Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend!! Little Miss and I are headed to our beloved little Florida island tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m thrilled for some one-on-one time with my sweet girl before she begins 8th grade…the older she gets, the more important our connection becomes.
The guys will join us early next week, and you know I’ll be soaking up every second of that family time. I look forward to this escape every year…a chance for us to disconnect from the world, and connect as a family before the rigors of a new school year begin. This year is especially bittersweet since our son is moving to college in two weeks. #gulp
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Ramblings post…but since my mind is running rampant, there’s no time like the present! Here’s what’s currently going on in my life and brain!
ONE // DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS
I’ve had a lot of requests to share the items we’re taking to college…and while I’m obviously no expert (this will be our first time!), I feel pretty good about the list so far! It’s all boxed and ready for move-in day, but I’m sure I’ll add a few more things as the day nears. Basically, Amazon and Target are taking all my money! Can you think of anything I need to add?
1 // Memory Foam Topper Dorm room beds are notoriously uncomfortable, so hopefully this foam topper helps!
2 // Classic Clip 6″ Fan This small fan packs a big punch! It clips to the bed or desk, and provides not just air, but white noise to help him sleep. I opted for a plug-in option so he didn’t have to worry about keeping a battery charged.
3 // Dorm Room First Aid Kit My son literally rolled his eyes at this one (‘Mom, chill!’) But as soon as it arrived, he declared it ‘dope!’ Full of everyday medicines, first aid & more, it’s a mini drugstore that packs small.
4 // 4-pack Adhesive Hooks Our dorms don’t allow nails or tacks, but these heavy-duty hooks stick to anything! Perfect for clothes, decor, lights and more.
5 // Bed Sheet Set We have this amazing sheets on every bed in our house, so it was a no-brainer he’d take a set to college! I was thrilled to find they come in Twin XL, too!
6 // 10-Pocket Shoe Organizer Instead of cluttering up the floor of his teeny-tiny closet, his shoes can hang neatly along one side. The extra slots are great added storage, too.
7 // LED Desk Lamp This small lamp offers several light settings, so he can be up late without disturbing his roommate. It also clips and angles to multiple surfaces.
8 // Pop Up Laundry Hamper This mesh hamper is completely flat when empty, but pops up to hold quite a bit. It also includes spot to store detergent and sturdy handles for easy transport to the laundry room (or home!!)
9 // Brita Filtered Water Dispenser He’s used to unlimited cold, filtered water at his disposal…this fits perfectly in the mini fridge!
10 // Black-Out Drapes Not that I want to encourage all-day sleeping, but these black-out drapes will help with unusual sleep schedules, plus insulate the room. They’re also already the perfect length for many dorm windows! I also ordered this tension rod to hang them.
11 // Hanging Shower Toiletry Bag He’ll share a bathroom with 3 other guys, so storage is limited. The quick-dry bag holds all his bathroom essentials, and conveniently hangs on the shower rod when in use.
12 // Washable Rug This flat weave rug is soft and easily spot-cleans. It adds some cozy texture to the minimal space, and allows people to lounge on the floor.
13 // Bedside Organizer This makeshift nightstand attaches to the side of the bed, and has space for phone, laptop, papers, and even a cup holder!
14 // Outlet Station This single power strip adds 6 outlets and 4 USBs, allowing space for all his devices. It also has a long cord for those awkwardly-placed outlets!
15 // Bedding Set His bed is minimal and classic, with a simple quilt, comforter and a few pillows. He chose this masculine stripe.
16 // Over Door 8 Hook Rack This over-the-door hook makes good use of vertical space, and hopefully helps keep clothes off the floor!
TWO // HELLO FRESH, HELLO YUM!
At a graduation party earlier this Summer, I was asking several of my empty-nester friends what they do about cooking now that they have fewer people. They all proceeded to sing the praises of HelloFresh, practically in unison! I mean, they were passionate about their love of the meal service!! Obviously I trust my girlfriends, so I signed up that week.
