Jolly Good Show

Are you watching the Royal wedding today?  I'm not tuning it.  I want them to have one less set of public eyes scrutinizing their every move.


I have to wonder what it's like to be Kate.   I think if I had to take that long walk down the isle with the world watching I would faint, wet my pants, or both.


You've got to admire her courage --  putting her life under the microscope to marry the man she loves.  Her world is never going to be the same.


I hope people will be kind to them, and that they live happily ever after.  


Love the dress.  I had to at least take a peek at what Kate wore.  
See that bridesmaid dress in the background - I made a dress just like this in 1977 to wear to a formal, only mine had long sleeves and it was burt orange.   It's hanging in my closet as we speak.   I once told Claire she was welcome to wear it to a dance.  She scrunched up her face and said "You can't be serious!"  Oh I was serious alright.  I thought it would be retro cool.  I bet C Jane would have jumped at the chance if she were still 16.


Thank you for bringing the cowl back into fashion Pippa.  I think once Claire sees this picture, she may just change her mind.  If I can find my formal picture, I'm adding it to this post.

***

P.S.  Was it a 1977 Utah thing that we called dances Formals?  Did we do that to distinguish between Stomps (casual jean attire) and Prom (super nice dress).   Don't know, but Claire thinks the word "Stomp" is about the dumbest thing she's ever heard.  It does sound a little small town Footloose, doesn't it?  Whatever, you teen of 2011, you.  Stomp, Dance, Formal . . .  I miss them.

Behold My Work! House Tour

 At long last, it is done. Pretty much done. 


Behold, my work!

I love the wreath on my front door.  Still need to plant near the flowering plum tree, and add some colors to the urns.  Anyone got a tip for removing a 13 year old grease stain from the driveway?

I'm painting the banister this weekend which will be the end of all traces of oak in my house.  I moved my little black table that usually sits next to this bench into the living room as a temporary solution.  It will come right back as soon as I find something to sit next to the sofa.

Downstairs  powder room.  This paint ended up being a little more blue in tone that I had wanted, but I still like it.  Since a few people have emailed and asked, I'll hunt down my paint samples and post the names of the colors I used throughout the house.   Gray floral curtains are from World Market.  I am wishing I would have purchased a piece of art I saw when I bought these to go in this room as well.  It was perfect.  I went back for it, and of course it's no longer there.  Note to self: Always trust your first instincts.

My big dreams for this room never came into fruition.  It would have cost me thousands of dollars I do not have, and probably never will have.  So, I did what I could afford, and I love it.  Still hunting for the perfect accessories, but made due with things I already own.   I'm planning to take some photos in France this summer to add to this wall.  I think it will look amazing when it's done.  Paint color is Dunn Edwards, Watercress.  Sofas are from West Elm, tables are from Pottery barn.  Coffee table in the center I designed and had made.  Rug is from West Elm.

I'm on the hunt for a fabric to make pillows for each one of these dining room chairs.  I think it will add some color and texture so the room has a little more depth.  I'm also considering adding linen drapery panels to each side of the French Door.  What do you think -- yes, or no?  Dining room table is from Bausman & Company, chairs - can't remember, side table is from Thomasville.

These bar stools are from Pier One.  I purchased them about 10 years ago, and immediately painted them turquoise blue.  I will post the exact color when I locate the old paint can buried in the back of the garage.  I love this little pop of color -- it's all over my house.  I've lived with it for 13 years and love it as much now as I did when I first painted these pieces of furniture.  I'm thinking about adding a linen chair cushion to each of the chairs.  Still debating whether it's worth it.  Will kids immediately destroy them with spaghetti?  Maybe so.  The little turquoise cabinet houses our trash can.  Matt built it.

I found these chairs at Home Goods years ago and recovered the seats.  They need to be recovered again.  Can't decide if I should keep the fabric tan, or go gray.   Designed the table myself and had it made in Mexico.  I'm switching out the top one of these days to galvanized steel.  It doesn't show finger prints.  I designed the hutch and had it made in Mexico.  I painted and distressed it myself.

