As we start a new school year (Eliza is officially a kindergartener!) I’m back for a brand new Snack Around the Plate with all the randomness that’s consumed me recently. From back to school, to the olympics and holiday planning, you can catch it all below!
What is a “Snack Around the Plate”? Growing up, this was the phrase my mom called meals she would assemble with random favorites when scouring the pantry and fridge. And, while each item didn’t totally go together, assembled as one collective, I loved them! Basically, “Snack Around the Plate” posts are just a smorgasbord of randomness — “a little of this and a little of that” from all things lifestyle. It’s a mish-mosh highlight reel from a favorite recipes to favorite finds.
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1. Pottery Barn Kids Backpack Sale
We’ve accumulated a few PB Kids backpacks in different sizes and prints over the years. They’re all in pristine condition, I’ve had some personalized/monogrammed, and we use them for all different activities, occasions, and trips. I purchased Eliza’s princess backpack and matching lunchbox before Eliza even turned one in the large size — it’s the largest of her backpacks and in perfect condition so that’s what she’s been using since the start of kindergarten. In terms of sizing, Eliza’s petite and the backpack is big on her, but she can manage, it’s big enough for her lunchbox to fit inside, and she won’t outgrow it. So, I absolutely recommend the large.
And, speaking of lunch boxes, most come with both a classic and cold pack option — I prefer the latter.
Sources: Disney Princess Backpack In Aqua (also available in pink, lavendar and heritage colors,) | Lilac 20 oz. Water Bottle | Raspberry 18 oz. Water Bottle | Chuck Taylor All Star Tennis Shoes
I want her things consolidated so her lunch box is inside her backpack, but the lunch boxes and backpacks are designed to cradle and clip on the outside of the pack, which is a nice feature. Also, the backpack water bottle holder fits all sizes of water bottles really well, as referenced above.
Sources: Disney Princess Backpack In Aqua (also available in pink, lavendar and heritage colors,) | Lilac 20 oz. Water Bottle
There are SO SO SO many prints (all come in multiple sizes) and right now, they’re all on sale and ship free!
Browse the full sale with all the patterns and bundle options HERE.
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Not only are the backpacks on sale, but the backpack bundles are on sale and ship free, too. The backpack bundles come with lunch boxes (you have the option between the classic or cold pack version), a water bottle, and backpack.
Browse the bundle options HERE.
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So, we love out PB Kids backpacks and when they went on sale, I wanted to make sure readers knew, for back to school. But, like I mentioned, I actually purchased the one Eliza is using before she was one, before she had preferences. She “likes” Disney princesses fine, but she is far from a fanatic and would take dinos, Paw Patrol, Bluey, etc. over princesses any day. During my browsing, I actually stumbled upon a print I knew Eliza would LOVE… and I made the plunge and purchased her a new one for the year as a surprise. I don’t think I’ve seen a cuter dino print than THIS. You can choose to monogram/personalize each piece, one piece, or none of the pieces. I opted for personalization and the backpack shipped quickly (again, for free) within 48 hours.
Dinosaur Backpack and Lunch Bundle – 3 pc. set | Dinosaur Backpack | Dinosaur Lunch Box | Dinosaur Water Bottle
2. Halloween Shop (That Knocked It Out of the Park)
Maybe it’s a mom thing that continues to pull me more into appreciating Halloween more fully, but PB’s Halloween shop is on POINT this year. Their entertaining, outdoor, general decor, doormats, floating candles… it’s all fantastic this year and immediately put me in the mood for October. Browse the full shop HERE.
Browse the full shop HERE.
Browse the full shop HERE.
3. Tiered Aerie Maxi Skirt
I recently placed an Aerie order with layering pieces to transition into fall and my clear surprise favorite was THIS tiered maxi skirt. It is so comfortable, so versatile, and while it’s lightweight and wearable during summer, I’m looking forward to casually styling it with sneakers, a button down or tee, jean jacket, and THIS hat (I kept the khaki and black colors).
