Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts

Hi, I’m Jessica.

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.

👩‍👧 Early Days: Single Mom at 18

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.

🍜 Struggles & Small Wins

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.

🚗 The Big Move

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.

⚖️ Hitting My Breaking Point

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.

💪 The Shift

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.

💕 Why It Matters

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 Now

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

💬 Why I’m Sharing This

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?

Read more »

Jessica

Teachers are some of the most resourceful people on the planet. We can troubleshoot a projector, calm chaos, and eat lunch in seven minutes flat. But when it comes to everyday tech, we sometimes miss out on little features that could save us hours.

These aren’t fancy tools or new platforms; they’re simple tech tricks hiding in plain sight. Let’s fix that 👇

🎙 Voice Notes on Your Apple Watch

Raise your wrist and say:

“Hey Siri, record a voice memo.”

Boom - idea saved. 💡

Whether it’s a reminder for tomorrow’s lesson, a grocery list, or a spark of inspiration during bus duty, this is one of those underrated features that keeps your brain from buffering.

📱 Bonus: You can listen or organize your memos later in the Voice Memos app on your phone or Mac.

🕹 Version History in Google Docs

Stop making 87 copies of the same document labeled “FINAL,” “FINAL2,” and “FINAL-FINAL.” 😅

Go to File → Version History → See version history.
You can name each version, restore old ones, or see who changed what.

Perfect for:

  • Group projects

  • Collaborating on shared lesson plans

  • Avoiding the “who deleted this section?” mystery


📌 Pinning Tabs in Chrome

Right-click any tab and select Pin.

Pinned tabs shrink down and stick to the left — perfect for keeping your gradebook, email, or LMS open all day without losing them in a sea of open windows.

Tiny trick, big sanity saver.

🌈 Chrome Tab Groups

If your Chrome window looks like a game of Tab Jenga, this one’s for you.

Right-click → Add Tab to New Group → give it a name + color.

You can group all your grading tools, PD resources, or student work links — and collapse the group when you don’t need it.

Pro tip: Create a “Morning Setup” group that opens your daily must-haves in one click.

📋 OneTab Extension

This one deserves a teacher medal 🥇

When you’ve got 47 tabs open and your computer sounds like it’s about to lift off, click the OneTab icon.

It instantly collapses everything into a tidy, clickable list — saving memory and letting you focus again.

You can restore tabs one by one, or all at once. Perfect for the “end of day reset.”

📸 Quick Screenshot Shortcuts

Because sometimes you just need to capture what’s on your screen fast.

Mac: Shift + Command + 4 → select an area to screenshot.
PC: Windows + Shift + S → select an area to screenshot (it’ll copy to your clipboard).

Perfect for grabbing snippets of slides, online examples, or the one student answer that made your day.

⚡ Why These Simple Tips Matter

These tricks aren’t glamorous — but they work.
They’re the tiny resets that save you seconds that eventually add up to hours.

And the best part? You already have everything you need to start using them.

💬 Ready to Try One?

Start small:
👉 Pin your tabs.
👉 Group your Chrome links.
👉 Or just whisper “Hey Siri…” before you forget that idea.

Little tech wins = less chaos.
And that’s something every teacher deserves.

💡 More shortcuts coming soon! Sign up for the newsletter for weekly time-savers, classroom tech hacks, and real-life resets that actually stick.

Read more »

Jessica

Let’s be honest: the idea of a "perfect" morning routine is often created by influencers who wake up at 4:45 AM, journal in cursive, and drink hot lemon water with turmeric while meditating in a linen robe.

That’s not my vibe.

But as someone who supports teachers and writes curriculum full time, I do need structure. I need energy. I need focus. And I need something I can actually stick with - even on mornings when I oversleep or my brain feels like static.

So here it is: my simple, realistic, teacher-approved morning routine that helps me feel grounded and energized without taking over my life. And yes, there’s still room for coffee.

🚪 Step 1: Start With Hydration

Before I even touch coffee, I mix up a packet of MAKE Hydrated or Fit + Hydrated with cold water.

It tastes like a spa day and gives my body:

  • A head start on hydration

  • Support for bloat and digestion

  • A gentle energy boost (especially Fit + Hydrated!)

