🎀 I Forgot to Celebrate Me: A Mother’s Day Moment 🎀

Every year, when Mother’s Day rolls around, I find myself in a whirlwind. I’m picking up cards for my own mom, texting friends who are amazing mothers, scrolling through gift ideas for my sisters, aunts, cousins — all the incredible women who pour their hearts into motherhood. I’m so wrapped up in honoring everyone else that I forget one very important person.

Me.

This year was no different. I was up early making calls, getting gifts together, scurrying to church, helping my kid create a little craft for Nana — the works. By the time the day started to wind down, I sat down, exhausted, and it hit me like a quiet whisper:

I didn’t do anything for myself.

As a single mom, most days feel like a marathon. There’s no tag team partner to take over when I’m tired, no one handing me flowers just because. And yet, I still show up every day. I wipe tears, make lunches, do homework checks, give hugs, and tell bedtime stories. I love fiercely, work hard, and somehow find a way to keep everything running around me. That deserves celebration too.

So next year, I’m doing it differently. I’ll still celebrate the women around me — but I’ll take out some time to honor myself. Maybe it’s a quiet morning with some hot apple cider and no interruptions. Maybe it’s a gift I buy for myself. Maybe it’ll be simply saying out loud, “You’re doing a great job.”

To all the single moms who forget to pause and celebrate yourselves — I see you. I am you. Let’s remember that we don’t just deserve recognition from others, we deserve it from ourselves too.

Happy (belated) Mother’s Day… to me.

And maybe to you, too.

XOXO,

Casey

Wrapping Up Right: End-of-Year Activities Your Students Will Love

Hey fellow Teacher Friends!

As the school year winds down, the energy in our classrooms shifts. The countdown is on, and while our students may already have one foot in summer, we know the importance of finishing strong. This time of year can be a great opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and reinforce learning—while also having some well-earned fun!

Here are some of my favorite end-of-year activities that strike a balance between meaningful and memorable:

1. Memory Books

Have students create personal memory books or digital slideshows reflecting on their school year. Prompts like "My favorite project was...", "A challenge I overcame...", or "My proudest moment..." allow students to see their growth and give them a keepsake to take home. I've included links to some of my memory books I've created to share! 

2. Classroom Awards (With a Twist)

Forget generic awards—get creative! Let students nominate peers for fun and thoughtful titles like “Future Author,” “Most Likely to Start a Movement,” or “The Kindness King/Queen.” This promotes community and leaves everyone feeling appreciated.

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3. Letter to Next Year’s Students

This is a powerful reflection tool. Ask your current students to write letters to the students who will be in your class next year. They can offer advice, share their favorite memories, or describe what to expect. It’s authentic, and next year’s students love reading them!

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4. STEM or Art Challenge Day

Let your students’ creativity shine! Set up design or building challenges using everyday materials, or host a themed art day. One year, we did a “Design Your Dream Classroom” project—some students even included hammocks and snack robots!

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5. End-of-Year Escape Room

Whether digital or paper-based, a themed escape room is an engaging way to review concepts learned throughout the year. Bonus points if it’s summer-themed (think: “Escape the Boring Vacation”).

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6. Classroom Time Capsule

Each student contributes one item (drawing, photo, note, or memento) to a class time capsule. Seal it with the plan to open it in a future grade or mail it to students in a year. It adds a layer of anticipation and nostalgia.

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7. Outdoor Learning Day

If the weather cooperates, take the classroom outside. Reading circles under a tree, sidewalk chalk math problems, or a nature scavenger hunt can refresh everyone’s spirits.

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8. Student Showcase

Host an in-class “gallery walk” where students display their work or present a favorite project from the year. Invite other classes or families if possible. It's a great way to show growth and end the year with pride.

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9. Gratitude Circles

On one of the last days, sit in a circle and pass around a talking piece. Each student shares one thing they’re grateful for from the year. It builds connection and helps end the year on a meaningful, emotional note.

As teachers, we know the end of the year isn’t just about closing a chapter—it’s about making sure every student leaves your classroom with confidence, pride, and great memories.

