Post Holiday Blues

I don't know about you guys, but I've got some serious after vacation blues going on. I let myself get out of the regular work day routine, so I am SO not interested in getting up in the morning! It's SO cold here (polar vortex! Boo!), which only adds to my disdain. Beyond that, the bank account balance is seriously low. You all know it's not easy to do it all on a teacher's salary, which is why I'm loving a newly discovered blog, Surviving on a Teacher's Salary.  Crystal blogs tips for saving money and also posts great deals as she sees them online. The deals she posts are for anyone, not just teachers, so I was even able to pass a few good deals on to my parents. Check it out!

While you are at it, don't forget to check out my Teacher Discount Directory! There are so many places that will give you a little (or sometimes big) something off your price if you show proof of your profession. This has totally been a lifesaver for me. Offsetting the cost of classroom supplies can be tough, especially since congress let the educator expense tax deduction expire.  If you know of any that I haven't listed, let me know and I will update it.

Guys, I'm so close to 500 followers on Bloglovin'! I am so excited.  A giveaway is in the works, with the help of some of my favorite bloggy friends. If you are interested in donating an item, I would love to have you! Click here to give me your information for the giveaway- and THANK YOU!  Check back soon for the giveaway. :)

Blogs by Grade & Facebook

This one will be short and sweet... 

While I was looking through Doodlebug's 5 for Friday earlier, I noticed that tons of the bloggers were 5th grade teachers. I went to a lot of them and visited because I love to see what other teachers are doing with the standards. As I was hitting "CTRL + F" over and over again to search the page, I started thinking about how much easier it would be if there was a collection of links for bloggers by grade in one place. So, I decided to make one! I also made cute little badges that you can post on your page, if you'd like. So, link up!

Also, I've been looking at everyone else's facebook pages and feeling pretty envious. So much cool stuff to share! So,  I'm a total lemming and trying out facebook. Check it out! I have no facebook friends right now, so I totally look like the lonely kid at the party hanging out in the corner. :)

Dreamlike Magic

Check out my blog makeover, courtesy of DreamLike Magic. I love it! I had a free template before, which was cute- but just not quite me. Every time I looked through all the super cute blogs I am subscribed to, like Young Teacher Love, I was so jealous. Last night, I decided it was time for a makeover. My husband and I searched the blog design sites for a while, but kept coming back to all the bright and colorful designs at dreamlike magic. So, I made my order! I love it. I can’t get over how fast it was, either. I made my order at 9:30, and the completed template and files were in my inbox at 11:30. Seriously! I can’t say enough good things.

  Check her out!

Meanwhile, I found this comic online and had to share. How funny is this? I love it!

So true, isn't it? I'm always amazed at how much money professional athletes make, especially when you compare it to what the average person makes. 

Congrats to Hokie Teach for reaching 100 followers! To celebrate, she's having a giveaway.

Check it out!

Collaboration Cuties is also having a giveaway. They reached 300 followers. Wow!! 

Check it out!

Time to get to business. It's getting late and I have papers to grade before The Biggest Loser comes on... man, I love that show. Hubby and I love to watch it while eating frozen yogurt. YUM! :)

Happy Monday!

Blogs by State

Hey bloggers in the Northeast, Diane over at Fifth in the Middle has set up a "blogs by state" directory. She has started with the Northeast, and has a listing of each NE state where you can add your link. I added mine! Check it out and add your link.

Thanks again, Diane, for setting this up!