Teacher Fitness Thursday - Eating Healthy

Hey yall! I'm so excited to kick off my very first week of Teacher Fitness Thursday! This will be a MONTHLY linky party starting on the third Thursday of each month and remaining open for the rest of the month. Each month, we will focus on a new topic for how to stay fit.

This month's topic is eating healthy. Feel free to link up with a story, what's inside your lunchbox, a recipe, or just some tips! There's a few different ways you can go with this. Mine is a combo of my story (especially with this being week 1) and a few tips for eating healthy!

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Before I got pregnant, food was never an issue for me. My metabolism took care of everything! I mean, it slowed down some when I went off to college and was eating more frequently, but it didn't take a lot of work to get it back off. A few days of being sick and I was right back in the game! I actually weighed 95 lbs before I got pregnant (I know some of you are sick reading this, but bear with me), but I never worked out or tried to eat healthy.

When I got pregnant, I still ate what I wanted and actually brought a pair of regular jeans with me to the hospital thinking I may go home in them. Boy was I wrong! I had gained close to 50 pounds during my pregnancy, and I only lost 11 naturally by my 6 week check-up. I knew it was time to do something!

So I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app on my phone and started tracking calories. It was really hard at first because my portions had grown immensely while I was pregnant, and I had to scale back a little at a time. For a while, I just focused on eating as close to 1200 calories as possible - forget that 500 may have been from one slice of Chocolate Creme Pie. That still worked for the first month, but after that I HAD to change things up.

I pinned a million things on my Pinterest board every day, but one of my favorite weight-loss pins is from Bob Harper. The link was broken, but the picture is all you really need!

I liked that this list was very specific with the rules. I don't follow every single one of these and I don't do them all the time, but it helps to have them in the back of my mind and take a few of them to heart. For me, I started with not drinking my calories (water only MOST of the time), going to bed hungry (I read somewhere that you shouldn't eat 3 hours before you go to bed, so 7:00 is my cut-off time), planning my splurge meal (although I usually just have one and say "That will be my splurge for the week!", and I TRY to eat my carbs before I leave school - so as close to lunch as possible. This actually means that I usually try to do my dessert with lunch instead of dinner. For dinner, I try to stick with veggies and a meat. This is a little harder now because my husband does not need to lose any more weight and has to have heartier meals now, but I stick with it pretty well for the most time.

What do you do to eat healthy?

Five for Friday

I skipped Five for Friday last week because my first few weeks back at school are pretty boring in comparison to everyone else. Since I am Title I, students have to send back forms to receive services, and then I can start pulling students. Monday will be my first day to pull groups, and I can't wait!

Tuesday night was our Back to School night, so I was at school for a little over 12 hours (well, with the exception of a yogurt run before dinner with my preggo friend who was craving something sweet). The sad thing about Back to School night for me is that nobody really comes to see me anymore. I mean, I was able to get some work done and all, but the parents are there to meet with the classroom teachers. I get a little bored.

Fortunately (maybe) I had work to do because I had received a question from one of my TPT buyers that she could not open my flipcharts for Science because she doesn't have a Promethean board. Was I wrong to assume that the section "Smartboard Lessons and Whiteboard Activities" was for Promethean as well? Please let me know if you think so because I will remove that. Anyway, I ended up spending THREE HOURS copying and pasting all 7 science units that I no longer teacher into PowerPoint so she could use them. Let's just say that I'm not a huge fan of science and seriously considered just taking them off of TPT completely.

I've been pushing into all of the fourth grade classes already because there are SEVENTEEN kids in that grade who did not pass their Reading SOL last year. Part of this is because it was a new test and written much more difficult, but I have 2-5 students that I will be seeing in EACH class. This week, we were focusing on Context Clues, so I pulled out this book:

I wanted to do a lot of practice with the students, so I had them come to the carpet. As we came to a word that was unfamiliar or used in an unusual way, I read the text and then had them turn to a partner to discuss what it might mean. They had to talk about what clues in the pictures or text helped them understand. Then we discussed it as a group, and I made sure to repeat the word and definition a few times. It was a really good lesson! 

I've been preparing for next week, and my other two grades will be working on Character. For fifth grade, I really wanted to dig deep and challenge them. I looked on TPT and found some good resources, but nothing was quite what I wanted (or it was too much to work with in one case). So I decided to create my own resource! And why not use my Duck Dynasty clipart that I'm loving?

TPT (finally up!) or TN

I'm also trying to choose my vocabulary words for the first week with students. I found this list of Character Traits from Read*Write*Think, and then I sat with my para to decide which words the students already knew well (dangerous, bad, nice) or could figure out with ease (brainy, messy). Then I started thinking about which words students would see most frequently and need the most. I think for fifth grade, we're going to focus on considerate, eager, and strict. When I choose books for examples, I will try to find some that show these traits. I'm thinking Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. Any other suggestions?

