tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59002478463993157412024-03-18T21:05:45.535-07:00Chalk It Up!A blog about starting with a clean slate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger327125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-61331580252352082902017-03-06T20:42:00.002-08:002017-03-06T20:47:16.244-08:00I''m on a journey! Do you want to know what I've been up to?Hello,<br />
It's been a long time since my last post.<br />
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So much has happened since I started this blog years ago.<br />
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The blog was my second home for a long time. It seems like a lifetime ago that I was a stay at home mom.<br />
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I miss those days. I loved those days. But things happened and I had to make some changes. I became a "working mom". Well, a mom that had to go outside the home at get a job with a paycheck.<br />
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I hated leaving my full time mom job but it was necessary. <br />
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Things got crazy! I had to adjust. My family had to adjust. But we did it and we survived....I thnk!<br />
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It's been six years now. I've been teaching video game design and art to middle schoolers for 6 years!!<br />
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My kids are teenagers<br />
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And about a year and a half ago I started a new journey. A health journey!<br />
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You see the stress of the past 6 years wasn;t wearing well on my body, on my health.<br />
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I gained weight and lost confidence!<br />
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I needed a change.<br />
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I started a program called the 21 day fix! It's a 3 part system (of sorts). 1. Clean Eating 2. 30 minute workouts from home everyday 3. One superfood shake everyday!<br />
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OMG IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!<br />
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It changed it so much so that I started helping others with this program and it is changing their lives too!<br />
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I want to share. I want to share the process, the journey of get fit and healthy. I want to share the business opportunity with everyone and anyone who really wants a better, happier life! IT WORKS!!<br />
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If you're here. If you're reading this! It's a sign! You were meant to read this because you need this like I needed it! Let me help you! Let me be your coach! You won't believe how your life will change. How good you will feel in your own skin<br />
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Leave me a comment! Let me know you were here! Let's talk! I spend most of my social media time on my facebook like page documenting my journey and connecting with challengers. Challenger are people who agree to accept the challenge of changing their life but improving their health.. They are challengers in my private accountabiliy group! We support each other, motivate and inspire to eat clean, and exercise daily! <br />
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Small changes add up to big results over time.<br />
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I have lost 25 lbs, went from a size 8-10 to a 2-4<br />
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I was diagnosed with low thyroid over a year ago and was put on medication. NOW NO Low thyroid, no medicine. FOOD IS MEDICINE!!!<br />
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hERE IS A BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE!<br />
WHAT DO YOU THINK ?<br />
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Is this something you are interested in doing? Contact me@!<br />
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I have a new challnege group starting this month. <br />
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Check out my health and fitness page on facebook @<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mymidlifemakeover/?ref=settings" target="_blank">mymidlifemakeover</a><br />
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If you stop by please like and follow for ideas and inspiration!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Nz_K9udatH4TgfkWvHRIXKD2U66y8U4QhDQI6MoxEp5atRUmzwl8dN7Ywqv167GWcnloHl5B9lfAxM5tgDD8KPi1FrpqN0wiWMEe_zX9JApXXf9fB2W0QejXrI20bMqiEyZM0ojs_bs/s1600/transformation+thursday+summers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Nz_K9udatH4TgfkWvHRIXKD2U66y8U4QhDQI6MoxEp5atRUmzwl8dN7Ywqv167GWcnloHl5B9lfAxM5tgDD8KPi1FrpqN0wiWMEe_zX9JApXXf9fB2W0QejXrI20bMqiEyZM0ojs_bs/s400/transformation+thursday+summers.png" width="358" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-78935898876291126992016-02-25T19:34:00.001-08:002016-02-25T19:34:30.373-08:00Still here Chalkboards and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCJSzjDTzCHU2QJGYVon_5OBHChiuZw00LYINJBwyaHraHUNLKrJI74XWI5WP_A593VnOjbMPxd6lis4IP7sheRQA4PHXWdCGPwEHkbOe4IE_2FhgSCCLhslIQ-2IuiCxJbJkgfsfuPY/s1600/winner1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCJSzjDTzCHU2QJGYVon_5OBHChiuZw00LYINJBwyaHraHUNLKrJI74XWI5WP_A593VnOjbMPxd6lis4IP7sheRQA4PHXWdCGPwEHkbOe4IE_2FhgSCCLhslIQ-2IuiCxJbJkgfsfuPY/s320/winner1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello old friend! It has been too long. I miss you. Yes I've been busy. But we're all busy and it's important to make time for friends.<br />
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Life has been crazy. There's so much to talk about. I don't know where to begin!<br />
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Well, for starters I'm still selling chalkboards!<br />
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And live with them too!<br />
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I've started a new fitness plan and am loving it! It's called 21 day fix!<br />
I've lost almost 0 lbs in 4 months!<br />
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But better than that, I have muscles and feel better then ever!<br />
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The plan has three main components<br />
1. Shakeology<br />
2. Clean eating plan<br />
3. 30 minute workouts!<br />
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I'm healthier, stronger and more confident!<br />
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I am also a coach! I love helping others meet their health and fitness goals.<br />
Here is my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CindyTheFitArtist/?ref=hl" target="_blank">facebook like page</a> if you want to learn more!<br />
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But my first love is and will always be my chalkboard business!<br />
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It is a family business!<br />
We make the blackboards ourselves and put the utmost care into the creation of each and every one!<br />
