ic Kathe With an E: May 2014

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Summer BBQ Party & Giveaway

Summer Kickoff Barbecue Grill Giveaway
The Loverly Ladies from the Sunday Social are back 
with a few of their best friends for a 
Summer Kickoff Barbecue Grill Giveaway and a BBQ Party! 
We thought it would be fun to kick off summer by sharing our recipes that we love to take to those fun summer outings, picnic's, and barbecue's.
It's the perfect way to start summer with a BANG! 
You know I love to party and the more the merrier! 
So, I have joined in for a GREAT giveaway and a BBQ party. 
Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors and what's better than getting together with friends for a barbecue?
What a great Father's Gift too!

Let me introduce you to all the ladies from the Let's Get Social Sunday Party...
Evelyn from My Turn For Us / Wanda Ann from Memories by the Mile / Joy from Yesterfood / Jamie from Love Bakes Good Cakes / Diane from Mamal Diane / Lisa from Cooking With Curls.  

They've each invited one special buddy to party with them!
Cindy from Little Miss Celebration / Shauna from The Best Blog Recipes / Sheena from Hot Eats and Cool Reads / Kathe from Kathe With An E / Andi from The Weary Chef / Katherine from Katherines Corner
    
Be sure to visit each host to see what great blogs they all have. 
You're gonna love each one, and did I mention the food? 
You can cook all summer and never run out of new recipes and ideas. 
Be sure and follow us on our Pinterest Board to keep up with the best summer recipes. 
Everyone that links to our party will be pinned on it!

And, be sure to enter with Rafflecopter below for your chance to win a
Stainless Steel 60,000 BTU Gas Grill!



So let's fire up the BBQ!

We can't wait to see what everyone brings to the party!

Here's to a GREAT SUMMER!

By linking up to our party, you are giving us permission to feature your projects and recipes with a link back to you.






Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Almost Wordless Wednesday

My pal, Marlys, over at This and Thathas a fun link up each week called, Almost Wordless Wednesday, which is perfect for a Chatty Kathe like me!
I decided last week to extend the holiday weekend by one day.  I figured, after spending the weekend gardening (which I did and I will be sharing the results soon), I could treat myself to a pedicure and then take advantage of the warm day by lounging out on the back deck. It was long overdue that these winter white legs got some sunshine and color! (Check out my sandal tan I am already sporting!) Hot pink toes for a hot mama!

Like what you see? 
Well then, follow me by email and never miss a new post
Click here to see where I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.

Monday, May 26, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday

Happy Memorial Day dear friends!

I hope the weather cooperated in your parts and that you were able to get out and enjoy some warmth and sunshine.

If you follow me on Facebook you know that I spent the long weekend creating a small grandchildren garden out back for the plants my grandbabies sent me for Mother's Day.  I will be sharing it all with you soon so check back!

No features this week.  I will be sharing two next week, 
when it is, Anything Goes!

For now, let's get this week's party started!

Let's Party!!
Here are some easy party rules: 

Feel free to link up anything you have created.
Recipes, decor, crafts, written or photographed.
Anything you are so proud of you just gotta share it with others.
I will reserve the option of deleting any post that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.

I love to spotlight some of my favorites on my Facebook page and pin them to my You're Gonna Love It Tuesday board on Pinterest so,
be sure to follow me there too! As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to, not because it is required.

You can sign up to receive my updates by email right here.
I would love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. But again, it's not required.

I ask that you please DO NOT link up giveaways, Etsy shops or anything for sale. Save those for the first Tuesday of each month (next week!) when,
Anything Goes!

Please remember, this is a party. So, after you link up, 
I'd appreciate it if you'd mingle around 
and visit some of the other party guests.

*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

Be sure to stop by and visit these other great linky parties this week!
Life on Lakeshore Drive
One More Time Events
This week’s party is sponsored by:




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Friday, May 23, 2014

FREE Fresh Express Salad Blends

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ConAgra Foods for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
It's that time of year friends!  You know, those days of hot weather and not wanting to heat up the kitchen creating a tasty and satisfying meal. Plus, even though the kids may be out of school, your life is still busy with summer activities. I am here with some perfect solutions for less cooking and quality time as a family without sacrificing taste!


Take your pick from Bertolli Meals for 2PF Changs Meals for 2, and Marie Callender’s Bakes! All of these are available at your nearest Safeway, Vons, Pavillions, Randalls, or Tom Thumb! 
Plus, from 5/21-6/10, when you use your loyalty card you will receive a FREE Express Salad Blends when you purchase $10 on any participating Bertolli Meals for 2PF Changs Meals for 2 or Marie Callender’s Bakes. How great of a deal is that?  

