FABBY'S LIVING

Sunday, January 13, 2013

FABBY: Shrimp Ceviche for Lunch

Here you can see the river I watch from my window..although it looks like it's not full, it is a big river, very wide, and definitely not a stream, as in the raining season it is very noisy when the water runs, but it's a lovely noise, as it crushes against the rocks. This river ends up in the Amazon in Brazil, so it's a very important one, although three other rivers like this one runs in the middle of the town too. Cuenca is also known as the city of the four rivers.

The "Shrimp Ceviche" made by Alejandro and all it's garnishings.

I used for the place setting, burnt orange chargers, the dinner plate is from my Spanish, country china for eight; which I use everyday. The salad plate in green and white, was made at our former Ceramic Co., and the decorations are the original design taught by the Spaniards more than 100 years ago around here and so we updated in our company, as I always loved this pretty design, which originally was also in green and white.

The bowl is really for soup, but since the ceviche has a lot of liquid and we add a couple of garnishing..well, I thought they'll be perfect! They're also are standing on three feet, in the shape of leaves..the style continues on the handles.

The garnishes are, a salad, popcorn, roasted-corn and fried plantains, but we didn't have the latter...thank goodness, cause they're fattening!

The weather is 78-80F today and so ceviche is perfect with some chilled white wine. The table cloth is from India, it belonged to Alejandro's aunt, so it's old. Some of the squares have a green elephant to go with the green and white dishes. The overall color is with earth tones, which is what this setting is mostly.

The green, ceramic napkin ring with the little bird was also made at our past Ceramic Co. Here you can see how the bowls have 3 feet in the form of leaves..and so does the handles.

The Andean mountains in the foreground.

Up front, in the small bowl you can see the roasted-corn which are yummy. You buy them ready in the super market.

The pretty platter up front is for the chicken cutlets.

You can see out the window in our breakfast room a big river; like I said before, in the first photo here, that by all means, it is not a stream!

Thank you for your lovely and kind visits, you always make my day!

Thanks to the wonderful hostesses for their great parties.

LOVE,
FABBY

I'm participating on Tablescape Thursday at, Between Naps on the Porch

Marty's for Table Top Tuesday at, http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Kathleen for Let's Dish at, http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Nifty Thristy Tuesday at, http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Wednesday's Adorned from Above at, http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Wow Us Wednesday at, http://savvysouthernstyle.typad.com
What's It Wednesday at, http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Primp your Stuff Wednesday at, http://primp.blogspot.com
Mix it Up Monday at, http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com
Share your Cup Thursday at, http://haveadailycupwithmrs.olson.blogspot.com
Weekly Goals Linkup at, http://lifeaccordingtolenetta.blogspot.com
It's a Party at, http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Vintage Thingie Thursday at, http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits at, http://stonegable.blogspot.com
Grace at Home at, http://impartinggrace.blogspot.com
Food on Fridays at, http://caroleschatter.blogspot.com
Feathered Nest Friday at, http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday at, http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Rustic Restorations Weekend Linky Party at, http://homespunhappenings.blogspot.com
Home Sweet Home at, http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Ticled Pink 504 Main Fridays at, http://504mainbyhollylafebre.blogspot.com
Shine on Fridays at, http://oneartsymama.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop at, http://dandelionshouse.blogspot.com
Seasonal Sunday at, http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

FABBY: Belated Three Kings Day-Epiphany

HAPPY THREE KINGS DAY 2013!

This is a lacy-organza table topper, made in Spain. I usually place another color tablecloth underneath it, so it looks pretty under the lace. Today I just used it as is, in white.

I used my blue and white Onion pattern dishes in honor of The Three Kings. The tea set, the platter and the Kings are standing on my glass lacy-susan.

This is a lace and organza tablecloth made in Spain...which I'm also honoring the Spaniards, as January 6th., Kings Day is when the children in that country receive their presents from the Kings and not from Santa, lol.. Some countries in Latin America do too, like Cuba and in Ecuador that lasted until my mom's generation, I don't know when it started been C'mas Day. I understand the Philippines follow the Three Kings Day Epiphany too.

The sherbet is for a maracuya-sherbet, or passion fruit in English. Than we proceed to have tea with the honey goodies, with some cheese and marmalade.

My dear "Sis in law" brought me this adorable sterling and porcelain sugar spoon from France for my birthday last Oct.; remembering that I own blue and white dishes.

I placed in the long shaped Hutschenreuther platter the Swiss honey bread and cookies, from my dear Mil, which she learned to make from her aunt who married a Swiss gentleman. I'm so happy I have the recipe too. The teapot is Bareuther-Indischblau, Bavaria-Germany. I bought it in another store, as the dishes didn't come with a teapot, since it had broke coming from Germany and they gave me a better deal; but I did receive the dishes for our Anniversary from hubby, two years ago.. so I really didn't "dish" out my own money as I usually do for china, cause Alejandro sometimes thinks I have enough and I do too, but I can't help it!

