Festive Spring Feast!

Here is some table inspiration for a memorable family meal. Each year I take the time to decorate for Easter and use our special wedding china for the table. The tableware with the floral details in the plates and hand painted custom tablecloth bring out the abundant beauty and eye-catching centerpiece where I got the opportunity to get creative by adding birds nests. Gold accents on flatware and floral straw chargers add a luxury charm, elevated by the personalization on the tablecloth with our family's last name. A few bunnies with bows, and tea jars with hydrangeas put the finishing touches on the affair sure to be remembered for years to come.

The Flowers are from The Fresh Market

Since this is the year of the"Bow", the bunnies are happy to comply by wearing some bows. The Botanical Garden Tablecloth adds all our favorite elements that we enjoy seeing such as the birds, flowers and of course bows.  Notice how the theme is all tied together, even the birds from the tablecloth connect to the birds nests on the centerpiece!

I took the time to personalize and add our last name to this tablecloth, this adds a special touch to any table. I design these for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions.

The dishes are a great color collection inspired by the famous embroideries of the Castelo Branco region. First produced in the 17th century in the central Portugal town, rich embroideries are creafted in silk tread on linen using a unique slack stich. The Portuguese  artists take classic motifs and translate them into timeless and elegant dinnerware. are from Vista Alegre, a royal porcelan manufacturer of Portugal since 1824. Entrepreneur and visionary Joao Ferreira Pinto Basto founded the company and it's part of the Aveiro district.

The placemats are from Ballard Designs

Here you can see me paint the tablecloth print.

There are so many pretty blue and white details with a very light touch of yellow inside a few flowers giving it a delicate look.

 These are all the different ways that you can style your napkins. I designed the on purpose this way. I can call these tea towels as well since they come in a very large size of 22" X 22' made of 100% cotton.

Watch the video of the table HERE

🎀The YEAR OF THE "BOW"🎀

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This link works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

The Cherry Blossom Trees are starting to bloom over here and I always enjoy creating a table with a theme! There's plenty to decorate and celebrate with cherry blossoms and anytime you can add pink and flowers to your table, it becomes a memorable occasion, besides the Japanese festival Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day) is celebrated this Sunday March 3rd and that is another reason to celebrate!

"Cherry blossoms lovely pink hues represent a time of renewal, optimist, and surely are a beautiful spectacle to behold bringing us joy." C. Mason

In the background you can see my recent tulip paintings!

Here is the recipe: Easy Portuguese Roasted Chicken Recipe

I say it's easy because you just put everything together in the oven at the same time.

Ingredients:

One cut up chicken or chicken pieces (about 6, I usually do thighs or leg quarters)

Ingredients:

One cut up chicken or chicken pieces (about 6, I usually do thighs or leg quarters)

4 garlic cloves, cut up

3 tablespoons of olive oil to drizzle

2 bay leaves cut in half

1 tablespoon of fresh oregano

3 tablespoons of paprika

2 pounds of potatoes cut up ( I like cutting up the small red ones in half)

1 green pepper and one yellow (sometimes I use a bad of frozen different color peppers)

1 can of crushed tomatoes (or you can use organic fresh tomatoes)

2 tablespoons of fresh parsley

1 yellow onion medium

4 or 5 carrots (or a bag of baby organic carrots)

salt and pepper to season

Put it all in a large oven pan, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Then remove the foil and cook an extra 10 minutes to brown the chicken. 

This meal will feed a crowd, enjoy. If you make it please tag me if you post a picture, I would love to see it!

How about this darling tablescape? Did you notice my linens in there? The "Famille Rose' table runner and napkins goes so well with the cherry blossoms table.

How darling is this print design for the spring? Painted entirely by hand, my designs and timeless and will never go out of style. 

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This link works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

How to style a dining room hutch 

Styling a hutch is an opportunity for you to showcase your vintage or new collections of your decor. I use mine in the dining room to display my favorite dishes and I alternate them with the season. You will even have more storage once you display your beauties, so get them out showcase them and use them.

