Blogmas Day 6 | Peeps vs Fitness

Back in this post, I briefly discussed how I was testing out 5 different wearable fitness trackers from the amazing Lumoid folks to see which one would best fit my lifestyle. I had done my research beforehand and narrowed down my choices to these guys.

one.two.three.four.five

After 2 weeks with the trackers here are my final thoughts...

1) Fitbit Charge HR - Very user-friendly, most accurately counted my steps (logged 100 counted steps as 102 steps). I loved the watch-like band and never felt that it was going to fall off at all. Water resistant, but not waterproof, this tracker is probably one you shouldn't shower with.

2) Jawbone UP3 - I love that this tracker basically looks like a bracelet. The only downsides are that there isn't any screen to tell you how many steps you've taken or what your heartrate is (here's to checking your phone even MORE than you already do) and current Jawbone technology only allows you to record your resting heartrate, when you're not doing any physical activity.

3-5) Moto 360 Gen 1, Striiv Fusion, Garmin Vivosmart - As soon as I opened the box from Lumoid, I instantly knew that I would not be choosing any of these 3 contenders. The Moto 360 is a lot larger than I anticipated, and it felt very cumbersome to wear. The Striiv Fusion and Garmin Vivosmart were thin enough to wear, but I was always worried that they would get snagged on something and ripped off of my wrist during the day due to their lack of secure closure.

Top 2: Jawbone UP3 and Fitbit Charge HR. I'm deciding to go with the UP3 because I'm a diva and like to wear my own watch instead of having one built-in to my tracker. I know that means more things on my wrist, but I'm a big #armcandy supporter. Here's to closing 2015 with health on my mind, and starting off 2016 on the path to a better me!

Blogmas Day 5 | Winter Wardrobe

After a much-needed baecation (see what I did there?) I'm BACK and better than ever to participate in this year's Blogmas extravaganza! For those who have never heard of Blog/Vlogmas, it's a time for bloggers (and vloggers) to post about their favorite holiday items, whether it be traditions, clothing, makeup routines, activities, etc. Today I wanted to share 5 of my favorite wintery treats from the new ASOS and Loft collections!
1) From ASOS, this dress is so sexy and ethereal, and would look perfect with a polished bun and a bold lip or loose flowy curls and gladiators for a more lowkey look.
2) Also from ASOS, this halter/racerback hybrid is such a cute color that would flow perfectly into 2016 considering Pantone's Color of the Year announcement! (squeal!!!)
3) Shoutout to my onesie-wearing adults! This unicorn onesie would be absolutely perfect for keeping me warm next year in New Mexico (hint hint).
4) Loft always has my back when it comes to cute sweaters, and this diamond pointelle pattern on a cream sweater is the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe.
5) Last but not least, this moto jacket from Loft's Lou & Grey collection is my idea of the ultimate cross between edgy and sophisticated.

things i love: one.two.three.four.five

Happy Friday!

16 Before 2016

It's that time of year when we all start to wind down and take stock of our 2015 goals - what we achieved, what we neglected, and the things we think we can still accomplish before the year is done. When I stumbled on Kara's 16 Before 2016 post over at BohoBerry, I couldn't resist it any longer. Here are my 16 goals I'd like to accomplish before the year is done! I'll be checking in periodically to update you all!

To help me get started, I asked myself some questions:

• What "house cleaning" do I need to do so my soul can be ready for a new year?
• Are there any projects still needing to be completed?
• What can I do now to kick off 2016 on the right note?
• Are there things I need to remove or place into my life to make it better?

And then this list quickly formed:

So, there are my 16 goals I need to at least START before the year is done. Wish me luck!

Top 10 Things I'm Thankful For

It really is no surprise to me that I have so much to be thankful for - it was truly difficult trying to come up with my "top 10" because this year has made me realize that I should really be more appreciative of everything in my life, good and bad. Thanks to Stephanie at Tales of Teaching in Heels for this great opportunity to reflect on the top 10 things I'm thankful for this year!

1. MY FAMILY is number one. This year, when my life started to go sideways, I relied so much on them to help me get a solid foundation back and I couldn't be more thankful for the love they give me every day. #familyfirstforever
2. CRAZY COWORKERS get me through each day! My co-teacher in Kindergarten is basically my twin and it is never a dull moment when we're teaching a lesson. No matter what kind of day we're having, as soon as I pop in to teach, the day improves significantly.
3. MUSIC has helped me through the worst days of the year, and I'm so thankful that I have fully functioning ears.
4. NEW BEGINNINGS has basically been the theme of the year. I thought in January that 2015 would begin and end with relatively the same people in my life, and I couldn't have been more incorrect. However, I'm thankful for the people that left my life because they made room for even more extraordinary people and beginnings.
5. LONG DISTANCE BEST FRIENDS are the best and worst things - this summer, I took a much needed soulcation to see my LDBFFs in LA for a week, and it just reminded us how much we love each other. Note to self: make another trip to see them soon!
6. SCB has been my rock throughout the rough patches this year. Although we had a rocky start way back when, I'm so glad that God and the Universe brought us back together. I'm so excited to see her tonight!!!
7. GOD and I have had a strained relationship for years, but this year, in light of all that happened, I made an effort to get back in touch with Him. I'm working on it, but I know that I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't turned to Him.
8. ADVENTURES were so abundant this year! I tallied it up and I essentially took a trip every other month in 2015. I'll write a post about that later, but I have been bitten HARDCORE by the wanderlust bug.
9. MY D7 DINOSAURS make my life so much crazier than I ever expected, but I love them to pieces. I'm thankful for them, but I'm also thankful for this much-needed break that we'll have from each other. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, kiddos.
10. Last but not least, QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES made me realize how amazing my family and best friends really are. I spent a lot of time hanging out with my grandma this year and I can't imagine a world without her. I'm so beyond thankful for the many people I have in my life that I love and who love me just as much in return.

