Wednesday, April 3, 2013

A TRIFLE LATE ON EASTER

Hello!  It looks like we are back to our regular routine again...wishing and waiting for spring.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  All that preparation and it's over in a blink of the eye.  First off, did you notice my new blog design?  I had been toying with the idea for awhile and Friday night I decided to bite the bullet.  So here it is, courtesy of Sara at Sadie Olive.  I told her what I wanted in great detail and she had it up and running for me yesterday.  She did an excellent job!  If you ever need any design work, you have to contact her.

An update on Emily/Mike news.  They moved into their new home on Friday and worked all weekend unpacking, painting and getting rooms in order.  Emily wasted no time in getting their bedroom outfitted and cozy.  The bathroom across the hall is just gorgeous and her kitchen is well stocked with all the great gifts she received from her shower.  The Husband and I went out on Saturday morning and did a grocery shopping for them as a little present.  They are so thrilled. She told me, "Mom, it was so awesome to get up Monday morning for work, take a shower, make a cup of coffee and get ready in my own bathroom!".  It really is those little things that matter.  She asked me if I was happy or sad that she was gone now...how could she even question that?  I guess she hasn't read my last post where I was sobbing on all of your shoulders over losing my girl!  But she is SO happy and I am, too.  I'm going over there tonight to look at some of the recent changes.


I liked the way my table turned out.  I can't for the life of me remember where I got the salad plates from but the glasses are from Pier 1 and I used my every day flatware.  The kids took a stand against my antique silver plate until I shine it up.  They don't share that awe we have in wondering who used it way back when!
These are the appetizers, Buffalo Chicken Cups.  They were a big hit.  They are made in won ton wrappers and very simple to throw together.
And finally, my trifle.  I received the dish as a gift over 15 years ago and I did nothing more than display fruit in it.  This trifle consists of layers of angel food cake, strawberries, vanilla pudding and whipped cream.  It was so delicious and simple, I will definitely make it again. 
I totally vegged out on Monday and then yesterday I met Melanie from Comfy House at the Cheesecake Factory out in the burbs.  In spite of my getting lost and ending up 15 miles past the restaurant near O'Hare airport, Melanie was very forgiving and we had a nice long lunch and never stopped talking!  She is incredibly nice and bubbly and since we have been emailing back and forth for months, we were like old friends.  I can't wait to get together again.

The next few days are going to be slow and relaxing.  I am going to hang some new curtains in the kitchen and paint some shelves for the bathroom.  And no, I haven't arranged those darn cookbooks yet, but at least I'll have something to share in my next post.  So off I go.  I hope all of you are having a great week, we have had so much sun lately, it actually looks like spring weather is on the way.  Yay!

XO,
Jane

52 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Oh-It looks like you had fun meeting Melanie even if you were late!

I remember when my oldest daughter moved into her own place for the first time. It was so bittersweet-and now her three little girls sleep her sometimes instead.

Your Easter meal sounds delicious-even if you did eat dessert first!;>) xo Diana

Olive said...

I love trifles. They are easy and look lovely-just like yours. I want to do one with kiwi and strawberries.
Your lunch sounds lovely. Ours was way simple but good. It is so great to meet fellow bloggers. xo, Olive

Deborah said...

Oh it is looking so lovely over here Jne!
Gorgeous job!
Aww your little darlin...I know you are overjoyed for her, but I get it...you have a momma's heart. I know you will miss her being there with you. A new season in everyone's life..thats exciting!
Sending you love & hugs...oh and how great that you've met up with your friend!
Thats so fun!
Hugs!

All my heart,
Deborah xo

Terra said...

I know you are happy and yet a bit sad, but mostly happy, I imagine, for your daughter.
I copied the buffalo chicken recipe, it sounds delicious.

Susie said...

Blondie, You seem very busy. I know you miss your daughter...mine have been gone from home forever and I still miss them. Your table looked wonderful. The dessert sounds so easy but looks like it took much work. xoxo,Susie

Unknown said...

Your menu sounds delish!!! Beautiful trifle. I love those. We ate TOO much Easter, but it was good. Had the family here and had a really good time. Blake was home, so both grandchildren were here. So nice.

Have a great 'rest of the week'!!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Your new design is pretty - and the best part I can comment easily again from my iPad :-)
I'm glad you had a nice Easter.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Glad you had a great Easter, Janie. Loved what you served and such a pretty table, too.

And the new blog dress is very snappy, and I can see where to comment!!! It works for IPad users. YEA! :-)

So glad you got to lunch with a bloggy friend. I keep hoping that you will get down this way and that we can meet. One day. Becky from Timewashed is coming over on Saturday so we are hooking up in St. Augustine. I haven't seen her in ages so this should be good.

