First Day of School 2023

Today was the first day of school for my youngest two boys. My oldest started university yesterday. As always, I served a special breakfast and took a few photos. 😀

I wasn't sure I was going to get my university student to pose for a photo, but my sweet boy reluctantly let me take a quick picture before he embarked on his new adventure. He's actually holding a picture of him on his graduation day holding a picture from his first day of grade primary. Cute, right?!?!?

In keeping with tradition, my other two boys took pictures holding pictures from the first day of school last year.

Here's my "baby" who is going into grade 9.

 

And here's my middle son who is heading to grade 11.

We had our traditional breakfast, and we'll have a special treat when they get home. I can't wait to hear about their day! 💗

How did you celebrate the first day of school? I hope you all have a fantastic year!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Top 10 DORM ROOM essentials

With many kids (including my own) starting university in the Fall, I thought I'd put together a collection of fun ideas for dorm rooms. I've listed all my favourites, and I've included links in case you want to make a purchase. 

Note: I'm an Amazon affilate, so if you buy something using one of my links, I'll receive a small percentage (at NO extra cost to you).

1) Mattress topper & fun sheets - Dorm beds do not always have the most comfortable mattresses... and with all those classes and late night study sessions, students need a good night's sleep. An inexpensive mattress topper and some cute sheets will make a dorm room comfy and cozy.

Click on the picture to purchase.

2) Fan - Dorms can be super-hot, so a slim fan is a "must have".

Click on the picture to purchase.

3) Shower shoes and shower caddy - Shared bathrooms call for shower shoes and organized shower supplies. I love this one from Amazon that has a special place for a phone. (AND it comes in a lot of great colours.)

Click on the picture to purchase.

4) Command strips and hooks - Command strips and hoods are fantastic for damage free hanging. They hold strongly and remove cleanly.

Click on the picture to purchase.

5) Laptop and printer - Every student needs the right equipment, and computers and printers are a must. I LOVE my wireless epson printer (below). The printer works great, AND the ink lasts a lot longer than all the other printers I have owned (which has saved me a lot of money). I highly recommend it!!!

Click on the picture to purchase.

6) Microwave / fridge (if not included) - Meal plans are great, but being prepared to make a few things in a dorm room is wonderful too.

Click on the picture to purchase.

7) Multi-purpose cart - In tight spaces, organization is extra important, and this multi-purpose cart is inexpensive, useful, and super-cute.

Click on the picture to purchase.

8) Portable speaker - I have this speaker, and I LOVE it! It's waterproof, inexpensive, and (despite it's small size) it sounds great. I think this is great for a dorm room.

Click on the picture to purchase.

9) Snacks - I don't think this needs any explanation. Dorm room snacks are VERY important. lol

Click on the picture to purchase.

10) Thoughtful gifts from home - Getting fun mail from home can really help a homesick student, and I have adorable and inexpensive items in my shop that can be mailed directly to a loved one. Check out my "BEE thoughtful" collection, choose a fun gift, select a handmade tag, and I'll mail it for you. Easy peasy!

Click on the picture to purchase.

What would you add to this list? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Back to School Crafts & DIYs... made using dollar store supplies

Back to school is a special time for kids and adults. It marks a new beginning, and a time to get organized. To make the milestone special, I have some fantastic back to school crafts and DIYs to share today.

 

1) Desk storage - Use a dollar store container or a can from the recycling bin to make store for office and school supplies. Find the full instructions here.

2) Pencil toppers - All you need are pipe cleaners, googly eyes and pom poms to make these adorable pencil toppers. Check out the instructions here.

And the pencils look adorable in the DIY storage container.

3) Personalized binder - Kids can personalize binders with stickers or pictures. Check out how easy it is to do here.

4) Custom Journal - Everyone needs a place to keep track of homework or jot down "to do" lists. I love the idea of using a personalized journal. It's easy (and inexpensive) to make using the instructions here.

5) Personalized pencil case - Dollar store pencil cases can easily be personalized with decals and stickers. Check out how I made mine here.

Seriously... how cute are these supplies?????

6) DIY (and budget-friendly) photo props - Everyone takes photos on the first day of school, and I have some great ideas for special pictures here.

For a closer look at all my back to school crafts and DIYs, check out the video below...

I hope you like these ideas. Let me know your favourite in the comments. 😀

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Last Day of School 2023... it's all about the traditions

I'm a big believer in traditions. The things we do over and over again really are the cornerstones of our memories. So, in our house, we always celebrate the last day of school the same way.

I always make finish lines for my boys to run through on the last day. 

We also get ice cream.

Check out our last day of school ice cream pictures through the years...

Cute, right?!?!

And... we had lots to celebrate this year.

My youngest graduated from junior high school. I can't believe he's headed to high school in September!

And my oldest graduated from high school. I can't figure out where the time went!

PS - My oldest son had a very special end to his year. Check it out below...

Time to celebrate summer!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

First Day of School 2022

Today is the first day of school for my boys... which is always a bit of a sad day for me. The lazy days of summer have come to an end, and the crazy school/hockey schedule is just beginning. And I was extra teary this morning as my oldest son headed out for his LAST first day of school. Luckily, my boys let me take a few pictures to document the occassion. 

As always, we started the day with pancakes in the shapes of their Grades.

Then, we took our traditional photos holding 8x10s from the first day of school the year before.

Grade 12...

Grade 10...

Grade 8...

After school, we'll all share a special treat, and talk about the day. I can't wait! 😁

Happy first day of school everyone!!!!

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

FREE First Day of School Photo Props

The first day of school is an important milestone for kids, and it's important to document it in photos. Over the years, I have always made it a priority to take "first day of school" pictures of my boys, and today I'm sharing fun (and FREE) photo props. These are so adorable!!!

If you want to make a super cute photo frame, start with a piece of dollar store foam core, and cut the inside out with an X-acto knife.

Then, use a ruler and markers to make lines on the form core... so that it resembles a piece of loose leaf.

You can leave it "as is", or you can decorate it with the pictures below. 

I printed the pictures, cut them out, and used a glue stick to attach them to the frame. Cute, right?!?!

To download the pictures for free: click on the pictures below, save them to your computer, and print like regular 8 1/2 x 11 sheets. I printed mine at my local copy store (Staples).

You can also print the pictures on cardstock, attach them to pencils with tape, and use them as props for a DIY photo booth.

You can get a closer look at my favourite back to school photo ideas in the short video I made below.

How do you document the first day of school? I hope you like my back to school photo ideas and FREE printable photo props.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

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