Lust List

I wanted to share items I am currently loving.  Some of these are old items, some are new.  Some of them are old items that I just discovered too!  

First in the background is a faux fur blanket.  I am obsessed with these comfortable blankets.  They are so soft and warm.  

Next are my Lululemon pants.  They are long yoga Skinny Groove Pant.  They are a matte color.  I wear them everyday.  

I beginning to like face serums, especially in the winter.  I wash my face and put on before bed in place of a moisturizer.  It is a greasy feeling before bed, but my skin is so soft in the morning.  I love the La Mer serum best, but it's pricey.  Sephora makes a cheaper version and will give you a sample to try.  

I love shellac nails but I'm busy and don't always have time to sit through a manicure.  I have used the Sally Hansen, Gel polish and I love it.  It isn't as durable as shellac but harder than polish.  I have also used regular nail polish, let my nails fully dry, then applied the gel top coat.  This works also.  

I recently discovered Bath and Body Works Lemon Vanilla body wash and lotion.  This is a limited edition scent.  It smells so good and very light.  

I LOVE Lush products.  I recently tried the Angels on Bare Skin and loved it.  It's a face wash for combination skin.  It really tones, and scrubs my face.  It has lavender seeds and crushed walnuts and their products are all natural! 

The bangle bracelets are from Princess P Jewelry.  They look like Cartier bracelets right?  Except, they are not 5,000 dollars.  They are $20.  Princesspjewelry.com 

I love the Maybeline Master Duo liquid eyeliner.  It has two sized brushes.  It makes a great winged eyeliner.  

Y'all (sorry I live 5 minutes from Ky) know I love Benefit High Beam.  I use it as a highlighter, primer, blush, lipstick, etc.  I even line my collarbone with it for a little evening gown sparkle.  

Two Faced "Better Than Sex" Mascara is my favorite mascara still.  I wanted to share that I haven't found anything to replace it.  

Lastly, Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.  Again this is a great product for the winter because its an oil based shampoo.  I also wouldn't use it everyday.  It's very heavy but the smell is amazing.  I wish they made a perfume.  

A couple other things.. 

I'm obsessing over Tory Burch purses right now.  I love simplicity and durable leather.  I needed something cheaper than Louis Vuitton.  I am also loving large felt hats.  They make a great statement piece with a comfortable outfit.  Also short boots.  I love a brown, short, boot with a crew boot sock.  And.. Furry Toms! I love Toms because they stand for such a great cause, but the shoes are so comfortable.  The winter styles have fur and are very comfortable.  

Okay!  Have a great New Years.  Start your year off right!
God Bless everyone!  

Blogging to Waste Time

I know I haven't blogged in awhile.  I've been working on my observation and I created my observation resources! They scored really well. I made a Pirate Endings activity. Also the Bengals have been keeping me busy.  But anyway.. I have some exciting things I want to share over BREAK!! 2 more days!  Here are my 2 new items I have created.  Please purchase and take a look!! I figured with already having snow in November, we will need a Blizzard Bag for snow days.

teacherspayteachers.com/alysonjordan

Camera Ready Smile... One Easy, Cheap, Step!

I made it this week! I'm just kidding I was the cover photo for sports.yahoo.com.  Sorry Google.

My smile looks really bright.  So I thought I'd share my secret for what I use to whiten my teeth.  It's no secret I'm on a budget and always looking for healthy, natural beauty products.  So here it is.... 

I brush my teeth once a day with... Baking Soda!!

It really helps brighten my smile and it's a healthy whitener.  I use toothpaste and gargle with a regular mouthwash twice a day too.  I just add an extra step of brushing with baking soda.  Try it.  Share your smile! :)

10 Ways to Hold Off Wrinkles

I'm in my late 20's and I'm holding on to my youth.  With the stresses of my jobs I've noticed myself aging.  I love Botox and I'll be the first to admit it.  But.. don't go get your pitch fork just yet, I have some strategies!  Botox is expensive and painful.  I have some suggestions that have helped me tremendously.  Here are my 10 steps to feel and stay youthful!

