Loooooong Weekend!

I just wanted to say hi to everyone and wish you all a wonderful long weekend!  (That is, if you're off work on Monday!)  We had an inservice today, so I had some extra time today to get some stuff prepped for the coming weeks.  It felt soooooo good to get a few more things checked off my "to do" list!

I don't really have a whole lot planned for this weekend.  I've had friends in town the past two weeks / weekends, so I haven't had a lot of down time at home to just chill.  I've been fighting a cold since last Friday as well and I think my body is craving some extra rest and relaxation.  I'm hoping to get around to a couple small school-related projects that I got from Pinterest.  If I actually get around to that, I'll be sure to share some pics!  I'm also planning on FINALLY taking down my Christmas decor here at home.  Between my friends and my cold I haven't had the time or energy to get that accomplished yet!

If you're a Target shopper, I wanted to share that their dollar section has some good buys for the classroom right now.  I've noticed the last couple years they bring out a small assortment of school items again during winter.  They had the plastic book / magazine bins (you can see mine in use here and here and in my friend's classroom here), stickers, stamps, notepads, and quite a few other organization  and office supplies.  I've been really good about not spending money on school items the past few months, but I did pick up a few goodies for a buck each:  Pink plastic file organizer, 2 2-packs of file folders, 1 package of stickers, and 3 nonfiction books.

I try to pick up these little nonfiction books whenever Target carries them.  We're a Literacy First school and we're supposed to have a research station for our students.  These books are great for that.  I usually have the kids fill out a little one-page nonfiction book report (do a Google search for non-fiction book reports and you'll find a ton of goodies).  We're also supposed to have a classroom library of 60% nonfiction.  My classroom library is far FAR from that, but these little books are a great budget friendly addition.  They vary in difficulty, but thankfully, most of the ones I've run across are just right for most of my third graders.  I've probably accumulated 20 - 30 of these books over the past year or so since Literacy First made its way into our lives.

So, what are your weekend plans?  Are you going to be productive, lazy, or both?  

Fashion Friday: Wardrobe Staples

I have a friend that we always joke is stuck in a wardrobe rut...  She's pretty much got the exact same tops, pants, and shoes in various colors.  We always try to encourage her to branch out and try new things, but she's usually a little slow to try out new trends.  

I think we can all be this way when it comes to fashion.  I know I'm this way, particularly when it comes to work clothes.  This time of year I pretty much live in sweaters and cardigan and black pants.  I will admit, there are some items that I definitely think are worth purchasing in multiples.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with having some great wardrobe staples as long as you know how to make them a little more exciting with your jewelry and accessories.  I wanted to share a few of these work-friendly items with you today and some fun ways to dress them up.

J.Crew Tippi Sweater - Long story short, it took two tries, but I ended up with a couple of these sweaters when I purchased them on sale before Christmas.  I've been wearing the heck out of these two sweaters (mine are a "heather viridian green" and "bright dahlia") for work and play.  They're pretty lightweight which is great for layering, especially if you have a classroom in which "climate control" is out of your vocabulary.  I've been having fun pairing mine with fun statement necklaces and patterned scarves.  I'm hoping some more colors go on sale soon (I bought my two for less than the regular price of one) so I can stock up on a few more of these lovelies.  

Banana Republic Timeless Crewneck Tee - A while back I ended up going on a quest for good basic short sleeve tees to layer with sweaters and jackets.  I ended up getting this tee in black and white and wear one or both of them at least once or twice a week.

Express Editor Original Pant - I have these in black and gray and they're pretty much my go-to dress pants. In my opinion, Express pants are totally worth the money.  I remember dropping over $100 for two pairs of Express dress pants when I was working an office job in college.  That was a HUGE deal for me and my college student budget at the time, but I still have one of those two pairs today!  (The other I think died in a tragic ripped-waist accident...)  My favorite cut of pants was discontinued a few years ago, but these are the next best thing and are a great staple for work.  

DC Villain Skate Shoe - Yes, skater shoes are a part of my teacher wardrobe!  I'm constantly on the hunt for comfy shoes for work.  I went out last year looking for some comfy black shoes for the cold weather months...  With a budget of $50 - 60.  I found these and gave them a try with my black pants and they passed!  You really can't see the DC logos with my pants covering them and they're seriously my most comfortable pair of shoes!  They're not super super dressy by any means, but they pass the test and are perfect for all day wear.

Now, accessories are the key to making the basics look not so basic.  

I'm quite a big fan of scarves during pretty much any season except summer.  I wouldn't say I have a huge collection of fashion scarves, but I've tried to add really versatile ones to my collection.  Polka dots, floral, stripes, and animal print are all part of my collection.  Most recently I found some basic bright scarves for $4 at the grocery store!  I picked up a few for myself and to give as Christmas gifts and my mom gave me another one as well!  I found this awesome pin on Pinterest on ways to tie fashion scarves.  Gap typically has some good patterned scarves and Forever 21 is usually a good option if you're on a budget.  

