Five Tips for Back to School Organization

It's hard to believe that we've been back at school for a month at this point!!  With the pool officially closed I guess I can't deny the fact that summer is over any more (even if it is in the 90s here this week!!).  I don't claim to be the most organized individual, by any means, but I've found these tips work well for me.  I tend to start the week rearing to go only to fizzle out by Wednesday or Thursday.  These tips help circumvent that fizzle.

Friday Five [3.11.16]

Thank goodness it is finally Friday.  It has been such an incredibly long week that twice I've woken up thinking it was Friday (and both times were not today).

I'm so very privileged to work with a special group of kiddos at school.  I've been with the "Compass Program" for many years.  I'm in a unique position and get to be with the kids for third, fourth, and fifth grades.  By the time they leave us, I'm incredibly attached.  I really do love them dearly.

We said goodbye to one of our Compass family members this week who was killed in a car accident last weekend.  He was quite an incredible young man, with an enormously caring heart, an inquisitive and intelligent mind, a joy for learning, and a smile and laugh that would light up the room.  I've spent a lot of time remembering one of my favorite groups ever this week.  There was something so special about the combination of kids in that class.  Although they are high schoolers now, they are still my kiddos.  It has been incredibly touching to watch our entire Compass family come together to support each other and his family during this tragic time,  May his memory be eternal.  I know I'll never forget him.

That being said, I just don't know that I have it in me to write a Friday Five today.  

Masterpiece Me!

It was our darling art teacher who had this darling idea for the halls in our school.  I certainly can't take the credit.  But, it's too fun not to share with y'all.  For the start of school (before any of the kiddos produced their own art, as she explained it) she made our own "Museum of Art" filled with classic works of art -- with a twist.

Weekly Meal Prep

Now that school is back in session it's time to buckle down and get organized.  Hubby and I were pretty relaxed this summer with the meal planning and unfortunately it shows both in the wallet and the waistline.  I took some time yesterday to prep our food for the week.  Typically I pack my lunchbox and a few snacks for the week, but haven't prepped beyond that.  Yesterday I did anything I could ahead for meals.  Hopefully it will pay off.  Hubby says I was a little overzealous and that this much food will last us longer than just a week, but better to be over-prepared than under, right??

Back to School Wishes

Today is Teacher Report Day - the first official workday of the 2015-2016 school year.  I can hardly believe how quickly summer flew by! I'm just popping in to wish all teachers, students, and parents a wonderful school year.  Sweet Lauren at at Simply LKJ shared some wonderful, inspirational thoughts about the impending school year.

Chinoiserie Inspired Weekly Planner

I'm so bummed to say it, but we're back to school this week.  Staff reports on Thursday and the kiddos arrive next Monday.  So. not. ready.  Between school and tennis, Fall (and I'm using that term liberally considering it's only JULY!) is a crazy time of year in our hive. In an effort to organize things a bit, I whipped up a little weekly printable for the fridge (I have to say it's a huge improvement over last year's notes usually scribbled on the back of an envelope from the junk mail).

Target #ThanksaBillion Thank a Teacher

I don't need much more of an excuse to love Target.  I mean where else can you go to pick up dish soap and come home with something cute to wear and something fun for the hive??  But, they've given me yet another reason to love them.  Target is current running their "Thanks a Billion" thank a teacher program.  Take a minute to thank a teacher and Target will donate $25 to their school.  It's just that simple. 

 

 

Click here to thank a teacher!

 



Countdown to Summer

Summer is just around the corner and we can hardly stand it here in our happy little hive.  I decided we needed a little something extra to help get us to the finish line. 

Levenger Circa Notebooks

Hubby says I have a problem.  I will purchase all kinds of organizational tools (baskets, bins, desk organizers...you get the idea....) in hopes that someday I will finally be organized.  If I'm being totally honest, he's right.  In my defense though, sometimes these organizational tools actually work, and then a portion of my life is orderly and organized. 

Back to School [Monogrammed School Supplies]

I texted this picture to Bestie KP with the caption: I may or may not have a monogramming obsession.  She simply responded with: "may"......

In My Lunchbox [A Gardener's Bento Box]

Well, it's that time of year again....school starts tomorrow.  I am determined to have an organized, stressless (ha) year and am taking some steps to help achieve that goal.  I've already mentioned my love of packing lunch  for the entire week on Sunday, and tonight was no exception. 

The beauty of this box was that I simply stepped out to the garden and everything else fell into place.  This week's Bento Box includes: cucumbers, a couple snap peas, hummus, and Indiana melon (not from my garden, but Indiana grown).