I do not even know where to start, Monday was such a big day! I had the day off and drove up to Sunnyvale, where I used to meet regularly with a group of lovely women for a sewing get together we called the UFO (Unfinished Objects). I really need to do that more often. Gosh, I had a great time! I finished nine Belle Meade blocks (I was doing a LOT of talking--could have made way more), for a total of 17! Woo hoo! I am making tracks with these! How are you doing Thelma?
I wasn't going to tell you this, but I made a swerve off the freeway on the way home and stopped at HomeGoods, just to see if they had any dishes that would go with my Valentine's table topper. I know. Don't scold.
Seriously. These dishes are wonderful and cost $24. (I had a merchandise credit). How fun is that? I need to get out my pink napkins and the red crystal glasses, and I could enter Naps on the Porch's Tablescape Thursdays.
Got home, and Ahren made dinner. We have been watching Worst Cooks in America, and he is determined to try the chef's recipes each week and show us that he can make the recipes successfully. And he can. Yes indeed. My weight loss regime is ruined if this keeps up.
Before.
After.
No scolding necessaary - those dishes are lovely - make me think of summer, especially these days when we have been having below normal temperatures. Enjoy the dishes and Ahren's meals - lucky you.
Posted by: CarlaHR | January 25, 2011 at 04:34 AM
The dishes really pull out the red in the centerpiece or is it the other way around. You have created a little masterpiece!!!
Posted by: Gwynette in NW Arkansas | January 25, 2011 at 05:08 AM
"Don't worry, I am not going shopping for more dishes." - Nicole, 2011
Hahahahahahaha!
(I love the new ones, but actually I loved the old ones too.)
Posted by: Maria Stahl | January 25, 2011 at 05:31 AM
The dishes look great with the table topper. Good job.
Posted by: Sue Bennett | January 25, 2011 at 05:34 AM
What a pretty table, I agree they make me think of summer and considering the amount of snow and frigid weather we've been having I need the reminders.
Supper looked very yummy too!
Posted by: Wendy | January 25, 2011 at 05:44 AM
The dishes are perfect. It's fun to find a beautiful bargain.
Posted by: Betty | January 25, 2011 at 05:44 AM
Love the dishes :) Sounds like a fun day!
Posted by: Michele | January 25, 2011 at 05:47 AM
Yes, those dishes are gorgeous and would be hard to pass up. I always hate it when my car swerves into Nordstrom's parking lot too!! :-)
Posted by: Linda | January 25, 2011 at 05:56 AM
Great score on those dishes. Home Goods is my favorite haunt. Nary a week goes by without you finding me in there. You got a great bargain!
Posted by: Debbie | January 25, 2011 at 06:01 AM
Nicole that was $ well spent (or store credit well used). Those dishes look fabulous with that table topper and you have a great look going there for Valentine's Day. I'm sure you can change things up and perhaps use the dishes in the summer or spring as well. Awesome find. Good eye!! Love Home Goods myself.
Posted by: Wendy T. | January 25, 2011 at 06:10 AM
oh those are just right. Although I do like the rooster ones, but then again I have a thing for roosters! dinner looks yummy too
Posted by: Lee | January 25, 2011 at 06:14 AM
What fun! New dishes and more quilt blocks made, all in one. Your table looks scrumtious.
Posted by: Diane | January 25, 2011 at 06:21 AM
The table setting is gorgeous! And gee, if you used a store credit it really doesn't count as a purchase, right? LOL
Dinner looks scrumptious!
Posted by: LoriD | January 25, 2011 at 06:28 AM
I liked the old dishes, but the new ones are great! Flowers are always great for Valentine's day.
Posted by: Audrey Bretz | January 25, 2011 at 06:29 AM
Well the other dishes worked but these are wonderful!
Posted by: Jackie Hicks | January 25, 2011 at 06:46 AM
Oh wow Nicole I LOVE your new dishes. I was just at Home Goods on Saturday, and ours did not have anything like that!!! Or I would have scooped some up myself ;-)
Posted by: Jocelyn | January 25, 2011 at 06:50 AM
That tablescape is just gorgeous! That topper! Those dishes! SWOON!
Posted by: Lisa D. | January 25, 2011 at 06:50 AM
Lovely dishes, Nicole!
Bellemeade blocks beautiful, as well. Glad you had a nice day.
Posted by: Darlene | January 25, 2011 at 07:05 AM
What happy, pretty floral dishes! They match your little quilt so well, too.
Well done, Ahren!!!! A man who cooks and is good at it is a treasure, indeed! I know. I'm married to one and it's difficult to shed the pounds I wish to shed with our menus, too. Serious yum!
So glad you went to play with quiltie friends yesterday. There's just nothing better than that. Your blocks are looking great!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | January 25, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Pretty table topper and crockery!
Posted by: Helen | January 25, 2011 at 07:33 AM
Nicole, You are so lucky to have a cook in the house. How nice would it be to have a delicious meal served to you every night at home. Does he do dishes?
Marge
Posted by: Marge Davies | January 25, 2011 at 07:54 AM
I *heart* Home Goods! It's a great place to get inexpensive baskets & boxes to put gifts in -- or stash projects in. And I LOVE their quirky dishes.
Posted by: Pat | January 25, 2011 at 07:55 AM
You are making great progress on those blocks. They are turning out lovely.
I will join the chorus and say that the plates are really outstanding. I have to ask though... Where do you keep so many dishes? Do you buy them in sets of 4 or do you dip in and get 6? I would need a separate pantry just for my tableware if I had a weakness for Home Goods like you do.
:)
Posted by: Sandy (Strlady) | January 25, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Those dishes are beautiful! And just think how absolutely lovely they would look for a "spring" or "Mother's Day" tablescape with green placemats and table topper?? Oh my!
Ahren appears to be a fabulous chef and you will miss those talents when he moves; along with, of course, how a mom misses a son.
Glad you were able to have some quilting time with friends.
Posted by: sillysally | January 25, 2011 at 08:11 AM
The new dishes definitely pump up the tabletopper! I would love to dine at this table!
Posted by: Shelley dionne | January 25, 2011 at 08:18 AM