FALL BACK TO SCHOOL September 2012
PRODUCED BY
DESIGNED BY fifth & hazel
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TO LIFE LEARNING IN ALL ITS FORMS
CONTRIBUTORS
MELANIE BURK fifth & hazel
style maven mama
TANA HALLOWS
STEPHANIE LONAS wanderlively
cotton & curls
HEATHER JOHNSON
MELISSA COLEMAN
HEATHER MILDENSTEIN
KRISTEN HILLS
JULIANNE WEIS
LEAH WRIGHT
family volley
MEGAN CONLEY
meg in progress
the faux martha
focus on the horn
the coterie
leah naomi
BRI WEBB
collected
LIZ BRYSON
six sisters’ stuff
SARAH JANE
sarah jane studios
BRITTANY SCOTT
scott studios online
CONTENTS STYLE
NEON TRIM ON BLAZER
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BEST LUNCH BOXES & BACKPACKS
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refashion a child’s jacket with simple steps
help protect that nutritious lunch
LESSONS
SUPPORTING KIDS IN SCHOOL
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GRANOLA
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DISCOVER THE WORLD
35
TEACHING KIDS TO LOVE LEARNING
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MINI PUMPKIN PIE CRESCENTS
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LEARNING FROM FAILURE
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BLOGGER ROUND UP
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ten tips for parents
homemade learning through travel a few activities to do with your children
delicious fall treats
allowing difficulties to help us learn
20 bloggers keep learning
LIFE
WHOLE WIDE WORLD
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A GIVING LIFE
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FREE DOWNLOADS
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showing your children a vision of the world helping those in ethiopia with fistula
ice cream chore train & school stickers
STYLE
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to scho ol k c a b
KID STYLE 4
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5 6 2 7
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9 1. BELTED CHAMBRAY DRESS
Forever 21 $18.90
2. LEOPARD LEGGINGS
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J. Crew $26.50
3. SUEDE CLOG BOOTS
Gap $49.95
4. BASEBALL HENLEY
Appaman $40.00
5. BOYS STRIPE CARDIGAN
H&M $14.95
6. WINKY PLASTIC BELT
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WinkyDesigns $25.00
7. SLIM FIT IN RUGGED WASH JEANS
J. Crew $49.50
8. SCOUT IN ROCKOUT
Chooze $49.00
9. BIRD PRINT SCARF
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Zara $16.90
10. SHORT SLEEVE BUTTON SWEATER
Gap $26.95
11. LUCY CORDUROY SHORTS
Tucker + Tate: $34.00
12. GROWING TIGHTS
Richelieu at Target $6.99
13.. MINI STRIPE BALLET FLATS
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J. Crew $55.00
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NEON TRIM ON BLAZER by elizabeth bryson (cotton & curls)
the inevitable monster of school shopping pops up its ugly head. Books, markers, notebooks, dictionaries, and calculators are just the “must haves” on our lists. But it is the tug of war between kids and parents about back to school clothes shopping that can make this a stressful time.
buy, buy, buy! It isn’t that parents are Scrooges, but with the economic stresses families are experiencing, they have to be a bit more judicious and creative with their shopping. Every parent wants their child to look their best in crisp new outfits, to fit in, and to make a statement in school. Instead of busting your budget, trying a little refashioning.
Mesmerized kids look forward to the myriad of new colors and styles that fill the ads and stores luring them to
Refashioning is a way to make something you already have, whether from your
WITH THE ADVENT OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR
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photos by liz bryson
closet or someone else’s, and spice it up! Adding a splash of a new color with stencils, or trims or tailoring a parent’s or larger siblings’ outgrown clothes to fill in a smaller child’s wardrobe are just a few ideas to keep up with the frequently changing fashion trends. When I entered high school my new obsession for spiked belts and questionable band tees gave my mother quite the challenge and headache because in her mind I was still her sweet little princess. As a result I started to frequent my brothers’ closets for potential clothing opportunities of refashions and alterations. Thankfully for my mother,
this passing fashion trend of mine faded over that next year, but it wasn’t the last trend I would dabble in. Thus, the cycle of new budget friendly refashions would evolve with every new style. My latest refashion for my son, Beck, was a quick addition of neon trim to a navy blazer I bought last spring. This simple pop of neon changes the complete feel of the blazer and opens up a world of new styling possibilities! I hope this will give you a little motivation toward modernizing a few pieces in your child’s wardrobe, and if you involve your child in the process, it can be fun and rewarding for everyone!
HOW TO ADD TRIM TO A BLAZER:
Cut fabric into Fold trim into Then fold in half 1.5” to 1.75” even fourths, and iron. This strips depending starting by folding is double folded on how wide you the two ends in bias tape. want the trim. toward the center and ironing.
Cut and fold the Sew a top stitch trim into the on the trim’s edge angles. Pin with machine or in place. by hand.
Lizzie Bryson is the author of Cotton & Curls which features her love of sewing through DIY sewing tutorials and refashions. She is also a wife to an adventurous husband and a mother to two little boys.
