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!

A Ball of a Valley

Hosted by Christine and Beverly
It's Saturday, and that means, some sightseeing with Christine and indulging in our pink greatness with Beverly. Thanks ladies for hosting every week!

You should really join me and Christine. She travels, I imagine. We are a great duo, but what's better is if you show us where you've been or wish to be, too! Next Saturday, ok?

If you're headed to California (where I was from before Arizona), and you won't have any children to pull down, I mean, tug at your pants, then Napa Valley is a good stop. Alas, I've never been there, but boy, am I in love with grapes! I wish to go there one day for one of my anniversaries. We don't drink any alcohol, so we'll just enjoy the scenery and maybe some souvenirs! :-)


You can visit the many great wineries of the area like this Italian Villa of the Viansa Winery (inetours.com)

or the Spanish splendor of the Gloria Ferrer Winery (herecomestheguide.com)

Of course you can't miss the rows and rows of grapevines...

Hope you enjoyed the scenery! I sure did! Thanks for coming along... ;-)

Also visit "The Blog of MBW" , she's featuring a castle! It's an old post but it's perfect for some sightseeing in Germany! I'm sure she'd love to hear from all of you!

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"Do you think this ball is PINK enough?"

(artofair dot com)

You ready for summer now?

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is not ready for summer, but I am!) You know how beachball is as much the symbol of summer as water is? Well, why not create a beach ball themed tablescape? Again using the chandy or ceiling fan blades, string up different sized and colored beach balls while on the table, have one of a castle sitting on top of a sand colored sheets surrounded by sea shells? (Oooopps, I may have given away my summer table- that's ok!) Again, no flowers and if using candles, away from the beachballs, please...

Crazed Cocoa Consumer, I Am, I Am!

Hosted by "Designs by Gollum"

You know what Friday means... We get to put food on our dishes! We have Gollum to thank for that each week! Hope you come visit her and all of the participants so we can indulge in all kinds of goodies without gaining a pound! (Unless of course you go and have the crazy idea of trying several of them on your own on the same day!)

The reason for the title is because... I made another batch of chocolate cookies! I wanted to make another batch of my own "Slim Cocoas" cookies because Mike, my neighbor Annette's husband requested some. But for the life of me, I could not find the paper I wrote the recipe on! So, in an effort to recreate it, I made these instead! And I'd like to share it with all of you!

(Plate is "Shadow Iris" by Corelle)

Chandy's Chocolate Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2 3/4 cups AP flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

2 eggs

2 sticks of butter or margarine, softened and cut small

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

a pinch of salt


- In a small bowl, SIFT together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Sifting helps with the lightness of the cookies. Set aside.

- Cream together the butter and sugar in a big bowl until smooth.

- Beat in one egg at a time then add in the vanilla extract.

- Slowly pour in the dry ingredients until well blended in the same consistency as a chocolate ice cream.

- Using a small scoop, put in 12-13 alternating rows of 2 and 3 balls of dough on ungreased cookie sheets.

- Bake 8-10 minutes or until top is no longer domed and slight cracking at the top has occured.

- Cool it slowly on cookie sheets, about 2 minutes, before moving onto cooling racks.

(I lightened this phot so you can see the creamy inside with a light crispy outside)

Have milk ready and limit serving to two cookies! Hope you try them. Our next door neighbor's entire family loved them and my children kept begging for more!

Thanks Gollum for hosting again this week! I am becoming more courageous in baking now since I've joined Foodie Friday! (Ladies, actually it's all of your fault, making all these wonderful dishes!) ;o)

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" is buzzed on sugar...) Are you as much a chocoholic and a dishaholic as I am? Well combine the two! Create a brown table! No flowers or leaves just brown or cream.

Something New, Borrowed and with Hooves?

Hosted by "Susan and Leigh"

Yahoo! It's Thursday again, our weekly permission to play with dishes! And combined with Leigh's Thrifty Thursday, it just makes it more fun for me! Ok, ok... let's begin. (Whew, all that celebratin's got me dizzy) ;-P

THEME:
"Fast and Free"
INSPIRATION:
Folk Craft Stoneware "Running Horses"
(My daughter's birthday dinnerware)

When we first saw them in Kroger's almost two summers ago, my middle child, J-Pony, why for the first time in her young life, experienced FIRST LOVE! She practically couldn't leave the spot and gave me those pleading looks until I said, "If it goes on sale."