And can I just tell you it’s been a game-changer for us?!?! Literal game changer!! It takes the guess work out of cooking, cuts down on trips the grocery store…and best part, the food is INCREDIBLE!!! Dinner time is practically our favorite part of the day now, and we all look forward to the HelloFresh meal. I know I sound like an infomercial, but this is honestly just one girlfriend to another…I can’t recommend them enough! (In all fairness, this is the only meal service I’ve tried, but I love everything about it!)
The kids have actually traded off cooking this summer…the directions are so easy to follow, and all the ingredients are included in each week’s delivery. So not only are they helping me out, but they’re learning great cooking skills and taking on more responsibility. I love you, HelloFresh!
THREE // CAVALLO IS BACK, BABY!
Did you see the popular ruffle neck dress from our Summer of Color is back…in all new Fall-ready prints!!?? Under $70 and perfect for so many occasions!
FOUR // BOOKWORM
The Prime Day deals were too good, and I caved and bought a Kindle Paperwhite. I’m not sure yet if it will completely replace physical books for me, but it’s the perfect lightweight for travel, and has zero glare for reading outside in bright light. It’s also waterproof, so I’ve loved it around the pool, and excited to try it at the beach next week.
I added these first two titles for beach reads, and am slowly making my way through ‘Release My Grip.’ I just finished ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ and loved it! What are you reading this Summer?
Evie Drake Starts Over | Before We Were Yours | Release My Grip
FIVE // SHOE SCORE
I took the kids back-to-school shoe shopping this week, but wound up with a pair for myself. #oops Not only are these Rezza sneakers dead-ringers for the $500 sneakers, but they’re real leather and suede, and crazy-comfy!! They even have the hidden 1-inch lift!! But instead of the crazy price tag, they’re under $100!! I couldn’t snatch them up fast enough! Find them in white or gold here.
SIX // BEACH BOUND
Speaking of the beach, I can’t wait to see our dear friends, eat at all our favorite spots, and have marathon sessions of Phase 10 (I have a love-hate relationship with that game!). You can find all my posts about Anna Maria Island here. I couldn’t resist ordering a few things, and excitedly awaiting the arrival of this swimsuit, this romper, and this sun hat!
SEVEN // GO TEAM GO!
The first thing we did when our son chose a college, was book hotels and football tickets for Parent’s Weekend, Homecoming, Mom’s Weekend…basically every event that granted me permission on campus!! And football is a huge part of University of Oklahoma, so I’m excited for our first game! I just ordered this clear crossbody bag, perfect for stadiums, concerts and more!! I love that it’s monogrammed, and all my monogrammed accessories will show through, too! #southern
EIGHT // NSALE FINAL WEEKEND
This is the final weekend of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I’d love to hear what you bought…and kept! There were so many great finds this year it’s almost impossible to pick favorites. But if I had to choose, I’d say these are my own top buys:
- Wedge Bootie in the go-with-everthing shade of ‘Sesame’
- Quilted Utility Jacket in olive
- Hooded Cardigan
- Seamless, No-Wedgie Undies
- Softest Throw (only $25!)
As for your faves, these are your Top 5:
- Wedge Sneaker (these will be on repeat for me this Fall!)
- Barefoot Dreams Cardigan
- Distressed Ankle Jeans
- Scoopneck Tee (only $15!)
- Waterproof Wedge Bootie
Looks like we all appreciate good basics!! Now is also a great time to get a jump on holiday shopping! I rounded up some fun gift ideas…all on sale, and in stock! Shop the entire sale HERE before prices go back up Sunday!
1. Cozy Throw // 2. Diffuser // 3. Chubby Lip Set
4. Serving Bowl // 5. Best Undies (maybe just gift yourself!) // 6. Cashmere Sweater
7. Initial Necklace // 8. Sparkly Studs (only $25!)// 9. Cheese/Cutting Boards
10. Leopard Clutch // 11. Softest Pajama Set // 12. Candle Trio (3 gifts in 1!)
Oh yeah, and speaking of sales…have you checked out the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Flash Sale yet?! Half off tons of styles from all our past collections, plus free shipping and an extra 10% off when you spend $125!! I love seeing your orders, and so appreciate your excitement! I can’t wait to show you what the Gibson Team and I have planned next!