Chalkboards inspire me! The inspirational quotes that I put on my chalkboard above my computer remind me everyday! What I'm working for...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDJu7wHks_-GSGk6szFwK5DvTtvnxmGG_ZI21QEuaVSHjVJPCtpBIobioB5RAthSv5_0eB2Me23jMsDzw0kf9M2WQvTlCWOb4zRnF37ngxbyGpVn5IDb3OUX0wbYCT5HQWVhBbmhngvA/s1600/chalkboardgiveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDJu7wHks_-GSGk6szFwK5DvTtvnxmGG_ZI21QEuaVSHjVJPCtpBIobioB5RAthSv5_0eB2Me23jMsDzw0kf9M2WQvTlCWOb4zRnF37ngxbyGpVn5IDb3OUX0wbYCT5HQWVhBbmhngvA/s320/chalkboardgiveaway.png" width="246" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-47777278291565809622014-06-25T09:02:00.002-07:002014-06-25T09:15:08.060-07:00My Top 10 Favorite Pinterest Pins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been pinning on pinterest for 3 years now! I started pinning three summers ago. I don't know what it is about pinning that I love so much, it just relaxes me. It's like flipping through all of my favorite magazines in one place. I am a very visual person so if I see a great picture I will go deeper into investigating it.<br />
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My Reasons for pinning:<br />
1. As mentioned above, to relax.<br />
2. To find recipe ideas<br />
3. To find decorating ideas<br />
4. To waste time<br />
5. To brainstorm ideas for teaching<br />
6. Fashion<br />
7. DIY Ideas<br />
8. Inspirational quotes to keep me going in life<br />
9. It's fun<br />
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My Method of pinning:<br />
I usually click on "everything" in the search and scroll down the page. I will only pin something that absolutely grabs me. I usually click on the source, especially if it is a recipe. If it's a bad link or bogus link I don't pin it. Sometimes everything you need to know is in the pin and there is no need to click on the source. In that case I will pin without clicking the source. In one scroll down the everything search page I may pin one or to pictures. If I'm feeling in the mood to really procrastinate I will hit the everything search again and scroll down a second time, otherwise I will be finished.<br />
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My favorite pins:<br />
First, since the summer of 2011 I have pinned 4,418 times. I have 84 boards and 786 follows! :)<br />
The following are my favorite pins because I have either referred to them and used them several times or have used them successfully. So, here is my list of favorites and reasons they are favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/d3/c6/fad3c688c47f293d8bd0696f9a2a92df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/d3/c6/fad3c688c47f293d8bd0696f9a2a92df.jpg" height="200" title="Table for Two" width="139" /></a>1. From <a href="http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/take-out-fake-out-mongolian-beef/" target="_blank">Table for Two</a> This recipe is fantastic! She titles it Take Out Fake Out Mongolian Beef. This is a favorite in my house. I have made it several times and refer to this recipe and pin everytime! The only changes I have made are fresh chinese egg noodles instead of rice. I also find that the best steak for this recipe is skirt steak cut against the grain. Total Winner!<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/41/49/e741496ae25de7ffb3c587ded7bab402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/41/49/e741496ae25de7ffb3c587ded7bab402.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
2. From <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/12/easy-feta-dip.html" target="_blank">The Girl who ate everything</a> This recipe is so easy and amazing! Easy Feta Dip. With just a few simple ingredients this can be thrown together in the morning before going to work. Bring it to work for the office pot luck, with a bag of pita chips and you are a hero. Everyone loves it! I have made it for faculty meetings and family gatherings. It's a great recipe in a pinch! YUM<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ed/63/c2/ed63c228ea350b1d01051310965e7057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ed/63/c2/ed63c228ea350b1d01051310965e7057.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
3. From <a href="http://www.isavea2z.com/oven-roasted-caramelized-broccoli-recipe-paleo-approved/" target="_blank">I Save A 2 Z</a>. Oven Roasted Broccoli. Another winner in my house. I use this recipe regularly and adopt it to other veges as well. Healthy, easy and delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/7a/46/21/7a4621d72585c19de78e21fb5013cebc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/7a/46/21/7a4621d72585c19de78e21fb5013cebc.jpg" height="200" width="43" /></a></div>
4. From <a href="http://www.isavea2z.com/icecreamsandwichcakerecipe/" target="_blank">I Save A 2 Z</a>. This ice cream sandwich cake is easy to make, impressive to guests, delicious and CHEAP! I have made it for birthdays, 4th of July and other occasions! Everyone loves it!<br />
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Here is a picture of my version:<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/05/e6/2b/05e62bf7b8a78bf87044c7f10d949b56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/05/e6/2b/05e62bf7b8a78bf87044c7f10d949b56.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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There seems to be a food theme here....<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/47/d4/50/47d45026bbece2a8cfada9b53bced577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/47/d4/50/47d45026bbece2a8cfada9b53bced577.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
5. From <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/01/cinnamon-pecan-granola/" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a> cinnamon pecan granola. This is so good. The only problem with this easy and cheap recipe (except for the pecans. Pecans are expensive.) is that it is sooo good that I eat 4 cups of this stuff in a day. My kids love it too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdzDozv2k1nolXdINOEVA-lajIuvcZ6zEWKQFMW-gAyUIOS6k5F4DPF0cEkKqfOybp9p7_DhBtFNvQOKrT_XSAI8xKMFbUAw8sI1dzBkwmD8SAiSH_uey9y4C1zlm3VFpsaslu3MKxt_g/s320/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdzDozv2k1nolXdINOEVA-lajIuvcZ6zEWKQFMW-gAyUIOS6k5F4DPF0cEkKqfOybp9p7_DhBtFNvQOKrT_XSAI8xKMFbUAw8sI1dzBkwmD8SAiSH_uey9y4C1zlm3VFpsaslu3MKxt_g/s320/IMG_5728.JPG" height="130" width="200" /></a></div>
6. From <a href="http://nobodyputsmamainacorner.blogspot.com/2010/01/sausage-crescent-rolls.html" target="_blank">Nobody puts Mama in a corner</a> sausage crescent rolls. I made this for a department meeting and a girls engineering breakfast and it was a huge hit! Another super easy make in a pinch with few ingredients that is out of this world good! I have adapted this recipe to my own version of scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage for the filling. This is a family favorite. I make it when we are going on a road trip. The kids have it in the car for breakfast. They LOVE it!<br />
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On to a few other none food favs...<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/26/51/e1/2651e15eabd52d7419e7c4863ae09e6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/26/51/e1/2651e15eabd52d7419e7c4863ae09e6a.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
