Monday, June 1, 2009

PORCH PARTY & BLUE MONDAY


Hello and welcome to my Southern Belle Porch Party hosted by Rhondi of Rose Colored Glasses. A big Happy Birthday to Rhondi! Thank you so much Rhondi for hosting this fun event!
I'm so glad you joined me today. We are having some rain but hopefully the sun will be out soon. If not we have a nice sheltered porch to relax on. I'll let you stroll through the garden on the way to the porch.



The porch sticking out to the left of this pic, is in the old pre-civil war side of the house, we are in the process of turning that porch into a Florida room. It will have steps, brick walk and a door leading into this picket fenced side of the house.




My beloved peonies are in bloom now and the wild roses in the hills are all in bloom so the scent is heavenly!
Clemetis is also in bloom now and my David Austin roses are just starting to open.

Some flowers just waiting to be planted.
Lets go up on the porch and have some tea or lemonade.
A little Vintage Southern Belle pillow to greet us.


You may sit at the little ice cream palor table if you'd like~~~~~~~
Some sweet little faux pastery party favors made by my daughter Jen of Jen's Petal Palace.

More of Jen's faux pasteries here.

This china pattern I recently found at a Flea Market. I remember my Mother buying this very china pattern when we lived in Newfoundland. I always loved when she used it and don’t know what ever happened to hers. When I saw these plates they just had to come home with me. Now I’m going to have to search the Flea Markets to find other pieces to go with it.

Or you could set at the larger table~~~~~~~~~

We have some tea, pink lemonade, fresh cherries from the market, buttercream frosted cake, pinapple~orange cake (recipe below), Ferrero Rocher chocolate.
These pretty plates I purchased last year on vacation in the Outer Banks. They just had the two plates for sale but just perfect when having my daughter or a friend for lunch.
A pretty Southern Belle joined us at each place setting. These pretty little gals are made by Lenox.


Some pretty party favors.

The pretty peonies are from my garden. They are one of my favorite flowers. Just glimpsing the showy petal is sure to make you smile! The scent is heavenly, kind of like a Ragusa rose.

This pretty tattered and tarnished Vintage Gorham Sterling Silver was recently given to me by husbands Uncle. He found it while cleaning out his cousins estate. Since I love all things vintage, he thought I would like to have it and he was right, so they were spared from the Goodwill Box and have a good home now. LOL The initials are M C and there are some pieces missing but I love them just the same.





A pretty old millinery hat.


Some cozy places to set and relax with a cup of tea.


It looks like the sun is trying to peek through those clouds!
A cozy place to sit and read this wonderful book by illustrated by Susan Rios, my favorite artist. I strive to make my home look like one of her paintings!
Here is my favorite spot to sit and relax with a good book or some needlework. All I need here now is a crystal chandelier for cloudy days and I'm good to go!

The pretty little floral ice cream soda my daughter Jen made for me back in 1983 when she was in floral design school.

A pretty little market bag that I made to take to the market and pic up a few things and of couse flowers!
Speaking of reading a good book, today I’m going to read the last two chapters in this wonderful book, “The Shack” by Wm. Paul Young. If you have not read this book treat yourself to it. The Shack is a beautiful story that is like being on a fellowship with God. It answers the lifelong question of how God comes to find us in the midst of our sorrows, trapped by disappointments, betrayed by our own presumptions. He never leaves us where he finds us, unless we insist!
When I finish reading that wonderful book, (which I hate for it to end) I'm going to get back to this needlework project designed by another great artist Paula Vaughan.
I'll let you stroll around the porch, and do make yourself at home.

Spring is a busy time for me, I still have some flowers waiting to be planted.

A few more books to sit and look at. Sentimental Living from the Porch is just the most beautiful book, a porch for every season.
Another one titled Relaxing on the Porch.



This sign "Cat Nap Inn" does describe our home. Although there were no cats around for these pictures there are nine of them living here. There is a chill in the air so they are inside the cozy cottage! We have a big problem of people tossing cats out in the country and I won't turn away a hungry cat. I feed, bath, take for a check up, have them spayed and nutered, then just love them! There's a little cat door on the porch so they come and go as they please.



As I promised earlier in this post here it the recipe for the yummy Pinapple~Orange Cake. I found this in one of my husbands diabetic magazines. It it light~ not sugar free~ but you can lighten it even more with some of the new Splenda products available today. I now use the Splenda cake mix.

