Rose Chintz Cottage

Table Top Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Tea Party Tuesday

Ruth~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/

Friends Sharing Tea

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

Teacup Thursday

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

You're All Invited To A Tea Party...

2012-01-21T15:00:00.000-04:00

Hello dear friends~ I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

Next week I am celebrating Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary/Birthday and I am inviting you all to join me.

I am celebrating with a rose theme just because I love roses so much. So, if you have a lovely teacup, teapot, china mug, creamer or sugar bowl, or perhaps some pretty china which you would like to share with us, I would love to see it!

So, bring out all your pretties adorned with roses and let's party!

This invitation is open to all my old and new friends.
If you have never participated in a tea party before and you would like to, don't be shy. You're more than welcome to join me.
The more the merrier, as they say!

I will be posting Monday at 3:00 pm so I hope you will join me then. I bid you a delightful day.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Roses for Pink Saturday

2012-01-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my Pink Saturday post.

I don't know about you, but I sure do miss my flowers this time of year, especially my roses! I am looking forward to Spring already.

Today I thought I would do a little collage of my roses from last Summer. They are accompanied by some lovely tea things which are adorned with pink roses. I hope you enjoy!

My roses have always reminded me of peonies because they get so big, fluffy and fragrant.

I love pink rose petals strewn about the table, don't you?

Thank you for visiting today and I hope you will stop by and visit Beverly and all her pinkies this weekend.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT~ I would also like to invite you all to join me next week for Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary/Birthday Party.

I am doing a Rose theme so just share your favourite rose themed tea things. Old and new friends are welcome to join me. If you have never joined me before and you would like to, you are more than welcome!

Wishing you all a delightfully pink weekend.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday

2012-01-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things. ~ Rodgers and Hammerstein

Welcome to Tea Time Tuesday, dear friends!

Well, I am home and recuperating. My surgery went well and it's good to have that behind me. Hubby's been making me lots of tea and waiting on me hand and foot. He's an angel! He's back to work today, so I'm on my own again.

Before I serve tea today, I just want to say a big Thank You for all your prayers and good wishes and if I could, I would send each one of you a thank you card!

Has anyone ever told you how much you're loved and appreciated? Well, I'm telling you now and I want you to know it's because of you that I love blogging so much!

Are you passionate about anything? I am passionate about many things; God, my family, my blog, and things like teacups and teapots. So today I thought I would share a few of my favourite tea things with you.

"Steam rises from a cup of tea
and we are wrapped in history,
inhaling ancient times and lands,
comfort of ages in our hands." ~ Faith Greenbowl

I don't know how many teacups I have because I have never actually counted them but these are a few of my favourites~

This is my favourite new teacup. It is creamy white porcelain made by Skye McGhie. The cup itself is quite small and reminds me of a calla lily. I love the lacy saucer!

Chantilly Lace

This is my favourite vintage teacup which I found in a thrift shop. I love the lush roses and the brushed on gold around the top of the cup and saucer. It has a lovely handle with a thumb rest. This pattern has been out of production for many years so I'm happy to have found it!

Old English Rose by Royal Albert

My favourite pink teacup. This is also vintage which I found in an antique shop. I love the delicate pink and lovely gold adorning this stunning cup! The pretty rose in the bottom of the cup is a sweet surprise. This same rose is in the center of the saucer.

Windsor made in England

I have several favourite teapots too.

This is my favourite new teapot which was a birthday present from my hubby...

The Friendly Village by Johnson Bros.

Favourite vintage teapot given to me by my Auntie P...

Rose Chintz by Johnson Bros.

My favourite red transfer ware teapot. There is no name on the bottom but I love everything about this pot from the wonderful red design to the raised roses.

And this is my favourite every day teapot. I think it's adorable with its creamy white colour and raised pale green roses motif. The Tea script makes it very cute. There is no name on this teapot either. It holds about two cups of tea

Would you like a cuppa tea?

Next week is Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary/Birthday and I am celebrating it with a Rose Theme. So, bring out your favourite rose inspired china and let's have a party!
You are welcome to use this button for the party if you wish.

In February, we have Valentine's Day to look forward to and in celebration of that special occasion, I am having a Valentine's Day Tea. It will be a tea in which to share all your pink, red, and heart inspired tea things. So, bake something special and set your tea table with a romantic theme.

"To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance." ~ Matthew 25:29

I am delighted you have stopped by today and I would love for you to join me for my tea party. 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! Please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

I am happy to join the following parties as well~

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
Simply Sweet
L.A.C.E.

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

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Trisha~ http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tea Party Tuesday

Ruth~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Bernideen~ http://bernideenteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Teacup Thursday

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Home Again

2012-01-14T12:17:00.002-04:00

Hello dear friends~ I am back home and recuperating from my surgery. All went well. Thank you so much for your prayers and good wishes. You're the best!

See you on Monday for Tea Time.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday

2012-01-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

"Someone painted pictures on my

Windowpane last night...

Willow trees with trailing boughs

And flowers, frosty white,

And lovely crystal butterflies;

But when the morning sun

Touched them with its morning beams,

They vanished one by one."
Helen Bayley Davis, Jack Frost.

Welcome lovely friends to another Tea Time Tuesday!

