When the season of back-to-school comes around, do you get into sticker shock? Does it feel like once you opened your wallet, you already bid your money goodbye? Aside from the standard items like papers and pencils, students from kindergarten through the 12th grade often need or want pricer things like headphones and laptops.

Try to save up on your school supplies with these helpful back to school shopping tips!

Tip #1. Timing is everything.

Try to shop early, but not too early. It’s more likely that your kids would want to buy for school supplies on the first day of summer. But, of course, you wouldn’t want these things sitting around the house all summer long, and potentially be used up or lost even before school starts.

If you already have your child’s list of stuff to buy over the summer, you can start shopping as soon as you see school supplies go on sale. In case you wait too long, the best bargains might sell out.

Tip #2. Look ahead.

If you haven’t got your child’s school supplies list during summer, you need not worry about missing out on the back-to-school sales. You can already buy sale items that you know they will need or something that eventually can be used in the household.

Think about papers, pens, glue, pencils, and lunchboxes. Just remember to keep your receipt in the event that you need to exchange something, like if you bought a college-ruled paper, but it turns out that your kid needs a wide-ruled one.

Tip #3. Buy big.

If you can, buy supplies in bulk for the whole year. The things listed on the teachers’ need-to-buy guides are typically meant to start kids out. They eventually will need refills on notebooks, pencils, paper, etc. all year round.

In a few months into the school year, you’ll find that the same glue sticks that you spent a quarter on in August are now worth a dollar and ninety-nine for a two-pack. Therefore a thrifty move is to stock up for the whole year and put it away in somewhere safe.

Tip #4. Always check your list.

Remember to read your school supplies list carefully, as when teachers ask for particular things, they usually mean it. From a grown-up point of view, it can seem like another item can be a close enough alternative to the requested supply, most especially when it’s cheaper.

But know that school is a more regimented place than the ordinary adult world. Teachers frequently have organizational causes to request specific things. So, if you don’t want to waste money spending on the wrong item, take the list literally and save your receipts in case of exchanges.

Tip #5. Work on a budget.

It’s best if you inform your kids first that you’re on a limited budget before going shopping. As kids, most can be resistant to recycling and reusing last year’s lunchbox or backpack or to wear old clothes. Maybe they are eyeing that newly-released binder that everyone has this year.

If this is your kids’ attitude towards buying supplies, emphasize that you’re working on a budget and that if they want an item upgrade, they will have to chip in. You can also let them choose the things to reuse and which to purchase new.

And that’s it! Use these ways to save on back to school supplies shopping and allocate the money for other things like paying your professional cleaning service for an excellent job of tidying up your home during the spree!

According to science, the happy hormones in your brain are at their highest levels once you wake up in the morning. With that being said, starting your day in a good mood shouldn’t be much of a problem, right?

Uhm, yeah. Not really.

According to statistics, only about 20% of the population are morning persons–and that the remaining 80% are night owls or are more productive and happy at night. That means, a majority of people got up a bit grumpy and irritated during mornings. Ironic, isn’t it?

Yes, ironic, but it’s not impossible to turn the tables around! With the right kind of attitude and habits, you can seize the day in the best mood possible!

Here are incredibly useful tips on how to put yourself in a good mood in the morning.

Make sure you get enough sleep.

Starting your morning right doesn’t begin once you wake up, but the night before. Instead of doing your late night binge-watching routine, try going to bed early. Make sure you get enough sleep recommended for your age. 

According to a study from Harvard, being fueled by sufficient sleeping hours is critical for cognitive processing–making you feel more revitalized and alert during the day. You’ll wake up more optimistic and will surely boost your mood!

Do a quick stretch while you’re in bed.

After opening your eyes, try doing a quick stretch. Extend your limbs out as much as you can. This results in the release of dopamine; the hormone responsible for boosting your mood, energy, and self-esteem.

Feed yourself with positive affirmations.

Before coming out of bed, or when you’re facing the mirror, take a few moments to assure yourself that you are blessed. Having continuously juggle in between different tasks through the day can encourage anxious thoughts and feelings.

