Summer ends officially on September 22nd.
That's only two days from now and, as usual, my mind is not wanting to bend in that direction.
It's the whole one foot in the boat and one foot on the shore mindset - loving both summer and fall with the added dimension of not being well-versed in letting go or saying goodbye.

Summer was the backdrop for a few milestones for my girls. We celebrated Ema graduating high school, high-fived Clara for being on the UCF Dean's list at the completion of her Junior year, and supported Ella's choice to walk away from gymnastics.

We grew tomatoes, rode scooters in the summer rain, drew sidewalk chalk towns together, walked on the beach, ate cotton candy, lost my sunglasses in the ocean waves, made homemade strawberry shortcake, invited friends over for playdates, enjoyed BFF sleepovers, lavished in pool days, among other fun things.

There was also one thing in particular I'm so happy we made time for this year.
We enjoyed a "Girl's Camping/RVing" experience with my mom at Salt Springs this summer.
In fact, it's one of the very first things we did which helped kick off our summer on the right foot.

Here's a visual diary I created of our time together...
(and mom...if you're reading this...I'm sorry...for that one part in the video). *covering eyes*

So yes, our summer may not have been filled with lush vacations and jet-setting around the world but our days, and more importantly, our hearts, were spilling over with adventure and fun.

They say forever is made up of the nows...so perhaps we really can have a "forever summer" because we certainly filled it with a lot of "nows" I will always remember.

With that said...I think it's time for me to do some letting go...

xoxo my sweet friends!!

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I rolled my ankle stepping out of the RV on the first day of our camping trip. *laughing*

I fell on the ground and had dirt and grass all over me while Ella and my mom looked on in disbelief. 

I laughed so hard and could NOT believe I had done that while also holding back tears from the pain.

It swelled up immediately and I thought I had broken it. 

I put on a brave face, iced it every day and medicated myself with some Advil.

Thankfully I didn't break it and was still able to enjoy the rest of our time together.

BUT...it did take a solid two months for me to feel comfortable putting full weight on my ankle again.

(which has now exacerbated into lower back + foot pain because of my body overcompensating for it). *eyeroll*

FREE | It's Officially Pie Season Art Print :: The Cake Blog

Oh yes it is, friends!!
Pie Season is officially upon us.
You can celebrate with me by downloading this FREE ART PRINT I designed for The Cake Blog this month.

I'm dreaming of the fabulous Pumpkin Pie and the amazing Apple Crumb Top Pie I made last year!
They were both ridiculously amazing and I have to admit I'm feeling a little guilty for never having posted either of the recipes here when I promised that I would.

So...that means I'll be making these pies EARLY just so I can post them here in plenty of time for you to make them for your own Thanksgiving Dinners if you'd like. Be prepared to knock some socks off!

In the meantime, print out this fabulous art print to get you geared up.
Shoot! Why not print and frame this for a pie-loving friend too? *wink*
Or just download the wallpapers for your digital devices if you prefer!!
Download the 8x10 Pie Season Art Print + Digital Wallpapers now!!

Hope you love it PNPF Friends!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm hesitant to make the pies.
I'm going to want to eat every little crumb from each of them! *blushing*

Also, it's been very busy around here.
It was my birthday last week - and I was spoiled. Thank you family!!
Ella's 7th birthday is THIS Saturday - and there's not a big party planned...again...this year. *grrrr*
She's chosen to invite a couple of friends to a bounce house facility, do pizza and then take them all out for a special birthday dessert of her choice. Her birthday decision doesn't feed into my creativity and love for party planning at all BUT...it's not my choice - it's her big day!! And I love that she's grown up enough to decide and create a day she's excited about.

BUT, I DO get to be creative with her when we make some special treats for her gymnastics teammates and I've already ordered mini cupcakes from her favorite cupcakery for her class on Friday. I'm also excited to make her a special birthday dessert when we celebrate on Sunday with family. I'm just waiting on her final decision - she's leaning towards chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dolphin accents. Hmmmm??? *giggling*

FREE | Curiosity Crumbs Art Print

As we head into the weekend I wanted to share something with you for those of you who didn't see this on my Instagram feed. (by the way...would love to have you follow me since I post pretty regularly over there).

This art print was inspired by a podcast I listened to on the Jess C. Lively Show with writer, Elizabeth Gilbert. One of the very last things Elizabeth Gilbert said in the podcast was this:

"The curiosity channel is where God sprinkles the breadcrumbs on the great trail to find ourselves."

