Okay friends. Two months ago, we launched the Be Your Tee campaign with the NDSS hoping to raise $5000 to help promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. And you did it. You bought the shirts, you shared the campaign with your friends, you exceeded our goal times three. The first Be Your Tee campaign raised $16,064.52 for the National Down Syndrome Society. That means you bought 2,029 shirts. That’s 2,029 little loves out there reminding people to believe in them and show them how to succeed.

And then you asked for more shirts.  For big kids.  For me and you. 

So we did it. 

Introducing the second Be Your Tee campaign, spreading the universal message of acceptance and dreaming big and trailblazing a bright path to the future…for everyone.

Be the Dreamer tees are available in youth and adult sizes (women’s and men’s), in crew neck and V-neck, in short sleeve and long sleeve, in a variety of colors…but only for two weeks–in time for holiday gifts.

More than $5 of the sale of every t-shirt goes directly to the NDSS and the rest of the cost goes to Teespring who produces and ships these shirts and makes it possible to easily crowd fund.  (I don’t make anything on these…but I love seeing you wear them!)

Our campaign ends December 9th, so you only have two weeks to order.  All shirts are printed after the day the campaign ends and will be shipped that week.  You will receive shirts before Christmas. 
Can you order internationally?  Yep.  International shipping rates will be applied, and add on a few extra days for arrival.

Note:  Women’s and girls’ sizes are fitted.  They’re beautiful, but if you prefer a shirt that is not a snug fit, order a size up (I love the way the large women shirt fits me–more of a relaxed fit).  These are not available in onesies or baby sizes, but Nella rocked a kids small today with lace leggings, and it fit like a cute dress.

Don’t just be change.  WEAR change.  So people can ask you about your shirt and you can tell them what it means to you.  So your kids can wear their shirts and you can tell them why. 

And thank you so much.  Thank you Dreamers and Trailblazers for supporting and sharing this message.  It’s for all of our kids.

You can buy a shirt here.  And spread the love by sharing this campaign with a friend.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving. 

Special thanks to all my models. You’re beautiful. You know that, right? You’re beautiful.

A simple round-up of the week’s favorites and some lovely things I’ve found online to share.

Fave Photo:

This week, he pulls himself up.  Cautiously yet bravely.  He’s fallen over a few times with wails that follow.  Or gotten himself stuck, whining for someone to come rescue him.  I watch this whole process, so amazed by the instinctive nature of babies (or grown-up humans because it’s really all the same, you know).  They’re born to explore and push limits and yet they know that there are consequences–that exploring just a little further might lead to danger.  And yet they explore anyway, bracing themselves for the fall that might follow–even though “fall” isn’t even a concept understood by them yet. I mean, ten months ago he was swimming in a bubble protected from the world.  But somehow, he knows.  He stretches just a little further, grasping the edge of the bed for dear life, wanting to make it to the toy crate but knowing that venturing another step could lead to a bloody lip.  But he goes anyway.  And I’m cheering from the sidelines because I’ve been there.  Scared yet interested.  Cautious yet inspired.  Go buddy!  Explore.  Check it out!  You’ll never know what it’s like unless you test it out.  And yes.  You might get a bloody lip in the process.  But it will be okay.  You’ll get back up and you’ll try again.  Go, go, go.  It’s worth it.  Explore your world, little guy.

Fave Instagrams:

Fave Links: 

1.)  “If you have a preconceived notion of how something should be, you will always be disappointed.”  This is true art.
2.)  And you may have seen this on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News or about anywhere on the planet this week, but seriously…happy feel good stuff.  My friend, Jessica of Momma’s Gone City‘s puppy project.  I had the pleasure of meeting her this year in New York.  Her baby Beau and her new puppy Theo have made a habit of cuddling up together every day for naps, and America got a whiff of it and fell in love.  Follow #theoandbeau on Instagram and see the wave of puppy love that followed her inspiration.  Pretty cool stuff. 

And finally, more fave gifts for the holidays this year.
For baby and little kids.

1. Slayed by everything in this mama’s shop.  Unisex Gingham romper from Mabel Retro.  The varsity jacket?  Amaze.
2. Beautiful shop–all handmade goods made in Seattle.  Love the different tones in this maple, cherry, walnut puzzle.  From Manzanita Kids.
3.  We love our Manhattan Toy sqwish rattle.  As pretty as it is entertaining for babies.  And a beautiful gift.
4.  Jungle Art Cards for Baby–we’ve displayed ours on walls, tucked them in toy bins and tossed them in play piles on the floor and they’ve held up great.  Captivating and artsy. 
5.  Love the simple colorful design of this Janod xylophone pull toy–not just a toy but a keepsake.

1. WonderFoam USA Photo Floor Puzzle Map–got to play with this at a local toy store last week, and it’s fabulous. 
2.  Our Homeschool group used to have social Friday meet-ups at the roller rink, but our skates were never this cool.  Love these classic roller skates for girls.  What I shouldn’t tell you is that they make this same skate in a ladies’ size.  Uh-oh.  We might just be gettin’ some cheesy mother-daughter twinsy style on up in here.
3.  Classic.  Beautiful.  Handmade.  Everything you love about a good toy.  Twig Creative NAILED IT with their mini wooden camera, available in several colors and styles.  Santa brought us one last year, and we love it!
4.  I admit, I want this little wooden espresso machine from Janod for me as much as I want it for my kids.  The little accessories–I mean, come on! 
5.  New to the world of boy toys, I’m so excited to create a little car and truck world for our boy.  We’ve decided to slowly build Dash a Plan City collection.  They have an amazing selection of wooden cars, trucks and city accessories–all consciously made with regards to quality and the environment.


I’m over at All Parenting sharing about our Thanksgiving Grace traditions.


Feeling inspired to settle into family this weekend and so excited for next week’s holiday and cozy days to come.   Holiday freak flag is whippin’ in the wind.  More twinkly lights to come.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. 

ETST sponsor Tea Collection returns this month with great Wear gifts for your family. Their long sleeve Purity Tees are staples in our home for cooler months as they layer great under short sleeve tees and dresses to transform them for colder temps, and their fit is superb–snug and comfy.

Tea’s added some new styles for the holiday that are, in true Tea fashion, comfortable, hip and versatile.

Some of our favorites below:

Outfits, L to R: Ruffle Stripe Top, Skinny Stretch Cords, Palace Gate Layer Dress, Lucky Fish Tee, Purity Tee, Slim Twill Plaid Pants

Tea is also running the Holidazzling Sweepstakes with a chance to win $3000 worth of merchandise.  Check it out!

Welcome back, Tea!

Back tomorrow with more Friday faves and gift picks.