Back to School Prep
*Thanks to Sony Electronics for partnering with me on today’s post!
Back to School
Hi friend! Yay for Friday! What a week! My kids started back to school on Wednesday, but it felt like Monday since that’s when my son (and I) had to start waking up before 5 a.m. for football practice!
I now have a 3rd grader!
And a freshman!
I know all parents can relate to feeling like it was just yesterday that they were heading off to preschool or kindergarten for the first time. My heart goes out to all of you that have kids going to collage for the first time. It’s so bittersweet and I wish I could give all of you a great, big hug!
Back to School Prep
The back to school prep this year has been no joke. There’s countless emails and schedules and clubs and sports and things to buy and keep track of.
I can’t even tell you how many hours I’ve spent trying to get it all straight in my head and onto my calendar so I can stay organized!
Calendar
My biggest tip to stay organized to put EVERYTHING on your calendar. I use the Calendar app on my phone and have gone through every email, school calendar, and school website to capture every.single.thing so that it’s not forgotten.
In the “notes” section, I’ll add any details and I also put the location if possible.
I used to have a wall calendar in the pantry and in my office, but I’m trying to simplify things this year. I found that it was handy to see things on the wall, but also another thing to keep track of, so we’re going with just the Calendar app for now.
I also make a detailed plan for the day the night before. I use a paper planner for that so that I can see it visually. It also feels SO GOOD to cross things off!
Take Care of You
I will say that, among all the chaos, it helps that I’ve stayed consistent with exercise and outdoor walks.
In June, I did a 10k steps a day challenge and that was amazing. After taking July off, I decided I wanted to start that back up again in August.
But, after a few days, I realized that I didn’t really want the stress of having to track my steps. The real goal was just to get outside and go for a daily walk. That’s so helpful for my mind and really lowers my stress levels.
I don’t worry about tracking my steps now, I just aim to get outside for a walk in fresh air daily.
Sometimes I listen to music or a podcast on a walk, and often I call my mom for a chat.
I’m thankful to partner with Sony Electronics today and was lucky enough to be gifted headphones and ear buds for the whole fam. What an awesome partnership!
We all got to choose the Sony model headphones we wanted and when James found out that he could choose the Sony 1000XM5 Headphones, he was stoked!
He said, “I’ve been wanting these!! I’ve seen them on TikTok.” #whoknew?
Sony 1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones • Sony CH520 Wireless Headphones
It’s really cool that the packaging isn’t plastic, but made from recycled materials and is also recyclable.
Sony 1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones
The Sony 1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones are an upgrade from the Sony XM4, a premium headphone and fan favorite.
The case is aesthetic and has a small magnetic storage flap for the charging cable.
The XM5 are so sleek and modern looking. The headphones are lightweight and the soft fit leather material on the headphones is soft and breathable which makes them super comfortable for hours of wear.
As for the battery life, you get up to 30 hours of listening time and quick charging.
If noise cancelling is important to you, these cut out the noise so well and they are honestly better at noise cancelling than any other headphones I’ve tried.
The sound quality is exceptional!
These headphones function so well with features I didn’t even realize existed until my teenager showed me!
You can simply tap the headphones to stop or start the music, swipe up/down on the headphones to raise/lower the volume, and swipe right or left to go to the next song. You can also fast forward or rewind, all by touch! #genius
These are on sale right now for $70 off + you can save another $25 off if you sign up for their email list (new customers only).
Sony CH520 Wireless Headphones
Jordan got the Sony CH520 Wireless Headphones, a smaller version with big sound at a lesser price.
These come in several colors, and Jordan got her favorite – blue. The padding is upgraded, making them light and comfortable.
She is always playing basketball and really likes to listen to music when she’s playing by herself.
These are on sale right now for $40 off + you can save an extra 10% off with the code SONYMEGAN10 on the black colorway from now until 8/25!
Sony 1000XM5 Noise Canceling Ear Buds
Elliott chose the Sony 1000XM5 Noise Canceling Ear Buds.
He said that he appreciates the sound quality and clarity. They also fit really well and don’t feel like they’re going to fall out of his ears.
He had another pair that fit well at first, but after about 30 minutes, they started to get uncomfortable. The XM5 Ear Buds don’t do that. He can wear them comfortably for hours.
You might remember we turned this downstairs room into his office so that he can work while he’s here. He works in corporate travel and often has calls and virtual meetings.
If we are working together or the kids are home, he mentioned that the noise cancelling is really good and when he’s on his calls, the clarity is crystal clear.
I love it when we are both working from home at the same time!
I also wear my Headphones at work, especially if I’m doing something like editing photos or videos. I also like to take them to coffee shops for work and use the noise cancelling to drown out the sound so I can concentrate.
You can compare all the different Sony headphone options here.
Sony Headphones Sale & Discount Code!
The Sony headphones are on sale right now and I also have a discount code for two models that you can use on top of the sale for additional savings!
Elliott’s XM5 Noise Canceling Ear Buds – Regular Price $299 | Sale Price $249 ($50 off)
Jordan’s CH520 Wireless Headphones – Regular Price $59 | Sale Price $39 ($20 off)
Me & James’ Sony 1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones – Regular Price $399 | Sale Price $329 ($70 off)
Sony is offering my readers 10% off two different models in the color black.
