I suffer from C.R.S.

Harmony's dad diagnosed this syndrome for us. I used to remember every little detail; I was the master of minutia. Now, it seems that I only can recall useless trivia.

I would tell you more, but I can't remember s&#@!

Road Trip{s}
Donna and I drove down to a scrapbook store consortium meeting (I went to "represent"; Donna kept me company for the 44 mile ride) at Scrappin' in the Hills, (Anaheim Hills,) today. About a dozen stores have now made a friendly arrangement to support each other with referrals and interactive events. It was great seeing everybody (and hooking up with my old rep friend Ms. Yost!) I was especially happy to meet Trish from Scrappin' Good Times (San Dimas.) We'd been talking on the phone for a bit now and I always feel better having a face to put with the voice.

After the very productive session, we headed across the world to E-Powersellers (Granada Hills) to pick up a paper display from dear Holly's dear husband Philip. He made Donna's day by gifting her with one of his multi-packs of multi-colored hot glue sticks with matching 8.5x11 paper packs. By the time we were done there it was time to pick up Ben from school (Allie had a play-date with a friend) so I snatched him up and took him back to the shop.

Apparently the UPS man had decided to bring an entire truckload of new stock to the shop today while I was away, because there was barely enough room to walk inside due to the masses of boxes. Mary had done a remarkable merchandising transformation; everything looked so fresh! She really has a magic touch when it comes to making everything look amazing. Ben and I rolled up our sleeves (Tanja and Sabrina were already knee deep in embellishments & papers) and I went for the pricing gun. I had to leave at six to drop Ben off at his youth group meeting, but had a fun few hours with the girls (and Ben.) Tomorrow is going to be quite a display challenge!

The Blonde Theory

You'll love this friend of Amy Tangerine!

Coptic Stitch
Here's a Coptic-stitched mini-journal I sewed together using gift wrap and PVA glue to cover the chip board. I added the Swarovski crystals with Diamond Glaze, and used waxed linen thread available at Sweetpeas and Snapshots (with a single, curved needle also available at the shop.) I added my own signature-signature covers to each signature (grouping of pages in the real world) to bring visual continuity and beauty to the open pages. The pages in this book are made of regular copy paper; there is no rule saying you need to use expensive paper inside!


Want to learn to make your own? Give me a call at the shop (310.479.2444), all you need is forty dollars and two hours. I call it my Kamakazi Coptic class.
The single curved needle method was taught to me by master book artist Jeannine Stein, who allows me to share this knowledge & skill with others (I feel the need to give credit where credit is due however. She is the best.)






Speaking of book arts, I am still planning to get this fore-edge painting thing going. I bought the special press from Martin Frost in England, studied up on it; now I just need the time to test my talent. I'll let you know when I get around to it.

Ahi
I don't think the people at 2peas intended their frames to enhance my dinner, but what the hey. This is a delicious seared Ahi with long grain rice and grilled peppers (fiery pineapple salsa added to the flavor-fest.) Ummmm.

It's that time again.
Girl Scout cookies. Our good friend Adrianna Robakowski is the dealer of delicious this year. We got a few boxes (dropped off the Thin Mints and Sugar Free Brownies to Leon and Paul.)
Allie gave up the scouts after 2nd grade. Although she enjoyed it very much, the camping aspect of the program just wasn't for us. Allie employed a very special technique when she was selling the cookies. When a potential customer walked past, she would accost them, piping something like "love your purse, would you like to buy some cookies?" or (to Larry King) "I like your tie, would you like to buy some cookies?" It usually worked.


I'm so relieved that part of her childhood is over (although she still is quite adept at using flattery to get what she wants.)

Here are our nails today (from Sunday's polishing.) They've lasted quite well; much better than usual (no, they're not fake!)

My Virtual Card to You...

Happy, Happy Birthday, dearest Norman.

May all your wishes and dreams come true. We just adore you. May this be your best year ever; you deserve the best, baby!

With love.

An Oscar Note
To the winners: A hearty congratulations to all who were awarded the much honored statuette last night.
To the stylists: Many gorgeous gowns, many not-so gorgeous.
To the producers: Too many montages!
To the director: Too long.
To the host: Ellen, you're SO funny! Loved your myspace photo op.

I personally loved the shadow art. It was really amazing the way they contort themselves (how did they ever get that gun to shoot?)

Banner Issues.
Last night I worked on a banner for this blog, and have encountered some difficulties with the blogger format. New blogger brought more features in an easier program, but the templates provided a challenge to personalize. Claudine for one, had some brilliant suggestions, which did not come to fruition (great for old blogger, bad for new); the best solution seems to be to create a new template from scratch (not fun.) I've succeeded in being able to place the banner at the end of the blog (see bottom) but will continue to play with the html format. Hopefully, by the time the banner is finished, it will be able to take it's rightful place at the top of the page!

Big surprise this morning.

The old camelia bush at uncle Leon's has begun to blossom. It's been at least ten years since this ancient plant has presented anything close to a semblance of a bud, and she's doing a darn good job of it. The leaves are not in the healthiest condition (any tips?) but the blooms are fat and white. There was even a hummingbird buzzing around it today!




These two-tone pink flowers have never stopped their bloomality. Lucy always sees to it that there are fresh cut flowers throughout the house (friends keep him happy with live orchids as well.) Now the bulbs I planted over the years are getting ready to bloom.

In the next few weeks, we're going to replant the boxes around the pool for spring.

Layers

It was really cold outside today; Allie wore two shirts, a pair of jeans, a skirt and a jacket today. Alright, it was maybe 60 degrees, but for us, thats really cold.

I love Al Gore.

Congratulations on An Inconvenient Truth's Academy Award win for best documentary; totally deserved and a valiant effort by a great man. I only hope the world gets the message sooner than later.

Hey, what was up with most (not all) of the not-so-Oscar-worthy presenters this year? Did they just pull names out of the pages of People and say "Hey, they're famous, they can be a presenter." Did anyone else find this year's broadcast as disappointing as I did?

No Mo Vo

This morning I went to Robertson Nails to have Vo transform my hands. My nails are unusually strong, so I've never had fakes, but I do go in every few weeks to have them trimmed and filed. Vo wasn't there, his sister Wendy was gone, and all the other faces were new. I asked where they were, and a nice man told me they had moved away weeks ago. Totally surprised, I couldn't do anything but leave (sometimes I don't react well to change.) Later this afternoon, knowing the deed had to be done and not being able to bring myself to go back to Robertson Nails, I parked a block down and walked in to Paint Shop. They were booked for the rest of the day, so the kids and I walked two doors south to Contempo Nails (the street really is nail row.) T0 my surprise, there was Vo! He was busy working on a lady, so I took their card and left. Once outside, I phoned Robertson Nails, asking why the man had told me that Vo had moved away.

