{First Day of School Tradition: Schultuete}


first day of school DIY schultute grade one zuckertute


Our older daughter was born in Germany. At the time, I taught first grade there, and I fell in love with this German First Day of School tradition: the Schultüte, or Zuckertüte as it is called in the east, where we lived and where the tradition originated. Translated as 'School Cone' or 'Sugar Cone', it is a special tradition just for kids entering grade one....



{Back to School Books}

back to school books preschool kindergarten first grade


This year both my girls are starting new school experiences. Princess Pea will be starting first grade, and is bursting with excitement. Sweet Pea will be starting preschool, leaving our house and going 'out into the world alone' for the first time ever! (I wouldn't say she's bursting with excitement - she's more introverted and takes time to warm up in social situations.)

As always, we have been turning to books to help them with these transitions - to allay any fears and create positive yet realistic expectations of their new experiences....



{Sew Easy Personalized Throw Pillows for Babies and Kids: A Tutorial for Complete Beginners}

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easy personalized throw pillows for babies and kids tutorial for beginners


I need to preface this post by saying that I am truly a complete beginner when it comes to sewing! Prior to this, I had sewn part of a quilt cover (under supervision of an instructor) that I never finished, and two peacock costumes for Halloween last year (actually I only sewed the feather parts). I'm not sure how I got it into my head that I should attempt to make pillow covers like these, without even a pattern to go by, but I did and I just love how they turned out! So seriously, if I can do it, anyone can! Plus, I already did all the hard parts for you by figuring it all out ;-p ....