{ LOOK - I won this IRIS GOLD Jewelry from Georgia in Greece}

On Monday the postman rang the doorbell with a small parcel I had to sign for. It came from Greece... all the way from the Old World. Greece was my favorite country in history classes and look now; I won this beautiful IRIS GOLD piece of jewelry from Georgia, from: Armoniaart.blogspot.com. This hyperlink shows you all three giveaway pieces of jewelry... Georgia lives in Xylokastro, in the Korinthia region of Greece. Now, I cannot wait to show you my winning piece...

How about this beautiful 925 silver pendant with Brown-Red Zirkon on a black silk necklace by IRIS GOLD for a Giveaway from Armoniaart.blogspot.com?

It even does have small Zirconia on the bale and around the Zirkon crystal! 

THANKS A MILLION dear Georgia!

Look at Georgia's beautiful handwriting...

Georgia can also be found on Bloglovin; just click the hyperlink.

Beautiful stamps from Hellas...

Georgia's handwriting in more detail...

She selected her three winners together with her daughter. Actually three pieces of incredible jewelry; one for every 100 readers she got for her blog. SO GENEROUS!

Inside the parcel was this map that was wrapped around the gift...

Map from Thassos; complimentary by IRIS GOLD - what a nice gesture!

If you can dream it, you can do it.

Great and very appropriate slogan...

This has been printed by Georgia for me; how beautifully done!

The map of Thassos shows more jewelry from IRIS Gold on one side...

And finally the little green box becomes visible!

All the way from Greece...

Bi-lingual card is used for this 925 silver pendant with brown-red Zirkon crystal.

For anyone that did fall in love with this very elegant piece, you can still order it on line.

IRIS GOLD pendant with brown-red Zirkon crystal and small white zirconias.

Just click on above hyperlink!

Does blogging not give us MUCH?!

Related links:

IRIS GOLD BLOG | blog with more of those elegant Greek design jewelry pieces.

BROWN-RED ZIRKON | Gemstone information

IRIS GOLD | website and they do ship worldwide

IRIS GOLD | FB Fan Page

{Blog Award from Serbia}

From dear Natasha (lawyer) from Serbia who writes the blog: SMILJE-art by heart, I did receive another Blog Award on April 15. How is that for two awards on one day? One from Canada and one from Serbia. Thanks Natasha for thinking of me. Again I want to thank every one of you; old and new readers; silent ones or those that added their name to the list. Thanks for all your comments over the years and for your input. I have leaned so much from each one of you. It is a constant blessing for visiting different blogs!

One can tell how fast the viral world goes as this is the very same award that came from Canada and again, it is in Spanish. 

Gracias por formar parte de mi mundo: link photo

'Thank you for being part of my world'

 Wishing all my readers, world wide a very happy week!

With appreciation,

Mariette

{Our Lovely Lilac Clematis 'Silver Moon'}

• Coming home from Curaçao, our garden had lots of surprises for us. One of them was our lovely lilac 'Clematis 'Silver Moon'. It is one of the large blooming varieties.

• Perfect Lilac or Lavender Clematis 'Silver Moon' that spontaneously grew in our wood garden.
• Maybe from seeds, spread by birds?
• We got two vines now and they bloom very prolific.

• These vines were kept in pots but are now ready to go to a permanent spot.

• Bottom left you see a young Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' that we managed to grow from an acorn. Yesterday's post was about this rare golden variety.

As you can tell, there are also plenty of 'dollar' weeds growing.

So much for going away  for 11 days... Vacation is nice but you have to catch up later!

Have a great week ahead and may your spring be rewarding as well.

