Monday, February 14, 2011

Today is My Luckiest Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I arrived home safe around midnight last night and as to be expected, our house was a mess, not as bad as when I left hubby for a whole month though, but I am still trying to clean up. I would also like to thank everyone who visited my blog and left comments while I was in Florida. I am glad I got to blog while I was there too. Thanks to my grandkids' long naps which made it possible. Oh how I miss those kids already! I was also able to go to the Tampa Bay area to spend a day with my granddaughter AJ and her parents and took her shopping for clothes before I left.
John picked me up from the airport and when I got in the vehicle, he handed me a bag with fudge in it and said "Happy Valentine!" I thanked him graciously but in my mind, I was thinking if this is all I was getting, lol. Naturally, I was happy and satisfied with it cause after all, he thought about me, but I just wondered.
Anyway, we drove more than two and a half hours to get home and there were boxes everywhere. I must have been on a high gear shopping on line. I kinda put these boxes together in the foyer but they were really scattered all over here and the kitchen. I already opened and emptied a few boxes last night before I decided to take pictures this morning, so these weren't all that came, there were a lot more.
As I stepped into the home office, I found a few bags and boxes and 2 Valentine teddy bears on my side of the desk. Look at what else John got me! I was so surprised.

Aside from the 2 red bears (1 big and 1 small), he gave me a rose dipped in 24 k gold, a pearl choker, Russell Stover chocolates and did I already mention the yummy fudge? My favorite is the solid gold Nativity with diamonds pendant and chain. I saw this when we visited the jewelry shop owned by one of his patients last month and I was admiring it. Mr. Mims, the owner, said it is a limited edition from the Vatican Library of Collections, one of the few that was made to celebrate Pope Benedict's papal inauguration. It came with a certificate but according to John, they are still trying to locate it, lol. Isn't my hubby so sweet? Thank you so much, M, you really are so wonderful.






The rose is so delicate and pretty, something I will cherish forever.

I already started working on the fudge, lol! Uhm, yum!

In between unpacking, laundry and cleaning, I managed to create a tablescape on the back porch. John will be tied up in surgery all day (8 cases) and I will be busy unpacking boxes and putting stuff away, so I think I will order his favorite Caesar salad with grilled shrimp from his favorite restaurant, for dinner tonight.
I decided to set the table outside because it is going to be in the 70's this whole week. Yay! Spring is coming!
John also gave me this jasmine plant and it smells heavenly! I decided to make it a part of my centerpiece.
I also won and received this crystal heart from Amy at http://utry.it/ . If you want to learn how to prepare some delicious food, you ought to check out her blog. Thanks, Amy! I love it and it's perfect for the occasion so it is part of my centerpiece now.



And in the midst of cleaning up, opening boxes and organizing, I got an email from Gloria of http://thelittleredhousewiththewhiteporch.blogspot.com/ and said that I won her CSN giveaway. I told you, today is my lucky day. Thank you so much, Gloria! I am so excited! I can't wait to go shopping and pick my gift but first, let me put away all the stuff everywhere at home first, lol.
And now, for my romantic tablescape outside! I draped a plain red table cloth and added a round crocheted topper, that I bought from one of the other vendors in the store for $3, a few months ago.

I love this sign that I bought, I think from TJ Maxx, a few years ago. I hang a little candelier with mercury glass votives above the table.


My dishes are marked "Warvel", made in Poland. I really don't know the pattern name but I have a complete settings for 8 plus serving pieces and a coffee or tea set. I have had them for at least a year but this is the first time I am using them. The stems are either Italian or French, I can't remember.

Uh oh! John forgot to water the hanging basket with pansies outside but I think I can revive it.


Here's the tea or coffee set sitting on the table by the family room fireplace. John does not really drink coffee nor tea but I just set it so I can show you and join the tea parties today.


Linking with Wanda Lee and Pam's tea parties at http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/


Susan's Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/


Sandi's Tea Time Tuesday at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Lady Katherine's Beverage Center at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/
Martha and Terri's Tea Cup Tuesday at http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

Thank you all for your visit and special thanks to our hostesses for continually working hard in hosting.

58 comments:

lvroftiques said...

Oh my goodness what a sweet surprise! he really outdid himself didn't he?! *winks* Beautiful necklace, and that rose is amazing! You really DID get lucky this Valentines Christine!.....Girlfriend I am soooo jealous! And if that isn't enough your weather is in the 70's....I could cry!!....But I'm really happy for you girlfriend! I'll take a cup of coffee please...And could you spike it with some Baileys? Cuz it's cold here! Vanna

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wow, Christine I would sure say you are very lucky. Look at all that loot. Such a beautiful rose and necklace. Congrats on the win, too.

