15 back-to-reality tips to kickstart your September

Know the five elements of the perfect smoothie

1. Protein powder: Whey, soy, or a mixed vegan source

2. A sugar-free fat source: One tbsp of coconut oil, chopped nuts or natural nut butter

3. A non-psyllium fibre: One tbsp chia seeds, ground flaxseed or preferred fibre

4. A low glycemic fruit: ½ – 1 cup berries or ½ banana

5. A liquid: Water, unsweetened almond milk, or even non-fat or Greek yogurt

Click here for a better look at whey protein-rich smoothies are so important. 

An apple a day?

Apples are a great grab-and-go snack for early mornings or during the day. They're loaded with fibre that keeps you feeling full longer and they can help you beat belly fat!

Follow the jump for more on the surprising health benefits of apples. 

Allow yourself just 30 minutes

We know it's easier said than done, but finding just 30 minutes a day to go for a walk or a bike ride has a lifetime of benefits. How many of us have that much time to watch a TV show every night?

Thirty minutes has been proven to help beat anxiety, depression and insomnia, which all tend to heighten in the stressful back-to-school month of September. For more on how 30 minutes of exercise can change your life click here.

Calm your skin

If the early mornings and changing temperatures are irritating your skin, reach for this restoring vegan masque for its calming effects. Made with organic apple sauce, grape extract and mannentake mushrooms, just 15 minutes on the skin before bed will rejuvenate you, and your skin, alike.

Whistler Naturals, Sugar apple masque, $30, Whistlernaturals.ca for availability.

Five tips to organize weeknight dinners

Thinking about dinner can cause considerable stress and waste a lot of time – up to an hour a day. This fall, skip the stress with these organizational tips and make dinner a family affair, and feel less discouraged about planning and preparing dinner.

Find more quick and easy dinners here

Don't sweat it

Nostalgic for that collegiate style you loved so much in high school? Us too! And that's why we're so excited that one of our favourite Canadian athletic brands - Beaver Canoe - is coming back this fall. Turn on the fireplace, grab a cup of hot cocoa and get cozy.

Get it: Beaver Canoe popover fleece kanga hoodie, $35, (in-stores Sept 8) Target

Eat well on the go with quick and easy lunches

September means the back-to-school and back-to-work crunch is on, but have no fear about packing lunch! We’re here to help with easy, healthy and portable recipes so you can eat well on the go. Here are delicious sandwiches and wraps, hearty salads and rice bowls that will help keep you going all day long.

30 quick and easy lunches

Start saving on your grocery bill

1. Online flyers: You can zero in on the grocery chains that have the best deals, since the legwork has already been done for you.

2. Cheaper cuts of meat: There are plenty of delicious recipes you can use with these cheaper cuts, so bypass the t-bone and sirloin steaks in favour of blade, inside round roasts and picnic pork shoulder when they're on sale.

3. Meatless meals: Protein-packed grains like quinoa and pulses like lentils take the pressure off having meat every single night.

4. Door-crasher specials: Stock up on the good deals when they're available -- don't be shy about carting home extra detergent, loaves of bread, or eggs -- the savings make the extra effort worth it.

5. Portion control: Serve less meat, and heap on the vegetables and whole grains instead. It's easier on the wallet — and on the waistline.

Click here for a better look at how to save on your grocery bill

New season, new shoes

As exciting as new shoes are for a new season, we're equally excited for Aldo's collaboration with iconic footwear, Shellys London. We love these patented flats with a fringed tassel.

Get it: Rajter shoe, $89, Shellys London, Aldo

Turn your phone into a personal assistant

This fall, keep on top of your finances, schedule, and more with organizational apps. Not sure what to wear to work? The Stylebook app helps you look at your wardrobe possibilities. Want to find the best shopping deals? You'll never have to pay full price again with RetailMeNot. With these 10 best organizational apps, you'll be able to get all aspects of your life in tip-top shape.

Save for a rainy day

From weekend getaways to big family trips, summer entertainment can quickly put a dent in finances. With the fall season almost here, it's a good time to start saving again. Try doing this money-saving challenge that starts with just a dollar a week. It's so effortless and by this time next year, you'll have saved $1378! 

Start saving now: 52-week money-saving challenge

Crisp, white shirt

A small luxury is replacing your white button-down with a new and crisp version every fall. This shirt is the perfect combo of boy meets girl with a slimmer cut and seams at the bust. When facing an outfit dilemma on an early weekday morning, grab this classic and go. 

Get it: Boy shirt in classic white, $70, J. Crew

Create a functional entranceway

The entranceway in a home should be clutter-free zone – afterall, the last thing you want to see at the end of a work day is a pile of mess. An easy way to create a more functional and stress-free area is with small bowls on a console or an indoor mailbox to catch all your mail and miscellaneous items.Did you have a great summer filled with special moments all caught on camera? Great! Now don’t leave them hiding in that device, instead set them free and print away. Priced at under $100, this portable printer means you can relive those warm-weather memories again, and again.

Get it: Epson Expression Home 410 small-in-one, $99, Epson

Get 100 best tips to organize your home

Bookmark it

Whether you're signed up to a book club, are excited about the upcoming fall releases, or are just trying to work your way through that pile of tomes that have taken over your bedside table, take a load off with this light and thin e-reader.

Get it: Kindle Paperwhite with 3G, $199, Amazon

Print it

Did you have a great summer filled with special moments that were caught on camera? Great! Now don’t leave them hiding in that device, instead set them free and print away. Priced at under $100, this portable printer means you can relive those warm-weather memories again, and again.

Get it: Epson Expression Home 410 small-in-one, $99, Epson