PINEAPPLE ORANGE CAKE
1 Pkg Yellow Cake Mix (I use Splenda cake mix)
1 Can 11 ounce Mandarin Oranges, undrained
4 egg whites
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
TOPPINGS:
1 can 20 ounces crushed pineapple, undrained
1 Pkg. 1 oz/ sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton 8 oz. reduced fat or sugar free whipped topping
In large bowl, beat cake mix, oranges, egg whites and applesauce on low speed
For 2 minutes. Pour into a 13-in. x 9 in. x 2 in. baking dish greased.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 min. Cool on a wire rack.
In a bowl combine pineapple and pudding mix.
Fold in whipped topping just until blended. Spread over cake.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
So that's it for my Southern Belle Tea Party! I hope you enjoyed youself, it was so nice to have you stop by! Your welcome anytime!
BLUE MONDAY
Hello and welcome to my Blue Monday post hosted by Sally of Smiling Sally. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun event!
Today I have my handsome grandson dressed for his High School Graduation. Since he's dressed in blue he's just perfect for Blue Monday. He graduated Friday evening, he's my first born grandson and we are so proud of him. He plans a career in physical therapy. His graduation was beautiful, I was so happy to see that they still had prayers at his gradutaion. I really hate that they are taking prayer of out our everyday life! (My opinion) I showed his prom pics a few weeks back if you'd like to see them just scroll down a few posts.


Thank you so much for stopping by, it has been fun! Have a great week! Now I'm going to sit on my porch and look at some Porch Parties and Blue Monday's.
Bless you, Shirl

54 comments:

SmilingSally said...

I went to my granddaughter's graduation yesterday, and her cap and gown were the same color blue. I didn't take my camera, though! You have a right to be proud of that young man.

I love your porch. Your hostas are so full. How lovely.

Carolyn said...

Your porch looks so cozy and it looks well loved.
I really enjoyed the book The Shack also.
I think I will try a piece of your yummy looking cake please!
Carolyn

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Congratulations to the graduate! The porch is magnificent...the brick walkway and all of those hostas are so inviting and the table set with jadite and those lovely figurines...so much eye candy. It is all just wonderful.

Cass @ That Old House said...

Wow, what a lot to delight the eyes in this post. I love the pictures of your porch, your house -- all your beautiful and gracious-looking things. (Love the Southern Belles!)

So pretty. Your love and care for your home just shines through -- thanks for sharing!
Cass

Pondside said...

The brick walk - the fence and gate - they're perfect! I love your veranda, all ready for the porch party. Your market bag looks to be made from a Laura Ashley fabric. Is it? If so, it's one I've used in the past. Loved it!

Stacey said...

Now that is one beautiful porch. It really looks like a bed and breakfast. You mentioned a chill in the air...that makes it even nicer. Your hostas are unbelievable!!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Shirl! What a beautiful, beautiful porch. I went a little crazy seeing all those quilts! Oh my. I love quilts on the porch, white furniture, little planters filled with flowers flowing over. You have just outdone yourself. I would gladly sit on this porch all summer and NEVER complain! You have a lovely way of decorating, I loved all of it.
Wonderful post!
Have a blessed day!
Debbie

Linda's Blue Gate said...

Oh my...... you really out did yourself..... EVERYTHING is sooooo lovely those party favors are just delightful....... what a MOST gorgeous porch and yard you have.......
HUgs
Linda

Chiki Cottage said...

How very lovely. I just love your porch party!!! It is such a beautiful and cozy place. I really enjoyed my visit. Thanks for inviting me. And thank you for supporting the troops.

Knitty said...

What a charming table you've shown us!

Congratulations to the handsome graduate!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Shirl, Well, I could live on your porch. What a grand porch party you have hosted today. From the beautiful Hostea walk to your porch, and the many wonderful places to sit, it is all a dream place to be.
I love those Victorian garden plates. My grandma had them too and like your mother's, we don't know what happened to them. I have not found any to collect, but I keep an eye out.
Your dining table is filled with yummy treats and the cake recipe sounds wonderful.
Your flowers are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your recent read too. All Jenns confections are divine. You are so talented my friend and your porch reflects your creativity.

Thank you for a most delightful party. It was a joy to view your bit of heaven on earth.
Just lovely!!

Your grandson looks so handsome in his blue cap and gown. Congrats to him. Jenn must be so proud.