Carol at Serendipity said...

Christine,

You are a lucky woman! All those lovely presents are wonderful. The jasmine is one of my favorites. Beautiful dishes.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Carol

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Very lucky day for sure!! John is so sweet. You really got beautiful gifts from him. That necklace is gorgeous. Have a lovely dinner tonight on your patio, it looks so pretty.
Happy Valentine's Day.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, your presents are wonderful, so beautiful and so thoughtful. I love your tablescape and your yard looks fantastic. Everything here is dead. I can't wait to see what all you got Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Lynn said...

Looks like you're having a great Valentine's Day Christine! Love the gold dipped rose-enjoy:@)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Wow! Even if the basket of pansies did not survive, I think I would forgive him. :-D
Enjoy your evening.!

Gloria said...

I had to stop by here today, Christine because I hoped you'd take a photo of all of your packages that you were telling me about and WHEW! You DID do a lot of online shopping, plus you made out like a bandit for Valentine's Day from John! And how you found the time to do such a lovely tablescape and tea-time setting is beyond me. You are like that little Energizer bunny! I would have opened all my "stuff" and then retired to the couch. ;) And oh, how I wish I were there at your house with the nice weather, sitting outside and eating Shrimp Caesar Salad with you and John. Sounds heavenly. It is still quite cold here, BUT it is warming up in Conn. Hallelujah! Take care and enjoy your loot!
Best,
Gloria

Becky said...

Oh how nice to be able to eat outside. I'm hoping by Wednesday we can do that. Your table is lovely and you have a wonderful sweetie. Happy Valentine's Day!

Becky

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Wow Christine, I don't know WHERE you get all your energy! I think your "Hunny is a Real Hunny"!!! Beautiful gifts... Love your little party you set up and HEY you can serve "WATER" if you want from your teapot! No Rules, only fun...It's a Gorgeous set too! Oh My and look at that POOL!!! I'm still buried in white BUT it was almost 60 today SO "MAYBE" an inch or 2 melted, MAYBE!
Have a wonderful Valentine's Day Sweetie,
Hugs to you,
Donna

Susan said...

Hey I wanna see what you bought in those boxes!! LOL. Your hubby is a sweetie, what wonderful gifts and what a homecoming you had!!

Beth said...

Hi Christine, This is a fun post! Love your Warvel dishes - oh how pretty and delicate they are. Love your gifts too, especially the two necklaces. Your table looks very pretty for a romantic dinner for two.
blessings, Beth

Sue said...

How do you get yourself home from a trip, organize boxes, set a table and remain sane?! LOL Boy, girl! You got great gifts from John- your schweetie takes good care of you. :-)
Hope you enjoy a nice meal at that pretty little table out on the patio. What wonderful warm weather you're having... I hope your pansies revive. hugs, Sue

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Love that necklace! I guess you have figured out by now that John is a keeper. LOL Isn't it nice outside, I have been playing in the yard all afternoon

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Wow, Christine, your John sure knows how to lay some sugar on you! Lovely gifts, all of them! I love your china set! What a sweet pattern and the tea set too is gorgeous! You've set a lovely little table for two. Happy Valentines Day and thanks for coming to tea.

Blessings,
Sandi

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Christine, what a lucky gal you are! Your husband spoiled you royally.
Love the pretty china for your tea today.
Happy Valentine's Day.

Sue said...

What a pretty tablescape! It looks as if your husband really did great with his shopping this year! Mine did too...I guess we should keep them! I can't believe all those boxes...oh my goodness girl, you shop soooo.... much! I'd be so excited if I had that many packages delivered!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Wow lady! You racked up! LOL! I love your pretty new necklace. It is gorgeous! What a wonderful Valentines!

Kathleen said...

I got NADA! J is a keeper! And I am jealous you can eat outside, too!
Pretty table and lovely gifts!

Erica (Irene) said...

Those were such nice gifts from your husband and love your tablescape, your necklace is gorgeous. thanks for sharing. :-)

Chandy said...

Your hubby is such a sweetie for surprising you like that. And yes that's a lot of boxes. lol

I love your dishes and that Jasmine plant is amazing! I'll have to find one here soon. Glad you got back safe and hope I can blog more soon. My internet went for several hours today and was ssoooo slow just a few days ago. Before that, I couldnt' even log on! Oh, man!

Hugs my friend!

