A Royal Inspired Tablescape

A Royal Inspired Tablescape

I always enjoy making memories at the table and this time was quite special. See how I did it here with this napkin fold inspired by my travels to @cawdor_castle recently! This surely is a fold to impress! Link to tutorial is right below!

Napkin fold by Diga Linda

Rose Bows Napkin by Diga Linda

Here on this table you can see my linens with the print called “Rose Bow” and you can get 15% off my table top linens decor with coupon code HAPPYHOSTESS15 at checkout. Also I am so excited about being on the @happyhostesscollective podcast! Please visit her site and listen to my interview with Kristie on her podcast #37  - You can listen HERE

She is so talented and put me totally at ease! I hope you enjoy it and if you do this napkin fold please tag me, I would love to see!

 SAVE this post for inspiration and share with someone who might like tabletop decor!

 Here is the tutorial so you can do this easy napkin fold as well. See it HERE on Instagram

For the Rose Bows Collection and more go HERE!

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

 

Cecilia Mason
Happy Hostess Podcast Interview " A Beautiful Culture of Hospitality"

Happy Hostess Podcast Interview " A Beautiful Culture of Hospitality"

Hi Friends,

I am so honored to be on the "Happy Hostess" Podcast with Kristie! We talked about my upbringing in Portugal, and how my culture influences my art and hospitality. You will enjoy our conversation and also the many tips to hosting and to live in a bright and colorful way.

Here is a coupon code HAPPYHOSTESS15  for you to save 15% off at checkout from all the table top decor at Diga Linda and also FREE shipping! Be sure to checkout my latest design "Rose Bows" and all my other timeless and classic designs. 

Listen to my interview HERE

 

 

You can personalize pillows, stationary and table top decor just email me at cecimasonart@gmail.com so that I can answer any questions. You can get the collection and more at the website "Gift Shop" tab HERE

personalized Rose Bows Pillow

Below is my latest "Rose Bow" Collection, if you are interested in learning this "Napkin fold to impress click on my Instagram Link HERE

Rose Bow Collection Tablecloth

Here is a little bit about Kristie LaLonde, the creator behind the Happy Hostess Podcast;

She is the hostess with the mostest and interviews creators of all kinds giving you tips and tricks to create the most magnificent tablescapes, plan a party, or she even teaches you to entertain at home in a way that you always make your guests feel welcome. 

Each week she helps people who love entertaining do what they love which is to connect with others and without the stress! She interviews entertaining and party experts as they share their secrets to creating and memorable and stylish event without all the fuss. So go check out her podcast and you will be very pleased that you did, not only will you learn a lot, you will be inspired to go plan something right away while having some fun doing it!

Thank you so much for listening, please follow Kristie @happyhostesscollective on Instagram HERE and me at Diga Linda HERE have a great day!

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

Cecilia Mason
Blueberry Muffins and FREE Gift Tags

Blueberry Muffins and Gift Tags Download (free gift for you)

You are going to love making these easy blueberry muffins and gift them in style with these darling gift tags that I designed. You can just download the file and print as many times as you like. If you post on social media, please tag me. I would love to see it!

Here is the recipe:

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

3/4 cups of sugar

2 heaping tea spoons of baking powder

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/3 of vegetable oil

1/3 of milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries 

Combine all dry ingredients, then the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Fill muffin forms two thirds (you don't want them too high or they might not fit in your box that you are gifting) and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Don't over bake or they will become dry!

Blueberry muffins

It turned out so pretty, let me know what you think!

made especially for you

I hope you enjoy this recipe and the gift tags. 

Here they are below, so darling!

made especially for you

Find the gift tags on the link HERE just click and download. I find this scalloped design so Grandmillennial, elegant and delicate and it goes beautifully with my blueberry muffins!

Just print on card stock, trim, punch a whole on the top and attach with a little string. Then just do a pretty bow on the pretty box filled with goodies! I got my card stock, box, string and ribbon at my local craft store. 

