Fourteen in '14

I have been so so sick since Thursday night and even took a sick day for the first time ever on Friday :(

I was so sad since I love spending the last day of school before the holidays with the kids but I couldn't even sit through the morning announcements :( 

I've definetly learned my lesson.. call in sick and take care of myself when I need to!!

Moving on...

Since I finally feel well enough to sit up and get out of bed, I'm joining Hadar, Traci and Kristin for their annual Fourteen in '14 Linky Party to share and reflect on 14 things from this past year :)

 Thankful

I am thankful for so many things this year.  I am thankful that I was able to secure a contract teaching Kindergarten for the whole year so early in the summer.  I am thankful for my amazing admin, like-grade partners and my ECE.  I have a great class and wonderful parents.  I am thankful for my boyfriend, who is amazing year-round but have been especially awesome taking care of me while I have been sick the last few days.  I am thankful for this two week break so I can recharge and get ready for everything I want to implement in the new year.  I am thankful for all of you who are following along with my blog and purchasing products from my TpT store! I could go on and on!

 Differentiate

I am really trying to differentiate and meet the needs of more of my kiddos in the new year.  I have some super high kids who are reading well above the expected reading level in our board and need to be challenged.  One of my goals during the break is to create an independent daily activity for them to do while we complete our whole group morning carpet activities.

&

I was in the Local Newspaper!

When our school put on a community forum and outreach program after school, this photo made it into the newspaper.  It was cool to see myself in the paper but what really made it special was when one of the mom's came up to me the day it was published and said "Did my daughter tell you she saw you in the newspaper? She thinks her teacher is so cool because she is famous! She cut the picture out and put it on her bedroom wall!" Haha

Also one of my boyfriend's co-workers saw the picture and texted him saying "I saw Coco-Puffs (long story but he means me) in the paper, I think she's going to make a great teacher she has a very genuine smile." So that was pretty nice too :)

Starting my Blog & TpT Store

This is something I have wanted to do for over a year now so I was so happy to finally take the plunge and do it this summer! I am so thankful to everyone who visits/purchases from my shop and hope that you can take away something that you can use in your classroom :)

 Teaching 3D Figures in FDK

I loved teaching and blogging about my 3D figure unit this year.  It was one unit where I felt that the work was differentiated, the activities were engaging for the kids and there was a home-school connection as well.  If you want to check it out click on the picture above or click here!

Just a Little Turkey Talk Freebie by Cara Carroll

I was so sad that I wasn't able to use this adorable turkey craft this year as Canadian thanksgiving is in October and this freebie was posted in after.  I've pinned it on my October board though so I can hopefully use it next year!

A Handmade Mug

I just love this BEAUTIFUL mug I got from one of my students this year for Christmas.  The mom hand wrote the quote on the mug and she has the most gorgeous handwriting.

Blogging & Creating!

I guess I'm repeating myself but blogging and creating!
I spend way too much time remaking things for school with cute clipart and fonts ;)

I just bought this set today so I can finish up a new product I'm working on over the winter break ;)

Cactus Club Cafe

When I used to live in Vancouver, I would go to Cactus Club all the time.

It was my go-to for eating out.

The Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns pictured above? It is heaven.

Ever since I moved to Ontario I've only been able to visit my favourite restaurant once a year during my annual family visit.  If you are ever in BC, Alberta or Saskatchewan and come across a Cactus, give it a try! The Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, Pesto Chicken Quesidilla and Bandara Salad are also my favourites!

The Mindy Project

I just LOVE this show.  It is the only show I PVR and watch.  I started watching the show randomly on NetFlix in the summer and have re-watched both Season 1 and Season 2 at least twice.  It is so so funny!  Give it a try if you have never seen an episode!

I honestly cannot rememeber the last time I went to the theatres to see a movie.

Although I watched "Frozen" with my sister this summer and I finally have some context to what the kids are talking about day in and out! lol

 J.Crew Vintage Cotton Scoopneck Tee

Photo from jcrew.com

I discovered these tees this summer and have them in grey and white.  They are soft, not too tight and in my opinion have the perfect drape.  I have a really hot room for some reason so t-shirts come in handy.  I can layer them with a cardigan or wear it on it's own.  I love this metallic blush colour they have right now too!

Talula Greenpoint Sweater

Photo from aritzia.com

I have 2 of these as well (grey and tan) and wear them over EVERYTHING in the winter. It goes great with both casual and dressier options and it is so warm and cozy!

Photo from This is Glamorous

This is totally me and I need to start thinking less about "what if it goes wrong?" and just trying it. Thoughts to actions quickly so I'm not wasting time!

Definitely another goal of mine this coming year!