Are You A Winner?

Isn't it amazing how one can be so consistent with blogging during the summer and the day you go back to school, you stop.  Just like that?  Yeah, that's been me.  My last day of blogging was my last day of summer.  Crazy!  I'm hoping that my school year (and grad school!) doesn't get in the way too much with the blog.  Have any tips on blogging during the year??

Anyways, back to the real reason for this post!

A week ago, my Back to School giveaway ended.  There were a ton of entries - so that was awesome to see!  I wish I could have gifted everyone a prize, but that couldn't happen.  Maybe next time!

Here are the awesome winners of my three prize packs!  If you see your name below, check your emails - because good stuff is coming your way!

Congratulations!!

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The First Week Back and DonorsChoose!

Wow.  There's definitely no tired like teacher tired at the end of the first week back.  Or in my case, the first two weeks of teacher work week!  Crazy!  I haven't even been able to get in my room much, so it's still a mess - and we have a whole week of meetings next week...with open house on Thursday!  I just don't feel like it will ever get done!

But, anyways.

The main reason I'm here is to ask for your help.

I just posted a new DonorsChoose project.  I'm requesting listening centers (books on CD) for my fourth grade class.  This is not something that I've ever had before, but I have many struggling readers and reluctant readers, and I want to make some books 'more accessible' to these students.

Here's the interesting facts and breakdown on the cost of my project!  It's a good one :)

The project is over $300 worth of products that will help my students.  However, it has qualified for a half-off match through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  So, I only need $164 to completely fund this project.

BUT - as we all know, during the first seven days of a project's life, you can use the code INSPIRE for a match of your donation.

So, I a few of you can donate $5, plus use the match code INSPIRE (for a $10 donation), this project will be fully funded in no time!

Can you spare $5??  Can you forgo your Starbucks one day, to help a classroom in need??

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROJECT!

Thank you for your support.  Any donation is greatly appreciated!

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About Me and My Room (or not!) | Teacher Link Up

The first part of this post was supposed to be posted yesterday...but due to internet troubles and a storm interfering with my satellite internet, I wasn't able to post yesterday.  And since I don't have much to say about the second part of this post, I decided to combine the two posts into one!!  :)

Teacher: I'm a fourth grade teacher in southern Virginia!  I teach Reading and Language Arts to our fourth graders...and I love it!  This will be my third year at my current school, and my fourth year teaching.

Blogger: I've been blogging in this little corner of the world since July of 2012 and it's been an amazing ride!  I've connected with teacher bloggers all over the country and it has been fabulous!  I've learned so much and met some pretty awesome people!

Photographer: While I was finishing college up until the end of my first year teaching, I was also a wedding and portrait photographer.  I absolutely loved doing that, however, it was too much while also being a new teacher.  So, I put that on the back burner when I got my current job!

Traveler: I'm a huge lover of traveling!  My first international trip was to Paris, France when I was a junior in high school.  I went with the French Club and it was amazing!  I knew my international journeys didn't end there!  I've since been to London (twice!), Paris (twice after my first trip!), Rome, Amsterdam, and I studied abroad in Greece for a month.  During this month in Greece, I was lucky enough to complete my second practicum teaching experience!

Music Lover: I love listening to (and buying new!) music!  I listen to approximately 50% country (Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, etc.), 40% Christian (Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, Kyle Kupecky, etc.) and 10% Backstreet Boys (because let's face it, they are awesome!)!!

Home Owner: I became a first time home owner in October at the age of 24 and it's one of the best things I've ever done!

So, there's a bit about me!  Now, link up so I can learn more about you!!

Unfortunately, I have nothing to share for Tuesday's "Where" link up.  Boo!  Teachers start back in my division on Thursday - and we aren't allowed back in our rooms yet!  All I want to do is get my room together, but I can't!!  So, I'm jealously waiting around and looking at lovely photos of all of your rooms... ;)

Make sure you link up so I can see your room!  

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Taming the Pencil Monster

So, I'm sure we all have the same issue in the classroom. Last year, I was constantly losing my pencils. They just magically walked out of my room. And with three classes and sixty students, there's no telling where the pencils were going!

This afternoon, I sat down and taped up the ends of some of my new pencils. This is for two purposes. One - they are pretty and match my classroom colors. And two - I'm hoping these will be easier to see and won't magically disappear!

