The Back to School Edit
It’s “Back to School” season, and although I’m long past the days of loading my daughters up with new notebooks and highlighters, I still get excited for this time of year.
Falling back into routines and waking up to crisp mornings gives me even more energy each day and reminds me that every new day brings so much potential.
Whether you’re headed back to school yourself, sending someone off to college, getting your kids ready for a new year, or returning to the classroom as a teacher, I pulled together a few things that might make the transition a little easier.
Read our picks for your bag, your morning routine, and your after school/work wind down routine.
A special section for teachers and college students is included!
For the Backpack / Work Bag
A few little things you'll be glad you packed.
Hand Sanitizer by Noshinku - I met this brand a few years ago when they were just starting out. Recently, they've blown up on social media, and many of our customers recognize their products when they walk into Petal + Hive.
Flavored Lip Balm - Beeswax and Shea Butter nourish your lips, and three light flavors of Vanilla Chai, Citrus, and Coconut Lime give a boost of happiness every time you use it.
Good Chemistry Body Mist - with clean ingredients and amazing, light scents, this body mist is a winner. It's hard to overdo it with this product (so your child won't be known as the one who sprays too much). It's a great refresher after PE class.
Worry Stones - These smooth little stones offer an easy way to self-soothe without anyone knowing. Put one in your pocket or your bag and reach for it when you need to remind yourself that you're just as amazing as you've ever wanted to be.
Pinch Me Therapy Dough - This is a sensory delight! It's a smooth dough to keep your hands busy when you're feeling stressed. Each variant has a wonderful scent and there is a rainbow of pastel colors.
Aromatherapy Inhaler - Center yourself and find your calm in seconds. These essential oil blends are formulated by a clinical aromatherapist and are designed to help you calm your nervous system when you need it most.
For the Morning Rush
For mornings when looking pulled together needs to happen quickly (isn't that every morning?).
Acta Beauty Luxe Moisture Eye Cream - Apply this under your eyes in the morning. It not only works hard to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, it lays beautifully under makeup and concealer.
Cream Eye Shadow Sticks - These are so easy to use - just slide the stick over your eyelids and you're ready to go. The color doesn't run throughout the day and the hint of shimmer is perfect for wide-awake eyes.
Color Correcting Liquid Concealer - Not only will this conceal uneven color under your eyes, it'll help wake your eyes up too! Caffeine and Resveratrol are stars in this formula.
Cream Highlighter - This little pot of champagne colored highlighter adds a touch of brightness to your cheekbones, temples, brow bone, inner corners of your eyes... anywhere you want a hint of color.
Powder Foundation - I know, I know... hear me out on this one. I LOVE this product and I use it everyday. It doesn't settle in pores or lines - in fact, it blurs everything beautifully. It takes two seconds to apply and hides imperfections easily.
Voluminous Spray for 2nd Day Hair - Use on freshly washed or 2nd day hair to add volume and style to your hair.
For the After-School Reset
You don't need an elaborate evening routine. Sometimes changing out of your clothes, taking a shower, using something that smells wonderful and giving yourself ten quiet minutes is enough to signal that the day is over.
Self Care Check In Journal - Take time to outline and track your goals with a guided journal. Feeling blocked or defeated? Write out 20 reasons why you haven't put 100% effort in yet. By the time you get to answer number 17, you'll have a pretty clear idea of what is holding you back.
Pedi in a Box - Spend 15 minutes following the 4-step process of soaking and scrubbing your feet, then apply a nourishing mask before finally massaging them with a foot butter.
No time for the four steps? Massage your feet with our Broadway Stroll Foot Cream and you'll love how quick and easy it is to care for your feet.
Herbal Tea - A cup of herbal tea may be all you need to feel centered and ready for the second half of your day.
Enjoy your tea while you burn one of the beautifully scented candles we carry.
Raw Juice Sheet Mask - Lay down and relax for 20 minutes while you let a sheet mask do all the work. You can take your 20-minute power nap to get your energy back and have a skincare treatment at the same time.
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers - If an end-of-day shower is called for, drop one of these scented tablets on the shower floor and breathe in your new, energetic self.
For Teachers
Kathleen spent years as an elementary school teacher before joining us at Petal + Hive, so I asked her what little things really made a difference in her classroom. Here's what she said:
After many years of teaching, I've learned that the little things can make a big difference in creating a welcoming classroom. Each year I would spend extra time finding the right scent to fill my room. A pleasant scent can make the classroom feel warm and inviting.
Also, good hand soap is a must. In a classroom full of children, to stay healthy, hand washing is a constant!
Foaming Hand Soap - Hand washing is a big part of your day. Skip the harsh detergent cleansers and use these uplifting foaming hand soaps. Not only do they smell good, they look very pretty next to your sink.
Calming Pen - Apply this essential oil roller to your pulse points and feel your nervous system calm down.
Real Luxury Diffuser - This flame-free diffuser scents the room without the use of matches or an electric candle warmer. Real Luxury is a blend of essential oils that smell... well, luxurious.
Petal + Hive Hand Lotion - Dry hands happen when you're constantly washing away the potential germs. Restore moisture with this hydrating, non-greasy hand lotion.
Body Balm - For more intense dry hand relief, reach for Voesh Body Balm. It's a substantial cream for very dry skin.
Moonkissed Replenishing Mist - A few quick sprays on your face do many things at once: the essential oils and amethyst crystals bring you back to center, the mist hydrates and results in a more energetic look, and the finishing spray gives your face a glow you can't get any other way.
For the College Send-Off
Whether you're packing up your own student or looking for gift ideas for a granddaughter or that special niece, we've got you covered! These practical-but-fun products were suggested by our in-house college students, Heather, Riley, and Lily.
Faux Freckle Brush - For the young woman who wants to wear freckles for fun! The pointed brush applies the perfect size freckles with precision.
100% Pure Eye and Cheek Palette - With three eyeshadows, a blush, and a highlighter, this palette is an easy way to keep makeup well organized and perfectly paired.
Room Diffuser - Candles are a no-no in the dorms, and this diffuser throws just the right amount of scent. Heather's fav scent is Spa Day, and she's not alone - that's the most popular scent in the line.
Hypochlorous Acid Spray - This light spray can be used to combat sweat, stress, workouts, and long days. A quick spritz helps calm irritation and reduce acne-causing bacteria without drying out your skin. It's perfect for your dorm, gym bag, or backpack.
Minty Lip Gloss - Boston Mints lip glosses come in so many shades, and they have a light mint flavor. If your college student is going to school near Boston, you need to check out the names of each lip gloss!
Latte Eye Masks - A late night won't get you down when you use these latte eye patches. The vegan hydrogel stays put while you finish reading for your next class, and your skin looks and feels toned when you're done.
