Hamantaschen

These are the biscuit-style Hamantaschen rather than the yeast-risen . I've been baking so many yeast-risen holiday breads I thought some variety might be in order. If you'd like to try a yeast-based recipe, This one is good. HERE

The Recipe comes from the wonderful Frances R. AvRutick's  book, Kosher Cookery, Classic and Contemporary.. I rely on this cookbook quite a bit, and the recipes are reliable. That said-this is a tricky dough to handle. It is very soft, and strangely oily. I understand the reasoning behind using oil rather than butter (if you keep Kosher a butter based pastry couldn't be served after a meat meal) but I must warn you, it is not easy to work with.

I used some of the leftover poppy seed filling I made earlier in the week, and a jar of Danny's (prize winning) Apricot butter from the fair entries. You could use anything you like, and prune is a common filling for hamantaschen. When I was a child, our local bakery only had prune, almond paste, poppy seed, or apricot. I really only liked the poppy seed. Sometimes you couldn't tell by the outside what filling it had, and I'd bite into prune and make a horrible face( as children do). To his credit, my dad always took my bitten into prune hamantaschen and let me search for something with telltale signs of poppy seeds. So he wasn't entirely horrible, at least not when it came to food.

Wear an apron and old clothes to make these because you'll be covered in oil.

You Will Need:
 4 large eggs
3/4 cup cooking oil (not a typo)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Juice and grated rind of a lemon
4 1/2 cups AP/plain flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water for the wash

Combine eggs, oil, sugar, juice, and rind. Beat until smooth. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine with egg mixture and mix until a dough is formed. Turn out on a floured board and knead a few minutes until smooth. Wrap in cling film and chill several hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. On a floured board, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. With a 3 inch cookie cutter (or whatever you have round-a drinking glass will work) cut out rounds of dough. Fill with a tablespoon of filling in centre, and fold up sides and bottom to form a triangle. I like to chill the hamantaschen  on the baking sheet for fifteen minutes before brushing them with the wash and baking. This helps them keep their shape. It isn't in the recipe, but experience has taught me to always do this with filled biscuits/pastry.

Brush lightly with glaze and bake 20-30 minutes or until nicely browned. My oven took just 20 minutes.

Hamantaschen sore well on a plate covered with grease proof paper and a light covering of cling film. You don't want them airtight in a tin, or too open in a crockery jar. They do however freeze well if you find you made too many.

Baa

I didn't intend for Mr. Lamb Cake to look so sad, but there you are. He baked, and unmoulded easily which I didn't expect. I thought this would be the trial run where I'd work out the mistakes before Easter. I guess I'll just use the Bunny pan for Sunday.

"Somebody help me."



If you've ever been around a sheep/lamb you know they are *never* that clean looking, but tempted as I was to swirl a bunch of chocolate around his hind quarters to represent mud and poop, I figured Easter is not the time to go for realism in your baking.

Cookies, anyone?

Nut-Free Potica

I do realise Potica means nuts, but let's just forget that for a moment and enjoy my baking triumph. I used a homemade poppy seed filling that worked beautifully. The icing and decoration was my way of taking a New Year's treat and giving it an Easter makeover.

There are as many recipes for Potica as there are bakers. Some are batter breads baked in a tube pan with filling layered layered between dough, some like this are stretched and rolled like s strudel. My swirl isn't perfect, but for a first attempt, I'm happy.

The recipe I used comes from Beatrice Ojakangas' Great Holiday Baking Book.  Obviously, I improvised the filling as the original has walnuts, but I used her dough recipe which was easy to do, and handled beautifully. My one complaint with the recipes in the book is the favouring of "easy mix" method over the traditional proofing of yeast added to dry ingredients. I don't find that the yeast I use fully dissolves with that method. This may vary by brand, or the style of yeast where you live. At any rate, I decided to treat the dough the old fashioned way, and that's what I'll post here. Besides, if you don't bake often, how will you know your yeast is active if you don't proof it first?

The filling can be made a few days ahead. This will give you more than you need, but you'll find it makes a very nice filling for all sorts of biscuits, in particular Hamantaschen, which I will be posting a recipe for next.