(Yes, dear readers, that's a close to a resounding yes to the ears of my children. They jump up and down when they hear me say such statement.)

But as with any small "wiggle room" budgets, I did have to wait until it went on sale, which it didn't! I had to force it to go on sale... Yes, indeedy I did! Check this out:

A few months back around late March, after balancing my checkbook and looking at projections, I realized that I can't afford the regular price @ $30 per 16-pcs. (She needed 8 place settings as she wanted to invite 7 friends. The menu was no problem as she is a picky eater and wanted everything she normally eats. )

Of course, every dinnerware had to be tested right? Right! So I did and since my hubby's really in full mode support of my love of tablescaping, this set was my next victim, I mean, target, I mean choice, yeah, choice... ;-P

This handsome set, therefore, is our "SOMETHING NEW, BORROWED AND WITH HOOVES!"

The transferred artwork on this stoneware was done by Scotty Z, a naturalist who has the ability "to capture the spirit and beauty of nature's creatures in his artwork." (from the box)

The theme came from the way the wild horses were drawn to be galloping at full speed and the background of that great open space. Can't you just feel the awesome breeze?

Oooopps! You caught me... I forgot to tell you about how I forced it to go on sale. (sorry 'bout that...)

After I called the manager and told him of my sob story of shallow pockets and birthday requests, the GM manager took off $1o each box!

I paid only $20 each making it only $1.25 a piece! You bet I was able to afford that and loved how he actually walked over two of the boxes to the Customer Service so I can just pick both boxes up, when I come to pay for them. I called in the morning, I picked them up in the afternoon, with my dh. Quick, Inexpensive and Convenient, gotta love that!

Since there are only 5 of us, I set the "centerpiece" on one end (I've given several tips on odd number placesettings). I used my faux geranium flowers (75% off; Michael's) on my Gabbay pitcher, $8.00 (regular $20). The Home (Target) "Garden Greens" napkins, $4.98 for four (I got 8), but it's technically FREE for me because my dear AZ friends, Midori and Randy Foster, they got a me Target giftcard for my graduation gift! (Thanks guys! I still have half on the card!).

And I paired it with the two oil lanterns that will also be used for her birthday tablescape (on the first day of summer)! I then borrowed my office receipt box to create different heights and three different candleholders for a more relaxed country setting.

To give it an extra "oomph!", I used my black woven placemats and I used my dark brown rattan woven placemats as chargers as they are smaller than the black.

The bowls were used for dessert- brownie a la mode!

See the 9" iron with leaves pillar candleholder, remember that's from Kohl's, 80% off or only $2.59!

For blingage, I used my Anchor Hocking "Starfire" glasses (Walmart) and I stuck my utensils in the bowl. For only $9 for 16 pieces a box, that makes each glass only 56 cents each!

How's that for thrifty?

Hubs taught me how to play around with delayed settings. I set mine for 3.2 seconds!

I like how it turned out! Yay!

See the rectangular dishes that are holding the tealight holders (25 cents each), garage sale find in AZ, only 50 cents each!

I like how the centerpiece turned out. ;-D Also, with it on the window end, it becomes a source of privacy and definite focal point as it is human nature to look towards the window for anything interesting.

By using the colors of the design on the plates and minimizing the black to just accent colors (placemats & lanterns), I managed to capture the romance and imagery. I gave this design a more warm feel for a casual family dining experience since for my daughter's birthday, the theme will be more whimsical and playful.

Here's the left side...

And here's the right side...
Look, we're already at the end of this thrifty tablescape and I haven't even told you the best part of this table, the tablecloth is another FREEBIE, it's a VELLUX blanket!

It's my teen's winter blanket. (I told you I get creative sometimes...) LOL

I can't believe I get to have fun and do a show and tell, too!

I love this set of memes! Leigh and Susan, you rock!

Ok, ok... I hope you enjoyed this week's tabletop design as well.

I'm off to see yours! And to all of you... I heart you all for coming by!

Thanks for peeking!

Rarest Eagle

Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"

On June 12th, my family and I will be recognizing the Philippine Independence Day, so in honor of that, I will be featuring some of the "Pride of Pinoys" (Filipino Pride) for Outdoor Wednesdays. Susan, I hope you don't mind... ;-)

This is our very own eagle. I have never seen one, but have had the pleasure of listening to stories and legends surrounding this bird. It's truly an honor to know that this eagle is not just any eagle but rather "unmatched" in his own right...

I'll let those who have had the pleasure of being in this awesome creature's presence, educate all of us of his majesty.
The “Philippine Eagle” (a.k.a. Monkey Eating Eagle) is the tallest, largest and most powerful bird in the world, and definitely one of the rarest. A symbol of our country’s heritage and it’s goals of flying high. (3critical.wordpress.com)

This bird of prey, or raptor, belongs to the family Accipitridae and also called “Haribon” or “Haring Ibon,” meaning “Bird King.” (melovillereal.com)

The Philippine eagle is the world's largest eagle, and one of the most threatened raptors. The sexes are similar in appearance, possessing a creamy white belly and underwing, whilst the upperparts are a rich chocolate-brown, with a paler edge. The long feathers of the head and nape form a distinctive, shaggy crest and are creamy-buff in colour with black streaks. Chicks have white down, and juveniles are similar in appearance to adults but have white margins to the feathers on the back and upperwing. The heavy legs are yellow with large, powerful claws, and the large, deep bill is a bluish-grey. Endemic to the Philippines and found on parts of the larger islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. The great Philippine eagle was once widespread throughout these islands, and although the current population is unknown it is thought to represent fewer than 250 mature individuals. (Arkive.com)

I would love to see one up close, or better yet, see it perched side by side next to the Bald Eagle symbolizing unity of strength and beauty in all people from all walks of life. That we truly have a small world, too small to bother with petty differences... Susan, I thank you for this opportunity to highlight such a wonderful creature. To all of you, make sure to visit Susan and see what other beauty lies around you! Thanks for peeking!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" is in awe of this bird) You've seen those bird prints on dinnerware. Why not create a tablescape all about them? You can have all kinds of fun with, make it specific, regional, by variety, by country. It doesn't matter, just have fun and know that birds are there to dot the skies with extra color, majesty and beauty...

Thirsty Much?

Hosted by Tam and Diane
Hello to all of you! C'mon and sit down... We've got plenty of pitchers we can fill with all kinds of liquid goodies to keep our mouths hydrated for all day get together! I'm sure Tam, our "Three or More host, will not mind. Go on, get comfy and drink up. Then Diane, our host for "2nd Time Around" and I will tell you about a wonderful piece I found at Goodwill. What? You want glasses, no no no... I did say we have plenty of pit-chers, so choose one and enjoy! No need to be lady like here, we're all friends, plus no husbands allowed on this post! LOL



***The first and middle are Italian ceramic pitchers from Marshall's in AZ, that I've used for Thanksgiving. My dh got them for me as birthday presents. I saw them and immediately fell in love! Can't you just taste the cold apple cider in those or even our traditional Pineapple Orange juice drink at Thanksgiving. I can't wait!

***The 2nd one, a green one, holding the flowers, is the one I found at Ross here. I can just imagine all the fresh milk it can hold for a great breakfast on the first day of summer vacation... or first day of school!

***The Gabbay line by Gibson pitcher is from Tuesday Morning. Normally $20, got it for $7.99! This one is for my middle child's upcoming birthday party this month.

***You know about my Blossom Asian pitcher from Ross. It held lemonade and other drink before that. The sky's the limit. What would you mix in it?

***You remember my Sangria Pitcher by Libbey, right, it's from the set I got at Kohl's, just a few days before Cinco de Mayo. My virgin Sangrias, Berry Citrus and Melon Coconut were both big hits!

***And that one on middle bottom is my vegetable pitcher from Ross back in San Jose, California; I got it for $3.00. It's actually better for ice cold water! The embossed design hides condensation well!

***That last one, that is from our early marriage while living in Downtown, San Jose. I don't remember where I picked it up. This is our everyday, and is older than two of my children! That should tell you careful I am with my treasures...

Glad you got to enjoy our "get together"; next time, BYOG, ok? (Psst... That means "Bring your own Glass".) ;-)

Here's a Goodwill find I want to share... As I'll definitely be using this for my Christmas table. Did you know that though I've done many Christmas tablescapes, I seldom have a picture of them? This year, I'm taking tons and will be doing trial runs so you can have an idea of how we "dress up" for Christmas. :-D

Isn't it beautiful? When I saw it, I thought, "Wow! I can use this at the dessert table or for appetizers!" I don't know if you can see it, but the price was right at $1.99! The cheapest one I found on Ebay was $17 I think.

I absolutely adore this mistletoe on the side at the top of the Christmas tree...
Imagine my luck when I turned it over and it's a Spode! My second Spode, aptly called, "Christmas Tree". Yeah!

