This Portable Mini Crock-Pot Is a Total Must-Have If You’re Going Back to the Office — and It Has Nearly 11,500 Five-Star Amazon Ratings

This Portable Mini Crock-Pot Is a Total Must-Have If You’re Going Back to the Office — and It Has Nearly 11,500 Five-Star Amazon Ratings

by | Sep 12, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

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There are usually two camps of folks when the beginning of September rolls around: those who can’t wait to get back into the swing of things, and those who are mourning the easier, lazier days of summer. No matter which group you fit into, the simple truth about fall is that a little more planning and a little more organization are essential to keeping busy fall schedules on track. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for gadgets and appliances that ease the back-to-school and back-to-work transitions.

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One of the biggest hurdles to overcome with changing seasons and schedules? Packing lunch. Whether it’s for you, your significant other, or your child, properly packing your goods on the go is always harder than it seems. And while there are loads of handy containers and lunch-packing hacks out there, we think we found our favorite product yet when it comes to taking a satisfying, wholesome meal on the go. Meet the Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer.

Much like a mini Crock Pot, the Food Warmer plugs into the wall, eliminating the need for an oven, toaster, or microwave. All you have to do is load up the 20-oz. container with whatever yummy lunch you have planned, plug it in while you finish up some emails, and you’ll have a warm meal ready in no time.

Amazon reviewers praise the Food Warmer. “This thing is great for heating just about everything to a nice consistent temperature,” says one happy customer. “It’s great for soups but it’s also great to reheat BBQ chicken and other proteins as if it were a Dutch oven. ” Another user adds, “It doesn’t overcook things… This is just like reheating on the stove or conventional oven. I’ve had mine for years… Very durable and Highly recommended for all you folks who pack lunch.” And no one’s stopping you from using it for easy WFH lunches, too!

But those highlights aren’t the only features that make this Crock Pot wonder a winner. The exterior surface of the gadget never warms, even if the food inside is piping hot. Both the container and the lid can pop into the dishwasher for a painless cleanup. Plus, it has an easy-to-grip handle, and its cord tucks away neatly in the base for effortless transportation and storage.

Just imagine how much extra time you’ll have to enjoy lunch without waiting in line for the microwave or running out to get food. Plus, you can bring endlessly versatile options with you so you’ll never get bored with your midday meal again. Take it from this reviewer, who uses their Food Warmer up to five times weekly: “You can buy plastic containers that will fit just inside the stainless steel insert. I fill the plastic containers with leftovers and freeze. I pick what I want for lunch. Run some warm water over the bottom of the container and pop the food into the liner.” Talk about delicious and efficient!

Buy: Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer, $36.50 (normally $39.99)

The First Thing You Need to Have Your Own “Scholastic Book Fair” at Home

The First Thing You Need to Have Your Own “Scholastic Book Fair” at Home

by | Sep 8, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

I can remember the rush like it was yesterday: Walking into the elementary school library and seeing it freshly lined with shiny paperbacks, posters, and placards declaring that today was the day — the Scholastic Book Fair had arrived. I was not big into sporting games as a child (ban relay races, not books!!) so the book fair was my personal field day. And many former youths agree — the tables and shelves lined with “Goosebumps” and “Junie B. Jones” were a burgeoning book lover’s dream come true, and persist as a glorious childhood memory. All good things must come to an end, though. Or must they?! Now that September has arrived and back-to-school is in the air, I say it’s time to bring the Scholastic Book Fair to your very own home. Here’s how to do it. 

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If you have access to your childhood book stash, it’s time to dig them out. Line them up along your shelves or atop your table for ambiance, flipping through the pages as you do. If you don’t, heed the iconic words of Arthur: Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card. Don’t hoard a stack of books, but take to your local library branch and peruse the kids’ section, breathing in the nostalgia as you roam the stacks. Once you’ve landed on your favorite chapter book of yore (“Polar Bears Past Bedtime,” perhaps?) go ahead and check it out — you may be surprised by how much more quickly you can read it these days.

Next, look up a good PBS Kids show or whatever you were mostly likely to watch after getting off the school bus and put that on in the background, just to enforce the walk down memory lane. Finally, consider shopping for a few old-fashioned school supplies. Everyone knows half the fun of book fairs was the catalog that came with them — I still remember circling some items in pen and vigorously calling attention to others in highlighter, so my parents would know which ones I was really serious about, if I could only choose a couple. What’s the modern day equivalent to the paper catalog? The online shopping cart, of course. Take to a site like Etsy and search for a tiny treat that tickles your back-to-school fancy. Jumbo pencil, perhaps? I’m looking at these novelty fruit-shaped erasers which I would like to put in a bowl and eat like popcorn erase things with! Whatever adorable school supplies you settle on, sprinkle them around the room for added transformation.

