easy as 1, 2, 3..

kaitlyn

Aug 8, 2025

back-to-school, beauty, education, health, kids, lunchbox, moms, school, teachers, travel

As a former teacher, this is one of my favorite times of the calendar year. Get ready to hit the ground running, because it is back to school time! It seems that schools are heading back earlier and earlier every year, which keeps everyone on their toes; planning last minute get-a-ways and scheduling fresh haircuts. One of my favorite things to do as a teacher was to get my classroom in order and make it comfortable and cozy for my new incoming students. Even though I am currently out of the classroom, it is still true today, that teachers put A LOT into getting their rooms and supplies ready for their new kiddos. Things change every year, especially depending on the grade level, but some of my favorite things to use in my classroom were nice pens and fun sticky notes. To me, it felt like a little extra love or happy when leaving a note to my students, another teacher, or even myself. Another thing I learned quickly I couldn’t live without in my classroom: lamps. Now, it might not seem like the biggest of deals and certainly sounds pretty obvious, but lamps were a must. I am a true millennial woman, here, and I love to have lamps on and overhead lights off, which is what my classroom approach was when necessary. I will leave a few suggestions below for you to browse.

As a mom, I have so many new tricks and trades to learn every year, but so far, I have a running list of things I continue to buy each new school year. Bentgo compartment lunchboxes are the greatest things for separating food and keeping it separated. I have tried the built in ice pack, but prefer the ones without. I have also bought and rebought these Cotton Day socks with the little heart texture on them. They are great and last all school year (really, longer than that) and the heart detail is just so precious on them. I think one of my favorite things that I buy every year, are the Yeti Rambler Jr. water bottles. They work so well and are so durable for school, sports, and all things on the go.

Do not forget to take care of yourself during this hectic, possibly life altering, change! I remember when one of my kids started the first day of school, and after drop off, going to get coffee with two of my very good friends. We just needed to sit there for an hour and laugh and tear up about our littles starting at school. I will tell you what I wish I had put on then are those under eye caffeine masks with hyaluronic acid. That would have helped. Like a lot. You live and you learn. Another thing I have been excited about as of late is I finally found a red nail polish that doesn’t look like I am heading to a 1984 Christmas bridal luncheon! I feel like red is not my favorite color, at all, but it is in my color wheel of colors that I can wear. So, I told myself I was on the hunt for a bright, red-orange peppery, red that I could potentially wear year round. After just a couple tries, I found it and I feel a little attached to it! The brand is called Nailberry and color is Pop My Berry. I am the person who brings their own nail polish to the nail salon. I like what I like, and I know I won’t have any remorse after the paint has dried. Literally.

Enjoy this time of year!