Friday's Fancies {back to school}

I woke up to a cool, crisp morning today, which can only mean one thing . . . it's back-to-school time! My mind's eye is conjuring images of small children running out to school busses, their red lights flashing. My ears are longing to hear the laughter of children on the playground. My nose is already smelling the warm, pungent earth that Autumn brings. And my tastebuds are anxiously awaiting the first cider of the season, as my kids gather around me after a long day at school!

Okay, so I'm really trying to deny that school starts for us in 11 days! I'm just not ready to send my kids back to school, to be away from me for 7 hours each day. But . . . if I have to send them back, I might as well do it in style!

Here's a sampling of the WONDERFUL back-to-school items to be found this season on Etsy:

{clockwise from top left}

Send your kids back to school in style with this beautifully-made Roll Up Pencil Case in Autumn Stripes from See Anna Sew . Such a great organizational tool! And with room to hold 23 pencils, your kids will never be able to say that their homework didn't get completed for lack of a pencil.

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Any child {or adult, for that matter} would look forward to lunchtime {or a lunch break} with this Eco-Friendly Insulated Lunch Bag by Farfalla Gialla. Just pack full of fresh fruits and veggies and a homemade sandwich, and you're ready to send your kids on their way with a nutritious lunch.

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Wondering what to pack all those nutritious food in, while avoiding those plastic sandwich bags??? Here's the solution! This Reusable Sandwich Eco Bag from Zummi is the perfect little eco-friendly bag. Just pop in your sandwich, fruit, or snacks and press closed. Also great for storing toys, makeup, and crafts!

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An apple for the teacher? This adorable little Hand-Crocheted Apple Cozy from Unravel Me  will keep your apple warm and bruise-free! Practical, and yet, still SO SWEET! I'd love to buy a set of six, wrap them around my apples, and set them on the shelf in my front entryway!

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Happy beginning of Autumn {for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere}! May you enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of this beautiful time of year!

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Fondly, Kate