AZ

So I got to get away for a nice 4-day excursion to see my girlfriend in Phoenix! What a lovely break from routine and from the horrrrrible weather we were having in Michigan. My hubby was so great, and my parents were around one of the days to assist, so that was nice of them. But to him, "piece of cake". He's a good one!!!!

Highlights of the trip (please note most of these things center around food):

• Ross: a pair of sassy Etienne Aigner shoes for $20?? Shut the front door!
  
• Sweet Tomatoes: I am sure people who have these restaurants take them for granted. Do you KNOW how hard it is to find a good salad bar in the Detroit area???? I could have stayed here all day.
  
• Ginger Lychee Mojitos and eel & avocado rolls at Sushi Roku = yumz.
• The Desert Botanical Gardens:

• The Crazies: Loves me some zombie-types AND Timothy Olyphant (who is now, consequentially, officially on my top 5 laminated card). A winning combination.

• Smeeks: been wanting to visit here ever since Nie Nie's post and even MORE after seeing her more recent post (featuring Heather's sweet birthday banner)!
• 
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• QCumberz: got an awesome little strawberry creamer and these sweet arse AZ postcards:

• The Parlor Pizzeria: was an old beauty salon turned super cool pizza parlor! Even have the original chairs up at the bar. Our fave was the funghi (truffle oil & mushrooms) with added bacon!

• And finally, the best part, my FF:

Spring Has (Officially) Sprung!

Happy 1st day of spring, everyone! I have been doing a bit of redecorating and spring cleaning in my craft room. My fabric was getting OOC!!! I am scared at how much I squirrel away when I finally DO learn to sew. Yeesh.

We're going to see Ryan's family tomorrow which will be nice. Q will be busting out her new and springy cropped coral polka dotted cardi, so I thought it only fitting she have a new barrette to go with (I love the round vintage button from Barbara and my friend Noreen gave me the hearts):

I've been rather schizo feeling lately. One minute I'm happy go lucky and crafting and making banana bread (in the oven as we speak), the other I'm feeling agitated and depressed. I've really been at a crossroads lately with some of my friends. Some I've pretty much cut ties with due to melodrama and just general weirdness (I'm too old for that shit). Others are still there, but I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around them, and I hate it. Hard to explain. I can guarantee, however, that if you are one of my IRL friends reading this, I'm NOT talking about you, so don't worry. I digress (sorry)...

You also may not have noticed that I have been remiss in posting any OSB updates. Yeahhhhh, I was kinda on sabbatical from weight loss measures, but I am back on track again. In fact, I just received my 10 lb ribbon from Weight Watchers today. This week alone, I lost 3 lbs, so yay me. :) I try to deny it, but the only thing that works for me is something that supplies the food (ie Nutrisystem). I really love the Wii Fit too. It's a little disconcerting to think that I probably will not reach my goal until the fall. I'm shooting for reaching my goal by November 20 which is my bro's bday (whoot) AND the opening of New Moon (heh).

I have a lottttt of weight to lose, but all I can do is keep trying and be happy thinking of the flowers coming up in my yard. Very soon these will be all along my side fence!

Happy weekending all!!! xo

Late DUCF Wrap Up

Has it really already been almost three weeks since DUCF? And about three weeks since my last substantive post??? Dang-o. I’m sorry, really.

This year’s Detroit Urban Craft Fair was GREAT. Like really really great and so fun. I have my crafty buddies that I only see at these events: Amanda (Dang Argyle), Amie (Enamor), Jason (Kill Taupe), and Sherri (Sparklepants Industries) just to name a few. I do get to see Amy (Make Out Goods) on a regular basis though, so that’s nice.

I only made two purchases. I bought this nifty print from Misanthrope Specialty Co. that will someday eventually make its way onto my craft room wall.

The second was a totally cute wall plaque from Sherri. I think it’s going up in our dining room.

How was everyone’s Turkey Day? Here was ours, in a nutshell:

+Grand Traverse Pie Co. crumb top apple pie

+Lots of Chateau Grand Traverse semi-dry Riesling

+Us “outlaws” (me and my bros-in-law) playing euchre, drinking heavily, and getting rowdy

-Someone in Ryan’s family telling Q that Santa isn’t a real person (luckily it went right over her head) because they thought it would be funny. I am still pissed. But, of course, I’m not allowed to make a big deal about it.

-The baby getting up at 5am every morning.

+The mother in law getting up with the baby at 5am (hey, she insisted! Can you tell I feel guilty? I totally do.)

