BACK TO SCHOOL: SUMMERTIME TIP

Even though I went to college THE DAY after graduation, I still had some time between summer semester and fall semester to enjoy the summer, and I got to take the summer memories with me. One of the best tips I can give you is this:

Don't spend spend so much time looking forward to the beginning of school that you forget that there's still one (two, three, whatever) weeks left of summer break.

No one in our family is starting school this year, but it still affects us (mostly because everyone else is and none of them will have time to do fun stuff anymore), so we're soaking in the summer-time sun and fun while we can. Here's what we did this weekend:

We played in a couple of bounce houses (for maybe 10 seconds each)

We met (and pet) a 14-foot python and a hungry tortoise!

We also met Captain Jack Sparrow on his ship, The Black Pearl, and Leo the Lion of Real Salt Lake!

Well, I was excited to meet Leo. Maybe Chelsea will like him more in a couple of years.

And then, on our way home from the BBQ, we saw an estate sale and met two fine cowboys, a bounty hunter and a giant roadrunner!

But this is why we REALLY stopped.

Can't stand in the way of a man and his love for cars!

My point is, be spontaneous and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Maybe you'll learn more about life and about yourself. Be willing to try new things and make some memories. I always get excited for the first day of school,  but when January comes around and the snow is almost more than I can bear, it's the summer memories that keep me warm (CHEESE!) Keep it real!

-Sue

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BACK TO SCHOOL: DAY BEFORE TIPS

College isn't like your high school. For one thing, it's a lot bigger, and odds are there are some pretty confusing buildings on campus (the Snow Building and the Spori Building at BYU-I for instance), but let's not get ahead of ourselves. If you're new to campus, you probably don't even know which building is which. So here are a few tips for before the first day of school.

1. Get a map - Just a simple map that shows all the buildings and what their names are will do. That way, you can begin to get your bearings around campus.
2. Print off your schedule, or save it as a photo on your phone for easier access.
3. Create a route from class to class, or class to home on your map that you've printed out.
4. Test out your route - Go to each building where you have a class and find your actual classroom. This will save you time (and tardiness) on the first day. My first day at BYU-Provo, I didn't even know where the correct building for one of my classes was and showed up a half-hour late with tears streaming down my face. True story.
5. Get your student ID - this is kind of important since everyone and their mom will be asking you for your ID number.
6. The most important day-before tip of all... Pick out your first day outfit!

So, you want something that will make a statement and will tell a story about yourself, but isn't overly flashy. You want something that will reflect the norm for your wardrobe so you don't show up one day and all the guys be like, "DAAAAANG" and then the next day the guys be like "Woof" (That's code for "ugly." I didn't figure that one out until college after asking my husband what some guy in high school meant when he said it to me. Ouch.).

My first day outfit was an empire-waisted, green polka-dotted shirt and some jeans (it was in style then!), but if I were going to college again, this would be one of my picks. It's got just the right amount of summer-time lovin', teacher impressin', and eye attention:

Back to school: First Day by susan-andrewchelsea featuring canvas bags

The shoes are the PERFECT pick because they're sensible. Do not even THINK about wearing heels your first day (unless you wear heels all the time and have developed the proper calluses). Since it's the first day of school, light baggage is an okay, but get a really good backpack for the heavy-load days.

At BYU-Idaho, the honor code doesn't allow for shorts or capris, but I'd roll the pant legs up a couple times. And the shirt, shades, watch, and belt? Love them. Peplum is very flattering on a lot of body types and the lace gives it that perfect touch of sweetness, don't you think?

What are you going to wear your first day of school?

-Sue

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