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The Ultimate Back to School Checklist You Need to Have

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 16:04:25 +0000

Back to School Is a Bittersweet Time for Most Families If you are looking for a back to school checklist, most likely you or someone in your family is gearing up to get ready to go back to school. Back to school is a bittersweet time in our household. On one hand, we’re not ready to give up our lazy, summer mornings that come after late, energetic sleepovers from the night before. However on the other hand, back to school allows for a new year of excitement and starting fresh. Your children will be making new friends and enjoying new clothes. There is even some respite for us, the parents at home. In any case, one of the appealing things about going back to school (as a mom anyway), is learning what everyone is into. For starters, is my middle schooler still obsessed with Hamilton, I wonder? Meanwhile, are the boys still into Star Wars and Dinosaurs these days? Going back to school shopping is a great way to connect and bond with your child. They can express themselves and their interests by picking their favorite clothes and themes, giving insight to what’s trendy for them at the moment. Conversely, back to school shopping can also be a tiring and stressful time in your life. For example, I don’t look forward to the crowds and the frenzy back-to-school shopping brings. Because I have a budget to stay within, getting the best deals are important to me, especially when you have multiple kids (or a large family like I do) to buy things for. School Supplies Are Slightly Different for Each Child We’ve compiled a basic back to school checklist for you to save time. This checklist should hopefully create a stress-free shopping experience for you and your student. If you prefer to get your things online, I’ve linked the items to Amazon for a smoother shopping experience. In addition to this back to school checklist, I encourage you to research with your child’s teacher first to make sure you are not missing anything. Again, this is a generic, basic list that should help you jump-start the year with the main items needed for school (but might not cover everything). Of course, remember to tweak it to cover yours or your child’s needs based on their grade and age, etc. Teachers will tell you that some items are required, while other items are only optional. If you have the means to donate school supplies, you can ask teachers for their “wish list” for their classroom. Certainly, any donation helps by giving kids the materials they need to have a successful school year! Basic Back to School Checklist: What They Will Need for their Classes Back to School Checklist: What Is Needed for the Student In addition to the list, don’t forget to see if your state has a tax-free week where you can take advantage of your back to school purchases. Back to School Checklist for High Schoolers Undeniably, the older kids are still going to need the basic school supplies. As has been noted above, that list includes: Also, did you know that Amazon offers a program just for students? (I just learned about this, too!) It’s called Prime Students, and it includes a lot of added features to really enhance your student’s journey through school. At the present time, if you are a student (or your child is old enough for their own account), you can sign up for Prime Student and receive discounts and deals such as: As a result of signing up for Prime Student, you can enjoy a free trial, and then prime monthly fee is discounted off the regular price after that. Lastly, many other places also provide student discounts, such as cell phone services, school programs, and travel industries. So, be sure to check out other student discount programs that you can take full advantage on! Back to School To-Do List Getting ready for back to school is not just about a list of physical items you need to purchase. For instance, it’s also about preparing yourself and your student for a prosperous start by making sure you handle everything on your to-do list before school starts. Therefore, here are some other things to keep in mind when getting ready for school: Kid’s Physicals Does your child need a physical to go back to school? Check with your state’s regulations to see if they need one to start school. If so, make sure you schedule one with their doctor or local pharmacy. Scheduled Bedtimes When it comes to preparing for back to school, getting everyone on schedule begins with having a set bed time. Try to train your bodies for earlier bedtimes (if you’ve been ignoring the clock all summer). For the most part, bedtime at my house tends to be, well, a mere suggestion. 😑 We are getting better though! It’s horrible how bedtime hits and that’s when everyone all of a sudden remembers how thirsty they are, or about the clothes they forgot to fold and put away earlier on in the day. Having a set bedtime helps everyone wake up in time to leave for school or catch the school bus in the morning without feeling groggy. Adjusting a few nights before school starts with a set bedtime will help the mornings go by without a hitch. Clean Out Closets Another advantage of getting ready for back to school, is taking the time to clean out closets. Things the kids have outgrown or worn out this last summer can be thrown away or donated if it’s still in good shape. Make some room in dressers and shoe racks for new clothes and shoes to take on the adventurous school year ahead. Checklist for the Younger Ones at Home If you have multiple children, there are some things I highly recommend you have for the young ones at home who aren’t quite ready for school, but are impacted nonetheless. Medicine Unfortunately, the start of a new school year usually means new germs. Getting sick is a normal part of childhood. With the older kids going to school, make sure you are prepared for sniffles and coughs by having children’s medicine on hand. I highly recommend this medicine, as it does not include all the unnecessary artificial dyes and ingredients, and touts to leave out all artificial sweeteners, preservatives, parabens, alcohol, and no common allergens. It is also certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Nursery Updates Having the kids back in school leaves a huge void of entertainment for the younger crowd in my household. Here are some things that help me keep the younger ones amused at home while the older ones are away at school: New School Year, New Habits! As of the beginning of this school year, I’ve tried really hard to get my night-owl, reality-TV-and-Netflix-watching self up earlier. Undoubtedly, as a Christian mom it’s important for me to try and squeeze in morning worship before the kids go to school. But, sometimes it can be difficult to make that happen with the rush of things and there are some days I struggle to get morning worship done. In any case, having a daily devotional book really helps me stay on track with making sure Jesus is at the center of our day. As we gather in the morning getting ready for the day to start, I love pausing for a few minutes while every one munches on their breakfast. We read and pray over one another before we all leave for the day. If you haven’t done worship (especially in the mornings), I challenge you to try! You will see a huge improvement in your family’s communication, behavior, and even daily gratitude. In Conclusion Back to school is a great time to start fresh. Begin by using a basic back to school checklist to prepare for the new school year ahead. Again, keep in mind that this blog only covers some generic suggestions for some basic back to school needs. Not to mention, it’s important to follow up with the teacher! Next, declutter and donate old clothes and shoes that no longer fit to free up space for new clothes and shoes. Remember to include Jesus in your daily routines to have your focus remain on Christ throughout the rush of the busy day! I hope this blog post has helped you prepare for back to school. How did you find back-to-school shopping? Was it stressful, or a piece of cake? Let me know in the comments below if you shopped online or in person. If you found this article helpful, please sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on our latest blogs.

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25 Cheap and Easy Ideas for Valentine’s Day

BearfruitBasics — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:57:00 +0000

Fall in Love, Without Falling in Debt! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It can be a great holiday to show your loved one how much they mean to you. But as JLO sings in her famous hit, love don’t cost a thing! There is no price tag on spending some good, quality time with your significant other! If you’re thinking of what to do – but have a tight budget – we’ve compiled a fun list of 25 cheap (or free) easy ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day. 1. Cook Them a Valentine’s Day Meal Certainly, you don’t have to get a sitter for the kids and spend a fortune eating out. A romantic idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day is to cook your partner a special meal. Use groceries you already have in your fridge to keep the cost low. But if you want something special, or you just suck at cooking, (it’s okay, you can say it), buy an already cooked meal (think sushi, chicken, KFC, or whatever takeout you want). Make it extra special by decorating your own dining room table, dimming the lights, and using candles for that romantic touch. 2. Have a Romantic Movie Night Nothing beats watching a movie in the comfort of your own home. So, get your popcorn and candy ready and snuggle up to your honey with a movie night. Therefore, with online streaming readily available (such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, etc.) you can watch the latest movies right in your own living room. 3. Enjoy a Cheap Paint Night Likewise, a cheap and creative way to spend Valentine’s Day is by having a paint night. You can keep the cost low by getting budget-friendly art supplies from dollar stores or getting a paint set from Amazon. To set it up, all you need are some newspapers over your table, canvases, paints, and paintbrushes. For example, you can Google pictures you want to re-create (or use an online paint tutorial for beginners) and print them off as a guide. Being creative is a great bonding experience for both of you. You can even gift your painting to the other as their Valentine’s Day present. 4. Host a Valentine’s Day Game Night However, if you are one for hosting and enjoy having friends over, then having a game night is for you! The fun thing about game nights is that there are endless possibilities you can do. From board games, to smart phone apps you can download right on your phone, hosting a game night is great for a couple’s date night at your home. 5. Have Breakfast in Bed A sweet and super cost-effective way of celebrating Valentine’s Day is to have breakfast in bed. Surprise your loved one with their favorite breakfast before the rush of the day begins. If you have a special tray, you can make a healthy homemade meal with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Most importantly, you can make it romantic by decorating the tray with flowers and a handwritten love note. 6. Give Each Other Massages Nothing beats a romantic Valentine’s Day evening than when you give each other massages. The materials you need for a massage are extremely cheap, and you might already own them. You can use lotion, fractionated coconut oil, or divinely-scented massage oil. Make the occasion special by playing spa music in the background and lighting some romantic candles. 7. Take a Charming Walk on the Beach They don’t say walks on the beach are romantic for nothing! If you happen to live nearby a beach, a romantic hand-held stroll with your toes in the ocean can be just what your soul needs this Valentine’s Day. (Unless, of course, the water is freezing – it is February after all!) 8. Go on an Adventurous Hike or Camping If you are an outdoorsy type of person, turn Valentine’s Day into a fun outdoor hike. You can take it one step further by camping out and enjoying nature just the two of you. However, depending on how you like to go camping (or “glamping” for my bougie mamas 😆), the cost can range on the varying types of camp methods. For example, if you like to pitch a tent at a campsite, or whether you choose to bring your own RV, to renting out a cabin suite, the prices will vary. See what is in your budget and try to enjoy the peaceful environment around you this Valentine’s Day. Fishing anyone? 9. Start a Valentine’s Day Tradition Another Valentine’s Day idea that barely costs anything is to start a new tradition. For example, will you visit someplace new every Valentine’s Day? Will you decide to write each other letters? Perhaps a special restaurant will become your Valentine’s Day thing. Starting a new tradition is literally anything you want it to be, and can be something to look forward to every year! 10. Take a Joy Ride This one is for the adventurous spirit. Other than a full tank of gas and a reliable car, taking a joyride can be a great Valentine’s Day idea that barely costs you a thing. You can take out a map and decide to go to a place you’ve never been to before, or you can literally flip a coin (heads means turn left, tails means turn right) and see where you end up. Maybe have your phone fully charged so you can always GPS your way back home and not end up lost lol. 11. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset A free Valentine’s Day idea is to watch the sunrise or sunset. Stargazing is romantic and can be great quality time to have a conversation with your honey as you gaze into the galaxy. That is to say, find a wonderful view and bring a warm, cozy blanket to snuggle up with and watch as the sky changes its celestial colors. 