FABBY: Romantic Valentine's for Two

Hello sweet friends!

   I baked a heart "Chocolate Chip Cake" for mother who will come to have lunch with us and than I will freeze the rest for next Saturday, Valentine's Day to enjoy with Alejandro, my sweet Mr. Living.

The Pink Valentine's was used up with friends already.

I used a stack of place mats, chargers and dishes, with pops of red to go with the Valentine's Season.

                                     
  "WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND ROMANTIC VALENTINE'S 2015!"

Romantic Valentine's Table for Two, 2015

My red Valentine's for two is a bit more masculine this time...as opposed to the Pink one I did last week for friends.

I baked the 'Chocolate Chip Cake' way before Saturday because mother will come for lunch tomorrow and I will share it with her, than I'm freezing the rest for the two of us on Saturday evening.

The restaurants are usually packed to the ceiling with people and we don't enjoy going out to these places on Valentine's evening.

 

 

 

A pair of vintage French dog figurines.

I will be making a Cocotte as an entrée in the cute bowls.
Main dish will be 'Beef Stroganoff' with wild rice and salad.

For the dessert we'll have a piece of 'Heart-Chocolate Chip
Cake' with 'Chinese Jasmine tea and little chocolates.'

We'll also have Champagne to cheer for us and our family.

We will also be having an Anniversary of 40 years of happiness this February 25th.

Quite an Anniversary, ha!





Each place setting is composed of a gold placemat, a surfside charger, white Noritake with gold dinner plate, red salad and saucer from Corona-Colombia  and a small cocotte bowl.

The white doggies are vintage French and they are a couple.

A bleeding heart?...NOT at all, lol!

If anyone wishes, the recipe is at the end of this post.



All set for our Jasmine tea.

I couldn't help it and I cut two pieces for tea time today for hubby and me and it was yummy...really!

 

"Our Romantic Valentine's table for Two. 2015"




You know I'm always so thankful when you come to visit, as you leave me such sweet and kind comments, that you make my day...every time!

Thanking the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties.

A special thanks to the supportive and generous hostesses that feature me at their special parties, such as:

Mary for "Masterpiece Monday"
Maria Elena for "Tuesdays at our Home"

LOVE,
FABBY



CHOCOLATE CHIP POUND CAKE


10 oz. (1-1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; more for the pan

10-1/4 oz. (2-1/2 cups) cake flour or 11 oz. (2-1/3 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more for the pan

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. table salt

1-3/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks, at room temperature

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature

4 oz. very finely chopped semisweet chocolate or 2/3 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

    

Confectioner's sugar and lemon juice for the icing  (optional)   

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-cup Bundt pan, (in this case I used a heart shaped pan)dust the pan with flour, and tap out the excess.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, or Kitchen Aid, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and the sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
On low speed, beat in the yolks until smooth. Stop the mixer and scrape the bowl and the paddle. With the mixer running on medium-low speed, add the whole eggs, one at a time, mixing for at least 20 seconds after each addition. Stop the mixer and scrape the bowl and paddle again.
With the mixer running on the lowest speed, add half of the flour mixture and mix just to combine, add the milk and mix until combined, and then add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until combined.
Scrape the bowl one last time, add the vanilla extract, and mix at medium speed until the batter is smooth and fluffy, 20 to 30 seconds.

Fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Run a knife through the batter and tap the pan against the counter to dislodge trapped air.

 Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only moist crumbs clinging to it, 45 to 55 minutes.
Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes and then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, sprinkle the cake with confectioners’ sugar before serving...or:

I always love a 'lemon icing' with confectioner's sugar and some lemon juice. (optional)

I will be partying at:

Tablescape Thursday     http://betweennapsontheporch.net
Tasty Tuesdays    www.anyonita.nibbles.co.uk
Before & After Wednesday    www.thededicatedhouse.com
Share Your Cup Thursday    http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Home & Garden Thursday    www.adelightsomelife.com
It's a Party    http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Creative Ways Link Party    www.posedperfection.com
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop    http://katherinescorner.com
Simple and Sweet Fridays    http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Foodie Friday    http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com

Home Sweet Home    http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Home Matters Link Party     http://lifewithlorelai.com
SATURDAY SHOW OFF    http://malevikrosentradgard.blogspot.com
Food and Crafts-Friday Frenzy    www.mostlyfoodandcrafts.com
Saturday Sparks Link Party    http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
The Chain Linky CLIMB Party    http://sewcraftangel.blogspot.com
The Bouquet of Talent Linky Party    http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Create with Joy    www.create-with-joy.com
Creative Blog Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com









 








 

FABBY: My Pink Valentine's

Hello sweet friends!

