Favorite Pins from August

Wow!  Where did August go?  Oh yes, school started, with all the busyness that brings.  My daughter is doing a little better sleeping than last week and school life is in a little bit more of a routine, which makes me much happier!  

This week, I've decided to highlight 5 pins (out of the 2.7K pins that I like) that I'm lovin' right now. 

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I know this is an idea that you discovered in 1992, but I need to do this.  I have two keys that look almost exactly the same.  It drives me CRAZY as I always try to use the wrong one.  I need to do this. 

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Obviously, it's still early but we've started thinking about Halloween.  My daughter loves butterflies and princesses and this outfit combines the two loves.  I'm not a huge fan of the hat but think it's pretty cute otherwise.  Mom, are you up for making this? 

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I love mixing up how students respond to questions.  It makes life more interesting for me and for them.  I really like this idea of having some standard ways to respond that students learn.  I may change some of the ways a bit as we use some Kagan techniques but I like this a lot!

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 This entryway is so different than mine but I would like to add some of the touches to my entry.  I like the wreath on the back of the front door, the little decorative pieces in the hall intersection, and the design of the angled wall.  Sets my thinking wheels in motion. . .

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 I don't know why but I'm suddenly obsessed with the idea of Candied Nuts.  Although I think they are yummy, I'm not one of those people obsessed with them when I smell them at fairs or malls.  However, I have this idea that they will be so simple and great to make.  Weird.  I may make them and see how they turn out. 

I'm linking up to Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday. 

Notes from a blog reader

I may have started this blog in July but I am a longtime blog reader.  Let me show you how I keep track of blogs and what I like in a blog.  

I know some people subscribe to get e-mails sent with blog updates, some people just go to the website, and some people use other social media for updates (Facebook, Bloglovin, etc.).  I like to use the blog reader Feedly.  

Here is a really simple tutorial of it.  

 

That's it folks!  

Screen time picks

Earlier, I went over some of my daughter's favorite books.  Today, I thought I would turn my attention to her screen time picks.  I figure this can also serve as my memory book for her because I'm not so good at making her an actual memory book.  Sorry sweetie.

We both like PBS shows.  I have to say that I don't really know the PBS schedule but I'm fairly certain that if I turn it on during weekday mornings, something kid friendly will be found.  This helps me take a shower during the summer.
Our favorite shows are Daniel Tiger, Curious George, and SuperWhy.  I love these three because I feel like they help her learn about her world (yes, I know they don't replace a parent!).  She loves them because they are "so cute!"

We actually usually watch the PBS shows and a couple of others on Netflix.  When looking for logos for this post, I came across the post Netflix is my Preschool Parenting Ally.  I agree!  Tip:  remember that these characters need sleep quite frequently.  Whenever you don't want to watch them, just say they are sleeping.  You can even go into the parent's profile page and show they aren't there.  That confession should stay out of the memory book.

While kid shows are usually pretty short (especially since you can just watch part on Netflix), apps can be even shorter.  These make them nice for potty rewards.  My daughter likes Fruit Roll (she calls it fruit snacks) and all the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn apps.  If you have a child 3 or under, check out this whole line of free apps.  I love the entire Laugh & Learn line though.  We had/have the table, the piggy bank, the puppy sister, the house, and the car.  Now that I list it all out (with Amazon affiliate links), it does seem a little much.  Oh well, I have to say, they are the only electronic toys that we don't hide after 2 minutes.

 

Youtube is another avenue for short picks.  Good for rewards (for mom or daughter).  Here are a couple we enjoy (that also get us moving)

 

If you noticed, I didn't have a post yesterday.  I had been posting Monday-Friday since starting this blog.  I didn't have a reason really, just getting ready for back to school.  I'm sure my blogging will slow down now that I won't be hanging around the house during naptime. No promises or threats of blog posting frequency here!  

I'm linking up to Giving up on Perfect for Works for Me Wednesday because having these screen time options and the accompanying shower works for me.  