I loved it so much I decided to create a hand-lettered reminder.
And now I'm sharing it with all of you!!
You can download it for FREE right here!!

I hope you love it!!
Stay curious, friends...and enjoy your weekend!!

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Don't laugh...but when I originally posted this on Instagram I spelled curiosity wrong!
I fixed it for you but honestly would have never realized it if a follower had not requested this as an art print!! Which is how it ended up here on the blog! Oops!! *blushing*

FREE | Sugar Is My Sidekick Art Print :: The Cake Blog

What started out as a simple sketch is now the FREE art print over on The Cake Blog this month...
This might be my favorite one yet since it includes all of my favorite sugary treats...popsicles, cupcakes, macarons, chocolate chip cookies, cotton candy and of course...a pretty cake!!

Enjoy it as a FREE printable file for framing or grab the wallpaper downloads to sweeten up your desktop as well as any of your other digital devices.

Find the DOWNLOADS HERE and enjoy your weekend everyone!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Summer is coming to an end for us as we approach the first day of school on Monday, August 24th.
I say this every year but as much as I look forward to the routine of things the school year brings, Summer, for me, marks the end of another chapter with my kids I never want to stop reading!!

FREE | i Sugar Coat Everything Art Print :: The Cake Blog

It's up...

and it's live...

and it's ready for printing...

Grab July's FREE "I Sugarcoat Everything" Art Print over on The Cake Blog today!!

It's a sugary sweet play-on-words for all of the bakers out there!! I think the watercolor cupcake added just the right touch too!!

Not only is it available as a free printable, you can grab the files to turn it into digital wallpaper too!

Head on over to The Cake Blog to download the FREE files!!
I hope you are enjoying the free monthly goodies as much as I enjoy creating them!!

As always, while you are over there, be sure to check out all of the amazing cakes!
My favorites this time include this beautiful naked Strawberry Thyme Cake, this delicious looking  4th of July-festive Stars + Stripes cake and these adorable Roasted Blueberry Breakfast Parfaits!

Love you all to pieces!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I hope to get back to sugarcoating everything ASAP!
Our oven is out of service after our house was struck by lightning a week or so ago.
The gas burners work on top but my oven is shot.
I've had some feedback from Instagram friends about suggestions for a new dual range
and I have to say these Big Chill appliances have caught my eye!!
Shhh...don't tell J yet though. I haven't even looked at pricing...I've only gotten lost in their
retro appreal!!

FREE | It's Always Spring with Buttercream Art Print :: The Cake Blog

You guys...."It's always Spring with Buttercream"!
Or...you could say "It's Blooming Spring with Buttercream"

Whichever way you say it, these brand new whimsical kitchen art prints I designed for The Cake Blog this month are posted and ready for you to download for FREE!! 

And so what if you aren't a baker.
I'm sure your baking friends or your favorite bake shop would LOVE for you to share this with them!
Head on over to get your FREE ART PRINTS today
and then be sure to check out these other posts on The Cake Blog that have me very intrigued and are must-trys for Spring...and beyond.

Edible Moss Cake
Lemon Meringue Cake

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Those frosted cupcakes were supposed to be a cinch.
Store-bought cupcakes. Easy.
Pre-made store-bought buttercream. Easy.
One working piping bag. NOT easy.
So just keep focusing on the art prints....
while I run out for more piping bags. *wink*

ART PRINT | Write It On Your Heart

I shared this art print on my Instagram feed a couple of weeks ago.

The accompanying verbiage I posted said - 

"Whatever your dreams, hopes, or wishes...write them on your heart. Reference them often and do something everyday to inch your way closer."

I love that and I thought it ended up so cute I decided to

ART PRINT | You Have My Whole Heart for My Whole Life

I had a very sweet friend recently commission me to create an art print for her to gift to her hubby for Valentine's Day. She provided me with the quote and then gave me creative liberty to come up with something she could hang either in or right outside of their room.

I thought it turned out so cute I decided to offer it as an INSTANT DOWNLOAD art print in my shoppe as well as to make it available in pillow, mug and framed art print formats too!

It's so perfect for Valentine's Day but I can totally see this for a bride and groom
as well as displayed in a baby's nursery and child's room. Can't you?

