DIY Alphabet magnets...and Christmas in July -Day 3/4

Good morning, cyber friends! Kerri here...

Since it is summer, and we all have GOBS of time on our hands (or is that just lazy old me??), I thought I would re-post about a super fun and easy crafting idea-DIY Alphabet magnets!!

I made these bad boys last summer (I think?) and they have been SOOO useful to me in my classroom. I use them for center activities, but your kids could also build words with them on the side of a file cabinet or on a magnetic whiteboard during free time. The uses are really endless, and they are SOOO cute and easy to make!!

This post is actually from March 2013...

I am here to share with you a little craft I made last week, just because I was in the mood. Occasionally, the crafting spirit will overwhelm me and I will be inspired by something I see at Michaels. Most of the time, I see something and go, "Eh, cute, but I'm too lazy!" :)
This time it was wooden alphabet tiles and the Mod Podge dimensional magic that drew me in. 

Have you used this stuff? It is AWESOME!! It adds a hard coat of dimensional shine to any project, and it is SUPER easy to use. Here's what I did to make my alphabet magnets:

Step one-purchase cute alphabet stickers and place on wooden alphabet tiles. I got 60 of them for $5 at Michaels. Easy peasy and cheap too.

Step 2-cover the stickers with a thin layer of mod podge. I used glitter mod podge, cause it's my favorite, of course!! :)

Step 3-After that dries (approximately 30 minutes), use the Mod Podge dimensional magic and cover each tile. You can be generous with the stuff, it will not spill over the sides of the tile. If you get an air bubble in it, just use a pin to pop it. It goes on opaque but dries clear and shiny!!

Step four-Let these dry overnight so they are super hard and sealed. Then, add a little magnet dot to the back (I got 300 of them from Lakeshore for $8!)... I put the magnet on the side that had the little black alphabet letter on it.

And VOILA!! You are good to go! It is hard to see the dimensional magic in these pics, but trust me, it's there!!

Here are some other ones I just made with different alphabet stickers...

Sooo pretty and fun, huh?? I am going to use these on magnetic boards for word building, my CVC blending puzzles, my alphabet mystery puzzles, oh the possibilities are ENDLESS!
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Which brings me to the next part of my post-Christmas in July Days 3 and 4!! 

All of my "Puzzles" centers (both individual and bundles) will be on sale today and tomorrow, and these magnets are PERFECT to use with these centers! There's even a pretty awesome FREEBIE in there too!

Click on the button to check out my sale and I hope some of you will try to make these magnets. They are super fun!!

XOXO Kerri B

Yoga...and Johnny Appleseed SALE plus FREEBIES!!

Good morning, Bits and Bobbers! Kerri here...

As many of you know, I love yoga. It is my go to form of exercise. Actually, it is my ONLY form of exercise because I HATE sports with a capital H. I also HATE the gym, I loathe running, swimming makes my hair turn green (and my mascara run-not pretty!), balls of any kind annoy me....are you getting the picture??

A couple of years ago, my friend asked me to go to a yoga class with her at the gym, and so I went. Y'all, I was hooked!! I could ACTUALLY do the poses and somewhat keep up with the yoga instructor AND I got an amazing workout! Many people think yoga is just glorified stretching, but let me tell you, it is NOT. It is dang hard and totally invigorating! You get strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, all in one little hour class. Here is a little yoga clip to give you the picture...


Well, guess what?? I got to meet this guy (Rudy Mettia) yesterday when I took my first ever class with him. WWHHAATT??? I was TOTALLY geeking out! I have been doing his Yoga Warrior 365 program for months at my house with my neighbor and we decided that this summer, we were going to drive to Santa Monica (the mecca for all things yoga) and actually take his class. SOOO EXCITING! 

Sooo...here's a little background about me before we go any further. Not only do I hate sports, but I LOATHE sweating. LOATHE IT ENTIRELY. So much so that I will do anything to avoid it, including having all sorts of fans blowing on me while I do my yoga practice. Now, diehard yogis will be mortified by this, as they like a warm room so your muscles will loosen up. I need my fans PEOPLE!! Like a crack addict needs her crack, I NEED MY FANS!

Fast forward to last night, we walk into the studio after the previous class has finished and I kid you  not, it is 1000 degrees in there. 

Literally.

