Summer Goals Update

At the beginning of the summer, I set a few goals for myself.  Let's see how I did.

• Study wildflowers with Lil O - We studied flowers all summer long.  We learned many names, checked out books on wildflowers, sought out wildflower hikes and sketched a few.  I now don't feel like a complete wildflower novice.  
• Build my online special education class that is slated to run in the fall - This course is 90% ready to go.  I still need to create a few more module assessments before it goes live in October.
• Mountain bike and road bike more than I did last summer (and proudly wear my UE jersey) - I think Mr. UpCyclist wore his jersey much more than I did.  I did do a fair share of running and hiking.  But, riding...not as much.
• Have four separate Yes Days - one for Lil O, Mr. UpCyclist, Puppy Jedi and myself - Since the entire summer felt like a Yes Day to me, only Lil O "needed" her Yes Day.  
• Trail run to the neighborhood lake three times (last summer, I just did this once) - Yay, I did it! Check Instagram for proof here, here, and here.  Plus, I'm not bragging, but I actually ran the trail seven times.  Woot!
• Make time for yoga, reading and just being - and not doing - I absolutely made time for yoga, reading and just being.  I think that is one of the reasons why the whole summer felt like a Yes Day. 
• Create string art like this - Totally!  This blog post details the entire string art endeavor.  It really is one of my all-time favorite projects.

This summer, I did more reflecting and creating than I have in the past.  Such fuel for my soul.

xoxo,

Jen

Still Jonesing for a Diggler

Two things....I really thought I would own a Diggler Scooter by now.  First, Diggler is a cycling team sponsor for Upcycled Education.  Second, Jedi loves to pull.  He would rock a Diggler with Lil O and I on the back.

I. need. one.  I need a Diggler.  Kind of like I need an Instax Mini from Tech Tuesday this week.

Santa, are you listening?  I've been very good this year.

Peas.  Pretty peas.  With sugar on top and a cherry.

Grinning,

Jen

PS - The photo above was taken last summer when my obsession with Diggler began.

Instax Mini {for Tech Tuesday}

Photo credit

If I was Oprah.  And it was Tech Tuesday (at least that part is based in reality).  You would look under your seat right now and there would be your very own Instax Mini (affiliate link). So amazingly cute and charming that you would snap photos of all your friends, family and students.  And then, you'd cry because I was so generous and your photos so adorable.

Until then, save your $57 (for the camera) and $18 (for the credit-card sized film) and still cry because the photos are too cute and retro.

Need. one.

Jen

Mod Podge Heaven

Mod Podge is a cycling team sponsor for Upcycled Education.  Can you believe what they sent?  Each rider received a phat care package of product - a tee shirt, dimensional Mod Podge, Podgeable Papers, Extreme Glitter Pod Modge, Mod Podge Sampler....I could go on!

Mr. UpCyclist and team mascot, Lil O, both have been generous with me this summer and shared their Mod Podge goodies.

Yay!  Oh, and Lil O said it best the other day.  Mod Podge is a crafter's best friend.

Love that kid and Mod Podge,

Jen

PS - If you don't already read Amy's blog, Mod Podge Rocks, you really should take a peek.  She posts super-creative Podge-based projects daily.

Back-to-School: Do These Now!

Not that I'm trying to be pushy, but really.  Do. These. Now.  They are all appropriate for back-to-school.  They are all really easy to execute.

Trust me.

ROCK Rules - You need classroom rules after all.  You might as well make them cool and to-the-point.  Thanks again, Kim!

Textbook Quotes - Students love this activity.  Plus, this is one of the most sought after posts on Upcycled Education.  Who knew textbooks could be so sexy?

Textbook Gems - Speaking of textbooks, why not crack out your Mod Podge and make some textbook gems, yes?

SSLANT - Raise your hand if your students could hone their communication skills.  See, you need this one.

Captain, Crew, and Cargo - I use this metaphor with my students.  It works if you want participation and volunteerism.

Go get 'em and Happy Back-to-School,

Jen