Even when I wake up tired or groggy, this is step one. Because when I feel better, it’s way easier to make better choices for the rest of the day.


📅 Step 2: Check My Top 3 (Not My Inbox)

I used to scroll emails, social media, and notifications the second I opened my eyes. Now, I open my planner or Wellness Tracker (AKA Google Keep) and write down just 3 things:

  1. One Must-Do task

  2. One Feel-Good task (something just for me)

  3. One Let-It-Go task (because letting go is also a task!)

This gives me focus and helps me avoid falling into a reactive spiral.

Bonus: I use Google Keep or a sticky note if I’m short on time.



🙌 Step 3: Move for 5–20 Minutes

I don’t always do a full workout in the morning, but I do move. Some days it’s a quick walk on the walking pad, some days it’s a few stretches or a strength circuit. It gets my blood flowing and tells my brain: "We’re awake and we’re doing things."

Even 5 minutes counts.



☕ Step 4: Enjoy the Coffee (No Shame)

Yes, I drink coffee. But I don’t let it be the first thing that hits my stomach anymore. I’ve noticed a huge difference in energy and mood when I hydrate first and give myself a few quiet moments to get centered before caffeine kicks in.

Coffee becomes a treat, not a crutch.



📆 Want to Try It?

If your mornings feel rushed, chaotic, or just plain non-existent, try building a routine that works for you.

You can use my free Weekly Planner or this simple formula:

  • Hydrate

  • Ground your mindset

  • Move

  • Then caffeinate

It doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Start small, and build from there.

Let me know if you want to know how I use MAKE peptides to feel focused without feeling frantic.

You don’t have to wake up at 4AM to have a strong start. You just need a system that supports you.

Read more »

Jessica

It’s back-to-school season, which means your brain is juggling lesson plans, classroom setup, and 87 emails—and that’s before lunch.

If you’re a teacher (or just a tired human) who wants to eat something other than Goldfish and cold coffee next week, I’ve got you covered.

This One Grocery Bag, Five Meals plan is designed for real-life energy levels. It’s healthy-ish, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and best of all… it’s actually doable.

What’s Inside the Plan

  • 5 easy dinners made from ~15 ingredients

  • Dump-and-go recipes (think slow cooker, sheet pan, and skillet)

  • Leftovers that can double as lunch

  • A printable grocery list

  • A quick meal prep guide to set you up on Sunday

The Weekly Dinner Lineup

Monday - Sheet Pan Sausage + Veggies
Chop it, toss it, roast it. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, and leftovers are perfect for wraps or bowls.


Tuesday - Turkey Taco Skillet
Ground turkey, black beans, and salsa come together in one pan. Serve with rice or tortillas—done!

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Bowls
Toss everything into your slow cooker before work. Come home to juicy shredded chicken ready for bowls, wraps, or salads.


Thursday - Leftover Remix Night
Use what’s left to build wraps, taco salads, nachos, or a taco pasta skillet. Zero brainpower required.

Friday - Frozen Pizza Night
The plan ends with a well-deserved break. Pair with a salad (if you feel like it) or just eat the pizza. Cold leftovers make a great lunch.


One Grocery Bag Shopping List

You’ll need just a handful of basics to make it all work. Think:

  • Chicken breasts

  • Ground turkey

  • Sausage

  • Black beans

  • Bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, onion

  • Salsa, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes

  • Rice, tortillas, frozen pizza

  • Shredded cheese + your favorite dressing

Click here to download the full grocery list + printable PDF

Optional: 30-Minute Sunday Prep

If you want to make weeknights even easier, the plan includes a quick prep guide. Chop your veggies, pre-cook your protein, and portion a few ingredients ahead. Future you will be grateful.

Real Talk

This plan isn’t fancy. It’s not Pinterest-perfect.
But it’s realistic, nourishing, and sanity-saving—which makes it perfect for the first week back to school.

Whether you’re headed back to the classroom or just need dinner on the table without stress, this plan is here to help you start the school year feeling a little more together.

Ready to simplify your week?
Grab your copy of the plan, grocery list, and prep guide below!



