Archive for September, 2009

Reconnected

September 24th was our 21st wedding anniversary and we were lucky enough to go away for the weekend to celebrate! Our hectic lives keep us “busy” with everything but “us”. Friday & Saturday night we stayed in Manistee at Kevin’s brother’s place. It was so peaceful, just the two of us…..no tv, no phone, no schedule, no plan. Saturday we drove to Traverse City, Leelenau Peninsula & Old Mission Peninsula and spent the day visiting a couple of breweries and a winery. The first brewery was Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City - very artsy place with tasty brew….hard to find location though, then on to Leelenau Peninsula for a stop at Black Star Farms winery….pictures below.

We used our tripod to get the pictures of us in various places at Black Star Farms. It was a challenge to get in position before the camera took the picture….but we got the shot!

(photo pulled from their website)

Black Star Farms was such a beautiful place. As we drove in our first view was of 5 acres of grapevines lining the hillside. Then to the right was the Inn (pictured above). To the left was the stables and a little country store. Down a little further on the right was the winery and creamery. It was really busy Saturday but we enjoyed tasting five different wines and, of course, bought a couple bottles of our favorite and a block of the tastiest, creamiest cheese we’ve ever had.

Kevin & I are standing in front of the hillside vineyard. They only have five acres at this site…most of their grapes are grown on the Old Mission Peninsula.

(photo pulled from their website)

View from the hilltop as we pulled in. You can see the driveway in the middle of this photo.

my true love

(photo pulled from their website)

Couldn’t resist this picture of grapes…..wine anyone?

We had so much fun taking these pictures

After our stop at the winery, we went to Bowers Harbor Inn for dinner. It is located on the west side of Old Mission Peninsula. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect for our romantic anniversary getaway. Unfortunately we didn’t take any pictures of this grand old inn. The above photo (pulled from their website) doesn’t do this elegant, grandiose place justice. Click here to read the interesting history of Bower’s Harbor Inn.

Below the Bowers Harbor Inn was a brewery/restaurant called Jolly Pumpkin. (Love the name) We had planned to hang there a bit after dinner but it was getting late and we had an hour’s drive ahead of us (ok, Kevin had an hour’s drive…..I am no help….I slept all the way back) But we did purchase a couple of bottles of their artisan ales and I got a really cute t-shirt featuring the above logo (it’s all about the art for me).

Sunday we went to Ludington on our way home. It was cool and windy. We watched a handful of men kite surfing…..it looked like a blast! Of course they make it look so easy but you have to be really strong to be able to pull it off. We went into town with the purpose of visiting art galleries but to our surprise they were all closed on Sunday. I was crushed because I don’t get to do this often enough. Instead we found a cool brewery, Jamesport Brewery, where we had lunch and a couple brews then headed home.

Many thanks to John & Debbie for lending us their secluded, peaceful retreat. Thanks to our friend, Paul, for recommending the breweries to visit. Thanks to my folks for taking care of our children…..human & canine. Thanks to God for the beautiful weather and most of all for blessing our marriage! Happy Anniversary, Kevin, I love you!

New Punchneedle Patterns

posted September 21, 2009

“Owl on Moon”

Owls are becoming very popular for Halloween and I just love how this punchneedle turned out. Fall colors are my favorite! I am waiting for the stamps to be made and as soon as they are done, I will offer the patterns for sale here on my site (in about a week - still in time for Halloween)

 ”Whispy Winds”

I love how the background came out on this piece. I was hoping for the swirls of the wind to be subtle and they are. I glued this piece to an old cigar box that I picked up antiquing this past August. This pattern will be available next week as well.

Holy Rosary Superfest 2009

posted September 21, 2009

What a great weekend for our annual Church festival. The weather was perfect…sunny & 70’s. The entire weekend was packed with good friends, happy families, fun rides, great food, rockin’ music and several talented singers and musicians. Friday and Saturday night “Mandi Layne and the Lost Highway” opened for my husband’s band “Barry Forster and the Green Bottle Fly”. Kevin’s other band SHOUT! also played one set Saturday night. This year was by far the best line up of entertainment ever! (I may be a lil’ prejudice) Saturday afternoon they held a “young local talent showcase” in which our son Kyle and his band “Here lies all Hope” played a few original songs. Wow, what high energy as you can see by the photos below. Thanks to all the volunteers that make this festival so successful, thanks to all the entertainers and most of all thank you God for the wonderful weather!

“Here Lies All Hope”

Tyler, Zac, Jesse, Trevor, Kyle, Josh

So Excited!!

posted September 17, 2009

I just posted seven new necklaces! There are a couple Halloween and one Christmas. These tiny treasures are so fun to make and wear! I’ll have to get my hubby to take a photo of me wearing my favorites. Check it out here.

 Rare Sight

posted September 14, 2009

Praying Mantis on Sedum

I just love these prehistoric-looking insects. I haven’t seen one in a couple of years but my husband spotted this one Saturday afternoon and I went running for my camera.

Four new Christmas/winter framed punchneedle on Etsy!

posted September 9, 2009

“SNOWBIRD” by Teresa Kogut

I just finished listing four framed punchneedle embroidery works of art on Etsy. Time to start thinking about Christmas gifts……I know…..I said the “C” word! It seems as though once the kids go back to school, Christmas sneaks up behind me! It could be because things “rev” up when school starts……the relaxed days of summer turn to busy scheduled days and our church festival starts a week from Thursday, followed shortly by Halloween….. then comes Thanksgiving and “Wham” it’s Christmastime! Well, don’t fight it…it’s reality. The best way to enjoy the Holidays is to get your shopping done early (not that I do, but it’s always my goal)

Blessings for a great day!

 What a wonderful surprise!

posted September 9, 2009

Small Tray

 Small square bowl & more trays…love the divided one!

Another square bowl and more serving trays…

 Ice bucket, bowls, coasters, napkin rings & napkin holder

I have to tell ya….I have the sweetest, most generous and thoughtful agent in the world!  What a great surprise last week when I received a box full of these wonderful Halloween serving pieces from Linda. She found them at the Atlanta Gift Mart this past July….they are made using Halloween fabric I designed for Marcus Fabrics (Click here to see the entire fabric line). How clever is that!?! The fabric is sandwiched in between clear plastic for the top and black plastic for the bottom then molded into serving pieces. They are just terrific and I can’t wait to use them this October!  Many thanks to you, Linda!

New Treasures on Etsy!

posted September 1, 2009

“Yummy Cupcake” Handmade Pendant Necklace

“Whimsy Flowers” Handmade Pendant Necklace

Folk Art Angel Magnets

More new  goodies available today on Etsy. I am thrilled at the response to my handmade necklaces. Thank you to those who have purchased one already!

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