A Haven for Vee

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Hi

Lorrie and I have a method to use when I comment at her place. I start with a simple "Hi" thereby establishing my footprint in hopes that my computer will not skitz off in another direction as it is wont to do, especially there. Course if you find me saying "hi" you'll know that I am having trouble at your place as well. Today, I'm having trouble at my own.

 
It's another hodge podge day here, though not the real Hodge Podge. Blogging twice a week doesn't work on all levels. One of the levels it does not work on is having a concise post about one or two things. 



This is for BJ who is confused about French Horns. Okay. Now that I have found French Creme Horns in the Bakery section at Wal*Mart, I see that there's no "French" on them. BJ is a delightful hostess who shares a lot of wonderful tips and beautiful food with us. Sometimes she needs a little something~something to fill out her table and I suggested these. BJ was intrigued. I messed it all up by tossing French in there. 


 



Anyway, when we gals in Maine need a little something~something to look pretty and help fill out the party table, we might use this trick. Slice the French  vanilla creme horns at the handy-dandy sections and use maraschino cherries to garnish, plate on something vintage and lovely (those pretty paper plates are fine), and Bob's your uncle!




~French?~





Yesterday, I made a Madeira Cake. It was very easy to do and pleasant to eat. It reminded me ever so slightly of a lemon loaf because it is flavored with lemon; technically, it's a British sponge cake. The glaze was made the usual way with the addition of a small bit of melted butter and lemon juice and confectioner's sugar.  Hmmm... I'll pop *the cake recipe* in here soon as I can find it. John took the plate to his Bible study yesterday and so I know that it received many thumbs up.






 On our day out, we found ourselves at the flea market as we used to do often. I think I have been highly influenced by Diane because I came home with not only four red-checkered napkins, but also a vintage dolly blanket. It was only $1 and very dirty. It washed up beautifully and I feel good about rescuing someone's hard work. It's handstitched. The vintage, turns out, is only 1991 made by a Kathleen from Norway, Maine. (there was a handstitched tag on the bottom of the backing.)



 ~Front~



 ~Back~



That about does it except to say that I have been having such fun tucking one of the tea cup coasters in greeting cards and sending them off. It's like the old lady way of sending a piece of gum...just a little something~something to say hi and hope that you are doing well. Stephanie has had an influence on me, too!

Showing more progress here...a bare lawn! Naked in all its glory!





Amen!


60 comments:

  1. Good Morning Dear Vee!

    Oh goodness. I am sitting here drinking my coffee and now I am drooling over your gorgeous cake! And all that you have shared! Sending you big hugs this Thursday and every day.

    Love,
    Kim

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  2. Hi back to you Vee. I just got around to leaving a comment on your previous post and this one popped up so before I head out to the garden I'm stopping by here too. It's nice to know that blogging sisters can influence you too and every time BJ joins MM, I'm looking for the food in her post. That woman makes everything sound so good. I'm going to check out your recipe as I've been influenced by others you've shared. :-)

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  3. I am happy to hear that it is not only me having problems with making comments on someones post and it flying off into who knows where! My mothers family are all from Maine; I have quite a few relatives who live there and I keep correspondence with. I hope to visit there again one day. Your cake looks really good; and sound delicious. I like your new napkins and I think you found a real treasure in the dolly quilt. So happy for you to find such a treasure. It makes me happy to see you rescued it and will really enjoy this persons handwork.

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  4. Now that is funny,. Vee. I have always called them French Horns, too! I just googled them and they ARE called French Horns. It's Walmart that dropped the FRENCH and added VANILLA. Probably figured anyone that was wearing their pjs to shop would NOT buy something with a "fancy foreign" name. lol

    Your lemon cake looks good and I LOVE that sweet little doll blanket! Hope you have a good Spring day. xo Diana

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  5. My goodness Vee, I'm looking forward to tasting that Madeira cake. Yours looks so lovely presented on your cake stand. That dolly quilt is just beautiful--only a $1! Great find--and so nice to know who stitched it. So happy not to see snow out your window--you'll have green before you know it! ♥

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  6. I thought I was the only one having trouble with blogger. It gets really funky when I try to leave a comment on some WordPress blogs I follow. *sigh*
    You're so creative. I'll bet the table looks yummy and cozy. For me, the Madeira cake seems Ok but I would pass on the cherries. My husband likes 'em though. I'm a bonafide, died-in-the-wool chocoholic. I'll eat anything fudge put in front of me. Better watch your fingers when serving ... *giggle* ~:)

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  7. Popping in to say "hi" before picking up my paintbrush again. Sigh...
    Your cake is beautiful and must be delicious if presentation is any indication. Or maybe the oohs and ahhs at John's Bible study are a better indication. :)
    That doll quilt was a real find, regardless of its age!!

