504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

LOVIN' The Renegade Craft Fair

A couple of weeks ago, 3 of my long time friends and I

stole away for a girls weekend to celebrate our birthdays.

It was a huge weekend for us...

one of the girls moved away 4 years ago and

we have not all been together since

(heck, this was the first time I have seen her since!).

As we were planning, I discovered that the Renegade Craft Fair
was going to be in L.A. that weekend
(this was also Carmageddon weekend...
the great L.A. freeway tragedy that never happened).
So, what else is there to do, but hit the Fair!
Giddy! Giddy! Giddy! I was!
I think - I know - I was the most excited.

The Fair was held at the L.A. State Historic Park in/near downtown - lived there my whole life...never heard of it! But if it is near downtown - we got this in the bag...I also had a little walk down memory lane - years of school and work there - it all came flooding back. Then we happened upon the park..it was lovely!

Now, I have been trying to get to the Renegade Craft Fair up in San Fransisco and have never made it, so I was beyond myself to finally be at one...and it did not disappoint. So many creative, artistic, inventive minds! I also enjoyed seeing what my friends reacted to as they do not ready crafty blogs "all day" and I suppose I am the craftiest of them...I liked hearing what they thought was fun, new and interesting.
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Here's my recap of my faves:

This was my splurge -
I knew if I did not buy one of these I would regret it.

Heyday Design

"modern porcelain with a vintage beat"

Yep...a vintage jar re-done in porcelain...LOVE!

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Then I saw Zooguu - a collection of plush handmade toys to steal you heart. I had the hardest time deciding...I ended up with a small pink octopus - she is sweet! The owner, Jen was absolutely fabulous too! I see a go-to place for many, many gifts in my future. There are also free kiddo activities to download from the site.

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In the same booth as Zooguu was Jen's husband,
Brian Gubicza who had the coolest art illustrations.
I picked up his version of Medusa. Love her!
He has fun free stuff on his site too!

Hi style is fabulous...you must go take a peek!

(image from Brian's site)

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I almost fell over when I saw the sweetness at Le Petit Elefant -
my friend actually saw her first and said I MUST go visit.

What a fabulous collection of toys, illustrations, and ideas.
Oh boy I love this style.

How cute is that balloon floating above the booth -
that is how to do balloons people!

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Oh the jewelry of Kendra Renee made me go weak in the knees.
She has a gorgeous selection of necklaces, earrings - you name it.
I truly wanted one of each!

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I love me some bath products....
Ella + Billie create luxury artisan bath products.
Oh the scent of heaven was in her booth.

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Laura Cooke Ceramics was definitely one of my favorite booths -
sadly I ran out of time and did not make it back to purchase anything that day...
THANKFULLY I have the Internet to rectify that!

(image from Laura Cooke Ceramics etsy shop)

Isn't that gorgeous!?
There is a pitcher that I am putting on my Christmas list!

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I also loved Ark Collective...a socially responsible company - for every pack you buy one is given to a student in need on your behalf - AWESOME! I did not pick a pack up that day because my son is very specific and I want him to pick. But what an amazing idea!

(image from Ark Collective site)

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School starts next week and these reusable sandwich and snack bags from graze organic are going to be perfect. Look how fun they are. Each kid got their own little collection!

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OK, so some highly crafted food product was their. p.o.p. candy was truly fun, unique, and delicious. P.O.P. is all natural candy made from clean ingredients.

I bought Fire Pistachio Butter Crunch, Rosemary Almond, and p.o.p. mixed butter crunch.
I see holiday gifts in my future!

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As we were heading out, we spied it...the Moveable Type Truck - a 1982 Chevy Step Van - and inside was real letterpress...I made this awesome bag! Ooooo...Letterpress makes me swoon.

(sorry...scary photo!)

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I just wanted to share some of the great things I found at the Renegade Craft Fair.
I have no affiliation with any of these companies or people above. I just happened upon them at the Fair and loved what they did...and they were all super nice too! No compensation involved! Good product, good peeps deserve some recognition!

The December show in SF is on my calendar!
Can't wait!

Have you heard you could win $5,000

by sharing what your Couple Speak is in a video?

Read my post about it here or just go enter on the 3M Couple Speak Page.

