Rummage Sale

I've just spent the last 6 or so hours working The Writer's tag sale. Pardon my language, but it was a total shit show, as expected.

I have a few tales I think you'll enjoy:

1: In which The Writer tries to guilt me into something

I brought along some of my own personal items to sell at the tag sale, and one of these was a set of 3 glass kitchen jars. Approximately 2 minutes after setting them out, The Writer mentioned that they would be perfect for her to put coffee, etc. in (Never mind that she has jars ALL over her house). I wasn't planning on just giving them to her, so I told her that I was going to try and sell them and that my roommate wanted them if i didn't sell them (This was true!).
Not to be deterred, as I walked away a bit later, to take care of something, I see The Writer run over to my table, grab 2 of the jars and take off up the porch stairs with them. I chased after her to explain to her that I wanted to leave them out for awhile to try and sell them.

The Writer then pulled me aside to have "a word with me" and informed me that she wanted them because this is her a business to her and this was going to help her pay her rent.

First: I thought they were for coffee, not to sell after stealing them from me
Second: No, she doesn't need this to help pay her rent, she does that just fine without ripping off her assistant
Third: Although I do just about everything else for her, since when did it become my responsibility to help her pay her rent??

So I told her 1 & 2 of this list, and then when she refused to give them back, made her at least pay me my asking price for the jars. . .

I then informed her that I didn't feel comfortable with her taking/buying any more of my stuff because I knew she was just going to go behind my back and sell it for more than it was worth

She appeared nonplussed. Such a good actress, that one!'

2: In which The Writer tries to sell something of mine out from under my nose

I brought a scarf to this tag sale that is old and for winter. As such, I threw it in the free box since I didn't think anyone would pay for it.

The Writer saw it and said it was gorgeous and tried to commandeer it. I literally took it out from her hand, but it in the free box and told her that I wanted it to stay there for someone else, NOT HER. She already has enough stuff. I made sure to "joke" about it per our previous conversation (rolling my eyes right now)

I noticed several hours later, my scarf had mysteriously migrated over to the tarp full of clothes The Writer was selling for around $3.

Riiight. . .

Well, two can play this game! I kept an eye on it, and as soon as she left the lawn for something, I snatched my scarf back and hid it in my car, so she wouldn't be able to get her paws on it.

Ridiculous, I know. The Writer just brings out the 10 year old in me.

I then proceeded to watch my table like a hawk all day, to make sure nothing else disappeared under strange circumstances.

Jeeze Louise, that woman drives me nuts!

Bridge of Flowers

This afternoon, I got to spend some time with The Writer's mother, fondly known as Morning Star. Well, fondly known to herself anyway. Despite the fact that I believe she hails from either Ohio or North Carolina, Morning Star has taken to consider herself Hopi Indian, and is actually on her way to a pow wow this weekend to sell her native wares.

You can read more about Morning Star here

Oh yea, and to carry on with the disturbing theme of the week-The Writer decided to change after her bath but leave her bedroom door open partway without my knowledge. Then, she called to me to ask me a question so I walked into the living room (where her bedroom is off of) to answer, and was caught of guard when I got a full frontal of The Writers chest.

I can only hope these shenanigans end, like, NOW. Put some dang clothes on, and shut the DANG DOOR WRITER!

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Thankfully, a walk through town while at work today reminded me that even with all the crazy, the town where I work is absolutely beautiful!

Here are some shots I snapped of a famous landmark, the Bridge of Flowers

Chaos

Just when I thought things couldn't get more out of control, they've gone and done it!

Today, The Writer took our relationship to deeper levels when she got irritated with the bathroom door and decided that it's perfectly acceptable to pee with the door open-while I'm in the next room, and can see her.

God help me. For real.

Not to mention, moving chaos has, as predicted escalated with news that although we were informed that we had to be out of our apartment on the 31st by noon, we now have to be out of the apartment by 9 AM.

I would be excited that it's Friday tomorrow, except that I have to work on Saturday at 8:30, because The Writer is having a tag sale.

