Etsy Purchase from "Sew...That's It"

I needed a birthday gift for my grandmother whose birthday is coming up shortly. She loves tea (she's who I get my love of tea from), serving it to others with sugar cubes, and has sewn all her life. Well, needless to say, this pin cushion is the perfect gift for her! I found it on Etsy from a shop named "Sew...That's It". The sugar cube put me over the edge in buying it, and I'll tell you, it is as adorable in real life as in the picture...maybe more so (picture compliments of the Etsy store). Check out this shop for other cute items or if you need a teacup pin cushion for yourself or for a friend--Sew...That's It. I certainly recommend the store not just for it's products but for the fast friendly service as well.

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #12

This perky yellow teapot and silver cozy belonged to Grammy McKee--my mother's grandmother. Grammy was from Wales--came through Ellis Island-- and was a very special person in my mother's life until she passed away when my mother was quite young. Mom DOES remember having tea with Grammy McKee in this teapot though. Grammy enjoyed her tea parties and apparently this teapot. I'm thankful for this teapot being passed down to me. Who can rises a cheery yellow teapot (which happens to be my mother's favorite color) filled with what I grew up to know as the "Welsh cure-all"--tea, of course!

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #11

The tea cup and saucer or the tea mug? Ah, this has been a struggle for me! I enjoy them both. The teacup and saucer pictured was a gift from a friend. The tea mug in the same Ruby Lace pattern of Royal Albert's Old Country Roses pattern, I just bought at a close-out store (great price!). I think the pattern is just beautiful--the rich ruby color covered in roses. I know when I use a teacup and saucer, I feel more elegant, more refined. I enjoy the beautiful curved lines and sheer beauty of a teacup and admire how it sits lady-like on it's saucer. The teacup MUST go with it's saucer. Tea must not be served in the cup without it's saucer ever present to hold it between sips. However, my tea always goes cold faster in a little teacup for some reason whether I pre-warm the cup or not.
The tea mug is a little thicker and durable, holds a little more tea, and is more utilitarian. It doesn't have the chunkiness of a coffee mug--it is much prettier and more feminine. It can be just as lovely as the teacup and saucer; however, it is missing those feminine curves and beauty of form.
I guess the decision between the two depends on what the mood is. Am I ready for a quick cup of tea? A tea mug will do. Do I want to sit and ? The teacup and saucer will be best here. Which do YOU prefer?

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #10

I love little cottages--in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Perhaps it's an extension from the '80's when they seemed to be very popular. Whatever the case, I am gathering a little collection of them on my mantle. Unfortunately a mantle is only so wide and so long...because I'm running out of room! I have a clock and a plate and a thimble...(sounds like a good topic for another post)...and, of course, some cottage teapots and this cottage tea mug which are absolute necessities for this tea lover! The tea mug is from the Allyn Nelson Collection. The two teapots are James Sadler designs. I LOVE James Sadler's teapots. The timbered one is "Anne Hathaway's Cottage" (No, not the actress--Shakespeare's Anne ...though I bet she wishes it were her house), and the other one is "Rose Cottage".
There is a "Wisteria Cottage" out there that is lovely and I'd like to get someday. The detail on these teapots is truly amazing--little animals, profusions of flowers, lifelike additions. These little tea related cottages are pleasant and pretty, and I really enjoy them (one reason why they're up on the mantle!). If you're going to have tea, it might as well be in something pretty, pleasant, or personal. Then the entire experience will be the best it possibly can be.

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #9

My husband and I were reminiscing just a little bit this past weekend that it was 10 years ago next month that we went on our whirlwind trip (5 days, 4 nights) to Paris. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary (which is in January) a little early and went over for Sweetest Day weekend the October before that milestone anniversary. I remember coming upon a kitchen store--I love kitchen stores...I suppose a kitchen store to me with all of its rows of necessary things is like a hardware store to my husband--one day while there, and this little sea foam green teapot was sitting on a shelf just waiting for me. It was love at first sight, and now it sits on the hutch in our dining area among all of my other tea treasures. It is a 2-cup pot trimmed in gold and says "Yves Deshoulieres" on the bottom which unfortunately I couldn't pronounce if my life depended on it. It's a beautiful, cheery reminder of that fabulous trip, and I think of Paris every time I look at it.

