Everyone has a long list of things to do before they head back to school. Some of the items on my list are boring and generic — go to the dentist, order textbooks, order contact lenses — but some are not. Here are the five things left on my list that apply to anyone about to start a new semester.

1. Buy a cute new sweater


Spending my summers in Texas and winters in upstate New York is the most confusing thing in the world for my body. I run around outside for three whole months in shorts and tank tops to ward off the 107-degree heat, then jump into jeans-and-long sleeves weather pretty quickly. So whether I’m dealing with the over-air-conditioned buildings of the South or the not-as-cold-as-it-seems air of the North, a cute, new sweater is the first thing on my must-buylist!

2. Get a haircut


There’s nothing like a new haircut to make you feel fresh and confident. Even if it’s just a trim, just the process of getting those split ends cut away is the perfect way to prepare for a new semester. As my hairdresser said, “It’s like you’re trimming the summer out of your hair.”

3. Eat my favorite home-cooked meal


I know it seems silly, but it’s little things like my favorite meal that I miss on those stressful, late nights far away from home. It’s not so much about the food than it is about the reminder of home, of childhood and of everything familiar and comforting. (Okay, yeah, it’s also about the food — my mom’s a great cook!)

4. Sunbathe


It’s cold and sunless in New York, and I worked too hard on this tan for it to disappear in a hurry. Though it won’t help much, I’m determined to get one last afternoon of sunbathing in to soak up all the Vitamin D I can before heading back to school. Plus, it’s an excuse to do nothing and drink lemonade. What’s not to like?

5. Have one last adventure

Be it camping, skinny-dipping or just picking a direction and driving, there’s an adventure waiting out there for me to have. I haven’t got much time left before I leave, but it’s enough. Summer’s not over just yet.

What’s on your back-to-school checklist, Lovelies?

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