Monday, March 5, 2012

SWEETS AND A GIVEAWAY!

We had company for dinner Thursday which I mentioned in my last post. As usual, I was running to the store for flowers and wine at the last minute, but I made one of those spiral hams that only needs to be heated through. I made spicy chicken wings and a taco dip for appetizers and along with the ham we had mashed potatoes, corn, roasted vegetables, salad, baked beans and bread. And I made this devil's food cake with dark chocolate frosting for dessert. I'm not good with cake decorating but I did cut out some stars with a cookie cutter from the tops of the cakes and placed them on top. They mysteriously disappeared before I served it!
Yesterday morning I made crepes for breakfast. Believe it or not, I learned how to make these in the 8th grade! Of course I don't have the recipe anymore, so I used one by Alton Brown of the Food Network. It takes a little practice, but after your first try flipping the crepe, you will feel like an expert.
Stack them up and keep warm while you make them. I doubled the recipe and made eight. Meanwhile, heat up about 1 1/2 cups of apple sauce in the microwave. Layer two crepes and spread about 3 tablespoons of applesauce on the crepes and roll up. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Very easy and very filling.
I gave up shopping online for Lent and I have really held to it. Just before, however, I saw a table runner that BJ from Sweet Nothings had bought from a blogger's shop and I fell in LOVE! I got in touch with Sonya, who makes these beauties and gave her the measurements of my table and before I knew it, it was here.
Isn't it beautiful? I put it on the table in the family room as I seriously worry about anyone eating near it!! ;-D
You can check out more wonderful creations at Sonya's blog, Beyond The Screen Door. She is such a sweet lady. My order came fast and packed just perfectly.
Saturday, The Husband and I went off to the mall in a nearby suburb. I mentioned in my Beauty 101 post that I'd like to have a giveaway with some beauty products. I was going to do a follow up post on body lotions and potions, but was so excited to have the giveaway now. I went to Sephora in the mall and picked up some goodies!
I noticed from the comments that so many of you use Bare Minerals, so I found a package of some of their cosmetics {the box on the right}. It includes a cheek tint, eyeshadow, eye liner shadow, lip gloss and 2 brushes.

The second box is from Smashbox, my personal favorite. It includes foundation, concealer, foundation primer and powder.

The lucky winner will receive BOTH packages! You can comment on this post and my next post and for an extra chance, mention the giveaway in one of your posts, or include the above picture with the info. You must be a follower of my blog to win. Very simple. The winner will be announced in about a week. Good luck!

That's all I have for today. I am joining in with Marty for Table Top Tuesday. Remember to visit Sonya if you want a cute table top for yourself! See ya! :-)

97 comments:

Kathy@ Gone North said...

Ooh... Very fun give-away...
Your crepes look divine. I was just saying that I do not like pancakes, so I make mine thin.. crepe-like...
Now I am off to look for that fun table runner. Thanks for the suggestion.

Theresa said...

Yummy post:) I know that everyone enjoyed their delicious meals! AND that table runner is AWESOME! Thank you for hosting the giveaway, I hope I win! HUGS!

Unknown said...

Hmmmmmmm - crepes, cake ..... yummy-yum!!!

Hugs
Tine

Sue said...

I think your cake looks wonderful. I'm on a chocolate craving binge, which I did give into on Saturday (you can see my chocolate picture on today's post). Your menu sounds really good. I don't cook ham very often because the salt gets to me in my "old age" but nothing smells or tastes better!

I love that runner. I may have to check out her stuff.

The giveaway looks great! Please count me in!

Lori said...

I have never made crepes but always loved how they look with fresh fruit ~ yummy!! That cake looks delish too ~ the stars looked like brownies ~ always a fav. Good for you for giving up something you love so much for lent! Throw my name in the hat for the giveaway. Happy Monday Janie. xo

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

The chocolate cake looks wonderful! I haven't made crepes or awhile either. However I do have a new crepe pan so there is no excuse!

The burlap runner is beautiful too!

Susie said...

Jane, I really like the looks of the cake. Nice table runner too. Smiles ,Susie(She Junks)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You can't go wrong with that title, Jane! Fun giveaway! I like the Bare Minerals, too. I haven't done crepes in years ~ probably since 8th grade Home Ec! Yours look delicious.

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

First off, I hate that I missed dinner the other night. YUM! Also, what a great give-a-way, and so generous of you. I love the mineral make up. That is the only foundation and powder type make-up that I use anymore. Count me in, and call before you serve a dinner like that again??? LOL, have a great week!