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fall y l e lov
E C S C SORIES A M O M
HOBO SIGNATURE WALLET $110.00
DOWNEAST BASICS SCARVES
AMY KATHRYN DAFFODIL
$10.99—16.99
purse/diaper bag $100.00
JEKA TREE BLOOM SERIES LILY PURSE VELVET PEPPER $169.99
Leather Bracelet $15.00
COCO PENNY
felt clip accessories $3.50—5.00
l a c i t c a pr
KID ACCESSORIES
ICKY BABY
12 disposable bibs $6.99
SPROUT SHELL
WEE DROOL
Car Seat Cover $44.99
Robot Bib $28.00
BEBE AU LAIT
Nursing Cover $35.00
BUBBLE BUM
inflatable Car booster $39.99
SNOOZE SHADE PLUS $49.99
fall y l e lov
TINY STYLE
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b
g
c
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A. HAIR BOW La Rose $5.50 B. FLOWERED SHIRT Zara $25.90 C. BLOOMERS Mini boden $30.00 D. RIBBED TIGHTS Zara $9.90 E. BOOTIES Minnetonka $25.95
i F. SWEATSHIRT Tompkins $24.95 G. LUCKY ANCHOR TEE Toobydoo $30.00 H. JEANS WITH BRACES Zara $32.90 I. SHOES See Kai Run $9.00
BEST LUNCH BOXES & BACKPACKS by tana hallows (style maven mama) AS A MOTHER OF FIVE CHILDREN I have packed my share of lunches. Through the
years I have found it essential to make sure that these lunches are fun and nutritious, so that it all gets eaten. As an expert in the product industry, I have also found that choosing good lunch boxes and good backpacks is a must! Style and function are key and will help ensure your child is prepared for the school year.
1. KEEP IT SAFE AND SECURELY PACKED
LUNCH BOTS QUAD
lunch bots $19.99
KANKEN CLASSIC BACKPACK Fjallraven $75.00
LITTLE BENTO BOX
Plasticashop $24.00
2. EMBRACE FUN & LIGHTHEARTED
KIDS LUNCH BOX built $19.99
ROGUE
Ogio $50.00
SCHOOLBAG
Linna Morata $58.00
3. GUIDE YOUR CHILD TO THEIR STYLE NOT YOURS
FLORAL PRINT BACKPACK aeropostale $42.50
GETAWAY LUNCH TOTE Built $24.99
SETTLEMENT BACKPACK
herschelsupply $89.99
4. MAKE IT LIGHT, PRACTICAL, AND UNIQUE
LUNCH CONTAINER
Box Appetite $22.00
GEORGES & ROSALIE Schoolbag $42.50
BEABA LUNCHBOX Beaba $29.95
Tana Hallows is the CEO and founder of Mom’s Best as well as Sweet Pea Baby. She blogs over at Style Maven Mama, and is an expert in juvenile products. She has 5 beautiful children, and lives in Salem, Utah.
season ll a f
home style 3
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CHAIRS & ACCESSORIES
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4 1. NOTEBOOK STRIPE POUF
Littlechoux.com $180.00
2. EAMES ROCKER
allmodern.com $549.00
3. LACE ETCHED ARCHED MIRROR
anthropologie.com $5,800
4. PINK FLAMINGO
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Ashmae $14.00
5. ANTIQUE SILVER CAMERAS
zgallerie.com $9.95
6. BECCA DINING CHAIR
homedecorators.com $143.00
7. FUNGUS AMONG US PRINT
houseandhold.com $40.00
8. BILBAO MIRROR
zgallerie.com $399.00
9. LUXE CHILD CHAIR
Jennifer Delonge $519.00
10. BOUJAN WHITE DINING CHAIR
Overstock.com $110.99
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6 1. KUDOS CRIB
Young America $799.00
2. CAMPAIGN STACKABLE DRESSER
DUC DUC nyc $795.00
3. PEBBLE LITE
Nook Sleep $295.00
4. CARAVAN DRESSER
Kalon Studios $1,395.00
5. PERCH BUNK BED
Oeuf nyc $1,490.00
6. DYLAN CRIB SET
Serena & Lily $325.00
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home style
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FURNITURE FOR THE SMALLS 3
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LESSONS
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SUPPORTING KIDS IN SCHOOL by heather johnson (family volley) AS PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, the most important thing we can do to support our children in school, is to create a safe, secure and healthy home life for them. When they know that all is in order at home, and that they have a place to go where they are accepted and loved, they can focus on school and excel.
Here are 10 things we as parents can do at home to support our children in school.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE.
Routines keep things predictable. Predictability helps our children feel safe and secure. When children feel safe, they worry less. Less worry means they have more energy and effort to learn. Mealtime, homework and bedtime routines are especially important. Protect your bedtime routine and work to get kids the sleep they need at a consistent time every night. They will be better tempered, happier, and more able to learn.
KEEP MORNINGS CALM.
Prepare for a new school day the night before so your mornings are calm and less stressful. This also means that mornings are not the right time to reprimand and scold. We want to send our children to school feeling good about themselves, not feeling like they are in trouble.
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DON’T OVERSCHEDULE YOUR CHILDREN.
Remember, they are children. Limit your kids to one, maybe two, extracurricular activities. It is natural to want our children to be involved in everything and learn every skill and talent. But choices have to be made. Think of it this way: Teaching your kids to make choices is an essential part of a parent’s job. Supporting our children means we help to protect their time also. Make sure kids have down time and family time to recharge and rejuvenate.
BE AVAILABLE-BE AT THE CROSSROADS.
One of the best ways to support our children is to be there for them. It is vital that we are available to listen to our children every day. Try not to be preoccupied on the phone when you pick up the kids, or when they walk in door. Be at the crossroads. Be there mentally and physically when kids come home
photos by leah naomi
from school, or from activities. The day’s experiences are fresh on our children’s minds and they are ready to talk. Ask them about their day. Be specific to help jog their memories (What did you do in art today? How was recess?). If they aren’t very talkative, that’s okay. Be there anyway. Just knowing that you are available will give them peace of mind and let them know that when they need to talk, you will be there. When they start to talk, listen. Put yourself at eye level, talk less and listen more. It is these times with our children that will teach us about their hopes and dreams and fears. Don’t shoot down their ideas, or downplay their worries. Address the concerns and show them that you will protect what they say and honor their feelings. Some of my
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very best memories as a child were made sitting in the kitchen right after school, eating a snack, and telling my mom about what happened at school.