Love coming your way...

XO,

Sheila

Sarah said...

Jane, like the new look. Thanks for sharing the pretty Easter table. '-)

Beth said...

I love trifles. You made a beautiful presentation in the lovely dish.

Anonymous said...

your table looks beautiful! I love the salad plates, its funny because my children do not like me using our good silver wear either,lol,
Such a lovely photo of your daughter and husband , gosh she is so cute!
It must be so exciting to meet a fellow blogger, you too look wonderful!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I'm glad you had a happy Easter! Your family is so lucky that you are such a great cook/baker. Seems like you are always whipping up something yummy!
I love your new blog design! It looks wonderful!

Traci said...

That trifle looks so good!!! I had to laugh at you ironing. We were at my inlaws Sunday but Saturday night I had a friend come over at 8:00 to iron her placemats. She recently moved & threw her old ironing board away & hadn't gotten around to buying a new one.

stefanie said...

looks like you had a wonderful time!!!! and it looks yummi!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

How wonderful to meet another nearby blogger Jane!
Can't wait till summer, so we can get together again.
The trifle...omg, absolutely gorgeous!
Your table..the same, so very pretty!
Love the napkins...really love them.
Your daughter she is lucky to have you as her Mama!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

Sonia said...

Yummy! That desert looks amazing! I love your sweet Easter table...just making the rounds before I leave for Florida!
Miss Bloomers

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, oh the dessert looks so good.....love your Easter table, how perfect....Great you meet a blogging buddy, neat....Glad all is well, Blessings Francine.

Lynn said...

Sounds like you had a fun Easter Jane! Those Buffalo Chicken Cups are calling my name-yum! We've had the sun, just waiting for a little warmth to go with it:@)

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Your meal looked wonderful, Jane! And those young sweethearts look so happy -- there really is nothing like your very first home, well, unless it's your first baby, or the second or........lol! Glad you had a wonderful day!

Stacey said...

Girl your Easter dinner was quite impressive! That's a lot for one person to cook. Wow!

Glad you got to meet a blogging friend. I never did get around to that in OK and want to make sure and do it here in Texas...there are several of us in the Dallas area.

Unknown said...

I love, love, love your new blog design! Conragulations to your daughter on getting her first home! Your Easter meal looked delicious. :) I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!

Balisha said...

I love your table setting with the bunny and those beautiful dishes and napkins. The trifle looks amazing. My family would love that dessert...I'll have to hunt for a deep dish like yours.
Doesn't it make you and your husband happy that your daughter is so ready to be on her own? You did a great job raising her.You should be proud.
Balisha

Lori said...

Love the new look ~ so crisp and clean Jane! Easter sounds like it was a hit all around ~ we had snow flurries here today and COLD! They are calling for nicer weather the next couple of days so that makes me happy. Enjoy the rest of the week. xo

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie... darling photo of Emily and Mike... so glad they love their new home!... sounds like your Easter was delightful, your trifle looks delish!... also love your Rose Chintz salad plates!... and the pic of you is so pretty!... how fun to meet a fellow blogger... your new blog design looks great!... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
It's always great to catch up on your latest family news. I just know that your daughter's new home is so pretty and that she has wonderful taste just like her Mom.

Glad you got to meet another blogger bud...you both look so cute.

hugs
Sissie

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, You have been busy and I know Emily's new house will look really great. I remember a lot of years ago when my parents gave us a basket of groceries such as flour, salt, sugar, just to name a few. It is something a lot of people don't think about. Enjoyed your post and catching up with you. Have a wonderful week. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Privet and Holly said...

As we get ready to
send our firstborn from
the nest this fall, I can
feel your happiness and
sadness about your
daughter moving out.
Happy for them, as this
is what we raised them
to be ~ independent ~ but
also bittersweet for us.

Love your pretty table for
Easter. It was just us four,
so I didn't pull out the stops,
this year. That said, we had
such a relaxing and wonderful
day, starting with sunrise service
on the beach at our lake : )

Happy Wednesday,
xo Suzanne

Susan Shull said...

Your blog-meetup sounds like so much fun! Good for you! I love that you and your hubs over-sampled the desserts. That is hilarious and something that could happen around here. Whoops. It has happened. Hugs!
susan

Barbara F. said...

Love when blogging buddies get to meet, and I always enjoy eating at the Cheesecake Factory. Looks like your Easter was wonderful and you managed to take care of any snafus. ;-) Such an exciting time in your daughter's life. Wishing her all the best xo P.S. Love the new look!!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Love the look of your new blog background! It's nice to freshen things up once in a while. It is such fun to meet other bloggers, isn't it? It's like you have known them for a long time. Easter looked to be a big success at your house!~Hugs, Patti

Lynne said...

Jane! I LOVE your new design! Sara is amazingly talented. The new design suits you to a"T"!

We love to make trifles. Yours turned out beautiful!

Your Easter table was lovely.

Congratulations to Emily and Mike...the new home owners!

It's hard to let the birds leave the nest, but oh so rewarding watching them build theirs. It touches my heart to see how they carry the values and traditions of their childhood into their grown up world.

Glad to hear that this week is moving at a little slower pace!
~Lynne
withLove!




Melanie said...

Jane, it was so wonderful to meet you yesterday! Despite me first being at the wrong restaurant and then you getting lost, we were quite the pair!

I'm sure Emily is loving her new home, and very lucky that mama is nearby to help out.

xoxo

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
Now that you know where the CheeseCake Factory is we are going to have to meet up!!!! Love that your kids are in their own place and setting up their home. So sweet.
Kris

April said...

Love your new blog design! I'm sure it does make your heart ache immensely to be losing your girl, but you are gaining a son, at least, right? Then, maybe, one day, you'll have grandbabies! :) That strawberry trifle looks so good! Don't even get me started on those Buffalo Chicken Cups! Oh, my! Have a wonderful weekend, Janie!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

How lovely that you and Melanie were able to meet up. How far are you from O'Hare? That's usually where I fly into when we come to the States in the summer and we usually spend a couple of days in Schaumburg. I met a blog friend in Geneva several years ago. It was like meeting up with a long lost friend. :) Best wishes, Tammy

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...


I LOVE the new blog look!!!... and that strawberry trifle? YUM.

and.. absolutely, you are gaining a family member, that's all :-)

xo

Unknown said...

Pretty! I love those sweet nest napkins. I bet it was all DE-LISH!
I hope you have a great weekend!
~Liz

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane ~ I think it's so wonderful when I hear about parents who help their kids get set up in their new homes. I never really had that and I hope to be able to do it for my kids when they are ready to move out on their own (sob, sob). My daughter loves buffalo chicken so I may have to make your buffalo cups for her, she would love them! Your blog looks beautiful too!!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

HI Jane, I do like the new header and the blog look. It turned out really good. Our Easter went well too....lots of cooking for so many people...but it is great to sit around and laugh and tell stories...while you are eating a great meal! I think I need to make a trifle though...that sounds delicious!
Blessings,
Debbie

emily barlocker scott said...

The new blog design is perfection. Very sleek and classy!

Gina said...

Your Easter table looked beautiful, Jane. Your trifle looked delish.
Congrats to your daughter....even if it does break your heart. Big hugs to you.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Oh honey, the trifle is glorious! I once dropped my son's birthday cake on the floor. What resulted?
A trifle.

Love,

Sharon

Rebecca Nelson said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE trifles...but I haven't had any for a long time. Too busy eating other stuff and not what I love! Love the way yours came out! SWEET!

xoRebecca

Val said...

The Easter table is lovely. ♥

A happy spring to you and yours. :)

Maria Elena said...

Great post! It looks like you had a fabulous Easter. Beautiful table! I know how hard it is when the kids start moving out, believe me, I know! Enjoy your weekend!

Geneva said...

Your daughter sounds so happy and I know that makes you happy. ":o) Your life stories are always so delightful...I love the way you make the most out of each and every day!
Blessings!
Geneva

Marigene said...

The trifle looks delicious...
It is nice that you met with another blogger...one day I will do the same.
You will barely be able to catch your breath and it will be wedding time...have a great weekend.

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane!
So nice to catch up on my blog reading, had to comment on yours, the new look is pretty, great slogan and I Love the way your hair looks! And your girl looks so happy, can imagine her joy.
Enjoy the weekend!
Maureen xx

Desire Empire said...

It must be hard when your best girl moves out.

Your Easter food, especially the trifle looks fab and I love the dish you have it in.....what a nice gift.

Carolyn

Natasha in Oz said...

Your blog looks great Jane, so fresh and yet so warm-just like you!

Glad you had a good Easter!

Best wishes for a lovely weekend,
Natasha in Oz

podso said...

Amazing how you pulled that Easter together! It all looks wonderful. Happy days ahead for you! Hope your weather is warming up soon.

Ricki Treleaven said...

LOL I get it...even in my antihistamine fog!!! ;P The trifle looks soooooo yummy!!! And it's never too late for Easter!