…and it’s Father’s Day! I hope all the dads are feeling the love today. I know there are many missing their dads. My thoughts and prayers are with them as I can only imagine how their heart feels today.
As our summer continues on, I’m sharing another Summer Sunday post.
While the summer provides some more time for reading and catching up on shows, my family also seems to watch quite a few movies when we can.
Today, I’m sharing my top 5 faves plus a few more movies that are perfect for summer.
1.
My #1 favorite movie of all time is The Parent Trap…the Hayley Mills version.
I’ve seen this movie a countless number of times, and it’s my favorite movie from my childhood (and it was a classic movie then!)
The Lindsay Lohan version is great too.
2.
A League of their Own is another one of my faves, and my kids love it too. “There’s no crying in baseball!” Classic.
3.
The Goonies is one of my brother’s favorite movies, and I’ve seen it so many times. Just a couple of weeks ago, Hayden was watching it, so I stopped what I was doing to watch it with him.
“Goonies never say die!”
4.
Top Gun (the original) is one of those movies that I remember watching as a teen and feeling like a big kid. It was just more of a grown up movie, but my friends and I loved it.
We enjoyed seeing Maverick a couple of years ago as a family (with some of our friends), and it’s really great too.
5.
I remember watching Overboard at my friend Jeanna’s house when we were kids. We watched it over and over. It still brings me a sense of nostalgia when I watch it.
Other great summer movies:
Here are some other movies that are faves from my childhood (and some of my kids’ faves) that are all around classics to watch in the summer:
This week, I’m sharing some things I do for “self-care” in the summer.
Here they are:
1. Quiet Time
My biggest form of self-care all year long is my quiet time in the morning. Unless we have something going on, I probably get more quiet time in the summer because my kids really know how to sleep in.
Now, my coffee time is sometimes on our front porch our back patio; it’s nice to change up the routine.
2. Bedtime/Sleep/Nap
While I don’t tend to stay up super late in the summer, I might stay up until 11:00 instead of 10:00 like during the school year. That being said, I love just going to bed at 10 knowing I don’t have to set an alarm.
That means, that sleeping in (or at least not setting an alarm) is another form of self-care for me.
Also, to me, there’s nothing better than an afternoon nap in the summer!
3. Read
While I make a Summer Reading List, it’s just a guide. It’s ok if I don’t read all of the books, and of course, I will read books not on the list too. It’s just nice to have a bit more time to read, especially when we are on vacation.
4. TV time
That being said, I tend to have more time to watch TV in the summer, so I will get caught up on shows that I’ve fallen behind on or watch series that I haven’t had time to watch during the school year.
This week, I started Under the Bridge on Hulu, and I only have a couple of episodes left.
I also want to finish watching episodes of some of my favorite series like The Rookie and NCIS Hawaii (which got cancelled) 😦
5. Workout
I am pretty consistent with my workouts, and I think it’s important to keep up my workouts in the summer. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier for me to workout during the school year because of having more structure/routine.
I still love my Bodi workouts in my basement, but in the summer, I might go to the gym to use the elliptical, take a class, or go for a walk. Since I usually have more than 30 minutes to spare, I have time to change up my routine.
My goal in the summer is to workout five days a week.
6. Pool time
I still enjoy going to the pool even though my kids don’t need me like they used to. When they were younger, we used to go for three to four hours, and now they stay at the pool if I want to go after a couple of hours.
I enjoy reading, working on my tan, and chatting with my mom friends.
We also like to go to the pool in the evenings when we can. Again, we’ll see friends, have a drink, and enjoy dinner at the pool.
7. Be productive
Now, I don’t get too carried away with productivity…haha…but…I do use the summer to do things that I slack on during the school year. I typically make a list of things I want to accomplish in the summer and chip away at them week by week. The list is usually organizing and cleaning out areas like my closet, the basement, our office cabinet and more. Also, I don’t want to work on school during the summer, but I do find that it’s easier and less overwhelming for me to start the school year when I’ve chipped away at some school tasks in the summer.