7. From by <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/catablog-items/how-to-make-patio-paver-planters" target="_blank">Stephanie Lynn, under the table and dreaming</a>. This was such an easy DIY. Simple materials and easy to make in minutes. I did it myself. No need for power tools. I love my planters. They are proudly displayed at my front door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AlxIC6JxWGVPKSA5SgmoPZGBFx80KlKL-sspFXk5nLb4-8NS7klp5LsGG-sqwCZc9HGrwddZJzamqWK0tzrrbFXZKUrcovPFAySeytM6cg5UAiL3HkamC-0JqCJfXnlffuS2tZAz0Dk/s1600/planters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AlxIC6JxWGVPKSA5SgmoPZGBFx80KlKL-sspFXk5nLb4-8NS7klp5LsGG-sqwCZc9HGrwddZJzamqWK0tzrrbFXZKUrcovPFAySeytM6cg5UAiL3HkamC-0JqCJfXnlffuS2tZAz0Dk/s1600/planters.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a><br />
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Here is an updated picture of my planters.<br />
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8. From <a href="http://fun-in-first.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fun in First</a>. I printed this quote and have it hanging behind my desk at school. (I am a middle school teacher). I look at it everyday in my classroom. It reminds me of what is important. This is a very important quote to me! It means everything!<br />
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9. There are several pins that inspired this last project. Here is one from <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling/shadows-light-56344-8#slide-8" target="_blank">Elle Decor</a>. This help to inspire my built in between the studs, 4 inch deep pantry!<br />
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Here is my version that I love so much!<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/1604742_10203181914807546_775163277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/1604742_10203181914807546_775163277_n.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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10. From <a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/modular-money-origami-star.html" target="_blank">Homemade Gifts Made Easy. </a><br />
Made these for my nephews last Christmas. A fun way of giving money as a gift.<br />
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There it is my 10 favorite pins out of 4,418 and counting!<br />
I forgot how long it takes to put together a blog post! Thank goodness for summer break. At least I got one in. Hopefully I will add a few more before the end of summer!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-75365788441891225112013-01-07T10:08:00.001-08:002013-01-07T10:08:26.487-08:00Chalkboard MessagesLast year (about a month or two ago) we mounted one of our 36"x24" chalkboards above our huge sectional. We weren't sure what should go there at first. Then we realized that a chalkboard in the livingroom/familyroom was the perfect fit.<br />
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The colors (gold and black) match anything! And the artwork can change regularly.<br />
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For the past few month the artwork of choice has been an inspirational quote.<br />
This month the quote is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUWWDIy3pyLw8-KtRub5-SGQQpT74FNgMRdG41eyeWVYNWVNbA8kK572E2x5ROdpbnSGwxXgc0r-_FyT6ufJEAc27dPGjKZanfiHPDh8qvFN15l4LyFLm0DrzbXWfkjuZP8sn0BtSgCU/s1600/newbeginning+chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUWWDIy3pyLw8-KtRub5-SGQQpT74FNgMRdG41eyeWVYNWVNbA8kK572E2x5ROdpbnSGwxXgc0r-_FyT6ufJEAc27dPGjKZanfiHPDh8qvFN15l4LyFLm0DrzbXWfkjuZP8sn0BtSgCU/s320/newbeginning+chalkboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This should start everyone on the right foot each day. My 11 year old insisted we add.."start it with a smile". He is wise beyond his years!<br />
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The trick to getting a crisp white image is working on a wet chalkboard. I learned this little trick in my pinning travels at <a href="http://inmyownstyle.com/2012/07/how-to-draw-like-an-artist-on-a-chalkboard.html" target="_blank">In my own style</a><br />
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Enjoy your day!<br />
And remember...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each day is a new Beginning!</span><br />
start it with a smile :) <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-18238669281680761652012-11-11T06:15:00.001-08:002012-11-11T06:30:20.409-08:00How to straighten curly hair... Do you ever start a post and don't have the energy to finish it? So you leave it sitting there as a draft, only to have it nagging at you until you finally come back to it and finish it!? Well this is one of those posts.<br />
<br />
As the cooler weather finally hits Florida strange things begin to happen...to my hair.<br />
<br />
I have naturally curly/wavy/frizzy hair. During the humid months (which are most) I don't fight it and just air dry and go. However, when the humidity drops so does my hair! It's not curly enough to be considered curly and not wavy enough to have body. It's just frizzy! The only answer is to blow dry and straighten.<br />
<br />
Here's my recipe.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Str8 by Rusk! </div>
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<a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=rusk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/rusk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is not an advertisement, nobody is paying me to write about this product. I just thought I'd share. This is only my opinion, based on my experience with the product.<br />
<br />
I accidentally stumbled upon this hair product in, of all places Walmart. It was on the bottom shelf of the styling products section and something intrigued me. It was about $12 to $15 (I don't remember exactly). I figured what the heck I've tried everything else.<br />
<br />
This stuff is amazing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's my process.<br />
<br />
1. Shampoo and condition as usual<br />
2. Towel dry but not too much (don't rub, just pat)<br />
3. Wide tooth comb-comb out all knots<br />
4. In the palm of your hand dispence about a dime size of str8 (don't over do, too much is not a good thing). A bonus this stuff will last a long time.<br />
5. Pat both palms together so product is on both hands and gently rub through hair from top to ends.<br />
6. Using a wide nylon bristle round brush starting with the front brush and blow with blow dryer on hot setting.<br />
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(This will take about 15 minutes, from front to back and underside from nape of neck.)<br />
7. When all sections are completely dry and straight, finish with cold air from the blow dryer. Make sure you cool your whole head.<br />
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That's it.<br />
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I find that even if it rains (as long as you don't get hair wet) hair stays straight with no frizz. And I can usually get a second day out of it. (wear shower cap when taking a shower). <br />
<br />
Post finally Posted! (after 1 1/2 years sitting in the vault! lol)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-31119862025488510802012-09-13T17:48:00.000-07:002012-09-13T17:48:17.789-07:00Teaching with computersIt has been too long since my last post.
Paris is behind me...sigh...we'll always have Paris!! And I will return!
But for now it's back to reality! And my reality includes lots of kids and lots of computers!
School is in full swing! I can't believe we are finishing week 5 tomorrow!