This room is in desperate need of new sofas.  These have seen their day.  But for now, they will do.  Maybe I can camouflage with cute pillows.  I also need to update the photos on the photo wall and fill the space.  Coffee table is from World Market

I bought this bookcase at Costco and refinished it.  I think the wood originally had a cherry finish, which is too traditional for me.   I wanted something a little more interesting.  It's amazing what you can do with a can of paint.

Another room in desperate need of sofas.  The green one in the foreground is a 1960 hand-me-down from my great aunt.  I slipcovered it with a multitude of different fabrics.  Paint color is Restoration Hardware Silver Sage.  Television unit is from Thomasville.

Claire pretty much destroyed her carpet with years of crafting.  We are replacing with laminate wood floors and a rug.  That's new flooring sitting in the boxes at the foot of the bed.  The wood cabinets were part of a big armoire with side pieces I designed and had made in Mexico.  It used to hold our television.  I finished the piece myself.  I sold the center section to a friend, and put the side pieces in here.

Not much to say about the bathroom.  If we were staying in this house, I would probably add a vinyl graphic to the wall behind the door.

Eden's room has been the same since he was 4 years old.  He's over due for a makeover.  He wants retro modern.  I'm holding off until we move.  We made special crown moulding to hold a train track so that Eden could run a train from his bed at night.  It was lots of fun when he was little.  I made the valance from retro fabric used to make baseball uniforms.  Matt built the shelves, and I finished and distressed them.

This was the first room I painted when we moved into this house.  I still love it.  We painted Claire's room this color a few years ago, and learned that it's not a great color for a bedroom.  Way too powerful and not soothing to live in.  If you dare to go coral, use it in a small space like a laundry room, or a bathroom.

I did not want to spend a ton of money fixing up our master bathroom.   If I were staying in this house,  I would have replaced the cabinets with something that had better storage solutions, and used travertine on the floor.  I ended up going to a discount tile store and purchasing inexpensive porcelain tile and painting out the cabinets.    It looked pretty blah in here until I added towels and a rug.  Not sure I would make the same color choices if I had to do this over again.

this it what it looked like before

What creative things have you been doing this week?  It's your turn to share.

Easter Parade

It's Wednesday, and I'm finally coming down from the jelly bean high of the weekend.   Have you found all those hard boiled eggs you hid?  I hope so, there's nothing worse that discovering one in October that no one found on the egg hunt in May.  There's always someone in the house who thinks it's a good idea to crack the egg open to see how it smells. 

I'm linking up with Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday.  It's been years since I've bought an outfit for Easter, but this year I did.  

I discovered this week is that it's helpful to take pictures of your wardrobe.  You get a sense of what looks good, what needs improvement, and what you should definitely not wear anymore because it's really not very flattering to your figure.  After I shot this photo, I decided I need a girdle . . .  and a tan. :)  

Good thing summer is on it's way.

***

P.S.  Don't forget to come back tomorrow and link up for "Behold!  It is Done."  Share what you've been doing to feed your inner soul.  Photography, craft projects, sewing, decorating, art, music, organizing . . . share!!!!

Needles and Pins

For a while now I've had the desire to start a sewing group here in town, specifically for people who want to learn how to sew or improve their sewing skills.   Ideas were swimming all over the place -- drapes, pillows, duvets, crib bedding, pillow cases, chair cushions, ottomans, slip covers, pajamas . . . you name it.   Over 20 people signed up.   We were all so excited to get going, but alas, we could not find a place to meet.  We looked everywhere, including our church building, but we failed.  Not enough electrical outlets, not enough space for a large group . . . it was disappointing.     There are a lot of sad people around here, let me tell you.  And I'm one of them.  I actually finish projects when I carve time out of my day to meet with friends.


