Embrace the Back-to-School Season: Organize, Savor, and S’more!
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Time to read 3 min
As the final warm summer days slowly fade, the buzz of back-to-school prep starts to echo in homes everywhere. Kids, tweens, and teens are gearing up for new beginnings, and parents are juggling the excitement with the inevitable stress that comes with getting organized. But before we dive into the school supplies list and homework routines, let’s take a moment to savor these late summer days with family, friends, and outdoor fun. At Mimish Designs, we're here to help you navigate the back-to-school transition with ease, while still soaking up every last bit of summer sunshine!
Table of content
Get Organized: Stress-Free Back-to-School Prep
The key to a smooth back-to-school season is organization, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with a simple, easy-to-follow to-do list to ensure you’ve covered all your bases:
1. Create a Back-to-School Checklist
School Supplies: Tackle that school supplies list early. Get the essentials first, and don’t forget to label everything!
Clothing & Uniforms: Check your kids’ wardrobes and make sure they have everything they need, from comfy sneakers to rain jackets for those unpredictable fall days.
Backpacks & Lunch Gear: Make sure your kids have sturdy, functional backpacks and lunchboxes. Our Sleep-N-Pack, a perfect kids sleeping bag is perfect for transitioning from summer adventures to school days for nap time, play and sleep overs.
Organize a Study Space: Designate a quiet, clutter-free area for homework. Add some personal touches to make it a space your child will love to use.
Plan Healthy Lunches & Snacks: Get a jump on meal planning with easy, healthy lunch ideas. Pre-pack snacks the night before to save time in the morning.
2. Get Into a Routine
Start adjusting bedtimes and morning routines a week before school starts. This way, everyone’s internal clock will be ready for the first day.
Use a family calendar to keep track of after-school activities, homework assignments, and important dates.
Keep the Summer Vibes Going
While getting ready for school is essential, there’s no need to say goodbye to summer just yet! Here are some fun ways to keep the summer spirit alive as we transition into fall:
1. Outdoor Family Barbecues & Picnics
Host a family barbecue or picnic to celebrate the last days of summer. Fire up the grill, invite friends and family, and enjoy some quality time together. Don’t forget to bring along some outdoor games like cornhole or frisbee for added fun!
2. Cozy Campfires & S’mores
As the evenings get cooler, gather around a cozy campfire. Nothing says summer like roasting marshmallows and making s’mores under the stars. Need a recipe to make it extra special? We’ve got you covered!
Tackling Back-to-School Stress: S’mores and Homemade Marshmallows
Even as we embrace the excitement of a new school year, we know that back-to-school season can bring some stress along with it. Our family feels it too! That’s why we’re sharing one of our favorite ways to unwind and enjoy time together: making homemade marshmallows. Trust us, they’re easier to make than you might think, and they’re a hit at every campfire!
Homemade Marshmallows Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup cold water, divided
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the cold water and the gelatin. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to bloom.
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until it reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture, while beating on low speed with an electric mixer.
Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy, about 10 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Pour the marshmallow mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Dust a cutting board with confectioners' sugar and turn the marshmallows out onto the board. Cut into squares and dust with more confectioners' sugar.
These marshmallows are perfect for roasting over the fire and making the best s’mores you’ve ever tasted!
Embrace the Season
As you prepare for the school year, remember to cherish these last warm days. Spend time outdoors, enjoy family meals, and make memories that will carry you through the busy months ahead. At Mimish Designs, we’re here to help you create a back-to-school season that’s as fun and stress-free as possible.
Let’s make the most of these last summer days while getting ready for a fantastic school year ahead!
