FABBY: A Birthday Cake and Capuccino

Hello sweet friends!

      Today is my young friend's 31 birthday. She is a lovely, sweet and kind girl, who cleans my house sometimes and comes when I have large dinner parties. I know her for at least eight years.

Carmen is like my own niece and we have a close relationship beyond been her boss, sometimes, lol..

Alejandro and me are her only daughter's Godparents and she was named after our own daughters, Sofia-Alexandra.

I always bake a cake for her birthday and today was no exception. I pinned this great looking "Kentucky Butter Cake" and it's now on my 'Bundt Cake board at Pinterest.'
( I give her a present too, lol)

Here is the link to go and get the recipe as the instructions are step by step.

 http://cookiesandcups.com/kentucky-butter-cake/

With that said, here is the setting for Capuccino that she loves with my Bistro cups, specially for it.

I use these cute Bistro kind of cups for Capuccino, or just plain coffee.
My young friend loves coffee that's why the set up and the cake for her birthday.

The 'Kentucky Butter Cake' baked in another 'Nordic Ware' bundt pan.
At the beginning of this post you will find the link to the recipe.

The cute Bialetti coffee filter, with the ceramic pot is almost vintage from the sixties and was my mom's... and it's a very sentimental piece for me cause my dear uncle in NYC gave it my beloved dad who loved espresso... and they are both not with us anymore.

I love this silver tray cause it looks vintage, but it isn't.
It also has an etching in the center with flowers.

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

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

I specially thank and appreciate so much to the generous hostesses who feature me at their parties.

SIMPLE AND SWEET FRIDAY
A MORNING CUP OF JOE
IMPARTING GRACE
A MORNING CUP OF JOE

LOVE,
FABBY

I will join:

A Morning Cup of Joe     http://thecottagemarket.com
Saturday Show Off     http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.com
PINK Saturday     http://howsweetthesound.typed.com
Saturday Sparks Linky Party     http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
The Chain Linky CLIMB     http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Simple Saturday Blog Party     www.sunnysimplelife.com
The Bouquet of Talent Party     www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com
Make it Pretty Monday     www.thededicatedhome.com
Inspire Me Tuesday     www.astrollthrulife.net
Show and Share     http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

Sundays Down Under Link Party     www.natashainoz.com
Creative Mondays Blog Hop     www.clairejustineoxox.com
Food and Recipes Block Party     www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com
Mix it up Monday     www.flourmewithlove.com
Pretty in Pink and White for Tea     http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Tuesday     www.astrollthrulife.net
Tuesday Cuppa Tea     www.antiquesandteacups.info
Tea Cup Tuesday     www.marthasfavorites.com
Friends Sharing Tea     http://blog.berneedins.com
A Return to Loveliness     www.adelightsomelife.com

TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME     http://mariaselenasdecor.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Monday     www.create-with-joy.com
THE SCOOP    www.stonegableblog.com
Home Matters Linky Party     http://lifewithlorelai.com
Brag About it Link Party     www.vmg206.com
Tuesdays with a Twist     www.godsgrowinggarde.com
Cooking and Crafting with JJ Link Party     http://julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
The Wednesday Blog Hop     www.clairejustineoxox.com
Wow Us Wednesday     www.savvysouthernstyle.com
Wake up Wednesday      www.godsgrowinggarden.com

Mod Mix Monday     http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com
Making Memories Monday     www.threekidsandafish.com
Vintage Inspiration Party     www.villabarnes.com
Tablescape Thursday     http://betweennapsontheporch.net    
Share your Cup Thursday     http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Home and Garden Thursday     www.adelightsomelife.com
Grace at Home     www.impartinggrace.com
It's a Party      http://acreativeprincess.blogapot.com
Share Your Style     www.nominimalisthere.com
Chain Linky CLIMB     www.godsgrowinggarden.com
Home Sweet Home      http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com












































 

FABBY: Vintage Banana Cake Recipe

Hello sweet friends!

I say vintage Banana Cake recipe, caz it is!  
See, my best friend Stephanie inherited from her aunt a baking book from the 1950's and believe me, all the recipes from that book are by far the best I have ever tried.