IKEA catalog love

Last year, an IKEA opened about 30 minutes away.  We haven't bought too much but I love having the option close by.  I like the streamlined style and cheap prices (but not always the cheap quality).  The Easter Bunny was kind enough to leave this for my daughter. 

Only $10!

So when I Heart Organizing did an annual post about the new catalog, I wanted to join!  Some of the things that caught my eye are products but some are just decorating inspiration.   

 

I think we will get this cheap watering can (99 cents) so my daughter can "help" me even more with our plants.  

 

I like this white and natural color scheme in this room-- reminds me of Montessori approach to education.  I also like the 6 small bulletin boards coming together as one.  

I don't like that pink wall but I like the idea of metallic stripes (especially the cheap and easy tape version).  

I really like the family command center in the background.  I like the ever evolving photo/gallery wall.

We don't have a dedicated pantry in our kitchen (we just use a cabinet).  I like how this kitchen "creates" one in a corner.

I really like the different areas of this room.  We have a large living room but don't use it anywhere near this efficiently.  I like the quiet zone, play zone, tv zone, desk zone, etc.  all in one room. 

Five for Friday: ILA week

For the first time, I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for five for Friday.  Here are 5 random things about my last week.

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Both Little Girl and I took trips last week. I went to the International Literacy Association conference in St. Louis to learn more about literacy. She went to Grandma's to make peacock hand prints and feed cows.  We both had awesome times. While I missed her like crazy, I was also glad to have a couple of days to socialize like pre-kid days.

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This was my first experience being at a large, international conference.  One of the things that surprised me the most was all the free goodies.  Scholastic had a large breakfast where we got a red bag with 5 books.  The authors of these books spoke about their favorite teacher.

See Jewell Parker Rose?  I now want everything that she has written.  She is that gifted with words.  I also want to give her a hug and tell her everything is gonna be okay.  I was in TEARS listening to her story.  She is absolutely amazing.

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Some of the speakers at the conference were okay, some were ugg, and some were amazing.  I was most blown away by Shiza Shahid.  I had not even heard of her before this conference.  Again, she has lived through so many things but has turned tragedy into opportunity again and again.

Maybe you have heard of Malala Yousafzai?  The girl shot by the Taliban on the bus for speaking up about girl's education?  Shiza is the one that runs her Malala fund.  She also has a passion for education and women's lives that just pushes others into action.

One thing she said really stuck with me.  I don't know the exact words but it was basically to choose one passion and make a difference with that one area.  Don't spend $20 on this charity and 1 hour for this one.  Really pick one and be the superhero for that cause. 

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I also got to hear some educational gurus-- Stephanie Harvey in particular was FANTASTIC.  That makes me super happy as I've been her fan for years.  I'm planning a whole bunch of posts sharing some of the ideas that I learned.  So if you are a teacher, start following or come back this week!  If you aren't a teacher, don't worry.  I will add some non-educational posts too.

What would you like to hear about?  My trip?  What I learned?  The speakers?  Should I share it all in a week or spread it out to one post a week? 

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Totally unrelated to ILA is my random cell phone troubles.  At the beginning of June, I switched carriers to Cricket Wireless.  I heard they were bought by AT&T and so had AT&T coverage for super cheap.  My husband and I pay $70 a month with taxes and fees.  For that cost, we get unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 2.5MB of fast data, and unlimited slow data.  We have been pleased with the service.

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The catch is the phone.  You have to buy your phone outright or put it on a crazy payment plan.  (Although you can also bring any AT&T phone over to Cricket since they are on the same network.)  At first I went with the ZTE Overture II since it was free after rebate.  I didn't have any real problems with it, though I thought the camera could be a lot better.  Then, one day, no one could hear me on the phone.  I restarted the phone and it went back to working.

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This week though, the power button broke.  You don't really know how essential a power button is until it's not working.  I downloaded an app that switched the control of the screen to the volume button.  I was still afraid the battery would die though.  While there is a manufacturer warranty, I decided it was more trouble than it was worth.  So now I have a Galaxy Grand Prime. Hopefully it lasts more than 2 months! 