I thought he was going to cry. It turns out, he had bought the salon from Vo and Wendy a month before, with the promise that they would work for six months as a transition for the customers. After the escrow had closed, Vo, Wendy, and the rest of the family took their money and left, leaving this new owner with no crew. They had told him they were moving away, but had really moved a block down (taking their clients with them!) I felt terrible for him, knowing full well how it is to sell a business and have to work the transition. Years ago my husband and I had sold our restaurant, Charleville Cafe, and worked for the new owner for months as promised, allowing for that smooth transition.

I went right back to Robertson Nails, and plan to keep going back. No more Vo for me!

Erin all dolled up...

















Norman is just a doll...















Erin & Holly cropped to hide the funny face Holly was making. Sorry girls.

Erin, you looked beautiful tonight!

The Craft Cottage

This is a peek into Alicia Walker's amazing Craft Cottage. Walking down her "candle-lit" stone path through her spacious yard, one would never imagine the world inside this special structure. She has it done up with a decidedly vintage feel; very Sweetpeas and Snapshots but with Alicia's own personal touches. I, of course, was completely drawn to her collection of Alice in Wonderland pieces (I had started a small collection myself for my daughter Allie when she was born, and personally enjoy creating art inspired by the characters.)

Alicia and Alice had totally decked out the main house for Erin & Norman's Chinese New Year-themed birthday bash. An abundance of fresh, delicious Asian food filled Alicia's spacious kitchen (and the caramel apple martinis were divine!) So many decorating details; everything was just lovely (and fun fun fun!!!)

The girls had set up the Craft Cottage with scrapbook papers and embellishments, and a few friends were snapping away with their digitals. Erin had brought her HP personal photo printer to the cottage, and another friend busied herself printing out the fresh pictures so the guests could put pages together for the birthday babies. Just fabulous.

Everyone was so nice; got to see Evelyn and Rachel (Norman's crew), Hila and hubby, met Mary's brother-in-law & cousin, Sabrina had her hair straightened (gorgeous) and Alicia's husband Robert looked dashing in his smoking jacket! So many other familiar faces; I have chronic name-forgetting problems (no offense.)

Gary and the kids were surprised to see me home so early, but it was my own fault. I should have asked about pets before I arrived at the party; I didn't know she had a cat. I have chronic asthma and had to make a swift get-away when I started to feel my chest tighten. The body always knows when cats are around even when the eyes can't see them! I made it home before it got out of hand, and heavily medicated.

Green Submarine

Courtesy of Anthropologie on South Beverly Drive. They always come up with something cool for their windows.

Holly Dye and I spotted it on our brisk walk this evening (before the party for Erin & Norman thrown by Alicia & Alice.) We also popped in to the Paper Source on Brighton Way to see Monica. We just love her. Monica used to work at Judikin's Stamp Stamp Stamp; I met her years ago when she used to pop in to my old shop (she was an avid rubber stamp enthusiast.)

Her mother, Merrill Morris, is a very talented artist in her own right (and really nice too.) Paper Source is so lucky to have Monica.

Chocolate por favor.

I just love this individual serving of chocolate that is just one of the many party favors in the swag bag for tomorrow's Bridal Bar/Patina Wedding event at Disney Hall. Harmony Walton has really put together (along with her corporate party-partners) a world class event. I can't wait to see how it all comes together!

Busy morning.
Being Friday, I didn't need to go to the shop until the afternoon, so after seeing Gary settled, I popped over to my friend Chachi's house.
She lives over on Hillcrest Road in the 90210 flats of Beverly Hills (think Walsh.) She was having the house painted again; she has an on-staff painter to keep up with her ever-changing wall whims. Totally cool. She wanted to pass on down some wear-ables to Allie (she has three daughters who have great fashion sense)



Four bags of clothes later, she whisked me off to Urth Caffe on South Beverly Drive for hot beverages. After sipping some fresh brewed Royal Breakfast Tea and nibbling on baguette toast, we went to the Beverly Center, where Chachi bought a white Le Sport Sac Tokidoki to match the one Donna bought for me last week. We like to match*

We went back to her house where she dug out a saxophone for me to give to Donna (Izze decided that she wants to play the sax, and Chachi's kids have lost interest. She'll get it back if/when Izze's done.)

I headed off to the shop where things were bustling. There were so many people there (checking out the new CHA releases) and things had been moved all around. Mary likes to totally redecorate the store all
the time; today she was moving the "Baby" section across the world next to weddings. This move is to make way for her new "Candy Bar", which is reminiscent of an old-school candy counter (our old school, not our mother's!) We're loving all the evolving going on, especially the soon-to-be-unveiled "wall of color" invitation center, where anyone can just walk in and take care of their personal paper needs. Everything should be in place very soon (hopefully in time for the March 10th Home Companion cover-celebration festivities. Emily Falconbridge and Gina Armfield will be gloriously presenting free make 'n takes, and I've arranged with my friend Catherine Moore (Character Constructions) to hold a "Mad Tea Party Collection" trunk show to introduce this cool new collection then.

Mary was hosting a private party this afternoon, so I manned the floor while she, Pauline and the fairy princess led the group in their festivities. I closed up shop at seven, worn out but happy with the day.

*Holly and I also have a huge matchy-matchy thing going on. Makes things much more enjoyable.

There's something cooking in there!

Must be all of the top secret projects I'm creating for my upcoming Suzi Finer craft book (F & W Publications, Fall 2008 release) ...Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

I have approximately 144 projects to complete by my December deadline (I'm a little ahead of my time-line track) and am filled with ideas for the fierce new pieces to pump a shot of life into an enthusiastic mind. I got my peeps watchin' my back and have enlisted some personal faves to add a piece or two just to mix things up a little. All the themes are in order (I'll be dangling some teasers now and then...can't show too much); but I can tell you the entire project is twerked to work.

I've emailed my crew with the deets, but if you personally have had a dream project you'd like to create to fruition, shoot me an email, and I'll see if it would fit into my vision. My only promise is that I will not "steal" your idea, but can't promise you that I had come up with a similar project at an earlier time, as happens often in this art world (remember the cigar box purse debacle?) I am not here to plagiarize, just to put out my best pieces, and find the best of the best contributors to include in the project. No guarantee in the final cut department, just a chance for an opportunity to be a new usual suspect. I can tell you from personal experience that life if much more vivid if you take chances. We'll talk.