But, hope is on the horizon.  I came up with an idea.  Why not post sewing tutorials online.  That's at least a start, right?  The more I thought about it, the more excited I got.   So I'm doing it, just as soon as I get past The Queen Bee Market (which by the way, you should attend.)


Temecula friends who lost out on our sewing class, I'm launching a new blog specifically for sewing.  I'm working on it as we speak.  And the best thing about it is that everyone including you bloggers out there, can use it for free, at any time that works for you.


So this is an official heads up.  If you've ever wanted to learn how to sew, now is your chance.  If you already have a sewing machine, dust it off, and get it in good working order so you will be ready to go.  I'm going to launch the first few lessons on May 15th.   


Here's what you can expect.


Lesson #1.  Secrets to Successful Sewing.  These are things you need to know before  you begin. (Start here first, even if you have experience sewing.  It will save you hours of frustration.)  If you are thinking about purchasing a machine, definitely watch this before you buy.   It could mean the difference between loving to sew, or hating it so much you sell the machine on E Bay after your first project.


Lesson #2: Your Sewing Machine is Your Friend.  This lesson is overview of a sewing machine and all the cool things a basic machine can do.  Important to know folks.  


Lesson #3:   Pillows.   In this lesson you will learn how to make a pillow and tackle the dreaded button hole.  It will also cover some fun ways to embellish using ruffles, trim and cording.


Future lessons will include:


How to read a pattern, home sewing (duvets, pillow cases, dust ruffles, window treatments, seat cushions, ottoman slipcovers, etc.), and clothing (pajama bottoms, swim suits, easy skirts, etc.)


I'm also going to talk my creative sewing buddies into guest posting. (Eve, Eunice, Ann, Majorie . . . that means you.)


That's just the beginning.  More will be added as time allows.  And, I would love your input.  Is there anything that you would specifically like to learn?  If so, let me know.  The sky's the limit.


Check back here on May 14th, so you can get a link to Needles and Pins (the name of the sewing blog).  

***

P.S.  Don't ever put pins in your mouth, it's dangerous.  That's lesson number one :)

We've Got to Go Where There's Cheeeeese.

It began as a thought as we were driving through the Arizona desert on our way to visit my sister. The car was oddly silent. Just the hum of the car engine, and the sound of Claire's thumbs tapping furiously away at her phone keyboard. The quiet was suddenly broken when Claire removed her ear phones and blurted out:


Justine says there is a grill cheese festival in L.A. in a couple of weeks. How cool is that!


There aren't many occassions where Claire and Justine are super excited about anything but shopping at the mall, or quoting Sponge Bob. I recognized an opportunity, and siezed it.


I turned on the radio, and casually replied We are so going to that.  You know how much I love grilled cheese!  Text Justine back and tell her to put in on her calandar.


Really? You'd really take us?  Claire sounded surprised, which in turn surprised me. She knows darn well I never turn down a chance to do something adventurous, even if it takes all day to get there. Wasn't I the person who took her to see the Zee-donk in Mona, Utah for heaven's sake. (In case you are wondering, it's a cross between a donkey and a zebra.  We saw it.  We did!)


So, Saturday I kept my promise. We picked up Justine, filled the tank with gas, and took off for an adventure in downtown L.A.


I had no idea what to expect at a grilled cheese fest, which is always kind of fun -- the unknown.  Except when you get to the heart of L.A. and remember that it's a driving nightmare.  I should warn all of you that if you ever venture anywhere near 5th street, plan to get lost for a good 30 minutes, so go to the bathroom first! Navigating this area requires the eyes of a hawk, and race car driver skill. The freeways twist and turn in every direction, and you have to use super hero concentration or you will miss your exit and end up in East L.A. or Little Tokyo, which is what happened to us. Twice.  


We finally had to make a pit stop, and pay three dollars just to park for 10 minutes.   But it was worth it when we saw a sign above the toilet in the bathroom that said "Please do not flush any toilet paper down the toilet!"  As if anyone is going to follow that rule. (I think they meant paper towels.)


