New Blog Design, Busy Teacher Bundle, and a Giveaway!!! - Queen of the First Grade Jungle

New Blog Design, Busy Teacher Bundle, and a Giveaway!!!

I have been SO crazy busy this week, that I haven’t had time to blog about my ***NEW*** blog design! 
I know I say it over and over again, but it is definitely worth saying again- the BEST part of blogging is the friends I have made. About a year ago Susan and I connected, and we have been blogging best buds ever since.
Susan even FLEW all the way to Kentucky to see little ole me.
photo (30)
Aside from Susan being SUPER talented, she also has an EXTREMELY talented counterpart by the name of Parker.
parker
{He will probably be super embarrassed that I used his picture, but it definitely shows off how awesome he is.} 
I realized that I LOVED what Parker had done on Susan’s blog…Thank God It’s First Grade.
tgif 
I think it is SO hard to create a blog design that is (1) Unique, (2) Pretty, and (3) Like-the-Author.
I decided that since these three qualities were what I wanted and knew that Parker could do them all, then he was MY blog designer!

So I filled out the form and he sent me this little number THAT night.
queen header

I die. He got me and what I wanted RIGHT away!  SO basically I love everything Parker did, and he didn’t complain once about the bazillion steam of consciousness emails that he had to interpret.

My favorite part?  He made this adorable banner for my TPT store!

long tpt banner pink button

So awesome, right?

Now after all this bragging about him, you all are sure to think Parker put me up to this, BUT he didn’t. I promise. I am so over-the-moon happy with what Parker has done to my blog that I just wanted to properly thank him with this gushing post.

If you want to get in touch with Parker, check out his site ***HERE***

***In other news, I BUNDLED all my Busy Teacher pack into one massive file on TPT.
ALL Busy Teachers pic Huge, right?
Well, I hope it helps get you all organized, because I get to do it all over again for Second Grade danggit! :)

Because I love you all, and I love giving things away—I am going to giveaway ONE of my complete sets to ONE lucky winner!a Rafflecopter giveaway Make sure you enter and wish me luck as my little family luck as we make our FINAL trek back to South Carolina with a packed SUV tomorrow!

your photo name

242 comments

  1. Your new blog design is awesome! Very classy! You are lucky to have found Parker! Good Luck in 2nd grade!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the new blog design. I especially love the black/ white and gray color design.
    Ruthanne rarace81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your new blog design is fabulous!! I love the color scheme...not too busy, but still very classy! :) You might say it's fit for a queen... ;) (I couldn't resist...)

    Breanne
    breannesimons@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my goodness! The new blog layout is fantastic! I'm really starting to think I need to get my very own design to better fit me at this point. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful experiences with Parker and the whole new design process.

    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am loving the new blog design. Keeping it classy with black and white, and fun with pops of color!

    Mary
    Adventures in Kindergarten

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the new blog design - classy! dbednarsk@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love it!! The mix-matched-yet-look-awesome-together patterns, the colors, everything!
    Liz
    Teaching in the Valley
    teachinginthevalley@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your new blog design! It's simple and classy. Parker is very talented! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great new blog design. I like the contrasting splashes of red from your pinterest button and your children's clothes in the photo. And well done on the bundling.... can't wait for the 2nd grade packs too! Thanks for this opportunity. thursdaytook@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Katie, I love the crown on your name - it is so cute! I just love your whole new design! Congrats on the move and job! Saying a prayer for safe travels!
    Cheryl
    Crayons and Curls

    ReplyDelete
  11. I absolutely love the colors. It's very crisp but inviting! Have a wonderfully safe trip!
    julieannbaldwin@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. LOVE the new design! Very simple and classy!
    - Kelly :)
    kelly_burnard@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the new blog design!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the colors and the banner he made for you to use on TPT! Great Job Parker! !

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love your new blog design. Very clean and classic!

    Christina :)
    Apples, Books, and Crayons
    applesbooksandcrayons@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Parker, you are so talented! I would be lying if I said I was a little bit jealous, as I'm really jealous of your talent!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. The new blog design is very classy...I love the black and white photos! Good luck in second grade; I think you will love it. It is my favorite grade to teach (and I have taught them all K-5).
    Tonya
    teachertonyak@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your new blog design is so cute!!