Did I mention that my life is a joke? No?

IT IS.

Sans Pants

I feel like it should be a crime to work when it's over 90 degrees out. At least if your place of employment (a.k.a The Writer's house) doesn't have air conditioning!

Blessedly, I had to run errands for The Writer today, so I got to spend a few hours in air conditioned bliss while out.

Blessed also because The Writer has taken to running around without pants on this week. . .so it was a nice break from that. . .

Oh, yea. Let me explain!

Contrary to what you might be thinking, this is no way correlates to the rising temperatures. The Writer has been trying on all of her old and new clothes as she goes through them. Apparently, she feels comfortable enough with me that it in no way fazes her to whip her clothes off while I'm milling around making phone calls, doing office work, etc.

I then become super awkward and try avoid looking at her without her thinking I'm trying to avoid looking at her so that she doesn't think I'm weird. But seriously? Typing up press releases while my boss saunters around sans pants is really not what I expected when I signed on for this gig.

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Incidentally, I've also begun milling around sans pants myself. Although rest assured, I'm still fully clothed! I've just become enthralled with dresses! For some reason, I just never really got into wearing them until this year. They're so fun, feminine, and super cute. Love it!

Here are some I'm drooling over:

Hoarders

Have you ever seen that show
"Hoarders: Buried Alive" on TV.

I'm pretty convinced that The Writer is fast heading toward being on that show.

Despite the fact that The Writer and Partner moved into their home a little less than a month ago, much of the new place is still in complete chaos.

Why, you wonder? Because The Writer has more stuff than any small house is meant to hold. Today, we began the arduous task or organize her clothing and putting away winter closing to make room for her summer clothes.

Also, The Writer has been planning a big tag sale for Memorial Day Weekend (of course, I'll be doing all the work. . .) so she wanted to pull out clothes to sell.



We spent about 5.5 hours working on this today. The Writer has 1 and a half closets, a huge dresser, and 4 underbed storage bins of clothes left. She got rid of 3 items to sell at the tag sale and maybe 8 to bring to a consignment shop. The same shop she brought a shirt to a few months ago, and informed me today as it magically came back out of her closet that she bought it back. From HERSELF.

Anytime I tried to get her to think seriously about getting rid of something she became distressed and defensive.

How, then is she having a tag sale? Oh, that's the best part.

She has been collecting free or really cheap from other peoples tag sales around town and storing them in her front room so that she can sell them this coming weekend.

Not to mention she went "tag sale-ing" this weekend and managed to purchase a whole lot of ridiculous junk that is now displayed around the house that is already choc-o-block full of totally unused, unnecessary stuff.

. . .I'm probably going to throw a lot of things away today while doing more packing. Just to convince myself that I can and I'm not becoming a crazy, tag sale-ing hoarder. . .

Nineties

Man, oh man. This move has taken on a life of its own! Today, I headed to my parents home to organize, downsize, and move a bunch of my old stuff.

3 trash bags, 6 boxes, and 4ish hours later, I loaded up and headed back to my place to continue the packing party. . .ugh!

I've spent the majority of this balmy Monday evening combing through my ridiculous collection of (mostly nineties) CDs that were previously collecting dust in my parents basement. It's time for a bit of a confession: I LOVE nineties music. Gin Blossoms, Tracy Chapman, Sister Hazel, Third Eye Blind. You name it, if it came out anywhere in that most glorious decade, I probably love it! As such, before I dusted off and separated my collection into sell or give away piles, I may or may not have spent copious amounts of time adding some old favs to my iTunes.

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Although I've been doing lots of hard work, it wasn't all work and no play. I made sure to spend some time lounging in the sun and even got a bit of a tan. WHOHOO! Summer has arrived (well not officially, but you know. . .).

My Move

I hate to say it, but I will soon be following in the steps of The Writer and beginning a move. I'm hoping to keep this one un-capitalized, if you know what I mean. . .

I hope you'll accept this excuse as a reason why I've been seriously lacking in keeping up with ya'll this week. And next week might be even crazier. In fact, I won't even have internet at home starting on Wednesday, EEK!