Tell us about your Couple Speak.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Your Couple Speak Could Win You $5,000

DIYing is a regular occurrence at our house. Everyone jumps in to the mix (in their own way). I thought when I started DIYing I would be left alone to "do my thing," but that was not the case. Apparently, it is very exciting stuff...especially for the kids.
(don't worry safety measures are in place)
And EVERYONE has an opinion -
their own special way of conveying what they want done.
That is Couple Speak.

Well, 3M wants to know how do you DIY in your house?

Is is smooth sailing?

If so, PLEASE share the secret HERE - I need any advice I can get.

If it is not such smooth sailing,
tell us about your Couple Speak.

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Here is how Couple Speak happens in my house:

The HUBBY

I have finally learned that hubby has a lot of opinions...
but in many cases it is better to do it and ask for forgiveness later.
That does not mean I am going to remodel the bathroom or demo the kitchen, but I will paint, repair, and decorate without looking back (this is the man who agreed to painting the living room purple after all).
Good or bad, hubby's Couple Speak is now something more like this....

Me: "The deck needs to be redone"
I mean: The deck needs to be redone...want to help?
Him: "Yes...it does."
He Means: When do you have time to do that?
Silence.

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The KIDS
They even have their own special brand of Couple Speak.

Example #1
I painted her room lavender with large flowers and bees all over my daughters bedroom (pretty cute too) and guess what she tells me constantly...
I don't like bees.
I like blue.
Not so subtle, but is that a hint?

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Example #2
Before my daughter was born my son wanted to redo his room (yes he really asked for that). He wanted rocket ships.
"Mommy, please paint a rocket ship...right THERE!"
Guess what I did. I tried to surprise him.
He came home from school and I showed him the rocket ship...
and there was no love for mommy...
a full on tantrum and to this day he still reminds me of this.
Apparently I did not translate
"Paint a rocket ship...right THERE" correctly.
In his 5 year old mind he meant
"I want to paint a rocket ship right there."

Just wait until you see and hear the discussion about the new room redo...WOW that kid has opinions that may or may not coincide with his mothers plans!

So, you see Couple Speak extends beyond spouse in my house!

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If this sounds all too familiar,

make a video for the Couple Speak Video Contest.

Show us how you communicate,

how you work together (or not),

and how you get it done.

Then ENTER for a chance to have your Couple Speak win you $5,000.

TWO videos will be selected (based on pre-determined criteria) to win!

Enter your video here!
(and get all the rules and details!)

This is one of the videos to get your creativity flowing

(this is so me and my hubby...assuming he ever painted anything!)

You can click on one of those sidebar ads to be taken to see more videos!

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You can also join in the fun for "What's Your Couple Speak?" weekly drawing for $250.00 This is a he said/she said take on typically home improvement scenarios. It is simple to enter...go to the 3M Frameworks page on Facebook, give it your best shot at translating the latest scenario, keep it short funny, and clean (all the rules and details are on the page).
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No matter how we translate one another, thankfully the one thing we have all learned about DIYing is that the right products and proper preparation and safety precautions are necessary...probably because mommy may have attempted one or two projects without these things in mind...and guess what they were bombs or it took me weeks to repair the damage. It is too painful to talk about anymore.

3M Frameworks has amazing products for safety and function:

3M™ LeadCheck™

This is especially important to me as I live
in an older home and have kiddos. No lead for me please!

Pro Grade, Sandblaster™

If you read here regularly, you know I like to sand and distress just a bit. And it is perfect for all that old furniture I try to save.
Or perhaps to redo my Deck!

ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape

I LOVE painting stripes and all kinds of things on my walls - this is a must have.

3M™ TEKK Protection™

From my own mistakes and those of my Dad too, I have learned that protection is of the utmost importance.

Scotch® Tough Duct Tape

It is Duct Tape...what do I have to say...one of the best inventions ever!

So, what do you think?
Do you Couple Speak with your spouse? Your Kids? Your dog?

When you DIY what is your number one safety or prep tool?

Now...don't forget
The 3M Couple Speak campaign let's you SHARE
your DIY stories for a chance to win $5,000...

And you can SHARE this opportunities with others too:
Share on Facebook or Share on Twitter!

DISCLOSURE:
Please visit the Couple Speak page for full contest rules and details.
This post brought to you by 3M. The opinions/stories are my own.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 58 and a Chance to Win Passes to The Creative Connection

Happy Weekend!