    Amber
    ambs98@Nc.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this design, it is very fresh and modern!!

    Second grade is the best, you're going to love it!

    Bobbi
    Bitty Bilinguals

    ReplyDelete
  20. LOVE the new design!! The colors are perfect!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your new design is gorgeous!! Very modern!! If I ever get around to starting my own blog (some day), I bookmarked PJ Design Laboratories and pinned it as well =)

    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your new design is fabulous. Simple and classy. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the new design. It is unique which is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

    renetowens@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just adore the now exploring second grade part. It's so eye catching and says a lot about teaching with kid pieces and a small snapshot of kids.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Absolutely loving the new blog design!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have 3 of these and I would LOVE to have all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  27. New follower here! I REALLY like this design...I'm a big fan of black and white designs! And that bundle looks FAB!

    ReplyDelete
  28. The blog design is very classy and modern .. LOVE it!! Cudos Parker :-)
    You are so going to love 2nd !! I do :-)
    Karen
    tommysmom0206@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Lovin' the new design. Parker did a wonderful job combining different patterns that work so well together :) ~Cara Lee

    The Sweet Life of Cara Lee

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great blog design- streamlined and classy!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I absolutely LOVE your blog design. It's so simple, clean, and elegant! I think it suits you so well :) Nice work, Parker!

    Sara
    Miss V's Busy Bees
    ventrellasara@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love that he incorporated the artwork (I'm assuming of your firsties), and the black and white is so simple compared to many blogs. It's very unique and personal! LOVE IT! though I'm not a blogger...YET....I would love something like this--reflecting your personality and spirit~

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love your new design! Parker does amazing work!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love the new design, very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love the new design, very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  37. The new design is awesome!
    Lizpodolski@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. The new design is great! It's very crisp and clean!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Good luck in your new grade level! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love your new blog design! Wishing you safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love the new blog design! It's very modern and sleek! Love the pop of color!

    Brandy
    withers.brandy@yahoo.com
    Firstie Kidoodles

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love the new webpage. As a matter of fact, I just saw the black and white background as a really cute rug on the new IKEA catalog.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love the look of the new webpage. Love the black, white, and gray look =)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I really like the black and white and the simplicity of the design:)

    ReplyDelete
  45. *LOVE* your new blog design! Very simple, yet beautiful!!! =)

    Tanya
    A+ Firsties

    ReplyDelete
  46. I think I may need to contact them about my blog, not quite happy with mine at the moment :-(

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your new blog design is simply fabulous, just like you!

    Karen

    An Apple a Day in First Grade

    ReplyDelete
  48. Totally love you new blog design! Parker is amazing! It really shows your personality!
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  49. The blog design IS amazing and so is the big bundle!!! Love them both! Maybe I will finally have the courage to create a blog of my own... I keep finding excuses NOT to!
    sspeller@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  50. I live black and white. It's simply and classy. The pops of colors add a touch of fun to it. He did an amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Your new blog design is awesome! It's unique and original! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love the new design! Good luck in 2nd grade!!

    Grace
    gracepruim@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I just LOVE your blog, and the new design makes it even better!

    ReplyDelete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love the colour scheme. Both Katie's and Susan's blog come across as sophisticated and elegant. The blog designs are refreshing. Linda lott@telus.net

    ReplyDelete
  56. Love the new design!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your new design is gorgeous and I adore your new tagline too! Way to go Parker. Headed over to see your blog now!
    Heather

    Kickin' It With Class

    ReplyDelete
  58. Pretty snazzy new design!! You are lucky to have found Parker.

    Jessica
    Run529@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for the giveaway and I LOVE your new blog design.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Wow! Parker is sharp! I love his modern, classy design fit for a Queen I love! It's perfect! Thank you Parker and Katie for your MANY talents! I sure appreciate your sharing with me and please keep creating!
    Thanks,
    Jill

    ReplyDelete
  61. Love the chevron and the neat way of merging first and second grade! :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. Parker did an amazing job. Your blog is uniquely you!
    Terri
    tmlbrown2009@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  63. Your new design is fantastic! I love all the black & white!