 

Chapple Chandler White Hydrangeas Tablecloth

For the tablecloth that I designed and you see above visit HERE. If you love hydrangeas, then you will love this one, just click the picture!

Blue hydrangeas tablecloth by Diga Linda

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!

Blogs by Diga Linda

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist
 Diga Linda Say Beautiful

Father's Day is coming, try this “Country Bread with Everything Bagel Seasoning”

This is truly a combination of the baker (me) and the cook (my hubby) the topping on the bread and you should certainly try it!

“Country Bread with Everything Bagel Seasoning”

2 tablespoons of active dry yeast from a jar

2 1/2 cups warm water

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup vegetable oil

6 1/2 cups bread flour

Put the flour and yeast together in a bowl then add the warm water and knead it a bit then add the eggs, sugar, salt and vegetable oil. Knead it all together until it’s all blended well until its smooth into a ball (about 10 minutes).

Let it rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size in warm place. I usually place a clean tea towel on top then place a blanket around the bowl.

Divide the dough in two and roll each half into a rectangle (big enough to fit in the pan you are placing in the oven, like 9x18 then roll it up tight. Press at the ends to seal after each turn. Place loaf on pan with a little flour on it and brush with egg white or a little vegetable oil. Let it rise for about 1 hour until double.

Heat oven at 350 and put “Everything but the bagel seasoning blend” (which includes sea salt, onion, garlic and salt) on top after you brush the bread with a bit of oil or egg white.

Bake until golden brown for about 1 hour.

The bread tastes amazing and it’s great as morning toast as well, enjoy!

It makes the house smell so good!

 





The bread is soft and so fresh!

I am enjoying a few slices at the table with one of my favorite table runners that I designed by hand the Tobacco Leaf Inspired table runner, which go beautifully with my hydrangeas and my blue and white. Well this is a runner that goes well with every decor. 

Since Father's Day is coming up if you did this bread, I know he would love it.

My husband who was a chef says it tastes delicious fresh or toastedl!

Rustic country bread 

For this darling Tobacco Leaf inspired Table runner click HERE

Please comment on the blog post if you have enjoyed reading, I truly appreciate your support in advance and have a wonderful Father's Day!

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

Ceci Mason
Meet Kristie LaLonde from Happy Hostess Collective!

Meet Kristie LaLonde from Happy Hostess Collective!

Today I am delighted to introduce you Kristie LaLonde, Creator and owner of Happy Hostess Collective!

Kristie teaches how to entertain at home, plan parties and make your guests feel welcome. Join her each week as she helps beginner hostess learn the tips and tricks of setting a table and entertaining guests without all the stress and worries. On her Apple podcasts, you can enjoy her interviews with party experts and learn their secrets to creating a memorable event.

Questions for Kristie:

Q: Kristie, 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? 

I’m honored that you have invited me on your blog.  You know that I’ve been a long time fan of your work and it’s exciting to do this!  I grew up in Lexington, KY and have lived here basically all of my life. I grew up on a horse farm and remember being fascinated by all the fancy parties going on there.  I think watching my parents get ready for these big events and seeing the glamour of the horse industry at that time intrigued me.  As far as my love for dishes, I inherited that from my mother!

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

 I went through many phases, at times I wanted to be a horse veterinarian, an actress or a gymnast.  But I should have known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur because I was always recruiting my friends to start a businesses with me.  Lemonade stands were my favorite but I starting selling friendship bracelets, friendship pens and handmade ribbon barrets over the years.

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

I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I chose this major with the intention of having a bridal store with a wedding coordinating service. I never opened a bridal store but I did coordinate weddings for a while. The retail part of the major did help as I owned an online high end gift and dishware company for over ten years.

Q: What inspired you to start Happy Hostess Collective on your social media and the Happy Hostess Podcast? 

