Beach Themed Party Invitations

Planning, preparing, and having this party was extraordinarily DELIGHTFUL!!  The inspirations from the sea just kept washing up to the shore of my thoughts and searches.  In the days to come, I will be showing you how I planned my "Under The Sea"  Blog Contest Party. Contests can be fun and interesting, especially if the odds are great in your favor!  I am happy to report that this was very successful contest for me as well as the winners.  I am grateful that my family and friends came through for me and I went from 29 followers by email to 79 in three weeks! 

If you are viewing this and haven't signed up to follow me by email, I hope you will consider doing so. You can sign-up on the right-hand side of my blog.  Just look for the box that says "Follow By Email" and insert your email address.  You will then be sent a confirmation request from FeedBurner immediately.  Simply open the email and click on the link, and your signed up!

In order to increase my blog subscribers, I hosted a contest in July for my local friends and family because the winners' prize was dinner at my home. For obvious reasons,  I wanted to know at least one of the people that would be coming. The winners were able to choose from twelve different themed parties.  I'm glad they chose "Under the Sea" because it's just so darned FUN, not to mention DELIGHTFUL!

Today I will be showing you how I constructed the invitations I gave them.  My goal was to inspire great interest and excitement in coming.

 

Above is the completed invitation ready to inset within the sewn burlap sack. 

I used turquoise glitter ribbon, three small seashells, and one opalescent blue sequin, along with 1/3 of a piece of triple braided rope.

 

 This is the invitation given to the dedicated winners.

 

The invitation was rolled and tied to appear as a message in a bottle that rolled up on the beach. Seashells and sand were added to give it an authentic look.  I then tied the bottle with pieces of rope, seashells, and a blue opalescent sequin, just like the outside of the burlap pouch,

Here are the materials used + sand.

 

 The wide burlap ribbon was measured to cover the bottle plus about three inches to accommodate the ribbon rope and embellishments. Prior to attaching the embellishments, 

 I sewed each side together . Then they were then ready to give :-)

Here they all are, ready to insert in the basket below for presenting to my winners.

Breakfast & Beyond

I have been hoping to have someone over to share this table setting with.  The perfect pair joined me this morning!  My friends Cindy and Darlene have the same passion for dishes and glassware that I have! 

Yvonne, from StoneGableBlog.com featured a beautiful Coffee Bar on her blog a few weeks ago.  That blog post inspired me to do something similar. I LOVE her ideas.  I scoured the stores until I found the three-tiered piece that would serve me well.  This one was discovered at good ole Home Goods. This is how I made it work for me.

 

Paired to the red roses were my St. Patrick's yellow roses.  This is such a sturdy, beautiful and long lasting rose.  It doesn't have much of a fragrance.  But what it doesn't have in scent in makes up for in appearance and longevity. I love it!

 

A cheerful "honey-bee and apple" table square is the foundation for the swirly designed rim on the white plates from Mikasa. To me, the design resembles a bees path in flight.  Newly acquired polka dotted luncheon plates (Tai Pan) were added and topped with my favorite Depression Era dish pattern, "Miss America".  They add a touch of elegance to any other pattern.  The setting was then embellished with a green napkin pulling from the green leaves on the apples, then tied with a gingham ribbon to enhance the black from the bees, and a sweet red rose napkin was formed to provide the finishing touch.

Can you imagine how delighted I was when I found the bumble bee coffee mugs at Pier 1?  The red flatware has been used with more tablescapes than I ever would have imagined. We shared a wonderful breakfast of an omelet, bacon, mixed fruit salad, pineapple zucchini bread, Hazelnut Creme coffee, and orange juice.  We needed our energy for the full day of antique shopping we embarked upon in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. ;-)

 

Villa Cucina

 Standford Court Antiques

One of the amazing shops we visited was Villa Cucina.  It is, by far, the nicest shop in San Clemente.  It would be next to impossible to leave this shop without buying something!  The owners have the two most darling little boys helping them delight the customers with their big blue eyes, beach boy blond hair, and wonderfully friendly smiles.  If you are in the area, you must visit Villa Cucina.

