Monthly Musings

 I don't like these prompts!! Haha, I'm not ready to talk about back to school, we are only one month into our summer holidays! Although I realize that some people reading are heading back very soon. 

Linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.

1. How do you get organized for the school year?

I make sure the kids have a decent amount of clothes, that their backpack and lunch bag are in good shape, and if not, then I will buy new ones.  Those lunch boxes don't make it too long, but their backpacks have lasted for a few years now (it did help that for much of that time they weren't actually going to school in person).  Our school doesn't require us to buy school supplies so there is no big shopping trip required.

2. Favourite places to shop for back to school clothes?

When they do need clothes, I like going to Zara Kids, Abercrombie, and H and M.  For shoes I typically order online at The Shoe Company.

3. Do you meal plan? Favourite back to school meal?

I meal plan on a regular basis.  We always have this mac and cheese on the first day of school.

4. What are your kids favourite things about going back to school?

Seeing all of their friends.  They may see a couple of them throughout the summer but not on a regular basis so it's a nice welcome back to see them all on the first day of school.

5. Best place for school supplies?

We don't need to buy school supplies but anything we buy for home I usually get at Staples.

6. Any first day of school traditions?

We take photos on the front step, and we all walk to school as a family, picking up neighbour friends along the way.  It's a great way to see everyone and catch up with other parents in the schoolyard. Plus I have no desire to take a car anywhere near the chaos that is the schoolyard on the first day!

7. Best lunchbox tip?

Don't complicate things.  Just keep cycling through the same 3 or 4 meals until they say they are tired of something (if they ever say that).  My kids get jam sandwiches, cheese bagels with butter, and pitas on a loop.  Occasionally they will get leftover pizza or pasta.  

8. Buy lunch? Bring lunch? Both?

The kids bring a packed lunch most days but we take advantage of any opportunity to purchase lunch - pizza days or delivered lunch on Fridays (this was suspended for a couple of years, I hope it returns this year).

9. Does school start before or after Labour Day where you live?

After Labour Day.  First day of school this year is September 7. 

10. Best money saving tips for back to school?

Don't buy a new backpack every year unless the previous one is worn out.