Let the readathon begin. 

What does one do at a grown-up book fair? Read, of course! But you don’t have to turn to Magic Tree House, unless you’d like to. This is the perfect excuse to fully indulge in the book you’ve only been reading in snippets on the subway, or that’s been languishing in your TBR pile. If you prefer audiobooks, set up a cozy spot on your couch or in your favorite reading chair and let yourself completely tune into the author’s words and the narrator’s voice. And should you run out of books during this readathon, or the day ends up being too beautiful to want to stay inside, gather up some paperbacks you can bear to part with and take a stroll past a Little Free Library or your local coffee shop’s book swap shelf — you can even leave a little sticky note in the front cover letting the next owner know why you loved the book so much. 

All that page-turning calls for something to nosh on. To fully lean into the grade school nostalgia, look no further than the humble tater tot. If you’d like to dress it up, you can whip up aioli and a few other sauces to create your own dipping buffet. Other classic after-school snacks like cheese and apple slices or ants on a log are excellent choices. As for a cozy drink, a hot mocha is the perfect blend of the chocolate milk of your childhood and the strong coffee of your present.

🪩Welcome to First Night, a series all about having fun at home. The first week of each month, we’ll publish a new idea for a creative at-home experience, from what to do, to how to decorate, to what to serve. Browse ways to make your next night in feel special here.

The Inexpensive Back-to-School Supply I Use to Stay on Top of My To-Dos

The Inexpensive Back-to-School Supply I Use to Stay on Top of My To-Dos

by | Sep 1, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

I’ve always loved making lists. It helps with everything from personal productivity to professional goals. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different ways to keep track of these lists. One year I jotted my to-dos on sticky notes, another year I used my calendar, and other times I tried to keep all my tasks together in a notebook. Having all my to-dos in one place was convenient and I wrote them down regularly, but I wasn’t great at executing all of the things on my mega-list. I knew I needed a new method. 

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The change happened unexpectedly. A few years ago, I took my daughter back-to-school shopping and she dumped the typical items in the cart: paper, pens, pencils, and index cards. The 3-by-5 cards caught my attention — they didn’t have too many lines, but just enough to make a detailed and focused list. I knew I had to see if they could help me follow through on actually executing my to-dos. 

To my surprise, these tiny school supplies have become my favorite list-making surface. Here are four ways the note card method has helped me stay on top of my to-do lists: 

The index card is less intimidating.  

In the past, especially with a notebook, my inclination was to list every single thing I had to complete for the week — which would sabotage me even before I began. Looking at the number of things I needed to do instantly sent my mind into overwhelm. Instead of tackling the tasks, I ended up feeling guilty that I didn’t even complete one. However, the space on an index card is small; with limited space, I don’t feel pressure to write several things and can focus on the space available.

Having only a few lines made my to-do list focused.

Because there is only room for a few to-dos on an index card, it forces me to condense my list to three to five tasks. Previously, when I wrote every possible to-do, I’d end up completing some soft tasks that mainly served as a distraction and a way to procrastinate on my most important goals. When I switched to note cards, I started to write down only the most important tasks, and found myself slowly working my way through completing those. The index card helped me switch my mindset and tackle the timeliest tasks first. 

Each day is a fresh start. 

I love the fact that my to-do list starts with a blank index card every day. I am not faced with what I didn’t complete yesterday or the day before, and can focus my attention on what needs to be done that day. It helps to give space to the priorities and goals of today instead of perseverating on what hasn’t been done.

I can dedicate cards to separate parts of my life. 

Keeping a few cards dedicated to my self-care, professional, and personal goals helps keep those spheres separate. By creating different lists, I’m able to focus my energy on the realm I’m in, instead of vacillating between a personal goal and a professional goal. It allows me to stay zoned in on one area of life, instead of feeling scattered trying to do everything at once.

If you’re struggling with completing your to-dos, try the index card method. You may surprise yourself at what you can accomplish. 

How to Wash a Backpack

How to Wash a Backpack

by | Jul 15, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

It’s that time of year again: School supply displays are being set up, summer programs are winding down, and kids are starting to get excited about seeing their friends in class again. The new school year is right around the corner, so now’s the time to dust off the backpack that was flung into storage and give it a nice refresh. There are plenty of ways to wash a backpack — both by hand and in the washing machine — but some methods are better than others.

