SF: Edible Cups

Hosted by Happy to Design
Trying to fit in some post here while I'm still awake... This one's from back in April.

Hosted by "Designs by Gollum"

Today is "Spring Fling" Foodie Friday!

What did you make?

First of all, I want to thank everyone who took the time to visit my dear friend Ann (Hansonpatch) of "Three Little Girls" yesterday during both Thursday memes. We became friends a while back in Arizona, just before we moved here to Texas. She's a fairly new blogger and she loves getting visitors as much as I do! ;-) She is a wonderful woman and mother like all of you and she is a perpetual learner. She also just recently decided that she will homeschool her lovely girls. (I wanted to do that but am afraid my children are way into social things right now that they might hang me upside down over the notion. LOL) That means everytime she meets someone, she makes it a point to learn something from that person.

Yesterday, you just filled her mind with awesome tablescaping ideas! I bet she was just in heaven! You all rock!

And again, an armful of thanks to all who participated in the Thrifty Thursday normally hosted by Leigh. She would be thrilled to know that so many of us found great deals on such awesome treasures! I can't wait until she comes back blogging away about her vacay adventures!

To Cathy of The Stylish House, thank you for the award! You are so sweet to remember me. I will feature it with my Sunday Favorite post for Chari's meme! I can't wait to do all of these wonderful things to complete this week!

******************************************What does one do when there's simply no time and a hungry family is starting to revolt? You bribe them with an easy but deadly yummy dessert!

Got kids that would rather not use a plate to hold their dessert? Make the container edible!

I call this my "Sweetly Kissed" Biscuit Cups because... it is easy to make and oh so yummy! Each biscuit dough disc from a can of Pilsbury Grands were flattened and molded on to a cupcake pan and filled with a delectable cream cheese filling:

Preheat oven to 400 deg

"Sweetly Kissed" Filling

1 brick of Kraft Neufchatel cheese or 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon

a small pinch of salt

Blend together until well mixed. Taste and adjust.

Spoon into each biscuit cup dough and bake for 10 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned.

Take it out and transfer onto a cookie sheet. Bake for another 2-3 minutes on 400 deg.

Serve slightly warm topped with a tall tower of low-fat whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles. Any kid can just grab it and eat it without fear of needing to stay put. Why because they'll eat the cream off first and eat inside out! Yum! Of course, you can do the following presentation if you are a proper consumer. (Nah, after I took this picture, I ate a strawberry, took a bite while holding the "cup" in one hand, strawberry, a bite and so forth and so on... You think you can handle that?) :P

I also guarantee you that when you take a bite of the whole filling and biscuit with or without whipped cream is like a "sweet kiss"! (mwah!)

You like the plate? You've all seen it! It's Corelle's "Shadow Iris". I've had this set since 1997 and they all still look fairly new even with three voracious eaters I call my children. ;-)

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TABLESCAPING IDEA: (Brain had an idea burst) No matching placemats for a big table? No sweat, color coordinate! We tend to pick up the same shade or hue values so it doesn't matter, especially if you have an all white dinnerware, it looks modern, fun and chic!

Thanks for hosting, Chari! Hugs to all who visited!

My dear Ol' Oaky...

Hosted by "Happy to Design"
It's Sunday again and I get to relive another fave post, thanks to our host, Chari, who knows just what we like to do on Sundays... Reflect...

I can't help but miss my old Oak table when I look back at my tablescapes in the past, but I know she's in a good home- my next door neighbor's parents!

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From February 6, 2009

After 11 years of beautiful tablescaping adventures, my little fam of 5 say goodbye to our old and big solid oak table (*sob*). Our dining area is too small, the kids kept whacking the rounded edges and access to the kitchen when we're entertaining is almost impossible! Who wants that, right? (*sob*) Even though I love that table (*sob*) I have to think of all the bruises, stubbed toes, ripped stitches from sleeves, the squeezing (oh, those painful squeezes just to get to the other side)(*sob*).
Anyway... (still sobbing) I knew that I wanted a more Asian decor without the stereotypical little tokens associated with an Asian home. After all, I am also part Spanish (Europe, Spain), so I can't go too ethnic on both or my home will fall under eclectic and that's just not my style!

No ma'am! So... when we saw this new one, I fell in love with the color, look and the slimmer figure (now if only I can slim down that quick then we're set! I wish!)

