Classroom Reveal!

I'm cheating. I'MSORRYI'MSORRYI'MSORRY.

I didn't post yesterday so I am sneaking it in here too :)

Thanks to Amy Lemons for making this cute little background. Here's a little bit about ME (Shelby) - the author behind First Time Firstie.

Here's my lovely home away from home. My theme is bright colors :)

View from the door :) There's LOTS of good stuff in this picture. I have 6 tables (all color-coded). The back counter is full of toolkits for Writer's Workshop that students will use at their tables. There's also paper baskets which will hold special papers for our Daily 5 writing. We will be using Cara Carroll's Work on Writing packet so each basket will hold a different type of writing: letters, lists, stories and prompts. There's also the ultra important word wall and my GORGEOUS book cover banner. Wish I had a better picture of this! My mom is a craft goddess. Also, shoutout to Maria Manore for the AMAZING tutorial (or so my mom says - ha!).

This is on the direct left of the door. This is the library where students will pick their dessert books. We wrote our own classroom rules so I won't be having the cute WBT rules up anymore :( I still need to cute-ify our rules we wrote down.

Front of the room! Obsessed with my easel.

Yes, a close up was necessary.

My desk, organizers, and Leader in Me clipchart.

Don't mind how blank everything is. This would be the first day of school - there's more up now but still lots of anchor charts to make! Also, obsessed with my Big Lots containers.

Leveled library! Can't wait to put this to good use. The baskets above are for Writer's Workshop and hold rough draft paper, writing booklets, extra booklet pages and final copy special pages (covers, about the author, etc).

What do you think? Comment with questions about where I got anything. A lot of it is new and may still be available :)

Linking up with the Blog Hoppin' girls.

Happy Back to School,

Ramblings.

First off, how do you like the new blog design?! I'm obsessed. It's from the super talented Blogs Fit for a Queen. She's a dream to work with!

JUNE IS CRAZY.

Just needed to get that off my chest. I've been a busy bee since the day the bell rang on our last day. I'm finally breathing (a little). What have I been doing, you're wondering?

Working. I'm working with some special friends in preschool 3 days a week half days. It's a lovely change of pace from regular ed first grade. It's my second summer doing it.

Studying. I started my Master's. GOOD GRIEF, friends. Let's just be honest, I knew I wanted to go back ASAP because I'd be out of the habit of schoolwork. Holy cow! One year out and I am beat! There is so much to do. All the time. I've been working nightly on assignments and going a little stir crazy. But I have just two weeks left. Then I'll have 6 hours down and be even closer to walking across that Maryville stage (again).

Watching. Netflix is an addiction. I'm rewatching old seasons of Grey's Anatomy (because it's my favorite). And watched Breaking Bad. And I watched Season 2 of Orange is the New Black (AH-mazing). Now, I've started Scandal. HELP ME.

Spending. Friends, I have a problem. Sonic drinks, Mexican food, clothes, shoes, accessories and MOST OF ALL: teachery things. I have bought more books than I know what to do with. AND math games and borders and professional development books.

Reading. I love to read. Firstly, I read a for fun book: Girls in White Dresses. Friends, I laughed so hard I cried. This is a great book for all you 20-somethings who get college life to adult life. I'm also chipping away at my professional development books: The First Days of School (Harry Wong!), The Great Eight (Scholastic), Launching the Writing Workshop (Scholastic), Leader in Me (Stephen Covey). I'm also wanting to get the newer edition of Daily 5. I have the first edition but am liking the updates I'm hearing about in this new version!

What are YOU up to this summer?

Sunshine.

It's the weekend, friends!

One of my good friends Darcy nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award :)

The rules of the Sunshine Blogger Award are:

1. Post 11 random facts about yourself

2. Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you

3. Nominated 11 bloggers you think bring sunshine to the world

4. Make up 11 questions for your nominations to answer.

My 11 random facts:

1. I watch more TV than anyone I know.  I barely watch during the week and BINGE on the weekends.  I follow so. many. shows.

2. I am a first year teacher and my classroom library has over 400 books in it.  Holla at me.

3. Not that many people in real life know I blog.  Is that weird?

4. I could eat Mexican food every day of my life.

5. It really bothers me when my fingernail polish and toenail polish don’t match.  OCD.

6. I don’t teach special ed, but it is something I am super passionate about.

7. I still remember my locker combination from 6^th grade.  My brain is FULL of useless information.  Most of my friends know to call me for random facts or general things that they can’t remember (Darcy can vouch for this).

8. I love dogs.  Even strangers’ dogs. I feel compelled to pet random dogs in public, even when I don’t know their owners.  Sorry in advance.