Charlie.

Charlie is my teacup Yorkie. He has one eye (his left)...the other was knocked out a few years ago by another dog (we won't talk about that.) He weighs about three pounds, and last Monday, he turned seven years old. We got him for Allie as her 2nd Birthday gift (really for mommy!)

He loves to sleep in his little doll chair we had bought for Allie at Target (Christmas, 2001.)
Having him around makes everything good. The first thing Gary had to do when he got home from the hospital was to cuddle up with our pupalooda. He rarely barks (only if our buzzer rings) and will let any child dress him up and play with him. Definitely not an alpha male.

He is a mommy's boy (likes to climb up on me to sleep) and favors the Beverly Drive loop for his course of choice. I love my dog. (sorry gals, he's neutered!) He socializes very well ("plays well with others") and his best night out was at the SPCA doggie ball in San Diego a 'coupla of years back, hosted by Bill & Lauri Walton. He loved his swag-bag and still talks about the celebrity pooches he got to hob nob with at the event.
He is such a Yorkie. He refused to use the amenities from the entire trip down to San Diego, through the entire festivities, and on the long ride home; a good seven hours. Then, as soon as I parked, he leapt to his spot and allowed the pent-up you-know-what to flow freely.
Ah, Relief. He was the perfect guest.

I Love my Dog!

Ash Wednesday

I went to The Church of the Good Shepherd tonight with Harmony for Ash Wednesday observance; it was my first experience attending this sacred ritual. I had been to that church before (Chachi's kids all had their first communions there) and my friends often accompany me to services at Wilshire Boulevard Temple. I figured with all that was going on at home, it couldn't hurt to add some outside-my-usual-spirituality to the day.
The house was packed; by the time the priest was ready to anoint parishioners with the ashes, it was standing-room-only.
The service was lovely...the only thing that struck me as strange was when the priest added some comments as to how the parishioners should conduct themselves at prayer; to "not be like the hypocrites at synagogues" by "standing and showing off their praying" and "not be like the hypocrites at synagogues" by " donating alms for personal attention" and "standing in synagogue to pray in front of others" (like we weren't standing at intervals there.) Harm shot me a perplexed, embarrassed look as the priest was saying these things, as she had never heard a priest ever say anything derogatory against any other house of worship. I thought it off-putting (I'd never heard any clergy publicly admonish another religion at a service either) but shrugged it off. I really don't believe that he meant to offend anybody.
She received her ashes, and later, her communion wafer (I received a blessing.) Everyone was so friendly, and the singing was very nice.

After the services, Harm took me to dinner at her favorite sushi restaurant, Hamasaku on Santa Monica Boulevard. I have rarely in my life had anything as close to perfection as the food served here (Mr. Chow's chef's menu & the steak at Dan Tana's are right up there!) They specialize in special sushi rolls served cone-style (reminiscent of Puck, only not crispy)...the "Fox" roll (unbelievable hot crab), "Charlize Theron Tacos" (spicy tuna w/jalapenoooooh) and "Tyler" roll (spicy tuna with diced apple & mango) amazed, and Harm had an Ahi salad that she would of allowed me to photograph had I remembered my camera. The restaurant has little table signs to reserve seats for their highly-celebrated clientele; on any given night one could find Enrique, Lindsay, Mary-Kate or Ashley, Cameron, Drew, Justin, blah blah blah etc...sitting at one of the darkly lit tables. The owner is "Mr. Host-extraordinaire", making everyone feel like an old friend. Of course he was very warm to us, as Harm is a regular there (my first time.)

She then took me to pick up Ben at his youth group meeting (who I had dropped off earlier) and we went to Diddy Riese to pick up a cookie for Allie and him. Gary was sleeping on the big chair (he has since gone to bed.) Ben and I are now watching Top Design on Bravo.
Long day.

Phases

I don't know about you, but I go through distinct food phases. I'm still deep in the diet Sunkist jag (going on my third year) and my well publicized Tab phase lasted well over four years. This week started the new Fuji apple fest. Allie and Ben have hopped on the fruit train with me (thankfully) and are crunching away at an impressive rate. The apples are a natural compliment to my on-going Laura Scudder's Organic Peanut Butter addiction (a teaspoon nightly, Jenny approved.)

We of course have some personal issues with these babies; Allie and I will only eat them sliced up (Ben doesn't mind biting right in) and we won't suffer any bruises. Allie likes to squeeze a little lemon over them, as we can't abide any browning (I eat mine too quickly to have to deal with that aspect) and napkins are mandatory on the side.

Yesterday I happened upon a strange variety: the "Grapple"; a strange combination of grape and apple that just seems wrong. Ben told me it tasted like Dimetapp (his cold medicine of choice)...he was quite right. He also told me that they've come up with a Banapple, but I think that's just a strange Snapple creation.

We'll see how long this phase lasts!

Good Things (not in any order)

1. Ben played his viola for me tonight; he sounded really great.

2. My friend Catherine Moore (Character Constructions) agreed to do a trunk show at Sweetpeas and Snapshots on March 10 & 11.

3. Looks like Amy Tangerine is going to do a trunk show the following week, most likely sponsored by Bacardi (who doesn't like a fruity drink!)

4. Rand came and changed the dressing. It's great to have a wound specialist in the family.

5. Jenny Craig Macaroni and Cheese

6. My apparently huge base of friends; thanks for all of your support!

7. The jar of Olive Tampanade Megan bought for me at Trader Joe's

8. Jeff Gross (Mickey Fine Pharmacy, Beverly Hills)

9. 500+ hits a day.

10. Finding a gmail-box overflowing with good things!

All topped off with a cherry.

Just brought him home.

Senses.

Allie commented on how the balmy heat outside felt like Ching Young Village. It did. That comparison seems to come up a lot in our home, whenever the weather-conductor leads a warm, breezy symphony of a day out here. It's funny how climate can evoke memories that way.

Yesterday evening, however, the weather turned from balmy to bitterly cold. Now we have the rain (pretty much down to a sprinkle now.)

Gary said they may release him today. I'm so angry with him for this horrible episode. Which is the best room for him, will I have to change his dressings? Some relief that Rand is available but unable to drive due to his own medical issues. The kids are tweaked. I feel totally emotionally detached from the entire situation; so not used to that feeling.

We'll see what happens next.

Thanks, Sista!

Donna bought me this new Le Sports Sac Tokidoki purse to take a moment of stress away.
It worked for a few seconds, and then gave me bursts of pleasure throughout the day. I love my sister.