As we said buh-bye to the ole' oakey, we say hello to our new Rubberwood dark chocolate Pagoda 6-pc set from Cost Plus World Market! We picked it up last Monday morning and it was heavy! (Good thing dh is so up to the task with his mus-kles!)

Ready to take a look-see? Are ya? Alright, here they are... (old and new of course- gotta build up the thrill factor, lol)

My ole' oakey is off to a wonderful couple who's been looking for someone like her... She's not old, the warehouse we got her from gave us a 50-year minimum lifespan, so she's still a tween (*sob*).

I just love this set!!!
It was 53% off in store (that's how we bought it) and would have been 65% off online (but they didn't want to honor the paper ad)
It's a sturdy and beautiful table
(four legs with brace, oh yeah, it's not going anywhere!)
4 chairs and a bench!
(I've always wanted one...)
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Thank you so much both to our lovely host, Chari and to all of you for stopping by!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is a little tired") Remember that the tables you use is just as important as the dishes you use so consider the future tablescapes you want to do on it if in the market for a new table. Test it out at the store if they have other things to sell there, do a tablescape on the table. Let the piece inspire you.

Love Me Some Tulips!

First of all...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
Hosted by "Happy To Design"
Look at this... I blinked and it's Sunday again! I guess I shouldn't complain. I love being able to share with you some of my older posts that you may or may not have seen. Chari, our darling host, ensures this fun to end or begin our week! Make sure to stop by at her blog and others' participating for a jog down memory lane! Chari, dear friend, thank you for hosting another great week!

Oh yeah, today's is my dear J-Pony's 10th birthday! Love ya, babe! Party's on tomorrow night!

From March 2, 2009

HUMBLE VALENTINE

This is about the young tulip plant that my hubby let me have as my Valentine gift back in 2007.

Hosted by "Between Naps on the Porch"
I know it's already March, but I thought that this would be a great last Valentine entry for Metamorphosis Monday; graciously hosted by Susan on "Between Naps on the Porch".

This is about the beautiful transformation of the humble $1 tulip plant that my dh got me last year. Remember, 2007 was quite tight, so early 2008, we didn't do much in the way of celebrating to save more pennies to hide in the couch. :-D

This is how it looked when we brought it home from Wal-Mart, February 14, 2008 ...

One week later, a bud emerged...

Then another bud after a few days...

Two days later, I transferred it to the dining table because we were getting a lot of afternoon sun and it was helping with the blossoms...

Here's the next day later in front of the same afternoon sun from a high window...

And look how it turned out!

Another day and the blooms completely opened but for some odd reason, the bulb just never recovered. I'm glad I took pictures...

TABLESCAPING IDEAS: (I just figured my Easter centerpiece! "Brain" would be so proud...) If you have tulip or iris bulbs growing in different stages in different pots, gather them into a big shallow pot. Arrange them in such a way where you can tell the different stages and hide the soil with with either spanish moss or green mossy rocks. This should help focus the conversation on the flowers you're growing. In a mesh bag, place a bulb or two and use them as place cards with each guests' name, as well as to be their take-home favor after dinner. Make sure to tell them or take a picture of the color of the bloom to make it more special. Or, find an inexpensive tall fancy lidded jar with mossy faux rocks inside and surround it with the tulip pots for an elegant look. Surround the centerpiece with white votives or place in between glass taper holders and light the tapers 10 minutes before each guests arrive. For a crisp look, use coordinating tablecloth and dinnerware with minimal pattern to draw the eye towards the gorgeous centerpiece! And there you have it, another great tip from yours truly! (With "Brain's" help, of course!)

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Had to do this post now, because I'll be off to Walmart grabbing some more tulip pots!

My Very First Tablescape Meme

Hosted by "Happy To Design"
Here we are again, on Sunday, happy to relive our some of our precious posts. And what's more precious than your first time, right? (Ok, get your minds outta the sewers, I meant first time joining in on the memes, and since this is a strictly tablescaping meme, of course I meant Tablescape Thursday!) LOL

Much thanks to our lovely host, Chari and to all of our bloggy friends who help to make each Sunday that much more blessed. Heart you all! ;-)

From February 19, 2009

Tablescape Thursday



Hosted by"Between Naps on The Porch"
Hello! Good morning everybody... This is my very first Tablescape Thursday, so please be gentle with your critiques.... (Eyes closed and fingers crossed!)


