Monday, November 25, 2013

FABBY: "Memory-Christmas Tree" 2013 in the Den


Hello sweet friends!

I am all decked out since last week, except I thought I'll start posting until my Tksgiving tables are ready for the day of thanks.

I'll start the small tour by showing you the big thing, which for me it's my Memory Tree. I call it this way because I have ornaments collected since our very first tree from our first C'mas as a couple, back in 1975.

Many ornaments are also gifts from my parents, my in laws, aunts, my grandmother, friends; even some were made in our past ceramic company by our daughters when they were children and gifts by my daughters now that they are adults.

There are C'mas balls from Alejandro's own C'mas tree when he was a child. There's also ornaments from different trips we've made to other countries, including the patriotic ones from the USA, as well. Many of the 'gifters' are not with me anymore, so the more I save them with love and thoughts.

I so cherish each ornament in this tree, I could never have a 'theme tree' perse.. of any type, or even a different color that it's not the classic holiday colours because of my 'memory tree'... like red, green, white, silver and gold, as now there are many new colors on style to choose from.

Ok, here it goes, hope you like it!

Here you have it, our den all decked out, with mantel and "Memory C'mas Tree" up!
I explained why I call our tree like this at the beginning of this post.

The mantel is ready too and right next is the tree. The Den is our C'mas room when where we all gather to open up presents and where my g'girls watch TV and eat snacks, lol! The TV center is next to the tree.


The mantel now has the Nativity scene without the village like I used to do before inside the fire place in the past.
NYCity's St. Patrick's Cathedral at your right and it's so pretty when lighted, but it's difficult to see in the photo, as the lights are soo tiny!

St. Patrick's Cathedral at your right, just like the one in my home town NYCity.

I won this Nativity and many other C'mas things several years ago, because I taught in a store how to do a tree and place the lights.

I added the plaid ribbons and gold mesh in the tree myself and learned from an Internet tutorial.
A small ornament figure of a pug to remind us of our beloved pet Ben.

My daughter Sofia when she was two in the small picture frame.

The bottom part of the tree, where there's a small ceramic Santa made by one of our two daughters when they were young children. There's many and different figurines like these by the girls, all around the tree.
My daughter Alexandra in the little tree picture frame.

My little g'girls in the small wreath picture frame. My God Bless America C'mas ball, which was a gift my friend Stephanie gave me right after 9-11.

Many, many years of ornaments. The German glass Santa in the cloche is vintage.

I had fun placing the ribbons and mesh this year for the first time. I always wanted to do this, but finally did it from a tutorial I saw on Internet.

A small tea table with 'Pumpkin and Chocolate Cake,' as my Sils were coming to coordinate the 'Crespo family' yearly C'mas get together party.

The Chocolate Pumpkin Cake set for tea with cute mugs and teapot made at our former Ceramic Factory.

This cake is great. The recipe is at the end of this post, if anyone wants it.

Here is our den all ready for the Christmas holidays 2013.


Pumpkin Chocolate Harvest Cake
2/3 cups softened butter, (not margarine)
2 cups sugar
1 whole egg
2 egg whites
2 1/3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 (15 oz.) can solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 tablespoon water

Heat oven to 350F.  Grease and flower pan; set aside. In large bowl of K. Aid, or whatever you have..beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and egg whites; mix until well blended. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin and 1/2 cup water; mix on low speed until blended, scraping bowl often. Increase speed to medium, and beat 2 minutes. 
Remove 3/4 cup of the batter and put in a small bowl. Spoon reserved batter into prepared pan.  
To reserved batter, add cocoa and 1 tablespoon water; stir to combine. Place spoonfuls of chocolate batter  on top of batter in pan. Using a knife, swirl chocolate batter, into pumpkin batter to marble. 

Bake 40 to 47 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan; remove from pan and cool completely.


Thank you sweet friends for your great comments, you always make my day.

Thanking the gracious hostesses for hosting such awesome parties each week.


LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining:

Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandymyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at our Home at,  http://ourhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Kathe for You're Gonna Love it Tuesday at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Ruth for Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Emily for Tasteful Tuesday at,  http://naptimecreations.blogspot.com
Debrah for The Scoop at,  http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
Judy for Wordless Wednesday at,  http://judyhjsthoughts.blogspot.com
What We Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com
Paula for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Kathleen for Let's Dish at,  http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogpot.com
Riverton Housewives Roundup at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Wednesday Adorned from Above at,  http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Create it Thursday at,  http://lambertslately.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Michael for Foodie Friday at,  http://rattlebridgefarm.blogspot.com
Courtney for Feather  Nest Friday at,  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Christina for Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Sarah for Make, Bake and Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Share Your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupwithmrs.olson.blogspot.com
Hej och for Saturday Show Off at,  http://rosegardeninmalevik.blogspot.com
Junking Joe Linky Party at,  http://thecottagemarket.blogspot.com
Beverly for PINK Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
The Scrapshoppe Christmas Link Party at,  http://thescrappeshop.blogspot.com
Natasha for Saturday Sparks Link Party at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Show and Tell Saturday at,  http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com
Alyson for Favorites on the First at,  http://thepolohouse.blogspot.com
Megan for Show Me Your C'mas Trees at,  http://honeywe'rehome.blogspot.com










Between Naps On the Porch I will be participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.













Savvy Southern Style I will be joining Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.








 


58 comments:

  1. Fabby, your memory tree is truly special. Our tree is much the same, filled with ornaments collected through the years of our marriage and a few from our own childhood trees. Traditions and memories are a part of the holidays for me.
    You are way ahead of me. We won't begin to decorate for Christmas till next week sometime. I'm ready to get in the holiday spirit though. It is cold here, so it feels like Christmas.

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  2. Dearest Fabby,
    LOVE this Memory Christmas Tree of yours! It must bring so many fond and sweet family memories back to your mind when you put this all up. Hope you did write down with pictures where the heirloom pieces did come from, for the next generations.
    Lovely way to celebrate Christmas with family and this shows how we are all tied together; even over the generations into the future.
    Love you special cake as well, with the neat leaves decoration.
    Enjoy this special time of the year and hugs to you!
    Mariette

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  3. Your memory tree has so many treasures on it...just gorgeous! I can imagine your joy as you hung each ornament and remembered how you got it....hugs, Penny

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  4. Oh Fabby, your decorations are beautiful!!!! I absolutely love your Memory tree! Wish I have that many ornaments with sentimental value to fill up my tree, hence my precious ornaments are displayed on a shelf in our dining room currently, but hopefully someday, I'll have a tree like yours! I also love the Nativity!!! Christmas is not complete for me without it, I'm glad I'm not the only one!!!!!

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  5. Your tree looks beautiful Fabby! I think it's wonderful that you have all your favourite family ornaments on that tree. I also like the plaid ribbon garland. Your afternoon tea with the cake looks wonderful. It's such a fun time of year. Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving to your and your dear family. Blessings and hugs, Pamela

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  6. Your memory tree is gorgeous, Fabby. Such sweet memories! I feel like I am so behind seeing all these Christmas decor cause I have not started....Christine

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  7. What a beautiful tree, Fabby. I know you must enjoy it so much! Happy Holidays!

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  8. Lovely Fabby! You are way ahead of me...and it's gorgeous! I don't have a theme either...I have too many precious family ornaments. Your room is just beautiful! Thanks for sharing and linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  9. Oh Fabby! I love your Memory Christmas Tree! Thank you so much for sharing all the love you have experienced through out your Christmas past.

    Your table is absolutely beautiful too!

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  10. I am totally in love with your Memory Tree!!! I have so many 'memory' ornaments myself. I have a tree in every room of the house - including the bathrooms!! I am planning on purchasing a larger tree next year for my memory ornaments.
    I always love seeing your lovely home.

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  11. Oh, Fabby! Your tree is so beautiful and I just love the sentimental ornaments. Your mantel is gorgeous too!
    You're on the ball!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  12. Just magical! I showed it to my Gracie and she loves it too!

    xo

    Andie

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  13. Hi Fabby: Your Christmas tree is just amazing. I love your home. Have a great Thanksgiving my dear friend. Hugs, Mrtha

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  14. You actually DO have a "theme" for your tree :) and it is just gorgeous - as is your entire den. It is layered with beauty. I will return frequently to see your photos here, Fabby.