GET ON BOARD WITH YOUR SPOUSE
Talk to your spouse and make sure you both have the same goals and ideals for the school year. If one parent believes TV after school is okay, but the other disagrees, you have a problem. Come to an agreement together, and then make things clear to your children. Otherwise children get confused and nervous that they will make a mistake because the expectations aren’t clear. Confusion is stressful. Stress makes it hard for kids to focus on school, or anything else.
photos by leah naomi
MAKE TIME TO PLAY TOGETHER AS A FAMILY
Support your children by doing things (other than watching TV) together as a family. Activities don’t have to be expensive or extravagant, just together. Family activities build stability and security and teach families how to adapt and negotiate experiences. They build memories and provide opportunities for children to feel loved. They also provide learning experiences for our children that they can use when negotiating school situations. These weekly activities give our families a chance to regroup, reconnect, and build strong bonds.
turn the TV off during meals, especially dinner. In fact, consider turning the TV off Monday through Thursday. You will love the difference it makes in your home. There will be less contention. There will be more talking amongst family members. More will get done around the house and you will appreciate the calm atmosphere. There will be more time for homework, reading, talking and playing. There are better things for our children and our families to do than spend excessive amounts of time watching TV. Plus, having the TV on in the background adds another level of noise and stress.
LIMIT TELEVISION
READ TOGETHER
Support your children by turning off the television and encouraging them to spend time doing other things. Always
Whether it is at night as part of your bedtime ritual, or during the day, find time to read with your children everyday. momsbestnetwork.com
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Reading builds valuable skills in our children like language development, imagination and vocabulary. More important, great bonds are created when we spend time reading together.
BE AVAILABLE DURING HOMEWORK TIME
Sending our children off to do their homework alone, especially when they are young, is stressful for them. We will see much better results if we are in the same room with them so they are not all alone. We may also be hesitant to help our child with their homework because we don’t feel we know the subject well enough. Remember, helping with homework doesn’t mean doing the homework. It isn’t about solving the problems for your child, it’s about supporting them to do their best. You may not know enough about biology or calculus to help your child with the assignment, but you can help by showing that you are interested, providing a place to study, monitoring their work and praising their efforts.
BE POSITIVE
Whining and complaining about school, homework, or assignments, will teach our children to do the same. If we want our children to have a good attitude about school, then we need to have a good attitude also. This means we can’t whine about helping them with their homework either. Research shows us that parental involvement predicts children’s academic success more than any other family characteristic. This new school year, take time to build a strong home and build your child’s esteem, so they can go to school confident and ready to learn.
Heather Johnson is passionate about the principles behind successful families and the importance of families spending time together, and blogs about it at Family Volley. She is happily married to her complete opposite, and lives in Provo, Utah with her four children.
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RECOMMENDED READING
The coterie is a blog where you can find
FUN IDEAS FOR KIDS, DELICIOUS RECIPES, AND READ ABOUT THE SIMPLE PLEASURES IN LIFE
An advice column for families
FAMILY VOLLEY ANSWERS YOUR TOUGHEST PARENTING AND FAMILY QUESTIONS. ADVICE THAT IS EMPOWERING, POSITIVE AND FUN
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GRANOLA by melissa coleman (the faux martha)
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR.
When the sun starts its decent into the horizon a little earlier. When the afternoon light casts a soft sepia tone over the landscape. The colors a little more brilliant. The smells a little more vivid. It’s that time of year when I get the itch to pick the last of summer’s harvest. When I find myself strolling down the tree-lined orchards stuffing my bag full of apples and pears. When I can’t resist the smell of homemade granola baking in the oven. There’s something entirely magical about this season. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Nor do I really care to. I’ll let the mysteries of this season wash over me. And maybe I’ll make a batch of granola or twelve. It’s my secret weapon. Add a sprinkle to your morning oatmeal, or to your sautéed apples and ice cream for dessert. If I had to guess, this is part of what makes this season so magical. But it’s just a hunch.
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GRANOLA yields 4 cups
INGREDIANTS
3 c. old-fashioned rolled oats 1 c. unsweetened coconut, shredded 1 c. nuts, chopped (walnuts, pecans, almonds) 1/2 c. coconut oil, melted 1/2 c. pure maple syrup 1/4 c. honey 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 2 tbsp. toasted wheat germ (optional) pinch of cinnamon pinch of salt 1–2 tablespoons of water as needed
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place coconut and nuts in a food processor. Pulse for about 1 minute. 3. Mix all ingredient together and let sit for 10 minutes so that the juices have time to set in. 4. Spread evenly on baking sheet and let bake for about 30 minutes stirring every 10 minutes. 5. Allow the granola to cool before storing in air tight container. Granola will harden as it cools.
SIDE NOTES
Before measuring honey, add a little bit of oil to the utensil. This will keep the honey from sticking. It will slip right out. Add dry fruit before serving. Storing it in the container adds too much moisture to the granola.
“I CAN’T RESIST THE SMELL OF HOMEMADE GRANOLA BAKING IN THE OVEN.”