+A trip to Hobby Lobby on Black Friday

-Realizing they stopped carrying the uber cool Moda and Daisy D’s scrapbook paper I always stock up on from Hobby Lobby (phooey)

That’s about it. More verrrrrrrry soon.

Winner for Contest #2!

....Isssssss my newest Facebook comrade, Amy of Early Bird Special!


She said,

"OMG! How cute is that loot?? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. <3"


The crossing of the fingers seemed to work. Well, that and showing me linky love for 2 extra chances. ;)


Thanks, all, for playing! In the next few days here, I will be listing lots of new vintage goodies. I hit a great antique store in Kalamazoo while I was there for my conference, and, of course, have buyer's remorse. I got some uber cute stuff. Here's a taste-- a graphic my friend, Katie, found for me in the store...not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but I want to make something.



Also, I am OBSESSED...like totally OBSESSED with the Twilight books. I read Twilight in like 24 hours, and I'm 2/3 of the way through New Moon. I am so hating Jacob. WTF? And, like, how could she not see through Edward when he left??? So between my True Blood hang-up (PAM!), and my Twilight book fixation (thanks to Cristin and Kate and my bro too), I am officially a vampire addict. Ack. Can't wait for the movie to come out.


OSB Update: I weighed in after my conference, and I'm down another 1.2. Go me! It's only 6.4 lbs, but it's coming off slowly but surely. I did lots of walking. Which must of negated all the drinking (oy)-- at night...not during the day. I have a new favorite flavored martini, by the by. I'm thinking they are like 5 pts each. Gads.


Hawaiian Wedding Cake Martini-- I think it's just Stoli vanilla, Malibu Pineapple (I don't think it was juice because it wasn't super sweet, believe it or not), and cherry grenadine shaken with ice. If anyone has heard of this, let me know!

Sick of Pee

Ugh. The smell is permanently in my nose. Between my kid, and my two RETARDED cats, I can't get away from it. I shouldn't say that-- Q is doing great...just a few dribbles here and there. My cats on the other hand. They've decided they like to piss on the part of the plastic cat pan liner that sticks out. So disgusting. This is one of THE ONLY times I wish I were pregnant again. So I don't have to clean the fargin' litter boxes. Bleh!

How was your weekend? Ours flew by, and I was too lazy to take any pics. Saturday was chock full of fun. My loverly friend, Katie, and her 3 super cute kids came all the way from Kalamazoo, and we ordered in pizza and went to the zoo. She's a great mom-- I need lessons from her. And the girl is sickeningly gorgeous. And what makes her more so is that she doesn't know it.

[Hi Kate! I need pics if you have any!] Don't you love it when your real-life friends read your blog??? It cracks me up for some reason (Danielle...and Shelly...and Amy...Ginny...).

Anywho, after the zoo, my couz came over to make Pancake Puffs for Quinn. Have you seen this pan? They were good, but I was challenged in the flipping department.

Then we were off to a swim party hosted by yours truly! I work for a local municipality, and I won a family swim party at the city pool at an employee appreciation lunch last year. The weather and turnout was great (38 people in all!), and my kids were SOOOOOOOO exhausted at day's end. This post is short on pics, so here's a Polaroid emulsion I did from a slide from 1960 that was labeled, "Rosamund". Very pool party-esque.

One more week of freedom before back to work! Where did the summer go???

When It Rains, It Pours

In a good way, this time! Look at MORE gifties that sweet Naomi sent! I knew I was getting some Cram Cream goodies from Naomi's bloggy contest, but there were MORE treats inside! A hedgehog/mushroom onesie for V (from one of my faves, Maya Elise Boutique), some Glitter Workshop barrettes/bobbies for Quinn, gnomey hedgie postcards for ME and some yum orange choco soap too! Also, the Cram Cream key cover and cup. Quinn absconded with the cup and soap, so it's missing from the photo, but you can see the cup here! Topped off by a darling vintage baby card. I love it. Thank you sooooo much for everything, Naomi! What a sweetheart.

Ryan took this grainy photo of me and Vivi yesterday, and I liked it. Not very flattering, but captured my mood entirely-- exhausted but happy. Dig my sausage fingers. I'm retaining water STILL! Still can't wear my wedding ring.

One last thing-- I finally sold a set of Wee Berry Push Pins. I've had these guys for like a year with none sold at shows or in my shop. The Etsy pic is fuzzy, and I'm too lazy to retake. Anywho, packed them up and mailed them with a few vintage paper coasters. From my mother's kitchen drawer no less! They've totally been in there since the late 70s, early 80s, so I finally asked for them. I so love them!