    And you must know how much I like the "simpler" table in front of my favorite window :)

    Decorating has taken a back seat to some challenging circumstances this year, so I'm particularly thankful for the beauty that others are sharing so freely...

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  15. Goodness, Fabby. You are ready! Your den is marvelous -- the mantle and your memory tree. Thanks for the recipe -- sounds and looks delicious. Happy Happy and Joy Joy JOy!

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  16. Fabby, your memory tree is so beautiful! So many special memories to treasure! Love all of your gorgeous ornaments...you always have such beautiful things! Wishing you a blessed holiday season!!

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  17. Hi Fabby,
    What a lovely memory tree! I have a memory tree too and you did the ribbon the same way I do it. It looks so pretty! Wonderful mantel display too. Your cake looks delicious and I like the candle in the center making it look very festive. Thank you for coming to tea and sharing this at Tea Time. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  18. I think you did a beautiful job with the mesh and ribbon on your Christmas tree! That's something I'll have to try too.

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  19. Fabby, what a wonderful idea! I love it!


    Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
    ~Liz

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  20. I love that you shared so many happy Christmas memories with us through your ornaments and decorations of years past.

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  21. I love your memory tree, Fabby! Have a wonderful week!

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  22. Hi Fabby, wow your tree and Christmas decorations are just so pretty and you always make everything elegant & beautiful! I'm so behind with all my Christmas decorating, but will try this weekend to do it! Thanks for sharing the recipe too! Julie

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  23. Fabby, Your tree is beautiful. That's my favorite kind of tree..one with ornaments collected over the years and each with a special memory. I like your mesh and ribbon. I think I saw the same online tutorial video. :) I thought of trying it, but I haven't bought any mesh, yet.I'm so far behind.
    Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

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  24. I love your Christmas decorations FABBY! They are so beautiful and you have arranged everything so nicely. Absolutely wonderful! It must be so special to be in your home at Christmas. Just looking at the pictures lifts my spirit. Thanks for sharing on Wordless Wednesday.

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  25. Gorgeous....I love your memory tree. So much history, memories and love all in one place.

    XO,
    Christine

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  26. SO Beautiful! I love the colorful tree.

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  27. I love your memory tree! How lovely to have it to enjoy year after year! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  28. I LOVE your memory tree. I love seeing family mementos filling a tree like yours. It saddens me that years ago during one of our military moves, they lost all of our Christmas decor boxes which included years and years of family ornaments, such as the popsicle stick crosses my son made in Bible school, etc. :( You can't replace those. Your LR is so colorful and happy. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friend, and I can't wait to see more of your home. xxoo

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  29. It looks gorgeous, Fabby! Love your tree and those vintage ornaments.
    The cloche is just fabulous! You are ready for Christmas!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  30. Wow Fabby, so beautiful. I love an old fashi8oned tree, this one is gorgeous. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. I hope you and your family have a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs, Marty

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  31. Fabby, Your den looks beautiful! I love the mantel decorations and also your tree. Your tea cake looks delish too!

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  32. Fabby, You have brought tears to my eyes looking at your beautiful memory tree. All of your beloved family treasures are truly beautiful. The nativity on the mantel is lovely. I to had all of the ornaments passed down from my family and my husbands family. We always put up a live tree to reach the ceiling and decorated it with all of our lovely heirloom ornaments from several generations. In 1998 our big beautiful 12 foot tree fell over in it's stand and smashed two thirds of the glass ornaments. I have never put up a live tree again. I have a ten foot artificial tree now and most of the ornaments now were bought by me. Luckily I still have the ornaments my children made, they were really tough to survive the fall.

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving

    Candy

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  33. Hi pretty lady,
    Indeed! Give me your address and you can get this 6pcs to match your cups and I am quite serious. APORATI!
    Note: this is not vintage or expensive plates. Bought in Dollar store.

    TY for dropping by at D´Box.

    Love,
    /CC girl

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  34. Beautiful photos, I super love your christmas tree.
    Hope you can visit my Wordless Wednesday

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  35. A tree of truly lovely Christmas memories!
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  36. Now that is the way a Christmas tree ought to look! Perfect!