Today I have some wonderful new tea things to share with you. My sweet hubby gifted me with some pieces of The Friendly Village by Johnson Bros. for Christmas and my birthday which I celebrated over the holidays.

The Friendly Village is such a charming pattern with its leafy border and quaint pastoral scenes. Each hand painted piece is reminiscent of warm family gatherings at Grandma's house and rural small-town beauty. The Friendly Village has been popular since its inception in the early 1950's.

Some of the pieces are vintage while others are new.

Would you like a piece of my cake?

Life should be savoured: Sipped like a cup of tea. ~ Author Unknown

Perhaps some Sticky Date Pudding with hot Toffee Sauce...

"Drinking tea
the morning fog
drifts away." ~ Robert Gibson

Yum!

Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.

The lovely Christmas card in the photo below is from an original painting by my aunt. She sends me a Christmas card every year featuring one of her paintings. The beautiful blue spruce trees are outside her bedroom window.

UPCOMING PLANS~ Tea Time Tuesday's 2nd Anniversary is coming up on the 26th of January, so in celebration of that special occasion, I would like to do a theme that week. Since I love roses so much, I thought a tea theme of roses would be lovely.
Therefore, the week of January 23rd, it will be Rose Week here at Tea Time and I invite you all to share your favourite Rose themed tea things. So get out your best rose inspired china and let's party! It should be lots of fun!

ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE~ I am having surgery on Thursday morning, the 12th, so if you think of me, kindly send up a little prayer for me, would you? I would so appreciate it!
Hopefully, I will be back next week with a new tea post for Tea Time. In the meantime, I wish you a glorious day and a hot cup of tea with someone you love.

"O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth!" ~ Psalm 8:9

I am delighted you have stopped by today and I would love for you to join me for Tea Time Tuesday! Just share a piece of your teacup/teapot collection or a favourite mug. A poem, tea quote, or scripture verse would be most welcome! The TTT button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post or place on your sidebar if you wish.

I was sorry to receive word from Wanda Lee that she and Pam will no longer be hosting their lovely tea parties. I always enjoyed their gracious hospitality and lovely photos and they will be missed. I wish them well and perhaps someday they will join us in blogland once again. God bless you ladies!

This week I am joining these lovely parties ~

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/

Simply Sweet and L.A.C.E.

Victoria - A Return to Loveliness

Home and Garden Thursday

Table Top Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Tea Party Tuesday

Ruth~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea

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

Teacup Thursday

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Something New for Pink Saturday

2012-01-07T10:22:00.000-04:00

Hello sweet bloggerettes and welcome to my first Pink Saturday of 2012. I'm a wee bit late linking up with Beverly, but better late than never, as they say!

A few months ago, I had shared this pretty teapot with you. I really like the shape of the pot with its curvy handle, ruffled bottom, and pink roses sprinkled all over.

This past week, Hubby and I were out and about browsing the shops when I found these...

The sugar bowl...

The creamer...

A pretty leafy design adorns the top.

Now I have a pretty tea set!

I hope you're all off to a wonderful start to the New Year. I wish you all the best and may you be surrounded with lots of pink!

I am also sharing this post with my friend Kathy for her Home and Garden party and also Sherry at The Charm of Home for her Home Sweet Home party.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday ~ Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

"The birth of a New Year is a time of reflection, bringing with it an opportunity for change....for developing a greater appreciation of what is most important in life." ~ Victoria magazine

Hello dear friends and welcome to my first Tea Time Tuesday of 2012! This little birdie and I have been expecting you and we are simply delighted you have come!

Little birdie was a Christmas gift. Isn't he sweet?

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

A brand new year signifies a fresh new beginning in which one can look forward to new dreams, aspirations, and accomplishments as well as making new memories with those you love.

Are you ready for a brand new year of tea parties?

So much has happened since my last tea party! Christmas, a New Year has come, another birthday, and my son's beloved 2 year old black lab, Charlie, who had been very ill since Christmas Day, almost had to be put down this past Friday. He is a most beloved member of the family, so we are very thankful they got him to the hospital in time for an operation which saved his life. Thank goodness for veterinarians, and I believe Charlie is being released this afternoon! WARNING: Please do not give your doggy a bone!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas, and now with the holidays behind us once more, we have our memories and special occasions that we can look back on.

A few days before Christmas, I had hosted a Christmas Tea for my three nieces. I decided to use my sparkly teacups because it was the Holidays after all and they like anything that sparkles.

So, do come in and make yourself at home as we partake of some hot spicy tea and coffee.
The ambiance of our tea was lovely from the glow of the candlelight and fairy lights with the fire burning in the fireplace. I apologize that some the pictures are dark due to the lighting.

" In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." ~ Aaron Rose

The tea table served up a lovely Trifle, shortbread cookies, and mincemeat tarts as well as some other confections. I used my red toile china mugs for the coffee and the white teacups for tea.
Two of the girls had coffee while my other niece and I enjoyed steaming cups of tea.

This pot held the coffee...

"Come and share a pot of tea, My home is warm and my friendship's free." ~ Emilie Barnes

This Florence teapot by Skye McGhie held the tea.

I didn't want my tea to be too fussy so I used some white china as well as the red toile china by Skye McGhie and my red rimmed Kings Crown sherbet dishes.