How do you keep in control your pencils?  Have any tricks that I can try?

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Meet the Teacher Linky

-- So, I thought that I posted yesterday...I wrote the post on the Blogger App on my iPad.  But, I realized today that it never posted.  Well, great!  That's the last time I try and post from there! --

I'm a little late to the party, but today I'm linking up with Stephanie from Flying into First for her fun and fabulous linky party!  I've been enjoying reading all of these posts - and just found the time to write one up myself!

Hey everyone!  I'm Sarah and I'm a 25 year old teacher, blogger, former photographer, world traveler and book junkie!  I'm a fourth grade reading and language arts teacher!  This will be my fourth year teaching, and my third at my current school.  My first year, I was a long term sub the first semester, and was hired full time to finish the year.  That was in fifth grade.  The next year, I moved to my current district and was hired for fifth.  The year after that, I moved to my current position of fourth grade reading and language arts.  I.  Love.  It!

These are a few of my favorite things:

reading, traveling, photography, watching reruns of Friends and Gilmore Girls, jamming to The Backstreet Boys, Target and Staples, Chick-Fil-A and looking at Zac Efron.

Yep, that's me in 2 seconds!

If you weren't a teacher, what would you want to be?

I'd go back to photography.  I used to be a wedding and portrait photographer, but stopped when I got my current job.  I'd love to get back into it - I just can't find the time!  Besides that, I'd be a professional traveler (that's a thing, right?) or interior designer.

Three little words that describe you.

Quiet (unless you know me REALLY well), fun and caring.

Finish the sentence, "_____ said no teacher ever!!"

I love working with data, instead of spending time planning a meaningful lesson for my students!

It's your birthday and you can invite anyone (dead or alive) to the party.  Who would you invite?

Zac Efron wouldn't be a date.  And I'd love to hang out with Reese Witherspoon.  And I'd want The Pioneer Woman to cater this party!      

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would be the title?

Beyond the Gradebook (duh!).  But seriously, being a teacher is a huge part of me.  But, I'm so much more than that.  There's so much to know about me "beyond the gradebook!"

You get to pick one superpower.  What is it?

The ability to grow money on trees.  Is that a superpower?

What's your favorite quote or saying?

I often have a 'current favorite' quote, but my all time favorite is "It's kind of fun to do the impossible!" -Walt Disney.  Another favorite saying of mine, and my 'motto' for the year (which I'm going to teach to my students), is "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you.  If you are determined to learn, nobody can stop you!"

If you had to sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

Probably something by Carrie Underwood.  I love singing to her songs!

Are you a morning person, or a night owl?

Between the two,  I'd say a night owl.  But if you want an honest answer, I'd say I'm a late morning-early afternoon kind of person.

What's your favorite resource that you've created in your TpT shop?

My teacher planner.  I created it for my use - and then listed it.  But it's a complete (and cute) planner with all kinds of helpful information and pages!

Share something we might not know about you.

This is totally random - but I've never parallel parked before.  Never ever.

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Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Toast

If you haven't heard of the pioneer woman, you must be living under a rock. So go look her up. Now. 

She has tons of incredible and delicious recipes on her blog. Including this cinnamon french toast. 

I shared this photo on instagram earlier. This toast was devoured approximately 49 seconds later. 

Here's what you need to make it:

- bread

- butter

- cinnamon

- sugar

Here's how you make it:

- butter up your bread

- mix together cinnamon and sugar

- pour cinnamon mixture on bread

- put bread in oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes

- enjoy!

You won't be sorry!  Trust me!

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My Journey

I've posted about it before, and I'm not going to go into too many details.  You can read about my weight loss journey on the "My Life" tab at the top of the blog.

Anywho...I've been stuck at a plateau.  There's been no motivation.  I stopped going to the gym for financial reasons.  All I do is make excuses.  Today, I decided to take a trip down memory lane.  Looking at these old photos reminded me of where I was and how far I've come.  I still have a lot to loose, but I've made significant progress towards my goal.

Here's where it gets real, folks.

At one point, I was 260ish pounds.  Shortly after the 2012 photo above is when I decided to start on the journey and a few months after this photo was taken,  I weighed in at 226 pounds.  Today, the last photo above, I am 180 pounds.  Everything I read says that my ideal, healthy weight is around 130 pounds.  What?!!  That means I still have 50 pounds to loose.  

