Babs Just A Babblin' Blog

A bit of Gardening, baking, blogging, knitting, sewing, family, friends and discovering hidden treasures along the way.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Renniger's Antique Extragavanza Mt. Dora

There was 331 acres of antiques and treasures and over 1000 dealers.  We didn't even get a chance to make a dent in it.  But it was great fun and a gorgeous day.  I think when we got in the car (after 6 hours) it said 84 degrees.




I really liked this idea:  an old cement urn turned upside down and a china plate affixed to the top to use as a cute little patio table. 



I liked this white bird cage also with the ferns inside.
Lots of buildings with stalls filled with surprises
Lots of open air vendors as well.
I had the pleasure of meeting two bloggers that I follow.  They are such warm, interesting people.  I met SassyTrash and From My Home to Yours.

We just bought a few little things.  Not much room in the car for too much more.
Another beautiful day here in Orlando.
TTFN
Babs

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings

The family is off to Tampa for the Red Wings Hockey game tonight.  They were all so excited!
L to R:  Sarah, Mike, Marlene, Adam, Erik, Staci and Drew (seated).  Go Red Wings!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Gourmet Croissant - Winter Park

Francois first pursued the art of making pastries when he was 16 years old.  He apprenticed with a master chef in his hometown in northern France.  He received diplomas in pastries, bread, chocolate, ice cream and candy making.  He moved to Paris in 1991 and worked in several restaurants along the famous Champs-Elysees.  Francois bought a bakery in his hometown a few years later.  His brother, Philippe shared his passion for baking thus, they opened another bakery in a neighboring town.

Francois nurtured a dream....he always wanted to open a bakery in America.  He was lured to warm weather and beaches and began to take holidays with his family, visiting several cities across the state of Florida.

In August 2008, Croissant Gourmet opened its doors in Winter Park.  It immediately was a success and you can see why!
And this was our box for home!
The crust was the flakiest, the custard so smooth and delicious and the fruit.....sweet and melt in your mouth deliciousness.

I think we need to make one more trip to Winter Park before our departure back home.
Babs

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Valentine's Dinner at Ruth Chris

We had the pleasure of having a lovely dinner with Mike and Marlene for Valentine's Day.  This was our first experience at this fine restaurant....I hope you won't be my last.

I started out with a delicious Pomegranate Martini!  It was so good.  The rim of the glass was dipped in sugar and flamed orange peel.
 The lovely couples!
Our steaks and salads were superb!


And then Chocolate Lava cake with White Chocolate Sauce and Raspberry Sorbet.
As if that wasn't enough, Marlene and I just had to have Ruth's Coffee.
We had the decaf version - oh it was delicious.  Just a little Bailey's Irish Cream, Frangelico and Kahlua in it.
Mike ordered his favorite - a flight of Grand Marnier.
The 100 year old was the best.


All in all we had such a great evening.  A perfect Valentine's celebration indeed.  Thanks Mike and Marlene for inviting us to join you.
Babs

Monday, February 14, 2011

All You Need is Love

It was always John's dream that his art be shown and accepted for what it is.  Nice exhibit held in Winter Park this past weekend.  We enjoyed it.

Happy Valentine's Day

XXOO to all my friends and family!
Babs

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Have you missed me?

Sorry, just been so busy plus my camera batteries died.  I am one of those who really prefer blog updates with pictures.

You can see it's raining so this was a perfect way to spend the day.  After this picture my camera died.
I did manage to do a little bit of damage in this store.

We were busy this weekend doing chores for Marlene.  She was a slave driver.










Painting, trim work, replacement of light fixtures and one happy lady when it was all said and done.
The rewards were worth it.