Saturday, August 29, 2015

Last-Minute School Supply Shopping

If you waited last-minute to go school supply shopping, you are not alone. I'm with you. With school only two days away now, almost everybody is scrambling to go school shopping. But don't worry! You can still get good deals. Don't believe me? Here's how:

1. Make a list.
It's better to know what you need before you get to the store. Make a list, or just look below for essentials.
     The basics
          - No. 2 pencils, with a sharpener if needed
          - Mechanical pencils (they come in more handy than regular ones!)
          - Highlighter(s)
          - Eraser
          - Pens (get creative and buy multiple colors)
          - Spiral notebooks (buy enough for every class, just to be safe)
          - Composition notebooks (buy as many as you would like, although most teachers prefer spiral)
          - Binder (if you're willing to spend a little more, try the long-lasting ones!)
          - Ruler with English and metric measurements (inches and centimeters)
          - Backpack (you may need a sturdy, strong backpack so you don't have to switch during the year when your backpack rips)
     Organizational supplies
          - PLANNER! This will be your best friend throughout the school year.
          - Pencil cases, so you will be sure to know where all your pencils, pens, highlighters and etc are
          - Folders (very helpful for classes with many assignments that are on paper)
          - Flashdrive (to ensure all your assignments are backed up, because who doesn't need one?)
     Study aids
          - Index cards (super helpful during presentations and flashcards)
          - Calculator (graphing calculators are best, but pricey)
     Nice to have
          - Water bottle (stainless steel is best!)
          - Locker organizer and accessories
          - White board markers
2. Get coupons!
This is optional, but you may have gotten many coupons that you may have overlooked, but they are very helpful. But many stores discount many of their items in-store so you would not need any physical coupons.

3. Find the right store.
Luckily there are very many options for stores to go to. If you are looking for store to do quick, inexpensive back-to-school shopping, Fred Meyer or Wal-mart are your stores. If you have a lot of time on your hands, you could also try Target. Target offers a bigger variety, but higher prices. You could also try Staples or Office Depot.

4. Last year's supplies.
This will be extremely helpful if you're not looking to spend a lot of money. Maybe reuse pencils, pens, binder(s) and even backpacks! Your wallet will thank you.

Now you are all set for school on Monday, August 31. Just a quick reminder, the first bell rings at 7:30am and the late bell rings at 7:35am. See you there, Royals!

Friday, August 7, 2015

Need an Activity for the Summer? Try a Few of These Hikes!

Poo Poo Point - Issaquah Alps, Tiger Mountain
This was my first hike and I was lucky enough to enjoy the sunset! When I finally reached the top, the grand view was absolutely breathtaking. It is also a perfect place where paragliders soar from the point.
-7.2 miles roundtrip
-gain: 1858 ft.
-the trail is right behind Issaquah High School (700 2nd Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 )


Mailbox Peak - Snoqualmie Region, North Bend Area
For me, this was the toughest hike I've experienced. If you are up for the challenge, be prepared to journey on a peak that is all incline. Warning: be cautious of dizziness with high elevation.
- 9.4 miles roundtrip
-gain: 4000 ft.
-check for driving directions at http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak/



Snow Lake - Snoqualmie Region, Snoqualmie Pass
Another pretty difficult hike, yet, the lake is worth it. Be careful of the rocky trail!
-7.2 miles roundtrip
-gain: 1800 ft.
-check this site for driving directions http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snow-lake-1




And lastly, bring snacks and water because there will be long hikes that will take hours. A picnic at the top or the destination of a hike doesn't sound bad!

Peace, 

Karissa