JoAnna Garcia Swisher is trying to soak up every moment she can with her two daughters, Emerson, 11, and Sailor, 8.
"It's really just a matter of being present and having so much love for these little humans — you would do anything for them. Motherhood has been rewarding in that you get to relieve the messier parts of life. You're like, 'I don't want to go through that,' and then you watch them navigate something like that and it's almost healing in a way. It's really allowed me to be more present and take it all in and slow things down a little bit because life gets crazy, and everything can be a mile a minute," the 44-year-old exclusively tells Morning Honey while talking about her partnership with Post-it® Brand and Scotch™ Brand and how families can get their hands on the Back-to-School Countdown Kit.
"It's so nice to be able to stay in the moment and enjoy these little humans growing up," the actress continues of her tots, whom she shares with husband Nick Swisher.
As the girls get older, the Sweet Magnolias star is enjoying each phase of life more and more. "It's crazy how much they grow and learn. They're sponges, and it's incredibly rewarding," she shares. "They're also so different, so to see how they approach life but also being in a place where they start to put it together and how they view the world is inspiring, especially my oldest right now."
"She's at that age where she's talking about things and navigating things. How she looks at life is so simple, beautiful and uncomplicated — and just genuine and really inspirational," she adds of Emerson. "They teach you so much. I just stare at them and am like, 'I don't want to forget this moment or that thing you said.' I just try to be present and grateful in the moment."
The mom-of-two is in awe of her girls, especially now that they're "independent."
"I am like, 'They're kicking butt and doing great things,' but a part of me is like, 'Oh, come hug mommy and hold my hand in public,' which they still do. But come back to me in five years, and we'll see if that changes! The goal is to support them becoming fully functioning, confident adults," she notes.
For now, the Florida native is spending time with her family at their lake house in Georgia before they head back home to start school in the next few months. Prior to the school year, the star teamed up Post-it® Brand and Scotch™ Brand to show parents and students they have their back (to school) – helping them start the school year off on the right foot by resetting daily routines and prepping for the big day early.
As a parent, the producer knows the ins and outs of balancing work while making sure everyone in her family is thriving. In partnership with JoAnna, both brands have curated the ultimate all-in-one Back-to-School Countdown Kitfilled with 21 interactive projects and tips on how to ease back into a routine, products to take upcoming school projects to new places, and conquer the year ahead!
"I am always prepared, so when Post-it® Brand and Scotch™ Brand approached me about this partnership, the fact that they took the time to create this epic Back-to-School Countdown Kit, I was like, 'This is so up my alley!' I was so excited because I got my chance to have my Back-to-School Countdown Kit a little early, and it's filled with all my favorite Post-it® Brand and Scotch™ Brand products that we actually use in our life in a way I can't explain. It also includes this cool little calendar and has all these fun projects and a great guide!" she exclaims.
"You flip the day, and it shows you're one day closer to back to school. It's fun, but more than anything, I feel completely prepared and ready, and I'm excited for other parents to have the same opportunity. It's a really fun partnership," she adds. "From July 11 to July 19, you can go to Post-it.com/BacktoSchoolSweepstakes and enter for your chance to get your very own Back-to-School Countdown Kit, and I think that's the most important thing. It's an amazing kit, and I'm super grateful this has been such a fun partnership because it's so great when you get to work with companies that want to have our back — for back to school! They get us!"
A limited number of kits will be available today through Friday, July 19. Please visit Post-it.com/BacktoSchoolSweepstakes to learn more and request your Back-to-School Countdown Kit to enjoy with your family. In addition to those who win, a printable version of the projects, activities, and tips are available at Post-it.com/BacktoSchool.