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  37. This is a place and setting that demands to turn off the lights, light some candles and stay there praying, remembering and thanking all the blessings brought up by lovely people, amazing moments, unforgettable feelings.
    You're Blessed, Fabbiola! As we are for having you enveloping us in your love and thankfulness.
    Love,
    Teresa

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  38. You are so creative! I love all of the different styles. I can't decide which one is my favorite. I do adore those stuff toys and ornaments. It's adorable! Great job!

    Happy Holiday,
    Anne Walker
    Christmas tree ideas

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  39. What a great christmas tree, me like. Have a nice weekend.

    Hugs

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  40. What a charming environment! I love all these fabulous decorations!

    Feel free to visit my blog as well! You will find topics such as health, NYC self-image, personal growth and motivation between others! <3

    Diana

    www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com

    New Blog Post: Count & Share Your Blessings This Season

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  41. Happy Pink Saturday, dear Fabby. Your memory tree is beautiful. I loved seeing so many of your special memories.

    I have been decorating like crazy today. Our Christmas tree is in our den near the fireplace, too. I love to sit and look at it. No pink for me for Christmas either, although I do have a things with a little pink on them.

    Your cake looks and sounds delicious.

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  42. Hi Fabby,

    Your home is so lovely! I love that you call your Christmas tree a Memory Tree. I know EXACTLY what you mean about that. I will never do a trendy Christmas tree, either; my ornaments have too much sentimental value to me. I think your tree looks perfect, and you did a great job with the plaid and burlap ribbon. Thank goodness for those internet tutorials, huh? :)

    Your cake looks and sounds delicious (great idea to put the pillar candle in the center). Thank you for sharing the recipe with us. Thank you also for your visit and your sweet comments. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Fabby!

    Hugs to you,

    Denise

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  43. Fabulous as ever Fabby.I am a admirer of your home sweet home.I respect your sentiments.Thank you for your visit and for your lovely lovely comment....Hugs sujatha..:):)

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  44. Prayers for you and your family....this coming week!

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  45. Oh Miss Fabby, it is all fabulous!I also prefer a Memory Tree. Now enjoy!

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  46. I love a tree full of ornaments that have so much meaning. Yours is gorgeous!!
    Mary Alice

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  47. I so enjoyed seeing your memory tree Fabby. It´s so beautifully decorated just like the rest of your house! Thanks for sharing.

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  48. Everything is so golden and so gorgeous, Fabby. Hope you are enjoying your Christmas season.
    ...Christine

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  49. Gorgeous Fabby ! Your tree is spectacular ! Love the mantel and your pretty table too !

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  50. Gorgeous tree, Fabby, and your fireplace and mantel are stunning!

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  51. Such a pretty tree, Fabby!
    LOVE how you layered the lacey gold ribbon behind your tartan ribbon....so clever!

    Thanks for pointing out some of your extra special ornaments and for linking up this wonderful post!

    Cannot also comment on your lovely holiday tablesetting. YOU are one of the blogging masters of gorgeous tablescapes, Fabby!

    Wishing you a wonderful December!
    xoxox
    Alison :)

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  52. I love the tree Fabby! We also use a mixture of family ornaments and special ones that have meaning to all of us. So nice to look at them each year. Your home looks beautiful and I love the plaid!
    -Shelley

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  53. Fabby, memory trees are some of the best! I love a trip down memory lane. I too have ornaments that we have collected over the years as well as new mercury glass. I love the addition of the plaid ribbon! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  54. HERMOSOS LOS ADORNOS DE NAVIDAD.
    SALUDITOS

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  55. Fabby, your tree is beautiful. I love how you did the ribbons! I, too, have been collecting ornaments since our wedding, and like yours, our tree is a loving mish-mosh of all our ornaments . . . so many memories! We haven't begun yet to decorate the house, except, for the outside lights the day after Thanksgiving, because the weather was nice that day. Here in the Midwest, we have to take advantage of nice, warm days! You have inspired me to dig up my boxes of ornaments from the basementand get started soon!

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  56. Hi Fabby,
    We love your memory tree and your recipe. Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party. Have a great week.
    Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com

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I love to receive your sweet and generous messages. You always make my day !

FABBY