Neenah Astrobrights Colored Paper & Cardstock Review

Wow!  Would you take a look at those bright colors!!  These  Neenah Astrobrights  paper & cardstock are definitely BRIGHT!  

As a teacher, I go through a tremendous amount of paper throughout the year.  I always print my weekly newsletter on colored paper…in hopes of catching the attention of parents.  I must say though that I’m really excited to use these amazingly bright sheets of paper!!!!   Surely they won't miss these!  

The quality of this colored paper is an added  bonus!  My little first graders get so excited when I give them colored paper to work on one of their projects.  As a matter of fact, yesterday we celebrated “Orange You Glad You Can Read” Day…and everything was printed on this orange paper!  You could feel the excited when I handed out my papers!  J 

This Neenah colored paper comes in a package of 500 sheets, and measures 8 ½ x 11, with a weight of 24 lbs.  It can be used in inkjet printers, laser printers or copiers!  Now... are you ready for what they are called?

LIFT-OFF LEMON

PULSAR PINK

MARTIAN GREEN

COSMIC ORANGE

VULCAN GREEN

The colored cardstock is available in a package of 250, paper size of 8 ½ x 11, and a nice heavy weight of 65 lbs.  They guarantee that it work in laser and inkjet printers...  and it worked perfectly for me!.  As you can see from the picture above, this cardstock has a bright selection of colors.  I just have to share with you the names of these colors too:

COSMIC ORANGE
SOLAR YELLOW

TERRA GREEN

VENUS VIOLET

FIREBALL FUCHSIA

Last week, I used this heavy cardstock to make a few centers for my classroom.   It printed beautifully and they (the centers & the bright colors) were a huge hit with my students!!!  

If you find yourself in the market  for office supplies, please at a look at Shoplet.com.  While you are checking out their websites, make you also look at their nice selection of promotional products, medical supplies and office stationary.  


***Disclosure*** I received the items referred to above for free in exchange for my honest review. of these products.  The opinions expressed here are my own. 

Smead Product Review - Folders & Step Index Organizer

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Shoplet and all their office supplies?  They are truly a wonderful company to do business with and they have never disappointed me when I have ordered products from them.  I am all about being organized, so I definitely welcomed each of these products when they were delivered to my doorstep.  If they can help me stay even more organized than bring it on!

This Step Index Organizer has already found a permanent place in my organization.  I don’t know about you guys, but I have a mailman that is more than eager to drop nasty little bills in my mailbox.  So now… this handy dandy little file system is holding precious mail until they are paid.  It is the perfect size to carry from one place to another, and I don’t have to worry about anything falling out because it can be closed up easily.  There are 12 pockets inside and it comes with inserts (A-Z) that can help you alphabetize what you put inside.  One interesting thing about this  organizer is the tiered tabs.  The ones in the front are the same height…but the ones in the back have been moved up just a bit, for easier view.  Yip!  I’m loving that!  I haven’t decided how I’m going to label the tabs…so for now they are blank.  It looks like it is going to be sturdy enough to last for awhile and the silver bumpy texture allows me to get a good grip so it doesn't slide out of my hand while carrying it.

The Erasable SuperTab File Folders are a brand new idea for me!  Say WHAT!  Erasable!  My first response was yeah…right!!!!  So of course I had to check it out for myself.  It does erase…but it also required med to add more pressure (which I wasn’t expecting) and thus requires more patience from me. So… would I purchase them???  Honestly, I don’t know… Currently, I laminate folders that I use over and over again so… I probably would not replace the folders I currently use.  But still, it is nice that you have the option to erase and reuse them.  The package does state that you need a white eraser and permanent marker.  These manila folders are letter size, come in a package of 24 and have the 1/3- cut tabs.

  The Erasable FasTab Hanging Folders are a product that I will definitely purchase.  Just like the manila folders discussed above, they have the erasable tab.  If you have never used hanging folders you don’t know what you are missing!  They require some elbow grease and patience also to erase…but it will be worth it to me.  What I especially like about these hanging file folders is that I don’t have to print… resize…print again and again until I get the name of the file to fit perfectly in the space allowed for the tab.  These hanging folders are blue, red and green. 