THEME:
"Beautiful Together"

MY INSPIRATION:
My Valentine Red Roses
When I got these, they were a tight set of buds, even the carnations, so I wanted to use them while they are in their fullest bloom before they died out. If you look closely, there are actually three colors of red: red, cherry red and red wine red

This wasn't an easy thing to put together as I don't have all of my plates in the apartment, but I had fun mixing up my Roscher "Tara" Gray collection of dinner and salad bowls with white scalloped plates and dark red chargers. With my Gibson "Chrome Bamboo" utensils, along with my Canopy ramekins and heart shaped glass tealight holders on a dark red runner, I created a very eclectic yet chic and contemporary tablesetting.

(Psst! "Brain" doesn't want me to tell you this, but the runner? It was my Christmas find that I just turned over. Don't tell...)

Since it is still February, I wanted to do something with red. It actually took a while to get the creative juices flowing because it was a toss up between using gold, off white and crystal to this look. What won this setup was the red color that I felt I should use until March hits... Plus, my teen really likes these Roscher plates, so I had an extra incentive to show her how fun tablescaping can be. LOL

I also wanted to incorporate the roses I got from Valentine's Day since they all still look so beautiful... I liked the red bottom to red on top look. My Anchor Hocking "Fire and Ice" glasses complemented the chunkiness of the Roscher dinnerware. I used the same white tablecloth and the ramekins I used for my V-day tablescape to extract the white from the top two dishes. I also chose to go geometric on the stacking since two are round and two are squares and I wanted a more interesting look to it.

(Sorry, we just ate dinner before, so no food to accompany this setup)

TABLETOP GOODIES:glasses- $9/16, Walmart; chargers- $1 each, Tom Thumb (CC); white scalloped plates (no label)- $2.99 each, Ross; gray dinner plate and bowl- $2.99 each, Marshall's; red runner- $4, Ross (CC); white tablecloth and napkins- $8.50, Kroger (CC)

Before (FIRST Picture): No flash, just regular light
After (LAST Picture): Played around with some settings to bring out the candlelights better

Hope you like it! I had fun wracking my brain to put this together. Love all of you for looking (and commenting, of course!)

(Psst again! Make "Brain" happy... So she'll let me get more dishes to play with, ok?)

Tabletop Goodies & Got Tagged Twice!

Hosted by "Happy To Design"

Gotta love Sundays! A day of reverence, quiet and uplifting hymns and reflections, like reliving a post! Chari, our host thought this would be a good idea, and she's right! Make sure to see who else wants to go down memory lane...

I did and I still love this post where I realized that I my collection is growing! Unfortunately, most of them are still in storage...

This one is from March 7, 2009

I didn't realize how much TABLE GOODIES I have already! And I've acquired all of them at a great price or they were given to me.

Sa-weet! Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do! These are just some... On the sidebar, you'll see a little bit more. Also, those you've seen from my other posts. I even amazed myself!

("Brain", remind me to give my hubby a big kiss tomorrow for letting me have this much fun with our tables!)

I guess eleven years of collecting + 4 years of storing dating crystal will give you a sizeable stash. Yay, me!!!

75% off retail- Ross. These two square Tuscan platters were Ross finds. I needed them for a church function and when I got them, they were slashed down to half off the Ross price tag. So my total savings from retail was 75% off! It's actually greener up close...

50% off- Target. These are Target's Holiday '08 line called "Snowfall Splendor" in gold. It also came in platinum. I waited after Christmas and snagged 8 for the price of 4!

FREE- It was gifted to me before we left California. This is from Montgomery Ward, I think it's called "Autumn Foliage", I'm not sure. The dinnerware set that came with this, all had heat cracks and I had to give them to a friend of mine who loved them despite the crack. I handwash this every time I use it. I don't want to damage it in anyway.

66% off- Tuesday Morning. I found these Gorham "Flowering Meadow" flutes (I got water goblets, too) at Tuesday Morning that just opened up near us this month. $5 a piece instead of $15.

50% off- Ross. These are my Blossom china. I don't know what they are called. The dinner plate (behind pitcher) are so big that they could pass for chargers, but they only had two, so I only grabbed one because I wanted at least one of all the different pieces. I just recently found others they made and they are just as beautiful, but Ross acquired them in small quantities and "lookie-loos" managed to crack and ding them.

