Sunday, July 31, 2011

Whoop! Whoop! Get Over There and See This!!

Check out this awesome giveaway from 
Lutton 519
One Lucky winner will receive:
A 12X18 Fabric Covered Magnetic Board from
Livy Lou Designs
AND
A $20 gift card to Baffin Bags!

Tell her The Frugal Teacher sent you!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

About One - Family Management at your Fingertips!

I am not the best at keeping track of family pictures, scrapbooking, or recording family memories.  For a while I had a personal blog where I would post pictures and write about family events and milestones, but there really wasn't a way to organize it. I am sure that just like me, many of you tech-savvy folks out there would rather have an online family management system that is easy to use and offers an organized and fun way to record family information and events. 


About One has come up with a great solution! Now you can enter information about your family as it happens! You won't forget a single special event or moment using this online system. It's really easy to set up. Here is a quick video overview:

The "Education" feature interests me because I have 3 teenagers who will be applying for college over the next several years. This section helps record school info, teachers, counselors, GPA's, and SAT/ACT test scores so when it comes time for filling out college applications, the information will be right at your fingertips! You can add documents, pictures, and record important events when they happen - no more racking your brain trying to remember when your daughter went to her first dance...it's right there!
I love this program and cannot wait to spend time exploring it and adding more info.  I believe this is something I will definitely use on a daily basis.  Other features include a family bulletin board, newsletter, medical information, and a place to document important possessions. If you have a busy family or just want to have your life at your fingertips, you really need to check About One out and take advantage of their FREE 30 day trial offer!
*All opinions are my own - A FREE year's subscription was received as compensation for this post.

Friday, July 29, 2011

I love blogging...even better...I love earning money blogging!

You blog. You Profit. Sign up for SocialSpark!
Social Spark is a marketing group that connects bloggers with companies who are trying to promote their brands. If you have a blog (any kind of blog) you can sign up for Social Spark. If you have a business (big or small) and you would like to connect with other bloggers, sign up with Social Spark and start getting your company promoted.
The terms for getting your blog approved are simple:
“In order to be approved to the Marketplace a blog must be at least 90 days old with a minimum of 20 posts written within the 90 days prior to submission with no more than a 30 day gap in writing during that time. It should be comprised primarily of original content and be written in fluent English. We also look for a clean, easy to navigate layout. If a blog does not initially meet these Terms, they can usually be resubmitted once they have." Social Spark Team
Once approved, Social Spark will notify you of any “leads” they think may be applicable to you and your blog. Each lead has different requirements and pays a different amount of money. You may choose to accept or decline the leads they send you - there is never a requirement to participate in anything! I have had all kinds of opportunities offered to me, some which are applicable to my blog and that my readers would enjoy, and some which are not applicable or that I simply don't have time for.
I highly recommend that you join Social Spark and see what kinds of opportunities come your way. You really have nothing to lose… except potential profit! And if you sign up now, you will also be eligible for their referral program with incentives for every person you refer (including a trip to Paris!) – so what are you waiting for?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Frugal Teacher is ready to get her SKATE on!

I just ordered a new pair of Heelys!  
Old school meets new school with the Edge. Thanks to its classic styling and modern lightweight ‘rip stop’ nylon construction, these’ll be looking good for years to come.
I can't wait to get them and try them out!  
Why should kids have all the fun?  
Click HERE to check them out!
*All opinions are my own
**Author received a FREE pair of Heelys as compensation for this blog post

Sunday, July 24, 2011

A Morning Routine that will wake everyone up!

Checkout Teacher Tipster's latest Morning Routine video CLICK HERE:
Teacher Tipster has got morning meeting DOWN!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I LOVE Pinterest!

Have you heard of Pinterest yet?  If not, you should go check it out.  It's a great way to display items that interest you AND keep track of all the cool stuff you come across and then forget about.  My boards include teacher stuff, techie stuff, pretty stuff and more!  Michelle's Math in the Middle is hosting a linky party so you can  follow people that interest you.  
This is a quick and easy link-up.  All you need is:
  1. A teacher blog, where you will write a quick little post telling your readers about this Linky Party ~ Then go link it HERE
  2. A Pinterest account
  3. The Follow Me on Pinterest Button displayed on your blog

ANY and ALL grade levels and content areas 
are WELCOME to link up!  








Friday, July 22, 2011

A Kid-Friendly Search Engine!

Sweet Search 4 Me will be a perfect starting point for my young researchers! I feel more confident about giving them independence without giving up safety! Read more....

Gender Specific Instruction - Boys!

Boys need to know they have what it takes.
Boys learn differently - how can we help them? Read more...

Moms: Have you heard about JBF?



Just Between Friends started in 1997 when its founders, Shannon Wilburn and Daven Tackett, held their first sale in Shannon's living room.  It has since grown into a franchise system like no other, serving local communities by offering the best experience in consignment events.  