I have wanted folders like these for a long time… I just didn’t know they made them.  These are called Organized Up Heavyweight Vertical File Folders.  The colors are red, olive green and a purplish.  Not what I would have ordered for myself, but they will certainly do the job.  Papers fit in them nicely and when you pull them out they are in the right position!!! The folders do have a tab for the upright position and in the normal place of files…So you get to decide where you want to add the labeling at.

If you need an item to advertise your business with Promotional Products... or purchase medical supplies... or find office stationary, please give Shoplet a chance to meet your needs. 


 

Please note that although I received these items at no charge, the opinions expressed about each of these products are my own.   

FireKing E-lock Steel Key Cabinet Review

I jumped at the chance to write a review on this product. This is a FireKing E-lock Steel Key Cabinet.  It is made of heavy-gauge steel with very durable hinges.  The design is two-toned with a Silver Vein powder-coat enamel.   

My husband owns his own Auto Repair shop and this is something he was in dire need of to help him be more organized.  However, I must say that he always amazes me when he can find the key that he needs within seconds. However, I know he is going to love using this instead of throwing them in his desk. 

The key cabinet has an electronic locking device which allows you to use the keypad (using up to 8 numbers of your choice) or to use one of the 2 keys provided.  It is quite easy to program the keypad and there is a green light that lights up to let you know that you have typed in the correct combination.  After turning the knob from the locked position to the unlocked position the door can then be opened.  If you punch in the wrong number, it makes an alarm sound that lasts only a few seconds.   However, if you punch in the incorrect number combination three times there is an automatic lockout.  Don't worry though, you can always open the cabinet with the override key.  

Provided with the key cabinet are  30 white key tags that attach to the chrome-plated steel hooks.  These key tabs are numbered from 1-30 and can be easily written on.  Also included is a yellow key tag that can be hung in the cabinet to let you know quickly that the key for that number is not there and who has it.  

If this is something that you are interested in, please go and check it out over at Shoplet.com.  They have an amzaing variety of things over there.  I recently ordered some 1/2" binders from there and I had them at my door in two days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I did pay a couple of extra dolllars for delivery, but still.... 2 DAYS!!!!

They also have  Office Supplies, Promotional Products, Medical Supplies, and Office Stationary.  Please go and check it out for yourself.  


Disclaimer:  I was sent the FireKing E-Lock Steel Cabinet in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

The Amish Blacksmith by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner

This book is the 2^nd Book in The Men of Lancaster County Series.  I hadn’t read the 1^st book yet, but I was able to read this book without feeling like I was missing something.  J  The authors are brand new to me and I’m looking forward to reading other books written by both of them. 

This book is written through the perspective of Jake who is an Amish blacksmith who is courting Amanda.  Things begin to change when Priscilla, a young lady from his past is brought back into his life.  

Jake begins to question things that he thought were perfectly clear before she entered his life.   Priscilla is definitely an unpredictable young woman that Jake was not use to.  

Throughout the book it was interesting watching how Jake and Priscilla grow in so many ways.  I enjoyed the interactions between them.  If you like reading about the Amish, horses and a bit of romance, you will probably like this book.  

I must admit that the story moved a bit slow at times, but overall I enjoyed the book.  

Discosure:  I received this ebook from Harvest House Publishers through the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review this book and give my honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Avery Binder & Labels Review

A few weeks ago Shoplet.com ask me to review a couple of Avery products.   Oh yes I would!!   It took me a few weeks to figure out what I wanted to use them for...but I finally did it!  My camera in my phone is totally messed up…so I can’t post pictures right now, but I will as soon as possible.

First up is this white Heavy Duty View Binder.  