Well, okay not LITERALLY, but it was at least 90 degrees up in that joint and the class hadn't even started. I was like, "HOLY HELL, what have I gotten myself into?? That green juice I just drank from Nekter is going to rear it's ugly head during this one, for reals!!" I was panicking BIG TIME.

The puke inducing evidence...

So anyway, long story short, I DID IT!! I survived the whole class, and I have never sweated so much in my entire life. Seriously, it was BANANAS. I had sweat coming out from places that I didn't even think COULD Sweat, like the backs of my hands (WTF??) and on my shins. Ewww and ewww.

That being said, it was SUCH an amazing experience!! I loved every sweaty, twisty moment and I even got to meet and HUG my yoga idol, Rudy Mettia afterwards. Here is the proof...
TADA!!

Moving right along...

Day 2 of Christmas in July is upon us and today, my Johnny Appleseed products are on sale. This little babies are PERFECT for September and my kidlets LOVE them!

Click the banner below to see these items on sale!

Also, if you click on this link, it will take you to my Johnny Appleseed post from last year where you can get an art project idea and download 2 fun little Johnny and apple freebies!!

I'll be back tomorrow for Day 3 of Christmas in July!! 
Namaste Peeps!
Kerri B

We're back!! Here's what happened...and Christmas in July??

Good evening, Friends!! Kerri here...

I know, I know. What a loser, right?? I seriously cannot believe that it has been almost 2 whole months since we blogged. I am so ashamed. Seriously.

Basically, here's what happened. The day after my last Stitch Fix post, my step-dad passed away. He bravely fought lung cancer for 9 years, and had every procedure known to man during that time, but 5 weeks before he passed, the doctors told him he needed to start hospice care, so he did, and on Tuesday, May 20th, he went to be with Jesus. 
It was really hard on my family, and especially my mom and brother, and I just kinda lost my blogging mojo after that. :(  

But I can take solace in the fact that we will be reunited one day in heaven, and I know he's in a much better place now. 

Here's a picture of our family before my stepdad got really ill...

Thank you friends for listening to me, and for understanding our absence the past 2 months. :)

I promise to get back on the blogging bandwagon ASAP, and catch you up on all the things we've been up to lately, such as going to Vegas with over 700 other TPTers... it was the BOMB-DIGGIDY, y'all!!

Buying new things for my classroom, such as this uber-wicked rug from IKEA for only $15!! Swoon!!!

And giving a much needed makeover to these FUGLY wooden crates and an old bookshelf that I have in my classroom! Stay tuned for some easy peasy lemon squeezy crafting tips!

Okay, soooo Merry Christmas?? What the what??

The girls and I over at Blog Hoppin' (BTW...did you see our blog makeover?? It is AMAZING!!) are super excited to throw our annual Christmas in July SALE and everyday, different items from my (Kerri's) store will be on sale. Look for this banner in my shop to see what's on sale...

And every day, I'll be back to let you know what's gonna be on sale next. Fun, right??

On Tuesday, my Sentence Scramble packs will be on sale...
Fix Up the Mix Up!

  
Word of the Week!

Talk to you tomorrow!! Man, it feels good to be back on the blogging train!!
XOXO Kerri B
P.S. Anyone else DIGGING Big Brother this summer??? I am LOVING IT!!

Stitch Fix #1 has arrived!!!

Hiya Peeps!! Kerri here...

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? I recently found out about it because of Pinterest, and I was immediately intrigued. Having someone SHOP for me, and picking things out that are uniquely MY style?? Heck yeah!

Here is how Stitch Fix works:

1. Create a Style profile on the Stitch Fix Website
2. Have 5 handpicked items that fit your style profile delivered to your house.
3. Keep what you like and check out online. Send back the rest in a pre-paid envelope.
4. Look fabulous at work!!

It takes about 10 minutes to fill out your style profile online, and it is very fun, because you get to choose different outfits that best represent you. I loved this part!

Well, today was the big day. My Stitch Fix box was waiting for me on my doorstep...

And this is what I saw when I opened the box...

Everything is packaged in tissue paper, all fancy like...

A style card comes in the package, giving you tips and ideas of what to pair with each item...

Here are my items coming out of the box. They look great already!!

And here they are out of the box. I already LOVE that tank on the top!!

Next step, trying everything on. Let the awkwardness commence!! I am HORRIBLE at taking selfies...ugh!!

