Happy Thursday! It’s the last Thursday of the month so I am linking up with Holly and Patty to answer 10 fun seasonal questions. I love thinking about my answers and seeing everyone else’s answers, too!

In January, we talked about beating the winter blues.

In February, we talked about warm weather destinations.

In March, we talked about spring fashion.

In April, we talked all about spring.

In May, we talked about Memorial Day.

In June, we talked about summer fun – vacations, trips, and adventures.

In July, we talked about summer fashion.

This month we are talking about all things back to school.

1. Where do you typically shop for back to school? Any tips?

If we are in town on August 1st, we go to Target for all the school supplies. It is chaotic, but I love it! If we are out of town, we go before we leave. Once we get everything the kids need (and some fun pens for me), we leave it in the bags and hide it in the guest room until it’s school time. My tip is go early so they have everything you need.

2. How do you organize for back to school?

Lists, lists, and more lists. Jeff and I have a big calendar meeting to start wrapping our heads around the fall schedule. This year’s meeting was over two hours, but I feel like I have a good handle on the next few months.

3. Do you meal prep? Any fall recipes to share?

I meal plan, but I don’t meal prep. Even though our evenings are busy, I can leave school at 2:45 so I have time to get everything prepped when I get home.

4. Any back to school traditions?

We always take a picture on the front porch on the first day of school. We usually do carryout for dinner so I can spend the whole evening focusing on the kids, and I am usually exhausted, too. We usually go out for ice cream after school on the first Friday to celebrate the week.

5. How long does it take you to get into a new fall routine?

It takes me about two weeks. One week to get the hang of it and after the second week I am no longer totally exhausted (hopefully).

6. Best lunchbox packing tips?

Teach your kids to do it. I didn’t and I am still making lunches every day. It is my least favorite thing about school. I always make them as soon as I get home from school when I am prepping dinner. So the lunchboxes are ready to be packed as soon as the kids walk in the door.

7. Best tips for getting out the door in the morning?

Get up earlier than you think you need to. Pack everything the night before. Have clothes ready to go. Set alarms throughout the morning to keep you on track.

8. Slow cooker? Instant pot? Both? Neither?

I have a slow cooker but I use it more as the weather gets cold. I don’t have an instant pot. Our Ninja Foodi XL 10 in 1 is really my time saver. It’s huge and I can air fry a full batch of chicken and veggies at the same time quickly.

9. School bus? Carpool? Walk to school?

Luke rides the bus, Jack goes to school with Jeff, and I drive myself. I would love to live close enough to walk though! The kids drove to school with me for elementary school.

10. Start school before or after labor day?

Yes, both! Jack started yesterday and Luke starts on Tuesday.

I am fully in back to school mode but I hope Summer Sarah is back out this weekend. I’ll be back tomorrow with my favorites from the week. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!