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Can you believe we are getting ready to enter our last full week of summer.
School starts in 10 days.
To me that is CRAZY!
We are trying to enjoy every moment!
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I would be beyond Tickled Pink if this happened...
I so want to head off to Minnesota to attend The Creative Connection (TCC) in September. I have been trying to figure out how to get there...Hubby keeps looking at me like I am crazy. I have not figured out the trick to getting sponsors for these blog conferences so it has all been on my dime...and last night I saw this!

So, I was giddy. Imagine being surrounded by crafters, artists and creatives of all types. INSPIRATION,
EDUCATION,
and
just PLAIN AWESOMENESS!
Well, even though I really want to win, I am passing this contest along to let you all you you could win too! Go check it out on the TCC blog and ENTER!
(if you win and I don't, I am available for travel...I am a good roommate!)
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I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
...so THANK YOU all for coming by! I appreciate it!

I LOVE the ease of sharing links on Facebook, so this is how I will make my way through Tickled Pink links. I will now get more active with that!

So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!
Don't miss a thing. If you have a Blog Page, just let me know
by leaving a comment on the 504 Main Wall!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall this week.

Please no giveaways or etsy shops,
but whatever you link up here, feel free to share the link on my Facebook Wall.
Hope I have not made a mess with that invitation!
(be sensible peeps...I reserve the right to DELETE!)

If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...
a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...
whatever makes your blog fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}
Click right HERE to Grab a button!

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!!
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}.
4. I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least the 3 links in front of you!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

What Would You Do?

A couple of months ago I was invited to an event that honored a person I found to be less than honorable. I did not go. I was given some grief about this.

When I choose how to spend my time, money, and resources, I have a pretty strict set of standards. Not outrageous standards, in fact I think they are more about common courtesy, respect, and being a role model. I have a (mental) list of things I won't buy, shows I won't watch, actors and actress whose movies I will not view, musicians whose albums I will not purchase, clothing I will not wear, even ice cream I will not eat....all for different reasons. (Just a few of my quirks.)

Now here is the conflict...the event was a charity event. Generally when I am presented with a good cause I am perfectly willing to help in some way.

However, in this instance the charity and the event is set up to celebrate a person who lived their life in a less than honorable fashion - drugs, alcohol, hard partying ways that continue (this person did not ever change). It was hard for me to watch as so many I know were excited about this event, just for the sake of the event and because they thought this person was "the life of the party." To me it sent a wrong message - let's celebrate someone who broke laws, abused their body, and was generally not someone I would want to set on a pedestal as an example for my children.

Sometimes I get caught up in my own head and see only black and white with these issues. Sometimes my opinion changes when I think it through more...but I have now thought about this for awhile and I my opinion has not changed.

There are many charities who can benefit from what I have to offer and I chose to support those causes.

Am I being unreasonable? I realize in a situation like this there may not be one simple answer to cover everyone's feelings/beliefs...everyone has their opinions and decides what matters to them. I am not mad or annoyed with my friends who attended the event, it is their choice, just as it was mine not to go.

So, I ask what would you do...do you go to the event because it is a charity event or do you stand by your beliefs?

Party with Tampico

A couple of weeks ago, I threw my daughter a birthday party (or two).

of course there was food...and beverage.

AND I wanted to do something really fun for the kids...and adults,

so I whipped up a couple of festive punches using Tampico!

Have you heard of Tampico?

I had heard of it, but never tried it before...

and then we were at the store and the kiddos saw
a bottle and really wanted to try it.

Well, then, "Let's try it!"
Um yeah, they loved it.

So, when it was time to create the FUN for the party,

Tampico was the obvious choice!

We headed back out to pick up some of the

new single serving 20oz. bottles and even a few gallons!
The kids had lots of ideas too!

Tampico has a ton of flavors!

All unique and fun and tasty!
To celebrate all that is unique, Tampico has a FAB contest
happening right now (through 8/21/11)...
Here's the scoop on the Unique Like You contest:
upload a photo, "trick it out," and have a chance to win a Digital Rockstar Kit: a laptop computer, digital music player, headphones, and a $100 music card!
Sounds fun! Go check it out all the details and contest rules.

For our unique party we chose to use the kids favorite flavors:

Strawberry Banana, Island Punch, and Citrus Punch.

It was seriously hard to keep their hands off the Tampico until party time.

HOW TO CREATE A SWEET TAMPICO PARTY TREAT!