Wishing you a smooth, joyful finish to your school year. You’ve earned it!

XOXO,

Casey

After Testing Tricks

It's been a while and I'm hoping to get back on here for some fun and engaging posts! 

A Fun and Easy Teaching Trick for After Testing

Testing time can be exhausting for kids. After all that bubbling in answers and thinking hard, they need something fun but still engaging to do. That’s where Choice Boards come in!

What is a Choice Board?

A Choice Board is like a menu of activities where students get to pick what interests them. It keeps them busy while still learning—without feeling like extra work.

Why Choice Boards Are a Great Idea

1. Gives Students Control: Kids love having options and making their own choices.

2. Works for All Learning Styles: Whether they like moving around, drawing, reading, or building, there’s something for everyone.

3. Takes Away the Pressure: No grades, no stress—just fun learning activities.

4. Covers Different Subjects: You can include reading, math, science, and creativity all in one place.

Choice Board Activity Ideas

Here are some fun activities to keep kids engaged after testing:

• Tall Tale Time: Write a funny story about a superhero with a unique superpower.

• Build It Up: Use toothpicks and marshmallows to build the tallest tower you can.

• Doodle Away: Draw a picture showing how you feel now that testing is over.

• Book Talk: Pick a favorite book and share why you love it.

• Nature Hunt: Go outside and find five cool things in nature, then describe them.

• Puzzle Time: Solve a fun brain teaser or crossword puzzle.

How to Use a Choice Board in Your Classroom

• Let students pick a few activities over a couple of days.

• Offer a mix of individual and group activities.

• Include a mix of hands-on and written activities to keep it interesting.

• Get students involved in creating their own Choice Board options.

Final Thoughts

Choice Boards are a great way to keep kids engaged after testing without adding extra stress. They let students have fun while still learning in a relaxed way.

Writers Center Area: Writing Kit Idea for Organization

Organizing a writing center in an elementary classroom can be simple if you have the right package! One of the hardest parts of teaching writing is guiding students through the entire writing process as they move along through a piece of writing. That's what led me to create this Writing Center Kit that helps keep them organized and walks them through the different forms of writing. 

With this kit, students can learn about the three forms of writing while covering all 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade writing standards without even realizing it. This kit includes easy prep activities, printables, and a center station set-up (posters, prompts) that will help you build organized writing centers! These centers focus on opinion, informative, and narrative writing for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades Common Core.

What’s Included

• 60 Task Cards that cover the three forms of writing: leveled for 3rd-5th grades
• Common Core posters for each type of writing
• Sentence starter cards for each type of writing leveled 3rd-5th
• Transition Words: First detail (3-word cards), Middle details (5-word cards), Last Detail (3-word cards), and concluding sentence (3-word cards)
• “I Can” statement posters for the writing standards for 3rd-5th
• Opinion, Informative, and Narrative Posters (3)
• Blank coordinating cards for you to add your own touch!! They're EDITABLE in PowerPoint (A list of fonts used is included!!!)
• Recording Sheet Checklists
• Answer Sheet for recording writing responses
• Black and White Printer Friendly version included!!!!
• BONUS: A doodle B+W with a POP of color theme 
  

Easy Prep Spring Bulletin Boards

Spring Bulletin Board

It's time for spring, well, I actually just have spring fever and I can't wait for winter to end! Period. I despise colder days and hate socks so that really doesn't help a thing. Prepping for spring is all about making the atmosphere inviting in the classroom! I will admit that sometimes as a teacher, I am a wee bit of a procrastinator when it comes to changing up the theme of my decor with the seasons. It's tough, people. It is a challenge to make sure you're getting everything accomplished in a day as an educator, end of story. 

So with all that being said, I have created some Spring bulletin board kits with easy prep decor for your classroom! I hope they can help to brighten up your room. Even on those colder last few weeks of winter, maybe they can help to make coming into school a little easier. 

Boho Spring Bulletin Board

Running a Biz...Side Hustle Madness

So I just gotta say...anyone out there that thinks running a business is easy as a side-hustle and a day job too has no clue what they're doing haha. I literally cannot tell how I'm doing with my shop updates. I've done so many my brain is almost mush. 

