Optimists Fundraiser

I went to a great Fundraiser Crop yesterday put on by the Kitchener West Optimists. Krista did a great job with many games and prizes and vendors. I was too busy working on my cards to take many pictures but I did remember to take a couple of the cute goodie bags that we got when I got home.
I hope they raised a lot of money for children in our community. It was a fun day. Perfect place to be with the dreary, rainy weather.

This was the cute little make and take that the Stampin' Up vendor did for the entire group...

and her take away treat bag..

Pumpkin Pie

So the Thanksgiving festivities are over for another year, but there is still the clean-up to contend with. Shouldn't be too bad and its another beautiful Fall day so I don't want to waste it all indoors.

I tried to get a photo of the pies before I put them out and I want to post the recipe, mostly for myself and I'll tell you why. I like to use the recipe off the back of the E.D. Smith  Pure Pumpkin but sometimes I like to buy the no name pumpkin because I'm cheap like that and they don't have a recipe. Sure I could look one up, but I'm a bit of a traditionalist and have been making this same recipe for years and its delicious. Creamy and just the right amount of spices. In fact, I could use a piece right now (but maybe I'll wait for lunchtime)
So this recipe is for me for next Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Pie
(makes one pie)

2 eggs
1/2 can of 796 mL Pure Pumpkin
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3/4 cup (175 mL) evaporated milk
1 unbaked pie shell

Beat eggs in bowl. Add other ingredients and then add evaporated milk.
Pour filling into pie shell. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350F and continue baking
for 30 to 35 minutes until knife inserted in centre comes out clean. (see above photo with knife mark visible)

I usually use the whole can and double the rest of the ingredients to make 2 pies or freeze the leftover pumpkin in spoonfuls for the dogs for when their tummies are upset.

Polishing the Silver

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm happy that many family members are travelling to enjoy a meal and some fellowship here today. I feel that all the preparation has gone so smoothly. I used to be so tired and grouchy putting on the meal, now I try and prep everything ahead so I have time to visit and I'm in a good mood. LOL!
One of the jobs that I like to do ahead of time is polish the silver. While many people no longer use real silverware, I inherited my Mom's and I like to pull it out for special occasions. This was my job growing up as well as ripping the bread for the stuffing. I got my training started early and I'm so glad that I had such a wonderful teacher.

I also pull out the good china. The pattern is Cornflower and even though it isn't too fall-like, its been in our family for many years and our house growing up was always open and welcome to dinner guests on a regular basis. There are always good memories when I get to pull out these special reminders of family.

 Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal but especially take the time to enjoy your guests as well.

Sizzix Circle Flip Its Card

What is it about that 50% off Michaels coupon that just screams "buy something". So I was moseying around the store coupon in hand thinking this would be a good time to stock up on some cutting blades. BORING! when I happened upon these dies. I had my eye on a different set a couple weeks ago but this little beauty seemed too good to pass up. It was so fun and easy, I immediately whipped up a card when I got home that evening and THAT doesn't happen very often. What do you think? Cute, eh?

This set came with 11 different dies. Not a bad deal for $20. The card will fit neatly in an A2 envelope. I can see lots of uses for this in the future.

Farley Campaign Baking

The Farley Campaign kicked off this week so I had to scramble to get my cards together and whip up some baking for their sale.

I got a lot of cards ready to donate with a little help from my friends Keri and Anne Marie on assembly. I'm not sure how the sale went but all the proceeds went to the Farley Campaign at Kingsdale Animal Hospital.
I also put together a nice doggie basket for their raffle...

I was able to whip up a good selection of baked goods to donate as well...

Mmmm, chocolate covered Oreos.

Oh and I managed to squeeze in an amazing get-away to Toronto to see this star in concert...

Did you happen to recognize her surprise guest? Amazing bonus of Keith Urban along with Shawn Mendes and Vance Joy. Incredible night of music.

September Stamp of the Month

How does a month go by so quickly? I suddenly realized that I only had a couple days to complete my challenge. Don't want to stop now, only a few months to go.
Here's my card featuring my free digital Stamp for my Monthly Progressive Challenge from From the Heart Stamps.

Here's the digital set that I had to work with....

Litttle Red Wagon has a challenge this week to use a Fall theme so I'm going to hook up with them as well. It's been awhile since I did any challenges other then my monthly one. Too much time on dog/cat production, I guess.Hoping to get back into the swing of things again soon.

One Sheet Wonder

Since I make a lot of cards for donation, I figured it was time to try something a little less labour intensive ie. stamping and colouring and putting together a card. There are so many nice doggie themed lines that just came out. I picked up this one sheet wonder from Authentique and managed to put together 11 cards from one piece of paper! I loved how they all coordinated. Maybe I will put them into sets.

 I kept the designs simple because a designer I am NOT! Love the teal and orange cardstock too. So fall-like. And while putting them together I burned my delicious Bath and Body Works Cinnamon Caramel Swirl candle so now my house smells delightfully and not at all dog-like.

But manufacturers, we need some more cute dog accessories. I'm using up all my carefully hoarded buttons and brads.

Here's where the idea started for the sets....

PS. I got the cat line also.