TARGET. Enough said.

YA'LL!
Is it just me or does Target purposefully pin point teachers and reel them in by that gosh darn DOLLAR SPOT!!! I purposefully go in, tell myself "Kelly, you don't need a basket because you are getting ONE THING!"  Then...*dun, dun, dun* I walk by the dollar spot.  Ok, ok, I'll just look.  Then this happens....*insert walk of shame back to the cart area*....and if I must confess this isn't even all of it...this was in a matter of MINUTES!!  I'm ashamed...so, so ashamed!! Sorry hubs!!

BUT these lovely items make for a GREAT blog post to share some ideas on how to use these goodies so they don't just get stuffed in a drawer or in that "special place"...

1.) These ADORABLE aprons...

I do star of the week in my class and I do my best to spoil that boy/girl all week long because they have earned it!  But I am always looking for more ways to show them off--insert these beauties!! The new and improved "STAR OF THE WEEK APRONS."  These are $3.00 each in the dollar spot at Target and I thought how fun would it be if that child got to wear one of these all day long each day of the week and they can have all sorts of stuff in the pockets since they are the teachers helper all week long. They could hold pencils, hand sanitizer, etc. the possibilities are endless.  But just a plain ol' apron isn't that glamorous so I made THESE cute little tags to go on the front (PTL for the glue gun).  I just printed them out, laminated them, hot glued them on the front, and VOILA-you are ready to go!! I can't wait to use these in the fall!

2.) These PRECIOUS baggies...

I mean these have stations written all over them!! I plan to put these in my literacy stations to hold a variety of different supplies.  I'm thinking in one group it will house letter tiles, in another group it will hold magnetic letters, I mean really you could do so many things with these.  In math stations these could hold all sorts of manipulatives...cubes, place value blocks, tiles, etc. Organization is key in stations, but CUTE organization is a BONUS!! **AND they are only $1.00 in the dollar spot at Target!!! I bought all they had in stock at my Target--sorry friends!!

3.) These chalkboard blocks...

These blocks are PERFECT for differentiation!! During math stations I am always looking for blank dice so I can write in my own numbers so I am able to target the needs of my students best, and these are perfect for that.  Grab a chalk pen, write in your different numbers, and there ya go!  Or you could use them in word work.  You could write letters or blends, a child rolls the dice, and has to write words that go along with it.  I am really excited about these because not only are they functional for the classroom but they are cute!!  TEN blocks for only $3.00 at the Target dollar spot!!

4.) These SUPER cute storage bins...

How cute are these collapsible storage bins?!?!  My Target carried several different colors in the infamous chevron print and I decided on the neutral grey.  These could be used obviously for cute storage, or book buckets around your room, but for me I thought I would use mine as a new Book Doctor bucket.  I made a quick little tag, added some hot glue, and slapped it on there and there we go!! These storage bins are $5 at Target but they really are worth it...they are sturdy and good quality for only five bucks! 

Email or comment on here, instagram, or Facebook with items you have got at Target and how you use them!! I am always looking for new and creative ideas :)

Happy Hump Day Ya'll!! 

I'm BACK!!!

Hi, Hi, HIIIII!!!!!!!

I’m back, I’m back, I’m BAAAACCCKKKK!!!  I could scream it from the roof tops, ya’ll!!

I took a much needed break from creating and writing to be with my little guy and cherish every moment with him over the last 12ish months and it was AH-MAZING!

Thank you so much to my sweet followers you sent me messages or e-mails to check on me…I am alive and well and ready to jump back in to blogging and creating again!! And what better way to show you how excited I am to be back then with a GIVEAWAY!!!  Thats right, ya’ll, a give away!!  Any comment, message, or e-mail I receive will count and your name will be entered into a drawing for a $5.00 credit towards anything in my TPT store.  If you don’t see anything in there right now that you could use, no worries—you can save it, no expiration date!!! :) The giveaway contest will end Sunday, July 2nd so don't forget to get your name in the mix!!! :)  Once the winner has been drawn I will notify you and you will receive your credit!!

SO to continue with the exciting news I want to fill you in on the top 3 things that have happened over my little blogging hiatus… 

#1) MY SON!!  It is still so surreal sometimes to think that I am a MOM to a precious little boy!!  Luke Patrick is 14 months now and a BUNDLE OF FUN!  I know a lot of people love the newborn stage but not me, I LOVE this stage!  Luke doesn't just walk everywhere, he RUNS!  He has a smile that lights up an entire room.  He has the best baby giggle that is like music to my mommy ears.  He is a blessing from God and I am so glad he is MINE!  I mean, ya’ll, look how cute he is on the train ride with his mama (PS-don't mind my conductor hat)!!!! 

#2) WE MOVED!!  This was a need for our little family.  My husband’s commute had just gotten to be way too much (up to 2 hours ONE way-no thanks) and with the new addition he wasn’t spending time at home with us, but rather in the car, in traffic, not moving traffic.  So, we listed the house, packed up our things, and waited…and waited…and waited.  You know, keeping a house clean for showings with a baby, that never ever wanted to be put down might I add, two dogs, and a traveling hubby is seriously a full time job.  Eventually though, the cutest couple bought our house.  It made me happy to know how excited they were to start their next chapter in our home…!  But nowwww where do we go!?!? *drum roll please…*  THE IN-LAWS!!!  I know, I know….my husband, my baby, me, two dogs, and our stuff moving in to Nana & Poppy’s house-wow!  While some are thinking “nope, no way, couldn’t do it” it really wasn’t bad.  They were so gracious to allow us to stay their for FOUR MONTHS and totally invade their space with bottles, baby food, high chair, shedding dogs, and so much more.  But after 4 long months of searching for our forever home…WE FOUND IT!  And then the angels sang!! :)

Last but not least #3) I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!  With our move meant a new school district which also meant fear and anxiety for me.  I worked for my last principal for the last 5 years, she hired me right out of college and took me with her to open a new school and she was my fearless leader and now I have to start over-cue the tears! BUT I am so excited and proud to share that this coming school year (2016-2017) I will have the opportunity to open another brand new school as the first grade team leader. YAY!!  Also, this school is not just an ordinary school but it is one that is beyond special already…this elementary school is named after a fallen firefighter that was killed in the line of duty.  I am so proud to be working in honor of this amazing woman and look forward to building a legacy in her name. 

OK!   I think that’s all-whew!  Man, I missed you guys!! Don’t forget to comment on here, Facebook or Instagram (keluselton) or shoot me an email at keluselton@gmail.com to get your name entered into the GIVEAWAY!!!!  OH!  And be on the lookout for some new goodies coming soon in my TPT shop…I am catching up on lost time over here :)