Fix #1-Just Black Jimmy Ankle Length Skinny Jeans. 
These were super cute and fit me great! But, I have plenty of skinny jeans and these were a little pricey ($88), so these are going back.

Fix #2-Renee C Macklin Abstract Print Cut-Out Back Tank (Dang! That's a mouthful!!)
I.AM.IN.LOVE. with this!! It is so so so cute! I love the pattern, the colors, everything! This one is a keeper, FO SHO!

Fix #3-Under Skies Olivina Hooded Slub Knit Cardigan. 
When I first saw this, I was like meh. Cute, but I have a TON of cardis. Then I tried it on with the tank and....LOVE. IT!! It is so so so soft. Like buttah soft. And so cute with the tank top. Don't you agree?? Keeper!!

Fix #4-Fun2Fun Kriss Mixed Print Henley Blouse. 
I liked the the print and style, but I'm not a huge black and gray fan. Plus, the horizontal stripes across my tummy?? Ummmm, no me likey. This one will go back.

Fix #5-RD Style Carmelita Crew Neck Layered Sweater. 
This was just lame. Like, a cropped sweater with a shirt hanging out?? And can you see a little bit of my belly showing?? GAH!! THE HORROR. Not a keeper.

Here is the packing slip with the prices for each item that is included in the box. I am only keeping 2 items this time, so not too shabby. Plus, I LOVE both pieces!

And here are the keepers on a hanger. Ready for me to wear to school tomorrow! YAY!

Stitch Fix is like Christmas is a box, girls! And the best part is, you schedule your own fixes. Once a year, once a quarter, once a month. It's TOTALLY up to you. When I checked out, I made sure to leave detailed notes about each piece, what I liked or didn't like, so the next time I get my box, my stylist Cynthie (Love you girl!!) will have a better sense of my personal style. 

If you are intrigued, you can check it out here and if you use my referral code, I receive a credit when your first Fix is shipped! :)

Stitch Fix is THE BOMB ladies! And I'm so glad I tried it. I think I might be hooked. You probably will be too!
XOXO Kerri B

Good TPT News!

YEEHAAA! The sale has been extended, due to technical issues last night. There's still time to get your shop on and Kerri and Lindsay's stores are STILL 20% off!!
Thank goodness for me too. My cart was all filled up and I couldn't check out last night. Waaaa!
Make sure to take advantage of these DEEP discounts on all of your favorite teaching products!

XOXO Kerri and Lindsay

TPT LOVES Teachers SALE!!!

Good morning, Peeps!! Kerri and Lindsay here...

Good news, friends! TPT is throwing another one of it's HUMONGOUS sales again this TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY and Lindsay and I can't wait to shop until we drop! I am super excited to buy some new centers and clip art for my classroom next year. 
We will both be having our stores discounted 20% off, which, combined with TPT's 10% off, will make everything on a SUPER 28% Off SALE!! I LOVE me some bargains!!

Here are some goodies from Kerri's store you might be interested in, to finish this year off, AND prepare you for next school year...

My  Summer Lovin' Math and Literacy Centers Pack!

 Re-live the glory of the Summer Olympics with these Math and Literacy Centers...

Looking for an Open House theme? Check out my Rainforest Art and Writing Unit and Rainforest Centers...

Stock up on all sorts of Writing Centers to last you the whole year through...

My Writing Centers Bundles will be SUPER cheap during the sale!!

Get ready for next school year with lots of different learning packs!

Teach your kidlets about the 6 Pillars of Character...

WOW!! That was just a small snapshot of the 110 products that I have in my store. I hope you can find something that your kiddos will enjoy during the SUPER SALE! Happy Shopping!

In addition to all of the goodies in Kerri's TPT store, here are some things you might want to check out from Lindsay as well:

Check out my Fun At the Zoo pack.

Or how about a little ocean fun with I Wanna Be Under The Sea {Math & Literacy Centers}:

Get a head start on next year's math planning with my Nifty Numbers pack:

One of my favorites!  Poetry from A to Z {Songs & Rhymes for Learning}:

Blast off with learning - get your There's No Place Like Space {Math & Literacy Centers}:

A writer's workshop tool for your blossoming writers - Wee Ready Writers Kit:

Thanks for taking the time to check out some of the goodies from our TPT stores!  We are SUPER excited to do a little shopping for ourselves as well!

Hope y'all have a great week! 

Lindsay & Kerri