Jocelyne's Tea Parties

Jo's Girls

2012-05-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I've been away for awhile. A lot has happened! I've never really been good at keeping a journal of any kind. If you saw the one I actually write in months go by between entries. My hope this year was to get better at it. No so far. Oh well, I'm trying.

This is my dear Natalie, my 3rd daughter - she just graduated from high school. So PROUD of her! She graduated with a 4.0, and National Honor Society. She received awards for her musical talents and commitment, even lettered in music. I didn't know you could do that!

These are my granddaughters. MacKenzie is 5, she is holding her new baby sister, Analie, she is 2 weeks old in this picture and that's their cousin Audrina, who is 3. All mine!

Here is my oldest daughter, Monique, and the mother of the baby girl. She and her honey also have a son. I was trying to keep this as a post of just my girls, but that wasn't working too well.

Because every picture I have of my girl Valerie, includes her sweet husband, Isaac. They have 2 boys and 1 girl (Audrina, pictured above.)

And this is my baby girl, Daniella. She is very musically talented. She sings and plays piano. She is a junior this year.

So, see, I have been very busy! I have a house full of girls (most of the time anyway!) I didn't mean for my post to go in the this direction, I was really wanting to show you my flowers! But if I talk about one girl, I end up talking about all of them. They are a huge part of me after all. And, I can't, after all this posting about my family, leave out my grandsons!

It was hard to get the three of them to stay still for a picture of just them! You can see the ornery-ness in this pic! There they are all 6 of my grandkids.

And if you're still here after all the family photos, I'd like to show you what is growing along the garden path. This is Jackmanii Clematis that I have been training to grow up the side of our huge deck. They are getting there as you can from the picture.

I am able to see the blooms from the deck side now as well.

I've also been training this climbing rose bush. It has reached the top this year, but after pruning back the dead it looks a little sparse. It will fill up again, this is one hardy rose bush. Really. When we moved into this house, 10 years ago, it was coming up in a pile of lava rocks, with plastic underneath. The roots were long and white and I thought why not plant it in fertile ground to see what would happen. Well you see here what happened!

Here's another rose bush. These are long stem yellow roses. OMGoodness, they are beautiful and smell soooooo good. I cut them and brought them in the house before I took the picture.

And last, but not least, this is a long stem pink rose bush. I transplanted this one from the middle of the yard, 10 years ago, I had not seen it bloom until this year! What a treat! We were about to get rid of it.

Tea Time Tuesday–a few more roses

2012-01-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than to enjoy a late afternoon tea after a long day at work.

Today I am serving Rose Petal tea in my Pink Rose Teapot. See the rosebud on the lid? I do adore this teapot. (But not the tea towel I left hanging on the chair! LOL! I wondered where it went!)

And I made some really quick nutella crescent rolls to enjoy with our tea. I just spread Nutella on Pillsbury Crescent Rolls before I rolled them and baked them. Yum Yum. Chocolate and Roses. We can't get enough over here.

I served them on this pastry keeper that I made from a fat wooden candlestick and a cheesekeeper with a wood base. I glued the two pieces together, spray painted them white, added beads and a little bling, put the glass lid on it and there it is. Not bad huh? I thought it turned out pretty cute.

I hope you enjoyed your visit today. Thank you for stopping by and

being a friend. Please come again.

A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you've been,

accepts who you've become, and, still, gently invites you to grow. Author Unknown

I am happily joining these Tea Parties:

http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com

http://www.marthasfavorites.com

All Dressed Up for Valentine’s Day

2012-01-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

First of all I want all of you to see that I did clean up my dining room table! I can’t believe I put that picture on my blog! I’ve been tempted to delete it for the sheer embarassment of it LOL!

Well see, it doesn’t always look like that. Most of the time it looks like this. But sometimes, after a few Goodwill or Estate Sale runs or Crafting Frenzies, it looks like, well, that picture! My office/craft room is not big enough for me and my stuff so it does spill over to the dining room, or “tea” room as my friends refer it.

Its all “done up” for Valentine’s Day.

I put my four black tea cups together for a different look on this shelf. I should’ve taken a better picture. If you click on the top pic it should enlarge enough for you to see the whole shelf. The valentine card here was given to me by my Sweet William a couple of years ago. I display it every year along with the others you see in these photos.

Sorry about the glare on this valentine card. It is adorable.

This beautiful old card was given to my mother-in-law by one of husband’s brothers sometime in the 60’s. Somehow I inherited it. Not complaining, I love that I have it.

Watch out! There’s cupid ready let his arrow go…

Straight to these lovers hearts! Just reminded myself of that song by I think Tony Orlando? You know “Cupid draw back your bow-oo, and let your arrow go straight to my lovers heart for me…” LOL! Geez, I’m soooo corny!

