In recent years, there has been growing concern about the pollution of beaches. Litter, plastic, and other debris can harm marine life and make beaches unsightly. On National Beach Day, we can all do our part to help keep beaches clean by following these tips:

• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in, including trash, food scraps, and sunscreen.
• Pick up litter. If you see trash on the beach, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
• Dispose of waste properly. Flush toilets and dump graywater in designated areas.
• Recycle and compost. Recycle plastic bottles, cans, and other recyclable materials. Compost food scraps and yard waste.

By following these tips, we can help keep beaches clean and beautiful for generations to come.

In addition to celebrating the beauty of beaches, National Beach Day is also a time to learn about the importance of ocean conservation. Here are some ways you can get involved in ocean conservation:

• Donate to an ocean conservation organization.
• Volunteer for a beach clean-up.
• Reduce your plastic consumption.
• Choose sustainable seafood.
• Educate others about the importance of ocean conservation.

Every little bit helps! By taking action to protect our oceans, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of beaches for years to come.

Here are some other ways to celebrate National Beach Day:

• Go for a swim in the ocean.
• Build a sandcastle.
• Have a picnic on the beach.
• Go for a walk along the beach.
• Play beach volleyball.
• Fly a kite.
• Watch the sunset over the ocean.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to have fun and enjoy the beauty of the beach!

12 Ways to Celebrate the End of Summer

1. Grab the kids (or adults!) and go for a night swim.

2. Enjoy a picnic dinner at the park.

3. Watch a movie under the stars.

4. Wake up early and enjoy a morning stroll around the block.

5. Host an impromptu barbecue on a school night.

6. Diffuse your favorite summer essential oil blend.

7. Bring the sunshine indoors with a new plant.

8. Play Capture the Flag outside with your neighbors.

9. Organize a social media detox for the whole family.

10. Take a late-afternoon nap.

11. Try a new local restaurant. 

12. Make a luscious body butter to repair summer skin.

As a parent, where do you pay bills, do research for your next home project, or work from home? Maybe you have a command center in the kitchen, a separate home office, or a desk in your bedroom. The point is, you have a designated space to work. Why not have a homework station for your child? Having a designated space helps you focus on your tasks. The same is true for children, perhaps even more so, as they are full of energy and even more prone to distractions.

A homework station should function for your home’s layout, whether it’s small or sprawling, and your family’s needs. It’s all about finding and creating the right space, personalizing it for your child, and making it easy to stay organized. (It’s hard to stay focused in a mess!) Whether big or small, these homework stations work for the home’s layout, the child’s personality, and organizational ease.

Creating the Right Space with Less

If you feel like your home is already bursting at the seams, you can still find space for a workstation. You just have to get a little more creative and maybe rethink underused square footage.

Homework Landing

Project by Pamela Sandler

Have some room at the top of the stairs? Often, a landing is not large enough to create a true loft, but it may be more substantial than just a hallway. Here, a slim, wall-mounted desktop and a few sleek chairs create a space for the kids to study. Even if you don’t have second-story landing, you can create similar set-ups in wide hallways. As a bonus for parents, the neutral palette coordinates easily with any style and makes it easy on the eyes.

A Space For Two

Project by COCOON

If you don’t necessarily want an entire room dedicated to a place for homework, this build in desk space for two is ideal. With matte black sconces hanging above, and built in storage and shelving this is the perfect after school spot.

Work-In Closet

Project by Kathy Corbet Interiors

You may not have a spare room for a homework station, but you may have a spare closet. If so, you can easily transform one into a homework zone. This nook provides ample room for desks and storage. Teens can work hard and play hard in this island-inspired room.

Cozy in the Kitchen

Project by Imagine Home Organization LLC

This compact command center provides just the right amount of room to focus on everything from Dr. Seuss to biology. Plus, the blackboard backsplash is just too cute and perfect for encouraging messages. Keep this cozy office space in mind if you’re considering a kitchen remodel, but not sure how fit in desk.

Under the Stairs

Project by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

This sleek and simple workstation provides a semi-private place to focus. The floating desk and shelves lend an airy feel to the condensed space.

Lofted Bed

Project by FoundRe

Sometimes there’s nowhere to go but up. In this child’s room, the bed gets a raise to make room for a work station. The lofted bed also does double duty as a bookshelf.

Creating the Right Space for Adults and Kids

If you have more room, you have more options when it comes to homework stations. In these rooms, the family that works together stays together. There’s plenty of room at these work stations, and that can be the best way to get work done for parents trying to multitask and kids who need help.

Side by Side

Project by Lori Dubrow Design

Kids have done homework at the kitchen table for decades. And It’s no wonder. They’re close to the rest of the family— and to snacks. These days homework in the kitchen is kicked up a notch with designated desks like this one. With enough room for mom or dad to sit and help, this work station is perfectly suited to grade-school-aged children.

Family Office

Project by InDesign/Lori Ludwick

This home office cleverly combines a perimeter desk and a work island to allow several family members to work at once. Multiple work stations and a combination of playful colors and neutral tones invite the whole family to work here.

Creating the Right Space in a Multipurpose Room

If you don’t have one room to designate for homework, make a larger room multifunctional. These rooms create homework zones to encourage practical study time.

Clever Radiator Cover

Project by City Nest Design

If you bought a home with character, there’s a good chance part of its character is a vintage heating system, AKA radiator heat. This family-room homework station encourages focused work, but also happens to cover the radiator. That’s functional interior design.