Here's just a small picture of the insanity going on here at my humble abode:

Things are clearly a joke over here. Although, if you look closely you'll notice those bottom boxes are Italian boxes. That's right kids. When I move, I do it in style. . .

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Also, since I promised some more Writer crazy. . .here's a replay of, by far, one of the most ridiculous convos I've ever shared with The Writer (this happened over the phone, as well!)

I was at the house and The Writer was out "running errands" aka spending vast quantities of money on things she doesn't need or have the space for.

Me (picking up cell as it rings, it's The Writer): Hiii, what's up

The Writer: Hey. Oh umm. so I'm out getting gas by Family Dollar. What kind of curtain did we need for the sink window

Me: Mmm. You don't need one you're going to use that cherry fabric you found while moving remember

The Writer: Yea, but we need curtains for that window, I'm just like 'Aah, there's nothing to buy?'

Me: Uh, well if you want--

The Writer: OH WAIT! We don't need curtains we have that fabric with the cherries all over it, remember?

Me: Yea that's what I just said, I--

The Writer: Ok, yea I'll just buy that . . . strange crumpling noise and The Writer hangs up on me

OK. . .WHAT?

Bad Blog Mother

I'm being a bad blog mother this week. I've barely given you any crazy stories to chew on EEK!

I'll give you just a little something to keep you going. . .this week The Writer informed me that she is feeling very overwhelmed still with The Move and doesn't think that therapy (she has basically an entire day of therapy each week) is working and so she's quitting.

I was a little speechless, but decided to keep my mouth shut. I mean, don't you go to therapy because you're feeling overwhelmed?? Also, I was saddened that this most likely means the demise of my newly implemented 3-day weekend. Granted, I worked for someone else then, but it was such a nice break from The Writer. Oh well, 2 months, one week, and 2 days. I CAN do this!

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Oh yea, and my favorite online store, Gussy is having a crazy sale day today and tomorrow in celebration of the owner going full time. Interested in some glorious handmade totes, clutches, laptop bags? Head over here and order away. . . and mention my name. . .she should know her biggest fan is plugging for her over here;0)

Lamentations

Another long day, but I made it through

A friend read this passage from the Bible tonight and it gave me much encouragement. . .

Lamentations 3:

¹⁹ I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

²⁰ I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

²¹ Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

²² Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

²⁴ I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

Oh What A Weekend

Well, another wonderful weekend has come and gone. It began on Friday with a visit to the Tunnel Bar, one of my favorite places around and ended with a visit to see some adorable baby chicks that some friends just got! Oh yea, and there was some delicious soft serve ice cream and graduation festivities for friends thrown in! Jeesh. . .

As usual, here's the weekend (well, bits of it anyway) in pictures!

Check out those sweet baby chicks in the album. They're so cute, I couldn't stop taking pictures. You can't tell from the pictures but there are a dozen of them!

Martinis at the bar

Look at these pretty girls with their delicious soft serve (black cherry, cheesecake, and I had amaretto!)


Baby Chicks:0)

Click here to view these pictures larger

Happy Bday Writer

Today was The Writer's birthday. . .You know by now that The Writer and I rarely get anything of substance done. I think you can imagine that today was even more useless.

However, I did get some delicious carrot cake and while The Writer was distracted with Facebook, I snuck in some actual PR that needed to be done for an upcoming event.

And if you're wondering. I did get her a gift, a new CD collection she wanted. I sort of felt obligated because she got me a gift certificate to Sephora for mine. Also, I generally love birthday and despite all her craziness, The Writer is NO exception. She deserves a delightful birthday just like everyone else. So, I hope she had one!

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I'm off soon to one of my favorite bars around here, called the Tunnel Bar. They have like 3 dozen different martinis and one of their bar tenders sort of reminds me of superman, which for some reason I think is really hot. . .don't ask.

Here's hoping Superman's on duty and bring on the martinis. . .whohoo!