I really feel like there are a lot of women hesitant to invite guests into their home.  Either because they don’t feel like they don’t have time or are afraid that they just don’t know how.  These women are missing out on so much joy and connection that comes from entertaining in their own home.  I want to be able to show them how to do it simply, with style and in a way that makes them feel confident.

Q: How do you define your style?

Grandmillenial is probably the best way to describe my style in the home, even though I am way too old to be a millennial! I would also describe my party style as whimsical or a little over the top.  I am a “more is more” type of gal when it comes to parties!

Q: Where do you find inspirations?

I find inspiration from other creators like you and so many others on Instagram.  Inspiration can really be found anywhere from nature, the movies to books and magazines. It is so fun to create your own interpretation of themes that you see in everyday life.

Q: How do you plan for your next dinner or event?

I always start with asking myself why am I having this dinner, party or event?  I try to take that answer and ask, “Why is that important to me?” When I do that a few times in a row, I get a meaningful answer that naturally helps me make the rest of the decisions like the location, menu, guest list etc. The key is to plan, plan, plan and to do it in writing!  Planning takes the stress out of most any event.

Q: What are some of your favorite treasures in your home that you use in your tables, and why?

Some of my favorite treasures are my wedding china, family hand me downs, and vintage dishware.  Heirlooms that I have had for many years, hold memories and positive feelings that bring me joy.  I love vintage items because they have a history and bring unique character and charm to a table.

Q: Do you have any favorite collection?

Right now my favorite collections are majolica, cabbage ware, and cookbooks.

Q: For people who don’t know Happy Hostess Collective, can you describe how you came up with that name?

When people think of being a hostess, sometimes they picture a perfectionist like Martha Stewart.  A lot of times, the word hostess brings up feelings of not being enough or not knowing what to do.  I just want to give people the tools to be confident while entertaining so they create bonding memories with their friends and family.  I do believe that much lasting happiness comes from inviting guests into our home.  The Collective comes from the idea of all of us in it together, wanting to be part of a movement blessing others with genuine hospitality.

Q: When you aren’t busy working on the podcast or a party, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to read, attend pilates classes and of course, listen to podcasts.

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

Only three is hard!  But the first things that come to mind is makeup by Hourglass, a warm cozy bed and good coffee.

Q: Where is your favorite place to host and why?

My very favorite place to host is always my home.  There is an intimacy that is created when you host in your own home that is hard to recreate anywhere else.  Also, it is by far the most convenient place, because you don’t need to transport anything and you have all the time you need to decorate or cook.  

Happy Hostess

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

My instagram handle is @happyhostesscollective and my facebook account is the same.  You can reach me by email at kristie@happyhostesscollective

Listen to my podcasts HERE

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

Thank you for inviting me, Ceci  I feel so blessed to connect with you and your readers!

For ongoing inspiration, please follow @happyhostesscollective on Instagram and on Facebook.

We would be delighted to hear from you in the comments below, so leave a note or let us know if you have any questions below. 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

 

Ceci Mason
Tags: Blog Hostess
Church Point Manor in Virginia Beach

Church Point Manor in Virginia Beach

“Happy is the couple that finds a special place to get married and far happier are those couples who find the right people to work with them on their wedding”  ~  Ceci M.

I got so inspired learning about Church Point Manor and their darling blue and white Carriage House (which is on Airbnb).

Ceci and Kate at Church Point Manor

They are an event & retreat venue in Virginia Beach. This elegant and private place is not only filled with character and history, built in 1860 but it is listed in the Virginia Beach Historic Register!

Their lush gardens, old growth trees and the fact that they are by the water creates the ideal and most magical place for the perfect event!

Church Point Manor

However I have to say that the best part was working with Tyler and Kate. They showed me around and I got to personalize a blue and white tablecloth the “Grandmillennial Botanical Garden” for them. It fits beautifully with their decor!

It was truly a pleasure meeting this sweet and busy couple!