However a big hutch with several empty selves can be daunting. I place the larger plates on the top then go down the shelves with smaller plates for an eclectic look. Then I place the smaller vases and candlesticks on the sides and always add fresh flowers for the final touch. I find that it makes such a lovely addition completing the look. I also added my napkin print design called "Linda's Garden" I have some othe products with this design and you will love it! You can see the video down the blog and follow me along for more tips.

Portuguese Country Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

This bread makes the house smell so good. This is my fast version of "Folar" a traditional cake we have in Portugal for Easter. You can make extra and give as gifts. Everyone will love it. Mix everything and Voilá!

Ingredients

2 cups of flour

1 cup of sugar

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

2 small eggs

1 cup of sour cream 

8 Tablespoons of butter melted warm not hot

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/3 of sugar

Combine the first 5 dry ingredients, mix well then add eggs, sour cream and butter and mix until its all blended.

In a small bowl mix together the last two ingredients (cinnamon and sugar).

Spray a 8"x4" inch loaf pan ( I use glass). Pour a third of the batter into the pan then sprinkle a third of the cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Repeat that two more times and put the rest of the cinnamon/sugar mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes at 350 or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for about 8 minutes before flipping. Enjoy.

Layer the mixture

Sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon and sugar mixture

Turn it upside down

You can do this process in a different platter so it does not leave crumbs on the dish that you are serving this on.

Then flip it again, I have to say that this cake disappears so fast out from my kitchen!

Yummy!! Final result, enjoy!

(fun fact, I was a baker when I was single in Portugal)

Happy cooking and Baking!!😄

How pretty is this "Linda's Garden" design print? Just so perfect for Spring!

Check out all the other times that I offer with this darling print.

Watch me style my hutch here.

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This links works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

 Follow me for updates: 

(fun fact, I was a baker when I was single in Portugal)

Happy cooking and Baking!!😄

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

Hi friends!

Ever since I got my new stove top, I have been asked where I got it and all the details about it!

I have to say that I was fortunate to find someone who actually builds these from scratch and although my stove is a standard size, I was able to customize the color and that made my day!

I not only can have more room in my kitchen to display my home decor, but the stove is an ideal place for me to display the tea towels that I hand illustrate/paint and sell on my booth and online on my website!

Therefore whenever I am advertising a new design and I style it on my stove, people ask me about it, so I decided to do a blog on it. If you can please comment on it (by clicking on the blog you will see an area to comment)!

The color of my stove top goes with my kitchen home decor and when I have people visiting (mostly on the weekends), I flip the tray upside down and use it as a charcuterie board! It's big and it fits beautifully on top of my island! 

It makes me feel like I have a really cleaned and organized kitchen displaying my Royal Chinoiserie Tea Towel on the stove handle and when I display the tray on top of the stove, and it's truly a statement piece, I am absolutely in love with  it!  

😍 Ways you can help my small business - Please leave a comment, I appreciate your support xo Ceci Mason

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I don't make or sell these, but HERE is the link where you can buy it! Please let me know if you have any questions, I hope this helps you get yours in the color that you like!

I styled it with my "Vincentina Coast " napkins here but you can use a tea towel as well!

We were having friends over for burgers and I just placed everything on the tray before taking it outdoors. If you are interested in seeing any other tea towels, please go HERE

To read more fun blogs go HERE!

xo Ceci, artist and founder of Diga Linda

This Valentine's is fast approaching and I would like to share a darling craft with you. I used the Blue Hydrangeas tablecloth for this project and the pink hydrangeas go here perfectly!

Start by getting some wine glasses (you can find them at the dollar store along with the doilies), turn one upside down and draw a circle around it. Then cut out the paper circle, draw a heart and place it inside the wine glass. All you have to do is insert the flowers inside and style them on top of the table, enjoy! 

 "Just living is not enough...one much have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

~ Hans Christian Andersen

FLORAL ABUNDANCE IN MY GARDEN

In early Spring a profusion of hydrangea blossoms in lilac and pink start to form! 

 Gather some flowers from your garden.

Fill a basket with fresh-cut stems to adorn your tablescape and gift friends the wine glass with the blooms at the end of the lunch so they can take it home.

How darling is that look? Your guests will be delighted, they will love these floral beauties!

 TIP FOR FLOWERS TO LAST LONGER

If you add one tablespoon of bleach and one tablespoon of sugar your flowers will last almost one month as long as they are in room temperature (on the cool side) and to ensure that, change the water and clip the ends diagonally.