Here’s the tea spoon lady, she’s looking for a Valentine too.

Another playful cherub. Some of my cherubs stay around all year long.

Others get packed away after February.

I like this fairy. She goes well with the Valentine décor. The cherub here is one that stays all year round. You’ll see them from time to time in different posts.

And, look what my mom made for me. I sell her crochet doilies in my booth. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ve enjoyed a peek around my “tea” room. I am linking up with My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday and Valentine's Week Linky Party.

Say it with Roses–Tea Time Tuesday

2012-01-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to take part in Sandi’s 2nd Birthday of Tea Time Tuesday Posts.   I really do love blogging, I can visit with friends in far away places, and then in turn have them visit me here.

It is winter here, so I do not have roses in the garden and, well, I’m unable to buy fresh right now. So these fabric roses will have to do.    Hopefully, some Sweetie will bless me soon with real roses (Valentines Day is coming Honey!)

I found some interesting information about roses that I thought I would share at the party.
”The rose is the month June’s birth flower. (My birth month!) The Rose is known as the flower of passion as the ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite the goddess of love gave a rose to Eros the god of love. Roses have many flower meanings according to their color and number of roses in a bouquet. All roses symbolize love and appreciation though.

No other flower is a recognizable as the rose. No other flower conveys love and passion like the rose either. In Victorian times each flower had its own secret meaning. Red roses meant you love the receiver. Pink roses mean you have not the passion of red, but still have feelings of love. Dark pink roses mean you have gratitude. Light pink roses mean admiration or sympathy. White roses mean innocence, purity, secrecy and friendship. Yellow roses mean dying love or platonic love. In German speaking countries though yellow roses mean jealousy and infidelity. Yellow roses with red tips mean friendship or falling in love. Burgundy roses mean beauty. Blue roses mean mystery. Green roses mean calm. Purple roses mean protection and maternal or paternal love.”   I got this at this website: http://www.birthflowersguide.com/june-birth-flower.html Maybe you want to look up your birth flower to see what it says?

A few years ago I attended a womens retreat with my Church and one of the speakers likened a young lady to a rose during her session on purity.   She said that the more the rose is handled, (touched, smelled, passed around, etc.) the more likely it will become bruised and wilted and lose its petals.   It will wither up and fade away if not treated with the gentlest of hands.   So also a young lady.   She should take great care to not be handled by many and to preserve herself (A Beautiful Rose) for her husband.

Now I don’t do this allegory justice. When she told it, our eyes were opened to the meaning and I could not wait to get back to my home and share this with my daughters, who at the time were on their way to becoming young ladies.    When the time was right, I presented them with rosebuds and told the allegory.   We carefully put the buds in a vase and watched as the beautiful roses unfolded over the next several days.   And they understood.

"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exhalt his name together." Psalm 34:3

Thank you for visiting my blog, I hope you have enjoyed my “rosey” post.

"After all, the only real roses are pink ones. They are the flowers of love and faith"
Anne Shirley

(Before I put a quote out there, I want to make sure it is legitimate and that I have it correct. When I googled the above Anne Shirley quote quess what came up?   Rose Chintz Cottage - Tea Time Tuesday! No Kidding.)

Happy 2nd Birthday Tea Time Tuesday!   Thank you Sandi for letting join in on the fun, even after I've been away for awhile.

http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/2012/01/tea-of-roses-for-tea-time-tuesdays-2nd.html

My Vintage/Shabby/Romantic Booth

2012-01-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

Come on in! I’ve been working two jobs lately. The one I get paid for (employment counseling for young adults) and the one I love… my booth.

Look around. I have all kinds of things for sale. Some I made, like this valentine apron.

Some I just painted, like this metal picture frame with the rose picture.    These are just like Polka Dot Closet – Carol inspires me, if you haven't already you should check her out!   I finally got my hands on heirloom white paint. It is absolutely the white I’ve been looking for.

And the rose pics come from an Avon Calendar that I have, just like hers too! I used think of myself as a Blog Butterfly – just quietly visiting everyone’s blog.   But now I think of myself as more of a Blog Bee. I go from one beautiful blog to another, picking up pollen (your creative inspirations, tutorials, freebies, etc.) and then bring them back to my own beehive and combine it with my creativity. I hope that doesn't offend anyone.

I put together some valentine sayings with scrabble tiles – they’re selling like hotcakes! If you click on the picture it should get bigger so you can see it better.

I made some valentine-y ornaments. I just put some pink lace and ribbons in glass ornaments I picked up on clearance.