If you find yourself needing to blend a real life environment (classroom) with a virtual world (game design and web design class) here are a few tips on warming up and personalizing an otherwise cold and techie space!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pPqylTZk_sX1iUHtSCLTfI4WMLzB94KsBa_NE-cDOtPTh7XHCKbOAcZfQwiKyd4y2Vpm3rOhbm44pGv3Z08NjSDGKcXq5PRiBc5ODgI-XZxgvtO8ADXR9mbYQ1ZI75IZAEYC9FkfSQo/s1600/100_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pPqylTZk_sX1iUHtSCLTfI4WMLzB94KsBa_NE-cDOtPTh7XHCKbOAcZfQwiKyd4y2Vpm3rOhbm44pGv3Z08NjSDGKcXq5PRiBc5ODgI-XZxgvtO8ADXR9mbYQ1ZI75IZAEYC9FkfSQo/s320/100_4248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
of course start with a chalkboard (a little bit of Paris)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCWEtNdjYZC1QfAs8kvg_dIwAK97ExdKkYKwgELMBfDXeSi6HANRq9fHYr3hEsIMLsnCdBhCP7ahA8eA4frPUEvjdgITooGNh1BLms9sICIhn1Nb56L71lfCGjr4NIDBf0-I0nOTC_C4/s1600/100_4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCWEtNdjYZC1QfAs8kvg_dIwAK97ExdKkYKwgELMBfDXeSi6HANRq9fHYr3hEsIMLsnCdBhCP7ahA8eA4frPUEvjdgITooGNh1BLms9sICIhn1Nb56L71lfCGjr4NIDBf0-I0nOTC_C4/s320/100_4241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
What's more down to earth than wooden clothespins. I use this space for my EXCELLENT LISTS! and a place to post questions....<br />
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Every inch of space gets used. Here dollar store white boards with markers hang on the metal poles which house electrical wires (magnetically attached). Great for group work brainstorming. Cute $1 pails from Target hold pencils erasers and post-it for storyboarding and group work.<br />
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For students whose computers face the wall I used cereal boxed cut in half and covered in decorative duct tape as a whiteboard holder.<br />
<br />
<br />
I find having these tools at the students finger tip very helpful to the design process. Also, In five weeks I haven't lost one pencil. At the end of class I ask the students closest to the pails to make sure there are four pencils. It's much easier to keep track of four pencils than 30! <br />
<br />
I hope you found these suggestions for blending the real world classroom with the virtual world classroom.<br />
<br />
Do you have any computer classroom management tips you'd like to share? I'd love to hear them! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-63372623740261354452012-06-19T06:11:00.000-07:002012-06-19T06:12:56.143-07:00Chalkboards Of Paris!Summer is here! And the school year is quickly becoming a distant memory.<br />
<br />
It has been quick a year. I started a new job teach video game and web design to middle schoolers! Quite an adventure it has been. I will be doing it again this coming school year.<br />
<br />
What better way to celebrate the end of a successful school year than a trip to Paris!!
Well the last day of school I left for Paris to meet the Chef, who had already been there for a week.
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3491.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The chef met me at the airport in Paris and we took the train to the hotel (much more reasonable than a taxi). When we emerged from the train station in Paris chef lead me down a cobblestone pedestrian market street and the first thing I noticed was...chalkboards!! Everywhere!!<br />
<br />
I snapped some pictures thinking I would only see a few. But the more we walked along the more I began to realize... Chalkboards are very Paris! Very French!<br />
<br />
During my week long (which was not long enough) stay I continued to snap pictures of chalkboards. I didn't take pictures of all of them, that would be thousands! Just every now and than I would take a picture of a chalkboard.<br />
<br />
Chalkboards were displayed with frame, without frame, painted directly on buildings, hanging on trees, at farmers markets, as garden markers...<br />
<br />
I imagine if they banished all of the chalkboards from Paris it would definitely lose some of its charm.<br />
<br />
If you want to add a little bit of Paris to your home (and who wouldn't want to) you can purchase a chalkboard board from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chalkingitup">Chalk it up!</a>
Here is little slideshow that I put together of Paris chalkboards that I encountered:<br />
jouir de<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/FiG2XGrZ81o?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<br />
I hope to be posting more pictures of my Paris trip soon! It was so amazing! I plan on returning one day...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-52940840197436535832012-05-05T05:11:00.000-07:002012-05-05T05:17:37.190-07:00Spammers on PinterestWhy is it that when something good comes along there's always someone out there trying to either ruin it or exploit it?<br />
<br />
I love Pinterest! It is the place where I go to dream and pin. I love adding things to my "vision" boards. Sometimes I like to share what I think is sweet or funny etc... on facebook (with my 15 friends). It's just relaxing, like thumbing through all of my favorite magazines at one time! (Does anyone buy magazines anymore?) Than it's like cutting out your favorite pictures and pinning them to a bulletin board. It's all of that without the paper mess. I love pinterest!<br />
<br />
But occasionally a intruder comes along. Sometimes someone pins an enticing photo of something yummy and I click on the link only to find a fake contest trying to lore me into giving my email address for a giveaway. I imagine that the person who repinned it is unaware it's a spam because they didn't click on the link, I guess the spammer is hoping enough people won't click on it to spread it around and enough do click on it to fall for the lore (who really knows how spammers think).<br />
<br />
Now whenever I pin something I click on the picture first to make sure it takes me to a credible source. A source where I can learn more about the project or recipe or whatever. If it doesn't pass the test I don't pin. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AhVuNhbeO-hm9U59bgmW_gTe8zyLtYAoSInQgvYgiM8Ohyphenhyphen-NKq9boBttQ6YreCtrCcRGjrCBlrWXz4wmQoYAi0lF8lvbK-m1O7Zgfd9_L8nfsYszby_CnFGlnH8ryc7IHzwKDjuI9Zk/s1600/spamfree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AhVuNhbeO-hm9U59bgmW_gTe8zyLtYAoSInQgvYgiM8Ohyphenhyphen-NKq9boBttQ6YreCtrCcRGjrCBlrWXz4wmQoYAi0lF8lvbK-m1O7Zgfd9_L8nfsYszby_CnFGlnH8ryc7IHzwKDjuI9Zk/s320/spamfree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Like I said before, I love Pinterest! And I want to help keep it SPAM FREE! So I made up this little message that I hope you will repin to spread the word.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-27852660401398027282012-03-22T05:29:00.001-07:002012-03-22T05:33:00.215-07:00What we did on our staycation this Spring BreakThis the first time in a few years that I have not blogged at least a few times a month. <br />
It has been a year of big changes for me and my family! After 13 years of being a "stay-at-home" mom I went back to work. It has been quite an adjustment and it continues to be. <br />
Although I am working full time (as if I wasn't before?) I am fortunate to have a job as a teacher. Yes, this means long hours (plenty to do after school) but at least I am home every weekend, holiday, break and lets not forget the summer!<br />
It is spring break this week and we are all home!! Even the hubby! (He is in the beginning stages for opening a restaurant as the opening chef. They are still building the restaurant so all of his work is being done from home right now) <br />
So this week we are slowing down and having a nice stay-cation! <br />
Living in Florida makes this so easy. Disney has a great deal for Florida residents right now, $99 for a three day pass and only $30 more for a fourth day! <br />
Tuesday we went to Hollywood Studios and rocked the park!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20115641.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20155222.jpg" width="299" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20191217.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20195315.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20205814.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20205827.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-03-20205838.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
