'Semel in anno licet insanire', 'madness is permissible once a year'

It is hard to believe that today is Fat Tuesday! The beginning of lent is just a few hours away.
The party is over...
We decided if we can not visit Andrea in Brazil





and we can not be in Venice...
then we had to make our own party and follow the old tradition of pancakes!






http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/carnival.html

The whole world has been celebrating in some of the most unusual and fascinating ways. The link above is a collection of photographs from Carnival. The costumes and floats just amaze me. These people are so creative and they most certainly do let their imaginations run wild. It is uninhibited fun and some day I hope to experience all of this energy first hand. But until then Dan and I will carry on the tradition of pancakes for dinner. Hmmm some how it just doesn't have the same appeal and effect!!

Oh how sweet it is..

Recognition of any kind is always a very sweet and rewarding experience and Apartment Therapy has just made my day!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/inspiration/inspiration-interiors-from-pompeii-and-the-roman-villathe-national-gallery-of-art-075074

With a recent visit to the Pompeii exhibition and a little inspiration the folks at Apartment Therapy posted about my beloved National Gallery of Art and our giftshop. I do take great pride in what I do and where I work so when the excitement is shared it just can not get any better. Being a retail buyer is not always as exciting as it may sound. Though I do work with some of the most fabulous people who are very creative and have a deep desire for art just as I do.

We set your own goals awarding each other with the gold star at the end (usually chocolate and Starbucks).

Thanks Apartment Therapy, for a bit of sweetness!! (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/)

Cruise Attire

I am daydreaming....
WAY TOO MUCH!

I can not stop thinking about the cruise we are going on in April.
last night we received our cruising package in the mail including our luggage tags!

I am worried, how can I obtain a weeks worth of new cruising attire inexpensively? I am completely cutting out Starbucks (that should help!) and I am not going out to lunch anymore (after this Friday, its Valentine's lunch...come on!)
Seriously, any good shopping tips are welcome.
One of my most favorite sites is http://www.solestruck.com/ I know I will need new sandals and this might be just the place!

Happy Birthday

CHAM