Dollar Store Lovin'

If you are a substitute teacher or a new teacher, you are probably broke and trying to stretch every paycheck. I'm with you and that is why I have fallen in love with the dollar store. Did you know that most of the products at the dollar store are priced at 70% less than drugstores and super markets?! Now some things are worth buying and some are not. I've done some research and compiled a list of things to BUY and SKIP that will help you in your classroom and your home.

BUY:
- Containers. This really is a no brainer folks. The dollar store sells a variety of containers from plastic, glass, to fabric lined. This is a great deal when you have to buy one for every student in your class. These can be used to store folders, supplies, books, etc. The dollar store will also carry containers to go with the seasons and holidays. 

- Shampoo. Now this I really didn't believe but according to Consumer Reports, spending money on expensive shampoos does not improve hair any better than cheap store-brand shampoos. The only difference you will notice is the smell will not be as strong but your hair will be just as clean. Many dollar stores are carrying name brands like L'Oreal, Pantene, and Suave. 

- Party Supplies. How many times do you reuse your party supplies for each themed party you have? That's right - never. The quality of materials may not be as great but it all looks the same and will last through out the entire party. 

- Frames. Again, the quality will not be the same but they are just as cute and functional. You can spray paint them to make them any color you wish!

- Teacher Supplies. From stickers to pocket charts, I've seen it all at the dollar store. 

SKIP:
- Paper Products.  You're going to get what you paid for here. Poor quality napkins that rip and you'll end up using double or triple the sheets/towels. Not worth it. 

- Pet Food. The knock off brands might not use the same ingredients and make your furry friends sick. It isn't worth the risk.

- Oven Mitts. I'm speaking from experience when I say SKIP THIS ITEM. They are not made with the same material and are a lot thinner. It will not do the job of keeping out the heat. And as they say..If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. 

Happy Thrifty Shopping!      

 
  

 

So you have a job interview...

You've gotten past the sheer excitement at the fact that you have secured yourself a job interview in this competitive field of teaching....NOW WHAT?! Don't panic. I've put together some great resources to help.

1. The Corner Stone For Teachers 

The link will lead you to interview tips as well as suggestions on how to answer. 

A great page for a quick refresher. 

2. TeachWNY

This article is from 2010 but I still think the advice is relevant. 

More great resources are listed at the bottom of their page. 

3. Ace your Teacher Interview: 149 Fantastic Answers to Tough Interview Questions

I saw this book on Pinterest and  checked it out online. It has a lot of great reviews. I was able to order it on half.com for about $8.50 and should be getting it delivered in the next two weeks.(I wasn't able to get it right on my Nook- sad face) I'll read and keep you updated on this one, it looks promising.

Recite This

I just heard about this fantastic website while listening to a radio station. It's called ReciteThis.Com. The website allows you to enter any quote or saying you would like and it creates these beautiful prints for you! Use it to make signs for your classroom, inspirational quotes to frame, or desktop backgrounds. Below is my creation.

www.recitethis.com

Storage Ideas

Sometimes as teachers we feel like hoarders - here are some great storage ideas to store all our "stuff": 

1. Storage Seat Crates

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2. Storing Clipboards

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3. Lazy Susan

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4. Storing little things

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5. Storing things by month

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DIY: Mod Podge

I've really been on a craft kick lately and I don't I hate it. I chose to mod podge. I mod podged (yes, I will use this as a verb) when I was a kid but I hadn't done it in a long time. I didn't realize just HOW easy it is!

I went out to Michael's to get my materials:

I found a wooden letter (my first initial), some scrap book paper. This was a pack of 24 sheets with different prints all in the same color scheme, and MOD PODGE (I hear angels singing whenever I say the words). Just like the spray paint there are different finishes for Mod Podge. I chose satin to give my finished pieces some sheen to them. There was also Matte (would give you a flat finish), Paper, even Sparkle! This also came as a spray paint. For smaller pieces I would recommend the bottle of glue like I used. You won't have the fumes so you can do it inside without passing out or losing brain cells.

With my materials in hand and Oprah's Next Chapter with Carrie Underwood on the television I was ready to get started.

Since the letter C is curved I decided to cut my scrap book paper into 2 inch pieces and strategically laid them on the wood. With a sponge brush you slather the glue onto the wood and place your paper where you want it. I let that take some time to dry (maybe 10 minutes) then I cut around the perimeter of my letter. When that was finished I painted the Mod Podge on the outside of the letter and over the paper. This hardens and gave it a nice shine.

After my night of Mod Podging complete I had finished clothes pins, my big letter C and an iPhone case. I simply covered an old one I had gotten from Five Below. Yay for recycling!!!