Kitchen Facelift

If you haven't noticed already, I'm a big fan of colors. Red, blue, green, purple, macaroni and cheese - you name it... I love it! I highly enjoy mixing and attempting to match random colors in my house to make a cozy place. Sometimes my "matching" doesn't quite work out, but sometimes it does!

One year ago at this time I was frantically preparing for my Masters graduation and prepping my action research presentation. After graduation, my plans involved packing up my apartment and heading 60 miles south to the lake. This year, I'm sitting cozily on my bf's couch watching daytime television. I'm highly enjoying the relaxing part of summer vacation.

One of my big projects for my newly rented house was a pegboard for my kitchen. You can read about my wild adventure purchasing, painting, and installing the infamous green peg board here. Let's just say, it was a challenge.

This summer, I wanted to add a little flair to my white walls. I stumbled upon a trio of adorable kitchen printables from Over the Big Moon. Now these cute prints are hanging in my kitchen. I am quite satisfied!

Be Grateful. 

Roll With It!

Click here to download the prints and add them to your kitchen! Stay tuned for another blog post today about a fancy wreath I'm working on. Happy Wednesday!

One Smart Cookie!

I was feeling a little creative today and decided to make another fun motivational card for my kids. I'm always telling my students how brilliant they are (because they are!), so why not give them a little card to make them smile? You can check out my Smart Cookie printable on my brand-spankin' new TpT account! Click here to check it out. My crafting addiction got the best of me, and I knew I needed more money in the bank to support my habits.

To check out the rest of my brand neeeew profile, click below! 

Happy Thursday!

COUNTDOWN: 11 days

Meet the Teacher night is great and scary all rolled up into one. It's great to meet the students and families you'll be working with for the year. Then, it's scary because you want to make a good impression and give those kiddos something to be excited about!

Earlier this summer, I found this idea that I couldn't wait to try out and share. But first, wouldn't it be great to win the lottery?

uuuhhhhhhh...... YES.

Well ladies and gents! Get ready.

Simply 2nd Resources posted this awesome idea for having lotto tickets for students. Of course, you can also find a pretty great how-to on Martha's website. Seriously, is there anything she hasn't tried?

Picture this: As students walk in I hand them a lottery ticket that they can scratch off once finding their desk. Not only will they (hopefully) flip out when they see their desk ... they will be equally excited to scratch off fantastic prizes! I highly anticipate getting the following responses from my students on day one:
"THIS IS THE BEST CLASS EVER!"
"THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!"
"COULD THIS DAY BE ANY BETTER!?"

You get the idea.

Of course, my prizes are the coolest and most original ideas anyone has ever come up with:
FREE PENCIL!
NEW BOOKMARK!
LUNCH IN THE ROOOOM!
NO HOMEWORK!
EXTRA RECESS!

Okay okay.. I exaggerated. They aren't THAT original. Pretend you're in 5th grade.

Moving right along...

I'm absolutely loving Love 4th Grade's blog because she has the best ideas to impact student learning. After all, that's what we are all about. Her post today was all about focusing our first two weeks of instruction on admirable individuals. I've been struggling (bummer.. I know) to find neat ideas to hook my 5th graders the first few weeks. Thankfully, Ms. Jasztal provided this link that got my brain rolling!

Familiar with these posters?  (pardon the pixillation! I'm not perfect, people!)

Of course you are! Did you know you can print these for free? Yep! It's true. Click here to access the billboards!

As a little treat for the first day of school, I downloaded this "Smartie Pants" printable from Beth Proud Foot! Prior to leaving school I made a quick list of things to pick up at Target. Guess where I left that list? ON MY DESK. I'm 0-2 on grocery lists this week! Anyway, the only thing I remembered at Target were the Smarties to make these treats. Guess what I left at school? THE PRINTABLE! That's when I know my brain had exploded and it would be an early night for me.

Hehe, Get it?

Or if real pants are your thing.. Here's an idea from The Inspired Apple!

Is 8:00 too early to go to bed?

FREE spelled backwards spells... EERF (still free)

Lately, I've been browsing Pinterest for classroom ideas. Because of my intense browsing, I've come across several sites offering free printables.  I know everyone speaks the language of FREE. Below you will find links to free things. 

But first... this hilarious video I found on Tunstall Times' blog. I know all teachers can appreciate its humor!

Now, some pretty great free stuff for teachers. 

Positive Thoughts printable for classroom (or maybe even the lounge!)

Subway Art for teachers. Browse this site for other great printables!

Yummy Treat Topper printables. The site includes variations for home and office. Great gift idea!

Keep calm? I'll try. Click here for printable.

This printable would be great for open house or meet the teacher night. Oh Boy 3rd Grade offers this great printable!


Next week, I'm going to begin tackling projects for my classroom. Including a meeting with another 5th grade teacher on Thursday! It's official.. I'm super pumped about this school year. Bring it on!