For the poppy seed filling:
1 1/2 cups poppy seeds
1 cup raisins
Grated zest of a lemon
1/4 cup honey

Soak the poppy seeds in enough water to cover, and let stand 3-4 hours. In a separate bowl, soak in the raisins in the same manner.

After 3 hours, drain the raisins but not the poppy seeds. Mix in the zest and honey. Grind thoroughly in a food processor. Transfer to a saucepan and cook over low until thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. You don't want it so thick that you get candy, so make sure there's still a bit of moisture in your filling-it will absorb on standing. Cool before using. I like to make this a day ahead and keep it chilled so it won't heat up the pastry.

For the dough:
2 3/4 teaspoons granulated dry yeast (not instant)
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups plain flour
3 tablespoons instant dry milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine the yeast and water. Let proof until foamy-about 5 minutes. Beat in the butter, eggs, sugar, dry milk, and salt. Mix well. Beat in 2 cups of the flour, then slowly add the additional half cup of flour by hand. Mix well without kneading. Place in a covered buttered bowl and let rise until doubled-about 1 hour.

I treated this like strudel dough. I covered my table with a clean tablecloth that I floured generously. I used this surface to roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Then, getting my fists under the dough, I stretched gently using my knuckles until the dough was 20 inches wide, and 36 inches long. Apply filling (you won't need it all) to the dough leaving a 4 inch border without filling on all sides. Cut away any thick edges, and then fold the long way like an envelope over the filling with both edges meeting in the middle. Starting at the short end, roll the dough up. Place seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet. Let rise in a warm place until almost doubled-about an hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake 25-30 minutes (mine took 40!) or more. The pastry should be nicely browned, but if it is getting too dark, cover it with a piece of foil. I used a fork to pull the edge apart making sure it was baked through. The filling can be moist so if you have a lot of liquid running out onto the pan, bake it a bit longer just to make sure the dough won't be gummy. Cool completely on a rack before slicing.

Agustin Reyes Royal Violets (Baby) Cologne-Review

It seemed appropriate to review a Cuban perfume on this day that sees the first US president in 88 years visiting the nation of Cuba. I never thought I'd live to see the presidents of Cuba and the US enjoying a baseball game together. 

If you've been to Miami, you've smelled Royal Violets-on everyone, from babies to old ladies. I should say from the outset that "Baby Perfume" isn't a strange concept to me. In the United States, our baby perfume comes in the form of scented baby shampoo, lotion, and powder, but there is a distinctive smell to it that is associated with infant products. Part of the reason Love's Baby Soft did so well was it echoed those products, while still managing a bit of depth. I never used baby perfume on Danny, and his bath products were limited because of eczma, so my experience of "Smells like a baby" is limited to puke, which he covered everything in for the first year of his life. If I could have doused him in Royal Violets, I would have. 

The company has an interesting history, which you can read a bit about HERE . 

So what does it smell like? Violets. That's about it, to my nose. Some people detect an almond note (I don't) and others smell powder independent of the powdery scent of violets-I don't. I get violets. I've paid a lot more than $3.99 for a single note violet fragrance. The longevity isn't much, but hey, at that price, you can just keep re-applying (it comes in a huge bottle). I have a glass splash bottle, but I've noticed the company now sells Royal Violets in a spray bottle, which I need to get my hands on. Musty cupboard? Car starting to stink? I can think of a million ways to use Royal Violets in a spray bottle. 

Longevity is poor, and the silage is rather close to the skin, which makes sense for a baby fragrance.There aren't really notes to speak of beyond violets though if you sniff really hard and use some imagination there *might* be some iris in there-but I wouldn't swear to it. 

Royal Violets is widely available in the US (and everywhere in Florida and Texas) and I've heard it turns up at the Family Dollar from time to time. Bottles run anywhere from $3.99-$12.00 depending on size and packaging. You can't really go wrong with this one, if you enjoy a soft violet perfume. 

Here's to a happy future and friendship with our neighbours in Cuba. 