We were impressed with the Mahogany scented candle and crosses made of bottle caps at Christopher Lee Antiques & Gifts. We browsed San Clemente Antiques and Stanford Court Antiques at the east end of the block as well as Antiques and Uniques across the street from there.  We also were able to visit a street fair at the west end of Del Mar Street.  Here is a map of downtown SCL with pictures of the shops:

We then ventured over to The Barn Antique Mall in San Juan Capistrano. We stopped for an incredibly delicious bowl of tomato soup at The Sun Dried Tomato. (Don't ask me why we were having soup in this hot weather :-/.  All I can tell you is it was WELL WORTH IT!   The grand finale for us was a lively Country Western band performing in the park in SJC behind The Barn Antiques.  It was amazing they could play so well and for so long in 90+ degree weather!

We all come back with a great find or two ;-)!  I think we would all call it a delightful day!

Refreshing Summer Waters

 

Greetings from Canada!

Below are our pictures from our summer vacation in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Glacier Park, and Kananaskus.

I hope they make you feel cool when you view them.  It's been in the high 90's here the last few days!

Above:  Banff Springs Hotel View

 

Water at the Athabasca Glacier...Ahhhh!

Summer in Jasper, Canada: Snow on the mountains, lake and pool at the resort ;-)

Kannanaskus Hotel

And last, but not least, beautiful Huntington Beach

Three Gals That Make My Life Delightful

 

Click on the arrow at the left

I can't help but brag about my 7-year-old granddaughter!  

This 14 second video will show you one of the reasons why! 

 I think we may have a future Olympian!  She brings me so much joy!  I just adore her!

Go Jensen!!

 

 Two other super sweet hearts in my life are

 my daughter-in-law, Kim, and my oldest granddaughter Morgan

There are no people nicer than these two!  This was right before we left to go see The After The Final Rose Ceremony in Hollywood, on July 22 in which Jef proposed to Emily!  I'm pretty sure they were really excited to go.  Morgan teaches Cheer to little ones, works in an office, AND attends college full time!!  Kim is a special-ed teacher, wife, and mother of four! 

I am indeed BLESSED to have these gals in my life!!  Who makes your life delightful? 

Sneak Peak At "Under The Sea" Table

I thought there was NO WAY I could top last year's beach themed table.  Last year was my first year to set a table this way.  When I started setting the table this year it just kept looking better and better and BETTER!  The blue sparkly Mylar sheeting makes you feel like you are actually underwater!  (Like the submarine ride at Disneyland!)  I am so excited to share my finished work with you!  I'm off to find some under the sea friends for a spectacular idea I have. 

 . 

I have been conducting a contest for my local followers in which the grand prize is dinner for themselves and three of their friends in my home.  I have given them the choice of Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner with 12 different themed tables. If they win.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is the theme they choose.  It is just FUN...and delightful!  :-)

Sunflowers For Sunny Gals

It seems I am obsessed with sunflowers! I'm really not, only this month! Subliminally, I think I was affected by my friends beautiful sunflower table in March. (Featured in a previous blog). The power of suggestion to the mind is incredible and not always consciously perceived. Be that as it may, I have fallen in love with this beautiful flower and the outdoorsy country feel it lends to any setting. I'm finding LOTS of people LOVE sunflowers!

This table was gleaned from last weeks sunflower dining and customized to last nights event which was a Leadership Group Dinner. Each year we form new leadership groups within our leadership members. This is my groups "Getting Acquainted With Your New Group" dinner.

Above: Amazing Gazpacho, my over 30-year-old recipe for Enchiladas, (Picture taken before baking) Coconut Cream Cake topped with chopped pecans and toasted coconut, served with a broiled pineapple slice, topped with vanilla ice cream and toasted coconut. Denise made homemade Guacamole, and Shannon brought a delicious mixed salad. Everything was yummy!!

Do you have friends that make you feel like a queen at everything you do? I do, and I treasure them and I love DELIGHTING them in whatever ways I can. This is one way I can do that. My serious goal for this year is to let them know, ever so much, how treasured they are with words, deeds, and support. They add so much to my life and the lives of others. They always have sunny dispositions, just like the sunflower! Did you know that a sunflower's bloom follows the face of the sun? These friends of mine follow the face of the "Son". That's why they all radiate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and even self-control...the Fruit of the Spirit.

Before summer is over, I'm hoping to go on a picnic with that picnic basket! I can use the table square I made of fabric ordered on eBay. A tin can is embellished with lace and tied with a raffia bow. A wine bottle is adorned with two types of lace and sunflowers were inserted for a preponderance of sunflowers. The glass container will contain a lively limeade with limes and other fruits. This table really catches you by surprise and abundance as you round the corner into my kitchen...Just the effect I want to create for my guests. :-)

Here are the recipes. Enjoy!