Just Between Friends - a Savings Extravaganza!
Each franchise owner usually hosts 2 huge shopping events each year. At these events, consignors bring their new and gently-used children's and maternity merchandise to sell. Shoppers can then browse and purchase these items at great savings, usually far below retail prices. Consignors can make up to 70% on their sales!  Volunteers who work the sales can shop early before the general public and consignors.
Back when my kids were little I participated in a few JBF sales.
It was a great way to earn money for gently used clothes, shoes, and toys
and a lot easier than having a garage sale!
The Next Event:
To find an event near you just visit the JBF website.


Attention DFW Moms: Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers shop early before the general public and consignors. 
Click here for more information about volunteering
August 4-7 at the 
Grapevine Convention Center.  

*All Opinions are my own
**No compensation or products were received for this post

Thursday, July 21, 2011

100th Post!

My 100th post is in the form of a question:
Why do you "Blog"?
Please answer in "comments" section

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

National Laser Institute Grand Opening

Become a “group leader” for the event. Group leaders will receive one $100 Gift Certificate, toward any treatment, for the first 5 people they get to attend the Grand Opening. For every five attendees after that the Group Leader will receive a $50 gift certificate, totaling up to $200. Attendees should mention their group leader’s name upon checking in at the event.
For more info click HERE...

Monday, July 18, 2011

Luxury at prices WE can afford! *UPDATE*

Are luxury spa treatments only for the wealthy?
For most of us, spa treatments like laser hair removal, wrinkle reduction, and skin rejuvenation are luxuries that only wealthy people or celebrities can afford.  Normal people like us can't justify spending the money on such frivolities when the average cost per treatment is $200 - $900.  Personally, if I could permanently get rid of this hair on my chin, I would pay any amount, but in reality I can't. Remember, I AM a teacher!


Now we CAN afford luxury!
The National Laser Institute Medical Spa has asked me to get the word out that there is now an extremely affordable way to zap away wrinkles, crinkles, and creases without taking out a second mortgage! National Laser Institute Medical Spa offers high-tech laser beauty treatments at year-round low prices that rival even the best deal-a-day promotions.  Now everyone can afford to get the treatments that have always been out of reach!


You DO NOT want to miss this event:
When:
Friday, July 29 10:00am - 6:00pm 
Saturday, July 30 10:00am - 9:00pm; Skin Scene events starting at 1:00pm & 6:30pm


Location:
National Laser Institute Medical Spa
3850 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 1100/Dallas, TX  75220
inside "The Shops at Bluffview"
(214) 252-7800


RSVP:
RSVP to Kristina Wierck by emailing her at: Kristina@nlionline.com or calling her at: 480-222-4386


Details:
  • During the the 2-day grand opening celebration The National Laser Institute Medical Spa will be giving away thousands of dollars worth of laser treatments to the community and demonstrating the latest high-tech procedures. 
  • Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
  • Attendees will also receive their choice of free laser hair removal or a photofacial treatment.
  •  The first 200 people to purchase a treatment on Friday morning for a later date will receive free Latisse, an eyelash-enhancing favorite of celebrities like Brooke Shields and Claire Danes
  • The fun continues on Saturday with two meet and greet Skin Scene parties hosted at the spa.  Guests will learn about the hottest new treatments and the technology behind the latest anti-aging procedures.
  • All in attendance on Saturday will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win free Botox and Juvederm
*UPDATE* Become a “group leader” for the event. Group leaders will receive one $100 Gift Certificate, toward any treatment, for the first 5 people they get to attend the Grand Opening. For every five attendees after that the Group Leader will receive a $50 gift certificate, totaling up to $200. Attendees should mention their group leader’s name upon checking in at the event.
    My favorite part: Giving back to the community:
    • National Laser Institute will donate ALL PROCEEDS to Susan G. Komen for the Cure! 
    • This applies to all laser treatments scheduled before August 6 - be sure and mention the charity when you book your appointment.
    The Nitty-Gritty:
    Ok, I know what you all are thinking...How much are the treatments?

    Sample Treatment Pricing (year-round)
    Laser Hair Removal
    • Average price: $200
    • NLI price: $50 (75% off)
    Fractional Laser Wrinkle Reduction
    • Average Price:  $900
    • NLI price: $150 (85% off)
    Photofacial Skin Rejuvenation
    • Average price:  $300
    • NLI price: $75 (75% off)

    "National Laser Institute is the answer for beauty lovers who want luxury treatments without the Beverly Hills price tag.  It is the first discount luxury medical spa of its kind in Texas to offer laser, Botox and dermal filler treatments at 75% below the average retail price.  Louis Silberman, owner of National Laser Institute


    Don't miss out on this opportunity to look good AND help the community!

