A certain six-year-old started first grade today.  At his new school.

He was this much <——————–> excited, and this much <—> nervous.

{scoping out the coming bus}

All morning before getting on the bus, he was talking about how first graders get to do whatever they want – like pack their own morning snacks and buy their lunches at the school café.  He’s big stuff now. In other back to school news, I had fun pretending I was going back to college and put together this mood board of my must haves.

1 – I’ve mentioned these reusable organic snack bags from Etsy before.  I’d toss some pretzels and grapes in to keep me fueled during a long day of classes.

2 – During the majority of my college years, I didn’t have a car.  Instead, I borrowed my little sister’s bike from home and rode it around campus.  I got a lot of funny looks riding a little girl’s bike!  But it was cheaper and healthier than driving a car.  If I’d have had the funds, I would’ve invested in a more mature bicycle.

3 – Forget dressy shoes and blisters.  My #1 priority for an everyday college wardrobe is comfort and ease.  These casual yet stylish sneakers would pair well with dark skinny jeans and a white T-shirt.  Perfect for a day of riding my bike from class to class!

4 – Late night study sessions and early morning classes call for quick hairstyling.  I’d slip this stretchy rosette headband on to keep my hair under wraps and out of my face.  A simple and easy fashion statement!

5 – I’m a lefty who needs a pen that dries quickly to avoid illegible smears on important notes and ink stains on the side of my hand.  I like the ultra fine Sharpie just for those reasons.

6 – I’d hang two or three of these woven baskets on my college dorm or apartment wall to wrangle dirty clothes and keep them off the floor.  One for lights, one for darks and maybe one for delicates. Aesthetically appealing laundry sorting in a cinch!

7 – A reusable stainless steel water bottle would keep me hydrated during all that bike riding and note taking.  I’d pick one in a really bright color to make it easy to spot and less likely to be forgotten in a classroom.

8 – This lightweight, fun backpack does everything!  It comes with a laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, accessories panel for pens/pencils etc, comfy shoulder straps, exterior straps for carrying a skateboard/jacket/umbrella and a loop attachment for a bike light…which I’d need since I’d be cruising around on #2.  It even includes a beverage opener on the shoulder strap should you find that useful ;)

9 – An inexpensive tall, slender shelving unit makes the most of limited space.  I’d fill it with books, pantry items, baskets, a charging station and linens to optimize storage in a dorm room or small apartment.

What would you take back to school if you were doing it all over again?  Or maybe you are doing it…what are your must haves?

images:  1&2) Dana Miller for House*Tweaking  3) Polyvore collage by Dana Miller