Ikea here I come!

Well...I have 1 week people! 1 WEEK!!!!!!!!!! EEK! I'm so not ready...mentally and physically. Before I completely stress out and freak out...I'm headed on a little vaca. Every year we (the girls in my family) head to visit my cousin in Ohio. LOVE this trip. First lots of bonding time, but second - WE LOVE TO SHOP. We shop the entire 4 days. Exhausting but fun. (And expensive.) One trip I am taking...IKEA. For my classroom. Here is what is on my list:

 

Laundry Baskets for Reading Center - $4.99

Or maybe these: $4.99

 

These mirrors for my sink area: $8.99

 

Rug for underneath my ACTIVboard: $14.99

 

I'm sure I will stock up MANY more items. I get so overwhelmed in there!!!! I'll be sure and share my find with you when I get back!

2 comments Tags: IKEA, shopping

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Sitch Fix #1 - My Thoughts and Reviews

I was SUPER excited to get my 1st Stitch Fix today. Yep. I said 1st because I will definitely be doing it again! :) So much fun! If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix....here's the jist. You sign up at StitchFix.com and create a profile. In your profile, you answer questions about which type of clothes you like. (They give you pictures and you respond with how much you like/dislike the outfit.) You answer questions about your body type and how much you prefer to spend on items. Then for $20, you sign up to get your first fix. (The $20 you spend will go towards any piece you choose to keep.) You choose a shipping date and it's done! A personal stylist will choose 5 pieces and they deliver them to your door!! It's that easy! So when I got home, this was on my doorstep!

 

Okay. I'm a sucker for cute packaging! Look how adorable the inside of that box is!!!! Can you see that style card? Stitch Fix will show you the 5 pieces they chose for you and ways to wear them. Brilliant right?

Okay...so here is my review of the 5 pieces I received.

 

#1 - Kensie Jeans - Johnny Skinny Jeans - $88

 

Let's me honest. I have a weird shaped body. I gain ALL of my weight in my stomach. So when I saw Skinny Jean on the list of things they were sending my way, I laughed out loud. Ain't no way they are going to get that right! Wrong! I love! They are dark denim and very stretching. They are fitted in the all the right areas.

 

 

Verdict: KEEP

 

#2 - Collective Concepts - Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse - $54.00

 

When I pulled this piece out I didn't think it would work. I wasn't crazy about the color. It says Fuchsia, but it is really maroon to me. I like tops like this to wear under cardigans at work, but this isn't one I would have pulled off the rack.

 

 

Verdict: KEEP

 

#3 - Mavi- Kalie Denim Jacket - $98.00

 

I kind of knew I wouldn't keep this piece before I opened it up. I already have a few jean jackets and $98.00. Uh. No thanks. It helped me confirm that decision when it didn't fit. Too tight around the waist and too long in the arms. Yuck.

 

Verdict: RETURN

 

#4 - Tart - Vida Zip-Up Cardigan - $78.00

 

I LOVED this. As soon as I pulled it out, I was in love. I love the thumb holes, the gray, the stripes. LOVE. And in all honesty I think I would get a lot of good out of it. However, I cannot justify spending $80.00 on a sweatshirt. I just can't. Plus...I didn't like it zipped up. The band across the waist was not flattering.

 

Verdict: RETURN

 

#5 - Rikka - Betty Chevron Infinity Scarf  - $32.00

 

Super cute and who doesn't love a chevron scarf, but I have about 6. Got them on Jane.com for super cheap so I just didn't need it.

 

 

Verdict: RETURN

 

All in all, I'm very happy with my first Fix. Here is what I love about it:

1. They do the shopping for me.

2. They choose pieces that I would never pick out, but may (and did) like.

3. They have pieces you can't find near my hometown.

4. I'm not really out anything but $20 IF I choose not to keep anything.

 

If you want to try it out, I would love for you to click here and use me as a referral! Let me know if you try it and like it. Oh...and I'll be scheduling my next fix this weekend!!!