“It’s always safer to wash backpacks by hand,” says Irene Stepaniuk, a professional housekeeper of 30 years. “Some backpacks have special coatings that can break down in the washing machine, others have rhinestones or sequins that can fall off, and some can lose their shape.” But if you don’t have the time — or inclination — to scrub a backpack in a sink, then the washing machine will work just fine for most knapsacks. “Just make sure to check the tag before you put it in,” she recommends.

How to wash a backpack by hand

If you have a leather backpack, a designer bag, a plastic pack, or one with lots of embellishments, washing it by hand is the safest route. Before ever touching any detergent, remove everything from the bag’s pockets and compartments, and wipe off any loose dirt or dust on the exterior. “Take a hand vacuum or nozzle attachment and vacuum any crumbs or lint from the interior,” says Stepaniuk. 

Next, look at the care label on the backpack to see the recommended cleaning method. But if there isn’t one, a mild detergent should work just fine. “You want to use higher quality detergents, as the lower quality ones cause soap buildup that holds onto dirt and grime. I recommend Tide or Kirkland,” she says.

Stepaniuk also suggests spot testing somewhere that’s not too visible. “So rather than testing the detergent on the front pocket, you can test it on the bottom right-hand corner that isn’t visible when you wear it.”

Once you have confirmed the detergent won’t harm the bag’s fabric, you can move on to spot cleaning any obvious stains. “Add a drop of detergent to a cup of warm water — you don’t need more than that. Detergent is very concentrated, and adding more will create that soap buildup that will act as a magnet for dirt,” says Stepaniuk. Use a soft bristle brush (or a cheap toothbrush from the drugstore) to attack those stains.

Once that’s done, fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water and a teaspoon of detergent. Submerge the backpack, and use a sponge or larger brush to scrub both the inside and outside. Then, remove the soapy water, and rinse it in clean, cool water. Gently squeeze out the excess water, and then pat it dry with a large towel. “I like laying the towel flat, putting the backpack on it, folding the other half of the towel over it, and pressing down to squeeze out the extra water,” says Stepaniuk. Then hang it up to air dry, and you’re done.

How to wash a backpack in the washing machine

When it comes to washing a backpack in the washing machine, many of the same steps still apply. Most canvas bags can be washed in one, but check the care label to confirm. You want to empty all of the bag’s pockets, vacuum the insides, and spot treat any obvious stains. Next, you want to remove any detachable pockets or straps and get a mesh bag or pillowcase. “It’s safer to put it inside a protective bag, so none of the straps snag or rip,” Stepaniuk says. If you don’t have one handy, you can also turn the bag inside out. Put the washing machine on the gentle cycle with cold water, and add a small amount of quality detergent. 

“Since you’re only washing one item, a squirt of detergent will do. Fill it up to just below the first line on the measuring cup, or even less,” says Stepaniuk. Once the cycle is done, hang up the backpack to air dry.

Can you dry clean a backpack?

The short answer is no. “You never want to take a high-end bag, leather pack, or specialty hiking bag to a dry cleaner,” says Stepaniuk. “They use aggressive cleaners that can damage the fabric or padding of the bag, so you should only hand wash those pieces.” As for the other backpacks, those can easily be washed in a washing machine, so you can save yourself the hefty dry cleaning bill.

Marlen Komar

Contributor

Marlen is a writer first, vintage hoarder second, and donut fiend third. If you have a passion for finding the best taco joints in Chicago or want to talk about Doris Day movies, then she thinks an afternoon coffee date is in order.

7 Back-to-School Habits That You Can Use in Your Everyday Life, Too

7 Back-to-School Habits That You Can Use in Your Everyday Life, Too

by | Sep 2, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style

There’s just something about fall that evokes a sense of longing for fresh notebooks, a brand new pen, and a snazzy backpack. Although you may not be attending classes or sending little ones off to school yourself, there’s still a reason to push the reset button. So this year, take a cue from all of the back-to-school buzz and recommit to making positive strides now instead of waiting until January 1 to establish better habits. 

Who knew that your time on the cheerleading squad, endless amounts of homework, and having a locker would help you in your adult life? Although you may not be using algebra or diagramming sentences (thankfully!), here are seven back-to-school habits that adults can use in everyday life.

Write down your homework.