Read more »

Jessica

Tired of starting every school year already burned out?

Same. That’s why I created the Summer Reset Challenge — a free 7-day plan for teachers who want to feel better before back-to-school chaos hits.

What It Is:

The Summer Reset Challenge is:
✅ 7 small daily actions
✅ A flexible, low-pressure routine builder
✅ Designed with real teachers (and real life) in mind

Whether you’re looking to start meal prepping, hoping to start a wellness/health journey, or just trying to not feel like a swamp by 3 PM, this is for you.

What We’ll Focus On:

  1. Hydration with intention (I use Hydrated + Fit peptides)
  2. Quick wins for meal prep (hello, freezer stash + one protein, two meals)
  3. Easy movement (walks, stretches, walking pad)
  4. Using tech that saves time (Google Keep, Forest)
  5. Rest and routines that reset your nervous system

When It Starts:

Challenge kicks off: July 28

You’ll get:
  • A free printable tracker
  • Daily tips in your inbox or IG
  • Optional bonus week if you’re feeling it
  • Encouragement + check-ins from me (not a bot, promise)

Want to Join?

It’s free. It’s realistic. And it’s all yours.
Because taking care of YOU isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategy.
Read more »

Jessica

If you’ve ever sipped cold coffee on your drive to school or skipped breakfast altogether because you were printing morning worksheets at 6:58 AM… this post is for you.

As a former teacher, I know that mornings during the school year are a race. But skipping breakfast only leads to crashing by mid-morning, snacking on whatever’s in your desk drawer, or feeling extra sluggish during 2nd period.

Let’s change that — without adding stress.
Here are 6 *high-protein, easy-to-implement* breakfast ideas that work with real teacher mornings.

1. Cottage Cheese + Fruit + Nuts

Scoop cottage cheese into a bowl or container, add a handful of berries, and sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds. Pack it the night before or toss it together in under 2 minutes. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and keeps you full through morning duty.


2. Make-Ahead Egg Muffins (Prep Once, Eat All Week)

Whisk together eggs, veggies, and a protein (like turkey sausage or diced ham), pour into muffin tins, and bake. Store them in the fridge or freezer and reheat in 30 seconds. You can even eat them cold in a pinch — they still taste great!


For a recipe, click HERE.

3. Protein Smoothie Packs (Blend + Go)

Portion smoothie ingredients into freezer bags: frozen banana, berries, spinach, protein powder, and nut butter. In the morning, dump into a blender with milk or water, blend, and take it to go. You can even blend the night before and refrigerate.


4. Overnight Oats with Protein Boost

Combine rolled oats, milk (or yogurt), protein powder or collagen, chia seeds, and fruit in a jar. Let it sit overnight, and it’s ready in the morning. No cooking needed — just grab, shake, and go.


I make these recipes all the time!


5. Yogurt Parfait Jars/Chia Seed Puddings

Layer yogurt with granola, nuts/seeds, and fruit in a mason jar. Optional: stir in some protein powder or top with peanut butter. This can be made 2–3 days in advance for the easiest grab-and-go breakfast.


Several of my favorite chia seed pudding recipes can be found HERE.


6. Breakfast Boxes

Pack premade waffles, sausage or bacon (or both!), and premade eggs (scrambled or hard boiled - you do you boo!) in a microwave safe dish. Store in the fridge until ready to eat. Pop it in the microwave and then drizzle some maple syrup over the waffle and you've got a quick and delicious breakfast. 


Real Talk: Breakfast Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

It just needs to fuel you so you can teach, think, and move without running on fumes.

Choose one of these to try this week. Prep a few if you’re feeling motivated. Your body (and brain) will thank you — especially around 10:15 when everyone else is crashing.

Want More Teacher Wellness Tools?

Join my newsletter for weekly tips on realistic wellness, planning systems, meal prep, and product faves that work with real teacher life — not against it.

You can also grab my free Sunday Reset Kit to help you prep for the week ahead.


Don't forget to check out my breakfast recipes!

Read more »

Jessica

Planning a Disneyland trip doesn’t mean giving up your wellness routine. I just got back from a magical (and exhausting) few days at Disneyland, and I’m proud to say I came home feeling tired but not totally wrecked.

