Can you believe it? Summer is already wrapping up and it's time to get back into the "back to school" routine. Though I'm not a mom myself, I remember what it was like for my mom to get my siblings and I up, ready and out of the door on time for school every morning and let's just say it wasn't the easiest. Even for those that I know who are parents now, getting the kids ready for school, ensuring that everything is done and packed for the day and then coming home to get things ready for for dinner and the next school day, isn't as easy (or exciting) as it is during the first week of school. And college students don't have it any easier trying to juggle their school load, work and personal lives.
Although different things work for different people, if you're able to find a few hacks to make things easier for your routine, I totally believe in sharing that for others to give a try, too. And while going back to school may not be on my schedule in the near future, I do believe that these hacks that I've picked up over the years will be helpful to you for this upcoming fall and beyond.
Here are four things you need to make your back to school season easier:
Africa On My Back Backpacks (starts at $48.99)
Looking for a way to have your crew stand out this year? Grab them an awesome backpack from Africa On My Back! Handmade in Ghana, these lightweight, stylish and functional backpacks come in both Expandable and Heavy Duty so that it fits the needs of the soon-to-be (or already established) professional all the way down to those starting grade school. The Kente-print backpacks (there are also duffles, wristlets, laptop sleeves and more!) are available in over 15 patterns.
Sold at:
AfricaOnMyBack.com
Renpure Rose Water Dry Shampoo ($7.99)
Nothing is worse than waking up late and realizing that you don't have time to wash, refresh, or get your hair together before getting out the door to class or work. Well now, you can kiss those days goodbye with Renpure's Rose Water Dry Shampoo. Made with Rice Starch and steam distilled rose water that uses formulated Turkish rose to soothe and inspire the senses, this product will keep your hair feeling clean, oil-free, and refreshed. And, it's free of sulfates, dyes, paragons, gluten and any other harmful chemicals that you hair should avoid. Let the plant products do it better than the chemicals.
Sold at:
Target
Peach State Drinks Brown Sugar Lemon-Aid (starts at $18)
Summer may be wrapped, but that doesn't mean the feeling that it brings has to leave with it. Give the kids — and yourself — a sweet and natural treat to indulge in as often as you'd like with the Brown Sugar Lemon-Aid line from Peach State Drinks. Offered in three delicious flavors — Original, Strawberry, and Peach — these drinks are made with all-natural ingredients, are GMO free and made fresh to order. A better alternative to replace the processed juice that's out on the market.
Sold at:
PeachStateDrinks.com
Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork (prices vary)
Smithfield.com
Run out of time and energy to stand over a hot stove for hours getting dinner ready for the family after a long day? Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork should definitely be on your grocery list this week then. Conveniently pre-seasoned and offered in an assortment of cuts and flavors, these no-hassle meal variations can be made in 30 minutes or less! You can grill, roast, sauté or slow-cook for any flavorful style dish. And, it's all-natural, made with 100% fresh pork, no artificial ingredients and a great source of lean protein for you and the family. Cuts and flavors include Slow Smoked Mesquite, Roasted Garlic & Cracked Black Pepper, Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Sweet Teriyaki.
Sold at:
Food Lion, Publix and Walmart
Do you have any particular products or methods that tend to make your back to school season flow a bit more effectively? I'd love to hear about them. Let me know in the comments!
With Creative (and Easy Flowing) Thoughts,
-Kp