We finally ended up on a strange corner with people walking up a steep hill. Justine said Smell that? Grill cheese. That's definitely grill cheese in the air. We are here!  Sure enough, just as she finished her sentence, a man dressed like a cheese grater came into view, and I too smelled the greasy goodness wafting through the smog.


We parked in a strange lop-sided parking lot and made our way towards the brightly colored tents. When we walked through the gates, we saw it -- grill cheese heaven.  Roach-coach after roach-coach formed a parked convoy around the parimeter of the festival. In the center was a stage where hopeful contestants tried their best to concocct the ultimate sandwich of the day.  Food Network was on hand to film the festivities.  Apparently, this is serious business.

Claire said Forget the cookoff, we want to eat cheese! So we picked a truck, and got in line with the rest of the masses, and spent the afternoon sampling sandwich after sandwich.

We met the good folks of Tillnook Cheddar -- makers of my favorite sharp cheese. I was tempted to steal their little orange cheese van.

 We got free Izzy sodas, pickles, potato chips, and best of all, I met Betty, a contestant on Season II of Top Chef. I didn't even recognize her until she handed me a grill cheese sandwich and a little cup of soup.


I said You look so familiar.  How do I know you??? Hey..... you are Betty!


And Betty said Yes. Yes, I am.
And she smiled. 


 Then I smiled and said I need your picture.  And Betty put her arm around me and said. Go for it!  I made her assistant stop serving cookies to snap a photo, which he graciously did.


I must say that Betty had some major cleavage going on. I didn't' want to burn the eyes of my pubescent son, so I had to photo shop it out. Sorry Betty. I hope you understand. You really did rock your golden tank top.  (Isn't she lovely.)

Any-whoo . . . after all was said and done, my favorite grilled cheese of the day was a toss up. There was a truck called Feast, that had a grilled cheese with strawberries and bacon, and instead of fries, they had deep fried cheese curds. Weird you say . . . it was all delicious. You need to try it one of these days.  Make it at home.  I double dog dare you.

Betty's grill cheese was amazing too. Simple, but soooo good. She made a regular grill cheese, and added Parmesan and dill to the butter she spread on the outside of the bread. And, she served it with a delicious cup of cream of tomato soup, which is the way I love to eat a grilled cheese, dunked in tomato soup. Yum. I really don't need to say much more than that.

Today, I'm still thinking about the soup, and the dill/Parmesan. I need to make that for my family.  Which brings me to the conclusion that Grub (Betty's restaurant) should take home the trophy.  If you can get someone to think about a simple sandwich a day later, that constitutes a winner in my book.


There came a point in the afternoon, when Justine, Claire and I hit the wall. We couldn't eat another bite.  All that cheese was sitting there like a brick in our stomachs, so we called it a day.  


As we waved farewell to the cheese grater man, we vowed to make this a yearly tradition. Even when Claire and Justine are married with kids of their own.


But next year, I am bringing a huge salad along. All that cheese . . . it's just more than we could stomach. (If you know what I mean. :)  Plus, we are going to enter the cook off.  I make a mean grilled cheese.


P.S.  Cami, if you are reading today, this is for you my Wallace & Gromit, cheese loving friend.


(Link) View more Wallace Quotes and Sound Clips and Peter Sallis Quotes and Sound Clips

She Got Off The Couch, and Other Acts of Heroism

I don't know what phase of life you are in, but there was a time, when my kids were young, that it was hard for me to get off the couch.  I spent a lot of time watching the latest antics of The Wild Thornberries, over and over again.  I felt so exhausted. 


All.  The. Time.


It was hard to muster up the energy each day to make time for myself after 8 hours of work, and little ones.  But, I found that when I did, I was a happier mom.  So I got off the couch, and made time each week to create.  I shared a post about it a while back.