 

2 comments Tags: shopping, Stitch Fix

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This girl loves a good deal

I may have mentioned it here, and here, and here, but I LOVE to shop! Like...for realz. I used to have a MAJOR shopping problem (read: my poor hubby had to pay off MAJOR credit card debt when we got married from places like Macys, The Limited, New York and Company). I have seriously gotten so much better. Really. I have. I promise! :)

So I love the new websites that offer Daily Deals like Zulily, Mini Social, Plum District, Very Jane, and One Kings Lane. Well, GUESS WHAT PEOPLE!!! There is a new site called Educents.

It doesn't launch until April 2nd, so I'm not positive, but I am THINKING it may be similar to one of those sites. It says it is a daily deals site offering the latest educational products at 30-90% off! Woo! Hoo!

That's not the best part! If you go to their website now, you can sign up and receive a $15 gift card. Like instantly. For free! :) I signed up and had it in my email in like 1.5 seconds! You can't pass up free money! Go now!

1 comment Tags: shopping

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School Shopping Never Ends

I was OH SO EXCITED to get an email from MPM School Supplies asking for me to do an HONEST review of their products! They gave me $25 to shop for items for my classroom in return for an honest review of their service and products! Woop! Woop! Gotta love a free shopping spree! Here is what I got:

Look at those JUMBO letter stamps! I cannot wait to use them in Word Play center. I got the uppercase so now I just have to go back and get the lowercase!!! :)

I also got blank foam dice. Everyone get posting about finding them at their local dollar tree. I searched high and low and never saw them! I have them now!

I love the Mr. Sketch Scented markers for Smell and Spell!!! The kiddos will be OVER THE MOON!

Last but not least, I got a clipboard! Can't have enough of those!

Thank you so much MPM! It was very easy to order from their website. They have so much at great prices! I also received my order in 2 DAYS!!!! Our local teacher store is about 20-25 minutes away. I'd much rather shop from home!

Are you needing some items mid-year! Well, you are in luck. Click on the icon below and the first 10 orders will get 10% off their purchase. (Did I mention everything is already discounted on the website??)

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Hurry and Go to your local dollar tree

Okay! I LOVE me some Dollar Tree. We have a pretty nice one in our town and I visit it...weekly. I have to tell you about the cutest Valentines that I have been getting for my kiddos every year for about 6 years now. Here is the package:

They are 4 for $1. When you open them up they look like this:

The kiddos them pound the package one (or a few) good times with their fists. And look what ya get:

Isn’t that the cutest little balloon you’ve ever seen? It also comes with a little gold rope to put in the top. The kids LOVE these!!!! They get soooo excited watching it blow up!
I would recommend buying a few extra….some don’t work correctly. Also, you don’t want them to bust them completely open…they will leave. I’ve only had that happen once in 6 years. They go fast, so make sure you go soon!
Also, I went ahead a bought a few of these:

Remember this post? I used these little heart boxes for these activities from Cara Caroll and Babbling Abby. I knew I would find another use for them so I grabbed a few more. These went fast last year so while your getting your Valentines….grab these!

4 comments Tags: dollar tree, shopping, valentines day

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It's Christmas Again

So remember this post where I received all of those AWESOME teacher items from CraftProjectIdeas.com? Well, imagine my surprise when I come home and there is a package at my house. I am completely stumped as to what it could be because I have no money until payday and I am almost certain I didn't order anything. I mean, I order a lot online and really have no idea what I have and haven't ordered, but I'm pretty sure since my back account is $0 that I didn't. The hubby is looking at me like "I thought you didn't have any spending money?" I get a little nervous. When I see Kindergarten Korner on the package instead of my name I am really stumped. So I open the package and here is what I saw:

Eeek!!!! I was jumping up and down. The wonderful people at CraftProjectIdeas selected me to receive a Back to School package! I was beyond excited!!! (And so was little one). We have made about 15 of these bracelets but that is okay!

There are thousands of beads and 100 chenille stems!!!

And who can't use craft sticks, pom poms, and paint brushes?

And do see these magnets?

I kid.you.not. I had one thing of my list to get this weekend at Wal-mart for school and it was these EXACT magnets!!! It was the craziest thing that I actually received them. As I am browsing their webpage to look at their products, I see these:

Ummm...all of you kinder teachers will TOTALLY relate I am sure. I use this size (25mm) wiggly eyes all the time and you cannot find these anywhere except Hobby Lobby. They sell packages of them in every other size through the school supply companies but not 25mm. Well, guess who does....Wal-mart through CraftProjectIdeas!!! Yay!!! I now will be going to Wal-mart. I have my magnets but I am so getting these eyes!
So thank you CraftProjectIdeas. All of these items can be found at Wal-mart!!!! Go grab yours!!!