I use a lot of binders for my work and this one is going to work perfectly for keeping all the Data of my first graders.  The one unique feature that I really like are the metal rings.  These will hold a bunch more paper than the usual kind of binder I use.  I get easily irritated when papers don’t turn easily as I flip through…but these rings are gap free & as of yet... the paper has not snagged on these rings.  Love it!  There is also a nice size latch at the bottom which allows the rings to open and close quite easily.  I have made an insert to put in the front and back cover as well as a label for that slips into the spine.  Easy peasy! 

     I was also asked to review two different kinds of Clear Label Index Maker Dividers. 

There is a practice sheet that comes with both packages of labels.  I don’t know about you… but I always seem to mess up when I have a limited amount of something.  I always hate it when I mess us labels and so this made me feel so much more comfortable.  First, I downloaded the free template and the software for the labels and then typed in the information that I wanted on each of them.  I am documenting information for all my students, so I needed to print 25 different names.   After they printed (beautifully… I might add), I stacked one row of dividers and then peeled off my first strip of labels.  Aligning them on the dividers was relatively easy because you can see through the labels.  I pressed each one of them down to make sure they were attached to the divider snuggly.  So easy and they look so professional on both the white and the colored dividers.  The Color Label Dividers come in a package that has 5 sets with 5 tabs (a total of 25 dividers) and the Clear Label Dividers come in a package with 8 tabs and there are 5 sets (a total of 40 dividers).  I used a laser printer but on the package it says that you can also use an ink jet printer.

I hope that you will hop on over to Shoplet.com and check out their wide variety of products.  I have shopped for so many thing there!  They have  Office Supplies, Promotional Products, Medical Supplies, and Office Stationary just to name a few things. 

***Disclosure*** I received the items referred to above for free in exchange for my honest review. of these products.  The opinions expressed here are my own.   

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I started it in the morning and finished it before lunch.  I will definitely be using it as a read aloud in my classroom when school starts up again in the fall.  

Ellie is an 11-year old young lady that has reached the age of discovering who she is.  She is changing and she is not liking it too much.  Like many children her age she struggles to fit in.  

Her grandfather (Melvin) becomes an 11-year old too through an experiment he performs.  This guy is truly funny!  As an 11-year old he is able to show his granddaughter the important things in life.    

This book has lessons for all!  It was a very enjoyable read and it will be one that I will remember!  



This book was provided to me free from NetGalley.  In exchange I have provided this honest review. 

SteelMaster Product Reviews

I have some wonderful items that I want to share with you.  They are SteelMaster products and they are such a wonderful quality that I can hardly wait to tell you about them!

First up is this amazingly cute red box.  It is the MMF Store-It Box.  Don't you just love the color of it!!!  It comes with 2 keys and it measures 7" x 7 1/2" x 7 3/8". It is made of metal with a scratch resistant finish which will allow it to be stay so pretty!  As you can see from the picture, I have already started filling it up with some of my important treasures.  This is a very nice size storage container and I know I'm going to put it to good use.

Next up is the MMF Soho Pen and Note Holder.  I have been looking for something small to put on my reading table in my classroom.  It is just the right size and holds 4 pens/pencils/markers.  I love the pen holders because they will hold a fairly large size… notice my beautiful selection of Sharpies!  There are also 3 slots for holding notepads, calendar, notes and anything else that I usually have laying around on my reading table.  It is  made of steel as well as having a powder-coat finish which will help to resists chips and scratches. J  

Last, but definitely not least, is the Steelmaster Tablet Stand.  It conveniently will hold a tablet from 7” to 10”.   It doesn't matter whether I want my iPad to be landscape or portrait...this table stand works perfectly.  I didn't have to worry about it sliding on the surface I placed it on because it comes with four non-skid rubbery things that I put on the bottom of the stand.  I must admit I have used it mostly in the kitchen to hold my iPad while making wonderful recipes I have discovered on Pinterest.  Another thing I liked about this stand is the area behind where my table is placed, there is a little area that conveniently hold my favorite recipe cards.  I have another one of these that I keep on my nightstand.  It holds my Kindle and I love it!  If you've been looking for a Table stand, I would highly recommend you check this on out.