Gazpacho Con Gusto

Serves 6-8

1 liter Original Flavor V-8 Juice

5 mediumtomatoes, diced

2 green onions, whiteparts thinly sliced, green parts reserved for garnish

1 regular or English cucumber, diced

1 sweet red bell pepper,seeded, diced

1 small purple onion,finely chopped

1 Jalapeno pepper,minced, seeds removed

1 large garlic clove,minced

Juice of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons ground Cumin

2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce, or to taste

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro

Garnish:

Chopped Avocado

Cilantro

Lime wedges

Combine all of the ingredients,except the cilantro in a large bowl. Mix together and taste for seasoning.Refrigerate at least one hour. Before serving, stir in the cilantro. Serve garnishedwith sliced green parts of the spring onions, chopped avocado, additionalcilantro and lime wedges. You could also add cooked shrimp.

Hint: You can minimize the sting on your fingers from the chopping of the Jalapeno pepper by dripping the juice of lemon on your hands. Note to Self: Do not put contact lenses in after chopping a Jalapeno pepper!! :-O

Coconut Cream Cake: See Previous Blog Post by searching "Dory's Coconut Cream Cake"

Enchiladas Ole!

1 ½ lbs ground beef (sautéed)
or shredded chicken or pork

*2bunches green onions (chopped)

*1 canchopped olives, reserve some for top of enchiladas

*16ounces sour cream

*16ounces cottage cheese

*1small and 1 large can green chilies (diced or regular)

*1package Lipton Onion soup mix

3 packages of Mixed Cheddar and Jack Cheese

(or Mexican Cheese by Sargento)

1small and 1 large can Enchilada sauce

1package (36) corn tortillas

Toothpicks

3 small cans sliced black olives

• Mix starred items together in a large bowl.
• Saute meat, set aside.
• Fry tortillas in oil 1-2 inches deep in a small frying pan, remove with tongs, and place in casserole dish. (I do this all at once).
• Fill tortillas with *cream mixture; add meat, close with toothpick.
• Cover tortillas with grated cheeses and enchilada sauce.
• Sprinkle with remaining olives.
• Bake 35-40 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove toothpicks before serving!

Enjoy!!

My Favorite Blog...Get Ready to be Wowed!

 

 

 All Photos From StoneGableblog.com

I discovered the most BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, GLORIOUS, HELPFUL, DELICIOUS, and INSPIRING blog a little over a month ago.  It is so lovely that I want to share it with anyone who wants to indulge in a treat for your eyes and soul.  Yvonne and I share so many of the same passions and love of beautiful dishes, dining, entertaining, family and faith.  

In addition to the many domestic living posts she enters, she also has a scripture she shares on Sunday along with a picture of somewhere in Israel.  It's like she takes you with her, wherever she goes or whatever she's doing.  Whenever I see something that almost takes my  breath  away on  Pinterest, it is usually another unique pin from StoneGableblog.com.   I guaranty you will be DELIGHTED if you visit her blog!

When I saw her blog post:  "What to Do With All Your Dishes", (or something close to that) I knew I would LOVE her and I do.  Yvonne even responds to your emails.  She lives on the East Coast, and just extracts all the beauty life has to give into her life and generously shares it with others.  You MUST visit her blog.  You also can sign up to be a "Follower" and receive her posts by email too.  If you have the time, she's got the inspiration!  

Additional Ideas For Storing Tablecloths

What you are viewing is a picture of the solid color tablecloths in my closet.  I find this is the absolute best way to store them for ease of use.  I used to store them in plastic bins throughout different places in the house and I couldn't easily find the ones I wanted to use.  Now, I just slide the closet door open and there they are, all with size labels and arranged by colors.  Shown below is a free PNG file you can print right on to a 30 label sheet and then attach to your tablecloths.  I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me.  It is fantastic to be able to locate all the things you need for an event easily. 

Simply click on the label numbers to print your own.  Have a delightful day!

One Way to Organize Your Table Cloths & Napkins

Here is how I store some of my tablecloths and napkins; in my Armoire!

These are mostly the printed ones, I store the solid color ones in the closet in the guest room. Napkins are stored in plastic boxes purchased at Target for $.92 each on sale. They are protected and much easier to get to than stacking them on top of each other.

I love these hangers purchased at Target for 10 cents each. You can hang embellishments and adornments on them. Once the original package is opened, you can transfer them to a Ziploc bag and punch a hole in it to hang your items. ;-)