1, 2, 3, 4...Four Things That Make Me Smile Some More

Why is it that we teachers always need to alliterate or rhyme? I love it though - the fact that we're a breed of our own! So, that's the first thing that makes me smile...

1. Teachers - That's right!  You guys...I love checking in to see new blog posts and get very excited to comment on your posts, or to see that you've commented on my posts.  But, I'm still very annoyed that I can't "reply" to blog comments.  Well, not so much because, you see, even if you have a template where you can "reply" to comments, the person isn't notified that there's a reply...they would still have to, by chance, come back to that post and look at the comment section again to see it - who does that?  So, what makes me smile, is when my bloggy friends have their settings turned so that they can receive EMAILS!  Then, I know that you will get my reply to your comment, which puts a BIG smile on my face!

This is NOT a default setting...here is how to change it.  Go to "Settings," then click on "Comments," scroll all the way down to the bottom and put an email address in where it says "Comment Notification Email."  With an email address entered here, you will receive an email notification anytime someone comments on one of YOUR posts.  Then, if they have entered an email address in this section, you will be able to reply to their comment directly using your email!!  If they haven't, you'll get a "no reply" address for them...which is what I get for most of my bloggy friends.  {sad face}  I know most of us have email contacts on the front of our blog, so it's not like we're keeping our emails private.  This just saves the step of having to go back and locate one (let's be serious...I'm not going to go search for it, are you?).


So, go....go now....enter an email address so your bloggy friends can reply directly to your comments...it'll put a smile on their faces! :)

2. VistaPrint - Yep, I bought that amazing Groupon that was $17 for $70 for VistaPrint and spent last night designing some new items for my Monster-Theme!  Here's what I ordered...

Contact Cards

Postcards

 Conference Cards

Mousepads

Classroom Banner

Thank You Cards

VistaPrint always makes me smile! Here's a TIP though...it's $3.49 to upload your own photo.  For some of these I wanted to upload multiple monster images to one design...that was adding up quickly!  So, I just opened my images in PowerPoint, grouped them together and saved as one image to upload to VistaPrint - problem solved! :)

3.  Students - At the end of the year, I always add a self-addressed envelope in my students "farewell buckets" so they can write to me over the summer.  I've received several letters this summer and love to hear about what they're doing.  I just received two more in the mail, so I'm off to write them back!  I love to see that they haven't forgotten how to write those friendly letters correctly! {smile}

4.  Linky Party - Every time I get a little email notification that a new link has been submitted to my little "Turn the Music Up" linky party, I just get giddy!  I cannot wait to hear about the music you use in your classrooms.  I have found so much new stuff to add to my collection!  Thanks to every one who has participated.  Go check it out and find you some new tunes, too!  

And, don't forget to join my 300 Follower Giveaway that ends on Monday!

I'm off to try a little project with Mod Podge for the first time....obviously I've been living under a rock!  Wish me luck!  Hopefully, I'll be able to share it with you tomorrow. :)