1.  Say no to processed foods! This is probably my biggest tip in life.  Processed foods contain unhealthy chemicals.  These chemicals can lead to illness.  Also these foods can sit on a shelf and never expire.  So you can imagine that they aren't breaking down properly in your body.  Fruits, vegetables and natural products have a shelf life.  They break down easier and contain lots of nutrients.  By cutting these out of my diet I have felt better, easier digestion, more energy and better sleep.

2.  Drink water - I know it sounds redundant but by drinking large amounts helps keep your skin hydrated and feeling fresh.  

3.  Wash your face every night.  Apply a moisturizer, every night! I use these products.  I love Mario Badescu face wash and moisturizer. I like to wash my face twice, once with a Clarisonic brush.  I also put a nice thick mask of La Mer on before sleep.  I do have oily skin.  I have been able to control this with a toner and diet.  

4.  Use an eye cream.  I get little sleep some nights and look tired.  I have to use an eye cream to look my best in the morning.  I like Benefit- It's Potent.

5.  Skip the coffee and go to the tea.  I HAVE to have my morning caffeine.  I have recently switched to Starbucks Green Teas.  They have many flavors.  Green Tea gives me energy.  It's healthier.  I don't use as much sweetener.  I cut the caffeine after noon to sleep better also.

6.  Get a good night's sleep.  I know it's easier said than done.  Find a way to calm yourself before bed.  Whether it's a glass of wine, night time tea, reading, downloading a sound app for your iPad, or a couples massage.. turn off your brain and go to bed. 

*Another tip to decrease stress-  Stay off social media and turn off your phone.  Social media can be drama filled.  Don't use bed time to stalk your boyfriend's ex, gossip with your friends, spy on your friends,  or argue with your boyfriend.. turn your mind off and relax.  

7.  Do your own facials. I buy these $1.00 facial packets.  I put on a nice cleansing or purifying mask, and sit with a hot, steamy towel over my face, then I wipe it off and rinse.  Just like being at the spa.

8.  Find a great primer (with sunscreen), foundation , and highlighter.  Wake up and put your makeup on before work.  You will feel better and look great in pictures.  On the weekends... relax and go without.  I like to use Neutrogena primer with sunscreen, MAC Studio Fix Foundation, and Benefit's High Beam highlighter. I also use Sonia Kushak Tinted Moisturizer  to give my skin a break.

9.  Compliment others and broadcast your successes.  Tell someone they look nice or you like their outfit.  Ask someone about their weekend.  Ask about their kids.  This makes you look happy and friendly.  Happy girls are the prettiest.  If something great happens to you, share it! You will feel proud!

10.  Relax!  Try to make time for yourself.  Find out what helps you relax and do it.  You deserve it!

Love y'all!  Have a great weekend!  

Teacher's Toolbox- Back to School Items to Improve Classroom Management

I can't believe I am preparing for my fourth year of teaching!  Time flies! I am always thinking of ideas to improve my classroom.  I can say my weakness when I first began teaching was classroom management.  I designed these items to advance my classroom management and become organized before the school year begins. I have listed the links to my yearly behavior calendars, journal topics for student writing, and sight word worksheets and flashcards for extra practice.  Visit my store and purchase any items you like.  If you want something special created, let me know.  

Yearly Behavior Calendars (Editable)

Journal Topics Yearly

Perfectly Polished Popcorn Words

Superb School Supplies Steals

It's back-to-school shopping season! I LOVE the smell of fresh school supplies.  I also love to shop, but that's old news.  I shopped around with my school supply list to tell you the best and cheapest places to shop.  

My First Grade Supply List

• Folder
• 12 pack of pencils 
• 2 Erasers 
• 4 Glue Sticks 
• Scissors 
• Markers 
• 24 Crayons 
• 4 Dry Erase Markers
• Index Cards 
• Highlighters 

*Note- This is not my complete school supply list.  I have left out name brand items but I do recommend certain brands over others because of quality of product.  

I went to Target, Walmart, and Office Max to purchase these products.  I also took into consideration convenience, availability, and style of  products (cute notebooks, glitter school boxes, etc).  

*Note- Some products are used in pictures more than once, I didn't buy the products if too expensive. 

Target  supplies added up to $16.84.  I enjoy shopping at Target because of their unique designers, and creative displays.