So tell me, what’s rambling through your head these day?! Happy weekend, lovebugs!
Boomer Sooner! Welcome to my alma mater. Hope it’s a great experience for all of you. It’s not too far Momma, just across that Red River.🏈🏈🏈
I’ll be burning up I35!! xo
Yes just a quick drive up I-35. Also when my son left for OU as an undergrad I sent an extra LOUD alarm clock. Now years later he’s in OKC at OU Health Science Center and still uses the same clock. Takes it everywhere he goes. Just a thought.
My favorite reads this summer have been:
https://amzn.to/335Kdp7
And https://amzn.to/2ywgo2O
Such great books!
I’m so happy I was able to finally purchase the Barefoot Dreams cardigan. We’re heading to Alaska in September and I look forward to wearing it!
Thanks for all you do! I love all your finds.
I loved Where the Crawdads Sing, too! Adding that other book to my list, thank you!
Yay for your annual trip to our beautiful AMI! Bring your umbrella, lots of rain in July and more expected this coming week. Hope you enjoy some very special family time! 🌅🐬🌴
We’ll bring lots of books and card games! Fingers crossed it’s just afternoon ‘Florida’ storms!
Thanks for your positive blog. I sense that you are a person of faith. That is a blessing to me.
Yes ma’am!! xoxo
Don’t forget lots of different kinds of command strips and hooks! Also, a tool kit. They sell them at target or online, like a small little suitcase style. You will use it on move-in day (and every family in the hall will ask to borrow it) and he will use it all four years! My oldest just graduated from college and middle child going into junior year so believe me, I know what I’m talking about! My girlfriend gives them as high school grad gifts and its such a great idea! Good luck mama!! Oh yeah, trash can liners for whatever size you buy them or that the school provides. NO ONE brings these and the disgusting things that get put in the trash without liners eventually get REALLY gross!! My sons freshman year he found himself taking care of a lot of “new partiers” and he said he was ever so thankful for the bags in those situations especially!!! I know, weird advice but real life!!!
Okay, both incredible ideas, thank you!!! My Amazon cart is growing!!
When we brought our daughter to college last year we bought this set of shelves. I had them at college also. They are nice because you can change the configuration of them to work for your space. For my daughter we slightly lofted her bed and put these under it for extra storage. Good luck – it’s so hard to let them go but so much fun to see them grow!
https://amzn.to/2Ka6Otg
Those look great, thank you for sharing!!
You need a small toolbox for your son to take to school. It will be useful and continue to move with him as he loves to apartments.
I love this idea, thank you!!
That Clear Crossbody Bag is waaaaay too cute! Louis Vuitton used to make one, but I’m sure this one is far better priced, ha,ha. Have fun, ya’ll.
haha!! I’m guessing it is, too! 😉
We went to Anna Maria Island last fall for the first time and will be returning in late October for two weeks. We love it there and look forward to reading about your upcoming visit! Also, although we live in PA, our son and his family live in Tulsa, OK. Our daughter-in-law is an OU grad and took us on a tour of the campus and to a football game. What a beautiful place, and the football tradition there is so fun!
You guys look really well set up for dorm life and I agree that a little tool kit, trash can liners and Command products are also key!
We got these bags https://amzn.to/2ZusPYO for our younger daughter last year and they make moving in and out so much easier. You can fit a lot in them and they conform to your car so you can squeeze them in easier than boxes or plastic crates. They also fold down to practically nothing when not in use! I’d also recommend skinny hangers to fit more in his closet, a kettle to make instant foods (my daughter drinks a lot of tea….she also has a mini Keurig), some photos from home and a way to display them, Clorox wipes, a backrest pillow for his bed and maybe a comfy throw too? No matter how set we are we ALWAYS take a Target run once we get to school because there are always surprises. Enjoy your vacation and special family time!
