FABBY: Chinese New Year Tablescape

Hello sweet friends!

I just got back from our three hour trip to visit Sofia and her family. We specially went to celebrate Cayetana's and my dearest Alejandro's birthday which is today.

My inspiration for this table is Sofia's gift that I received this past C'mas, and are eight gorgeous place mats with pagodas, roses with green branches, so it was perfect for an Oriental table scape, better to think of a Chinese NYear 2014.

Today is also my dearest Alejandro's birthday which we celebrated with his three Darling girls and Sil.

Ok, here is my Chinese New Year setting for 2014.

I used as a centerpiece among flowers a lovely ceramic, cinnabar red sculpture of a Chinese rice harvester girl that was a gift from my dear sister in law for a birthday several years ago.

My dear daughter Sofia gifted me with eight gorgeous place mats with an oriental motif as pagodas and flowers, which inspired me to make a 'Chinese New Year 2014' tablescape.

They are reversible.

I forgot what this sign 'exactly' meant, but I think it was a 'Happy Home' or something in this order.

I bought this set for eight with lots of mix and match pieces at Macy's NYC, more than 30 years ago.

My borther's wife, my dear Sil also gave me the adorable Chinese teapot you see here.

The mud Foo-Dog was also bought that much ago in NYCity's China Town.

Chinese teapot in red I blught for less tan $7 while shopping this holidays past and I like them for green tea.

Happy Birthday today to my wonderful and handsome husband, Alejandro. Many blessings to you my Darling!

We're going out to dinner tonight with my Sil and brother Joe to celeb.

I love the ceramic, red cinnabar sculpture of a Chinese 'rice harvester girl,' that was given to me several years ago by one of my dearest Sils.

Hubby gifted me three years ago these two Foo-dogs here. This one is the male one with a ball.

and here is the female Foo-dog holding a baby Foo, lol! I have a special love for them as they remind me of Ben, our beloved Pug that died three years ago.

I sat this table in honour of the Chinese New Year, January 31, 2014 in my breakfast alabaster table.

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

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

I will be joining:

Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Paula & Patty for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

Rednesday at,  http://brownginghamcreations.blogspot.com
Gotta Create at Wildly Original Link Party at,  http://gottacreate.blogspot.com
Wake up Wednesday at,  http://godsgrowinggarden.blogspot.com
Susan for Tablescape Thursday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
Deborah for What We Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://stylesisters.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Wednesday's Adorned from Above Link Party at,  http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com

Party on the Porch at,  http://theshadyporch.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Round Up at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://artfullaffirmations.blogspot.com
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Bernideen for Friends Sharing Tea at,  http://bernideensteatime blog.blogspot.com
Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com

Christina for Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Lesly for Create it Thursday at,  http://labertslately.blogspot.com
Jenn for Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson at,  http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Richella for Grace at Home at,  http://impartinggrace.blogspot.com
Pamela for Treasure Hunt Thursday at,  http://myfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com
Sherry for Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://commonground.blogspot.com
Crystal for Ladies Only Blog Share at,  http://mommifried.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Lucy for The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com

Kathryn for Anything BLUE Friday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Jennifer for Fabulously Creative Friday at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.com
Farm Blog Hop at,  http://www.sunnysimplelife.com
Cindy for Show and Tell at,  http://myromantichome.blogspot.com
Holly for Tickled Pink Times two at,  http://504mainbyhollylefevre.blogspot.com
Party Time at,  http://junkingjoe.blogspot.com
Beverly for PINK Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Alama for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Valkommen for Saturday Show Off at,  http://therosegardeninmalevik.blogspot.com
Dolly for Farmgirl Friday at,  http://hibiscushouse.blogspot.com
















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











I will be participating in Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.

FABBY: Cayetana's 7th. Birthday

Hello sweet friends!

Well, today my baby grand Cayetana's 7th. birthday and there was no great celeb as it's on Sunday, so next week when she's back to school she will have a small birthday party. Anyway, she wanted me to feature her in my blog, so I obliged, lol!

We had some time together with Cayetana's other grandparents and I forgot the battery of my camera, so at least here is a mosaic of her til now.

Thank you for visiting her.

Love,
FABBY

Thank you for your visits and your sweet and kind wishes. You always make my day!

I will be joining some parties, so thanking the lovely hostesses for having Cayetana, specially caz she asked me to tell you about her birthday, lol!

Inspiration Monday Party at,  http://ishouldbermoppingthefloor.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Mary for Mosaic Monday at,  http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
Gemma for Monday Mellow Yellows at,  http://mondaymellowyellows.blogspot.com
Our World Tuesday at,  http://ourworldtuesday.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
The SCOOP Link Party at,  http://everydayhomelife.blogspot.com

FABBY: "Back to Normal Tour"

Hello sweet friends!

My house is back to normal after the Christmas Holiday decor which was every where!

I've enjoyed a week where all is clean and now I'm very rested. Although it looks plain and colorless, I still like it, it's as it has grown and there's so much space now all over, specially in the den where the big tree was standing!

Here are some pics of our house clear of the holiday decor.

I loved this raised blue and white Oriental planter I found in the European Antique shop the other day.

I have this lovely blue and white big plant pot for at least fifteen years. Alejandro gave me as a present when I had my half-hysterectomy operation done.

I had a palm plant there that lasted a couple of years than got sick and died...therefore, I found this lovely bouquet of the "lucky bamboo" and bought it yesterday and immediately loved it for the pot!

I do love blue and white, it's very elegant. and it pics up the blue in the vintage artwork that was my Mil's.
All the blue also makes it look Wintery as well.