Related links where this stunning Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold, can be seen:
Wow...I think this deserves a thread! Golden live oak! | GardenWeb discussion...
{Lush Green Garden} |previous post by me
{# 1111 - Our Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' changing color} | previous post by me
{Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' in Sunshine at its BEST} | previous post by me
{Our Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' with Catkins} | Previous post by me
{Our Mrs. G. G. GERBING Azaleas} | previous post by me
{Our Patio Tiles in the Front} | previous post by me
{RARE Icicles in Our Garden} | previous post by me
{Energy Efficient GREEN Roofing Arrived} | previous post by me
{My Powder Blue Escada Jeans Suit} | previous post by me showing me in front of Grand View Gold

{Cloudy Day versus Sunny Day}| Previous post by me
{Blooms on our Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus fortunei} | previoius post by me 

{Our Golden Live Oak has LOTS of Acorns!} | previous post by me

{Our Different Oaks} | previous post by me

{My Silk Quilted Vest Creation and YOUR Opinion Requested...} | previous post by me showing golden oak

{Our Live Oak got a Haircut}| previous post by me

{Our Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' with Catkins}

In previous posts, I have shown you our special Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' but never did I show you the incredible Catkins. Just before going on vacation to Curaçao, on April 15, I made these photos for sharing here with you.

• Whatever stage of the year, this tree is a show case! Look at those Catkins...
• No wonder that we got a visitor from the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Florida for some cuttings in order to propagate it. We seem to be the only one with this species and we are very proud of it!
• You can also find Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on FB.
• Below post is also a link from a discussion on GardenWeb about this tree.

• An almost 24 K Golden Dream...

• All those Catkins hanging downward...

• Green leaves and new golden ones...

• Striking contrast with the new and old leaves...

• Stepping back a bit...

• To the right you can see our driveway...
• Old brown leaves fall off as even evergreen trees DO shed!

• Several brown leaves on the ground already...

• This photo is taken from the balcony down... 
• Quite striking for having such a golden touch in our garden!
• Our bridge across the creek you can see in the back.

• The tall tree to the right behind the Golden Oak is also an oak tree with young green leaves.

• Photos taken on a dark and dreary day before we left for the tropics.

The exact same weather, including some rain, we have had seen since we returned from Curaçao...

Enjoy your weekend!

Related links where this stunning Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold, can be seen:
Wow...I think this deserves a thread! Golden live oak! | GardenWeb discussion...

{Lush Green Garden} |previous post by me
{# 1111 - Our Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' changing color} | previous post by me
{Golden Live Oak 'Quercus Virginiana Grand View Gold' in Sunshine at its BEST} | previous post by me
{Our Mrs. G. G. GERBING Azaleas} | previous post by me
{Our Patio Tiles in the Front} | previous post by me
{RARE Icicles in Our Garden} | previous post by me
{Energy Efficient GREEN Roofing Arrived} | previous post by me
{My Powder Blue Escada Jeans Suit} | previous post by me showing me in front of Grand View Gold
{Our Lovely Lilac Clematis 'Silver Moon'} | previous post by me showing young Grand View Gold

{Cloudy Day versus Sunny Day}| Previous post by me
{Blooms on our Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus fortunei} | previoius post by me 

{Our Golden Live Oak has LOTS of Acorns!} | previous post by me

{Our Different Oaks} | previous post by me

{My Silk Quilted Vest Creation and YOUR Opinion Requested...} | previous post by me showing golden oak

{Our Live Oak got a Haircut}| previous post by me

{Blog Award & Update}

On April 15, I did receive an award from Laura, from the blog: Casita By The Lake. Thanks again Laura! 

I have written to her that I would mention this after our vacation on the Island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. 

So here it is; finally posted.

Gracias por formar parte de mi mundo: link photo.

Funny that this is in Spanish but it says: Thank you for being part of my world.

That's exactly what I like to say to all my loyal readers that leave comments for me; even when I can't get to my PC at times for visiting them. 

We are a special world and there is a lot of bonding going on.

Together we try to exist in an economy that is not the same as in the 80s.

But I do admire the thousands of women, world wide, that create the most beautiful things for their home, for themselves or for others. So many talents about!
For that very reason I will not pass it on to others as all of you are very deserving of an award!
Welcome to my newest followers and I hope you find something of your interest here.

In Curaçao I did do some cross stitching but being there, together as a family, there was not that much time for doing so. My special +6.00 reading glasses did help me tremendously though, considering that I have to always work with only one eye. One day I will be able to show you the results. Last year in Curaçao I did finish the edging around the Antique French Knotted Filet Lace.
Wishing you all a happy weekend and thanks for visiting!

