Weekend Links

photo credit

Oh Happy Day asked Sophie to model fancy DIY watercolor party hats, and hold balloons.  #yesplease

Not much is more summery gorgeous than bright ice confetti balls in a beverage! 

I love citrus fruit... in every form. 

I've seen a lot of people credit luck for success, particularly online success, so I love this backstory; it's proof that hard work is what works best.

We're all putting chia seeds in everything right? It's for our health.

Speaking of health (errr), now I want ice cream sandwiches (it all balances out).

I couldn't love this blog anymore than I do.  

It doesn't get very hot around here, but I want to try all 8 recipes anyway. 

I'm always eyeing stylish little girl dresses, and this one is my current favorite... 30% off this weekend makes it so tempting...  

My favorite pin of the week is this one (open faced sandwiches are a major weakness of mine).

My favorite Etsy shop of the week- particularly the dishtowel that says "butter makes it better." True that...

Happy Weekend.

xo, 

Kate

Hello, Friday

1. The architecture in SF is outta control. My poor husband has got to be over the millions of pictures of buildings in our photo stream, but I.can't.stop.  One day I'll put all the shots into a book and set it on my coffee table (I love saying "one day," because it makes me think I may actually get time to do it)!

2. We found a secret garden in the city, but if I told you where, then it wouldn't be a secret. I want to visit it every time I'm in that neighborhood because it's one of the most serene spots I've found in the city (...that is, until my children and I walked in. I must revisit when I have a cup of coffee, a book, and 3 hours... so maybe in 2017?)

3. I personally think that red streetcars go best with the ferry building. The green and blue and yellow ones are nice and all, but I think red takes the cake.  

4. Chubby little toddler hands are my favorite thing. 

5. Summer is for bubbles.  

6. And flowers.

7. And lemonade stands.

8. Oh, and chalk... lots and lots of chalk.  

So it looks like we're getting into the swing of summer just about perfectly.

Unplugged

Who needs a screen between these little faces and mine? 

Today is a day for unplugging. It's time to declare a day to unplug every week. No phones, no emails (whaaaat?), no computers, and (dun dun dunnnn) no cameras for 24 hours (I don't know HOW I'll manage that one). Oh yes, I'll answer my phone if you call, but if you email-- just know I'll be back manana... We all need a little pioneer-family break.  

So if you need to find us tomorrow, there will be two little monkeys jumping on the bed, most likely wearing every shade of pink and giggling endlessly. I.cannot.wait.

Be back Friday! 

xoxo,

Kate

Fancy Little Tea Party

We have a lot of tea parties around here... it's inevitable when you have two little girls and plenty of tea sets. Most of them are set by Sophie and have a lot of pretend food and pretend friends.

SOMETIMES though, it's fun to create a little surprise for her and set a real tea party for the girls and their little friends. Yogurt parfaits, fruit, and little biscuits set on a kid's table with a pretty kid's-size tablecloth (this one is Rufflewood- just convo her if you want to order one similar) and tiny tea cups. It's a special treat for the kids to be dressed up for tea, and you can even teach them extra little manners while they're feeling like little ladies.

It's extra fun if you let the kids accessorize themselves in their fanciest headbands and princess dresses too. ;) -- you can tell, Sophie takes accessorizing very seriously...

And let the kids enjoy!!  

photos by Pictilio for StyleSmaller. 

Getting to Know: Emily Meyer of Tea Collection

My children love Tea Collection. I love Tea Collection.

Today I'm thrilled to give you an inside glance at motherhood, balance, and inspiration of the beautiful chief creative officer and co-founder of Tea Collection: Emily Meyer. 

Follow Tea Collection on: Twitter || Facebook || Instagram 

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What inspired you to start your own company? 

About twelve years ago I went looking for baby clothes for my newborn niece in Brussels, Belgium, but all I found was pink-bunny-themed clothing. I wanted something more sophisticated and modern (no offense to pink bunnies) and designed a sweater for my niece. That sweater inspired me to envision a collection that celebrates the beauty of world cultures through fashion and lifestyle products.  

I called it Tea, because tea the drink is something shared by all cultures - it evokes warmth, wisdom, timelessness - values that I wanted for the collection.

What were your biggest fears and how did you overcome them? 

I didn't have a job when we started Tea, so I didn't have much to lose and had everything to gain! My dear family friend asked me, "what have you ever failed at before?"... I couldn't think of any monumental failures ... he said, "See, you can do anything you put your mind to." I had never heard that so convincingly before.

How is Tea Collection set apart from other brands? What makes it extra special? 

Everything we design is inspired by a piece of beauty and creativity in this world, every product and collection has context, something greater than itself- so that we may all celebrate it, increasing love and awareness for all cultures.  

What have been some favorite experiences you've had through your work with Tea Collection? 

Creating a brand, being mindful of the precedent and responsible for the organization's longevity- there are so many analogies to raising a child. And, of course, traveling to some of the most amazing global destinations... and so much more to see! 

What are the names and ages of your children? 

Clement, 4; Georgia, 2

What are your favorite characteristics of each? 

Clement- so curious and loves to play games; Georgia- very independent and loves to sing and dance. 

How does an ideal day look for you?   

Fuss free children in the morning, following routine including lots of hugs and kisses, with a healthy breakfast all together. A creative day at the office, working on the collection or marketing campaign, with a little brainstorming on growth strategy. Come home, play puzzles and legos with the kids, read books together and then catch up on an episode of Game of Thrones with my husband.  

What is your "style uniform?" 

Slim cargo pants and a fabulous blouse, sometimes with a cardigan. I have always loved sweaters for being those relaxed, luxurious pieces you can live in. And always a scarf! For night, I add lipstick, a necklace, and a great coat. 

What is the perfect date?

My husband and I have the occasional date night at Village Pub in Woodside, CA. If, by a miracle, we get the kids down early, we eat dinner at the dining table together and pretend it's a date night. Just sitting together reminds us how much we love each other- crafting our children's (and our own) experience of family. 

What is your favorite moment of your day or week?  

Sunday mornings - we stay in our pajamas until 9 or 10am, ride our bikes to the park, have brunch at our favorite cafe in Palo Alto, and go home for a deep nap (the nap part is my favorite part of the day!).  

The million dollar question: how do you do it all? Tell us a bit about balancing your family life with your successful career! 

Be the change you want to see. If you need to leave work at five o'clock to get home to your children, do it. Start a trend. If enough parents do this, then it will soon be seen as normal instead of odd. Also, don't underestimate the use of time in unconventional ways-- some of my best strategic brainstorms and most productive conversations happen when I'm driving home. Commute time can be work time! 

Do you have any tips for women starting their own small businesses to help bring them to the next level? 

Know what you want. Be sure you are your own North Star while navigating all the choices before you.  

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Thank you so much for your beautiful words and inspiration, Emily! So grateful! XO, Kate

giveaway...

One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six

It's June!! Summer has almost officially arrived, so it's about time for a fun giveaway here on StyleSmaller. I always like to give things to readers that I'd love to receive, and I'd love one of everything here. If you don't have babies, no worries! Enter anyway, and gift them to the expectant and new parents you love (everyone needs a good gift stash for last-minute parties)!

All the rules and details are below. Enter away! It's simple!

Open to U.S. residents only 18 and over only. Winner must redeem their prizes within 48 hours after the contest closes. Some products were provided for giveaway.