Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Easter Preparations~













It's right around the corner and some preparations are being made..the little cookie houses were made but not assembled..and the Miffy cookies are made..
In case you need some ideas..that I gleaned  and thought were fun..I thought I would share a couple of things in the making~

A little while ago..on Susan Branch's Blog..I fell in love with her lamb cake..I found a vintage mold on Etsy..a very very nice seller in California..if anyone needs vintage items..I can recommend her.. could not have been nicer re shipping..expediency etc..she only had one lamb..but I do see that Amazon carries them also.
So  Lamby is made and frozen and I will frost and decorate for Easter..
I'll frost the night before..as we are doing Brunch..fingers crossed..
If you want to make the lamb..I used Susan's recipe and followed her every tip..held my breath at unmolding and  comme un miracle..it was fine and dandy!
The bark is easy peasy..melt white chocolate or almond bark  or candy melts in the micro and add festive Easter sweets and SPRINKLES.
Cupcakes are in the works..and a few  Pink almond macarons that I will fill the day of..
I find macarons quite festive!
The little gift box was gleaned off the internet so many many moons ago that I have lost the link..you just paint the way you like and write what goodies you are offering..
There are so many on Google..
So hopefully I'll be able to take a few photos of the finished treats..in the interim this might give you an idea or 2 for your celebration..
We have had rain and milder days..I've been able to clean up a few gardens..unfortunately most are still in snow or the accumulated last leaves frozen so I can't get them out..Many of the tamarack branches are picked up (such a great tree..but a messy one..)
We have more rain expected...that should take care of the snow..
But then a chill in the air..
Fingers crossed for a nice Easter weather wise..so much more fun for the children to hunt outdoors..
Today it's a Wuthering heights fog morning~

Happy Easter preparations♥

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64 comments:

  1. From the KitchenApril 15, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    This morning, we awoke to about four inches of snow. Your lovely photos have warmed my heart and inspired me!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 15, 2014 at 8:11 AM

      Oh Bonnie..we had snow in the forecast and then the forecast changed to rain..
      I feel you..it's just too late in April for snow and our happiness..The only silver lining is that at this time of year it should melt very very very soon..Enjoy NE!

      Delete
  2. Sketchbook WanderingApril 15, 2014 at 8:48 AM

    Your Easter preparations, as always, happy & pretty & it's generous of you to share. Last few days have been soft & foggy here too. And you can walk outdoors without a coat! We had a picnic by the Camden library yesterday, in a sweet little park, overlooking the harbor. (And I sketrched)
    Re. Doc Martin~you mentioned it. Had I mentioned how I've been madly watching previous seasons to catch up? I'm hooked, & yes, I do love those village scenes/harbor scenes. Joyeuse Pâques, Mme. Nana!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 15, 2014 at 9:00 AM

      You must have had an idyllic afternoon..I remember you looking out your windows during our winter..feels good to take the boots and coats off..(We still need coats..)
      We truly enjoy Doc Martin:) I am not surprised you enjoy it too.
      One day..sketch your picnic:)please.

      Delete
  3. ~Lexibule~April 15, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    Je suis toujours émerveillée par la douceur de tes Magnifiques photos!! Bon mardi ma belle amie ;) xxx

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  4. SarahApril 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    Monique, we've had beautiful days kissed with sunshine and much garden time. Yesterday morning brought heavy rain and cold temps again. Up and down is the rhythm of spring this year. It is in the 40s today, but will drop to the 30s this evening. Just so we don't have another freeze. ;-)
    Your Easter offerings will make those boys giggle with delight. I have a bunny mold similar to your lamp, but I've never baked in it. I must try your recipe sometime. The little boxes………..treasures. They are the kind of thing that I would savor for years to come. I hope your girls pack these little gifts away in a safe place to be enjoyed year after year. One day your great grands can see the joy you created for their parents in childhood.
    Thank you for generously sharing your creative ideas. Happy Easter, my friend. May your day be kissed with sunshine!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 15, 2014 at 5:10 PM

      Sarah..I spoke too soon..snow is falling as I type thinking of your Texan climate.
      Happy Easter to you too Sarah!

      Delete
  5. JenniApril 15, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    Such fun festive pretty treats for Easter, what a fun celebration it will be, so glad to hear you are getting out into the garden, and I hope your weather holds out for a nice Easter day, it seems like spring is finally here :)

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  6. LindaApril 15, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    Just gorgeous Monique...beautiful!
    I just know that Easter brunch at your home will be magical!
    We were 83* yesterday...snow forecast after misnight tonight...crazy!
    Bisous xo

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 15, 2014 at 5:11 PM

      I know if you had a kitchen..you would be right there too..