I'm also a big fan of jewelry.  I've really been into bold necklaces lately, but I also don't really like to drop a ton of money on my jewelry.  Francesca's sometimes has really good sales on their pieces.  Once again, Forever 21 is great if you're on a budget.  I've been trying to be more creative with my jewelry and have been layering some of my items for more visual interest.  I've also hit the jackpot a few times and scored a couple really great items on clearance at Banana Republic.  Sometimes all a plain outfit needs is a really great necklace to take it from boring to amazing.

What are your wardrobe staples?  Do you have any must-have multiples in your closet?

Testing Tuesday: Assessment Prep Stations

In preparation for assessment season I'd like to share a few ideas and tips for thing that I do to help prepare my students for their state tests.  We are still going off state standards for the next couple years and will be gradually moving towards Common Core.  I know things will have to change when we make that transition, but I'm not going to think about that quite yet!

A few years ago my two fellow third grade colleagues and I decided to change things up a bit for our state assessment prep.  We don't switch classes for different subjects like some schools do, but we thought that rotating our students and doing test prep groups would be a fun way to mix things up a bit.  Each teacher has unique tips, tricks, and lessons for teaching different skills so it's a nice way to share that with all of the students in our grade level.

Here's how it works...

From January to March for 30 minutes 3 days a week we rotate our classes and do a small mini lesson, game, or review session based on our tested indicators.  We typically do Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday since we have a lot of Mondays and Fridays off this time of year.  It's sometimes hard to eek out an extra 30 minutes from the day, but sometimes other things (like science, SS, and unfortunately writing) sometimes get cut.

Each teacher works on a specific skill each week.  For ease of planning, I teach reading lessons, one of my coworkers teaching reading lessons, and the other alternates between reading and math.  The nice thing about it is that we're teaching one lesson three times...  Just once to each class!

We typically do these stations at the end of the school day, so I try to do activities that are a little exciting and engaging for the students.  I use Quia a lot to create games and other activities for us to do, so that we're not stuck doing another worksheet or practice test.  (I hope to share some of my Quia activities on here soon after I make a few.)

If you have any great tips and tricks on prepping your students for state assessments, please share!  I'd love to get some fresh, new ideas!  :)

2012... So far.

I must say that so far, 2012 has been a decent year.  We're 7 days into the new year and I really don't have too many complaints so far.

I was able to ring in the new year with some good friends.  One of my besties that moved away a few months ago came back into town for the week between Christmas and New Years, so it was really great to get to spend time with him during my time off.  I went back to work Tuesday for an inservice and then worked with the kids a whole day and a half!  I ended up getting sent to a last minute assessment meeting on Thursday and then took yesterday off because I have another good friend in town this weekend!  I was feeling a little under the weather yesterday, so it worked out well for me to have the day off and have the flexibility to sleep a few extra hours.  We enjoyed a day of going out to lunch, shopping, and then I hosted a Cotton Bowl watching party.  Unfortunately, the football game didn't quite turn out the way I wanted.  I still love my K-State Wildcats,  though, and I am already anxiously awaiting the next season of college football!

Speaking of shopping, you would all be so proud...  I'm 7 days into the new year and I have so far resisted some of the tempting sales that have surrounded me.  I'm trying to stick with this wish list thing and save any extra income (babysitting, eBates cash back, random part-time work) on non-necessities.  January is my birthday month and I do have some good birthday coupons that I may have to let myself use, but I'm hoping maybe for some birthday money to go along with those coupons!

I'd say the worst thing about 2012 so far is the state assessments that are looming on the horizon.  That seems to have been the only topic of discussion brought up at school in the days since we've returned.  Here's the thing about my school...  We're consistently one of the top scoring schools in our state.  Yes, in the whole state.  It's really nice to be in such a high-achieving school, but we have a lot of pressure to continue to do well.  With a new principal and several new teachers this year the pressure is really on to maintain these super high standards.

I'm hoping to have some time soon to talk about state assessment prep and share some ideas of things that we do in my building to help prepare our students.  Third grade is the first year our kids are tested, so we do a lot to help the kids just learn good test taking skills that they will need for the rest of their test taking lives.  But, that's a whole 'nother post and I've got a sushi lunch date I need to get ready for!

Anyway, hopefully 2012 will continue to be a decent year.  I'm hopeful for things to come...  I hope everyone out there in blog world has had a good start to the year as well!  Talk to you all again soon!

Wish Listed Items for Spring

I blogged earlier about the new year and my non-resolutions (AKA suggestions).  One of the things I mentioned was not making purchases that aren't really necessary.  Now, understand my love for shopping and a good sale...  I love clothes, I love accessories, and I love home decor.  Tell me not to buy those things and I'd tell you to shut your face.  But, in an attempt to cut down on the clutter and save some extra money for big things, I've decided to set some priorities and goals for things I really want.  I'm trying to cut out the impulse buys and focus on the things that I really want.  I figure if I set aside some money for wants and stick to these goal items, I will hopefully not waste money on things that are just "okay" just because they're a good deal.  I'm hoping to get things that I love that are also a good deal! 