3 Easy "Pizza" Dishes

 I don't cook much.   When I was dating, I waited for signs of seriousness before cooking for a guy.  After cooking my now-husband Sloppy Joes and some kind of pasta dish, he presented me a recipe to cook for him.  Apparently he was also waiting for signs of seriousness before this bold move! 

The recipe is called "Breakfast Pizza" but is actually more of a casserole.  He got the recipe from a co-worker after devouring almost the entire pan at a work function.  It's been his most prized possession since (slight exaggeration).  The eggs on top look weird but are really pretty tasty!   

Last fall, I saw a What's for Dinner? post at the teaching blog Ms. Fultz's Corner.  I often wonder what's for dinner because, like I said, I don't cook much.  I saw this recipe and thought I could make it.  It is so yummy.  I'm linking to the original recipe (click on the picture) and then posting my version as I make a couple of changes.  

I know that looks like a lot of pepperoni- my husband insists because when you cut it the pepperoni gets smushed throughout the casserole.

This final recipe is one of my daughter's favorites.  She likes to "help" cook these pizza calzones.  I like how simple this recipe is but it seems to take all day to make.  I really should make extras and freeze them!  I got this recipe from a great blog I follow- The Coupon Project.  They are a deals blog but post about all kinds of fun topics. 

Hope you enjoyed these 3 yummy "pizzas".  I'm a teacher and I made this in the kitchen so I'm linking up with Not Very Fancy.  I made all three in the last 2 weeks so I'm linking up with Monday Made It from 4th Grade Frolics.

Summer Fun

My daughter and I like to "hang out in the summer" (her words that probably originally came from me).  While that often means hanging out at home or doing regular errands, we also like to explore our town.  If you have a 2 year old, they may enjoy these things too.

Library-

If you have a 2 year old you HAVE to check out the library!  We love storytime as our library breaks it down by age groups.  We have a special 2 year old time-- complete with Ring Around the Rosie and a monkey puppet.  There is also an all age time with songs that is especially fun.  There are fish, and trains, and blocks, and computers, and sea urchins, and elevators, and stairs. Oh yeah, and books.  We love books. 

Riding the T-Bus-  

Our library is also a major bus stop in town.  What better way to fuel a little girl's love of all transportation methods than riding round trip in a bus.  Even though she protests at riding in a car for an hour, she just keeps repeating "Riding the big T Bus.  This is fun!".

Jumping High at Preschool Open Gym- 

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Our Rec Center has a gymnastics room.  Twice a week, they open this up to preschoolers.  We like to go and jump on the trampoline, swing on the bars, and generally run around with the other kids.  I love watching Little Girl's confidence grow week-by-week.  She watches the other kids and then feels more and more comfortable to try it.  She hasn't gone on the high beam yet but I think we will need a gymnastics class soon.   


 Parks- 

My town has over 35 park areas!  Some of these are just a little piece of land with maybe a swing set but several have extensive playground equipment.  Right now we love swings, slides, and these teeter-tooter replacements that we call "up the hill, down the hill".

In addition to all of these parks, we have 12 elementary schools with playgrounds!  Some of these playground adjoin a park to make an even larger play area.  We live within walking distance of a school/park playground.  While the park playground is a little more 2 year old friendly, there are some activities that Monkey likes at the school playground. 

Nature Center-

 Just when you thought my town has incredible resources, I tell you about the Nature Center.  We go to the Nature Center almost every week.  It is like a mini-zoo (for free).  Our nature center has both ex-pets such as parrots, iguanas, and crows and wild animals such as bald eagles, prairie dogs, and oppossums.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of my town from a 2 year old's viewpoint.  What other ideas do you have?

*All graphics except the gymnastics one are from  mycutegraphics.com.  I didn't know about this great website until one of my readers, Mai from Dairy of a Grumpy Teacher told me! Check it out!