kristybear DESIGNS: 2014

Positively Pinspiring

I LOVE finding fun things on pinterest but sometimes I get overwhelmed by all of the awesome! I am participating in the Positively Pinspiring linky this week to narrow down some of the awesome things I have found this week.

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This fun poster is great for finding things to blog about. These are some of the most common blog post title that I have seen. Next time I am in a rut, I will give them a try.

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Color palettes! I love looking for color inspiration on Pinterest. I stumbled on this while look for some inspiration for Jennifer's new blog!! It's a work in progress but I will be sure to come back and share all of the pretty things once it is done.

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I have also been spending tons of time looking for Halloween activities to do with my super energetic 4 year old. I came across these cute painted acorns and fell in love! I have been a little nervous to pull out the paint with her but we have been getting some cutting practice in by making ghost (I'll be sharing this one later).

Did you find anything exciting this week? I would love to see it, so be sure to link with Mrs. Plemons' Kindergarten and join in the fun. Also, if you are looking for more fun Halloween and Fall Activities, check out my Halloween Pinterest Board.

Blog Design - Two Boys and a Dad

Yay!! I just finished another blog design. This one is for Two Boys and a Dad-Teacher. If you get a chance go check it out! He is just getting everything going so be sure to check back later too.

In conjunction with launching his new blog, I created a set of matching digital papers inspired by the design! These papers are available for just $1 today only.

On a side note. I have been super busy recently with college, working full time, blog design, and a finger injury. It's fun to be busy but I always make time for family. We recently took a trip to Carter Mountain here in Va. It was our first time and we had lots of fun. The apple cider and apple cider donuts were AMAZING!!

Positively Pinspiring

I have a long list of things I need to be doing but I am having a rough day already. I needed to do something I WANTED to do to hopefully turn this day around. So here I am! Linking up for one of my favorite linkys and who cares if it's a day late. :)

On Wednesday, I am going to an award banquet for my job. I was #1 on my team! I work for a really fun company and this is my first time going. I CANNOT wait! I have been looking for hairstyles and makeup. I want to look fancy! ;) My everyday clothing consist of skinny jeans and flats and some shirt that hopefully doesn't make me look pregnant. (I'm not.) I wear absolutely no makeup. I probably should though. Here is the hairstyle I am going to attempt.

Someone purchased my Building Blocks Bundle and made this awesome cover for her product! I absolutely LOVE seeing how my images get used in the classroom!

The last thing I wanted to share was this SUPER cute Christmas Tree. (Too soon?) If I could trust my daughter near paint for more than 2 seconds we might actually make this as our family Christmas cards this year.

Positively Pinspiring

Have you noticed that I LOVE linky parties? I feel they keep me going when I barely have a moment for blogging. I have so many ideas saved as "draft post" but something more important always comes up. These linky parties keep me going. I can quickly post something relevant and often fun. This time I am linking up with Mrs. Plemon's Kindergarten to share some of the awesome things I pinned this week!

On a recent trip to the beach, I got my very first henna tattoo! I have wanted one for a long time. They only last for a week or so. I came across this pin with some pretty cool pattern ideas for children. I never thought that teachers could use this in the classroom. You would probably have to get parent permission but how cool would this be to integrate into a lesson about other cultures?

Let me just say that Grocery Store BINGO looks AWESOME!!! My daughter is a handful but this just might keep her entertained for our shopping trip.

This is by far my favorite book! I love this quote. Maybe I need some friends. :) It's The Little Prince, by the way.

Be sure to go over to Mrs. Plemon's Kindergarten to join her awesome linky!

Currently September!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these currently link ups! They are a quick cute way to check in on everyone AND help you meet new bloggers.

Listening: My husband was talking about a fun video game that he and I play together. (yes we are big nerds)
Loving: School. I have just switched majors to Business Finance and I am taking 2 classes right now. So far, they seem pretty easy.
Thinking: I have a headache. :( Two days ago I hurt my pinky by smashing it between my desk and computer chair arm. NOT fun at all. It feels a bit better today but it sure is making it hard to work.
Wanting: More time. Don't we all? I have school, work and blog designs to finish and of course I have a never ending list of other things to create. I want to spend more time with my daughter and more time playing games.
3 Trips: It was really difficult for me to narrow this category down. I want to go everywhere. I have a REALLY hard time justifying the cost of travel. Egypt-I have always wanted to see the pyramids. Alaska -I have to see the Auroa Borealis in person. I go to work when it is still dark outside. I love starting my day by looking at the stars. It always brings a smile to my face. I cannot imagine how excited I will be to see this in person. I almost cried when I drove from the suburbs to the country and saw the stars. Amazing! Florida -I have never been to Disney. My husband has and he always says that he wants to go. We will go but I am not sure when. Right now my daughter has some serious behavior issues and it is difficult to enjoy these types of things.