You can draw hearts for Valentines on the doilies. For St. Patricks you can put a little clover in there etc, love this so much! This idea is perfect for indoors or outdoors.

When Mother Nature blesses you with an overabundance of beautiful flowers, I make a list of who will be getting these delightful blooms before they get spots on them! If I keep cutting them, they will keep on blooming until November!

You can find peace in flowers with these soothing and tranquil colors, such as blues, lavenders and pale pinks that you see here. Flowers are also symbols of friendship, love and affection. Just by looking at them, one feels joy and more relaxed.

My pup Chloe sometimes pops up in my pictures, lol!

How pretty is this "Blue Hydrangeas" tablecloth that I painted entirely by hand? Click the button below to see tablecloths and table runners in the store.

Today I did a fabulous collaboration with some friends and we had an amazing guest "The Flower Magazine" click the picture to see it!

Below are the friends that joined me today and of course our guest on Valentine's Eve. "The Flower Magazine!"

🌸🌸🌸 Today I’ve joined a few talented friends for #tablesharetuesday AND we have an awesome guest! 🌸 Please visit their feeds below to see all of their beautiful tables:

@addictedtochina @alovedhomecerved @bonniechasedesigns @craftingculture @diga_linda @tablescapebycharm @theblueleopardvintage 🌸 Guest host: @flowermagazine 

Hydrangeas make people happy, lifts up their spirits and express sentiments of gratitude. Read about the symbolism of hydrangeas HERE.

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This link works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

How to clean silver:

Silver is one of the most precious metals on earth right next to gold! Jewelry, coins, flatware, so many things contain silver and when this beautiful element is cleaned it reflects it's luster and beauty!

Believe it or not the Egyptians used to prize silver over gold! Silver begins to tarnish as soon as it is exposed to air and then it becomes dull and discolored! One of the keys to cleaning silver is that you never want to scrub with carbon fiber cloth as these will cause permanent damage, use a microfiber instead. Also never put your silver in the dishwasher! 

There is a very simple way to clean silver and it just takes a piece of aluminum foil, soap and water!

- Place a piece of foil inside a bowl ( I actually put a couple of pieces of foil inside a big pot or use a foil tray (some people wrap their silver in the foil because it needs to touch it).

- Put boiling water and baking soda inside the bowl (for each cup of water add one tablespoon of baking soda).

- Add the silver 

- Let silver touch the aluminum foil and let it work (about 10 minutes) or it could be done faster than that, check it! Mine on the video below took only seconds (hope you have instagram, if not comment below and I will see if I can get another way to show you the video)!

- Unwrap the silver (if you wrapped it). You will see that the tarnish has transferred to the foil!

- Take it out, rinse with soap and water then clean with microfiber cloth.

To Watch the video click picture above or go HERE

Thank you for reading my blog. If you enjoyed it, please comment below!

Also have you seen the latest additions to the "Famille Rose" newest print? See them HERE!

Also the NEW Tobacco Leaf Placemats that I just designed? They just landed on the site, check out the entire collection over HERE!

If you want a refreshing print for Spring, then checkout my latest "Casa Bela" design.

Looking for more and different items? 

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

And remember to get your free gift!🎀

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

This past Christmas I have the privilege to visit the Palácio de Seteis Valverde and attend the “Queen’s Tea” in  Sintra Portugal. The Palace was built between 1783 and 1787 on the orders of the Dutch consul Daniel Gildemeester. The lands were granted by the Marquis de Pombal (who ruled the Portuguese Empire at the time). They built on a hill so that the consul could enjoy a glorious panorama of the Sintra hills. The Palace of Setais has been one of Sintra's top luxury hotels since it opened in 1954 is where back in the day all the Portuguese nobility lived and there’s lots of palaces all around the region. In the Christmas season the Palace of Setais is one of the most enchanting places to experience in Sintra. People call this Sintra the fairy town. 

