You Got Mail! Student Gifts

Ugh...Fridays.

Today was a different story though. I checked my mailbox bright and early and this amazing postcard was in it!

How to Pay LESS for Good Sneakers!

I like to run. I don't like paying a lot for running gear. So I have found a few ways to save money on gear and earn cash and rewards for working out. Here's my story. =) 

I finally had to break down and buy a new pair of sneakers. I have been dreading this purchase since my favorite sneakers from Asics have been discontinued and would have to try on several pairs of sneakers to find the right fit. I have been checking the ads every week and knew I was going to spend $100 on a good pair of shoes. Eek. I'm not a name brand snob but I know a $40 pair of shoes won't cut it. So I have found ways to make this hurt a little bit less.

Memorial Day Deals!

It's our last long weekend before summer vacation! Our town has a parade that comes right up our street and I spent the first day of this weekend preparing for it. This means lots of dreaded errand running. I had to make stops at 5 stores...ugh. But the stores are within a mile of each other and the savings is worth it. I found some deals and decided to share them with you!

My first stop was BJ's. Our membership expires at the end of the month and I am not sure if I want to renew it. I decided to stock up on essentials like our favorite brews, coffee, peanut butter, ziptop bags, fill up the propane tank and top off the gas tank. I called around a few local places and found that BJ's has the best price at $11.99 for a 20 gallon tank fill! 

Summer Savings! Earning Extra Money Without Working Too Hard!

As summer vacation approaches I always worry about saving money, paying the bills, and stashing away enough cash for us to make it through the summer. Over the years, I have found ways to make a little extra money that add to my summer savings.

I can't begin any money saving post without referring to my favorite blogger, +IamTHATlady ! She has helped me save thousands of dollars, check out my post on saving and her blog I Am That Lady. She

Round 1-Materials I Can't Live Without-Clothespins!

I am pretty sure if someone asked me what I couldn't live without in my art room, it wouldn't even be an art material! I recently realized my absolute reliance on these simple products that are now on my must have supply list each year. Here are some ideas for some items to add to your list this year (including wish lists!)

Clothespins

Have you ever seen a young child operate a paper clip? Seriously, try it some time.

Awesome Simple Free Design Website~Canva!

Have you ever looked at a blog and wonder who has the time or talent to make all those amazing graphics and photos? I know I don't! Being someone who has dabbled in Photoshop and Illustrator I know how time consuming those projects can be!

New Facebook header for our Art Teacher Association

Now and days there is an app or a website for just about everything and I was introduced to Canva just the other day. This awesome website can help you create graphics, presentations, posters, Facebook headers and more! With a few clicks you can get a custom image without the headache of finding fonts, colors, backgrounds, frames and shapes that all coordinate together and are free.

New Facebook header for my blog page! 

I see this being a great introduction to graphic design for my students, focusing on the importance of font, size, and colors. I am going to have a few of my advanced students work with it to see what they come up with and any possible glitches we may encounter.
There are also tons of images to search and add to your project, some you have to pay for, but there are some free ones to choose from as well. I see myself using this site to create stunning graphics for my blog and for school! Stay Tuned!

What is your favorite design site or app? Let me know!