What I'm Wearing Wednesday ~ Interviewer Edition

Happy Wednesday!

I was recently on an interview committee for a new upper grade teacher for our building (the person who had that job was promoted to principal in another district-great for them, sad for us).

This was my first time being on the other side of the table, so to speak, and I found the whole process very interesting!

I also struggled with what to wear! I wanted to look professional, but it's the middle of summer, so it's also quite hot-I don't have many 'hot-weather' professional outfits!

In the end, (with some help from some insta-peeps), I decided to wear what I would wear if I was going to an interview-or just a regular day at school! ;)

Since we had two days of interviews, I had two outfits!

We did two days of interviews-so, two outfits! I wore the polka dot dress (which was the clear winner!) on the warmer day. #teacherstyle #interviewer #whattheteacherwore #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #iteachtoo

A photo posted by Smiles & Sunshine (@smilesandsunshineteacher) on Jul 27, 2015 at 1:12pm PDT

I did take off my school ID for the interviews-it's almost too hot to wear it!

I love both of these-the dress because it's easy, and the blue skirt with the black shirt because it's a little different-normally it would be a black skirt!

I also wore the blue and black outfit when I met with the superintendent for my current job-although I wore heels then (my shoe style has changed since then-and it's only been 4 years!)

I had fun at the interviews, and I enjoyed dressing up again-it almost makes me look forward to going back to school (almost-we have little less than a month left of summer!).

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

I haven't done any outfit pictures in a while, but I thought I would link up with Jivey for What I'm Wearing Wednesday!
Here's what I wore today:

I also ordered some dresses from eShakti-which is a really cool online store. They sell mostly dresses, but they sell tops, skirts and jackets as well.

I have a big birthday coming up next week-so I thought I'd treat myself! It is a little more expensive than I would normally pay (around $60-$90/dress), but they were having a buy 2 get 1 sale (now it's 35% off Summer stuff) (plus it's a BIG birthday!)

The neat thing about eShakti is that:
~Most of their dresses have pockets! (I know!!)
~You can customize your sleeve length and hem length for a small ($7.50) fee
~It's based off your height!! (a plus for shorties like me!)
~If their 'standard' sizes don't fit you, you can use your own measurements-again starting at $7.50!
~A lot of their stuff has a fun, unique twist-cool embroidery

My stuff?

As is

Sleeve: Changed to Elbow length Hem to knee length

Sleeve: Changed to short length Hem to knee length

I did have a hard time just picking three! I had my eyes on some others, but I want to see how this order goes-and how I like them!

I'm can't wait until they get here! (Estimated ETA: first week of August!)

*eShakti does not know that I am writing this-in fact, if not for my order, they wouldn't know I exist-I just think it is an awesome site.

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Five For Friday

Happy Friday!

I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for her Five for Friday!

Due to a fuel leak at school-no school for me today! I was only about halfway to school when I found out, so I turned right back around!

Happy 3 day weekend! :)

(Only now I have to go in earlier on Monday before Conferences start to neaten up a little!)


Last week we worked on some figurative language...the kids really enjoy it! Today we were going to do some poetry to go along with it...but it will have to wait for after break!

Because of Conferences on Monday, the teachers get together for a pot luck. I'm in charge of some desserts....so Fudge! (made right after I got home...putting that time to use!) Recipe here

And.... Chocolate Cheesecake! (Soon to be made!) Recipe here (I'm cutting it in half to fit the pie crust)

Outfits!

I've decided to show only outfits I really like-you've seen most of them now!

Wedding:

Dress: Kohls
Tank: Target
Shoes: DSW








Fun Jean Friday:

Top/Jeans: JCP
Shoes: TJ Maxx









Today's Aborted (You seriously didn't think I would stay in clothes....went back to PJ bottoms and a sweatshirt!- I'll wear this next week during our PD Day :)

Shirt/Tank: Target

Jeans: JCP
Shoes: Payless


Have a great weekend!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Monday Made It

Happy Monday!

It's time for Monday Made it with Tara

First off- I made it through the school year! (and getting a renewal contract-I loved not having to worry about looking for a job or packing up my room!)

Although my room looks sad now : (

So clean and empty!

I was also a busy bee this weekend as well:

That's 1 dishcloth, 7 flower coasters (one not shown...it's the same as the multi-blue/purple but with a bigger hook), and 1 star coaster.

Let's take a closer look, shall we? :)

I got the pattern for the dishcloth from this pin...It's my first hexagon! It'll probably be a gift for my sister-she's moving into a self-contained dorm (almost like an apartment) in fall with some of her friends...she'll need it!

These are for me! I'm moving into a better/nicer apartment, and I'm 'nesting'-although I haven't moved yet! The pattern can be found from this pin

These are the same as above-but with using some of my scrap yarn! It also sparked an idea for a blanket...

This is my first star! It's a little wonky-but at least it's recognizable!

Thursday's Outfit

Shirt: Burlington Coat Factory
Shorts: LOFT Outlet
Shoes: DSW









Friday's Outfit

Shirt: Maurices

Skirt: Old Navy (I found this is the store and loved it-but not in my size. A few weeks later, I found it at the Old Navy outlet in the clearance section and snapped it up!)
Shoes: Famous Footwear

Outfits will be a little more sporadic this summer...there are only so many ways I can style t-shirt and shorts! When I have something I think is cute, I'll share!

Yay summer! (Although I go back in 2 weeks for PEP camp-though it's only 3 days a week for 4 weeks!)

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Division

We have started learning about division this week in 4th grade. Before I share what we have been working on this week, let me direct you to:


which is a GREAT resource for math (and other things!!), and where most of my activities came from.

