There are just some things you always do for your Mom on Mother’s Day. Top of the list is calling her of course   And next (since I promised I would!!) one must keep things up to date on the website!   So here you go Mom ….

Today we went to brunch at the most exquisitely beautiful place in downtown Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Grain Exchange. What an unbelievable buffet brunch from the Bartalotta group – they sure know how to put on a spread.  I started with lox and cream cheese and some spinach greens. Then a few shrimp and crab claws (yum). I opted for the more ‘breakfasty’ part of brunch and had an omelette and sausages. A trip (okay maybe 2) to the dessert display left me feeling very special.  As I looked around at all the happy people celebrating today I was reminded of how special our moms and dads are to us. With all the crazy that goes on in the world it is nice to be reminded of how much people do care about each other. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such a lovely family myself. So HATS OFF to all the Moms, Dads and families today!

Thought you might like to see a photo of the dining room in this very historic building.

I have been making lots of new disk shaped beads, some are kind of ruffly like underwater forms. Others are organic looking and just plain FUN to design with!

Here’s a fresh batch form the other day! Off to clean them up now….

I love how these beads turned out looking like some kind of polished stone!  I call them ‘Cashmere”

I wanted to share one of my all time favorite beads with you. It is one of a series of ‘map’ beads – this one is “Map of Graciella” and made it’s way to someone in France. I love to travel and enjoy creating new terrain on my little glass beads!

Now available at your local vending machine!!! Really?? If you live in Paris you will find these vending machines selling fresh baguettes allover. These are coin operated and dispense pre-cooked loaves of bread after warming them up for you once you complete your purchase. So do you think the invention of Jean-Louis Hecht signals the end of the daily trip to the bakery? Likened by some to the Redbox video kiosks in many groceries but hailed by others as a time saver it looks like business is up for these bread machines.

Have you ever seen these? They are remote controlled balloons that would be the most fun thing to play with. I can imagine using one at a shopping mall, party, anywhere there is a crowd. You can see EVERYONE has a smile on their face. Check out the video – and WAIT for the very end. I love the kitty cat’s reaction 

We spent last weekend at the St Paul Winter Carnival. There was so much to see even though the weather was not as snowy as desired.  It was cold enough to keep the ice sculptures from melting and they were beautiful sparkling in the sunshine. This was one of my very favorites.

And what a great city to walk around in and see the sights….  gorgeous old buildings and lots to do. We even got in a cat show! The very first I have ever seen….. check out the mini capes and crowns for the winners! (excuse the blurry photo please

I am in love with Kumihimo….. I took a Beaded Kumihimo class on a cold Saturday in December.  I had already tried it once with fiber and quite enjoyed the outcome. But the added sparkle of beads on the cord attracted me. I took my little disk, my prepared cords and bobbins complete with beads and spent a couple of hours learning the basics of making a beaded bracelet. Heres a picture of  my finished piece! It’s all dressed up with silver end caps and a little dangle just for fun. I liked it so much I plan on making  a necklace in black!  So what is Kumihimo? Its a type of braiding and uses a marudai though most of us beginners use a simple foam disk.  For more detailed information check out this site www.whatiskumihimo.com

Driving  along the freeway the other day we saw this funny little (and I mean LITTLE) car – the driver was waving and smiling as I took this photo. How could you not laugh? Apparently they are located in a town close to where I live. Check out their website!   theluckycookiecompany

Time for some Bagpipe music!! Who can listen to this and NOT tap their feet?