4 comments Tags: crafts, shopping, Wal-mart

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Projects Started

Well, I intended to get a lot done today. My little one goes to school 1 day a week in the summer so that I can get things done. Today was the day so I was ready to knock some things out since we begin school IN LESS THAN 1 MONTH!!! Boo!
I had some bad luck this weekend. My USB key broke off in my computer. Eeek! (I don't back up...I know. I know...I've learned my lesson.) I am hoping our computer guru guy can fix it...taking it tomorrow. So I head out to school (it's about 12 miles out in the country...feels like 30) only to realize I can't really do anything because everything I need is on that USB.
What is a girl to do when she can't work...shop of course! :) I headed to Hobby Lobby to get burlap for my craft that I am 1/2 way through with. What is that you ask. Remember this?

I have this one and another one in the works.

I'm also recovering my chair using this tutorial. (I swear...my chair is THAT ugly)

Oh..and guess what I am FINALLY breaking down and ordering tomorrow? Give up...An Erin Condren planner!!!!

Yay!

9 comments Tags: back to school, crafts, shopping

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You've got my number

Let me tell you...there are some places that just "have my number".

Target is #1!

I swear it is like they have gone through every file there is on me, studied the heck out of my profile, and just set the store up for me. Don't be shocked if they come out with pink and green polka dot toilet paper soon. I'd pay a couple of extra bucks for it and they know it! I am totally sucked in by their displays and dollar spot (don't even get me started)!

I went to Office Depot to get a new USB key (mine al.most. broke off in my laptop as we were moving).  No...I don't have it backed up...I know I should and I'm gonna. Anywho I have no idea why but EVERYTIME I go in that store this little section stops me.

Silly, right? How many stinkin' magnets, paperclips, and rubberbands do we need? Not that many I assure you but I think that is SO cute the way it is set up. I wanted to buy all of them. But I didn't. I did however pick up ANOTHER one of these.

Have you used it? Heaven in a staple. I swear! (And no...they aren't paying me to write this, nor did I get a free one...btw...how do y'all get those lucky deals?) I have the cheapy little $10 one, but I noticed they have a bigger one that will staple more papers. If you don't have this puppy..get one...you won't regret it! It makes me happy everytime I use it! Oh. And I have a pink one and a green one...just sayin'! :)

6 comments Tags: shopping

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ABC stamps

Okay...so I have heard everybody RAVE about the Target Dollar spot ABC stamps. I literally visited and called the 3 Targets within a 30 minute drive daily until I found them. When I finally got them in my hands - I was disappointed. They are like 1/4 inch X 1/4 inch. Are those the ones you have? I've been looking at others blogs where they post the pictures and they look bigger with different packaging? Would they have 2 different kinds? I've been back and no such luck. So...if anyone out there has them, how big are yours? On that note...if someone happens to go to Target and you see the alphabet stamps (bigger than mine) and/or the numbers stamps...I'll pay you to get them for me and ship them to me. I would love about 5 or 6 of each, but beggers can't be choosers. I'll take whatever!

5 comments Tags: shopping

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Good finds and crafts

I am so stinkin' excited!!!! I FINALLY found those alphabet stamps at Target. I kid you not, I have called all 3 Targets (which are all 20-30 minutes away) everyday for the past 2 weeks looking for them in the Dollar section. Well, today they had them! My teaching partner (who rocks) picked them up for us. I really wanted the numbers too, but they didn't have them.
My 2nd favorite place besides Target is JoAnns. I do a lot of sewing so I am here there monthly weekly. They (along with Michaels now) offer a 15% discount to teachers. As I was in there browsing for fabric to make a project for my room (pictures when it is finished), I stumbled upon their new Back to School section. If I wasn't broke I would have went CRAZY! It is so ADORABLE. (I know..I use caps too much). I needed a mirror for the sink area in our classroom so that I can check myself out students can see themselves when they get paint/marker/glue on their face so I picked up this cutie:

I mean...seriously...they have cute things and it is all 50% off right now (plus your 15% teacher discount). If you have a JoAnns, you must go check it out.
Today I also finished a craft that I found here (and it has been on my pinterest board). I am not going to say this was easy. It was quite the booger, but I am so loving it.

