Prom 1990 and 1991

It's Prom time! 

Who doesn't love prom? Even if your prom went bad a la Iona in Pretty in Pink,

...there's just something about prom. Even she was nostalgic about it.

Last weekend I went to a wedding reception and ran into several prom-goers. I was like a 5 year old. I kept pointing and waving. I could not stop drooling over the pretty girls in their dresses! I am such a sap, I'd go to prom in a heartbeat if I could do it again. I wish I had pictures of my dresses to show you. 

I found this little item on ebay. This is my exact sleeve from Prom 1990. Puffy, huh?

Note the black sequined bodice. Oh yeah! The skirt on this one is a little different than mine. Mine was white too, but it was the trendier, cooler, asymmetrical skirt. Oooohhh baby!

I believe this picture came from a JCPenney catalog from the 90's. I found it on Kaboodle.com (They have some good stuff on there!)

Put on a little Phil Collins and imagine these dresses morphed together. Black and White. Sequins. Puffs. Cascades of ruffles. I was sooo cool!

In 1990 I had a boyfriend, who escorted me to prom after taking me to dinner at the Holiday Inn. He drove my car, 'cause my car was cool.

This looks about like it. Thanks Wikimedia!

And just shut up if you do not think this was the coolest car ever. It had automatic seat belts for pete's sake! 

Anyways, after prom we did the whole post prom thing. 

It was pretty lame, but whatever. It was a new concept then I think. 

The next year, my senior year, I did not have a boyfriend. I lucked out by not getting asked by some guy I didn't like and my girl Angie and I went together. It was great!

We bought each other wrist corsages.

For some reason, my parents allowed me to wear one of those teeny-tiny dresses that was in style then.

sort of like this one, with out all that shredded stuff:

There wasn't much fabric.

unless you count the butt-bow.

OK, mine was cuter, but whatever.

An added bonus to going with your girl friends is that you can get ready together.

Her mom helped us with the pasties. ;)

That year we went to someone's apartment and had dinner catered. It was pretty awesome. So much more relaxed and fun than a restaurant. 

Afterwards, it seems like my whole class went over to this one guy's house and hung out there with his dad. Then we headed over to someone else's house for breakfast. 

I am not leaving out any details. at. all. 

I'd love to know if your Prom was great. Do you still have the dress? I do!!! 

Maybe I'll try one of them on for you if I get really crazy one night! 

Don't hold your breath.

Make New Friends Friday: The Finale

Welcome to the last link-up for the April link-party we call Make New Friends Friday. This linky is co-hosted by me, Jami and Jill of Barnes Yard.

If you'd like to play along, here are the rules:

1. Write a blog post about a (family-friendly) blog you want to shout about. 
2. Include a link to the blog in your post.
3. Be sure to add our Button to your post.
4. Come back to either Aint She Crazy or Barnes Yard and add your link. You will only need to add it to ONE of the sites.
5. Have a margarita (or a cosmo, or both!), you deserve it! 
   

Here is Our Button:

<br /><center><a href="http://aintshecrazy.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="blog button" src="http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a474/aintshecrazy/MakeNewFriendscopy-1.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />

Annnnd Now....
I'd like to introduce you to:
Red Shoes

It was really hard for me to choose the last blog to spotlight. I even made a list! (There are just so many good ones out there!) I was torn between a recipe blog, a craft blog, a mommy-blog, a news blog...
But in the end, my heart lept when I read Red Shoes, so I knew this blog had to be the one.
You will find so much artistic inspiration here, you will be humming before you realize it!I wanted to post some pictures, but once again, I waited till the kids went to bed to write this, so I do not have time to ask permission. Please just trust me and click!
Oh! and she has a store so you can get in on the goodness! How great is that!

I want to thank everyone who has linked up to us these past 4 weeks. It has been a ton of fun meeting new bloggers. For now, this is the last linky-up... .
xxoxx

Today

Thank you so much for your visits, your emails and facebook comments.
I am still processing all that has gone on here in the last few weeks or so. It is difficult to wrap my brain around death in and of itself, let alone the death of a child. Last thanksgiving when my grandmother passed away, we were somewhat prepared, as you are when an old person passes. You watch them lose their teeth, their hearing, their appetite. You have listened to their stories: hopefully, you know that they lived their life well and if you believe, as I do, that they will see their loved ones again, you rejoice in that for them. My grandmother had buried 2 husbands and a baby, siblings, cousins, and even a great grandchild. She had much to look forward to in passing away from this earthly existence.