Power Sleeves

You know how it is-some mornings you wake up, and the first thing that pops into your head is, "This is going to be a day that requires serious sleeves." When that happens the best thing to do is go back to bed and try to wake up requiring something more simple, like coffee and a bowl of cereal. If that fails, and the sleeves will not be denied, start rummaging through your wardrobe for something 80's when the sleeves were as big as the shoulder-pads supporting them. Bless you, Diane Freis and your wild and wonderful 80's dresses.

Yep. This will do nicely.

I don't wear this dress often, the last time being 2014. I styled it a bit differently that time wearing it with one chin instead of three.

Today, I went for a more well rounded (face) look. 

If your shoulder pads aren't at least five inches thick, you're doing it wrong. This jacket delivers!

Outfit Particulars:

1980's Diane Freis dress-Thrift World

1980's jacket (part of a suit)-Goodwill

Madden Girl shoes-Goodwill

Vintage Angela Frascone handbag-Goodwill

Earrings-K Mart

Flower on jacket-Tiff and Tam

Vintage cloisonne clamper bracelet-Hand-Me-Ups (part of a set)

Fragrance-Rochas Femme

I thought about cropping these photos so you could see the rings and bracelet without seeing my horrible hands-then I thought better of it. I work with my hands, they are constantly in either bread dough, hot soapy water, paint, or garden soil. I am the Home Ec teacher, the art teacher, the science teacher and everything else. I couldn't maintain a manicure if my life depended on it. Really-that's truth, not a cliche.  I am also middle aged. I'm not suggesting there's anything more, "genuine" about showing my wrinkled hands than people who chose not to. I am suggesting that I'm not ashamed of how hard these hands work, and I'm not going to hide them.  The ring with the purple stone (It isn't amethyst, and I've forgotten what it is called) was a gift I bought myself when I graduated from university. No one else bought me anything, so I took myself over to Marshall Field's and bought myself something to remember the occasion by.

So now class, what do we do when big sleeves demand we acknowledge them? That's right kids, we go full-on 1980's. The sleeve will not be denied. 

In other news, I am an idiot. The prescription vitamin D supplement I've been taking? It was supposed to be once a week for eight weeks, not once a day. Oops. I called Poison Control and between trying not to laugh, the young woman on the phone told me it happens "Often to older patients who misread the instructions." Thanks, I needed that. In hindsight, 50,000 IU does sound like a bit much on a daily basis. 

Clearly, the RIF message was lost on me because Jenny Can't Read. 

Gah. I have to say, "Menopause Brain" has been far worse than "Baby Brain" ever was. I hope I'm not going to spend the rest of my life doing stupid things, and having young people try to comfort me with that tone they adopt when speaking to anyone over thirty.  I'm afraid it is all comfort shoes, soap operas, and Geritol from here on out...if I can be trusted around a bottle of Geritol. I'll just get a young person to read the itty bitty printed directions. 

I'll be drinking warm milk, and watching Corrie if anyone needs me. 

And get the hell off my lawn.

Freak Snowstorm or...

...Freak in a snowstorm?  You decide. We recorded this as my neighbour two doors down was going to his car, head down and pretending not to notice my performance.

 Man, it was a strange day. We had snow, sleet, hail, and something called graupel which is like having slush fall from the sky. I covered the garden as a precaution, as it will be cold this evening. Spinach and peas can take the cold, but I'm less sure about the beets and broccoli rabbe. We'll be back to normal seasonal temps by the start of the week, but this was quite the surprise.

I had a slew of errands to run, but I managed a quick trip to New Life Thrift where I hit the motherlode of vintage Avon (in crazy bottles). The fragrances were still in good condition, so I bought Cotillion, Sweet Honesty, two bottles of Moonwind, and I nearly bought another bottle of Charisma before stopping myself (I already have several large bottles of it). I paid, .98 cents per bottle, most of which were full, and one of the Moonwinds still had the groovy 60's box. So basically, I'm happy. I found some interesting clothes as well, but the Avon was definitely the score of the day.

 The sudden cold weather gave me an opportunity to wear my blue faux fur jacket. I watched this jacket all season at K Mart until it finally went on sale. I didn't think I would get a chance to wear it this year, so I was pleased to have the opportunity.

Remind you of someone?

Danny thought I should do this song whilst shoving cookies in my mouth, but I still have some self-respect left. Not much, but a bit.