Anonymous said...

now thats a terrific give away!!!

your table runner is really lovely, so simply perfect!

Olive said...

The cake and crepes look wonderful. I would have gone for the stars too. That is an awesome giveaway. I follow of course.

Bliss said...

I'm wondering if a crepe and a blintz are the same thing? In Vegas one time I had a banana cream cheese crepe. I'll just say YUM and I forgot till now I wanted to come home and make them. I'll use Alton's recipe because I want to feel like a pro too!

~Bliss~

Josie said...

What a really cool giveaway! Please count me in :)

Debby said...

Oh what a good giveaway. I need alot of help. I didn't know that you ould buy the bare minerals in a store. I thought they had to be ordered online.
That dessert looks yummy.
I have a table runner similar that I won from a blog. Mine has lace instead of a ruffle....I love it.
Have a good week.

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane, love that the stars mysteriously disappeared. I hate when that happens..hahaha.

Love the giveaway and the new runner. And the crepes...they don't get more professionally looking than that.
Now I'm off to check out the site for that darling runner.
Enjoy your day.
Maryrose
(formally of My World and Welcome to It...tee hee)

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Dinner sounded so good Jane and that chocolate cake looks YUMMY! Love your new table runner! Have a great week!

NanaDiana said...

I don't often sign up for giveaways but you had me at Bare Minerals and I have never tried Smashbox. Sign me up. Sooooo..where DID those stars go? WHO was responsible for THAT theft? xo Diana

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Hi! Thanks so much for mentioning my blog shop and the runner. I'm so glad you're pleased. Sounds like you fixed a delicious dinner! Chocolate cake is always a favorite around here. Count me in on the giveaway! Thanks for a chance to win.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie, wow, that food all looks and sounds delish!... I want to eat at your house!... how smart you are knowing how to make crepes, I have never ever tried them... and that choc cake looks too yummy! (did YOU eat the stars???)... your new table runner is just beautiful... well, I have not given up shopping online so I have been a naughty girl... it's just so darn easy (and fun) to sit in your jammies with a cup of coffee and shop any hour of the day, then wait for the UPS guys to come to the door!... please no not enter me in your giveaway... those look great, but because of my allergies I would not be able to use them... don't want to take that chance away from someone else winning... good luck to everyone!... xoxo Julie Marie

throuthehaze said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

That looks so yummy. I love this giveaway, a girl could always use some new makeup.

Please enter me & I posted your nice giveaway on my sidebar.

lovely day,
Sue

KTW said...

What a terrific giveaway! :) I've never bought 'good' makeup...only had the occasional present from a friend of something Estee Lauder or Arden, etc. I've always been a Cover Girl and Almay kind of girl. But I'm sure willing to try something new and amazing! :)

Your post has also made me very hungry. The cake looks LUSCIOUS and the crepes look quite tasty, too! And what an adorable table runner! :)

Paula@SweetPea said...

Your dinner menu sounds really good and that cake looks super yummy. I'm not surprised that the star decorations mysteriously disappeared.

Hosting a giveaway is always fun. Someone is going to be happy to win your two makeup treats. I hope it is me!

shannon i olson said...

never tried either product but would love to! please enter me. I only made crepes once...and yep the table runner is divine!!

Suburban prep said...

WOW. The sweets look way too good. Crepes Yum.

The runner is perfect for every event.

April said...

I love this giveaway, so please count me in! I have never tried Bare Minerals or Smashbox makeup and would love the opportunity to give them a whirl! I am, and will continue to be, a faithful follower of yours!

You are talking my kind of language with that yummy chocolate cake...that's all I would have needed to make me happy! Love your pretty table runner, too!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I absolutely love the runner! and your cake looks wonderful, good job.

Lynn said...

The crepes look great Jane, I have a pan but never tried to make them. And I love your new runner:@)

Made In The South said...

Thank you! I am hosting a girls weekend and those crepes would be perfect to serve. Now to get mine to come out half as good.
Do ya think you could fly down and cook them for me this weekend? LOL
Have a great week,
Melissa

P.S. What a great give away, that is a beautiful table runner ~

bj said...

OOO, what a great giveaway. Sooo cool.

I love crepes so much. They are always perfect for breakfast. I need to buy some applesauce and make yours. :))

You table runner looks amazing...I love mine to pieces and like you, if anyone carrying food even LOOKS at it, I holler at them. :))
xoxo bj

Deborah said...