I've worked my little guts out updating resources this summer and making them even better for classrooms and improving dated resources. I'll be honest, I am one exhausted momma and sometimes I wanna give up. I work late at night. I do my best to work when their little eyes are closed and they are snuggled in their beds. Life as a momma and even for you dad's out there, and having a side hustle can be tough, but it can also be rewarding. 

I feel like those those rewards sometimes come slow and yes sometimes we can get discouraged, but other times I feel like just giving it my all and never giving up. Feels like that is the best thing that I can do for myself and my babies. 

I hope you all, teacher-preneurs and all are having a wonderful summer! It has flown by and the days of summer are soon coming to a close for me. I hope those of you who still have another month or so soak it up!!

Casey

Long Division-A New Way and Updating Projects

It's that time when summer rolls around and I start revamping all of my current resources to make them better than they were. I've been working my little tussy off this week and last updating older resources. These things just needed some serious love, one in particular that taught a specific way to teach and learn long division. This little guy has somehow brought me so much love in my shop, but it was very dated.

Long division the old fashioned way just isn't that much fun. Well, nothing math is really that fun for me haha. Okay, so with this resource I show how to divide using tens, hundreds, and thousands. See a part of the teacher guide I created below. This baby needed updated, it was absolutely horrid in my eyes. I'll show you a before and after at the bottom of this post. Oh, dear lawd, I am just relieved I've got it revised and uploaded! Yes, it did take me some time, but I feel that it, directions and all were worth the effort. 

BEFORE's AND AFTER's

 

  

GEEZ....the pieces to the right just look more cleaned up and so much AMAZINGNESS!!!!!!!!!! I have really grown up in the last ten years as a TpT seller!! This is proof that practice really does make a difference! 

As Independent as they come

If there’s one thing I’ve realized over the last year, it’s that I can do just about anything on my own. It might take me twice as long when it comes down to it, but it’s doable. Just like yesterday, I had ordered a couple of patio chairs and boy were they heavy when they arrived and in a million pieces 🤦🏻‍♀️. I managed to scoot the entire box inside my garage and take them out piece by piece. Look at me from last Halloween. I dressed up as Rosie the Riveter. I thought this image was very fitting for this post! "We can do it!" 

Being a girl, a small one at that and trying to carry heavy things, move furniture, tear down playhouses, mulch the landscaping, haul trees (sorta), clean out the drains (screaming while doing so because that's just gross), or even fixing a toilet, is not fun. Did I mention that I run a small business as well? With all that being said, I can honestly say I’ve come to the point of independence, even if I do occasionally shed a few tears while doing so. 

So if you're out there and you're thinking, you can't do this, or that or you don't got it, you most definitely can, we can do it! So don't be worried or scared! Time marches on and time makes all things better!

Praises and more Praises

Hello, my fellow readers and clientele out there. I have a lot on my mind. I have been slacking on blogging as I have been very busy with my virtual assistant tasks, praise the Lord. This is a blessing in itself, but has also become a stressful side of my life. Teacher by day and entrepreneur by night haha. 

I need to confess something. Over the last year or so, I haven't gone to church in a long time, well, thanks to Covid for happening, that didn't help. I went this last Sunday, Easter and found that it was really nice to actually be sitting in there even if I was thinking boy, oh, boy, I'm gonna get the Covid. 

In all honesty, this moment on Easter Sunday reminded me of the good old days with my Grandpa. He was the best for taking us to church. I was maybe 11 years old when I started going to church some with him. By the time I reached 13 years old, I was ready to give my life to the Lord. I will never ever forget that moment. My heart was pounding a million miles an hour, Preacher Bill was standing up front praising the Lord, and I was terrified, and leave it to me to be thinking, I'll bet everyone's ready to go to lunch, haha. So way back then, I felt content, and my life went along without derailment. 

Fast forward 20 years later and here I sit, a tad bruised on the inside, but blessed beyond belief, listening to the rain tap on the roof, and the thunder roll, with two beautiful children, one beside me snoozing comfortably away. That legit turned into a testimony. So sorry, but the Lord has honestly blessed me beyond measure and I want to do this life right. I can't imagine my life without my babies, or my family and friends. 