Hope this week is full of thanksgiving for everyone!

Favorite Fridays // Magic E Freebie

Countdown to #SCBinHI clocks in at a total of 3 DAYS! This weekend, I'm going to be stress cleaning and getting a whole bunch of grad school work done so I can just relax when Sienna is here! Here are my favorite things from this week (and a little freebie for you all at the end)!

1) If you hadn't heard, I'm an obsessive data collector. You should see my planner, journal, and classroom! Fitness trackers have been on my mind for a while now, and I'm finally taking steps to getting one. Head over to my last post to see how I got to test drive 5 fitness trackers of my choosing, and stay tuned for updates in the next few weeks! I'll also be posting periodic updates on my instagram (@perfectlypeeps). Check it out!

2) Since we're working on the Magic E this unit for Wonders, I made a Magic-E Wall for one of my reading intervention centers. So far, the kids absolutely love it, especially because they get to stand up at the whiteboard and play teacher. Too cute!

3) My personal mantra for the month - it has been EXHAUSTING lately in Peeps Land since our SPED Inclusion team is about 4 people, 2 of whom are newbies this year. This means that the other "veteran" SPED inclusion teacher and I have to not only run our own meetings, but also serve as administrator designees for the other two inclusion teachers and help them get situated and accustomed to all of the paperwork and legal matters. Good things come to those who hustle, and boy oh boy have I been hustling hard.

4) Picked up a few favorites this week - including a new candle from Bath & Body Works in their seasonal scent that I love oh so much. Balsam was a close contender, but Spiced Apply Toddy never disappoints. I'm also speed-reading through this book! It's so good, and although I don't have as much free time to read as I would like to, I always make time for a chapter or two before I go to bed.

5) FREEBIE! To help my babies out with their Magic-E words, I made another worksheet/whiteboard type of situation that they've been loving for their word work center. This week was Magic-E with i, so here's the link if you want to get a copy for yourself!

Happy Friday!

Peeps Test Drives Fitness Trackers

I am so convinced that we are slowly being taken over by robots. Everywhere I look, someone is talking into a bluetooth headset, checking their Apple Watch, or walking around with one of these guys on their arm - yes, I'm talking about the increasingly popular wearable fitness tracker. 

When the first wave of these trackers first came out, I was not impressed at all; they were bulky, NOT fashionable, and way too industrial for my taste. Thankfully, the manufacturers became a little wiser and started to make more wearer-friendly trackers for those of us who do not work at 24 Hour Fitness for a living.

I've been looking at getting a tracker for a while now, but really didn't know where to start. This is where the wonderful website Lumoid comes in handy. Lumoid will let you test drive 5 fitness trackers of your choosing for only $30. If you decide to buy one of the trackers, $25 of your "rental fee" goes towards your purchase! If not, you're charged the full $30, but at such a small fee to try out 5 trackers for 2 weeks, how could I say no?!

Above are the trackers I've selected to try (from left to right): Fitbit Charge HR, Jawbone UP3, Moto 360 1st Gen, Striiv Fusion, and Garmin Vivosmart. I can't wait to get this rental box in the mail and share my thoughts with you all!

Friday: The Final Countdown!

Yes, I'm actually singing the song aloud, right now, as my adorable first graders look on with extreme confusion. Do I care? Not really becaaaaause....

IT'S THE FIIIIIIIINAAAAAAAL COOOOUUUUNTDOOOOOWWWWNNNN

until #SCBinHI. 10 days, to be exact, until Sienna arrives, at midnight, nonetheless, which means I'm starting to devolve into a crazy person. Extreme apologies to everyone in my near vicinity. 

1) Since we moved into "Magic E" words this week, I started to practice the a__e sound and related words with my reading intervention kiddos. Feel free to download a copy of these worksheets here! 

2) I got to babysit my favorite brother duo this weekend while their human parents were on a trip. Kona is the smiley pup and Brew is a little more rascal, always trying to annoy his brother. They're the sweetest rottweiler/shepherd/collie mixes and I just love them to pieces!

3) DID YOU SEE THAT MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 IS COMING OUT?!?!?! I have no other words. I'm so excited #bundtcake.

4) I recently posted about my favorite things to do and eat on Oahu - a quick list of some of the things I'm going to do with Sienna! For anyone who is planning to travel to Hawaii in the near or far future, check this list out! 

5) This has truly been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. Honestly, my nickname should be Murphy because everything that could've gone wrong, did go wrong. I won't get too into it, but I'm very excited to spend my weekend curled up and hibernating away from the craziness outside. Excuse me while I indulge in some self-care...

Thankful for Friday...