It was a Fantasmic Day! Tonight should be very illuminating! <br />
Can you guess where we'll be?<br />
Stay-cations rock!<br />
What do you do on a stay-cation?<br />
<br />
Our next break should be a vacation very far away...stay tunedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-66421896010499705422012-01-02T00:31:00.000-08:002012-01-02T00:53:04.646-08:00It was a Pinteresting yearThe past 18 weeks have been very busy. As you may know, if you have read previous posts, I have been busy teaching video game and web design to middle school children. I will share more of my experience and thoughts about teaching this subject in another post.<br />
What I would like to address in this final post of the year is my obsession with Pinerest.com. This obsession began just before I started teaching. And to be honest, if I was not teaching I think I would be trying everything I've pinned on pinterest. However, since time is limited, I have only been able to try out a few of the wonderful things that I've pinned.<br />
Here are the things that I've tried (some pictures are yet to come. some I did not take pictures of, sadly)<br />
1 My first pinterest project was a knitting cake for my sister's birthday!<br />
Here's Mine and my mom's cake<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/knittingcake.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Here is the pinterest inspiration:<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/knittercake.jpg" /></a><br />
2. Wire Organizer using tp rolls BRILLIANT!<br />
Here's mine<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/wireorganized.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Here's the pinterest inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/tporganizer.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
3. Balloon Garland<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2011-12-31210559.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-01-01121641.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2012-01-01122801.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/threadedballoon.jpg" /></a><br />
5.So I had to try and make this centerpiece. I figured why not!? I have branches all I needed was some silver metallic spray paint and a bag of mylar shreddings. So here it is! This was not easy to photography. It looked much nicer in person, trust me.<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/2011-12-31210218.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><br />
</a><br />
here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/silvertreecenterpiece.jpg" /></a><br />
Ok so mine needs a little work...<br />
5.Chocolate covered marshmallow pops. I cover some with graham cracker crumbs, some with coconut shavings, and some with colored sprinkles. Picture is not so good because I wrapped them in clear wrapping before taking the picture. But they tasted good!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/mallowpops.jpg" width="386" /></a><br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/marshmallowpop.jpg" /></a><br />
6.Taping shipping boxes together(recycled ones) to use for classroom papers. I love this one. I have to take a picture of mine when I get back to school. I covered mine with neon green duct tape. This is a great one!<br />
here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/priorityorganizer.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
7. I did a pumpkin centerpiece for Thanksgiving. It turned out really nice but I can't find the picture. I may have deleted it off my camera before saving:)<br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/pumpkincenterpiece.jpg" /></a><br />
This was very easy to do and looked great. Would have been very expensive if I bought it at the florist.<br />
8. Mini Grilled cheese and tomato soup. My chef husband made these as a light snack on Thanksgiving day before Dinner. He used a long thin french beard. It was perfect for little sandwiches for dunking in the soup. No pictures but<br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/grilledcheese.jpg" /></a><br />
9. Crayon Painting<br />
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<br />
<br />
<img alt="Crayon landscape" height="281" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3142.jpg" width="358" /><img alt="Wood landscape" height="308" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3150.jpg" width="370" /><br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<img alt="Crayon hot glue gun" height="341" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/85702114_DHppfLVs_c.jpg" width="341" /><br />
10. I made this broccoli salad <br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/broccolisalad.jpg" /></a><br />
11. I made these cute acorns on Thanksgiving. Don't think I'll do them again. It was a lot of work and not really worth it. Fun to do it once but that's it. And the individual ingredients added up to a big expense.<br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/acornkisses.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
12/ One final project is this corkboard on the inside of the kitchen cabinets. I haven't done it yet but I have the cork just have to get some temporary adhesive.<br />
Here's the inspiration<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/corkcabinet.jpg" width="268" /></a><br />
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Thank you pinterest for all of the wornderful inspiration and all of the talent and generous contributors! <br />
I can't wait to try more creative ideas in 2012!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-71486530553087814982011-10-22T06:02:00.000-07:002011-10-22T06:10:22.203-07:00Too tired to blogI love blogging. I miss blogging on Chalk it up! Actually, I've been blogging a lot but just not here. I have two new blogs. One is for my Game Design classes and the other is for my web design class. I blog there Monday thur Friday. Sadly, it leaves me no energy to blog here at my comfy, homey, familiar blog Chalk it up!<br />
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Life has changed so much. There's so much I want to share here but that would require thinking and it's Saturday, so I don't want to think. <br />
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Although, I still find myself scouring the internet for searching for ways to teach game design to middles schoolers.<br />
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I normally would not publish a post without at least one picture. Maybe I'll look for something to illustrate this post. Be right back!<br />
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Here we go:<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/happyholidays.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/image.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
So sweet!<br />
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These beautiful photos were sent to me by one of my wonderful customers! She is a very talented professional photographer who purchased unframed chalkboards from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chalkingitup"><b>Chalk it up!</b></a> and sent me these picture to show how she is using the chalkboards!<br />
Thank you for giving me permission to share these photo on my blog!<br />
Thank you for the fantastic photo!<br />
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There I did it! I posted to my favorite blog!:) I feel much better now!:)<br />
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Have a great Saturday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-76831465772086716152011-09-17T08:09:00.000-07:002011-09-17T08:14:50.728-07:00Life as a Game Design Teacher <a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="239" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3206.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Well, I'm entering my sixth week of life as a middle school game design teacher. On the down side my poor Chalk it up! blog has suffered. No time to blog. I have been doing one post on the weekend to try stay current. However, one post a week really does effect my traffic.:(<br />