These Three Kings and Baby Jesus, came from my Italian Nativity set.

I hope so far your new year is coming along dandy. I am very excited for this year 2013, which has just started; as our daughter Alexandra will be getting married to a wonderful man, which has the entire family very happy with her choice, which makes the upcoming event perfect!

Again, thank you with all my heart for all your support in the last year, as you make my blogging days so exciting! I love to visit you and inspire myself with all your talents..let these be, cooking, decorating, tablescaping, photography and so many wonderful family events, since we have so much in common with our love for family and home..what else can be better than that in this life and we are all so blessed to have a passion for the subject.

Thank you all lovely and gracious hostesses for having me at your great parties too.

LOVE,
FABBY

Table Top Tuesday at, http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Sally's Blue Monday at, http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
You're Gonna Love It at, http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Tea Cup Tuesday at, http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Tea Time Tuesday at, http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at, http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Knick of Time Tuesday at, http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at, http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Tea Time Tuesday at, http://rosechintzcottage.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness at, http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Martha and Terri Tea Cup Tuesday at, http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Let's Dish at, http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Friends Sharing Tea on Wednesday at, http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
Wow Us Wednesday at, http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com
What's It Wednesday at, http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Round Up at, http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Primp Your Stuff Linky Party at, http://primp.blogspot.com
Down Home Blog Hop at, http://tillysnest.blogspot.com
Wednesday's Adorned from Above at, http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Share Your Cup Thursday at, http://haveadailycupwithmrs.olson.blogspot.com
Vintage Thingie Thursday at, http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Imparting Grace at, http://graceathome.blogspot.com
Be Inspired at, http://commonground.blogspot.com
Home Sweet Home at, http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Feather Nest Friday at, http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday at, http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
The Inspiration Gallery Linky Party at, http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com
Rustic Restorations Weekend Party at, http://homespunhappenings.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Friday at, http://dandelionhouse.blogspot.com
SEASONAL SUNDAY at, http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Sunny Simple Sunday at, http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
Beautiful Sunday at, http://dianewrites.blogspot.com

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

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

FABBY: Happy New Year 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!

Hello my sweet friends!

Hope all of you had a great New Year's Eve. We went to a black tie affair at a couple of great friends' fabulous ~~house~~ mansion; among 100 guests, all them great friends and relatives.. where we all had, of course, a fabulous time! They had an orchestra, all night, great food and drinks, lots of desserts and and stunning surroundings! Came back home at 3am! I can't believe one year has come and gone so fast, and my new year's resolution is going to be to "saviour" each day of this 2013, so to make it last longer..like a child taking his time biting little pieces of a chocolate bar! We had a very blessed 2012..our girls are doing well each one and so are our little grand-girls, our Sil's spine operation was a success, thanks to the Lord and your prayers. We did a lot of great things around the house, and we are specially and foremost, in great health..which is the most important blessing of all! We are also blessed for the wonderful friends we have and we see each other often and my blessings continue, for my two years of fun and enjoyable time blogging, this month of January and specially for all of YOU, my very supportive friends, which I have met through this "fabulous adventure" that is blogging. God bless you all in this new year 2013 and always!

Here is my tablescape to celebrate the New Year 2013. Me, all dressed up to go to the blacktie party at our good friends fabulous home.

My color combination for this tablescape is gold and white.

As centerpiece I did a cloche with C'mas balls in silver, aqua, gold and some green...to add a little glitter.

I did it with my gold glass Turkish chargers and my Noritake, white and gold dishes

My dear mother gave me this beautiful white satin holiday embroidered tablecloth two year ago for my birthday.

I will be at Let's Dish, the fun meme, terrific chef Kathleen hosts at, Cuisine Kathleen. See you there!

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, exciting and prosperous New Year 2013.

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining some great parties this year too...so looking forward to another adventurous year in blogging and blog land. Thank you lovely hostesses!

Lert's Dish at, http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Tea Cup Tuesday at, http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com
Tablescape Thursday at, http://betweennapsontheporch
Riverton Housewives Roundup at, http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Down Home Blog Hop at, http://tyllisnest.blogspot.com
Wednesday's Adorned from Above at, http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Open House Party at, http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Have a Daily Cup Thursday at, http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Friends Sharing Tea at, http://bernideesteatimeblog.blogspot.com
Vintage Thingies Thursday at, http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Simple and Sweet Friday at, http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday at, http://thriftygroove.blogspot.com
Feather Nest Friday at, http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Home Sweet Home at, http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Happy Hour Linky Party at, http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com
Beverly's Pink Saturday at, http://howsweetthesound.typad.com/my_weblog
Seasonal Sunday at, http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com

I'm participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Friday, December 28, 2012

FABBY: My Mother's Birthday Party

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!!

