I love this outfit!

The new White Stripes CD "Icky Thump" show Jack and Meg White sporting super cool matching outfits. I had seen these black suits with mother of pearl buttons sewn onto before and actually ripped an image of these outfits out of a magazine. Upon seeing this CD cover today I had to investigate what this style is all about. Apparently it's a traditional Cockney get up and is still worn for special occasions. The "Pearly King and Queen" costume is covered in mother of pearl buttons and the different patterns have special meanings, e.g. a horseshoe represents luck, a dove stands for peace or a heart for charity. It was often past down as a family heirloom. More info about it here.

This Mother's Day I collaborated with my daughter in making my mom/her grandma a hand made card. We worked on the computer with a photo and some Dover Clip art
and then glued the result together with a variety of beautiful papers, some colored fish, a coffee filter and blue ribbon onto card stock. We also gave my mom a wonderful yellow vase that was filled with a stunning bouquet of peonys and orchids, arranged by my talented friend Ellen.

Here is a close up of the Chirimen frogs and flowers and of a little toy I bought in Tokyo, called Sonny Angel. These little doll babies come with different hats, that look either like fruit or vegetables or animal heads. I only got this little grape guy, but wished I had bought these other ones too.