Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Monday 7 November 2011

Tea Time Tuesday


Hearts are aglow when we fill our homes with domestic warmth, nostalgia, and the beloved trinkets that symbolize the season. ~ Victoria magazine
Welcome everyone to another Tea Time Tuesday. 

One of the really nice things about celebrating our Thanksgiving in October here in Canada is that one can start decorating for the holidays early. And so I have. Please come in and join me for some nice hot tea and spicy warm apple pie.


Today is my son's birthday and since he shares my love for the holidays and music, we are going to enjoy our tea in the den where I have set up one of my little Christmas trees on the stereo cabinet.
So, put your feet up and make yourself at home on the couch as we relax and listen to some soft music. The sun is filtering through the window, bathing the room in coziness; just right for tea time.


My little tree underwent a makeover last year which you can read about on my Christmas blog, Christmas Pudding. I like it with the fairy lights added so it will stay like this for awhile. Snuggled up to the tree is my newest rocking horse. Isn't he cute?


Tea is steeping in my red transferware teapot...


...and in the glow of the fairy lights, is a tray of warm mini apple pies fresh from the oven, waiting to enjoy with our tea.



I found this recipe on another blog but I can't remember where. I have altered it a bit and the recipe is below if you would like to try it. The ramekins were filled with apples but when they cooled, they shrunk down just like a big pie.

Mini Apple Pies
6-10 apples; cortland, granny smith, etc.
Peel and slice apples then mix with:
1 cup of sugar
1 TBSP. flour
1TBSP. cinnamon
Fill greased ramekins with the cinnamon-coated apples and add a pat of butter to each.
Roll out pie pastry and cut into circles with a cookie cutter. I used Pillsbury pie crust.
Layer on top of each ramekin and cut slits to allow steam to escape.
Place ramekins on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for approximately 45 minutes.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

I have added thick whipped cream which I have scooped out like ice cream for the pies. I think next time I make the pies, I will add some raisins or dried cranberries. Hubby's favourite pie is apple so he really enjoyed these.


Which teacup would you like to use?


The top one is Chantilly Lace by Skye McGhie and the other one is Victorian Chintz by Burleigh. The Burleigh pattern is no longer in production so I'm thrilled to have some pieces of it. This china was gifted to me by my cousin this past Summer. The cup does not have the matching saucer so I borrowed one from another set. I think they go well together, don't you?


I love both teacups.


Tea is like a hug in a cup.~


I love Christmas! November on the Island is always rather dreary with bare tree branches and sleeping gardens, so I like getting my Christmas decorations out as early as possible to brighten things up. Everything looks better with a little sparkle, don't you think?


Soon all the lights will be twinkling and the baking will begin. I enjoy the smell of Christmas baking wafting through the house. As we near the holidays, I wonder, how do you celebrate the upcoming season? Do you ever have an Open House Christmas Party or perhaps a Christmas House Tour? One thing I am planning this year is a Christmas Tea for three special young ladies.


Would you like another cup of tea? There's plenty and there is lots of apple pie with whipped cream.


Today as I celebrate my son's birthday, I give thanks to God for him. He was an adorable child with the face of a cherub who too soon grew into a very rebellious teenager. A few years later, with God's help, he became a very sweet and lovable young man. Here he is at the 2010 Olympics with his son Zachary.


When my son was growing up, he and I certainly had our battles but today we are very close. Unfortunately, we live on opposite sides of the country so I won't actually get to sit down and have birthday cake with him. We will however talk on the webcam later today. He and his wife have blessed us with two little ones, one being our only granddaughter. We have four little grandsons.


So, here's to you Joel... Happy Birthday and the Lord bless you! May this be a very special day for you. Thank you for all the joy you have brought into my life... Love from your Mum.


As you can see by his hockey jersey and cap, he is a huge Philly's fan!


Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.

When I think of birthdays and Christmas, I also think of presents.
I received a present/Giveaway in the mail the other day from Celia. It is a wonderful treasure trove of note cards and other writing materials all inside this hard covered book. She included a coffee mug with her signature high heel on it and some tea as well as a big chocolate bar. Yum! Love tea and chocolate!


Celia has two blogs; one on which she shares her regular tea posts and the other is one which she shares her story and journey following her accident, Falling Off A High Heeled Life. I hope you will take some time to visit her at both of her blogs. She is an inspiration! Thank you, Celia, for being you and for your generous Giveaway. God bless you!