ER Visit

This morning, as I pulled up to The Writer's place and found The Writer sitting outside, clearly waiting for my arrival.

A bit unusual since normally The Writer has no idea what time it is and is shocked when I show up
As soon as I stepped of the car, she laid the most ridiculous sequence of events on me
Apparently, earlier this morning, The Writer and her two friends decided to go out on a walk. On the way back they noticed some smallish black cases in the road.

The Writer stopped traffic to retrieve the bags, and opened one of them and pulled out something that was inside.

The something happened to be a syringe and needle with a cap. The Writer somehow accidentally opened the syringe cap and stabbed herself with the needle. . .
And that is where I come in. After a panicked recount, The Writer than informed me that she had to head to the ER to be tested to make sure that she didn't have Aids, Hep A,B OR C, etc.

The Writer lives in a small town idyllic community, so not really much of a worry of infected drug needles, especially since they were in a diabetes kit with a name and address on it.

Nonetheless, it was quite a day. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how The Writer managed to stab herself with something that initially was sealed. She really had to be trying. . .

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Today I got to spend a glorious few minutes at one of my favorite places anywhere in the world.
Barnes&Nobles
I love how it smells, the lighting, the music, and those BOOKS. OH, how I love books!

Here's my favorite spot in the whole store:


And here's where I found out SK has a new book out. She's my favorite summer read!

Drama, Drama, Drama

You'll recall that approximately 2 months ago, The Writer received the devastating news that she was losing a lot of money, and thus would have to move from her house to a new place that was much less money.
The result has been a long arduous 2 1/2 months of dealing with The Writer's move. The place that The Writer and Partner moved into is only $50 less than the last rent.

I know this makes no sense. . .bear with me. . .

So, the two of them rented this place with the understanding that a large room on the back of the house would be rented to a border to make up some money they couldn't afford to pay

Coincidentally, Partner's nephew has been looking for a place to stay and was more than happy to live with Uncle and The Writer
Details were organized and Nephew is all set to move in this weekend.

Today, however, The Writer made the executive decision that she know longer wants a border and, evidently, feels justified in completely shutting down Nephew two days before he's slated to move in.

I don't understand how someone can go about making such big decisions with no regard for the people around them that have already rearranged their plans based on previously agreed upon situations.

Sucks to be Nephew I guess.

**It should be noted that after yesterday's confrontation I was in no mood to disagree with The Writer, so when she asked my opinion I basically just agreed with everything she said. . .

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As I write this I'm watching Pan's Labyrinth, a Spanish movie that came out in 2007. Ever seen it?

It's absolutely incredible, and terrifying, and magical. I saw it in theaters twice when it came out.

If you haven't seen it and you don't mind a little violence and a fantastical plot, you should most definitely check it out. You won't be sorry

Blow up

EEK! Today with The Writer was absolutely out of control! I had to pray my way through the day just to make it. . .

This morning while trying to help The Writer continue the ridiculously long move in process, we got ourselves into a heated moment.

Last week, The Writer asked me to keep her on track since she's feeling overwhelmed and would like me to make sure she doesn't get crazy. I tried to do just that as we debated for perhaps the tenth time since last Monday which wall the office file cabinet should go on.

Finally, FINALLY, a decision was made, after much deliberation.

Overjoyed to have a place to move the dang cabinet, I started moving boxes to the center of the room to make a path. Immediately, The Writer became somewhat sidetracked and suggested moving all the boxes to the rooms they were supposed to go in. I informed her that they were all office boxes save one and a fan and that I really thought we should just move the filing cabinet (OK. I was a little bit forceful about it. . .)

She became visibly pissed and stomped outside, but not before basically shouting at me that she was going out for a cigarette break.

The day continued as normal, until lunch time when she "confronted" me about my unkind behavior and how it was hurtful to her. I apologized, but explained to her that I was only trying to do what she asked me to do last week.

She then launched into the ways that I should talk to her when she's frustrated, referenced her best friends ways of relating to her and how she responds better when people make a joke about the situation, to get her to respond better and then started sobbing about something to do with Partner, yadda yadda yadda.