At the palace the Queen's Tea starts promptly at 5:00p.m. each day and the service is open to the public and guests on the veranda ( which is a room covered with glass, chic and refined but relaxed), adjacent the hotel's restaurant. The menu includes traditional English scones made with raisins soaked in rum, Portuguese pastries like the traditional Sintra quijadas, madeleines and other sweet pastries. The three gourmet tea sandwiches which were salmon with red onion and cream cheese, prociuto and brie which match the grand delicious setting. We also got to choose which tea we wanted and it comes in a pot, and they kept coming by and refiling our tea cups. We all chose our favorites, mine was cozy chamomile and it tasted delicious.

Delicious traditional sweets.

Vistra Alegre hotel dining set. 

Hand painted walls everywhere bring you back to the 18th century!

Timeless the blue and white ceramics here!

This was such an enchanting room with it's hand painted walls and whimsical pastel colors. So many details on that grand piano!! 

The Pillement room, with original alfrescos  de Jean-Baptiste Pillement. It's one of the most beautiful rooms at the Palace.

Many famous people have stayed here like Richard Nixon, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Maria Callas, Agatha Christie and the list goes on. 

Did you know? The British afternoon tea popular ritual was actually inspired by the little known Queen of Portugal "Catarina de Bragança (Catherine of Braganza in English). Think about that next time you are drinking tea at a beautiful place! 

Here you see the Palace's Fine China collection from Vista Alegre. 

Back in 1662, when Catherine of Braganza (daughter of Portugal's King John iV) married the British King Charles II and brings with her a very large dowry that includes spices, money and treasures from the lucrative ports of Bombay and Tangier. This union made her a very important lady, she became the Queen of England, Ireland and Scotland. 

The legend has it (and everyone know the story very well at the hotel), that when she went to join her future husband, she was traveling with loose-leaf tea and the crates were market: Transporte de Ervas Aromaticas (which means in English ~ Transport of Aromatic Herbs), which they abreviated T.E.A.

Anyway one thing is true, Portugal already had a direct trade line to China since they already had Macau as a colony ( they took over in 1557, making it the first European colony in East Asia) and tea was already very popular in Portugal among the aristocracy.

Tea was being consumed in England, but they were getting it from the Dutch and was very expensive. They used it only for medicine at the time. After Catherine arrived with her clothes and furniture, she was the focus of attention. Ladies longed to be around her and be part of her circle! Her mid-afternoon pick me up tea drinking habit was encouraged in court and it spread.

It was such a sweet and memorable moment, enjoying all those sweet pastries with the family by the fire on a cold winter afternoon. The property is beautiful and we even saw peacocks rooming around! If you ever go visit Portugal, you make sure you visit this Palace, it's quite an enchanting getaway!

What a delight it was to see a Tobacco Leaf lamp at this Plalace! 

I have a large collection with this print that I painted entirely by hand, learn more below!

Thank you for reading and following along, I appreciate you!

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

Although I started this new year in a different country (Portugal), I am back to the US and after being under the weather for quite some time at home, I had time to reflect and do some planning for 2024. I think that at the beginning of each year we all reflect on the joys and (not so joyful) times we had in the previous year and after a mental inventory we try to improve so we can have a better year than the one before. 

With so much time at home recently, I had the opportunity to go look at some books that I rarely have time for and one of them is an old one called "Life's Little Instruction Book". Here Brown gives hundreds of suggestions, observations and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life!

His advice is both filled with wisdom and also humor, which I think is much needed nowadays. This book is filled with notes from the heart. Below are some of his wise points:

To download the printable version, click HERE

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I wanted to show you a lovely print "You Make Me Smile" filled with Roses that never go bad! 

Shop the set of 2 napkins HERE

These pillows below have a great price point, just click HERE to learn more.

My tea towel completes my kitchen.  I love my custom stove top and it feels like I have more space in the kitchen to decorate, specially to put more flowers in the kitchen. Also if you are interested in information on where to get my custom stove top, look at the bottom of the blog.

Learn more about the Tea Towel HERE

It's such a joy to have a drink in my "You Make Me Smile" Roses cup! I can't help myself but feel joy! Learn more about this mug which comes in 2 sizes HERE

 How darling is my tea towel styled by @maryalice.home on Instagram?

This print is just darling and perfect for Valentine's Day. If you are craving more of this print please shop below.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

If you love flatware, then take 20%off with coupon code CECI at checkout when you shop on the site, just click the picture below.