But a child? It is so hard to comprehend.
I cannot get past the fact that Adam, a cancer patient, is only one boy in a sea of boys and girls. The hard lump in my gut will not wane at this thought.

In my daughter's class is a sweet boy who has battled a brain tumor since he was 18 months old. I have been praying for protection of his little spirit when he hears of the death of his friend Adam.

For the past 10 months, I have been following the story of a little girl named Kate McRae. Some of you may know of her. As a digital scrapper, I found Kate through some of the many designers and bloggers who were circulating her story at the time of her diagnosis with a brain tumor when she was 5. You can read Kate's story on her website. My daughter and Kate would be in the same class, so her story caught my attention right away. But the thing that has really grabbed my attention is the faith of her parents. I cannot imagine how, but they are able to praise God through each and every step. They suffer, they cry, they get angry, yes; but all with the hope of eternity in their sights. I have never witnessed faith like that. They are truly amazing and humble people who ask nothing more than your prayers for their daughter. Kate's dad is a pastor in Phoenix who also keeps a blog here. If there ever was a thing called hope, I have found it here.

So, on this day, when we will attend the visitation of our young friend, who fought so bravely right until the end, I am thinking of Kate and all the other kids who have cancer. I am thinking of my own son, Adam's teammate who will attend with us. Their team will stand together and wear their jerseys in memory of Adam; an army of little souls who are too young to know such tragedy.

I'll be honest: I'm not yet for sure where all this leads. Life goes on as it must, but I hope that we can take something positive away. I hope that one day we will look back and remember the day when we could not help these kids...knowing that a cure has been found and that children are free to live as children should, playing and laughing and learning without the shadow of cancer lurking.

Adam

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for our friend Adam. He went to heaven last night.

I have nothing eloquent to say. Please pray for his family.

Make New Friends Friday

Yeah! It's Make New Friends Friday!! 

I have been looking forward to this all week because I found a new friend this week.

I don't know if you already know her, but I think you should know her.

Old Friends, meet Jessica of

How About Orange

Jessica's blog features all things creative, and all things orange, of course.

I really wanted to post a picture that summed up her blog, but you see, that's the beauty of it. You really can't sum it up. At least not as far as I can tell. I mean, she has a whole section just for "Time Wasters" like origami patterns for your money, logo quizzes and optical illusions.

She also features all kinds of crafty projects and a link to all her favorite etsy finds.
Get this: Jessica designs fabric! (among other things)

And

she

{hearts}

Amy



I know, perfect, right?

I have been writing all about sunshine this week. When I discovered How About Orange, I felt like I had gotten a little dose of sunshine. It's a much-needed quick pick-me-up.

Please stop by and tell her who sent you!

Wanna Play Along?

Here are the rules:

1. Write a blog post about a blog you want to shout about. 
2. Include a link to the blog in your post.
3. Be sure to add our Button to your post.
4. Come back to either Aint She Crazy or Barnes Yard and add your link. You will only need to add it to ONE of the sites.
5. Have a margarita (or a cosmo, or both!), you deserve it! 
   

Here is Our Button:

<br /><center><a href="http://aintshecrazy.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="blog button" src="http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a474/aintshecrazy/MakeNewFriendscopy-1.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />
hosted, by little 'ole me
and
Jill
from
Barnes Yard

Thanks for playing and happy Friday!

Sunny Chicken-Cabbage Salad

The weather here has been absolutely heavenly! Warm days, cool nights...and dinners on the deck.

I have confessed before that I don't love cooking. It's not that I hate it or that I am bad at it, but it seems like more a chore than a joy since we have had children. So the recipes I gravitate to usually have the word "easy" in them.