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." ~ Hebrews 11:1

I am delighted you have stopped by today and I would love for you to join me for Tea Time Tuesday. All you have to do is share a favourite tea cup or teapot, a coffee mug, or something tea related. If you wish, you may do coffee instead of tea or the following is acceptable too: apple cider, iced tea or iced coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade, or punch. The TTT button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post or place on your sidebar if you wish. A poem, tea quote, or scripture verse would be more than welcome!
As a courtesy, please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with all my other lovely participants.

I am pleased to join the following parties as well~

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea
A Wise Woman ~ http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/
Victoria - A Return to Loveliness

Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Table Top Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee 

Tea Party Tuesday

L.A.C.E.

Teacup Thursday



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

37 comments :

  1. Hello Sandi,
    your home looks so inviting with the decorations. You set a wonderful tea time and I would love to have one of this fabulous little apple cakes. Our children are always the best we have got in life. Your son and his family look so friendly and adorable. May God bless your and them. How nice of Celia to make this wonderful gift. Thank you for hosting this sweet event and have a wonderful week.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  2. Everything looks beautiful. And how wonderful that you and your son have a close relationship. Sometimes those years are so difficult, and you wonder if they will ever be resolved.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  3. Hi Sandi!
    Oh that red transferware is so gorgeous! It is on the top of my "wish list!" Everything looks so pretty and the apple tarts look yummy! thank you for hosting and Happy birthday to your son!

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  4. Oh how beautiful! I love both cups...could I have a 2 cups of tea one in each cup!! Beautiful post!

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  5. Such a beautiful tea! The mini apple pies look wonderful!

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  6. Hi Sandi,
    Thanks for hosting another beautiful and tasteful tea!
    The red transferware always makes a fantastic tea table!
    You have a wonderful family and already 5 grandchildren, I understand! These two are so sweet!
    I only have a baby boy from my daughter but he is all my joy, the best thing in my life right now!
    Best wishes to you all.
    Maria A.

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  7. Oh yes, happiness is tea with a friend!
    Both your cups are so pretty. The red transferware tea pot is stunning too.
    Everything looks lovely and delicious!
    Happy Birthday to your dear son.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  8. Beautiful tea set, Sandi. The mini apple pies looks so delicious. Happy birthday to Joel!...Christine

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  9. Thank-you for your nice comment and for stopping by my blog! I love your tea cups, and your post has made me want to go brew a cup of tea for myself! I'm your newest follower.

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  10. Dear Sandi
    Last week I was so late and I could´nt prepare my tea
    This week I want share with you my new belgian cup,I bought it last week in an antiques market
    Hugs

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  11. Hello Sandi,
    Thank you for hosting and Happy Birthday to your son! This is my first time joining "Tea Time Tuesday." Your home looks lovely and thank you for the recipe!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  12. Oh what a beautiful post. Your tea setting is delightful with the sweet Christmas tree and I loved the tribute to your son for his birthday. You are blessed indeed! Have a lovely week Sandi!

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  13. Hello Sandi~your home looks soooo cozy and warm, makes me want to sit there all day to admire it all, and have some of those yummy items you have served :)

    xo~Mari

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  14. This looks lovely! I am excited to start decorating for Christmas! I helped my friend Maria decorate her store today - boy! She has a lot of stuff! It was fun! Thanks for hosting, and the mini apple pies sound perfect - I love single-serving desserts!
    Thanks for hosting!
    Kathy

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  15. What a wonderful birthday party! I am copying out the mini apple pies. They look scrumptious! I am a Christmas lover as well, so you are not alone! What a lovely post! The Victoria Holiday Bliss is great, isn't it?
    Ruth

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  16. Hi Sandi,
    What a beautiful and inspiring tea. It makes me excited for the upcoming Christmas season which for me has already begun. I look forward to decorating too. Your little tree is so sweet and perfect to begin the season.

    Happy Birthday to your son. What a beautiful family they are and a wonderful pic of the four. You are very blessed.

    Now I am hungry seeing your delicious little apple pies. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I love your teacups and the way you set your teas so inviting.

    How special of Celia to send you such treasures. She is a dear and I always enjoy my visit to her lovely blogs.

    Thank you for stopping by and I am sorry to be out of the loop for teas lately. It is my swamped time and I just realize I can not do everything as much as I would like to think I can. LOL
    But I will be back soon to participate and visit. I was off line for one week and so glad to be back now.
    Have a wonderful week and especially beginning to decorate for Christmas.
    Blessings to you always sweet friend.
    XO Celestina Marie

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  17. I love your small Christmas tree along with the tea set in transferware, just lovely! Your birthday boy and family are so handsome, the best on his new birthday year.
    Thank you for hosting this wonderful tea party and for having me. Have a terrific week. FABBY

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  18. What a comforting sight. Teacups and apple pie. That cheers me up on a dreary fall day. Thank you so much! As mothers we always want our children near, especially on special days. I have a son on Vancouver Island and a daughter in NS.
    Have a blessed week.
    Pam

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  19. Sandi .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your son...!!! hockey season is in full swing around here. And so is getting ready for the best holiday celebration (in my opinion) Christmas. The Mr. will busy this week bringing up all the boxes and we'll be getting the house in the cheer of the season.

