trek

Representatives of the Burlington wine club took a trip to Napa Valley to explore wine country (in the United States). Here's a small taste of that trip:

We took 250 photos... just on our camera!

Book recommendation: The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Recipe recommendation:Pasta with Bell Peppers
Wine recommendation: Captain's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Rubicon)

forever autumn

Hey! I'm actually ready for another dare this week! I felt I especially should participate in the DCM seasonal dares, as I did the other two. [grin] Might as well round it out!

I made this card a while ago, when Jen and I thought we were going to sell stuff at the Burlington Farmer's Market, but life got busy, so we ended up skipping that venue. We may do it next year, though.

I seem to really like this truck for autumnal things... I'm using it a lot... It's just such a good vehicle for carrying things (yes, pun intended--I'm giggling right now).

give thanks

A new challenge to participate in: Salt. They post a challenge every two weeks, but often I find myself at a loss with what I can do, and don't take the time to figure out a way to participate. This time, though, I had an idea right away.

The current challenge is to focus on giving thanks. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to focus on making sure God gets His due, especially when faced with friends/family that don't acknowledge Him every day.
Last year we were able to host and I'm quite thankful for all the friends and family that can celebrate with us, as well as for our house, which we can share with others. We had lots of great food, plenty of good conversation and an enjoyable evening. I'm not sure what's happening this year, but wherever we are, we'll be sure to give thanks.

unbend

I'm going to share our weekend at Devil's Lake with the Debbinks via photos, as a picture is worth a thousand words. It was a fabulous time--we had perfect weather and enjoyed exploring all kinds of activities at the state park. I haven't seen Chip this relaxed in a while, so that was a bonus as well.

I hadn't been to Devil's Lake in years!

Book recommendation: Old Bear by Kevin Henkes
Recipe recommendation: BB's Spareribs
YouTube recommendation: Lindsay Mac

approaching

Here are a few upcoming events:

1. Camping at Devil's Lake
Chip, Andy, Danielle, Gracie and I are going to enjoy the fall colors up at Devil's Lake Friday and Saturday. We're taking the kayaks and hoping to hike and bike. I haven't been there in ages, so it will be fun.

2. Korean Daisies blooming

3. Vacation in Napa Valley
Just in case you hadn't heard, Chip and I and two other couples are spending a few days in CA visiting wine country! It'll be a packed trip (so many activities planned), but we're all looking forward to it.

release

All kinds of exciting stamping news!


First of all, I'm a winner over at Daring Card Makers! Wheeeeee!


Secondly, I got a new paisley punch and was thrilled it came the very next day. I tested it out on white cardstock, and immediately thought of a handkerchief motif. Thank you cards are always useful, so I followed the theme with a relatively simple layout:



That center part pops up a little, in case it's hard to see.


Thirdly, Jen and I are hosting/organizing a craft open house on Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be at my house and will feature several different crafty folk, selling all kinds of unique gifts. You can stock up for Christmas or baby showers or birthdays or what have you. We'll have a little more information when we're closer to the event. Of course, you can always email us with questions--use the contact form at Stamp n' Stitch.

I'm frantically working on Christmas cards.

Book recommendation: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Recipe recommendation: Grilled Potato and Summer Squash Salad with Marjoram-Lemon Vinaigrette
Restaurant recommendation: Mi Cocina