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Glad you had a safe trip and are back home to truly appreciate what a fab hubby you have! So many gifts and such nice ones! That outdoor setting for your V's day table looks gorgeous! I can't imagine dining OUTSIDE for V's day - we are dining in a "snow cave" with snow piled up higher than the windows!
DD

Kat said...

So glad that you had a wonderful time visiting your grandkids! And what a homecoming! The Nativity pendant is just beautiful, I've never seen anything like it. And your tablescape is gorgeous. The weather has been glorious here too - 79 degrees and sunny yesterday. Have a wonderful week Christine! Kat

Dolores said...

Oh Christine, it's obvious that you're loved and adored by your very sweet and thoughtful hubby.

Your gifts are wonderful..... and beautiful table setting outside.

Hugs,

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh Christine! You got a hubby that's a jewel himself! How thoughful and beautiful gifts, I love the chain with the Holy Fam., the rose is beautiful and the pearls! You were a lucky Valentine's girl, you even won the give away! WOW!
Now, your table is beautiful too, I totally lovew your china, it's so sweet and delicate, my mother's got one almost like it, I'll have to see if it's not the same, so some day I'll have it, I'm the only girl. The center piece was perfect, it was waiting for you. You definetely had a terric Valentine's. THANKS FOR VISITING!
LOVE
FABBY

Sonny G said...

you are a lucky gal every day but oh wow did you rack up for valentines~!!
happy for ya sweetie..

hugs
Sonny

Jocelyn said...

Very lovely tablesetting. I love your tea set.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Pam said...

I would say you had a very lucky day. The nativity necklace is very pretty. I've never seen anything quite like that. Your hubby has good taste.

Amy said...

Wow, I love your tablescape, as usual. It's so romantic and festive. :) I'm so glad you like the crystal. Thank you for making it as part of your centerpiece. :) And thank you for your kind words, you are so sweet. BTW, you really found some trasures online! Those roses are so beautiful and the red bears are the cutest! :) Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Amy
http://utry.it

Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea said...

I love your dishes! the gifts are lovely, too.

Traci said...

Christine, it looks like you had a great V Day! I love that coffee service.

Lynn said...

Beautiful outdoor table by the pool. You grandchildren are adorable. Blessings

Wanda Lee said...

Hello there lovely lady,

Oh my!..,This is just such a delightful way for you to spend Valentines with the ones you love..,(Really, there's never a dull moment in your fun and full days Christine)!

Happy Valentines!..,

Thanks so much for joining us once again for TTTT and also my 70th,'Tuesday Tea For Two'!..,

Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

Kathy said...

Oh my goodness - how very thoughtful! So sweet! You're blessed!
Hope you have a great day,
Kathy

paperbutterfly said...

You are lucky in so many ways. We are lucky that you had time to share with us. Lovely setting by the pool. I'm sure you both enjoyed dinner ther.
Looking forward to seeing you soon and maybe whatis in a box or two?
Blessings,
pam

Terri said...

Wow! Your husband is truly thoughtful! What lovely gifts he chose.
Your china tea set is so lovely! The pink and blue flowers are so delicate and pretty.
Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Hugs,
Terri

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey girl you done hit the Motherlode my friend..I would have torn into all those boxes before I hit the crib ha ha!! Glad your home safe and I hope you enjoyed your family time..
That John is a keeper for sure..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a fabulous Valentine's Day, Christine. Your gives are wonderful and your table was so pretty!

Debbiedoos said...

Lucky is an understatement Christine! What great taste your hubby has! Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit.

Jacqueline said...

What a wonderful day! I loved your reaction to the fudge! That's all?!! What a fun surprise. He is a true romantic.

Love the table too, it is so beautiful and the china is delicate. Thanks for sharing your fun with all of us.

Diann said...

Hi Christine!
Okay, you know that ALL of us are just dying to see what are in all those packages!! LOL
that rose is just gorgeous and I love all the stemware!

Debbie said...

He really outdid himself! I love that gorgeous necklace best of all, but when I read rose dipped in gold, I did a double take too. How wonderful!

And to top it off, you made a wonderful little table for two by the pool. Those dishes are really lovely.

Melissa Miller said...

WOW! Christine what an amazing day and thoughtful hubbby. Gorgeous gifts!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, what a treasure that necklace is. Now, if you get tired of opening your boxes, you can send some my way, and I'll be glad to open them and find some place to put them in my house. Your table looks so pretty. We could have eaten outside today. Snow last week, Spring this week! glad you made it home safely. Have fun opening all of your packages. laurie

Donnie said...

What a wonderful Valentine's Day you had and you are really lucky. I think you are also lucky in love too. I think it is because you are so sweet. Loved the little tablescape you made too.

