Colin Sighting

Colin Cowie was on the Today Show this morning. Click here to see the video. As you know I adore Colin and all his wonderful entertaining ideas. Recently Colin's "people" contacted me to see if I would promote his new newsletter "He Popped the Question and I said Yes Now What?". I said heck yea I love Colin! Then I promptly got busy getting in car accidents and having teeth yanked from my mouth and completely forgot about poor Colin. So . . .much delayed is the promotion of his newest feature. I've attached the link here to his website and will post the banner on my blog pronto!

Derby Tablescape

Today after work I transformed our hall entry table into a Derby themed tablescape.

I used four of my mint julep cups given to me by my sweet Great Aunt Helen. Mint Juleps are a staple at the Derby.

I placed them on a checked napkin under another gift from my Aunt Helen, a silver tray. I love the detail work on the edge of the tray.

I surrounded the cups with roses.

Next to the tray I placed this painting of a horse, which I painted when I was ten. He's a match to another horse. These were one of those paint by numbers sets. It took forever (well forever in 10 year old time) and I was sure I was going to be a famous painter upon completion.

For some height and greenery I hung this boxwood wreath on a rod iron wreath hanger to the left of the julep cups.
I think it turned our very Derby!

Today I'm joining three terrific hostesses for Table Top Tuesday, Three or More Tuesday and Ruby Tuesday. Please visit all three for more great Tuesday inspirations!

Derby Festival Time

Yesterday was the official kick off of the Derby Festival with Thunder Over Louisville. Over 700,000 people came to the Ohio River waterfront to watch a spectacular airshow and the largest fireworks show in the United States. For more information about last night's festivities click here to link to the Louisville newspaper. To mark the upcoming Derby holiday, which if you are not from Louisville, it really is celebrated as a holiday here~ the schools are off and some offices close on Derby Eve (the Friday before the first Saturday in May)~ I changed one table in my booth from Easter to Derby.

I kept the base cloth the same because I thought it said Spring for both settings.Above is the table setup for Easter.

Now ready for derby. I found these cute jockey and horse figures. They can be balloon holders, place card settings or for photos.

Colorful jockey hats would be great at each place setting and the guests could were them during the big race!

Here's another shot of those jockey figurines and the two Kentucky books I have for sale behind them.

These horse and jockey pieces are plastic and would make great napkin rings or table decor.

Here's a closer shot of the books about Kentucky.

I added in some Kentucky napkins and a garland of roses for the perfect accessories to your next Derby party.

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. Please visit her site for more great posts. Thanks for stopping by!

Spring's Fleeting Beauty

I think Spring and Fall are particular favorites because each of these seasons provide only a very short time span to enjoy God's gifts of nature.

After work tonight I went out in the yard to capture some of our blooming landscape before a predicted thunder storm this evening washed away the spring blooms till next year.

This azalea bush next to our house was ablaze with color.

I spied my neighbors tulips lined up like soldiers ready to burst open any day.

Here the dogwood blooms seem to be stretched open to enjoy the sunshine.

I originally thought this bush was a lilac, but now I'm not sure because the blooms do not appear to be similar and it does not have a scent.

I enjoy their lavender color in our side yard. It pops against the green grass and trees.

If you know what type of bush it is please let me know. All of these landscape plants were inherited from our homes previous owners and they are a few of my favorite things.

Today I'm joining

My Favorite Things Saturday

at Bargain Hunting with Laurie.

Mitchell's Fish Market

Yesterday it was another beautiful Spring day so my husband and I decided to go out for lunch. I am so lucky because we both work at the same CPA firm so we get to see each other during the day and at home :). One of our favorite restaurants in Louisville is Mitchell's Fish Market. Located in the Summit shopping center, Mitchell's offers an elegant but relaxed lunch atmosphere for both shoppers and business folks alike.

You can even dine outside on their patio.

Immediately in the front door they have a great bar with a few booths. This spot is really popular in the evenings.

This is a picture of the dining room, which was recently updated. They offer both tables and booths.

I ordered the garlic broiled shrimp with sticky rice and asparagus.

My honey ordered the blackened tilapia sandwich with sweet potato fries.

Both dishes were excellent. The service here is superb. Our server even brought us extra ice for our ice tea! We have been eating at Mitchell's since they opened in 2001 and have never had a bad meal. One nice feature is that Mitchell's offers both a kids and a gluten free menu. The kids menu offers seafood at a reasonable price, which is often hard to find at most restaurants.

Following our lunch I took a few pictures outside of these tulips in perfect bloom.

This giant fish sculpture is located right outside the front door and is a favorite of my nieces.

For more information about Mitchell's Fish Market or to see if there's a location near you please click here.

I'm joining Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Please visit there to see more delicious posts! Have a great weekend!!

Spring Porch Tablescape

Today I join Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for another Tablescape Thursday.

Since it's been so warm here in the bluegrass, I decided to go ahead and set the porch table.

I picked blue and green to go with one of my favorite cake plates.

These white birdies were a good match since the cake plate centerpiece has bird houses on it.

Here's the base of the cake plate which features embossed lattice details.

This is the surprise you receive when you lift the cover of the cake plate. It is beautifully hand painted with flowers and butterflies.

Here you can see the birdhouses along with an adorable dragonfly!

Each birdhouse is raised in detail.

I can't remember where I purchased this cake plate. I've owned it for at least five years now and enjoy getting it out each Spring.

The other side of the cake plate.

Here you can see the layering of the green ceramic dinner plate with the plaid blue and green salad plate. I used a blue and white checked towel for the place mat and blue and white linen napkins. The napkins feature hand painted blue borders.

I thought these porcelain bird napkin rings went well with the white accent birds.

But when I put them together I think they blend into the white napkins to much. Oh well, they are cute anyway!


As dusk approaches I lit the candles.

Here is a close shot of my bee lights on the ficus.

I hope you'll join Susan to visit more posts of wonderful tablescapes. Thanks for visiting!