book commission

I've been asked to do a blank baby book for a friend's sister-in-law! Since the time I did the first, I've been gathering ideas for various layouts for my own stuff, so I'm excited to be able to use some of it for this book, as a few things don't work with the types of photos I've been scrapping lately. And to see how it looks on a page, rather than just a sketch or in a magazine.

This time I added a few more pages for friends and family pictures, rather than trying to figure out which holidays and other fun things to include. This made it much easier in some respects!

I do regret no bathtime page, though.

Overall, it's made me itchy to get scrapping my own stuff (like Napa!) and try different things with my layouts. So, I'll be heading to a scrapbook store to find the appropriate album and papers and things! :wink:

Need a scrapbook? Contact me!

Book recommendation: The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Recipe recommendation: Gingerbread Scones
Website recommendation: Creating Keepsakes

innovational

I've been asked to do a Summer Reading Program (SRP) presentation for the folks in the Winnefox system (that's Oshkosh area) on December 2, so I borrowed a manual from Rhonda and spent a morning going through it to see what's been suggested, what I'll pull out of it to highlight and what I'll suggest on top of the manual. And I want to give a quick shout-out to the author of chapter seven: Carissa the librarian. Her chapter is the most organized and has the best layout of possible plans and ideas for programming. I was very impressed with her little bits about early literacy tie-ins as well. Yea!

The theme is creativity and has TONS of room for fun stuff, no matter what your talents are. So I'll talk about a writing class, a dance preschool storytime (sharing a full routine), the myriad of possiblities of special musical guests, Reader's Theater and storytelling ideas and some arts and crafts programs (including the Tag You're It challenge, which I might use as one of our activities of the morning).

I sent an email to Donna Downey to ask some tips (especially about her books and especially because she's running a campaign for creativity--see that little aqua box on my sidebar?), so we'll see what comes of that.

So now I'm off to refine the whole thing, put holds on materials to review them and pracitice; I hope I don't rush through the presentation. This is an exciting theme, so that helps me be enthusiastic about telling folks what they could do. If I have time, I'll recruit some kids to try out some things...

Clipart is from Discovery Education.

Book recommendation: Creative Albums by Donna Downey
Recipe recommendation: Apple Stuffed French Toast
New product recommendation: Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown

finger food

I really like to make snacks. I'm not exactly sure why, but perhaps some of it has to do with the ability to create several dishes for folks to enjoy. And autumn snacks seem to be in abundance in my recipe books, foodie blogroll and clippings folders...

Jen and I decided to have some fun nibbles available at our Craft Open House this past weekend, and we took advantage of all the fun stuff you can cook up for treats when doing something fallish. Because of apple season, one thing I made was Dutch Apple tarts.


Then, due to weather turning colder (yea for soup, stew and potpie season!), I also chose to make a savory selection. I'm the type that can't resist peeking into the oven while things are baking. I know you're supposed to just turn on the light and look through the window, but I always open up the door a crack...
Perhaps some of the fascination with snacks has to do with the smallness of the food (mini cheese muffins--aren't they cute!?!). I've loved miniature things most of my life (The Littles, anyone?)...

And then, with Chip's help, I made pumpkin fudge. I tried this last year and failed. It tasted great but never 'fudged'. You have to stir this forever before it hits soft ball stage, and that might be where I went wrong before, as I probably gave up or thought I had hit it (but didn't really).



It makes a lot, so be sure to have ample places to share if you plan to make this recipe...

I realized I probably never shared the Korean Daisies in bloom!

Book recommendation: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Recipe recommendation: Pumpkin Fudge
Parody recommendation: Demotivation Posters

store update

Woo-hoo! It's here! The store update has been completed, with a new guest artist--check her out on the Odds n' Ends page. She does beaded jewelry:







And don't forget to order Christmas cards--if you have a special order or want several to send out to family and friends, be sure to send me an email so I can get those done on time for you.
Here's an idea for those of you giving gift cards this year--don't just use that plain boring envelope it comes with--dress it up! Several styles are available, but here's one example:

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)