Hello my sweet friends!

Yesterday, December 27th. was my mother's birthday and she was just a very young 83 and she looks wonderful! I made a table for a tea party for her with most of the things she has gifted me throughout the years, since she came to Ecuador from the USA, around 20 years ago. Although she's given me so much more lovely things I cherish, like my beloved tablecloths, runners, doilies crocheted by her; specially because they came from her and will be passed on to my two daughters, as well.
I totally forgot to mention that my grandmother's birthday was also Dic. 27th...that is my mom's mother as well, and we used to celebrate the two of them! My grandmother couldn't believe it when she gave birth to her "only" beautiful girl! Mother is an only girl and so am I.. funny, right?

Anyway, I hope you like mother's birthday tea party table in her honor.

For mother's birthday I used part of my reticulated china, like the chargers and the dinner plate to use with the cake and other goodies..but first, the salad plates; they are from her vintage Limoges, gorgeous aqua china she gifted me year ago; here I will be serving the entree which will be a quiche Lorraine.

Here is my Kugelhopf, which I will serve as birthday cake, cause mama doesn't like to be blowing candles of any kind. The recipe is at the end of the post.

Mother also gave me this adorable Christmas cheese plate with lid. The cookies at your right were a recipe from Libby Murphy's Blog at, http://twirlandtaste.blogspot.com..they don't look pretty as hers, but they are yummy! They're called Butter Cookies Thumbprints, a recipe she shared from her mother.

Mother also gifted me a few years ago for my birthday, this adorable nutcracker.

The charger and the dinner plate, which will be used for all the goodies like, the cake, cookies, small sandwiches, etc.... and the teacup and saucer from my complete set of reticulated dishes. I used it in her honor, cause she loves this china of mine.

Here is the Limoges salad plate for the entree, which will be a Quiche Lorraine.

Than, after she gave me the short nutcracker for my birthday in October.. a few years ago, she gave me for Christmas that same year, the tall nutcracker too.

I arranged the center piece with some faux holiday flowers on the antique French bowl from Alejandro's grandparents..which is the same color of the Limoges plates.

The cloche is holding real fruit that I sprayed with some powder sugar to give it a snowy look.

She also gave me, again, for another birthday.. the holiday butter dish at your right.

Ok, ok..it's true, but mother found two porcelain "sugar bowls" in a perfect cream like color and bought them for me, because my reticulated china didn't have sugar bowls...and they were just perfect! I am her only daughter, so we like the same things and we are best friends too!

My dearest mama, now 83, looking great and feeling in pretty fine health. May God bless her every day.

So here you have it, my mother's 83rd. birthday tea table for today, although her birthday was yesterday, the 27th. of December, but I had just come from spending Christmas with our daughter Sofia and her family. I did the baking before I left to my daughter's and frizzed it.

Thank you in advance for your sweet and generous comments you always leave me..they're so appreciated.

Again, lots of thanks to the gracious hostesses for the great parties they hold every week.

LOVE,

FABBY

KUGELHOPF

1 1/2 tsp. yeast

2 Tbls. warm water

1 cup milk

6 Tblsp. butter

1/3 cup sugar

3 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 3/4 golden raisins

2 tsp. grated orange or lemon peel

In small bowl, stir together yeast and warm water; let stand 5-10 minutes, until foamy. In small saucepan,combine milk, butter and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. In large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in yeast mixture. Gradually add milk mixture, blending at low speed in the K. Aid with the hook attachment..or in whatever machine you prefer. Increase speed to medium and add eggs, one at a time. Stir in raisins, and orange peel. Generously grease Kugelhopft pan, (or any other bundt pan). Spoon dough into prepared pan. (dough will be sticky). Cover with oil plastic wrap and a towel. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 2 hours. Heat oven to 375F. Bake 15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil and continue baking for 15-20 min. longer. Remove from oven and cool 5 min. in pan. Invert onto cooling rack and cool completely. Dust with powder sugar before serving.

"You could even make toast from the slices and rub butter on them for breakfast, it's like a sweet bread."

Beverly's Pink Saturday at, http://how sweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog

Seasonal Sunday at, http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com

Farmgirl Blog Hop at, http://deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com

Shine on Friday's at, http://oneartsymama.blogspot.com

Sunny Simple Sunday at, http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com

Thrifty Things Friday at, http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com

Show and Tell Friday at, http://theromantichome.blogspot.com

Inspiration Friday at, http://thepicketfence.blogspot.com

Flaunt It Friday at, http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com

Friday Unfolded at, http://stuffandnonsense.blogspot.com

Masterpiece Monday at, http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com