 

Walmart was the cheapest.  I knew it would be.  Walmart supplies totaled $13.41.  Walmart has large displays of supplies and very convenient to find what you're looking for.  

 

I was surprised by how expensive Office Max actually was.  I don't think they had any sales going on.   I do have a teacher discount but did not use on this purchase.  Office Max had many cute pencils, notebooks, teacher supplies, etc. 

Happy school supply shopping everyone!! Don't forget a bookbag, lunchbox, baggies, hand sanitizer, and clothes!!

Snagging A Sassy Teaching Job

Two million people graduated from college this year and everyone is trying to snag a perfect job.  With having to work part time jobs, study, take exams, commute to school.. it's hard to prepare for a job search.  This article is about landing a teaching position but can be used for any upcoming job interview.  

A little background... I have a bachelor's degree in communication.  I have always wanted to be a teacher, but when I was 17 and standing in line at college to register I went the business route.  I thought teachers don't make any money and sit in a classroom with children all day.  Man! If I would have done more research I could have saved a lot of money!  I worked a desk job for 4 years and hated my life.  I can't say it any nicer.  I went back to school for my masters and completed a masters in early childhood education. 

Here comes the struggle... I interviewed for maybe 50 teaching positions.  I wish I had a video of what I actually said on those interviews because I'm sure it was comical. It took me 3 years to find the perfect teaching position.  Here are some tips I've learned along the way to speed up the process.  

1.  Be persistent

•  Check online sources everyday. Check your state education websites and hiring websites.  I used Effronandassociates.com too.  
• Set a goal for yourself: "Today I will apply for 10 jobs".  Save your data in a word document so you can copy and paste.  This will save time.  
• Teaching job interviews are more common in March-April and July-August. This is when teachers plan or decide on retiring.   

2.  Make a portfolio -  This is expensive to do but I can guarantee you will get positive feedback about it.   A portfolio shows you can be creative and organized. Here are the steps.

• Make a colorful cover.  Put your picture on the front, they'll remember you.  
• Add a general cover letter: "To Human Resource Department"
• Add your resume 
• Then a list of respectful resources 
• A copy of your teaching license
• A sample of lesson plans 
• Any copies of your strengths (letters from cooperating teacher, student data scores, student achievement, your RTI plan, sample newsletters, etc.) 
• Color copy, Add a leather back and frosted clear cover, and black spiraling.  Print off 20-50 to start.
• Send these out everyday in the mail. I would send them to HR offices, principals, teachers I knew.  I would even visit schools and drop them off.  When there is a stack of 1,000 resumes... Your portfolio will stand out and they will pull it to give you an interview.  

  3.  Get a suit-  A nice black, navy, or gray suit that's neatly pressed, lint free, and ready to go.  I can't stress... READY TO GO!  I have been called and interviewed in the same day.  I got my job in a week.  Principals have so much going on, they don't want to spend days interviewing.  If they find the perfect candidate they will give you the job! 

• Black, navy, or gray suit- pants or skirt. 
• Try to wear the school colors in a blouse, tie, or jewelry.  
• Light jewelry and light makeup- but try to do both! This will make you look lively and glamorous
• Wear short heels.  Not flats, not 6 inch.  Fight through the pain 
• Wear your suit jacket in, but feel free to take it off during the interview if you get warm.  
• Get your nails done!  Wear a light pink or nude lip gloss and pop in a mint.  Where do you think they'll be looking?? At your mouth and hands. 
• Smile-  They are hiring a teacher!  

 

4.  Practice, Practice, Practice...

• Have a leather portfolio with a master copy of your portfolio.  Also those printable portfolios.. Have 10 prepared for all attending the interview.  Most of the time they will give them back but be sure everyone has something to look at.  The worst is when multiple teachers are interviewing you and have no resume to look at to ask you questions.  
• Walk in, introduce yourself, shake hands, and look people in the eyes. Pass out those portfolios and remember everyone's name.  When I get called for an interview I ask who will be sitting in the interview and I have the Thank You's made prior to the interview.  I will mail them after.  
• Practice with a friend.. your friends are more nerve wrecking than people you don't know.  