Vintage English salad bowl.

In this end of the Italian style buffet I always keep displayed the Meissen two tier server, so again, in the European Antique shop I just found this reticulated bowl and small box to match, which I envisioned them together and loved it!

I'm storing some diet sugar in the small porcelain box.

When I saw this bowl I immediately fell for it!

The entrance had the Carolers and lots of C'mas decor.
As you come in there's the foyer to welcome you to the rest of the house.

The flooring is black and white marble.



The den is the part that it's mostly full with the C'mas tree, mantel, tables and even presents under the tree! 
So back to normal it looks neat and clean and serene, just with my Oriental planter as a 'new added blue and white piece.'

A close up of the planter which is raised on a removable pedestal to collect the water that may drip from the pot. The plant looks droopy cause it was just planted.

The formal living room looks plain and colorless, but I'm glad the red and green situation is over!

A view towards the formal dining room and breakfast area.

Here you have it, a small tour of my house 'back to normal' after the Christmas Holiday decor.

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

Thanking the gracious hostesses for having me at their great parties too!

I will be joining:

Kathryn for Anything BLUE Friday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Saturday Sparks at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com

Sally for Blue Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Marty for the 200th.  Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Strut Your Stuff Saturday at,  http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com
Mackensy for Saturday Show and Tell at,  http://cheeriosandlattes.blogspot.com
Mary for Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Bouquet of Talent linky Party at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Cindy for Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dwellingstheheartofyourhome.blogspot.com
Linda for Nifty Thirfty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at our Home at,  http://ourhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com
The Scoop Linky Party at,  http://everydayhomeblog.blogspot.com
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Turn it up Tuesdays at,  http://godsgrowinggarden.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://godsgrowinggarden.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.comWordless
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Terri for Teacup Tuesday at,  http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com
Emily for Create Link Inspire at,  http://naptimecreations.blogspot.com
Debbie for Creative Muster at,  http://adebbiedabblechristmas.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Happy Tuesday at,  http://holidaysattheharrishome.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Party at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Deborah for What we Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com
Party on the Porch at,  http://theshadyporch.blogspot.com
Wednesdays Adorned from Above at,  http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Tickled Pink Times Two at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre.blogspot.com
Tickled Pink Times Two at,  http://whatmeganmakes.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Please Blog Party at,  http://blissfullyeverafter.blogspot.com
























 I will be participating in Metamorphosis Monday at, Between Naps on the Porch.





 

FABBY: Trout Lunch Day

Hello sweet friends!

    I know I mentioned before that my mother comes for lunch and to spend the day with us every Wednesday, therefore, tomorrow is Wednesday... and we will be having trout for lunch, as we have bigger lunches around here, rather than a heavier dinner. Nights are cold so we usually prefer soup and that's all.

There are great trout growing here in Cuenca; all the varieties, but our favorite is the one called "salmon trout" because it's pink like salmon.

Lots of people like to go 'sport fishing' at the lakes in a beautiful national park called "Cajas"where they grow them. I remember when my DD Sofia and her family lived here they often went fishing there and it was fun.

I have a setting for our 'trout lunch' tomorrow and I will accompany it with salad, rice and corn and soup as the antree.

Here is my table for the 'Trout-Lunch.'

Last Saturday I bought the salad bowl, the small bowls and the blue S&P shakers in the form of little fish, at my fav home store for the after C'mas sale they always hold in January.
 
I loved them as I already had the fish salad plates. They were at a great price, $22.50 for all the pieces!

I arranged fresh flowers with lots of yellow in my Portuguese white pitcher Alejandro bought for me on a visit to my daughter Sofia.

I love the salad plates at your left and the new bowls with a fish in it. I used all white dinner plates paired with pewter chargers.

The big salad bowl at your right.

We will have soup in the bowls first, as an entree, since mother loves soup!

My house doesn't look Christmasy anymore...yupii! (I'm exausted from putting it away, though!)

A blue combo of French, German and English elements, on top of a pretty Ecuadorian hand made tray linen.
The teaset is also ready for tea and dessert for after lunch.

Little fish S&P shakers for $2,50 on sale.
The amber stems are Italian.

Thank you for your wonderful comments sweet friends, as you always make my day!

Thanking the gracious hostesses for having me at their great parties!

I will be joining:

What we Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com
Susan for Tablescape Thursday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Ivonne for The SCOOP at,  http://stonegable.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Paula for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Party on the Porch at,  http://theshadyporch.blogspot.com
Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://godsgrowinggarden.blogspot.com
REDNESDAY at,  http://brownginghamcreations.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Adorned from Above Link Party at,  http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Deborah for What We Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com
Sarah for Make, Bake, Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Sandy for Tea with a Lady at,  http://sandymyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Friends Sharing Tea at,  http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Sarah for Homemaking Party at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Natasha for The Climb Blog Hop at,  http://serenityyou.blogspot.com
Terri for Its a Party at,  http://acreativerpincess.blogspot.com
Jann for Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson at,  http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Richella for Grace at Home at,  http://impartinggrace.blogspot.com
Lesly for Create it Thursday at,  http://lambertslately.blogspot.com
Jody and Stan for Simple and Sweet Friday at,  http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://commonground.blogspot.com
Crystal for Ladies Only Blog Share Party at,  http://mommifried.blogspot.com
Holly for Tickled Pink Times Two at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Anything Blue Friday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Saturday Show Off at,  http://therosegardeninmalevik.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
From the Farm Blog hop at,  http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Saturday Sparks Link Party at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Kathy for Bouquet of Talent Linky Party at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
















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