These are all items for me, but rest assured my wish list for school is in the works.  (We get to fill out a wish list every spring and the office and PTA help purchase items for our classrooms.  I'll be sharing that wish list with everyone in the near future!)  I'm sure this list could go on and on if I let it, but I really tried to cut it down to the things that I really like and want.

In true Pinterest addict fashion, I've grabbed some pins to show and tell.
Click the image to be directed the Pinterest and the website it originated from.

• Vanessa Floral Duvet from Pottery Barn - I love PB, so it really is probably a good thing that the nearest stores are about 2 1/2 hours away from me.  I have a thing for bedding from there and when I saw it in the store I fell in love.  I'm holding out for a sale or some sort of discount.  

     

• Nice brown purse - I've recently become obsessed with the idea that I need a nice brown purse.  I love the Coach one that Tara from Mix & Match Fashion is always rocking, but alas, it's no longer available. I've seen some nice ones from Coach and Fossil, but I'm gonna have to love it (and keep it for years to come) to pay those kinds of prices.  

        

• J.Crew Maritime Dress - This is one clothing item that I really want to add to my closet and may end of being my first wish list purchase.  I've been a little obsessed with it lately.  I'm loving the stripe trend that I keep seeing and I love versatile dresses.  Once again, I'm hoping for a good promo and discount, but this one of the few clothing items I've seen that I really want to have.

     

• Sperry Top-Siders - I live nowhere near a body of water, but I've fallen in love with these boat shoes.  I have yet to decide which pair I want, but I would really like a pair for spring.  A few of the ones I've looked at could be really cute with the dress from J.Crew.

               

What are your money saving techniques?  

How do you balance saving money without depriving yourself of things you want?
Do you have any items on your spring wish list?

Hitting the Ground Running

I just woke up from a 2 1/2 hour nap!  Today was my first day back to work...  We had a building inservice and work time in our classrooms, but it apparently wore me out.  I laid down on my couch to watch some reruns of "What Not to Wear" in hopes of resting up to go workout later and here I am several hours later!

My first day back was a busy one...  My student teacher officially started, I found out I'm getting a new student tomorrow, and we had it pounded into our heads that state assessments are 34 (school) days away!  Aggghhhhhhhh!

We really do come back from Christmas break ready to rock and roll.  It's crunch time for us and the pressure is on!  I'm hopeful that this semester is going to be a good one and that having another teacher is the room is going to be a great asset in prepping the kids for state assessments.

It's go time!

New Year...

Everyone in the blog world has been posting about new year's resolutions...  I'm not really against resolutions, but how many people set all these resolutions and then abandon them by March?  Yeah, most people.  In my somewhat pessimistic fashion, I am not going to tell you about my resolutions, but about a few things that I am going to make a better effort to do.  I feel like a resolution is more of a firm goal.  These things are more along the lines of things I am suggesting to myself for living.  You get it, right?

1. Stay on top of things at school.  I feel like this comes and goes and this year has more or less been fairly good so far.  I hate feeling behind and overwhelmed with school stuff, but I know that's just the way it is sometimes.  I've been fairly well organized this year and have been better at planning ahead than I've been in the past.  There's always room for improvement, but I at least want to maintain.
2. Workout more.  Okay, I know, this sounds like a resolution.  Pretty much until school started I worked out 3 - 5 times a week.  Working out is my way to relax and have some "me" time.  I've not been as good about it this school year, especially since I've taken on after school tutoring 4 days a week and that adds an extra hour to my workday.  I haven't been too worried about my lack of exercise since I've actually lost some weight since August, but I do want to get back into good habits at the gym.  It's my way to de-stress and unwind after a busy day at school and I should definitely do that more often!
3. Buy only what I really want / need.  One of my projects over the break has been cleaning out my bedroom and closet.  I didn't get to the basement yet, but I've already weeded through quite a bit.  I'm trying to save money to buy a house in a year or so, travel to see friends, and pay extra on my car and student loans, so I am really trying to cut back on my extra spending.  If you've followed me for a while, you may have noticed that I like shopping.  A LOT.  I decided today to make a list of the items I really want (some are on the sort of pricey side) and make these my goal items that I am going to save and allow myself to purchase.  I'm thinking I'll write about these things in a later post.
4. Make the things I find on Pinterest.  I've pinned so many recipes, craft ideas, classroom ideas, and other great things and I've probably put into action less than 10 of these awesome ideas.  I'm not looking to tackle anything huge, but just to try some of the cool things I've found.  Maybe I'll start off by at least printing some of the printables I've found...  That's an easy start.
5. Finish organizing my classroom.  I've made several attempts to get organized and I'm really organized in some areas, but not in others.  I'd really like to get some of this done this semester so that I can start of next school year ready to roll.  I have so many resources and I want to have them all in order so that I can use them to the benefit of my students.  My files are in need of some help, as well as my giant "to file" basket that seems to keep growing.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year!  I've really enjoyed blogging and I am thankful for all of the people who have started following me.  I'm excited for things to come and sharing with you all during 2012!  Stay tuned!