    *All opinions are my own.  
    *No compensation was received for this post.  
    **I will be receiving a complimentary photofacial treatment




    Sunday, July 17, 2011

    I LOVE today's Groupon

    If you live in Fort Worth you are going to love today's Groupon - $10 for $20 at Ol' South Pancake House.  This place has been an iconic Fort Worth favorite for years.  It's even better late at night - which is our favorite time to go!

    *No compensation was received for this post - opinions are my own. 
    **I am a Groupon affiliate and earn a small commission for sales from this link.

    A great tool for Daily 5 "Work on Writing"

    Check out Scholastic's Story Starters....
    Click HERE to read more...

    The Shush Guy!

    To Download Click HERE
    *UPDATE* Download not available at this time. Check back at a later time. Sorry :-(
    This cute little guy will help manage classroom noise.  When you want the room quiet just post him in a prominent position as a gentle reminder!


    Wednesday, July 13, 2011

    Tuesday, July 12, 2011

    How to participate in a Twitter Chat...

    Have you ever wondered what all of the 
    hashtags (#) mean on Twitter?
    It could mean that you are missing out on some 
    interesting Twitter Chats!
    Click HERE to find out how you can participate in a TWITTER CHAT!

    Sunday, July 10, 2011

    A Fun Find at Barnes & Noble

    I found a hardcover Calvin and Hobbes book on the 
    50% clearance table at Barnes & Noble!
    50% off!  only $4.99!

    My trip to Staples

    I went to Staples today and took advantage of some of their "Extreme Deals".
    The Bic Pens, Glue, and cap erasers were $0.01 each!  Items are limited to 2 per person UNLESS you are a teacher!  Teachers can buy up to 25 of these items.

    The folders, pencil cases, and reams of paper were $0.25 each (limit 2)

    The Post-it notes, glue sticks, Sharpies, and stickies were $1.00 each (limit 2)

    Final Cost:
    $21.34
    -11.48 (Easy Rebates for paper - limit 2)
    $9.86

    Some of the other office supply stores are having $0.01 sales also - check the fliers in the Sunday paper. I generally shop at Staples because:
    • I earn $2.00 for each recycled printer cartridge
    • They offer good rebates
    • It's conveniently located
    • They have good customer service
    • I believe in customer loyalty

    Happy Shopping!

    Teachers! Extreme Deals at Staples!

    Staples is having a week-long sale on school supplies.  You better hurry because these deals won't last long.  Hopefully by limiting the items to 2 per customer, our extreme couponing friends won't be able to clear the shelves before we can get there;-)  One of the deals is for a ream of copy paper @ $5.99.  Staples is offering a $5.74 Easy Rebate which makes the final price $0.25 (limit 2 rebates per household).  Other deals include $1.00 Sharpies, $1.00 Post-it die cut notes, and $0.01 cap erasers!  

    Happy Shopping!

    Learning about using SKPE in the classroom

    I have been networking with my PLN and have agreed to be part of a global classroom in which teachers from all over the world collaborate and share classroom experiences with each other...READ MORE...

    Saturday, July 9, 2011

    DIY "Daily 5" Anchor Charts!

    Student/teacher made anchor charts for the classroom help the student "own" the rules and will be less likely to break them:
    To see more visit My Classroom...

    Friday, July 8, 2011

    Professional Development - on my couch!

    RSCON3, will take place from Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31, 2011.  This global online conference is for everyone concerned with education. With more than 65 presentations and 12 keynote speakers it is sure to be an incredible event! Organized by educators for educators, it is FREE but will offer more valuable and inspiring Professional Development than money can buy - and you don't have to leave your couch!

    3 Days of FREE Professional/Personal Development

    INSPIRING, CREATIVE and LEARNING FUN!!!

    Visit RSCON#3!

    My commitment to the Daily 5

    As I approach my third year of teaching, I am committed to following The Daily 5 schedule and making a full-blown effort to implement this program in my classroom.


    $1 Whiteboards at Target!

    My Kindergarten teacher friend Michelle sent this picture from her phone this morning to let me know that Target has lined whiteboards for $1! Better hurry because these won't last very long!  What a great classroom tool!

    FREE banner from Vistaprint!

    Welcome your students back in style!
    Read More...

    Wednesday, July 6, 2011

    Another Great Deal at Vistaprint!


    My students use a planner everyday to record homework assignments and other important information.  I also use the planner to communicate with the parents and let them know how their child's day went.  If they had a great day, I usually put a sticker or stamp. Using stickers every day can get expensive and stamp pads are messy.  This stamp is self-inking and will make the end-of-day pack up time go much more smoothly.

    *Paid shipping costs
    **I was not compensated for this post, however the link to Vistaprint is a referral link and I will earn a small payment for every order from this link.

    FREE 'Wich @WhichWich!