8. Not cooking
It’s nice to mentally and physically take a break from the grind of the school year which does include meal planning, meal prepping, grocery shopping and more.
I love when a few hours at the pool turns to dinner at the pool and just hanging out with no definite plans. I love impromptu plans when neighbors get together for a casual patio dinner or dinner out.
Our pool has a great covered patio, and it’s nice to hang out there while the kids play volleyball, swim, and socialize.
9. Get a pedicure
I still don’t get pedis as often as I’d like to, but it’s such a treat when I do!
10. Go with the flow
I feel like during the school year every hour is accounted for, so in the summer, it’s nice to relax our schedule a bit more.
Honestly, we’re still busy, but it’s obviously less than during the school year.
Even our dinners are more relaxed. I do like when we all eat together, but if they kids are out with friends, they can have leftovers when they get home. If I planned on coming home from the pool at 4, but stay until 7:00, that’s ok.
Sometimes, we stretch leftovers to a third day, and I don’t have to cook.
Shew – I might even go wild and not pick up my Kroger order on the weekend. Isn’t that what Mondays are for?
My “type A” personality almost needs permission to chill, and summer is the time to do that.
What does self-care look like for you in the summer?
I’m not sure what my blogging schedule will be in the summer. I’m sure I will post regularly, but just kind of want to “go with the flow” these next couple of months.
Anyway, I thought I’d try to write some summer related posts on Sundays.
For this first Sunday post, I’m sharing some favorite pool/beach bags that I either own or have found.
On Friday, I had my first official pool day which meant I got out my pool bag for the first time this summer.
I shared this pic last summer with some of my “Summer Staples,” and I already know that I will use it a lot this summer too.
Walmart:
So, I picked up this Canvas tote bag from Walmart last summer. It was the perfect size for packing just what I need for the pool. Last summer was the first summer, I wasn’t packing all the things for the kids. Now, when they go to the pool, they typically take what they need, or pack very minimally — Hayden throws a towel over his shoulders, hops on his bike, and that’s all he needs. haha
I loved this bag so much that I took it with me to Florida and California last summer.
Anyway, Walmart has this summer’s version of the tote that comes in a few cute patterns…and it’s only $15!
Scout bag:
We’ve belonged to our pool for eight years, and my first summer at the pool, I saw all the swim team moms with Scout bags.
I ordered one, and it’s still in great shape! I believe mine is the “original” size large. Mine doesn’t have a top zipper, but they do make ones that do zip.
It was perfect for the years I was lugging all the things to the pool…multiple towels, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys and more.
I still keep the bag to use when I do need to bring more things or if we are all going to the lake or the beach.
Bogg bag:
Bogg bags still seem to be all the rage. They come in a few sizes and lots of colors. I know they are nice because they are sturdy and can hold quite a bit.
I don’t have one, but we gave one to a friend for her birthday a couple of years ago.
Target:
I don’t have it, but the “Caning Tote” seems to be really popular this summer.
The brown one was the first one I saw shared as well as the crossbody purse.
The brown tote seems to come in and out of stock, but there’s also yellow and black.
Amazon:
I was clicking around Amazon and saw this beach tote. It’s a good size, water and sand proof, comes in a variety of colors, and has pockets on the inside.
It’s just $22 and has lots of good reviews.
Oh the pool days sure look different than they used to!
It’s a big day over here at Show Me and Sweet Tea…Today is my 1,000th blog post!
Who knew when I started this blog in August of 2019 that I’d have enough to say to write 999 posts + today’s post?!
I’m linking up with the Hello Monday ladies, Sarah and Holly, to share my thoughts.
I saw this graphic on Pinterest recently.
Honestly, the word “lifestyle” kind of made me cringe. I don’t know why. I’m just living my life and sharing, but not trying to tell you how to live your life. haha
That being said, I really can check so many boxes on this list.
