Tis the season for back-to-school, a vibe shift that my 33-year-old definitely never going to grad school body always picks up on, suddenly craving a trip to OfficeMax (RIP) and a bouquet of sharpened pencils (iykyk.) I’m not entirely sure what it says about me that this time of year does not give rise to existential dread, but rather excitement and a sense of opportunity—Eldest daughter? Teacher’s pet? History dork? Student athlete? Yes. But as I enter my local HomeGoods, which is positively ~bedecked~ for Halloween, a reminder that fresh binder season comes first, and that one need not be in school to embrace it.
Hot tip: I’ll be back with news next week. For now, just know that RFK has made blueberries and popsicles dangerous, Chanty Beluga is forever, and of course—
The Materials—
Something about a planner that starts in the fall just feels right. So much of our annual resolution attention goes to January, but why can’t August also be a time for starting fresh? (Meghan and Harry are doing it!!! Not to mention that the Jewish new year is in September, and just last week I started a new job.) I am always partial to a Rifle Paper Co. planner and/or a desk pad as an adult woman with an admitted floral problem, but I just snagged this one from ban.do, which includes a book tracker, lunar calendar, and bevy of sticker options. I also recently found out about pink legal pads, and I’m pretty sure I can now solve all the world’s financial, moral, and medical issues (billionaires bad, illegal wars bad, not checking lettuce for diarrhea parasite bad! There, did it.)
Hot tip: Start junk journaling! That’s right, the crumpled up receipts in the bottom of your bag can serve an artistic purpose that only requires double-sided tape, paper, and the occasional leaving of one’s house.
Snacks + Lunchtime—
Learn to make your own brekky pastries, like with Roxana Jullapat’s “Morning Person” cookbook. For lunch, the game-changiest meal prep move of all time—particularly as your garden and/or local produce changes—is a pasta salad. It only gets better as the week goes, and you can dress it up with different proteins or sides depending on your mood. Right now, lean towards things like peas, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and feta. Once fall properly arrives, go for cranberries, goat cheese, Brussels sprouts, pepitas, squash, etc. Get creative with it and don’t feel the need to follow a recipe. Buy local and in-season to avoid the constant recalls. And literal hot tip: The grown-up, non-microplasticy move is loose leaf tea. I asked my sister for her expert recs, and she suggested this tea infuser basket and Tao of Tea.
The Bags—
Aka the grown-up version of a new backpack and all the accessories that go with her. My favorite everyday shoulder bag from Baggu (which fits a laptop + then some!) is on bigtime sale right now as are some of the laptop sleeves. If you’re an in-office worker, allow me to present this insulated charcuterie party lunch bag. Other cute options I came across on Al Gore’s internet, but don’t own myself: This Kate Spade suede tote or this Damson Madder red polka dot bag that’s a bit funkier.
Hot tip: Use a pencil case for pencils, sure, but also to always have things like hand sanitizer, scrunchies, Advil, bandaids, gum, and safety pins ready to go and easily transferrable from bag to bag. Be the “I don’t know how she does it!!!” girl you wish to see in the world.
The Fit—
When was the last time you bought an entire outfit at the same time? Consider this an endorsement of shopping for the whole look: top, bottoms, shoes, accessories. Treat this upcoming Monday like the first day of school, or picture day, even if the only time you leave your house is to get a morning coffee. Btw, this doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking!! If you want to be eco-conscious and more frugal (hell yeah), get everything second-hand from a place like Crossroads or ThredUp. Hot tip: You can also use Lizzie Campbell’s brilliant new Closet Roulette app to build a new outfit from pieces you already have, à la Cher Horowitz.
Workspace refresh—
Particularly if you work from home and are a bit tired of your set-up, whether that’s in a separate office, at a desk in your bedroom, or at your kitchen table. Start with a new plant—you may not be getting report cards anymore, but (other than having children or pets, duh) there is no more visible grading system than whether you can keep something besides yourself alive. Hot tip for all the “idk, I don’t have a green thumb”s out there: Snake plants clean the air and are the easiest possible plant to care for.
As for your workspace, I love this felt bulletin board behind my desk that I use for organizational, inspirational, and just general whatever I want purposes—my calendar, keeping track of my ongoing work and writing projects, and my grandpa’s business card, just because. On the smaller tweaks side, put all your desktop items into a chic pen pot, pin up some postcards from your summer travels, or get a practical lil organizer. On the what the hell why not? side, thrift a vintage secretary desk with lots of nooks and crannies you can hide your clutter in and then easily close it all up at the end of the day. This is not about being perfect, just feeling refreshed and renewed.
Syllabus—
Become a member at your city’s best museum or your local bookshop (or both!) Treat yourself to something small once a week at a beloved neighborhood spot, like a manicure or a pastry. Take public transportation to a new part of town you’ve never explored and just walk around. Sign up for an unexpected class, whether it’s a one-off like veggie pickling or flower arranging or a longer series, i.e. pottery or improv (Yes, I said improv!!!! It is the most effective way to learn how to tolerate embarrassment, whether you’re a performer or not.) If you are going to waste some time on a screen, spend it on Duolingo or the New York Times crossword puzzle. For the adult version of PE, get into a new sport or group class! I am a proud tennis enthusiast with the skill level and hand-eye coordination of a lifelong swimmer (Ed note: Bad.) Being a student can and should be forever.
xo, al
Previously on Hot Tip:
