Sparking Hills, Beauty in the Hills of Vernon

On my recent visit to my fabulous sister's place in Vernon BC, I was thrilled to accept her invitation for lunch at the Sparkling Hills Hotel and Spa.  She had visited there recently and was so excited to share this gorgeous European styled spa that is nestled in the backdrop of Predator Ridge and the hills above Okanagan Lake.  To begin with, the setting is just breathtaking.......especially the golf course at Predator Ridge. I'm sure my husband would be thrilled to golf there!  The contrast between the greens and browns of the landscape just take your breath away.  And, as you approach the gates to Sparkling Hills the first thing you notice are the crystals in the Hotel's signage.  This place is aptly named, with it's "Pillars of Light" glass panels lining the driveway up to the spa. 



Pillars of Glass line the driveway, each embedded with thousands

 of precisely cut Swarovski crystals.  This picture just doesn't

do them justice...........they are stunning!!! 



These beautiful panels of Swarovski crystals just dance in the sunlight.........it's really amazing. 

The hotel/spa has such unusual architechture as you can see in the picture, but it show cases the views of the surrounding hills and valleys so well, that it would make it just a perfect "couple's getaway" place.  I could imagine having a spa treatment while my husband golfed, doing nature walks together and sitting back and relaxing at sunset in this fabulous place. Dreaming...................ah! The $10 million dollars worth of Swarovski crystals make this place quite simply radiant beyond measure, and they are everywhere from the magnificent ceiling feature in the entrance, backdrop to the registration desk and even in the inlays in the washroom mirrors. Whereever they've used them they seem to optimize the synergy of light, water and the effects of the illumination.   Like they say, "you have to see it to believe it".  

View of Lake Okanagan from one of the patio areas facing the lake.

Approach to the Sparkling Hills Hotel and Spa

A big thank you to my fabulous sister for my very yummy Tomato Tart with Tossed Greens Salad, and the opportunity to see this equally fabulous Hotel and Spa.  What a great day..........one of many I shared with her on this trip!!!!



My sister outside the entry way to the restaurant.  She is surrounded by Swarovski Crystal drops



A "Walk" for the Cure - Breast Cancer

We all know someone touched by breast cancer, whether it's your mother, sister, friend or work colleague.  Although it hasn't been in my immediate family, I've lost friends to this dreadful disease, and I also have valliant friends that are Breast Cancer survivors.

My good stamping buddy Sheri works for CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada), and has been an active participant in fund raising for their annual "CIBC - Run for the Cure" held on October 3rd.  CIBC is just one of the many great corporate sponsors who fund raises in tandem with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in BC.  To show her support this year, Sheri held a card class and set up an on-line donation site for her portion of the fundraiser. Sheri also participates in the "run", and because I'm a fan and supporter too, I was fortunate enough to join her yesterday along, with thousands of others at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford for this annual event.

Putting on the Corporate Team Shirt

Okay a little big in the shoulders but it really looks good!

  Now you have to know that Sheri and I aren't runners..........let's face it, our love in life is "stamping" what else.  But, occasionally we do get out and enjoy the fresh air and the joy of "walking".  So that's what we did.  We accomplished the 5k walk in under an hour, yakking about "stamping" the whole way!  What fun!!!   I was fascinated by all the "in the pink" participants, sporting pink wigs, t-shirts, runners and you name it in terms of costumes and props.  Also along for the walk were hundreds of willing children and pooches dressed in tutus, t-shirts, pink collars and shades!    It was hard to say who was cuter the dogs or the kids!  It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning and it felt terrific getting out for such a worthwhile cause .  My pledge is to get in shape for next year so I can actually run the 5k, raise some donation funds of my own, and make sure I get my annual mamogram. It's important!

Here's the starting gate - and we're on our way to5K!!!

World Card Making Day - Fall Birthday Cards

Birthday Cards made with Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper - Holiday Mini Catalogue Pg. 13 #120808

Inside view of Gatefold Birthday Card

Detail for the front of the Gatefold Card

Inside View of Acorn Birthday Card.

The acorns are embossed wih Gold EP and add a bright touch to this plain card.

Hope you enjoy these two cards. Leave a comment and come back to visit again.

Win a Free Pass to Get a Jump on Your Jingle......Holiday Papercrafting 2010

Dawn Raspas of UStamp Dawn & Friends!! has just announced her next big event…it's called Get a Jump on Your Jingle…Holiday Papercrafting 2010!!   This fabulous event will run from November 12th to December 1st and Early Bird Pricing of $19.95 US is now open…until October 15th when the price will go to $24.95 US.  So don’t delay and don't miss out!! Register today!

Did you see my cool blinky?  You can click on it to see more details of this great event.  In the meantime I'm busy creating another project that I hope you will love.  This event will feature all your favourite designers from around the world and some brand new designers who're also busy creating a total of *40 Projects with Color Combos * 40 co-ordinating cards with co-ordinating envelopes *All Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo’s * Designer hosted chats with even MORE prizes * Open Chat Room 24/7 * Gallery to share your re-creations * A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog.  One of the really great things about participating in these UStamp with Dawn and Friends events is that you have plenty of time to go and work on your projects and visit this site as it stays open for months after it finishes in December. 

WIN A FREE PASS!!!!!

Okay, so this time around I have only "One Free Pass" to give away.  To be entered in my draw all you have to do is: Add a comment telling me what your favourite holiday tradition is, and include your name and email address so I can contact you.  I'll be drawing the winner's name by 8pm on October 8th.  So don't delay!  Comment today!

Stampin' Up! - Important Product Information

Just wanted to share some important product information I've received from Stampin'Up! today.  Please note the following product updates:

Available:

• The Candy Cane Rub-Ons (item 120990) on page 36 of the HolidayMini are now available to order.

Not Available:

• The following items are experiencing quality issues and are currently unavailable to order:
• 118073: Fancy Flower Punch
• 120906: 2-1/2' Circle Punch

Well that's it for the update today, but I'll give you more information when it becomes available.

Stampin' Up! - Update on Watercolor Wonder Crayons

Stampin' Up! has just advised that Watercolor Wonder Crayons are still currently unavailable for purchase at this time.  This applies to all Watercolor Wonder Crayons listed on page 194 of the 2010/11 Idea Book and Catalogue:  
◦119802 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Subtles
◦119803 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Regals
◦119804 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Brights
◦119805 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Neutrals
◦120949 - Watercolor Wonder Crayons, New Color Kit
 
As mentioned in a previous Stampin' Up Bulletin, the previous supplier of the Watercolor Wonder Crayons was purchased by another company, resulting in their relocation to a new manufacturing facility in a different country with new staff.  Because of these extraordinary circumstances, Stampin' Up! is experiencing more difficulties than they initially anticipated, and they still don't know when the Watercolor Wonder Crayons will be available for purchase. Stampin' Up! is currently working with the CEO of the new company to resolve this problem as quickly as possible. I will keep you updated as information becomes available.

UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards With Cool Moves Opened Today

UStamp With Dawn and Friends!!! Cards with Cool Moves opened this morning and is off to a wonderful start!  Every twelve hours a new designer's project will be posted.  These posts contain one Movement Card and one Regular card.  What a great way to increase your template library.  These are really "cool" cards.........guaranteed to be WOWs!  Once you join, you'll receive all the directions on a PDF tutorial and you can visit the gallery 24/7 to check out additional pictures posted by the designers and re-creations by other members........that's the part I truly love!  In all  there will be 40 posts! You can also join in on the chat lines, ask questions of the designers and win prizes!  You can't beat the value at just $24.95 US.  These are exceptional cards folks, so if you want to join us you still can.  Just go to Dawn's site at:  http://www.ustampwithdawnandfriends.com/ to register.