Beauty Product Recommendations and Organization

Let me first start with a disclaimer...I am NOT a beauty blogger. This is not my forte- I barely can get my act together some days not to hit the snooze button 6 times.  I am not one to just walk into Ulta or Sephora and make it rain for new goodies. I actually have a hard time justifying spending money on trying new products. However, I have come to appreciate in my old age good, quality beauty products. Products that are as natural as possible and work well. So when I get a good recommendation or I find something that really works well I try to stick with it.

Today I am going to just outline a few of my favorite items I have found that I will continue to use as well as some helpful tips I personally use to organize as well! 

Organizing 101

 I recently did a purge of my bathroom and really went through every product and asked myself:

-Have I used this at all or even regularly?

-Is this a product I truly love?

-How natural is this product? ( I do try to stick as close to possible to natural as possible when I can)

-Is it expired and needs to just be replaced? 

Once I paired it down and had just what I wanted and needed I got to organizing it! 

Helpful Tip: Keep a sharpie in your bathroom and when you get a product that could expire, write the date you open and start using it. It helps me track how long I've had it, but also helps me track how quickly I go through certain things. It goes for makeup, haircare, body products etc! 

 I also do this for items in my kitchen (protein powder, essential oils, pantry items, etc- as needed) 

Now onto some recommendations! 

*I am not sponsored by anyone or anything- I am just sharing what I have found works for me and are cost effective :) *Pictures borrowed from google to show sample

You can get most of these items on Amazon or even your local Target, Walmart, Ulta, etc

Hair care

Revlon Hair Brush Dryer: Um get it now! It is perfect for shorter/medium hair lengths. I have never  mastered the art of blow drying with a round brush. I seriously think only the hair stylists can do it and maybe an Octopus.  This does it for me! It only takes me like 12 minutes now and it ends up smooth too! I don't have to use the straightener as fierce either-only really to shape the ends if needed.  I don't use it everyday because I am afraid of heat damage-even with protection. It does get kind of hot on the high level but also has a low and cool setting.  

Living Proof 5 in One: I actually love this for when I style and even when I air dry. I only use it on my mid-shaft to the ends of my hair. It helps add a layer of protection for drying but also keeps the frizz lower. And it smells good! :) I just pretend I look like Jennifer Aniston when I am using it.  

Body Care

Shea Moisture Coffee Scrub: If you like the smell of coffee and like to exfoliate your skin, then this stuff is for you! It is pretty natural and feels so good! It helps to exfoliate my skin, especially in the winter. It is small grounds so you may have to rinse the bottom of your shower after.

Shea Moisture Lotion (specifically Dragon's Blood scent)- I really like this brand, obviously. They are cruelty free, family owned, fair trade ingredients , and organic.  

Sulfer Ointment: My sister gave me a hint for this product. Love this for acne. I dab it on when I need it in specific spots and let it sit for about 10 minutes, wash off, and it really does help to dry up the spot and make it less irritated. I have even noticed that it helps either slow or stop the development of issues. I mean note to body- I am NOT 16 anymore....

Charcoal toothpaste: I can not say enough about this stuff! There are all kinds of products on the market for this, but I just love the ease of the paste versus powder. I seriously see results every time I use it. It tastes great (not that you eat it) and is effective! I don't use it in place of my normal toothpaste because it doesn't have flouride or cavity defense in it-it is all natural and I use it in the mornings.

Makeup

Again, I am not a full face makeup kind of gal- unless I am CosPlaying Wonder Woman or it is picture day at school. I typically only wear mascara, eyeliner, and some shadow. I don't own foundation. This is not because I have a flawless angel face, HA! I actually deal with adult acne-yay me. However, I just have never preferred having a lot of makeup on. Totally a personal preference. 

So these following makeup items I use religiously and they have proven to be worth my time and effort! 

IT Cosmetics Airbrush Perfecting Powder: I am loving this powder recently and will continue to buy it! I randomly happened upon it one day and thought I'd give it a try. I like that it is easily applicable, not heavy, but also has buildable coverage if needed.

Anastasia Brow Wiz (IT Cosmetics is a good dupe): both of these are awesome so far. One day I hope to get microblading done then I can really say "I woke up like this". Until then I like both of these- IT Cosmetics is a bit bigger width and is good for filling in. The Brow Wiz I buy is the smaller point and is good for outline and fine details.

ColourPop Super Shock Shadows: I just discovered this brand and LUUURRRVV it! It is made here in the good ole USA and the wear on these have been awesome so far! Not to mention the colors are poppin- even the neutrals are gorgeous! I tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to color. I like to say I will branch out and pretend to when I pin things on Pinterest, but let's be real-I am using the same color wheel over and over. ( the picture above is just a sample of colors they offer- if you go to their website www.colourpop.com they have a very large selection of colors.)

