Today's Paper Hits "Home"

As you can tell, my favorite color is pink, except when it is a pink slip! Up until yesterday, my husband and 3800 unlucky other people were employed by IndyMac Bank. While we knew it was coming, the reality of it still packs a punch. The uncertainty about the future is very unsettling but I have faith things will work out. Anyway-to soften the punch, my daughter and I have had plans today to redeem gift certificates we have had for over a year for massages at a swanky local Spa. Hmmmm....laying there having someone rub my back with my husband freshly out of a job seemed paradoxical. It wasn't as relaxing as it could have been but fun to be out with my daughter. Next up- selling the gas guzzling Suburban and the $125 per week fill-ups. I know the economy is tough right now for a lot of people and I look forward to more encouraging newspaper headlines for us all in the future.

Corn on the Cob Cupcakes

A baker I am not, but I was so impressed with this entry in the bake-off contest in our neighborhood's annual July 4th Family Picnic I had to share it (the entry is NOT mine! my favorite recipe book is the Takout Menu Organizer!) These little corn on the cobs are actually mini cupcakes and were so cute it is no wonder they got a prize for the most original entry. They are sitting on corn husks and dotted with yellow jelly beans.

We enjoyed a day complete with a bike parade, old fashioned fire engine rides, a dunk tank, a chili and baking contest, lots of food and games, fireworks, and a fun time with family and friends.

Have a great weekend!

Getting through midlife with a little rock and roll

One thing I have loved doing since my teenage days is attending concerts of the bands from my youth. I am a proud fan of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and look forward to seeing them every time they come to town. Last night a friend and I took our 14 year old sons to the Hollywood Bowl to see them play and we all had a blast! On a warm summer night under the stars of Hollywood we had not a care in the world and found ourselves dancing to tunes like "American Girl" and "Running Down a Dream." This special one on one time with our teenagers is so important and he can see firsthand that you are never too old to have fun! I hope you all enjoy some carefree time this summer.

Charming Cards donates $500 to Angelman Syndrome Foundation

Thank you to all of our customers who have placed orders recognizing Angelman Syndrome Foundation or bought Everest Hats. As promised, a portion of these proceeds (100% of the hats) would be donated to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Thanks to your purchases, Charming Cards was able to make a recent donation of $500 in honor of my nephew Oliver Dillon. Thank you to my Dad, Bill Burke for supplying the hats. There are 2 large size hats left and many small. Here are Ollie's twin sisters modeling the small size for you!

Caps for Sale!- Everest Hats

Today my Dad leaves for Nepal to start his journey to the top of the world- Mt. Everest! He will be gone until June and I will probably post a few more times about this until he gets home as my thoughts will be with him a lot until his safe return. He designed and had some Everest hats made for his family and climbing team as you see here. We are selling the extras on my website with 100% of the proceeds to be donated to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation in support of his grandson and training partner Ollie who has yet to be officially diagnosed with Angelman's, but is severly disabled and has many symptoms of Angelman's. Two of my sisters, including Ollie's mom are traveling to Nepal with my Dad to make the 30 mile trek to basecamp and will be visiting some orphanages with bags of clothing, toys, and medicine donated from the generous community we are blessed to live in. You can read more about his trip at http://www.eightsummits.com/tsummits.com/.


Dad and Ollie