Outfit Particulars:
Skirt-bought online from a very cheap, terrible retailer that I wouldn't dream of buying from again.
Top-K Mart
Cookie Monster Jacket-K Mart
Boots-K Mart
Vintage vinyl handbag-Goodwill
Vintage necklaces-Both Hand-Me-Ups
Bangles-all over
Earrings-New Life Thrift
Turtle brooch on jacket-K Mart
Fragrance-Vintage Shalimar (and loads of it because there's no point in wearing Shalimar unless you apply it like you mean it!)

 You have no idea how warm this jacket is. I think it might be warmer than genuine fur.

Now that all my chores are out of the way...I should go find something exciting to do tomorrow. There's an All-Day Polka Fest happening in a small town near Omaha. That could be fun. I do genuinely love to Polka, but I'm afraid it might traumatise the kid. We'll see...you know I have the clothes! 

Hope you're having a nice weekend. 

A Sure Sign of Spring

My mum would joke that she knew it was Spring when everything at Peck and Peck department store would turn red, white, and blue. As colour schemes go, it is an easy combination to get, "right." I tend to think of the combination being sporty, or in some cases nautical, but it can easily be dressed up or down for the occasion. One of my earliest memories was having a meltdown at about the age of three in Turnstyle, because my mum wouldn't buy a red white and blue sequined maxi dress. She had to drag me out of there wailing that she needed to buy it! What can I say? I've had strong opinions about clothing from a very young age.

Thank you, Google. Thanks to the image feature I can relive my Chicago childhood anytime I please. It was a great store, and if I behaved myself I would get a water globe on the way out. I didn't get a water globe after my freak out over the dress. Probably. My mother was a soft-touch about things like that.

Anyway, I've long loved a good red, white, and blue outfit in the springtime.

This bag looks black in the photos, but it really is a very dark navy blue. I was so lucky to snag this bag. I was at the Goodwill when I saw the "obnoxious-line-jumping-man-bun-hipster" that sells online wandering the store. Let's just say the fella has earned an not-nice reputation locally for a lack of manners, and general boorish, entitled attitude. How he managed to miss this bag hanging on a rack for $3.99 I don't snow, but I grabbed it. Vintage Naturalizer-be still my heart! I've been waiting all winter for the snow to leave so I could break out the red, white and blue salute to spring and wear this handbag. Today's the day! It was a terribly long winter made better knowing I had this bag to look forward to. Kind of like the first stalks of rhubarb poking up through the earth, I can't wear rhubarb, so hooray for handbags.

This is one of those rare occasions when my entire outfit consist of clothes made in the United States. I suppose it is only right that it be a red, white and blue ensemble. The cardigan is by Designer Originals from the years when they were still manufacturing in New Hampshire (they no longer do). The skirt is Koret of California, and the top is from, Campus Casuals. The pieces all date to the mid-late 70's, and I have the identical wrap skirt in white as well. I like the skirts very much save for one small issue...

it closes in the back.  What sort of sadistic bastard designs a wrap skirt with a back closure?! There's plenty of overlap, so I'm not at risk of it coming open if I bend over, but a good gusty Nebraska wind blowing across the prairie? Yeah, that could be bad. Thankfully, the wind is calm today, but I think I might need to sew in a snap. "Full moon over Omaha!" Not good,

I know what you're thinking. You want to know if I wore my pervert-proof-panties. I'll just leave that lovely image of granny pants to your imagination. You're welcome.

Outfit Particulars:

Vintage Koret of California wrap skirt-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage Campus Casuals top-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage Designer Originals cardigan-Can't remember, had it forever

Denim clogs-Goodwill

Vintage Naturalizer handbag-Goodwill

Earrings-New Life Thrift (I think)

Vintage enamel flower brooch-Thrift World (I think)

Fragrance-Guerlain Imperiale

Wrap skirt+ clogs=1978

At least it was where I lived.

Is there a colour combination that says, "Spring" to you? 

Oooh, today is Friday. I've only just noticed. Happy Weekend. 

How I Boil Asparagus

I take my responsibility as the Home Economics teacher seriously. I've been making certain Danny knows the basics so he can feed himself decently when he's on his own. Yesterday, I showed him how to boil asparagus, and I thought it might be a good lesson to share.

