Supplies Shopping Spree

While parents begin the joyful refrain of 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year', the flyers list myriads of organizing implements and school supplies, and retailers use their large-volume buying power to get deals on all things back-to-school.

It might be that it's been a long time since a new pack of pencil crayons, a gorgeous new binder, or a shiny pencil case excited you, but you shouldn't lose the excitement for this season. It's the best time for the savvy housekeeper to do some supply-replenishing: you have the widest selection and the best prices of the year. I generally buy what I need for the full year - but the trick is to not go bat-crap-crazy and over-buy so make a list and keep to it. Bring on the happy... go on a spree!

Here are the things I pick up at this time of year:

• A big pack of pens I love using (yes - spending more and getting ones that are smooth and easy-to-use matters)
• A pack of tape - one each for the desk drawer, utility drawer, and 3 for the gift wrap bin
• Note books... for beside the computer, one for TV watching, a little one for my purse... I make notes constantly! 
• Sharpie markers... I love these and the bright colours they come in (and they are great for labeling things) 
• A white board for the mud room (dorm and locker sized whiteboards, blackboards and corkboards are very handy)
• Great travel food containers (for lunches, picnics, storage of all sorts)
• Vinyl pockets for projects (I love these more than I should! All notes, clippings, photos, etc for a given project go into one of these until the project is complete)
• Paper clips
• Staples

Of course, your list will be different. That's the fun of it!