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. :)

19 comments

  1. I love your Vistaprint creations!! The monsters are so cute. Thanks for the tip about uploading pictures to Vistaprint. That's a great idea!!

    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

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  2. Amanda,
    I have my email enabled in comments, but I had to do it a different way...maybe a different version of blogger? I had to click on "Mobile and Email." If you reply through email, does it still show up on the comment thread? Also, I love your Vista Print stuff!

    Farrah
    ThinkShareTeach

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  3. I have never done mod podge either. I keep seeing these projects with it and I am assuming it is some sort of clear glue?? I will work on the comment thing today. Have fun crafting!
    Jennifer
    kindertrips

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  4. Modge Podge is amazing and devious! Practice with something you don't care about first. A little goes a long way!

    Megan
    I Teach. What's Your Super Power?

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  5. I also had to go to Mobile/Email. I hope that works. It would make my life easier to reply to comments. I'm sure I miss a lot since I don't go hunting for new comments.

    I guess I still have a lot to learn about blogging.

    Ms. Fiorini’s Stadium

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  6. I like your vista print creations! I'm brainstorming too ... perhaps the clipchart in a small version for students on behavior plans (to keep at their seat). Thank you for the tip about uploading images.
    I've never modgepodged either ... however that's not surprising for me (not so crafty). I'm not allowed to touch super glue anymore :)
    Thanks for the tip about the e-mails (I'm doing that shortly).
    Amy
    Where Seconds Count 2nd grade blog

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  7. Ooooh, I was going to try Mod Podge too! I'm a little nervous though. And actually not quite sure what I want to Mod Podge ;0)

    Jessica
    Teach on a Limb

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  8. These things make me happy too! I just discovered Vistaprint and I love it! And what a fabulous idea to give students a self-addressed enevelope...I love that.

    I would love your feedback on a post over at my blog today...it's something I've been struggling with and I would love to hear your advice.

    Chynna
    http://mrshtheteachingblog.blogspot.com/

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  9. Wow, I am impressed with all of the work you are putting in to getting your classroom ready for the new school year. I have recently started visiting your blog. I am totally new to blogging; but I am enjoying reading your blogs. I can't wait to use some of your ideas this school year. Thanks for sharing ... Also, what font are you using on your blog? I've visited the free fonts website, and I can't seem to find the right one. Thanks again. Enjoy your summer ... I'm not even sure if I'm posting comments correctly (wasn't sure what to choose as profile). Hope you are able to read and reply.

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  10. I love responding by email! It always makes me sad when I can't!
    Blessings,

    Jessica Stanford
    Mrs. Stanford's Class
    I could use your help! Check out my latest post ♥

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  11. Thanks Gennie! My text font is called "Coming Soon" - it's a font that is already in Blogger options, I believe. Welcome to blogging! I just started my blog a few weeks ago…totally addicting! :)

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  12. I'm so glad you told us the steps to receive email notifications. I do receive them for my teaching blog, but I don't for my personal/family blog and I have wanted to, but didn't know how to change it! Thanks!!

    Awesome goodies at VistaPrint! I've never ordered from there, now I am living under the rock!

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  13. I love your VistaPrint order! Since I'm new to the bloggy world... I just learned about VistaPrint but ordered the Groupon, too! Love your designs :]

    Sara
    Miss V's Busy Bees

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  14. Great tips! I love your blog! I am awarding you the Versatile Blogger Award! Check out my blog for the details!

    :D Angie

    http://timeoutsandtootsierolls.blogspot.com

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  15. Love what you ordered from Vistaprint! I hope my settings are set correctly.

    APril
    Wolfelicious

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  16. Thank you for sharing the comment tip! I have been getting emails anytime someone comments on one of MY posts, but I didn't realize that function also allows you to reply through email {if they have entered their own}... that explains why I replied to a "no reply" email and never heard back... lol oops!! I will share this on my blog too so that we can spread the word! I usually hit the "subscribe by email" button at the bottom of the page when I comment, but it's a bit much because then I get emails anytime ANYONE comments! Hopefully, Blogger can make this easier in the future!

    Kate
    EduKate and Inspire

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  17. I was the Vistaprint queen last year!!!! I think I have email notification turned on....try me and see if it works!

    Sarah
    Kindergarten Korner

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  18. Amanda- Thanks for coming to visit my blog. I am your newest follower and I'm in awe of how cute your blog is. :) Can't wait to share ideas and see all of the exciting things you have going on.

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  19. Your blog is really great! So many ideas! So many projects! Love your monster theme idea, too. I'll be sure to stop by again.

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Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing ideas! I love to read your comments. I like to reply back by email, so make sure you have that option enabled so we can chat! :)

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