Art Fire

I was doing a search for jewelry making and stumbled upon Art Fire. It's similar to Etsy. They have a short video explaining the differences. I think it's great there's another option. More to shop for too. Here are a few things I copied for you to see.

This plate is darling. Very blog landish. Is that a word? LOL

Happy Shopping!

Overstock purchase!

I've wanted some good quality curtains for my windows in the bedroom. I wanted a white cotton panel. Nothing fussy... beachy quality if you know what I mean. My current panels are from Walmart. There's nothing wrong with them, they are not cotton. I wanted cotton.
I've never purchased from Overstock, but I took the plunge. I could not be more happy. I got these beauties for 25.00 a pair. A pair people, I've been shopping around and most panels are sold individually. Yikes. ( I must confess that I'm not much of a curtain person. Something I'm just taking the plunge in... I like good made blinds. ) When I opened the package I was prepared to be disappointed, but I wasn't. I honestly believe they are from Pottery Barn or some where similar. They are so well made and such good quality. Soon they will go up.
First I'm painting my living room. New furniture from Lazy Boy that I've been waiting for for five years. Yes, five years. Here's the link for the panels and a few more I think are great buys. The stripes are subtle.
Take me to these panels.
Pretty Black and White Panels.

I'm going to try some of the Nester's Mistreatments also. I have the fabric, just need to get the stinkin' living room painted first. LOL.

Fashions I Need...Want

I know I should be thinking about sandals. But I've wanted a pair of boots all winter. I love this pair and they are a great price. They are at Target

I really need and want this jean jacket. It's a great price too. I work in a school, and I never know if it's going to be warm or cold in my classroom, so I always layer. It's at Walmart.

I just discovered this Etsy shop called AdornMe Jewelry. I love this style and I really want these... LOL

• Several new white Ts.
• A pink fly away sweater, can't find one, but want one.
• Rain Coat, Lands End has a cute one.
• Couple new scarves to tie as belts.
• Jean skirt, again Lands End.

What do you need, I mean want for Spring?

Groundhog's Day

Well the famous groundhod saw his shadow today. According to ledgen we will have six more weeks of winter. Not surprising considering all the bad weather we have had up to this point.

Here's a link to an article and a fact sheet about Groundhogs. (Punxsutawney Phil)

http://www.joysikorski.com/how_to_draw_groundhog.html This is a really cute link on how to draw a simple groundhog. Really Really Cute! Also pictured below.

Happy six more weeks of winter!

Pretzels Please

As a special education teacher, I'm always looking for cute things we can cook. I found this heart shaped pretzel on Mayamade blog. Head on over on the link for the recipe. It looks like it would work well within the classroom setting. I think the kids would get a kick out of them, plus they are more healthy than other treats. We shop for our supplies one day and make it the next.

Cooking for Community Time

Here's a simple recipe that we will try next week. Here the link to the web site I found it on.

http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/Valentine-recipes.html

Love Potion Smoothie1/2 cup frozen strawberries1/2 cup frozen raspberries1 small carton of yogurt1/2 Cup ice cubes1 cup apple juicePlace strawberries, raspberries and juice in blender. Blend several seconds. If you would like a thicker smoothie add more fruit or for a drinkable smoothie add 1/4 Cup more juice. This is one of those Valentine recipes that can be used year round. Find more easy smoothie recipes here.

Busy Start to The Year.

As you all know the start of the school year is a very busy time of the year. Along with new students we had new email, new Office Word 2007, and a new IEP program. I've also started an on-line course at Ball State University. Yikes!

We are much more settled in the classroom. I'll be sharing photos soon. Now, with some breathing room, I have started to search for some cute art activities. I found a wonderful blog called The Crafty Crow. She features art projects for children and boy are they cute! So unique! Here are some of her current projects. I'm planning to try some of them in my room. Enjoy her blog.

Adult Services

My step-son is deaf and multiply handicapped. He is on a medicaid waiver. It has come to our attention that his health coverage will be run similar to an HMO. He must see physicians approved by the State of Indiana. The Arc of Indiana has information for parents and guardians. It a great site full of information. Check it out.

Handwriting, Why Bother?

In my opinion handwriting is very important for special needs students. It helps them blend into the general population if they can copy from a textbook or the board. (This is especially crucial in the secondary setting in inclusion classes.) "My Kids" are bright enough to know, when they can't do anything that the other students are doing. I don't want them to have that feeling. Confidence will empower them. Good handwriting gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. It enables them to write notes, sign greeting cards, take a message, and more importantly they need a legible signature to cash checks and sign other documents. Most of the parents I have worked with really value this skill also. I have been on the Internet looking at handwriting information. I found a very good check list, see it here:
Handwriting Check List

A Childhood Favorite

Do you remember getting this magazine when you were young? It's still a great publication. On their website you may order the magazine, and you may also sign up for free worksheets. Remember the classic hidden pictures? There is a link under family connection to get a free one sent to your email each month. My students really enjoy them. The pictures also spark a lot of conversation. Here's the link: Hidden Pictures

First Post

I'm currently under construction in the classroom and on this blog. However, I've found a bunch of great links to teaching sites and will start to add these to my side bar. If you know of a great resource please share it with me also. Please enjoy and I hope you find the links to be helpful.