Amazing idea with those Ikea bags!!! Thanks for all the great tips!
The extension cord is a MUST! Always my #1 thing for students! I’ve worked on so many campuses, and the dorms all have not enough and terribly placed outlets. Don’t want anyone missing class because their phone charger wasn’t close enough to their bed 😉
I love the navy and white romper you’re wearing in the top picture. You probably would have linked to it if you could but I’m crossing my fingers that maybe you just forgot ? Lol.
That’s an oldie from JC Penney!!
Do you remember the brand and how the sizing ran?
I’ve been stalking your blog forever and have been taking cues on your oldest leaving as my son is starting high school. It’s been great prep. I completely missed until now that he is going to OU! That’s where we went and still live in Oklahoma. He will love it and he’s close to home!
Double sided sticky tape, thumbtacks, airtight container for snacks, Bible, journal, depending on the laundry room, rolls of quarters.
As a mom of 3 boys who are all (thankfully!) done with college….my advice would be to not over pack. I did, and on our first visit I was sent back with a trunk full. If he has a car or stores are nearby, he can grab what he needs.
And yes, it is hard on Mom, but when you see how much he’s thriving, the great choices and friends he’s making, you’ll realize there was no need to worry. God’s got this!
If he is living in the towers you need a large dehumidifier fyi! I have a huge list I kept from last year when my daughter was a freshman!
Your son should definitely get shower shoes for the dorm lol My daughter used them every time she took a shower and said she was so glad she had them! I bought all of her friends a pair as a send off gift last year. Enjoy your time with your son the rest of the summer!
I love your “Ramblings” article!! This should definitely be a regular article on your blog! So much involved in it and yet so simple!
I didn’t get much at the Nordstrom sale this year but you gave me so many things to think about. More importantly, I love your J Crew posts…keep ’em coming!!
Have fun with your family of 4 before your son heads to college…it is an amazing time and one I’m sure you will adjust to in no time. 🙂
Our daughter is heading back for her sophomore year so I’ve got one year of prep experience. Get a 10 foot charging cord for phone even if he doesn’t loft his bed. A doorstop wedge. If they want to keep the door open to socialize more often it helps if the door isn’t constantly swinging shut. It will be hard when you drop him off but once you find your new daily “routine” and find your rhythm it will get easier. Good luck!
Enjoy your island time! I love my Kindle for travel even though I usually find a novel or two at the airport that I can’t live without. This one is fun: “The Overdue Life of Amy Byler.” Also “I Found You” which was a page turner and “Leaving Time.”
I second the shower shoes. My daughter used those all the time. Also, we got her a small plug-in kettle (the carafe kind with the button to automatically turn off) and she and her roommate used it all the time.
My son is heading to college in 2 weeks too! My 13yr old daughter is having the hardest time with it! 😢 At the moment, my house looks like a dorm explosion. I found an alarm clock that has something that slides under the mattress and shakes the bed when the alarm goes off. Hopefully, he won’t have to use it, but I have a feeling he will have some late nights!😂
I work with parents and families at a University in NC, and one thing our students always recommend is a water proof back pack cover! (Basically a giant shower cap for your book bag)
They take up hardly any space to fold up in your back pack, and will keep his lap top and textbooks dry in the event he gets caught walking in a downpour without an umbrella 🙂 https://amzn.to/2KwWTN8
You’re doing great, mama!
What a great idea!! Also, an umbrella!!
Reusable Plastic dishes (plates and bowls) and cups and utensils for dorm room snacks (ramen, Mac n cheese, etc.) that are microwave safe. Assuming the school doesn’t provide microwaves and fridges, he and his roomies will want those. Dish soap for said dishes and rolls of quarters for laundry, plus detergent and dryer sheets to start. Good luck to you all with this new chapter in life – my babies are 3 years old and 3 weeks old but I fear I’m going to blink and they’ll be off to college. Excuse me while I go ugly cry thinking about it!