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  8. Cute post, Vee! I have bought my share of "French" cream horns through the years...my oldest son who is now almost 36 would eat them as soon as I would buy them. I never thought about slicing them and dressing them up like you have though....great idea! The lemon-ey cake sounds amazing too ;p Don't you just love a good thrift store or flea market? You did good...especially on that darling doll quilt. I bet Diane's mouth is watering about now! So nice that you can finally see the ground too!

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  9. What a great idea with cutting the cream horns in half and adding a cherry on top!

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    1. More like in eighths... But in half lengthwise would probably be cute, too. It's just that it makes more of a presentation most inexpensively with the eighths.

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  10. Hi!!!!!
    Cake and horns with cherries .... YUM! !!! I like the checked napkins ... red and white one of my favorites and the doll quilt is wonderful ... will look beautiful on your table. I love to go hunting for treasure and should do it more often. My pocketbook can't handle it right now. Too much going on around the house ... always something. Today ... no water pressure in the shower ... a call to the plumber is in order and I'm not looking forward to that visit! Is that the ground????!!!! YeeHaw!

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    1. Hadn't thought of using it that way...I thought of using it with my dolly. ☺

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  11. I'll have to look for those 'French' horns next time I'm in Maine as they do look like a great treat and I doubt they are sold here. Your Madeira Cake looks so yummy! The doll quilt is sweet and vintage looking even if made in 1991. I'm glad your yard is naked of snow....may it stay that way until December! I enjoyed my visit with your hodge lodge of topics. Always interesting my friend. Have a blessed day. Pam

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  12. Ah, but your beautiful windows make the outdoor scene lovely. That cake does look yummy and lemon is always nice. How wonderful that you rescued the quilt. Do you have a doll that will love it? I've got to remember your French Horns idea when I need that little something~something. That happens here and I appreciate the idea.

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  13. Hi Vee, How pretty the sliced "horns" look! The cake looks delicious too. I adore the doll blanket; what a great find at a bargain. I always love the view from your windows. Wishing you two a nice day.

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  14. p.s. Your header is gorgeous!

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  15. Hi Vee!

    I'm hungry just looking at those yummy treats! I have never seen, French Horns here in Idaho, they look delicious! The cake looks delightful too, I love anything . . . lemon!

    What wonderful finds you made! Nothing better than bringing home a treasure! The doll blanket is so cute, just think of the possibilities! I also love finding napkins at the thrift store, I would much rather use a fabric napkin, than a paper napkin. My favorite find, is hand embroidered pillow cases, I have found some beautiful ones, and they are usually in perfect condition!

    So glad to see grass in your yard instead of snow! We got some snow in the last few days, but it's gone today. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kind to both of us for a while!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  16. Ahh...bare is good, right? Pretty soon you'll see some green. That little quilt is really cute. I'm glad you rescued it. I'm going to keep my eye out for those horns. I'm always a bit disappointed in the bakeries we have around here. Your cake looks delicious!

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  17. I love "french" horns and I like the way you've prettied them up and they would go further, too. Maybe. I tend to grab a whole one and gobble it down! lol! Love them. Your cake looks delightful, too. The doll blanket is a sweet find! I can see using it for other purposes. And red and white checks are a favorite of mine. Nice finds!

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  18. Mmm ... Vee, your Madeira cake looks tempting! Will be perfect with a nice cuppa tea.

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  19. "Hi" does seem to be working! I haven't had any trouble with leaving comments (yet?). I'm glad you persevered.
    Twice a week blogging is all I'm up to lately, too. It's mid-semester and report card time. I'd forgotten how much work it really is. And we're having company this weekend.
    I always enjoy these bits and pieces posts - they're more like real life. The cake looks wonderful, and I can imagined that John's Bible study group gobbled it up. Did you get at least one piece?