Tomorrow is my nephew's birthday, so after visiting Gary at the hospital, I spent the rest of the day with Elliot. I took him to Floyd's Barbershop on Melrose, where he got a trim. I felt the dire need to have them cut off my hair, but stopped short of pulling a Brittney.


I haven't had short hair since I was in elementary school, and I have to say, it is very cathartic. I feel so unburdened.

We met up with Donna, who had arranged a birthday dinner for Elliot at "our" Golden Dragon restaurant in Chinatown. It was cool to have dinner in Chinatown on Chinese New Year.
Elliot's best friend, Errol, came with us, and Donna bought smoke bombs, sprite bombs, and other fun noise-makers. There were fireworks going off everywhere and celebration held sway.



Gary is mostly off the I.V.'s, but is still having issues with controlling the blood sugar. We'll know more about that tomorrow. He was just really glad to see the kids this evening (they had spent the night at my mom's house and the day at Ben's show in Thousand Oaks.)

Glad to be home. Long Day.

The Best.

Thanks Teresa, for finding my new-fave site!

My friend Susan Weiner has created these fundraising mirrors, using artwork hand made by children! What mother wouldn't bid on a mirror with their child's masterpiece gracing the frame! The proceeds all go to Susan's favorite cause: School Fundraising! I used to be so involved, now, not so much. Things change. It feels good to know that the torch is still burning in the money-raising game. I hope she breaks all the previous records!

Strange Sign

As seen on the fifth floor, north tower at Cedars Sinai tonight. It's really big, too.

I know it's difficult not to fall when you're sick; I tripped seven times myself there today; I learned that a hospital is no place to where Crocs (they tend to stick at times.)

Anyway, Dr. Goodman called me to say that Gary has Diabetic Ketoacidocis and a virulent Staph infection, which caused a neck abscess that makes the one in this link file look like a pimple! Add to that a secondary skin infection possibly linked to his psoriasis; there you have it! Toss in some major depression, and what do you got? I don't even want to tell you. At least the doctor is very sweet and they have a crack team working with him. He'll be staying in at least through Monday, according to the doctor.

After we visited Daddy, Donna, Harm and I took the kids to "MILK" a new dessertery on Beverly Blvd. where Harm treated the kids to some sweets. Not soon after we arrived, in popped our Beverly Hills Model friend (from my Camden days,) dear Derrick! What a treat to see him so out of context. We told him how cute he looked, and he noticed I had darkened my hair. I told him that I was going to cut it all off tomorrow.
We all laughed! I love Los Angeles.

Social worker meeting tomorrow!

From Linda Woods & Karen Dinino: here's the deal
"Alright, People! We're making another plea...we want to see the number on our charity badge rising every time we look at it. See, it's over there on the right and the total keeps not going higher. We know that many people can't even afford to spare $10 right now, but know that you can help just by spreading the word... how about putting our charity badge in your blog for a couple days to help raise money for kids? That would help, too! We'd LOVE that! The sad, scared, hungry, abandoned-by-everyone kids will love that. Just click on our badge where it says add this badge to your site for easy instructions on how to do that.I'm gonna sweeten the deal...if 100 people donate by the end of February, I will do a FREE FREE FREE class at Sweetpeas & Snapshots where they will serve cupcakes and smiles and I'll serve arty inspiration."

Thank you

I know that I often let my personal "filter" overflow and spill my thoughts out all over this blog, but I can't apologize about that; I've made a pact with myself not to bottle up any feelings or emotions anymore, as letting 'em out has drastically improved my self-health. After all, it is my blog.

I deeply appreciate all of your emails and emotional support. Gary is resting "comfortably", but it looks like he's going to be at Cedars for a few more days. I have to tell you, that experiencing bad times like this really makes one hyper-aware of how many people care, and thank g_d for friends and family. Thank you all.

Last night...

My husband Gary had emergency neck surgery. I myself am filled with mixed emotions for many reasons.

First, he had been neglecting his health (diabetic-cancer survivor) for close to three years, as the group health insurance which covered my family became totally unaffordable (cobra) after my business partner (who controlled our insurance) unexpectedly & abruptly abandoned our business, creating a domino effect of trust and security loss. Gary's been uninsurable since, due to his existing conditions.

Secondly, he kept his grapefruit-sized abscess a secret from us for the past week, feigning a headache, believing it would go away by itself. He hid his abscess due to fear of surgery, fear of more recovery and fear of being scolded for not taking care of his health. He was especially afraid to go to the doctor, as he didn't want to incur a huge medical bill, which we cannot afford. I know he was scared, but things just don't go away by themselves.

Thirdly, Cedars, knowing full well that we were uninsured, performed the surgery there. I was at work when he went in; I thought for sure they would have sent him to County General. I don't even want to know how much that bill is going to be!

I am relieved that he is alive, but so angry at him for his actions. I am optimistic that his family will lend their support. I am hopeful that in the future the Democrats will get some sort of national medical program put into action (that's about as political as I get.)

I'm going to work now to escape for a few hours!

No Greater Love

Valentine's Day came a few hours early tonight (10:57pm) when "I-Can't-Sleep" Allie also couldn't until tomorrow to give me the elaborate Valentine she prepared for me.
"Make sure to read the back" she yelled, scampering off to bed.

Here is the front of her creation, it reads:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Thanks for everything and remember
I love you.









This card was attached to the rear of the package, and reads:

Dear Mommy and Daddy,
Happy Valentines Day!
I (heart) YOU
(heart heart heart)
Love,
Allie







Inside the package I found a very thorough report on "Our California Heritage", spiral bound and in full color.
Great.
You know, I have a propensity to read all about California history. I am a huge Huell Howser fan (Look at that!) and love to learn obscure tidbits about my favorite state.
This should be a learning experience!

Running Out.

I love the images we've received from Character Constructions and Catslife Press, but have run out of the tags I made. We've even run out of the cool French Laundry hangers! Look like it's time to sit back down and create again.

Native Joy.

I've lived in Los Angeles my entire life. My mother was born here (Fairfax High) and dad was an early Chicagoan transplant (Beverly Hills High.) Last night, driving home, I experienced a rare thrill; there was fresh pavement on Coldwater Canyon! Having learned to drive on Coldwater (Grant High driver's ed.) I am all too familiar with the bumps and pits north of Mullholland. For the first time in my driving memory, there was none of that, just a smooth ride. Heaven!

Always Looking.
Favorite didn't-know-I-needed-that source?
The Lemon Tree Bungalow
I'm constantly being asked where to find gifts along the same vein as the old place; this is the closest thing to what I had (gift-wise.) Knock Knock, Voluspa, and just about every other vendor I've loved are all available in this charming space with ample parking. They have an especially great book selection as well.
Not a place for art supplies; totally the gifting spot.

