I have been thinking about this post for a while now, and the other day I reached out to you guys for some help.  You guys are freaking awesome! I had so many people reach out with tips/advice and so many of you begging I share them! So, your wish is my command!

HOW TO SURVIVE JUNE:

1.) Make a list. Make sure you include all things big and small.  I find adding things like walk the dog, or make the bed, and then crossing them out makes me feel so accomplished, lol! Sounds crazy I know, but trust me!  Making a list will help you feel a little less scattered while trying to remember everything that needs to be completed.  Yes, it will seem daunting at first, but once you start to see more and more things get crossed off it feels SO good.

2.) Set a timer.  Maybe this is the teacher in me but sometimes having a visual timer helps me to stay focussed for that allotted time.  I set the timer, put on some music or Netflix on and get at it.  Once the timer goes off I allow myself a short “brain break” – get up, do a stretch, go for a walk, check my phone, do some online shopping.   Anything to give myself time to clear my mind and refocus.  *Careful not to get carried away with these… I am guilty of this!

3.) Work space. This one is so important for me.  For the most part I don’t like to take my school work home with me, but I make an exception during report card season.  I find working in my “happy space” makes it so much more enjoyable.  For me, this is in bed.  I know this is weird, and you’re not supposed to work in the space where you sleep, but I am most comfortable there.  I like to have fresh flowers on my nightstand, a cup of coffee (or sparkling water), a candle lit, and Netflix going for background noise.  Maybe for you it’s your patio, home office, or even your classroom.  Find the space that works best for you and stick to it.  When you’re comfortable it will make the work so much more enjoyable.

4.) Snacks!! Need I say more?  I prefer a buffet of gummy candies and sparkling water.

5.) Get an early start.  This is one I am slowly getting better at.  I typically work best under pressure.  I was that girl who stayed up all night in collage working on a project or finishing a paper.   But as of lately I have turned over a new leaf and it feels SO good.  I feel way less overwhelmed… perhaps now that I’m 30 I’m really growing up… that or I am old and need sleep, lol! #adulting

5.) Self Care.  Without a doubt this is the most important thing for me and for most of you as well. Whether that means walking the dog, reading a book, working out, going for a coffee with friends, or heading to the lake with family to rejuvenate.   If you’re not taking care of yourself you’re not going to perform to the best of your ability.  It has taken me a while to really understand the importance of this.  Be kind and patient with yourself.  Again, getting an early start on your to do list will allow you to maintain the kind of self care you will need to survive the madness of June.

And last, if none of the above helps, remember this: it will get done and summer will come.  It always does!!

There are even more tips on my Instagram, so I suggest you check it out here and read the comments!

The countdown to sweet summertime is on… YOU GOT THIS!

The post A teachers guide to Surviving June appeared first on Teach Me Style - A style, beauty and life blog..

Anyways… let me get to what everyone has been asking me lately:  What will you be wearing for the first day of school?!  Well, here it is.  A dress I bought from H&M on our last trip to Vancouver.  Now, obviously I won’t be wearing the hat but I think it just looks absolutely adorable with it! I will be wearing those booties- they are SO comfortable!! I will however, take a pair of flats to change into just in case!

Are you as excited for back to school as I am?! Parents… I know you are

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The secret is GOOGLE… haha, but actually.  All you need to do is Google Willow Nominee books. The Willow Awards were created as a way to promote reading by granting a “Willow Award” to the Canadian and/or Saskatchewan book(s) voted by Saskatchewan students to be the best of those nominated in designated categories for a specific year.

The categories are as follows:

• The Shining Willow Award for books written for young readers.
• The Diamond Willow Award for titles written for upper elementary readers (grades 4-6).
• The Snow Willow Award for books for young people in grades 7 – 9.

The coolest part about the Willow Awards is that Saskatchewan kids read the books and then get to vote! They think it is absolutely the best thing ever.  In past years, our wonderful (now retired) teacher librarian, Rhonda would read one book each week and then when she was done she would allow them to vote.  She would explain that I could not vote, she could not vote, not even the Principal of our school could vote for our favourite book… it is only for KIDS!  Well, like I said before, they just think that is the coolest thing EVER!

Last year the Shining Willow Award book winner was If Kids Ruled The World by Linda Bailey, and if you follow me on Snapchat (@holly_horvath) you would know that this is one of my absolute favourites! A serious must have for any home or classroom library!

So, the next time you head to your local bookstore do a little googling before to help with your selection.  To find out the 2016 nominees click here.

Ah, there are so many good ones!!!

Happy Reading!!

Follow me on Snapchat for your daily dose of fashion, beauty, teaching tips, and, of course, book recommendations!

The post TTT: Books Kids Love appeared first on Teach Me Style - A style, beauty and life blog..