August Children's Read: Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes

This book is so adorable!

We read this book the first day of Kindergarten! If you don't already know, this book has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for quite some time! The first day of Kindergarten can be full of jitters. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, really got the kids to open up and sing along. This book is all about Pete, who is a pretty cool cat that wears white shoes. All through the day he ends up stepping in different colors wherever he goes. The moral of the story is whatever you get yourself into, life has a way of  turning things around. This story has a great lesson for kids to stay positive when things may go wrong. It is all good! You could have the students create a cut out of a shoe and have them decorate it anyway they want. I want to add Pete the Cat collection to my library!

Here is the Author's page:

http://www.ericlitwin.com/

Here is a You Tube clip of the story:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U

Fall Work Fashion Wish List... My Little September Issue

Fall Fashion Wish List...My  Little September Issue



This Fall, I've seen so many new and classic styles that I wish I had in my wardrobe! I love Fall styles! Fall is my favorite time of the season. The weather is perfectly crisp, where you can coordinate layers and a nice boot. I have my eye on the most stunning pair of Frye Melissa Riding boots in Cognac at Nordstrom! I have been eyeing these boots for about a year (maybe more). Yes, they are expensive, but when I wear a pair of boots, I really get my money's worth. I figure I will have them for years, that is if I don't wear them every single day! But, this is usually how I operate. If I am stuck on a clothing piece or accessory, it usually stays in my wardrobe for years to come. Another essential for fall is the J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Navy. This is a perfect pairing with any color button down shirt, your Frye boots of course, and a skinny leg pant. You don't have to spend a lot of money on clothing, just recycle these items with matching them up with a different button down or classic pencil skirt. Jewel tones will be in favor- think Emerald green and Sapphire/ Cobalt Blue, a la this J.Crew pencil skirt. I always keep my chambray shirts in handy along with my Ralph Lauren Cognac and Black horse bit belts. I also have my classic black and grey thin layer turtlenecks. They usually have great ones at Club Monaco or Zara. They look polished and put together with any work ensemble. Accessory wise, I love my gold link necklace and gold Michael Kors watch my fiance bought me. He's so sweet! I just remember to wear one accessory at a time. Too much can be a major fashion catastrophe.  A cute everyday shoe that look fabulous are the classic ballet flats in a solid color. This is just some of my style ideas, other people may think differently. I still like the pleated long skirts with a button down and belt. of course I cant forget my striped shirts! I really like the trend of mixing stripes with a floral! Sometimes the matchy looks too put together. Break it up! And the last essential  for work is of course the little black dress. You can do anything with this dress, if you didn't already know!  I found a super cute cobalt dress this season, I adore it! Just remember to have fun and make sure you feel comfortable in what feels like your own style. Remember, its  what is on the inside that makes you beautiful!

Coming soon, casual weekend wear 2013!

NY Times Children's Book of the Day in August

                                            




NY Times Children's Book of the Day:

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

Since summer is still here, I wanted to review a book that I thought was refreshing and funny for kids. It's called The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli. This book is cute and fun natured. It's all about a crocodile who is scared to eat a watermelon because of a possible fear of the seed growing in his belly. I want to share this book with my Kindergarten class because its a short story that they can follow along to as I point to the large words on the page. This helps them with sight words. You could also use this book for choral reading.They are exposed to strategies like predicting what might happen if the the crocodile accidentally ends up eating a watermelon seed! This book has wonderful colorful illustrations. I just have to explain to them that a seed cannot grow in your belly if you do end up eating a watermelon seed! 

http://www.whataboutwatermelon.com/index.php/2013/05/3639/

After the book, you could ask the students what their favorite fruit is to eat. 
You could also compare and contrast different fruits and have them think about the fruits with seeds and what they look like inside. 
Here is a recipe for a Watermelon Juice I recently made!