    Both of your teacups are gorgeous!! I think I'll go with the Victorian Chintz , it's beautiful red colour will get the cheer of the season going... and that apple pie looks tres delish!!

    I'm so happy that you received your package of goodies.

    Thank you for taking the time to bring such a wonderful group of ladies together each week!
    Wishing you a wonderful week! xo Blessings, xo HHL

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  20. Always, always, always a delight to stop by and see what is going on in your life.

    A very Happy Birthday to your son. You have a wonderful family.

    God bless,
    d

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  21. Happy Birthday to your Son. What a wonderful tea you have set up. I must try that recipe for the little cakes.

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  22. You have a beautiful family! I love Christmas too...MMMM, your mini aplle pies look delicious! I may have to give them a try. Thanks for the recipe. LOVE the red and white dishes :)
    shawn

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  23. Happy Birthday to your son , Sandi!!
    And this post has really put me in the mood to start decorating the downstairs for Christmas which I will be doing this weekend and all of next week!!
    I LOVE the red transferware dishes with your cute little tree!!
    Looks so pretty!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  24. Hi Sandi, Oh how everything looks beautiful and yes somewhat better with a sparkle. The Island is looking a little barren and a little bit of Christmas decorating might just do the trick. Those years have passed and so quickly I think you will agree, your son has a lovely family and a happy birthday to him.

    Take care ~ cindy

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  25. Tea set is beautiful, decorations are beautiful, pie looks great...Happy Birthday to your awesome son. His family looks so sweet. I know you must miss them alot. Your blog is just wonderful today! Hope you have an awesome day!!
    Brenda

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  26. Dear Sandi ..

    What a lovely post... Your I love both your cups , but particularly the " Chantilly lace" with it's delicate cutwork... Your mini apple pies look scrumptious....Happy Birthday to your son . You are all so blessed with such love...Thank you for sharing your happy home and loving thoughts today... I trule felt the glow in my heart, sweet lady....Big Hugs

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  27. What lovely tea things to welcome us on this autumn day. I am glad I dropped by.

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  28. Hi Sandi,
    Your tea looks lovely and I would love a mini apple pie with whipped cream.I am thinking Christmas but don't have my decorations up yet. I am taking advantage of this beautiful weather to do the outdoor stuff first.This weather is such a gift for Nov.
    Thank you for hosting,
    Carolyn

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  29. What a nice tribute to your son. I am sure he was very pleased. You son is no different. All young people go through certain stages when growing up. It is the poor parents that do not know anything at that time. Looks like it has all worked out great. Blessings to you and family.

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  30. Sandi, you always make having tea such a lovely experience. Of course the teacups under a cloche just steals my heart. Happy Birthday to your son and such a blessing for you both that you are so close. My two sons are my best friends and I definitely call that a blessing. Thanks for joining the party. Hugs, Marty

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  31. Lovely post, Sandi. So many pretty things to look at. My son's birthday is the 7th also. He was 24. Thank goodness for modern technology so we can stay in touch despite the many miles.
    God bless,
    Lynn

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  32. I love your red transferware ~ just beautiful!!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  33. Hi Sandi,
    Your birthday tea for your son is lovely!
    What son wouldn't love those mini apple pies lol!
    They look delicious.
    Your red transferware is very beautiful - especially the teapot.
    What a wonderful shape!
    Did you write that great quote - "tea is like a hug in a cup"?
    I LOVE it!!
    Have a blessed week, my friend..Trish

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  34. Hi Sandi: I love the Chantilly Lace cup! It is beautiful. What a great idea to decorate early for Christmas. You are gave me a great idea. I just might get a head start too! If anyone says anything, I will tell them you told me it's ok. :) Hugs, Martha

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  35. Hi Sandy...love your pink transfer ware. What a precious family. I love your blog.
    Linda

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  36. The teapot is adorable, and I'm sure ANY tea would taste better because of being brewed in it!

    WHERE RED ABIDES

    A day filled with scarlet, they say,
    Can make the sad heart skip and play;
    For where red abides,
    A little bird hides
    And sings every worry away.


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

    Plump, Ripe Persimmon

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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