I hope you enjoyed reading about these three wonderful products.  If you are in need of any Office Supplies, Office Stationary or Medical Supplies I strongly urge you to check out Shoplet.com.  I'm confident that they will be able to meet these needs.   .

I received the above mentioned items for free and in exchange, I agreed to give my honest opinion of each of these products.  Please note that all opinions expressed here are my own.

Review: Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

      What an amazingly fun book!  This was my first time to read a book written by Philip Reeve and I was definitely not disappointed.

     Since I teach 1^st grade I’m always on the lookout for books that will be appealing to my students.  I will definitely be purchasing Oliver and the Seawigs to add to my classroom library.

     Oliver’s childhood was an adventure in itself, but when Oliver’s parents turn up missing, his search for them becomes an adventure like none of his past experiences.  Along this quest for finding his parents he meets some very interesting characters.  I was fascinated by the imagination of the author as he created the story line for each of these characters.  

     I enjoyed this book so very much!  It was so delightful, entertaining, adventurous... and I think my first graders will totally love it! 

      The illustrator, Sarah McIntyre, definitely complements the author’s words and story.  It is such a magical book and her illustrations are perfect for the characters and the events that happen throughout the book! 

      Get it!  Read it!  You will love it!

***Disclosure*** - I received a free digital copy of Oliver and the Seawigs in exchange for my honest review of this book.  

Review: Pigs by Robert Munsch

     Robert Munsch is such a talented author. He has quite the knack for writing books that children will sit through time and time again.   My first graders get so excited when I tell them I’m going to read one of his books.  This book quickly became one of their favorites!

     The book begins with Megan’s dad warning her not to let the pigs out of the pen.  Unfortunately she does not heed his advice because she thinks the pigs are dumb.  She finds out quickly that opening the pen was a huge mistake.

     It doesn’t take long for the pig’s to create quite a bit of chaos everywhere they manage to go.  You will need to read the book to find out all the places they go and what happens to them. 

     At the end of the day Megan realizes something… That pigs are not as dumb as she originally thought. 

***Disclosure*** - I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of this book.  

Review: The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury

The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury in my opinion is a wonderful historical fiction book.  I questioned how accurate the book would be and I wasn’t sure what to expect while reading through it.   With that being said, the author lets you know up front that the stories in this book were anchored in Scripture.  I found this reassuring, but I was still a bit leery.  Basically the truth of the scripture is there, with the addition of a well-researched culture that allowed the author to fill in the gaps of each of their lives to make ita more interesting read.  I must say it was indeed a blessing to read the journey of Jesus Christ through these stories.

Each of the chapters focused on one of the family members of Jesus ~ Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joseph, Jesus’ brother James, John the Baptist, and Mary.  It didn’t take me long to get drawn into the book.  It was wonderful seeing the lives of these people come to life through her stories. 

At the back of the book, there is a six-week Bible study for each of the family members written about in the book.  I plan on going back to this section and spending more time with it.

I found myself wondering about how these people actually felt during the events of their life.  It was very thought provoking for me.  I’m not a person that likes to read books more than once usually, but I can definitely see myself reading this book again in the future.  

***Disclosure*** I received a copy of The Family of Jesus in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.

STOP, THIEF! by Heather Tekavec REVIEW

     The farmer asked his dog, Max, if he could catch the thief that’s stealing his crops.   Max was eager to step up to the challenge, since he knew he had the ability to catch anything!  

     Throughout the story, he meets different animals on the farm as he searches for the culprit.  Unfortunately, he continues to miss clues throughout his search that are literally happening before him.  Max continues to be determined to catch the thief and finally goes to tell the farmer of his accomplishment. 

     This is an adorable book that children will love having read to them.  It is beautifully illustrated with brush strokes using warm colors.  The pictures alone will help draw the child into the story.

 

***Disclosure***  I received a copy of  Stop, Thief!  in exchange for my honest review of this book. All opinions stated here are my own.

3-in-1 Planner Review

     

     
     This product came to my house with absolute perfect timing.  I am getting ready to prepare for the next school year and I knew instantly that this would be a wonderful addition to my classroom. 

     I immediately began to write on the 3-in-1 Planner with the dry eraser marker (that came with it) the 31 days of August. I got to the end of the calendar and I didn’t have room to write the 31^st.  I did not like that one little bit!!  There are those few months that you need that extra line so I’m not sure how I feel about that.  And then I realized that I had another problem…on this planner the week starts with Monday.  Yikes!!!! I don’t think I have ever used a calendar that started with Monday.  This might take a bit of getting used to.  But I’m pretty flexible…I think I can adjust.  J

Last year I used a large desktop tear off calendar and I really liked how easy it was to use.  I always felt like I needed to keep the calendar that I tore off and so I filed it for later viewing if needed.  However, I don’t ever remember looking at it…so I’m pretty sure I’ll be okay with erasing this one every month. Plus it will be off of my desk and not covered up with items that might land on it.  

The size of the board is 24"x18" and comes with a nice mounting kit.  I was happy to see that they also included the holder for the marker which snaps on easily to the bottom of the board.  It conveniently comes with the dry eraser marker, magnets to hold your notes, and several clear pins that you can us to hold things in place on the cork part of the board.  It can be ready for use within minutes!

     I’m going to add a few decorations to cover the silver trim.  Polka Dots all around the silver border.  How cute will that look?

     This is just one of the many products that you will find over at Shoplet.com.  You will be amazed by the wide selection of Office Supplies, Office Stationary, and even Medical Supplies that you will find there.   Please go check it out for yourself!  School is starting soon...make your life easier and do your shopping there! 

***Disclosure*** I received the above 3-in-1 Planner for free in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.  

Saunders Product Review

    A few weeks ago I found some awesome items waiting at my door for me which were ready to be used and enjoyed. 

 

 

     I quickly fell in love with the SlimMate Storage Clipboard that easily holds about ½” of paper and also has a storage space which allows you to carry lots of things!  

 Since it is something I will be using on the go, I am loving how lightweight it is as well as the durable polypropylene which allows me to keep a good grip on it.   It is nice having some of the extra supplies I  need with me that easily fit inside the storage area!  The clipboard is 9 ½” x 1 ½” x 13 ½” and holds 8 ½ x 12” paper.   I also love that this product was manufactured by Americans who are blind! 

 

 

     I also received a Recycled Clipboard.  It is small but I have found to be very useful for holding my recipe card, letting my nieces draw on and for making short notes to myself.  It is quite sturdy.  Even though it is a mini clipboard it is easily able to secure ½” of paper quite nicely with the rubber grips on the clip.   It also has a retractable metal hole that allows you to hang up the clipboard easily.  Another plus for me was that it was assembled by adults with disabilities.  J

 

     The glue style pen I received is quite easy to use.  The glue seems to glide out of the pen.   It has a chisel tip which allows the glue to go on to the paper smoothly.  It also dries relatively quickly without wrinkling up the paper.  I will be adding this to my classroom supply list for my first graders.  There is relatively no mess because it washes out with water… which will be awesome!!

 

     Another wonderful product in my box was a Saunders Color Glue Stic.  There are several things I liked about this glue stic.  First, the lid screws on (not the usual pop on lid that gets stuck and thrown away).  Second, it glides on to the surface with a blue color so you can see exactly where you put the glue.  And…  Last, it dries clear ~ how awesome is that.    I have already changed by classroom supply order to include this glue stic instead of the usual one I list.  Love it!

 

 

 

If you saw something that you are interested in please click on the links or go to Shoplet.com.  They have a wide selection of Office Supplies, Medical Supplies, and Office Stationary at very affordable prices.  If you own your own business, don’t forget to check out their  Promotional Products while you are there too.

 

I received the above mentioned items for free. In exchange, I agreed to give them my honest opinion of their products. All opinions expressed here are my own.