Here's to gaining the motivation needed to get this thing done!  

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Back to School GIVEAWAY!

It's that time of year again!  Some of you have already gone back to school, and some of us will start soon.  Regardless, we are all in back to school mode - I'm sure it's getting crazy for all of you!

I got with a few other fabulous teacher bloggers to put together a giveaway with some back to school items that will definitely be a big help in your classroom!  Instead of having one large giveaway, I grouped the items together to offer THREE giveaways - which gives more winners!  You can choose to enter one, two or all three giveaways!  Good luck!

Here's the details on the first prize pack.  You can enter with the Rafflecopter below the image!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's the details on the second prize pack.  You can enter with the Rafflecopter below the image!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's the details on the third prize pack.  You can enter with the Rafflecopter below the image!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are the bloggers (with links to their blogs and the items they are giving away!) who are participating.  Please make sure to check them out and give them some blog love!

Heather at The Meek Moose - Winner's Choice ($5 or less)

Leslie at Fashionable in First - School Supplies Clip Art

Julie at The Techie Teacher - Using Key Words for Internet Research

Bonnie at The Cutesy Teacher - Back to School Homophone Task Cards with QR Codes

Karen at Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten - RAH! RAH! Read at Home! - Nightly Reading Recording Tool

Andrea at Reading Toward the Stars - Back to School Portable File Folder Word Walls

Nikki at Teaching in Progress - School Shapes: Creating Shape Pictures with Graphing and Writing

Carla at Comprehension Connection - Poetry for Your Pockets: Fall and Winter Edition

Rachel at Mrs. O "Knows" - Readers Response Sentence Starters Tic-Tac-Toe Boards

Alisa at First Grade Fun Times - WRITING Quick Write Bundle

Kristy at Kristybear Designs - Digital Papers: Primary Polka Dots

Sarah at There's No Place Like Second - NOT Your Average Teacher Planner: Rainbow Edition

Caitlin at Learning Ahoy!! - IEP Cards

Carmen at Tales from a Naturalista Teacha - Glittery Chevron Word Wall Cards

Alexis at Laugh Eat Learn - Dojo Dollar Pack

Jamie at Miss Math Dork - How To Be a Good Mathematician:14 colorful posters for your classroom

Erin at Super in 2nd - Winner's Choice ($5 or less)

Wendy at Get Caught Engineering - Get Caught Engineering with the Wizard of Oz: "Tornadoes and Structures"

Caitlyn at Fourth Grade Lemonade - Word Study Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe Homework or Centers
Sarah at Beyond the Gradebook - Back to School QR Code SCOOT Game

Good luck!

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The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen

*I was gifted a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.**

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen

Goodreads Rating: 4.08/5

My Rating: 5/5

Goodreads Synopsis: Emily must realize that her dreams didn't have to die with her first love.  When Emily Shaw, a young widow, learns that her late husband's last surprise for her involves returning to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, to realize an old dream of theirs, she reluctantly embarks on a summer of discovery in the midst of grief.  There, in the oasis of the beach community, she meets a host of townspeople with their own broken dreams and unexpected situations.  As the island citizens divide over the fate of the nostalgic bridge, Emily happens upon a man who just may be the one to restore her faith in dreams, hope, and even love.

My Review: The only word I have for this novel is AMAZING!  I started this book in the morning and finished it before lunchtime.  I just couldn't put it down.  Early on, Marybeth Whalen tugs at your heartstrings and pulls you into this wonderful story of lost love and new love.  I love the way that she has developed the characters.  I can't wait to read more of her stories and I definitely recommend you read this book now!

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Sorting through photos...

My trip to Europe was amazing!  I am planning to share photos here on the blog soon.  I've been at the beach this week - but I'll hopefully start posting some photos from Europe next week!  Here's a tiny sneak peek of our trip to London, Paris (including Disneyland Paris) and Amsterdam! 