To get one of these custom stove tops made for you, please email Rebekah Davis at Becca83davis@gmail.com 

You can also reach her on Instagram @rebekah.davis.180

Also how darling are these pieces from Jaye's Studio?

This is the Ginger Jar Garden Party & the Horizontal Square Cachepot planter

If you would like to shop at Jaye's Studio use coupon code LINDA15 for 15% off at checkout.

If you enjoyed the blog, please share, thank you.

Thank you for reading and following along, I appreciate you!

✨By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

✨ Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

Valentine's Day is an opportunity to spread love! This day can actually mean different things to different people. Typically people celebrate the day with their significant other, but they also celebrate this day with friends, it's an opportunity to show appreciation, gratitude and affection to those who deserve it.

More often than not, people tend to gift material items like roses, chocolates or stuffed animals to show their love, but it's not just about gifts, it's about showing their feelings towards the people that they love.

🎀 I actually have a gift for you, so keep reading it's at the end of the blog. 🎀

You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate the holiday. Love  and affection can be displayed in so many different ways.  

❤️ Here are some ideas to celebrate this holiday with the ones you love.❤️

• Host a Paint and Sip Party - You and your Galentine's will get to try their hand at painting in canvas while sipping wine or another fun beverage. There will be plenty of laughs as talent is revealed
• Go to an Estate Sale together
• Have a game night
• Movie night ~ Watch a movie together ( Galentine's can watch some series of the "The Gilded Age") and enjoy a charcuterie night spread with different cheeses, meats, jams and other accouterments to enjoy. A little wine to pair these is also welcome.
• Have a Fondue Night with cheese or chocolate. You can either have salty snacks to dip on your melted cheese or have fruit to dip on your melted chocolate.
• Go to an Afternoon Tea together at a local tea room for an elegant and fun experience with your friends. You get to dress up for this hour of treats, refreshments, friendships and bliss.
• Bring your friend a flour bouquet with a personal note, everyone loves flowers.
• Write them a card with a personal note.
• Give them a gift certificate so they can get pampered. That could be at a spa, nail salon or their hairdresser.
• Give a coffee Gift Card

Now looking at some gifts: when I designed this print, I had in mind all the lady friends that are in my life, supporting me, cheering me in my live and inspiring me with their actions and love. I felt that this design represented everything that women love like the flowers (these roses will never expire), heart (love), bow, topiary and blue and white a timeless color combo of blue and white that is a classic design. 

Valentine's Day is a holiday that can be celebrated with everyone around you that you love, so make them feel loved, you know that you are loved as well.💖

Carefully painted and illustrated entirely by hand in the USA, this design incorporates so many lovely and familiar symbols. The "Roses and Bow Topiary" pillow is carefully sewn in the USA as well. It also comes with a zipper. I hope you love it as much as I enjoyed designing it. 

You can also get this darling design in a fine art print.

How darling are these napkins? It's a set of 2!

If you are craving more Pink (the official color of happiness) and more pink bows prints, click the button below for the Gift Shop!

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift!

It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love! 

Do you have any ideas, what is your favorite thing to do on Valentine's | Galentine's Day? Please share in comments below, I would love to know.

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

If you love flatware, then take 20%off with coupon code CECI at checkout when you shop on the site, just click the picture below.

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist.

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

This cake is so easy to make, moist & delicious, you are going to love it!

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• zest from 3 oranges
• Confectioner’s sugar to sprinkle on top

• Grease with baking spray and flour your Bundt pan. Preheat oven to 350 F.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt and baking powder.
• In a separate bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and oil. Whisk it all together.
  
• Add in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
• Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture.
• Pour the batter into prepared Bundt pan. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Check on the cake after 50 minutes. Carefully flip the cake out of the pan onto a plate and let it cool. Dust with confectioner’s sugar.
• This is just as good if you replace orange for lemon just replace the zest and juice!

Everyone is going to love your cake! 

What makes our linens different?  There are advantages to buying our products. You can match the invitations and place cards to your tablecloth design (or table runner)  just email me at cecimasonart@gmail.com for more information.

