A Birthday Celebration and Some Borrowed Dishes!

My daughter, Kaycie's, "28th" birthday was yesterday and it was time for a celebration!

A, last minute, dinner was decided on the morning of....and not wanting to just use my everyday dishes and being not quite ready to be done with summer, I decided to borrow these gorgeous, floral plates. They've been stacked in my guest room, waiting to be sold :)

https://ny-image2.etsy.com/000/0/5618844/il_fullxfull.343851162.jpg

Kaycie's "little face" was the center, of the table display, along with a "little, touch of glam!"

   "Great Grandma's" crystal and cherished utensils were a reminder that she was with us in heart!

Lighting just was not on my side, but a little "photo shop" helped...any of your photo tips would be 

immensely appreciated, here!

Family images to be cherished....FOREVER!!!

 We missed my oldest and her daughter, my #1 granddaughter....work nights stink! :( 

 Can't believe that no more cake pics were taken...what happened to my assistant?

Oh, he was "pooped" from another long, hard day!

Happy Birthday, Kaycie Leigh!!!

Love, Hugs & Kisses,

Mom 

xoxoxo

Til my next post....

Love & Hugs to you, too! 

JP

Joining these great parties @

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A "Tuscan" Inspired Dinner

~A Tuscan Evening~

Last night's dinner inspired my post for today.....it started with my afternoon fixation with "The Chew," an eggplant lasagna, hunger pains, and what to cook for dinner. So, it was  off to the market I ran!

Since, I didn't pay much attention to the details of the recipe I created one of my own... a little of this and a bit of that and voila...

 w/ Tuscan Eggplant Lasagna

 I received five stars and a lot of appreciation from my 100%  Italian, better half....a real pat on the back to know that my lessons learned from my own "Italian raised" (not born) background

were worth the effort.

The recipe is pretty easy, with a sauce that doesn't take hours to simmer and is absolutely "Delish!"

  Good ingredients are key to my recipe which "I PROMISE" to share....just be patient, follow this post and it will soon appear!!! :)

The recipe is here! 

The Table Decor

I had a "quake," aka "a brain jolt," to set a dinner themed table and my rooster plate was the start to igniting my theme. So, while the eggplant was cooking, I decided and to snap some good pics for this "Tuscan Themed Post."

 Then out came my dishes to add to the setting with some accents of flowers that just make me smile! 

The Centerpiece

  Quick!!!....I had to make a centerpiece! So, I grabbed my new little, "Goodwill" find, the aged, verdigris milk can ( $2.99 I must boast!) my burgandy floral, serving plate, another woven placemat, some candles  and  luckily, some flowers ( a gift from my "Tanya" (TYVM...I love you!) to complete my design.

My "Honey's" Surprise!

 So, home came my man and  he walked in the door, his face filled with pleasure, then he questioned..."What for?" and "What did I forget, now?"...............

"Nothing, Honey....,just a nice little dish, just a little somethin' special for my hardworking and very hungry guy!!!"

xoxoxo mwah!

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Day!

JP

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