The punches were simple - all made in about 5 minutes.
Quantities can easily be increased - I did most of mine double
Also the sparkling water can be increased or decreased based on your liking..Many of the adults added some more - more fizz, more fun!

The party was for 4 year olds...

but the big kids were easier to contain for the photo!

And they loved it...Not a drop of punch left!

Strawberry Banana Punch

4 cups of Tampico Strawberry Banana Punch
2 cups Sparkling Water of Club Soda (the kids always feel fancy with bubbles!) You could easily do ginger ale.
Mix together
Chop up some bananas and throw in some fresh strawberries (minus the stems)
For fun I added the juice of 2 limes too.

Fizzy Island Punch

4 Cups Tampico Island Punch
2 Cups Pineapple juice
2 cups club soda or sparkling water
Limes - a little juice but just because they looked pretty too!
Mix is all together! Ta-da

Tampico Citrus Sherbet

I also made some sherbet (my first time for sherbet) with the Citrus Punch. I felt these fruity flavors screamed for a sherbet. The kiddos loved it!

Especially in these cute little cones!

Notice she is licking her fingers already...YIKES!

We had fun with our Tampico Creations.
I really cannot wait to try cooking something up...
yep there are recipes on the Tampico website too! YUM!

Go visit the Tampico Facebook Page and
click here to enter the Unique Like You Contest

And, wait...this week there is a Twitter Contest running.
Between 07/26 – 08/01. All users have to do is answer a simple question posted on Tampico's Twitter Page at random times throughout, tag their answer with #Tampico20oz. The 20th person to answer (no worries, questions are open-ended), will win 20 bottles of Tampico in the 20oz bottles.

Do you have a go-to party punch?
I think these are mine now!

Disclosure: Tampico product samples were provided to me free of charge, courtesy of Tampico Beverages, Inc.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

DIY! Trash to Treasure Party Cart Makeover

I saw this beauty and it was love at first sight.

It was still in the back room of the thrift store when I saw it.
I asked my "friend" at the store if I could go look
- she said yes...I said "I'll take it!"

Trash to Treasure Serving Cart from 504 Main

I had to have it...
even if it was $25.00 - not a bargain for sure.
This was the perfect piece for a fabulous #makeover!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Delta Faucet 2011 Blogger Event

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting Delta Faucet Company headquarters as their guest. I have attended other blog events before, but never as an invited guest,
what an experience it was.

When I first received the invitation, I was like "Are you sure you are contacting the right person?" but apparently they were. I put plans into motion asap - first up secure a nanny (aka grandma)...then possibly go shopping - new clothes are always a must.

Anyway, I made it there, and from the moment I stepped off the plane in Indiana it was a sheer delight to be a part of this event. There were 9 bloggers there covering all different areas of DIY with their own unique spin.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them all.

Here is a quick list of who was there:

504 Main

The DIY Showoff

Holyoke Home

Condo Blues
The DIY Geek and Handy Guys Podcast

Joey and Lane Make A House a Home

Merrypad

SavingsGrid and Daily Home Renovation Tips

After arriving at the hotel, I made contact with Roeshel from The DIY Show Off (she is awesome!) and then we all headed into a reception hosted by Delta - food, drink, new friends from the blog world, new friends from Delta, and new friends from the PR firm. Everyone was warm and welcoming and knowledgeable. I knew right away this was going to be a great experience.

At this reception we were presented with our first challenge...

Take a Backward Shower.

Huh?

That is what we said, but we all did it. Oh you want to know what that means - if you wash your face first, do it last...if you wash your hair first do it last. It is all about our routines and our relationship with water and ourselves...and a fun little experiment to see how different (or not) it made us feel. My verdict - at the end of the shower, I had to start over because I was not sure I did everything I normally do.

The next am we headed to headquarters where we were greeted by the employees in the lobby clapping for us - superstar moment! Quite the welcome. Oh and the lobby...gorgeous - I was like a kid in a candy store.
A true showplace of Delta and Brizo Products.

We went into a beautiful room filled with the must gorgeous faucets from the Brizo line - a fashion forward brand. From the illustrations to the presentation to their collaboration with fashion designer Jason Wu, Brizo has stunning designs - I want one of each...just to put on display (can you imagine!).

Brizo also has gorgeous ads...look at those illustrations!

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

I personally have a thing for this beauty. I mean really if your faucet can sparkle like that what else do you need? I could not bring her home with me - my suitcase was already too heavy (sigh!)