Last week, I started a linky party for photographers.  But the more I thought about it, I decided that I want it to be about more than photography.  I want it to be a link to share the things people out there are doing each week to fill their creative souls -- photography, organizing, sewing, cooking, knitting, decorating, music, reading, painting, print making, scrapbooking, party planning, acting, singing,  dancing . . . whew . . . ANYTHING that fills that desire to express ourselves. (Anything rated "E" for everyone, that is.)   


So, every Thursday, you are invited to link up here, and share with the rest of us.  I hope you will.  It's really motivating to see what people have been up to.  I might be sharing a lot of photography, since that's what I'm trying to improve.  That, and trying to get my house beautified.  (Is that word permissible? :) 


Here's one of the things I did last week.  I finished my powder room makeover.  I need some little knobs for the cabinet doors, and a piece of art, but I'm calling it done!


Behold!   My work . . . 

shower curtain - drapes from World Market
tie backs - pom pom fringe and a push pin
hand towels - world market, linens and things, walmart
hook - ikea
dinged up metal tray - resale shop
glass jar - home goods
soap inside jar - World Market, Anthropologie (but you can make your own by wrapping bars of soap in pretty scrap book papers and tying with cotton string.
paint - martha stewart (I think it was called rain water, or something like that)
wood bowl, and shells (old, shopped my house)
framed mirror - old, I think I got it at Kirkland

I am so sad that I didn't take BEFORE and AFTER photos.   This bathroom used to be really funky -- leaf green walls with a pale glaze over them, and a coral patterned shower curtain.  It sounds horrible, but it was really cool -- Anthropologie looking.  I thought it might be too much though for a prospective home buyer, so I toned it down. :) (Did I mention I'm putting my house up for sale tomorrow.  Wish me luck.  It's exciting!)


Check back next week.  I'm posting pictures of the entire house -- just in case you want to buy it.   


It has been officially declared . . .  let it be so.  Thursday's are all about what you created.  I apologize in advance is what I share is a photo of a pile of folded laundry -- but it counts if it sets your spirit free. :)


Behold, my work! (Friends, Family, Lurkers -- who could be potential friends . . . be courageous and share.) 

Wishing the Weather Would Make Up Its Mind

Linking up with Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.


What's the weather like where you live?  Here in Southern California, it won't make up it's mind.  It was hot and sunny last weekend.  Yesterday it rained.  Today, it wasn't sure what it wanted to do.


This morning when I got dressed it looked promising -- blue sky, chirping birds.  So I put on a t-shirt for a day of warm, working with tools.

Then I went outside, and it was freezing.  Well, not really, cuz it never gets that cold in Temecula.  But it was cold enough for a sweater.   I decided to take a chance, and threw on an apron instead because I had plans to work with a soldering gun, and I didn't want sleeves to get tangled up with a hot iron and molten metal.

This is my FAV-O-RITE apron.  I love it so much I almost hate to wear it.  I keep it on a dress form in my studio and stare at it while I work (wearing my second favorite apron.)  I'll be selling these at Queen Bee in a few weeks.  Are you coming????  I hope so because Lindsey and I will be there along with a bunch of amazing crafters, so save the date -- May 6th and 7th at the Del Mar Hilton in San Diego.


I was in such a hurry this morning, I forgot to put on jewelry before I took the picture.  But this is what I wore.  Love these.  Yellow just makes me happy.

T-shirts are from H&M.
Earrings are Crystal B
Apron - already told you about that.
Yellow Flip Flops - who cares, right. :)


Hope you have a wonderful day.  I know I will.  I love working with tools.  And I love making new pieces of jewelry, especially if I can use cool tools.


I think I've surpassed the legal limit for using the word "tools" in one post.  So I guess I better quit while I'm ahead and show you the picture of the bracelets I will  be making with my soldering gun instead. :)

P.S. Enjoy this video and celebrate the Mom in you.   I thank WIWW for helping me to shed my tufted vest. :)

I Was Blind, But Now I See.

I lose things.
Do you?
Keys, glasses, cell phones, scissors.
It really drives me nuts.
I can never find anything when I need it.
Like today.