 Scroll down to see more pictures and how you can find them.

Church Point Manor

 

Church Point Manor

Church Point Manor

Church Point Manor

 Church Point Manor

Find out more about them at www.churchpointmanor.com

Instagram @churchpointmanor

Facebook @church Point Manor

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

 

Ceci Mason
Meet Erminda from Erminda Celebrates!

Meet Erminda from Erminda Celebrates!

Today I am delighted to introduce you Erminda Dominguez, Creator and owner of Erminda Celebrates!

In Erminda Celebrates, Minda with over 25 years as an educator and a degree in Interior Design, she shares her love for creating a beautiful home inside and out and also for creating tablescapes. She also enjoys cooking, baking and celebrating life’s everyday moments.

Q: Minda, 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?  

Thank you so much for having me.  I was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico but moved to California when I was just 11 days old.  I grew up in the Los Angeles area where I currently reside.  I come from a long line of creative men and women, so I as a child, I was surrounded by the arts.  My parents always had a flare for decorating our home and that greatly influenced me to carry on that tradition.

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

From as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be teacher.  One Christmas, I recall getting one of those stand alone chalkboards.  I was thrilled and I can still remember gathering all my younger siblings around it to give them my first lesson. 

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 California State University upon graduating from high school, but soon put that on hold to raise my children.  When they were school age, I went back to get a degree in interior design.  I worked briefly in that field, but soon discovered that working hours of an independent contractor weren’t ideal for family life, so I went back to college again to earn a California Teaching credentials. Starting in  1996 I worked as elementary school teacher until I retired in 2021. Teaching was a perfect career for me to express my creativity and I loved decorating my classroom and designing lessons that included art appreciation and crafts.

Q: What inspired you to start Erminda Celebrates?

I was inspired to create Erminda Celebrates so that I could document and share how I celebrate even the simplest of moments in my journey.

Erminda Celebrates

Q: How do you define your style?

I would say my style is filled with lush and layered creations. I am more of a maximalist and fill my home and stylings that are full of colorful patterns and palettes.

Erminda Celebrates

Q: Where do you find inspirations?

Nature inspires me everyday.  I also take inspiration from old world cultures and motifs specifically, Italian, French, and Mexican. 

Erminda Celebrates

Q: How do you decide what to style next in your home?

I enjoy seasonal stylings.  So, with that in mind, I will look for ways to refresh my home, garden, and even meals with the seasons in mind.

Erminda Celebrates

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

Of course, some of my favorite treasures are the original art pieces that my daughter has done for us.  I also treasure the vintage dishes and glassware that have been handed down to me from my mother.

Erminda Celebrates

Q: Do you have any favorite collection?

I do love collecting Bordallo Pinheiro earthenware and Majolica from Europe and Mexico.

Q: For people who don’t know Erminda Celebrates, can you describe how you came up with that name?

The name perfectly describes this chapter in my life.  My motto is simply create and celebrate.  So that is what I want to share with our community.

Celebrate with Erminda Blog

Erminda Celebrates

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

I enjoy being with family.  My young grandchildren live just 4 doors down from me, so I keep busy with them.  I know one day they will be off busy doing their own thing, so I make sure my husband and I make to time to create as many fond childhood memories for them as we possible.

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

I cannot live without flowers, pretty food, and color!

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

Yes, if there is one thing I have learned in my 65 years of being on this planet is that we create the life we want.  Yes, there are times when our journey seem out of our control, but in reality, we are always in control of how we respond.  For now, my intention is to enjoy my family and take as many opportunities to express myself creatively as possible.

Erminda Celebrates

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

People can find me at my website ermindacelebrates.com and at ermindacelebrates on instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and TikTok.

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

For ongoing inspiration, please follow @ermindacelebrates on Instagram

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

Ceci Mason
Decoupage Easter Eggs

How to make decoupage Easter eggs.