If you're wondering how to stay healthy at Disneyland—without skipping the churros or overloading on caffeine—this two-part guide has everything I did to prep, pack, and protect my energy. From travel-friendly wellness habits to the tech tools that saved my sanity, here’s what worked.

Part 1: How I Prepped for Disneyland Without Losing My Routine

When you’re walking 25,000+ steps a day, dealing with long lines, and trying to stay upbeat (especially with kids!), energy management is everything. Here’s how I planned ahead to support my health while still enjoying the trip.

What I Packed for a Healthy Disneyland Trip

Packing smart made a huge difference in how I felt every day.

  • MAKE Wellness peptides: I brought Hydrated and Fit and Energized for morning energy and Calm for winding down at night. These helped with hydration, recovery, and digestion (aka, less bloat).

  • Comfy, broken-in shoes: Trust me—don’t try anything new at Disneyland. While my favorite pair of Disney shoes are some Reef Flip Flops, I know that's not everyone's cup of tea! My sister loves some strappy Skechers sandals while Carly insists on socks and Crocs. Find what works for you, but definitely do NOT where brand new shoes on a park day. 

  • Wellness tech tools:

    • Disneyland app (for maps, wait times, and mobile orders)

    • Google Sheets (for planning our flexible itinerary)

    • Waterllama (to track water intake)

    • WeWard (to get rewards for walking all those steps!)

  • Healthy snacks: Trail mix, dried fruit, and electrolyte packets kept me going between meals.

My “Minimum Habits” to Stay on Track

I didn’t aim for perfection—just the essentials that help me feel like myself:

  • Hydrated + Fit peptides first thing every morning. The Hydrated definitely kept me going in the California Sun! Fit helped my muscles to recover each day from all the walking I was doing. 

  • Movement, which Disney provides in spades! I think the average of all of my steps was around 20K per day! 

  • Sleep: I prioritized at least 6+ hours by leaving the parks early a few nights and sleeping in a bit. We didn't make rope drop any day, but we still filled our days with fun! 

How I Stayed Energized Without Relying on Coffee

I used to start my day with caffeine, I just had to have my coffee!! Especially at Disney. But since starting my morning peptide routine it has been giving me enough energy and focus that I realized I didn’t need coffee to function. I still enjoyed a treat coffee here and there (hello, Galaxy’s Edge cold brew), but I avoided the crashes and kept my energy more stable throughout the day. 


Part 2: What Actually Helped Me Feel Good at Disneyland

Even with the best packing list and prep, it’s the on-the-ground strategies that really made the trip feel good. Here’s what helped me stay energized, hydrated, and present during our Disney days:

1. Hydration = Energy + Recovery

Starting my day with MAKE Hydrated + Fit peptides helped immensely with energy, digestion, and muscle recovery after long park days. I also kept my Owala water bottle with me everywhere—quick-service restaurants give free ice water, and I used those refills constantly. I clip it onto my park bag using a carabiner.


2. Resting Every Hour

We took short breaks every hour to sit down (and have a snack), stretch, or just slow our pace. It kept everyone happier (and less cranky) and gave our legs time to recover. Perfect time for some selfies to show off your face sparkles from A Britt Crafty!  

Pro tip: Look for shaded benches in less crowded areas like Galaxy’s Edge or behind Fantasyland. 


3. A Flexible Plan > A Perfect Plan

We had a Google Sheet with our must east snacks! It's the 70th Anniversary Celebration of Disneyland so there were several sweet treats and special offerings at various quick services around the park and we wanted to make sure we got as many as we could. We also had a list of rides we wanted to make sure we hit, but we didn’t let a schedule ruin the fun. Some days we changed plans on the fly, and that flexibility made everything more enjoyable. Letting go of perfection helped me stay present.


Final Thoughts: How to Stay Healthy at Disneyland Without Missing the Fun

Disneyland can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to drain you. With a few intentional habits and wellness tools, I left the parks feeling joyful and still myself. No sugar crash. No caffeine hangover. Just great memories, strong steps, and a little more magic.

🔗 Want More Tips?

Read more »

Jessica

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