HIPPITY HOPPITY

Spring is definitely here and Easter is just around the corner. Easter is a time for Christians around the world to celebrate the life and resurrection of Christ. It's also a time for new suits and dresses, bonnets, white shoes, chocolate bunnies, and colored eggs.

Here comes Peter Cottontail
hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Easter's on its way.

Here at "The Roost," I'm getting for ready for Easter...Bunnies are popping up all over the place--y'all take a look.

This sweet bunny in the foyer is passing out candy...

This cute bunny just might be up to no good...stay out of the nest! You cute little bunny...stay away from that cabbage!
This bunny is bored stiff and laid out on my buffet in my breakfast room..."please, Miss Janice...paint these walls and jazz up those windows"!
This little bunny lights up my favorite cookbook...The Southern Living Cookbook.
This rabbit looks a little spooky...Good Lord, this one looks ridiculous!

This one is hob-nobbin' with some Waterford...
This rabbit is tiffed...'cuz it just blends in with those painter-white walls!

This is a proper and well behaved little bunny...staying close to Miss Janice's stationery!
This special bunny lights up my dishwashing area all the time...


Easter Gifting...
Easter is also a time to give sweet gifts of candy in pretty spring wrappings or in a Easter basket. Here's a photo of the Easter Basket I did last year for mama--the goodies before I placed them on a white serving tray, surrounded by yellow shred...





The finished gift, wrap in clear cello, tied at the top with a yellow bow, and adorned with a teacup!

This is an idea for a sweet gift for a friend...I placed a tin of Green Citron Tea, available at HarneyTea.com, inside a pink gift bag, added a pink polka dot ribbon and a gift tag I embellished with a bunny stamp and a rhinestone...

I've also been busy getting together my April "Friendship Gifts." You may visit this post to learn more about these type of gifts. Candy is the treat inside the clear cello bags and I folded cardstock in pretty spring colors and stamped the foldover sheet with a bunny to make it festive.
A little Hippity Hoppity treat...

Thank you for stopping by today and I hope that you are enjoying Spring...remember to Make it Special...Make it Southern.

EXCERCISING FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It's a devastating disease that robs a person of their ability to handle everyday activities and eventually their dignity. Recently, I learned that a childhood friend of mine who was also a bridesmaid at my wedding has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I am not posting her name out of respect for her family; but bless her heart, she's been a devoted wife for 35+ years, mother of two sons, a grandmother, and has always been considered one of the most beautiful girls in the city of Augusta, Georgia. But above her beauty and accomplishments in life, she's a fine Christian lady just like her mother. It just broke my heart when I heard the news!

Tomorrow, I have an opportunity to contribute a small amount of money and energy to help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk 5k race is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, and research. Since 1989, Memory Walks have earned more than $230 million for the cause. So, bright and early Saturday morning, I will put on my workout pants and hit the pavement.

I was first introduced to 5k races by my trainer in Palm Springs, California. Leslie Shuffleton was an olympic rower and a great motivator for Miss Janice...who was at that time, a lazy, out-of-shape, former high school cheerleader. She encouraged me to enter my first race...it's was a 6k race up Tramway Road in Palm Springs. The Tram Road Challenge is one of the toughest road races in the West, starting at a 500' elevation and ending at 2,643' elevation in 3.7 miles. I trained for about four months and ended up crawling up that steep road y'all! When I crossed the finish line, I have to say I was very proud of myself. After that, I was hooked and participated in the race every year that I lived in Palm Springs and found whenever I was training...just climbing that mountain relieved all of my stress. That is what walking/jogging or any form of exercise does for me today. It's just a great stress reliever!

Here's a photo of Miss Janice and Leslie Shuffleton after my first race. Now that's Leslie's medal I'm wearing...she insisted that I wear it because "I was the winner that day," puleeeze! My entry bib, and a photo of moi looking delirious after I crossed the finish line! I know, I need to learn how to make my photos "clickable to enlarge." I just haven't got a clue!
Y'all know I'm going to show you What I'm Wearing tomorrow, but first I must tell you that recently, I received a comment from another blogger, Kathie Truitt at Hillbilly Debutante:

"Miss Janice, I am sure I speak for others when I say we want to see more pictures of YOU. Please accommodate." Hmmmm, Miss Kathy, my friend Teresa Jane has been telling me the same thing. Honestly, I kind of feel uncomfortable splashing photos of myself all over my blog and I'm so busy...sometimes when I leave the house, I am by myself, so there's no one to take my photograph. I promise, I will definitely start posting some photos of moi modeling my outfits. However, not tomorrow. No ma'am! That's not the day to start...when I'm going to jog for three miles. Oh no, I'll do it another time. So Here's What I'm Wearing for the 5k race...