I copied and bonded the book, because there was no Amazon then, so I guess you can look for it there, I recommend it, as they might be used and inexpensive on sale now.

 All the recipes from this book are always the best cakes, ever.
I like to bake knowing that it'll come out perfect and simply delish!

The book's title is: "The Southern Heritage CAKES Cookbook."

The recipe for this classic, banana cake is at the end of this post.

I fixed a setting for tea on the antique heirloom English buffet.

 

I decided to use some of my reticulated pieces for tea.

The Banana Cake was baked on a pretty Nordic Ware loaf pan with bananas... so cute!

I love the Nordic Ware pans cause they come in so many adorable etchings, as this one with banana trees and bananas as well.

 

The vintage German urn is one of my favorite pieces I received for a MD's from Alejandro a few years ago, as he bought it because it was hand painted in such lovely flowers. 
My Mr. Living posses' the 'know how' on 'ceramics and porcelains.' 

 



Thank you so much for your sweet and kind comments, as 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 meke me the honor to feature me.

Jody and Stan from "SIMPLE AND SWEET FRIDAYS"    http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com

LOVE,
FABBY


BANANA-NUT CAKE

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped pecans, or other nut

Cream shortening, gradually add sugar, beating well.
Add eggs one at a time. Add bananas and mix until smooth.
Combine flour, bp, bs and salt; add to creamed mixture, stirring just until moistened. Stir in chopped pecans.

Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan, 9x5x3.
(You have to reserve 1 cup if you want to use this Nordic pan, because is not as deep as the above size pan).

Bake at 350F for 1 hour it says on the book, but it just took mine 50 min. on my electric oven. Cool in pan 10 min.  Remove cake on wire rack to complete cooling.

I will be joining:

Tablescape Thursday     http://betweennapsontheporch.net
Simple and Sweet Party     http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
It's a Party     http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Home and Garden Thursday     www.adelightsomelife.com
Saturday Show Off    http://malevikrosentradgard.blogspot.com
Share Your Style     www.commonground-do.com
Share Your Cup Thursday     http://jannolsonblogspot.com
Grace at Home     www.impartinggrace.com
Tea Cup Tuesday-English teacups     http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Foodie Friday and Everything else     http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com

A Morning Cup of Joe      http://thecottagemarket.com
Home Sweet Home     http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Make it Pretty Monday     www.thededicatedhouse.com
Big Family Frugal: Weekend Link up     www.bigfamilyfrugal.com
The Chanin Linky CLIMB Party     http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Saturday Sparks Linky Party     http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party     www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com
Amaze Me Monday     www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com
Keeping it Simple-Block party     www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com
Show and Share     http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

The SCOOP      http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME     http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness     www.adelightsomelife.com
Tea Cup Tuesday     www.marthasfavorites.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea     www.antiquesandteacups.info
Bernideen's Tea Time Blog     http://blogbernideens.com
Inspire Me Tuesday    www.astrollthrulife.net
Mix it up Monday     www.flourmewithlove.coWordless
Wordless Wednesday    http://ohmyheartsygirl.com
Tuesdays with a Twist     http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com

Brag About it Linky Party     www.vmg206.com
Wake up Wednesday    http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
The (Not Just) Homemaking Party     www.hopeineveryseason.com
Vintage Inspiration Party     www.villabarnes.com
Home and Garden Thursday     www.adelightsomelife.com
    










    

















  

FABBY: Celebrating America the Beautiful

Hello sweet friends!

      Time to celebrate the 4th. of July again and the year is running away from us like a tornado!
I can just imagine all the fun you all must be planning for it.  BBQs, picnics, eating outdoors, family gatherings.
 
I remember all the wonderful times growing up in Astoria I had 4th. of July with family and friends.

Here in Cuenca-Ecuador there's lots going on in the restaurants to celebrate 4th. of July because of all the Americans expats that are retiring here; No1 place in the World too. 

 Sometimes we go out with friends because my best friend Stephanie and me are American.