         Looks like I am finally having some time for me, to do what I mostly like, besides been with family and my friends, is creating themed tablescapes, visiting you all and inspiring myself, which is what I've done this Valentine's 2015.

All over blog land and Pinterest I've been looking at many 'Pink Valentine's' table settings and I decided to go for it myself and so proceeded to just create mine in PINK, as I do love, love pink and lately I have been with the 'blues.'

Wishing you all a very 'HAPPY VALENTINE'S' and a wonderful February, the month of love and friendship.




I started with a lace topper and under a pink one for my 'Pink Valentine's' effect.

Pink roses on a Japanese flower vase and my Lady Carlyle three tier holding some pink sweets.

The sweets are like cute tiny marzipan fruit and are so delish!
There are chocolate bonbons in pink wrappings too.

The dishes of my pink choice are my reticulated chargers, antique dinner plates from my Mil...

...salad plates are from my Czech dishes...

...and the teacup saucer to place the pink compotes.

The place set is finished with a pale glass pink compote.

Pink roses, pink chocolate heart boxes and a Lady Carlyle three tier sweet server.

The pink glasses and compotes are Polish, I also have them in pale purple.

The teaset is arranged in our heirloom 'English' buffet and a vintage 'French' jam bowl, held by a soldier in pink.
 
There's also 'Pink Champagne' for celebrating love day.

I love this teaset, it has such pretty pattern with flowers in many colors, specially pink. Butterflies and dragonflies; like in the teapots.



Vienese hand etched flutes to serve "Pink Champagne:"

A good friend of mine gifted me with this lovely hand crocheted doily I placed in the center of the table.

Thank you so much for your sweet and kind visits my friends, you always make my day!

Thanking all the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties.

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be partying at:

Tbalescape Thursday     http://betweennapsontheporch.net
Home Sweet Home    http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Grace at Home    www.impartinggrace.com
Junking Joe Linky Party    http://thecottagemarket.com
Wordless Wednesday    http://ohmyheartsygirl.com
Chain Linky CLIMB    http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Home Matters Linky Party    http://lifewithlerelai.com
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party     www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com
DIY Showcase VMG206    www.vmg206.com
Saturday Sparks    http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com

Creative Mondays Blog Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com
Mix it up Monday    www.flourmewithlove.com
Observing Model Homes  #5 and Linky Party     http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
A Valentine's Tea Time    http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea    http://www.antiquesandteacups.com
Friends Sharing Tea    http://blog.bernideens.com
A Return to Loveliness    www.adelightsomelife.com
Inspire Me Tuesday    http://astrollthrulife.net
TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME    http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
Make it Pretty Monday    www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Wake Up Wednesday     http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com

Wow us Wednesday    www.savvysouthernstyle.net
The Wednesday Blog Hop    www.clairejustine.oxox.com
The Homemaking Party    www.hopeineveryseason.com
Centerpiece Wednesday    http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Vintage Inspiration Party    http://nickoftime.net
What's it Wednesday    http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com









   


  












 

FABBY: My Dining Room Today

Hello sweet friends!

     My daughter Alexandra flew home this morning and it looks like I am about to rest somewhat, as some of you know she had an appendicitis and I've taken care of her for 22 days, and I am already missing her...plus I had guests from the USA, a tea party for friends that was due and finally a Rosary gathering...all in January! Not counting Alejandro's nephew's wedding we attended last Saturday, as to end the busy month of January.

I could finally get to do some vignettes and concentrate more on my house, cause when it comes to me, it's been neglected a little; like when you just walk by and who cares what it all looks, even if it's crooked or you don't like the items there together, but, not a chance to think, even!

Therefore...I went around this morning fixing it all up, here and there and everywhere... taking pieces out and placing them in different spots, etc. 

So far the dining room is how I like it and it's my fave room in the house, anyway.

Of course, it's not like you haven't seen my dining room, furniture and things, many, many times before!

Here goes the little changes, hope you like them.