9. Sleep is a huge priority in my life. If I’m tired, NOTHING will be accomplished.

10. I am the world’s meanest person when I’m hungry.  This is called “hangry” and should be avoided whenever possible.

11. I have a random fear of forgetting my debit card when I go out to eat or shop.  I will compulsively check my wallet to make sure it’s in there.  Did I mention I think I have a slight case of OCD?

Here are my answers to Darcy's questions:

1. What was the last movie you saw?-Gravity.  My goal is to watch all of the Oscar nominated movies before the Oscars – so far so good!  I only have a few left: Her, Dallas Buyers Club, Philomena & Nebraska.
2. What is your favorite Winter scent/candle?-Hmm, I’m not a huge candle person (sorry Darcy!)…but I love the smell of peppermint.
3. What is your favorite social media platform?-I love Twitter.  Sadly, I’m unable to live tweet from my job (as you can imagine).  But I love to catch up on news and occasionally tweet about my life (3 hours after it happens).4. What clothing trend are you most looking forward to for Spring?-Does it count if I say what trend I’m LEAST looking forward to?  Haha, say it with me gingers of the world: PASTELS.  No way, no how.  Seriously keep light colors away from my even lighter skin. Please.5. How are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions?-Considering my NYR was to not have one..I think I’m doing okay.  Ha! But in all seriousness, not that great.  Resolutions, like life, are a constant work in progress.6. What would buy if you won $1,000?-Is it sad that my first thought was “Pay off my car? Student loans? Oh wait, it’s only a grand”.  JEWELRY, SHOES.  A cute custom blog design.7. Where is your dream vacation?-Tropical cruise. London. Italy. Can my life just be like “Eat, Pray, Love”?8. What is your favorite thing you own?-iPhone.  It’s basically an extension of my arm.9. Who's show would you want to be invited to for NYFW?-Love me some Michael Kors.10. What is the meaning behind your blog name?-I originally wanted something that rhymed, but mainly something catchy.  Then it dawned on me that this is my first year teaching, first year out of college, a lot of firsts.  Lots of teachers call first graders “firsties” & I teach first grade so it worked.  It’s my first time as a firstie teacher J11. If you were in the Olympics, what would be your sport?FIGURE SKATING.  Obsessed.

My 11 Nominees:

I don’t even KNOW 11 bloggers to tag (this is really sad – I swear I have friends in real life), so if you are reading this, that brings sunshine to my world and you are nominated.  Tell me 11 random things about yourself and answer these 11 questions I came up with:

1. What do you love most about your job?

2. What's one accessory you can't live without?

3. If you could only eat one kind of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

4. Who is your biggest inspiration?

5. Where do you most want to live in the world?

6. What's your favorite pattern or print?

7. What's your favorite childhood memory?

8. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

9. What are your 3 favorite stores to shop at?

10. If the sky rained food, what would you want it to rain?

11. What is the meaning behind your blog name?

Thanks for reading this whole post :)

If you take the time to answer my questions, comment with the link below so I can read it!

Have a great weekend.

I just love love.

It's February, friends!  I am super excited for this month because I have so many exciting things coming up.  I am visiting good ol' Maryville (where I went to college) to visit some of my friends that still live there. I am also seeing with some of my close friends to plan a bachelorette party and bridal shower.  I can't wait to work out all the details so we can start planning for the bride :)

In honor of a new month, I'm linking up with Farley for February's Currently.

Listening: I'm always listening to Pandora.  At home, at school - my students even listen to classical piano while we have Writer's Workshop!  Pop Fitness Radio is one of my favorites!

Loving:  I am obsessed with Target.  I GOT SO MUCH STUFF TODAY.  I got some cute stickers and things for my kiddos to decorate their valentine bags with.  I got a few boxes of valentines for any of my friends that forget or don't buy valentines.  For my firsties from me, I found JUNIE B. JONES VALENTINES.  Yes, I am actually shouting.  I read aloud Junie B. almost everyday and she's become a class favorite (most likely because she's my favorite).  Look at these beauties:

I also found some gummy BRACELETS to give to the kids with their Junie B. valentines from me.  I mean what's a valentine without some candy to go with it?  Not to mention they are gluten-free (a must in my room)! 

I also got little bouncy balls.  I'm planning on getting some cheap Valentine plastic cups to put the valentine, bracelet and bouncy ball in.  For those of you who know how obsessed I am with Scholastic, our class order was enough this month to get coupons for all the kids to get a free book with $10 purchase.  Talk about spreading a LOVE for learning.  Okay, I'm done.

