We’ve all seen it.
You’re scrolling social media when something catches your eye: a picture, a video, a well-written post. It sparks interest, pulls at your emotions, or confirms something you already believe.
You react quickly. You like it. You share it. You comment.
But in today’s digital world, that quick reaction deserves a second look.
Before engaging, we have to pause and ask:
Is this real?
Is this actually true?
Because not everything that looks convincing deserves our trust.
If the word spreadsheet makes your eye twitch, you’re not broken. You were just never shown how they actually help teachers.
Most teachers don’t hate spreadsheets.
They hate:
But here’s the truth: you’re already doing spreadsheet work every day, just without the benefits.
Teachers track everything:
Most of this information is floating between sticky notes, planners, emails, and a vague sense of panic.
A spreadsheet doesn’t add more work.
It holds the work you’re already doing in one place.
When teachers hear “spreadsheet,” they think “gradebook.”
But a spreadsheet can be:
Think of it like a digital binder that:
And no, this does not require formulas.
The mistake most teachers make is trying to organize everything at once.
That’s overwhelming. And unnecessary.
You don’t need:
You need one spreadsheet that solves one problem.
Examples:
Start there. That’s it.
Your first spreadsheet should be:
Think:
If it saves you even 10 minutes a week, it’s doing its job.
This isn’t about becoming “a spreadsheet person.”
It’s about:
Spreadsheets don’t need to be impressive.
They need to be useful.
I made a Teacher Life Starter Spreadsheet with:
You don’t need to build from scratch.
You just need a place to start.
📥 Grab the free download below and let your spreadsheet do the holding for you.
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This series is not about becoming a new person.
It’s about making food slightly easier than it was yesterday.
So for Week 1, we are starting very small.
Almost suspiciously small.
That’s it. Two foods.
Not two meals. Not a full menu.
Just two foods you like.
If you stop here, you still win.
Choose any two from the list below, or your own fave. You can ignore this list entirely. There are no bonus points for picking “healthier” ones, the best choice is the one you’ll actually eat.
Baby carrots
Bell peppers
Cucumbers
Sugar snap peas
Celery
Cherry tomatoes
Prep: Wash, slice if needed, store.
Blueberries
Strawberries
Grapes
Apples (slice + lemon water if you’re fancy)
Oranges or clementines
Prep: Wash, dry, store.
Cheese sticks
Cubed cheese
Deli turkey or ham
Hard-boiled eggs (store-bought counts!)
Hummus or guacamole cups
Prep: Portion or place where you can grab them.
Nuts or trail mix
Yogurt cups
Crackers
Rice cakes
Protein bars
Prep: Move them to the front of the pantry so they don’t disappear into the void.
Once you’re home (or whenever you feel like it this week), do the following:
Wash the foods that need washing
Slice the foods that need slicing
Store them in containers or bags
Put them where you can actually see them
That’s it.
You just meal prepped.
Most of us don’t skip healthy food because we don’t want it.
We skip it because:
It’s not washed
It’s not ready
It’s hidden
We’re tired
This step removes the friction.
When food is ready, visible, and easy:
You snack better without thinking about it
Lunch comes together faster
You stop defaulting to “whatever is closest”
This isn’t about discipline.
It’s about designing your environment.
Clear containers = out of sight doesn’t happen
Paper towel in fruit containers = longer life
Front of fridge beats back of fridge every time
You don’t need matching containers.
You need food you’ll eat.
Next week, we’ll take these same foods and turn them into:
Grab-and-go snacks
Simple pairings (fiber + protein)
Still no cooking required
Same foods. Slightly smarter system.
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This checklist is designed to help you gently begin to meal prep by just choosing two things. I've given you some simple ideas on where to start.
You are not behind.
You are not failing.
You are not “bad at meal prep.”
You’re just learning, and learning starts small.
This week, two foods is enough.
See you next week. 💛
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what’s next for me and not in a dramatic, flip-the-table, reinvent-myself kind of way.
More like a quiet, honest check-in.
Since coming back from my cruise in October, my nutrition has… wandered off. Not because I don’t know better. I do. But routines slipped, travel brain lingered, and suddenly I was making choices that didn’t really love my body back.
You know the spiral:
“I’ll just enjoy this.”
“I’ll get back on track Monday.”
Monday ghosts you.
And now here we are.
The thing is, I know my body. I know gluten and I are not besties. I know too much dairy and alcohol send my digestion straight into chaos (hi, IBS). And I know that when I ignore those signals, my body gets louder and louder until I finally listen.
Also… I’m 44 now. That alone changes the conversation.
