Classroom Sneak Peek: Table Organization

I promised I'd get some more school related posts on the blog, so here's a little one for ya!  Instead of doing a big post of classroom pics, I thought it would be fun to give you some sneak peeks at various things around my classroom.

Today I wanted to share my new table organization system.  It's something I've thought about for the past few years, but just this year got around to.

The desks in my classroom are grouped into 4 or 5 with one of these little plastic bins in the middle.  My awesome custodians fulfilled my request to get all of my desks raised or lowered to the same height so that the tubs can rest evenly in the middle.

The tubs have 3 sections that I created labels for.  There's a place for hand sanitizer, another for pencils, the largest for dry erase markers and erasers.  (BTW, we're using baby socks as erasers this year and they work like a charm!  Sooooooo much better than the junky erasers that came with the boards.)

This system has worked out really well and has eliminated the need for students to get up all the time for supplies or sanitizer.  I was a little worried at first, but it's been a great storage and organization solution.  

I got these tubs at Michael's and Target.  I wanted different colors (and colors that go with my bright color scheme), so I had to mix and match, but thankfully they're all basically the same style and size.  It took a few trips to the stores to get different colors, but it all worked out!

The tub above is a little different because it's for our "teacher table" where I work with small groups of kids.  This one hold supplies for the students and I to use during work station time.  I try to have it all there so that there's no wasted time getting up and getting supplies during our work time together.

And finally, a peek into my classroom.  I wanted to show the desk setup and how the tubs sit in the middle.  

I'm hoping to get a few more sneak peek posts up in the next few weeks.  Remembering to take my camera to school will definitely help that out!  We're in the middle of conference week, but the kids are off tomorrow and I have a lot of free time due to the fact that I only have 2 conferences scheduled.  Maybe I can fit in some picture taking time! ; )

I'm a Winner (and a Slacker)

I've gotta apologize for being such a slacker with my blogging lately.  The beginning of the school year has kinda kicked my butt.  I've been really working on staying on top of everything this school year, so I feel like I've been putting in some extra hours after school so that I don't have a whole lot left to do outside of school.  It's been really nice to rarely worry about doing any extra work at home.  We started our after school tutoring a few weeks ago.  It's Monday through Thursday and adds an extra hour to my work day.  The extra pay is nice and I really have a nice group of kids for it (about 10 each day), but the extra hour really wears me out at times.  I've also missed several days of school for various meetings and trainings, so that's added to my time commitments as well.  I sometimes with I was in a career where it was easy to be gone.  (It's more work to not be at school than to be there!)   One top of that have been literacy consultant observations, meetings, observations for the math grant that I participated in over the summer, and conferences this week.  *whew!*

I've got a few blog posts planned for the coming days and weeks, but it's just going to be a matter of sitting down and writing them.  I feel like I've totally neglected what is blog truly is--  a blog for teachers!  I love posting about clothes, makeup, and shopping as well, but I do want to try to get back into writing more posts related to teaching and provide resources for other teachers.

Now, onto why I'm a winner!

My friend Andi over at Just Another Smith was doing a necklace giveaway and I was her winner!  It's a gorgeous purple and of course I ended up wearing it the day after it arrived in the mail!  I've actually known her since we were babies in the church nursery and it's been super fun being blogging buddies with her.  She posts her outfits each day and I love her style.  We actually own a lot of the same items, but she's got a super creative eye for pairing things up and always comes up with wonderful outfits!  Go over and check out her blog at Just Another Smith.  Go.  Now!

I snapped this pic the day it came in the mail a few weeks ago, but I've actually rocked this necklace a few times since then.  I love the fact that it's purple.  I told someone the other day it's my classy K-State necklace.  I've actually not been a huge purple fan outside of my K-State t-shirt collection until the last couple years.  I'm now finding myself drawn to all sorts of beautiful purple items that don't have a giant Powercat on them!

Well, that's it for now, but be sure to check back tomorrow for a post about some organization in my classroom and a few new sneak peeks into my room!

Conference Week!

Tonight is our first evening of parent teacher conferences for this year.  I must say that the first set of conferences always makes me nervous because I don't feel like I know the families very well yet.  Of my 17 students 4 are siblings of students I've had before, so that's a plus.  

I did a full post on conferences last spring, so I'm not going to go into every little detail

 {You can read that post here.}, 

but just a few short tips I have, especially if you're new to teaching.