The Trifle with layers of sponge cake, pudding, whipped cream, and fruit. Yum!

A pretty dish filled with fluffy Trifle and a cup of tea; what could be better?

Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.

"...The carpet was up, the candles burnt bright, the fire blazed and crackled in the hearth, and merry voices and light-hearted laughter rang through the room." ~ Charles Dickens

My guests...Miss M.

Miss C and L...

We were also joined by a wee fellow only a few weeks old. Little N was as good as gold during our tea time!

Thank you so much for visiting today. I hope you will join me for many more tea parties this year.
Next week I will share a little something which Hubby gifted me with for Christmas and my birthday.

May each new day of 2012 bring you joy, contentment, and all your dreams come true. Remember, "Each new day is fresh with no mistakes in it." {Anne of Green Gables}

"Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." ~ Lamentations 3:23

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, eggnog, iced tea or iced coffee, or hot chocolate.
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!
Please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

I am happy to join the following parties as well~

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

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

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Trisha~ http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tea Party Tuesday

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
Makin' It Sweet

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Teacup Thursday

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday ~ Happy New Year

2011-12-30T15:10:00.000-04:00

Hello bloggerettes and welcome to my last Pink Saturday post of 2011! Thank you Beverly for hosting your scrumptious pink party every week throughout the year. You are a most gracious hostess.

Before I share with you my favourite pink of the year, I want to thank each and every one of you for your visits, comments, and friendship over this past year. You have made blogging such a lovely pasttime and I cannot imagine my life without it or you! God bless you!

I thought you might enjoy some holiday pictures before I share my favourite pink.

Teacup Christmas Tree

A little faux mercury glass birdie was a gift.

Christmas angel in pink toile.

My newest Snowbaby. She's called Goddess of Chocolate.

I collect SnowBabies from Department 56 and I have one named for each member of my family. This newest one is Jenna Lynn, named for my granddaughter. She is wearing a real knitted hat with a rosette on it. She also wears a little tutu, and carries in one hand, a chocolate cupcake which is topped with a pink candy. She wears her pearls and also carries a tote in the other hand with, you guessed it, chocolate! A gift from my hubby for Christmas this year.

Now for my favourite pinks.... The first is my beloved vintage Rose Chintz china which I collect. It is such a girly and romantic pattern, introduced by Johnson Bros. of England in 1883. Sprinkled with pink roses and pale blue forget-me-nots on a creamy white background, it is a pattern which I have loved since I was a little girl. Thank you Auntie P for getting me started in my fantasy which has now become a reality.

I have saved the best pink for last...

Jenna Lynn on her birthday December 4th with her new dollie.

Jenna Lynn wearing her pink fur-trimmed jacket.

I am delighted you have visited Rose Chintz Cottage and I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy & Healthy New Year. May it be bright and pink, with many blessings. God bless you all!

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

You can just feel the Christmas spirit in the air!
It has been such a pleasure blogging and as I reflect upon this past year, I am thankful for each one of you who has visited and commented on one or both of my blogs.
I want to especially thank those of you who have participated in my weekly tea parties. You are all appreciated so very much.

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is HOPE;
The spirit of Christmas which is PEACE;
The heart of Christmas which is LOVE. ~ Ada V. Hendricks

From my heart to yours, A Very Merry Christmas!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

A Christmas Journey for Spiritual Sundays

2011-12-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hello dear friends in bloggy land and welcome to my last post for Spiritual Sundays this year!

I wanted to share something meaningful which related to the birth of our Lord Jesus when I came upon this wonderful devotional written by Dave Egner from Our Daily Bread.

Christmas Journey

How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem? If you're in Pennsylvania, it's about 9 miles and takes about 10 minutes by car. But if you're in Nazareth of Galilee, and you're traveling along with your pregnant wife, as Joseph was, it's about 80 miles to Bethlehem. That journey probably took Joseph and Mary about a week, and they didn't stay in a nice hotel when they got there. All Joseph could find was a stall in a stable, and that's where Mary delivered " her first-born Son." {Luke 2:7}

But the journey for the infant Jesus was much farther than 80 miles. He left His place in heaven at God's right hand, came to earth, and accepted our humanity.
Eventually, He was stretched out on a cross to die, and He was buried in a borrowed tomb.

But the journey was not over. He conquered death, left the tomb, walked again among men, and ascended to heaven. Even that is not the journey's end. Someday He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

As you take a Christmas journey this month, reflect on the journey Jesus made for us. He came from heaven to earth to die for us, making salvation available through His death on the cross and His glorious Resurrection.

Praise God for that first Christmas journey!

JESUS CAME TO EARTH FOR US SO WE COULD GO TO HEAVEN WITH HIM.

Thank you Charlotte for hosting Spiritual Sundays each week. The Lord bless you and your family especially at this lovely time of year!

And from my home to yours, Merry Christmas and may you and your loved ones be blessed this coming New Year with Good Health & Happiness.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday ~ Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T13:00:00.000-04:00

"For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall. The precious memories down the years, The sameness of them all." ~ Helen Lowrie Marshall {Victoria magazine}

Welcome to my 100th and last Tea Time Tuesday before Christmas and of 2011. I will be taking a blogging break from TTT after this week's tea party until the New Year. So, I hope you will enjoy my tea post and you will miss my tea parties.