This isn’t about weight loss or punishment or starting over because I “messed up.” This is about hormone health, energy, digestion, sleep, mood, all the things that make daily life feel manageable instead of exhausting.
So I’m starting Belle Vitale again.
If you’re unfamiliar, Belle Vitale isn’t a crash diet or an extreme fitness plan. It’s a wellness-focused program designed specifically for women especially those of us in our 40s who are realizing that what used to work… doesn’t anymore.
It focuses on:
I did Belle Vitale last year, and I felt really good. Not just physically, but mentally. It helped me slow down and pay attention to what my body needed instead of pushing through everything on caffeine and vibes.
And here’s something I’ve learned about myself:
When I feel good, I do better.
I eat better. I move more consistently. I’m more patient. I think more clearly. I show up better: for work, for life, for myself.
This time around, I’m also focusing hard on the small, everyday things like the boring stuff that doesn’t get a highlight reel but makes the biggest difference.
I’ll be sharing little things I’m doing each day, like:
I’ll be following the Belle Vitale eating plan and workouts, using their supplements to support hormones and overall wellness, and continuing with my MAKE products because they help me stay energized, hydrated, and focused without feeling fried.
Here's the Belle Vitale Workbook I made to help me stay on track.
Here's the Phase 1, Week 1 meal plan.
This isn’t punishment for past choices. This isn’t a “get it together” lecture. This is self-respect.
It’s choosing to listen instead of ignore, to support instead of restrict, and to build routines that help future me feel better.
A reset that’s grounded in experience. A focus on how I feel, not just how I look. And a reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be loud, extreme, or all-or-nothing to work.
If you’re feeling a little off lately, like low energy, bloated, overwhelmed, disconnected from your body, just know you’re not behind. You’re probably just ready for your next chapter too.
Join me in my journey. I'll be sharing my meal plans (Plan A for Belle Vitale) as well as any of my recipes. All for free. I'm starting January 19th. Let's reset together.
We remind students to take brain breaks. We talk about balance. We preach self-care.
And then we power through… until we crash.
January has a funny way of amplifying that.
New year. New goals. Same exhausted humans.
That’s where a reset routine comes in.
Not a massive to-do list.
Not a complicated morning ritual.
And definitely not a Pinterest-perfect plan you abandon by January 12.
A reset routine is a simple rhythm, something you return to when life feels loud, busy, or overwhelming. It helps you recharge before burnout sneaks in.
Because “teacher tired” doesn’t magically disappear on January 1.
Because staring at screens all day drains your brain (and your patience).
Because January isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters with a little more intention.
A reset routine is your safety net.
It’s a small, structured pause that helps you come back to center so you can show up more present in the classroom, at home, and for yourself.
Think of it as a reset button you can press anytime, not a resolution you have to maintain perfectly.
Your New Year Reset is built on three simple steps:
Each one takes just a few minutes, and you can use them:
Start with what’s around you.
Clear a small space.
Wipe down your desk.
Put away one thing.
Fill your water bottle.
Keep in mind you’re not cleaning your whole life, you’re just creating a little breathing room.
Tiny Tech Tip:
Use the Focus Keeper or Forest app to set a 10-minute refresh timer so you don’t get pulled into distractions.
Once your space feels calmer, reset your attention.
Check your planner, notes, or to-do list.
Ask yourself: “What matters most in the next hour?”
Everything else can wait.
Teacher Hack:
Open Google Keep and pin your top three tasks.
Color-code them:
It keeps your brain from trying to hold everything at once.
This is the part teachers skip, but need the most.
Take a breath.
Step outside for sunlight.
Stretch.
Sip water.
Put on a song that helps your shoulders drop a little.
Wellness Tip:
Pair this moment with a quick protein snack, hydration, or your wellness routine. It’s amazing how much clearer your brain feels after even a tiny energy reset.
You don’t need a fancy planner or a 30-day challenge.
All you need is one page you can keep:
This becomes your default reset when the day starts to spiral.
Header:
My Reset Routine: Refresh • Refocus • Restore
Section 1: Quick Space Refresh
☐ Tidy one area
☐ Fill water bottle
☐ Open a window or step outside
Section 2: Refocus on Priorities
☐ Check planner or Google Keep
☐ Choose top 3 tasks
☐ Set a 10-minute timer for one task
Section 3: Restore My Energy
☐ 3 slow breaths
☐ Stretch or short walk
☐ Drink water or take wellness support
Bottom Box:
💬 Today’s Win: __________________________
🕊 One Thing I’m Grateful For: __________________________
The power of a reset routine isn’t in doing more.
It’s in returning to what matters, again and again.