First off, we started talking about what division was. We made a web of the different strategies we could use to solve division problems, and put them in our notebooks.

Our Web/Map that we created

Notebook Entry

After we talked about the strategies we could use, I gave each student a division fact, and they had to create a map showing the 4 ways they could solve the problem.

I showed them an example...although I didn't do the whole array or groupings

 They did this on a half sheet of paper, and added into their notebooks, opposite the map so they had an example (and gave me a chance to see who understands it!)

We then talked about the different vocab words that will pop up while working on division-dividend, divisor, quotient. We used a foldable from Fun in 4B's Division Lapbook to add to our notebooks (sorry, no picture...I forgot to take one today!)

Fact Families were up next, and we discussed how the fact family can help you figure our the answer to a division problem.

This is where the fun starts! (and my original idea of the whole thing ;). I gave the kids a triangle flashcard (you know the ones I'm talking about!). I had them pick one side to write the fact family for, and then draw a picture and hide the numbers in their picture.

For the other side of the flashcard, they just created a picture with the numbers hidden in them. They then had to share it with a friend, to see if they could find the numbers, and say all the facts that went with that family.

Two of my favorites...so creative!

They LOVED this. They got so creative with trying to hide the numbers, and really did a nice job. It also reinforced the fact family practice and what they stand for.

Yesterday's Outfit(s)

Purple Sweater: Kohls
White Sweater: NY & Co
Tank: Target
Pants: JCPenny
Shoes: TJ Maxx

Again, it was warmer in school than I thought it would be, so I layered my sweaters...glad I did, because the purple one was on and off all day.

Those shoes are ones I got while waiting to meet my co-worker/friend for dinner. She had said she was going to be late, so I hopped over to TJ Maxx to see what I could find...only to find these cute shoes! (and I wound up being late...she turned out to be on time and I had to check out!)

So pretty and gold and sparkly...with a low heel! :D

Today's Outfit

Top Half: JCPenny
Pants: Gap Outlet
Shoes: Endless

I had a 504 meeting right after school today-so I was a little dressier with the accessories than I normally am. Fortunately, it went quickly and well (under 20 minutes!), and I know that for the future, this kid will get everything he needs to succeed (I like to set them up in my year, because not everyone gives all the accommodations that I do, and I always want them in place before they go to the middle school.)

Have a wonderful (warm!) weekend!!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Favorite Casual Outfits of 2012

I'm feeling so much better than I did earlier in the week. Only problem now? There's a lot of snow outside my window and I'm not all gung-ho to clean/move it. (Although I will have to in a little bit to mail my rent check...)

Onto my favorite casual outfits...I classified casual as anything with denim, since I can't wear that to work.  (although apparently denim skirts don't count? as other teachers have been wearing them)

Shirt: Target
Tank & Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Zappos

I LIVE in my denim skirt in the summer. I think they are uber comfortable, yet cool.

 Sweater: Maurices

Shirt: Target
Tank & Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory

I like to mix colors than you wouldn't think would normally go...like this light blue with pink. Surprisingly, I usually do a good job with not clashing. :)

Shirt & Jeans: JCPenny
Tank: Target
Shoes: Endless

I love this one because it's super comfy, as well as it being one of the first times that I've layered three necklaces together to give it some more interest (as well as the pop of the pink tank in all the blue)




Sweater & Tank: Target
Jeans: JCPenny

Shoes: Amazon

The top of this outfit sparkles like crazy (although you can't see it very well). The sweater is silver sparkly with crystle buttons, and the black tank actually sparkles as well. Top it off (or bottom!) with black glittery flats, and it's a perfect holiday outfit. 

Button-Down & Jeans: JCPenny

Vest: The Limited
Shoes: Endless

It's comfy, put-together, and makes me look like an almost-30 instead of an almost-20 (which has been known to happen on multiple occasions)

This is my absolute favorite outfit of 2012. I would wear this anywhere (including to work if jeans were allowed)


Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Favorite Work Outfits of 2012

Hi Peeps!

I'm feeling slightly better, but spent a lot of yesterday sleeping, dozing and napping. Hopefully I'll kick this sucker soon.

I decided to reflect back on my favorite work outfits of this year, and show you some of my favorites (again).

Sweater: Maurices
Shirt: Kohls
Tank & Skirt: Target
Shoes: Famous Footwear

I love the plain combination with the pop of blue...this is one of my favorite open cardigans that I've purchased.

 Sweater: Maurices

Tank: Target
Skirt: NY & Co
Shoes: Endless

I love the 'surprise' of the bright blue pencil skirt, as well as pairing it with flats instead of heels.

Top & Pants: JCPenny
Shoes: Payless

This is one of my favorite shirts (so favorite, in fact, that this was my picture day outfit!)

 Sweater: NY & Co
Tank & Shoes: Target

Pants: Kohls

This one is a comfortable alternative to dressing super nice, but still looking like a teacher.

Sweater & Shirt: Maurices
Pants: JCPenny
Shoes: Endless

I love the sparkly part of the top, and the cardigan has pockets! (even though I had to roll/fold up the sleeves since they were so long)

 Tank: Target
Sweater: NY & Co

Pants: JCPenny
Shoes: Payless

This is one I also love because of the simplicity...all neutral colors except for the pop of pink in the tank.

Shirt: Old Navy
Vest: The Limited
Pants: Kohls
Shoes: Endless

This is one of my all-time favorites, mostly because of the vest and the shoes. It also shows that you don't always have to wear a vest like this with a button-up,  which is how a lot of people style it.

Up next, favorite casual outfits of 2012!


Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn