Back to School Organization

With a strange orientation schedule two weeks ago, then a week off, The O'Regan family is welcoming tomorrow with open arms.  We are ready for school (and a regular work schedule!) We spent the Labor Day Weekend in Disney World but came home Sunday afternoon with school prep and organization on the brain.  Well, I did at least. Grocery shopping, check! Laundry done, check!  Closet organization, check! Lunches packed, check! Violin contract signed, check... It's all done!

Every year I struggle to pack the right lunches and I am a list maker, so today's post is all about getting organized for back to school with a grocery list template and lunch box ideas. No stamping today! I know all the mom readers will appreciate these tools and ideas.  The first is a great meal planner and shopping list. I love how this has your menu planner and list all in one.

Download it from Just a Girl Blog Here

My daughter, Molly, is enrolled in after-school yoga, violin, ballet and tennis.  It's hard to keep it all straight and what she needs to bring when and where.  I printed this out, marked it up and taped it to my cabinet. At least until I get the routine down! This comes to us from Activity Village.  Download it by clicking below.

Download the PDF here

I need to pack Molly AND Connor's lunch at May River Montessori, and they've thrown a monkey wrench into my packing this year (no peanuts!).  I've rounded up healthy lunch ideas from Pinterest that are packaged so cute -- how could my kids not eat them?  Be sure to click on the image for the original source (and thanks to all original sources, credited below.) 

From Smashed Peas & Carrots (who did a PSA Review years ago!) 

From My Life & Kids

From Typically Simple 

From Mom Endeavors -- won't this be cute for Halloween? 

What are your favorite back to school resources, templates and planning ideas? We would love to hear from you! Share ideas here on our blog or on Facebook! 

Back to School

It's time to go back to school here in South Carolina!  I am so excited for the school year ahead. Connor is starting at May River Montessori and it's now Molly's FOURTH year at this school.  She started in the Toddler Cottage program when she was just two years old and has done incredibly well.  This year is her last year of the primary program (a three year program in Montessori) or the equivalent of Kindergarten. She's getting so big! Connor starting at this incredible school is so thrilling to me.  He's going to love it and we know he'll do just as well. 

Today I am sharing handmade school themed cards by our PSA Essentials Design Team. These are cards you can make for your kids, or for your teacher.  It's a great way to thank teachers for all their hard work, or an extra special lunch box note to your little one.  They all use Peel & Stick stamps by PSA Essentials! 

Card by Kelley Eubanks uses Super Star Peel & Stick Stamps by PSA Essentials

Card by Kelley Eubanks uses Super Star Peel & Stick Stamps by PSA Essentials

I really love this one for an extra special lunch box note! Kelley used the A+ stamp found in Super Star Peel & Stick stamps and her acrylic blocks. She dipped the stamp in a rainbow of inks and stamped onto white cardstock. She has used purple twine from The Twinery and framed it against red cardstock. Clean and simple! Just the way I like it. 

These two cards are great for encouraging your little one at school.  Make these ones to congratulate them on high test scores, when they've gone above and beyond, or just to encourage them in school. 

Cards by Melissa Connolly/ Kelley Eubanks use Hello Kitty School Days and Super Star Peel & Stick by PSA Essentials 

Card by Melyssa Connolly use a stamp from Super Star Peel & Stick stamps by PSA Essentials

Card by Melyssa Connolly use a stamp from Super Star Peel & Stick stamps by PSA Essentials

Lastly, I loved these ones by Regina Magnum. The first is for a soccer coach as a thank you (she even made a gift card holder.)  And the second, is a mock report card which I think would be great for encouraging your student or rewarding your student for a report card well done. 

Cards use Hello Kitty School Days & Super Star Peel & Stick stamps by PSA Essentials

Back to school time can be a really exciting time, it can also be mixed with anxiety and a bit of dread. Gone are the lazy days and low-key schedule of summer. For helpful tips on how to ease the transition back to school, be sure to check out this post by one of our retailers, More Than Paper. It's chalk full of great advice! 

I'll post pictures of the kids on their first day of school. There are so many fun ideas on Pinterest of how to take back to school pictures. Share your ideas and pictures with us on our Facebook page!