We must always keep going and always turn to the Lord, or we will constantly be lost without realizing it. We won't even know why nothing keeps our hearts content. My Grandpa once told me this and it stuck with me. I'm slowly getting that soul back, that sweet soul I once had. I hope if yours was once lost, it has been found! 

Christmas Porch

Y'all, these rugs have got me all excited!!! I feel like such a dork for getting excited over something that's literally going to lay outside of my front door and get wiped with boots. But, hey, they're really adorable! Both rugs came from target and they were about $11-$13 a piece. The plaid one is linked here and the Cozy version is linked here. I felt this was a steal for a couple of cute additions to my Christmas themed porch!!! 

Alright I'll get started linking. The wreath was one that I found at Lowes last season. I wasn't able to find the exact same one, but I've linked a similar one here. It's fairly large and can be seen well. It was priced around $30. I thought that was steep, but I really loved it and decided to splurge and besides, wreaths are not cheap. The flag you can see in the lower right corner was a little find I purchased found Amazon. I have linked it here. It's an old timey truck with Merry Christmas written on it and it's so cute. The snowman was purchased from a Wal-Mart a couple of years ago. I wasn't able to find the exact same one. I do wish it were a little taller, but otherwise it does the job. I've linked a similar one here. I found a sleigh version, but it's a tad more than I'd like to pay. I linked it here as I just couldn't resist. 

I found everything else you see at Hobby Lobby. I take that back. I meant to mention my rocking chairs. They came from Lowes and were delivered in about a million pieces. You can find a similar one here. This ole' girl was able to put them together in no time believe it or not. 

Alright, so the list begins below for the rest of the item you see! Simply click on the piece you're interested in and it'll take you right to the exact piece or a similar one. Please keep in mind that some items are out of stock online, but I had no trouble finding them in store. 

Plaid Pillows

Red Birdhouse

Presents

Pine Tree

LED Lighted Tree

Garland

Metal Pail

Lights (you can pick these up anywhere, but the ones I have on my garland are a soft glow and not an LED type so if you're looking for that glow, I've linked the set I purchased from Hobby Lobby)

I do want to add that I purchased some window candles to give my home one of those southern Christmas looks and I really love them. I paid a bit up for them, but they do the trick and they have a self timer so I don't have to keep reaching into the windows and behind the blinds to turn them off!! It's really great. All I did was insert the batteries around 5:00 pm and they stay on for six hours which is around 11:00 pm. This is perfect for my four windows. I've linked them here! 

I hope you enjoy your front porch decorating! I can't wait to see some pictures out there! 

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies. I am simply a lover of all things home.

Christmas Entryway

                    

Raise your hand if you get overwhelmed when you're trying to decorate! Me, me, me! So when I'm browsing online for home decor, I tend to get a little frustrated. When I end up finding something I really like, I always end up not being able to find it online or in stores and that results in an empty home. I've did my best to link all of the items you see in these pictures. I want to make your shopping experience as easy as possible! Read on to see how I decked out my entryway and where I got the pieces. 

I couldn't wait to get my Christmas decor out and I started out slowly so I wouldn't wear myself out doing so. In furnishing my home with Christmas decor, I did have to splurge a little, but I'll use it year after year. Rule #1, always be on the hunt for sales year round for home decor!!! I have never ever paid full price for any home decor! Ever! I'm a tight-wad in case you didn't know and home decor is something I do not like spending money on. I don't know why. 

This is my seasonal bench you see in the picture here. It stays in my entry way and is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. It used to be stained, but I got on a Joanna Gaines kick and painted it an off white color using chalk paint. Sometimes I wish I had left it the stain color, but I still love it. This bench was also made from scratch, sorry I didn't purchase it in store. I'll link a similar one here. I am in love with this one from Kirklands so I've linked it! It almost looks like a church pew and I LOVE that look also! 