You know I love a recap of sorts…so today I’m going to share and link back to some of the posts I’ve written that would fall under the first ten categories.
Personal Style/Fashion:
I don’t do it often, but I’ve shared some “What I Wore Wednesday” posts. Of course, I share other clothes that I love…mostly from Amazon, Target, and Shop Style Your Senses.
Beauty:
When I first think of “beauty,” I first think of skincare, but that’s it’s own topic!
I’ve been using Seint makeup for about a year and a half. I’m a creature of habit, so I haven’t really changed my makeup routine at all.
So, I think I’ve only written one Seint post, but I really love these makeup products.
Hadley shared her “heatless curl” hair tutorial last summer, and it was one of my favorite posts to share.
Spirituality:
Just by nature, I’m pretty private with my faith, but just recently, I’ve shared about about my daily Bible routine. I hope to share more in the future.
Skincare:
I’ve been using Dime Beauty products longer than I’ve been using Seint, but, again, I think I’ve only written one post.
Dime Beauty products are reasonably priced, have clean ingredients, and are so easy and convenient to use.
Hadley recently wrote about her skincare routine. Again, I loved having her share her thoughts, and she really appreciated the sweet comments.
Productivity:
I try to be as productive as possible.
I use the calendar on my phone, I write our activities and dinners on a magnetic pad, I use a desk calendar at school and write my lesson plans in a planner.
I tell my family they should be thankful for my time management and planning skills. 😆
Personal Finance:
Oh…I don’t get much into finances on here, that’s because my least favorite thing to do is talk about money…unless it’s sharing a good deal.
I literally just had to ask Travis why my paycheck where my stipend was $100 more than the previous paycheck didn’t reflect $100 more in the net amount…he reminded me about taxes. Boooo!
One of our Not Just a Mom posts last year was about money saving tips.
Self-Care:
I think I share a lot about self-care on this blog. Anywhere from quiet time, to working out, to monthly facials, I think self-care is important, and I still fail at it!
The first Monthly Musingpost of 2024 was about self-care during the winter months.
Foods/Drinks/Dining:
I have a “Monday Meals” and “Delish Desserts” tab on the website, but I don’t feel like I add to them like I used to.
Last year, Hadley and I made a dessert a month, and I shared that post in January.
I always try to share new recipes I’ve found or recap what we’ve eaten in the week if I think it’s something others will be interested in.
Wellness:
I share quite a bit about wellness…and, again, it’s still an area that I’m always working on improving.
At the end of 2023, I recapped the Bodi programs that I completed last year.
So far this year, I’ve recapped my January and FebruaryBodi workouts.
I’ve shared some goals like drinking more water, getting in more steps, and eating more protein.
Recently, I’ve started using these essential oil sticks (Awaken // Sleep) in the morning and before bed. They’ve been an easy addition to my wellness routine.
Mental Health:
I guess I haven’t really written a post on mental health, but I think I reference it when I share about my morning routine, taking time for myself, working out, quiet time, blogging, and more.
Some of my Enneagram posts, tie in with mental health because it’s about better understanding others and how they might think, feel or react.
Some thoughts:
I’ve really enjoyed blogging over these past four and a half years. I still truly wish I’d started a blog when I’d first thought about it years before 2019.
Lately, it has felt like I haven’t had as much time and energy to give to it. I’m wondering if this is just a phase, where I’m at in life, or if I’m running out of steam. (I hope not!)
August 4th will mark five years of SM&ST, and I’d love to continue writing and sharing. I have felt a bit of “shift” recently just knowing my kids are getting older. They don’t mind the blog, but I do try to be very intentional with what I share. I’m wondering next year, with them being in high school, how much of that I will continue to share. I guess time will tell.
I’m also trying to navigate blog post ideas that aren’t just about the kids or what we are up to as a family. I’d like to dig a little deeper into other topics.
