Teacher Appreciation

The school year is winding down and students are working hard to get assignments and studies done before the cut off. I guess I'm thinking alot about this as my third son will be graduating this June. We had him fitted for a Tuxedo this past weekend. Exciting but kind of sureal too as we come to a new phase in life. No more high school,no more making lunches for me, (once the guys graduate and start working, or college I think they can handle making their own lunches!) Anyhow all that said I was thinking about 'teacher gifts' and just sold 15 teacher magnets this morning. Here are a few ideas for those that like to show appreciation to teachers with a little token of thanks! Come by my store Shell's Designsto see more items.

Quote: "Good teachers inspire, encourage and guide."
SK

Book Signing

Margaret McMullan was at Barnes & Noble this afternoon signing books. As you can see by my picture it was great fun and her fans couldn't wait to get their hands on a copy! I bought two of her books myself. I have had the opportunity to hear Margaret speak about her work a couple times and I have to say that she is fun to listen to and an inspiration to others interested in the writing process. If you missed her today, you'll have a chance to meet her and have a book signed if you go to Borders (located near Target)in early May.

Invitations - How Do You Like To Receive Them?

Invitations come in many forms these days. From a face to face conversation to a cell phone call, or perhaps a text mess. (not sure I like that one) but the best ones I think are the ones that you open that put a smile on your face as you read it! An invitation that gets you excited about the party or event that you can attend! Recently I received two Zazzle Awards for invitations I created for my store. That was really exciting for me. Both of them were 'Birthday' invitations that I had designed. Winning those awards means that my invitations are in the 'Featured' section for 2 weeks and will get lots of extra exposure. Yay! I thought I'd show you some of my recent 'invitations' that I've been working on! If you're looking for something in the way of invitations of any sort come by my store Shell's Designs

Quote: "Always love, respect, understand others as you expect in return."

Classy Business Cards

Business cards are a great way to promote a home business. A classy design can help people to remember you and your business with ease. Recently I've been designing some stylish and chic business cards for various business' and occupations. My favourites lately have been some elegant 'home decor' business cards. Also some simple but stylish stripes and bold patterns have been amongst my latest designs. If you are looking for a great business card or know someone who is please direct them to my store.Shell's Designs

Quote:"The essential thing is not knowledge, but character."
Joseph Le Conte

Amazing Waterfalls

Well just got home from the gym, working off those cupcakes from Easter! Hope you all had a good one! I've been working out on the stairmaster these days, 39 minutes today! I usually do between 30 - 40 minutes. It's a great workout and the time usually goes by fairly quickly! Do you have a favourite cardio machine that you always choose or do you mix it up? I've been busy working on items for my storeShell's Designs using the pictures I took on my recent holiday to Kauai, Hawaii. I think I've created four lens so far the last one on beautiful waterfalls in Kauai. I've still got more to share too! Pop by my store and check out the cool products under my Kauia, Hawaii category! Some great postcards, stamps, magnets and more. Here are a few above.

Quote: "The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything"
Theodore Roosevelt

Aloha - From Kauai, Hawaii

Arrived home yesterday from a beautiful week in Kauai, Hawaii. It was my first time to visit this island and what an amazing place for a holiday. If you're seeking a vacation with the most beautiful nature, oceans, beaches and tropical vegetation this is definitely a place to see. You can guess I took a vast amount of pictures at every opportunity I could get. I'll share a few with you here. I'll also be using many of these great shots on products that I sell in my store Shell's Designs, so you'll want to pop by for a visit and see what unique gift items are featuring designs from Kauai. My husband and I did an amazing hike, saw the Grand Canyon of Kauai, went kayaking on the Wailua River, snorkeling, swimming and many other fun adventures. It was a fabulous time together. I think I'll be very busy in the coming weeks writing lens' for squidoo about our trip. Stay tuned...

Quote: "We all need new adventures in our lives, don't be afraid to step out and try new things, life is too short.!" - SK

Spring

I saw a duck inspecting the sandbox in our back yard the other day. She stood on the wooden ledge looking in the box. I wonder, was she pondering whether or not it was a good place for a nest? Or maybe she felt disappointed because it was a good nesting site before my husband removed the leaves and grass that had been there probably the last time she'd looked. As always, the animals are busy right now. We get in their way.

That makes me think about the poor bunny I nearly scared to death last spring.. I was happily gasping for air while mowing the lawn, when an itty bitty bunny startled me by hopping eight to ten feet in the air straight up and out of some tall ornamental grass nearby and then plopped, with a little splash, into our pond.  I couldn't believe it! Shutting off the mower, I walked to the water's edge and looked for the little guy who was no bigger than my hand. When I didn't spot him right away, I sadlly concluded he'd sunk to the bottom of the pond like a rock.  You know what they say don't jump to conclusions ... because, next, I found him swimming with great speed, toward the middle of the pond! Now I know there is at least one bunny out there that not only can swim, but can blow through the water like a high speed motor came with its little cotton tail. I wondered--how long could he keep it up? I was responsible for this. I had to do something. 'Ding' A bright idea sprung into my head! I could use the canoe. I found my daughter and she was more than willing to help. We hurried. But, by the time we were in the pond with the canoe, the surface of the water was completely still. There wasn't a ripple anywhere.
With heavy hearts we put the canoe and rescue bucket away. And then, we stood by the water's edge to talk about the bunny. The rock my shoe was close to stepping on, moved. Hey- that rock had wet fur! He wasn't a gonner after all. Mr. Bunny had the sense to turn his frantic swimming around and head back to shore! My daughter picked him up and put him in the grass where he could feel safe. I like to think he's still around. If he is, I'm sure he absolutely hates hearing the mower on the lawn. This spring I'll be extra careful when I mow. It's not just my back yard, I share it with others.