12. Have a Picnic in the Park Having a picnic in the park is a tried-and-true Valentine’s Day date that can’t go wrong. It’s dreamy, special, and of course, romantic. You can make your own sandwiches and food, or get your loved one’s favorite meal. Therefore, you can pack up a picnic basket, a blanket to sit on, and surprise them with a picnic in a serene park. If your partner can’t get away from work, see if you can surprise them during their lunch hour by bringing the picnic to them. 13. Rent a Boat Depending on where you live, you can rent a boat or take a boat ride for a scenic view of a beautiful lake or river. Tour guides offer some historical value, so if you are a couple that enjoys learning something new about your city, this would be a great Valentine’s Day gift. Groupon offers a lot of boat tours near you, and has discount codes often. 14. Ride Your Bikes If you own a bike, loading up your equipment and driving to a new place (for example, a national state park) would be a great way to spend Valentine’s Day. You can explore new trails, and even pack a picnic as mentioned before. Other options instead of riding your bike could be kayaking, roller-skating, or any other fun sport that allow you both to spend quality time together. 15. Be a Tourist in Your Own City Becoming a tourist in your own city is a lot easier said than done. It might be a little more on the costly side if you want to partake in new restaurants or different activities your city has to offer. You can Google “Things to do in my city” for more entertaining ideas. In short, to keep your budget low, look for free concerts, free museums, or other free local events. Valentine’s Day can be the perfect time to explore where you live with your wonderful partner. 16. Make a Romantic Bonfire February is still winter, so making a bonfire is a great way to keep the romantic spark going. (See what I did there?) Bonfires create a romantic environment when it’s just the two of you. Make a hot cup of cocoa or bring crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate to make s’mores and enjoy the cackling of the fire as you take time out from your busy schedules to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. 17. Find a Free Event To Go To Valentine’s Day is a great time to find a free event to go to. Many local restaurants, companies, and communities love to promote themselves during a special holiday. Check out your local newspapers or Facebook groups to see if there is anything news worthy to attend. Other than maybe paying for parking and perhaps food at the event site, this is a low-cost Valentine’s Day date idea to try something different. 18. Make Homemade Valentine’s Gifts for Each Other The possibilities are endless when it comes to making homemade gifts for one another. Flowers from your own yard can you turn into a beautiful bouquet. Feeling crafty and enjoy making projects? You can make personalized gifts with your loved one’s name. If you are looking for sentimental gift boxes, there are plenty of online stores that offer cute varieties of gift boxes that can be delivered just in time for something special. Keep in mind shipping delays if you do decide to order something, do it ahead of time so it does not arrive late. 19. Take the Day Off Set your out-of-office reply and use some PTO for the day! Not only do I mean take the day off of work, but you can seriously just skip Valentine’s Day if it’s not your thing. However, make sure you communicate your intentions with your partner beforehand. You don’t want them expecting to celebrate a day with you when you have already checked out. Skipping Valentine’s Day is a personal choice, so don’t feel the need that you have to partake in a holiday tradition if it’s not for you. Bonus: Taking the day off of work does allow you to spend quality time with each other, regardless of the holiday! Finish of your day by chilling by the pool, or enjoying a quiet, relaxing day at home. 20. Write a Valentine’s Day Love Poem I am a sucker for a love note or a love poem. Because of this, I highly recommend that this Valentine’s Day, you take the time to write something special for your loved one. Let them know how much you really care and all the things you love about them. Write them a poem, love note, or even create fun coupons they can cash in with you at a later date. Coupons can range from anything such as daily chores (cleaning the kitchen, doing the laundry, etc.), to something fun and exciting, such as a foot massage, ice-cream date, you name it! 21. Recreate Your First Date Re-creating your first date might be difficult to do if you no longer live by the place your first date happened. However, it doesn’t have to be the exact same location because it’s really the thought that counts. If you are able to visit the first place you dated, it would be a wonderful sentimental date for you both to ponder how far you’ve made it. *Cue Shania Twain’s “You’re still the one” song in the background. * 22. Post Love Message Notes All Over the House A cute Valentine’s Day idea I saw one time was to post love notes all over the house. You can use sticky notes to put them in places your partner isn’t expecting. For example, put them on doors, mirrors, in their closet, maybe in their backpacks or purses if they carry one. Shower their Valentine’s Day with love notes that they continue to find throughout the day. Not only is it sweet, but extremely cost-efficient as all you need are some sticky-notes, a pen, and...

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