I actually forgot to post my Five for Friday, because I had a four year old field trip hangover, or something like that. It was my daughter’s first big field trip and although it was  a total blast, my mind obviously turned to mush and forgot I had a blog, it happens. So I am here on Saturday giving you a Five for Friday, because that’s how I’ll have to roll for another 14 years, k?

I. I have to mention we are doing a giveaway for Lettering Rx, it was created to quickly clean and digitize you lettering but we have found it works equally well on line drawings (just make sure your lines are black and not too thin). This is my attempt at an Ellsworth/Michelle type botanical. I am actually pretty happy with the results! I used a 4b Derwent sketching pencil, the 4b being Michelle’s preference. The tip is nice and soft.

II. Have you read any good books lately? I used to only read biographies, but once Michelle and I started writing our book, I have fallen head over heels with reading books that have a magical element. The upside is most of them are for a younger reader so I can consume them pretty quickly. I just finished the ‘The Secret Horses of Briar Manor’, where a little girl during World War II sees flying horses in the mirrors, or does she?  The pick this week for my daughter is one of my favorite children’s illustrators who has also penned this book. It’s called ‘Colette’s Lost Pet’ featuring a giant parakeet named after Marie Antoinette? Totally in.

III. I made a goal to improve my skin this year, one of the ways that I am doing that is exercising. I found this instructor on line, and although visually it’s pretty much the antithesis of my aesthetic Cassey’s incredible positive energy keeps me coming back for more. I love that I can choose to do exercises in very small time increments and often times will convince myself to do just one 8 minute workout and end up doing much more. My face has a glow and bonus my arms are getting some definition.

IV. I received a Le Labo lip balm for Christmas and I think it just may be my favorite lip balm of all time (and I am seriously a lip balm fanatic). It’s not greasy, almost creamy, doesn’t taste like anything and gives the perfect amount of sheen. The packaging is pretty good looking too.

V. It’s still freezing in the Pacific Northwest, I am so happy that Michelle got me this blanket. My daughter has dubbed it the ‘Yeti blanket’. It’s so warm and cozy (very luxe). The other day my daughter had pulled it off the sofa in a rush and I came back to the livingroom to find my Frenchie laying on it on her back with her paws in the air and what could only be described as a delirious smile, seriously. It also is perfect if you want to add a little texture to your interior design.