I hope you LOVE it as much as I do!!

And because I love you...
here's a 50% off discount code to use at checkout for the INSTANT DOWNLOAD 5x7 Art Print:
Just type in ALLMYLOVE4U at checkout to enjoy the instant savings!!

The discount code expires on Valentine's Day so use it while you can!

Email subscribers got a surprise email this afternoon - a limited time offer to print this for FREE!
If you aren't signed up you can sign up to receive MONTHLY EMAILS from Pen N' Paper Flowers. By signing up, you'll receive exclusive freebies and be privy to fun giveaways, new products and special announcements.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Heading into the kitchen right this second to whip up some last minute Valentine's Day treat ideas to share with you. Ella's class party is on Thursday! Eeeeps!

FREE | Love Is Like Butter Art Print :: The Cake Blog

"Love is Like Butter...there are no substitutes for the REAL thing..."

Can I get an "amen" to that, baking friends?
I hope you love the FREE 5x7 art print I designed as an exclusive download for The Cake Blog this month. If you LOVE it...go download, print and frame it. (or skip the frame and just pin it to your corkboard, secure it with a magnet to your fridge or use some cute washi tape to hang it on a mirror or window).

It's PERFECT for displaying this month - don't you think?
Shoot - print a few out and gift them to your girlfriends as part of the "GALentine" dinner or festivities you may be planning this month with your best girl friends!!

It comes in three different background color options too so go...now. *wink*

Wondering about those adorable candy hearts shown in these photos?
They are called Heart "Sweet Shapes" by Sweetworks  - and I LOVE how they taste.
They are like sweettarts but without the tart. *wink*
And they come in lots of different fun shapes and color options so you are sure to find something perfect for whatever celebration/dessert table you are putting together.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I never did get to host the "Friendsgiving" I was hoping to have in November due to the devastating family circumstances that took place a couple of weeks prior.

So now...I'm re-thinking things.
It's always so crazy-busy in November with three birthdays and Thanksgiving, (not to mention the approaching Christmas season), so as much as I've been dreaming about a Friendsgiving for over 3 years now...it just doesn't seem to ever come together. If it did ever miraculously happen - I just don't foresee it staying a strong, consistent tradition. (too many variables out of my control).

I've been talking to J about the idea of hosting a "Friendship Dinner" in February.
What do YOU think? There's not a whole lot going on in February - at least not for us.
I could shoot for the end of the month. Gives me a little more time for planning and preparations and doesn't interfere with all of those surprise romantic getaway plans I'm sure J has up his sleeve for us. *wink*
I'll keep you posted.

FUN | Dreams Are Like Sprinkles Art Print + Giveaway Winner

I've got two fun things to share with you today!!
First up is this adorable "Dreams Are Like Sprinkles" Art Print I designed for The Cake Blog this month. If you love it, you can head on over to download the FREE 8x10 right now. Although it's perfect for the kitchen, I can see this charming print displayed pretty much anywhere in your home.

The second fun thing is the announcement of the winner from the "May You Live A Life You Love" giveaway that included these inspirational books + note card set by Compendium.

You can find out who the winner is by visiting the Book Club - February Pick post...
The winner's name is posted on the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post!!
I appreciate all of the entries and positive feedback about the start of the book club!
Check out the post announcing the PNPF Book Club and how it will work if you happened to miss the post.

If you will be participating in the PNPF Book Club starting February 1st, you can grab your copy of "May You Live A Life You Love" by MH Clark on Amazon or at your local book store. I'm not sure if you can snag this one from the library or not but it's worth checking into. Although I really think this book will become a treasure you'll want to keep around your house for a long time...like as in forever. *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Is it weird for me to be excited about packaging up these lovelies?
The idea of sending off a box of inspiration to someone totally lights my fire!!
And hey...that totally has everything to do with helping me to use my One Little Word, SHINE, this year! *wink*

iNSPiRE | IG Art Print :: Add More Color

Sometimes we just need a little more color in our lives to alter our mood, a space, a project, even a meal. But even more than that, adding color can also come in the form of just changing our perspective, carving out time "YOU time", going on an "inspiration trip" by browsing your favorite store alone, scheduling a pedicure, having time to yourself in the car without the kids to blast YOUR favorite song, opening up the sunroof to let the sun in or simply rolling down the windows to let the wind in your hair. Find a way to add some color to your day...to your life! #thinkaboutit

A photo posted by Jessica Kirkland (@pnpflowers) on Jan 15, 2015 at 6:14am PST

I believe this.
Follow me on Instagram for more daily original inspirational quotes and art prints.