Just think, you can stock up on these great products and be able to put a meal on the table without heating up the stove.  Heck, make it even more special by using the good china and even using cloth napkins!

So, be sure to add some of these yummy meals to your grocery list and take advantage of the FREE offer during the dates of 5/21-6/10!



Visit Sponsor's Site

Monday, May 19, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday

Welcome back, dear friends, to another week of showing off your amazing creativity!

I am so looking forward to next week!  A 3-day weekend?  Oh yeah! 
I have been needing me one of those for a loooong time!
We will still be partying here next week, but I kinda plan on spending a ton of time away from the computer, so I'll hold the featured link for the next party (meaning there will two!), which will also be Anything Goes! 

Without further ado, let's get this party started!

The most viewed link came from my pal Jenny who blogs over at 
Jenny treated us to my favorite how-to!  How-to make a chocolate cookie, in a mug!! I am pretty sure this has been shared and pinned all over the place as, c'mon!  Who doesn't crave a chocolate chip cookie and doesn't want to make a huge batch?  Grab yourself an I've Been Featured button Jenny, and display it proudly!

Let's Party!!
Here are some easy party rules: 

Feel free to link up anything you have created.
Recipes, decor, crafts, written or photographed.
Anything you are so proud of you just gotta share it with others.
I will reserve the option of deleting any post that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.

I love to spotlight some of my favorites on my Facebook page and pin them to my You're Gonna Love It Tuesday board on Pinterest so,
be sure to follow me there too! As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to, not because it is required.

You can sign up to receive my updates by email right here.
I would love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. But again, it's not required.

I ask that you please DO NOT link up giveaways, Etsy shops or anything for sale. Save those for the first Tuesday of each month when,
Anything Goes!

Please remember, this is a party. So, after you link up, mingle around 
and visit some of the other party guests.

*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

Be sure to stop by and visit these other great linky parties this week!
Life on Lakeshore Drive
One More Time Events
This week’s party is sponsored by:
 




FastTrack Garage Organization System by Rubbermaid

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Rubbermaid, but, as always, all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #FastTrack http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH

Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, Mr. B & I have been busy trying to get the garage organized.  
(Post garage sale mess just adds to the frustration)
While my dream for a new home was for a nice big kitchen, Mr. B wanted a 3-car garage so that he could have a workshop.
Just one problem, a lot of my stuff was in the way.  We purchased a small shed for out back for some of my gardening tools but there wasn't enough room for all of it.

Luckily, I heard about the 
Rubbermaid® FastTrack Rails and Accessories system! 
Rubbermaid #FastTrack #pmedia
I headed right down to my nearest Target and picked up a 5-piece kit to try it out. **Good news buddies, this same kit is now on sale at Target for $28.99 (reg. $33.99) from 5/18-5/24**
Rubbermaid #FastTrack #pmedia
We picked a spot on the other side of the garage by the back door. Once the hanger bar was installed you simply slide the rack system over it and just place the hooks where you want them.
Rubbermaid #FastTrack #pmedia


Rubbermaid #FastTrack #pmedia
The only tools needed were a level and a drill driver to screw it into studs.
Even though I had Mr. B install the FastTrack system, it was totally a job I could have done on my own.
Rubbermaid #FastTrack #pmedia
There are other hooks and accessories available too so you can customize and rearrange items to meet seasonal needs. Just think, in winter you can keep snow shovels etc. front and center, while moving summer tools to the back. You could also use the system in a mudroom or laundry room.  There are so many possibilities really.
Rubbermaid #FastTrack #pmedia
We love it so much, we plan on heading back to Target and picking up a couple more kits while they are sale! 

Now to be honest, the garage isn't fully cleared up, but thanks to the Rubbermaid FastTrack system, we are making progress!  

How about you?  Does your garage or storage area need some organizing help? Is the FastTrack system something you could use?