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  20. I miss those creme horns since I've gone on a gluten free diet! I bake for our Bible study too. Just because I can't have it doesn't mean I don't like baking.

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  21. I would eat that cake, and lets be real, I would eat the (not French) horns too. Truth be told I like them better for not being French. Where do we get the idea that French is better anyway? Yay for no snow! I am listening to the birds sing outside my window as I type this. Spring is truly here and the birds are as happy about it as I am :) The doll blanket may only be as old as 1991, but it's pretty and deserves to be saved. Besides, it's getting older and more vintage every day :)

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  22. "it's like the old lady way of sending a piece of gum"... one of the many reasons I love to visit here. Your humor is especially endearing to me. Of course that cake caught my attention too. Also fun to see the many ways we draw inspiration from our fellow bloggers.

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  23. Hi! (giggling)---Thanks for the smiles and lovely photos, Vee!!!! Blessings

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  24. Those creme horns & cherries are my kind of "baking". Your lemon cake is displayed beautifully, I can almost smell the lemon. Great find on the little quilt and placemats. I've rescued handiwork before when I've been out "thrifting". Our lawn looks about the same as yours. Thanks Vee

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  25. Love the dolly blanket! Beautiful! What a great feeling indeed to have rescued someone's hard work and to be celebrating their eye for color.

    And the creme horns ... haven't tasted one of those in ages and would never have thought of slicing them and topping with cherries. But what a great idea! I will keep that in mind next time I need something for a potluck dessert and don't have time to bake. Thanks for sharing!

    And yes, as Lorrie said above, I too enjoy these bits and pieces posts. A glimpse into a kindred spirit's daily life is always a delight!

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  26. Oh my I am hungry now lol ! Nothing like a sweet treat with a cuppa tea or even a coffee ! Thanks for sharing , Have a good week !

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  27. A nice bright cheerful post. : ) LOVE those red checked napkins!! The cake looks oh so good.

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  28. I haven't had a cream horn in years, but you have me yearning for one, Vee. My mom loves them, but only if they have marshmallow type cream in them. I love how you've cut them and embellished them with a cherry. Your gingham napkins are so pretty and ahhh the dolly blanket...so sweet.
    Yea for the bare lawn!! That's a lot to be thankful for.

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  29. Your cake looks and sounds wonderful. I am glad you recued that quilt...

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  30. And here I sit this evening drooling over this cake, loved the presentation too! I too am into checkered anything! ~smile~ Flea markets hold so many wonderful treasures, you scored big on this one, so glad you were able to get it clean.
    Enjoy your evening,
    Sue

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  31. Hi! Vee! beautiful quilts. I still LOVE, getting a card in the mail. I send them also....just sent one yesterday with a coaster, but I didn't make it.

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  32. Can I come over to your home and eat yummy sweet treats with you? I love French Creme Horns. How clever of you to slice them and "dress" them up a wee bit.

    Your new header is stunning, my friend! I love how cheerful and colorful it is. Hugs!

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  33. Vee - I love your hodge podge days!! You did very well finding that sweet little quilt. Your vanilla horns trick is so smart and the cake looks wonderful! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  34. Crème Horns were my favorite for many years. I don't see them so readily now that we live in Canada. I had never thought of slicing them, but think that's a great idea for company!
    Your cake sure looks good. I bet John came home with an empty plate.

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  35. Vee,
    Lots of things to comment on here today! Boy, the cherry on the creme horn is a very clever idea to round out a buffet table. I don't think I have ever even had a creme horn before! But they look very nice....they could be put in pretty little muffin tin too! I love the quilts! I am always amazed when people find reasonably priced quilts in flea markets. Both sides are so charming! LOL regarding the teacup coasters that you have been tucking into cards. Stephanie must have gotten a kick out of that! I have yet to make one of those but they are so cute! Have a wonderful weekend!
    Linda
    mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com

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  36. I'm glad you got your lawn back. You do have long winters! I love that "vintage" quilt--so sweet, and for some, I suppose 1991 is vintage. For us it was just yesterday. Like your header too.

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  37. The bare yard is just waiting for the first signs of spring, it's coming! That lemon cake hit my eye, just my kind of 'temptation',. :) I thought your little dolly quilt was so cute, you did a good job restoring it for another little pair of hands to love.

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  38. Yay for naked grass! Soon it will green up! Ours is ready for it's first mowing!