    Lindsay
    Live Laugh & Learn in Second Grade

    ReplyDelete
  64. Your design is so classy! I LOVE IT!! Parker is very talented. I checked out his site...WOW! I can see shy your are gushing!!

    Fingers Crossed,
    Jessica Bollman
    bollman4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I love the new blog design. The kids drawn artwork is a great touch!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have a three month old named Parker so he must be cool!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I think my 2 favorite things are the side bars - love that design! - and the student's pictures! It looks awesome!
    Karen Rowland
    Adventures With Firsties

    karenrowland112677@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Looks great..love the tpt banner...of course I have no spare time! Busy teacher would be absolutely wonderful to win!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Love the new blog! My have to hire Parker to do mine someday! Also, love the Busy teacher packets! Own a few already and would LOVE the rest! Thanks for your hard work!
    neillkk@hotmail.com
    Kristi

    ReplyDelete
  70. The small accent pictures are awesome! I really like how they bring in your personality.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Love the new blog design!! It's clean and classy! So great!!
    Kelly kthompsondesign@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Love the look! The colors go great and location of items are an easy find.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love your blog design. Grey chevron and Moroccan tile is a great combo! I am doing this theme in my room this year. Great work :D

    ReplyDelete
  74. This blog design is brilliant. Very sophisticated.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Yay! Love the new blog design. GREAT new look!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love love love the new blog design.

    Lori
    Wrlean@AOL.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I love your new design, but I'll miss all of your 1st Grade ideas!! This pack would be amazing to win!
    kidvav2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I would LOVE to win this!!

    tmanstey@liberty.edu

    ReplyDelete
  79. I am in love with your new design! Is Parker taking new customers???

    ReplyDelete
  80. LOVE the new blog design! So funny I was thinking of redesigning mine as well. Great Job!

    ReplyDelete
  81. I think that your new blog design looks wonderful! Best wishes on your new adventures in 2nd grade! :-)

    Hugs,
    Lynda
    Ms. Hamm's First Grade Funland

    ReplyDelete
  82. I loved your new design as soon as you previewed it on Insta, but I <3 it even more now that I know it came from the "other half" of another favorite Blog-Star!! Wow, Parker! Very awesome job!! I can see you are very proud of his work, Katie, and you should be; it IS you all over;)
    SynonymRolls&AntonymMoments

    ReplyDelete
  83. It's so cute! Love the black and white with teal accents :).

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love the design! Great work Parker!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Wow! I think the new design looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Your new blog design is fantabulous...love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I was gonna leave love about the blog anyways!!! It is FANTASTIC!! Guess I'm going to have to jump on his wait list!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  88. I love the new design! Very classy with the black, white, and gray! I love it!

    Katie
    Katienussbaum87@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love the color combo and especially the queens crown! Its an aesthetically soothing web page!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Cute cute cute! I am a HUGE fan of the grey/black/white-with-a-splash-of-color-combo and this turned out so wonderful!!

    Kristin
    kristinbrehm!gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Your blog design is very unique and distinguished. A cut above the rest. I love the still-life pictures. It is lovely and truly a piece of artwork. Congratulations Parker, you did it again!!

    Roxanne
    foxysexyroxy10@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Your blog design is ADORABLE!! LOveit!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Great new look for a new school year!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I know EXACTLY what you mean about wanting a blog design that is different and is you! I went through the same thing!! Your blog is GREAT!! I love that it's not super teacher-y, too! :) It's just adorable!!!
    Amanda
    Mrs. Richardson's Class

    ReplyDelete
  95. Your blog looks so unique, classic and still teacher-friendly!! I love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  96. I own half of your busy teacher files...but can't wait to get the rest of them. They look great!

    ReplyDelete
  97. I LOVE that you icluded the kids art in your blog design!

    Becky
    Lesson Plans & Lattes

    ReplyDelete
  98. I'm new to first, so this would be a great addition to the few materials I have! Blog design looks great too

    ReplyDelete
  99. I loved your old look but I think I love this one even more! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  100. I love your new blog design. So mature!!! Isn't it always fun to redecorate? Thanks for all that you share.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Love the new design, colors everything!

    ReplyDelete
  102. I love the new look on your blog! I love the colors and design but then again I am partial to anything black and white. :) Crossing fingers that I win your Busy Teacher's Best Friend Bundle!!! I have a few of them and I LOVE them!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Love the new design Very classy Great colors!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Your new blog design is very sophisticated! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Digging the new design!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Love this blog design!! It matches my classroom for this year!!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Looks great! I can't wait to read all our posts about second grade!

    Tara

    ReplyDelete
  108. Totally in love with the new blog design! So clean, simple, and classy! Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
    Jenny Banian
    http://jbanian.blogspot.com/
    banian.massabki@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. New design = AMAZING! Seriously in love! Whhyyyyy can't I be that talented?!?!
    I feel your pain about switching. I started in 6th, went to K, to 2nd, to 3rd, to 4th, and now moving to 1st grade! FINALLY!!! I have switched every single year I've taught, so I really feel your pain!! Go get'em girl! You'll do great!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  110. I love your new blog design! It's very classy. Thank you for such a great giveaway - busy teachers everywhere appreciate your hard work! =)

    ReplyDelete
  111. I love your blog! Totally looks like a design I would choose!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Your new blog looks so cute!!!! And I love that you bundled everything :) I'm so excited!!!
    Julie
    DDgirl4ever@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Very nice new blog design. I like how chic it looks! I also love your Teacher's Helpers- I own several- they're wonderful (I've already put the Back to School one into the print shop to have run :-) ). Good luck in 2nd. That's a great grade too! Carol cpolston3@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. LOVEE the design! He did a fabulous job!!

    Caitlin

    ReplyDelete
  115. You new design in awesome!!! Parker did an amazing job!! I, especially, love the TPT banner he did for you!!

    ReplyDelete
  116. I love your new design. I think it is fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I LOVE the black and white! Great job Parker! :)

    ReplyDelete
  118. Love the new blog! Can't wait to see your ideas for second grade. �� I live in Columbia, SC. Glad to have you in SC. ��

    ReplyDelete
  119. Love the new blog design! I love the patterns and colors! And I think the TPT banner may be the best one I have seen yet!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Love the look!! Thanks for sharing your insights and your journey!!

    ReplyDelete
  121. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  122. The new blog design is super modern chic...very eye catching. I hope you enjoy your new experience. You seem like a go getter:)

    ReplyDelete
  123. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  124. Love the blog design! Parker did a great job! I also sooooooo excited for your Teacher Helpers giveaway - keeping my fingers crossed!!! I just got a new job as the first and 2nd grade resource room teacher - I need all the help I can get!!

    Rae
    Mindful Rambles
    mindfulrambles@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  125. Man, this is my third attempt at a comment - I hope I don't end up with triple! Anyways, I LOVE the black and white!

    ReplyDelete
  126. I hope I win!! I LOVE this blog design! I love the chic & simple look!

    ReplyDelete
  127. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  128. I love the new design. Great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  129. I love the combination of textures in your new blog design, and the color scheme of black and white with the pop of color. It is unique and very eye appealing!

    ReplyDelete
  130. I love the new blog design, clean & simple!



    Take care,
    Dee:)
    OvertheMoonBow.com

    ReplyDelete
  131. The new signature is my favorite part!

    ReplyDelete
  132. Love the new design! The black and white ROCKS!

    ReplyDelete
  133. I love the layout of the new blog. It looks amazing, so classy.

    ReplyDelete
  134. The first Busy Teacher packed that I purchased was in February. I fell in love and have bought all the others since. :) Also love the new blog design.

    ReplyDelete
  135. I think your blog design looks very classy. I really like it. I went to Parker's site but I couldn't find a place to comment. If you post the link I will be glad to go back and leave a comment.
    bartramsbuccaneers@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. I think your new blog design is fit for a QUEEN. He did a fabulous job!

    katie
    kryan428@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. The new color combo and layout are definitely eye catching and oh so fab!
    Kim
    kbrobinson@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. Love the design! The black/white looks very nice!

    ReplyDelete
  139. Love the new blog design! It looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  140. Love the new blog design. It is so retro. So excited to see all of your new 2nd grade files.

    ReplyDelete
  141. The new blog design is beautiful! Very professional and sleek!

    ReplyDelete
  142. Awesome new blog design!!! I love the black & white photos!!

    Acraftyqueen@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Great blog design! Parker is such a talent!