I decided to place some blue and white pieces together in the center of the dining table, placing in center stage my 'Meissen 1900s' favorite two tier server; flanked by two Delft-Dutch flower vases, a reticulated bowl at the far end and a Japanese bowl in the close end, here.

Meissen 1900s, two tier server; flanked by two Dutch-Delft vases.

In the one end of the buffet some pinks with the hand decorated, German urn and three tier Lady Carlyle server.

Some more blues around this area too.

 The reticulated bowl in front of us and it has the Onion pattern.

In every piece of furniture, like in this antique Egyptian piece there's a blue and white, Dutch-Delft ginger jar as well.

 My collection has gotten bigger thru the years, lol!

In the breakfast room area, there's this vignette, in blue and white again, specially to show off mother's C'mas gift, this big Oriental teapot at your right in the tray, here.

I call the pretty 'Meissen bowl' in the vintage-American nesting tables... 'girls playing hide and seek.'
On top on the wall my Fil's American vintage clock.
 
The entrance to the kitchen at your right.

On top of the antique French table the beautiful 'Murano' compote Alejandro bought for me last Mother's Day.

Of course, the new upholstered French chairs in blue Tartan material. 

The Italian dining table, chairs and Oriental rug. 

The breakfast vintage French table. You might remember hubby bought it last year, around 6 months ago, to replace the alabaster one we had; that was sent to our DD Alexandra's house.

I'm totally smitten with this antique, Belgium buffet, from the early 1940's.

Besides the fact that it's practical because it has such deep and wide storage inside for china, as only the antique ones have.

 

Thank you so much dearest friends for your kind and sweet comments, you always make my day!

Thanking the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties.

A special thanks to the generous and supportive ladies that feature me.

"Creative Mondays"    Clairejustine; thank you.

Happy February you all!

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining:

Make it Pretty Monday    www.thededicatedhouse.com
Show and Share    http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Tea Time Tuesday    http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Metamorphosis Monday    http://betweennapsontheporch.net
A Return to Loveliness    www.adelightsomelife.com
Friday Favorites    www.thediaryofarealhousewife.com
TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME    http://mariaelenasdeco.blogspot.com
THE SCOOP    Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict
Anita at Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Ivonne at Stone Gable
Suzy at Worthing Court

Healing with a Cup of Tea    www.marthasfavorites.com
Table it Link Party    www.rustic-refined.com
Model Home Décor and Linky Party    http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea    www.antiquesandteacups.info
Bernideen's Tea Time    http://blogbernideens.com
Tuesdays with a Twist    www.godsgrowinggarden.com
Wordless Wednesday    www.create-with-joy.com
Wordless Wednesday-Oh my Heartsy Girl    http://ohmyheartsygirl.com
You're Gonna Love it    www.kathewithane.com
Wake Up Wednesday Party    http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com

The Wednesday Blog Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com
What We Accomplished Wednesday    www.greenwillowpond.com
What's it Wednesday    http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Vintage Inspiration Party    http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com
Wow Us Wednesday    www.savvysouthernstyle.net
Mix it up Monday   www.flourmewithlove.comThe
The Great Blog Train    www.godsgrowinggarden.com
Share Your Cup Thursday    http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Share Your Cup Thursday    www.adelightsomelife.com
It's a Party    http://acreaticeprincess.blogspot.com

Creative Ways Linky Party    www.posedperfection.com
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop    http://katherinescorner.com
Create it Thursday    www.lambertslately.com

































 

FABBY: January 2015, First Rosary Gathering

Hello sweet friends!

Here I am 'hosting' again this month and this time is the very 'First Rosary of 2015.'

I am very excited as this would be the second year some of us are getting together, praying for the sick, for the ones that require special prayers, for family and friends, etc. Here I am ready for your requests as well, please do so.

 I'm starting with sweet hubby's favorite pottery dishes we made back at our factory and this one was called 'Carnations' and it's his, just like the embroidery in the collars and cuffs of the Indigenous people of Ecuador's blouses and shirts. 
 
Since the 28th. of January is Alejandro's birthday, I am setting my tea tables with his 'very own dishes' in his honor.

Our tea party after prayers is very simple, just bread, home jams and cheese; but this time been that it's the first Rosary of 2015 and it's also Alejandro's birthday and all the fifteen friends are coming, I decided it to treat them to my ''Carrot-Coconut Cake' they love.