Melissa blogs over at the Faux Martha. Designer by day, baker by night, Melissa believes that life is simpler with a handful of good recipes up your sleeve. images by melissa coleman
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ays to w y s ea
KEEP LEARNING
ONLINE CLASSES
TRAVEL
learn at home! try nicoles classes
BOOK CLUBS
can be engaging & fun try The Poisonwood Bible
can rejuvenate and provide another point of view
CHILDREN
AUDIO BOOKS
Can help inspire you try Fire Starter Sessions
the simplest activities can help you learn try berry picking
ONLINE WORKOUTS
with online trainers try Be exercise
DISCOVER THE WORLD by stephanie lonas (wanderlively) THE LUXAIR FLIGHT FINALLY TOUCHED DOWN on the tarmac and I allowed myself a quick sigh
of relief. At seventeen, I’d never left the country solo. I’d signed up to be an exchange student in France my senior year of high school, trading Prom for Paris, and monotonous coursework for independent studies and unlimited croissants. Even the words “exchange student” carried the promise of an education I couldn’t obtain staying at home. I met my French host family in the small, slate colored baggage claim. We exchanged some nervous smiles: I didn’t speak any French and they didn’t speak any English. Suddenly the thought of living and attending a French lycée without knowing the language images by sarah jane studios
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seemed like a terrible idea. On top of that, my luggage was nowhere to be found. As I filled out the missing bags form I wanted to add “knowledge of the French language” under items I hoped would be shipped that week to my new abode. Just four days after I arrived in France, I showed up at 8 am to the local lycée to register for classes. Latin, Spanish, History, Geography, French literature, Math, Physical Education... I had been raised to believe in the unparalleled superiority of an American education; suddenly, I wasn’t so sure. I attended school from 8 am to 5 pm every day,
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riding a rickety old bus to and from school. The journey took at least 45 minutes to the tiny town I shared with 300 French-speaking humans and 300 bellowing cows. My daily life hardly resembled the scene I’d imagined, largely influenced of course by Audrey Hepburn’s Sabrina (though I still agree with “Paris is always a good idea”). It turned out that I learned more in France than how to speak French or just how thorough a European education can be. I felt pushed outside my comfort zone every single day, challenged with new ideas and unfamiliar places. Despite the physical images by sarah jane studios
“PERHAPS IT IS IN BEING AWAY AND APART FROM ALL THINGS FAMILIAR THAT WE CAN TRULY LEARN OURSELVES AND CONNECT WITH THOSE AROUND US.”
closeness shared with each parting “bisous”, I found my classmates to have fairly thick walls guarding their hearts. Forged from fires of loneliness in an unfamiliar place, I began to learn the art of reaching out and connecting with those around me. I made the difficult choice to slash through language barriers with smiles and always have a ready “merci” for the experiences bestowed upon me. It wasn’t until returning home that I realized how much traveling had changed me. The total immersion experience of
living in a foreign country had forced me to choose who I wanted to be. Dreams about the future solidified themselves in my mind and appeared brighter than ever. I had attended more school than I would have if I stayed home, but it wasn’t the foreign secondary education that benefitted me most - it was the travel itself. Perhaps it is in being away and apart from all things familiar that we can truly learn ourselves and how to connect with those around us. The act of traveling becomes our greatest teacher. As a young mother, I seek out ways to both introduce and encourage the idea of travel to my daughter. For now, a trip to the grocery store is enough of an adventure. She’s already encountering language hurdles galore as her 20 month old mind seeks to acquire an English vocabulary. But someday, hopefully soon, we will board an airplane together. She might peer out of an oval-shaped window and see green countryside below and trickling rivers. I may whisper “bonjour” and “salut” in her perfect little ears, hoping to give her the head start I wished I had. But in the meantime, I will continue to sing to her of other countries, of places far away and beautiful, places we will someday explore together. An entire world waiting for her to discover, and to help her discover herself.
One of the great living experts on the fish taco, Stephanie Lonas designs and blogs at wanderlively.com . She lives in Carlsbad, CA with her exuberant toddler Madeleine and surfer/economist almost-husband Michael.
TEACHING KIDS TO LOVE LEARNING by heather mildenstein (the coterie)
SCHOOL IS HERE, AND I CAN FEEL the excitement in the air! My oldest son, Cole, is
about to start his first day of preschool and he couldn’t be more excited about it. I really want him to love school and learning, as I’m sure we all want for our children. Over the years I’ve tried to promote a love of learning by planning certain activities in different settings to help Cole be ready for when he goes to school. It’s so important for young children to get the opportunity to use all of their senses,
whether it be sifting through a sandbox looking for rocks, rolling Play Doh into a snake, having a designated reading time, or helping mom bake cookies. There are so many creative ways to help our children love learning. I love to cook, and I allow my kids to help me often. When Cole was about
images by heather mildenstein
two years old, I let him pull up a chair for the first time and had him help me make snickerdoodles. When I did this I was prepared for a mess, and a lot of fun. Letting children “help� you cook is such a great way to teach them order, instruction, following directions, patience, and most importantly, results in FUN!
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ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE COOKING:
-Let him hand you certain ingredients -Ask to throw wrappers away -Teach how to stir softly -Help him measure out ingredients and pour into the bowl -Get out spices and let him pretend to shake spices into the bowl (make sure the lid is still ON) -Explain that all of the ingredients combined make delicious cookies -Let him lick the beaters -Watch the cookies bake & EAT! Another favorite activity in our house is to “play library”. It’s such a simple activity and can result in hours of good entertainment. I take my kids to the local library for story time and activities, so we like to reenact that. We create a
display table with books, we set up the “checkout” with a make believe scanner and “ding” for scanning the barcodes. I give Cole a basket and let him have at it with the bookshelf. When his basket is filled, he brings it up to the checkout and I check out his books for him with our real library cards. Then we read the books he checked out. It’s just magical. This activity is so great because it really gets him to fall in love with books. These are just a few ideas, but use your imagination to help promote a love of learning in your own home. Whether we have children in school or not, we can still have magical experiences at home by being creative. Don’t be afraid to get messy. Things can always be cleaned up later.
Heather lives a happy life as a wife and mom of two little boys. She enjoys warm evenings, picnics, good design, and finding treasures at thrift stores. Born and raised in San Diego, she now lives in a cozy bungalow in Provo, Utah.