After trimming the stalks and peeling what remains, I tie the spears in small bundles with kitchen twine. The reason for this is simple-they are easier to remove from a pot with a pair of tongs, than trying to dump them into a colander without breaking off the tips. Tying them in bundles ensures you'll have nice looking spears.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When the water boils, add a generous amount of salt (I do about a teaspoon) and gently place the bundles in the water. Let the water return to boiling and then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook about five minutes, but test frequently as it will vary depending on the asparagus.

Remove them to a colander, and gently run under cold water to stop the cooking and refresh the colour.

And there you have it-asparagus ready for a veggie bacon, mayo and asparagus sandwich on toasted white bread. You can use real bacon if you like.

Years ago, I knew this as a "Grass Sandwich" the name derived from Sparrow Grass which is similar to asparagus. In recent years however, it has come to have an entirely different (and vulgar) meaning so much so that I don't advise walking into a New England diner and ordering a Grass Sandwich. These days, you're better off asking for asparagus.

Blow Your Mind Raisin Bars

Update:
I wasn't going to post a photo because they're not terribly exciting looking, and I didn't want that to put you off the recipe. I did however find myself forced to eat these two pieces after snapping the photo because I wouldn't want to waste. Look how I suffer for you guys!

They cut neatly into squares, thus they are called, "bars" but to my mind, this is cake.




Once in a while I bake something that is so good I want to bake it over and over to make up for all the years I didn't know about it. These raisin bars are that good. The recipe comes from Better Homes and Gardens All Time Favorite Cake and Cookie Recipes, 1980.

This is basically a very light spice cake with raisins. I haven't tried it but I suspect it would do well with dried cranberries or sultanas. I also suspect using half brown sugar would give it a richer flavour, but I haven't tried it. I feel I should warn you that because this cake is deceptively light it is easy to accidentally eat more than you intended to, Without the icing it would make a wonderful weekend breakfast bread topped with whipped butter and maple syrup. I rarely get excited over "bars" but these are exceptional.

Instead of using the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves called for in the recipe, I went with two teaspoons of mixed spice. I'll post the recipe as printed, but know that the mixed spice worked quite well here.

You Will Need:

1 3/4 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon bicarb
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup water
1/2 cup shortening or cooking oil (I used corn oil because I like it in cakes)
1 cup granulated sugar (you could reduce this to 3/4 cup and it would still be plenty sweet)
1 large beaten egg

Grease a 15x10x1 inch pan (No one owns that sort of pan, do they? I used a 9x13). Sift together the flour, bicarb, spices and salt. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a saucepan combine raisins, and water. and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in oil. Cool to lukewarm. Combine raisin mixture with egg and sugar and mix well. Combine with dry ingredients and mix only until moistened. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 12-15 minutes or until it tests done with a toothpick. Cool in pan on rack. Store with a piece of foil over the pan at room temperature. I have no idea how long it will keep because we tore through it quickly.

Optional Glaze:
While cake is still warm in pan, combine 1 cup icing sugar with enough water to make a thick paste. Pour onto cake and let stand a minute before spreading evenly.

Put Down The Styling Mousse and Step Away From The Sink

 I had a roomate that called it, "Styling Mousie" which always conjured a great image of a mouse before a mirror primping to go out. 

Some days, I just can't face the blow-dryer. 

This top has been in constant wardrobe rotation because I love it, but I don't think I've ever featured it here on the blog. The gauze/cheesecloth fabric is summery, but the weight is heavy enough that I can wear it year round. I love the asymmetrical pattern, the elastic waist and peplum.  Everything about it would sound wrong on paper, and I hesitated to buy it because it looked so strange on the hanger. I'm glad I took a chance, because it quickly became a favourite piece. 

I made a mushroom pie for dinner that I think is worth sharing. It took four pounds of assorted mushrooms, which I admit is a bit much. You could use any sort of mushrooms you like-I happened to have these, so I used them. 