The Lemon Tree Bungalow
8727 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, between Robertson & La Cienega
310.657.0211

What a thrilling night!
Opening night of Kurt Weill's Street Scene at the Alex Theater in Glendale. My son Ben was covering the three boy's roles (he actually got to perform in the afternoon.)

Goose-bump moment: A moving introduction by the luminous Anne Jeffries, who looked as spectacular as ever.

The kid's favorite song: The Ice-Cream song; rousing, comical, and perfectly harmonized. Kurt Weill created the perennial favorite Three Penny Opera (who could forget Mack the Knife!) and this ubber-talented cast of Street Scene makes for a memorable, satisfying experience.

Ben's happiest news: He got his first professional paycheck. A really big moment for him.

Allie's comment: "Mommy, this is s really sad opera!"
It's true; realistic, gritty, and heartbreaking, this is one musical offering that hits humanity at it's heart.



Next performance: Sunday, February 18th, 3pm at the Thousand Oaks Civic Light Opera.

More Food...
But this time it was the good stuff. Dinner with uncle Leon (Paul, Donna, Rand and myself) at The Palm Restaurant in West Hollywood. Paul and I each had the Filet Mignon, Donna ordered the Rib-eye, and Leon enjoyed the Shrimp Bruno (just delicious!) Rand got his hands around a 3lb Lobster. He looked so cute in his little bib. We all shared a slab of chocolate cake (so decadent,) and two hours later I'm still full.

A light lunch...
We met up with Harmony and popped over to Century City, where we girls shared a little sushi at Mr. Hana.

Hair.
With Ben off at rehearsal, I picked Allie up from Sunday school, and went for a mother/daughter shampoo session. For the very first time, she had her hair blown-out and straightened with a flat iron. I love the way it turned out.

Du-par's has reopened!
A Los Angeles legend, Du-par's restaurant at the Farmer's Market, has reopened after an extensive remodel. We waited for them to get all of the usual new-restaurant-mishaps out of the way before we went back, and I have to say that they've lived up to the Du-par's old reputation.
Donna, Rand, Ben and I shared a variety of old favorites before I had to drive out to North Hollywood (again) to drop Ben off at his rehearsal.
While driving down Fairfax Boulevard, I happened to pull up

next to Donna and Rand (not such a big coincidence.)

Thank you!

Mary and I received this breathtaking hand crafted thank you note from our fave Teresa McFayden. How she could have let this gem out of her sight is beyond me, but hey, who's complaining! We get the card! We get the card! ehehehehheheheh!

Thank you Miss Kitty Cat McFayden for making us love you so much!

Explaining my day off.

Okay, so it seems like I've had a very busy day today. Well, I have, and it was my day off to boot! I woke up this morning and went to Jenny Craig, where for the first time in a long time, I actually gained a pound and a half. Undaunted, I consoled my lightly guilty conscience by telling myself that the Sushi wasn't so naughty, and I probably had too much salt on my edamame (retains water.) The good news is that I am three pounds away from my half-way goal, and can soon "legally" eat my own meals several times a week. AND I'm ahead of the average schedule.

I had planned on going back to bed for a bit, but Gary had a migraine (which worried me; this man rarely complains.) I had to fill in, feeding the kids breakfast (went to La Conversation with Harm) then driving Ben to North Hollywood for his rehearsal. From there, I had to go back over the hill to pick up the cupcakes at Buttercake Bakery for the workshop today. I was only planning on a pop in visit (lots of friends in the class today...) but somehow managed to stay for the entire show (Allie made a shirt too.) We totally missed her YADA rehearsal, but with Ben out as well, I figured we could make it up later.

Four o'clock, back across the world to North Hollywood for Ben pick-up. Then, predictably, back to the city to rendezvous with Harm again for a brisk walk. Forty minutes later, drove to Donna's for the dinner & a movie, then (whew!) back home to blog.

No shopping, no personal time, but I did get to play with my favorite new find from CHA.
The Kandi Kane heat setting Swarovski crystal tool. Now I am a huge fan of Diamond Glaze; I always rave about it's ability to adhere my crystals to the surfaces of my choosing. This puppy blows that old glaze/snot stick ordeal far out of the water. It's my new favorite tool! You know we are going to be getting these in for all my friends right away. Holly already got hers (oooh, you'll get yours!)

I'm going to be teaming up with the manufacturers to create some cool projects for y'all. I just hope they don't need me to fly out to Clearwater, Florida for this venture. Not the best climate for this gal...too chilly!

Moo.

Finally, the moos came in. I know I posted about them back in December, but I got distracted (some call it "busy".) I always say, good things come to those who wait, and it's true. These were worth waiting for! I got images of my art, my fam, and my friends, all with my contact info on the back. Now I can have Holly get that special secret workshop started. You're going to be so happy!

I'm going to order up the next batch already!

Quinceanera
I had a very satisfying movie experience tonight at Donna's. She rented Quinceanera, a film set in Echo Park with a wonderful, engrossing story line. I wept (like that's anything new.)
Donna grilled up some large, tender skewered shrimp and some short ribs and served it all up with Basmati rice with sauteed onions and mushrooms. She is such a kitchen goddess! She even made a banana bread using "Hoppy's recipe" (Hoppy was my nurse when I was an infant.) I'm going to get a copy of the recipe and post it up here soon. It is so easy to throw together, and so good.

Three Girls!
Allie, Izze & Adri were three "quick studies" in today's reverse-applique-embroidery workshop today at the shop. We'll have pics of the whole shebang on the store blog, but I had to put these up here! Allie made a purse, Izze a Baseball theme (with fabric we picked up downtown yesterday) and Adri used one of Amy Tangerine's own designs. Aren't they the cool girls!







(I love to show off Izze's eyes)


















Here's Miss Amy, looking all cute. She's adorable, talented, and nice! Her mom made the most delicious egg rolls; you know I was naughty...I ate three of them. Oh well!

Our friend/artist Emily Falconbridge made a peace-filled tee with a personal touch. Her daughter Ivy was the little artist too, making a special collage for mum!

Our other dear friend/artist Elizabeth Dunn made a shirt full of LOVE, but if I posted this picture, I'm afraid that she'd never talk to me again! Maybe after I work some photoshop magic.....? I even got to see (for a moment) my dear Marion Ballog. Wish I could've been less distracted and had more talk time there.

We love you Elizabeth, Emily, Marion & Amy!!! It's even more fun when a teacher joins in as a student!