Let's get started!! I am absolutely in love with this entire setup. Sometimes it becomes cluttered with shoes, but I simply use that basket you see for all of my kiddos shoes just as a little hiding place. I've linked a very similar one here. I found that lovely at a T.J. Maxx. Also, please don't mind my random pictures on my wall, I am still in the process of removing and adding pieces.

I'm going to try to link everything as I talk about it so you can easily go shop for the items. The JOY sign came from Hobby Lobby. I found it for half-off. It's not huge, but also not too small. It is out of stock online, but I had no trouble finding it in store. It was the perfect size for my space. 

The red blanket came from Amazon and it's super soft. I was surprised at how soft it was. I found the checkered plaid blanket at Hobby Lobby. The small trees were also from Hobby Lobby. I got one taller than the other so they wouldn't look identical. The pillows are simply covers that I found on Amazon as well. I took my year round pillows and stuffed them into these covers. So much cheaper. They are soft and do the trick and a lot cheaper than buying an entire new pillow. 

I want to say that the pine garland on the back of the bench and the picks coming out of the metal containers (find those containers here!) came from a Hobby Lobby or a Michaels. I've linked a similar garland here. They were gifted to me probably ten years ago, but they do the trick even if they are a little older.

 

The rug is a rustic type farmhouse looking rug and it's made from a burlap type material. It's super pretty, but hard on the bare feet when you're walking on it. I love the looks of it, though. It is a bit taller so beware if you have a door near. You can see that bathroom door to the right below, it doesn't open all the way now. I found the rug here on sale for around $45 from overstock.com. It came in a pretty large size, too!

 

I hope you will be able to decorate your entryway for the upcoming Christmas and I hope all of this linking will help you find exactly what you are looking for. 

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies. I am simply a lover of all things home and farmhouse living! 

The Most Amazing Christmas Tree

 

This has to be my most favorite tree in my whole life! It’s Balsam Hill brand. I purchased their version called the European Fir last year. This thing looks so real it's unbelievable. I absolutely love the way it sits. It's perfectly imperfect. It is so very different because it's not perfect at all. This is what I love. This is what I live for. I love Rae Dunn because no cup is perfect nor are they the same. I want to add that I found all of the white ball ornaments at Amazon and at Hobby Lobby. I found the best prices on them at Hobby Lobby. I wasn't able to find an exact link to them, but in the Christmas section at Hobby Lobby their ornaments are all placed in color coded order so I simply ran to the white section! 

So the tree hunt all began because I wanted a real live tree, but I just didn't have the muscle to do so. I shopped til I dropped on this one! I searched high and low. The price tag was holding me back for a while, but trust me people, wait until it's black Friday to see if you can catch them on sale. It’s absolutely the most realistic tree I’ve ever seen and it looks like I went to the woods and chopped it down! If you saw me, you’d know better! 

This tree isn't the only style they have. If you aren't into the imperfect look, the different look, the beautiful natural look, Balsam Hill will have a tree for you. The only thing I’d do differently with this guy is buy a 6.5 footer instead of the 7.5 footer. Its caboose is massive, and it doesn't help when putting it up that I stand at a whopping 5' 4", but I absolutely LOVE the look! If you want a country look this is your tree! Tap on the pic or links in this post to see the tree in store!

Happy tree hunting!! 

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies. I am simply a lover of all things home. 

Mastered my Schedule and it was Dress Up Day

 

So I played dress up at work today. This outfit is a mixture of American Eagle Jeans and T.J. Maxx finds. My shoes are Franco Sarto brand and they're super comfy. They're not easy to find anymore, but I did find this pair on Poshmark brand new. The dress up was fun while it lasted, but nah...I’ll stick with my stretchy pants. I hope everyone's start to their school year is going great. I've created a list of helpful tips for special education teachers in hopes you can get your virtual learning off right. 

First and foremost, I have found that doing separate individual zooms for the littles does not work well. They are lucky if they are able to jump onto one zoom so it's best to enter that zoom via the classroom teacher. 

Second, in virtual learning, especially with littles and as a special education teacher, you have to be excited and happy on that screen. If you're not, they're going to lose interest quickly.