For any bloggers already in this “phase of life,” I’m open to advice and ideas. Also, if there are certain topics that I already share, and you look forward to those posts, let me know that too. Let me know what you want to hear about from me! I’m open to suggestions.
Through this blog, I’ve connected with so many readers, chatted with other bloggers, participated (and co-hosted) in link ups, and I’m an Amazon associate.
I hope to continue this recap of “lifestyle blog” topics throughout the week if I have time. It’s been fun to look back on these posts.
Thank you for showing up and reading my posts. Commenting on those posts also means the world to me. I try my best to respond to everyone!
I hope you have a great start to your week.
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How was your week? Ours was good, and it’s really starting to feel like the slide into spring break time of the year. We still have a couple of weeks to go, but we can do it. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself)
This week was different for me because on Tuesday, all of our sophomores and juniors took the ACT, so it was a busy day at school. Then, my allergies caught up with me and turned into a sinus infection, so I was sick on Wednesday. Today, teachers have a work day, but the students get the day off. It was just a different kind of week, and I felt like this:
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Our weekend trip to Cincinnati was a good one. The Bailey Zimmerman concert was fun, and we enjoyed the pretty city and good food while we were there too.
Breakfast on the way out of town was a favorite as well. So many delicious options.
How cute is this Walmart $5 votive candle holder? I made a quick Walmart trip last weekend, and saw this egg nest votive and couldn’t resist…buying two! I can’t find it on Walmart.com, but they were in the seasonal/dollar section when you first walk in the door. I know all Walmarts are different…haha…but kind of like the Target “dollar spot” area…but of Walmart.
Anyway, I “styled” them two ways. One on the kitchen table with a flameless candle and “grass” that I use for the kids’ Easter baskets.
In the living room, I used the other one with a small votive candle that I picked up at Ikea.
The reason I went to Walmart was to look for these Joy Spun pjs. They come in so many cute patterns, the material is so soft, and they are perfect for spring/summer.
I 10/10 recommend.
I change out my candles seasonally, and I have a shelf in our hall closet where I keep my candles. I received this one (Lavender Marshmallow) during the Christmas secret Santa exchange with Trav’s family. I knew it would be the perfect springtime candle, so I put it away until now.
Did you know that when burning your candle for the first time, you are supposed to burn it for the length of time as is the width ? So, this one is a little over three inches wide, so I burned it for three hours the first time.
I guess this just ensures that the candle starts off being burned evenly? And…when I said, “did you know that you are supposed to…” I think I saw this tip on TikTok. haha
Full Swing season 2 is out, and I love it. I like reality TV, but I especially like the shows that follow athletes. I’ve watched the first few episodes this week.
I know I’ve shared these Amazon eye gels/masks before, but only this week did I read the tip on the package about putting them in the fridge for extra soothing. Especially with my sinus issues this week, the extra cool eye gels in the morning have been life changing!!
This weekend, we’ll be indulging in favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipes…like “leprechaun” pancakes…
Last week, Hadley was so excited because she’d worked hard and earned a great grade on her Algebra 1 exam. She said, “Mom, I am eating up school…& leaving no crumbs.” 😆
We’re proud of how hard she is working, and she is just so funny sometimes.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Lack of time management (x 2) might be what sends me over the edge. Ugh.
What are your weekend plans? Hadley has a volleyball tournament. She hasn’t had one in about a month, and while it makes for a hectic weekend, I’ve missed watching her play.
I’m sure Trav and Hayden will be glued to the TV cheering for the CATS in the SEC tournament.
Well, what a week…We had a three day weekend that turned into a week with no school. Well, Tuesday-Thursday were online learning days, but today, with fresh snow and a chance of some ice, we have a good old fashioned snow day!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Well…ask, believe, and receive!
It’s not that we got that much snow, but we did get 3-4 inches and frigid temps. My road is still snow packed from Monday’s snow. Then, last night, the snow started up again.