Popular Teacher interview questions

• Describe yourself.    "My name is Alyson Schweinfest.  I have a bachelor's degree in communication and a masters degree in education.  My background in communication has progressed me to become a strong educator by working with children, teaching literacy components, and discussing data with parents. I am creative and enjoy incorporating creativity into my lessons.  In my spare time I love to read.  The last book I read was.. "   Have notes on your lap to help you if you get stuck.  Also have notes on points you want to get across.  There is nothing against this. 
• What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses? 
  Pick a great strength, pick a pointless weakness. "My weakness is trying to incorporate music into my lessons."  SEE!  You're not the music teacher so that's not a bad weakness.  
• What's your classroom management plan?  What's your RTI plan?  You should have these in mind already.  If you don't.. you might be a refresher course.  
• What learning styles will you address?  Verbal, Whole group, hands-on (tactile-kinesthetic), technology, poems, songs, dance, cooperative learning
• Why should we pick you?  You need a really good reason because you need to stand out above the pack.  

I hope these tips help.  Comment if you need any help.  I'd be happy to help because I know the job search is hard.  Happy interviewing and Good Luck!  

Highlighting and Contouring in 10 Easy Steps

Here are my 10 steps for any and every girl to highlight and contour. First- What is it? Highlighting and Contouring are using lighter and darker products to define parts of your face. This is the well known Kardashian makeup trick and #nofilter for your instagrammy pics. Common Mistakes- Highlighting is meant to bring out areas you want to "highlight" or show off. Contour your areas you want to hide, or make smaller. MAKEUP IS SCIENCE AND ART!! Find your skin tones and find a contrast. I have yellow skin tones. If you look at a color wheel, the opposite of yellow is purple/red.. So I use a bronzer with red tones and a highlighter with pink tones.

Also glue goes on paper, paper on glue.. Things we teach first graders... If you put a creamy product on your face, cover it with powder and vice versa If you apply glue on top of glue.. it will slide off.. right? So think creamy, powder, creamy, powder to set your products. 

Step 1- Use a primer! I actually used a drug store product for this.. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer. This is very light and has sunscreen!

Step 2- Put on a thin layer of foundation. I use the Beauty Blender to evenly press foundation. I used MAC Studio Fix Foundation.

Step 3- Concealer! I love highlighting. This is where I like to highlight for photos and lighting. You can choose where you want to highlight on your own face, and how much. I use MAC Studio Finish Concealer in a pinkish/white shade to have contrast. Even if I don't highlight and contour all the way, I do the concealer part almost everyday. Especially being a teacher, I always have dark circles I need to cover up. This does the trick.

Step 4- Set your concealer. I use Ben Nye powders or a mineral powder depending on how oily my face is. I use almost a white to pinkish white shade depending on my skin tone. Use a small brush and PAT the powder over top the concealer. Try not to rub to avoid pulling skin over time.
Step 5- Bronzer or Contouring. I do not like my large forehead or wide face (Sorry I'm a typical female) So I contour my cheek bones and forehead. I use small strokes to put a deep line of bronzer in the dent underneath the cheek bones. I use small strokes around my hair line and on my temple, I also do under my chin. I make a "3" on the sides of my face.

Step 6- Highlighting AGAIN!! Don't judge me for over highlighting, I can't help it. I put this step in here to show pictures but this could be a step 8. I use Benefit High Beam (light pink) to highlight on top of contouring, nose, temples, v above top lip, and chin. This adds shine and shimmer.

(I am also setting the highlighter with a powder highlighter too) 

Step 7- (optional) Contour that nose! I dislike my nose. So a draw a small outline around the nose in bronzer to make my nose look smaller in pictures. This tip is keeping plastic surgeons out of business. (In picture above)
 Step 8- Blend! I am using a small wide brush to blend. Blend in circles. You should not be able to see any lines. Blend everything together.

Step 9- Reapply any products if needed. Don't forget to highlight around your brows too. Don't forget blush on your cheeks! Set with powder overall. Spray a finishing spray all over face.

 Step 10- Take an instgram picture and show your makeup off!!