When you build in moments to refresh, refocus, and restore, your day feels calmer, more intentional and a whole lot lighter.
This isn’t about perfection.
It’s about progress.
And giving yourself the same grace you give everyone else.
👉 Download the One-Page Reset Routine and keep it where you’ll actually see it.
👉 Try one reset moment today; just one and notice how it shifts your energy.
👉 Read more Tech + Thrive tips at techandteachability.com.
Computer Science Education Week is here! 🎉
But before you panic and start Googling things like “fast CS activity that won’t break my brain,” take a breath. You don’t need special tech, a coding background, or a robot budget that rivals NASA. You just need a few simple, classroom-ready ideas that help students think like computer scientists — without sending you into debugging mode.
Below are some super easy, student-approved activities you can use this week (or honestly, anytime). They’re quick, meaningful, and low-stress — the holy trinity of December teaching.
Have students “program” a partner to draw a simple picture using only step-by-step directions. No pointing. No “just make a circle.”
This one gets delightfully chaotic, but it teaches accuracy, sequencing, and the importance of clear instructions.
CS Skills: Algorithms, sequencing, precision
Grab graph paper or use a digital tool like Google Sheets or MakeCode Arcade’s pixel editor.
Students create images by coloring squares, following coordinates, or replicating a pattern.
CS Skills: Decomposition, pattern recognition, debugging
Fill a small basket with mixed objects — think shapes, buttons, erasers, whatever is hiding in your junk drawer.
Students build a yes/no decision tree to sort the items. It’s binary logic disguised as a game.
CS Skills: Classification, logical reasoning, abstraction
If machines could babysit, they would look like these.
Perfect for centers, fast finishers, or a 20–30 minute lesson.
Try:
Dance Party
Minecraft Hour of Code
Star Wars Coding Adventure
CS Skills: Block coding, loops, events, problem-solving
You (yes, you!) become the robot.
Students must give instructions to complete a task — pick up an object, walk to a spot, or build something simple. If their instructions are unclear… malfunction.
Prepare for the giggles.
CS Skills: Algorithms, debugging
Students create shape or number patterns and challenge a partner to continue or decode them.
Bonus: Works beautifully during transitions, warm-ups, and those 5-minute “please don’t let them climb the walls” pockets of the day.
CS Skills: Pattern recognition, abstraction
Great for early finishers or a rainy recess.
Try:
Lightbot
Kodable
Tynker mini puzzles
Prodigy coding games
CS Skills: Sequencing, loops, problem-solving
No separate block needed; you can sprinkle CS into what you already teach:
Turn a story scene into a flowchart
Model debugging using Post-its: which step broke?
Write a morning routine as an algorithm
Create classroom expectations using conditionals
(“If your desk is messy → clean before lining up.”)
Small shifts, big thinking.
Computer Science Education Week doesn’t have to be overwhelming or reserved for only tech savvy teachers.
Start small, keep it fun, and remember: computer science isn’t about teaching kids to code, it’s about teaching them to think.
And honestly, December brains could use all the structured thinking they can get.
So try one of these activities, enjoy the lightbulb moments, and give yourself a gold star for integrating CS in a real, approachable way.
(Because your phone should work for you — not the other way around.)
Let’s be honest: teachers live on their phones.
Between lesson reminders, parent messages, grocery lists, and the occasional late-night Pinterest binge, your phone probably deserves its own planning period.
Here are some quick, easy-to-use phone tech tips that can save your sanity, simplify your day, and help you actually stay organized — all within thumb’s reach. 👇
You know that moment when you’re walking the hallway, half talking to yourself, and suddenly think of a brilliant idea for next week’s lesson?
By the time you sit down - it’s gone.
📲 Fix it:
iPhone: Open Voice Memos or say, “Hey Siri, record a voice memo.”
Android: Use the built-in Voice Recorder or ask, “Hey Google, record a voice note.”
Boom! Idea saved. Future you says thanks. 💡
Stop opening five apps to set a simple timer.
Just say it.
🗣 “Hey Siri, set a 10-minute timer.”
🗣 “Hey Google, remind me to call the parent at 3:30.”
Perfect for transitions, grading breaks, or those moments you swear you’ll remember (but definitely won’t).
Gone are the days of running to the copy room just to scan one paper.
Your phone camera is your scanner now.
iPhone: Open Notes → Camera → Scan Documents.
Android: Use Google Drive → + → Scan.
Save it straight to Drive, email it, or upload it to your LMS. Easy.
Tired of swiping through six home screens?
Give your phone a little classroom management.
✨ Make folders for “School,” “Personal,” and “Wellness.”
✨ Add a calendar or notes widget to your home screen.