Welcome Guests and Students

Project by Gateway Interior Design

Even if you have a guest room, chances are you don’t have constant guests. When you’re short on visitors, make the most of that extra square footage. These homeowners have a kids hangout, homework space, and a guest suite out of one room.

Making It Personal

Once you’ve found the right location for your homework station, you should consider creating a space that speaks to your child. Your home office most likely reflects your interests and your style. A homework station should do the same for your child. By personalizing it with colors, accessories, and pictures that they like, you create a space that they like to be in and, hopefully, work in.

Add Color & Accessories

Project by Kristina Crestin Design

Filled with pops of aqua and pink, this alcove gives a girl a special place to work and create. The pink flamingo and ivory unicorn add some girl-approved whimsy to this work zone.

Picture This

Project by Postbox Designs

Sizeable portraits, illuminated by farmhouse-style task lighting do double duty in this hallway homework station. While name placards often designate a child’s workspace, the photos denote each child’s station here. They also act as a small gallery on this extensive wall.

Keep It Organized

Even for most adults it’s hard to work in a mess. Extra papers, open books, and even stray wrappers can distract you from getting to work. It’s the same for kids. Make it easy for them to stay organized, especially if they’re already prone to leaving toys, coats, or shoes all over the house.

Wall of Storage

Project by James McCoy Carpentry LLC

Colorful cubbies like this can help anyone sort through personal items. They serve as bookshelves, trophy and picture displays, and even house some inspirational quotes. The desk also provides additional storage for easy access to utensils and other items needed to complete assignments.

Storage on Display

Project by Melissa of Life With Less Mess

No room for a wonder wall of built-in organization? No problem. With a few key accessories, you can add organized storage to a workstation of any size. At this workstation, a few tin cups separate markers from pens and pencils. Wall-mounted files hold works-in-progress. A portable cart holds a few key containers of writing utensils. Plus few words of encouragement remind kids just what this space is for.

Earn Some Extra Credit

Whether you have plenty of space or need to carve out some room, you can create a homework station that can help your child get focused and develop good study habits. When it’s organized and reflects who they are, it can even be a place they want to go. And with any luck, it could even lessen some of those homework battles.

As a family-owned business helping homeowners, COCOON listens to what families need. Contact us to find out how we can transform your space to suit your family!

Here are the steps on how to register a vehicle in SC:

1. Gather the required documents. You will need the following documents to register your vehicle:
   • A title (or a duplicate title if you have lost your original title)
   • Proof of insurance
   • A bill of sale (if you purchased the vehicle from a private party)
   • Your valid driver’s license number
   • The payment of a registration fee
2. Complete the Vehicle Registration Application form (SCDMV Form 400). This form can be found on the SCDMV website or at any SCDMV branch.
3. Submit the required documents and payment to the SCDMV. You can submit the documents and payment in person at any SCDMV branch, by mail, or online.
4. Receive your vehicle registration document. Once your registration is processed, you will receive your vehicle registration document in the mail.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when registering your vehicle in SC:

• You must register your vehicle in the county where you reside. You can find the contact information for your local SCDMV branch on the SCDMV website.
• Your vehicle registration is valid for two years. You must renew your registration every two years.
• If you are registering a vehicle that is not titled in your name, you will need to provide a bill of sale and a signed title power of attorney form.
• If you are registering a vehicle that is leased, you will need to provide a copy of the lease agreement.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any further questions about registering a vehicle in SC, please contact the SCDMV.

Here are some additional tips for registering your vehicle in SC:

• Plan ahead. It can take several weeks to process a vehicle registration application, so it is best to start the process early.
• Bring all of the required documents with you. This will help to speed up the registration process.
• Be prepared to pay the registration fee. The registration fee varies depending on the type of vehicle you are registering.
• Be patient. The registration process can be a bit slow, but it is important to be patient and follow the instructions carefully.

• First day of school: The first day of school for Greenville County Schools is Tuesday, August 8, 2023.Opens in a new windowtwitter.comGreenville County Schools sign
• School hours: School hours vary by school, but most schools start at 7:45 AM and end at 2:30 PM.
• Supply lists: Supply lists are available online or at your child’s school.Opens in a new windowwww.fcps1.orgGreenville County Schools supply list
• Back-to-school events: There are a number of back-to-school events happening in Greenville County, including:
  • Back-to-School Bash: This event is for students in grades K-5 and will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Greenville Convention Center. There will be games, activities, and giveaways.Opens in a new windowallevents.inBack-to-School Bash Greenville County
  • Back-to-School Fair: This event is for students in grades 6-12 and will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Greenville Convention Center. There will be vendors, information sessions, and giveaways.Opens in a new windowwww.fcps1.orgBack-to-School Fair Greenville County
• Transportation: Bus transportation is available for all students in Greenville County.Opens in a new windowgreenvillejournal.comGreenville County Schools bus transportation
• Lunch: Lunch is provided for all students in Greenville County.Opens in a new windowwww.foodservicedirector.comGreenville County Schools lunch
• Technology: All students in Greenville County are issued a laptop computer.Opens in a new windowwww.postandcourier.comGreenville County Schools laptop computer

I hope this information helps you get ready for the new school year in Greenville County!

Here are some additional tips for back to school:

• Start planning early: Make a list of everything you need and start shopping early.
• Get organized: Set up a homework space and make sure your child has all the supplies they need.
• Talk to your child about their expectations: Discuss what they hope to learn and achieve this year.
• Be positive: Help your child stay excited about school and learning.

The new school year is a time of new beginnings and excitement. By following these tips, you can help your child have a successful start to the year.