My current favorites (Television-wise)


Campus Ladies! This show is so funny that we usually get sick from laughing so hard!

Survivor...you already know how I feel about that.






The Sarah Silverman Program.
From the very first episode, we were totally hooked. Love the "Cookie Party!"Best part of the entire premise: Sisters are actually playing sisters!



Ugly Betty. Tivo'd 'cause of Survivor! Mainstream camp.

These are just some of our current faves; there's always room for a new program in my life!

This totally tweaked my world!

Can you imagine, David Hasselhoff starring in Mel Brooks' The Producers? I was flabbergasted! It took me four city blocks to realize that I had to call Ben. This was just too funny. Was the Hasselhoff thinking about doing Bialistock? Too incongruous; absurd!
Two days later, I saw it again...dumbfounded, I had to google. No, Hasselhoff would not desecrate the memory of Zero by attempting to Mitch-ify his Max, rather, more appropriately, David thinks he has the uh-ummm cajones to play the over-the-top, flamboyant director, Roger DeBris. Maybe. Now this one I really have to see! Oy!!! Now I have to figure out an excuse to get to Vegas!

Bal-lunatics have taken over the asylum....

For the past couple of weeks, whenever I happen to be winding through the streets of Los Angeles, I randomly find this Bal-lunatic seeming to magically appear wherever I turn. I'm not sure if it has a real head, but the legs are definately human.

A walking, changing work of Art (no, I mean his name is Art...Art Fugawee from Des Moines. Pretty cool dude.)

How I spent my Friday night.
Having your very best friend by your side, then your other very best friend pops by, then your always best friend (son) arrives, and a few other upper eschelon level amigos fill the room, then: ART!
Imagine all this, in a perfectly lay-ed out creative space, all the glorious Asian ephemera, rubber stamps, beads, charms, accents and magic tricks, coming together as though channeled through the best friend/instructor's magic teaching touch.
Poof! We've created what some called impossible; a perfect $10. hand-bound book workshop!


Chinese New Year Paper Bag Book~
Norman P. Dixon, as the handsome leading man
Alice DeRosario, as his biggest fan
Starr Codd, as the ingenue
Jen, Caroline & Adrienne, as the Greek chorus
Ben Finer, as the visiting musical star
Tanja Maduzia & Pauline Van Veet, as the town beauties
Erin Airheardt, as the femme fatale
Holly S. Dye as director Cecil B. DeMille
Suzi Finer as the producer
Mary Smilove as the creative, yet powerful studio owner

The whole production was a resounding success!
We'll have to make this paper bag transforming a regular gig...I bet if we get the cast of characters together and plan some new productions, in just a short time we should all have a library filled with our glorious creations.




THANK YOU HOLLY DYE!!!
I'm so happy to be able to work in a cool store and have my friends teach!







All photos of this finished book example come from the exacting pages of Mr. Norman P. Dixon, who graduated from the Jeannine Stein School of Minutiae Measure. I think he received his pH.D there.

I've been remiss!

Okay, so I've never watched Grey's Anatomy until tonight (something always came up) but now I'm feeling really guilty! Our friend Justin now seems to be a fixture on that show.

We met him while he was working on Cold Case a few years back. I had arranged our annual weekend at The Sportsman's Lodge hotel in Studio City (fifteen minutes away=another world) where I take all the kids overnight and we hang at the pool all day. This particular weekend, Allie made friends with some beautiful little girls (all sisters) who we hung with the entire weekend. Their daddy, Justin, and I took turns buying the poolside snacks (lunch was fab) and some refreshing frosty beverages (Bloody Marys!) Donna and I learned about his move out here from Ohio and the world of international modeling, and how he hoped his series would be picked up (he was cut from the initial cast pretty quickly.) He was so sweet with the kids, taking all of his girls, Allie and Izze to the gift shop and buying them all necklaces: crosses for his girls, Jewish stars for ours. Allie still remembers how kind he was, and speaks of the girls often. She didn't get it why they weren't all there the next couple of years. I can't believe I didn't realize he had a new show! We'll have to drop him a note.

I do have to tell you, if you're ever planning to come out to Los Angeles on vacation, I will highly recommend the Sportsman's Lodge for your stay. It's always perfectly maintained, reasonably priced, has a rep for great food, and is the (shhh...) secret place for visiting stars and musicians to stay who don't want to be swarmed by the paparazzi. Privacy is paramount there. Plus, they have the cleanest pool in the city!

Survivor!
It's been a long few months, but thankfully, Survivor is back in it's fourteenth incarnation. Allie and I rushed home from dropping Ben at his opera rehearsal and grabbing a quick spicy tuna roll at Oishi, just in time to hear the familiar "oh-we-oh-we-ya" theme song begin. We've already picked our favorite new tribesman: Yao Man. My sister and I have watched every episode of every season, declaring each new show "the best survivor ever". We just can't get enough.

Red Carpet Night
Ben just got home from his "Red Carpet Affair" at the Wednesday night temple youth group meeting. Everyone had to dress up (I wasn't home in time to supervise!) He told me they had a special pasta dinner followed by a dance (gasp) featuring musical standards (Sinatra, etc...) It sounded like he had a good time (see Ben smile.) I'm so happy that he is involved; I grew up going to BBYO meetings (B'nai B'rith Youth Organization) and I really wanted my kids to have a good foundation as well.

The Latest

Got these size 10 beauties tonight from Harm; they're the latest by Girl Two Doors Down, Inc. I used to sell their style with the diamond ring between the toes (always chaffed terribly, but sold like hotcakes...) this diamond tiara accented version will leave no blisters in their wake.

Favored by celebs such as Jennifer Anniston, Eva Longoria, Misha Barton, Jessica Alba and Teri Hatcher (who gave them out as cast & crew gifts) they are available at The Bridal Bar, 310.858.0119

Can't wait to get a fresh pedi!

Sunday's Art-Opp
We're bookbinding and arting it up this Sunday, Feb. 11th from noon to five with my friend Kelly T.M. Kilmer. You're welcome to come join us (there is room) for a play day...just call me at the shop (310) 479.2444
She's bringing so many paints, papers, collage ephemera, ribbon and bits, that everyone will have enough to make something really cool. I'd bring along some of my own favorite images to add to the pages, just to make it more personal, if I were you. Also, everyone needs a basic tool kit, but the shop has some to borrow for those lacking.
This particular workshop is called A Woman's Notebook. Pretty cool. Join us...I know you'll be happy with the results!

Walked in a criminal, sat down a hero...