Waiting for Q to wake up from her nap. We went to the swim club this morning, and it was CLOSED. Poor kid. Apparently, they don't open till 3 before school is let out. So we're going to try again at 3 sans Vivi. It's just too hot out there! Can you believe 88 degrees so far? I'm such a wuss.

Here's hoping for a cooler weekend! Have a happy one!

Gifties!

Hadddddd to show you what the sweetheart Kat made for Baby V!!!!!!!!!! Can't you just DIE? It's the perfect size and you love the Girl Land signature colors, no?

It's so amazing how lovely and wonderful and generous my friends in this blogosphere of ours are. Here's a little peek at the Q donning the beautiful outfit lovingly created by Jessie that I previously mentioned.

The paper is Snow and Graham (my ab fave) and covered a super cute bird-themed gift from my bro, SIL, and niece. Of course, I neglected to take pics of the outfits which were sooooo adorable. Mental note to take pic and share. You will die when you see one of the outfits from Petit Bateau.

Thank you, everyone!!!

Random (Non-Crafty) Tids & Bits

-When Ryan called me this morning to say he’d been in a car accident, I was going to kill him because I thought it was April Fools. It wasn’t! Luckily, he’s ok (back’s a little sore), but his poor car is not. Sounds like it was equal fault, so I’m a tad worried about our insurance going up, but at least it wasn’t more serious. I’m thanking my lucky stars, believe me.

+My dear friend, Amy, is being induced as we speak! Poor girl is a week past her due date. The suspense is killing me. She doesn’t know girl or boy. Either way, I’m going to make her one of these.

-My neighbor’s (BIG) shed is about to blow over into our yard. I want to call Code Enforcement, but he’ll know it’s me. When he moved in, I told him I used to call Code Enforcement on the previous owner all the time (he was an old, mean drunk, and let his grass grow to be 2 feet tall). And I don’t think I should have to ASK him to fix the problem. Fer cryin’ out loud!

+New Kids on the Block are going to be on the Today Show Friday at 7:00 am. Set your Tivos! My mom is convinced it’s going to be embarrassing. We shall see.

+We don’t owe a ton on our taxes (sigh of relief). I was worried because this year Ryan is a shareholder in his company, and we’d paid estimated taxes throughout the year.
Wasn’t sure I’d estimated enough. This is the first year I haven’t done Turbo Tax, and we actually hired an accountant. I love the man. Next, paying off all our credit card debt! Whoo hoo!

+Another man I love? The NPH. Nuff said.

-We saw I Am Legend this past weekend. Was so disappointed! The 1954 book was about vampires, so I thought I’d get my Dracula on. The new interpretation was a really BAD rip off of 28 Days Later (which is quite possibly my favorite movie of all time, so don’t even try to mess with it). Plus, the CGI zombies and animals were soooooo fake- looking. Gads.

+Maroon 5 & Counting Crows are coming to town in August! Battle of the Adams!

?Justin and Madonna have a new song out together called 4 Minutes. Not sure how I feel about it quite yet…

?Trying to decide when I want to be done with work. My c-section is scheduled for Thurs, May 1. Should I work up until the end? Or should I take a few days to relax and hang out with Q??? Help me out, kids!!!

Ok, sorry for the wordy (=boring) post. That’s just me in a nutshell for now. Hope you’re all having a great week! xo

Tees for Two

So I told Jessie that I loved the outfits she made back in September and that I'd love to buy one for Q this spring. She told me she would make one for Q as a gift (how generous is she?), but she went above and beyond generous, that's for sure! We were out of town this weekend, but guess what greeted me when we got home today????

That would be a spring outfit for Q, a bib and onesie for Vivan, AND some totally cute and kawaii Japanese mushroom candy. That shirt for Q KILLS ME. You can see more pictures here. So cute and so extremely thoughtful. I was so giddy! I tried to get Q to model, but she was being a super turd after the car ride home. Another day, I suppose. Thank you so much, Jessie!!!

Despite his recent conversion to pescetarianism, Ryan is making an exception and continuing the tradition of corned beef and cabbage. Our house smells very beefy right now (ugh), but the finished product is worth it. He makes a great honey mustard glaze for the brisket too. Mmmmmm...red meat. You can see the reflection of the slab in the left pot below. Heh.