Today is the last day to enter the PNPF Book Club giveaway for February!! Don't miss out!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm calling to schedule a pedicure right now! *wink*

FUN | Fall Kitchen Art Prints :: The Cake Blog

"Be whisked away by your dreams and Pumpkin Spice"…

When I was approached a couple of months ago about a fun idea from Carrie Sellman, founder of The Cake Blog and a long-time blogging friend, I was all ears!!

It's been such an exciting time watching The Cake Blog (TCB) grow by leaps and bounds since first meeting Carrie in real life at a local blogger meet up a few years back. I LOVE Carrie's cakes and posts and style. I'll never forget the Little Lamb 1st birthday party she styled for her daughter, Sadie.

Needless to say I was super flattered to know the fun idea she had was to have me design monthly kitchen art prints that her readers could download and print for FREE!!

She specifically requested the art prints be "…something girly, sweet and sugar coated to make their kitchen (and their day) bright and beautiful."

Do you like what I came up with for my first post?
I was so torn between this one and another one that had to do with apples and aprons but in the end, Pumpkin Spice won out. (it usually always does for me anyway). *wink*

I created three different versions to accommodate a variety of design preferences.

Color + Black and White + Chalkboard

Head on over to The Cake Blog for the link to DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE!!
Oh and don't forget you can Print + Frame + Gift these for all of the people in your life that love to bake!

If the art print has left you craving Pumpkin Spice you might want to try these recipes:
Deconstructed Mini No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Pumpkin Oatmeal Bites

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Carrie's inquiry couldn't have come at a better time…and she didn't even know it.
I think God totally works like that. You put things out in the universe - whether it be a prayer or thought or even a list of dreams, plans, or goals and it comes to you. I really believe that.

See, I've been having so much fun creating the daily quotes on Instagram over the course of the last year and I've got an entire list of "kitchen-friendly" ones I haven't had time to share. I've just kept adding to the list as I think of things but haven't known how to share them all. This is totally the motivation I needed to actually put them on paper!! Yay!

Not only that, with my recent admission of needing to refocus and move back towards authenticity here on the blog, being able to create these art prints for The Cake Blog allows me to really do something I love - which is to inspire and uplift through hand-lettering. That makes me happy!

I still REALLY love the apple art print I mentioned that didn't make the cut this month.
I may just have to load that one into the shoppe - it's a keeper for sure!!

INSPIRE | Awkward Inspiration

Whatever "it" is for you...be it time, your sweet new baby, your health, a moment to yourself, your family, your children, the quiet, the smell of cookies coming out of the oven, friendship, fresh air + sunshine, the hand-picked bouquet of flowers from your little one, an opportunity, a compliment, a smile, a kind gesture, a sweet memory, his hand, her hand, your life, or the still small moment of peace you feel in your heart...no matter your circumstances...acknowledge it. Hold it close. Soak it all in. Be grateful.

A photo posted by Jessica Kirkland (@pnpflowers) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:11am PDT

I took a break from Instagram - as far as posting the daily inspirational thoughts I share there.
I didn't feel very inspired considering the loss we are experiencing.
Today, however, I realized that I NEED to push myself to continue to find the good.
In fact, just as I responded to someone on Instagram: "It's much easier to be happy and cheerful when all is right in the world. It's a test of character and strength to continue putting out light when things seem so dark. I NEED to keep up with my daily thoughts…they will certainly help in the healing process of all of this."

And that is where I'm at today…and why I posted this here.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I tried posting a normal post yesterday…but it just felt awkward focusing on Halloween when that's not my focus at all right now.
One minute I'm okay - the next I'm in tears.
It's a roller coaster of emotions to say the least. I cannot imagine what my aunt and uncle are going through. I cannot imagine losing one of my children…and certainly not in such a horrific way.
Today I'm sorting through photos of Holly in preparation of a slideshow I have to create for the funeral on Friday…and it's so difficult.

The emails, Instagrams, Facebook comments and people reaching out has been so comforting. I so very much appreciate the prayers and thoughts and condolences expressed by so many of you. It means the world to me. Thank you. I  know my family would thank you too if they could.