✨ Move your most-used apps (like Gmail or Reminders) to the dock.
Fewer distractions. Faster access. More peace.
If you use your phone to manage parent or colleague messages, this one’s a must.
iPhone: Swipe right on a conversation → Pin.
Android (Messages): Long press → Pin to top.
Now the important people stay at the top of your messages — no more scrolling past 47 group texts about lunch duty.
Sometimes the best tech tip is… no tech.
Set up Focus Modes (on iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (on Android) to silence notifications during class, workouts, or bedtime.
Pro tip: Create a “Work Mode” that lets through only your school email, calendar, and family texts — everything else waits.
Want to actually use that hydration reminder, gratitude app, or Focus timer?
Put them on your home screen.
Or better yet — create a Siri or Google Shortcut:
🗣 “Hey Siri, start my 3-minute reset.” → Opens your hydration app, plays calming music, sets a timer.
Tiny moments, big difference.
Instead of fumbling to remember “where did I see that?” — screenshot and organize instantly.
iPhone: Power + Volume Up → then tap the thumbnail → Save to Notes or Files.
Android: Power + Volume Down → Share → send to Google Drive or a folder called “Teaching Ideas.”
You’ll thank yourself later when you’re planning next week’s centers.
Google Keep: Color-coded to-do lists + reminders that sync everywhere.
Focus Keeper: Pomodoro-style timer to stay productive without burnout.
Voice Notes (Android) or Otter.ai: Turn voice into text, perfect for capturing ideas mid-chaos.
Forest: Stay off your phone and plant trees while you teach.
The best tech hacks aren’t fancy — they’re functional.
And your phone is already full of features that can make your teacher life easier today.
So take five minutes this week to try one.
Because small resets = big relief.
✨ Want more easy tech tips + wellness hacks delivered weekly? Sign up for the Sunday Reset newsletter at the link on the menu above.
Teachers, this one’s for you.
The lesson plans are multiplying.
The to-do list has become a full-blown novella.
Your students are vibrating with pre-holiday energy.
And your brain? Probably running 87 tabs at once, half of them frozen.
Here’s your reminder as we head into Thanksgiving break:
You do not have to earn your rest.
Somewhere along the way, we learned that rest is something we get after we’ve done enough.
After the grading is caught up.
After the classroom is organized.
After the house looks presentable.
After everyone else’s needs are met.
But here’s the truth: that “after” never comes.
Because there will always be another thing to do, another email to answer, another “quick” task that eats your entire evening.
If you wait until you’ve done enough to rest, you’ll never stop working.
Think about your laptop and how it runs updates and reboots to work properly.
You don’t shame it for needing to restart.
You plug it in because that’s how it keeps functioning.
You, my friend, are no different.
Your body and brain need moments to power down so you can come back online and be clear, focused, and human again.
Rest doesn’t have to mean an all-day spa trip (though yes, please, if that’s an option).
It can look like:
Turning off notifications after 8 PM
Sitting on the porch with your coffee before the day begins
Taking a nap without guilt
Leaving school on time just once this week
Saying “no” to one extra thing and “yes” to breathing room
You don’t have to earn that. You deserve it because you’re a human being with limits — not a machine.
When you pause, you’re not being lazy. You’re rebuilding capacity.
You’re giving your nervous system space to regulate.
You’re teaching your students (and your family) that balance is a strength, not a weakness.
Rested teachers show up more patient, more creative, and more grounded.
And that’s the kind of energy your students need most not the version of you who’s running on caffeine and fumes.
So here it is, written out for you:
You have permission to rest.
You have permission to not be productive.
You have permission to exist without a to-do list attached.
Take your break.
Take the nap.
Take the walk.
Take the deep breath.
The world will keep spinning.
But you’ll come back centered. And that’s what truly matters.
What’s one way you’re planning to rest over break?
Drop it in the comments, or share it on Instagram and tag me because we could all use a little reminder that rest counts too. 💛
If your brain feels like your browser - too many tabs open, too much noise, and something’s definitely frozen - it might be time for a tech break.
And no, not the “throw your laptop out the window” kind.
I’m talking about a 3-minute micro-reset you can do anytime the overwhelm starts creeping in — between classes, during planning, or even in your car before heading home.
Our brains weren’t built for constant notifications, 27 Chrome tabs, and 5 simultaneous “urgent” emails.
When you pause - even briefly - you’re giving your nervous system a chance to exhale.
Three intentional minutes can help you:
Regain focus
Calm racing thoughts
Prevent the kind of burnout that sneaks up mid-week
Think of it as hitting refresh. Not just on your screen, but on your brain.