You Will Need:

Two crust pastry:

2 cups plain flour

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cups cold, unsalted butter cut in small pieces

Ice water (about 8 tablespoons, but have extra ready)

Combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter until fine crumbs. Add water a few tablespoons at a time until dough just comes together. Try to avoid handling it more than you must. Divide in two, and roll out to fit an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. 

For the filling:

1 pound portabella mushrooms, chopped

1 pound shitake mushrooms, chopped

1 pound King trumpet mushrooms, chopped

1 pound oyster mushrooms, chopped

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup dry red wine

8 large shallots, finely sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried sage

A good grinding of black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked salt (you can omit this in place of plain salt. I use it to get a smoked meat flavour in vegetarian recipes). 

2 cups cooked long grain white rice

In a large stockpot, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they throw off most of their liquid-about ten minutes. Add the wine and turn up the heat cooking until it burns off. Reduce the heat back to medium. Keep stirring the mushrooms so they don't stick to the pan as they start to brown. When the mushrooms are reduced to your liking, add the shallots and cook just until they are softened-no more than two minutes. Add the spices, and cook a minute or two longer. Stir in the cooked rice, and then set it aside to cool before filling the pie crust. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Assemble it:

Fill the bottom crust evenly with the filling. Cover with the top piece of pastry and brush lightly with an egg wash (I used 1 large yolk and 1 tablespoon water). Cut vents for steam. Place it all on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes at 425 F then reduce the heat to 375 degrees F. for another 30-40 minutes or until nicely browned. 

Serve warm, not hot with a nice salad, and good strong mustard. 

Why did the shitake have to move house?  

There wasn't mush room. 

I don't make this often,

-just sporadically. 

Fine. Let's talk about clothes. 

Outfit Particulars:

Gauze top-New Life Thrift

Skirt-Sears, about 20 years ago

Made in Korea vintage beaded bag-Goodwill

Necklace-The Mexican Shop, Evanston, Il. about 30 years ago

Earrings-K Mart

Belt-Can't remember

Shoes-K Mart

Fragrance-Bat Sheba

 Two trends in one: Beads + Fringe.

 The necklace had small metal charms hanging off the bottom that made so much clatter I removed them. It became a much more wearable piece once I didn't feel like I had a cowbell around my neck.

Keeping with the same selection of colours...

I had to take advantage of the cool snap to wear my leather skirt. For some reason I always forget about it until spring when it looks terribly out of place. Coloured leather and suede can work in spring, but a black leather anything will be a challenge. 

 Outfit Particulars:
Leather skirt-can't remember, 80's (I mean, I can remember the 80's, just not where I purchased this)
Vintage polyester zip-back top-Thrift World
 Vintage vinyl trimmed canvas jacket-Thrift World
1970's vinyl shoulderbag-Goodwill
Tights-Walgreen's
Vintage Gaymode shoes-Thrift World
1970's necklace-Hand-me-Ups
1960's clip earrings-Hand-me-Ups
1970's bracelet-Hand-me-Ups
Fragrance-Knize 10

These are the frames I'm going to have set with lenses next (I also have a 1930's pair with ear wires that need new lenses). I *think* a darker blue would work, but grey might be good too. I know, First World problems. What am I to do?!?

I can't wear these to Raptor Rescue events or they'll try banding my leg and feeding me "mouse-in-a can". 

The frames were purchased from my favourite Etsy eyewear seller, Cherrie at JustheGoodStuff. 

My gold cat-eye glasses also came from her, and I can't say enough great things about my experience. Fantastic prices, excellent customer service, and the selection is incredible. Many of the frames (like mine) were never set with lenses making you the first owner. A quick look around the web came up with several Gaspari frames like these, but they weren't new old stock, and they were much more expensive. If you're looking for attention getting frames at a great price, Just The Good Stuff is your shop. I paid for these frames with my own dough (they weren't freebies). She did throw in free shipping and some eyeglass holders which I appreciated, but didn't expect.

Finally, there's this:

Uh...what the hell?! Walgreen's is a pharmacy, can't they find the Easter Bunny some sort of happy pill? Have you ever seen such a depressed looking bunny? Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see children clamouring to sit on his lap for a photo. 

"Run, Uncle Hopper is out of the joint...and he's bent on revenge!"

Oops, it got late and I have laundry to do. Better hop to it.