I've never made crepes Jane but you make it sound so easy and they look delicious!
The cake looks good too..obviously someone thought so...they ate your decor right off the top..lol!
The table runner is so pretty...and I've seen the minerals make-up and was curious about it, but I've never bought any yet.
I'd love to enter your giveaway Jane..thanks for hosting one.
Have a great week!

Deborah xo

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
I love this giveaway, so please count me in! I love your delicious crepes look so Yummy. I hope you have a wonderful week with your family.
XXOO Diane

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
We girls love our makeup, so what a great giveaway! Count me in!!!
xoxo
Me

LuLu Kellogg said...

The crepes look delish!!

What a generous Giveaway!! Please stick my name in the hat!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Marigene said...

Your menu sounds delicious...and those crepes are making me salivate!
Have a great week, Jane.

Vicki said...

Hi, Jane! Love that runner and those crepes look so yummy!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Such a pretty table topper! And the cake looks fantastic. I have never made crepes...
Brenda

Low Tide High Style said...

You host the yummiest dinner parties I swear! And your table runner is beautiful! What a wonderful giveaway, thanks for the chance to win!

Kat :)

Sonia said...

Oh your menu sounds delicious...that cake looks delicious too! Love your new runner...burlap with that nice big ruffle is just beautiful!
Hope you are having a great week!
Miss Bloomers

Sarah said...

Jane, I want to come to your house for my meals. All I had tonight was a baked sweet potato. Not very creative!
Can't believe you made crepes for breakfast. Wow!
Love the new table runner. I should order one for us.
~ Sarah

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Such a lovely meal you prepared for your guests. I love having company.

Thanks for the give.away to make us more beautiful.

Fondly,
Glenda

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Hi Jane,
Your crepes look delicious. I have never tried to make them. And that table runner is gorgeous. I love your giveaway. I tend to use the same things all the time so I need to get out of the makeup rut!

Donna said...

I am totally drooling over all of your yummy treats, Jane! The cake looks delicious! I love crepes, too, though I've never tried making them. And your runner is just gorgeous! Love that sweet ruffle. I would love to be entered into your generous giveaway, I've never tried any of those cosmetics, thanks for the chance:)

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Helloooooo! I am amazed at your crepe finesse. I have never made or tried to make them. They look so yumptious! Lovely table runner too. I always feel warm and cozy when I stop by for a visit. Thank you for that!

P.S. I wanted to comment, but please don't enter me in your giveaway - hope that doesn't mess you up too much. Remember your Pottery Barn giveaway? We finally got my daughter's room painted and used the duvet I bought for her from that gift card! Thank you again!

Pondside said...

Crepes - so French, so yummy!
I love the table runner - perfect with your new decor.
Please enter me in the draw. Your Beauty 101 post inspired me to get a Facial and I am going to have to start being a grown up and experiment with makeup. If you were nearby I'd ask you to go to Sephora with me on a 'field trip'!

Honey at 2805 said...

I want to have dinner at your house!

It's been ages since I made crepes, and they are easy and fun to make. I like to flambe them.

The table runner is fabulous!

I love makeup! Hope you will count me in. I am a follower and you are priceless!

Honey at 2805 said...

I posted you giveaway on my sidebar!

Susan Shull said...

Jane-I love that tablerunner! So cute. Your dinner menu sounds yummy and so do the crepes. Can't wait to hear how you like the bare minerals! Do you generally wear smashbox eye shadows? I'm not going to have time to write a post today, but I will try to mention your giveaway when I post tomorrow. Have a great day! We are going to Harrisburg to help with tornado cleanup.Say a prayer I can keep up!

Jo said...

Good morning ~

I'm free any night for dinner :) It all sounds sooo goood! We are having friends over Friday night so I'm looking for something yummy and quick to make.

Good thing I didn't give up shopping for Lent because I really *need* one of those table runners in my home asap.

Fun giveaway! I'm always looking for something new when the seasons changes ~ you have perfect timing! :)

Have a great day ~
Jo

Decor To Adore said...

Jane my cash poor college daughter was just saying she was out of her mineral makeup yesterday!

My fingers are crossed tightly. :)

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Your are the hostess with the mostess!

That cake is gorgeous and beyond!

S
xo

Debbie said...