I thought I might share one of these "easy" recipes. You may already have this recipe, but in case you don't, I'm posting my version for you here. I have seen several versions of this salad at parties, but this one is my favorite because it is a one-dish summer meals. I can't say that the kids love it like I do, but I am cool with that because I can handle this one alone. ;)


Sunny Chicken-Cabbage Salad

1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cooked
1 bag pre-chopped cabbage (for cole slaw)
3-4 oz of slivered almonds, toasted
3 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 C. salted sunflower seeds (optional)
As much green or red onion as you like. I use about 1/2 red onion, chopped
1 Pack of Chicken Ramen Noodles

Dressing:
1/2 C. vegetable oil
1/3 C. vinegar
1/4 C. sugar
Season Packet from Ramen Noodles

Shred the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss it with the cabbage, almonds, seeds and onions. Mix all ingredients for dressing and set aside (I prefer to add it right away so the cabbage can marinate a little) Break up uncooked Ramen Noodles into bits. Toss broken noodles into salad just before serving.


printable version


I love this salad because it is so yummy and so versatile. If you make it as a side dish, you can skip the chicken. It is also very good if you forget one of the ingredients when you are at the store, like if your Kindergartner has to use the potty and your toddler empties his sippy cup and starts yelling, which distracts you from your list and you completely forget the sunflower seeds. Not that I know anything about that. Not at all.

Bon Appetit!

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Don't forget to check back in tomorrow for Make New Friends Friday! Jill and I will be hosting a linky party where YOU can showcase your favorite blogs. Come join in the fun and make some new friends.

Sunscreens and Tanners

This week, I am talking all about the sun.

In an effort to stay safe in the sun, I have searched high and low for sunscreens and self-tanners that work for me. I have tried product after product. (Back in the day we even took beta-carotene supplements to turn us orange from the inside out!) So, when I find something I love, I feel I need to share it with you. I wish I were getting paid to bring this little ad to you, but I am not. But hey, if you work for Neutrogena, feel free to send me some swag. K.Thanks.

I love Neutrogena products. Right here, in this post, I will spare you the gory details of my personal battle with acne, but I will say that if a product is NOT non-comedogenic, I won't even look at it twice. So I always know I am safe with Neutrogena products, as they are all non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog up your  pores. Of course, I have a lot of their sunscreen products, but this one is my new favorite.

This is my secret weapon.

What a genius idea, don't you agree?

SPF 30.

check.

self tanning.

check.

Helioplex does not break down when exposed to sunlight.

CHECK.

Does not feel greasy.

CHECK!

I actually have pretty oily skin for someone my age, but this lotion has a nice, matte (read: non-sticky) finish to it. When I wear it (most days in the spring. summer. fall) I can't tell I am wearing anything. I can even put make up over it if I am going somewhere.

I would love to know what your favorite sun protection products are. We have been spending so much time outside with all this beautiful weather, that we are constantly covering up or slathering ourselves with lotion. What's your secret weapon for staying safe in the sun?

I'm linking up with Works For Me Wednesday and I'm Lovin' It 'cause this lotion works for me and I love it!!

Sunshine and Addiction

I am all about the sunshine this week! And apparently it's no secret.

Ms. Bibi of From Misery to Happiness has awarded me with the Sunshine Award!

Thank you, thank you!

I always enjoy my visits to Bibi's blog because she cracks me up! She also has some great recipes and keeps a list of good deals that will help you KEEP the money you earn. Love that!

Please stop by there and tell her who sent you.

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And speaking of sunshine...

Now, for those of you who don't know, I am a redhead.

ummm.. yeah, just like that!

;)

The point is that I am fair skinned. I had the misfortune (in that respect) of growing up in the 70's.

When your weren't cool if you didn't have a suntan.

The darker the better.

Even burnt to a crisp was better than pale.

So burn we did.

I still have the vivid memory of certain girls in junior high holding their arms up against mine and cracking up right in my face, like I would never be cool because I am not as tan as them.

Gotta love junior high!

 Back then sunscreen was for losers...and maybe babies. 

Too bad those girls look like this now!

I'm kidding. ;)

But the reality is, sun exposure is not good for you. Skin Cancer is real. And deadly. 

