VEGAS RECAP + WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON

I know all you alls are going to be absolutely inundated with Vegas posts over the next few days, but I just can't help myself - I have to do one.  This past week was inspirational and downright life changing.  My head is still spinning from meeting the TPT crew and presenting to the various special events and hanging with dear friends. On that note, I just have to take a moment to share my experience and . . . let's face it . . . attempt to relive it for at least a quick cyber moment.  

I put together a little picture walk for you down below (alright, it's probably more for me . . . but, here is is just the same).  At the VERY end you will find a look-see at what to expect from The Factory in the near future.  

Vegas kicked off with a Blog Hoppin' lunch!
Swoon . . . I heart ya, ladies.

Steph (my rad roomie) and I with an old online pal!
Stacy (so nice to finally meet you my friend).
Simpson's Superstars

Getting ready for the Blogger Meet-Up.

The free swag was unbelievable . . . so was helping my favorite crew!

I met some fast friends at the meet up for sure.
Oregon people are the best . . . I LOVE MY DUCKS :)
Mrs. P's Special Ed Classroom + Journey of a Substitute Teacher

Finally got to meet my TPT Conference presentation partner in the flesh.
The one and only Ryan Van Meter from TPT :)
We have been planning and prepping online for months.
He's such a smart guy and we have become very dear friends.

Got to hang with Holly from GoNoOdle.
This lady is beautiful inside and out.
She is just as amazing as the Brain Breaks she promotes!

What would a trip be without a creepy selfie.
Didn't think I'd post it . . . did you??
You're welcome you guys!
I heart Molly {Lucky to Be in First} +
Christy and Tammy {Fluttering Through First}

The TPT Conference Keynote had me in tears.  It was so motivating.
Here is a view from the cheap seats!

Moments before our big data/search/goals presentation.  

He is hiding his nerves pretty darn well . . . 

I, on the other hand, look like I just ate some bad fish. 

An after shot . . . I am all smiles and feeling relaxed.
Might be that I am hanging on to one of my favorites.
I heart Sarah from Sarah's First Grade Snippets.  

My favorite part of the trip . . . TPT's Post-Conference Happy Hour and this crew.
These SoCal girls are my people.
So glad to be an honorary member of the group :)
Wish I could have hung more that night.
However, my cute shoes ate a hole in my foot and my old butt went to bed.

Alright, that's it from my trip.  Thanks for humoring me, folks.  I am still in awe over the adventures that were had this past week.  TPT nailed their first conference - a HUGE thank you to TPT's Amy and Karen for putting their heart and souls into this thing.  I will definitely be making the trip out to Sin City again next year . . . let the countdown begin . . . #TpTvegas15!!!

Oh . . . if you weren't able to attend the TPT Conference this year, our handouts are still available for FREE in all of our stores.  Ryan and I put together a great little collection that provides oodles of insider tips on data, search, and goals.  Pop on over and grab it.  

Here's what's on the horizon from Teacher Idea Factory.  Although my store has been fairly quiet as of late, I have been working this summer!  Two are finished and the other two are more than half way there.  Look for these to pop up soon!  

We are running with a Rock Star Student theme this year . . . hence the top two!
I am almost finished updating my Pen Pals/Friendly Letter Writing Packet
And, I am coming out with CCSS 3rd Grade Morning Work.
There will be freebies linked to these too!!!

Also, this year's Pen Pal Pair Up will go live at the end of this week (cough . . . cough . . . Saturday).  Be sure you get in quickly as space is limited to the first 500-600 sign ups. I know that this figure seems large, but it only takes about 6-8 hours to fill.  Watch for more details on the exact time the sign ups will begin later this week.

Okay . . . I am out of here. Thanks again for taking the time to pop in today.  I'll see you very soon with something from above!