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My Starting Line Up

We all have our go-to makeup products.  I love to read blogs and watch YouTube videos on the newest and best products.  I wanted to start my blog off with my everyday, go-to products.  These are the make-up items I can't live without.  I will apologize for most of these products being "high end".  I have tried alternatives and they don't work as well.  Here we go..

1.  MAC Prep and Prime- This product is a thin, lotion primer that goes in your pores to really show your makeup off.  The best part about this product, is it has GLITTER in it! Not a lot, just a hint of shimmer.  This is a little oily, so make sure you use a toner before.  ($30.00)
2.  MAC Studio Fix Foundation-  This is a medium-heavy foundation.  I love foundation and I love having my skin look as flawless as possible.  Studio Fix is my go to foundation for going out and taking selfies.  I will say the Studio Fix foundation adds a rich color to your face to make you look brighter in iPhone photos.  No filter needed with this foundation.  ($27.00)
3.  Makeup Forever HD Foundation-  Now why do I have 2 foundations?  I love this foundation.  This foundation will make my face look flawless in professional photos with great lighting.  This is my go to foundation for game days and professional photography.  However, this foundation is very thick (even though it's stated minimum coverage).  It has pigments to catch lights in HD photos.  It creates a more washed out look for cellphone photos.  But your skin will look flawless.  ($42.00)
4.  Ben Nye Luxury Powder-  I use this powder in Banana because I have more yellow tint to my skin.  They do make this powder in other colors.  This is the Kim Kardashian powder that she uses to add glow and set her highlighting.  I also use this as a finishing powder.  ($14.00)
5.  MAC Studio Fix Concealer- I love, love, love this product.  I could go to a "Highlighters Anonymous" group because I love highlighting.  Now I use more of a pinkish tint concealer because again I have yellowish skin tones.  So you can go as light or as dark with this concealer as you'd like.  I also use a small concealer brush.  ($18.00)
6. Benefit High Beam-  Another great highlighting product.  I even use this as a base for my eye makeup or makeup for work.  I have been using this product for 8 years.  Its light pink with shimmer.  ($26.00)
7.  Benefit Hoola Bronzer-  I love this bronzer.  I use many bronzers to mix up my routine.  This is my favorite because it provides a great brown tone and a hint of SPARKLE.  It's also very thin so you can apply more as needed. ($28.00)
8.  MAC Sunbasque Blush-  This is a blush, but can also be used as a bronzer.  I use this for contouring for photos or game days.  It adds a great brown, redish color and really can be seen from far away.  I don't use this product for everyday wear, just nights out and performing.  ($21.00)
9.  Beauty Blender-  I am on the "Beauty Blender train".  I love this tool.  It really helps evenly apply my foundation, concealer, and highlighter.  I recently found out you can use this tool wet or dry!  They also make a special cleaner for the Beauty Blender.  ($20.00)
10.  Cover Girl Lip Perfection- I use this color in Blush Twist.  Here is a drug store product. I love this because it's a mix of lip stick and lip gloss.  It's very thin and workable.  I like the nude-pink shade for an everyday color.  ($7.99)
11.  MAC Lipstick in "Red"-  If you don't own this color or something similar you're not a real woman!  Every girl should own red lipstick.  I love wearing it out on the town.  It's a matte finish and lasts the whole evening!  ($ 16.00)
12.  Loreal Voluminous Mascara-  This is my go-to mascara.  I have tried 100 mascaras.  I love many of them.  I will say I use a lot of mascara, and I don't like clumpy eyelashes.  #1 pet peeve of Alyson... spider eyelashes.  So this mascara is cheap, easy to work with, and doesn't clump.  I'm still open for opinions.  I would love to try some 3D fiber mascara also. (Send me some, hint hint).   ($ 7.99)
13.  NARS Orgasm Blush-  I have shown the powder and stick form.  I love them both.  I know this is cliche because everyone loves this blush.  This is just my go-to blush.  I'm a huge fan.  I love the pink tint and shimmer.  ($ 30.00)
14.  Urban Decay Finishing Spray-  Ahhh.  This is my lifesaver.  I've sweated and been drenched in a rainstorm  and my makeup has made it through with this spray.  It's a setting spray to lock your makeup in.  It's sticky at first but you can't tell it's on after it dries.  ($ 30.00)