• Have a script - I don't mean a literal script necessarily, but have an order that you will go through everything.  My students assemble folders with everything we'll cover and we put it all in order.  It really helps with pacing and I've found that a lot of the time we cover most of the questions that parents come with.  It also ensures that you don't skip anything important.
• Find out how your students are doing outside of your classroom and share this info with parents - This is actually kind of a new one for me, but I have some students with behavior issues, so I've found it important to keep in touch with the specials teachers.  (For example I found one student has lots of problems in PE and music, but is never in computer.)
• Be ready to offer some solutions - If there's a problem you don't need to be able to have plans to fix it tomorrow, but have some ideas for possible solutions that you can discuss with parents.  I brought a few concerns to our school counselor last week and talked with him so that I am better prepared for conferences.  I also keep a pad of paper at the table with me so that I can take notes on anything that I can't answer or provide with them that day.
• Be friendly - Parents are nervous about conferences too, so be friendly and welcoming.  Try not to drop any "bombs" on parents at conferences.  (If there's an issue with a student try to talk to them or send a note home beforehand and don't wait until conference week.)  I've already tried to build a relationship with the parents and guardians of my more challenging students, so conference time is more of an update for their progress and on any topics we've already discussed.

I'll try to post a bit more later  in the week and show you a glimpse of our conferences folders, but I wanted to at least share a few additional tips to what I'd posted last spring.  I really do enjoy conferences and getting to know our families a bit better, so I want to be able to help you with running effective conferences as well!

Have a great Monday!

7 Things I'm Currently Loving

I thought a fun, random post would be appropriate for today.  Fall is in full swing and I'm loving this season!  I've seen a lot of posts about fall favorites, so I thought I'd share a few of my own!  It's not all exclusive to fall, but it's just things that I've really been drawn to recently.

#1 - Scarves

It was kind of an overnight thing that I became a scarf person.  I love dressing up an outfit with a scarf.  I think it's the perfect accessory to add some pizzazz to an otherwise basic outfit.  I also love scarves because they're super affordable.  I've "splurged" on a few that I've loved at J.Crew and Gap, but being a bargain shopper I don't think I've ever spent more than about $25 on one.  Forever 21 can have some great options and some of my favorite solid colored scarves were found for $4 at the grocery store!  

#2 - Diet Cranberry Sierra Mist

This stuff is a.maz.ing.  It only comes around between about September and November and even then can be hard to track down.  I seriously have plans to go to the store soon and stockpile this stuff.  I will totally be hoarder of this pop.

#3 - HGTV Magazine

If you're at all into home decor / DIY / renovations this is totally a magazine you need to check out.  My mom got me a gift subscription last year and I've been totally in love since the first issue.  I'm an HGTV addict, so to have it in a magazine is just wonderful.  I love that this magazine feels very practical and like it's for normal people who don't have amazing home-building skills or millions of dollars to decorate our homes.

#4 - Gap Sweaters

If you were to look in my closet there would be no doubt that I love Gap sweaters.  Some years have been better than others, but Gap just seems to keep coming out with great ones this year.  I'm currently loving their Eversoft sweaters, particular the cardigans.  (Find them here.)  

#5 - Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush

I try to avoid Wal-Mart like the plague, but I did venture there over the summer after reading several good reviews of the Hard Candy boxed blush.  (They're pretty much a knock off of the Benefit blushes.)  Since fall has arrived, I've found myself reaching for my Hard Candy blush in Smooth Talker, which is almost an exact dupe for Benefit's Sugar Bomb.  They're only $6, so it's worth checking out!

#6 - Jewel Tone / Purple-ish Nail Polishes

If you haven't been following the trends, "oxblood" is the color of the season, particularly in nail colors.  I hate that name and I'm not a huge fan of really dark reds, so I've been leaning more towards dark colors with more of a jewel tone.  I've been especially drawn to things in the purple family (blame K-State football season)

#7 - "Full House" reruns at Nick @ Nite

I grew up watching "Full House" and even as an adult now I seriously can't stop watching that show!  Can you believe that it premiered 25 years ago this fall?!?  (That makes me feel so old, but I do remember watching it as a very small child when it was still on TGIF.)  I've seen every episode multiple times, but it's become one of my favorite evening shows while new shows are recording on my DVR.  I've actually been scheduling my evening workouts to when I can watch "Full House" while I'm on the elliptical.  Obsessed much?  Nah.

What are you loving right now?  I'd love to hear what your favorites are right now!

The World's Worst Blogger, Buyer's Remorse, & Other Ramblings

I have concluded that I am a bad blogger.  This happened to me last year once school started and I vowed it wouldn't happen again this year...  I pretty much just stop blogging once school starts.  It's not that I don't have grand ideas for posts, but it's that I don't really make time for blogging like I do during the summer.  I've really been trying to stay on top of things this school year and have actually been fairly impressed with myself with how well I've kept up with everything.  I don't really have much going on outside of school right now, so I feel like this has been a year for me to just dive into things and really focus on work.  I'm by no means a perfect teacher or have everything in tip-top shape, but I'm less overwhelmed  than I've felt in years past because I seem to be devoting more time to school.

