Summer’s Over Already?!

Remember when your biggest back-to-school worry was what you’d wear on the first day and whether your friends were in your class? Butterflies in your stomach, right? Now it’s how to juggle, what to buy—and a migraine. AskMelissa’s fabulous finds will help you organize and get you through the school year in style.

	Dante Beatrix Recycle Eco-Packs Stylish, sturdy . . . and good for the planet? You bet. We love these nylon backpacks made from recycled 16-ounce plastic bottles and biodegradable canvas trim. And they come in two different sizes for little kids or big. The recycle logo really caught our eye, but they also have peace and love. Mother Nature would be proud! Price: $46 & $56 Purchase little Dante Beatrix Recycle Eco-Packs Purchase big Dante Beatrix Recycle Eco-Packs
	GlimmerRox For your favorite sparkle-plenty girl, these belts from GlimmerRox are just the thing. We were thrilled to find black ultra suede and sparkle denim with sayings and symbols like Peace, Love, Star and Rock & Roll spelled out in delicate rhinestones. A bonus? Think birthday and holiday gifts with custom belts. Your GlimmerRox girl will look so stylish, you may even apply to have her model for their next photo shoot! Price: $30–40 Purchase GlimmerRox
	JZOrganizing.com Does your child’s backpack look like Mt. Etna erupting? Haven’t seen the top of their desk in months? Getting homework slips from their teachers? Child-organizer Jennifer Zwiebel can get the school year started right. Co-author of The Organized Student, she helps kids fourth grade and up be responsible for their own schoolwork and creates systems for them to track homework and take notes in class. And she may help unravel why your child isn’t performing to their fullest potential. You just may see that desk soon! For more information: www.jzorganizing.com Special: Receive 10% off one session when you mention AskMelissa.
	HP Mini Netbook PC Vivienne Tam Edition Remember how exciting it was to get new school supplies? Don’t be left out just because you’ve left school. We’re mad for this Vivienne Tam clutch that camouflages a PC. Weighing only 2.45 pounds, it has a 10-inch LCD display, 1GB RAM and a built-in webcam. Order groceries, help with homework or read AskMelissa, it’s a splurge with benefits. Finally, technology as fashionable as we are! Price: $699.99 Purchase HP Mini Netbook PC Vivienne Tam Edition
	Element Bars Does wrangling with your child over an afternoon snack feel like negotiating mid-East peace? Were we relieved to find these “granola” bars for kids! Like Lego for snack food, your kids can build custom bars with everything from crispy puffed rice and pumpkin spice to blueberries and chocolate chips. Just go to the website and let them click away. As they build their bar, you can watch as an interactive nutrition label adjusts the calorie, fat and fiber content. Now, parents and kids can both be snack happy! Price: $30–41 for a box of 12 Purchase Element Bars
	If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself Call the title unfortunate timing in light of recent events—this book still has 99 other great tips to recharge your batteries in only 10 minutes. Some of our favorites? Belting out a favorite show tune (we’re partial to Rent) or hitting the batting cages and pretending the ball is an in-law. Some celebrity advice sprinkled throughout—Kelly Ripa unwinds to her idol, Judge Judy, while Christie Brinkley recommends hiding in the closet if it’s the only way to steal some alone time. Take 10. Price: $11.53 Purchase If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself