Re-Launch!

Hello Blog Buddies!

Hello and welcome to a new look 'Polka-Dot Apple! After a significant time away from one of my favourite places (this little blog spot) I am re-energised, motivated and ready to jump back into the blogging world. Long time visitors may have noticed an even lighter and brighter 'look' to the page... a reflection of my continued commitment of positive, happy and hopefully, uplifting content, in this part of the internet.

For those of you who are new to this 'little window on the web', my name is Sarah-Jane and I am an Australian primary teacher currently living in Melbourne Australia. I am also a content creator who loves particularly enjoys dabbling in photography, supporting women in all their endeavours, creating inviting and engaging learning environments, as well as encouraging a love of literature in children.

Recently, I have commenced a passion project collaboration with a long-time friend, Emma Smith. We united our creative outlooks with our belief that a good education should accessible to all, that all children should be provided with a calm, inviting educational environment in which learning will occur, and that teachers should not be expected to spend large amounts of their own money to achieve this ideal. 

Additionally, we believe that a teacher's worth is immeasurable and that the profile of teachers and all they do for our children should be appreciated and supported. To that end, Emma and I have developed digital classroom decor packs that are delivered to an 'in box' really to edit, print and use. 

These products are Australian made, accessible world wide, environmentally 

friendly and... really cute! 

Perfect for a new teacher as well as the teacher who would like to brighten up any learning space.

To see some of the ranges available, please click HERE to go to my TPT store, HERE to visit my Etsy store, or click on the buttons on the right of this post.

I will share new ranges occasionally and look forward to hearing what you think 

about our products.

Thanks for stopping by!

Why a YouTube Channel?

Hello Blog Buddies!

I thought I would write a quick Blog explaining why I have 'taken the plunge' and 

started a Youtube channel.

For many, many years now, I have been a great fan of YouTube. The practicalities and sheer helpfulness of Youtube appeals to me. Where else can you find out how to change a washer on your specific brand of washing machine or learn how to crochet over a weekend? 

People take time out of their busy schedules to film themselves doing all sorts of helpful tasks such as, how to hang pictures correctly, or how to braid your daughter's hair into a 'mermaid tale'. You can learn how to make the perfect boiled egg and even how to make jam. If you can type it in, you can pretty much find out how to do it. (It is also interesting to note, that the largest watchers of Youtube is the over forty population... and its growing!)

All if this is available from the comfort of your own living room, is at your fingertips, and is only for the cost of your current internet provider!

I started my channel at the start of the year after much encouragement and support from my friends and family. It took all my courage to post my first video as I found it quite daunting thinking about what people would think about my small contribution to the cyber world.

I am pleased to report, that I have had nothing but positive comments and encouragement from those who have watched the videos and I am starting to feel a little more relaxed about the process! (Yay!)

The main purpose for creating my new channel was to continue to connect with fellow teachers and parents across the globe to share ideas and laughter. Parenting and teaching are two of the most difficult things to do in this world. I have found listening to other people talk about the mistakes they have made, as well as the solutions and suggestions for a better way forward, extremely helpful. Therefore, on my new channel I will share ideas, laugh a lot, talk about things that may interest you as well as me as we learn alongside each other. In a world where making meaningful and authentic connections with people is becoming more difficult, I believe Youtube provides a place for people to 'find their tribe' and collaborate.

If you would like to take a peek my first (clearly nervous) videos... Please click HERE

As Youtube is 'all about the numbers' please feel free to hit 'Subscribe' and give the videos a 'Thumbs Up'. I would really appreciate it... Also, please leave a comment and let me know where you are from and what you think!

Happy You-tubing!

Happy New Year! Happy New Goals!

Hello Blog Buddies!

Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you happiness, health and opportunity.

Generally speaking, I am not a fan of New Year's Eve. I think I have reached an age where staying up late, simply to stay up late, has lost it's lustre. (Yes, ...I really am getting old!) I do, however, love the 'fresh new start' feeling of New Year's Day. Cracking open a brand new diary or calendar and transferring over all the birthdays and celebrations to come throughout the year, is something I look forward to doing every new year.

Writing down goals (I personally prefer these to resolutions) is always a great way to refocus  your thoughts and help you to get excited about new beginnings. I like to include some 'lofty' goals along side my realistic ones... (I don't want to set myself up for complete failure!) I also like to break my goals down into categories such as personal and professional. Again, this just helps with making the goals seem a bit more achievable.

Once you have a few goals in place, I feel that writing an action plan as to how you are going to reach your goals, is also key to ticking them off. Without the steps to work on, goals can sometimes just drift out of focus, especially when the newness of the year has dissipated. Scheduled updates and 'check ins' of your goals is also a great way to keep on track as well is an opportunity to alter or tweak your original goal.

I hope you all enjoy a safe and fun-filled 2018! 

Did you write down any goals for 2018?

What will you be focusing on this year?

Winter Favourites

Hello Blog Buddies!

The temperature has certainly dropped here, in Bayside Melbourne. Whilst cosy afternoons with a  drink in front of a fire, are lovely, sometimes you need other things to lift your mood during the colder months. I would like to share with you all a few items that have helped me to enjoy the colder weather, rather than suffer through it with chattering teeth...

Melbourne, Australia is well known for being the city that has four seasons in one day. This Winter, whilst we have not experienced much rain, the sun has been out, resulting in the air being extremely cold. The chill factor has certainly increased this year, so here are a few things I have been enjoying over the past couple of months that might brighten your Winter days.

First up... fingerless gloves. I have loved wearing these this Winter. I have a range of colours and designs and find I don't spend the day taking them off and putting them back on again like I did with 'standard' gloves. I currently suffer from cold hands, so this has been the perfect solution. (You can also type and use your phone whilst wearing them... Yay!)

With the nights closing in so early during the Winter months, I find candles add a cosiness and warmth that helps to make the dreary nights more bearable. During Winter, I tend to lean towards the citrus, vanilla and cinnamon scents for general 'staying-in' ambience. 

If you follow me on Instagram (and if you don't... please do!) you will have seen I received some Tanya Burr Cosmetics in the mail recently. As a more 'mature' lady, I find Tanya Burr's cosmetic range beautifully packaged, thoughtfully considered and lovely to use. The products are really pretty and the price range is also appealing. Her various ranges can be found on the Feel Unique websiteand they deliver to Australia. I have been particularly enjoying her illuminating powders to add warmth and highlight to my face. The two pictured here are called Warm Bronze (below) and Peonies Please. Both are beautiful.

I have already raved about formula in the the lipsticks Ms Burr has created, so I was keen to try a matte liquid lipstick from her range. (This warm, pinky colour is called Martha Moo after her ridiculously adorable dog.) It too, is a lovely product that dries matte and is not at all tacky like some liquid lip colours tend to be. It also has excellent staying power... a winning combination. 

I have also been trying the Bouriois Radiance Reveal Concealor which has had high praise for 'under-eye-brightening'. As someone older than most You-Tubers spruiking these products, I am always wary that products can now enhance my "fine lines". I am happy to report that this concealer worked wonderfully well on my skin and absolutely brightened my under-eye area.

 This shade is 01 Ivory. 

I would like to give a quick shout out to one of my favourite flowers at this point. Camellias rate highly for me (as mentioned before) as they bloom in the dead of Winter... when you really need a flower. They are there to brighten your dreary days when most of the other flowers are hiding. They always remember to remind us that Spring will soon be here. 

And speaking of nice things to look at, I would like to mention how much my husband and I have been loving the series 'Suits.' A work colleague recommended it to me after I mentioned I needed a new show to watch with my husband. My personal highlights include Donna's sass, Lewis' visual humour, Rachel's wardrobe, Jessica's voice, Mike's eyes and well... everything Harvey. (*sigh*) The storylines are action packed and the banter is fabulous. The fact it is set in New York makes it even more perfect. I highly recommend it. 

(Available on Netflicks in Australia)

So there you have it. A few of my favourite products along with how I have been passing the long evenings at home. I hope you have been keeping warm!

What do you enjoy doing during the Winter months?