10 Fun Back-To-School Supplies

Growing up, my favorite part of August (aside from my birthday, of course!) was always back-to-school shopping. Armed with a dream and list, I literally rolled up and down every single school supply aisle, occasionally running my hands over a glittery notebook or a colorful pack of pens.

The possibilities seemed endless, which, when you’re full of all that youthful innocence, is just about the best gift in the world. Truth be told, I still love to shop the back-to-school section; school supplies are my version of a Louis Vuitton designer bag. Check out 10 of my favorite picks, from pencils to pencil cases…

1. A classic tote big enough to carry all those textbooks, $17.97.

2. This weekly/monthly planner so you don’t miss any of the good stuff — or any tests or papers — $8.99.

3. Fun pencils to remind you to take care of yourself, $12.

4. These inspirational pens to keep you on track, $20.

5. This gold dots pencil case so you never lose the above pencils, $30.

6. File folders to match your gold pencil case, $16.

7. These notebooks for a daily dose of encouragement, $6.

8. A confetti iPhone case to put a little party in your phone convos, $18.

9. Flash drives with a fun pop of color to make you smile, $36.

10. …and a pack of band-aids in the event of a broken heart or run-ins with mean girls, $4.25.

What’s your favorite part of shopping for school supplies, friends? Do you organize everything days in advance or just throw it in your backpack on the first day? C’mon, it’s time to fess up!! xoxo

[Top photo via We Heart It]

Vintage Photos from Oberlin College in 1970

As the old saying goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

I’d say these photos from Oberlin College definitely fit the bill. Aside from the obvious fashion differences (Bell-bottoms! Paisley shirts!), the students of yore could pass for today’s youth. The only other major difference? There was a revolution going on: co-ed dorms were becoming the norm! Apparently, though, not much else has changed, which is sort of comforting when you think about it.

What was your college experience like, friends? Are you in college now? If so, what are you studying? If you could go back and change one thing about those pivotal years, what would you change and why? xoxo

[Via TIME]

Back-To-School: 8 Must-Have Desk Essentials

I just shared the above photo on Instagram. It’s my new planner for the “new school year.” I use quotes because, although I’m not technically in school anymore, the early fall will forever give me those first-day butterflies. It will always feel like a new beginning to me, the perfect time to hit “reset” and start over.

I almost feel like a Back-To-School superhero because that’s sort of how I approach things. I feel empowered and ready to take on the world. And while I’m not completely well-versed in my superhero knowledge, I’m sure of one thing: Any good superhero would be nothing without their equipment.

To kick off our week-long celebration of all things Back-To-School, check out the eight must-haves on my wishlist for my desk (aka, the kitchen table!)…

1. Ban.do “I Am Very Busy” planner because the title says it all — and it comes with stickers AND colored monthly tabs, $20.

2. A framed print to keep you motivated throughout the day, $10.

3. This desk organizer because I’m *that* person whose papers end up scattered all over the place, from $28.

4. A minimalist oak magazine holder for storing all my “research,” $59.

5. A small notepad for jotting down brilliant ideas (and the occasional Netflix pick…), $8.

6. This pretty gold stapler for when you run out of said paper clips, $28.

7. A special bullet pen in gold because everyone knows that fun writing depends on the instrument, $8.

8. …and a cup holder so you don’t lose all those pens and pencils, $38.

What do you think of these picks, friends? Is there anything else that you’d add? What’s on your desk RIGHT NOW??? xoxo


P.S. More Back-To-School fun here and here. 🙂

Man Candy Monday.

Happy Monday, friends, and welcome to a brand new week! Just think: It’s a fresh start, a new beginning, a clean slate. We’re celebrating all things back-to-school this week, and what better way to kick off the theme than with a man who is a true champion of education. He created the Department of Education. He’s my mom‘s favorite president. And he has a warm and calming smile…

JIMMY CARTER!!!!!!!!!!

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

Dear College Freshmen: 5 Life Hacks For The Next Four Years

Hello to college freshmen everywhere!

First, before we can even get to anything else, I’m going to need you to do something for me. Breathe. Sit down if you need to. I know you’re probably nervous — maybe even terrified. I hear lots of you are stepping into the world of higher education over the next couple weeks (that is, if you haven’t already), and those hallowed ivy halls can be panic-inducing. I get it because I’ve been there. Suddenly, you’re a small fish in a gigantic pond, and you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. And for most of you, this new journey is about so much more than textbooks and midterms — though those things aren’t to be overlooked, either. It’s your first taste of early adulthood, of that elusive freedom that you, until now, had only heard about on TV shows like Friends.

Well, I’m here with some good news: You’ll get through it. I promise. Sure, the entire landscape may seem intimidating (Hello, popular sorority girls and their PINK wardrobe! Hello, broad-shouldered football quarterback! Hello, massive library!), but once you learn the ropes, things will be a piece of cake! A couple months ago, I talked about life after college, but this advice is all about you, you beautiful undergrads! So in the name of college success, keep these 5 life hacks in mind…

1. Hit the books and go to class: I know, this one seems like a no-brainer, and I’m sure your high school teachers drilled this one into your head. But you’d be surprised how many people miss class for a variety of reasons — they overslept, they partied a bit too hard the night before, they didn’t finish a paper, they’d rather hang in the dorms and play video games than listen to a lecture on early American literature. You (or your parents…) spent good money on classes — why not make sure you get your money’s worth?

2. Get to know your professors: No, I don’t advocate stalking them, but don’t be afraid to ask for extra help! Make use of their office hours — they’re there for a reason. When I was a newspaper adviser, I can’t tell you how many days I’d sit in my quiet office! Professors are pumped about what they’re teaching and love to see students get excited too.

3. Get involved: Working on my college’s newspaper was one of the best decisions I ever made in college. Not only was it a great learning experience, but I also met some amazing people who loved journalism and writing as much as I did. What are you passionate about? Chances are, there’s a club that matches your favorite hobby! Get involved and have fun!

4. Know where the library is: Sounds basic, I know, but the library is a pretty happening place if you give it a chance — and not just because people apparently like to make out in the stacks. It’s quiet enough to get lots of work done, and librarians are like walking encyclopedias. I’d say the library rivals any frat party any day.

5. Call home on the weekends: Of course you’ll get homesick. My mom always likes to tell the story of how she called home every day for the first month. Hearing familiar voices will help ease the transition. One no-no: Don’t call just to ask your parents to send more money and clothes. That will get really old really fast.

So sharpen those #2 pencils and go forth! I promise these next four years are going to go by before you know it. And who knows — come 2018, maybe you’ll be the one doling out the college success tips! Knock ’em dead! xoxo

P.S. Don’t forget to enter this year’s BIC Back-To-School giveaway — lots of great office goodies await one lucky winner!

[Photos via We Heart It]