You are going to absolutely LOVE this! Learn how to make the cutest ginger jars Easter eggs. You can do these by yourself, but when you have friends or family doing them with you, then you multiply the fun! These have so many uses and make great gifts as well. You can put them on your dishes like I did or simply style them inside a basket or give away!

I am an avid crafter and when I have a bit of extra time, you will find me making all kinds of crafts!

I just used blue and white tissue paper and found all my supplies for you linked at the bottom.

ALL products that you need are linked below!

Decoupage eggs

1 - Paint the wood eggs with white craft acrylic paint and let dry.

2 - use Mod Podge on the egg where you will put the paper napkin. I used matte, but you can use gloss.

3 - Separate napkin and use the design part only which is very thin and place the cut out ginger jar on top of egg covered with the Mod Podge.

Decoupage eggs

4 - Brush the ginger jar napkin gently from the center out so that you erase any bubbles.

5 - Let it dry.

6 - After it's dry, I go over again with Mod Podge and let it dry again.

Decoupage eggs

You can find all your essentials necessary for this fun project right here on the link below. Please follow for more Grandmillennial ideas!

I appreciate your support. When you shop my post links on LTK, I am able to earn as a content creator, virtual decorator and stylish, and it doesn't cost you anything. Below is everything in need linked from Amazon!

Follow my shop @DigaLinda on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

Click Amazon products needed for this craft HERE

If you like this blog post, please comment below, thank you and happy crafting! xo

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

PS: I made it to the finalists in the Cottages and Bungalows Tablescape Contest. There's only a couple of days left to vote! Please vote for me HERE on this link then you can come right back to this open page. Thank you, Ceci

Tablescape Contest for Ceci Mason

 

Ceci Mason
Best Key Lime Pie Ever Recipe!

Best Key Lime Pie Ever Recipe!

You will find this well balanced and light key lime pie to be one of the best that you have ever tasted! My daughter made it and it delighted everyone, we hope you enjoy it as well.

Ingredients:

 

For the pie crust

1/3 light brown sugar

4 tablespoons of butter

1 and 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers

 

For the pie filling

 

1 tablespoon grated lime zest

1 cup of whole milk

2 cans of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz each can)

3/4 cup lime juice squeezed.

 

Decorating

 

2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar

1 cup of heavy cream

1 tablespoon of lime zest (to spread on top of the whipped cream)

 

Instructions:

 

Combine brown sugar, melted butter and graham crumbs all together until well mixed. Press it all along a pie pan bottom and sides. Bake for about 10 minutes at 375 degrees, let cool.

 

Whisk sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, lime juice and zest. Bake at 350 for about 18-20minutes and it will be a bit wobble but that’s ok. Wait for it to cool down then put in the fridge.

 

Mix heavy cream with confectioners sugar until medium peaks form then top the cooled pie and spread the lime zest all over the pie. Cool for a few hours before serving it cold.

It's so easy to make and it's SO delicious, I hope you try it!

I got the Rose Medallion Tureen yesterday at an estate sale and the runner and napkin Familie Rose print is new and is coming out soon.

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

 

Ceci Mason
Tags: key lime pie
Saturdays are for Baking ~ BEST Pumpkin Bread Ever!

Saturdays are for Baking ~ BEST Pumpkin Bread Recipe ever!

Saturdays are for baking! This is the best Pumpkin Bread recipe and why you will love it! Home made pumpkin bread is a favorite fall recipe, so delicious and moist. It’s easy, quick to make and everyone loves it! Besides it makes the house smell so good! So I hope I inspire you to bake something!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook: the bread in the Bundt shape takes 60 to bake and the glass Pyrex bread shape takes 75 minutes to bake.
This recipe is for 2 bread loaves

Ingredients:
- 1 can (15oz) of pumpkin purée
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C), spray Pam on the bread pans.