Oooh! Were my children upset with me tonight! Harm invited me to an ultra-plush special event at the Luxe Hotel in Bel Air. This private function featured her best vendors from the Bridal Bar, along with up and coming fashionistas and cocktail samplings from Marani vodka. There were fab hors d'oeuvres passed and a mile long dessert bar. You can read more details about the vendors by clicking this link.

The clothing offered for sale was cutting-edge hip; the same shirts I got for Teresa McFayden and Teresa Collins were being offered there for upwards of $200.! Total validation, baby!

I had to take a picture of Harm's florist Eddie's table. His Tiffany-blue boxed candles oozed the scent of fresh tuberose (pretty, but a tad too strong for Miss Suzi here) and his floral arrangements were really exceptional. His Tic-Tock Couture Florals has done events for Teri Hatcher, Sting & Trudi Styler, Nicolette Sheridan,

Matt LeBlanc, and other notable luminaries. I always appreciate a good display! Another cool design element at this event were the use of GoBos on the walls and floors. See the hearts tantalizing the courtyard floor with their mysterious illuminations? GoBos.
I'd say the very best offering at the event were the home style gourmet cupcakes presented by the new Delilah Bakery in Echo Park. Having been in the wedding/baking industry for twelve

years, I do consider myself a more than fair gauge of bakedy-goodness. I was so impressed with the consistency, the flavors, and design of these babies; if I were a food critic I'd give them five stars!
Even their booth presentation was Sweetpeas and Snapshots worthy. No attention to detail was spared (you know I love props!) Bravo, Delilah!
This is my new personal favorite cupcakery.

So imagine, I left the house with the kids yelling at me to stay home with them, walked back in a couple of hours later facing angry glares (hell hath no fury...) then whipped out the box holding the Delilah booty....from criminal to hero in five seconds flat. Mommy triumphs!

Look what Minnie made for Me!
This clever credit card case was made by Minnie Helvey, who honestly has never made anything that wasn't fabulous!
If you didn't know, she's the one who told me about my HP camera, whispered the secrets of Moo, and showed me the cool knittings of her daughter, Ashley Rose Helvey (who I am working on getting at the shop as a special guest instructor!)
Hey Minnie; I appreciate you so much!

Calm.

So it didn't take much to calm me down after my rant. The kids came home from Ben's rehearsal and he told me that the yearbook polls came out today and he was named "Most Talented" by his peers. I'm so happy!

I think I'll make some art now!

I'm tired.

I'm tired of "people" complaining about having to drive their kid somewhere when "they" could be relaxing (kids come first!)

I'm tired of "people" who spin webs of dreams then pull the rug out from under the dreamers.

I'm tired of "people" who won't let pedestrians cross in front of their speeding cars.

I'm tired of "people" who care about shoppers being a couple of cents short. Give the shopper a break!

It's not all about money and getting places fast (although I do obsess about being on time)...shouldn't it be about keeping promises, being able to trust, and overall kindness?

I should have bought that "TI (RED)" shirt at the Gap when I had the chance.

It's been a really long day.

Sunday Paper Superstar!

Yes, that is the Linda Woods on the front page of today's Lifestyle section of the paper. You go girlfriend! Anyone Can Make Art...but not everyone can inspire that feeling the way you can!

Who's a rockstar?

(you're a rockstar!)

Fame, not fortune.

I was interviewed for a documentary today. Funny how things pop up sometimes. I could have dressed up a bit more today, but I wasn't in the mood. With all the other activities I crammed into my Sunday, getting all prettified wasn't a real priority, so I just played myself. Perhaps one day the "fortune" quotient of my life will come back into play, but for now, whatever.

I got a lot accomplished (big surprise!) today; doing the morning Sunday school drop-off, a Target morning run with Donna, Rand & Ben, uncle Leon's weekly visit, back to Sunday school for pick up, Allie's party drop-off, lunched with Ben at CPK, did Century City with Harm & Ben, picked up Allie and hit The Grove where I met up with the documentary people. By the way; don't see Catch and Release...it was just a horrible waste of time (even though Donna's tennis instructor played a big part in it!) then Toast (see post below.) No Superbowl in my day! Pretty strange since we were with Harmony most of the day who didn't even try to get to a television (her daddy won an actual Superbowl ring when he played for the Dallas Cowboys back in the day...I got to try it on once.) Gary lost his house keys somewhere in his car, so he was locked out after work but walked up to Islands to see the game. I got a call while we were at dinner (feeding the kids, not the adults!) so I went to get him on the way home. Glad to be in...I need to go back to work to recover from my weekends!

'Hope my friend Linda Woods is done tying up any remaining loose ends with her new soon-t0-be-released follow-up book (Journal Revolution!) to her best-ever-selling-craft-book-in-the-entire-history-of-best-selling-craft-books (Visual Chronicles!) I want her to free up some time for a play date at the shop!

Toast for dinner
Toast Bakery and Cafe, that is! This is one hot restaurant that I've always thought of trying; but for the endless line outside, I'd have been there years ago. It turns out, Superbowl Sunday is the perfect time to go to a usually packed hot spot that doesn't have a television!
Notice the perfect height of the SOFA seating (I love a sofa!)

The waitress was very surprised that Allie ordered an artichoke for her dinner (instead of anything off the kids menu.)

The lighting was heavy on the dark side, but I used my night portrait setting on the camera
to get these photos.

Monkey likes her artichokes!

I almost forgot to tell you...

For the first time in actual months, I bought myself a pair of shoes. These are really cool Keds, no laces, distressed edging and a summery-beachy feel; I love them!

Elliot just had to climb into the Sportie LA window
He couldn't help himself. He also couldn't help licking the window, which he later denied but then admitted his salivaic-impulses. He is so enthusiastic; filled with unexplainable energy, but totally cuddly-lovey and sweet. He's a great nephew; we like a lot of the same things (not the glass licking.)
I had picked up lunch for all the kids at Benitos, so Donna insisted on taking care of dinner.


She wanted to try out the new Stone Fire Pizza which had just opened on La Cienega.
Having watched it being built over the months, she was itching to try their offerings. Coincidentally, they were offering a 1/2 off Happy Hour (4pm-7pm) for all pizzas! Donna, however, ordered the Tequila Lime Chicken Fettuccine, which turned out to be so over-the-top hot that it was impossible for her to eat. Now I love a spicy; many have marvelled at the amount of jalapenos that I


put on my Subway lunches, but this was really too too hot. The rest of us ordered up a variety of pizzas. Here's a photo of their outstanding BBQ Chicken Pizza. I had a piece, then let everyone else dig in (Jenny said it was okay...and I was down another 2lbs this weigh-in!) Overall rating: Excellent pizza, good salads, beautiful ambiance (very upscale-lodge) and a great special deal for the neighborhood. We could tell that they will end up being a hot night spot, it's so comfy-cool in there.