80% off- Target. I found these originally at $2.50, but since I was the only one who was lucky enough to find the only 12 good ones, the manager sold it to me for 50 cents each!

FREE- 1st wedding anniversary- Costco, 1997. My Nikko "Precious" dinnerware for our first wedding anniversary. I've used it on several occasions.

FREE- A gift before we left California. These are called "White Christmas" done exclusively for Montgomery Ward; and the glasses were giftted to me by my MIL the following year. Not of the same line, but very complimentary (ha, complimentary design for a complimentary (aka FREE) set of glasses! I made a joke!)

90% off- Fry's Grocery store. These are Mulberry "Swirls" in Mocha and I found them during a clearance stumble. I paid 50 cents each.

50% off retail- Sears. Oneida "Katrina"- These were promotional silverware. San Jose, CA 1995

FREE- This is a gift from my husband, while we were dating. It is a bud vase crystal from a local florist in San Jose, CA 1993

FREE- Gift. My mother-in-law (MIL) gave me these as part of my Christmas service silverware back in San Jose, California.

50% off- LNT. Just for the serving pieces. These were from LNT during a special clearance closeout to make room for the Christmas dinnerware stock; Gilbert, AZ

75% off- Kitchen, Etc. I found these in an outlet mall in Mesa, AZ. They only had 9, I was going to take them all, but the last one had a noticeable crack and damage on the rim.

FREE-My wedding china. Noritake "Halls of Ivy" (darkened so you can see the embossed ivy leaves) My boss back in 1996 got us two place settings for our wedding reception.

I am so glad that I have them! But I'm more glad that I got them for a great price or FREE!

I love every piece I own, and I can't stand that many of them are in storage, far from our home!

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Lorna of "Lace & Ivy Cottage" tagged me for this one. I did this one before, but it didn't work since I had no friends to tag much back then. It sure was fun so I'm glad I got tagged this time.

8 Things I am Looking Forward To:

1. Cleaning my kids' rooms

2. Sleeping In

3. Patio dining at night

4. Road trips

5. Sorting clothes to pare down apartment clutter

6. Laundry roundup

7. More tablescapes

8. Fall (Thanksgiving)

8 Things I did Yesterday:

1. Blogged

2. Washed dishes

3. Baked chocolate cookies

4. Washed a load of laundry

5. Played Rummikub online

6. Cleaned the patio with my kids

7. Cooked & picked up toys

8. Talked to my hubby

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. Lose weight

2. Go lobster trapping and harvesting

3. Go crabbing and clam/oyster digging

4. Finish my genealogy

5. Own a house and start an orchard

6. Get more sleep

7. Grow another 6 or 9 inches

8. Learn to bake lots of goodies

8 Shows I watch:

1. HGTV

2. CSI (all three)

3. Bones

4. Medium

5. Smallville

6. House

7. Numb3rs

8. Food Network

8 Favorite fruits:

1. Grapes

2. Watermelon (actually all melons)

3. Mangoes

4. Blackberries (all berries)

5. Plums

6. Cherries

7. Strawberries

8. Clementines

8 Places I'd Like to Travel

1. Spain

2. France

3. Bali

4. Italy

5. Palawan, Philippines

6. Hawaii

7. China

8. Canada

8 Places I've Lived

1. Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines

2. Laguna, Philippines

3. San Jose, CA (In 3 different areas)

4. Sunnyvale, CA

5. Gilbert, AZ

6. Mesa, AZ

7. Carrollton, TX

I moved but not that much.

8 People I've Tagged

1. Marty at "A Stroll Thru Life"

2. Leigh at "Tales at Bloggeritaville"

3. Monica at "Monica's English Version"

4. Susan at "A Southern Daydreamer

5. Ann at "Three Little Ladies"

6. Kammy

7. Candy at "Rock Candy"

8. Shelia at "Note Songs"

I know it's long, but it was fun.

I'd like to know more about you, so Tag You're It!

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Christine of "Travel and Home Adventures" tagged me for this photo one. Let's see...

Go to your photo files...
Select the 6th photo folder...
Select the 6th photo in that folder...
Post that photo along with the story behind it.
Then challenge 6 blog friends to do the same!

This is the photo that came up! This is one of the many pictures of our former pets, Maggie and Gabbie. Our guinea pigs. ..

Actually, they belonged to my teen who got them from our church's Bishop's family last October 2007. We were giving them a bath in the tub as they get stinky quick! Maggie is the calico one, named from the Filipino word for morning, "UMAGA" and Gabbie for the night, "GABI" because had an all black fur!. They died last year, within days of each other. Gabbie died first...

So many people have been tagged by this one, so I will not choose anyone else, but watch out next time... ;-) Thanks for peeking! Now, I'm off to see what post you chose to re-share!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is so lazy sometimes...) Now that you know what you have for your table and have organized, catalogued and put them away, you have an idea of what can go with what. Have fun and create a table with no rhyme or reason or do what I do and stand in front of your stash and imagine what one dish would look with another then go for it!

My Almost V-Day Disaster

Hosted by "Happy To Design"

We've reached another Sunday, another opportunity to share past posts that was a fave but not much face time. Chari, our gracious host is letting us have our old posts shine a second time around. All I have to say is, thanks so much!

For my V-Day tablescape, there was one cakestand that I felt completed the vision in my head. I found it at Sur La Table dot com and I was thrilled that it was on sale! It was perfect until this snag happened... Enjoy reading!

From February 12, 2009

BRAIN STRIKES AGAIN!

And this time she waged war on Sur La Table! With "Mouth", Mr. Man and me. (Of course, she won!)

Do you remember the first "ITEM OF THE WEEK" on the sidebar? It was this cute, whimsical 8.25" x 3" red embossed heart cake stand. Anyway... I ordered this cutie on Feb 2, full price (I know, I know... But it was soooo cute!- I, too, am subject to weakness from time to time, ain't I?)
Back track to Feb 6- I saw this cutie offered down to $8.99 or 40% off (Woo-hoo!!! I'm free from the bondage of retail cuteness angle! I can now spare my fingernails that are now down to pathetic nubs from guilt.)

Fast forward to Feb 10- Mr. Man and "Brain" cornered me into dialing for an explanation.

("Brain" was fuming... DH was in the living room with us when he too, asked, "What's up with that? They didn't ship it until the 10th? What happened to your order? You need to call them.")

("I'm on it before you even thought it. Carolyn, dial already!")

So I dialed and a nice lady picked up the call. Mr. Man was mouthing out what I should be asking. (Man, I feel so bossed around!) To continue, I politely asked why my order didn't get processed to be shipped the next business day from my order date. The associate, after looking up my order manifesto (I like that word, so business like), she sheepishly with a cute nervous laugh, declares, "I don't know what happened, ma'am. That shouldn't have happened. I don't know what to tell you."

("What kind of an explanation is that? What are they gonna do about it? Ask, Carolyn, ask!")

DH is also intently waiting for me to continue the conversation so I did; I asked, "Well, now that it was just shipped today, is it still guaranteed to arrive on Valentine's Day? That's obviously when I need it." The embarrassed lady on the phone says honestly, "I understand that. But I don't know, ma'am, because it says here 5-7 business days. I don't think so..."

Now, it was my turn to get upset! "What?! That's the only reason why I ordered it! Why even order it if you can't guarantee it, or now that I can't use it for what it's intended for?

("You stick it to 'em, Carolyn! Atta, girl!") ("Brain, just let me handle this, will ya?")

(But "Brain" couldn't let it go; so questions like, "What are you going to do about it, Sur La Table?" "Don't we need to be compensated for this inconvenience?!", were spit out through "Mouth". She mostly listens to "Brain" too, before me. I'm just a puppet really...)

The lady finally said, "I can't stop it to upgrade your shipping for free nor can I give you anymore discount, but what I can and will do for the inconvenience, is to give you back your shipping fee of $5.50. So that means, your card will be debited back that amount as well as the 40% off discount." I finished the confirmations and hung up. I relayed everything back to anxiously waiting Mr. Man who planted himself in front of the desk.

("That's more like it! You did well, grasshopper...") Then they let me gloat with them.

Afterall, I saved $11.51 or 56%!!!and they took off the tax, too!
It arrived this afternoon, two days before V-day! So got my money's worth!
VICTORY once again! "Brain" - 2; Walmart & Sur La Table - Zippo!!!