Mix all wet ingredients, plus sugar together in a bowl. Then mix all dry ingredients in another bowl. Pour the wet with the dry and mix it all with the electrical mixer until it’s all mixed.
Pour into the bread pans (sprayed with non-stick spray) and bake for about 70-75 minutes. It’s done when the bamboo skewer comes out clean!

Pumpkin Bread by Ceci Mason

Here is the recipe for Ceci's Banana Bread

Banana Bread Family Recipe

3/4 cups of sugar

1 1/2 mashed bananas

3/4 cups of vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 cups of all purpose flour

1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

1 t of baking soda

2 t of vanilla

1 t of baking powder

1/2 t of salt

  1. Heat the oven 340 degrees
  2. Grease a loaf pan ( I use Pyrex )
  3. Mix sugar, bananas, oil and eggs in a large bowl with a wooden spoon ( or electrical mixer)
  4. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
  5. Pour into pan
  6. Bake 60-70 minutes
  7. I use a bamboo skewer to see if it’s cooked or if it needs more time.
  8. With a knife detach sides slowly.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before flipping.
  10. Enjoy, this one was almost attacked before I said that I needed a picture, lol!

Banana Bread by Ceci Mason

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

DIY  - How to make Decoupage Oysters!

DIY - How to make Decoupage Oysters!

You are going to LOVE this! Learn how to make the cutest trinket dish. These have so many uses and make great gifts as well. They can be a ring holder, catch all, jewelry dish or paper clip holder!

SAVE 🔖 this post to refer back when your need to make a few gifts.

I am an avid crafter and when I have a bit of extra time, you will find me making these!

I just used blue and white and other designs that are timeless.

1 - Clean your oyster shells and let dry.

2 - Sand sharp edges around the shell until they become smooth.

3 - Paint inside shells with white craft acrylic paint and let dry.

4- use Mod Podge on the inside of the shells. I used matte, but you can use gloss.

5 - Separate napkin and use the design part only which is very thin and place on top of oyster shell covered with the Mod Podge.

6 - Brush the napkin from the center out so that you erase any bubbles.

7 - Cut any extra napkin on the oyster edges and let dry.

8 - Paint the very edge with gold, let dry then paint the entire back, let dry (I let dry overnight) and you are done!🙌

Ps: Also did decoupage on a plain circular ornament and a remote control box that was brown before. You can also do it in plates and many other items, follow for Grandmillennial ideas!

 

Decoupage oysters project

Decoupage oysters project

You can see the remote control box that I decoupaged on, it was brown before

Decoupage oysters project

Decoupage oysters project

Decoupage oysters project

Decoupage oysters project

 These are the items that you will need:

  • White paint
  • Mod Podge
  • Gold paint
  • Brush
  • Sandpaper

 This is a great project to make with some friends or to make it alone, just remember that the most important this is to have fun!

If you decide to make them, please tag @diga_linda (if you have instagram) or on Facebook Diga Linda, I would love to see your work!

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

Ceci Mason
Meet Ritz from Decor by Season

Meet Ritz from Decor by Season

Instagram has such a wonderful way of bringing people together!

Today I am delighted to share the tablescapes of Ritz @decorbyseason where she shares her love for themed tablescapes, travels, cuisine and home interiors.

Q: Ritz, can you tell us about yourself, where did you grow up and how did your childhood influence your life and your path?
A: Thanks for having me on your Blog, Ceci. I grew up in India, my Father's work had us moving every two years or so, so I ended up traveling all over India and learning about different cultures and customs and appreciating the art and dance forms and the food - travel expanded my horizon and gave me friendships some that I'm in touch with from elementary years. India is a large country and I just googled it has 121 official languages - so you can imagine how much change there is from State to State - it leaves an amazing kaleidoscopic impact especially on a young mind. I like to think this constant moving made me a very friendly and adaptive person, I learnt to appreciate and enjoy differences, it invariably gave me many leadership qualities which I would never have inculcated if not for travel. Till today traveling and visiting new places is a favorite hobby, it's the best hands on teacher there ever was.

