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Jen’s Ten Tips for Back to School (and Back to You!)

by ‎08-24-2016 03:33 AM - edited ‎08-25-2016 08:44 AM

I say it every year at this time: I can’t believe it’s time for my daughter to enter another school  year!!  She’s junior-year bound and more excited than ever to be an upperclasswoman! And mom, of course, is excited to get a bit more zen back in her life…

 

Because that’s what BTS should be. Reclaiming some calm after a fun (but chaotic and busy at times) summer. I like to see it as an opportunity to organize, reset, send my kiddo off on her educational adventures and take back a bit more time for me too. Here are a few tips I’ve gathered over 10 back-to-school seasons to make things a bit less hectic; in fact, quite the opposite! The first few are for you and the kids…the rest are strictly for you.

 

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  1. Acknowledge that mornings set the tone for the day…so make it as smooth-going as possible with a little pre-planning!

When Gabby was little picking out her outfit in the morning was the most stressful part of the day. She had her favorites, mom had hers, and of course none of those were clean and ready when they were needed most! Take a few moments to plan out outfits ahead of time (I usually just did them as I was folding clothes) and they are grab-and-go ready in the AM! Thankfully, Gabby does this on her own now. Most days anyway Smiley Happy.  You can get closet organizers like this one to make it even easier.  

 

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  1. Play catch-up on house organization while kids are at school.

 

Confession: while Gab is at school I’ll often go through her room and purge it of items I know she will never miss, doesn’t use, and could find a better home. It was toys when she younger, now it’s clothes and books/magazines.  And if organizing makes you happy (I know this isn’t for everyone  lol!),  grab inexpensive containers to sort through what you’ll keep. I love sets like these because you can see what you’re storing and they aren’t bulky. These Lug Bento Boxes are GREAT!

 

 

  1. Your slow cooker just might become your new BFF.

There are few better feelings than coming home after a long day and smelling a home-cooked meal. When it comes with the reminder that you barely had to lift a finger to prep it…so much the better! Get to know your slow cooker (here’s a champ if you don’t have one > Ninja Cooking System) and the wealth of quick and easy recipes (like these > Fix It & Forget It Cookbook) that will make 5pm-bedtime your favorite part of the day. 

 

 

  1. But meal prep isn’t just for dinners!

 

Making better choices when it comes to lunch and snacks can be challenging in a time-crunched world. But it’s easier than you might think to pre-make a large selection of snacks that you can use for school lunches and after school! Check out my livestream about clean snack ideas here. And if you need school lunch and snack storing tools, this set is one of my faves! 

 

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Watch my live stream HERE.

 

 

  1. And when you’re super time-crunched,  goodies everyone can agree on aren’t far away.

 

One big surprise for me when I started at QVC was the array of great food options we have that ship straight to you. Gabby and I are big fans in particular of these grab-and-go snacks and these insanely addictive potstickers but if you haven’t checked out the dinner options that make post-school quick dinners completely stress free you owe it to yourself to surf our food section now.

 

 

  1. Keep the kiddos (and yourself) hydrated.

This is personal  crusade of mine. You gotta drink your H20, and the kids do too! If it’s allowed at school, send them off with a bottle they can refill throughout the day…and you do the same, momma! Here’s a great set that comes with Mission cooling towels. Which you’ll need if you heed the next tip: 

 

 

  1. Hit the road, jack!

 

I definitely fell victim over several summers to falling off the fitness wagon because I was so busy keeping Gabby busy. It was when she returned to school that I finally found time to move a little more. Whether it’s a ten-minute walk around the block, a long jaunt on the treadmill, or laps around your local mall…get moving and feel  better!  Take care of you so you can take care of them.  If a new pair of kicks will help get you motivated, here’s a great pair I’ve purchased a couple times over! 

 

 

  1. And stay social with it!

My Fitbit group at work is the reason I log more steps per day now than I ever did  before! A little healthy competition can go a long way. Plus it helps me interact more with friends..something a lot of us tend not to do when we are focused on our kids 24/7. Keep a healthy social network going so you can be your best self at home! 

 

 

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  1. Set the tone in the house that a new season is beginning and with it: a new, exciting attitude.

When we bring out the fall décor (even if it’s still toasty out) I feel like our mindset shifts. We are excited for a new season, ready for change, and focused on what it brings. And maybe it’ll take the sting out of waking up early for bus stops, homework, and early bedtimes! My recent livestream on affordable fall décor has some fun ways to get you started.  

 

 

 

  1. Finally, take time for YOU.

Now that a routine is re-established (at least somewhat), remember to take care of the most important person there is. YOU! I know, it goes against what we may have thought our whole lives. But I strongly believe if you don’t take care of yourself you cannot be your best self for the ones who matter to you immensely. And if we are going to keep our heads cool among the piles of school forms to be signed, supplies to be purchased, homework to be done…we gotta get our minds and souls centered. Give yourself a spa day, meditate for just a few minutes after the bus takes off,  hang out with us at QVC for a few minutes at lunchtime (had to say it!). And visit me on my Facebook page each morning where I’ll post a reminder that hopefully will get you motivated, inspired, and grateful each crazy morning. 

 

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We’re all in this together! I’d love to read your BTS tips below, and stay connected with you as we zip through another year and start our summer countdowns anew….<3

 

 

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