What a beautiful table runner, Jane!
and so perfect for your home.
Those crepes look yummy...as did that cake.
Enjoy your week.
xxoo

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Oh my! Those crepes look so delish! I haven't thought of making them from scratch. I must try that.
I'm having a giveaway too! Come check it out!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Howdy Miss Jane! I read your post and I'm going to the kitchen to make some crepes! Yummy. Hahahaha your post looks so good, I realized I need to quit blogging and start cooking! I love to blog...but people do need to eat around here! Yay. And I love that table runner. I am crazy over table runners, and yours is wonderful.
Have a blessed day sweet one!
Debbie

Penny said...

What a great giveaway Jane. I would have loved to be at your dinner party.

Ruth @ White Whimsy said...

What a great giveaway, please enter me. Oh, and I love your new table runner. Gorgeous!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Fabulous giveaway, and the crepes look soooooooooo good. Could you plese pass me some. Yum. The runner is beautiful. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Hi Jane! Great dinner! Your cake looks YUM-O! Good thing you got a picture of it before the decorations started disappearing... :)

Awesome giveaway too!!

Hope you have a great week!

~Liz

xinex said...

What a great giveaway, Janie. Good luck to me, lol! I love your table runner and that cake looks so pretty and scrumptious. The crepes look so nice too....Christine

Unknown said...

They look wonderful! Thanks for sharing,please follow me back I lost my other blog and had to start over joann

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Ok those crepes look amazing! You really are a wonderful cook my dear.
And the give-away...perfect...I want to win so bad!
It's 62 degrees and sunny here today!
I had a great time in Phoenix but it went by too quickly.
Hugs,
Cindy

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Yes, it's beautiful! I saw that bj had one too and thought they were so nice.
Your crepe's look wonderful. I love mine filled with cherries...

Leslie said...

I love the cake, crepes and I really really love the runner!!!! We have the.same dining furniture. I like how you have hour table round...i think that I may do that to mine.
Woohooo...a make up give away. Count me in. Thanks for hosting such a nice contest.

podso said...

I think your cake is beautiful! How creative with the stars...but I guess they are very tempting there perched on the top -- a little pre-cake snack!

Melanie said...

Crepes...mmm. Just this past week, I had spinach, bacon & egg crepes at my favorite breakfast place in a nearby town.

Great giveaway...I've never one a giveway before (sniff, sniff, lol) and I love makeup! :-)

blogginbaby said...

Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! Your crepes are making me hungry.

I enjoy your blog!

Sharon
slw_kerr@yahoo.com

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

I just love crepes... yours look so light and YUMMY!
Great giveaway! I could use a little makeover!
Thanks for your warm "welcome back".
xo Yvonne

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Great giveaway. Jane!
Oh I hope to win these goodies.
I sure could use them. You know I am a follower!
Love ya!
xoxox
A

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Your crepes look so yummy, Jane! Mine always seem to have an ugly side! lol Love the runner! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Lynne said...

This post is PACKED with yumminess, prettiness, and pure graciousness!
What a lovely give a way!
~Lynne
[w/L]

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

such a clever idea using the cake top Jane....love it! I haven't made crepes in forever & like you I learned in the 7th or 8th grade in home ec class....I think I might need to revisit the past & try making some again!

Kelly said...

I've never made crepes before. I guess I would need a special pan to make them. They sure do look good. Your table runner is very pretty. I would feel the same way about not wanting anything to get on it! Please enter me in your fun giveaway too. I am a follower of your blog.

Privet and Holly said...

Hi Jane! I tried to
comment on your
make up post on
my i-pad, but the
comment box would
not pop up! Now that
I am back on my computer,
I thought I would stop
back to say how much
I enjoyed reading it, as
well as the comments : )

Your cake looks delicious.
No one went home hungry
that night, for sure!

Happy Wednesday,
xx Suzanne

Jen Beaudet said...

Your dinner sounds great and your cake looks so yummy! What great items you chose for your giveaway! I'm actually just about to go on Sephora.com right now and order more Halo! I've run out of everything!! Thanks so much for your comments; I'm already working on more:) Have a great rest of your week!
Jenniferxx

Barb said...

Hi Janie, I love the cake and all your goodies. Yummy. The spiral hams are so delicious, aren't they?

The runner is darling.

Smashbox is my favorite makeup! I just ordered a new kit from QVC. They make the best mascara in the world.

So good to hear from you again.

Have a blessed day. My porch is now clean....wish you could share a cup of tea with me. ♥

xoBarb

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Jane!

