'Tis The Season

Welcome!  Pull up a chair and let me show you what I've been working on.  It's a beautiful cross-stitch sampler from The Sampler Girl.   This one is called Good Tidings with Jane Austen and it's fabulous.   

The chart calls for 32 count Espresso linen from R&R (see pic to the left), but I'm using 30 count Light Cappuccino from R&R (above), just because that's what I found at  my LNS and I couldn't wait to get started!!  You understand, don't you?

It's such a joy to work this piece.  The colors are so yummy.  This is my first chart from The Sampler Girl and it definitely won't be my last!  In fact, she just announced on her blog that she is having a BLACK FRIDAY SALE beginning Wednesday at 12 AM and running from November 24th to November 28th!!!  A Black Friday Sale and I don't have to fight the crowds???  I'm there!!!

Also be sure to check out the cute little free cross-stitch pattern she's offering called Christmas Eve Flight. Isn't it adorable?  I'm so into little projects!  Instant gratification!!!  ;)

While I have you, let me share a little secret....I'm a terrible cook.  Uh huh.  Terrible.  But that doesn't stop me from trying.  Last weekend I made Vegetable Tian from Barefoot in Paris by The Barefoot Contessa and you know what??  IT WAS AMAZING!  And I made it.  Me.  Wow.  If I can do it, anyone can.  So if you're ready for a change from the usual Thanksgiving stuff (or if you're like me and your mashed potatoes could get you thrown out of the house), give this side dish a try.  I didn't have any fresh thyme so I used dried and it was delicious!

Unfortunately, I didn't take a pic of mine but it really looked just the same as in the book (except I used a rectangular pan - I cannot tell a lie). I can't wait to try more of The Barefoot Contessa recipes.  Here is a link to the Vegetable Tian on the food network:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/vegetable-tian-recipe/index.html

Enjoy!

~Sheri