I didn't have a clue what was going on toward the end there!

Will the crazy NEVER end?? Actually, YES!! I was counting down to the end before, but now I kind of want to whip out the old school construction paper chain! BUT, I'm packing up the apt. so that's not really an option. Oh well. . .

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I'm going to be repeating this all day tomorrow:

James 1:19&20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Almost Summer

I may or may not have indicated (or flat out said) that I was going to post on Saturday, but then I failed. . .sorry folks!

The reason I was going to post on Saturday was because on Friday, my long awaiting birthday gift from several of my friends arrived!! It's a laptop bag from this talented lady, Maggie who hand makes all these delicious bags, wallets, phone pouches, etc. with this sweet ruffle on every one. Her company is called Gussy, and it's amazing! Check it out, you won't be sorry:0)
If you were involved in making my Gussy-owning dreams a reality and you're reading this thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

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I trust that everyone had a good weekend? Although mine was punctuated by rain, it began with some fantastic summer-related activities that made me absolutely ache for summer to arrive. Some of those things were :

Eating hot dogs barefoot in the grass with this goofball

watching my crazy friends engage in some sort of weird wrestling thing. . .

Tree Climbing!


I also got to spend an amazing Saturday evening with a group of friends. We've all spent the last couple of years close by (we all [mostly] live on the same street) and will soon be parting ways for various cities and countries. It was wonderful to just hang out and relax with them all!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommas and mommas-to-be in my life!

I hope you all have beautiful days with your families

And, of course. . .

A special shout out to MY momma. Love you!

Offended

Today I had a most interesting conversation with The Writer. Nor for the first time at my job, I was at a loss for words. Sometime I just don't know what to make of the fact that this is my job. . .

Me: (returning to the new kitchen with some receipts as The Writer and I work on her budget, for approximately TWO hours): I just don't understand how you budget is this complicated! It seems like it always takes us so long! I have money from 4 people on my budget and it's not this complicated!

The Writer: Well, I mean you probably don't have the same kind of money coming from everywhere like me. . .

Me: I'm not sure of my exact response, but I'm pretty sure I got a bit prickly inside, and tried to rebut her calmly (The Writer often minimizes my life when I make comparisons or draw from my experiences)

Fast forward 10 min. The Writer has taken a break to make a sandwich

The Writer: I just feel like this is so difficult, I don't know if I can handle anymore today. And then when I feel offended, it makes it even harder.

Me: mmm, yea. . .wait what? offended did you say?

The Writer: well yea, I mean with you comparing. . .

Me: Sorry, I don't know what you're trying to say?

The Writer: I mean that, you were comparing our budgets saying (insert high pitched childish voice here) 'well I have four people and don't have this much trouble' and all that stuff. It was kind of upsetting to hear your opinion

Me: Sorry, I wasn't trying to be mean just stating a fact.

The Writer: Well, still. I don't know why you'd say that. . .

I'm pretty sure I just changed the subject here. Am I being blind here, was I really being mean? Is it normal to spend several hours in a day working on 1 simple budget (the same one we do every single month)?

Maybe so.

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I don't usually post on Saturday's put I have lots of exciting things to share so come back tomorrow!

Lo{st}cks

Apparently a woman used to live in The Writer's new home with her young kids. She stopped paying rent when the current landlord bought the place, and eventually was evicted. All of her stuff was basically just left in the apartment when she moved.

The Writer has taken it upon herself to go through all of the stuff (now stored in the basement) and add it to the collection of stuff for her upcoming tag sales (yes, plural. Her new get rich scheme involves having tag sales every weekend this summer. . .)

Today, as she was commandeering some of the items to use in the new place for her and Partner, she announced that she was going to put a lock on the basement so that if the woman came back for her stuff she wouldn't be able to get in. The Writer justified this by saying that the woman has no right to it since she refused to pay her rent and left it all there.