Third, organization is the key. I have gone through at least ten schedules working around my fellow educators. I am in it to win it! Click here to download my schedule so you fellow special education teachers can see how my day goes. It's in Word format and easy to use!

It's been a hit and miss gamble up until this point. I think I've just about got the process down. I don't know what the future holds, but the virtual learning will be a win-win.

Good luck!

Rocking my New Kicks on Route66

It was another comfy day back to the grind rocking my new kicks on route66😆. Yes, I so treated myself and my kiddos to back-to-school shoes just because! Thanks goes to @adidas for some super awesome comfort! Click here to find these in store or click my image above. I have seriously been wearing these tennis' every chance I get. Of course, now that I'm actually doing zooms live, I have to dress a little more professional, I can still have a party on the bottom, right? haha. 

I find each day that wearing something super comfy to zoom in is the way to be whether it be a dress or some leggings. Trust me, jeans are not the way to go. Good luck out there ladies and gents! 

 

Who's Prepping for Virtual Learning??

Who out there is prepping for virtual learning? I'll admit it. I am a tad bit lost at this point in my teaching career haha. I know I can figure all of this virtual stuff out, but it's going to be an adventurous ride! 

I'm also going to admit that I've had a little trouble coming back from the quarantine. I literally cannot breathe when I wear jeans because I'm so used to wearing stretchy pants and so overalls it was for today!! These overall's are soooooo cute. I found them in a boutique a while back and they've been sold out, but I'll link a similar pair from American Eagle. You can click here or click on the picture below! I think they're super cute, but I'm probably gonna stick with my stretchy pants most days 😂 at least until in class sessions begin 🤷🏻‍♀️. 

I hope everyone has a great and adventurous year. Do a quick check of yourself at the end of each day, and don't forget your purpose as an educator. 

The One Where my VA Services Blossomed

I come to you today with a truly excited heart! I have been working on the side for years as a TpT seller as well as a virtual assistant helping other teacher-preneuers out there, but this summer my Virtual Assistant Shin-Dig has blossomed! It has truly grown and I am happy to say that this is the entrepreneur side whom my heart loves. 

Completing these tasks for all kinds of ladies and gents is where my heart is. I absolutely love anything to do with graphic design and working along side of others. I want your shops to flourish. I want your lives as little entrepreneurs to grow. I hope all of your dreams come true in the realm of TpT ladies and gents. You all deserve nothing but that! 

I want to take a step back. Just a moment to breathe and take all of these blessing in. I am truly blessed. I have two beautiful children, a great job as an educator and I have been able to pursue my passion all during this pandemic. I want to thank all of you out there that has allowed me to assist you in working on your masterpieces this summer or even in taking your shop to the next level. I am full of happiness and all kinds of emotions. 

XOXO,

Casey

Barnett's School House 

The One Where COVID 19 Happened

School is coming back in session for me as well as many others come August. I’m excited, little nervous, as well as anxious. I’m not really sure what to expect. How about you ladies and gents? I find that holding a zoom meeting to discuss our opening up plans is coming soon. I also feel that doing this means it isn't really that safe to return to school, but honestly, what are we to do? What is the system supposed to do? 

We can't legit shut down our lives and stay isolated. My own children are suffering, mentally and emotionally being on quarantine. I cannot imagine how many children have suffered as well as adults. This has been one trying year. I have never seen anything like it. 

I do know I’m ready to get back into the swing of actually not wearing lounge pants haha, but in all seriousness, I'm a little scared of the idea of going back to work. I don't know what the outcome will be. I don't know if we will have to shut down ASAP. 

All of the unknown's scare me like crazy, more so then I let show. Hopefully, we as educators can return to work without showing our fear and also be able to be there for our students. It's going to be an anxious time come early August for this gal as well as many others. Good luck everyone!!

In the meantime, me and my girl love to play dress up. I have to admit, I'm a little excited about this part of returning to work, minus the whole mask thing. Dread that to be honest. The adorable earrings me and my girl are wearing are from @poppyandjunejewelry and my dress is from @emmaksclo

Life's a Dance

I took a moment today to breathe a little. Life gets too fast and we just don’t slow down. I have littles to chase and dreams to turn into reality for them, and for me. What is your dream in life? I'm a teacher and I absolutely plan to teach until I am retirement age, but I also have other dreams in life.