Thinking: I've gotten into the (bad) habit of not doing a lot after school during the week and figuring I'll get it done during the weekend.  Then I have mounds of things to do at home on the weekend.  Argh!  I need to come up with a better system.

Wanting: I am lusting after some Stella & Dot jewelry.  I need to decide what I want to get this paycheck and order it.  I'm wanting to up my accessory game this year ;)

Needing: THIS IS THE YEAR.  The year I'm going to watch all the Oscar nominated movies.  I think it will make it 100 times easier to predict the winners.  So far I've seen 12 Years A Slave, August: Osage County, Captain Phillips and American Hustle.

2 Truths & a Fib: I rarely drink pop is a FIB.  I get a large Sonic Dr. Pepper every morning before school.  I've become friends with the people that work there.  No shame.  I am fantastic at trivia and own an obscene amount of shoes.

Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me :)

Shelby

Things That Make Me Happy

Something you should know about me is that I love to smile.  Here's some things that I am loving lately:

1. THE BACHELOR.  Let's be honest, I've been watching this since I was about 12 years old (or whenever the 2nd season came on).  I actually almost applied for it this season (shh!).  I love the start of a fresh season, the predictions, the extravagant dates, the amazing clothes all the girls wear & whoever the current Bachelor is (except Brad.  I banned his 2nd season because I loathed him).

2. Being back at school.  I loved break, but it's definitely nice to be back in a routine.  I love to accomplish things/complete tasks so having a daily to-do list makes me feel so much more productive :)

3.  THIS. DOG.  I don't know why I'm so random & weird, but his face just cracks me up every time.

4. The fact that my new phone case came in the mail today!!  Which means I can feel safe upgrading to an iPhone 5.  Click the photo for the link to the site - it comes in 3 different patterns and is a STEAL.

5. This freebie from one of my favorites Cara Carroll:

I basically love everything she does & who can pass up FREE?!

6. This video:

http://www.amazingoasis.org/2013/12/restaurant-owner-with-down-syndrome.html

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a super huge heart for special needs.  This story is incredible and makes my heart happy :)

Here's to a great rest of the week - full of smiles!

Shelby

Memories & Resolutions.

Hi there bloggy friends.  While I am excited for 2014, it is slowly but surely reminding me how few days are left of winter break :(

This post is slightly delayed (which may or may not have something to do with the fact that I've been reading the Divergent series nonstop since the 31st) but I'm finally sitting down to write it.  2013 was an incredible year.  I am a little sad to let it go, honestly.

I'm linking this loooong puppy up with the girls at Blog Hoppin'.  I'm a day late, but this post is about my family & friends.  I might be cheating (SORRY!) but I wanted to first focus on the wonderful memories with my friends and family in 2013.

JANUARY began with student teaching in 2nd grade and my best friend's 21st birthday.  My other best friend & I made this beauty for her to celebrate some of our favorite memories in our decade long friendship.  Perhaps you've seen it on Pinterest ;)

FEBRUARY was my first experience with a holiday party in school (terrifying) & my other best friend's 21st celebrated with an out of town trip.  Here's the 3 of us celebrating:

MARCH was leaving 2nd grade & moving to 1st grade to finish student teaching, spending QT with my mom & my best friends' moms at sorority Mom's Day & celebrating my pup's 8th birthday.  Look at this angel face:

APRIL was celebrating autism awareness, becoming an alum of my sorority and spray tans galore (my guiltiest pleasure).  Can you even recognize this bronzed beaut?

(several seniors at our last Sigma Kappa meeting)

MAY was hard.  It was a lot of goodbyes: my first graders, my incredible cooperating teacher, my roommates, my house in Maryville, my sorority sisters, my best friends, my college.  It was my graduation, my brother's high school graduation, moving back to Kansas City, getting TWO jobs (Express! and a REAL LIFE TEACHING JOB) and subbing everyday.

JUNE was working two jobs, working retail at Express, working as a TA with some incredibly special kiddos and finding out I was teaching FIRST. GRADE.  Getting the dream.

(just some of the obscene amount of clothes from Express I now own)

JULY was working with NEW special kiddos, buying a whooooole lotta stuff for my classroom, crafting a whoooole lotta stuff for my classroom and setting everything up for the first day of the real world:

AUGUST was adulthood, the first day of school, saying goodbye to my baby bro as he left for Wyoming and countless nights working late at school.

SEPTEMBER was my birthday, BUYING A CAR, and still trying to figure out what it meant to be an adult.

OCTOBER was visiting Wyoming (it snowed), finally checking off my dream of seeing Wicked, celebrating Halloween first grade style & visiting Northwest for Homecoming with my best friends.