Congrats Winners & a Sale!

Thank you to everyone who entered, donated and shared this amazing giveaway! Take a look and see if you won.

If you have been thinking about getting a custom blog design, now is the time to do it! I am running a HUGE sale on my custom design. If you sign up now you can get your complete design for $70. The normal cost of the Universe Package is $90. As an added bonus anyone who refers a friend can choose $5 off of their blog design OR $5 in free products from my store. :)

Click here to see some of the things included in the package. If you want to get started you can fill out my Design Request Form.

Highs and Lows

This week has been a little busy for me but I am happy to be a part of this weekly linky! You should join A First for Everything too!

As usual I am having a hard time thinking of my lows for the week. I love that. Hmmm.
-Not finishing a custom request. It has taken me longer than I would like to finish a set of digital papers.
-Finding out that my company is now open on Christmas Day and that I might have to work was also not too fun.

There have been so many highs for this week.
-My daughter had an amazing 2 days while I was off from work. She went shopping with me and I let her play on the playground at the mall. Both events went over great. She enjoyed some peaceful playtime with many kids and no one got hurt. ;)
-Part 2 of my first high is scoring some awesome deals!! I have a work party to go to and the attire is fancier than anything I had in my whole house. This week I was able to find everything I needed for my party!

Dress $6.99

Mini Jacket $8.00

Shoes $11.99

Earrings $7.50

Brooch $1.00

Hair Pins $2.00

My whole outfit, which I will probably only wear 1 time cost me under $35! I call that a huge win!

I also bought this AWESOME treasure chest pinata from Kroger for only $3.75!
-I finally uploaded my second YouTube video! I LOVE doing these tutorial. The most difficult part is finding quite time to record the audio. This video is all about how to add a URL to a PDF in Google Docs for FREE! Check it out. ;)
-I kicked off a HUGE giveaway this week. Prizes include a custom blog design by me, some Jamberrys, a T-Shirt and TONS of amazing prizes from some awesome TpT sellers. Feel free to enter.

Custom Blog Design Giveaway Extravaganza!!

I am so happy to have worked with so many of you on your blog design. I am excited to be able to call myself a graphics artist and blog designer. I never thought I would give myself any artsy title. I hope you enjoy finding some new blogs and some new products. Many of the participants wanted to share a blogging tip for any new bloggers who may be entering the giveaway. Not only are there 43 TpT Sellers participating, we also have a Custom Blog Design by me, a T-Shirt giveaway from A+ Images and some fun Jamberry nail wraps from Elizabeth!

The first prize is my Universe Custom Blog Design Package. There will be 1 winner for this prize and 1 winner for each of the groups below.

As a special offer, during the giveaway only, my Universe Custom Blog Design Package is on sale for just $70! That is $20 off of the regular price and it includes everything you need to get started blogging as well as several items for your TpT store, facebook and whatever other social media sites you are using.

All Grown Up - Group 1

Countless Smart Cookies wants you to remember to, "Connect, connect, connect! Create a Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and collaborate with teachers all over the world." She is giving away her Motivational Quotes Posters!

The Core of Grade 4 is giving 1 lucky winner a $5 store credit!

LoveLearning is giving away her Bubble Letters Alphabet Clipart!

NIA's Secondary Math Market is giving away her Writing Equations Product!

Dots and Cupcakes - Group 2

I am sure you have heard of Jamberry before, right? Well my high school friend Elizabeth would like to treat one lucky winner to a half sheet of this cute Jamberry style and a bonus accent sheet!

Autism Adventures is giving 1 winner a $5 credit to their store.

Stephanie Rye wants to make sure your new students know all about the Theme with her Theme Posters. Her new blogger tip is, "Spend as much time as you can developing relationships with other bloggers. Read as many blogs as you can and leave lots of comments. When you need a helping hand you will have tons of blogging buddies to turn to!"

If you like birthday parties then you will surely need Andrea's Artifacts Birthday Set!

Joyful Projections is giving 1 lucky winner a $5 store credit!

Wild West - Group 3

Teaching In Bronco Country wants you to, "Set aside a time to blog each week. Its easy to let your blog fall behind when you are busy. Also be yourself on your blog, that is more important then trying to be like your favorite bloggers. Followers like you and want to know you!" She is giving the winner $5 to spend in her store!

Laughing In Second is giving away her 50 States Clipart and she wants you to, "Have fun & use lots of pictures :)" when blogging.

AJ Bergs is giving away a set of Glittery Farm Labels!

You could win this Western Style Behavior Chart from Carol's Garden!

Learning in K-3 - Group 4

Tales from a Naturalista Teacha wants to give you a $5 credit to her store.

