Rylee jeans light and sweet 2nd birthday from kelli murray
Meet Kelli Murray, the founder behind our newest collaboration partner, Rylee + Cru. Today, we launch a super sweet collection of children’s bedding and pajamas featuring whimsical prints in calming colors. This collaboration celebrates the special moments that surround bedtime routines with kids, so naturally, we needed to hear how Kelli and her family get ready for lights out. Read on to find out how Kelli and her three kids unwind,
Let’s get right into it; tell us about your bedtime routine with your kids.
We have three kids, ages nine, six, and three, and we try to spend time with each of them individually at bedtime. My husband and I will rotate going from room to room, and we usually read them a story, talk about their day, scratch their backs, and say a prayer. It’s honestly one of my favorite times with them because, for some reason (likely their attempts to postpone bedtime), they are the most open to talking about anything and everything with me. I really do cherish those bedtime conversations.
How does your family relax and unwind in the evening? Are there any special nightly rituals?
We always try to do dinner together as a family. I remember growing up really valuing family dinners gathered around the table and have always wanted to prioritize that with my own family. Thankfully, I married a good cook. 😉 Lately, we have been playing ‘hide-and-seek’ (inside) since the kids are kind of obsessed with that right now….but we are always changing it up. Sometimes, we play games or watch a funny show together before bed. Wipeout is a family favorite!
Favorite midnight snack?
Chocolate….or really anything sweet!
What keeps you up at night?
Usually, my anxious thoughts. If a lot is going on at work or if I’m feeling overwhelmed by a relationship or situation, I typically have a hard time letting my mind rest, which is a good recipe for insomnia.
Bedside tables reveal a lot about a person…what’s on yours?
My glasses, journal, and a book I’m reading called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Oh, and a box of chocolates my husband got me for Valentine’s Day!
How often do you hit snooze in the morning?
Never! With three kids now, my body knows to wake up early. And if I don’t, my husband is always up at least an hour before I am, and he’ll wake me up if he needs to! We literally can’t sleep in if we try.
It’s the weekend, and you’re making breakfast as a family…what’s on the menu?
Chocolate pancakes, bacon, and fresh orange juice.
Tell us more about your design philosophy. What inspired you to create Rylee + Cru?
When my daughter was born nine years ago, I had a hard time finding clothes for her that I really loved – specifically in terms of art and color. I was working as a freelance illustrator/designer at the time, and my background is in product development and merchandising. I had this crazy idea to merge my experience and start a children’s clothing line that incorporated my art and design aesthetic. I love an organic and earthy color palette paired with hand-illustrated prints and patterns. Simple, yet playful and imaginative.