A few items I’ve found while out junkin’. This yellow wall has got to go.   Don’t get me wrong – I like yellow, it is the color of the entry to my home.   But in my booth it’s all wrong.  I have a plan to paint it sage green soon. Maybe during spring break.

The red wall too. It almost feels like ketchup and mustard. It doesn’t go well with my shabby/vintage/romantic style very well.

Here are some pink embellished hangers that I made. I bought a 6 pack of wooden hangers from Walmart and some ballerina pink spray paint. Then added some embellishments. We’ll see if someone else will like them too.   I also painted and glittered the wooden heart cutouts. I bought those at Michael's Craft Store.

I didn’t take pictures of these shelves, or the stuff on top. Aren't you glad I didn't bore you with that too?   And last, but certainly not least, is this beautiful vintage reproduction of a victorian settee.   I got it for a good price at the Goodwill just before Christmas, brought it home, cleaned it up and put it here just before New Year’s.   I hope it sells soon, I have other big pieces that I'm working on to take its place.    Thanks for visiting my booth.    It is located at the American Classics Marketplace, 1815 N. Academy Blvd., Booth A14, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.

Tea Time Tuesday

2012-01-17T15:39:00.001-08:00

We did have snow on the ground this morning. It was cold and blowing off of the roof and it really looked like a blizzard. This afternoon the sun is shining and the wind has calmed down. I can even see the peak – covered with snow

It’s a typical January day in Colorado Springs. While it was snowing, I enjoyed a cup (or 3!) while reading Elizabeth George’s “Words of Encouragement for Women after God’s Own Heart”. I soooo needed it today.

I went to see my rheumatologist yesterday (I see her every 3 or 4 months).   I have been hurting so bad lately.   My joints swell and get red.   And for the past couple of months I haven’t been able to sleep well because of pain in my hips.

So the hip pain is not from the joint, Thank God, but it is the bursae? The side, where the tendons are. I don’t know if that makes sense.   Well she gave me a steroid shot on both sides.   Very painful.    Then because of the other symptoms we are increasing the dose of Methotrexate I take and now I will have to administer a shot once a week instead of take the pills.   The docs staff showed me how with saline. They did one and then I did one. That was four pokes up to this point.   Then to deal with my other issue – Fybromalgia, she prescribed flexiril, a muscle relaxer for me to take at bedtime.   Yeah! Another medicine to take. (I’m being sarcastic)

Then I was on to the lab for my lab check. Another poke!   By the time I got home I was in tears.   I was feeling sorry for myself, seriously.   I just needed a hug. This morning when I woke up I felt as if someone had punched me in my right butt cheek! It hurt too bad to go up and down the stairs. So I took a “mental health” day from work so I could hobble around in the privacy of my own home.

Enough feeling sorry for myself! Thanks for listening – or reading – if you’ve gotten this far.
I tried to take a picture of the snow but it was too bright.   I also wanted to show you some of things I've been doing. Fun things.

These vintage chairs were an awesome garage sale find last fall. They are now in line for a makeover. My sweet William does the stripping and sanding for me. Stay tuned for their makeover.

This is my dining room table/workshop. I really need to get all of this picked so we can get back to the table for meals. That is my goal this week.   To get it all back upstairs to the office.   I’ll box it up and one of the girls can take it up for me.

This is one of the things I made. Remember making those valentine boxes in elementary school?   That’s what it reminds of.    It’s just a wood box from Hobby Lobby that I shabbied a bit and then used valentine ephemera.

This is the inside cover.   It will go to my Antiques/Craft booth. I will post about that and include pictures later.

I’m also working on these.   These were the little wooden faux books from Home Interiors that got a new paint job, some shabbying and some decoupage. What do you think? This is my first one, the test so to speak.   I got this image from Rebecca at http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com/2011/02/free-valentine-graphics-new-give-away.html. She has such a beautiful home, I love visiting her blog.

I know it’s late in the day, but I am joining the following tea parties.

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

Wow I've been gone for a long time

2011-11-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

From my blog anyway - I even forgot my password! Geez! It started when my computer crashed. We had to save our pennies to get a new one and when we finally did I was busy with craft fair stuff and work and church and ... on and on...

Well I am back! I've been looking at all of the loveliness on my fellow bloggers sites. You all are so creative and talented! Then I got to Rebecca's site and she is giving away a traincase - Oh My Goodness! Not just any train case, but one that she is decorating. I would so love to win a case from her. Here is a picture of one that she has done before:

Now you can enter too by clicking on the picture at the top of my blog or by clicking on this link http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com/2011/10/vintage-train-gathering-case-giveaway.html ~ (though I didn't want to share this information because the more that enter the less my chances are! LOL! ~ selfish 'ol me!) Just kidding. Whoever wins this will be truly blessed. If I win it, I will have to be selfish and keep it for myself. I'm not giving it to any of my girls, it will be so beautiful in my room, with my stuff in it.