Richard Cottrell said...

You must have been a really good girl, and all those boxes, looks like Christmas again. Richard at www.myoldhistorichouse.blogspot.com

Marlis said...

Beautiful necklaces.. wow. Fudge as a warm up.. perfect. Your table is wonderful. I love the red with the white cotton crocheted overlay. the dishes look so good in this setting. Love the table Christine.. thank you for sharing your blessings with us.

Joyce said...

So many wonderful gifts from your husband. You are one lucky gal. I love your teapot. I bet you had fun opening all those boxes in the hallway. Thanks for sharing so many pretty things.
Joyce

Kim, USA said...

Wohooo your hubby is a sweetie. I thought of the fudge...while cleaning eat the fudge too ^_^ I am drooling of your new dish and I also smile because you've forget what you have bought last year hehe!! Spring is creeping fast can't wait to see your tablescape. Thank you also for dropping by at my kusina. Happy weekend!

Beth said...

Hi Christine, You asked if I am able to work outside yet. I'm in Iowa and this is still definitely a part of winter. However, the good news is that it's unseasonably warm and supposed to get up to 72 today, a record for this day! YAY! I'm not working in the garden as it's too early to plant, and too muddy to even walk there. I am outside, though; I've been going to the local animal shelter walking dogs and I love it, and so do they! Our spring typically begins in late March; our last frost date (safe to plant) is May 14. So you can guess I am in envy of people living in the south and the Pacific NW and wherever else that it is so much more of a hospitable climate!
Blessings, Beth

Lizabeth said...

Beautiful china pattern! I love tea sets although I don't really drink it much. You can go to Replacements.com about it and send a picture and mostly likely they can identify it for you. Write to this e-mail address research@replacements.com I found a pink rose floral spray set on-line that looked a lot like your set but not yours exactly. All your Valentines's gifts were wonderful..and it looks like you had a nice get a way! Thx for stopping by my blog! Liz

Phyllis said...

Your table for two is very romantic, and yes, you did make a "haul" on presents....LOL....that just means he love you bunches. You treated him to a lovely dinner with a loving atmosphere and even after dinner coffee complete with a devilish teddy bear...! How precious!

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady. I love your tablescape for two how sweet. I don't have a Tablescap tonight becouse IM having a [Appreciation Give-A-Way]
I hope you come over and join as xxoo\
Diane

Chubby Chieque said...

That's like winning a sweeptake Ate Xine! §;-)
A blessed lady.

Walang snow? while Sweden is drown with snow. Everything around your pretty home is perfectly choosen & care.

Have a happy day & a blessed w/end to all,
/chie

P.S.
Will send you some lines, regarding flatwares. TY in advance for assisting.

Alycia Nichols said...

Hooray! You're home! And what a Valentine's Day you had!!! Wow!!! And congratulations on your giveaway win! I still don't get how those things work. I'm SO slow! :-) So glad you got to set a pretty poolside table. Hooray for warmer weather! Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday. I hope you have a happy and loving weekend!

Entertaining Women said...

The blue touches in the china give just the perfect relief from the red and white....so nicely done. This is a lovely tablescape. You've truly had a marvelous week...have fun playing with all your new goodies. Cherry Kay

Marigene said...

Wow, your hubby sure knows how to shop! Love your romantic table for two, poolside...gorgeous crocheted tablecloth.

Lady Katherine said...

Oh, Christine! I knew you had a wonderful husband! Oh, but John out did his self! Wow, such lovely gifts! I know he loves you so! I adore your sign, the table looks lovely! Adore the sign! The plants look wonderful! I love, love your dishes and Tea Set! Just love them. Tell John, I want a jasmine! lol I have always wanted one, they smell so wonderful! While I am placing my order, I so want a lilac! lol
Just to let you know, I went to Doc, Thursday, I couldn't stay for test, I have had children for 4 days, 24 hrs a day and my grandson has been so sick and high fevers. He and Terry were waiting on me in the car, so I couldn't do my test that day, Doc was not happy, but understood. He said he has been meeting and sending info on me with the best Doctors in USA, for help with my complications. Seem I am the one and only and no one knows what to do. lol I go Tuesday for test, Doc added a few more, at another hospital, so I will be testing at two. I have 9 days left before surgery. Lots to be done, I will have Tea Time Tuesday on auto post each week, while I recover. Can't wait to get home and relax in my bed with my laptop. Until then, I have so much to do. lol My daddy is having open heart surgery within the week too. Lot on my plate, but I do love yours!!!!

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