WANTED: A California Valentine

11 years ago

I had a long day on the job, followed by a post-work commitment, followed by a quick dinner out with DH. As we were eating, he mentioned in passing, "Oh yeah, you've got two boxes. One is from British Columbia."

I almost choked on my food.

A short time later, I arrived home to find a large package from Ann, as well as a box from none other than Eileen! Today was my lucky day.

First, I opened the package from Ann, which contained one of her gorgeous magnetic knife blocks. Eileen chose birdseye maple, one of her favorites, which goes amazingly well with our kitchen. DH's eyes grew wide with excitement when I showed him the magnetic feature - knives and magnets, what more could an engineer want?

Then I opened up the box from Eileen, who included a lovely card explaining all her choices.

The first item was a handmade "tunnel bowl," which Eileen said she chose because it's so unusual. It would look fabulous in our kitchen, but I'm seriously thinking of keeping it in my home office, which has lots of hard edges. I love the curves, the color, and the texture. There's just nothing like pottery to warm up a space.

The second item was a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a label that Eileen designed. I'm a big fan of Cabs, as is DH. Can't wait to open this one up.

As if that weren't enough, Eileen also included two special treats - local almonds and caramels from Judy's Candy Company in Berkeley. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I've already broken into the caramels. And I'll enjoy the almonds as a midday snack at work, although I supposed I'd better let DH at least taste them ;)

The final items were some bright, local magazines complete with recipes. They're sure to provide me with some great reading and ideas.

Eileen, I really don't know how to thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. You chose wisely. And thanks to Ann for "enabling" Eileen's gift.

On a side note, I didn't realize that we can upload only one photo without using a hosting service. So I'll add some additional photos in followup posts.

Sue

Comments (16)

goldgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
The knife block, care of Ann:
goldgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
The handmade bowl:
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goldgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
The wine:
centralcacyclist
11 years ago
Smiles! I am relieved that everything arrived intact!

Eileen
annie1992
11 years ago
Wow, another of Ann T's knife blocks, they're beautiful. The dish is very unique and I like the label on that wine bottle even if I don't like wine!

Very nice package, Eileen, I know Sue will enjoy it all.

Annie
mustangs81
11 years ago
That's some serious stuff there! I can see that bowl on MY counter hosting some fruit. Impressive work you do Eileen. And who wouldn't be envious of one of Moe's boards.

I'll have one of those caramels please.
ann_t
11 years ago
I love the pottery. The shape is so unique. I think I would fill it with both the caramels and the nuts. I am big fan of Eileen's work. Love all her labels. I'm sure the wine will be wonderful too.

The local magazines remind me that I forgot to put the two grocery store magazines in my box that I had intended to use as packing material. They are sitting on the table.

~Ann
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
Very nice! So interesting and attractive things, and the personal touch of the wine label (beautiful) is the finishing touch. Love that bowl!
coconut_nj
11 years ago
Really cool gifts! I can see having trouble deciding where you want to put that bowl. I'm loving that another of the knife hangers were given. I too love the labels Eileen makes. Who could blame you for digging into those caramels? Good job Eileen, ya did good.
mabeldingeldine_gw
11 years ago
I love how the shape of the knife rack kind of echos the shape of the hawk on the label. What a nice selection of gifts! The bowl is very cool. I wish I'd thought of the magazine idea for sending in my box -- it is a clever way of sharing about your home. Ah well, next time. Enjoy, goldgirl!
centralcacyclist
11 years ago
The recipe magazines are from a local chain. I think they do a really good job with them. Apparently they are a very hot item. I got the current winter issue for Sue a few days ago. I went back and they were GONE! Magazines are great padding for delicate items.

The wine label is the last vintage under this design. I will be redesigning it soon. I have a soft spot for this label. The current vintage is still in barrels.

Nothing compares to Ann's knife racks and boards. They are beautiful.

Almonds are a major local crop. I discovered Judy's caramels a few years ago and loved them. I think they have a wider distribution now but I'm not sure. They are still not that easy to find. And one can't send a bowl with nothing to fill it. ;)

The ceramic artist from Los Gatos was having a show at a gallery in town. I bought several things. I confess I worried about the tunnel bowl in transit.

I hope this link works.

Here is a link that might be useful: Magazine.
John Liu
11 years ago
That is a very cool piece of pottery! I see grapes spilling over the sides, on a warm afternoon.
riverrat1
11 years ago
Nice haul Goldgirl! Eileen, Great job as always!

That bowl is amazing. I think probably anything would look good in that shape.The wine lable is beautiful and of course the knife rack is perfection!
agmss15
11 years ago
I love the bowl and the knife rack - their colors relate so well. The hawk label is beautiful too. Enjoy.
compumom
11 years ago
A perfect gift! Eileen sent you some of her best choices and receiving one of the Thibeault handmade knifeblocks was over the top! Enjoy them all, what a good swapper you had in Eileen!
jessyf
11 years ago
AnnT strikes again LOL.

I'm salivating over that link, beautiful magazine.

And another *thud* over that bowl!

Nice package Eileen.

WANTED: A California Valentine

Comments (16)

goldgirl
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goldgirl
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goldgirl
Original Author

centralcacyclist

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compumom

jessyf

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