I will begin afresh with Tea Time Tuesday on January 2, 2012.

The holidays are such a busy time what with baking, decorating, entertaining, and shopping, so it's nice to just sit quietly and have a tea break. Therefore, my tea today will be a quiet and simple one.

Soft white and a touch of pink will be my theme today.

I am sipping tea from my crystal studded teacup. The sparkles add a wee bit of bling to the tea table and is perfect for the Christmas season, don't you agree?

Sprigs of evergreen from our tree add a festive touch as well as a fresh scent.

The thing I like about this teacup is that both sides are beautiful.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.~ Burton Hillis

I have been busy baking shortbread among other things....

...and I thought I would enjoy one with a cup of tea.

Time to savour the season over a cup of Stash Holiday Chai tea. It is just right with a freshly baked scone or two.

Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.

TEA TIP~ To make your scones a little more festive for tea, why not drizzle icing over them when they're hot from the oven.

These scones are wonderful! I made them with candied fruit, the kind you use in fruit cake. I added allspice and cinnamon to the mixture and then I drizzled icing over them when they were hot from the oven. Yum!

Do you like my Christmas tree plate? I have a few pieces of this china which I always take out at Christmastime. It's such a whimsical pattern and I love the little teddy bear sitting beneath the tree! I know a little girl who will one day love it too.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.
Christina Rosetti

"...for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2: 10-11

Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Thank you for stopping by today. I would like to invite you to join me for Tea Time and all you have to do is share a favourite teacup or coffee mug or something tea related. You may do coffee or hot chocolate, hot apple cider or eggnog instead if you wish. A poem, scripture verse, or tea quote would be most welcome and the TTT button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post or sidebar if you so desire. As a courtesy please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with all my lovely participants.

I am also joining the following parties this week~

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home

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

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Trisha~ http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tea Party Tuesday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
L.A.C.E.

Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Teacup Thursday

For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. ~ John Greenleaf Whittier

To all my wonderful tea party friends ~ Thank you for your visits, comments, and participation in my tea party this past year. Your lovely presence is what made my tea party so enjoyable and one which I looked forward to hosting every week.

Merry Christmas and A Happy & Healthy New Year!

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

Around My Cottage for Pink Saturday

2011-12-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my Pink Saturday post. Many thanks to Beverly for hosting this pink party so faithfully every week.

Today I'm sharing a few pictures from around my cottage.

I've been busy baking. Shortbread anyone? Some are iced with pink frosting.

Old fashioned ribbon candy ornaments decorate a mismatched teacup and saucer.

Cup of tea and some gingerbread?

The musical Gingerbread House plays The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy when you ring the doorbell. The gumdrops also light up and keep time to the music. A delight to my grandchildren!

Kitchen window.

Hurricane lamp centerpiece on the coffee table.

My wooden rocking horse, wearing a pink bow, sits by the fireplace.

A pink toile angel.

A little tree in the dining room.

The patio doors and chandy all decked out for the season.

A vignette in the main bath.

A pink mercury glass hurricane lamp in the bedroom.

This is part of my Christmas Village. The farm house, barn and silo, and water mill, I made for my father years ago.

They are all made of ceramic.

This Village is spread out along the ledge in our family room.

And finally our Christmas tree which is in the family room this year. It is covered in ornaments collected over almost forty years. Most are gifts from family members and friends and they hold much sentimental value. Burgundy and gold sheer ribbon is used on the tree and a collection of dolls and teddy bears wait beneath its branches.

To see my fireplace mantel please see my last week's Pink Saturday post here.

Thank you for visiting and I wish you all A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy & Healthy New Year!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

A Gingerbread Tea for Tea Time Tuesday

2011-12-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

"Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall; the genial flame of charity in the heart." ~ Washington Irving

Welcome dear friends to Tea Time Tuesday's Gingerbread Tea with the lovely Wanda Lee and Pam.

Today's tea party is all about featuring the wonderful spice, ginger, and what would Christmas be without Gingerbread? When my children were growing up, I made gingerbread boys every year for Christmas. They are such wonderful spicy and whimsical cookies which can be enjoyed not only with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, but they make delightful decorations as well.

Hubby likes to dunk his into his tea!

For today's tea, I am going to show you some of the gingerbread decorations around my home. So, grab your teacup and saucer and come follow me, won't you.

We'll start with this candy-striped plate stand. It's not gingerbread, but it's cute, isn't it?

These little Gingerbread boys are frolicking in the snow.

My Snowlady baker welcomes you with a big smile and beckons you to pull up a seat and enjoy some gingerbread and tea...Her arms are filled with spicy treats.

Today I am using the Christmas teapot Hubby gifted me with last year. The Gingerbread boys are looking on and admiring it!

They love to frolic on the tea table too; they're so excited to see you come for tea!

Would you like a Gingerbread cookie?

Mmmm, tea and cookies!

Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.

My Gingerbread House usually sits on the kitchen counter next to the gumdrop tree.

After their visit, my grandchildren get to take the gumdrop tree home with them.

Today I will use the house on my tea table.

My grandchildren just love my musical Gingerbread House and they take turns ringing the doorbell which then plays a magical Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.

Gingerbread and candy canes.