      Soon:) a new one!

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    2. LindaApril 16, 2014 at 1:03 AM

      Hugs...

      Delete
  7. Rosita VargasApril 15, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    Vengo a saludarte y desearte Buena Pascua,preciosas fotos y lindo el molde me encanta,abrazos

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  8. NellieApril 15, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    Great ideas here! I've a Wilton lamb pan from 35 years ago that has seen much action. With such attention to it this year via Susan Branch, I just may bring it out again this year!

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  9. SavoringTime in the KitchenApril 15, 2014 at 5:14 PM

    We had a dusting of snow covering the ground when we awoke this morning :( It has almost all melted but still chilly outdoors. Keeping fingers crossed for the weekend too as an egg hunt is planned.

    I have a very vintage mold that I bought a couple of years ago and have still not inaugurated. Your lamb molded perfectly - hurray! The bark is so pretty and the macaron house adorable! I will have to search for a template ;)

    I'm sure everything will be beautiful there - even if the weather does not cooperate!

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  10. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsApril 15, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    Happy Easter! Such beautiful soft pastels.

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  11. MarysolApril 15, 2014 at 8:04 PM

    Regardless of the weather, the boys will have an unforgettable time at grandma's house.

    You know, I have two lamb cake molds (one antique, one new-ish) and I have never used either one - but, I also baked a lamb for Easter, using a different pan altogether (If you must know, mental issues were diagnosed as incurable). At any rate, pictures were taken, and cake went in the freezer, until Sunday.

    Happy Easter to you and yours!

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  12. Painting the hamptonsApril 15, 2014 at 9:27 PM

    Mmmm, the candy looks like something I could do... Microwave you say?

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 15, 2014 at 10:11 PM

      I promise..just melt the almond bark..as per directions..or candy melts..
      Spread it out on a parchment paper or wax part..on a flat surface like a cookie sheet.. ..and press in easter treats..sprinkles are so cute you have to..then ..you let cool and break up..and paint in a little Moleskin:-)

      Delete
  13. La Table De NanaApril 15, 2014 at 10:13 PM

    For some insane reason..I would love to see every pan and vintage baking item you have💠Hope we get to see your masterpiece dear Sol.

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  14. martinealisonApril 16, 2014 at 1:20 AM

    Ma chère Nana bonjour,

    Un petit billet qui sent bon Pâques... Je suis certaine que tu vas rendre heureux ta petite famille... Tes idées sont toujours tellement remarquables. Tu es une belle source d'inspiration.
    Je te souhaite à toi et à tous ceux que tu aimes de joyeuses fêtes.
    Gros bisous

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 16, 2014 at 8:38 AM

      Et toi ..la paix Pascale:) et un bien-être total.. Toujours.. M-A~

      Delete
  15. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenApril 16, 2014 at 7:18 AM

    Your lamb mold is adorable and so very French. Thanks for sharing your Easter with us. Makes me wish I had grandchildren.

    Happy Easter Monique to you and your lovely family.
    Sam

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 16, 2014 at 8:40 AM

      They were a gift..surprise packages ..
      I think you would have had a ball with them..
      But you have so much:) And I am very happy for that..First off your Meakin:)
      You too Sam..

      Delete
  16. TerrykApril 16, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    Snow and below freezing temps this morning. I have been bad, no homemade treats this Easter because I have been out in the garden for about 2 weeks now. Happy Easter Monique. We are hoping for an Easter egg hunt with our grandchildren too.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 16, 2014 at 8:41 AM

      The garden is my fave place in workable Spring and summer..hope I can catch up to you soon..have fun with the kidlets..:)

      Delete
  17. ParisbreakfastsApril 16, 2014 at 7:43 AM

    'Lamb' !!!
    Adorable
    Easter is your holiday or maybe they ALL are.
    You have them under your thumb charmingly so always.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 16, 2014 at 8:42 AM

      Have a good one Carol..I thought of you yet again yesterday reading the book you led me to..My mom..would have loved what you and Janice are doing..:)
      Painting Paris.

      Delete
  18. Stan and Jody GabaraApril 16, 2014 at 2:34 PM

    Monique, I love your Lamb mold. Can't wait to see how you decorate it, I'm sure it will be spectacular and yummy! The Almond Bark looks like so much fun to make for Easter. Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful ideas for the holiday! Wishing you good winter for Easter!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 16, 2014 at 4:08 PM

      You do always Jody!
      Happy Easter..