Westminster Abbey, London, England

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Cinderella's Castle, Disneyland Paris, Marne-La-Vallee, France

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

My Rating: 3/5

Goodreads Rating: 3.64/5

Goodreads Synopsis: Jane Ryland was a rising star in the television news...until she refused to reveal a source and lost everything.  Now a disgraced newspaper reporter, Jane isn't content to work on her assigned puff pieces, and finds herself tracking down a candidate's secret mistress just days before a pivotal Senate election.  Detective Jake Brogan is investigating a possible serial killer.  Twice, bodies of unidentified women have been found by a bridge, and Jake is plagued by a media swarm beginning to buzz about a "bridge killer" hunting the young women of Boston.  As the body count rises and election looms closer, it becomes clear to Jane and Jake that their cases are connected...and that they may be facing a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to silence a scandal.  Dirty politics, dirty tricks, and a barrage of final twists, The Other Woman is the first in an explosive new series by Hank Phillippi Ryan.  Seduction, betrayal, and murder -- it'll take a lot more than votes to win this election.

My Review: I had high hopes for this book.  Unfortunately, those hopes didn't live up to expectations.  I was so excited to read this book after reading the synopsis as it sound very good - just the right amount of mystery.  Overall, it was an okay story, but I think where it missed the mark was in the details.  Looking back, I liked the story - but it was hard to get through for one reason or another.  It didn't catch my attention - I wasn't trapped in the story like I usually am with a great book.  This is the beginning of a series, and while the entire series might be a good one - I think I'll end up putting Hank Phillippi Ryan's books on hold for the moment.  These are probably great books for someone else, just not for me.

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Backyard Mini Redo

When I moved into my house in October, there was a large pile of rocks in the backyard.  These rocks are nice sized, and pretty, but I didn't know what their purpose was.  Every single time I cut my grass, I walk past the rocks and think to myself "what am I going to do with these rocks!?"  So, I decided to use them to make a pretty "border" at the edge of my deck.  This project only took about 20-30 minutes to complete.  I first put down the landscaping 'sheet' thing (not sure what they are really called), put the rocks on top and then decorated with the pots!  I've got more plans for this - but here's the start of what I'm doing!  Not a whole lot of work - but a much better appearance!

I don't have the before photo with me right now, but you get the idea.  It's the same as the after photo...just without the rocks!

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Coconut French Toast

In last week's Monday Made It post, I shared the coconut french toast that I had for breakfast.  Here's the backstory - and recipe - for this delicious dish.

When I make french toast, I always put a splash of vanilla extract into my egg/milk mixture.  When I reached into the spice drawer to get the vanilla, I instead pulled out coconut extract.  I figured that might be a good change, so I'd try out the vanilla instead of coconut.

Ingredients:

Bread (thick sliced bread is best, but I had to use up this bread)

Eggs

Milk

Coconut Extract

Coconut Flakes

I'm sure you've made french toast before, so you know the drill.  Whisk your eggs in the milk and put in a splash of coconut extract.  Dip your bread into the egg/milk/coconut extract mix and let it all soak in.  Put the bread on the griddle.  At this time, I sprinkled the bread with coconut flakes.  I love coconut, so I put a heavy sprinkling on the bread :)  Once I flipped the bread over, I added more coconut to the french toast.  Once the french toast is done, douse it in syrup and enjoy!

Pretty simple and very delicious!

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Monday Made It

Don't forget!  Today is the BIG TeachersPayTeachers sale!  Click on the image below to be directed to my store - I've got a bunch of brand new items in the shop that you are going to love!  And they are all on sale!

I'm not gonna lie.  I dream and drool while looking through teaching catalogs (Really Good Stuff, Creative Teaching Press, Carson Dellosa, etc.).  The reality of it is...we are teachers, on teacher budgets.  Can any of use really afford the nice things in those catalogs?  Not me!  So, I tend to look through the catalogs, make mental notes of what I like and maybe, just maybe, I can recreate something similar to the more expensive item from the catalog.

That's what I did for today's Monday Made It.

I've seen these punch cards and thought that they might be fun to have and use in the classroom.  I'm hoping that my students will enjoy using these as homework rewards - and maybe it will me more motivation for them to complete their homework!

So...here they are!  My homework punch cards!  Once my students fill in all the punches on the card, they will get a reward (which I've yet to decide on yet) and they'll get a new card to complete!

I made these cards in Photoshop and printed them as business cards with VistaPrint.  I got a great deal on the cards as well - I think I got around 500 cards for about $10!

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Sunday Social

It's Sunday - which means it's time to link up with Ashley and Neely for their Sunday Social!  These are always so fun!  I love reading everyone's responses to the questions of the week!