I do appreciate snow days and the extra time off that we’ve had.
It’s been nice knowing ahead of time that we don’t have school, so we don’t have to set alarms in the morning.
While I’ve had school responsibilities, of course, it’s been nice to fall into an at home routine. I’ve had more time to sip my coffee, read, get a workout in, and watch some tv while also juggling school, kids’ activities, and their schoolwork.
On Tuesday, I made the kids “snowman” pancakes for breakfast. They turned out pretty cute:
This is kind of a random Amazon find, but I bought this Jergens “Awaken” essential oils stick after seeing it pop up on my Amazon feed. I’ve put a bit on my wrists and neck every morning, and it’s a really refreshing scent to help wake me up. I’m waiting on the “Sleep” one to arrive. I will let you know how it is once I get it.
One perk of snow days is lunch at home. I love a plate filled with random things for lunch. A new find that I’ve been trying are these “Just Crack an Egg” scramble kits. I’ve tried a couple different ones, and they are so good.
Last week, I made a stop at Walmart and saw this chenille hooded cardigan. I’ve been wanting something to wear around the house (not that you can’t wear this out and about…and now I have given the leisurely week I’ve had), but that isn’t a robe. Even though I love pjs, I get hot, so I usually sleep in a t-shirt and pj pants. So, this is perfect to throw on in the morning or after a workout…as seen below.
It’s in the junior department, so I sized way up to 2XL for a more over-sized fit.
Travis and I finished The Night Agent this week, and we LOVED it.
I’ve also started Fool Me Once, and it’s gotten my attention.
Favorite Kid Quote
Hadley noticed my new pjs and I just looked at her surprised…although I don’t know why because she always notices anything new. Without missing a beat she said, “You can’t be a slick chick with me.” 😆 She is so quick-witted and funny….wonder where she gets that?! 😉
Did I need another pair of pjs? Probably not. That being said, I got them for $20 (with a code), and with snow on the ground, I can’t be stopped with my decisions on flannel pjs!
Favorite Mom Meme:
You’re welcome, kids!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Oh this snow day memory from 2014. Pinchy cheek cute and very creative with their snowman skills.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from the week…including ones from last weekend:
What are your weekend plans? Well, we have more winter weather on the way and bitterly cold temps too. Hadley has a volleyball tournament, so most of our weekend will be spent indoors watching her play.
I hope to keep up with my month of blogging, so I will post more over the weekend.
So, I had this post in mind last week, and thought if I wrote it, maybe Mother Nature would take the hint and throw some snow our way….but then we actually got snow yesterday, so this post is really timely! Anyway, here’s what a “perfect” snow day would look like:
1.
First of all, there would actually be snow…
We’ve had many days off in the past for cold temps, flu, ice…I love a good six inch snow. With that kind of snow, it’s pretty to look at, the kids can play in it, and we can make snow ice cream.
2.
Sleeping in is amazing on a snow day. We’ll take a day off when we can get it, but it’s great to know the night before, so we don’t have to set alarms when we go to bed.
I did love when the kids were little and they’d sleep in a bit and then rush out of their rooms thinking we were late for school. So sweet.
Now, if we we find out the night before, they find out via text like the rest of us.
3.
On an ideal snow day, Trav would be home too. It’s pretty rare for him to miss work due to the weather as it doesn’t take much snow for us to get a day off, so it’s probably ok driving conditions for him.
There have been years where we’ve gotten a lot of snow or ice, and he’s stayed home or come home early.
Although, if he’s home for more than one day, he wants to be productive…and that’s not the energy I’m looking for on a snow day 😆
4.
Snowman pancakes are a tradition on the first snow/ice/day off of the season. I started this tradition when the kids were in preschool, and I plan on carrying this tradition on until they graduate high school!
5.
The kids will get bundled up and go play outside.
While I miss the froggy hats, I am content with the fact that the kids are old enough to dress themselves and go play outside with friends without an adult!
