DIY Craft: Washi Tape Easter Baskets

The warm weather today was so awesome! I'm SO READY for Spring! I'm also ready for Easter and the fun Easter/Spring colors. I'm tired of the gray around here!

Here's an adorable craft that I found on Catch My Party for your Easter table: Washi Tape Easter Baskets!

What is washi tape?!

Washi tape explained from SheKnows...

The best way we can describe washi tape is that it feels like masking tape — very, very pretty masking tape. It's made of paper, but is not as delicate as you would expect. Plus, it comes in patterns and designs that will make even the most dedicated crafters swoon and varying widths to allow you to create some fun and intricate washi tape designs.

Washi tape is typically made from natural fibers, such as bamboo or hemp, but most commonly from the bark of trees that are native to Japan — the mulberry, the mitsumata shrub or the gampi tree. Most washi tapes are strong (as strong as duct tape in some cases!) and functional as well as pretty, making them wonderful for both everyday and decorative use.

Washi tape can be found at Staples, Office Max, Michaels, Target... it's all over the place now! The patterns are amazing and make crafting so much fun!

Materials needed:

-Water bottles/Soda bottles

-Washi tape

-Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut your bottle to the size you want the basket.

2. Make your handle (Catch My Party recommends using two people and measuring both sides so they're equal.) 

3. Start your washi tape pattern around the basket.

4. Decorate with some Easter grass and fill with chocolates and jelly beans!

I love that these are small enough to fit at each place setting at the dinner table. They're also an adorable craft to make for grandparents, teachers, friends, etc. 

Teachers, this one's for you!

It's been one of those weeks...already.  I'm not really sure if it is because our state assessments begin on April 1st, or if pressure is mounting to get everything done before June, but everyone is feeling it. We had a faculty meeting today, and everyone, regardless of what grade they teach just feel like our plates are literally overflowing.  With all the new programs, mandates, more to do-with less help, We're just spread too thin.  I jokingly feel like I need a secretary just to keep up with paperwork!

Enough complaining.  I had to find something to turn my mood around.   I came home and the link to Technology Tailgate's latest blog post was on SoulPancake's news feed on Facebook. The writer of Technology Tailgate decided that it was time to give her students a pep talk!  Not for nothing...I need a pep talk!  There's really no one better than Kid President to give a pep talk.  She showed the following video to her class to get them going.  I'm pretty sure that Room 113 will be viewing this video tomorrow...and many more days leading up to "THE TEST."

Watch and enjoy:

So then I said to myself...we all need to remind ourselves of the point of our jobs...why we get up every morning and do what we do.  There's so much more to our profession than data, interventions, and completing hours of paperwork to justify that a student needs support.  You and I were born with intuition...a way to see into a child's learning and know when they are struggling.  We all know that we shouldn't have to stand on our heads, and explain every which way from now until 3 years from now that a kid is struggling.  We were trained to see into a child's core and know when they get it, and when they don't.

I searched even more, and found this incredible, uplifting video of a teacher named Rita Pierson.  Ms. Pierson passed away, but she left an imprint on the hearts of many students.  Thankfully, this incredible speech she gave for TED has been saved for all of us to see.  If you're having a tough day, week, or even year, just watch this to remind yourself of why you give, and give, and give for 180 days or more, of the school year.  Year after year.  It's because you believe in your students....and honestly, you believe in yourself.  If you didn't you wouldn't be reading this right now.  

I'll leave you with the words of Ms. Pierson tonight.  "Kids don't learn from people they don't like."  Well, teacher.  If your kids are learning, they like you!

"Teachers become great actors and great actresses. … We come to work when we don't feel like it, and we're listening to policy that doesn't make sense — and we teach anyway." --Rita Pierson

5 Words, 5 Thoughts, 5 Posts, 5 Things

Amanda and I participate in three link parties each week. Through this experience, I've really enjoyed exploring other blogs that participate alongside us. The idea that the blogging world is HUGE becomes more and more apparent as I find and read more blogs; there are so many amazing people out there with unbelievable talents and stories to share.

I stumbled upon This Life That I Love blog through Lauren Elizabeth's High Five for Friday link party and I admired the way that she wrote about her week. I look forward to reflecting on the personal highlights of my week each Friday, but I'm inspired to try out the structure that she uses for her Friday post tonight.

5 Words: Feeling accomplished with my students. My students are presenting their Future City projects in front of a judging panel this week (administrators and upper grade teachers). They've worked on these projects for the past few months and the sense of pride and accomplishment is contagious in my classroom. We have an exciting yet stressful week ahead!


5 Thoughts: 
#Spring forward problems = waking up this morning was really hard!
#I hope the big storm coming this week isn't snow.
#How is it March already? Countdown is on for June! Bring it on!!
#Feeling overwhelmed with the NYS test coming in 2 1/2 weeks.
#The Bachelor was gross tonight.


5 {Flashback} Posts I wrote:
*Almost 1 week of blogging! I still completely agree with all nine things I said in week one.
*Lucky seven the whole way home. It's insane how cold this winter has been. The little spurts of "warm" days have been great. I'm so looking forward to spring and summer weather.
*High Five for Friday: The Science of Happiness. Favorite video and favorite experience with my students so far this year.
*Photo DIY Craft: Wooden Polaroid Gift Set. I love these! I found a new craft to try out with them. More details to come soon.
*Check out the Cartwheel App for Target. I didn't make my routine weekend visit, but I did find some great deals on the app. Check it out, if you haven't already!