An Unexpected Surprise

There are few things more exciting than an unexpected surprise...a treat from someone sent for no particular reason other than they were thinking of you...especially on a day when a little encouragement was definitely needed. The other day the mailman brought us a package...and it was made out to ME! I hadn't ordered anything. No one said they were sending anything. I was sure I hadn't won anything. Well, these pretty teapot trivets were inside...and immediately I knew who had squealed and who had sent away for these. As you know from a previous post, I collect teapot trivets and have several on my kitchen wall. I have been collecting them for years. My grandmother gets several catalogs which she then forwards to my mother who then forwards on to me. I saw these in a catalog, fell instantly in love with them, ripped the picture out so that no one knew which catalog they were from, and asked my mom that if she ever saw any of these at a yard sale if she would please get them for me because I liked the so much. She still had a duplicate of the catalog, had already told my grandmother they would be perfect for me if she ever wanted to get them for me, and then (after receiving my ripped out picture in the mail a week or so later) showed my grandmother just how much I liked them. Whew! Thanks, Mom, for putting the bug in Gram's ear...and thank you so much, Gram, for getting them for me! I love them, and it was definitely an unexpected blessing on a day when I really could have used one.

Strawberry Muffins

Remember all of those strawberries we picked this past summer? I froze many of them. We have several bags of cleaned and processed strawberries ready for winter. Well, I found a great recipe at allrecipes.com for strawberry muffins. With a few modifications, they turned out great. Why wait until winter to try them? To me the test of a good muffin is if it is good, it does not need anything like butter or jam on them (this excludes lemon curd, of course--lemon curd tastes good on everything or just on your finger!). These did not need anything. Yum!
So, here is the recipe...
1\4 cup oil......... 1\2 cup milk
1 egg......... 1\2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder......... 1\2 cup white sugar
1-3\4 cups flour......... 1\2 tsp vanilla
1\4 tsp cinnamon......... 1\2 cup nuts
1 cup chopped strawberries
Oven to 375 degrees. Put paper liners in muffin tin for 8 muffins. In small bowl combine oil, mil, egg and vanilla. Beat lightly. In large bowl mix salt, baking powder, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Toss in chopped strawberries (mostly thawed if frozen) and stir to coat with flour. Pour in milk mixture and nuts and stir all together. Cook for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Double the recipe for breakfast with a hot cup of tea in the morning1

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #7

Well, today around 2:00 a thunderstorm was brewing outside, so I decided it was time to brew something inside--some tea, of course! I announced to the kids that we would be having a tea party, and a tea party we had! It was simple with black tea with milk and sugar and some Walker's petticoat shortbread cookies, but who needs something fancy to have a tea party? I was in the mood for my blue flowered teacup and saucer that I found in Canada the last time we were there. It is a rather modern company, but I love the old, chintz-like look that it has. For my son, well, I used the most "masculine" teacup I have--a Royal Albert design that has grapes scattered on it and says "Grapes" on the inside. I suppose now that he is getting older I really must find one with a hunting scene or fish or dogs or something. Then, though she's almost six, the smallest member of the family used the smallest teacup and saucer to match her little appetite, and one that is indeed her's. It is a petite, delicate, almost transparent teacup and saucer with an understated gold trim that comes from France. We each had two petticoat sections, and while it rained outside, we had a most enjoyable time!

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #6

My favorite kind of black tea is, of course, the kind I grew up drinking. This tea is Red Rose tea. Lipton is fine and will definitely work if need be, but I think that Red Rose has a better, richer flavor. It used to be a Canadian tea, and growing up in Maine, Red Rose was always available and not that expensive. I can find it in the grocery store here in Wisconsin, but the boxes are smaller than the 100 count and are more expensive. Thankfully my mother and grandmother keep me well stocked and either bring or mail me some from time to time. As an extra treat, for years each 100 count box has included a little Wade figureine. It is always fun to find an extra treat (think Cracker Jack boxes) when you purchase something, and like a little kid, I look forward to opening a box to see what sweet figurine may be included with all of the yummy-smelling tea bags. And, you know what else? I like the name! ; )

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #5

I found this little round, bright teapot in a dusty antique store in Maine several years back. It's shiny gold appearance just spoke out to me...and the price was right. It is from England, an Author Wood, and has it's share of crackles and scratches. Also, it is small, I believe a four-cup pot, and I would probably never actually use it to hold tea and/or hot water; however, it is bright and beautiful and adds a delightfully shiny touch to our living room expecially when it reflects the sun in the morning (as you can see here). You just never know when you'll find a diamond in the rough in a shabby antique store, and this is certainly a good example.