Way back when I first lived here, I met some lovely American girls that were already living here because their hubbies were Ecuadorian and they welcomed me with open arms and we'd get together for picnics a few times.

 We were just together the other day for a "Gringa Tea" lol!
It's what we called our teas since...hehehe

This year I will be celebrating it with mother and hubby. When my girls were small we did a lot of celebrating with BBQ and all. We lived in a big house, with lots of grounds for gardens and patio.

Happy 4th. of July to Everyone in the USA and may God Bless AMERICA.

And I also baked a 'Best Vanilla Cake Ever'

 

 

Cobalt blue ceramic chargers, cute stripes and star dinner plates my DD Sofie just brought me from Florida. Red ceramic salad plates and finally red transferware JBros. teacups and saucers.

The table topper is my old American flag. Blue glasses and star bread plates.

Best Vanilla Cake.
Recipe is at the end of this post, if you would like.
I usually make it in a loaf pan, but I wanted to decorate it so I opted for a square shaped one.

My rustic tool box with some red, blue and white plates and "Liberty Blue" plates flanking the caddy.

My USA candles are sure burning every year...hahahaa...need to get new ones for next 4th.

In the evening the candles are lit.

Red, white and blue star candles too. (not in that order, it seems)



Every time I pass the buffet I get giddy looking at my new find, this gorgeous Shannon cake plate with dome. Now here celebrating the 4th. of July too.

Ok, now the cake is in the table, ready to be cut!

I recommend it, it's so easy and so delicious, we love it and so does mother who will be here to spend the day with us, as she does every Wednesday. 

Thank you for your sweet and kind comments, as you always make my day!

Thanking the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties.
 I specially would love to thank the generous hostesses for making me so happy featuring me.

Sunday Showcase and Make it Pretty Monday    www.thededicatedhouse.com
Simple and Sweet Fridays    http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com


HAPPY 4th. of JULY!!!

LOVE,
FABBY

                    Best Vanilla Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
•           

          Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 6-cup (8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch) loaf pan; set aside.         

1. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; add vanilla and salt. With mixer on low, gradually add flour, beating just until combined (do not overmix).
2. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour (tent with aluminum foil if browning too quickly). Let cool in pan 15 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack, and turn upright to cool completely.

                                                                 
                                                                    I will be joining this week:

Make it Pretty Monday             www.thededicatedhouse.com
102+4th. of July Desserts       http://thecottagemarket.com
Tuesdays with a Twist            http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com
The Chain Linky CLIMB          http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Tablescape Thursday             http://betweennapsontheporch.net
What's it Wednesday             http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Wake Up Wednesday             http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Wednesday Blog Hop             www.clairejustinexoxo.com
Villabarnes: VINTAGE INSPIRATION Party     www.villabarnes.com
Wow Us Wednesday               www.savvysouthernstyle.net

The (not just)                        www.hopeineveryseason.com
Home and Garden Thursday    www.adelightsomelife.com
Share Your Style                    http://northernnesting.blogspot.com
It's a Party                            http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Share Yours Cup Thursday     http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Create it Thursday                 www.lambertslately.com
Simple and Sweet Fridays      http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com                  
Home Sweet Home                http://thechgarmofhome.blogspot.com
Foodie Friday & Everything else      http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
Grace at Home                      www.impartinggrace.com

Anything BLUE Friday             www.thededicatedhouse.com
PATRIOTIC Link Party            www.commonground-do.com
A Morning Cup of Joe             http://thecottagemarket.com
PINK Saturday                      http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Saturday Sparks Linky Party  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Sundays Down Under Linky party     www.natashainoz.com
Silver Pennies Sunday           www.findingsilverpennies.com
Amaze Me Monday                www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com
MMM#285 BLOCK Party         www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com



























 

FABBY: Last Wednesday of June's Rosary Prayer

Hello sweet friends!

Although I haven't posted the Rosary table settings for the last couple of months it doesn't mean I've stopped hosting the prayers, though.
I still do and here is again last Wednesday's table spread for our tea after prayers.

I used our green china with shamrocks I always set for St. Pat's Day and I have forgotten about it since!