Here you have it and Happy Birthday to the love of my life.

I didn't use a table topper this time, but my balsa-wood placemats I really love and they seem perfect with the decoration in the edges of the china.
Take a look!

I will have some yummy cookies my friend offered to bring later on, in this pretty basket.

The Carrot Cake recipe is at the end of this post, for the ones that wish to make it and it is a great cake, you will love it!

The salad plate and in this case the cake plate is decorated just like the dinner and soup bowls.
This set of dishes were made for a complete 16 place settings.

A delish butter and braided loaf bread.

My favorite tea dishes are this gorgeous 12 place settings and very complete 'Staffordshire, English Red Tranferware.'
I hate to say it's a favorite, as I have so many dishes and there's lots I totally love!

Congratulations dear Sandi for such a huge Bloggiversary and Tea Party and thank you so much for the time you share with us every week.
I for one adore tea parties, and you have been such an inspiration for me and I have learned so much about the beautiful teacups and dishes you always share. 

 

I used the crocheted runner mother made for me many years ago, as it seem to go so well with the cutwork balsa-wood placemats around it. 

Look how cute the half peach is on the jam bowl!

Cute little chicken resting on the top of the sugar bowl's lid.

The china is made of 'terracotta' and left  showing in the inside of the teacups for more of a country look.

The breakfast vintage French table will sit six ladies as well and maybe even one more.
I bought this cotton tablecloth many years ago, specially to match these dishes.



The glass lazy-susan will hold the jam bowls, the cookies, sugar bowl and bread basket, along with the cheese plate.

Here a smaller ceramic basket for my friend's cookies.

Thank you so very much dear friends for your sweet and kind comments, you always make my day!

Thanking the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties each week.

LOVE,
FABBY



Walnut Delicious Carrot Cake

2 cups all purpose-flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 cups fine shredded carrot
1 cup cooking oil
4 eggs
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts  (optional)
3/4 Cup shaved coconut (optional)

In a bowl of the K. Aid, or electric mixer of your choice, combine flour, bp, bs, and cinnamon.
Add carrot, oil, coarse walnuts and eggs. Beat until very well combined. Add coconut and beat together, as well.

Pour into one bundt cake, like I did, or two greased and floured 9x1 1/2-inch round baking pans.
 Bake at 350F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or check your oven, or when tooth pick inserted in the middle of cake comes out clean.

Let it cool 10 minutes in pan and remove. Let cool completely before putting the cream-cheese frosting on it.

Cream-Cheese Frosting

2-3 ounces packages cream cheese
1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
2 tsps vanilla
4 1/2 to 4 3/4 cups sifted powder sugar  (this amount is perfect for the filling too, but ONLY for icing, just on the top; I make less of the amount the recipe asks for)

 In a bowl beat together all ingredients, until light and fluffy. Check to see if it's of spreading consistency.
Spread on top of cake, or use for the filling of two cake layers and on top as well.

Garnish with some coconut and half Maraschino cherries, like in the photo here.




Thanking you sweet and kind friends for all the comments you leave me, as you always make my day!

Thanking the gracious hostesses for having me at their great parties each week.



I will be joining:

Tea Time Tuesday Anniversary    http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness    http://www.adelightsomelife.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea    www.antiquesandteacups.com
Friends Sharing Tea    http://blogbernideens.com
TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME    http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
Share Your Cup Thursday    http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Tuesday    www.astrollthrulife.net
Vintage Inspiration Party    http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com
What's it Wednesday   http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Wake Up Linky Party    www.godsgrowinggarden.com

Wednesday Blog Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com
Centerpiece Wednesday    http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Homemaking party    www.hopeineveryseason.com
Share Your Cup Thursday   http://jannolson.blogSpot.com
Thursday Favorite Things    http://katherinescoener.com
Home and Garden Thursday     www.adelightsomelife.com
Before and After Wednesday   www.thededicatedhouse.com
Willdly Original Link Party    http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Create it Thursday    www.lambertslately.com
Tablescape Thursday    http://betweennapsontheporch.net

Creative Ways Link Party    www.posedperfection.com
Show and Tell Friday    http://myromantichome.blogspot.com
BLUE Monday     http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Amaze Me Monday    www.dwellings-theheartofyour.com
The Sunday Showcase Party    www.bystephanielynn.com