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learn to make things from scratch
AND FIND JOY IN THE PROCESS
a little place about
THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER
writing, design, and photography
A COLLECTION OF BEAUTY
MINI PUMPKIN PIE CRESCENTS by kristen hills (six sisters stuff) IT SEEMS THAT WHEN THE SEASONS CHANGE so does everyone’s taste buds. With back
to school, changing of the leaves, and the air becoming chillier in the morning, all I can think about is warm fall comfort food. In the fall there is no other ingredient working as hard as the pumpkin. Pumpkins will soon be popping up everywhere!
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photo by kristen hills
“IN THE FALL THERE IS NO OTHER INGREDIENT WORKING AS HARD AS THE PUMPKIN.� From September to December pumpkin is one of the highest used ingredients in the USA. Can you blame us? Not only does it taste amazing but you can use pumpkin in so many different ways. One of my favorites is pumpkin pie. I recently tried a twist on the pumpkin pie which turned out amazing! These Mini Pumpkin Pie Crescents taste just like a pumpkin pie, only in miniature form!
MINI PUMPKIN PIE CRESCENTS makes 32 crescents
INGREDIENTS
2 tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls 1/2 block of cream cheese (4 ounces) 1 cup of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 2 Tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice 7 Tablespoons of granulated sugar 1 Tablespoon of ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine cream cheese, canned pumpkin, 1 Tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 3 Tablespoons of sugar. Beat together until fluffy and creamy to make your pumpkin filling. Set aside. 2. Roll each crescent roll out and cut lengthwise in 2. Drop a tablespoon of pumpkin pie filling on each crescent. Spread the filling about half way down the cut crescent. Roll up each crescent starting from the thick end to the thin end. They will be a little messy, but that is just fine! 3. Mix together 4 Tablespoons sugar, 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 Tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll each filled crescent in your sugar mixture. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until golden in color.
SIDE NOTES
Take them right out of the oven and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. Your mouth will thank me!
Kristen Hills blogs over with her five other sisters at six sisters stuff about food, crafts and more. Kristen lives in Logan, Utah with her husband and two children, and is expecting her third child in November.
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WITH DIY HIGH FASHION
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AND SO MUCH MORE
LEARNING FROM FAILURE by melanie burk (fifth & hazel, mom’s best) I REMEMBER SITTING AROUND IN COLLEGE looking at the long list of majors and future career
choices. Many of them seemed overwhelming, (I knew anything medical was completely out since I pass out at large quantities of blood and I have no idea how the body really works), many of them seemed uninspiring (accounting… yawn…), and then there was a few that I had never heard of. The listed “graphic design” caught my eye as it was in the art section. I am completely embarrassed to admit that at that time, I had never heard of graphic design. In fact, I didn’t even know any professional artists growing up. I began reading about this unknown “graphic design”, and asking anyone and everyone what this career entailed. The more I heard, the more I wanted to learn, and the more I learned, the more determined I came to be a graphic designer. Even painting by brittany scott
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my parents’ fear of a “starving artist” on their hands did not deter me from my vision of one day being a designer.
ever succeed and if anyone would ever hire me and why I hadn’t majored in something useful like accounting (sob).
The years have gone by, and what started out as pure ignorance of graphic design has grown to a full obsession. I eat, sleep, and dream it—it factors into almost every decision I make (what product to buy, what book to read, what movie to watch, what restaurant to eat at, etc) I work more than I want to know, but most of the time I feel like I am playing. I love what I do.
Thankfully after a lot of work, tears, sleepless nights, and a lot of self imposed learning, I have been able to carve a small space out for myself. I would not trade the last 10 years for anything in the world. I have learned more from my failures, then I could have ever learned from success. Through my failures, I allowed myself to learn and study more, and garner a determination that I would be successful no matter what. I learned to look around me, and read as many books/blogs that I could. I reached out to others, eager for them to teach me all that they knew. I learned to ask questions and not be afraid of the answers.
I am not saying that this journey has been all roses. In fact, I have had to pay a hefty price and learn a lot, as all of us do. There are no free tickets in this life, and I can’t even begin to tell you the many failures I experienced in my journey to learn design. I will tell you that a) most of my professors disliked me, and did not even know my name, b) I am well acquainted with rejection letters and statements that you will never succeed, and c) any success comes at a painful price. My college education was a difficult, tumultuous time, and I left wondering if I would ever be able to be successful. In fact, when I started my business—I cried almost everyday, wondering if I would
This love of learning has made all the difference in my life. As a mother and teacher, I constantly try to instill this love in my own children, and in my students. I want to help them learn from my failures, and know that they can succeed. I want them to be ready for their own failures, and to know to keep pushing, because big failures mean big successes later on, as long as you work your way through it with determination and zeal.
Melanie Burk is the founder of Fifth & Hazel, a company that produces websites, branding, catalogues, and surface design. With the belief that art impacts people, Melanie aspires to create good design that invokes change for the better.
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WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Boots. If I had an endless budget I would buy these, but realistically I hope to get these!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I don’t get a whole lot of time to read, but I recently finished all of Emily Griffins’ books and loved them. An easy and entertaining read.
DANIELLE OAKEY danielle oakey interiors
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I love to try new recipes and DIY projects. I spend lots of time reading tutorials and then trying them out. Although not all of my projects turn out, I always learn something new.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Warm sweaters, hats, fall in the canyon & homemade pumpkin butter on gluten free bread
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
Dr. Bridell’s Logical and Rational & Poetic and Beautiful Completely Guaranteed diet (not a diet book)
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I love keeping up on what uplifts and inspires me by trying new things, creating daily & reading.
