Polishing a Turd

I've got some bedroom furniture that I want to get rid of, but in this economy, I've been told that staying "liquid" as possible is the best option...so what's a girl to do? Live with my maple furniture that I bought 6 years ago that was so cheap it shouldn't still be standing??? I guess I'll have to. BUT, that doesn't mean I can't class it up with a new paint job and some new drawer pulls.

Having said that, I'm afraid to paint it. You see, I tried several years ago to paint a similar piece of crap furniture and all I got was runny paint that didn't adhere to the surface. I know there's some sanding and priming in my future, but has anyone tried this before? Can anyone help me?

Please, help me turn this cheesy bookcase into something presentable!!!

As with all Wednesdays, I'm participating in Works for Me Wednesday over at We Are THAT Family. This week we were challenged to ask for solutions to a problem we were facing and this one is something I can't stop thinking about! Any ideas would be HUGELY appreciated!

Tool Talk Tuesday featuring Katie Clemons/Making this Home

Today's Tool Talk features a new BLAHg pal that I met through Twitter! Katie Clemons (@makingthishome) is living in Berlin with her German hubby in a TEEEEENY apartment, but making it feel big and fab through her wonderful design skills! After seeing how they transformed a 36 square foot kitchen, I knew they had to have used some serious DIY skills and that they'd be perfect for today's Tuesday Tool Talk! So, without further ado, here's Katie!

When we moved to Berlin, Germany, our kitchen was a pretty frustrating place to be. It was a 36 square foot, walled-in space that was miserable to say the least. So we pulled out our favorite tools and decided to remodel.

Here's our favorite tear-down tool:

Our interior walls were solid drywall. Each brick we cut out weighed 50 pounds. No tool can cut out walls and get rid of unwanted construction jobs better than a saws-all once you know exactly where every electric wire and pipe is in your wall.

When it comes to building a space back up, I really like table saws. We used one for cutting all of the sheets of wood we needed to build our cabinets. Unfortunately, our apartment is so small at 480 square feet that I had to hang out the window to hold the wood while my husband cut. When we weren't cutting with the table saw, it became just a table. Here's my husband sanding a cabinet on our unplugged table saw:

Electric sanders. Those would be another favorite tool. In Germany, the law requires us to stop using power tools at certain times of day. We got six hours of legal power tool time each day. All noise was illegal on Sundays. I never knew how much I would love my sander until the days I couldn't use it.

So put those tools together along with a hundred others and slowly, we turned our kitchen into this:

Didn't they do an INCREDIBLE job?!?!?! I'm so impressed with how they turned the lemon of a small kitchen into one killer lemonade!!! Many people who assume that this is the kind of job only a professional would attempt, but they did their homework, got the appropriate provisions, and went to work. I'm certain that every time they use their small, but beautiful, kitchen they feel a huge sense of pride! To learn more about this kitchen transformation, please visit Katie at www.makingthishome.com!

Great job, Katie! I look forward to seeing how you transform the rest of the house!!! And thanks again, for participating in Tool Talk Tuesday!

I Heart Toby

This is Toby, my brother and SIL's kitty. Toby used to HATE me...seriously, wouldn't come near me, even though I'm the lady with the fingernails. This used to trouble me as cats love me...because I'm the lady with the fingernails. But, on this trip to CO, we came to a mutual understanding. Toby could still hiss at me as long as I gave him scratches...because let's face it, I'm the lady with the fingernails.

I'm trying something new, it's a weekly project where I can work on my photo skills. The challenge this week is to capture a pet and I have the perfect one to enter. Yeah! To check out other pets and pouting children, visit I Heart Faces!

My $5 Challenge rocks, if I do say so myself!

My friend Lindsay threw down the gauntlet for a $5 challenge, and while my crafting skills aren't anything to write home about, I knew I could come up with something pretty original. The execution wasn't perfect, but boy did I make myself laugh!

In preparation for Clare's baby shower, I did a lot of online research for fun ideas...while I used absolutely ZERO of them for her, I found one for me. You know those cute closet dividers for infants? The ones that say newborn, 1-3 mos, 3-6 mos, etc? Well, I realized a great way to keep my work wardrobe organized would be to have one that said this week, last week, and then I came up with a special divider for the back of the closet too, which is revealed below!

