I hope all of you are enjoying the fresh air and rejuvenating spirit of a brand new season. Don’t you just love beginnings? No matter what the calendar says, every mom out there know when the real year begins – September. For me it brings back lovely smells of saddle oxfords and plastic binders. It means a new backpack zipped up in the corner of my room, crisp apples in a basket on the kitchen counter, early mornings, and loose-leaf paper. I love September! If you are still in the throes of back-to-school shopping, don’t forget about yourself and shop smart. And while you’re at it, what are you going to put in those new lunchboxes you bought? Check out some of these great ideas from Healthy Chef Alex.

The new school year can get a bit hectic, so it may be a good time to look for some help around the house. But you’ll be surprised at how much you can get accomplished when you aim for results instead of just responding to what’s going on around you. Check out the self and homemaking columns for some helpful tips. And if you have ever been curious about how to use some of the most popular essential oils, then make sure you read the beauty article. Who knew there were so many uses for lavender?!

September is a time when things are in a flurry, so make sure you plan for some relaxation with some good, classical music (you may even learn a thing or two). And schedule time to take care of yourself and eat a healthy diet. It also may be a good time to cut some dairy out of your diet.

As always, don’t forget to do eight great things this month and keep living your life just the way you are!