1. Gum or mints?
Gum - I like to chew gum when I get hungry and it's not time to eat - keeps my mouth busy while not loading up on calories!  ;)

2. Tea or coffee?
Sweet iced tea and iced coffee.  They are about even in my book!

3. Fruits or veggies?
Definitely fruit!  I'm a sucker for a yummy apple or strawberries!  In fact, I've been munching on strawberries and watermelon all day long today!

4. TV or movies?
Movies - I love a good romantic comedy!

5 - Candles or diffusers?
I like to melt the candle tarts.  I'm not a huge fan of an open flame in the house (yeah, yeah), but I love the scent of candles...so I compromise with the tart warmers!

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August Currently

Soooo...it was a blogging conundrum.  Do I blog twice today?  Or do I post Currently on the 2nd.  As you can see, the blogging twice scenario won out!  I couldn't NOT post Currently on the 1st, so here ya go!  I'm linking up with Farley's Currently!

LISTENING: Did you ever watch 7th Heaven?  Gosh, I love this show!  This is one that I wish was still on television!  I love the Camden family so much!  You've got to check it out.  I've been running through a marathon of this show lately.  I think I've watch four seasons this week.  Whoops...

LOVING: This summer has been incredible!  I spent a week at the beach, a week and a half in Europe, and am spending next week at the beach (again, but a different beach)!  It's been great!

THINKING: Since I'm leaving tomorrow morning for the beach, now would be a good time to start packing, right?  Well...maybe I'll wait until this season of 7th Heaven is over!

WANTING: Let's face it.  Everyone probably wants this one!

NEEDING: I had so many plans for school things to make and complete, however, the motivation just hasn't been there.  But, I'm going to need to be finding it soon...

Have a great weekend, friends!

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Five for Friday

It's Friday again, so it's time for some bloggy goodness and link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching!

Holy cow!  I can't believe that it's August already!  This summer went so fast!  But I'm definitely not counting it as over - I don't go back until the 21st, so I've still got some time!  I'll be at the beach next week, soaking up the last bit of sun for Summer 2014!  The one thing, however, that I hate about summer the most is the dishes.  I absolutely love to cook and I love that I actually have time to cook in the summer.  But, we all know that cooking typically requires lots of dishes.  And since I hate doing the dishes - and the fact that I don't have a dishwasher - means that I'm constantly debating whether or not to do dishes on any particular day...and since I've been in serious 7th Heaven marathon mode, it's pretty much been a no on the dishwashing!! ;)

I love to read.  At the beginning of the year, I set a goal on Goodreads to read 50 books this year.  Some summers, I read nonstop and can't get enough books.  This summer, I've read two books.  Seriously.  Goodreads says that I'm seven (yes, SEVEN) books behind schedule for my goal.  This must change!  Next week at the beach, I'm planning on doing some serious reading to catch up a little bit!  I'm currently reading The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan.  I'll hopefully be finishing this up today (I'm about 85% finished) and once I'm done, I'll post a review here on the blog!  Look for that next week!

I spent some time this week making some items for my classroom.  I had a huge list of things I wanted to make, do and purchase for my classroom...and I think I've only done like three of the things on the list.  Total summer fail!  I hope this doesn't mean that I won't be ready when it's time to go back to school.  Oh well!  One of the things that I made is this ABC chart.  I teach fourth grade and I've never put up an alphabet chart.  Oops!  I guess I kind of always figured that they knew the ABC's by this point.  However, I realized this past year that my students didn't know cursive, so I figured now was the best time to make sure the ABC's were up in the classroom, in cursive.  And because I'm broke (and cheap) I didn't want to pay for an alphabet chart, so I made my own! 

And I've posted it to TeachersPayTeachers!  Aren't they cute!  They are on iPods and will go great with my technology theme - and my blue, green, and purple color scheme! 

Click here for the cursive AND print BUNDLE!

Click here for just the cursive. (This is in the process of being uploaded!)

Click here for just the print. (This is in the process of being uploaded!)

I'm so thankful for good (teacher) friends!  I enjoyed a nice cookout-in (since it rained!) with six other teachers from across the county and it was so nice to just hang out and chat...even if we mostly chatted about school!  And yes, I did volunteer to bring watermelon to this cookout.  This is only so I can use my cute watermelon knife!  

Gahhhh!  I'm drawing a blank for number 5...so I'm just going to use this space to wish everyone a Happy Back to School!  

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