Here's my breakdown. From the .99 Store, I found 3 wooden door knob hangers for .89 each, a bottle of pink craft paint for .50, and a spool of ribbon for .50. At home, I had a black paint pen, some white wall paint, and some green wall paint (from the kitchen!). So, all in all, I made this silly little craft/brilliant closet organizing system for $3.67 (before tax). Not too shabby, if I do say so myself!

I painted the dividers up, drew some silly designs, and added ribbon to the top in order for them to stand out amongst my suits and full-length ball gowns (what, like you divas don't have several in your closet!), and WAH-LA, I had a finished project!

Well, enough of what I think about my project, what do YOU think about my project? : )

What do you think?! Is it a winning idea? Not really? I'm okay with that, but what I really want to know is: did it make you laugh??? : )

Be sure to head on over to Living with Lindsay to see what the other challenge participants came up with!

Phoenix Aidan Ferris Johnson

I'm in Colorado to meet my new nephew, Phoenix! My sister-in-law had the delivery of her dreams at home almost a month ago and it's my turn to play with the new baby help out around the house and with my fabulous niece, Grey-bug!

I don't have any children, yet, but the moment I first saw my niece I melted with love...the same is true with my nephew, which got me to thinking that it can only be multiplied a million times over when it's your own child.

Several of my friends have already had their first children and now another wave is starting their families. It's so fun to watch and to see them metamorphize into mommyhood. It's beautiful and special and sometimes funny as heck. In spite of all the aches and pains and discomfort, I know none of them would trade it for the world. It is in these moments that I'm envious, but I have faith that God has a plan for me, too, and while that's a powerful message, it's not the one I want to convey right now...

We all have a path that we're on...we all have struggles and busyness and frustration, but please don't let that keep you from taking JOY in all that you have! Mommies, when things get hectic, rest for a moment and remember that unbelievable love you first felt when you looked at your child. And more importantly, don't feel badly when you need a break, because you deserve one, too, and ultimately, your babies know that you love them! (Robin, this means you, too!!!)

I, on the other hand, am loving this long weekend of baby coos, 2-year old giggles, and a whole lot of family fun. Phoenix Aidan Ferris Johnson, watch out, cuz Auntie Awesome needs a whole lot of cuddles!!!

PhotoFANatic Friday with Jasmine Star

If I were getting married right now, there is no doubt that I would do anything I could to have Jasmine Star shoot my wedding. I would even try to find out what days she was available before booking the church and venue...I'm not kidding. So when she agreed to be today's PhotoFANatic feature, in spite of being sick and at the last minute, I squeeled with delight!!!

Jasmine Star's blog and website are absolutely gorgeous. This girl is a writer who lays it all out there and shares herself from a place that is deep inside. Her images are some of the crispest (is that even a word?), clearest, and brightest that I've ever seen. They make me want to look at wedding pictures all day long!

What I find really cool about J* is that she seems genuine and real. She's been full-time in the biz for a handful of years, but is already known for the way she networks, lends advice, and shares her craft in a way that is anything but competitive or territorial. This year, she announced her first workshop and within like one day, that sucker was full! When I get a bit further down the road, you'd better believe I'll compete for one of those spots!!!

Okay, enough of my BLAH BLAH BLAHs and onto some really cool Q&A!

1. How did you first get interested in photography? In 2005, I studied at UCLA Law School and I was miserable. I was a fish out of water and I became tired of professors telling me I was wrong, and they were going to fix me. Any time a lawyer offers to 'fix' you, RUN AWAY! :) While in law school, my mother had a relapse with brain cancer, after battling for five years. When I was told it was time to make her funeral arrangements, my life flipped upside down. Even the most simple and mundane tasks became too much to bear and I became depressed. I woke up one Spring day and I decided to take a break from law school and stop living the life I thought I was supposed to lead, and--instead--lead the life I wanted. This decision changed my life dramatically.

That same year, I was proposed to and planned a destination wedding in Hawaii. During this time, my mother--against all odds--went into remission and was healthy enough to walk me down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams. Lucky for me, my amazing wedding photographer (http://www.davidjay.com/) was there to capture each special moment.

