Whether you have little ones just starting school (my Zane will start preschool, sniff sniff), going back or even off to college (when that day comes I've informed my husband I'll be packing myself in their suitcase!) this can be an exciting time of year. You may not even have kids yet still love this time as one of new beginnings. Use these lazy days of August to reflect on the summer and let the warmth heal your soul (keep that warm memory on reserve for our crazy Pittsburgh winters). Then sharpen your pencils and think about the coming change of season and what it means to you. Wouldn't it be great if as adults we could get that nervous excitement that comes with moving up a grade level? (Instead we just worry about moving up in years!) Try setting a "back to school" goal for yourself. Maybe it's a language you always wanted to learn, a dance class you wanted to join or just that book you've been trying to finish. Think of the sense of accomplishment you'll feel, like you aced the big exam!

I always believed the best life was the one where I never stopped learning. Let's see, I've been out of high school for twelve years now....that means if I calculate right I should be starting the 24th grade in a few weeks! What a perfect excuse to push away procrastination and get to my never-ending list of things I want to do. Why let the kids have all the fun? Heck, I might even buy myself a back to school outfit! So come that September evening when packing my baby boys first lunch I'll wipe those, god-he's-growing-up, Mommy tears away and grab my Arabic for Dummies book, flashcards, pen and paper and study into the night :)


Pack a healthy lunch!

My yum yum Hummus recipe is a great switch from the old peanut butter jelly sandwich. Zane loves his rolled in pita bread but you could also just cut up veggies and use for dipping.
1 can garbanzo beans- rinsed
1/2 a juiced lemon
1 heaping Tablespoon tahini
1 clove garlic
1 Tsp paprika
1 Tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
a couple olives (optional but it tastes yummy)
splash of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in food processor (or the Bullet works great too) and chill for a couple hours.