I'll be back to post more stuff. I've had a lot of things I've wanted share and to show you.

A Madeover Lampshade

2011-08-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

I found a great tutorial on how to do a lampshade makeover at A Gathering Place. Rebecca did such a nice tutorial that even I could do it. Mine doesn't look as good as hers but I think it sure is pretty!

Following her directions, I cut out my pieces then started gluing them on. I have never used spray adhesive before. I used Elmer's Craft Bond Spray Adhesive as I couldn't find the same brand that she used.

Next it was time for the trim. I went to my favorite "candy" store, Mill Outlet in Colorado Springs. They have three good size rows of nothing but ribbons and lace and all kinds of other trim. I found this pink french gimp, it matched perfect with the fabric I had at home.

On the top I used some vintage pink boxed pleats that I found at an estate sale. It was still in the packaging unopened.

I hot glued beaded ribbon to the inside and finished my edges with more pink ribbon. If I wasn't so impatient I would have sewn the two together, then hot glued it in. It would have given it a neater finish.

TaDa! Here it is!

Thanks Rebecca for a wonderful tutorial.

I am linking up with My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday. A post I love to look at but don't usually have the time to link too. There are some wonderfully creative bloggers that link to this blog party.

You've got me singing the blues

2011-08-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not sad, I just realized how many "blue" teacups I have.

These are put away for now.

These are on display in the dining room.

And these, blue glass teacups, were just used for an afternoon tea that I posted about here: Saturday Tea in the Garden

The only thing is - I don't have a blue tea pot.

Except this little cutie. It's too small for a real tea!

This beautiful cup was a gift from a good friend.

I just love the blue roses on this one. It's not sitting on its matching saucer but it is in the stack!

Can you believe that I have purchased most of these at the Goodwill? At different times of course.

Here is one of my latest finds. There were two of them, I love when that happens.

This is Christina Porcelain, Bavarian Blue, from Bavaria, W. Germany.

Isn't she pretty!

In my devotionals today I read this scripture and God has spoken to me through it. I hope that this will also touch someone else today.

"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone." Ephesians 1:11-12 The Message

Just like our teacups, the color, design, the placement of the artwork, God has designed us on purpose.

I leave you with this poem, but I do not know the author.

There's not a tint that paints the rose

Or decks the lily fair,

Or marks the humblest flower that grows,

But God has placed it there...

There's not a place on earth's vast round, in ocean's deep or air,

Where love and beauty are not found,

For God is everywhere.

I am having tea with these friends today:

Sandi at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

Martha at http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

Teacup Tuesday

Terri at http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/

Teacup Tuesday

Wanda Lee at http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Donna at http://thehomemakingarts.blogspot.com/

Tuesday Tea

Trisha at http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/

Tea Party Tuesday

Lady Katherine at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/

Teatime Tuesday

Blue Monday

2011-08-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Actually it's Saturday Tea in the Garden hosted by Bernideen (but by the time I get this posted it might be Monday!) My girls and I were out all day Friday "back to school" shopping. We stopped in to TJ Maxx/ Homegoods and while they were looking for the latest trends in fashion I was in the gourmet aisle and look what I found. I have to tell you I felt a little like Angela at Tea with Friends. She is always finding neat tea things at Homegoods and other places.

I was excited, I now had a plan for my Saturday Tea. I would use the beautiful blue cups and saucers that I found at the Goodwill earlier in the week. The were made in Brazil and I couldn't believe people just passed them by. Each piece was already under .50 and they were marked down further because apparently they been hanging around for a couple of weeks. What a steal!

I've never made scones from a mix and I have to tell you these turned out soooooo good! I went with a lemon theme. I think the blues and yellows go so well together. We have lemon and ginger scones, served with devonshire cream and blackberry jam, lemon tea, lemon pudding with blueberries and ham & cheese sandwiches.

Oh look there's one of my daughters - she is wearing a minion shirt. And yes, she was one of my minions as I prepared for this tea. She really does like to learn about tea etiquette. So today we talked about scones. I've always thought it was pronounced scones, with a long O. Once I heard someone pronounce it "skahn". I think that person was horribly mistaken, I didn't correct her because she was teaching and I didn't want to appear rude. I just thought "yikes" It's scooooone. Perhaps I am mistaken?

