How to Prepare Yourself for Going Back to School

School can be an intimidating place sometimes, but you can make it far less scary by being prepared. Whether you're a teenager facing a foreign environment or an adult who's returning to college, it can be unnerving. Luckily, it doesn't need to be a harrowing endeavor.

You can prepare yourself for the educational experience so you're ready to face the challenges that may pop up over the course of the year. By organizing your life and planning your schedule wisely, you can control the school experience, instead of the experience controlling you.

Follow these tips to prepare for the upcoming school year:

1. Forget what you see in movies and television. Despite what "Ender's Game" may've suggested, your classmates won't be sadists who single you out and harass you for their own amusement. Movies also suggest that schools pigeonhole you into various cliques. While this is more evident in high school than in college, it doesn't work to the extent that John Hughes movies or "Saved by the Bell" would have you believe.

2. You can always pre-study. If you have a class that you're nervous about, you can get a jump on the material by glancing over the textbook before classes begin. The internet is another handy source to read ahead and familiarize yourself with the basics of the material that'll be covered in each course. Even just a glance in advance can help you retain the information much easier.

3. Regiment your time. As a kid, it's simple: you go to school, come home, do your homework, and then you have free reign until bedtime. As an adult, you must take work and family responsibilities into account. Balancing school and a job can be done successfully with proper planning.

* Your reasons for going back to school will also play a role in how you schedule your time. If you're taking the classes for recreational purposes, you can get away with only taking a class or two. If you're going for a degree or certificate, your goals may require a higher workload. Be careful, though, to only take on what you can reasonably handle.

4. Know your limits. While it's true that you go to school to expand your mind and learn about unfamiliar topics, it's important to schedule your course load wisely. Seek to take difficult classes in different semesters to ease the pressure a little. Avoid putting off your least favorite courses until the end. Instead, sprinkle them throughout to make things easier on yourself.

5. Stay organized. When taking multiple classes, it's important that you keep things organized. The difficulty of this task will vary depending on your class load. If you're taking multiple classes, binders or multi-subject notebooks with dividers can keep class materials organized and all in one place.

School can be a fulfilling experience that challenges your mind and expands your horizons to a whole new world of possibilities. It can also be overwhelming. As the school year approaches, you can ease that feeling of trepidation with careful planning. An organized schedule and mind is the key to your success in school.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Weekend Staycation

Who says that you need a fat bank account - or even time off from work - in order to enjoy a relaxing vacation? Break the mold by turning one of your free weekends into a fabulous staycation you and your spouse can enjoy alone.

You can enjoy a romantic weekend in "Hawaii" or even stay at a luxurious "New York City" hotel. The choice is yours! And the best part is that there are no reservations required!

Implement some of the ideas below to make your home feel like a pricey destination hotel.

1. Pack away! It won't feel like a Staycation if you're pulling your everyday clothing out of your own dresser. Pack your suitcases like you would if you were leaving for vacation and wear a fun outfit. Pack sunscreen if you have a backyard or patio at home.

* Be sure to keep your "vacation outfit" in line with the theme of your staycation "destination." If your theme is the Bahamas, avoid Hawaiian print shirts and khaki shorts. However, a maxi tube dress is suitable.

2. Give your guestroom a makeover. The excitement of your staycation will fade within seconds if you're waking up in familiar surroundings. Throughout your staycation, make your guestroom your destination of choice. And give it a makeover to stay within your staycation theme.

* If you're going for a beach theme, purchase a mosquito net canopy and hang it over your bed. Place string lighting overhead to make it feel as if you're sleeping under the stars. And finally, scatter candles and seashells throughout the room to finish the look.

* Consider purchasing new bedding for your guestroom to make it feel as if you're in a luxury hotel suite.

3. Create a romantic environment. Nothing brings a couple together like a romantic getaway. Make your home feel like a romantic hotel suite by scattering fresh red rose petals throughout the stairway of your home and throughout your sleeping quarters.

* Make the most of candles. Dine by candlelight. Watch a movie in a room lit solely by candles. And soak in a bubble bath surrounded by slowly burning scented candles.

4. Tropical drinks. It's no secret that most people like to have a little more than wine while on vacation. Daiquiris, pina coladas, Hawaii Kai swizzles and Bahama mamas are popular tropical drinks that just scream, "Island retreat!"

* Use a cocktail shaker rather than a standard kitchen blender to mix your tropical drinks. It's a small detail that will add a sense of authenticity to your little vacation.

5. Utilize your outdoor space. Transform your backyard into an oasis. If the weather allows, spend most of your staycation outdoors. Purchase patio chaise loungers for relaxing. Alternatively, if you're on a super tight budget, borrow a set of beach chairs from a friend.

* Fire up the grill! Try a new tropical grilling recipe and dine outdoors. Remember to maximize your outdoor table setting by using candles, rose petals and a tablecloth to set the mood.

* Splurge on a masseuse. You and your spouse will feel like celebrities when you receive professional massages in the outdoors. An outdoor massage in a private patio or fenced in backyard is ideal. Masseuse rates vary. However, you can expect to pay $150 to $200 per hour for an on-location couple's session.

Maximizing your Staycation is all in the details. Small finishing touches like candlelight, changing your sleeping quarters and enjoying tropical cocktails in the moonlight can make all of the difference. With some ingenuity, you can feel like you're on a cruise to the Bahamas.

And, the best part of a staycation is the financial savings over expensive travel.

Why spend thousands of dollars on an elaborate vacation when you can experience enjoyment and pleasure right in your own backyard? With a little planning, creativity, and an open mind, you can create an inexpensive staycation full of memories that will last a lifetime.