Old fashioned Ribbon candy ornaments.

Christmas is a time to bring out all the pretties; the festive ornaments; the sparkle and the glitter. It's a time to bring on the candy; faux or the real deal... It's the season to be extravagant with your decor and your food. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year; a season of Good will toward men. It's the Season of LOVE that should reign in your heart all year round.

Perhaps that is the true gift of a teatime celebration:

It fills our cups with joy and warmth and friendship.

May the echo of the teacup’s message be heard not

only at Christmas, not only on special occasions,

but anytime friends come together.

Emelie Barnes

"And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." - Luke 2:13-14

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

I am delighted you have stopped by today and I would love for you to join me for Tea Time. 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! Please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

I am joining the following parties as well~

Natasha~ http://keepingthechristmasspiritalive365.blogspot.com/
I'll Be Home For Christmas Linky Party

Victoria - A Return to Loveliness

Table Top Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Tea Party Tuesday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/

L.A.C.E.

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

Teacup Thursday

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Rose Chintz Cottage! Natasha at Keeping the Spirit of Christmas Alive 365 invited me to do a guest post for her 12 Days of Christmas Party and I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the importance of the real Reason for the Season.

Christmas is a most wonderful time of the year! I truly enjoy the music and the lovely decorations we see everywhere. I love the food, the gift giving, and joyous times with family and friends. All the traditions we enjoy as a family somehow have the ability to whisk me back to my childhood and every year at this time, I feel the little girl within me come alive once more.

But Christmas is so much more than that!
If not for Jesus Christ coming to earth as a Babe in a stable long ago, we would not be celebrating this beautiful season at all.

When my hubby and I were pastoring our church, we held an Advent service every week beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Each Sunday, a candle was lit followed by some scripture and we loved getting the congregation involved.

An Advent wreath of evergreens was made, representing eternity, and I arranged five candles in it.
Each candle represented an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Source Internet

Advent Wreath Candles

Four candles are arranged in a wreath: three purple candles and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. As a whole, these candles represent the coming of the Light of Christ into the world.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents Hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

On the second day of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents Love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger.

On the third day of Advent, the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds Candle" and it represents Joy.

The fourth and last purple candle, oftentimes called the "Angels Candle," represents Peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent. I oftentimes lit the pink candle the week before the white candle was lit.

On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the white center candle is traditionally lit. This candle is called the "Christ Candle" and represents the Life of Christ that has come into the world. The color white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Saviour. Also, those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.

May we all remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

"For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a Baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger. " ~ Luke 2:11-12

This stable was specially built for me by a gentleman in our last church. All the figurines are from Avon and they date from about 1981-1989. Each one was a gift from a family member or friend so they all hold sentimental value. Every year I display my nativity in the china cabinet.

"O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant;
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the Kings of angels.
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."

Let us be glad and rejoice because Christ has come!

Thank you Natasha for having me. I am sharing this post on my Christmas Pudding blog as well.

From my home to yours ~ Merry Christmas!

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

Sugar and Spice and All things Nice for Pink Saturday

2011-12-09T12:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday....

I was away last weekend so I didn't get to participate in the Pink Party which Beverly hosts every week. Today, I'm going to share some pretties from around my home and in my heart.

My sweet angel on top of my Christmas tree.

A pretty teacup looking all Christmasy.

Many of my tree ornaments hold sentimental value such as this little rocking horse which my middle son gifted me with when he was 9 years old.

This lace ball trimmed with a rose and berries came from a very good friend.

This Limoges ornament was a gift from my mother. See the little butterfly on top?

My mantel in the daytime. Fairy lights, mercury glass votives, pink balls, pinecones, and glittery pink magnolias make up this mantel display.

Mantel at nighttime.

Closeup of some of the decorations...

My white tree all decorated in pink topped off with my little Christmas fairy.

A little wreath I made for the front of the aqua chest in the living room.

Tea and cookies anyone?

This little lady walking her doggy stands beneath the tree every Christmas; a gift from my middle son and his wife.

Now for the angel in my heart....Jenna-Lynn was 1 year old this past Sunday. She's all dressed up in her red polka dot dress and matching hair bow to celebrate at her birthday party. Notice her red cheeks? More toofies are on the way in!

Eating her birthday cake...

Jenna-Lynn smiling big with her birthday dollie.

A kiss for dollie...Isn't she precious?

Here she is with her rocking horse bank that she received from her Nanny {moi} and Papa.

The crystal hurricane lamp and floral centerpiece on the coffee table.

Thank you so much for coming by for a visit today. I am delighted you were here and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Embrace the Season Christmas Tea

2011-12-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

"It is Christmas in the heart

that puts Christmas in the air." ~ W.T. Ellis

Welcome my lovely friends to Tea Time Tuesday and my Embrace The Season Christmas Tea!

I am also linking my post up with Kathy and her Christmas With Victoria Party.

I am so happy you have joined me today as I have much to share with you. Please come in and make yourself at home as we celebrate this wondrous Season of Love together.

The scent of cinnamon wafts its way through the room, the lights are twinkling, the fire is lit, and the tea is steeping.