Related articles:

{TIP for Fine Needlework SUPER POWER READERS} | previous post by me

{Crochet Edging on Antique French Knotted Filet Lace} | previous post by me

{Curaçao Airport on Coronation Day King Willem-Alexander}

On Tuesday, April 30 was the Coronation Day of the Dutch King Willem-Alexander. We were lucky for being still on the Island of Curaçao, for our family vacation of 10 days at the Santa Barbara Resort. Enjoying our tropical environment, together with daughter Liz and husband Hans, who flew in from The Netherlands to be with us for celebrating Pieter's Birthdays on April 23 and 29. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the comments on Pieter's Birthday! It meant a lot to all of us and I will be back soon at your blogs.

• By the way, on April 23, Pieter turned 20, as a USA citizen!

• We could watch the Coronation ceremonies from our hotel room via Live TV stream of NOS Journaal; Dutch broadcasting. When we did arrive at 1:00 PM at the airport we were in for a Royal Treat in honor of King Willem-Alexander's Coronation Day.

• Cupcakes with an orange crown made for some great treats to all passengers willing to take one!

Image by Vogue on my Pinterest

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in her elegant royal blue gown by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau.

The Dutch have a new Queen of Fashion by the Argentine blonde, Máxima!

• Husband Pieter enjoyed it very much. He ate already an orange glazed Tompouce (Napoleon) pastry and now the cupcake goes down as sweet lunch food! Just click the link above for recipe and historical information...

• The colors of the Dutch flag: Red - White - Blue were shown as well as tiny flags on each cupcake.
• There were two flights going to Amsterdam but the one showing at gate 3 was not the one for Liz & Hans... 
• We got so lucky for arriving almost at the same time; only 15 minutes after KLM landed, we got there on our American Airlines flight for frequent flyer miles. Great service by that airline we must say!
• Our departure was also 20 minutes apart from each other. We departed from gate 4 and Liz & Hans from gate 1...

• Orange balloons on the floor; it looked very festive!

• Very nice presentation...

• At another table, ladies in orange shirts were offering the typical Dutch 'Bitter Ballen' from which I did taste one. Long ago that I had one, typically being served at weddings during reception and at parties.
• Customary these Bitter Balls were being served alongside Bitters such as Dutch Gin or in this case, Dutch Oranje Bitter (Orange Bitter). Click the above link for Dutch Beef Bitterballen recipe and info.

• Another Dutch treat are Poffertjes or Pancake Puffs.
• Click above link again, for recipe of Classic Poffertjes.

So that's why I have been missing several blog posts... We're back home since yesterday morning at 2:30 AM. It took us about as long as it took Liz & Hans for flying home to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For us with a stop in Miami for going through immigration, re-check of luggage and on to Atlanta.

A very happy Daddy Pieter, who was feeling great for having gifted his girl this nice vacation, together with her husband.

Related articles:
Curaçao Airport | Find out more about this great tropical destination.
Willem-Alexander sworn in as king of the Netherlands after his mother abdicates | Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal
King Willem-Alexander will be inaugurated, not crowned | Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal
Maxima's parents will watch Dutch coronation on TV | Hello Magazine - Royalty
Queen Maxima gives nod to Dutch flag with cobalt blue gown | Hello Magazine - Royalty
Willem-Alexander Becomes New Dutch King After Queen Beatrix Abdicates The Throne (VIDEO, PHOTOS) | Huffington Post
Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaçao | Where we were last year and again this year (formerly Hyatt)

{Etiquette Tips by Replacements Ltd. by Etiquette Coach Jill Slatter}

Just love to share with you this video from Replacements Ltd. 

Miss Slatter does a great job and I only can emphasize this kind of approach. Wish more of this could be done! Those that don't live in my immediate area, for attending some of my 'Learn from Mariette' etiquette classes, can always pick up some great tips from this classy lady! Enjoy video below.