I ended up having to hot glue a lot of the pinwheels down. I had trouble finding a small chalkboard so I bought a little wooden frame on clearance at JoAnns and put black scrapbook paper in it to look like a chalkboard. I'm not sure where I'm gonna put it in my room, but it will be cute. I am hoping to get in my room soon and take pictures as I get it completed.
By the way... I almost have 40 followers. Pretty sure I'm gonna have to do some giveaway when I reach 50! My wheels are turning.....maybe to JoAnns? What do you think?

3 comments Tags: crafts, shopping

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Vista Print

I've known about Vista Print for awhile now but for some reason NEVER thought of using it for classroom items. Hello???? Where have I been? I found the Vistaprint Addicts link on Pro Teacher....TROUBLE. I spent all day on that stinkin' thing and became obsessed with it. Here is what I got for $15 (that included shipping).
This WELCOME banner that has mine and my assistant's name on it. I think it is 3 X 1.6 or something.

It is so crazy the last day before Christmas break. We get a million gifts and they kids bring them to us at random times and want them opened immediately. We often get a few during the party and I know I will not remember who gave me what so we always have a Thank You card printed on colored paper to give them. I got 50 of these oversized postcards in color for FREE!!!!!!!!

Every year we have Parent/Teacher Conversations a few times throughout the year. I made these generic so I can fill in the date and times for each student. I got 100 for FREE!!!

 This is the back! (I covered up my email and phone number).

This was the one thing I had to purchase to get $5 shipping for everything. I purchased 500 of these color business cards for $10 (thus the $15 total). I tried to think of something I could use year after year so I came up with this. My idea is to use it as a positive reward for students that have a great day. I thought I could attach it to a Dum Dum and send home with them. Do you have any other ideas I could do with it? I'd love to hear them!

 I got these address labels (140) to put on those "nameless" papers. They drive.me.crazy. They were FREE.

I also got these address labels (with my phone and school email that I covered up) to attach to welcome letters so that parents have a reminder of how to reach me. They were 140 for FREE.

I got this letterhead too for FREE.

My husband is a self-employed home builder with this own company. I also got him a pen, sticky notes, notepad, and something else that I cannot even remember with his logo on it for FREE.
How excited am I? I cannot wait to get it all. I also cannot wait to get on there again and buy get more things! What have you purchased got for free?

7 comments Tags: shopping

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Shopping Problem

So...I admit...I have a shopping problem. For myself, my daughter, and my classroom! This is my 10th year. You would think by now that I wouldn't need anything, but I am positive I absolutely need these things.
I found these for $1 at Dollar Tree. I really wish they had the other colors that we learn. Thought of getting more and spray painting but decided against it. **Those white stickers come off.

Here is what I got at the Target Dollar section. I got these for storage. I'm going to use the vertical bins to re-organize my read-alouds. I got that idea from one of the blogs I've been stalking. I am using the flat bins for each of my 4 tables (red, blue, green, yellow). These were technically $2.50 each but compared to Really Good Stuff (which I LOVE), it's a deal!

I got these erase boards and erasers for name practice. I will use the number and ABC puzzles with struggling kiddos and the sign language erasers for pointers in reading groups!

I plan on using the ABC stickers for different things. I would like to put them on dice and have students roll them to make words??? Not sure yet but for a dollar, who can pass that up?? The certificates and bookmarks I use as rewards for reaching benchmarks in Headsprout. I did this last year and they LOVED it.

I got these Dr. Seuss items to give as gifts on Read Across America Day! I'm thinking ahead!

My Target also had a small teacher section with everything priced at $2.50. I found this Smart Cookies bulletin board kit. It is huge!

I also found these cute holiday window clings!

Once I left I wondered if I was the only person who could spend $60 in the Dollar Section at Target, but then my teaching partner spent $90 so I figure I'm good! :) In her defense...this is her 2nd year! :) 

8 comments Tags: shopping

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