6.
Homer can go outside and have fun too! Part Husky Homer loves the snow. (Once he gets down the back steps…He’s always hesitant to go down the steps the first time it snows!)
7.
Sledding! The kids have logged lots of memories sledding through the years.
It doesn’t take much for them to want to go sledding…
…and sledding is always more fun with friends.
8.
Snow angels are fun too. Well, for them…not for me.
…and who doesn’t love building a snowman?
9.
Hot chocolate after playing in the snow is perfect on a snow day whether you are 4 or 14!
10.
A fire in the fireplace and time to read makes for a perfect snow day for me.
11.
Winter movies (and maybe a nap!) are great on snow days too.
12.
Snow ice cream is a treat when we get lots of snow. We don’t always think to do this one, but when we do, we never regret it!
I will say that snow days now “hit different.” The past couple of years, we had NTI days (non-traditional instruction) where students have homework to do that’s posted online. But…we also had a few days off that were just snow days.
This year, they announced that any snow/ice day will be an NTI day. (unless there are power outages or it just makes sense to have a traditional day off) I really don’t want to be in school any later than we already are, so I can appreciate NTI as an option. Our students got an extra week of summer this past year, and we get a week at fall break, so NTI days are what we need to do to still get out around Memorial Day.
That being said, I hope that teachers strike a balance in what they ask students to do. In general, students shouldn’t have more than three hours total of work per day, and I feel like my kids have had a lot more than that in the past.
I guess we will see how today goes…It’s NTI day #1.
This post also made me a bit nostalgic because sometimes I really do miss when the kids were little…and these snow day memories have me feeling that way.
I know not everyone gets a snow day off, so I don’t take for granted not having to drive in the elements and being able to stay home in my pjs when the weather is bad.
I was tidying up a bit the other day. As I straightened up my bedside table, I thought it would be a good time do do another “5 things” post.
Four years ago, I hadn’t been blogging long, and I’d written thisLet’s Look Bedside Table post. My phone notified me that the post was “getting lots of attention…” and I was shocked to see that almost one thousand people had read that post. Just a funny memory leading me to today’s post…
I still have the same bedside table…with the same picture frames. I think I will always have a stack of books and magazines next to my bed to read. I do have a different lamp (at At Home store fine). A coaster and tv remote round out what on top of my bedside table.
Here are 5 things that are in my bedside table:
All kinds of “important” stuff. haha
1. Bookmark
In the top skinny drawer I have a few things including this cute heart bookmark. It attaches to the corner of a page. It came in a pack of six, and I put one in my mom’s Christmas stocking. Cute, right?
2. Chapstick/Lotion
Every night before bed, I apply some Chapstick and hand cream. It’s a habit.
3. Bible and Pens
I have a variety of pens in that top drawer, and then my Bible in the bigger middle drawer.
I’m pretty private in my faith, but I got a Bible a few years ago, and I figured my bedside table is a good safe place for it.
Three years ago, I used the Bible app to listen and read the Bible in a year. I was really glad that I did that. The Bible is still usually a part of my daily routine; I use the pens to mark scripture and make notes.
4. Bible Study
In December, I saw a December “A Season of Advent” Bible plan on Pinterest. I printed it and bought this Bible Study Journal, and I enjoyed incorporating that plan into my daily routine.
I’m using thisNew Beginnings plan to guide me through January.
5. Workout Sheet
At the end of 2023, Bodi sent me an end of year review with my workouts, and the link to this workout tracker. I thought it would be fun to have this visual to see what I accomplish this year.
Admittedly, I’m off to a slow start in January. Being sick threw me for a loop, and I’m much better about working out during the school year. I got back to it on Monday, and am hoping to finish January off strong.
My bedside table is a good spot for this because I can fill in the day before bed…and it won’t get thrown away by accident.
Also in the middle drawer, I have a couple books I want to read and/or hold on to. The bottom drawer holds a spare blanket…and that’s about it.