Another advantage? If you would like to make your event extra special and have a custom tablecloth with your name or occasion. Just email Ceci at cecimasonart@gmail.com You can see a custom tablecloth of this print below, how special is that? These make such a great gift as well! Consider Mother's Day coming up, or birthday gift. 

To see more of this darling Linda's Garden print just click below ~ There you can see all the items that are offered in that collection with this darling print with bows, flowers and the fresh pretty greens that you can use all year long!

 Below is a custom table cloth! A conversation starter and an heirloom to pass on from generation to generation!

PS: If you make the cake, please let me know how you like it!

Thank you for reading and following along, I appreciate you!

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

Do you love tradition, history and a slower pace of life? Then Portugal is a place for you to consider moving to or retire. It's not only that, we Portuguese have a very welcoming spirit, the food is delicious and the weather, specially in the south of Portugal where I am from is absolute perfection. Rain is the south of Portugal is almost as strange as a sunny day in Scotland! Yes you will see people washing their cars outside and doing normal life in Scotland when there is a mist and light rain.

In the Algarve (the southern region of Portugal) if there is a sign of rain, the shopping centers are quite empty, we know it's not good for your hair either, lol (specially me with very curly hair), and hair is quite important! The best part of being home is that I not only get to eat all the food I missed and seeing my family and friends, I get immediate help finding an hairdresser at the last minute without an appointment or anything I need to get done!

I am from Faro and being such a small town, people know each other and help each other. If I need a seamstress, between my family and friends I can find one or two right away. Also when I talk about a business or a street, my family specially dad who has so many connections to businesses in the area knows immediately who I am talking about. He had his own business for over 60 years can share insight on what I need or where to go and I am so very grateful for that.

I have been traveling all over Portugal (in Castles and Palaces and you have been seeing in my social media stories) but I will highlight one are each time.

Now let's talk about my little town of Faro (the capital of the South). Who was going to guess that this country specifically my home town “Faro” was going to make a destination with the biggest airline in the world?

When I came back from visiting my family after Christmas this year (who all live in Portugal and my family is like the movie “ My Big Fat Greek Wedding), I was in the airplane when I picked up the United Airlines 2024 magazine from the seat in front of me and there it was, saying that now the biggest airline in the world has flights there!

I am Portuguese - American as you know and each time I go back home to see my family, I always get to see how the town and the area has changed! Although I like change, what I love the most is what has not changed like those tiles on the steps of homes, tiles on churches, homes and buildings, old narrow cobbles streets filled with coffee tables and chairs and all the town's character!

When I go for my morning walk in downtown of Faro, the seagulls own the skies by the marina and the smell of the ocean is truly a delight. The warm sunlight gliming on your face is like you are being sunkissed.

Below you can see the Forum Faro Shopping Center entrance.

As you walk downtown, you will see the Faro older homes original stairs with their beautiful blue and white tiles.

 Our tiles are so famous that through the town there are tiles walls just so you can take a picture.

You will find tiles in buildings, churches, famous monuments and pretty much all around the towns in Portugal.

 This blue and white coffee shop next to my parents home, is the perfect spot for you to work with their wifi.

 If you would like to see more blue and white tiles, checkout my latest textile print design "Casa Bela" collection  it has the most serene and calm blues and what a great way to have a bit of the Portuguese culture in your own home. I got inspired to paint this exclusive design for Diga Linda from all the blue and white tiles in Portugal, however as a creative I designed this pattern to reflect what I love most about Portugal. If you look closely, you will see in the center of this handpainted time a circle representing the sun, (there's about 365 days of sunshine there), then that circle turns into a flower (there's flowers everywhere), you will also see hearts representing the love for the country, birds, and more. As you all know every print design has a story attached to it making it a more interesting and meaningful piece of art in your home. 

I hope you love it as much as I enjoyed creating and painting it.

🇵🇹 More inspiration from Portugal is coming, I have so many great places and pictures to share. From the most delicious and famous dessert in the world (yes it's Portuguese according to Taste Atlas - Pastel de Nata) to favorite shops, restaurants, palaces and castles, keep posted and follow me on social media to know more about Portugal 

Thank you for reading and following along, I appreciate you!

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

Today I am delighted to introduce you Lisa Shenkle, Creator and owner of Magnolia Blue!

