happy summer.

Today is Slade's last day of school.
Our summer break officially begins today.
HAPPY SUMMER!!

(We welcomed him home with a banner across our front door.)

count me in.

I've been inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts for awhile now. And quite excited when she announced her e-course, Flying Lessons: Tips & Tricks to help your Creative Business Soar.

So, I am dreaming BIG. I am doing this for ME! The timing couldn't be more perfect. Summer break officially begins this weekend and so will the inspiration and knowledge from Kelly Rae and other amazing artists. It's a five week course and excitedly I took the plunge today and signed up to learn.

cup of coffee.

I do love coffee. The bolder the better. Always black, no sugar or cream. I crave it upon rising. And, enjoy espresso & lattes during the late afternoon or at night. The caffeine never keeps me awake.

Amazingly, I didn't even like the aroma of coffee when I was pregnant with Slade. Yet, I couldn't get enough of it when I was pregnant with both girls. I craved it!! Coffee for me is blissful.

No wonder I was intrigued by Susan Jane Belton and her coffee drawings. Her paintings of coffee cups are even more extraordinary.

teacher gifts.

I've been meaning to show you the gifts I gave to all of the teachers to simply say thank you and have a happy summer. Between three children, I had 19 teachers on my list to give to, which I know is a lot. So, the gift definitely had to be minimal.

I found a great idea here to let teachers know... you are O "FISH" ALLY the best! How cute is that? I was able to download the tag and then I added my own text and stamping. I filled small clear pillow boxes with red swedish fish, wrapped them with a red & white gingham ribbon, and then I attached the tags with twine.

Although it was a very small token of appreciation, I think all of the teachers loved it! (And, it was very inexpensive too!)