And unfortunately, common. According to SkinCancer.org, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is so important that we protect our skin from the sun.

But apparently not everyone agrees with me.



Some say "Let the Sunshine In"! And "When there is not enough sun, I will make my own."

What are your thoughts on tanning beds? Pretty much everybody my age has used one.  Back in the day, we were told to go tanning as a treatment for acne and Seasonal Affective Disorder (which was called the "winter blues", I believe.)
But lots of us gave up on tanning when we found out that it is just as dangerous as lying in the sun. In 2009 The Toronto Star reported that tanning beds are rated as a top-tier cancer risk.



So why would people risk it? 


Recent evidence suggests that tanning parlors may be the modern day equivalent of the local pub.

Can you become addicted to tanning beds?

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the State University of New York, Albany think so! Granted, the study they did was a small one, but this is not the first study which suggests that tanning is addictive. 

So what say you, dear friends? Are tanning beds the modern cigarette?

Or are they yesterday's news?

Literally.

Jami, Stacie, Morgan and Amy

I am having such a hard time focusing this morning. Is it the beautiful weather? The kids? The 45 loads of laundry waiting on me?

Not today. Today, it is for a good reason. Thank goodness, because I tell you, I may explode if I hear the "c" word one more time. I'm not even going there today. If you haven't been by lately, scroll down and you will understand.

Anyway...back to HaPPy. When I am having a hard time getting happy, there are certain things I can usually do that will perk me up. Of course, eating is one. :)
But the other is getting myself a little eye-candy. A trip to The Art Institute of Chicago , for example, will always result in a good day. Guaranteed.

I'm not planning any trips, but I did get a little surprise in my Inbox last week that has kept me preoccupied, in a good way.

I won a giveaway!!!!!!

I know, I know, I say I never win anything, but I won! Do you guys love The CrEaTiVe CraTe as much as I do? I realize this isn't Make New Friends Friday, but I have found so many great projects at this site, I just had to give Stacie a shout out! Please go by there and tell her I sent you. She'll be tickled.
Recently, she featured Morgan's etsy shop called The Scarlet Poppe,
which is a fabric store. Well, it's not just a regular fabric store. It's a collection of your favorite designers kind of fabric store! Whooopppeeee!

Oh yeah, too much, you say? A "Whooopppeeee!" for fabric. Perhaps, my friend, you do not know Amy Butler. Let me just take you on a little tour of Amy's site, so we can drool together. Indulge me, OK? I need little happy place right now.

Beautiful, right? It makes me want to learn to quilt.

So does this :

and this:

There is something about this bag that just makes me smile. It's a simple design and the fabric is just gorgeous!

Now take a peek at this:

and this:

OK I need to stop.  

These designs (and some of the patterns!) can be viewed at AmyButlerdesign.com

Thanks again to Stacie from The CrEaTiVe CraTe for hosting this awesome giveaway!
You have given me a much-needed happy distraction! I have been drooling all over my keyboard trying to decide how to spend my gift certificate at The Scarlet Poppe. In the end, I am not sure I will be able to decide. I may have to just get a little of this and a little of that. ;)


Of course, then I will have to overcome my fear of actually sewing on this amazing stuff so I can wear it or use it. For now, I may just hang it on the wall and pet it.

What would you do with it?



PS. The Scarlet Poppe also carries other designers, by the way, but you know how I am about Amy. ;)

Make New Friends Friday: Part Three

Welcome to the Third Edition of Make New Friends Friday, co-hosted by myself (Jami) and Jill of Barnes Yard.


This is a linky party in which you can share a blog you love. It can be a blog you just found or an old blog you stalk read. Whatever. We are going to be throwing this par-tay every Friday in the month of April, so please jump in and play along. There is no obligation to follow, just meet some new folks and have a good time!

Here are the rules:

1. Write a blog post about a blog you want to shout about. 
2. Include a link to the blog in your post.
3. Be sure to add our Button to your post.
4. Come back to either Aint She Crazy or Barnes Yard and add your link. You will only need to add it to ONE of the sites.
5. (I added one more this week) Have a margarita, you deserve it!
   