I really do intend to get back into a blogging routine and start writing more posts about school-related topics.    Like I said, I have plenty of ideas, but it's a matter of sitting down and writing (and finishing) the posts.

***

Have you ever had immediate buyer's remorse?  I experienced that this evening.

I wandered over to the mall this evening and remembered that I had a $25 off a $50 purchase virtual coupon for Limited.  I was super excited when they reopened here last summer (we'd had one but it closed years ago), but I have decided that store may not be the best for me.  First, I feel like I'm always between sizes there and nothing fits me just right.  Everything I try is slightly too big or too small.  Second, they're clothes are just a little dressier than I tend to go for.  If I had reason for those kinds of items it might not be so bad, but I just don't.  I feel like everything I've purchased there doesn't get worn.  I have a few things that still probably have the tags attached!  Not cool.

Anyway, I spent quite a while in there trying on all sorts of items and finally settled upon a striped tee and some earrings.  Nothing spectacular, but I had been looking for a black and white striped top for fall and winter.  The problem was that it was a little too big.  I figured I'd go on and get it and try it on with some things at home to see how it worked.  As soon as I walked out I felt buyer's remorse.  I sucked it up and when I got home played around with some outfit ideas with my new shirt.  I actually made some cute outfits, but they really would look better with one that was the right size.  Then I looked at the earrings...  I like them both alright, but even after the discount they cost more than I usually like to spend on jewelry.  *sigh*  I contemplated for a while and decided that I'll be making a trip back tomorrow to return everything. I'd spent $34 on items I really didn't love.  It's not that I'd spent a ton of money, but as I thought about it, I'd much rather spend that $34 on something I really liked and not stuff I bought just because of a discount.  Sure, I'd had my eye out for a striped tee and I'm always a fan of cute earrings, but those just weren't for me.  Back to the mall tomorrow!  (And then maybe to TJ Maxx to find a better striped shirt!)

***

Speaking of striped shirts...  I've been slightly obsessed with these looks that I found on Pinterest:

Source: savearecipe.blogspot.ca via Conolley on Pinterest

Source: instagram.com via Conolley on Pinterest

Source: rantapallo.fi via Conolley on Pinterest

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Conolley on Pinterest

Source: pinkmargaritapearl.blogspot.com via Conolley on Pinterest

{If you want to pin these to your own boards, please click on the image and pin it directly from Pinterest, so that you get it from (hopefully) the original source. I want to be sure the original posters / pinners get credit for their adorable pics!}

Anyway, do you see where my obsession with a black and white striped shirt came from?  I'd also been on the hunt for a cute leopard print scarf.  I searched quite a few places, but couldn't find one that I really liked. I randomly checked Gap's website because although I hadn't seen a leopard scarf in store I had seen a super cute tote.  Sure enough, there was the perfect scarf!  I immediately ordered it (30% off and free shipping helped speed that decision) and am looking forward to getting it in a few days.  No buyer's remorse there!  (Here's the link to the scarf.)

***

Well, there you have my weekend ramblings.  I've got conferences this week, so I know that will keep me busy, but I am hoping to get a few blog posts up up in the next few days.  I know I keep saying that, but it really will happen soon! ; )

Fall Wish List - Part 2

I do intend to get back to my normal blogging at some point...  More about that later this weekend.

***

sephora.com

I haven't purchased everything off of my original fall wish list, but I have done pretty well getting a few items from my list.  Some were obviously higher priorities or more affordable than others, but overall I feel pretty good about my fall buys so far.  (And, of course, the wish list items aren't all I've purchased.)  You may notice there aren't any clothing items on my wish list.  I'm taking a break from buying clothes for a short while and am really trying to mix and match what I already have.

I've been thinking about the things I want to focus and motivate myself to go in the next few months.  

Here they are!

1.  Mia 2 - After seeings so many great reviews of the Clarisonic, I think it would be a worthy investment for my skincare routine.  I've looked into a few less expensive alternatives, but I really feel like the real thing would be my best bet.  (Do any of you have a Clarisonic?  Do you love it?)  
2. Naked 2 Palette - This one is still on my list.  I'm trying to hold out for a sale (Sephora usually runs a customer appreciation sale closer to Christmas OR I will redeem my Ulta rewards to knock a few bucks off).  I'm also trying to get through some of my other eye shadows in the meantime.  I've never spent that much money on makeup, but this is another one I think may be worth the investment.  I've compared this one to the original Naked and I think I prefer these colors a bit better.  
3. Sperry Top-Siders- I've been wanting some for quite a while, but I can't decide on which ones. I want to be sure I really love them since they are a little pricier than what I usually spend on non-athletic shoes.  I was told my a friend to check out Dillards and their selection. (Check out a few that I like here, here, and here.)
4. A Gold Boyfriend Watch - I've seen several Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors at TJ Maxx lately, but I have yet to find one that I really love that's in my budget.  (The ones at TJ Maxx have been $79 and $99...  Not too bad considering they run $225 - 275 normally.  Check out this one from Piperlime.)



