Around The Diaz House Lately...

If you came to our house this past weekend, you'd find paper and boxes everywhere. For a good reason of course... we found/purchased my desk and set up Gabriel's home office all in the same day. We are so excited to be working side by side this summer.

I will share details on my studio desk later this week - in the meantime, here is what we've been up to:

- Miami Beach (although we live close, we do not make the trip as often as we should). This will soon change! We've decided to try and go at least once a week this summer. I love trips to the beach...talk about a #1 stress reliever! By the way, isn't my mom in love just adorable? Check out her classic Ray Bans and fedora. Talk about style.

- Eating lots of avocados. Up until last year, Gabriel and I were not avocado fans. Fast forward one year, and we can't get enough of them - on chicken, in guac, in a burrito, with chips... we love them! Luckily my in laws have a tree in their backyard too!

- Filling lots of hand lettered envelope orders and experimenting with watercolors! I love handwritten addresses - they really set the mood for any occasion. Ditch labels and practice your letters! I promise it will make worlds of a difference. Keep your eye out for a pineapple wedding collection coming this summer!

- Afternoons spent with this chunk are the best. We just can't get enough of his funny noises and personality. If you haven't met a frenchie in real life, I suggest you do! They are little hams.

- Playing golf and taking walks at a neighborhood club we recently joined. Let's talk about amazing landscaping and ocean breeze! Not to mention the many peacocks that live there. I plan on taking advantage of this place during the summer. Speaking of summer... it is only 4 glorious days away... praise the Lord!

Hope you have a happy Tuesday - even though it feels like a Monday!

My Favorite Children's Book

Often times I get asked by my students, "Mrs. Diaz, what is your favorite children's book?", and I usually have a tough time answering this. I love many children's books, all for different reasons. Some have lovely illustrations, some teach great values, some are funny and some (like the classics) are just beautifully written.

If I had to pick one though, it would have to be

Miss Rumphius

. My dad used to read it to me before bed, and although it never left my mind, I somewhat forgot about the story.

Since the school year is coming to an end in just one short week, I have the duty of going through every book in our library and giving it a thorough inspection.. and guess what I stumbled upon last week...

Miss Rumphius

, The Lupine Lady.

I quickly grabbed it off the shelf and began reading it all over again. Memories flooded my mind and the same heartfelt story spoke to me so many years later.

In honor of my favorite book - There is now a print available in

my shop

inspired by Miss Rumphius for only $10.00 and comes beautifully packaged. Each print is printed on high quality 100lb card stock and features hand painted watercolor lupines.

Have you ever read Miss Rumphius? What is your favorite children's book?

HF4F

This week has flown by and dragged on at the same time.. is that even possible? My husband was away on business, which actually worked out great since I had a few huge projects I needed to work on. I even got to recruit my lovely mom in love to the iba paper goods world! Now that Gabriel is back home safely, all is well and we are looking forward to a weekend filled with a whole lot of rest, food and sun.

1. My water color flower print from #ruthieandrose came in! I have big plans for this little gem! I cant't wait to share with you!

2. Gari was not fond of the house chores overload we tackled this week.

3. We have been so blessed beyond belief for an abundance in invitation orders! Thank you to our lovely clients!! The winner to our @ibapapergoods

giveaway

will be announced this evening. If you haven't entered, there is still time!

4. Ordered a custom stamp that should be in next week! Love customization!

5. Celebrated Teacher Appreciation week in style thanks the wonderful moms at school! I am now ready for summer with this bag (and matching hat). Here we come weekly farmers market & beach escapades!

At The Diaz House Lately...

Now that we finally feel settled back home, life has been pretty laid back around here and I am not complaining!

- We spent Eater Sunday at my in-law's. It consisted of delicious lunch, quality time spent on the patio and sweet conversations.  Easter Sunday church was also great.. there was a true celebration in those 4 walls! At one point during the service, my mom in law and I turned to each other and said we felt like Jesus really did just rise for the first time that day. It was so nice celebrating our heavenly father in such a big way! And our church just announced becoming part of the Hillsong Family! For details on our church, visit

here

.

-Gabriel and I accomplished the daunting task of cleaning our shed and took the first steps of transforming our "junk" room into his home office. Slowly but surly, we're getting there! Within the next couple of weeks, he is going to make a desk for my studio and he'll take the desk I currently use. I am so excited for my new table because it's going to work so much better in the space!

-Gari has been great. Lovable as ever! We will be babysitting my in-law's puppy, Cortez, this weekend and I'm sure they will have the best time together!

-Started digging deep into the book of Ruth! She is my favorite female bible character. I've learned so much about redemption and restoration through her story.

-Here is a sneak peek at a project I've been working on in the studio! DIY clothesline card tutorial coming very soon!

-Our Aussie friends got engaged this past weekend and are planning to get married in December! They were so kind to give us their invitation order. We cannot wait to celebrate the special day with them!

-My little and sweet godson,

Cruz

, are in town visiting family. I love when they come down! I sure do miss my sweet friend, living so far away. I got lucky that her parents live down the street! A trip home to visit family always includes visiting me too!

-I've been working on the first steps of modern calligraphy and absolutely love it! I have so much respect for those that have dedicated hours to this craft. It sure isn't easy!

How was your Easter?

I was blessed with the day off today and am using every moment of it to get caught up on orders, clean our house and run errands to get ready for the week. It's always a good day when you can start it with morning shows, coffee and your frenchie!