    ReplyDelete
  144. Love the new design-especially the pictures!

    Renee
    sreneestewart13@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  145. Wow, great design!!! Simple, classy, and beautiful. Many blogs are far too overdone and flashy. This fabulous design shows that less is more!

    Molly
    mkkalina@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  146. Your new design is amazing! It looks sophisticated yet simple. Great job!
    Robin
    smithrc563@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. I love the new design. I especially like the black and white pictures and the font Patrick used. Looks great!!!

    Michaelyn
    michaelyn13@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  148. I love the black and white with a splash of my favorite shade of blue :) Great job Parker!

    Stephanie
    ecuteach03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. Love, love, LOVE the new blog design...it really does seem so "you" (not that I know you, but it still seems like you...to me)! :) And I'm excited for your new adventure in 2nd grade...although I wish you were still paving the way for me through first grade! I.would.die. (okay, I'm exaggerating...I wouldn't die, but I'd be THRILLED!) if I won your Busy Teacher's bundle! I love each of the packets that I already have...what am I saying, I love everything from you! Thank you for sharing your talent and your enthusiastically contagious love for teaching and learning. It shines through. I am 100% serious when I say that you are truly an inspiration to me.

    Lori
    lori.heydt@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  150. Terrific blog design!!! I love the pops of color and the artwork from your kiddos!!

    Rachel
    stockto2276@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. The new big design is beautiful! I love the colors and how "clean" it looks!

    Karyn
    Kideducator@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  152. The new design is very unique! Nice job Parker! Somehow I missed that you are moving to second grade. Are you looping?

    wiardmolly@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  153. I love the your new blog look. I'm a little bummed that your moving to second, since this is my first year in first, but I'm definately going to check out your ideas here and on Owl-ways Be Inspired. Thanks for such a huge give-away. My fingers are crossed!!!!
    KaSandra
    MemoriesMadeinFirst

    ReplyDelete
  154. Your blog design is amazing. You guys are so talented!!! I would be so lucky to win this for my first year of teaching in the first grade classroom! -Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  155. Love your new design! Parker does great work!!

    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  156. Cool looking blog! Like the colors and the pictures! Parker did an awesome job!

    ReplyDelete
  157. LOVE the colors in your new design! So cute!

    Good luck with your move!

    - Katy
    www.firstgradekate.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  158. Love the new look! Very sleek and stylish, in my opinion!

    Katie
    katiereeder@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  159. Love the new design, LOVE the bundle of busy teacher packets!!
    -Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  160. Parker did an AWESOME job!!! :-O

    ReplyDelete
  161. I LOVE the new design! Good luck with the move! (We actually recently moved BACK to KY after spending a few years in SC...We loved it there!)

    ReplyDelete
  162. Love the new design! Very clean and crisp looking.

    ReplyDelete
  163. LOVE, love, love the new design! The black/gray/white with a pop of teal color scheme is so sophisticated yet fun! (I also love finding the little crowns hanging off letters and things throughout!)

    Thanks for a great giveaway opportunity!
    Cathy VerSteeg
    cathy@missversteeg.com

    ReplyDelete
  164. Your blog design is ah.ma.zing. I am in love with it all! I also love the busy teacher sets...fingers crossed. :)

    Wallis
    First Grade Wolves

    ReplyDelete
  165. I already told you I love your new blog design. Are the pictures at the top of student artwork pictures from your own classroom or your own kids? I absolutely love that part! I also love the color scheme. It's so classy.

    Erica
    Blooming In First

    ReplyDelete
  166. I really liked your old blog design, however, I'm loving the new one also! You're taking on a new challenge this year and that justifies a new look here as well. Good luck this year! I'll be following along as you navigate through 2nd grade.
    Lori
    lschaar6@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  167. I love you site! I just got hired on for my first year of teaching for first grade! Your site and ideas are so inspiring and helpful for a newbie like me! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  168. In LOVE with your new design...beautiful !!!! I need a new design...hmmm. :)

    Kelly
    First Grade Fairytales

    ReplyDelete
  169. The design is sleek and eye-catching. I really love it!

    Jeanne
    J28ber@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  170. Love the new blog design! Love even more that you bundled all of the Busy Teacher packs!

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top