Tarte Paint Pot shadows: These bad boys (do you ever wonder about that saying, I mean why don't we say "these bad girls" I mean equal opportunity cliche sayings right?) anyways I digress. I like the fact that Tarte is pretty natural. Not a lot of added junk. They are pretty limited on colors for these particular shadows, however, these two below are amazing together. I get compliments all the time when I wear it. It is easy to apply (usually just with my finger) and it lasts me all day. (picture is not all colors offered) www.tarte.com

**Tip: I also use an eye primer anytime I put on shadow- it helps it go on smoothly as well as last throughout the day!

Eos mint lipbalm: Super exciting huh? I am trying to wear lipstick and/or colored lip shades- you know branching out. However, this stuff is great too! I love the flavor and it goes on so smooth. If you are looking for just a simple lip moisturizer this is a good one! I buy the two pack and keep one at home and one on the go! 

As always, I hope that you saw something that intrigued you while reading. Again, all of these items are things I have been loving for awhile and recommend if you are in the market.

Have a BLESSED weekend! 

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish  all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." 

Isaiah 55:11

Vertical Team Planning

I am going to jump right in today!
Horizontal & Vertical Alignment is the topic!  

What is horizontal alignment? 

Working within the grade level to align the content taught from one grade level classroom to the next (within the grade level).

Horizontal alignment does not have to stifle the creativity of teachers or even be a cookie cutter approach to teaching, but it for sure can lead to better communication among teammates/grade levels, ensure key concepts are taught in the classrooms, and allows each student access to the same content no matter the educator.  Horizontal alignment is naturally a bit easier to plan for (weekly plannings, ease of teammate access, etc).

If you are interested in how we horizontally plan long range within a grade level you can read about that HERE.

What is vertical alignment?  

According to Dr. Jason Perez curriculum alignment fills the gaps of learning from one year to the next. 

Vertical alignment can be daunting. When you are a grade level teacher, finding the time to jump in and study the grade level standards above or below  you can be almost nonexistent. I mean you are immersed constantly with planning for your own area and grade level. 

If you are on a campus that values vertical alignment and makes time for teams to meet consider yourself blessed. Carving out time to do this is essential and proves to provide gains for teacher's knowledge and ultimately carrying over to the students. 

Vertical and horizontal alignment are both pivotal in making sure the full picture is attained and students are getting the full scope of  learning from grade level to grade level.   

At our campus we have quarterly meetings for vertical teams (ELA/Math) to get together and work/discuss.  Today I am going to share just one way we provided vertical alignment for all teachers K-5 this year. 

Step 1: 

Choosing the focus TEKS

My IC partner and I pulled data for 3-5 to look and see which TEKS to hone in on based off of scores (lower performing). For ELA it happened to be the Poetry Reading TEK and for Math it was Geometry. 

Once we identified the TEKS we were using, we typed them up on one document to share with the teachers at our whole campus professional development day. 

Step 2: 

Whole Campus PD Day

All K-5 teachers, along with SPED and in class support  met on this day with us to walk through looking at the designated TEKS for ELA and Math. 

We shared the TEKS we chose with everyone and then gave each team a large chart paper. They had about 20-25 minutes to collaborate and chart out how they teach and assess that TEK.

Once the allotted time was up, we had them display their charts by content and grade level throughout the hallway. One team member from each grade level stayed with their poster to be the spokesperson. We then had them do a gallery walk to each poster within their content to see how that grade level teaches and assesses that particular TEK (we gave about 5 min per poster).

( I was not able to get pictures of all the math posters in time-sorry!!)

                                                           KINDER                                                                          

This is an example of Kinder Math

FIRST

SECOND

THIRD

FOURTH

 FIFTH

The teachers really enjoyed seeing how the TEK progressed from Kinder all the way through 5th and even gained new insight to how they can help support the grade level above them and build on the grade level below them. 

Fast forward two weeks later, we had a PDR meeting with all grade levels at their planning time to follow up. 

Step 3: 

Combine grade level assessments

My IC partner and I asked each grade level to submit a copy of an assessment they give in their unit addressing the TEKS we identified above. Once we received all assessments K-5 we made copies as a packet for each grade level to be able to make notes in the PDR. 

Step 4: 

PDR Day-Review all assessments

I mean who wouldn't want to analyze assessments with this spread ;) 

Day of the PDR we gave each team the packet of vertical assessments along with a pen that is their grade levels designated color. (EX: 5th grade is green, 4th grade is purple, etc) As a content team, they started at Kinder and worked their way through each grade level looking at each assessment answering the following questions:

1. How does the learning from this grade level support my students?

2. What gaps can you identify from grade level to grade level?

3. Is the assessment aligned to the TEK?

*note- all feedback given on each document was anonymous- the color coding was mainly for us as IC's to separate feedback later on. 