RHONNA FARRER rhonna designs
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
I absolutely love sweaters (I mean, who doesn’t?)
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m currently reading Emma by Jane Austen, an old Joy of Cooking cookbook (I’m a nerd like that), and the New Testament.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
LINDSEY JOHNSON cafe johnsonia
I try to absorb all the knowledge I can through reading books or periodicals, or by watching educational programs (tv or online). But I keep challenging myself. I can feel that as I get older, my brain cells must be disappearing because it’s getting harder to remember things and pick up new skills. So challenging myself by learning new things--a new recipe, or a new skill--and practicing helps me get better.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM? My new Colonel Bolo Ties in my shop..
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. It’s a must read for any entrepreneur.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
SUSAN PETERSEN freshly picked
I listen to podcasts all the time. A current favorite is TWIT (This Week in Tech)
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Right now I’m totally digging my cobalt blue nail polish.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m reading How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons with Penelope. So far so good!
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
If there’s something I don’t know, I google it. It’s a great way to learn about tech, pr, sewing and craftiness. My husband jokes that we attend the university of Google.
MELISSA ESPLIN i still love you
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Our backyard fire pit. Nothing like s’mores with the kids when they should already be in bed. Sometimes we get crazy and use Reese’s cups instead of chocolate bars. I know. Sheer decadence.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
Salt: A World History. An interesting book about the only rock we eat.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
MEGAN CONLEY meg in progress
Life seems pretty eager to keep expanding our knowledge. So I read everyday, keep my eyes open and remember there is always something new waiting for me around the corner. momsbestnetwork.com
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JANEseeRHODES jane WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
In-between seasons I really start to notice the skin on my hands, and especially this time of year, I love Aveda’s hand relief lotion. I always have the large size stuffed in my handbag for on the go use.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
Magazines. Who has time to finish an entire novel these days? I hoard magazines, and have baskets full allover my home – to name a few favorites: sweet paul, kinkfolk, anthology, dwell, martha stewart living, whole living, and real simple.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I attend workshops or lessons on what currently interests me as often as possible. I went to Bri Emery’s blogshop last year, I love attending art classes at my local Paper Source every month, and I’m hoping to get back in to college in the Fall of ‘13 since my kids will all be in school all day! I can’t wait, I’ve always gotten a natural buzz from learning, and consider myself the perpetual-student.
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LEAH WRIGHT leah naomi photography WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
My favorite fall item is slippers! If my feet are warm and cozy, the rest of me usually is too. And my mom always wears them, so now that I’m a mom, I feel it’s my duty.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I am currently reading Left To Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza. It’s an incredibly inspiring autobiography of a survivor of the Rwandan holocaust.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I continue learning by forcing myself to do something new like, canning, learning a new computer program, and helping my son with his math homework.
SARAH JANE sarah jane studios
MELISSA COLEMAN the fauxmartha
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m working on redoing my kids’ rooms, and I can’t get enough of these linen and wood storage bins at Land of Nod, and I love this turned hanging pendant from West Elm! So many possibilities! I am currently reading a lot of business books and children’s books. The new OLIVIA book is hilarious, and I’m reading FIRE Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte which is a life changer.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I’m a big ebook reader and blog reader. I’m always striving to take online classes, and love talking with experts. When I get a chance, traveling and meeting new people is my favorite way....although it doesn’t happen as much as I’d like!
I’m currently crushing on fall produce for its earthy complex flavors. Oddly enough, I crave fall produce even more than summer produce.
I’m embarrassed to say I’m not reading any books right now besides cookbooks. We recently moved from the midwest to the east coast. I lost my daily train commute, where I gobbled up books. Until I get back into a normal schedule, do blogs count or CNN? If so, I’ve got the internet covered. My favorite read at the moment, Sprouted Kitchen.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
A couple years ago, I realized my desire to learn is fueled by curiosity. And curiosity is fueled by the knowledge that I don’t have it all figured out, although I find myself wishing I did. So, I’ve decided to dabble in as much as possible. In the last couple of years I’ve learned to knit, crochet, and use a camera (things I never thought I would do). I owe it all to youtube and very patient friends. Next on the list is learning to use a sewing machine and learning to play the guitar. Check back with me in another couple of years. The guitar may do me in. momsbestnetwork.com
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WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Amazing Rich Chocolate Zucchini Cake (no sugar, gluten, dairy or soy)
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
“Change Your Brain Change Your Body” by Dr. Daniel Amen
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
LAURIE & TIFF VUKICH nature’s knockout
By going to Makeup & Hair Tradeshows, conventions and studying current trend reports
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
I’m loving hunter green this fall and Essie’s “going incognito” is the perfect dark green shade.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m currently reading Miss Million’s Maid by Berta Ruck. If you love Jane Austen, you’ll love this.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I continue learning by googling every question my children ask. I remember being disappointed as a child when I would ask my parents questions and they would respond with something like, “I’m not sure, honey. We’ll have to look that up.” It’s so great being able to provide an almost instantaneous answer to their inquisitive minds.
DANYELLE MATHEWS dandee designs
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
I love anything pumpkin; especially pumpkin chocolate chips cookies. Yum!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
The Fire Starter Series by Danielle LaPort. I highly recommend to all creatives, it has been life changing.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
MELANIE BURK fifth and hazel
I love listening to audiobooks, reading art history books, and looking at graphic design magazines. (like Communication Arts) I am constantly reading about website design, and I have ot stay in the know, because it changes so fast. I love learning!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
I’m loving scarves with beautiful prints and bold colors. It’s a great way to bring life and fun to any outfit.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I just picked up “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I’m currently trying to take my blog to the next level so I’m taking any online classes I can, mainly the Alt online classes. I also am learning how to finally use my DSLR camera through an online class Shoot Fly Shoot.
