Run for the Brandy Beans!

If you are lucky to have a Trader Joe's near you,

go NOW for their Brandy Beans.

Brandy Beans are brandy filled chocolates

and look like, well, beans!

Sometimes you just need a little something

for somewhere so you don't show up empty handed.

At $3.99, they make a great little hostess gift

or even stocking stuffer for that adult

over the age of 21 years of age.

(They are alcoholic folks!)

Trader Joe's are known to run out of these

so I wouldn't put off getting them if you are going to.

So, GO... RUN... NOW for the Brandy Beans!

Fondly,

~Karen

 

Mother's Day Tea with Mom

It's Mother's Day and I thought I'd set a little table

and invite mom to sit down and have a bit of tea!

I've added two more cups just in case my two girls happen to stop by.

Actually, Mom and I will also be joining my children later in the

day to celebrate Mom's Day!

The Menu:

Earl Grey Tea (my favorite!)

Maple Brown Sugar Bundt Cake (Thank you Trader's Joes!)

Fresh Strawberries

Coconut Macaroons that I partially dipped in melted chocolate.

Yum!

If you look just below the tabletop, you will notice this beautiful

hand-embroidered tablecloth.  Hand-embroidered by 

My Mom!

She worked this tablecloth many years ago while she was

pregnant with my younger sister.  

Here is a close up of the butterfly and flowers.  Mom learned as a 

child to embroidery by her grandmother, my great-grandmother.

Here it is on the other side.  Such beauty!  It actually continues all the

way around.  Mom keeps it pressed, hanging, and ready to use!

We will be drinking our tea in these pretty cups and saucers.

I bought eight of these cups and saucers for my mom years ago.

(I bought eight for me too!)  Do any of you recall Mervyn's?  

Mervyn's had a wonderful home section.  They went out of business

and many of their vacant stores became Kohl's.  I miss Mervyn's but I'm so

very happy to have these cups and saucers.  They are actually one

of the few blue things I own.  I just don't have a lot of blue in my 

home.  I was sold on the combination of the pink roses and the rims of gold.

So very pretty! 

I will be happily joining these parties this week:

Cuisine Kathleen's Let's Dish on Wednesday

Susan's Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday

The Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday Mother's Day

And, of course, I'm wishing all of you Mom's out there

a very special and Happy Mother's Day!

Fondly,

~ Karen

Trader Joe's Inspired

I heart Trader Joe's!

Seems everytime I'm at Trader Joe's there is always something

that catches my eye that I hadn't seen before

and just have to try!

I like to keep some quick meals in the freezer for weeknight dinners. 

On a recent visit I came across these:

True Thai - Tom Yam Soup w/Spinach Mushroom Wontons

and

Thai Shrimp Gyoza

Yum!

This dinner inspired me to create my first blog tablescape!

A simple setting for a simple, yet delicious meal.

I'm also of the belief that dinner is far more enjoyable

when served on a tablecloth and pretty dishes!

I'm using Zrike Wildlife luncheon plates on top of

Mikasa Ultima+ dinner plates.  I placed a small glass dish

on top of a short rustic candleholder I purchased at Garrity's.

Light the candles, pour the wine, and in less
than 1/2 an hour, dinner is served!

Resources:
Dinner Plates – Mikasa Ultima+ in Antique White – Home Goods

Luncheon Plates – Zrike Wildlife – Tuesday Morning

Bowls – Can't remember!

Stemware – Princess House

Succulent Arrangement – Gift

Napkins – WalMart

Napkin Rings – Pier One

Candleholder - Garrity's

Small Plate and Votives – Yard Sale

Tablecloth – Mom’s

I will be joining:

Thank you for visiting!

Fondly,

~ Karen