(Ok, tell me this isn't cute enough to snatch up at $15.oo; I dare ya!)
Mr. Man was pleased as well- how can he not? A $20.50 acquisition, but we only dented the account by $8.99? The "what now" question was pacified, too, since it will be put to use for EVERY Valentine's and/or our Anniv Days- for both Dating and Wedding... Whew!

"Brain" says hello to all, "Mouth" too! And they both wonder... How was your day?

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TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain loves that cakestand") For a quick centerpiece, use different but complementary cakestands to showcase candles, flowers or appetizers. Keep your dishes understated to help the centerpiece standout more!

FREE and FABULOUS!

Hosted by "Happy to Design"
First off, I want to thank all of you for visiting my posts. I know you are all busy planning for summer and taking care of others and I'm truly humbled that you remember to stop by. Right now, like many of you, life is taking us for a spin and I am a bit emotionally spent... I've been "escaping" in my blogs, so please be patient with me if I don't get to visit much of you. I know things will settle down soon and I can have a clear head. No one is sick, but my side of the family is dealing with so much right now that I can't help feeling helpless. Ok, I've ruined your morning already. Sorry for venting, you are all so wonderful to have even bothered with my blog and I can never repay you for that. For now, I simply thank all of you...

On to a happier note... It's Sunday again and that means we get to dig out through our blog archives for another great past post to share! Chari, if I haven't told you yet that you're a genius for coming up with this meme, I'm telling you now, you're a genius! Heart ya dear friend!

Ok, just to remind everyone, I started this blog just back in February and I practically had no readers until I saw Susan of "Between Naps on the Porch" tablescape posts and I commented on it and on a few others. Now that I've found all of you, I hope you enjoy this repost!

From February 9, 2008

PAGNOSSIN 851

If you look on the sidebar, you'll see that I also use FreeCycle to add to my collection. I've only been a part of it since early this year, so I haven't fully utilized it. But those few times that I've had, I've gotten a white cake stand (sidebar), a bird cage (no, it's not for the table...) and today, I picked up this morning...

Seven (7) FREE Italian ceramic Pagnossin salad plates!

It is a solid beige plate that has a simple chocolate striping on the verge and rim edge. That means... each one is perfect to pair with my Mocha Swirl plates for the next V-day table!!! Yes! And since there are seven, if one breaks, I still have a full six place settings to use! I love that guarantee!

Thanks, Teri K, for parting with these very chic cosmopolitan looking plates. Did I mention they are authentic Pagnossin's? (they are among the better ceramic and china manufacturers in Italy since the '70s, but have been making ceramic dinnerware since the '50s.) To compare, the current pricing for the salad plates, I found Pagnossin Taupe-Rim; a salad plate is steady at $11.99 and dinner plate at $33.99 each at Replacements, Ltd.

So, yes, "Brain" and I are celebrating!!! Yes, yes, yes!!!

Here's what the back looks like:
(This is no longer the logo you'll see in the back of Pagnossin dishes. The new one looks embossed, similar to what you'll see on http://www.pagnossin.com/ I presume this is just before they were fully automated. I can't find this pattern- 851 on any English written sites, nor any pictures, so I don't know if it is still being distributed in Europe. I placed the stack on my pink cake stand to drop a hint of what's to come...)


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TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is feeling FREE!) You know the feeling of being given something wonderful, better than you expected kind of a gift? Well, why not interpret that into a tablescape! Dishaholics like me can easily pull this off... LOL Gather all of your "free items" and create a table with it. For a centerpiece, just gather flowers from your garden or your friends' gardens. Scrounge up a menu from your cupboards that were bought three months ago. Yes, even meat if you froze it right! ;-) Caveat, most non-big ticket items are considered well-paid-for after three months, so you can use that in grabbing your items and planning a menu. Gather your family after everything's ready and have a great evening reminding them why you gathered all these items and the wonderful feeling getting something FREE is. Then tie it to the FREEDOM we enjoy in this country, how it is constantly paid for by bravery, sacrifice and even lives of those who wish to maintain it...

Just Wanted to Share...

Hosted by "Happy To Design"

These are what I go by in adding to my obsession, I mean... collection. ;-)

FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2009
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TRADE SECRETS

Alright, since I really can't keep these things to myself (not like I haven't shared it already!), I might as well tell you how I find these great dishes that spark this looove of mine.

