Author: Michelle

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MAC Grants for Teachers, a Giveaway for Everyone

Here we are, about halfway to Fall Break. Yes, the East Coast is still learning when the bus comes and how to get to class, but here in Indiana, we are well into the groove. Last week I learned about an fantastic opportunity offered to educators here in Central Indiana and today I’m excited to share that with you.

PLUS, there’s a giveaway that involves school supplies.

MAC GRANTS PROGRAMS

MAC grants with URLMcDonald’s of Central Indiana is happy to announce that they are accepting applications for the 15th annual MAC (Make Activities Count) Grants program. This program is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers in Central Indiana, and awards of up to $500 will be made.

Isn’t that kind of cool? Do you remember middle school? I know so many people who’ve blocked it out. I’ve always thought that teachers of this age group are a special kind of angel. I know that living with a middle school student can be challenging (or so I’ve heard). I can’t quite imagine spending my days with 25-30 of the them. But the teachers that I’ve met who teach middle school LOVE teaching middle school, and I’m so grateful for that.

This program allows teachers to think outside of the box (and budget constraints) and offer their students something they may not be able to experience otherwise.

For more information, please visit www.mcindiana.com for additional information and an online application.

THE GIVEAWAY

To help spread the word, McDonald’s of Central Indiana is facilitating a giveaway- one lucky reader will win a McDonald’s branded backpack, filled with some McDonald’s goodies, food coupons…and a $25 Target gift card.

To enter, leave a comment telling me something not-awful about your middle school experience. For additional entries, leave a separate comment for each time you share this post. Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google Plus sharing is encouraged, so that teachers can learn about this opportunity. Feel free to share on each platform up to once a day! Just be sure you leave a comment each time you do.

A winner will be chosen Sunday evening around 9pm, and the winner will have 24 hours to respond. Thanks for helping to spread the word!

Disclosure: I’m getting a prize backpack too, but all opinions about this program are my own.

Want to increase your chances to win? Check out other local #McDsIndyMoms and their giveaways!

Indy Home School

a Latte with Ott, A

 

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NINE.

Last month, our girl turned nine. We’d just gotten home from our Museum-cation out East, so we had a family day with a trip to the movie theater, her favorite pizza and chocolate cake. Once school started (three days after her birthday-ack!) we had a friend day at SkyZone and stopped for frozen yogurt. This year she didn’t have anything too pressing on her birthday wish list, so instead of buying gifts for her for the relatives who generously send checks, we gave her the cash.

You want to make a nine year old happy? Put her in charge of her spending. She’s designated some for the bank, and the rest I think she will spend in spurts.

I thnk her “summer of 9” was a good one. She’s experienced Girl Scout day camp. She’s been to a slumber party. She’s seen the long-awaited Statue of Liberty. We’ve had some chats (at her request) about things she wonders about. She’s getting new glasses soon, and has grown taller than some of the grownups in her life. She suddenly knows the songs on the radio, and has her favorites. She’s very into the audiobook of The Secret Garden right now, and is picking up other novels for pleasure reading. She’s on her third session of gymnastics, and is dedicated to practicing the skills she needs to learn to advance. Nine is all at once rather grown up, yet still playful. I’ll take it.

This week was back to school night, and at her desk was a “Selfie” poem. I think it sums her up nicely.

2014-09-04 18.23.33

 

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Indy Kids Consignment Fall 2014 Sale: Shopping Advice and a Giveaway

It’s that time of year again- it’s fall consignment sale season! Every night this week I’ve sat down with a pile of tags and some safety pins and have tagged away at the inventory I’m selling this year.

The annual Indy Kids Consignment Fall sale is happening next week, with the pre-sale happening on Wednesday, September 10th, and then the actual sale happening on September 11-13. Even though it’s 98 degrees out right now, the time for long pants and boots will be here before you know it.

I’ve consigned with IKC for several years now, and I always shop the pre-sale. Getting to the sale as early as you possibly can is crucial to getting the best inventory, I’ve purchased winter coats, shoes, boots and so much more at these sales. Wondering what else might be in stock? Check out my article on FunCityFinder for all of the details.

Here are three things to keep in mind when you get ready to shop:

1) Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t bring in anything extra. There are no shopping carts, so you many want to bring a tote bag or even a hamper on wheels. You may want to wear a cross-body bag or  (gasp!) a fanny pack. Basically, you want your hands free, because you’ll need them.

2) Make a note of your kids’ sizes. Yes, they’ll hate you for it, but you have to know. Haven’t had your kid measured for shoes lately? Trace the outline of his foot on the back of your shopping list to use as a guide.

3) Speaking of a shopping list….make one. I always go through what my kids have, and then make a list from there.

4) Set aside an adequate amount of time to shop. The showroom is HUGE. If you’ve never been, it’s hard to even picture. It takes time to go through the different areas of the sale, it takes time to use a sorting table to make final decisions, and it takes time to get through the checkout. It’s much more enjoyable if you’ve given yourself a minimum of an hour, if not two.

5) Bring a friend! Because, obviously.

It's an invasion of Little People! Toys sell fast at every sale.
It’s an invasion of Little People!
Toys sell fast at every sale.

 

{THE GIVEAWAY}

Enter to win a pair of pre-sale passes for 6:30pm on Wednesday, September 10th.

To enter, leave a comment and tell me what’s on your shopping list this year.

For additional entries, tweet about this giveaway, linking back to this post- look-all the work’s done for you! After you tweet, leave a comment telling me that you did.

Tweet: Enter to win pre-sale passes to the Fall @IKCSale from @gotchababy. Clothes don’t buy themselves, & your kids have grown! http://gotchababy.com/?p=4171

For another additional entry, share this post on Facebook and leave a comment here telling me that you did.

This giveaway will be open through noon on Monday, September 8th, and the winner will have 24 hours to respond. If there’s no response, another winner will be selected.