This china was also made back at 'Monte Turi, our former Ceramic Co.'
I liked it cause it's summery, with a green background and blue in the edges, and colorful flowers.

Blessings.

I think the green and floral china is very summery against the yellow table topper.

This is a yellow silk moiré tablecloth I repurposed from my old living room drapes too.

The tea food is very humble cause it's not a social gathering.
I usually serve bread, cheese, home made jams and sometimes some small cookies.

Mother's sterling tea spoons from her First Communion, back in 1937, when she was a seven year old. Mother is 85 now.

She gave me a dozen she had left, several years ago.



Please remember we will pray for anything you would like us to.

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

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

LOE,
FABBY

I will be joining:

Make it Pretty Monday    www.thededicatedhouse.com
Inspire Me Tuesday    http://astrollthrulife.net
FAMILY FUN and a LITTLE TEACUP PARTY    www.marthasfavorites.com
MMM #284 Block Party    www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com
BLUE Monday    http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Tea Time in Summertime    http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tuesdays Cuppa Tea    www.antiquesandteacups.info
Show and Share    http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Mix it up Monday    www.flourmewithlove.com
A Return to Loveliness    www.adelightsomelife.com

TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME    http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
The SCOOP Party    http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
You're Gonna Love it    www.kathewithane.com











 
 

FABBY: Susan, I'm Not Jealous of you Anymore!

Hello sweet friends!

I'll start by saying I haven't done my rounds to the European antique Shop since last year; where I have found my best and favorite accessories I own, besides the beautiful ones that are family heirlooms.
 
I also have the ones I have found at the capital and bigger cities. But! I couldn't resist myself today and there I went and guess what my find was!

This stunning heavy 'Shannon Crystal' pedestal domed cake plate stand, made by 'Bohemian Crystal from Poland and I bought it at the European antiques, although it's not a vintage thing, but something I have always, always, since blogging four years ago, coveted 'Susan from Between Naps on the Porch.'

Therefore...as soon as I spotted it I said out loud: The cake stand is mine, I'll take it! I didn't even ask the price, but it wasn't anything I'd get poor after splurging, thank goodness, lol!

Susan always keeps it on top of her buffet in her beautiful red elegant dining room. 

I am totally elated I found this gorgeous "Shannon Crystal" pedestal domed cake plate stand, by 'Bohemian made in Poland.'

The lady owner of the shop told me it was hand etched and it's true as I entered Internet to find out about it and they said it was 'top notch' thing!

Up until today I have 'drooled' over "Susan's at Between Naps on the Porch" every single time I see it in her beautiful red dining room buffet! But no MORE dear Susan, lol!

The etchings are so beautiful!

I love it so much that I too placed it on top of my antique Belgium buffet along with some of my silver and sterling collection I keep here.

Thanks for dropping by sweet friends, as you always make my day!

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

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining:

Tablescape Thursday    http://betweennapsontheporch.net
Share Your Style   www.theuptownacorn.com
Grace at Home    www.impartinggrace.com
Home Sweet Home    http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Foodie Friday and Everything Else    http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
Anything BLUE Friday    www.thededicatedhome.com
Make it Pretty Monday    www.thededicatedhouse.com
The Weekend Blog Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com
Inspire Me Tuesday    http://astrollthrulife.net
Show and Tell Friday    http://myromantichome.blogspot.com

A Morning Cup of Joe    http://thecottagemarket.com
Simple and Sweet Fridays    http://roothedinthyme.blogspot.com
The (nut just) Homemaking Party    www.hopeineveryseason.com
SATURDAY SHOW OFF    http://malevikrosentradgard.blogspot.com
Sundays Down Under Linky Party    www.natashainoz.com
CLIMB Party    http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
PINK Saturday    http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Saturday Sparks Linky Party    http://piecespastimes.blogspot.com
Snickerdoodle Sunday    www.meatloafandmelodrama.com
Creative Mondays Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com

Tea Time in the Summertime    http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tuesdays Cuppa Tea    www.antiquesandteacups.net
http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness   www.adelightsomelife.com