My trusty black jogging pants for a cool morning with a plain black tee...pretty plain, huh?

Well, Miss Janice can't go out with a totally boring outfit! I'll have the hair in the usual ponytail, my Chanel cap, and yes I know they are out of style--but I'll be wearing my Burberry scrunchie. Yes, Miss Janice still wears scrunchies! I'm not throwing away my Burberry scrunchie!!! I will be wearing my pearl stud earrings...alas, but no pearl necklace--can't have it flopping all over the place! Since, I'll be timing myself, I'll have to wear my silver and gold Rolex. I'll throw on my jogging shoes and to add a bit more style, I will wear my Chanel fanny pack--to hold my Burt's Bees lip balm with pomegrante (no posh lipstick for the race y'all) and my I.D --just in case I fall out, Lord have mercy.
So, I always try to beat my own personal best...36:50--hey y'all...I'm doing the best I can!

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope that all y'all are able to get out this weekend and participate in some form of exercise!

I'M HAVING AMERICAN IDOL WITHDRAWALS!

Hey y'all, what's this about the President speaking to the Nation on American Idol night? Excuse me, can't he do these speeches on Friday or even Saturday night when there's nothing to watch on television? Well, that's okay, 'cuz we're off to enjoy a cookout with friends! And...Here's What I'm Wearing.

It's gonna be a little chilly outside in South Florida tonight, so I'm wearing my MollyB denim jacket, a pink Lilly turtlneck with a silver necklace monogrammed with my initials, and my Ralph Lauren Saturday Jeans.

I must confess that I have caved!!! Yes, Miss Janice is falling into the South Florida trap of wearing flip flops before Easter. I guess I need to rewrite my own rules! (But you will NEVER EVAH see me in white before Easter...please don't think that will ever happen)! So anyway, I'm wearing these flip flops with the cute dots that match the jacket, my hair will be up in the usual ponytail with a pink grosgrain bow, silver monogrammed earrings with the matching bracelet, my Cartier wedding band, and Christian Dior "Palm Tree" nail polish and Chanel "Laser Pink" lipstick. After a few spritzes of Lilly "Wink", we're out the door!

Goodness gracious, where are my manners? Before I forget, I simply must show you a gift I received in the mail over the weekend from MineHeartSpeaks. She recently had a massive giveaway and my name was on the list of bloggers who received thank-you gifts from her.

She sent me some "movie night" goodies..."Loves Comes Softly," a nice, romantic movie; popcorn with a cute little container and GOOBERS (chocolate covered roasted peanuts)! Bless your heart girl! You are just too sweet!

Here's my little surprise happy!

Y'all have to visit her blog--she's a fine Christian lady who loves her family and is very interested in learning all that she can about etiquette. Also, a girl after Miss Janice's heart...she loves...that "HOT NOW" sign at Krispy Kreme! Thank you so much for that act of kindess!

And, thanks to you for dropping by today! I hope you have a wonderful evening . Pick up some Krispy Kreme doughnuts...you only live once y'all!

Tea at the Ritz...an obviously "Prissy Day"!

It was 75 degrees and another beautiful day in South Florida. Tea at the Ritz. On the beach...in Naples...it was obviously a "Prissy Day" y'all!

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida

Here's "What I Was Wearing"...
A simple black skirt from Talbot's, a green shantung silk blouse from who-knows-where (definitely from a Southern store though), my pearls, and a cute petite Ferragamo pocketbook.

I love this little Ferragamo pocketbook...it doesn't hold much...but it's tres cute!

My trusty Ferragamo pumps (I promise I do have other shoes y'all...), gold Rolex watch, pearl earrings and bracelet, and my Cartier wedding band.Let's go inside for tea...in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz. Needless to say, everything is beautifully appointed down to the last detail! Afternoon Tea at the Ritz-Carlton is a ritual steeped in tradition since the hotel opened in 1985. Tea is served using fine Wedgewood china, decorated in the delicate "India" pattern. Every detail of the service and its presentation is attended to with the utmost care to ensure that each experience at the Ritz becomes a treasured memory.
Of course, there was a pianist playing soft music on the baby grand...just perfect for Afternoon Tea. Now y'all know this gentleman never tires of watching all the prissy ladies strolling through the Lobby of the Ritz!