Did you know the proper way to eat scones is to break off a bite sized piece, then spread the cream and jam on before you pop it in your mouth. I've heard that it was done this way because if you didn't finish all of it the rest could be saved without getting spoiled and the "help" would then take the leftovers home. Personally, I think it's because a good scone is a little crumbly and it would make a mess and not be very lady like to slather it with cream and take a big bite!

We are enjoying our afternoon tea in the Sunroom today because my yard is muddy - we've been blessed with lots of rain! I love it - everything is very green and lush. And, also my dh is outside mowing and trimming bushes and I don't want to get in his way! So here it is, my Saturday Tea in the Garden taking place in the sunroom. Thank you Bernideen for hosting this and inspiring the tea lover in us.

(After publishing the post I realized - where's the tea? It's still in the pot on the counter! I guess I'll go down now and enjoy another scone with a cup of tea this time! LOL!)

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-08-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hello tea cup loving friends!

I found this teacup at the Goodwill without a saucer, I thought it was much too pretty to leave there so I brought it home.

Then I went yard saling (sailing?) and I found the saucer.

When I picked it up, I thought it was a perfect match to the cup I had purchased previously.

They are made by the same company and are very similar, but different.

The flowers on the cup are different from the roses on the plate.

The plate is called Apricot Rose. The cup doesn't have a name. I think they are beautiful together. Don't you love to have mismatched pieces that "match".

My calendar today says " I asked God for all things so that I might enjoy life. He gave me life so that I might enjoy all things." And the scripture is Psalm 103:2 I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me. As I reflect on these words I realize that He has done so much for me and I admit, in times of despair, I forget the things he has already done. The promises he has made are still mine, and one at time, with my focus on Him, these promises will come to pass. Sounds like I am encouraging myself here, and I am, but it's for you also. God's word is for all of us, if we'll have it. "Delight yourself also in Me, your LORD, and I will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4. He gives us friends, even in blogland, that are like this teacup and saucer. We come from different places and have different patterns but our maker is the same. Isn't He wonderful!

I am having tea with following today:

Sandi at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

Martha at http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

Teacup Tuesday

Terri at http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/

Teacup Tuesday

Wanda Lee at http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Donna at http://thehomemakingarts.blogspot.com/

Tuesday Tea

Trisha at http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/

Tea Party Tuesday

Lady Katherine at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/

Teatime Tuesday

Miss Spenser at http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/

Teacup Thursday

Teddy Bear Tea in the Garden

2011-07-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone! I read the following story a few years ago and thought it was cute. I also think it would be a wonderful story to read to little tea party goers as a nice lead in to teaching about manners. I found it at this website: http://www.victoriana.com/christmas/teddybear.html

I have added pictures of my own teddy bears and a mini teddy bear tea set on a vintage child's table and chairs set. This was a fun and playful setting. My daughter took all of the pictures.

Teddy Bear Tea Party

-----------------------------------------------------------

"A tea-party means a rehearsal of one's manners."

IT was Betty who delivered the invitation, in such solemn fashion that the Teddy Bears all sat down on the bed to consider. As Betty went on to explain they were all attention; even Baloo, the Indifferent One, cocked his stubby ears and leaned forward until Ab, his small charge, nearly toppled over on his nose. Of course they would go; but what should they wear? Peter— big, tawny Peter—thought his pink neck-ribbon would be more becoming than his blue; yet he did so love blue. Little Scrub, sitting beside his beloved Barbara, wondered if it would be quite proper to wear his blue jeans. You can't imagine how excited they were: one isn't invited to a tea party every day — that is if one is a Teddy Bear. Not that they cared about the tea, but they did hope there would be plenty of honey.

NOW, a tea party means a rehearsal of one's manners. At that thought most of the Teddy Bears scampered away and pretended to be busily washing their paws (Betty never interrupted them in that!). Ab and Ba, the twins, climbed into Baloo's lap and declared they'd be very good. But Peter had a request to make: Might he sit at the head of the table? Betty said he might if he could find the head of a round table.

WELL, the party was a success. Each Teddy Bear wore a fresh neck-ribbon and his jauntiest manner; except Scrub, who would keep on his blue jeans, so they made him sit in the window by himself. Peter was wonderful and Betty couldn't eat for admiration of him. As there weren't chairs enough to go around some perched on the tops; and though, at this dizzy height, they couldn't manage tea-cups, they all had lots of honey; till even Peter lay back sleepy and satisfied.

I am joining Bernideen today as she hosts Saturday Tea in the Garden.

What I've been up to...

2011-07-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time for tea in the Garden on Saturday because I've been crazy busy - most of it fun. We hosted a 4th of July BBQ for about 50 people - it turned out nice but it was very hot here. Even the teens spent most of the afternoon inside playing board games or "spoons"

(My Grandson, Jace, He looks so hot even in the shade!)