K's Kreations might be giving away this Ocean Themed Classroom Decor set but there's nothing fishy about her blogging tip. "Keep a list of future blog ideas as you are inspired- use the reminder feature in your phone, notebook entry, etc. You will be thankful later to have so many ideas to pull from."

Having fun choosing something from Andrea Crawford's TpT Store. Remember to "Just be yourself! Make your posts sound like something you would tell your friends in your tone of voice. It makes it much more interesting to read!"

My Life At The Pencil Sharpener would like you to enjoy $5 in products from her store. Her, "best tip for new bloggers (as she is one) is to learn from the "greats." Think of some of the great blogs that you have enjoyed reading and use these as your guide on how to make your blog worthwhile for your readers."

Isla Hearts Teaching is giving away some Spelling Task Cards.

Teacherof20 would like your Vowels to be Voracious! She's giving you just the tool; her Voracious Vowel Pairs activities.

Mrs Schlachter is sharing her Literature in the Math Classroom Tanagrams to the winner of this group.

Learning in 4-5 - Group 5

The Techie Teacher is giving 1 lucky winner a $5 credit!

Melissa Dalton will let you choose $5 worth of products from her store.

The winner will enjoy a $5 shopping spree from Chalk Box Tales. Her new blogger tip is to, "Find other blogs similar to yours and join Linky Parties which interest you and your readers."

Mrs. O knows that you should, "Write about what you enjoy. Never write because you feel like you have to. If you have a busy month and you don't genuinely have anything to share or maybe the time to do it, it's ok to skip it. It's better to have a few great posts then a bunch that feel forced!". She also wants to make sure your students are logging their independent reading with her Independent Reading Logs.

The Third Wheel is sharing a $5 store credit with 1 winner and she wants new bloggers to, "Blog what you know and love. You will sound more authentic, and be excited to blog. If you just blog to sell products, it will turn into a chore."

Saving the Day - Group 6

TeacherShirts.com has been generous enough to donate one of their new Glitter Rocks T-Shirts and they are awesome!

Michelle Dupuis is saving the day with her Super Here Back to School set. She also wants to share a great tip for new bloggers; "Don't hesitate to get your blog designed. I did not know where to start. I chose Kristy and do NOT regret it." I didn't even make her say that. :)

Here's an idea by Lucy S. is giving the winner of this group a $5 credit to her store which includes lots of resources for learning a new language. She has some great tips for new bloggers too. "Watermark ALL your blog pictures. Links get lost/broken on Pinterest and you'll want your pictures credited to you."

Comprehension Connection wants your students to be Inspired with her Motivational Posters.

Crafty Bee Creations has some amazing Back to School Craftivities for the winner of this group.

Smorgasbord - Group 7

First Grade Fun with Mrs. Dunn wants you to think yummy thoughts with this S'Mores clipart set.

The Pioneer Teacher says, "Don't just blog about your store and your products that you're selling. Blog about your life, your adventures, your family, and your hobbies. Blog about your recipes, places you've been to, about your kids, tips from your classroom to mine, experiences teaching, funny moments in the classroom,..... etc." As a winner of Group 7, you will get a $ credit to this store.

Who's going to win this Owl Bulletin Board Set from 123kteach? She says, "Have you tried using online animated gifs to your posts or products. They provide a slide show of your material to show off all your hard work. You can also try animated gifs to make exciting pins for Pinterest. Check out my blog for step by step directions to get started."

CreateEducateInspire says to, "Be You. Don't feel like you have to write posts every week. If you have something that is going on and you want to share, then write about it. Don't force yourself to write something that isn't you." If you win this bundle you will get her Build your own Classroom Calendar set.

Ainslee Labs is giving 1 lucky winner a $5 store credit!

Speech Sprouts helped me remember an important blogging tip; "Be sure to watermark all your photos... You want credit when someone shares or pins!" and she is giving away $5 in awesome resources to the winner of this group.

Chevron Fun - Group 8

KB3Teach is amazing and she's got some super cute Chevron Alphabet Clipart to share with this winner.

Brittani Black has got $5 to her store for the winner of the Chevron Group!

Teacher Karma says to, "Find your OWN voice, speak from the heart, and connect with as many other teacher bloggers as you can. Best of Luck!". The winner of this group can enjoy some Chevron Journal Clipart.

Fourth Grade Lemonade is giving a winner some Chevron Daily Schedule Cards.

Time's Up - Group 9

Mrs. Hildebrand say that, "Blogging can be just like high school - you are sometimes tempted to try and follow the trends and fit in with the mainstream. Blogging is a personal journey and to do it WELL stay true to who you are, what you want to achieve, and your goals." She will give the winner of Group 9 a $5 credit.

SOL Train Learning says it's a good idea to, "Try to establish a focus on your blog and share those important moments in your classroom that other teachers could benefit from." The winner will enjoy $5s to her store.