In Magnolia Blue, Lisa shares her love for celebrating the American Coastal South and she believes that every occasion in life should be celebrated. She enjoys traveling, eating out, and connecting with people in many different places!

"Gathered around the table, stories are told memories are created and love is abundantly grown." ~ The Heaping Harvest via Lisa Shenkle @southernskiesnrisingtides (her Instagram handle)

Questions for Lisa

Q: Lisa, it’s truly a pleasure having you here on the blog. Can you tell us about yourself, where did you grow up and how did your childhood influence your life and your path? 

Hi, Ceci, thank you for your interest in Magnolia Blue and in me! I’m very excited to be part of a blog with someone who is so in tune with the southern coastal audience.

I was born and raised in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. We grew up in a neighborhood where we walked to our grade school and everyone knew one another – our school had Christmas Bazaars and bake sales, and in good weather we all road our bikes, played games and in the summer, my brother and I read all season long!

Both my mother and father are/were ‘detail’ people – they noticed everything from architectural accents on buildings to the colors of the sky to embroidery on clothing and textiles. Moreover, they included us in those conversations. They carried this penchant for detail into everything they did and I like to think that this influenced me in being detail-oriented in my public relations career, as well as in everything I do with Magnolia Blue.

Q: As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

My brother jokes about that by saying I wanted to be a “ballet-dancing-nun-nurse!” Haha! I did take classical ballet between the ages of 8 and 16. Next to writing, ballet was my first love. My father had other ideas, however, and he intended for me to attend college instead of joining a dance troupe.

Q: Where did you go to college and did you learn anything in there that helped you do what you are doing today?

I attended the University of Maryland as an English Literature major. During my time there, I reluctantly decided to join a sorority (I say ‘reluctantly’ because I had just graduated from an all-girls school!) – and that was one of the single best decisions, for myself, that I ever made. It really developed my team mentality and leadership skills. Those friends remain among those closest to me today.

Q: What inspired you to start Magnolia Blue? Do you have any experience in retail?

When my husband accepted a job nearly 10 years ago in northeast Florida, I would drive every six weeks or so between Maryland and Florida with our two terriers. At the time, I owned my own public relations business and had since 1998 and was quite busy with that – but I felt like I always wanted to do something else.

Along the drives, leaving Florida and entering Georgia, I’d witness the stunning beauty of the marshes throughout the seasons. When stopping off of I95, I’d experience some of the shops along the way, like Carolina Cider in South Carolina, or Peach World in Georgia, and the amazing garden center, DeWayne’s in North Carolina – all very different, but all an important part of the fabric of the south. My parents are originally from Pennsylvania and I was the only member of my family born south of the Mason-Dixon line. For me, being different in my family, suddenly southern, captivated me and I found that when I travel to places, I’m my most comfortable in the south. I have very strong MidAtlanticsensibilities, but I feel the most at home anywhere between Maryland and farther south. My obsession with the south, in nearly every way, from nature and vegetation to style and even cultures, from state to state, brought me to the concept of Magnolia Blue.

The only retail experience I have was pre-college, but I have my black belt in shopping! Seriously, over the years, one compliment that resonated with me from co-workers and was that I have a good radar for choosing the right gifts for people. That doesn’t mean I didn’t make mistakes! However, I think by being detail-oriented, like my parents, means that I not only listen to people, it means that I notice nuances with certain products that might make those items special. Magnolia Blue is the convergence of my love of the south through my writing and blogging, and my abilities to locate – I hope – products that create, or add to, a mood or sensibility that resonates “coastal south.”

Q: How do you define your style?

I would define my personal style as “transitional.” My roots are embedded in classic lines, both in décor and in my wardrobe – but I always try to look for something that gives it a more contemporary feel. Personally, my default is Navy blue, but I cannot stay away from pinks, greens and shades of blue.

Q: Where do you find inspirations?

Inspiration comes in all forms, but I’d say most likely nature – and the creativity of the human spirit. I am in awe of artists and creators just like you. One of my goals with Magnolia Blue is to support southern art and artists, or those who have a southern sensibility with their art, no matter where they are.

Q: How do you decide where to travel next? Also what are some of your favorite places that you visit regularly and why?