I'm loving my new design that Megan did for me this week! I chose the Modern and Fresh Build your Blog pack from A Bird in Hand Designs (very affordable), and I also got matching papers to use for giveaways, etc. Well, I have been thinking about starting a linky for teachers who are trying to lose weight/stay healthy. I made this button and will be starting the linky next Thursday. 

This will be a monthly link-up (the THIRD THURSDAY) with a different topic each month. Next week will be all about eating healthy. Spread the word, prepare your post, and I hope to see a lot of people link up! It will be neat to build a support group for each other!

New design, Giveaway Winner, AND A New Linky Party

Hi friends! Have you noticed anything new around here lately? I am in LOVE with my brand new design that Megan made! If you're in the market for a fresh new look for your blog, I highly recommend "A Bird in Hand Designs". Not only is this one beautiful, but Megan's prices are reasonable and the turn-around time is super fast!

Please feel free to grab my new button and add it to your blog roll if you do that kind of thing. I'm actually not an owl person OR a fall color person, so this one fits me SO much better!

I also wanted to officially announce the winner of my pencil sharpener giveaway. I promise that I didn't forget about it. It has just been a really long week. I'll explain in more detail tomorrow in the Five for Friday (that I may start today while I actually have some time).

Like my new matching papers I got with the blog design?

I even contacted Sarah already, and her pencil sharpener is in the mail. For those of you who didn't win but still want one, remember that Classroom Friendly Supplies is donating $1 of the sales for EACH PINK SHARPENER to cancer research. It's such a worthy cause to support, PLUS you get an amazing pencil sharpener.

Oh, I'm planning on starting a new monthly linky party for teachers who want to get/stay fit and hold each other accountable.

We'll do this on the THIRD THURSDAY of every month, and I will try to share the topic earlier in the week so you're ready to link up when it's time! The first date will be next Thursday (Sept. 19), and we will share about how we try to eat healthy. This can be what you pack in your lunchbox, a favorite recipe, a meal plan, tips, whatever! I would love to get as many people to link up as possible (my last linky party was a complete flop), so please spread the word if you have other bloggy friends who are trying to stay fit!

Monday Made it + My giveaway ends tonight!

Whew! First week of school and a Monday down, got most of the new students tested for their first running records (mostly high kids), and now I'm able to relax and get ready for my church community group.

I decided that I wanted to participate in Monday Made-It because I HAVE been doing quite a few things recently. Plus I didn't end up putting together my Five for Friday since Steven's needed the computer more than I have and I didn't really take any pictures last week since the first week for me is pretty boring. I'm not going to give long descriptions for these because they're pretty self-explanatory.

I shared about my door decor a few weeks ago here, but now I have the file available for free if you would like to use it in your classroom! Click on the picture above to access it.

I talked about how I was going to paint two of my pieces of furniture that were looking a little shabby a WHILE back. Well, they are completed and now much nicer additions to my classroom, which is looking better than it ever has! This is a view of my reading and writing stations. The two black pieces are the ones I repainted. Then I bought the bins and made the cute black labels to show what levels are in each bin. I think it look SO much cleaner than before!

Sorry the lighting is pretty crappy. I'm using my phone for pictures, and it's on its VERY last leg. As in I'm buying a new phone this weekend after we get paid. Then we'll hopefully have prettier pictures! 

I also created my favorite set of literacy centers that are available in my TPT and TN stores. Who doesn't love Duck Dynasty?

Oh, and a fun personal made-it that my husband and his dad did for Keagan:

Phase 1: Activity board (the light is his favorite)

Phase 2: Chalkboard side to the activity board

Keagan is LOVING this! It's his new favorite toy. Too bad we don't have space at our house to keep one there. At least he has it to play with at his Papaw's.

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Okay, just a few quick reminders before I go:

I've had SO many people enter this giveaway already, but I want to make sure you know that it ends at MIDNIGHT!! If you haven't entered yet, now is the time to do so.

Jivey is also having a giveaway right now, and if you don't win my pencil sharpener, that's one of her 5 prizes! Go check it out. You will love her blog!

And I have surpassed 500 followers (YIPPEE!) due to this pencil sharpener giveaway. I have a little something up my sleeve, but I'm not quite ready to disclose anything yet. We're still in the planning phase (yes, we - I'll disclose that I'm teaming up with someone). Keep your eyes peeled!

Duck Dynasty Centers Complete!