    Great finds at the flea market and that little dolly quilt would look great on a side table, too. Very sweet. Handstitiching, amazing.

    Those Creme Horns look amazing. That is my kind of carb to eat! Not much of that going on these days though!

    Happy Weekend!
    Deanna

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  39. Hello Vee, I like checking out BJ's foodie posts too. Your lemon cake looks delicious, I will have to try this recipe.. Have a happy day and weekend!

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  40. French just make it sounds so much more exotic. Are you sure you didn't throw in 'Madeira' too? ;-). Have a great weekend. It's summer here today.

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  41. Hi Vee, boy, that cake looks good. Doing without wheat flour is killing me. miss all those wonderful goodies.

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    1. Latane, have you tried the Bob's Red Mill 1-for-1 gluten-free flour? One can substitute it cup-for-cup in regular recipes, and the xanthan gum is already included. I have used it in cookies and bars with great success, and it's supposed to work for cakes, too.

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  42. Lovely to hear from you, the cakes look delicious!! Don't you just hate it when your comments go all funny, especially when you have typed a lot!! Better go now before this one disappears! xx

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  43. I notice my lawn is greener every day and along with birdsong, flowers and peepers, I feel spring is really here.
    I love the fabric things you found, especially the little doll quilt. The cake sounds so delicious! Too bad I have to watch carbs so religiously. But the description and photo made me almost able to smell it and taste the texture.

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  44. Your cake looks delcious, Vee! I love the dolly blanket --what sweet work once mad by a loving grandmother or mother for a little girl.I'm glad you rescued it!

    We had 4-5 inches of snow and then rain, rain, rain. Better than the predicted possible two feet of snow! The wheelbarrow in my garage is filled with plants waiting to be planted--today I added three big geranium plants from Costco. They are all next to a window and and seem to be doing ok. Hope they can wait another month!

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  45. Well, first off...I was smiling all the way thru the Horns...and excited to see they have them at Walmart...we have 5 or more Walmarts in our town. YAY;...and thank you.
    Next, the smile began to slide off my face and I actually broke into tears..Mr. Sweet came in to see if I was sick again...my daddy always sent me a piece of gum in my letter...many many many years ago. Sometimes by the time it got from Dallas to Nederland, Tx., that stick of gum was hard as a bat. I kept a scrapbook back then...many many many years ago, and I still have it. I got up from my chair, got the book and saw that I still had a lot of the wrappers those sticks of gum came in. ....these were from the late 40's and early 50's.......bwaaaaaaaaa.....such a beautiful memory...and I thank you for that.
    Now, I'm on my way to get a haircut and my eyes are red as .....well....red. :)

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  46. A lovely hodge podge day, Vee, so many fun things. And cake!
    Amalia
    xo

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  47. Hi! There's absolutely nothing wrong with hodge podge :) Your Madeira cake looks delicious!

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  48. Hi! :) Your 'French' cream horns took me back to a favorite local bakery of my childhood...that served up the best cream horns! Good finds...at the flea market...vintage or not.

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  49. Why did I suddenly start to feel hungry?

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  50. It's like coming to a friend's house with no agenda but talking the day away! Love coming here and, we called them French creme horns where I come from, too.

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  51. No SNOW!!! YAY!
    Loved your post as I love ALL of your posts!
    Cream horns......I remember serving these. I must serve them again! SOON! Funny how you forget about what used to be your favorite things!

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  52. Everything is green here in TX and we are sending it your way. I would gain 20 pounds in a week if I lived at your house! YUMMY! Thanks for stopping by at my blog and yes that is the youngest of 5 grandsons. He has a little 2 month old sister and there is still a chance for more!
    Blessings!

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  53. Mmm . . . that Madeira cake looks wonderful! And what a great find with the little dolly blanket. I think we have a duty to rescue these things, don't you?

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  54. Oh, thanks for sharing what the "Maine ladies" are doing...those vanilla cream horns look so yummy. Just the size for a sweet treat when we shouldn't eat the whole thing! I'm putting this on my Pinterest.

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  55. That Madeira cake looks so very light and lemony delicious. What a find your dolly blanket was. Have a great week Vee!

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  56. So much deliciousness at your place....makes me hungry. Love that little blanket....adorable. Have a good day..hodge podge is is fine:)

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