{My Escada Outlet Score & Exotic Plants}

As you may know by now, my favorite fashion label is Escada as it fits me like no other. Since a size 4 most of the time ends up on sale at the Premium Outlets or at Last Call by Neiman Marcus, I'm very lucky to snatch them up at great bargains. On April 6, Catherine from the blog Corner of Cat's Mind did a post about  her being a size 4 now. 'The slimmer you are, the more clothes you can buy on sale'. See link to this below post.

That's me next to the Southern Magnolia... in a linen Escada top over cotton Escada jeans with Chanel sandals from Last Call by Neiman Marcus.

That Southern Magnolia makes for a great back drop to the yellow.

Showing you the exotic seeds from the Southern Magnolia...

This is me standing next to our exotic agave that came as a tiny starter from Valle de Bravo in Mexico when we were at the lake house with our boss/friend Agustin and family during one of our consulting trips. Photos are all from summer last year...

Here I am standing next to our exotic Anthurium Plowmanii Fruffles for which I got the name from dear blog friend Ger from Hoorn des Overvloeds.

This tropical plant was huge for transporting into our greenhouse!

A truly exotic gift from friends Heinz & Maria from Ristorante da Maria and Via col Vento Dublin.

This exotic Anthurium Plowmanii Fruffles is positioned near our bird feeding area under the tall dogwood tree. It is visible from our breakfast area.

Related link:
{HELP NEEDED Identifying this Plant!} | previous post by me about tropical plant
Kiss My Skinny...Ankles | blog post by Catherine of Corner of Cat's Mind about: The slimmer you are, the more clothes you can buy on sale

{Our Bird Cages from Exotic Indonesia}

• Living and working in Indonesia did give us many opportunities for exploring exotic places and also for finding unique gifts to bring home with us. 
• On November 29 of 1999 we did go to a huge market for birdcages. Pasar Ngasem west of Kraton Palace in Yogyakarta, was the place to go to! BATIK DARMO Sangkar Burung & Aneka Kerajinan.
• Speaking the language is always helpful in finding out where exactly to go for certain items. In one of our hotels in Yogyakarta those birdcages were hanging above the buffet line in the restaurant. It was at the Hotel Santika Jogja. 
• Most people have no idea  how exotic Indonesia really is!

This is the one hanging in our Veranda...

Also did get one for dear friend Becky.

Those were the days we could still travel with additional luggage; not as many restrictions then!

Two large ones, now finding me two smaller ones... One for my sister Diny  and one hangs in our Living Room. Links are shown below post.

How I would have loved to take lots of them home but when flying, there is a limit!

Asians in general do keep birds in cages so the choice is big!

Does any of you have a bird or a bird cage for decoration?

This makes a nice Indonesian corner in our Veranda (see link below post) with the Bali wood carved statue and the Balinese silk batik, framed on the wall. The larger bird cage just hangs from the ceiling down, in front of my hand crocheted curtains.

The blue Delftware houses show that we made many trips back and forth to Indonesia; 21 times we went for work on KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines.

The smaller one, hanging in our Living Room, see link below post.

This is available here in the USA from Cost Plus World Market... and you also find them here on their FB Cost Plus World Market's Page. We came home with our bird cages on the plane; four of them and we paid probably a fraction of the sales price elsewhere with our Rupiah 250,000 but that is also several years ago. It was at the time we were still millionairs... see post about that below as well!

Related links:
{Our Veranda} | previous post by me where you can see the large bird cage
{Our Living Room} | previous post by me where you can see the smaller bird cage
{Winter Sale | At the time we were Millionaires} | previous post by me

{BIRTHDAY}

April 29 is dear husband Pieter's Birthday! We both are grateful for yet another year together after all our health problems. Pieter is going strong and has worked so hard the past couple of months. It seems like an endless mega task when owning a home! 

Pieter did put a multiplex board floor on our attic and he compacted the viscose insulation to work it in an even layer underneath those boards–more eco friendly.

Installing a railing on the pull-out stairs and also installing lights with a hotel switch so it will turn itself off automatically, IF we would forget... Proud of my handy-man and let's hope that God will grant him many more years in good health.

Related link:
{Royal Wedding invitation + PIETER's Birthday!} | previous post by me