You don’t need an app or a fancy routine. Just follow these simple steps wherever you are:
1️⃣ Close Your Tabs (Yes, All of Them)
Pick one browser window, the busiest one, and close anything you’re not actively using.
It’s like decluttering your mind in real time.
Bonus: your computer will actually run faster, too.
2️⃣ Step Away From the Screen
Literally.
Stand up, stretch, roll your shoulders, and look away from your monitor.
Focus your eyes on something across the room or out the window, give them a break from the glow.
3️⃣ Take Three Deep Breaths
Inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six.
Repeat three times.
Notice the difference in your body; it’s small, but powerful.
If you have one more minute, refill your water, play a calm song, or just sit in silence.
You don’t have to wait for a weekend or holiday to recharge.
Tiny, intentional pauses woven into your day keep you from reaching that edge where you’re running on fumes.
Because here’s the truth: rest doesn’t have to be earned.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a three-minute reset between emails.
Next time you catch yourself staring blankly at your screen, try this quick tech break.
Close the tabs.
Stretch.
Breathe.
You’ll be surprised how much calmer, clearer, and more focused you feel, no caffeine required. ☕️
Then tell me: what’s one way you like to reset during your day?
Drop it in the comments or share it on Instagram and tag me. I love seeing your mini-resets in action.
You may know me as the face behind Tech and Teachability, where I’ve shared teacher tech tips and classroom tools for years. But what you might not know is that my journey hasn’t just been about tech; it’s been about learning how to take care of myself while taking care of everyone else.
This is the real story behind the posts, the plans, and the projects and how I got here.
I had my daughter, Carly, when I was just 18. I found out I was pregnant while working my first retail job in Alexandria, LA (after fainting on my first day 🙃).
At the time, I thought my life was over. I was scared I’d be stuck in a dead-end town, with no future.
But life had other plans. I graduated in the top 10% of my high school class, had Carly in October 2000, and started college that same year while still pregnant.
Life was messy: ramen dinners, moving apartments, surviving paycheck to paycheck. But I kept going.
I switched from nursing to general studies and earned my bachelor’s in 2005.
Got my teaching certificate in 2010.
Earned my master’s in Educational Technology and Leadership in 2013.
I taught everything from first grade to middle school, all while being a single mom. Carly and I really grew up together. But for a long time, my health and self-care were on the back burner.
In 2013, I moved us to Baton Rouge because I wanted Carly to have opportunities I didn’t. She was in middle school and not thrilled about leaving, but now, she’s grateful I made that leap.
Today, she’s 25, working on her own master’s degree. I couldn’t be prouder.
By 2017, I had reached my highest weight ever: 165 lbs. I was uncomfortable in my own skin. Doctor visits came with blood pressure warnings and “we need to talk about your numbers.”
I tried every diet - Whole30, keto, low-carb, you name it - but nothing stuck.
Then the pandemic hit, and for the first time, I decided to focus on small, sustainable habits instead of extremes.
I started moving my body regularly. I started short home workouts, took walks, worked on stretching, anything that made me feel better.
I learned about nutrition and balance instead of chasing quick fixes.
I drank more water, made peace with my body, and gave myself permission to rest.
My weight came down, but more importantly, my energy, mood, and confidence came up.
And while I’ve had my ups and downs since then (because life happens), I’ve learned that wellness doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It can be simple, doable, and dare I say, even fun.
My family history includes breast cancer in my mom, grandmother, aunt, and cousin. I’ve personally had atypical ductal hyperplasia removed and now do yearly mammograms and MRI mammograms.
For me, taking care of my health isn’t optional. I want to be mobile, happy, and present at 80 — not just existing, but living.
Life still throws curveballs: washing machines break, AC units leak, and my house is rarely perfectly organized. But I’ve learned that thriving isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
That’s why I share things like:
Tech tips that save time and sanity
Simple wellness routines that anyone can afford (think: walking, meal prep, breathing breaks, better sleep)
Real-life moments like Disney trips, foster pups, cookie baking, and messy grace in between
Because teachers (and moms, and humans in general) don’t need perfect plans or expensive systems; we need small resets that help us feel human again.
Tech helps us save time.
Wellness helps us make the most of it.
Put those together, and you’ve got a life that’s not just full but fulfilling.
My hope is that by sharing my story the messy parts and the meaningful ones plus the tools and habits that help me stay afloat, you’ll find something here that helps you, too.
👉 Stick around for practical tech hacks, wellness routines that don’t cost a fortune, and plenty of real-life moments along the way.
And I’d love to know: what’s one small thing that helps you feel more like yourself right now?