Like what you see? 
Well then, follow me by email and never miss a new post
Click here to see where I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Outdoor Living Space

One of my favorite rooms of our new house is not inside the house at all.
It's our large deck off of the kitchen. Just a short walk out the sliding doors leads us to a peaceful space big enough for cooking (the BBQ is behind me), dining and entertaining.
Outdoor-Living Space - Kathe With An E
It is the perfect space for outdoor living during the warm Spring and Summer days and nights!
Outdoor-Living Space - Kathe With An E
Perfect for sitting and having a great meal right off the BBQ!  I can see setting the table with a bright linen and using fun and festive dinnerware!
Outdoor-Living Space - Kathe With An E
And then, after we have filled our bellies with good food, moving over to the conversation area I set up to enjoy time with good friends and our new neighbors sipping on a summery cocktail or one of Mr. B's freshly brewed Summer Lemon Blonde Ales.
Outdoor-Living Space - Kathe With An E
You may remember the outdoor rug from the Summer Breakfast Buffet I set last year at our previous home. It is available again this year from World Market.
Outdoor-Living Space - Kathe With An E
The all season wicker furniture is from Big Lots.  We had purchased it for the sunroom at our old house and it fits wonderfully here at our new home. I am on the hunt for new cushions though.  Something fun I think. I bought the bright yellow end tables during the Friends and Family sale at World Market just a few weeks ago.  I'll be adding some pots of flowers and lanterns as well as other decor once the weather settles down (we had a snowstorm just a few days after I took these photos!)
Outdoor-Living Space - Kathe With An E
I see us spending many hours here in our outdoor living space! The perfect room with a beautiful view don't you think? 


Like what you see? 
Well then, follow me by email and never miss a new post
Click here to see where I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.

Monday, May 12, 2014

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday

Happy Party Day my friends!

Here we are, the middle of May!
That's right...I said
the MIDDLE OF MAY!
Which makes scenes such as this:
hard to believe, am I right?
Hello Mother's Day 2014 in Colorado.
This photo was from our back deck.
While this photo
was taken 1 hour west of our house at my mother-in-laws back deck.

You are welcome to take a seat at either table LOL!

I say this is a really good excuse to party as hard as we can this week!

Last week's most viewed link came from my sweet pal Sissy from
Sissy shared some really good tips about starting an 
This post was so helpful Sissy!  Thanks!
Be sure to grab yourself an I've Been Featured button Sissy and display it proudly!

Now, Let's Party!!
Here are the party rules: 

Feel free to link up anything you have created.
Recipes, decor, crafts, written or photographed.
Anything you are so proud of you just gotta share it with others.
I will reserve the option of deleting any post that I do not feel fits the
theme of my blog.

I love to spotlight some of my favorites on my Facebook page and pin them to my You're Gonna Love It Tuesday board on Pinterest so,
be sure to follow me there too! As always, you don't have to be a follower in order to link up. 
I want you to follow Kathe With An E because you want to, not because it is required.

You can sign up to receive my updates by email right here.
I would love it if you would link back in some way so that others come and party with us. Either grab the party button or add my blog link to your post or on your blog party page. But again, it's not required.

I ask that you please DO NOT link up giveaways, Etsy shops or anything for sale. Save those for the first Tuesday of each month when,
Anything Goes!

Please remember, this is a party. So, after you link up, mingle around 
and visit some of the other party guests.

*By linking up your post, you are giving Kathe With An E permission to use your pictures as a feature on this blog and other social media outlets.

Be sure to stop by and visit these other great linky parties this week!
Life on Lakeshore Drive
One More Time Events
This week’s party is sponsored by:








Sunday, May 11, 2014

Vintage China Tablescape

I'm not sure if it's true, but my understanding is, that something cannot be called "antique" unless it is at least 100 years old.  The china used in this table was handed down from my Great-Grandmother, to my Grandmother, to my mother and finally, to me.  I'm not sure when or how my Great-Grandmother got this set but a little math tells me it has to be around 60 to 90 years old. So while not quite "antique" by the formal definition, it is old, and therefore, vintage.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
The marking on the back says Epiag Czechoslovakis.
Vintage Epiag China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
It is rimmed in gold with a black pattern all around.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E


Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
I started with a white tablecloth and used shiny gold scrapbook paper for the charger.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
This set has not only the place settings for 8 but some serving pieces have also survived over the many years.  
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
My Godinger crystal brings out the true elegance of the china.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
As do the crystal candlesticks, a gift many years ago, from my oldest son.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E


Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
A white napkin, topped with a faux iris bloom, is nestled in the soup bowl atop the dinner plate. 
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
The flatware, though not real silver, help to bring out a formal sense to the tablescape.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E
The centerpiece was kept simple, just 3 clear square vases from IKEA, with bright purple faux hibiscus flowers.
Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E


Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An E

Vintage China Table Setting~Kathe With An EA table set to honor those special women that lovingly used these very same dishes in the past, and to showcase them for some special woman that may possess this piece of family history, in the future. Maybe by then, they will truly be known as, antique.



  Like what you saw today? 
Well then, don't miss any new posts!
Follow my blog by email
I always share my tables with
and
Click here to see where else I may be partying this week. 
AND
Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's
for my link party.