MICHELLE HINCKLEY 4 men 1 lady
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM? I am in love with these H&M Patterned Pants
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m currently reading Ten Girls To Watch by Charity Shumway
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I continue learning by reading and talking to people. Asking questions is so important and I try to do that often.
HEATHER MILDENSTEIN the coterie
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Butternut squash soup, Toms ballet flats, and Amy Kathryn Bags.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
Good To Great by Jim Collins. I am fascinated with business, self improvement, and empowering others!
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
TANA HALLOWS Style Maven Mama
As a mother to 5 I learn so much from my children! It’s so important to take time each day for learning; just like our bodies need exercise to stay healthy and in shape we must schedule time daily to nourish our minds and sharpen our skills.
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ELYSE representing six sisters’ stuff WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
Between the six of us girls, we have quite the collection of shoes. We especially love all of the darling riding boots we have seen for this season. They are fashionable and functional!
ALMA ollibird LOVELAND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
I love fall because it’s sweater weather!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
We love to cook and spend a lot of time reading cookbooks, but each of the six sisters just finished reading the Hunger Games series. We loved them!
I am currently between books, but the last book I read was Disclosure by Michael Crichton. It ended up being was a fascinating glimpse into the tech world of 1994. (The protagonist was ahead of the curve because he had a cell phone, and the whole focus of the protagonist’s work were CD-ROMs, the future of data storage).
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
We spend a few hours every week researching different recipes and finding ways to tweak them to make them absolutely perfect. By using the internet and other tools, we continue learning by trying new techniques and working to improve our skills in the kitchen.
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I teach Illustrator and InDesign at nicolesclasses, and the fact that I have 100 students a month asking me questions means I have to know everything about these programs! When I am asked something that I don’t know, then I play around in the program to figure it out, or start searching online. I would say that my students have really pushed my technical knowledge to where it is. Additionally, I work and collaborate with amazing people who keep me in the loop whenever they learn something useful. I think that when you find something that makes you stop and say “Wow,” then you need to share that with others!
BRIcollected WEBB
DIANA SMITH livy love
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL ITEM?
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I love this wool blanket. As the cool weather shows up, this is the perfect little blanket to curl up under. I love the colors and the great graphic pattern.
The better question would be, what books should I be reading?! I have a long list of books that are waiting to have their pages turned. Next up will be Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I was the nerdy girl in 4th grade, who raced to school so she could answer the question of the day, by scouring the encyclopedia books. And many years later, that is still me, except encyclopedias have been replaced with the Internet. I love to take online classes, read through forums and have long talks with friends and family about whatever interests me at the time!
Currently my most favorite fall item is pretty simple, but I love any skinny jean. I love how fashionable they are year round and how extremely comfy they are.
Oh yeah I forgot that was a past time. Well since I really don’t have time for that with two young kids, I do read them children’s books. We love to read M is for Maple that gives history all about Canada. They have books for America, England and many more!
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING?
I am constantly learning and I love it!! My most favorite way is YouTube because there are so many tutorials on their that teach me tricks in Illustrator. I learned how to crochet because of a YouTube video. It’s definitely my goto site for things unknown to me!
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LIFE
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WHOLE WIDE WORLD by megan conley (meg in progress)
I SPENT MY CHILDHOOD IN A CAR.
My parents are seekers, treasure hunters, gatherers of moments and memories. We drove to museums and caves, motored over mountains and through valleys. Some of my first memories are seen through a window at fifty miles per hour. Looking back now, I understand that many of the distances were small, mere field trips from the ordinary. But at the time I felt like they were showing me the world. On a fall day just after I had started the first grade, they bundled us into the car and began the two hour drive to a place with changing leaves and pumpkins big enough
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to win blue ribbons. As I buckled myself into the seat my mom handed me a book. It was much thicker than the picture books we read at school and the pages were still stiff and new. We thought you might want to do a little reading while we drive. It’s about a place called Pompeii. The grandness of the venture struck me. A whole book. All those words. And just me. The car pulled out of the driveway and I began to read. I fell into the pages among a
photos by michael monroe
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MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE DISTANCES I WILL TAKE THEM ARE SMALL, MERE FIELD TRIPS FROM THE ORDINARY . . . I HOPE, I PRAY, THAT SOMEDAY THEY WILL KNOW I WAS TRYING TO SHOW THEM THE WORLD. people that ate off gold plates and grew grapes on a mountainside. As the car moved forward, I knew the heat of a volcano grand enough to be called Mt. Vesuvius and felt my way through the ash that fell from its angry mouth. And then, sitting so close to my sister our knees touched, I was completely alone. Everything was still and I discovered the city of Pompeii, a thousand years after everyone had forgotten its name. The streets were empty and the paintings on the walls of empty houses still held their color. When the car stopped and my mom opened the door to let me out, I blinked for a minute into the light. Everything had changed. I have my own little girls now. They are still so small and I do not gather them up into the car and out onto the road as often as I would like. Apparently eleven
month olds have some strong and vocal objections to long distance driving. No matter, on our best days we do not have to leave the house. Instead we sit on the floor of their room surrounded by blankets and books. We dive into their primary colored covers and swim through places where dragons fly and little girls understand they can do big things. We have afternoon tea with kind hearted rabbits and dance on clouds that taste like sugar and cream. Sometimes, in the middle of a story I will brush the hair from my oldest daughter’s face and kiss the pink of my baby’s cheek. And as I breathe them in I know that, more often than not, the distances I will take them are small, mere field trips from the ordinary. I hope, I pray, that someday they will know I was trying to show them the world.