In January 2006, it was time to return to law school from my hiatus. I sat at our dining room table with my newly-minted husband and cried. I didn't want to go back to law school, but I was much too scared to pursue photography as a profession. It was then when my husband grabbed my hands and told me: "I would rather see you fail at something you love, then succeed at something you hate." And, with that, my journey began. I photographed my first wedding in October 2006 and have since followed my heart.

2. What's your favorite thing to shoot? Laughter.

I might not be as talented as my peers, nor have the abundance of awards they have. I might not even have their level of skill...okay, I can be honest, I totally don't have their level of skill! :) But what I do know how to do is make people laugh in front of my camera. How to make people feel wholly like themselves. A couple is at their most beautiful and most fabulous when they're laughing, and I've been blessed with a gift in guiding people to this point. Together.

3. Your images are always crisp and clean, what do you look for when setting up a shot? Light.

I always prefer a mediocre location with amazing light, than an amazing location with mediocre light. Light is magic, and makes pictures jump off the page. Light is dynamic and captivating and any time I can work with it, I do everything I can to use it to my advantage.

4. Your blog is your best sales tool. Why did you put so much value in it initially? Was it a hunch that it could dramatically develop your business or was it just because of your passion for writing? To be honest, I've never been one to keep a diary, although I collected them by the truckloads growing up. I'd start writing a few entries, then I'd give up and opt to take Barbie and Ken for a spin in their convertible instead. Many years later, I reread those scattered entries and I remember who I was; I remember the girl who I dreamt of becoming.

I started my blog to document my journey. That's all. It was an online diary for my friends and family to read, and a place I chronicled the ups and downs of starting my
business. I had NO idea it would morph into what it is today. And while it's my
biggest marketing tool, it was a natural progression and helped me define my business and brand on a whole new level.

5. What's the best piece of advice you were given when you were just starting out? I was given a ton of advice when I first started. Some good. A lot useless. I, however, wish someone would have told me the following: Don't let anyone tell you NO. Don't let anyone scare you from your dreams. Don't let fear stop your fingers from pressing the shutter a thousand times a day. Don't be afraid to tell people you're chasing your passion. Don't measure your success in light of others. Don't settle for the ordinary. Don't stop laughing.

Wow!! If I didn't love her before, I do now! She's a rock star and after you see the following images, I'm sure you'll think so, too! (As always, these images were used with her permission...don't you go swiping pics off of other people's blogs or the blog police will git ya!)

To see more of the ultra-FAB Jasmine Star, be sure to visit her blog and website. J*, thank you SO MUCH for playing in my PhotoFANatic party today! I hope we can meet one day and that Mr. Right comes strolling along before you pack up those cameras...and if that's the case, you can pull them out of retirement and shoot us rolling our wheelchairs down the aisle! ; )

On a totally unrelated note, today I'm participating in Kimba's "Step Away from the Computer" challenge. I'm turning off the computer, flying to Denver, and spending the weekend with my brother, SIL, gorgeous niece, and brand new baby nephew! I'm going to focus on family and not let the BLAHgosphere distract me from them! Check out A Soft Place to Land to learn more about it!!!

Big Blue Eyes and Ruby Red Lips

Is there ANYTHING better than these big blue eyes and ruby red lips???

Just thought I'd introduce you to my little pal, Jackson. I can't wait to do an "official" photo shoot with he and his mommy. This kid is going to be a heart breaker someday, I just know it!

Chalkboard Paint Comes in Handy

As I'm working on my cosmetic kitchen makeover, I wanted to do something fun and practical...but something that didn't "junk up" the place. See, I'm not a fan of "stuff." I have a few magnets and photos on the side of my fridge, but not in plain sight. I know, I'm weird...especially in light of the fact that I'm NOT a neat freak (just ask any of my former roommates!!!)!

I have a pretty small kitchen in my condo - not anywhere near as small as my BLAHg friend Katie at MakingThisHome, who incidentally I've been emailing with and plan to feature next week regarding her 36 square foot kitchen! When you have a small kitchen, you need to be clever...and multi-functional!

Did someone say multi-functional??? How bout a pantry door that doubles as a grocery shopping list? Enter: chalkboard paint!

It might not be the classiest of choices, but so far it's coming in super handy and it WORKS FOR ME! To find out other fab tips from bloggers around the world, visit Works for Me Wednesday!