I hope you'll stop by on the weekend to say hi!<br />
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So life as a Game Design Teacher...<br />
It's fun, it's tiring, it's sometimes difficult, well not difficult but challenging. Especially since I have never taught it before and I started this job one day before school started.<br />
Although I have taken several courses in Digital Media I had no idea what I was entering when I started delving into the world of game design. I thought how hard can it be? I know how to use Maya, Illustrator, Photoshop, Final cut pro, flash... Heck I even know a little bit of coding(basic html and css throw in a dash of php) How hard can it be?<br />
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Well., as I started researching I began to realize the complexity of game design. I would search and search for way to teach game design to middle school kids. And let me tell you, these kids enter the class and say, "So when are we going to make our own games?"<br />
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HAHA...<br />
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Well, let's start with the design process. Kids think....borrrrring. I want to make a game!!!<br />
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I search and search and find <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://gamestarmechanic.com/" target="_blank">Gamestar Mechanic</a></b></span>. Ok here's a site totally geared (no pun intended) toward middle school kids. It saved my life for the first five weeks. No downloading, we register as a class(the biggest headache here is kids forgeting their passwords and user names-yes I tell them to write it down-but you know kids)<br />
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So Gamestar starts by having the kids play the games to learn the system, and elements. Next the move up to fixing games. Finally they make their own games sort of. No programing no creating sprite simply drag and drop. This site is great for an introduction to the process of design and testing games and giving feedback. Beyond that you really don't learn much about making games. The kids love it because it's easy and it's mostly playing games with minimal effort in creating games(which in a way is deceptive because they think this is easy) There are a few students who get it and are not satisfied with the limitation of creating games. Thank god for those kids. They give me hope!<br />
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So the concepts learned in the first five weeks are Design Process, What makes a game balanced and the elements of design in a game. All important first steps.<br />
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This week we delve a little deeper. We will be starting <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" target"_blank"="">Scratch</a></b></span>. This program begins to touch alll of the areas of game design. I still need to poke around and figure out the best way to get the most out of this software. I'll be doing that this weekend. I will try to quickly come up with a sequential curriculum to make sense of it all. Wish me luck!<br />
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Also, each weekend I create a new visual to display in the classroom. <br />
Week one I painted a large Angry bird poster because someone took my stuffed angry bird.<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3204.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I posted an announcement on my poster that it went missing 7th period. The poster worked and my angry bird was returned the next day. (the power of the paint brush)<br />
The next week I added visuals for my one web design class ( I didn't mention I'm teaching web design too. A whole different topic for another post). I Made big HTML and CSS signs. I also printed the codes that they were learn one per page and displayed them on the cabinets.<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3209.jpg" width="320" /> </a><br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3207.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The next week I made a big poster showing What makes a balanced game?<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3210.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
The kids made cartoons the first week of school on index cards and I called them preliminary sketches for avatars(to be created in paint.net) and posted them on the bulletin boards. <br />
Last week I printed out the words Pre production, production and post production (vertically) and laminated them and attached them to the narrow polls. I also made gears out of foam core and attached them to the tops of the polls with words explaining the three different aspects of design. I have to take pictures of that.<br />
Oh I forget, I made a long banner that says Creativity is key in technology.<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="240" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3208.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The kids did pre production sketches yesterday. I will be switching out the bulletin boards with the best examples from each class. I will still display the avatars on the wall next to the boards.<br />
My goal is to have a fun visually exciting and informative classroom.<br />
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So as you can see, I've been busy. And did I mention the fun busy work created for us do nothing teachers. Lots of useless paper work. I won't get into that now.<br />
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The chalkboard business is going well too. Lots of sales! If you need a chalkboard don't forgot to visit our <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chalkingitup" target="_blank">etsy shop</a></b></span>. With hubby between jobs he's making lots of chalkboards and shipping them out fast!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-12246119910272270902011-09-11T03:27:00.000-07:002011-09-11T03:27:23.662-07:00Always Remember 9/11Never forget!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_Zk2IxeGY8yfglEai2NjJxYQnpLBFBedck4Xbzxaby2QCkOO88O03znTK__bDs1PPDZkyDInUZUdn5JrWSDyP-wji5WXqWVYMj5GWlxw34wM1XUEaDVyi7jmYXqWIrs-T4DoVqgnVwQ/s1600-h/eagle.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380170250057749346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_Zk2IxeGY8yfglEai2NjJxYQnpLBFBedck4Xbzxaby2QCkOO88O03znTK__bDs1PPDZkyDInUZUdn5JrWSDyP-wji5WXqWVYMj5GWlxw34wM1XUEaDVyi7jmYXqWIrs-T4DoVqgnVwQ/s400/eagle.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 297px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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It is ten years later. <br />
Ten years ago on this day I was in my nineth month of pregnancy with my son. I was so scared for his and my older son's futures. What was happening to America? <br />
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Ten years later...9/11 has left a scar on our beautiful country and changed it in many ways. However, the American spirit is one that is powerful and bright. Freedom is in our blood.<br />
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The evil people who have tried to shake it out of us have not succeeded. They thought they could but they will never understand the power of Freedom, Liberty and the American way of life!<br />
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We are strong people! Freedom and Goodness will always prevail. <br />
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I will observe a moment of silence with my family today in remembrance of the innocent lives lost, the brave Americans who fought and continue to fight for the greatest cause of all FREEDOM!<br />
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I will recall that day and teach my children about what happened and who was to blame. (they are now old enough to learn all that happened on that day)<br />
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We must never forget! And be vigilant about protecting our freedom.<br />
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God Bless America!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-28504152203841190512011-09-03T20:47:00.000-07:002011-09-03T20:51:01.440-07:00Leisurely Labor Day Weekend!It's been a busy few weeks.<br />
