The Story Behind "Keep Calm & Eat Cupcakes"

My fascination with all things British continues. Last night I watched three hours of fundraising on PBS in order to see the 25th anniversary of "Phantom Of The Opera." By the time it was done I was following a bunch of poncey British dudes who sing on the West End stage in London on Twitter. And then I found this little story about my favorite poster that was put up in Tube stations. I love the Tube. I love London. And on a non-related note, I love cupcakes. Bliss!

My Favorite Tool

Seven years ago I was working for a magazine and I was on the early shift. I had to be in the office at seven in the morning, so I always had bad hair. Big bad frizzy hair. One of the editors suggested I try a flat iron. So on the way home one afternoon, I went to CVS and picked one up for $20. It helped. A little, but not a lot. I have a lot of hair. My parents both had curly hair. I have curly hair underneath and straight hair on top. So it always looks fluffy. But not in a good way. In a fluffy sheep dog kind of way.

I always feel like a princess when I get my hair done and the stylist makes my hair straight with her super duper expensive flat iron. For two days (if I push it) I look marvelous. And then it’s back to Fluffy the dog. And so that’s why after my last hair cut and color, I drove directly from the salon to the beauty supply and put down an ungodly sum of money for a serious flat iron.

It’s a life changer. Seriously. Finally in middle age, I have one or two days a week when I have really good hair. My BFF has taken to calling me “Flatso.” I don’t mind. And to be honest, I haven’t told her yet why suddenly my hair looks so good. (As if she hasn’t guessed.) But my new beauty secret is my flat iron. I learned a valuable lesson, when it comes to hair tools – go straight to the top!

Reason #449 To Adopt A Cat

There’ a cat named Pudding in Wisconsin who saved the life of his new owner/servant within hours of being rescued from the shelter. How’s that for gratitude? You can read all about this hero-cat on the Green BayPress-Gazette.



Welcome To Masterpiece Cat Classics!

When you love something (and I love Downton Abbey) you must make fun of it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Be mine!

Bravo To My Favorite Puppy-Hoarder!

It's my favorite early morning event of the year. The Oscar nominations were announced at 5:30am this morning. There were a few surprises, but mostly I was pleased with the artists that the Academy members picked to honor this year. Most surprising of all -- I think we've seen all but two of the nominated "Best Film" features. I don't think that's ever happened before.

It Takes A Million Movies To Say "Hello!"

Hello from ant1mat3rie on Vimeo.

Lionel Richie...eat your heart out!