To avoid this from happening and ruining your mood, try this habit. Think of the qualities that you are most proud of yourself. It can be that you are the bestest friend ever, a fantastic cook, a talented performer or a responsible employee.

Also, ponder on the things that you’re extremely grateful for. Give your parents, friends, or loved one a call and tell them how lucky you are to have them. According to the Harvard Healthbeat, expressing gratitude will help you feel healthier, happier and more capable of taking on stressful situations.

Gulp down a glass of water.

After that eight hours of sleep, you’ll wake up feeling parched and might want to grab a wake-up drink. If you’re about to go for coffee, you need to stop right about there. A cup of joe might make you feel more alert, but not as when you choose water first.

Go over the stove and heat yourself up some water. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice and drink up. This keeps you hydrated, and also helps you lose weight. And while you’re having breakfast, then you can make yourself the cup of coffee you always wanted.

Go for a walk, exercise or meditate.

Boost your mood up for the day by doing a quick run in the morning. Not only will you be exposed to vitamin D–strengthening your bones and immunity–but the sun’s vitamins will also regulate the serotonin level in your brain, giving you a quick positive boost.

If you’re not a big fan of walking, you can always exercise or meditate at home. Exercising can increase happy hormones inside your body thus making you feel energized every morning. According to a study, regular exercise can improve mental health and lower anxiety and depression. Surely a great way to start your day on a positive note!

Set intentions and goals.

Being organized with your to-do list for the day is also a positive mood booster. Jot down all the things needed to be done and set time frames for each. Also, think about ways on how to make your job easier and faster. For example, if you listed cleaning the house as a major task, you can always call in a professional cleaning service to help you out.

Doing this will not only will everything be done in time and accurately, but you will also feel a sense of productivity after accomplishing your plan.

Hit the volumes up for good music.

Create an uplifting playlist with songs that can make you dance like crazy and sing even when out-of-tune. Listening to happy music every morning is the perfect way to boost your mood. It always helps to have something playing in the background as you prep yourself up for the day.

If you don’t have your list of songs, you can turn on the radio, tv for the music channels, or search for specific morning mood-boosting playlists on Spotify and YouTube.

Have a cold shower.

Of course, you need to take a bath! But did you know how to wake up in a good mood every morning? Start with using lukewarm water to have your skin pores open up. Then slowly work your way to a colder temperature.

Showering with cold water can entirely wake you up, boost your mood up and trigger creative thinking, aid in blood circulation and great for maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Devour on a delicious, healthy breakfast.

They say early morning breakfasts are the most important meals of the day. And it’s true, actually. It gives your body the energy it needs to seize the day and boost your mood. Keep in mind that it’s not enough that you eat breakfast daily, but to help yourself with healthy meals every day.

Smile.

Know that the simplest and most effective way to change your mood is by smiling. Give yourself a reason to smile all day. One way is by having something to look forward to at the end of the day.

Schedule a pamper time at the spa, book reservations at your favorite restaurant, or grab exclusive movie tickets–you name it! Studies are claiming that anticipating something thrilling can give you the same happiness as the event itself.  

The best part? Not only will your mood change, but also the moods of those around you! Spread positive vibes!

Being the best version of yourself every morning when you wake up can be quite a challenge, especially if you don’t know how to do it right. With these tips, you won’t be a goner! Remember to have a strong determination to doing this daily, and you’ll see the outcome in no time!

Hiring just the right housekeeper can be life-altering for the busy family. Now this may seem to be a little over-the-top, but I am serious. Think about your life-whether single, a couple or a family-you have no time. No time to keep your home as organized or clean as you would like. No time to do the smaller tidying jobs that would make a huge difference.

“I am still learning about my home. If you can’t do it yourself, find good service people and treat them well.” — Terry (mom to our Human Resources Coordinator, Louisa)

Do you ever casually go about your day, popping into the kitchen for a little peanut butter toast and then the next thing you know you’re turning over the toaster oven because it’s been so long and you just can’t take the crumbs anymore?