Now, The Writer maybe correct, but frankly it's really not her place to be locking the woman out of the basement and hoarding her stuff to sell. If the landlord wants to withhold items from the previous tenant that's his business, not The Writer's.

I didn't even bothering putting up a fight about this one. I knew I'd lose.

What do you think? Is The Writer justified or, as usual, completely irrational?

Oh yea, and today while I was "home" alone, I happened upon a lovely little hand carved wooden box sitting on top of one of the unpacked boxes. It was beautiful so I thought I'd have a little look.

I now know where Partner keeps his pot stash.

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Did anyone watch LOST last night?

I won't get too particular in case I spoil something for someone. But I will say that two of my favorite characters were killed off.

I was a little more devastated than any person should be about fictional characters dying. I cried, there was some yelling, and I even called a friend in a panic (she wasn't watching it though so we couldn't talk about it!).

Today, I was reading an article with an interview of the shows writers who said that they did it to remind everyone that anything can happen in LOST.

I did not invest the last five years of my life into this show for THIS. Thanks, LOST writers, thanks.

Congrats Grad!

As predicted, I arrived at The Writer's new place today to find things in complete disarray. It appeared that approximately zero unpacking had occurred, minus the few necessary items to make coffee, use the bathroom, etc.

Thus began The Great Unpacking!

I actually like unpacking, so it wasn't to bad at all, and The Writer actually was super sweet and got me a birthday present! So, I was feeling especially magnanimous.

The day took a surprising turn, however, when an enormous wind storm whipping around the house, the animals going crazy, and weird thunderstorms rumbling around above us. Then, the power went out.

Normally, I love this kind of weather, but was a little creeped out, given that the dog and cat were acting so strangely. I briefly worried that a tornado might end up crashing through the place. Thankfully, we don't get many of those in New England, so my fears were all for not!

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I'd like to offer up a ginormous congratulations to my friend and roommate Miss Sarah E. for making it through five years of college and just finishing her last day.

Conrats Grad! (I hate when people say that for real. So weird!)

Here are some pics of our on going celebration! As I write this I'm enjoying a delicious Cuervo Margarita and some chips and salsa. Ole!

May!

I'm a few days late, but welcome May!

Of course, May is nowhere as near as great as April (can you guess why?)

BUT. . .May is especially amazing this year because it means that in about 3 mos. I will be moving to Boston!

It also means that in 3 mos. The Writer and I will be parting ways. She still doesn't know yet, but all in good time.

No worries, though. This lovely blog will still continue to highlight the craziness that is sure to take place when I take Boston by storm!

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(Me and my cutie younger sibs)

I trust that you all had lovely weekends?

My own was filled with birthday festivities, ninety degree weather, surprise friend visits, wedding showers, and lots of time with amazing friends and family!

I now have two cakes, a plate of cupcakes, sugar cookies, and pudding crowding my fridge. Needless to say it's a disaster!! I'm trying to foist much of it off on friends.

Last night, I went over to my neighbors who are still, sadly, complete strangers. They are all guys so I was sure they would be into getting some free goodies. When they came to the door, a plume of pot smoke came billowing out.
"Score," I thought, "they'll for sure want stuff to snack on!"

Ummm. NO. What kind of large, high, college dudes don't want some free cake??

Anyway, we've now made some new friends, and one of them came over today to borrow my vacuum. I just wish they'd borrowed some cake;0)

Cookies and Lingerie

This weekend was filled with wonderful events and one of those was a celebration of a friends marriage!

Some of her friends and I decided to host a lingerie party in honor of her impending nuptials and, to help get the party started, I created these unique bodice shaped cookies decorated like different kinds of lingerie.

The cookie cutter was hand made as was the template for cutting the fondant. I'm quite happy with the way they turned out and think these are the first real project in my eventual goal of owning my own little baking business!

Check out the slide show below for a view of the process from start to finish and some of my favorite cookie. I like the yellow and blue bustier cookie best;0)

Click here to view these pictures larger

And if you like what you see and think you'll need some fun sugar cookies or any other baked good for an event soon, let me know!