I really enjoyed sitting and listening to the conversations among teachers. We  had a lot of realizations and many compliments to the teams below and above. They were really able to see the impact of why vertical alignment in teaching/assessing the TEK is so important.

For teachers, when you are many times sucked into your own world and grade level it was an eye opening realization. It also forced home for us as IC's to be diligent throughout the year when in plannings with teams to continue to spiral and guide the teachers in creating/planning for their units. 

Step 5: 

Gather feedback

We will now gather the feedback and take that (again anonymously) to teams to help them tweak their assessments as needed for next year. We are making a goal for next year to do at least one PDR per month utilizing this same structure for the various units taught. 

Do you need more info or guidance on making sure you are vertically aligning? If you are in Texas here are two places you can go!

• TEA
• Lead4ward

I hope this helped even in the slightest! 

Have a BLESSED weekend!
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 
Galatians 6:9

Organization: All Things Kitchen (Tips and Tricks)

How many of you made a New Year's resolution to become better organized?  The New Year is a great time to reassess your surroundings, clean and clear out! Just something about starting the year fresh and re calibrate.

I am one of those people who has always continuously been a purger by nature. I'm pretty sure I came out of the womb organizing all the things. You may be laughing at that statement, but I am totally serious- it is ingrained in me. I have never enjoyed having a ton of "stuff" surrounding me (unless it is books of course). I feel so clean and free when everything has a place and when I can purge things that are not being utilized. 

Well, if you weren't born color coding and need some ideas and guidance on how to get organized then hopefully this little organizing feature will give you some inspiration and some motivation.

What's up? All things kitchen! 

Here are my go to tips when starting your kitchen organization project!

1. Start small- pick one spot at a time to tackle. 

I think what happens a lot of times is people get overwhelmed when organizing. They feel like they have to do it all at once. You don't. 

Choose ONE space to start with (pantry, drawers, cabinets). 

2. Once you choose your first spot, take EVERYTHING in that space out and lay it out so you can see everything you have. 

3. Touch each item and ask yourself some questions: 

-Is it being utilized?

-How often?

-Could I survive without it?

-Does it go with another item to work together?

If you determine you will not be keeping it, decide if it is worthy of trash or giveaway. (you will also want to have a trashcan and a box for donations close by when you are going through this process.)

4. Use bins to organize what is left. 

Once you have paired down your items, when you are putting your items back into the drawer, cabinet, area...organize it as you put back! One way I have found that really helps me keep it organized long term and helps me to always see what I have so something doesn't get "lost" in the shuffle of everyday life is having little bins and baskets. Organizing the left overs into these things will be a game changer for you I promise! 

So you may want to take measurements of your space to know how many bins/baskets you will need and will fit.

Don't forget- group like things together in the baskets and bins!

5. Add labels (where applicable) 

As I said above, I was born basically labeling all the things. When necessary color coding the labeling ha! Now you may not need to label everything...you will see in some of  my pictures I don't label everything, mainly because I can easily see what is in the basket and there is not a convenient spot to place a label. I do not have ANY positive experience trying to hand write my labels. Now if you have beautiful handwriting then by all means make it pretty! Otherwise, I either type out labels or use my Silhouette machine to cut labels. 

Pantry Specific: 

I have really found that once I have organized the pantry and created specific bins and baskets, when I go to shop I don't overbuy things. I don't know if it is a mindset placebo effect or not, haha...but I am less likely to shop for unnecessary things because it won't have a home once I get back to unpack it. I also unbox things that are individually wrapped. This helps to condense things and helps the items fit into the baskets and bins better.

These are just a few of my tips that have helped me over the years. You can use the same process when cleaning and organizing just about any space in your house! 

I hope you found this helpful! 

Have a BLESSED week! 

"Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

Place Value Drop

Well hello there people! It has been a hot minute since I have sat down to BLOG. True, sit down, and type it out blogging. I could sit here and tell you everything that has been crazy, but do you really want to know? Probably not. Totally okay because I probably would stress myself out too rehashing this crazy time in life, when I can be celebrating how blessed I am-no matter what! 
Think positive-live positive right?

So let's jump right in! This little post is all about place value. If you teach place value-specifically tens and ones, this game is for you! It also incorporates expanded form as well, so getting them to really count out and add the two places together. 

Materials needed: 

-popsicle sticks (small or medium) I used medium in my game
-sharpie
-place value chart (tens and ones)
-recording sheet (you can grab it pre-done HERE) (you can also have them record in their math journals as well. Teacher preference!)
-snack baggies to store the sticks

How to make:

*Using popsicle sticks (medium size is what I used) make ten dots on one side and one dot on the other. Do this for each popsicle stick until you reach 10 sticks. (that is considered 1 set)

 
* I store each set in snack size baggies and put in a tub for math station.