Quick Pics on MLK Day

Q and I had the day off today. We went to my friend's house and hung out with her teenage daughters and ate pizza for lunch. Yesterday, my parents came to visit. Q was so excited to see her "Gramma Grampa" and to show off her big girl room. We have now graduated into reading books in her big girl bed before going to sleep. That's something, I suppose.

Anywho, here are some fun things my mom brought. Some nice springy tulips with aster:

A really neat old book she picked up for me. Tons of different silhouettes inside:

And some pieces of silver that belonged to my grandmother from the early 1800's.

Oh, and my friend, Dave, just got back from Japan. He even spent New Year's Eve in Tokyo. He brought me back some yummy Pocky, some Miffy stickers and figure (which Q has already confiscated) and my favorite thing, this baby dressed up as an egg. It's a cell phone charm, but I want to figure out somewhere else to put it. It's so delightfully odd! He knows me so well. Wish I could read Japanese-- Joel, can you tell what this says???

Running out of Red Sugar & Steam

So I'm making my Christmas Strawberries to take to my parent's tomorrow, and I'm running out of red decorator sugar. Plus, my "dough" is getting mushy, so I needed to put it back in the fridge for a bit, so I'm taking a break.

Jessie sent me the sweetest festive care package today! I had sent her just a few tiny things for coming in second in my Scared of Santa contest (well, plus I had something I wanted to send her for awhile now), and I got a return gifty. SO SWEET. Ok, first look how cute still wrapped. I'm sure she knew this vintage paper would be right up my alley!

Now, something dressy for something sweet:

And last, but certainly not least, indulging my obsession of Japanese fabrics! Filled with Puffs PLUS no less. My nose and I love it equally!

One final pic. I wanted to make an arrangement to take to my mom. It turned out less than spectacular. I wanted more height, but realized I didn't have enough flowers for more height. This is the third planter I attempted because the others were too large. Plus, I had to throw out some of the holly because it was browning. Sigh. But I think this is still acceptable. I like arranging flowers-- my grandma was a florist actually. It's so darn hard to do though! Usually my arrangements look pretty good from one angle (which is a no no), but oh well.

Off too fill stockings! We'll "open" stockings on Wed morning when we come home from visting both sets of parents.

First Attempt

A friend and work colleague is due with her second boy on Q's bday (Nov 12!). Two of my other friends and I are taking her out to lunch this Friday. They asked me to go in on a gift for her, but I said I was going to maybe make something instead. I'm actually going to give her a hooded towel that my friend, Karen, makes (I use them for Quinn every day!), and then I read Sarah's blog yesterday and though what the hey. Here's the outcome:




Not GREAT, but acceptable for a first venture. I need to snip off some threads I noticed after I took this pic. I'm also going to give her a Wise Owl bib and I'll try to package it up nicely. It was nice to be crafty again yesterday. I have today off work (gotta love that Columbus), so I need to get crackin' on Catherine's order!


No flea market yesterday. I was feeling morning sicky, and I figured that coupled with 88 degree heat and humidity with no shade in sight and an hour's drive made a bad combo. Phooey.

Garbage Sale

This is a term that my friend, Sue, affectionately uses—she LOVES garage and estate sales both. Funny what people are drawn to at such sales. Her obsession is table linens. I gravitate towards salt & pepper shakers, planters, aprons, embroidery, anything with animals or kids on them, children’s books, framed prints, etc. Speaking of, I just adore this “cow” picture recently scored by Nicole. Her picture looks like it’s from a catalog.

Anywho, Sue is only one of two of my real-life junking friends (the other being Dave), both co-workers. Sue and have now twice gone to sales at lunch. Today was quite the adventure! She hit this particular sale yesterday on her day off and loved it so much that she wanted to go back. So we drove about 20 minutes to the town, and um, drove around trying to find it for about another ½ hour. She was giving up and feeling sheepish (t’was no biggie for me—my lunch date had canceled) when her friend called and gave us some better directions. She still wasn’t sure, so we tracked down a postal worker she had talked to yesterday near the sale, and Miss P.O.’s mind was a steel trap—of course she remembered…114 West!