sephora.com

5. An iPad (mini) - Okay, the iPad Mini is just a rumor right now (people are thinking something along those lines may come out before the holidays), but if it actually happens I feel like it would be right up my alley.  Sure I have 2 laptops (1 personal and 1 from my school), but with the majority of what I do online, an iPad would be great.  I love the size of the Kindle Fire, but I think I would enjoy the iPad a bit more.  (I love my iPod Touch.)  A smaller version of the current iPad would probably be right up my alley.  And, of course, if I get one I'd need a cute cover or case for it too! ; )

The Clarisonic and Naked 2 are definitely my top 2.  I'm thinking I'll look for shoes this month since it's getting a little cooler, but if I don't find the right ones I won't be completely crushed.  I'm hoping that as we near Thanksgiving and Christmas there will be some good promos that might allow me an opportunity to snag a few of these things.

***

Do you have any of the items on my wish list?  What do you think of them?  
Are they worth the money?  
I want your feedback!

September Buys (That are resulting in a shopping ban...)

Fall is my favorite season, so I will totally admit I have a problem buying clothing items this time of year.  I have a serious addiction to cardigans (and just sweaters in general), which makes this all the more difficult.  I don't have a specific set clothing budget each month since my clothing collection is quite abundant.  I have a "fun money" budget that is for of my more unnecessary items.  Sometimes I use that budget for home decor, entertainment, etc.  It varies.  I really haven't bought anything other than clothes this month, so that's pretty much where all of my "fun money" went.  

**As a disclaimer, I did spend some money when I was out of town at the beginning of the month, but that was my "vacation fund" that was never actually spent on a vacation.  I'm not actually counting that in my total since that wasn't part of my normal budget / income.  I had about $65 of that leftover that I used to make some of the purchases below.

Mossimo skinny jeans (teal) - $27

2 Gap cardigans ("raspberry sorbet" and "true indigo") - $50

1 Gap sweater (gray leopard print - no longer online) - $22

1 Gap skirt ("electric fuschia") - $17

Gap Sexy Boyfriend cords ("fall beige") - $45

1 Banana Republic shirt ("ivy league green") - $25

bananarepublic.gap.com

2 pairs of AE Boyfit Crop jeans - $36  (I'm awaiting the arrival of these...  I bought 2 sizes because I wasn't sure.  Depending on the fits I may just keep one or both.)

AE clutch ("neon salmon") - $11

AE scarf - $14

Relic rose gold watch (from Kohl's) - $12

relicbrand.com

= $259

*gasps*

I returned / repurchased a shirt I'd originally purchased in August, saving me $21.  Then, if you factor in my $65 of leftover vacation money, my grand total goes down to:

= $173

*sigh*

Well, that's a little better.

Everything was purchased on sale or had some sort of discount, with the exception of the Target jeans.  They were full price, but I've found that with some Target items (particularly pants) I'm just best to grab it when I can.  Of course if I'd spent full price on everything my total would probably be somewhere upwards of $500.  (The watch alone was originally $110!)

I plan on my October spending to be quite different than this month was.  We have 3 birthdays in my family, so that's kind of where I plan on a chunk of my "fun money" to go.  I love shopping for others about as much  as I do for myself, so I'm more than happy to be able to give to my family!  The only real purchases for myself that I can see as being justified are some good fall / winter work shoes or some good some boots for the cooler months.  I'm not allowing myself any new tops (shirts, sweaters, tees, etc.) for the next month.  I really don't plan on getting much for myself between now and around Thanksgiving time.  I feel like I've gone a little crazy in the past month, so now it's time to put together new outfits and mix and match new items with older ones!

Finally, let's revisit my fall wish list...

Fall Wish List by conolley featuring long sleeve knit tops

I haven't really looked much for shoes yet since I totally am that person that wears sandals until there's snow on the ground. I finally found my navy sweater and a cute watch (although I still want a silver or gold one), so I've got a few more items from my list! Naked 2 and a bubble necklace are still on my wish list, but they're not very high priorities at this point. Maybe Christmas gifts to myself? We shall see.

I'm once again linking up with Franziska over at Franishh for her Budgeting Bloggers link-up, so please head over there and see what her and the other bloggers bought this month!