I find so many times I have worried in my life about what other's think of me. Those days are behind me. Sometimes you realize all too quickly that you are stuck in a vortex, that the people that surround you are not who you need to be with. Some of you may laugh, some of you may just roll your eyes. I don't know. I will say this. Life’s too short to worry about stupid things so live it!!! 

In this shot I'm wearing an amazing find from TJ Max and some J. Crew shorts.

XOXO,

Casey

My Everyday Make-Up Routine

Read on to get the make-up look above. Okay...so I say my "everyday" make-up routine, but honestly I haven't worn a lot of makeup since they shut school's down due to COVID. So when I do wear make-up this is my routine. It's pretty straightforward and is pretty natural looking for the most part. 

In the image you can see that I have a Becca palette. OMG this thing is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! I will purchase another one when it runs out. No, it's not cheap, but Lawd it is so worth it. The blush and highlighting inside the palette are so very pigmented. They are absolutely amazing! 

I also use the Becca line which includes the full coverage foundation in the bigger bottle and I buy the under eye cream as well just because it's amazing and it doesn't crease into my wrinkles at all. We all know about those under eye creams that make our wrinkles look even worse. All of that goes on super smooth and I love it! I seriously should make a video on how I do this, but it'll take a lot. I'm not much on the live feeds thingy. I'll sure try!

I use the Mac blush, it's also amazing to outline my Becca blush. It's the best as well! I also use the highlighter palette from Macy's. It is so beautiful and gives the right amount of highlighting. It's very very easy to get to much of this so go easy. The first few times I used it and went to work, I had it all over me. Story of my life haha.

My mascara is simple. It's Mary Kay and I know the sweetest lady that sales it to me. It's awesome!!! I also love a sample I received from Lancome. It's pretty good stuff and neither mascara brands rub off on my face.

The last two things I use are NYX spray to set my makeup which I get off of Amazon. I also use LimeLight Macaroon lipstick that I purchase from a consultant. It stays on forever, but sometimes it'll dry my lips out so look out for that. I just rub it off and reapply if I get that feeling.

I hope my everyday routine will help you ladies out there!! It takes me about 12 minutes to do this. Yes, I timed myself. I'll likely make a video for show and tell one of these days!! 

XOXO,

Casey

How to Survive as a Homeschool Parent

Wow!! That’s all I can say at this point in my life. We have been tossed from our mundane daily lives that we used to complain about into social isolation. I will never ever say that I dread going to work ever again! I can’t express how much I miss my work family as well as my students.

For now, I am home with my kiddos. I am working hard to insure they don’t fall behind during this time. Mostly, we must all pray that during this time we all stay healthy and sane!

Becoming a homeschool momma has been epic for me. Yes, I am a teacher, but it’s always been in the classroom for the last eleven years. I’ve been gathering resources that I feel will be helpful in working with my babies from home.

My first bit of resource that I’ve ventured into is Adventure Academy. I’m not so sure that I’m in love with this yet, but I feel that it’s worth a shot with the free trial. I’ve also tried ABC mouse, but didn’t have much luck with it due to my iPads being older models. They struggled to upload the app.

Spelling City  is another one of those resources I am planning to try out. I used to use it when I was a regular education teacher. My kiddos could get on there and work through spelling actives with the lists that I chose.

Another thing I am working on is creating a classroom space for me and my kids. I am on the hunt for a couple of desks and even a desk for myself as I am working some from home as well as homeschooling. I absolutely love some different ones I’ve found on amazon so I’ll have to let you know what I come up with.

Being organized is a critical thing for me as well as for my kids. If I’m not organized then I feel like I never will get anything accomplished. So that’s where my desks will come into play and I’m currently getting their NTI packets in binders so I can keep up with where we stopped last.

I hope this bit of information will help all of you feel a little more sane in your upcoming days of social distancing. Take care and stay safe my friends.