Anywho, lovely little sale. Much more estate than garage. TONS of aprons, vintage baby clothing, children’s books, Christmas kitsch, linens, furniture, etc. Most of the cloth items were torn or stained (I don’t do badly stained or ripped unless it’s basically free), and we didn’t have much time to dig, but I did get a few darling aprons (don't you love the windmill one?), a huge BAG of wooden figurine ornaments and a few more kitschy one, and one kid’s book with beautiful silhouettes on the front and back covers. I had in my hand the CUTEST mouse toothpick holder that could have been turned into a tiny pincushion, and I must have set it down because I don’t have it. Boo hoo! I had a sense of panic when I thought I may have put it in the ornament bag or under the aprons and walked off with it, but I didn’t. Although the Sarah Devil sitting on my left shoulder wishes that I had inadvertently stolen it. Mwaaaahaahaaahaaa.

Oh, here are some other small finds from Sue’s and my last estate sale together—some perfectly Girl Land fabric, for one! If this were wallpaper, I would use it to do up another room in Girl Land’s imaginary wee cottage in the woods. Also found were a retro 80s mirrored compact, some rabbit miniatures for dioramas, and some SUPER CUTE Swedish kids cocktail napkins. Oh, and I also got this milk glass pedestal bowl at a thrift store about a month ago. I'm thinking I will put some of this stuff in my shop. And here are some more pics on my Flickr page.

Another big flea on Sunday! Happy weekend all! xo

Lazy Gertie

I'm feeling so lazy! We went to my parent's house over the weekend-- Ryan and I were supposed to go to my 14 year high school reunion (don't ask) which was just tailgating before the homecoming football game, but I chickened out THEN Ryan couldn't go anyway and ended up dropping me and Q off at my parent's house and heading to Beaners to utilize their wi-fi and do some emergency brief-correcting for work. I am sure I would have known everyone there (I only graduated with 130 some kids), but none of my friend friends were going, and maybe if I were feeling hotter and thinner and not so "mom-like" (how shallow), I would have gone. Off topic, Beaners is changing their name to The Big B due to the um, racial connotation. Just a lil' tidbit for you.


Ok, so to the lazy part. I got like 9 to 10 hours of sleep each night I was there. Last night I went to bed at 9:30. This thing in my gut is sapping my energy. I haven't had energy to blog or to craft-- nothin! I have, however, watch a lot of movies and tv shows like The Descent (scary!), Prison Break (suspenseful!), How I Met Your Mother (funny!), and Big Bang Theory (stupid!). Never too lazy to sit in front of the boob tube.


More weekend stuff-- Saturday, we met friends at a pub for 2 buck draft beers and of course I did not partake. The kids ran amok (speaking of this, see below). Saturday night, my mom and I whipped Ry and my Dad's arses in Sequence. That sentence sounded less dorky in my head. Sunday, we went out to a farm and had cider and donuts.



More sleep is in the future (mmmmmmmm). I can't believe it's already here! Our Q-free vacation in the Twin Cities for my friend, Lisa's, wedding. Thanks so much to my new friends in the St. Paul Craft Mafia for telling me what's what. Especially Oona from Run Amok. I love her name, I love her Etsy shop name, and I love her stuff. And she seems so sweet! I'm so excited to shop Crafty Planet, I could almost pee my pants. Ryan has a tight lunch and dinner schedule with reservations in place. We're staying at a pretty hip hotel, so that's nifty too.


So I'm sure there won't be much action this week, but I promise to get on the blog writin'/craft makin' stick as soon as I get back. But for now, Lazy Gertie is going to go watch Tivo'ed Prison Break.

Negative Nancy/Positive Polly

I'm going to warn you all that this post is going to be a lot of me whining, so if you can't take it, scroll down to #1 at the bottom. I need to vent though, so here goes:
1. Had a lovely dinner with Danielle (my Craven!) at new restaurant Town Tavern. Not so lovely were the two HUNKS of meat on my salad with 5 walnuts and teaspoon of bleu cheese for $15. And what restaurant, in this day and age, doesn't have a website? But you are smoke free, so maybe I can let SOME of your shortcomings slide. I said SOME.

2. I may be burning some craft bridges, but I don't really give a tiny rat's A. After inquiring if a certain local store that I like(d) would be interested in some of my products, I was told their clientele didn't really "'get' the indie look". Huh? I know some of my things are not *super* mainstream, but isn't that kinda the point? Plus, I feel like that was insulting to her clientele! Jessie, let's go knit some dildo cozies. Maybe I'll send Local Store Lady one.

3. More burning bridges. I understand people are busy, but can I PLEASE get paid for a certain large order that I filled??? I need something out of the whole horrible experience. I'm sure it's like a drop in the bucket of what you make. I might even be placated for a bit if I got to see my product displayed online, but that hasn't happened either, and all questions asked regarding status of said online and/or catalog display are never responded to. No more wholesale orders for me, I learned my lesson.