Megan believes everyday has a spark of the transcendent. However, it is easy to forget all that lovely, transcendent business when she is covered in spit up and her kids are screaming. Writing on Meg in Progress helps her to remember. Reading about her misadventures might help you to remember, too.
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RECOMMENDED FRIENDS
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A GIVING LIFE by julianne weis (focus on the horn) HOW FAR IS YOUR NEAREST HOSPITAL?
And what about midwives or OB/GYNs – how many are in your town, city, state? What did you do when you first found out you were pregnant? Did you have an ultrasound? Did you take pre-natal vitamins? Attend birthing classes? These questions - and the answers that follow - will vary dramatically depending on where you live. For me in England, my hospital is less than 3 miles away. Aside from attending births, highly-skilled midwives give regular pre-natal and postnatal exams within my own home, and my chance of incurring a serious illness from pregnancy, or dying during birth, are slim to none. But where I work, in Ethiopia,
photos by leigh boyle
the opposite is true. Less than 10% of women give birth with a trained attendant at hand. Less than 10%! Hospitals are scant – and if they do exist, they are hundreds of miles away, on impassable roads, and often with prohibitive fees. A pregnant woman in Ethiopia has few recourses if she is found with pre-eclampsia, goes into premature labor, or is trapped in a grueling obstructed delivery. Hasty trips to distant hospitals are routine, but it is almost always too late at that point. If the mother survives at all, she can be left with a debilitating disorder: obstetric fistula.
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HELP A SAFE MOTHERHOOD AMBASSADOR: Your small donation can help women in Ethiopia have a safe birth and prevent fistula. Help Healing Hands of Joy by supporting the printing costs of the illustrated textbook Safe Motherhood Ambassadors use to spread the word of fistula prevention and safe birth planning to women in their communities.
CLICK TO HELP GIVE BACK
Many may have heard of this injury – obstetric fistula is a hole between the bladder, vagina, and/or rectum, and is a result of obstructed and prolonged labor. Women with fistula are rendered permanently incontinent, leaking urine and/or feces continually unless they are repaired surgically. Fistula was common throughout the world before the advent of safe cesarean section: the very first fistula repair hospital was located in Manhattan, where it performed its last operation in 1941. This injury could happen at anytime; anyone reading this could have incurred a fistula if they didn’t have access to emergency obstetric services. That’s all it takes. And since obstructed labor can happen so unexpectedly in Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Niger, and other countries of the world with poor health infrastructure, women are left with fistula all too often.
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So where do you start? How do you tackle this great burden? Many have taken up the cause – OperationOF is expanding work in Uganda to train more skilled midwives, while the Worldwide Fistula Fund is building fistula repair centers in hospitals worldwide. Healing Hands of Joy, an organization centered in northern Ethiopia, is approaching the issue from another angle. By taking former fistula patients who have now been surgically repaired, Healing Hands of Joy trains these women to become “Safe Motherhood Ambassadors.” These ambassadors are given proper tools and training to return to their home communities, often in remote areas with little access to other health workers, and teach women about the importance of safe motherhood. photos by leigh boyle
They teach how to plan for a birth, how to save money and leave early to ensure women are near a health facility should anything go wrong. They explain the dangers of unprepared birth, the reality of fistula, infant mortality, and maternal death should no precautions be taken. These women are not only spreading the word about fistula prevention, but they are also rebuilding their own lives. Crippled by incontinence, fistula sufferers are often abandoned by family, left unable to work due to the leaking urine. Once repaired, the Safe Motherhood Ambassadors now have a key role to play
in their communities – they are critical to the safety of wellbeing of the women, children, and families surrounding them, and are thus respected and admired. They support themselves but also safeguard the health of women around them, who without the ambassadors, have little else to turn to. It’s these small domino efforts, where women who are at-risk of maternal death or disability are given the knowledge and tools to ensure they have a safe pregnancy and delivery. If the women most vulnerable to fistula are not told how to prevent it in the first place, how can we hope for a fistula free world?
Julianne Weis lives in Oxford, England where she’s writing a PhD on the history of changing childbirth practices in Ethiopia. Julianne is a passionate advocate for the rights of women to access safe reproductive and maternal healthcare, having worked at UNICEF and other global health organizations in nearly a dozen countries, including Brazil, Niger, and the US. momsbestnetwork.com
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DOWNLOADS
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m a e r C Ice nl d d
I A N R E T R E R O H C
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TEACH CHORES & REWARDS
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ILLUMINATING MOTHERHOOD
by stephanie lonas (wanderlively) There’s a glow throughout the house, a bluegrey hum that can only be attributed to night lights, computer modems, and electronic clocks. But I still wander, bare feet seeking freedom on cold tile. I’ve spent most of the night in and out of Madeleine’s room. I linger at the threshold before going in to offer a mother’s relief. When I pick her up, her soft whimpering “mamama” fills my heart, so I try rocking, making figure eights with my hips (the same way I did at her birth), soft and round cycles to soothe her tiny body. At last, I feel her little being let sleep in a deep-breath sigh washing like the last wave on the shore revealing her body has relaxed against mine and she dreams again. But my mind and body are awakethe dim lights carry me downstairs, and then outside, where the light is astonishingly bright (for 2:30 in the morning). The moon peers down through a thick veil of clouds, but my world is illuminated. Light softly lands on my skin, coating me with hope. There are those unaccustomed to the fine hints of color in morning light Those who have not given their bodies to the nurturing of little ones. And so, surrounded by the radiance of quiet, (sleep beckoning me back to bed), I offer prayers of thanks. Life and the light of the moon spilling over to the dawn of a new day.
photo by bri webb
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FALL BACK TO SCHOOL September 2012
PRODUCED BY
DESIGNED BY fifth & hazel