NOVEMBER was simple.  Not letting myself get overly stressed, enjoying quality time with friends & family and a whoooole lotta food:

DECEMBER was watching my kiddos perform at their holiday show, Christmas with my family and lots of ugly sweaters.

(I really have the most incredible teammates in 1st grade!)

(I actually do have other family besides my dog)

A great year that ended with a great night.  I spent it with some of my favorite people:

As far as resolutions go, I'm not sure I have one.  Maybe just to keep on keepin' on.  I want to keep staying close with my friends from college.  It may not be the same as when we all lived in the same small town (or even the same building!), but I think we can do it.  I want to keep staying less stressed; keep remembering that no matter what things will get done.  I want to keep trying harder everyday to be the best teacher I can be.  I want to have a great year.  Instead of a resolution, I guess I can leave you with this.  My reminder for 2014.

Happy New Year, friends.

Shelby

Christmas in Kansas City

Hey there friends!

I'm linking up with Michelle from Fabulous in First for today's Christmas questionnaire! Click the cute graphic below to link up :)

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?
Hot chocolate all the way!  Egg nog makes me want to gag - YUCK!  I'm not a coffee drinker so hot chocolate is my warm drink of choice :)

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa wrapped them at my house when I was growing up!  Santa was actually a very organized man and each one of us had our own wrapping paper.  It was always easy to identify Santa's presents because you knew which paper was yours :)

Colored lights or white?
Growing up, we always had colored lights.  I much prefer white - I think they are classic and beautiful!

When do you decorate?
I absolutely hate overlooking Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) so I can't decorate until after.  Usually it takes me a couple of days to get over the Thanksgiving craziness and decorate!

Real or Fake Tree?
Fake allll the way.  Real trees seem like such a hassle!  Right now, my tree isn't pre-lit but I'd love to get one.  It seems even easier to manage.

What Tops Your Tree?
An angel.  My Grammy always had a star on her tree and we always had an angel growing up, but I think I like stars a little more (oops!  Sorry angels!)

Favorite Christmas Memories or Traditions?
I always loved waking up early and waiting impatiently with my brother until it was a decent hour for us to wake our parents and sister!  We always go see the Christmas lights on the Plaza in Kansas City and I love that!

Do you remember your favorite gift as a child?
I don't.  I do remember begging for the board game Don't Wake Daddy and bawling my eyes out when the toy dad jumped up in the bed.  Haha!  I was such a strange child.

Do you prefer giving or receiving?
Giving all the way.  I loooove to see someone's face when I give them a gift.  Such a great feeling!

What is your favorite Christmas song?
I have several I like.  My ultimate favorite has to be Baby, It's Cold Outside.

Candy Canes.  Yuck or Yum?
YUM.  I especially love the white chocolate Hershey's Kisses with crunched up candy canes in them.  Delish!

Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Christmas Story.

Do you shop online or at stores?
This year, online all the way!  I don't know why it took me so long to do this.  Online Christmas shopping is way easier.  Plus, who doesn't love to see a package on their steps when they get home from work?!

Photo Cards, Letter, or Store Bought Card?
As long as they aren't accompanied by a bragging letter, I could care less.  Haha!  But in all seriousness, photo cards.  I love to see the pictures.

Hope you enjoyed reading!  Comment if you had any of the same thoughts :)

Merry Christmas,
Shelby

New Things

First things first, I've never thought I'd have a blog.  Full disclosure: I've been blog-stalking other people for over a year.  I have tons of blogs that I follow on Blog Lovin' but I've never felt the need to get my own blog.  Lately, I've been frustrated with not be able to comment on the blogs I enjoy reading.

Enter this blog.

Here's your intro to my life.  I'm a twenty-something first year teacher.  I teach first grade and love it!  I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and still reside here.  I love shopping, getting ideas for lessons/projects for my firsties and eating Mexican food.

I'm not sure how much I will even post, but if I get more into it there are some things you can expect:

-Reviews/opinions on Teachers Pay Teachers products.  I adore TPT and how easily I can plan using products on it!

-Ideas for teacher apparel.  If you're a teacher, you know what I'm talking about.  Fashion isn't the same for teachers; we basically live in cardigans and sweaters.  As a former Express associate, I feel it is my duty to make my school hallways a mini runway!

-A snapshot into my classroom!  I'm addicted to decorating it.  Don't even get me started on the obscene amount of money my OCD and bank account has poured into one room.

Overall, I'm excited for this new adventure with blogging (and being able to finally comment on posts!)

Gobble Gobble,

Shelby