A great big thanks to both our hosts, Tam and Diane for another great set of Tuesday memes. Don't forget to stop by and let them know how cool you think they are. And glad to see you all here again! And to any new visitors, welcome, welcome!!!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is lovin' her pitchers) Don't have the perfect vase to hold a great bouquet? Use a pitcher! It's an old concept. If it's a pitcher you use for drinking, make sure to not let the flowers sit in it for more than your tablescape night for obvious sanitation reasons.

Something, Brown, Blue and Thrifty, Too!

Hosted by Susan, Sally & Rhoda
For today's triple post (yes, I said triple, I'm being brave today...), I decided to share with you a great way to concoct a mouthwatering ROOTBEER FLOAT! I know what you're all thinking, "Anyone can make a rootbeer float, what kind of a cop-out Met Monday post is this?" I assure you the following will make a believer out of you. (And if not, it's still a yummy float!) LOL

Ok... First, you have to gather your arsenal- A bottle of good Rootbeer (I love A&W). Those glass bottled ones are great also. Then, you can't have a successful float without a great rich vanilla ice cream! Go for either Dreyer's, Blue Bell or Breyers' French Vanilla. Better yet, Haagen-Dasz! Wow! Now, don't forget the value of a great scoop!

No picture of this critical segment as I was also the float maker- Scoop out two to three rounded scoops into each glass. Slowly pour in your rootbeer to slow down the foaming action and so you can actually have some rootbeer in the glass. :-P

Pouring in on the sides is one great way or letting the rootbeer bottle settle down for 30 seconds before pouring works, too... (Bet you didn't know patience would come in so handy, huh?)

You can't have a float without a great glass to put it in! (Rhoda, this is where the thrifty comes in) I found these mini beer pilsners from Fry's last September (at the wine and beer section) at a low, low price of 25 cents each!!! That's 87.5% off the original price of $2 each. Since our children is famous for "traveling" with their desserts, this was a great compromise! They're made by Libbey.

Then, there's the napkin stash, straws and spoons. And of course, whipped cream to top it all off! If you don't have a cherry available, try any berry, the tang is a welcome taste before all that cold sweetness!

A tray comes in handy, too, in holding all of your float needs, plus when pouring, it catches spills! How cool is that? When done, this is what you get! A perfect marriage of rootbeer and vanilla ice cream headed off with a delectable creamy goodness to welcome in Summer time! Yes!
Susan, thanks for letting me play in today's Met Monday using Rootbeer and Ice Cream. I had fun!

Sally, you're probably thinking, "Is that blue straw your Blue Monday entry, you could have done better!" And I would agree that's why I present to you, my new blue and white ceramic Chinese dinner platter!

This is my very first set of authentic Chinese ceramic. I bought it at our local Asian store. It was made in China and the manufacturer is a Chinese company under the logo, K&K. It's restaurant grade so it's pretty dense. I purchased six and at $4 each, it's a steal! I don't normally find dinner platters in Asian dinnerware anymore, but what makes this more of a treasure for me is that the last Chinese restaurant I ate at in the Philippines before I came here to the USA used these same sized platter to bring our steamed buns and siomais, two staples for any Dim Sum fare!

The design on it is a carp, or koi, and as the symbols state, it is a symbol of LUCK in the Chinese culture and in Feng Shui so it is a double treat for me. I can't wait to use it on a tablescape soon enough! With some Dim Sum goodies perhaps? Christine, Lorna, Li, what do you think of that idea?

Here's a closer look...

How do you like it? A big thanks to our three lovely hosts and to all of you who stopped by. I love all of your comments and wish that I can find time again soon to visit all the participants in each meme. One time I did, but it took about 3 hours of the day and the laundry didn't get done. Oooppps...

Before I forget, I just want to tell all of you how much I appreciate your great comments and your warm friendships through our blogs. I'm normally a shy person so this blog has been a true release for me and you all have just been so wonderful! Thanks so very much!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain is so excited to use them) What is your heritage? Most of us know to cook our cultural foods and others that we find delicious and quick, but what about our tables? Let's focus on what makes us special. Without using flags or pictures, create a table that reflects who you are. Not your personality, but rather your culture. A red, white and blue table is great for USA natives while Americana shades or burgundy cream and midnight blue brings in the country side of Americans. No matter how you do it, finish off the table with a great parallel menu and stories that remind you of who you are...