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Yesterday when I got home from school I thought, "Wow, a three day weekend! I want to go out and celebrate... after I lay down for a few minutes." 8 hours later, I woke up, looked at the clock, which said 3:00 and realized I never even changed out of my clothes. So much for the fun night on the town.<br />
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So, today after we mulled around for most of the day, we decided to get in the car and head for the beach.<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="298" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3195.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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It was a glorious late afternoon at the beach. An all American Labor Day weekend! Red, white and blue!<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3189.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3191.jpg" width="359" /></a><br />
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Hope you are enjoying your weekend too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-11061160381352650712011-08-27T06:32:00.000-07:002011-08-27T06:50:28.347-07:00Computer Class ActivityI've been away from my blog for so long! I have made it through my first two weeks of teaching Gaming and Web Design to nearly 200 middle school students. I think I'll return on Monday and shoot for another week! <br />
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I came up with a great activity for them to do on Monday. <br />
We have covered a lot of information so far. I created a website for the class using what else?...blogspot... I literally put the site together in an hour. I use it everyday to post the lessons and bell work. I also have pages for chapters and other information. The list of resource links is a great feature too.<br />
Anyway, their activity for Monday is to go to Wordle.net and create a word cloud using the terms we have covered. They will open the website and wordle.net in windows side by side and copy and paste words from our class website. The main concepts will be copied and pasted several times more than the sub topics. They will then have fun creating their word cloud white background with black and gray words only. I will select a few word clouds to print out. Can't print them all/ too much ink.<br />
I will use these lovely word clouds to decorate the walls of my classroom!:)<br />
Here are some screen prints to show you my process.<br />
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<a href="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/wordle.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="175" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/wordle.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/wordle2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="197" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/wordle2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-4473741691261303192011-08-20T01:49:00.000-07:002011-08-20T01:49:43.636-07:00Chalkboards for the ClassroomClassrooms sure have changed! It used to be that every classroom had a chalkboard. Could you imagine back when you were a kids, if you had somebody say to you, there will be no chalkboards in the classrooms by the time your kids go to school. You would have thought they were crazy! Chalkboards and classrooms go together like peanut butter and jelly!<br />
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Here is my new classroom and guess what...NO Chalkboards! Only computers and whiteboards. We'll have to change that!:)<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="297" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3164.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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I see a perfect surface to put chalkboards!<br />
Stay tuned...<br />
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This may take a while. I'm pretty busy these days. Teaching middle school kids game design and web design is fun but a lot of working too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-3586960893656995652011-08-08T06:44:00.000-07:002011-08-08T06:51:33.221-07:00Painting with crayons!<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-style: italic;">I wrote this post on my new blog </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://artbyinstinct.com/">Art by Instinct</a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-style: italic;"> but I'm still pretty attached to this blog. You can see all of my chalkboards and artwork at my new blog but I just can't leave my old friend Chalk it up! So sometimes I will cross post and sometimes I will write something completely different, depending on the time available. </span>
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<br />After coming across a very interesting idea on <a title="Pinterest" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">pinterest.com</a> I decided to experiment with crayons as a "serious" art medium.-
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<br />Here is the the picture that started it all for me
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<br /><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/85702114_DHppfLVs_c.jpg" alt="Crayon hot glue gun" height="341" width="341" />
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<br />As I read more about the process I though I just had to try it. One person who tried it said they glued the crayons to the canvas and left it in the hot car to melt.
<br />I decided to take a box of old <a title="crayola" href="http://www.crayola.com/" target="_blank">Crayola Crayons</a> and peel the wrappers(hint-use an<a title="X-acto knife" href="http://www.xacto.com/" target="_blank"> X-acto knife</a> to score down the length of the crayon and simply peel the cut wrapper)
<br />Then I glues five of the peeled crayons to the center of the canvas and propped it up against the wheel of the car. I live in Florida so I didn't think I needed to put it in the car to help melt the crayons.
<br />Interestingly, after 3 hours in the hot August Florida sun only the indigo and violet started to melt. This was not working.
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<br /><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3139.jpg" alt="Crayon canvas" height="363" width="351" />
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<br />This melted the crayons in no time
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<br /><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3140.jpg" alt="Melted crayon canvas" height="264" width="352" />
<br />The little white flecks are pieces of grated white crayon sprinkled over the top.
<br />To further help the process I used my embossing gun to keep the wax melted and move it around fluidly.
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<br />Here is the end result of my first attempt.
<br /><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3142.jpg" alt="Crayon landscape" height="281" width="358" />
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<br />I'm pretty happy with the results of this first try.
<br />Now It's time to really experiment with this technique!
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<br />This time I decided to use a piece of 6"x6" wood instead of canvas. A more rigid support seem more stable for the wax.
<br />Here is my second attempt at a crayon painting landscape.
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<br /><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3151.jpg" alt="Purple sky" height="356" width="360" />
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<br />I like the way the wax drips off the edge of the wood, revealing the process.
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<br /><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3150.jpg" alt="Wood landscape" height="308" width="370" />
<br />To help the melting process along I put the canvas into the warming drawer at the bottom of my oven.
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<br />This could be addicting!
