Special Edition: Back To School – Featuring Lady Aubrey & the Twins

Hi everyone,

Upon request, today the kids take over the blog with a mini back to school try-on session. I wanted to go to one of those boutiques for the session but since I wanted to include the twins; and thinking about the challenges that might incur with under 2-year old toddlers in a store I decided to do something home. I was telling myself that it was going to be quick, easy and short- big mistake: The twins were very agitated, they were of course happy to get dressed up and wear their new outfits but things got messy along the way:

1.  Audrick wanted to carry his backpack too soon- no time for sweater. Then it became nightmare to change his outfit because he was not willing to let go of the backpack or the shoes to put on other clothes and cried like we were actually beating him up;
2. Addison wanted to do her things, her way and as it was approaching her nap time she became very irritated and cried for nothing and everything.

Talking about back to school, how do you guys do your shopping for back to school. Years ago, I have set up some rules to ensure I don’t waste my time and money; or to have to shop over and over throughout the year unless one will unexpectedly grow out some of their clothes. Here’s 10 tips I follow when I’m shopping for back to school:

1. Set up a budget (yup, that way, you sure to get the strict necessary even if you stretch that budget a little bit);
2. Make a list of purchase by priority;
3. Have your child try-on last year clothing to decide if there is anything that you can keep;
4. Buy for durability (find what works for you to avoid buying super hero or princesses pieces of clothing or backpack just to please you kids but won’t last you 3 months);
5. Invest in quality. Don’t cut corners on some items such as backpack lunchbox, shoes… Good quality will last you all year long;
6. Compare prices on different websites , stores before making a purchase;
7. Stock Up for the whole year (if you have toddlers like me, go up to 2 sizes depending on how their growing cycle are);
8. Watch the sales;
9. Do Couponing;
10. Start early. Don’t wait for last minute to do your shopping.

What is usually listed on my B2S shopping list, taking school and after school (dance call, tennis lesson, music or swimming lessons) into account:

1. 5 pairs of school pants – 2 pair of jeans
2. 4 to 5 short sleeved tops
3. 2 to 4 long sleeved tops
4. 2 to 4 hoodies and sweaters (kids go to school in the mountain)
5. 5-7 shorts and skorts for after schools activities 
6. 2 to 4 pair of shorts, skirts (after school activities)
7. 12 pair of socks
8. 12 pair underwear 
9. 2-3 pair of shoes (I tried a lot of brands such as Pediped, Nike and more but Stride Rite or Adidas are the most durable)
10. Misc: nap mat, duffle bags, food containers…

Where I like to shop for back to school. I mostly use Amazon and Old Navy but I do love backpacks from Pottery Barn. They last forever. Also, if I can’t find French Toast Uniforms on Amazon, I will check The Children’s Place.

1. Amazon
2. Old Navy
3. Oshkock B’gosh
4. The Children’s Place
5. Pottery Barn (backpack, lunch box, duffle bags)
6. Target/ Walmart

Couponing at:

1. Coupons.com 
2. Groupons.com
3. Amazon deals
4. retailmenot.com 
5. savings.com

Queen Aubrey  (The Boss)

Backpack, lunchbox & duffle back for after school activities (dance, tennis & swimming lesson) – And yes, she’s only 5 years old:-)

The Middle One (The Real Boss) – Addison

Backpack, lunch box, nap mat & duffle back for after school activities (swimming lessons & dance)

Baby Boy- Audrick (The charming yet evil one)

Backpack, lunch box, nap mat and duffle bag for after school activities (swimming lesson)

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed that session as much as it was challenging for us to put it together. We surely had fun and learn some lessons on how to make it better the next time they are making an appearance on the blog. Do you have toddlers? Any challenging to take photos? Tips? Also, how do you shop for back to school? Comment below and let me know.

Thanks for stopping by.

XoXo,

Moumous

Photo Credit @Vonvonphotography

Linking up with those wonderful ladies here