sweet homemade gift

I think this would make a great 'thank you' gift, teacher gift, secretary gift, just an all around good thing to keep on hand for someone you want to do a little something for!

check out this sweet strawberry lemonade recipe over at Echoes of Laughter.

EOY Gifts

So, I didn't get to clutches as I mentioned I was going to try to do earlier.  I am really happy with what we ended up giving L's support staff though. 

We put together "Time to Relax" bags for his teachers, therapists and aides.  Luckily Target had beach bags on sale for $5 a piece.  I then headed over to the travel section to pick up some summery items and finally swung through and got nail polish, toe separators, and a face mask for a nice pampering effect.  When I got home I used the Sharpie paint pens I had left over from L's bday party and put the last name initial of each support staff member on the clear part of the beach bag.

We wanted to give Ms. Darnell, L's assistant an extra special gift and I found this perfect necklace.

While I was at my fav store good ole Tar-jay I picked up some additional relaxation gifts for our amazing secretaries at Henley.  These ladies have taken such good care of me during my transition to Henley.  I wrote on each of their bags, "You've taken care of us all year, now it's time to relax."  I got them a freezable tumbler--and yes, I hope they put something they can't drink at school in there in the evenings and on the weekends! and a beach towel.  I'm sure they still have plenty of work to do this summer, but at least we are out of their hair!  I adore these ladies and can't wait to see them again in August!

end of the year teacher gifts

didn't we just have Teacher Appreciation Week?!?!  i don't mean that, really, but i am starting to feel the pressure because i know that the next 9 school days will both drag and fly by (if you're a teacher, you know what i mean, otherwise, that probably doesn't make much sense.)

i think for the ladies i might make placemat clutches.  i can't say all of L's teachers and support staff strike me as the clutch purse kind of gals, but they can use them as coupon holders or make up bags.  i think i am drawn to make them because i would love for someone to make one for me :-)  is that weird?!

i have made these with my mom before, but it has been a long time and might just be time to whip out the ole sewing machine and get to going.

i guess i've got to figure out plan B for the fellas on Landon's support staff list...i'm not sure they would dig a placemat clutch so much!

I will post pics of my own creations when i get to them, for now, here is my inspiration:

Placemat Clutch

teacher appreciation-days 3 & 4

so, i was supposed to make truffles for the entire staff at L's school last night.  didn't happen.  i got up this morning at 530 dipping oreos in melted chocolate crossing my fingers they would set up in time to drop them off before i had to get to school to tutor.

L is still not feeling the greatest, so he missed Thursday and Friday.  i figured since i needed to drop of the oreos this morning, i might as well drop of day 4 gifts that never made it there on thursday.

before i get to that, this is what i sent in on wednesday--decorated hand sanitizer bottles...

and day 4--bpa tumblers with straws (sorry for the terrible picture)

I hope to get day 5 done this weekend--shrink art keychains...we will have to see if L is up for the challenge!

Teacher Appreciation Days 1 & 2

i meant to update each day, but i am already a day behind.  shocking!

not that my own students have wished me Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, but that's okay...I will love them just the same :-)

For L's support team (and there are about 20 folks), we sent packets of wildflowers seeds on Monday.

Today, we sent in handmade fingerprint bookmarks.  L tolerated me stamping 20 some bookmarks.  He is my fella!  He didn't sign each one, but I certainly think he left his mark :-)

What will tomorrow bring?!?!

teacher appreciation week--part 2

so, i finally decided on what i will prepare for L's support staff next week.  I have already signed up to make truffles for the entire staff for their luncheon on Friday, but I always like to give his 'peeps' something because they take care of my boy everyday!

i was INCREDIBLY overwhelmed when i really sat down and thought about who interacts with L on a daily and/or intensive scale--there are about 20 people.  Because of the sheer number of people i want to give things to, i had to take into consideration cost.  being a teacher myself, i totally get that we are not in our positions for the money, but it is always nice to be recognized.  i am really passionate about sending in a little something each day to make them (well, that's the goal) feel special. 

so, here's the plan...pics and tutorials to follow...

Monday--decorated hand sanitizer containers
Tuesday--fingerprint bookmarks
Wednesday--bpa free tumblers with straws and the message
Thursday--wildflower seed
Friday--Shrink Art keychains

we'd better get to work this weekend so we're all set to go by Monday!

teacher appreciation gifts

i saw the same title on another blog i follow and have now developed anxiety about gifts for this year. I try to do things throughout the year, but i never feel like i do enough. on top of this, my L-man has a combination of same teachers and therapists as last year, some brand new, and a whole slew of folks who i guarantee help him and/or interact with him on a daily basis and i don't even know who they are! the pressure is amazing. i feel like i want to get each teacher and aide a gift and then i feel like i want to do something for the entire staff like we did at the holidays, but i don't know what to do.

Skip to My Lou blog

in my search, i have some across this lovely blog, which has some darling ideas, just in case anyone is in the same bind. i'll post whatever i come up with. i'd rather be more proactive about it this year. i remember camping out at a local sterling silver jewelry store humming and hawing over stuff at the last minute last year. blah. gah!