Start using a planner once again, even though it’s not Jan. 1. The zest and fervor you feel after purchasing a new journal and marking out significant dates can be easily achieved in the fall, too. Many academic planners have autumn start dates so that you can get a head start on organizing, or you can opt for a customizable design that lets you move the pages around yourself. 

Keeping a planner handy helps with scheduling, but you can also use it to take notes and serve as a tangible record to reflect on later. “Academic life has taught me to keep a planner not just for things I need to do, but for a record of what’s already happened,” says Teresa Lynn Hasan-Kerr, who taught English in Tetouan, Morocco. “It helps tremendously to know what the bottom line of a meeting was, or when I traveled for work.” 

Adult life tends to be more sedentary as playgrounds and kickballs give way to desks and computer screens. Tailor outdoor time to your abilities, tastes, and weather each day. Sit on your front porch and watch for wildlife. Go for a quick 15-minute walk between meetings. If you absolutely can’t get outside on a given day, open a window.

Add movement into your routine by doing what is accessible for you, even if that means stretching your back, circling your arms, or wiggling your toes. Expending a bit of energy can help you think more clearly and will give your mind and eyes a break from your workload.

Keep your eyes on the end goal.

Even if your high school goal was to get a diploma and move on to your next life stage, there were steps to achieve those milestones. Small actions like tackling dreaded homework assignments and finishing group projects — and yes, looking forward to vacations — helped along the way. “Making goals allows me to prioritize my to-do list, which I write every day,” offers Melissa N. Edwards, a 5th grade teacher in Orlando, Florida. “I like to check off boxes and see that I am making progress, so there is a feeling of success.”

Edwards also suggests organizing your list into both long- and short-term goals to keep things manageable. Clarissa Silva, a behavioral scientist and relationship coach, agrees with breaking down long-range objectives into smaller chunks. “Try to not focus on what needs to be accomplished tomorrow,” she says. “Instead, look at what you can accomplish in that year and work backward. That way you can compartmentalize events into months and feel a sense of accomplishment in each goal achieved.”

Many students count down until the final bell rings as schedules regulate school days. Whether you adore routine or like flexibility, create a pattern to structure your day, even if it’s a loose one. “As a teacher of students with dyslexia, I tend to stress routine and repetition. This helps students with executive functioning,” says Edwards. “Adults thrive when there is routine and create a routine that works for you.” A schedule can simply be having something to look forward to each day or week, or you can manage your days with time blocks. Agendas will look different for each person, but, above all, consistency is key.

Education doesn’t have to stop when you finally turn your tassel. If your job requires you to give presentations, take a public speaking course, or brush up on the latest presentation software during a free hour of your workday. Honing a skill or learning something new offers a therapeutic escape from the daily grind and builds confidence.

Raising your hand and asking for help or training can also help you feel less alone in the day-to-day. “For many, trying to manage work and life can become stressful when you try to take it on all on your own,” says Silva. “Including elements in your day that help you recharge and replenish is restorative and preventive for your mental health.”

Keep your locker organized.

Instead of scrambling to find your phone, keys, and laptop each morning, store your items in the same place each day. “Designate a spot in your house for essentials,” says Dianna Radcliff, a 5th-grade English language teacher in Tampa, Florida. “Keep a file box, basket, magazine holder, or something of this nature on your desk or table.” An organization system can reduce morning stress, especially if you need to rush out the door before that first cup of coffee kicks in.

Participate in extracurricular activities.

Whether you were second string on the basketball team or the chess club’s mastermind, extracurricular activities were an opportunity to gather with others with similar interests. “While school creates relationships of convenience, adults are learning to create connections around adult affinity play groups,” advises Dr. Akua K. Boateng, Ph.D., a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in therapy for individuals and couples. “Emotional connection, which is core to our growth, does not have to end when school days are over.”

Outside of work enrichment, take a creative class, such as watercolor or photography. You can also try out for a musical at your local community theater, take a group exercise class, or join a book club. Trish Barlowe, who teaches adult pottery classes in Lynchburg, Virginia, has seen students challenge themselves while appreciating a new art medium and getting in touch with their creative side. “Students report feeling grounded, calm, and distracted from everyday worries,” she says. “The students feel a satisfying sense of achievement when they complete a pottery project that started out as a ball of mud.”

Not only will you be using a different part of your brain, but you’ll make new friends along the way. So whether you join a plant mom tribe, get together with a travel collective, or organize regular game nights, prioritize getting together with like-minded folks. Going back to your school days — at least with your mindset — can open up new opportunities and organize your daily life.