Caregiving for my mother is my biggest priority and has been over the  last 2.5 years. Every day, whether it’s administrative tasks – banking, bills, medical follow-up, or if it’s more personal, running errands, taking her to appointments, working with the assisted living facility, my time is primarily focused on my mother, so my travel is not very extensive at the moment – mostly long weekend trips that are not too distant from her.

For many years, however, my family, including my husband, would set out from Maryland to the northern Outer Banks. We stayed there for several years, primarily in Southern Shores. One of our last trips, we stayed in Corolla. My husband and I have been to Europe several times, and I’m always humbled by the history, artistry and cultural beauty of European countries, which is varied and rich.

Q: What are some of your favorite treasures in your home, and why?

It would always be difficult, if not impossible, to part with my blue and white porcelain. My mother influenced me with her collection, and I have pieces from everywhere – the Netherlands, Mexico, Portugal, China. I’ve been gifted pieces from friends, too, who seem to associate me with blue and white. When my husband and I do travel, I feel that the other items are small pieces of artwork we have picked up – something from a street artist in Paris, or a signed watercolor from New Orleans. We’ve been doing that for 30 years and every time I see something in our home from Newport or Athens, I recall the trip and the moment we bought the piece.

Q: Do you have any favorite collection?

My blue and white, or my various Wedgwood dinner patterns – and Cavendish, a now discontinued pattern, remains my very favorite since the age of about 16.

Q: For people who don’t know Magnolia Blue, can you describe how you came up with that name and also the name for your Instagram handle ?

The name, Magnolia Blue, had to encompass both a southern, and a coastal, feel. I tried various combinations, but many of them were already taken (like Southern Tide). I eventually settled on Magnolia Blue, feeling confident that it captures the spirit of the brand. The tag line for Magnolia Blue is: southern skies and rising tides, which also serves as my Instagram handle. The reason behind this is the old saying: the rising tide lifts all boats. Part of the mission of Magnolia Blue is to ‘lift up’ others. To celebrate entrepreneurs and artists, give voice to small business and culture in the south. If we help one another, we all rise – that, right there is my philosophy and has been throughout my life. I want Magnolia Blue to be a community of all of us helping one another!

 Q: I understand that you like to eat out, can you tell us more about that? Which are some of your favorite restaurants and meals?

I enjoy dining out, but I’m not what I would consider a “food enthusiast” like others. I love a great cheeseburger, frankly, or crab cake, most any kind of seafood, or pasta - really. I am, however, obsessed with mixology, distilled spirits and cocktails. It’s less about the actual drinking than it is about the ceremony. Just like afternoon tea – which gives pause to the day, I love the concept of happy hour, whether the drinks are mock-or-cocktails. I like putting the pause button on, taking the moment to savor something delicious, whether that’s a lavenderlemonade or a botanical gin and tonic!

Q: When you aren’t busy working on Magnolia Blue, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

When I had more free time, I used to volunteer and I wish I could do more of that. I’m obsessed with dogs, and will be growing the blog to include a dedicated dog blog and retail section. I volunteered to help rescues, in the past, and organized fundraisers. I also enjoy going to museums, historic homes and décor or furniture stores.

Q; What are 3 every day luxuries you could not live without?

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

As a life-long publicist, my goal is to help inform, bring joy, share unique finds and be a voice. I also appreciate support from my followers, too, for my work. Every “like” or “share” matters – and as someone who places a professional value on publicity, it means my gratitude never forgets – I never forget someone who helps lift me up, and share my message. We are all in this together, right?

Q: Where can people find you, let us know your social media handles and any other ways people can get in touch with you.

I invite everyone to come over to what I call ‘the front porch’ on Facebook where I share alternative content and engage our community in discussions about everything from southern sunsets to favorite recipes to home décor

Thank you Lisa, it was a pleasure having you in this space!

For ongoing inspiration, please follow @southerndkiesnrisingtides on Instagram HERE  and Magnolia Blue on Facebook HERE

SHOP her website HERE  Lisa is giving a coupon code for 15% OFF her website with coupon code DIGALINDA through 10/15, enjoy!

Thank you for reading and following along, I appreciate you!

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful