It’s here, it’s that time of year. The smell of freshly sharpened pencils and brand new Jansports, clanging with the sound of that retro Lisa Frank pencil box.

Well, it’s nice image but my daughter is homeschooling so it’s more like the smell of morning breath and sound of groaning at the computer as she muscles through while sporting her best PJ’s and pink fuzzy slippers. Whatever the school year looks like for you, I’m sure we can add some colorful imagery and beautiful word play to spice up your grams and give you a great ‘first day of school’ post.

I really enjoyed Summer, like thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, the heat, the shorts and the constant use of swim wear. But I love fall most of all – the color changing of the leaves, the lower temperatures (well, in most places…), fall fashion, pumpkin everything (insert all the heart eyes). Kids going back to school seems like the universal signal for all things fall to be ushered in. You can go to any store right now and see the beginnings of Halloween preparations. Heck some stores, I wont name any names (Hobby Lobby) have aisles and aisles of Christmas décor ready for your itchy fingertips.

But before we start belting out O Holy Night, let’s savor this season as it begins. One of my favorite ways to usher in Fall is planning! Shocker, I know. But school starting back up creates a beautiful organic spot to create and continue structure which, if you’d be so kind to allow me to step upon my soapbox real quick, kids thrive in. Heck! I thrive in structure, I know I’m dropping so much revelation on you guys today but just hold onto your Jack’o’lanterns because you will get through this!

I love to make planning an event if I’ve got the time. But to be honest, planning out my weeks regularly allows me the time for planning, it’s a vicious cycle, I know. But I highly encourage you, help yourself out and start getting serious with a planner. It will change your life, you and your planner will become besties, you will share laughs and lattes or at least a cold cup of coffee while you organize your day to day and become the best version of you. A more scheduled Kathy is a less stressed Kathy which to be honest you guys, does wonders for my skin. So now, not only am I organized, caffeinated and not stressed, but I’ve also got youthful dewy skin. Ok, maybe that’s a stretch but you will be less stressed and that I can pretty much guarantee. And let’s be honest, there is already way too much in the world to be stressed about right now so let’s make our schedules not be one, k?

No more bullying into buying yourself a planner and getting organized, I’ve said my piece. Now I’m curious, do you have a back to school ritual/routine?