Giveaway Results

I tried a giveaway last week, and I kinda feel like it pooped out...maybe my followers are mostly outside of So Cal, maybe people doubt my ability, or maybe people don't value portraits as much as I do. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little bit bummed... HOWEVER, I'm not going to let it get me down.

This year, I've decided to do a certain number of photo shoots gratis in order to build my portfolio. I wanted to use my giveaway to practice, but also to network with other people. So you know what I'm gonna do? I'm going to practice and network!

I had 8 people who commented on my blog. Almost all of them will be winners!

• Angry Julie Monday get's a photoshoot with Angry Toddler!
• laurelstreet commented and is a sweet blahg friend who lives in New Orleans...thanks for the encouragement!
• CarleeKajsa is my gorgeous cousin and gets a family shoot and photos of her 3 month old.
• SAS commented and enjoyed the photos I took of she and the Dubber.
• Living with Lindsay gets a family photo shoot the next time I'm in Austin! ; )
• isk8jewel will have a special shoot with a friend when she's here the week of Labor Day!
• Sonia is somewhere here in CA and if she can get down to the LA area, I'll arrange a family shoot for her, too!
• Lisa Pechan, a wine club/small group friend, gets engagement photos!

Email me at jj@theblahblahblahger.com and we'll get things set up. Thanks for your excitement and for the trust you're placing in me for delivering special photos! I'll do you proud!

Tuesday Tool Talk

Today I'm turning the tables on YOU. I want to know what kind of tools you have at home. Are they yours? Your husbands? Were they given to you as a gift? As a hand-me-down? Or did you buy them yourself? Do you have a favorite? An I can't live without this-type of tool?

Let's start a dialogue! Comment below and/or email me at jj@theblahblahblahger.com because I'd love to feature you right here next Tuesday!

Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into!

Kitchen Sneak Preview

I began my kitchen changeroo this weekend and so far, so good! I decided that after more than six years of living in the same place, if I was feeling like a change, a $20 paint job and some new accessories was the way to go!

I got home late on Saturday night from a work event, but still had time to prime the walls. Then, I went to early church on Sunday ran home and got my paint on! It was done in plenty of time to clean, make risotto, and have my pals over for dinner, too!

I've been dreaming about a green kitchen for some time now, especially since seeing some green inspiration on The Inspired Room. Melissa put up some great ideas and pics from Country Living and I've been salivating for more green ever since! The other Melissa, from Off The Wall, also had a post on green and I LOVE this inspiration room from Better Homes & Gardens, too!

So, I found the green color that I've been wanting (Happy Camper by Behr) and it's making me an absolute happy camper! I've been collecting some accessories and have a trip planned for Anthropolgie, too! Love their kitchy hand towels, etc! If you play your cards right, there might be a giveaway involved, too!

I'm sorry, what was that? What did you say? You want a sneak preview of Operation New Green Kitchen? Think you can handle it? Sure, here ya go!

Before

During After!

The Recipe for a Perfect Baby Shower

We held Clare's baby shower on Saturday and it turned out WONDERFULLY! I'm not talking pat myself on the back great, but REALLY great. You want to know why? I'll tell you!

We based the shower on Clare's cravings...baked mac & cheese, biscuits & gravy, KFC, and summer salad. Everyone was GIDDY when the menu was announced!!!

Jennifer, our hostess, gave a beautiful welcome and blessing, then we got out of the way and let everyone enjoy an afternoon of eating and mingling!
We played passive games...the leg crossing game got pretty competitive. We also played present bingo when Clare opened gifts...people could participate if they wanted to...if they didn't, no sweat! (PS-poor Barbie came even though she had surgery the day before...what a trooper!)

Clare's mother-in-law showered her with gifts from Matt's childhood, including a Halloween costume consisting of suede chaps...A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!

Clare was surrounded by family...

...and friends. What more could you want?

Oh ya, a GIANT piece of delicious cake!!!

Thanks to all our friends who came to celebrate Clare on her special day! Clare, we know you'll be a wonderful Momma and can't wait to meet your little guy! PS - thanks for craving all that yummy food!!!

A Baby Shower for Clare

Tomorrow is a special day. My girlfriends and I will be throwing a baby shower for Clare, one of my dearest friends in whole world. This is Clare's first baby and she's been so fun to watch as she prepares for the arrival of her little man.

