My Family Calendar

As a family of five, life around here is busy. My three boys are 11, 13, and 16 and they are constantly running in different directions. We each have our own agendas that keep us on the move... from work to volunteering... sports to just hanging with friends... our personal calendars are full. And that's ok.

Trying to keep track of everyone's schedules can be exhausting. And I mean exhausting for everyone! I remember when my boys were little they constantly asked when their friend was coming over to play... or what day the babysitter would be here... or where we were heading on the weekend. This is when I created our family calendar.

I took a large poster frame, and in it, created a blank calendar with areas to jot down notes or schedules. I used a poster frame because I wanted this calendar BIG. Big enough to write specifics on different days. I needed room! I love that this calendar is big and easy to read. People walk by and at a glance can see what's on the agenda for the week. Yes, my calendar even includes 'bedtime' and 'rewards' because I made this YEARS AGO when my kids were small. AND WE ARE STILL USING IT TODAY! That says a lot. We all use this calendar as a supplement to our own personal agendas.

This calendar is essentially a gigantic dry erase board. I fill in the calendar and add events with chalkboard markers. I use different colors, I add decorations, and I just make it fun. This acts as our family's FYI board. Birthdays, family parties, grad parties, doctors appointments, practices or games... it's all added to our family calendar. This calendar is even more useful during the school year when I include things like day's off, late starts, choir concerts, or when major school projects are due. The kids know when they're getting their hair cut, when the family is going out of town, or when they can expect to be home alone. It keeps us informed and organized.

In our old house, our family calendar hung over the kid's homework desk. When we moved, the calendar came with us and still hangs in our kid's homework area. It's amazing how a small organizational DIY project became such an important fixture in our home.

I encourage you to create your own family calendar. Happy crafting!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme and TikTok @small_town_me

Love Emily.

Why I Love My Convertible Backpack

I recently purchased a new bag for summer... a convertible backpack. This bag not only works as a cute on-trend backpack, but it converts to other handbag options as well. My convertible backpack has been so much fun to use, and it can be styled with tons of different looks.

Today on the blog, I want to show you the different ways you can rock a convertible backpack.

Use as a Top Handle

For an elegant look, remove the two straps, grab the top handle, and go. The perfect summer handbag for your favorite warm-weather dresses. One of the things I love about this bag is the size. My bag is a smaller size, and looks so cute as a top handle bag, while still fitting my wallet, small makeup pouch, sunglasses, and cellphone. When choosing you bag, make sure you are able to fit your necessities.

Over the Shoulder Bag

Add one of the two removable straps, and you now have a cute shoulder bag. My straps also adjust in length, so you have the option of a traditional over the shoulder or crossbody. When choosing your bag, be sure to check to see if the straps are adjustable so you can achieve the perfect drop.

Backpack

Attach both straps for a cute backpack. Again - the straps are adjustable so you can obtain that perfect fit.

Crossbody 'bum' Bag

Finally, we all know and love the new bum bag trend. By adding one strap diagonally onto the bag, you can get a very similar look. Wear the bag across the front of your chest to mimic a Bumbag, or wear it on your back as another variation of a crossbody. Either way, you are sure to look trendy with a little bit of edge.

And there you go... One bag, 4 ways. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme and TikTok @small_town_me

Love Emily.

Lous Vuitton Clapton Backpack

Coach Parker Backpack

Coach Parker - multiple colors

Kate Spade Polly Backpack

Getting more mileage out of your summer dresses

The weather is getting warmer here in Minnesota, and I'm definitely ready to start wearing all my favorite summer dresses. The fact is, weather here is very unpredictable. One day it's 85 and sunny... the next day it dips down to the high 60's. Minnesota summers feel short at times, and cooler months can drag on. One thing that I've grown accustomed to is layering. This not only keeps me warm or cool during the unpredictable weather, it also helps me get more mileage out of those fun summer wardrobe pieces.

Today on the blog, I want to show you three easy ways to layer up your favorite summer dress.

Add A Denim Jacket

Throwing on a demin jacket is an easy way to layer up and add warmth to any summer outfit. When styling my outfit, I make sure everything works with or without my jacket... that way I have options when I'm out and about. Play around with different washes and styles and change up your shoes to get that perfect look.

Adding a T-shirt

Throwing on a t-shirt over your summer dress is so easy and gives your look an edgy effortless vibe. I knotted my T to show off my waist and threw on a pair of Golden Goose sneaks. Having my shoulders covered is sometimes just enough to keep the chill off. Play around with different colors and graphics and let your personality shine through. Whether its an awesome band tee, fun caption, or favorite designer, I love this look because it's perfectly tailored to you. No two looks are ever the same... and I love that!!!

Layer a Shirt Underneath

Finally, it is not uncommon for fall to come around a little too soon. Don't pack those summer dresses away just yet. Try layering a fitted top underneath. My closet always has fitted turtle necks in black, navy, and white so I can layer up my dresses when the weather turns chilly. Here, I threw on a fitted turtleneck and put on a pair of combat boots. A good rule of thumb here - make sure your top is fitted for a clean look. Warm weather dresses are often times thin, so you want to make sure it lays nicely over your layered piece.

All of these looks work with practically any warm weather dress. Play around with what you have in your closet, and make sure our personality shines through your outfit. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme and TikTok @small_town_me

Love Emily.