      Cannot believe everything you do..and GROW~

      Delete
  19. Cheri Savory SpoonApril 16, 2014 at 4:00 PM

    Looks like your going to have a lovely Easter with all the wonderful things you have done, so special!

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  20. La Table De NanaApril 16, 2014 at 6:08 PM

    Thank you Cheri..

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  21. marcelleApril 16, 2014 at 10:16 PM

    Monique merci grace à toi j ai revu Martha's des souvenirs d'il y a 25 ans et surtout de retrouver Gladys Taber qui écrivait si bien dans le Family Circle (1965...) et surtout 25sous.ca m'a permis d'apprendre l 'anglais.Joyeuses Pâques.

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  22. Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine LemonApril 16, 2014 at 11:33 PM

    Lovely as always.

    How far ahead can you make macarons if you hold the icing? My nephew has just discovered them and it would be a nice surprise for him if I could make them ahead and then ice them when he gets into town.

    Happy Easter to you and your family.

    Madonna
    MakeMineLemon

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 17, 2014 at 8:43 AM

      I have found they keep very well for quite a long time unfilled in a tightly sealed tin..in the pantry.
      And filled ones..seem to freeze beautifully..our local store sells them frozen.
      My daughter bought me some at a fair by a local macarons baker and she told my daughter they could keep in the fridge one week..They did..
      But unfilled I would say one week at least in atin just in the pantry..I am not a pro..just my experiences..
      Oh do make them:)
      It is such a nice feeling.One thing I have learned also..tint them a bit darker as I find they pale in the oven..
      And don't be afraid to add an essence like almond to the macaron..nothing that will go against the taste of your filling..
      Have fun Madonna.
      And they are so photogenic..you will love them:)

      Delete
  23. JacquelineApril 17, 2014 at 2:14 AM

    Your preparations look wonderful. I was just trying to decide what to do for the whole meal! The lamb is so precious and the macarons look wonderful. We are going to take a macaron class in Paris next month for our anniversary. I can't wait to learn from the French.
    Have a wonderful Easter!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 17, 2014 at 8:48 AM

      Now that's an anniversary!
      I can't wait to see your post about it..:)
      It will be lovely..Take even more pics than ever..and Happy Anni..it's ours in June..40..
      But I won't be going to Paris a French city..but not Paris..
      I just told Jacques how cute is that that her husband will take a macaron class with her..and added :"Not that I'm comparing..:)"~
      he said ""just to let you know The Canadians won last night"..I have a very French husband..who likes hockey better..
      I wonder if he was really listening?:)

      Delete
  24. Rosa's Yummy YumsApril 17, 2014 at 5:21 AM

    Pretty decorations and cake.

    Happy Easter! have a wonderful time with your family.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  25. BarbaraApril 17, 2014 at 7:09 AM

    Your lamb mold is adorable, Monique. Thanks for the link! Looks as though you have things well in hand for the holiday...right up to those delicious looking macarons. Hope the weather cooperates!
    Happy Easter!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 17, 2014 at 8:49 AM

      Iffy so far:( But things can change..Easter in Fl must be so nice..A beach egg hunt sounds lovely:)

      Delete
  26. Red Couch RecipesApril 17, 2014 at 9:23 AM

    Your photos are always so inspiring. I love your new lamb cake pan. I have not mastered mararons, but I love them. They would be so beautiful for Easter. I am making meringue baskets for Easter (mother-in law request). I too hope it is nice weather for the Easter weekend. My children are older, but we still hold a hunt. Have a lovely Easter. Joni

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 17, 2014 at 1:17 PM

      I met someone this week..her kids are 21 and 19 and they both still expect a type of hunt:)
      Keep it up!!
      You could make meringues no problem!

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  27. Gloria BakerApril 17, 2014 at 2:45 PM

    Happy Easter Monique! all look beautiful I love the lamb cake! Is adorable Monique.
    Happy easter dear! xo

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  28. Cathy at Wives with KnivesApril 17, 2014 at 3:12 PM

    I see you have the adorable lamb cake mold that I love, Monique. What wonderful memories that brings back from my childhood. My mom iced it with boiled icing and lots of coconut...still my favorite to this day. I hope you will show us your decorated Lamby. The Easter bark looks very delicious too. Happy Easter!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 17, 2014 at 5:33 PM

      I was "pumped" when I saw your post..I have my fingers crossed ..I have an idea..but who knows?:)

      I am making my wedding cake icing..and coconut..made a few lollipops..we will seeeee:)
      I loved your posts about your mom..
      I am in the midst of reading a very cute book..it reminded me of my mom..for some reason..and I painted a Pinterest inspiration and wrote a letter to her..
      Have you read Paris Letters?