The simple, yet elegant tablesetting. Notice the crisp white linens, and that the cup handle is placed in the 4 o'clock position and the fold of the napkin is closest to the plate.

I chose to take the Traditional Tea Service, which consisted of freshly steeped loose leaf tea and a selection of dainty tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and fruit tartlets and pastries. Two teas were served whith this service--the very professional server Dominique suggested the Vanilla Rooibos and I chose the Thunderbolt Darjeeling. The Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal infusion, not a tea. The vanilla beans gave the rooibos just the right sweet taste. The Darjeeling (champagne of teas) was a very brisk tea with a hint of muscatel. Here's the tiered tea tray with all the goodies...just for Miss Janice! While enjoying my tea, I practiced every dining etiquette rule I've ever known and I must say, it was so nice to be surrounded by others who were doing the same! It goes without saying...there were no pinkies raised in this place!
The Ritz even has their own logo of the lion and crown on the tea tray!

Sugar cubes, a must for Afternoon tea...

Devonshire cream and fruit preserves were served with the scones and although I did not taste the preserves...aren't the little containers just too cute!
Now y'all know I simply must award the Ritz-Carlton "Five Silver Spoons." Thank you to the waitstaff for your impeccable customer service!

Congratulations to the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida...

Miss Janice's "Five Silver Spoons" Award

If you are ever in Naples, Florida, please Make it Memorable and phone up a reservation for Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Afternoon Tea is served in the Lobby Lounge from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida--or visit the Ritz online here.

Thank you so much for stopping by today...remember to "Take Time for Tea"!

Ladies Who Garden Luncheon

Welcome to "Tablescape Thursday," hosted by the Hostess with Mostess, Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch.

Happy Spring y'all! Springtime is the perfect time to plant some flowers in your garden, bring out the birdhouses, and welcome those sweet little birds back...or maybe even organize your Spring wardrobe!

Last year at my Mississippi home, I hosted a Luncheon with a "Ladies Who Garden" theme. If I were to host this event today in my Florida home, it would be a "Ladies Who Need to Garden" theme.

For the tablescape, I coordinated my Franciscan "Ivy" china with some Majolica "Green Leaf" pieces; then, I tied in the garden theme by adding a birdcage, bird's nests, and some ivy.

Menu

Cream of Carrot Soup
Bird's Nest Egg Salad*
Fresh Tomatoes, Cucumbers & Sliced Onions
Tomato Basil Beer Bread
Herbed Mint Iced Tisane
~
Aunt Gladys' Lace Cookies*
Lemonade

Ladies Who Garden Luncheon Tablescape...

Bird's nest place card holders and flower seed party favors carry out the garden theme...


Sweet little bird's nest holding the place card...

Birdcage as the centerpiece...

Bird's nest under the cloche...

Luncheon Menu...

Bird's Nest Egg Salad...y'all, the noodles are crispy, not wet!

*Recipe for Bird's Nest Egg Salad
1 egg
3 cups chow mein noodles
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Egg Salad:
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

In a small bowl, beat egg. Add chow mein noodles and garlic salt; sir to coat. Drop by 1/3 cupfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Using your fingers, shape each into a nest, making an indentation in the center of each. Bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a bowl, combine the first eight egg salad ingredients; mix well. Just before serving, spoon 1/4 cupful into each nest. Makes 6 servings.

Tomato Basil Beer Bread...

For a light dessert, I served lemonade and some of my "Aunt Gladys'" Lace Cookies.

Light dessert stand--Aunt Gladys' Lace Cookies with Lemonade...

*Aunt Gladys' Lace Cookies

1 egg beaten
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients. Drop a very small amount of dough (1/4 tsp., as it spreads thin) on greased and floured wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about five minutes until slightly brown at edges. If underdone, the cookies will not come off the paper. Allow cookies to cool on paper before removing. Makes 80-100 cookies. Cookies look like beige bits of lace. (Okay, Miss Janice's cookies look like brown bits of lace.)
Don't forget your party favors y'all! An easy party favor for this event...packets of flower seeds on a bed of moss, wrapped in cello with an ivy print bow.

I decided to give out the seed packets as my March "Friendship Gift." This is a very inexpensive small token of love to give to those who visit your home!

My "Friendship Gifts" for March...
Ye sleeping buds, break
Open your green cerements, and wake
To fragrant blossoming for His sweet sake.
~Margaret French Patton

I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit. Enjoy the Springtime y'all and remember to Make it Southern...Make it Memorable!