Packing for college can be a daunting task.  If you take too many items you may become overwhelmed by items you have no need for. On the other hand, you would hate to get to school and realize that you have forgotten something you really do need. So what should you take and what should you leave behind? If this is your first time leaving home, then it can be really hard to decide. On the Charming Chick blog today we have a list of essentials for comfortable dorm living. 

 

 

 

 

 

Alarm Clock - to get to class on time you will definitely want to take an alarm clock with you. Most cellphones (which is another item you will want to bring) have alarms on them so you could also use that feature and save a bit of space.

 

 

 

Bedding and towels ~ You'll want to bring at least one set of sheets and a comforter to school with you. While most dorms do provide a bed, they don't provide bedding. This can be a fun way of brining some of your personal style into the room. Pick a comforter that reflects your taste -- and just make you happy to look at. You'll also want to bring some towels as well. Dorms don't usually provide these items.

  

 

Hangers ~ If you don't like ironing then hangers are a great idea and speaking or ironing you might want to have a least a travel sized iron so you can give wrinkled items a quick press.

 

 

Coffee and water bottle ~ Having a small coffee pot will save you money. This will help so you won't be tempted to spend too much money at the coffee shop. It will also help keep you fueled during those late night study sessions. A water bottle is a great item to ave on hand. This will help keep you hydrated on the long walks to and from class.

 

 

Seasonal Items ~ Umbrellas, gloves, coats, hats, etc. can be very helpful. Consider what the weather will be like for the next 10 months or so. This can help you decide which items you will need and which ones you can leave at home.

 

 

 

Computer ~ preferably a laptop and a good printer. This is a must have. There may be a computer lab available on campus but having a laptop in your dorm will become invaluable.

 

Desk lamp ~  You'll also want a small but good LED desk lamp. Most dorms have insufficient lighting, which is why bringing your own is a great idea.

 

 

 

Photos ~  It is also really important to bring some comfort items from home and one of the best things you can bring are photos. They don't take up too much space and they can remind you of all the people who love you -- especially when you are feeling a little homesick.

Entertainment ~ TV, DVD player, game system, stereo or MP3 player with docking station. If you know who you are rooming with you can always contact them to decide who will bring what.

Toiletries with basket ~ You'll want to have all of your personal hygiene items and the easiest way to take them to and from the bathroom is to put them in a shower caddy. Shower shoes are another must have if you will be using a public shower.

Laundry basket~  a laundry basket is necessary and you'll also want to make sure you have laundry detergent as well.

Cooking appliances ~ A small microwave, hot plate or portable indoor grill can be very useful in helping to prepare a few meals in so you don't have to spend too much money eating out all the time. Some dorms do not allow certain appliances though so you will have to check first. You will also want to bring a set of dishes and flatware as well.

There are many other items that you might want to bring but this is a good start. Remember if you forget something don't worry, you can either buy what you are missing once you get to school or have your parents mail it to you.

The kids will be heading back to the class room in the next few weeks -- so back-to-school shopping is in full swing. If you have started to think about getting your kids prepared for the year ahead, you may have wondered what the hottest new "must haves" for girls. Well, you can wonder no more -- we've got the answers for the most stylish back -to-school accessories.

 

 

  

1. Chunky and Funky Accessories ~ This is the latest trend in jewelry. The bigger the bling the better. Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are all being worn big and bulky. Stacking bracelets is also a really popular fashion trend as well. So make it bold!

 

2. Totes and Backpacks ~ Every student needs something to carry their books and supplies in. Many girls today are opting for stylish totes versus the traditional backpack. These colorful totes from Charming Chick are stylish and water-resistant. They are also popular for cheer, dance team, basketball, softball and other sports.

 

3. Scarves ~ A monogrammed scarf is a fantastic back-to-school it or those ladies heading to high school or college. Scarves are a popular fashion accessory. A cashmere scarf is a classic and stylish touch to any outfit -- and the monogram gives it a nice personalized touch.

 

4. Super Stylish Cosmetic Bags ~ Cosmetic bags are not only perfect for toting your toiletries they are also great to use for storing and organizing school supplies. With all the pockets and zipper compartments they are fabulous for all the paper clips, pens, highlighters and more, they are great for keeping things at your finger tips.

5. Sorority Jewelry - If you know a college girl who will be joining a sorority this year, you'll want to pick up some gorgeous sorority jewelry so she can wear her letters proudly! We have a great selection of sorority items to choose from.

At Charming Chick we have many other great accessories to get your school year started right -- be sure to to shop around.

Can it really be so? Are the final weeks of summer already upon us? Sadly, it is true. While we do need to seize the summer while we still have it -- now is also the time to start preparing your children for the school year ahead. While some kids across the country have already headed back to the classroom, others still have a few weeks to prepare.

  

If you want to make sure your children are fully prepared to head back to school, then keep reading. On the Charming Chick blog today, we have some great tips to help you and your child get organized and even excited about the new school year.

{Tip 1}

Help Get Your Kids Familiar with the School

  

If you have children who will be attending a new school, or little ones who are attending for the first time, you'll want to take some steps to get them familiar with their new surroundings. Many schools host an open house. This is where you and your child can tour the school, see their new classroom and meet their teacher. If your child's school isn't having an open house, you can call to schedule a visit a meeting with the teacher.  Another thing you can to is to read stories about school to your children to help prepare them for the big day ahead.

{Tip 2}

Get Back in the Routine Before the Big Day

  

During the summer, we tend to slack on routine a little. For kids, the warm days mean eating lots of popsicles, living in their swim suits, and skipping a bath here and there. You might even let your children stay up later, sleep in longer, and eat at all hours of the day. However, if you want to do your kids a big favor -- you need to get them back on track. It doesn't have to happen all at once but you need to slowly work into the routine.You can push their bedtime back, schedule meals and snacks times close to when they can expect them during the school year, and get them up and going and active earlier in the day.

{Tip #3}

Prepare Your Children

  

 

Never underestimate the power of a new backpack filled with all the supplies your child will need throughout the school year -- or at least for the beginning of it anyway. This gets kids excited about their first day of school and it helps them feel prepared for the year ahead. Some new school clothes will definitely add to the anticipation. Your kids will want to go back to school!!! Plus, you don't want to get your kids to get dressed for the first day of school only to discover they grew two inches over the summer and now they won't fit into last year's clothes. You'll want them to feeling confident and ready for anything the school year can throw at them.

{Tip #4}

Be Positive!

 

Whenever you talk to your kids about the school year ahead be sure you do so in a positive way. You can talk about how exciting it will be to see some of their friends that they missed during the summer. You might mention that you have heard some really great things about their new teacher. Aks them about the outfit they planning on wearing for the first day and if they would like you to prepare them a special lunch? You can even tell them stories about your poswitive first day experiences. This can help them to really look forward to the year ahead.