I wish we had friends to invite over for dinner... I really need to work on making some friends in this new place we now call home.

I also admired BJ's runner from Sonya... she does make beautiful things. I need to take another look at what she is up to.

How sweet of you to have the PERFECT giveaway for ME! I hope it has some heavy duty concealer to cover up this big black eye. (I shared about it today) I'm a scary site for sore eyes... pun intended!

You didn't mention if you wanted separate comments so I will just itemize here: 1) I am commenting here (and tomorrow if I don't forget), 2) I have followed FOREVER and 3) I will post about your giveaway tomorrow (I also have a giveaway going on)

xoxo Bunny Jean

momto8 said...

wow..I would love to win bare minerals...i am still buying $1 store make up!
Your crepes look fabulous!! My one daughter made them once for extra credit in French class!

Deserae said...

That chocolate cakes looks soooooo delicious!!!! Love your table runner too :o)
~Des

Jacqueline said...

The cake looks fabulous! I can't imagine why the stars would have disappeared!!!! Your runner is just gorgeous. I wouldn't want anyone getting food on it either!

I am so excited about your giveaway! Yes, enter me! I love it when people require people to be followers, because lots of times I am not official and I find that out - so now I am official!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Love that runner Jane, so pretty!!! And ofcourse you can take my spring mantel idea or anything for that matter anytime :)
XOXO
Kristin

Unknown said...

thanks for the giveaway. your crepes look yummy
rjs682 at yahoo dot com

Gypsy Heart said...

Wow! Girl, you could have fed the Lord's masses with all that food. It sounds delish and the cake is divine! I used to make crepes all the time ~ thanks for the reminder.

I'd LOVE to win the giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity!

xo
Pat
P.S. Sonja does such wonderful work doesn't she? I have a gorgeous pillow she made.

Heaven's Walk said...

Wooo hooo! Beauty yumminess! Thanks for the great giveaway, Jane! Count me in, sweetie!

Now....I have to go find something chocolate to eat. Your cake made me salivate.... :)

xoxo laurie

An Oasis in the Desert said...

You are such a sweetie, Jane, for this wonderful give-away. And, your dinner sounded delish!
CAS

Anonymous said...

Jane, I left my comment, for this on last week's post. That's okay, I'm alright, LOL!

Anyhoo...I loved seeing the crepes!

The runner is beautiful!

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

This is an AWESOME giveaway! The only way it could get better is if you threw in some of that cake...oh, and how about ham and mashed potatoes (giggle). I am a follower and always enjoy your posts. Of course, a giveaway post like this is my fav. Have a great weekend!

Debbiedoos said...

Oh boy those crepes looked seriously delish. Nice giveaway Jane!

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to make crepes, but flipping them has scared me. I mean I messed up flipping pancakes today! I usually buy crepes, but yours look really good!

Maggie said...

Have been a bit under the weather these past couple of days and only getting around to catching up with everyone.
I love making crepes/pancakes.The SP eats them as quickly as I make them!
I would love to be entered in your giveaway if you're including non US bloggers.
You know that I've been following you for ages, right? LOL.

June said...

Hi Jane! I was reading some of your posts that I have missed and of course had to come back to this one to enter your giveaway.
I then read the post today...and seriously...as soon as I leave this message for you I am making those cookies. You made me so hungry with your last posts. The crepes are divine!

I love the moss covered numbers so much!!!
hugs from here...

helen tilston said...

Hello Blondie

Thank you for visiting and following my blog.

I love your table runner and the cookies, well, I will not make them, they would just prove too tempting.
Hope you find corned beef.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Helen xx

Stephanie Ann said...

ive never had crepes before but they look really good! thanks for the giveaway!

stefanie.gladden@gmail.com

Karena said...

Oh Jane a great Giveaway. I am ready for a springtime makeup makeover. This would be so perfect!! Thank you for the offering!

By the way I adore your new table runner. I will visit her shop!

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Something Nice and Pretty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Something Nice and Pretty said...

Your crepes look so very good, you are such a chef:)
Love your runner too!
Fantastic giveaway, I'm a Bare Minerals girl and would love to try the Smashbox!
Have a great week ahead!
Rondell

Tricia said...

The cakes and the crepes both look so good, I've had a terrible sweet tooth lately. What a great giveaway :)

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Oh my gosh I love Bare Minerals. Count me in!

Hugs,
Judy