Use code SONYMEGAN10 to save 10% off the Sony CH520 Wireless Headphones and Sony WH-CH720N in black + you can save another $25 off if you sign up for their email list (new customers only)!
My code is good from now until August 25, 2024.
James has been taking his Sony XM5 Headphones to school and they come in a slim eco friendly case with a carrying loop. He looks so grown up when he has to dress up for school!
He also uses them at home for studying and when playing games on his computer with his friends.
Meal Prep
It’s always important to meal plan and prep because everyone is always extra HUNGRY that first week of school.
I often order groceries online and have them delivered, but lately, I’ve been enjoying going to the store on Sundays and stocking up for the week.
Jordan is my little helper and likes to be in charge of the grocery list.
I’ve started going to a new grocery store that I’m not familiar with so I made this grocery list with everything we buy and included the aisle it was located on so I’m not searching all over.
I just print the list and highlight what we need that week.
Always feels good to have a stocked fridge to start the week!
The packaged snacks are kept in baskets for easy grab and go.
And I make sure to always have fresh fruit on hand, my preferred snack of choice. I go ahead and wash it so we don’t have to do that step when we’re ready to eat.
I made lasagna for back to school. It’s an easy dish and reheats well for leftovers. I was listening to a podcast while I prepared dinner and then while I cleaned the kitchen.
Household Chores
It feels like the household chores never end. But, I will say, Elliott is the biggest help and tackles the most difficult chores like keeping the pool clean, cleaning the patio, and working on the landscaping.
He’s also always doing things like touching up paint, hanging things, and communicating with contractors. I appreciate him so much!
He even power washed the driveway last weekend. This was when he really got to wear the Sony 1000XM5 Ear Buds for a long time because it took hours to do this job. He said that they fit comfortably the whole time and he appreciated being able to listen to music so clearly while working.
I typically do laundry on Saturday, but James’ football clothes need washed every day. Talk about yucky by the time he gets home.
He said the whole locker room reeks by the end of the day when they go in to grab their bags.
Play Time
In the days leading up to school starting, of course I wanted to savor that time and have some fun. Jordan and I have been rewatching Dance Monster and then she loves to have a little dance party in the living room!
Seriously, so cute and so much fun!
And, even though it’s back to school, it’s also August in Houston – our hottest month. Jordan said she plans to swim everyday after school!
I miss these leisurely summer days already, but I have to embrace and accept the season that we’re in.
All seasons come with good things to savor and cherish. This back to school time means new beginnings and new friendships. My son starting high school is the beginning of a new era and marks just four years until he leaves for collage.
Our relationship will change and grow with each passing year and I’m committed to honoring these next four years with as much grace as I can muster.
I’d love to hear in the comments how the school year is starting for you and the routines that help you adjust.
And, let me know if you get the Sony headphones or earbuds!
Don’t forget to use my code SONYMEGAN10 to save 10% off the Sony CH520 Wireless Headphones and Sony WH-CH720N in black.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Hi all the way from South Africa! Love following along. Our school terms are different, we are half way through the year and it is winter, but saving some of your bts tips for when it is our turn.
I love that you are here from South Africa! Thanks for letting me know Amanda!
James and Jordan are growing so quickly. James looks so smart in his uniform and I’m loving Jordan’s dance moves. My daughter has a few months left of her last year of high school, can’t believe how time flys. Savour the seasons.
I hear you Rita! It’s wild how much our kids grow up right before our eyes! I can only imagine how you’re feeling with your daughter almost done with high school. Sending you so much love!
Also if I finish ed school years ago (I’m 40), Usually in August I tend to buy items for office. However Is really interesting know how this headphones work, walk Daily helps a lot with stress and I am agree with Jordan to use swimming pool every day After school. God bless you Daily!
Getting outside to walk everyday has been amazing for my mental health.
My daughter starts Secondary School tomorrow which I think is joint Middle and High School? In Scotland, we have Primary School which you start when you are 4 or 5 (depending on your birthday) and you are there for Primary One to Primary 7 (P1-P7) Then you do Secondary School which you start when you are 11 or 12 (depending on your birthday) and you are there for First Year to Sixth Year (S1 – S6). However you can leave school at 16 if you wish and either get a job, apprenticeship or go to college. If you stay on till 5th or 6th year you tend to do further exams and then quite often will go to University.
Anyway all that to say that I cant believe my daughter is 12 and only has a maximum of 6 years left at school. The last 12 years have flown by so goodness knows how the next 6 are going to feel! Still loving following along your blog and seeing your lovely children grow. I always admire how much time you carve out to spend with both your kids and the way you talk about them. Its very kind.
Good luck to all of you for back to school and just think, its only a hop, skip and a jump till Christmas!!
I feel the same. It does go so fast. I’m so acutely aware of how much intentional time I spend with my kids. My son’s high school is about 30 minute drive away – which is such a pain, but I love the conversations we get to have in the car, so that’s an up side!
Wishing your kiddos a great year ahead! I love this time of year.
Same here Lisa!