1. Just Lookin'. If you're in any multi-purpose stores like Target or Walmart, cruise their clearance aisles or the dishes aisles. Most have things on clearance on the bottom shelves or endcaps. At Ross or Marshall's, put together different dishes for ideas.

2. Baby Steps. I don't get my dishes all at once (doesn't that sound nice though, huh?). Keep in mind also the number of people you normally want to invite over + your fam. 6, 8 or 12 settings is the norm count for small gatherings.

3. Easy to Use. Stick with solid colors or subtle designs. They are easier to mix and match.

4. Lasting Color. I choose colors that can span different holidays. For example, RED can be for V-day, Christmas, Anniv, Independence, Halloween, Thanksgiving and birthdays of red lovers in your fam or even that "once in a blue moon" Girls' Night Out.

5. Fuzzy Clearance. If it's not at least 40% off, don't bother! 'Nuff said.

6. Stretch out Lincoln. Even Dollar Tree can surprise you, so take a look around.

7. Point out Flaws. Inspect your choice and tattle on any flaws to the store "suit". Ask politely if they can give you a discount. Many will say yes (but don't bank on it). It's fun that's for sure!

8. Be Patient. If not the first time, it just means there's a better one next time. Also, join Freecycle and see if anyone is willing to part with pitchers, cake stand, tablecloths, etc.

9. Again and Again. Even if it's your wedding china, use them! You got it for a reason, find one to use them on! If it's a one time wonder, you wasted your money! Even if it's every 1 or 5 years, dishes are for use, not for display or be doomed to stay in a box that's probably as expensive as they are.

10. Sniff and Stalk. Visit Kohl's, Marshall's, TJM, Ross, Tuesday Morning, and even some specialty stores. You never know what you'll find until you walk in and around the store.

11. Make time and make it a date. If the dh knows what you're doing and planning, plus it's a cheap date, he may just race you to the car keys. Mine and I, we talk of possibilities: who we'll invite over, what food I'll make for it and what dessert he can choose. That gets him excited!

12. Check with the checkbook. If you can't afford it, don't buy it! Period.

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Thank you very much to our host, Chari for letting us relive some of our faves every week!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" is tired...) If you can't think up of ideas by just looking at what you have, write down your ideas from inspiration pics. Then look for similar items in your stash and go on from there!

Today IS Your Red Carpet DAY!

It's Sunday, Mother's Day so first things first... I'm sure Chari would understand if I take some time to greet all the mothers right?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
A tidbit about my MOM: She currently lives in California, as vibrant and beautiful as the day we moved from there though she is already 71 just last April 12th. She has the stereotypical Chinese eyes, the kind that disappears when laughing or smiling. She taught me that "Be good" means just that- to be good at everything. She didn't competitively but rather be a good person in approaching everything. And with that saying in my head all these years, I found myself saying it to my own family. I'm glad I do...

Here's from FEB 10, 2009

READY FOR VALENTINE YET?

Need some more ideas? Here's some...

Want a flirty snack?
Try this cute pattern by Nikko called "Precious" to serve finger foods for some close sharing time
(1997)
Not into floral stuff?
Try this new trend of pink and chocolate combo
to serve your romantic dinner on

(2006)

Date is after dinner?
Try having a cozy moment with a romantic mock drink
with a movie or in front of the fire
(I'm a Mormon so no wine suggestions here!)
(2009)
No time to dress the table?
Find two of anything other than pictures and surround it with candles

(2009)

Want a stroll down memory lane or V-day is your anniv?
Display momentous pics in lovely frames
(2006)
Have a whimsical side?
Use a fun and flirty cakestand to show off mini cakes or appetizer
(2009)
Want to eat in the living room?
Put an assortment of goodies on a cake stand with a tealight on a cute holder and enjoy a "Lady and the Tramp" moment with your hands.
(2009)
Just love the color RED?
Stick with a solid shade to share a meal on
(2009)
Straight or Scalloped edge, red is a pretty choice(Pfaltzgraff.com)
Flirty but Shy?
Show off both with a wispy graphic on a bold shade
(2007)
Thanks, Chari for letting us relive our fave posts again!
HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL!
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TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" loves V-Day) If you have a lot of one color for dinnerware (outside of white), create a whimsical table by using all of them! To focus on the whimsy of your plate choices, use different clear glasses and candleholders with colored tapers matching your plates!