Deanna Bower

Whether you're shopping for elementary school, middle school, high school, or college, this list has everything you need to start the school year prepared. From backpacks, lunch boxes, and school supplies to tech, organization tools, teacher favorites, and everyday essentials, these are products I've found to be practical, reliable, and worth buying. Save time, skip the guesswork, and make back-to-school shopping simple with this carefully curated collection of must-haves for students, parents, and teachers alike.

SF is a great place to walk and see all of the beauty the city has to offer.

I cook daily for my family and do weekly meal prep, so these are the kitchen essentials I actually use nonstop to save time, stay organized, and make cooking so much easier.

We live in an older home in the Heart of Silicon Valley. I am upgrading various items just to give it a more modern look and feel. I am new to DIY so come along and see the products I've used.

The best travel essentials really come down to organization, comfort, portability, and battery life. Whether you’re doing a quick weekend road trip, or heading out for a trip to Rome, these are items you will use over and over. Happy Travels.

A great 4th of July party feels like summer at its absolute peak — smoky BBQ ribs, cold drinks, kids running around with sparklers, country music and everything glowing in red, white, and blue as the sun starts to set.

Pets are so much more than animals we care for — they become part of our hearts, our routines, and our families. They are there for the quiet moments, the hard days, the celebrations, and the ordinary little moments that somehow become memories because they were beside us. Whether it’s a dog waiting excitedly at the door, a cat curled up nearby while we relax, or the simple comfort of hearing them breathe beside us at night, pets bring a kind of unconditional love that is hard to put into words.

There’s something magical about arriving in Italy — the way life slows down just enough for you to savor it. From winding cobblestone streets and historic architecture to fresh pasta, espresso, and unforgettable sunsets, every corner feels like a scene from a movie. Italy is about more than just seeing beautiful places; it’s about experiencing the culture, the food, the people, and the little moments that make Italy unforgettable. Italy has a way of making every day feel special.

I went on a solo hiking trip to Sedona and it ended up being exactly what I needed. The whole trip was peaceful, grounding, and honestly really refreshing mentally. There’s something different about being surrounded by the red rocks, quiet trails, and open sky with no real agenda except to slow down and enjoy the moment.

I guess I am getting old because my favorite thing to do is sit on the porch and watch my birds. I have about 10 Humming Bird feeders it's a 4/1 water/sugar ratio. I only use clear glass with no red dye for my feeders. When the weather turns warm the birds get crazy at my house.

I love a good garden area. Summer is coming and I am getting ready to do up the yard again

I love to workout at home. You will rarely see me in the gym

Living in the South Bay means you can go from city mode to redwoods, ridge views, or oak-covered trails in like 20–40 minutes. One day it’s peaceful forest vibes, the next it’s sweeping reservoir views or a sunset hike above the valley. San Francisco is just 45 min. away it is amazing.

I love to nap. A day on the couch is my favorite luxury