Q: As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I was always interested in Interior Design and Decor. But I wanted to be a Doctor.

Q: Where did you go to college and what did you learn?
A: I did a Post Graduation in Zoology and thereafter a few courses in Management and Web Design. Literature was a huge interest. So my pathways changed many times, learning was always a fun thing. I learnt to love learning, learning is always beneficial.

Q: What inspired you to start sharing your beautiful home decor? Do you have any professional design training? If not, how did you learn?
A: I love to celebrate all festivals and cultural occasions from across the world that I know off - always dressing up my home and celebrating different themes for when people would come over. During the covid shutdowns that turned into socializing online and sharing the easiest platform which is Tablescapes for me where I can bring these themes and my love for collecting dishes together. I have no professional training - it's just been a Hobby.
Decor by season

Q: How do you define your style?
A: Styling, I believe is innate, at its roots and developed at its branches, by practice and repetition one learns to feel comfortable in what speaks to us, we learn when to draw back. Being a maximalist and always inclined to loving the styles and art and artifacts of yesteryears, I can say I'm a traditionalist, I love to mix and match and have a layered look - that always tells a story - some call it "Grandmillennial" these days. I love incorporating handicrafts and hand woven, handmade items when I can, to bring in that personal, curated and collected feel.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: I find inspiration in nature, in historical anecdotes, in my travels - in everyday things. Instagram and Pinterest inspire me - it's been amazing to get to be friends with some amazing stylists from across the world and learn how they design.
 
Q: What are some of your favorite treasures in your home, and why?
A: Some of my favorite treasures are some artifacts that I have collected on my travels, my Mother has been the greatest influencer, an avid collector herself, she has shopped for many of my collectibles. A simple answer to the why would be that these bring me joy and enrich my world.

Q: Do you have any favorite collections?
A: I have recently started collecting Vintage dishes and these days that's my favorite. Another would be the precious Sari collection I have from many different weavers from across India but sadly I get to enjoy and wear them on very rare occasions.

Q: For people who don’t know Decor By Season, can you describe how you came up with that name for your Instagram and tell us about your groups that you are in?
A: My name in Hindi means 'season' and I have always loved seasonal decor, hence the name "DecorbySeason".
My love for Tablescapes and meeting people had me collaborating with many stylists on Instagram, with some of my closests friends we started the page @TablesforSoiree where we share Themed Tablescapes every week. It's surprising how many stylists like to take up the challenge and present their versions on a theme - the creative and supportive group and friendships we have formed are truly phenomenal.
Decor by season

Q: I understand that you like to cook, can you tell us more about that?
A: Yes, I enjoy trying new recipes and learning new cuisines. Everyone cooks in my family and they are all good and specialize in one thing or another, we are all big foodies. Presentation of what one cooks matters too coz you eat with your eyes first and I see my kids have learnt that fast. The best and easiest way to treat each other is by cooking something fun and unique. And I'm blessed in the fact that the teens leave the kitchen spick and span once they are done.

Q: When you aren’t busy doing a tablescape, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I am a voracious reader (both fiction and nonfiction), I love to garden and grow roses and vegetables, sometimes I dabble in paint and I love to embroider and crochet and crafts like decoupage when inspiration strikes.I enjoy long walks and hikes with my two side kicks a black Labrador and a German Shepherd, who are my constant companions in all I do.

Q; What are 3 everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: I think soap, fresh water and my phone.

Q: Where can people find you, let us know your social media handles
and any other ways people can get in touch with you.
A: I am available on the @decorbyseason on Instagram and decorbyseason@gmail.com.

Thank you Ritz, it was a pleasure having you in this space!
Decor by season
Decor by season

Decor by season

For additional information and ongoing inspiration, please follow @decorbyseason on Instagram.

And stay tuned and we will be featuring more of this talented tablescape artist work in the future!

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

 

Ceci Mason