Okay, I know this is technically two posts in one day, but I wanted to make sure you knew that I finally finished my Duck Dynasty themed literacy centers! I'm SO proud of them, mainly because I know that my students are going to eat these up. Since I have mostly boys in my pull-out program, this was especially important to me. Many of the kids I see love to hunt, and even those who don't seem to love the Duck Dynasty guys as much as I do (if not more). I added a mixture of facts about hunting and the show, and then I had a good friend of mine (and avid hunter) check them over to make sure all of my facts were correct since I don't hunt.

As usual, these centers include 4 comprehension-based centers and 4 word-knowledge centers. They are geared toward upper elementary and include some more difficult words than normal. For instance, in this suffix section, there are a few words this time that they will have to manipulate a little to add the correct suffix (offend - offensive), but I want my students to realize that it's not always cut and dry for them!

TN or TPT

Today was our first day, so I'm a little tired and ready to spend some time with my little man. Don't forget to enter my pencil sharpener giveaway that went live early this morning.

Win a PINK pencil sharpener!

I'm so excited to officially announce this! Classroom Friendly Supplies has upped the ante and now carries their amazing sharpener in blue, green, red, black, and PINK!!! When I first got mine a little over a year ago, they only had blue and green, so they're really cranking out the new colors. I KNOW this one is going to sell out quickly, but for now it's still available.

If you buy the PINK sharpener right now, $1 will be given to support cancer research. What's better than buying something awesome AND helping with a noble cause?

Haven't heard about these sharpeners? Click on the picture above to read my personal review.

And even more exciting, I get to give one away (any color) to one of my fabulous followers!! The giveaway runs until midnight next Tuesday, so be sure to enter before then! I made this giveaway really simple, and there's only three things to do for entries. When you like Classroom Friendly Supplies on Facebook, please leave him a comment and let him know I sent you!

****IMPORTANT NOTE: These pencil sharpeners can only be shipped to U.S. Residents. If you happen to live out of the country and win, I will offer winner's choice of THREE items from my store to make up for it. Sorry about that...****

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And may the odds be ever in your favor! Today's my first day of school, so I'm hopefully sleeping peacefully right now in preparation!

Currently September: Turning a New Leaf

September is officially here, which means SO many things. School starts, fall is on it's way, and Farley's newest currently is up! I'm going to jump right in because it's Labor Day and we're going to a cookout in a little while.

Listening: Last year, we decided to cancel DISH, so now we have a grand total of 14 "channels" - 2 or 3 for each of the six local stations (CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, FOX, and CW). Sometimes I'm glad we got rid of it because cable is so expensive and it's not a need, but when the channels keep cutting out, or when I'm home during the day and nothing's on, I miss it. Not a big fan of The Big Valley, but sometimes I luck out and get some fun older shows, like Batman or The Brady Bunch. I've even caught a few episodes of Dennis the Menace!

Loving: My room still isn't 100% finished because I bought a few more items yesterday, but I feel like it looks so much bigger and cleaner. Even Steven commented on how nice it looks this year!

Thinking: Now that I'm not a classroom teacher, the first day of school is actually a nice time. I don't feel like I'm running a marathon and honestly don't have many assignments. I will be going around to test new students and start working in some of the classrooms I will push in to this year, but nothing big yet.

Wanting: I actually reached my weight goal at the very end of the school year (even bought a bikini and felt comfortable in it when we went to Puerto Rico), but I gained about 6 pounds over the summer and am struggling to lose them. It doesn't help that Steven doesn't need to lose any more weight and can't diet with me, but I'm trying.

Needing: We're past the "want" phase. My phone is BARELY hanging on now. We're still on a very tight budget until Steven gets his first full time paycheck September 15, then we're going phone shopping! I kind of still want the iPhone, but we don't want to upgrade our plan and have to pay more, and I don't have $500 out of pocket to spend on a phone. Thinking about trying to get a Samsung Galaxy if I can find it for the right price. Honestly, anything will be better than what I have, though...

Personal Goals: 

1. I've been kind of in a slump in my faith for a little while. I mean, I still was active in church and everything, but my personal relationship with God was struggling. This past week, I dusted off my bible and a devotional book (Unglued), and I'm spending my morning breakfast time reading and praying instead of watching the news.
2. As I said earlier, I need to cut back a few pounds, and I've been doing Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred. It's hard, but I like that it's not as long or crazy as Insanity that I did at the end of the year. Still, I feel like I can get results from it. I trust Jillian!
3. Last year, I spent too much time trying to fit in and be a part of something I'm not. When this school year started, I decided it wasn't worth the frustration. So I'm trying to surround myself with people I truly feel like I can be myself around and accept me as I am. I don't need to be everyone's best friend, and I don't have to have the top of the line everything to feel like I am part of the group. 

Go link up! I will have to read other posts later, but I haven't forgotten about you. Oh, and be sure to check back tomorrow (or at midnight) for something you won't want to miss!