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #4

Trivets really are nice to use instead of regular pot holders. I have many pretty and practical potholders, but they can render the teapot (especially ones with dainty little legs) tipsy which we certainly don't want for a teapot full of hot water. A trivet can be pretty, colorful, and especially elegant--not to mention a nice level surface to place hot teapots on. I have a trivet collection that I've gathered from gift shops, yard sales, etc. from all over. It is slowly growing (and crooked I see!) because I'm pretty picky about what they look like and the colors. They all must be teapots and not cheap looking. As you can see, there is plenty of room for expansion on my wall, and there is nothing like the thrill of the hunt.

Strawberry Walnut Bars

It may be because it's almost strawberry season here in Wisconsin or it may be that strawberries are one of my favorite fruits (can't decide between strawberries or blueberries for my all-around favorite), but whatever the case, I've been having a hankering for strawberries...in any way or form. I made an old faithful recipe last night--Strawberry Walnut Bars--which are an adaptation of another recipe with a few changes of my own. These are moist and yummy (perfect, of course, with a hot cup of tea) and can be made all year round.

The recipe is as follows...

3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup margarine
2 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 cups (or more if you like) strawberry jam/preserves
1 cup (or more if you like) walnuts

Heat oven to 375 F. Grease 9x13 pan. Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder; cut in margarine with pastry blender or fork to form coarse crumbs. Add eggs, blend well. Reserve half of mixture; press remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Spread jam evenly over crust in pan. Sprinkle 1/2 of nuts over jam. Combine remaining crumb mixture with remaining nuts and sprinkle over top. Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and cut.
Of course, you may use any other kind of jam...but our favorite combined with the walnuts is strawberry. Enjoy!

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #2

With this teacup is a note that reads as follows: "My Grandmother Whitten (My Mother's Mother) gave this pretty cup & saucer to my Mother when I was 5 days old. Signed--Mildred" Well, my great, great Aunt Mildred was 5 days old in 1897! That means this teacup and saucer are at least 112 years old. I was tickled pink when my grandmother, to whom this teacup was given after Aunt Mill's , gave this to me. It has a few small chips, but you know, if I were 112 years old, I'd have some chips too!

Let's Sip Cake!

This month I turn another page in my life's book...another chapter, perhaps...when I hit 40. I'm trying to feel positive about it since I've been told by my sister-in-law who turned 40 two years ago that 40 is the new 30. Well, regardless, I can't stop it, so I might as well be brave and embrace it and move on. Just where does time go, anyway? Anyway, my family on the in-law side celebrated my birthday this past weekend (along with a few others in the family who have birthdays around this time of year), but, bless their hearts, they made it extra special for me. Many, many loving hugs and heaps of thanks to them. I had previously told my husband that if I found one of those gravestone cakes with my name on it at the party I'd refuse to acknowledge it and would undoubtedly cry uncontrollably...to which he responded, "I've already taken care of that." Isn't he wonderful? Anyway, when I arrived at the gathering, the cake pictured above was on the counter. How delightful! How thoughtful! How could I have doubted my dear sisters-in-law that they'd give me a gravestone cake? A friend of one of my sisters-in-law made it (sorry, I haven't a name or I'd give the proper credit here). I hesitated when the time came to cut it since it was so pretty, but when else does one have the opportunity to sip her cake? Mmmmmm, perhaps turning 40 isn't so bad after all.

Springtime Cupcakes

I needed to provide the treats for a ladies' meeting at our church last night. I know it is only February, but since I'm just too eager for spring to come, I decided to make some springtime cupcakes. They needed to be yummy, pretty, perky, and flowery, I decided. First, I started with a "confetti' cake mix so each bite would reveal pretty color.
Then I used fluffy white frosting and put a thick layer on each cupcake.
Then to make the flowers I used gumdrops. I first put a nice pile of sugar on the waxed paper since they are so sticky especially the more you work with them!
I started rolling them with a rolling pin but soon realized that simply squishing them with my clean, sugared fingers worked better than than rolling pin which the gumdrops liked to stick to.I cut the flowers and leaves out with little fondant cutters, but you could use any small cookie/canape cutters that you have. I had to poke each flower and leaf out of the cutter with a knife despite the sugar, but it worked out just fine.
I ran out of time and resources for the centers of the flowers...but I thought they really should have a center of some sort. Little silver dots or candies (had neither on hand) or even piped frosting (no time) would have looked better, but I used a toothpick and some leftover frosting to add little centers. The possibilities are endless with gumdrops, frosting, different sized cutters, and a little time to make pretty cupcakes. Try them for yourself for a springtime tea, church ladies activity, shower, or other activity where the treat should look lovely.