I know I have a problem misplacing things, so I buy certain items in bulk.
Scissors, bi-focal readers, chapstick, scriptures.
I put one of these items in every room, so I will have them there when I need them.
I even hid a few in a secret place for emergency situations.
But my system isn't working.
It's partly the fault of the three other scavengers who live with me.
They borrow, and never return.
So annoying.


Most of the time, it's me.
I set things down, and never return.


Today, I needed my bi-focals.
I looked everywhere, including my purse, and the emergency hideout. 
Do you think I could find a pair?
No.
It was frustrating.
I need them to see tiny little pieces of jewlery findings.
I must have looked for over 30 minutes.
I searched high, and low.
Nothing.


But, in my search for bifocals, guess what I found . . .
Scissors, which was the item I couldn't find last week. 
Suddenly I saw scissors EVERY WHERE.
I found 10 pairs.


They looked so colorful in my hand, I decided to take a picture.
 Guess what I saw when I looked through my camera lens . . .

Right there in front of my face the entire time.


I thought that was pretty funny.
I even laughed out loud.
But, there is no one home who I can share this funny story with.


So I'm sharing it with you instead.

***

P.S.   Enjoy a 10% discount in my Etsy shop this week.  At the time of checkout, enter the code:  blogfan

I'm Giving Up a Lunch a Week, Will You?

Meet little Sergey.  He lives on borrowed time, in a orphanage in Eastern Europe.   Because he has an extra chromosome, he will be sent to an adult mental institution where he will live out the remainder of his life, if  he is not adopted before the age of 4 or 5. Statistically 95% of the children in these institutions die the very first year mainly due to starvation, trauma from the other adult patients, and loss of hope.


Sergey may be one of the fortunate ones who won't have to become a sad statistic.   He has a darling family in the United States who wants to adopt him.  But they need help raising money.  Do you know it costs over $33,000 to adopt a child from Eastern Europe?  That's a lot.


I read about this little boy on my friend Meg's blog.  And I haven't been able to stop thinking about him, which means I need to do something to help change his destiny.


So, every week, I'm giving up the money I spend on a lunch date, and I'm sending it to Jennifer until she has enough money to bring him home.  And I'm going to help spread the word.


Can you?  
Will you?  
Give up something too?


You can read more about this worthy cause here.  (There is a donation button on the side bar.)


My contribution is not much, but if we work together, think of what we can do.  We can give Sergey a home . . . a life . . .love.


Dream Big.

My Best Shot

One of the things I've wanted to be really good at since was was 12 years old, is photography.  I even have proof.  It's written in my journal of 1971.    I'm celebrating my 52nd birthday this week, and have have to tell you, I haven't done much since then to accomplish this dream of being good with a camera.


A while back Wendy and Tyler invited me to the Blue Lily Go Pro  photography workshop.  It was the nudge I needed.   The workshop was amazing.  In the two days I sat at the feet of the Pros, I learned so much. I was super motivated when I left the beach house vowing that this would be "the year."  The year I would become a Photographer.  I'm ashamed to admit that since the workshop, I haven't done a thing to act on that personal promise to myself -- I just haven't made time.   If I don't make the time, I'm never going to get any better, right?  


Today as I was driving the car pool I absentmindly ran through a list errands in my head, and right in the middle of it, an unrelated thought came to me, which was this:


"You should do a regular post about your favorite photograph taken during the week."


I need to listen to that prompting, right now.  I do.  It came to me for a reason.  I don't know what that reason is, but I do know that there are probably a lot of people out there just like me who want to get better.  Are you one of them??  Let's help each each other!  Let's have a weekly link up!


A weekly post will make me personally accountable and it will help me improve my not so great skills.  It might help you too.  I'm already imagining my own progression from right now to a year from now.   It's kind of exciting!