5 Posts I Read:
-One Little Word from the blog: Dream Big Little One. I fell in love with this blog. The owner of the blog, Leslie, has a one year old daughter, Lilah, who was born with dwarfism. She's SO beautiful. Check her out!
-Stop a Cold in its Tracks from the blog: I Think We Could Be Friends. Who knew!? So interesting!
-News! from the blog Tattered to Taylored. I love her DIY stuff, her recipes, and her new loft!
-The Little Things from the blog For The Love of Decorating. I really fell in love with these carpets, the chevron blanket, and adorable bin.
-30 by 30 from the blog We Took the Road Less Traveled. I love her bucket list for 30 by 30. Amazing blog too!


5 Things to Check Out:
*skillshare
*new books from Barnes & Noble
*socrative app
*new Spring outfits at Loft
*blogher

Spring Fashion: Lauren Conrad

I don't know about you, but I love shopping in any season, but spring is an exciting season to shop for.  You can use your winter wardrobe to layer on top of lighter clothing.  Recently, I have begun to follow Lauren Conrad's blog.  I love the topics that she covers, especially her fashion and DIY ideas! If you haven't checked it out yet, you really should.  She has great fitness suggestions, too!

Lauren is also an exclusive fashion designer for Kohl's.  You may remember her from Laguna Beach and the Hills on MTV.  I decided to show you some of her newest styles that she's added to her collection!  I gave up shopping for Lent, but I'm hoping by the time Easter rolls around, some of these gorgeous pieces will be on sale!

Take a look!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that cream dress with the black flowers!

Head to Kohls to get your LC Lauren Conrad Collection for Spring 2014!

Beauty Obsession: Shellac Manicures

I. Love. Them. Gel Manicures. Shellac Manicures. UV Gel Manicures.  Whatever you want to call them, I'm completely hooked.  These manicures last for up to two weeks, rarely chip, and hold their shine for the entire time you have the shellac on.  You don't have to have fake nails attached, the gel and color are painted right onto your nails.  The best part about this manicure is that there is zero drying time after the manicure.  It is a little bit more expensive than your usual, basic manicure, but I promise you, this one is worth it.

I decided to give you some springtime inspiration for these manicures tonight!  Check them out!

Dawn and I are taking part in the "Be.YOU.tiful Lifestyle Link Party" this week. 

Click over to Fry Sauce and Grits to read more!

MUST SEE Hair Tutorial Videos!

One of my most favorite blogs is The Small Things Blog. You'll find that we listed it as one of the "blogs we love" on our sidebar to the right. I found this blog about six months ago and have been following ever since. Kate, owner of the The Small Things Blog, writes about hair, fashion, beauty products, crafts, food, and most recently, baby stuff, because she just had a baby! Kate became most well-known for her "how-to" videos on YouTube about various hair styles. She was a hair stylist before entering the blog world full-time. Kate has over 167,000 followers on YouTube and many more followers on her blog. She's amazing!

I love Kate's hair tutorial videos because they're super easy to follow! I've tried a few styles and will be trying more in the near future. Be sure to check out her blog and her YouTube channel for more. They're all so awesome! Here are three of my favorites:

Amanda and I are taking part in the "Be.YOU.tiful Lifestyle Link Party" this week. Click over to Fry Sauce and Grits to read more!

Photo Book Reviews & Amazing PHOTO DEALS: Buy One Photo Book, Get TWO FREE!

A few weeks ago, I blogged about my photo book journey. I created four photo books and received them in the mail this past week. As promised, here's a quick review of each company: Shutterfly, Snapfish, and My Publisher.

Shutterfly:

Process (use of templates and ease of use): I used the custom path to design my own pages. Easy to navigate and upload photos. Great preview button at the end with high resolution display, allowing you to see exactly how it will look when  printed.

Print quality: Excellent! Shutterfly has set a very high standard among online photo books. They always live up to their expectations. 

Speed of service: Shutterfly is great at printing and shipping very quickly. This was printed within two days and shipped to me within five days, as I used free shipping. It arrived earlier than expected.

Other benefits (discounts): Who doesn't love the Shutterfly discounts? There's always a sale! I purchased this during a 50% off sale. 

Side note: The cover of my book had a misprint in the title. After a few minutes on the phone, they printed me a new one and sent it next-day shipping, all free of charge. 

My Publisher:

Process (use of templates and ease of use): You'll download their free photo book application software. It's easy to use and rich in features. 

Print quality: Excellent! You'll die when you receive this book in the mail. I nearly did! It's the MOST gorgeous photo book I've ever made. It has a book jacket which makes it polished, clean, and elegant. I like to compare the end product to a coffee table book that exhibits your photos and artwork. I recommend you taking advantage of the sale mentioned in the picture above - if you can combine it with the new member deal, you've scored an amazing deal! 

Speed of service: It took a few days for printing to happen and then up to a week for delivery. It was worth the wait! 

Other benefits (discounts): Special offer for new members... buy one book, get one FREE! You'll receive a copy of the book you made; you can't create a  new book, so choose wisely! As you checkout, they also offer many add-on's at a discounted rate. I was able to add on pretty end sheets and super gloss printing.  

Snapfish:

Process (use of templates and ease of use): Even with the custom route, it guides you step-by-step through the process. Easy to navigate and upload photos. Themed pages are a cute option!

Print quality: Excellent! I was surprised at how great the quality was!

Speed of service: Out of these three companies, this one was the fastest with printing and shipping. I received an email within 24 hours.

Other benefits (discounts): I've noticed that Snapfish also has great sales all the time! I didn't purchase this photo book on sale, but I did receive free shipping. Check out the sale below... Buy one photo book, get TWO FREE! You can receive up to three different photo books. Deal of the century! Jump on it! :-)