpacks are simple, but oh-so-durable. I'm all about getting it monogrammed too!

2 // These bright melamine spoons from our shop are great for applesauce, fruit cups, and yogurt. Kids love to pick out their favorite color for lunch or snacktime.

3 // Smarty Pants vitamins come in single serving size pouches, so pop one into your child's lunchbox and they'll be healthy and happy to enjoy a little "sweet treat" before lunchtime is over.

4 // So Young coated linen lunchboxes are just so functional and high quality - I can't recommend them enough! There's an inner liner that removes for easy cleaning - genius.

5 // Willaby Clothier makes such wonderfully bespoke peices - I bought this sweet blue dress for Mei-Mei's fall wardrobe.

6 // Preschoolers learning their colors will enjoy this beautifully illustrated book by Kate Endle.

7 // Greenbury Kids carries a fun collection of children's socks - and these raccoon ones have been wildly popular. I can see why!

8 // For children who've just moved and are starting at a new school, a special new stuffed animal might be just the thing to help make the transition a bit smoother. Annicke Mouse is a favorite in our home - I think it's those big floppy years of hers...just so charming!