Olive Tiered Maxi Skirt | Black Tiered Maxi Skirt | White Tiered Maxi Skirt
4. Slim Flocked Christmas Tree
I purchased THIS slim, flocked, down-swept tree on Amazon for our bedroom last year and by the time I put it up and established that I loved it, it sold out. And, it never came back the rest of the year. It is in stock now — the 7.5ft Pre-Lit Flocked Pencil Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree — and looks fantastic, even totally bare (which is how I kept it for zero effort!).
Sources: 7.5ft Pre-Lit Flocked Pencil Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree | Swivel Chair | Textured Pouf | 2-pc. Wicker Basket Set | Area Rug
If you saw it last year (or maybe you’re thinking you’re in the market for a slender tree this year), I love the shape and size of ours!
Sources: 7.5ft Pre-Lit Flocked Pencil Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree | Swivel Chair | Textured Pouf | Area Rug
5. New Problem-Solving Pool Accessories
Summer is winding down but I only recently found two problem solving phone accessories I couldn’t wait to share. THIS thermal phone “coozie” (“Phoozy”) keeps your phone from overheating in the sun, which is a constant issue for me at the pool and beach. It’s incredible how well insulated it is and how well it maintains its temperature! It’s made of space suit material and reflects over 90% of the sun and also extends battery life. It’s also good for freezing temps if you live in a more severe winter climate. Seriously, this thing has been amazing already. It’s actually currently on sale HERE.
My second favorite recent find are THESE towel bands that hold your towel in place on your lounge chair. Unlike clips, they take up virtually no room, are easy to travel with, and it only takes a single band to simply secure your towel to your chair. Our chairs are wide and they still work. Get these now (HERE) to stash in your beach/pool bags!
6. Beginner Gymnastics Equipment
I was hoping Eliza would be more engaged in the Olympics (women’s gymnastics, specifically) this year, and while she hasn’t been too interested, she has brought her gymnastics equipment in to wherever we’re watching to join in, in her own way. Eliza has been doing gymnastics for several years now so for her birthday, we bought her a few beginner pieces she could pull out at the house. THIS foam balance beam is 8′ long, comes in a bunch of colors, folds in the middle and comes with a carrying case for easy storage and transport. It’s lightweight and simple to fit into the corner of a closet. It’s on sale HERE and there’s currently a coupon on the Amazon listing.
Not pictured but we also got her THIS folding mat with handles — it comes in several colors, is 4’x10’x2″ and has velcro with the option to add additional mats.
We want to see how interested she is in practicing and progressing at home before doing more than these pieces, but for a couple starter practice pieces, I’m thrilled with the value.
Gymnastics Equipment Sources: Folding Balance Beam | Folding Gymnastics Exercise Mat (not shown)
Room Sources: Area Rug | Coffee Table | Stoneware Vase on Hearth | Faux Magnolia Stems (similar) | Brass Party Bucket | Large Wooden Wall Art | Woven Tray | Textured Vase
Where are you right now? Back in school? Celebrating summer still? Getting ready for fall? Focused on other things completely? We had an early start to school this year, but that means Eliza will also be finished by May 22, which is wild! Wishing you a wonderful school year ahead, to those of you who celebrate 😉
Lots of lovely things! Could I please encourage people NOT to put their child’s name on things though – the likelihood of it happening is low, but a stranger calling your child by their name could be enough to make the child trust them.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by, Sally. We have things that are monogrammed and not monogrammed and choose to use them accordingly, depending on where they will be seen and used. Eliza’s monogrammed backpack is only used for school (they require that all items are labeled with the child’s name.) I am also delighted to say that the school’s security and safety steps are very stringent and detailed. But of course, others must follow the process that is most comfortable for them.
Kindergarten already? They grow so fast!
It will be an emotional day for you with your little one stepping out into the big world.
I agree with another commenter, never put your child’s name on their backpack.
We had a secret code name if someone was going to pick them up other than myself.
Hi Joanna and yes time has absolutely flown by! We only use this backpack for school, which requires all student items to be labeled with their name. We do not use name labeled items when we are traveling, shopping, etc. You are so right, we must always be vigilant in ensuring our children’s safety.