I Love Paris

Just returned from our wonderful trip. The original plan was to post a few pics during our travels, but the whirlwind tour kept me busy. We managed to fill the camera each day, so I'll share some photos soon. In the meantime enjoy the slideshow from KrystinaBorges and the always entertaining Les Negresses Vertes.

And here we are tired but content on the flight home.

Jedi Obi Dude vs Lord J

Obi Dude: Excuse me?????

Doesn't Obi Dude look like he's thinking - You did not just say that about my ship/droid/or princess did you????

Last week, Obi Dude (red light saber) donned his Deluxe Stars Wars Jedi Robe and paid a visit to his buddy Lord J (blue light saber).  The generous folks over at CostumeSuperCenter.com sent The Dude this cool Star Wars robe for review. (By the way Lord J is wearing O.D.'s black Griffendor robe, which has been doing double duty for years.). 

Lord J: Why yes, yes I did!

Oh oh - them's fighting words....

OD: Last chance to take it back!

By the way, I love the drape on this robe. It is made of a lightweight polyester and has a really slick drape, dont'cha think?  Okay, okay..... you caught me - yes, I wish I had one too.

LJ: I think not!

LJ: Prepare yourself, my friend. You may have a fantastic new robe but I am fast with a saber!

It appears that Lord J's boldness knows no bounds.

But Wait!

Ooh look - Obi Dude has activated the infamous butterfly effect! Resistance is futile (sorry - I couldn't help myself)

LJ: You can't catch me - muhahahaha

While he seems to exude confidence (even while making his escape) notice that Lord J has abandoned his sweaty cloak. It was a hot 80+ degrees on the playground. However Obi Dude's robe has a loose weave, making the fabric look like a rough monk-type material. It also allows better air flow, keeping a Jedi cooler in the Florida sun - big bonus.

LJ: Aarrgh! Until we meet again, Obi Dude....

Lord J grabs his robe & flees the marauding butterflies.

Obi Dude is victorious.... for now....

And a grand time was had by all! 

Many thanks to CostumeCenter for such a great outfit! This Deluxe Jedi Robe gets an A+ from me and an "Awesome! I love it!" from Obi Dude. You can find more great Star Wars costumes and other fantastic outfits on their website. They have costumes for all ages, in all shapes & sizes. Fast shipping too, so be sure to check this fun company out.

Please note: We received this costume at no charge for review.

I frequently receive product review offers, but rarely accept as I am usually just not into the item or company. I can honestly say that this costume is well made and very cool. Plus it is hand washable (a must for post-playdate or candy-sticky fingers)!

Flowers For Mother's Day

ATC for swap

“I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.”– Claude Monet

I'm participating in some great groups over at CreativeSouls.ning.com. May's Art Trading Card swap has a fun flowers theme. 

I came across this wonderful Claude Monet quote recently & it seemed to a good starting point for new ATC.

The photo of Monet is from Wikimedia Commons. The lily photo is one I took years ago. When I stuck the two together the melange reminded me of handcolored antique postcards, so I tossed in some faded hues to complete the vibe.

Happy Mother's Day!

Almost time to go....

Enter Random Drawing to win Time's Up! Party Game App

Time's Up! Party Game App from R&R Games + Repos Productions

Earlier this week the company I work for, R&R Games (http://rnrgames.com/) released their first App. If you have an Iphone & like party games, enter to win the random drawing for a free copy of this wacky party game. 

To enter: click through to R&R's new FaceBook page & "Like" it. Next week they will be drawing 5 winners from folks who do this.

If you liked an R&R Games FB page in the past, click through to this one and do it again (please). The powers that be have decided to start a new page... So there are really really low entries right now -  better odds for you!

By the way, the original version (cards, timers, paper & pencils- you know, for us old fogies) is one of our best sellers & has also has received a bunch of awards.

Misc awards for R&R's Times Up! Party Game

So, go on - you know you want to "like" it

Wordless Wednesday - Shhh....

Shhhh... available at ArtSnark.Etsy.com

inspired by Wordless Wednesday

Musical Monday - Color

Work In Progress from Kathy Maximo Designs

 Oh boy - is it Musical Monday again?

Where did that weekend go?

Lucky me, it looks like I am "in the spotlight" with Dave from The Moody Mix  over at the XmasDolly blog today!  So I just had to put my dancin' shoes on & play along today.

The themes today are weather or color. I just had to go with color .... but there are far too many tinted tunes to choose from! I finally settled on Jimi Hendrix's Red House

Although Nick Drake's Pink Moon 

& Chet Baker/Elvis Costello's Almost Blue almost made the cut today. Here is the version from Bruce Weber's excellent Chet Baker film Let's Get Lost

Many thanks to Kathy Maximo for letting me post her latest work in progress. As soon as I needed a house, she was my go-to gal. You can see more of Kathy's creations on her website http://www.kathymaximodesigns.com & her online shop -Vintagesnapsandscrap.etsy.com.

So, what'cha listenin to today? Pop on over to XmasDolly & share your linky. While you are there be sure to test out some great tunes other folks have posted. You can also find more music over at RUN DMT & Bloggin' With Amanda later today.

Whatever you are into, I hope your day is colorful! 

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By the way, have you heard about the Florida Etsy Street Team treasure hunt? Each day until May 12 you go to the FEST blog & get a clue. Then you have until 5/14 to  solve 'em and email your answer. One randomly selected winner gets over $200 in awesome handmade prizes! (I've donated a few, by the way). Click Here for contest details & to see some of the prizes.