Getting My "Pretty" On!

I tried to take a couple of days off for a little "me" time.  Well, I'm not sure how well that worked.  I mean, I did squeeze in some "me" time, but I didn't exactly take the days "off."  Why is that so HARD??

I'm leaving for the Whole Brain Teaching Conference in Louisiana in a couple of days and I have SOOOO much to do before I leave!! I think I broke out in a rash last night just thinking about it all!

Probably didn't help that I spent yesterday at the pool...and "pretty-ing" up my iPhone.  Have you seen all the Instagram craze about the Cocoppa app? 

Here's how my iPhone looks now....
How CUTE are those icons???? Ahhhh...in LOVE!

If you're interested in doing this, it's important to know that these icons are really just shortcuts to the real icons (so DO NOT delete those!!!)  The 411 on this cuteness...

1) It's super easy (and quick) to change an icon (well, the picking out your icons is not so quick, but the actual change is!)
2) You will want to put the new CUTE shortcut icon on your desktop and then just stick all of your old icons in a folder on your back screen)
3) Since these are just SHORTCUTS, it takes a brief second for them to open - they're still very quick, so this wasn't really a downside for me.
4) Since these are just SHORTCUTS, they do not show "notifications" (for example, my "mail" icon will not show the number "1" when a new email comes in - I could swipe to the next screen and see that on my actual icon, though)  I actually like this function, as I stress over those notification numbers! ;)
5) The biggest downside is that you can't get them for all of the preloaded Apple icons (phone, settings, camera, and notes - my notes is an app not the preloaded Apple "notes")

That was a really quick 411, but you can find TONS of tutorials on the specifics if you do a Google search.  Here is the tutorial I found was the most helpful.

Did you notice that I even went back and made an icon for my own blog???  I figured that out myself *pat on back* - I just took a screenshot from my blog and cropped the button.  Then I used the upload button in Cocoppa (bottom center) to upload it as an icon.  Then, on "my page" in Cocoppa, it showed up as an icon that I could select and use!  I just insert my blog address as the url for a direct link!


Speaking of cuteness....look what came in the mail today from Very Jane....
Fun, wooden alphabet magnets!!  I thought they would be perfect for some center work in our monster-themed classroom!! {I HEART Very Jane prizes in the mail!}

And, speaking of mail, I also got a very fancy envelope from our school district today.  This was odd.  When I opened it, it was a letter personally from the Superintendent himself.  This might not be odd to most of you, but I work in a VERY LARGE school district (about 60 elementary schools alone!).  Needless to say, he has a lot to oversee so it's rare to see/hear from him...especially on a personal level.

But, I had a very sweet dad to write me the nicest email at the end of this school year (don't you always think those are the BEST GIFTS ever???), but he took it a step further and copied my principal and the superintendent on the email.  Well, this letter was regarding that....(all identifying information removed)
I thought it was very thoughtful of him to take the time out of his schedule to acknowledge this. 

Now, to go write a couple of my students back and then head back out for a manicure/pedicure and to play with my new MAC makeup.  I've got to get my "pretty" on, too...can't let my iPhone outshine me! :)  

16 comments

  1. Love your new app icons! They are adorable! Your blog button is perfect!

    How amazing that you received a letter from your superintendent! You obviously have made such a strong positive impact in that child's life! I can't believe what a large district you work in! Wow!

    Enjoy your manicure/pedicure!

    The Polished Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the iphone cuteness!!!!! And that was amazing that the DAD copied in your principal and superintendent, for one, but really awesome that the superintendent took time to write you, too! Wow!

    Enjoy your day! :)
    Jivey
    ideas by jivey
    Follow me on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW!!!! A letter from the superintendent of such a large school district? That is so impressive! Congrats!!! Have fun at the conference! Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. How cool is that letter! I mean, who sends letters anymore? I think it's always extra-specially personal when someone takes the time to send snail mail (typed or handwritten). That has to make up for SOME of the grief and frustration you endure in education, like posting 500 things in your classroom that you have no control over! How awesome of that dad to take time to include your superiors. Great story! Good for you!!
    SynonymRolls&AntonymMoments

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very nice! I always feel like I should forward those emails to my principal because you know they most likely get the opposite and don't see these too often. You oughta write the superintendent back and ask him if his letter is required to be posted on your wall hehe! Kidding of course! Congrats on your acknowledgement!

    Teaching in the Tongass

    ReplyDelete
  6. I hope you update about everything you learn at your conference! I'll be eager to read about it... :-)



    Real Teachers Learn

    ReplyDelete
  7. yay! I love when that happens!! And I'm still working on these darn icons!!
    Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great feeling to get a letter from the superintendent! I love your iPhone icons-adorbs!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love the color combinations you picked. Congrats on receiving such an amazing recognition. Nothing like a "nice" letter.
    Tania
    My Second Sense

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love those iphone apps! Have a great time at the WBT conference in Louisiana. Are you doing the book study online?

    Erica
    Shepherd's Shining Stars

    ReplyDelete
  11. How terrific is that to get a letter form the superintendent. I would have been thrilled just to get the note from the parent, that doesn't happen often in my district. Hope your conference goes well and by all means , you do deserve a little me time.
    Kelly
    I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! So thoughtful of the parent to copy everyone else on their e-mail as well-I think usually the ones forwarded on are the complaint e-mails! :) Very lucky to have heard from the Super personally too. I would definitely put that up somewhere to look at for reassurance on a bad day.

    NotJustChild'sPlay

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a nice letter! Kuddos to you and your fabulous teaching! Can't wait to read about what you learn at the WBT conference!

    Karen

    An Apple a Day in First Grade

    ReplyDelete
  14. Okay, wow for the super cute icons and double wow for the nice letter! Congratulations! I know it feels wonderful to be recognized!
    ~Brandee
    Creating Lifelong Learners

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've spent HOURS on that app and my phone looks super cute. Congratulations on receiving a letter from Dr. Royster. That's an honor!!

    Jeannie
    The 2nd Grade Surprise

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a wonderful letter from your Superintendent! I wish we had a supporter like that at my school. My district is only 2 schools (1200 students) and our Superintendent doesn't even say hello to us! SOOO nice to see someone in that position that supports teachers and has kind words to share! You deserve it! :o)

    œKaryn
    A is for Apple B is for Blog
    Kideducator@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete

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! :)

Back to Top