Thanks for stopping by.
Love ya, Celestina Marie

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

you have a beautiful yard...love the hostas! and a handsome grandson ...Congrats to him!Happy Blue Monday ~ Susan

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Shirl! I am just in love with all of the wonderful things on your porch... and that table with the goodies and all the pretty china (and pops of PINK!)... it's so lovely. Love all of the vintage things you have used... the rockers, the quilts, the china... it's just lovely, and I'm not a bit surprised.

Congrats to that handsome grandson of yours! I know you must be proud of that fine young man!

Happy Porch Party and Blue Monday! (I'm doing both, too!)

XO,

Sheila :-)

Mary Bergfeld said...

You've certainly made me feel at home. Everything here was simply beautiful. Congratulations to the graduate.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your grandson! Lot's of pretty blue here. Your porch is just lovely. Happy Blue Monday ♥

Unknown said...

Shirl, I have said it and I will say it again, you have the best porch!!! Just stunning! I KNOW it will be in a magazine some day! I love all of your flowers and all the details on the porch! We LOVE that cake in this house!! I make it in the summers.

Congratulations to your adorable grandson! I am so excited for him and your family!!!!!!!

BEAUTIFUL party Shirl!! Just perfect as always, right down to the last detail!

Love you lots and thank you so much for stopping by!
Amy

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

What a truly magical home you live in. I enjoy looking at it so much. Your photo's and descriptions bring it to life.

How right to be proud of your grandson.

Peonies, so lovely and the colour is so pretty.
How lovely to be able to have so many cats, and to be able to help them. Just lovely.

Hugs Carol and GJ xx

Anonymous said...

What can I say, but WOW.

I love everything and those hostas. I only wish mine will look like that someday.

Willow

Barbara Jean said...

OOOH!

I'm a little green with envy over your beautiful porch!!!

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Bertie said...

Shirl, you shouldn't have fussed so much for little ol' me! I'll have a piece of cake please and a little lemonade. You're right, there is a chill. Let me cozy up under that little throw. Ok, wake me in about half an hour....Zzzzzzz

Bertie
Aunt May's Cottage

vickie said...

Happy Pink Saturday, and I love, love your porch, it's just beautiful, very inviting.

Barb said...

Shirl, love it all!!!!! Happy Blue Monday.

Barb

Marina Capano said...

Hi! amazing post! congrats! so so so cute all!
Your porch is so lovely! and you have a many nice things!Congratulations to the handsome graduate!
xoxo

Rhondi said...

H\i Shirl
Everything is so beautiful and elegant and feminine. I'm going to dash home quick and put on a flowery summer dress so I am appropriately attired! You have made your porch so inviting and comfortable. The table you've set looks beautiful. I love everything!!! Thanks for joining the party. I think I'll just stay here for the rest of the day if that's okay with you :)
Hugs, Rhondi

Beverly said...

Shirl, you have put your special touch for creating warmth and beauty in every space. You are amazing.

And, congratulations to your grandson. I know you must be so proud.

Rebecca said...

Wow! What an awesome porch you have. Enjoy some time on your wonderful porch this summer. Hope you can come by and visit my porch.

Back Porch Blessings,
Rebecca

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Enjoyed your post and pictures so much!

Hope you're having a good Monday☺

Lisa said...

Lovely! Very Lovely!
I'm coming right over!
Hugs,Lisa

Rue said...

Oh my goodness Shirl! You are the hostess among all hostesses!! I loved every minute I've been here and every picture. I think you have done a wonderful job of making your home look like one of Susan Rios' paintings :)

Congratulations on your grandson's graduation!!

xo,
rue

Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss said...

Wow Shirl, you really knocked yourself out for this porch party! Your table looks beautiful...so romantic, and all of your linens and quilts really give the porch a very cozy feel. I enjoyed my visit so much!

Connie said...

I have always loved your front porch, sweetpea!
xoxo,
Connie

Pearl said...

Well that was a beautiful party. Am I bad that I ate so much of your cake? It was delicious, your daughters cakes were oh so yummy too. The smell of the flowers the quiet on the porch made me finally drift off to sleep to dream. Some day I will have a porch just like this! Thanks for the dream, Pearl

Margie said...

Wow! What a lovely porch you have! I came here for a (late) *Pink* Saturday, and discovered the porch party!

I love your peonies in this post and the next! Mine are in bloom too, and they do smell divine!

Have a lovely day!
Margie :)

Katie said...

WOW as always! I could move right in!