(Inside with the Central Air!)

Then, I had to go back to work. It's rewarding but it's work. I'd rather be home doing my laundry and weeding the garden! It's coming along (the garden), even after the neighbors dog dug holes everywhere! AHHHH!

(Rose of Sharon I planted in June)

Then my dh and went yard sailing Friday and Saturday. Even after I vowed (to myself) not to go out on Saturday. I have a bunch a new treasures. Some will stay here and others will get cleaned up, tagged up and taken to my booth at American Classic Marketplace in Colorado Springs. I've not shown a picture on here of my booth so here's one - it was taken with a phone so the quality isn't that good. I'll take some more and post them later.

It's booth number D33, and I share this one with a friend. I have another, a lot smaller that I do myself, that one is C43.

I also stripped and refinished a stool. This stool:

It was bad - had over 100 little nails on the bottom! Now it looks like this:

I painted the whole thing black and then laid a cut out that I got from the The Graphics Fairy . I then painted the top white and quickly and carefully removed the cut out. After it dried I sanded it to give it that "shabby" look. Something my family doesn't understand! It's now in my booth for $28.00.

And lastly, I have one daughter off to Oregon on a missions trip and the other soon to going to Texas for the same. They will both be gone for a week. I've already warned the older two that it was my time - not babysitting or making anyone else dinner (how selfish of me huh?)

Hopefully, I will be able to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea, or two, or three...

Show Off

2011-06-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

I just have to show off one of my b-day presents. Some sweet friends of mine gave this to me

Isn't it gorgeous? I just love black tea cups. There's something regal about them.

I know I have seen posts about some of these black beauties before, I just don't remember who it was.

It is gorgeous from every angle. If K & M are reading this - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I love it!

Now my other black beauty won't be alone.

It too is Royal Albert, but that is all I know about it. I searched it out before and didn't find any other information. I purchased this one at a Antique and Collectables store in Seattle.

If any of you have more info about it please share. I'd like to know. It is different from the 1975 patterns in that the saucer does not have a white middle, it is black.

Happy "Tea" Day to all.

John 1:16 (Amplified Bible)

For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.

I am linking up with the following tea parties today:

Martha and Terri

Wanda Lee

Lady Katherine

Sandi's 74th TeaTime Tuesday

http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/

Early Morning Tea on the Deck

2011-06-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I acquired these beautiful columbine plates from my mother in law and even though I only had three I kept them because I thought they looked so good on my 3 tier server.

Then this year for mother's day my daughter took me to breakfast and then for a mani/pedi. Such a sweet girl! Afterwards we stopped at an estate sale and guess what I found? A 5-piece place setting for 4 of this pattern. 4 dinner plates, 4 bowls, 4 dessert plates and 4 teacups and saucers. The only mark is on the dinner plates.

A little bit of research showed the company is no longer in business and this set was probably made in the 70's. I love columbines. They grow wild here and it's difficult to contain them in a garden. They shoot up wherever they feel like.

This morning I am using my Columbine teacups out on the deck. Care to join me? It's a little chilly so wear your sweater. The morning sun cast a lot of shadows across the deck so my pictures are a little dark.

I'm serving "bear claws" and Yorkshire gold tea. I like mine with a bit of milk and 2 cubes of sugar because it is very strong tea but perfect for the morning.

I wonder if this company made a teapot or coffee pot to go with the set? If they did I sure hope to find one some day.

I hope you have a fun and relaxing day.

The winner of my birthday giveaway is...

2011-06-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage. I had such a fun and busy birthday and I thank all of you for your birthday wishes and for entering to win a present from me. I wish I could send one to all of you! Sandi check your email for a message from me.

Saturday Tea in the Garden with my grandbabies

2011-06-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

We had a long day today and ended it with a restful tea on the deck. Nothing fancy, just shortbread cookies fromWalmart and sweet tea that I made earlier today. To my MacKenzie it was the best. Jace thought his sister's hat was to play with...

There was no view of the mountains today because of the smoke from the Arizona fires. Remember to pray for those involved with the fire and that it will soon be contained. On a clear day there is a beautiful view of the mountain range just in the background here.

We used my violet tea set that was a gift from my husband a few years ago. It was purchased at Bernideen's Store here in Old Colorado City.

Are they violets or pansies? They kind of look the same, I have these "volunteers" that grow in the path every year. Sometimes they are in the grass. I've heard them referred to as "Johnny Jump Ups." I can't believe I am showing you a picture of my "weeds!"

I think they are prettier on the table - don't you?

And they match my set - isn't that cool?

I hope you rest, have tea, and enjoy yourself for the remainder of the weekend. I know I will.

Have you ever been given a scripture over and over? You read it, then you hear someone say it, then someone else and on and on. Well I've been getting Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose." I will rest in this Word and know that all things will work out, because I love Him. I pray you find this rest too.

I'm joining Bernideen's Saturday Tea in the Garden and Martha and Terri's TeaCup Tuesday. I am also joining with Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday and Teapot and Tea Things with Wanda Lee.

Birthday Present for You!

2011-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

My birthday is coming up and I want to give away a present! Do you want it? It's a surprise - so no peeking!

The rules are easy and you can enter 3 times. I will draw your name out of hat on my birthday, June 18.

All you have to do is:

1. Leave a comment about this giveaway.

2. Become a new follower and then leave a comment here to let me know. If you already follow me - you sweet thing you - just leave a comment and let me know you still check me out every now & then. ;-)

3. If you post a link to this Giveaway on your own blog you will receive yet another entry! The link to this giveaway post is on my top Right sidebar. Just come back and leave another comment on this post that you did it!!

It's my birthday and I can give away stuff if I want to!

Polka Dots and Moth Balls!

2011-06-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

I found the coolest red polka dot bowls at a church yard sale for $4.00 for the set. They are Fire King Ovenware from the 40's or 50's. Research shows there were 4 bowls in the set, I got 3. I love the polka dots! These are headed to my booth for sale. Aren't they the cutest! I was inspired to join this party by Jocelyn at Just a Little Southern Hospitality after seeing her Pyrex bowls. Thanks blogging sister with the same name!

The bowls are sitting on a Lane Cedar Chest that at the moment is outside airing out. It smelled of moth balls so bad I almost got sick when I opened it! I bought this at a different yard sale last weekend. It was open when I found it and I didn't notice the smell. It has since been closed up in my living room. I think it was good deal, $30.00. What do you think? I want to paint it white and shabby it up. My dh thinks I should leave it as is (minus the smell).

I'm joining to fun parties Would you buy it Wednesday? and The Colorado Lady's Vintage Thingie Thursday. Come with me, let's have some fun!

Tea in the Garden

2011-05-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tea in my Garden! What a fun time we had putting this breakfast tea for two together. The fruit of our labors was well worth the effort! We started outside so we could enjoy this view of our majestic Pikes Peak, but the morning breeze quickly turned to wind!

Lets go inside, to my sunroom, it's nice and warm in there and without the wind.

My own orange almond crescent rolls

are waiting for you.

Go ahead, have more than one, they are so good!

I have paired them with Lipton's New Island Mango Peach White Tea - Yummy!

I'm using some of my favorite old chintz cups. They are James Kent Ltd., made in England, "Du Berry" pattern.

I've never had the saucers for them so I paired the cups with these pretty little plates.

Thank you for coming to tea with me today, I have enjoyed our visit. Others are having tea today too, you can visit them at http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/ and http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/2011/05/85th-tuesday-tea-for-two.html and http://www.marthasfavorites.com/ and http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

TeaCup Tuesday

2011-05-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

I've been away way too long. There are at least a hundred reasons why I haven't posted. And none seem to matter now. I have peeked in on all of my favorite blogs from time to time, like Martha's and Terri's, and have oooed and ahhhed over many beautiful tea cups, but I haven't shared any of mine. Sometimes life just takes you along in whirlwind and you just don't have the time to stop and enjoy a nice cup of tea and a good talk with some dear friends. I'm learning that you have to make the time, like right now, to enjoy this wonderful sleepy time tea and catch up with some dear blogging friends before I lay my sleepy head down for the night.

I bought these beautiful cups at a garage sale this weekend for $4.00 a piece - can you believe it! And I was lucky enough to find a pair. I have had a long day so I'm saying goodnight. Before you head in that direction why not pour yourself a cup of tea dear friend and check out the other beautiful teacup treasures at Martha's and Terri's Teacup Tuesday.

Tiny Treasures

2010-11-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

Would you care for a tiny spot of tea? That's all we'll get out of these minis. I think they are adorably cute! The blue set was a gift from some dear friends that had visited China. It is so small and cute, I got all giddy over its cuteness. Now my dear husband, who is not to be outdone by anyone when it comes to me (blush), went out and found the purplish one, which is even smaller and cuter. I have a hardtime putting the lids back on with my fat fingers. The bigger of the three little sets was also given to me by my dear honey, I think for a birthday gift. He sure knows what I like (sigh). It is such a sweet thing to be loved and to love back. Scripture tells us "to love one another, for love is of God, and every one who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7. Let us all go forth today and love somebody ~ in word or in deed ~ and be Thankful that we are all loved by God. John 3:16