FREE | Monthly Blog Hop Printables :: Give Thanks

Soooo excited to share with you some really cute FREE "Give Thanks" printables as part of of the FUN monthly round-up I've been doing with some fabulous bloggers. We started the "FREE Monthly printables" in January and I have to say I think the collection this month is my favorite so far because our color schemes coordinate beautifully this month and makes for a really pretty collage! Don't you think? It's all about presentation for me anyway…so of course I'm going to love the collage!! 

The printables are just as cute and there's a wide range of things including candy bar wraps, Thanksgiving table conversation starters, art prints and more!! You're going to love them all!!

Be sure to "blog hop" by using the provided links above each image below to find your way to each of the free printables!! If you download a printable I'd love for you to "Give Thanks" and leave some love (a comment) for these fabulous ladies who take their time to create fun things to help make your holidays more fun and fabulous!

"Thankful" Gratitude Journal

by Kori Clark

A beautiful way to have Thanksgiving dinner guests record what they are grateful for

"Let the Stuffing Begin" Thanksgiving Dinner Art Print

by Nest of Posies

What a cute way to commence your Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving Food Tags and Labels

by Catch My Party

Perfect for all of your holiday baking and gift giving

"Thankful" Hershey Bar Wrappers 

by Living Locurto

These would be great as part of your place settings, as teacher gifts or even classroom treats

Sweetie Pie Notes

by No Biggie

Adorable little cards, place settings, or gift tags

Printable Conversation Starters

by Skip to My Lou

A fun way to get the conversation started at your Thanksgiving dinner

Mod Thanksgiving Table Decor

by Hostess with the Mostess HWTM

Everything you need to set a mod Thanksgiving dinner table

Put On your Grateful Glasses Art Print

by Pen N' Paper Flowers

A cute, gentle reminder to look for the good and have an attitude of gratitude

Don't you LOVE the fun variety of things we came up with this month? I love it all!!

Don't forget about the FREE Halloween printables we shared in September!!

If you've missed the FREE PRINTABLES from previous months you can find the posts below
January - Valentine's
February - St. Patty's Day
March - Spring
April - Mother's Day
May - Patriotic
June - Happy Birthday
July - Summer
August - Back-to-School
September - Halloween

Stay tuned for free Holiday and New Year's printables as we finish out the year…

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Much better day. No car troubles…kind of.
Apparently the work they did yesterday to fix everything 100% is causing an annoying temporary "jackhammer-like" vibration. J says it'll go away in a couple of days…but of course that's easy for him to say when he's not the one driving around town. Ha!! Think I'll be staying close to home for the next couple of days anyway. *wink*

Here's my Instagram post from earlier today…and that's my outlook on today!!

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Whether yesterday was fabulous or a complete failure...today brings a new opportunity to DO better...BE better...or BUILD ON the "awesome" you've already started. #keepgoing #keepbelieving #keepfabulous

View on Instagram

ART PRINT | Put on your Grateful Glasses

Put on your "Grateful Glasses"…
don't you just LOVE that!?

I was reading my "Daily Truth" email from Brave Girls Club and was inspired to create this FREE 5x7 Art Print for my contribution to the "Give Thanks" themed Blog Hop this month.

The email went something like this…

When you wake up every day you have a choice as to which pair of glasses you're going to reach for and wear for the day. Will it be the glasses of optimism or the "glasses of fear, pessimism, anger, resentment, and dread…"

"It is amazing how this very important decision changes everything, and deciding to put on the glasses of truth, optimism, goodness and gratitude will make everything more beautiful, more bearable and ever more fun….  Remember that you can also choose to put down the yucky glasses and put on the good ones at any point in the day…"   I love that!!  And I love this new art print too! I hope you're inspired!!

Download the 5x7 Art Print as a single .jpg file 

Download TWO 5x7 Art Prints formatted on an 8.5 x 11 .pdf

Print one for yourself and one for a friend too!!
It's such a great, simple and fun reminder that no matter what, we DO have a choice as to how we will deal with whatever life throws at us. It sounds too simple…but it really is THAT simple.

Stay tuned next week for the round up of more "Give Thanks" FREE printables from the rest of my girly blogger friends!!

Have a fantastic weekend you guys!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I personally needed this reminder after a bit of a really trying week.
Because of this little ole art print, I officially took off my "crappy" glasses and have put on my "grateful glasses" instead. *wink*