This is not "our" first baby, as Jennifer gave "us" Jackson on September 9 -- he's delicious and we all fight for time to snuggle him.

But tomorrow is all about Clare, our loyal, caring, and generous friend who never fights for the spotlight. I'm honored to be her friend and need to celebrate HER more. Tomorrow we will gather with a group of women and celebrate friendship and family. Tomorrow we will giggle at the cuteness of little clothes and little doodads. And tomorrow we will sit in awe at the beauty of life.

Clare, tomorrow is about you. I treasure your friendship and cannot wait to see you transition into mommyhood. I know that you will be an incredible mother and that your beautiful heart will create beautiful children.

I encourage you all to take a moment today to affirm a friend or family member. All to often, we take these beautiful parts of our lives for granted...don't do that today; treasure the women and men in your lives! Live beautifully and be inspired!

PhotoFANatic Friday: Contemporary Portraits

Twittering, tweeting, twitterers, tweeters, I love it all. I love that through Twitter, a user has the chance to tell a story in 160 characters or less. Sometimes it's about home improvement, or blog updates, and sometimes it's just to vent or make someone laugh. Case in point, my pal @KimmReinvented wrote this to me about her pukey child: "@BlahBlahBlahger Thanks! The frequency is finally slowing down. She insisted on Fruit Loops, hope I don't see them again!" That's funny. I also really enjoy @badbanana who hilariously tweets things like this: "A new Bin Laden tape. He is declaring Jihad against anyone who beats him in the NCAA tournament office pool."

While reading these funny little stories makes me laugh, I've really been loving Twitter for another reason altogether...the ability to make new friends and learn new things! I can't remember how or why, but I got linked up to @CPcamera some time ago. They've been so kind and encouraging about my blog and my photography progress, and in turn, I've spent some time checking out their blog and site, too!

This talented duo from the DFW area has an incredible talent for shooting weddings and I knew that I had to feature them and soon. It was so fun to hear how excited they were to be featured, too! Jessica and Vanessa, of Contemporary Portraits, have mad skills when it comes to color. I've already told them that next time I go to TX to visit Em and the gang that I had to meet up with them to learn how they do it! Enough about what I think, let me let them tell you why they're so awesome!

1. How did you first get interested in photography? Well my parents were always taking pictures of us growing up. My mom was hardcore about updating our
albums so it was in my blood from the start! What really started it all was a crush on a boy my sophomore year in high school!! I wanted to be around him so much that I enrolled in photojournalism class that he was in! By the time the teacher had given us our first assignment I had forgotten about the boy. I WAS HOOKED!! From that day I had a camera around my neck!! I took every kind of photography class and did the same in college. When I was 19, I started working in photo studio shooting kids and families!! Working in that fast pace environment for a couple years is what gave me the confidence. Working in the studio is where I meet Jessica and we hit it off!! We were tired of the corporate setting and decided to try in on our own!! Now 6 years later it is going wonderful!! I am so blessed to have found that best business partner
ever!!

2. What has your professional journey been like? Well it started slow and crazy! Jessica and I from the beginning agreed that we never ever wanted to have debt! So we saved up for everything and took baby steps! We rented all the equipment until we finally were able to buy our own! Yes, we wanted all the shiny new lenses and the best camera but we always took our time. We also knew that if we wanted amazing shoots we could not sit and wait for them. We did about 50 free shoots until we built up our portfolio with the style we wanted to achieve!! It was extremely exhausting but so well worth the time. With all the session we had done we had an abundance of images to show our potential clients!

3. In your opinion, what makes a perfect shot? The perfect shot for us is a shot that show lots of emotion. The moment a groom sees his bride for the first time, the tender way a father looks at his daughter in their last dance together, the way
a mom looks her newborn baby or a little child’s face with a smile from ear to
ear!! When you look at our photographs we want you to remember what you felt
that very moment!! To us those are actual memories that are documented.

4. What's your favorite thing to shoot? We love to shoot weddings! We love everything about weddings. The decor, the venue, the dress, the flowers, just the excitement! Weddings have shown us different cultures and we have met the most amazing people. It is just incredible to get to experience such a special day for so many different people.