Congrats on the graduation too again, isn't he so handsome? Jen must be all so puffed up with pride, she should be so proud!

Poppedijne said...

Whow!!! This is th most beautiful porch and porchparty.Everything is so sweetly decorated in pink and white.What a way of living. You must always feel good when you are sitting there.Please join me at my garden party since I have no porch.You are most welcome.

Sherry said...

Congratulations to your handsome Grandson!! My oldest daughter will be graduating this year too, but they don't do it here until the end of June. Weird....I know! I've been in NY for almost 13 years and I still can't get used to everything being so different than Kansas.

Sherry

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Your grandson is so cute! Perfect for Blue Monday! This is the best post yet! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your yard. The size of those hostas are amazing! Only you could make up a porch to look as divine as yours does! I have happily found that every graduation I have been too, even college has prayers. Even my son's graduation for a masters degree had a commencement worship service. There is always hope! I contacted your swap partner. So glad you got it!

Stephanie said...

Wow...what a wonderful home!! I love your porch. Soooo cozy!

I enjoyed your Porch Party!

Congrats on your graduate...you must be sooo proud!

The Pleasures of HOmemaking said...

Your porch is beautiful with so many pretty little details. The table settings are wonderful. I'm most impressed with those gorgeous hostas lining your walkway!

Manuela

Lori said...

Shirl
How beautiful and fun!That's something about your cake you posted the recipe for! For the last two weeks I have been wanting to make a very similar cake that Mom and I used to make, now I'll have too very soon! You've so many pretties out, that I could only wish to have on mine. My porch faces North and when it rains it get soaked and so I am very limited. Slowly I'm getting the yard back to normal, after last years surgery many things became so messy , now its clean up time! Take care dear! Lori

Karen ~Georgia Angel said...

What a beautiful porch you have. I love the pretty southern belles. Thanks for sharing.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Oh Shirl, I waited til today to visit your porch party so that I would have plenty of time to enlarge & pour over each picture! Everything is beautiful, as always! Who but you could have such a glorious Southern Belle porch party!! Your collection of textiles always amazes me. Love the hostas & asparagus fern ~ my granny always had that! Jen's faux food looks beautiful as you have displayed it. Your big table is my absolute favorite. The pink candles, glassware, & plates really do it for me!!

Love you,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Anonymous said...

How very beautiful your porch is. You have so many lovely things, and such a talent for displaying them. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Hugs, Patti

Jennifer said...

Mom your porch party is so pretty.I love all your dishes and everything.Glad you are enjoying all the faux cakes too.I love setting on your porch its so comfortable!Love you,Jen

srp said...

These transported me to another world. How wonderful and cozy and just beautiful. I love the hosta... I've planted some in shade areas here and hope they take hold. This is so detailed... what do you do with all the beautiful touches when it rains.. and blows?

Cindy said...

If I had your address I would be on your porch tomorrow, I have never seen a more cozy, inviting place. Hugs, ~cindy s~

CailinMarie said...

Congratulations to your graduate! He looks very handsome in his cap and gown.
I love the vintage pillow. I have a pillow case from my grandmother's house (though I don't know if she did the handwork or someone else did) that is a very similiar style.

Terry said...

Hi
Happy Blue Monday to you .
I simply don't know where to start there are so many beautiful photos.
So many wonderful things to talk about .
Your Grandson is so handsome.
I love your porch I think I could live on your porch forever:)
The book sounds fantastic .
I have been trying to find a new book to read.
The linens,the flowers,the dishes,the furniture,the weather,where to start ????
So many compliments I am thinking of .
So to sum it all up it is divine and I am very blessed to have stopped by for a visit.
Thank you so much for being the most gracious hostess.
Happy Trails
Hugs

Mary Bergfeld said...

Your garden and porch are just beautiful. Congratulations to the graduate and his family. Have a wonderful day.

Gee said...

What a lovely home you have along with a beautiful porch. Keep up with the good work.

Gee said...

What a beautiful porch and a lovely home you have. Keep up with the good work.

Coloradolady said...

Your Hostas are beautiful. Mine never look like that. Your porch is just amazing. I loved my visit today very much..such pretty pictures. Happy Blue Monday.

Ashley ~ said...

Your home and gardens are beautiful*! Congrats to your grandson*! _Ashley

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

Congrats to you grandson and your porch always beautiful and cozy.. nice table setting!

thanks for sharing & happy Monday