Stop the madness!

Ladies,
It's been great having you all in class! I'm happy to say that, as of today, August hasn't been that bad so far! (Now it's only the first week but still-it's great to have you all hanging in there!)

Over the summer I noticed some disturbing things. For instance, in JULY I noticed school supplies at my local CVS. On TV, I noticed ads for 'back to school' (though I've not yet seen that great Staples ad, set to the music "it's the most wonderful time of the year"). I have also been inundated in my inbox with clothing store ads for 'back to school' and 'fall'...again, all in JULY!
As a classic 'type A' personality, I am a true planner. If I can't plan it, I stress about it. However, 'back to school' in July??????????!!!!!!!!!!! Uh, thank you no. And, of course, we've talked endlessly at class about how Xmas decorations come out before Thanksgiving, Valentine's right after Xmas and on and on. I think it's buggy nuts! I really feel it increases people's stress level, making them think they have to 'get to' these things way before they truly need to or that if they don't 'get it now' they will miss out on the best buys, clothes, stuff...
Let's face it...the economy isn't in the best shape right now and we all need to tighten the belt a bit-even if it's just a little. Let's start with 'back to school' shopping: (and while I don't have my own kids going back to school, I do have 2 favorite children (K2 and little Mista) that I do buy for)
-Make a list. Yes, this means you'll have to go through your little pumpkin's closet and see exactly what fits. Make it a game for your kids-dress up fun! You'll buy less if you think ahead
-Hand-me-downs. Do you have 2 little girls or 2 little boys? With all the advanced laundry detergents now clothes are lasting longer if they are cared for. Your youngest CAN wear what your eldest wore before...and you don't have to make a big deal out of it. Just buy your youngest a few things and mix in the hand-me-downs. (Of course get the youngest their own new unders and socks please! HAHA)
-Websites. Yes, that's what I said. There are TONS of online coupon sites and if you know how your kids fit into 'Baby Gap', 'Children's place' and 'Old Navy'...then you can shop online for the basics. Get those online coupon codes and SAVE. Use your credit card, not your debit for the highest safety factor. Use only reputable sites that have 'brick and mortar' stores in our area so you can return to the store if you need to so you save shipping costs.
-Keep the shopping trip short! Plan to get to that mall as it opens so there's less of a crowd (or consider going to the outlets) and bring a cooler with snacks for the kiddos. I always feel so bad for a Mom or Dad whose child is melting down while they're still 'mid shop'. Having your list at the ready you can hit those stores fast and get out fast too! (Less stress for you and your kiddos)
**This is also a good time to clean out your closets (and your kids' too) and give those things you're not wearing to charity. Remember to get a receipt for your taxes and you'll save there too and help someone less fortunate. Plus, this teaches your children to help others and it's something easy you can do on a rainy afternoon!**
Try and enjoy the back to school time and don't get RUSHED into buying, shopping and stressing. Summer is so short as it is, let's try and really enjoy it before the school buses start running again!
See you all in class!