4. I don't want Seth Rogen to be famous. He's MY Seth Rogen. He's my Ronnie. Now he's going to be known as The Green Hornet writer? Blaspheme! Even though, I'm sure it will be good (dammit).

5. Stop ruining movies, people!!!! I just read Zac Efron is going to be in the 2008 version of Footloose. Stop the madness, just STOP! This may be unpopular (don't call me an idiot unless you're over the age of say 23), but High School Musical is a steaming pile of horse pucky. But then you had to go and ruin Hairspray. And now Footloose???!!! There is one Ren McCormack, and you, sir, are not him.

6. I'm not even going to start with the flippin homophobic homosexual, ahem, Congressmen of a cetain party affiliation. And what kind of PR people do these men have? Yes! Let's tell everyone you were scared that these large African American men were going to violate you, so you just offered them some money and a blow-jay instead. That's a wonderful excuse. And the one at the MSP airport? Yes, he has a "wide stance" and he put his hand under the stall to ask if the gentleman next to him could spare a square? You people are pathetic! Effing hypocrites, the lot o' ya!

7. There's no ice cream in the house.

I know, I know-- if the aforementioned are the biggest problems in my life, I'm a lucky woman. And I do know that. So I must close on some happy/love notes:

1. I love Naomi. She is a doll. And she's so together! I want to be like her when I grow up (although I'm almost certain she's younger than me).

2. My smart-as-a-whip niece, Miss Sophia, started first grade yesterday. Even though I don't see her every day, I think of her often. I can only hope Q turns out to be such a nice little girl.

3. I love all my real-life friends and that we make time to stay in touch and that you always think of fun things for us to do even though we're all busy. I'm talking to you, Amy F., Danielle, Lindsay, Amy C., Ginny, and Jana.

4. I love all my blog/craft friends and all the little words of encouragement and inspiration you give me daily. I'm in awe of your talent!

5. Wes Anderson, you old so-and-so, it looks like you've done it again. Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, AND Jason Schwartzman? Shut the front door.

6. Lindsay and Ruth have been cast in The Lovely Bones. I love that Peter Jackson uses unknowns. God bless him.

7. I have gotten over the weirdness of estate sales, and I am in fact hitting a doozy tomorrow.

On that (bi-polar/moodswinging) note, put a fork in me.

I Could Get Used to This

Nothing much new to report. Well, besides that I packaged up my 100th heart gift to Jamie in my half done craft room, and I loved it! For the most part, I could get to everything I needed. Only had to dig for scissors, but they are not in their intended spot yet. Ahhhhhhhhhh.


I'm crabby and tired today. But I am excited because Lindsay and I are going to Ferndale tomorrow night for sushi and maybe Naka. I've been meaning to go there forever! Also excited for Miss Amelia's very important birthday party on Saturday. I have Q's dress all picked out-- it's her first birthday party ever (well, except for her own) Another fun friend thing-- Amy invited Ryan, Q and I to join her family for Dally in the Alley. I have such nice friends!

Oh! One more thing. I will tell you all now (and most of my friends already know) that Fall is my absolute favorite season and Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I'm a freak. Last year, Quinn had a festive outfit to wear to the pumpkin patch, a festive outfit for daycare, and of course, her Halloween costume (we went to 2 houses). She was a pudgy (and runny-nosed) spider. This year, she will be (doop doo doo DOOOOOO....) a STRAWBERRY (yes, I superimposed her face-- the model baby was a lil' homely).

...And The Livin' Is Easy

I was supposed to be working this weekend, but I was playing instead! We went up north to a cottage on one "Budd Lake" and had a very nice time. Still trying to figure out how Q got a tan with 50 SPF on, and her pasty mother got nada with only 15 on. The kid has her father's skin tone for sure.

Whooping It Up

Last night was Brandy's Bachelorette Party! She received a great stash of PJ's (mostly comfy but still sassy-- how practical) which was much better than the bagloads of male anatomy paraphernalia I received at mine. There are only so many places where a penis straw is appropriate (kidding!).

So here are all my lovely work friends and me too! I'm so fortunate to have such great girls to work with. Left to right is Karen, Leigh, me (tee hee), Bachelorette Brandy, Merrie, and Jen sitting down. We missed you Noreen and Shelly Belly!!!

A New Friend

Thank you, Amy and Ramona, for such a fun evening!!! Pretty soon, we'll have to get the girls crafting too just like their mamas.