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<br />You might call this the cheap man's <a href="http://www.encaustic.com/" title="Encaustic" target="_blank">encaustic painting</a> (although I've never done encaustic painting before, so don't know how similar this is) I would love to learn encaustic someday.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-10511067156729371052011-08-02T05:38:00.000-07:002011-08-02T06:32:35.278-07:00Little chalkboards for saleI'm very excited! I just opened an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FI5XEA"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amazon Chalk it up! store</span></a>.<br />So far I only have one item listed but it's a start. We are hoping to reach more people looking for chalkboards<br />I still love my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chalkingitup"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> etsy shop</span></span></a> and will always have chalkboards there.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(7462338, 'shop','gallery',2,2).renderIframe();</script><br />I also listed a new painting in my <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78911079/word-art-floral-original-canvas-painting?ref=em">Art Spectrum shop<br /></a></span><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=1quotepaintingjpg.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/1quotepaintingjpg.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been so side tracked lately I don't know which way is up! Do you even have so many thoughts running through your head that you just can't see straight?<br /><br />I mentioned in an earlier post that I created a new website for all of my artistic endeavors. <a href="http://artbyinstinct.com"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Art by Instinct</span></span></a><br />Well, a few days ago I was trying to create another new and separate website and completely destroyed ABI! So I had to go back to the drawing board and rebuild it. Sometime redoing things gives you the practice you need to improve. I hope to get good enough soon to offer custom websites to others.<br /><br />I think I made some improvements on my new site (it's still under construction) I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think.<br /><br />Have a great day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-63222145861601489972011-07-18T09:23:00.000-07:002011-07-18T09:44:58.112-07:00Looking toward the light<a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_3015.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 402px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3015.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Don't look down<br />Don't look up<br />Look straight ahead...<br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=beach2011.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 399px; height: 496px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/beach2011.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Took the day yesterday to take a deep breath and bask in God's Glory<br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_3014.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_3014.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Is that the sun I see behind the clouds?<br /><br />Happy Mosaic Monday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-27478869320647694242011-07-14T03:55:00.000-07:002011-07-14T04:06:39.920-07:00Chalkboard Minis!We have a new product at Chalk it up! The chalkboard mini!<br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2958.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 471px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2958.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2961.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 531px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2961.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2963.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 359px; height: 476px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2963.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Actually it is 2"x3.5" the size of a business card.<br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2964.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2964.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can think of so many uses for these minis<br />Wedding seating cards<br />table place setting cards for a dinner party<br />birthday favors<br />teaching aides<br />labels for organizing<br />name tags for a social event or meeting<br /><br />Can you think of other ways to use mini chalkboards?<br />I'd love to hear your ideasUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-8023937100325243902011-07-13T01:52:00.000-07:002011-07-13T02:19:40.669-07:00New Custom WebsiteHello World!<br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=Fullscreencapture713201143526AMbmp.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 403px; height: 178px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/Fullscreencapture713201143526AMbmp.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not just another wordpress website! This is my new website and I'm very excited to introduce it to you here. <a href="http://artbyinstinct.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:130%;" >Art by Instinct<br /></span></a> www.artbyinstinct.com!<br /><br />This website is a culmination of the work that I have been doing for the past several years; teaching, painting, murals, chalkboards, digital media. The cherry on the sundae or icing on the cake is the custom website that I created to house all of this work.<br /><br />For the past year and a half I have been working toward a certificate in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Digital/Interactive Media Design Technical.<br /><br /></span><br />I have taken classes in bitmap graphics, vector graphics, 3-D modeling and animation, digital video, digital imaging and interactive design. I have two more weeks left of my interactive design class and I will earn my certificate. And if I get an "A" in this class I will have a 4.0! (Ok enough tooting my own horn-that was fun:))<br /><br />I still have some tweaking to do with my new site and I'm not sure if it will take over as my main site yet. But I will keep everyone updated as it evolves and gets the finishing touches. <br /><br />So where do I go from here? Illustration, web design, custom banners... It's time to weigh my options and see how to put my new skill to work. <br /><br />Stay tuned...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-88509406734927281862011-07-11T11:09:00.000-07:002011-07-11T11:20:23.797-07:00Friends!<a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2938.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2938.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They stick together...<br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2935.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 397px; height: 326px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2935.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Through thick and thin...<br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2951.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 396px; height: 296px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2951.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And give each other space when they need it.<br /><br />Luc and Bam and the kids are becoming fast friends!<br /><br />It's fun to watch their friendship grow!:)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-71607412182844127592011-07-10T02:46:00.000-07:002011-07-11T10:58:10.215-07:00Disbelief-RevisionThere are times when you need to back away from the computer...just back away! When you are not in the best state of mind...hands off the keys. Thus the explanation for the revision. I have always kept my blog a positive place. After all how can you follow along and have fun if it's not?!<br /><br />I've only kept the parts worth keeping. I've decided everything is going to be just fine!:)<br /><br /><br />If you'd like to buy a chalkboard<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chalkingitup"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> here's the shop</span></span></a><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(7462338, 'shop','thumbnail',2,2).renderIframe();</script><br /><br /><br />If you'd like to buy a painting <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cinhesse"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here's the shop</span></span></a><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5504044, 'shop','thumbnail',2,2).renderIframe();</script><br /><br /><br />Again, if you'd like to order a chalkboard or painting we would happily fill your order.<br /><br />I wish you health and happiness.<br /><br />Don't worry bout a thing!<br /><br /><object height="349" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/poACd-zYMSY?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/poACd-zYMSY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="324" width="400"></embed></object><br /><br />I need my own SHedaisy group!<br /><br />God Bless<br /><br />And Chalk it Up!<br /><br />I feel much better now!:)<br /><br />Keep smiling:):):)<br /><br />And a little something for <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/mosaic-monday-bunnys-sunken-garden.html">Mosaic Monday<br /></a></span><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=Desktop-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/Desktop-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some things I've collected on my vision boards over at <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest.com</a> LOVE Pinterest!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-91099011211511664372011-07-06T16:08:00.000-07:002011-07-06T16:35:13.798-07:00Starting with a clean plate!<a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2914.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 398px; height: 527px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2914.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a our newest chalkboard in the shop. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77308246/silver-plate-chalkboard-10-inch-diameter"> </a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77308246/silver-plate-chalkboard-10-inch-diameter">Silver Chalkboard Plate!</a><br /></span></span> A great way to display what's for dinner tonight or your soup of the day! Or to jot down your calorie count for the day! (or maybe not)<br /><br />The chef is between jobs at the moment but we're hoping he will find something quickly.<br /><br />In the meantime, onward with the chalkboard business and a few other business ventures we've put on the back burner, due to a lack of time. The irony, when you don't have the time you have the money but when you have the time you don't have the money.<br /><br />We hope to be adding speech bubble chalkboards to the shop soon and various other shapes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5900247846399315741.post-23395391861954841912011-07-01T10:50:00.000-07:002011-07-01T11:02:28.262-07:00Rustic Chalkboard<a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2911.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 400px; height: 481px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2911.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the newest chalkboard at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77014788/wood-framed-chalkboard-rustic"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chalk it up!</span></span></a><br />It would look great in a rustic style home or a mountain cabin!<br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2907.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 399px; height: 529px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2907.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The frame measures 14"x14"<br /><br /><a href="http://s664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/?action=view&current=100_2902.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 395px; height: 473px;" src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv10/MURALWIZARD/100_2902.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope you are having a relaxing summer. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0