5. What's the best piece of advice you were given when you were just starting out? Wow!! Here is our top 5!

• Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!! Photograph everyone you know. The more you shot that more comfortable you well get with posing and lighting!
• Find your own style!! Find out what you like to shoot and keep it consistent. Study photographers that you love and use them as an inspiration. Don’t imitate them but get inspired by their creativity and technique.
• BE YOURSELF!! Shoot what you love to shoot! Don’t do what you think is the norm or what everyone else is doing. Only you know your strengths and your loves.
• Network and help others. Meet other photographers and help each other out. The Photography world is competitive and it can be cut throat; but it does not have to be that way!!!! It is great to get with other photographers and chat and just keep one another motivated!
• Take your time! For every decision you make, think about, talk about it, research it, and PRAY about it!!

See?!?! They're super cool! If you're in the DFW area, I highly recommend you give these two gals a call! They're talented, yes, but also inspired. They have a purpose behind what they do and who they are, which in my opinion, makes them even cooler! You want to know what else makes them uber-cool? Their work; let's let these pictures speak 1000 words!







So, I'm nowhere near the artist these girls are, but trust me, I'm inspired! Thanks Vanessa and Jessica for playing and for being today's PhotoFANatic feature!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you to pieces!

Today is my beautiful mommy's birthday...she's !! year's old. : ) She's a cool chick and I'll tell you why!

• My mom loves the Lord with all her heart and instilled in us kids a solid foundation.
• She's an amazing wife and has been married to her high school sweetheart for 35 years - I can remember my parent's arguing from time to time, but never fighting, and at the end of the day, they always spoke to one another with affirming words.
• She's crafty and creative...she just finished a major bed/bath remodel and it shocked me that she used an interior designer (I guess after all these years, she deserved a little help), because she could have handled all the sewing and upholstering herself.
• She is a loyal and caring friend.
• She's a committed and loving grandmother (thankfully, my little brother has helped her to become one while I'm patiently waiting for Mr. Right).
• She thinks her kids can do anything and is the biggest encourager I've ever met.
• She's sensitive and can cry at the drop of a hat.
• She giggles until she sobs - at times annoying, but at times infectious. Ha!
• She's caring for her own mother as she experiences health concerns and dimensia with empathy and strength.
• She loves to read a good love story.
• She still writes me notes addressed to Dolly, because she had me at 23 and I felt like a little doll in her young arms.
• She loves to play video poker and can stay up all night in Vegas doing so when we're on the way to the river, which is totally out of character, but hilarious nonetheless!
• She's so short that when I put my arm around her shoulder it rests comfortably...which also leads to the fact that she's a great cuddler and hand-holder.
• She hates it when I call her Stephy, but she let's me do it anyway.
• She loves to travel, but isn't afraid to invite us kids along, too.
• She's tough...last year she broke her leg and hardly complained at all...but that could have been about the good drugs, too. ; )
• She's taught me more about being an awesome wife and mother through her actions than through words.

Thanks Mom, for all that you do, all that you are, and for all that you've given me. I love you so much and am honored to be your Dolly! See you tonight! Want to split a souffle with me?

Being Vulnerable, Part II: SAS and Dub's Engagement Pics

While in DC last week, after the work conference, I spent some time with old friends. A particularly exciting part of the weekend included a jaunt through some of the Virginia wine country with Sarah and Walter (aka SAS and Dubber). We had planned the fun trip because we love our wine, and also so I could snap some engagement pics and get more practice!!! It was so great and fun. I was nervous to take their photos because what if they turned out terribly?! What I should have been nervous about was how they'd make faces and tease me in roughly 75% of the pictures. SAS, you are SO LUCKY that I didn't put up any of those pics!!!

Now, onto the gorgeous couple! Again, like last time, your comments and feedback are appreciated! And remember, I'm new at this!!! : )

So cute and fun.

She only LOOKS innocent.
I love love love this one.
Dub's GQ shot!
Such a happy day.
I think this one is my favorite.

The ring...this makes me happy.

I love this moment!

SAS being sassy.

Or is THIS ONE my favorite??? I DO love my DC.

I'd also like to point out that this couple is incredibly in love and romantic...however, this may or may not have been SAS's Valentine's Day present. This caused me many chuckles...sorry, Dub, but I HAD to bust you on this!!! Love ya!

Hey SoCal pals, don't forget to enter my free photoshoot GIVEAWAY. Click here for more info and to enter!