Birthday Specials!

There have been a couple of birthdays over the years that were a bit of struggle for me.  When I turned forty, I didn't even want anyone to acknowledge it. I don't know exactly why, since getting older means you have (hopefully, anyway) gained some knowledge, maybe learned a new skill and as a bonus you are closer to getting a senior discount at Kroger on Tuesdays.  I decided a few years ago, that I wasn't going to go down without a fight.  I started adding a new and improved skin regimen (I never even used to remove my makeup at night or wear sunscreen) and recently have had the naturally occurring after a certain age platinum blonde hairs enhanced to a better shade of highlight.  I changed some of my eating habits (Who is going to give up cupcakes? That would just be crazy talk.) and overall I feel a lot better.  My grandmother, who recently turned 97, had the best advice of all: keep your mind young and you will always feel young no matter what your age. 

To celebrate my birthday, I'm having a few giveaways and a coupon for my pattern shop on Ravelry.  Use coupon code: Cupcake for 25% off all single patterns until November 17th.

I somehow wound up purchasing two copies of The Harmony Guides: Knit Edgings & Trims, in the same order from Interweave.  That means I have a copy to give away!  It does not mean that was a senior moment.  Really, it wasn't. 

I also had two skeins of this Yummy Sock Yarn in my stash and would like to share one along with a copy of my Mirrored Step pattern.  

For a chance to win please enter a comment and share your best birthday memory.  I'll draw for the winners by random number generator next Monday, November 18th. 

November

To say that November is a busy month for us is an understatement.  My birthday was earlier this month and Andy took the day off to spend with me.  We went out for a wonderful lunch and then went to a few shops to look at Christmas decorations and pick up a few things for the kitchen.  You know you are getting older when kitchen accessories are what does it for you! 

Since I have severe food allergies it's nearly impossible to get a cake or baked goods from a bakery or grocery store.  I decided that I really wanted chocolate cupcakes with butter cream frosting.  Every time Ive attempted to make cupcakes they are a complete failure.  This time I managed to have success and they were quite good.  The recipe is from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes. 

Then of course, we had Thanksgiving.  Rob and Shannon came over and hung out for the day.  They worked on refinishing a chest and then came in and helped with dinner.  For the past few years we have had our Thanksgiving on Monday since Andy has the week off.  We then get to have turkey all week long and not have to worry with cooking. 

Earlier this year I won a book naming contest on Veryl Ann Graces blog.  I was so excited that she chose the title that I had come up with!  Last week a signed copy of Murder Comes Unraveled arrived in our mail box.  I loved the first book in this series, Murder Spins a Tale, and the second one is equally as good!  When I opened the book, I was so surprised to see that Veryl had mentioned me in the dedication.  I am so honored and was quite speechless!  Thank you so much Veryl.  Not only do I get to read another wonderful book written by you, but I will have this very special copy too!

 

 

 

 

Ive also had knitting time and am now up to 198 Hexipuffs!  Ive recently coerced Beth into making them as well.  I can't wait to see her's.  She's such a prolific knitter, I bet her quilt will be done in no time!