My bedside table used to be a disaster, but a few years ago, I really cleaned it out and got organized. I used to have lots of pictures, cards, papers, etc. and now those have a spot elsewhere. I decided if I wanted to keep pictures and cards, that they’d need to go in photo boxes, so at least everything is contained!
How was your Thanksgiving? We had a really great one visiting with family in KC.
I haven’t joined Jennifer’s link up in a while, so I thought a “bonus” Saturday post would be fun.
This month, I …
Loved:
The time change! I know, I know. I’m in the minority on this one, but I love “falling back.”
I’m also really loving this Candy Cane Body Butter from Trader Joe’s. It just has a subtle hint of peppermint and just a little bit of shimmer.
I’ve also really loved watching the kids’ activities this past month. Hayden’s had some great, competitive cross country races, and he’s been back on the basketball court prepping for his 8th grade middle school season as well.
Hadley’s volleyball team has been so much fun to watch as well. Many of her friends are on her team which makes it even better. Last weekend, they played in a volleyball tournament, and won gold for their bracket.
Read:
Y’all…for the first time ever, I don’t know that I will have a monthly book post. I’ve been working my way through Demon Copperhead, and it’s really good…but long…
I even started a holiday themed book, but I just haven’t had much time to read.
Here’s my current hopeful holiday stack:
…and other “Christmas-y” books I’ve read in previous years if you need any ideas:
Ate:
Pumpkin pie…
…and pumpkin muffins…
…as well as plenty of birthday cake(s)
Of course, I also had yummy Thanksgiving food on Thursday.
Bought:
We bought an artificial tree for the living room, and I’m so glad it’s already up.
I’ve also purchased some Christmas presents for my KC family as well as birthday gifts for the kids:
Weekly Recap:
Since I didn’t link up for Friday Favorites, here are my posts from the week:
I’ve been wanting to share another “Five Things” post, but my house isn’t in its “normal” state thanks to fall and now Christmas decorations.
So…today, I’m sharing…
school bag…
I got this bag at Target about three years ago, and it’s held up nicely. I like that it’s big, but not too big, and it has an inside and outside pocket. I always leave my badge and school keys in the inside pocket and not my purse. I want to keep things separate in case I lose one or the other.
So, here’s what’s in my school bag.
1. Lesson plan book
I have had a lesson plan book in my bag for over 20 years! This is my third year using a Happy Planner, and it’s the second year that I’m using the smaller version of the Happy Planner.
I prefer the vertical column layout with the dates going down the left hand side, so this one is perfect. I use the columns for each hour of the school day, but then I use the far right column to remind myself of meetings, appointments, and the kids’ activities.
I love using Happy Planner stickers to brighten up each week in my planner (and on my desk calendar too!)
2. Folders
Of course, I have a few folders in my bag. The blue and white one I’ve had for years, and I mostly use it for my blogging calendar and other personal papers. I should probably get a new set of these folders as this one definitely is showing some wear and tear.
Other folders usually get switched out depending on my needs or what meetings/ training sessions I’m attending.
3. Notepad(s)
Sometimes, when I feel like I have a lot to do, I use these bigger notepads to make a big list either day by day, or I categorized activities. I bought this colorful pack of legal pads, and it’s lasted me over three years! I’m on my last pad of paper.
Of course, I also use the note pads for note-taking during meetings or professional development sessions.
4. Pencil pouch
Ahh…this pencil pouch has been in my bag for over four years. I like that the front part has a spot for extra storage. I keep it filled with markers, highlighters, pens, pencils, and a pad or two of sticky notes. I’m always prepared!
5. Book/Computer
ok — so I lumped these two together. haha
I usually have a book that I’m reading to help with English classes, and often times I have my school computer in my bag. Sometimes, I leave it at school if I’m not going to need it at home, but it’s typically in my bag more times than not.
What about you? What are your essentials that you keep in your school or work bag?
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