Watermelon Juice:

1. 1/2 Watermelon
2. 1 Lemon sliced
3.  Handful of fresh Mint (optional)

This is a great refreshing mildly sweet summer drink. I start with slicing the watermelon in half. 
Half of the watermelon is pretty sufficient. Cut the watermelon into cubes and toss them 
into your juicer. I prefer most of the rind, just make sure to cut the very green part off. 
The rind is full of nutrients for your body. I then take the sliced lemon and toss it into the juicer. It is ok to leave the seeds in the watermelon. Remember, the seeds will not hurt you, a watermelon will not be growing inside of you! 

I then take the mint and put it in the juicer. 
This is a great juice to beat the summer heat! 
If you have some watermelon juice left over, 
get out a popcicle tray and freeze the 
leftovers for a tasty watermelon popsicle! 

Back to School

Hello Everyone!

 This weekend was a major task to clean and organize my belongings before I begin teaching. I really feel so much better about my life when I shed unwanted clothing and gadgets that I don't use anymore. I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world! I usually do this cleaning after each season. This helps me transition into each of the four seasons easier and takes unwanted stress off of having to look for things. Being organized is the first step into clearing your mind and getting ready for new experiences ahead.

 My grandmother Lillian introduced this practice to me and my sister growing up. Thank god I still do this! Since I am a lover of style and clothing, it helps me put together my ensembles quicker for the day ahead. If I am transitioning from summer to fall, I usually begin bringing out more of my fall clothes and storing the summer things. I go with the rule, if you haven't worn it within a year, toss it! This eliminates unnecessary clutter and allows me more free time to do whatever else I need to accomplish! Not only do I feel better about myself, the things that I no longer use are going to someone else in need. Here is just a glimpse into my organized dresser!

It's the little things in life that make me smile!

Get Healthy!

Hello All!

Today I am writing in regards to staying active and healthy. I feel the need to tell people that their life can improve by eating healthier if they just incorporated more fruits and vegetables in their diet.The reason why I believe this is true is because it is working for me! I love fruits and vegetables, my body actually craves them. I feel so much better when I stick to a healthier way of life. I have been juicing regularly now and I have noticed a difference in my skin complexion and my weight. I have more energy and my mind thinks more clearly. I really want to join a local  organic farming co-op so I can get fresh fruits and vegetables weekly.By eating less preservatives and more naturally, I have this positive outlook on my body,mind and spirit. I hope this inspires you! Here's the recipe to my Lean Geen Juice!

Lean Green Recipe:

*A large handful of Kale
*Stalk of Celery
*1 Lemon Sliced
* 2 Apples Sliced (Granny, or Fuji)
* 1 Cucumber Sliced
*2 Large Handfuls of Leafy Green Spinach
*Handful of Fresh Mint (optional)

Before you begin, make sure you wash your fruits and vegetables! I usually fill up the sink with cold water and 2-3 tablespoons of white vinager. Any produce you buy, please remember to wash with care! Farmers spray pesticides along with any other potential harmful fertilizers for growing. In any case, buying organic is the best way, but if you just buy regular fruits and vegetables washing is key! I begin by putting the heavier fruits and vegetables in like the cucumber and the apples into a juicer first. Then come the lemon, celery, spinach, kale and mint. You don't need mint, but its a nice refresher in any drink. Cucumbers are great for your skin and this along with the celery are a great alkalizer for your body. Believe me, if you juice regularly, your body will thank you. Take it from personal experience, I've been juicing for many months so far and the effects it has on my body, mind and spirit is wonderful. Thank you to my mom for introducing juicing into my lifestyle! Here is also a link to find out the fruits and vegetables that are in season:

http://www.primalpalate.com/store/ingredients/fruits-and-vegetables/

New York Public Library

Hello Everyone!

Today I got inspired from my trip seeing my fiancé in New York City. We visited MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art), and I saw so many great books while in the gift shop. One book in particular struck my fancy, it was called : A Poem as Big as New York City by Teachers Writers Collabrative. This book is a great way to read out loud and have children understand a teachers tone and intonation on particular words in a poem. It also gives children creative ways to write their own poems by reading other students work. I want this book in my library! Here are some pictures of the NYPL and also the book I was inspired by.

http://www.twc.org/about-us/a-poem-as-big-as-nyc/a-poem-as-big-as-nyc-lessons/