Are you all doing the same thing as me? I am running around for last minute items that I forgot for back-to-school or things that the kids just Forgot to tell me they needed? I am packing up my daughter for college, sending one child to high-school and another to middle school, each child is starting the schools they are entering for the first time and it is CHAOS. As I get things together I am starting to think a bit more clearly and my thoughts drifted to all of you who might also be looking for the same type of products that I found, so here is how I lavishly live back to school last minute preparation out loud and here are the brands and products I am grabbing. This is my story of 5 back to school last minute grabs, so get ready for a great line up from Thirty-One to Downy and everything in between will help you with fashion finds, to beauty stuff and of course all the basic DIY, let’s shop!
#1 The Cinch Sak From Thirty-One
My son was so happy to inform me that his tote bag for this gym clothes was ripped. I just looked at him and thought how I am going to get a new one, quickly and make sure that it will last. Then it dawned on me, that Thirty-One Camo Cinch Sac was the perfect bag for him as it is decked out in Camo, his absolute favorite and that I could get it personalized. The drawstring keeps up with an active child that pretty much just tosses stuff in the bag for gym and pulls the drawstring shut, no other effort necessary. The dimensions on this are 18.5”H x 14.5”L. The exterior zipper pocket is excellent for jamming a bunch of other stuff in as well. The bag is durable, and I wash it from time-to-time(I put it in a lingerie bag to clean and turn it inside out.) The stitching is predominant and so very GUY. Head online and place your order it is just so easy. Check that one off your list!
#2 College Girls Gotta Do Their Nails
My daughter has a cocktail(sins alcohol), a most formal luncheon and more at her school as her week begins and no real budget for the luxury of getting her nails done! My solution a reliable brand, that does not break the bank, and just ‘press’ on. Do you remember KISS Brand Nails? I love this brand for its reliability and ability to stay on about 2x longer than any product I have every used. The line is called imPRESS and they are salon-inspired nail art kit that can be in-dorm. There are 24 fashion nails and they come in 12 sizes and I saw over 40 colors and designs. In fact, these imPRESS nails are the only WATERPROOF Press-On Manicures around so when she jumps in the pool after the reception her nails are not going to float away, look at all the different sets I found. There is no drying time and they don’t need glue, and will last up to one week! I am sure she can find one imPRESS Press-On set in these to match her formal and business outfits right? These offer Ultra Gel Shine and there are multiple sizes in each pack. If you take a look at these, you will see why I was so ‘imPRESS’ed with the set: one set has accent nails while the other offers some jewels, she will always be sparkling and fashion forward in her beauty! Find these at major retailers in the beauty aisle!
If your daughter is a little more into a salon-inspired look, the KISS SALON SECRETS NAIL ART STARTER KIT might be more of what you choose to toss in her back-to-school box. This offers a design booklet and step-by-step directions on how to create designs. There is foil tape, dotting toil, pre-cut nail art sheet and design decals. You will also find FAUX Rhinestone Stickers, 6 HD Glitter Pouches, a top coat and a pro design guide. Find these at Walgreens and CVS Stores Nationwide, and yet another way to let them have the luxury of a nice manicure without the lavish cost!
#3 Yoga Mat For College Yoga Class From Gaiaim
I had no idea my daughter needed her own Yoga Mat, but that is fine, because I rather she use her own than share with others as sweat, germs, bacteria are all on those mats and I don’t think any disinfectant makes it better, at least IMO. Here is what I came up with it is one of my favorite mats, as it has an elephant on it, talk about an elephant in the room, LOL! Why I am obsessed with this mat and did not want to give it to my daughter:) This is a reversible mat and on one side you will find an elephant with a blue background that is so calming and on the other side this kicking, lively paisley that is on a lemon-drop background. This is only available through Gaiam and it has a thickness of …..drumroll Please—— 5mm which is nice and supportive for stability. No slipping, just a lot of gripping so don’t worry about her falling flat on her butt when she is striking that pose! This mat is made free of the 6 most harmful phthalates and you won’t find it anywhere else but at Gaiam! LOVE it!
#4 Ultra DOWNYball For Laundry
It does seem fitting that I would write about the Ultra DOWNYball right after explaining that my daughter is headed off to college. Softness is as easy as 1-2-3. Dryer sheets are not the perfect solution and some places don’t want you to use dryer sheets in their dryers. Some of my girlfriends used both liquid softner and sheets to really get soft feeling clothes. I personally am a fan of the liquid fabric softner beause I feel it does a better job getting the clothing to smell awesome and feel softer. I don’t personally have time to wait for the rinse cycle to add in my softener so The Downy Ball is perfect as it automatically releases softener during the spin cycle which means no delays, no dryer sheets and no mess.
#5 The Chillicious Thermals From Thirty-One
It was time for my son to get a new lunch bag, but I can tell you he wanted the most basic I could find. My fingers did the walking, back to Thirty-One Gifts, to the Last Chance section and look what I found, a Chillalicious Thermal. This is just basic looking if you don’t get it personalized and it is perfect for his middle school adventures. Remember everything in the Last Chance section is almost gone, so if you see it and like it, grab it! This is great for lunches, sandwiches, snacks, etc. The outside pocket is where I seem to find all of his wrappers, but that is fine with me, at least I know he ate.
I am all set for the kids to take off on their new paths in life, and everyone now has what they need. My fingers did the shopping, the Googling, and my time was well spent. In-store shopping was fast and easy and anything I ordered online came fast! This is how I lavishly live life out loud daily and this is my story of 5 back to school last minute grabs, with things from Thirty-One to Downy and everything in between!