      Happy Easter Cathy!

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    2. Cathy at Wives with KnivesApril 18, 2014 at 9:18 AM

      I haven't read Paris Letter but just looked at it on Amazon and know I would like it. Thank you for the recommendation. Happy Easter Monique.

      Delete
  29. Painting the hamptonsApril 17, 2014 at 8:49 PM

    I hope to try the bark tomorrow.. I signed up for the water color class at Bridge Gardens (sold myself!) for Saturday --- Goldfinch would make such a good book club book. I am turning pages furiously, but feeling quite disturbed... I feel our hero's life will end badly.... The writing is so well done. Did you hear? She won a Pulitzer. I think I need to put it down and read something else until after Easter ;)

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 17, 2014 at 9:57 PM

      I did read:-)
      Bravo..Keep reading..I can't give it awayO:-)
      Good for you and the class!
      I looked at French easels I think because of you..but it was a tad wobbly and really where would I use it?
      Too shy and not good enough..
      You are.

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    2. Painting the hamptonsApril 18, 2014 at 8:03 AM

      The Julian easels are good for oil painting, I haven't done enough watercolor to know what works best for that... I'll ask our teacher what she thinks... You are good :)

      Delete
    3. La Table De NanaApril 18, 2014 at 11:30 AM

      I have a small tabletop one..I think you are right..maybe better for oil..You're so smart!
      My dear freind that moved to town is an artist..she said she has one at her loft crying to be used ..she would let me try to see if I like..That's Nancy..she will give the shirt off her back ..to and for anyone..always:)

      Delete
  30. CathleenApril 18, 2014 at 12:28 AM

    I want that lamb mold!!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 18, 2014 at 8:54 AM

      You can find some on Amazon I think:) It works perfectly..just follows Susan's way..method~:)

      Delete
    2. La Table De NanaApril 18, 2014 at 11:31 AM

      And of course Susan Branch's blog! Her store carries the molds.. Shipping to canada they would do..but it entailed difficulties..You can also find on Etsy and Ebay~

      Delete
  31. katrinaApril 18, 2014 at 8:56 PM

    Oh, how charming your pictures are - and the Easter celebrations! Missing my grandchildren, who very suddenly moved to Minnesota, leaving me with a little heartache...... Love your lamb cake - I can imagine how lovely it will be Easter Day! Hopes, hopes, lots of hope that something will be blooming in the garden on Sunday - and here comes Spring! Happy Easter, Nana!

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  32. Linda @ Life and LindaApril 18, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    Such a cute lamb mold. Molds are the best! Happy Easter to you and your family....xo

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  33. Marie RaynerApril 20, 2014 at 2:33 AM

    Happy Easter Monique! You were lucky to find the mold. I loved Susan's Cake. It was so cute. I am sure yours will be even cuter, because you are a genius at presentation for sure! I have never made macarons. Not sure why, but I am a bit intimidated at the thought. Afraid they won't turn out, but I do so love to eat them. Your box, sweet. Your Easter Bark, beautiful. We think alike we do. Love and hugs and a very Happy and Blessed Easter to you and yours. xxoo

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 20, 2014 at 8:37 AM

      And to everyone alsoxx

      A bit busier this morning..:)

      Delete
  34. SarahApril 20, 2014 at 7:50 PM

    Stopping by to wish you well on Easter Sunday. I know your celebration was filled with delights. Ours was lovely, but we went to brunch at a restaurant. Easy day for all, though I've been lazy all afternoon. Should have spent the time in the garden! '-)

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  35. UnknownApril 21, 2014 at 5:09 PM

    Absolutely stunning!! Well done.

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  36. justmeshelApril 22, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    Happy Easter darling Monique <3
    Honestly your posts get better and better. I have shared this with my facebook friends.
    Just exquisite
    Shel xx

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  37. Karen (Back Road Journal)April 24, 2014 at 7:42 AM

    I seems I'm able to comment again so I wanted to take the time to come back and say how lovely the decorations are and I love the pastel candy bark…perfect for Easter.

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  38. Hélène (Cannes)April 29, 2014 at 6:21 AM

    J'ai oublié de faire mon agneau pascal, cette année ... En gâteau tout au moins. On a mangé trois gigots en trois semaines mais ce n'est pas pareil ! ;o))))

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