Graduation Gala

Sweetest Sophie, my dear friend Linda's daughter, graduates from High School this month . When in the world did she get this old? She has been part of my life since her birth and wasn't that just several years ago? Linda is my main support friend in the face of my most overwhelming tasks, and we (Sneelock and myself) could be no less to her as she faced the daunting task of preparing a party for the 100+ guests invited to honor Sophia at a backyard barbecue.

So, we packed the car with...

20 bags of Herr's ketchup flavored potato chips (a requested favorite from the graduate and not available in the Charlotte area). 10 were for the party guests and 10 were for a "Sophia stash"!


Two giant loaves of Susan's sheepherder's bread (archive back to find the recipe).

Fresh gerbera daises in hot pink and orange delivered from Susan's wholesale florist.

Along with these items were multiple boxes of glass straight-sided vases to use on the tables, (Good thing we were driving!) aprons, silver serving trays, samovar for our cucumber drink..the list goes on!

After arriving in Charlotte at about 2:30 a.m. , we got started bright and early the next morning to begin the baking marathon. Linda and I donned our aprons and knuckled down for a day of entertaining chatter , baking and kitchen prep for the next day's event.

First of the schedule was the making of two more of the giant loves of sheepherder's bread for the many guests expected. Each loaf will serve about 20-25! The loaf is impressive as a centerpiece as well. The first batch was rising by noon, and another shortly behind it.

Combined with the two I made ahead of time and brought from Philadelphia, we now had enough for the masses.

I think we must have used at least three giant bags of limes. On the menu was a lime based marinated chicken for grilling, my favorite "green-green salad" with a lime based dressing and an accompanying side salad of black bean, corn and tomato with avocado, also with a lime dressing! We gave Linda's citrus juicer a workout that sounded like she may need to invest in a new one!

While the bread was rising, cookies were being baked , and I whipped up two double batche of my mother's famous brownies (later to be frosted with chocolate butter cream frosting). We were "really cooking" I guess you could say.

We steamed large bundles of asparagus (seen here in an ice water bath) and put them aside to chill for the salad recipe.

Among the tasks for day 2 was shelling and cleaning lb after lb of fresh shrimp.

We set out the serving trays, utensils, table cloths...Linda made a large batch of dill potato salad, and we started praying for good weather. The forecast was for scattered thunder showers right about party time.Oh, dear.

I cut the long stemmed gerberas down to scatter in assorted vintage glasses that I had brought from home. Those colors are just happy!

Linda brought out a darling candle holder/vase that she had purchased years ago on one of our buying trips for Black-eyed Susan. I used hot pink roses along with several of the orange and pink gerberas. I mounded them low and tight to be used as a centerpiece on one of the serving tables. It's hard not to smile when you use these cuties!

We began the task of our "special recipe" for the color of the tinted water to be used in the vases for the tables. Food coloring is added to the water to tint it the desired color, and it takes a little finesse to get it just right! (It's a bit like a science experiment). A drop of green, a drop of yellow...more of this, less of that, a bit more water to dilute the color when needed, and so on. Finally, we arrived at the perfect hint of lime colored water to surround the inner vessels. My cute friend Jan brought fresh ferns from her yard and we picked bright colored green hosta leaves from Linda's yard to add to the water lined glass vases. I love using this glass/glass idea with candles. It's magical and you can choose your water color. Try it!

Of course, Sneelock didn't just come along for the ride! In between playing the ultimate Grandfather role to our darling granddaughters who live in the neighborhood, he found time to run multiple errands, do some pruning, and hang these tiny glass hurricanes from a large tree surrounding the tables. They were lit just before the guests came and added quite a magical glow to the party scene.

Linda stayed up the previous night till the wee hours of the morning going through years of school year photos with Sophia's friends. We printed them and put them on the tables slightly under the glass and candles for all to reminisce about. The small glasses with bright gerberas dotted the tables.

Paul (Linda's husband in blue) and Timm (my daughter's husband) manned the grills and started the chicken, shrimp and chili dogs. The rain was holding out.

A shot of the masses!

A few of Sophie's younger fans! ( My two grand daughters and Sebastian)

Early in the evening, Bella (granddaughter) had mishap with a soccer ball and was in distress. She reluctantly posed for her grandfather to take our photo.

The darling graduate and not so darling lifetime friend. (I agreed to use this only because it was so darn cute of Sophia!)

A photo of the darling mother and daughter team together! How could she have a daughter that age?

The guests lingered. The weather held out. The food fed the multitude. The candles died.

All in all, the event was a success and enjoyed by all.

Sophia has grown into a beautiful young woman of integrity and a joy to all who know her.

Congratulations, Sophia!

The next chapter of life begins.

BE MINE!

With Valentines Day fast approaching, I would like to document my favorite Black-eyed Susan picks! I think we've done a great job finding unique gifts of love for all. Let me know what your favorite is! With only 13 days remaining, make time to visit the store soon for the best selection.

(There's always mail order for my cute followers far away). Don't hesitate to email me for any orders. Now, let's take a look

One of my personal favorites (well, I could say that about all of them)! After all, I did the buying! These elongated heart note cards in about 4 different patterns (polka dots included)! 8 notes and 8 envelopes. Very stylish love notes.

Oh, the polka dot nesting bowls! Chocolate and shades of pink. Useful for everyday, but so darling for a special valentine gift. The center one has a chocolate interior!

Susan's best ever homemade fudge--YUM! (Not for dieters......) Just enough of this delicious candy for your boss, assistant, or love! It's addictive, and note the darling crimped ramekin. Two gifts in one!

This set of two heart platters is perfect for your favorite cook. How about serving some of my best ever fudge on it?! Picture fancy sugar cookies or delicious cupcakes on them. Beautiful!

Okay, here's some of my fudge that we sampled for customers on Saturday! Sweet idea!

Who wouldn't love a table or buffet set with these frosted mercury glass valentine votives. I lite them so you could see the heart motif through the glass. They're magical! These are slightly larger than a small votive. Be still, my heart.

Perfect for serving dessert on,this set of 4 plates with 4 assorted heart motif designs. Ahhhhh.

I don't know anyone who wouldn't be pleased with these vibrant mercury glass container filled to the brim with valentine m&ms. Secretary, boss, coworker, daughter, best friend, well, you get the picture!

I would personally love to get this very stylish cherry red patent leather cosmetic bag from my valentine! (Add my favorite Este Lauder lipstick and it's a home run)!

Oh, my! This ceramic frame with raised swiss dots and the xoxo across the top! Perfect for your valentine, complete with your favorite snapshot of the two of you. Very romantic.

For my last pick, I just couldn't leave out my favorite glass glitter! Sorry, it's a bit blurry! I think this darling vintage inspired cardinal, swinging on a white chenille heart and dripping with a glass glitter star, is the perfect love token for the collector. I'm in love with them.

Whatever your plans include, I hope you find the perfect valentine for all those on your list. I'm doing my part to help! Come in and let us help you find something that speaks the language of love.