Company Memo: Hunter for Target, Hello Sunshine, and Tom Tom Festival

Guess what’s coming to town just in time for all those April showers??? Hunter Boots and Target are pairing up for a limited collection that will hit stores April 14th! Similar to the Hearth and Hand by Chip and Joanna Gaines, this collection will contain more than 300 items. It will span apparel and accessories and no one will be left out; there are pieces for men, women, children, and toddlers as well as products for the home and outdoors. Best news yet is that majority of all items will be $30 or less. This will be Target’s 175th partnership and, as always, the focus is on high quality, style, and incredible value. (Little secret: If you are a Target REDcard holder you will get early access to the collection beginning on April 7th.)

I have one kiddo who loves to be locked in to her tech, and its a real struggle in our house. I laugh as I write this remembering the days with my first child when I wouldn’t even want a TV on while she was in the room. Oh, the evolution of motherhood. My husband’s career is in education and has repeatedly referenced a recent study/article generally stating that most social media platforms have negative affects on children save one…YouTube. After having this conversation within our walls and with friends, I read an article that profiled several educational YouTube channels. Here are their suggestions:

• Khan Academy – Videos are concise and engaging and use all kinds of interactive tools. You can find videos on skip counting, place values and much much more (side note: this site was initially set up as a resource for high school math but has since expanded to lower grades so if you have that tween, they may be able to glean some knowledge here too;
• The Brain Scoop – Chicago’s Field Museum makes fun, fact-filled 8–10 minute videos on topics ranging from  baby dinosaurs to shark fossils. Even better, this channel is led by a women, an extra encouragement for the little female scientists in your home;
• A Kid Explains History – Mr. Q brings enthusiasm to topics that could be total duds for your kids. He even has introduced some history based gaming videos that might catch the eye;
• Kid President – shares his take on being a global citizen for smart kids who want to share their thinking with the world;
• Ian Loves Theater – reviews musicals and interview stars of Broadway.

Go: Tom Tom Founders Festival

Now in its sixth year, Charlottesville’s Tom Tom Fest spotlights culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship each April in conjunction with the birthday of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. With over 100 events and 400 speakers from April 9 – 15, Tom Tom is drawing national attention. Keynotes this year include Dan Rather and John Cleese. A crowd-funded Pitch Night is a favorite for aspiring entrepreneurs and audiences alike, and the many free concerts and community parties throughout the week bring the festival to life. Want to know more? Check out the Tom Tom schedule for a comprehensive list of events, workshops, summits, and competitions. There’s never been a better time to visit Charlottesville!