Here is Our Button:

<br /><center><a href="http://aintshecrazy.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="blog button" src="http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a474/aintshecrazy/MakeNewFriendscopy-1.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />

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NOW IT"S TIME TO MAKE A NEW FRIEND!!

It seems like spring time gets me in the mood for projects. I have been plenty crafty this month, but I can never have too many good ideas, so I went searching for a great craft blog. There are so many out there! For this Linky, though I wanted to find one that was totally new to me. 

I searched high and low till I found the perfect fit. for me. this week.  :)

May I introduce you to   CRAFTY SISTERS.

You all know I LOVE my family, so I get excited when I find a blog that is co-written by family members. Take a look at that sweet picture! (My imaginary sister would be all over this, let me tell you!)

Let me just outline a few other points that made me squeal:

2. ('cuz you already got #1) the little pink paper cut out bird in the header. meep!

3. The scrolly thing on the title. yum.

4. The FONTS!! I may or may not have just peed my pants.

5. Cherry Blossoms. are you kidding me? <3

So there, you are. I was in love before I even got past the header!

Seriously, Nicole and Candace have some great projects with a little bit of sweet sister stuff along the way. Even though I just recently found them, I truly do think you will love them...and be inspired by them.

Please stop be and tell them I sent you!

And now for the linky. 

Go ahead, don't be shy!

 

Never Give Up

April is Autism Awareness month.



I found this short video entitled "Never Give Up" on the National Autism Association's Website. It is worth the time to read this information. We should all be up in arms about this! These are our kids.






Last week I read a great post on Are You There God, It's Me? It was originally written by an autistic woman attempting to dispel some common myths about autism. I will be the first to admit that I know very little about autism, so I found this very interesting.

If you didn't get a chance to read the post, please take the time to do so.

Read more here...
If you are looking for more information on autism, Missy has a link on her blog, which lists several resources.



Now which one of you was teasing me for liking the bee? Yes, I just got stung tonight for the first time ever. So I am signing off (it was on my hand) as it hurts to type. I'll let you know if I change my mind about the bee. :)


As always, tell those you love that you do!
-Jami

Wednesday Updates

Thank you for all your kind words for myself and for Adam. Just a quick update (since I am SO behind commenting) his Make-A-Wish is today at the St. Louis cardinals game. I guess they talked about him at the game Monday and he was on the news yesterday. He is such a happy and positive kid. I hope he really gets a great day today!

If you care to check in on his Caring Bridge site, you may email me at aintshecrazy at gmail dot com and I will send you the info.

Do you know about Caring Bridge?

It is a website for people who are ill. It provides a way their parent or other person can post updates about their health and treatments. It is a great way for the family to keep everyone informed as to what is going on.

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And in other news...

I am so forgetful.

#1 Thing I forgot to tell you: The font.

Have you all gotten it? I am a WEE bit obsessed with fonts, handwriting, etc. I have always been visual (duh, artist) but it really took off for me when I found all these free fonts and handwriting fonts on the internet.

And, more to the point (I do tend to ramble a bit) I told you I would reveal who's handwriting I used for the Post Title Headers.

Remember waaayyy back when I used to read and review my books here? Yeah, um maybe you don't because the more writing I am doing, the less reading... I do hope to change that, but anyhoo, there is also a big clue right here in my sidebar-->

Yes! It is Jane Austen. I just love Jane!

In fact, with everything going on, I could use a little Jane.

I got the font from dafont Please do yourself a favor and do not go there unless you have some time. I get lost in there like it's Barnes and Noble!

If you are in the mood for some Jane Austen also, did you know you can download free MP3 files of her books being read by a real live human??? Are you familiar with Project Gutenberg?

I have NOT heard this version yet, so please do let me know how you like this reader. I rented an audio P&P from the library a while back and I so enjoyed it! I think it was even better than reading it because the British reader really brought it all to life for me.

#2 Thing I forgot to tell you: The garden.

I have been out in my yard, yes. Of course. We live on over 11 acres of woods in the middle of our town. So we are out and about all the time. Mostly, here we have wild flowers and wildlife. The beautiful spring perennials are from my mother's garden. My mother's garden is the kind you just want to stay in and never leave. It is so pretty! I will be sharing more shots from there all summer and maybe a few shots from my own...