Ben's New Shoes

This is what is now "cool"; first the hand chair, now these! I don't know anything anymore. Apparently, SportieLA can't keep these leather Adidas on the shelves, and the counter dude was impressed that Ben had selected them (he told me Ben was his first middle-school er to get 'em; all the other buyers were adults!) The back of the shoes read: "It's not easy being green".

Snow Day!
This morning Donna invited us to her event at West Hollywood Park: a real Snow Day! Many years ago Donna organized a monthly happening at the park through the City of West Hollywood. She called it "Saturdays in the Park"; a community meet where neighborhood families could meet and get involved in local activities. This particular Saturday included masses of man-made snow for the kids; Elliot even took the wheels off of his skateboard to fashion a makeshift toboggan!


We picked up Donna when her event was finished back at her place (off Melrose Place!) and hit the road for some more fun! Harm was on duty at The Bridal Bar (jam packed with incipient brides) so we just did a quick pop-in.

Although I drive the blocks between La Cienega and Fairfax on a pretty regular basis, I had never noticed the store Ma Du Zi nestled between Agent Provocateur and Tarina Tarantino.
It struck me funny that the name was so close to Sweetpeas'


Tanja Maduzia, and if they were Croatian (as is Tanja) or possibly related to her? I had Ben run in and grab a business card, then snapped a quick pic. We'll see what we find out!

I had to add this photo of the "Conversation Heart" cookies we saw (but did not eat) at La Conversation. Just too cool.

Pretty Posies
The newest venture at Sweetpeas and Snapshots? You guessed it: Flowers! I don't know if you knew this, but Mary has a reputation for putting out some pretty amazing floral arrangements. Add to that the experience (and eye) of Miss Pauline (who used to arrange for the prestigious "The Woods Exquisite Flowers" in Brentwood), Tanja's talent for presentation and my landscaping background, and you set the scene for perfect posie possibilities!


The arrangements are now available on weekends, on a first-come-first-served basis, and by custom order. Each is a work of art, presented in a container appropriate to the season or event. Mary selected this first week's offering, inspired by the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. I am so excited about this new facet of the store's dimension. One can call the shop for more information! (310.479.2444)

I had so much fun today!
When Miss Mary decided it was time for an early morning adventure, she knew I'd be game. She swept in around nine and whisked me off in her big black new Cadillac Escalade, to the mysterious dark alleyways of Chinatown (music cue.)
In that colorful district, there are many tourist traps...and a few hidden shops that cater to the wholesale trade. It was to one of these special "insider" dens that we found the treasures that now grace the shelves of Sweetpeas.

Mary knew exactly what she wanted; wasting no time at all, she filled four huge shopping bags with booty. I got a little distracted with all the excitement. I picked up a few packs of Smoke Bombs for the boys, a new parasol for Donna, and a $20. Turquoise Kimono for myself. Choosing the right merchandise can really be a challenge; this mental labor really can work up an appetite!
The solution for such a hunger? Dim Sum lunch at the Golden Dragon! I don't know if you've ever experienced a hard-core Dim Sum restaurant, but this is really the place to go for the best. This strangely expansive restaurant is always packed beyond imagination, yet I've never had to wait for a table. Countless carts of fresh, hot Chinese morsels are wheeled around the floor by a friendly staff who will patiently explain what is what and don't get offended if you decline their offering.
We dined on Pork Bao, BBQ Pork, Golden Pork Bao (a pattern?), shrimp balls and our favorite: Curry Chicken (looked like it was in a golden biscuit.) An early-afternoon Mai Tai just made everything just that much better.

Afterwards, back at the shop, I snapped a picture of pretty Pauline with one of the Cherry Blossom fans Mary had found.

Not far away...
At a nearby table, who was having dinner at Jack Sprat's Grille but Zooey Deschanel (Elf.) She was looking really happy taking sips of her hot tea with lemon. I didn't want to disturb her, so I took a picture of Allie (with Zooey in the background) and clipped in here at home. With the pictures I was snapping of the food, nobody was bothered.













(this pic is a publicity photo from google)

Naughty Pleasures
Can you believe that this is 1/2 a piece of Jack Sprat's Hershey chocolate cake? I had the waiter box up the other half to go before bringing the bad boys out. Allie was enthralled by the descriptions of the desserts, and we grown-up girls were feeling the need for a little naughty pleasure. Dessert did the trick.
Don't worry; the treats were just tasted, not completely devoured. I made Harmony take the other half home (so it wouldn't be in my house!)


The Key Lime custard pie with graham cracker crust and mile-high meringue was tart to perfection. They made for a lovely end to a problem-free evening.
I think that finding comfort in food can be the best diversion sometimes. It sure helped a really good friend tonight.

Comfort Food

I went with Harmony & Allie to Jack Sprats Grille, by the Westside Pavilion, for dinner. They specialize in healthy comfort food (not an oxymoron, really!)

It's so happafying when you sit down and get that plate of fresh, hot, Philadelphia-style pretzels with the little dishes of assorted mustard to dip them into.






Allie and I opted to share one of the house specialties: Chicken Medallions (stuffed with Basmati rice.) We each had two of the tender white meat pieces, and took the remaining two medallions home to daddy (Harm had the stuffed tomatoes; not on my list.) I had them add an extra side of the Basmati rice (see the dome there, with the savory mushrooms bursting through!)





Their sauteed vegetables were filled with flavor as well...you know daddy got half of this side dish to enjoy with his main dish.











Harm chose the Chicken Club sandwich. The fries are not really fried; they're "air fries"...a healthier alternative that tastes just as good as their naughty grease-laden counterparts.

Angry.

Jarred to report that overnight a bad man burgled the Bridal Bar. It is so disturbing to think that there are still evil people out there who will do things like this; fortunately, nobody was hurt and all they got were a couple of computers. It seems very suspect that just a few days earlier, somebody had tried to break in to Harmony's apartment as well; her two dogs scared them off, leaving just a damaged door jamb.

I'm going to take her out later tonight with Allie (Ben is at his first "Street Scene" rehearsal) and hopefully take her mind off of this horrible occurrence.

CHA: The answer to your questions.

I've been inundated with questions about what we ordered at CHA. Here's the big answer...if you'd like to see what is coming in, just check all the blog links to the right, and take a peek at what everyone there is posting about. I trust their photos will do the products justice.