* Make copies of the recording sheet (double sided) You can laminate the recording sheets or put them in dry erase sleeves. You can also have your kids do it in their math journal if so desired.

How to play:

* Students get a bag of place value popsicle sticks, recording sheet and/or dry erase marker/pencil. In a handful they drop the sticks in their area. They sort the groups of ten and the ones. They write how many groups of ten and how many ones on the   recording sheet. Then to extend they expand it on the  equation lines below.

· Ex: 60+4=64

* They repeat this until time is up or sheet is full. If using dry erase they can erase and do it again. It can also be played with a partner.

Watch a quick video in action:

Want to grab the game resources? Click HERE 

See! Super simple to make and the kids love dropping the place value! 

Have a BLESSED week! 

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God."

1 John 3:1

Book Bites Episode 4-Not Yet

If you are just now discovering my little blog and have no idea what Book Bites is then head over to the overview HERE to get a background of this little venture. You can also view the overview video HERE! 

Now onto Episode 4! 

Not Yet

by: Lisa Cox & Lori Hockema

** The video will have more detailed information about all these ideas below- this is just a quick sneak peek**

Access the full video Episode 4 HERE or HERE

Overview: Lorisa faces challenges of her day with her younger brother looking up to her. She demonstrates what a growth mindset looks like. She has big dreams and an attitude of positive thinking that is going to take her into the future with all kinds of possibilities. Lorisa models that there is purpose even in the mistakes. 

Teaching points:  Growth Mindset, Perseverance

Teaching Resource Companion: can be found HERE on my TPT store

Here are some examples of this sweet book in action!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook to get notifications of when new Book Bites Episodes are happening! You can also access all of them on my YouTube channel!

Have a BLESSED week!

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 
Romans 12:12

Expo Back to School Gift Tags

We are not quite back to school yet, however, we are so close I can smell the crayons! If you are looking for a fun and easy little B2S gift for some coworkers then I have got you covered! 

Materials:

-Expo markers

-Ribbon

-FREE tags here

So the great thing about this little gift is you get to decide how over the top you want to be. If you have more people to shop for and you are on a budget you can divide up the expo packages or give someone a whole package! Totally your call! 

 Here is an up-close look at one of the tags! 

Each tag has a little open space to write something brief or just sign it! 

There are 3 different versions of the tag. 

Seriously that is it! Easy right? 

I hope you can find a use for them. 

You can grab the FREEBIE 

HERE

Have a BLESSED week! 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

Matthew 22:37

Trash Your Troubles-an emotional support system for the classroom

Are you looking for ways to promote a growth mindset in your classroom that will support behavior, promote positive peer relationships, and foster open communication between you and your students? Maybe you need a simple go between for you and your school counselor? Then maybe Trash Your Troubles is for you! 

What is Trash Your Troubles?

Creating a safe environment for kids is so important for todays classroom. We have fabulous school counselors to turn to that do a phenomenal job supporting teachers and kids daily!

What if we also helped in our own classrooms as well?

I saw this little trashcan at the Dollar Tree and the idea just hit me. 

I am sure you have heard of “burn” therapy. You write down your worries etc and then burn the paper essentially releasing it from you. Now I have personally never done that, but this idea is along those same lines.

If a kid is having something that is troubling them they can write it down, wad it up and throw it away in this little trashcan! 

Now this does not at all take the place of a kid seeing the counselor if needed. It would just be an easy way to sort of give them a therapeutic way to deal other than keeping it bottled up. Some troubles may be as small as “_____ took my pencil.” or as big as a true bullying issue that maybe the child is not confident speaking up out loud yet. This also does not take the place of the teacher being an active observer of your kids and open communication.

The kids can write their name if they want to so then the teacher can see who might need to talk or it can be just a quick jot from a child to release their thoughts. The teacher can check the trashcan a few times a week or as often as they want or need to.

Establishing a solid and trusting relationship with your kids is also very helpful and important with this as well. So the kids feel comfortable writing their name so you could help with any problems they may have or need to refer to the counselor.

You would also need to set expectations for when they can use this: not during teaching time, etc. As the teacher you could decide what works for you and your classroom. I would also recommend putting it somewhere they can access it easily but also somewhat private.

Just copy the template onto colored paper, cut and set near the trashcan!

The thought is truly to open communication within your classroom and include an extra option of having kids share their thoughts, worries, struggles in a safe manner. It might also be beneficial in that first step between you and the counselor if needed! 

Sound like something that might be useful to you? Go grab the template HERE:

Have a BLESSED week!

"Jesus never asks us to go where he hasn't been."