Think of what we can accomplish if we put our minds together!   Those of you who are great at this, can teach those of us who aren't.  We need you experts!!!  Share your knowledge.  Inspire us with your talent.  I might even award prizes once in while for the shot of the month.  We can all vote!


So to all of you lurkers out there, I'm throwing down the glove -- join the party and link up right now.  If you have a picture to share today, great, if not, just tell us how you feel about photography, how long you've been shooting, what you like capturing with a camera.   Share!!!!  You don't have to have a super groovy camera to post -- you can still improve your creative eye -- composition, textures, color, subject, story telling, etc with any type of a camera, including the one in your cell phone.


I'm posting My Best Shot every Thursday.  You can link up today or wait until next week.   Get your camera out this weekend and start shooting!   


I'm pretty sure I don't need to say this, but just in case . . .

All photographs submitted must be rated "E" for everyone.  

Here are two of my favorite shots this week that were taken at a Ranch where Eden rides horses. (Keep in mind that I am a beginner.)

I took this photograph around 5:00 p.m.  I like how the light filtered into the barn.  I love the colors and the textures too, but the image is not very sharp.  I dropped my lens, so the auto focus no longer works.

.

   These llamas just make me laugh.  This shot is a little sharper.  I love the contrast of the blue harness against the gray hair.  And I love the composition -- they look like they are posing for a portrait.

I bumped the color up, and sharpened both of these photos in Photo Shop which made a big difference, even on the blurry horse.


If you know what you are doing, let me know how I can improve these photos, will you?


Now it's your turn! Post your best shot.

The Easter Canker

What's your favorite Easter Candy?  These are mine . . . .

Brach's Malt Ball Robin's Eggs -- can't find them anywhere in Temecula.  Believe me, I've searched high and low.


Last week I mistakenly purchased an imposter from Walmart.  It was a big disappointment when I bit into one.  Nasty fake white chocolate on the outside that tasted like wax.  Semi-fake malted milk in the inside, that did not dissolve as a malt ball should.   Not one person in my family would eat them, even Elphie.  No wonder they were only ninety-nine cents a bag.


I finally had to settle for Whoppers, but they just aren't the same.  The colors aren't as brilliant, which is disappointing if you want to do this . . .

The pink, yellow, and white eggs, don't work.  What's the fun in that!  You can't get a decent photo with just one color.   No pink cheeks, or yellow eyeshadow.  So sad.  Actually, if I'm being truthful, the Whopper pink looked great on Claire.  I told her she should keep a few in her purse for emergency lip stick touch-ups.


Robin's Eggs provided hours of entertainment when I was a little girl.   What kid doesn't like putting on lipstick?  On Easter evening, I ended up with blue stained ultra chapped lips, which is what happens if you spend too much time admiring malt ball handiwork the mirror.  Candy coating isn't meant to condition lips.


The worst part . . . the horrible cankers you get inside your mouth if you eat more than 5.    Who stops at 5?  I don't.  These babies are addictive.  In fact, I had to cut myself off last night, and throw the bag in the outside trash can.  You don't know how tempted I was this morning to go dig it out.   Sad, I know.


Hence, the reason I limit my malt ball intake to once a year -- Easter.  You know what that means . . .  a visit from the Easter Canker, the evil companion of the sweet little Easter Bunny.


What is it about a malt ball that eats away at your flesh?  It's pretty miserable, huh!  Especially when you are chewing and accidentally bite the canker, which it makes it last twice as long as it should -- sometimes even longer, if you keep biting that same spot, which is what always happens to me.  That Easter Canker hangs around until Memorial Day!


Curse you malted milk goodness.  I love you, and I hate you all at once.

***

P.S.  If you want to get some great photo's of your kids -- you need to hunt down Brach's Robin's Eggs.  If you hit paydirt, let me know where to find them, will you?


P.S.S.   It's my birthday tomorrow!  In celebration of #52, I am launching a linky party for anyone who loves messing around with a camera.   Check it out and make sure you link up!!!  There might be prizes involved!