The Thrill of the Hunt--Collections!

I have several collections, and this tea strainer collection is one of the them (my other collections have and will come in other posts). It isn't exactly a huge collection right now, but each piece is special to me. When I collect something I have my own little rules I've made for myself, some of which are 1) it HAS to look great/pretty/classy, 2) can't be too pricey, 3) must look good grouped together, and 4) absolutely MUST "speak to me". So, this collection is small and particular, but I'm thrilled with the discoveries thus far (and I'm certainly keeping my eye out for more only in different shapes, sizes, etc.). I love tea and little houses and hearts, so these are perfectly suited to what I enjoy. My husband is convinced that I'm part raccoon because I think it is great fun being on AND I am always on a hunt for something at all times...the quest...the thrill of hunting, you know how it is, and I will scavenge just about anywhere to find what I like (as long as there is a little extra cash to actually BUY what I find if I look in a shop). What do you collect? I'd love to hear about it. ; )

National Hot Tea Month

January is "National Hot Tea Month". It is snowing and blowing and cold outside here today, so I thought it would be a perfect day in a perfect month to encourage all who read this to grab a steaming cuppa in a lovely teacup and sip to your warmth and health. AND, if you'd like to do some pleasant, tea-related browsing on the web while sipping that hot cup of tea, check out Time Was Antiques for a feast of wares for the tea lover. Their inventory of tea items--all kinds of different tea items, old and new--is very extensive. Enjoy your day!

A Lovely Lollishop Find

I wish I could put a picture here...but I don't want to get myself into trouble! I found a lovely little teapot on Lollishops. I put "teapot" into the "search" section on the front page of Lollishops and found a little Sadler miniature teapot complete with tiny pink roses all over it. It is simply adorable! You know how I love little things...and roses...and anything "tea." It was natural then for me to search for and find this little teapot. You may view it by clicking here-->Sadler Miniature China Teapot Roses. The shop selling this little darling is Corn Street Vintage which sells many pretties. Why not check out the search button for yourself, which is very easy to use by the way, at Lollishops and while you are there stop by Corn Street Vintage.

My Favorite Calendar

When I flipped my calendar to December, the thought occurred..."I'll be needing a new calendar soon!" It is hard to believe that 2008 is almost past. I put my calendar on a wall between my kitchen and living room, so it must be very decorative and a clear expression of who I am and what I like--almost like a piece of art I'd put in a permanent place on my wall. One from Joe's Garage or a complete year of trophy deer pictures with tips on hunting them are just not going to work for me! My hands-down favorite is The Collectible Teapot & Tea Calendar by Workman Publishing. I will be most sad should these lovely calendars ever become a thing of the past. Every month for many years now I have enjoyed incredibly beautiful, gorgeously displayed teapots--unique, whimsical, elegant, antique, etc--usually displayed with a teatime treat and a layout "theme" that perfectly compliments the teapot. Joni Miller and photographer Martin Brigdale do a fabulous job with quality photograpy and deeply interesting scenes. You feel as if you are right there enjoying tea with someone. Each month is a feast for the eyes not to mention informative with historical accounts, tidbits, famous sayings, and more. There is no better calendar in my opinion.

Banana-Oat Nut Bread with Cream Cheese

I love cream cheese and love to just nibble on a piece off of a knife. Yum! In fact, I remember my grandmother used to have celery with cream cheese stuffed into the cupped area of the stalk for family gatherings. What a way to get celery into a kid! Although...I confess to eating the cream cheese out of the cupped area and giving the celery back to my grandmother on occasion! That said, cream cheese on banana nut bread with a piping cup of tea is wonderful. What a way to wake up in the morning!

Below is the recipe I use. It is our hands-down favorite. It is not original (found it on Allrecipies.com), but I have tweaked the recipe to our own liking. Full of nuts (optional, of course) and oats, it is healthy and moist and yummy. You must use overripe or at the very least ripe bananas. I have found that otherwise the bread is just not as good. I have frozen overripe bananas (when I didn't have the time to cook the bread) and made the bread at a later time, but the cooking time will be a little longer because of the added moisture from the freezing. Make a double batch and freeze the other bread or give it away to someone.
The whole house smells great while it bakes. Enjoy...and don't forget the cream cheese!

1/2 cup margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe or overripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (more if you want it really nutty)

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease 9x5 loaf pan.
Cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the banana and vanilla.
Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Beat into creamed mixture. Stir in oats and nuts. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour and 25-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean.