Just three things...

1. Shopping at a farmer's market always makes me feel smug. I'm not proud of that fact, but it's true.

2. My sister Chrissie attributes her non-cellulite thighs to a diet of M & M's and red wine. Do you think she could be on to something?

3.I think if I only had one room in my house it would be a screen porch.

I'm back from Vegas, caught up on my sleep, my follow-up (ok, that's ongoing) and basking in the glow that is Licensing Expo. There is something so energizing about going to a show that's pretty much populated with people in the business of new ideas, clever concepts and exciting deals. Oh, sure, there are always the doom and gloom types but I try to ignore them, or at least just talk about them behind their backs. This is a picture of me next to my wall showcasing My Friend Ronnie (tm)---tell me honestly---is my hair veering too close to Paula Deen's? No, really, do let me know as these are the things I'm concerned about. I've never taken one of those quizzes that let you know who would play you in the movie of your life as I am afraid it would turn out to be Bea Arthur. And my voice is just not that deep. And neither am I, apparently. I'll keep you posted on all the fun things that could/should bubble up from the show.

My Friend Ronnie goes to Vegas, Baby!

The Licensing Expo is next week from June 8-10th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and My Friend Ronnie will be there! We will be exhibiting once again amidst the sea of other properties including a few names you may have heard of: Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, NASCAR and Two Town Studios! This is one of the trade shows we do every year where we meet with and (hopefully) develop relationships with current and potential manufacturers. Jim and I enjoy this show on a lot of levels: one...hello?! It's Las Vegas! and two; it's fun to get the inside scoop on all the new property introductions for movies, tv and consumer products and of course because all our pals are there at the same time! You can feel the excitement brewing with new ideas, new relationships and well, I just like being around clever people! So now I will finish my to-do list, start packing (and most important---figuring out my outfits!) I'll have a few pics for you when I return and maybe even a few scoops from the show.

Things N Stuff

It's Friday, but in my free-lance world that means very little. I've always logged a few weekend hours in the studio without grumbling because A. if the phone rings, it's probably someone wanting to go out to dinner with us and B. there is often a "Real Housewives of Somewhere" marathon on Bravo. And it's totally embarrassing to be watching something like that when a client calls or our office manager needs my attention. Of course during the week, I only listen to Public Radio so I can appear to be super smart, but most people know better, particuarly the Real Housewives.

Reading the Refrigerator

These are some of the ultra fun magnets (there are 32 of them!) I designed for Leanin' Tree Greeting Cards---part of the Real Women, Real Funny by My Friend Ronnie greeting card collection that was introduced in January.

I have always loved reading refrigerators. From the choice of magnets, which coupons have been clipped (really? you need to save a quarter on anti-itch cream?), photos and calendars , you can really learn a lot about a person. Families with kids have complicated schedules posted with stickers, post it notes and pretty multi-colored markers to keep track of which kid needs to be where when. It's so relaxing to know that I do not have to go to soccer, hockey, basketball, Spanish, dance, religion, or karate---unless of course I feel the urge. Shopping lists are fun too---oh, sure the usual things show up...milk, bread, eggs but it's a bonus when there are items like "tequila" and "glitter glue". I do like seeing a well placed magnet but mostly I like it when the fridge is completely encrusted in them---with a theme! Holstein cows, famous motels, felt and sequined crafty things from the senior center craft and bake sale are my favorites. On my fridge? A few well placed "inspirational" messages, holding Sunday's menu and a couple of My Friend Ronnie magnets, but I keep all the juicy information on the side you can't see right away---I'm not letting my refrigerator blab all my secrets!

How fun is this?

We have some really fun personalized products with Personal Creations! You can order a wall print, trinket box or mug with My Friend Ronnie girls---up to six on each item. And you can change their hair and skin color and add names---just like playing with Barbie! Oooh, and just in time for Mother's Day, or Bridal showers, maybe a girl's trip...

On the radio...sort of!

I had a great opportunity last week to be interviewed on blogtalkradio.com. Rick Tocquigny, a client of mine, hosts a show called "Life Lessons" and he invited me to be a part of the show. I've never done anything like that before and thought it would be a good experience---and it was! The questions were challenging and helped me to "go deep" as opposed to my usual day to day frivolous (yet hilarious) thoughts. You can listen to me at www.blogtalk.com/search/ronnie-walter. You might want to grab a beverage or a snack as it's about 30 minutes---which is about as long as I can go without either of those things. Let me know what you think!