    I got this coupon for a FREE WhichWich just by "Liking" them on Facebook and Joining the Vibe club!
    Click HERE to go to their Facebook page and join the Vibe Club!

    Countown to the first day of school...

    ....and my Summer Reading Program is in full swing!


    I have already read The Daily 5 and; Places and Spaces but I will be taking another look at them, along with the others, as I plan for the upcoming school year. Web 2.0 is a must read for any teacher who wants to integrate technology into the classroom.  It covers blogging, social networking, podcasts & vodcasts, applications, and much more! I started reading it in the bookstore today and couldn't put it down.  Unfortunately, the bookstore price was $35.00 but I was able to download it for $12.95.  Some of the other books are available for download at a lower price also. The Amazon widget above has links to books and downloads.  The links showing prices are for the books.  Generally, the downloads are at least 50% less!  Now that's a frugal find!

    Join me as I count down to the first day of school on my Countdown to... page.  I will share my thoughts and activities leading up to the first day of school!


    *I am an amazon Affiliate and receive a small commission for items sold. No compensation was received for this post. 
    All opinions are my own.

    Be a Great Mom...Capture Memories to Last a Lifetime

    I am not a scrapbooker.  I do not have black and white photos of my family displayed in stylish frames around my home.  I take a lot of pictures and post them on Facebook. I have boxes and albums full of photos taken on 35mm film from when my kids were little, but when the digital camera took over, I stopped getting prints. I'm a terrible mom!


    Now that my oldest daughter will be a senior next year, I thought we better get some family portraits done before she goes off to college.  Our last family photo was taken at Walmart when she was 8! I'm a terrible mom!


    So!  I asked my friend Sarah of Photography SJB to do some family shots.  My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary this year and I wanted some special pictures of us before we got too old-looking.  A few days ago she sent us a "sneak peek".  She is still editing the rest, but so far I am VERY happy.  Now, here's the problem:  When I finally get the disk with all of the pictures, I need to do something immediately or it will end up a drawer.  I'm a terrible mom!




    But wait!  I have found a solution! CanvasPeople.com is offering a free 8 x 10 or $50 off any size canvas as a special introductory deal!  I can apply this coupon toward a larger size canvas, creative effects, or beautiful frames.  I could also get a 50% off my second canvas and 50% off shipping.  Now there's no reason why I can't get beautiful, high quality portraits to display in my home! I'm a GREAT mom! 
    We're jumping for joy over CanvasPeople.com's great deal!

    *All opinions are my own.  No compensation was received for this post.
    ** I will receive a small compensation for each sign up at CanvasPeople.com.



    Tuesday, July 5, 2011

    Great Deals at Kroger today!

    **Prices are still good on most of these deals from 7/6-7/12 - check your circular!
    Today I went to Kroger to take advantage of the week's sales before the new prices start tomorrow.  I used a lot of coupons and got some good prices.  The total savings on my receipt was $57.86 - 62%!  Here are some of the highlights:
    These are on sale for $1.00
    -$0.50/1 Minute Maid Frozen Novelty Product 6/26/2011 RP Insert (exp 8/27/2011)
    = FREE!
    (2) V-8 Fusion $2.99 each/(1) V-8 fusion+Tea $3.99 each
    - (2) $1.50/1 V8 V-Fusion Juice Variety 6/26/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
    B2G1 V8 V-Fusion + Tea WYB V8 V-Fusion Juice 6/26/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
    = $0.99 each!



    These items are included in the Daytona 500 promotion - Buy 10, get $3 off

    Possible scenario:
    Buy 6 Chef Boyardee Pasta $0.99 each
    Buy 4 Totino's Pizza Rolls 1.29
    -(2) $0.40/2 Totinos Rolls Snacks 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/9/2011)
    -$3.00 Daytona Savings
    Final Price: Pasta $0.35 / Pizza Rolls $0.59 each!

    These items are also included in the Daytona promotion
    Possible Scenario:
    Buy 6 Hefty Storage bags $1.49 each
    Buy 3 Pillbury Grands $1.29 each
    Buy 1 Cheerios $$2.49 each
    - (3) $1/2 Hefty One Zip Bags 7/10/2011 RP Insert (exp 10/31/2011)
    - (1)  .40/3 Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/9/2011)
    - (1) $0.50/1 General Mills Original Cheerios Cereal 6/26/2011 SS Insert (exp 8/6/2011) 
    - $3.00 Daytona Savings
    Final Price: Hefty $0.69 each / PiIlsbury $0.72 each / Cheerios $1.19 each!


    Price match you items using the handy COUPON DATABASE.
    Happy Shopping!


    Monday, July 4, 2011

    Happy 4th of July

    My friend Tenille posted this quote on Facebook this morning.  I love it!

    ‎"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." 
    ~Erma Bombeck