The Happy Elf is playing at First Stage Children's Theater, on Saturday afternoon I attended the show with my husband and daughter. WE LOVED IT! The music and lyrics are by Harry Connick Jr., bringing a jazzy and bluesy feel to the show. We fell in love with Eubie and all of the elves. The show is playing through December 18th, and First Stage's website provided the following synopsis:

There's no such thing as an unhappy elf, so when Eubie finds himself in Bluesville, his elf-ness is put to the test as he is determined to make the naughty town smile in time for Christmas. Eubie's enthusiasm will not be denied as he embarks on his quest to raise a Christmas Tree in the Town Square. This heart-warming holiday musical from Harry Connick, Jr. warmly captures the joy of the season.

The Happy Elf (a holiday special in cartoon) will also be playing on NBC on December 2nd, according to www.thehappyelf.com. Of course, I still recommend seeing the theater performance, of all the First Stage shows I've seen, this was by far the best show.

I know it's been a while since I updated, but I am still on my alphabetical wine odyssey. Here were my choices for D, E and F, again, all three wines were purchased from Sendik's in Brookfield. I'm pretty sure the people in the wine department think that I am crazy, yet they still offer suggestions based on the next letter in the alphabet.

Dogajolo Dry Red Table Wine, 2006, Tuscany, Italy. I didn't write down the price, but it's most likely between the $15-20 range. Don't be afraid of an Italian red table wine, they are some of the best wines you'll find. This was a red blend of 80% sangiovese and 20% cabernet sauvignon. I am trying to stay away from wines that I've had before, but it wasn't until I got it home that I realized that I'd had this wine. It was a dark ruby color; I could smell floral and fruity; the taste was dry, which is what you'll get with a sangiovese and a cabernet. Overall, it was okay, I felt it was young and could have shelved it a year or two.

Ethos, 2005, from Chateau Ste. Michelle in Columbia Valley, Washington, $33.99. Cabernet Sauvignon. The color was a dark garnet with heavy legs; nose was jammy; taste was velvety and spicy; the finish was excellent with good tannins. This was probably my favorite so far, Chateau Ste. Michelle has never disappointed me with their wines.

Felsina Chianti Classico, 2001, Italy, $19.99. Sangiovese. The color was a deep burgandy; nose was light. Honestly, I was not impressed with this wine. My overall impression was that this vintage was past its prime.

I do have a bonus wine to share as well, each summer this pinot noir is released and for the past three years I've bought a bottle. It is Sea Smoke Southing, 2006, from Sea Smoke Cellars in Santa Barabara Co., California. $55. The color was garnet; nose was light with slight scents of spice; the taste was silky and cherry; the finish was smooth. Overall it was a great pinot noir, however, I think the 2004 vintage was much better. If you love pinot, be on the lookout for the next release of Sea Smoke around June and July. Don't hesitate, if you think you'll want it then buy it -- it sells out every year.  

Does the five second rule count if you drop a piece of toast on the floor? What if it’s got butter and honey on it and it lands face down? In a house where three people, two dogs and two cats live? And what if you haven’t washed the floor in two weeks?

Don’t worry, I didn’t think it counted either. I tossed the toast — but I really had to think about it first.

The location of the latest photo hunt was the Majestic Cinema in Brookfield. Have you been there? It's my very most favorite Marcus theatre to see a movie in.

Do you know the location in Waukesha County where this photo was taken?

To play either leave a comment with your guess (note: I'll hold all correct comments in moderation as to not spoil the fun), send me an email to kimberly.laczniak@gmail.com, or just play along at home. I'll reveal the location on Wednesday.

I have a busy weekend ahead of me. First up is my daughter’s monthly art class, Mixing with the Masters, at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The parents stay with the kids, so really, it’s an art class for the two of us. The artist we are learning about this month is Joan Miro. I’ve never heard of him, but here is one of his drawings, isn’t it interesting?

The King’s Jester, by Joan Miro

Last month we learned about Mark Rothko. I’m sure you’ve seen his paintings. They are HUGE and look like something anyone could do. I’ve always walked past those types of paintings at the art museum — but it was because I did not understand them. Rothko used color to bring out emotion, and everyone relates emotions to color differently. Here is one of his paintings from the Milwaukee Art Museum:

Green, Red, Blue, by Mark Rothko

Sometimes the parents get to paint or draw their own art too. Want to keep me happy? Hand me some watercolors and an endless supply of watercolor paper. During the last class I painted this. It looks better in person, and I took the photo using my cellphone, but I’m still rather pleased with it.

Some of my daughter's artwork from the classes have turned out fabulous! Here is one of my favorites, again the photo really doesn’t do it justice.

When I was a little girl I took ballet lessons, and right across the street from ballet was a candy store. One day, after ballet, my mom took me to the candy store. I can’t remember what all I got, but I do remember the candy necklace. She told me to put it in my dresser drawer and NOT to tell my little brother about it.

The next day I went to school, came home, and went straight to the hiding place of my candy necklace. What was there? The necklace string and ONE PIECE OF CANDY! I ran to my mom with my candy necklace in my hand and the next thing you know, my little brother is claiming that she told him that he could have ALL BUT ONE PIECE, and she’s saying that she told him he could have JUST ONE PIECE.

Oh the drama.

This weekend he redeemed himself and gave me a candy bracelet, A FULL CANDY BRACELET. WITH A CHARM TOO! Okay, so it’s not a necklace, but I’ll take it. It’s only taken him 30-some years to pay up.

My daughter found the candy bracelet sitting next to my computer and she was all FINDERS KEEPERS! IT’S MINE!! I had to snatch it from her hands because she obviously did not know the Candy Necklace Story. After I told her, she began negotiations with me to share the candy bracelet. SHARE IT? Oh no way my dear. Did you not listen to the story of how I shared the necklace?  I sent my brother a text message to let him know about about negotiations and he replied that he’d give her one on Monday.

She was fine with that, but added, “Mom, if it’s accidentally a candy necklace, you can have it.” She's such a sweetheart.