I had a picture all queued up for you today but Blogger is being a pain in the neck AGAIN and will not let me put it down this far on the post. What is is Blogger folks?

I cut and pasted this, but it is tiny. sorry. See that purple thing? that is where I was spray painting. :) Shoulda moved it, huh? oh well!

Well, I am signing off for today. I have some more spray painting to do!

Have a sun-shiny day!

PS. I am trying to catch up on comments. Please be patient.

We Interrupt This Program

I felt I needed to post a short note.

Please know that I may be running behind on commenting and visiting you right now.

I do not know for how long.

I am still here, but at a loss for words right now.

I do not feel this is my story to tell, so I will keep the details brief.

A young friend in town has Ewings Sarcoma. He was on my son's football team. The one my husband has coached for 2 years. He was diagnosed last January, I think. (forgive me if I am wrong, my mind is a bit fuzzy.) I cannot imagine the year+ his family has had. He is only 12.

As you guessed, he is not doing well now. He is supposed to go meet with the St. Louis Cardinals tomorrow from Make a Wish. By the way, several of the guys have called him. They are really awesome to take time out for a kid they don't know. I was very impressed.

Hospice has been called. I cannot imagine myself in his mother's shoes. I cannot even breathe thinking about it. It makes me want to wrap up my kids and hide them from the world. As if that would stop it. It wouldn't.

His name is Adam. If you are inclined to pray, please do.

Sticky Note Tuesday

I haven't played in a while.

And I'll admit, I've had better material.

But this sunshine is messing with me.

I can't seem to stay inside.

And neither can the dog.

Morgan.

a.k.a. "skillet face"

So, here we go:

Have a great day, my friends!

Hide and Seek

Wanna know where I am this morning?

Here's a hint:

I'll be back later to fill you all in...I think. :)

Make New Friends Friday

Welcome to the second edition of  Make New Friends Friday !

 Jill from Barnes Yard and I are so excited to introduce you to some new blogs we love. In return, we can't wait to check out the blogs YOU love.

Jill and I will co-host this "blog party" by putting up a Linky every Friday in April. That's FIVE FRIDAYS! We dare you to join us.

;)

Each week, we are going to feature one blog each . 

Then it's your turn. 

Here are the rules:

1. Write a blog post about a blog you want to shout about. 
2. Include a link to the blog, please.
3. Be sure to add our Button to your post.
4. Come back to either Aint She Crazy or Barnes Yard and add your link. You will only need to add it to ONE of the sites.

Our Button:

<br /><center><a href="http://aintshecrazy.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="blog button" src="http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a474/aintshecrazy/MakeNewFriendscopy-1.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />

Hopefully, by stopping in, you will learn about some really fun new blogs 

(or old blogs that have somehow escaped your notice)

If you know of a blog you would like to introduce, please link up and play along!

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NOW IT"S TIME TO MAKE A NEW FRIEND!!

This week I confessed my farm-life fantasies to all you, my blog-land buddies.

photo by Lars Lentz, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

So, I really wanted to talk about a farming blog today.  I have a couple of favorites, but I am sure most of you already read The Pioneer Woman, so you don't want to hear about my "crush" on her and her cinnamon roll recipe.

And I'm sure that many of my readers are already frequent visitors to Meadowbrook Farm. So that one won't be much of a "new" friend either. (I swoon at that typewriter font...her recipes...)

 photo by David Ball, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

So I had to put my thinking cap on...I'll bet many of you have not met Jayme at Tales from the Coop Keeper

Jayme not only has an awesome name, but she is right around the corner from me in Indiana. She calls herself a "wannabe farmgirl". Sounds familiar. Except that she is actually living it with her chickens and her ducks...and her farm fresh recipes on  In the Kitchen with the Coop Keeper.

I only recently found Jayme's blog, but I have enjoyed every minute of it!

Please go meet her and tell her I sent you.

Now it's your turn!

Please link up and tell me bout a blog that flips your skirt. :)