Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. We have made it to the last weekend of July…and that means Tennessee’s tax-free weekend! I hope you will be able to find the best bargains for your school wardrobe this fall!
Quote of the Week: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” –Coco Chanel
Joke of the Week: Veni, Vedi, Visa: I came, I saw, I did a little shopping.
Organizational Tip of the Week: Since shopping is the subject of this week’s blog, I thought it would be prudent to mention a few things. Before you spend time this weekend shopping for back-to-school clothes and supplies, go through your closet and take inventory of what items are needed. Last month, I helped purge the closets of both my boys who are still living at home. We not only got rid of unwanted clothes, but also anything that wasn’t played with or that was broken. This will create more space for you, as well as keep you from buying articles of clothing you don’t actually need.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: When it comes to clothes, I struggle with what to purchase. I have the style I want to wear, but then I have my body, which requires something totally different. You can spend time doing quizzes that ask tons of questions and then recommend what to adopt as your style. Here are a few things to consider when shopping:
First, if you are still in school and must follow a dress code, try to purchase clothing that meets the requirements but also complements your sense of style. I know that dress codes can be a source of headaches, but they eliminate any possibility of breaking rules. If you choose clothes in a particular style that does not follow the guidelines, save those items to wear after school and on weekends.
Second, sometimes it takes a while to find the “real you” and to feel comfortable. Just keep trying out different styles until you find the right one. I have recently become “addicted” to themed T-shirts. I guess it started when I worked as a substitute teacher. I have a shirt that says, “Chaos Coordinator,” and though I am a teaching assistant now, it’s still fitting. I also have shirts for my writing phase. My favorite one says, “Emotionally Attached to Fictional Characters.” I even have a collection of Converse sneakers in various colors.
Lastly, if you are a parent buying clothes for your children and happen to have a child with sensory issues, please be mindful of any special requests. In my family, we really struggle with clothes shopping for our youngest son. He cannot tolerate certain textures, colors, and styles of jeans. He is always sending me links for what he wants to wear. He spends most of his time in Crocs, slides, or sandals. Whenever possible, give your child as much say as possible in clothing. That will hopefully reduce the number of conflicts.
Recipe of the Week: Baked Zucchini Chips
What you’ll need:
2 medium zucchini squash, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. paprika
salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet. In one bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and olive oil, then toss until thoroughly coated. In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic and onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip the slices into the mixture, pressing lightly to coat both sides. Place the slices on the sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes. I always subtract about 7 minutes from the cooking time and at that point do my first oven check. If the chips are not to the desired crispiness, finish out the rest of the cooking time. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who will either be shopping or working in retail this weekend. Shoppers, I hope you find all of the great deals. Retail workers, I want to thank you ahead of time for being rock stars. It is not easy to work in a job that serves others.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