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

This faucet also caught my eye - do you see that elegant and refined twist...to-die-for!

Then we were introduced to the Charlotte - look at this new finish!
Cocoa Bronze...it is true LOVE!

I seriously had no idea faucets could be this glamorous.

We were treated to an amazing lunch and headed into the room to learn more about the Delta line. I have to be honest I had never been so excited or interested in faucets and shower heads and the like. I was like a kid in a candy store - beautiful faucets and of course Delta has Touch2O technology. Oh to just tap the faucet on! A dream no more!

Along with getting to ogle the beauty of the designs, we were also introduced to the environmental impact you can make with your water and how Delta is doing all they can to help and stay on top of emerging green technology and practices. I am fascinated with this, as I live in an area without its own water source and we are restricted as to even how many faucets we can have in a home without approval and being on a waiting list (crazy, eh?).

I particularly like what Delta's position is on being GREEN:

"As a company that delivers water every day through more than 150 million faucets worldwide, Delta Faucet Company provides products that address today’s water conservation concerns as well as water purity and accessibility. These smart water delivery solutions maximize water efficiency and the life span of the products, without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of the user experience. We routinely evaluate our manufacturing, packaging and shipping processes to find ways to conserve resources and energy, and to reduce the impact of our enterprise on the environment."

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

I have installed a faucet before, but The DIY Showoff, Holyyoke Home and I got to install a faucet together, while giving feedback on the instructions. Of course we did it...and it worked and did not leak...woo-whoo! AND this was even one of their faucets with Touch2O.xt technology - yes we mixed water and electricity! It was so easy to install.

There is so much to tell...
but I will just hit a couple more of my favorite moments.

I LOVE my showers!
We learned all about how water hits you and what makes a good shower head - it is not just about size and the number of holes but how that shower head works and expels the water.
Delta has H2O Kinetic Technology - "...an innovative shower technology that uniquely shapes and affects the water it delivers, thereby enhancing the user’s shower experience. The technology provides a sensational shower experience while conserving water."

(this image from The DIY Showoff)

Some more fab facts about Delta's Line include:

Magnetic Docking Technology: Keeps pull down spray faucets firmly in place when not in use.
H2O Kinetic Technology - "Is an innovative shower technology that uniquely shapes and affects the water it delivers, thereby enhancing the user’s shower experience. The technology provides a sensational shower experience while conserving water."
Touch2O and Touch 2Oxt Technology - "Touch it on and touch it off, or have an entirely hands-free experience. The Touch₂O Technology functionality is ideal for tasks that require a constant flow of water, such as washing one's face. start and stop the flow of water with a touch to the faucet - use wrist, elbow, forearm. Messy hands, clean faucets (need this!).
Diamond Seal Technology - "The valve requires no lubrication, eliminates wear on seals, and ensures “like new” operation for the life of the faucet, lasting up to 10 times longer than the industry standard. Once inside the faucet, water does not come in contact with potential metal contaminants."
MagnaTite Docking - Powerful magnet on the pull down/spray hose to keep it in place when not in use.

We were treated to a tour of the design room!

Sorry no photos - they are top secret.

But let me just tell you, it was a magical space

filled with creativity and innovation...

and just wait until you see some of the beauty coming your way from Delta.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fantastic dinner

we were treated to at Recess in Indianapolis.

Food, wine, new friends.

I would fly back just to go to dinner there - it was delicious!

That's all folks. I have a master bathroom to overhaul and my mind is spinning -

which Delta faucet to design it all around (ha!)?!?

This was truly a unique and amazing experience and

I want to say a BIG thanks to Delta and the PR firm for such a wonderful event!

Now...go take a backwards shower

and tell me what you think!

Disclosure: I was an invited guest of Delta Faucet for this event. These opinions are my own. No other compensation was provided.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 57

Happy Weekend!

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I am beyond Tickled Pink this week...

I survived Carmageddon in Los Angeles;

I spent a girls weekend with 3 of the BEST girls EVER;
ate at great restaurants;
attended the Renegade Craft Fair;
attended the Eat Real Food Festival;
got to see many of my L.A. peeps;
Rode bikes with my son at sunset all around the elementary school I attended.

!!!!Happy Dance!!!!

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I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
...so THANK YOU all for coming by! I appreciate it!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall this week.

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!