A LA CARTE

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

STILL LOVING THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

I went to change my tablescape this week but

I wasn't ready to let go of the red, white & blue

Here is another tablescape using again all thrifted/yard sale items and a different take on red, white & blue

I found these cute cherry plates awhile back and knew

they would go with this quilted table runner

Wit cherry applique's

First the cherry plates, then a soft blue salad plate

topped with a dark blue desert dish

I filled them with sparkley cherries from Pier 1

found at a thrift for $1 for a full box

Water pitcher with cherries on it

Water goblets in the same design as the desert dish

Red napkins and Red handled silverware

Red Petunias for some additional color

A couple of red votive candles

Ready for some lunch?

I'm joining the Fabulous Susan at

Between Naps on the Porch

I hope you will check at Susan's and enjoy some fantastic tablescapes each and every week.

Always,

Linda

A GATHERING OF WHITES

It's Time for White Wednesday over at FADED CHARM

Here are some recent yard sale and thrifting finds

I found these two bird cages at a yard sale for a total of $2

Can't decide what I want to do with them yet!

I found this teapot at the Thrift on 1/2 price day

Cute detail on the lid

My friend Terri loves Hummingbirds and I gave this to her

This egg coddler was at a Thrift store I go too occassionally

Such a sweet design

Last but not least this little vase

for $1

Southern Living at HOME!

Hope you check out all the other posts over at Faded Charm!

Always,

Linda

Monday, July 5, 2010

TRIVIA AND THRIFTING...

I have tomatoes!

Yes...I know they are green

Yes...I know they are small

BUT

I have tomatoes!

These are Grape Tomatoes

Every so often, a new variety of fruit or vegetable becomes an overnight sensation. Such is the case with the hybrid strain called a grape tomato. Originally introduced as an exotic item in upscale grocery stores, the grape tomato has become extremely popular for both produce growers and customers alike. Producers benefit from the grape tomato's hearty skin and high yield per plant, while customers enjoy the enhanced sweetness and convenient size.
The original tomato plants found in South America produced fruit not much larger than plums. The larger and heartier varieties of tomatoes favored by consumers were the result of cross-breeding and other hybrid growing techniques. A demand for smaller tomatoes resulted in the development of the 'cherry' tomato, which became a popular item for snacking and salads.
As the years rolled by and consumer preferences changed, the cherry tomato began to lose its appeal. Its thin skin and high water content made shipping difficult, and many consumers were not impressed with its variable flavor. Meanwhile, a new strain of tomato was created in Southeast Asia which combined the thicker skin of the beefsteak-style tomato with the size and flavor of the Italian Roma tomato. The result was a first generation hybrid fruit with a thick skin, low water content and an intense sweetness. Because it resembled an olive or grape, this new variety became known as a grape tomato.

A grape tomato is half the size of a cherry tomato, which makes it easier to distribute in salads and eat as a snack. The lower water content cuts down on the 'squirt' factor experienced by many cherry tomato eaters. The flavor of a grape tomato is noticeably sweeter than a Roma or cherry tomato. Some bars in Asia offer customers bowls of grape tomatoes instead of the usual salted peanuts.
Info from WiseGeek.com

The Grape Tomato is go yummy to just pop in your mouth and eat!
My Mom really loves this variety. So I hope they turn red and I will let you know when I eat the first one!

I found this really cool wooden planter box

at the thrift on 1/2 price day so it was $4.50

As you can see it need some spiffing up

I want to paint it so I'm asking all you

crafty gals to help me. What kind of paint and what color?

I was thinking a dark green? It will be outdoor on the deck

The flowers are in a pot and just sitting in the top part
of the planter

I am joining in these parties this week

Troy at I REFUSE TO RECEDE

Linda at Coastal Charm

Diane at A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words

Always,
Linda

Sunday, July 4, 2010

FLAMINGOS AND THE 4TH OF JULY

The Party was a blast!

I had fun and enjoyed time spent with friends and family

On the gate

Welcome!

My Cabin in the woods! I wish!!

This wonderful log cabin home belongs to my friends

Dennis & Terri

Tables ready on the deck

Decorations! We had Flamingo's everywhere!

Once guests arrived I got busy and took very few photos

I did not get a photo of the amazing food!

It was just yummy and wonderful. Lots of 2nd helpings were had!

My children

Ashleigh in red bandana, Blake(SIL married to Sara) and blue tshirt Sara

My wonderful son(in law) Blake, notice the Flamingo in the yard behind him? Yep my Flamingo came to the party!

My friend Dennis who cooked the most amazing pork butts!

He and Terri made the most wonderful meal!

Terri managed to avoid my camera!

I had two of these Margarita's

They were wonderful but two in one evening was enough!

Enjoying the last moments of the evening

(that is Terri in the chair at the table)

Thanks everyone! Ya'll come back now!

Hope Everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!!

Always,

Linda

Friday, July 2, 2010

$4 YARD SALE FINDS

I am busy today getting ready for a big Party tomorrow

My friend Terri and I are throwing a summer Birthday Bash

I'm celebrating turning 60 and Terri is celebrating turning 50

I will have pictures next week!

Hint: Lots of Flamingo's!!

Today running last minute errands for the party I passed one yard sale sign and said oh why not, my only chance to yard sale this week. It was a small sale and lots of junk and all very dirty.