On August 10, 2010 I hit publish on my first blog post ever. Never in a million, kabillion and trillion years did I think I would still be here. These five years have passed swiftly and have allowed me to connect with awesome women all over the globe, hone in on skills and passions I didn’t know I had and most importantly document my life in written and visual prose that will always be here when I am old and gray and my children are grown and gone. While there is the caveat of not living in the moment and trying to document everything for blog content there is the upside that you get to live those moments AND capture them for memories.

It is for these memories that I will continue to blog until I no longer have the desire, but Lipgloss and Binky as we know it is coming to an end. I started this blog when I was 31 Adrian was 4 and Addison was 3 months. We are now 36,  9 and 5 respectively. Just as they have grown, I have as well. When I started this blog I was not concerned with anything at all home, organization or cooking related. Five years later I am in a new place and keeping my home is just as high on the priority list as keeping myself fashionable and in the know. I’ve come full circle and I see myself growing into a woman who is more concerned with making sure her husband, children and home are all healthy and happy which in turn results in a happy Mimi.

I’ve said all of that to say, the name of this blog is changing. Addison is no longer needing a binky, after all she did just go to Kindergarten! The new name will encompass home, organization, DIY, fashion, beauty, life….I mean really the content won’t be changing much but it will be better branded and formatted. As I speak with women I realize that we all want organization and peace in our homes so I am looking to not only share my experiences but tips on how to keep things in order while looking fab. From a non cooking, disorganized woman to one who now yearns for order and good cooked meals this change is indicative of where I am in my life.

The blog name will be changing  on Sept. 1.  These next few weeks I will continue to post here with new and improved content. This URL will be redirected, not sure yet if the feed will be seamless so I will be reminding you over the next few weeks to sign up for the newsletter and follow on my SM sites because I would hate to lose some of you in the transition.

I understand everyone won’t make the move with me, but with those that I lose I will gain more. I’m looking forward to what is to come with my new brand and changes. I’ll still be the same Mimi, just a whole lot more focused on  encouraging women to build a well rounded existence that includes taking care of home and themselves.

Some of you have been here since the very beginning, and we’ve grown into friends. I’m looking forward to building more meaningful relationships with some of you through my little home and social media accounts on the web in the years to come. Cheers to F I V E more years…..maybe!

While my children have completed their first week back in school, others will be going back in the weeks ahead. While shopping for school supplies consider picking up or crafting a fun back to school gift for your child’s new teacher. The week before school started was all kinds of crazy so my children will be making theirs this weekend. Teachers are such an important part of our kids lives that a quick note or gift of thanks or even a recommendation of a free grader that will help decrease their workload will go a long way in starting a great relationship with your child’s teacher.

Here are a few fun and easy gifts to put together to show your child’s teacher how much you appreciate them.

Tickled Pink: Grab a pink mason jar and fill with fun items a teacher might need for her personal use. Chapstick, hand lotion/sanitizer, and nail polish are just a few ideas of what you can put inside. Get more ideas and the free printable HERE

Thanks A Latte: Super cute. Great for gifting a gift card and travel mug. Find the instructions and printable HERE

Customized Printable Art: These are great for a teacher’s desk or to hang in their office. For only $7 you can order this as a digital file, print yourself and place in a frame. Customize your order at this Etsy shop

Fun Gift Card Holder: With budget cuts we all know that some teachers have to dig into their pockets to make sure their students have what they need. A kind gesture of a gift card to Walmart or Target would be appreciated I am sure. Find instructions and this printable HERE

Succulent Desk Planter: Add some color and life with a easy to maintain succulent. This ruler box will take a little handiwork but is so cute. Find the instructions HERE

Be sure to go and visit the other four ladies of the Fab Top Five for their takes on all things Back to School!

LaShawn @ Everyday Eyecandy: Top 5 Ideas for Back to School Photos

Kita @Kokoa Magazine: Top 5 Non Sandwich Lunch Ideas

Bernetta @Bernetta Style: Top 5 Household Changes When School Starts

MJ @ Fab Haute Mama: Top 5 Pinterest Boards for Toddler Homeschooling