I am having tea today with Sandi and Martha and a whole bunch of other friends at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/ and http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

My first cup

2010-10-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

A long time ago my husband and I shared our first Christmas together in the upstairs apartment of an old house on Pikes Peak and 18th on this city's west side. I had wanted china set for Christmas, but knew we could not afford it. My dear sweet husband thought we could and bought me a box of beautiful dishes. The box said "5 piece setting", he figured that was enough for the two of us plus company. To this day I smile when I think on it and he gets a little flush. I took the tea cup from that setting and used it for my tea. That tea cup was the beginning of a beautiful collection of mix and match cups and saucers, teapots, little spoons, tea bag holders, tea sets and other tea accessories that I've picked up here and there or received as gifts from loved ones. It is also the same cup that stirred a passion in me for all things tea. I don't make a habit out of using scripture out of context, but this reminded me of Zechariah 4:10 "For who has despised the day of small things?..." Perhaps My Lord is speaking to me about His plans for me through this cup, my first cup.

I am going to a tea party with Sandi at http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-time-tuesday_25.html and then I am joining Martha at http://www.marthasfavorites.com/2010/10/new-treasures-for-tea-cup-tuesday.html See you There!

A visit to MaryEllen's Tea Room

2010-10-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

MaryEllens's Tea Room in Falcon, Colorado is located in an unassuming home 16 miles east of city life. On this quiet little property sits a family home, that from the outside looks like any other home in this small suburb of Colorado Springs. But walk in the front door and you are suddenly in a charming tea room. The first thing that caught my eye were the three absolutely beautiful chandeliers that were hanging from the ceiling. The other thing was that this was a family's home, but the front room had been turned into a dining area with 5 round tables all set for tea, victorian style china dolls, a pink Christmas tree, teawares galore (all for sale) and many other items one might find in a tea room gift shop. As the guests arrived they are greeted at the door by a handsome young man, all of 8 years old, dressed in a tuxedo. He is the "butler". The maid, a young girl of about 11, bids you to come to the dressing room where MaryEllen awaits to outfit you in a proper dress and hat for the occasion. She does not leave you wanting for accessories either. I had on gloves and a feather wrist wrap thing (I really don't know what it was called!), a beaded necklace and chandelier earrings. The addition of the feather boa put me over the edge into a full on hot flash, and quick as wink she handed me a fan that matched my ensemble! MaryEllen definitely has an eye for color and everyone that she outfitted that day wore a perfect color for her hair and skin tone. Amazing. Once I was properly attired for my afternoon tea, I departed the dressing room and was once again met by the handsome young butler. He escorted me through the family kitchen and back to the tea room where I was announced to the group - ahem - "Presenting... Ms. Jo"

Yep, that's me. Feeling like a little girl playing dress-up! The other guests and I visited while we waited for the other ladies to be escorted to the dressing room for her transformation and then announced when she ready. Each one was met with an ohhhh and ahhhh, (much like watching fireworks!). We checked out each others hats, dresses and accessories. Finally it was time for tea.

This was our table.

This is the rest of our group. We took up two tables.

A nice group shot of us.

After the group pictures, tea was served and we were ready. After a brief lesson on tea party etiquette, we enjoyed chicken salad on croissants, cranberry scones with devonshire cream, chocolate covered strawberries, and a hot black tea with cream and sugar and a cold roibos blend that MaryEllen makes herself. It was wonderful. It left an aftertaste that made you want more. MaryEllen quizzed us on victorian trivia and had us play victorian era party games. We had a memorable time.

Perfect Peach Tea Break!

2010-09-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from the fall decorating and enjoying a cup of Bigelow's Perfect Peach tea. I love transferware. I've just started collecting it, what I could find anyway. It's hasn't been an easy find for me.

So far I have two red, two brown and one dark brown (almost black) tea cups and saucers. One red platter and one red bowl. They remind of the beautiful toile fabric. And seem so right for fall.

I haven't found a tea pot yet. But I will, in time, and when I do I know I will be soooo excited. In the meantime I'll use my somewhat "cheesy" fall tea pot. It does the job.

The bottom of the red transferware teacup has Ironstone, made in england molded into it. This is a picture of the bottom of the saucer. Olde Country Castles, Made in England, Ironstone. Happy Teacup Tuesday everyone! I'm joining with http://www.marthasfavorites.com/2010/09/tea-cup-tuesday-no-30.html and http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

Tea-Time Manners, from Tea Time with God, "How much sweeter everyday life would be if tea-time manners were valued ... Manners are merely behaving as though Jesus were our honored guest - as if every other person we meet is His personal emissary. It means doing and saying what makes others feel comfortable." The desire of man is his kindness Proverbs 19:22