I am sharing my 'new to me' china teacup which I found at the 70 Mile Yard Sale for five dollars. As you can see, it has holly berries on it and it is perfect for the Christmas season. I wonder how many Christmas tea parties it once attended. I would love to hear the stories it could tell!

It is pure white china with holly green trim on the cup and the saucer. It is made by Royal Stafford in England Est. 1845 with a green mark on the bottom.

The other side of the cup has another smaller holly berry motif on it. Hollyberries grace the saucer as well.

Tea is at the ready in the white teapot which Hubby gifted me with last Christmas.

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." ~ Harlan Miller

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime. ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

I have a favourite Christmas memory from my childhood which I would like to share with you today...

Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee, icy-window filigree, sugarplums and candle glow, part of Christmas long ago. ~ Jo Geis

A Christmas Memory ~
In the wee hours on Christmas morning, my brother and I took turns going into our parents' room, and asked if it was time to get up yet. It was probably around 5:00 AM when they finally left the warm covers of their bed to indulge two excited little kids. Honestly, I don't know how my parents managed that day having little or no sleep.
Christmas morning was the only time we were ever allowed to get away with that!

I was about five years old that special Christmas, when my brother and I got up to see our stockings bulging with goodies. Wonderful hard candy and Barley toys, nuts, and a huge Christmas orange and shiny red apple stuffed the toe of each stocking.
We were as excited as two little tykes could possibly be when we looked over at the big shimmering tree in all its splendor that morning, and saw something that simply took our breath away!

With eyes as big as saucers, we saw a dog house, built by my Daddy, with a sweet ball of fluff inside.
That warm ball of fluff was the cutest thing you ever did see! He had the gentlest brown eyes, wavy ears, and freckles sprinkled on his nose. The puppy was a pure bread cocker spaniel, white and blond in colour, and we adored him! We called him Jingles, because you see, he was our Christmas present that year. I think my Daddy was as excited over the puppy as we were!

Christmas always had a way of turning my Daddy into a big kid.
After Christmas dinner, Daddy would get down on the floor with my brother and me and we would all watch the Disney cartoons together. What fun we used to have watching Chip n' Dale, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse celebrate their Christmases!
Such good times and lovely memories all tucked away in my heart forever!

Memories are wonderful things, aren't they? One can tuck them away in a secret place and bring them out whenever you want to savour them once more.
Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? I would love to hear about it!

Can you smell the cinnamon? The teapot holds a lovely cinnamon orange tea.

I have some Boston Cream Pie Cake to enjoy with your tea.

Crafting Time~
Sweet little wreath
This sweet little wreath I fashioned for the front of the aqua chest which sits beside the sofa in our living room. I took apart an old wreath, glued on the holly and florals, and tied on a beautiful bow. Voila!

Festive Pine cones
I love using pine cones at Christmastime. These were scented with lots of spice and I added some white paint and glitter. Messy, but the outcome is worth it!

Aren't they cute sitting in their little pots? I am using egg cups for the pots.

My little Christmas Cottage
Most of you have seen my little snowy cottage but for those of you who haven't....I took a little paper mache cottage and painted it white and pink, added some snow and glass glitter to create this snug little cottage nestled in the snow under glass.

I imagine wee fairies sipping tea in there. Wouldn't you love to join them?

Would you like a slice of cake?

T'is the season to be jolly.... and for gifting others; Good will toward men.
Let us remember it is the season of the greatest Story ever told, and the greatest Gift ever given.

Mary wrapped the first Christmas present.

"And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." ~ Luke 2:7

I pray that we will all make room for Him in our hearts and our homes not just during this Christmas season but for always.

Merry Christmas from my home to yours!

I am delighted you have stopped by today! Next week, I will be joining my tea post with Wanda Lee and Pam for their whimsical Gingerbread Tea.

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. Please share a craft, recipe, or Christmas memory too. 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! Please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with all my lovely participants.

I am joining these lovely parties too ~

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/
Christmas With Victoria

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

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday & Deck the Halls Sunday

Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
L.A.C.E.

Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Teacup Thursday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

A Thankful Heart

2011-12-01T14:07:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone~ Can you all believe it is December?
I'm sure you have been busy just like I have been. Baking, blogging, crafting, decorating, as well as all the other every day chores we ladies do around the house.

It is time to stop and give thanks to the One whose birthday we are celebrating this month. I know I have much to be thankful for....

I have the most wonderful husband in the world. He is patient, kind, and loving no matter what kind of day he is having. He always comes home from work with a smile on his face. Thank You for my hubby. Please bless him today.

I have two wonderful sons who have blessed me with loving daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Our third son is working hard to finish up his education and bring what he can to the world to make it a better place. Thank You for my children, Lord, please bless them today too.

I have an aunt who I consider to be one of my dearest friends. She and I have a precious relationship and I thank You for her. Please bless her today, dear Lord.

For all the other blessings in my life, dear Lord, other family members, the health that I do enjoy, friends and blogging friends; thank You God for all of them. Please bless them today.

Most of all, I thank You for being the great and loving Father that You are. I thank You that we have this beautiful season to look forward to. Help us to pause and remember that You are the Reason for the Season! I bless You today!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-11-28T15:00:00.000-04:00

"Peace on earth will come to stay,
when we live Christmas every day." ~ Helen Steiner Rice

Welcome friends ~ I am delighted you have stopped by today and I invite you to the last Tea Time Tuesday for the month of November!

I hope all my American friends enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving weekend.
Everyone is thinking about the Holidays now and it tends to get very hectic. One can get weary from all the preparations and festivities, so it's nice to just stop and take a tea break....Won't you join me?

I love all the colours of Christmas, not just the red and green.

A cup of tea can rejuvenate you.

I am enjoying Stash Holiday Chai tea today in my Gracie China Rose Chintz teacup. This is a summery looking teacup but it goes well with my Christmas centerpiece which is why I chose it today.

I am enjoying an Icebox cookie with my tea. These cookies are buttery and filled with cherries and nuts; yum!

I find this cookie very appealing this time of year as the colourful cherries make them look very festive.

I painted this little paper mache cottage last week and decided to include it in my presentation today.

It's just another wee touch of Christmas.

Can't you just imagine wee fairies sipping their tea in it?

I hope you are all getting ready for my Christmas Tea! I would like to extend an invitation to each and every one of you!

Next week, December 5, I will be hosting my Embrace The Season Christmas Tea. I can't wait to see all your lovely holiday tea things as well as a 1. Holiday Craft 2. Recipe or 3. Christmas memory. You are welcome to share any of the above or all three if you wish. The more the merrier as they say!
I might add that you are also welcome to share coffee, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, eggnog, or punch if you wish.

Next week, December 6, I will also be joining Kathy for her Christmas With Victoria.

And the following week, December 12, I will be joining Wanda Lee and Pam for their Gingerbread Tea.

There are lots of festive teas and parties coming up. Joy!

Many of you may not be aware but I also have a Christmas blog called Christmas Pudding. Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday the 29th of November, I will be sharing the A-Z of Christmas. It will be a wonderful potpourri of Christmas crafts, memories, traditions, etc.. and I invite you take a few moments and visit me there as well.

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" ~ Isaiah 26:3

Thank you for stopping by today. I would love to have you join me for TTT today. Please use the inlinkz below to sign up. As a courtesy, please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

I am happy to be joining the following parties as well this week ~

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home
Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Teacup Thursday

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

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

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Teacup Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Trisha~ http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tea Party Tuesday

Ruth~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
L.A.C.E.

Patti and Paula~ http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/
What's It Wednesday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday

2011-11-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone~ I hope all my American friends had a lovely Thanksgiving!

If you want to see lots of pink, then you should make your way over to see Beverly. She hosts a fabulous pink party every weekend. Thank you Beverly!

I have been busy decorating as I'm sure many of you have been too. I had this little brown cardboard house {cottage} which I got at Michaels ages ago and I've been meaning to paint it up for Christmas.

It finally got a coat of white paint and then the roof got a coat of pink. Why I did that, I don't know because I ended up putting SNOW on it anyway which covered up most of the pink roof. There is a pink door however. I sprinkled glitter on the roof, the window sills, and the door. Then I glued on a mini topiary.

I sprinkled 'snow' in the bottom of the cloche and set my little cottage in the center of it.

This is the front of the little cottage. You can still see some pink on the roof peeking out.

One side...

The other side....

I put my big Christmas tree up in the family room this year so my little Christmas tree stands on a table in a corner of our front room. I decorated it with pink and gold sheer ribbon, silver and pink balls and glittery birdies.

Mr. Bunny sits under the branches in the snow. He is waiting for a friend to come along.

Ah, there she is! A demure little bunny I got from sweet Celestina Marie.

Certain times of the day and the tree looks pink.

The sweetest little Christmas fairy adorns the top.

Thank you so much for coming by to see my pinks today. I wish you all a lovely pink and joyful weekend.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

A Little Blue For Tea Time Tuesday

2011-11-21T14:00:00.000-04:00

For the gracious gift of family and friends, Father, we thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!

Welcome friends for tea and another Tea Time Tuesday....

We had snow on the weekend. Thankfully, it has melted. The only kind of snow I want to see right now is this kind; the kind that you apply yourself to ornaments and birdhouses!

This birdhouse had been part of a centerpiece I made years ago.

It's too early for snow, but settling in with a hot cup of tea and some goodies is just lovely! Don't you agree? While all my American friends are preparing for Thanksgiving, I'm preparing for Christmas. You see, we Canadians celebrated our Thanksgiving in October.

It's time to nestle in and stoke the fires of home. Are you seeing blue?

Yes, I am sharing blue and white for a change! This is another one of my thrift store finds from New Brunswick. I paid $6.00 for it. I finally have something blue and white to go with my Churchill Blue Willow plates. I have had these plates for years and never had a teacup to go with them.

The patterns are different but no matter, they still go well together.

Royal Homes of Britain is the pattern of the teacup made by Enoch Wedgwood of England.

This centerpiece was a birthday gift from a friend a few years ago. I bring it out every Christmas season. It is so pretty with its blue and white flowers, little deer, and pinecones!

Try adding a little maple syrup to your cup for a sweet touch of Autumn in your tea.

The Blue Willow plates as well as the red plates are made by Churchill of England. The two red plates were also a gift from a friend.

Are you hungry? I have a nice plate of crackers and cheese to accompany our tea today. This is one of the favourites on Bible Study night. So simple, yet so good!

Cream Cheese with Hot Pepper Jelly
Place 4 oz. of cream cheese in a dish
Microwave 3-4 tablespoons of hot pepper jelly for a few seconds and pour over the cream cheese.
Sometimes I sprinkle a few bits of red and yellow peppers on the top.
Serve with an assortment of crackers. Yummy!

I also made a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese icing to go with our tea today. I substituted the walnuts with dried cranberries and I like it better as does my hubby.

He isn't overly fond of carrot cake but he did enjoy a piece of this. I like to heat it up just a bit so the icing dribbles down the sides.

A cup of tea and Victoria magazine is a wonderful way to spend some quiet time. The new issue is simply brimming with all kinds of lovely photos and stories; lots of ideas for the upcoming season to incorporate into your own home. Isn't this cake on the cover of Holiday Bliss, pretty?

NOTE: Just a reminder about my upcoming Christmas Tea ....
On December 5, I will be hosting my Embrace The Season ~ Christmas Tea. It will be the highlight of the year. I hope you will join me and share your Christmas china and a Christmas craft, memory, or recipe with us. The button below is for your Christmas Tea post or to place on your sidebar if you wish.

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these in charity." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

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! Please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

I am pleased to join the following parties as well~

Sally~ http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/
Blue Monday

Victoria - A Return to Loveliness

Table Top Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wednesday Tea For You and Me

Tea Party Tuesday

Ruth~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/

L.A.C.E.

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

Teacup Thursday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Hoodies and Teacups for Pink Saturday

2011-11-18T14:08:00.000-04:00

Hello sweet bloggerettes and Welcome to Pink Saturday with our hostess Beverly.

I have a couple of pinks to share with you today. Those of you who had stopped by earlier in the week will recognize this teacup from my tea party...

This is a Royal Albert teacup which I found on one of my thrifting travels to New Brunswick a few weeks ago. It is called Old English Rose and the pattern has been out of production for many years, so I am happy to have found this vintage teacup! I love the shape and the fuchsia and pink roses adorning it.

You have all heard the adage, "Like mother; like daughter."

Well, here is my granddaughter Jenna-Lynn. She is having fun on the swing and wearing her pink jacket.

I had planned on donning my jeans and my pink jacket and going to the park. I was going to get my hubby to take a picture of me on a swing. However, I got up to snow today, so you will just have to take my word for it that I like to swing too.

My granddaughter and I both have the same hooded pink jackets. "Like grandmother; like granddaughter." :)

Wishing you all a lovely weekend filled with pink and joy!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-11-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

"Usefulness is not impaired by imperfection. You can drink from a chipped cup." ~ Greta Nagel

Welcome my lovely friends to Tea Time Tuesday ~

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend. I have been down with a bug for almost a week and I'm still fighting this wretched thing. First Hubby got it and then me. I've been drinking lots of ginger tea....

But enough about that and on to a more pleasant topic...

There is a sense of anticipation in the air, can you feel it? The holidays are coming and I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to decorating and baking and wrapping presents! I'm also planning a Christmas Tea which I will talk about further on in this post.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea with Carolyn of Aiken House and Gardens. As you all know she had won my Blogiversary Giveaway and I wanted to deliver it to her in person. So she invited me and our mutual friend Heather to an afternoon respite.

This is a photo of Carolyn's home that I took just as I got out of the car. My photo is somewhat crooked, but you can see how charming her home is.

Her little garden cottage stands just a few steps away from her front door. One can view it from the kitchen window too. Can you imagine gazing out the window while preparing tea and cookies and seeing this little gem? It's as cute as a button, isn't it?

This little vignette greets you as you enter the front porch. I adore the sheep!

Once seated in Carolyn's cozy sitting room, we all enjoyed a lovely cup of tea and some scrumptious homemade Raspberry Coffee Cake. That is yours truly on the left and my friend Heather is on the right. I borrowed this photo from Carolyn. Carolyn herself escaped the lens this time but I will get a photo of her next time!

Carolyn and I played together as little girls until I moved away to another community. Then we met again through our mutual friend Heather whom I have been friends with for forty years. Heather's husband and I hung out together in High School so the friendship goes back a very long way.

Carolyn and I both share a love of red transferware. This was my teacup that afternoon. Isn't it beautiful? Love the toile and gold trim, very classy!

Carolyn's wonderful coffee cake.

Carolyn has such impeccable taste in her decor and she collects many different colours of transferware including the red. This is a lovely display of her brown and cream which was in the sitting room where we had our tea. Isn't it pretty? Love the display cabinet!

We all enjoyed a lovely afternoon and I thank Carolyn for her gracious hospitality.

A few weeks ago when Hubby and I were in NB, we went thrifting and I found some new treasures. Do you like my 'new to me' teacup?

It is Old English Rose by Royal Albert and I really love the shape of it! The fuchsia and pink roses as well as the small pedestal with its thin gold trim make it a delightful teacup. This particular pattern has been out of production for many years so I am pleased to have found it. It has a beautiful handle with a thumb rest and sponged on gold adorning the teacup as well as the saucer; a lovely addition to my collection of teacups.

Tea quenches tears and thirst. ~ Jeanine Larmoth and Charlotte Turgeon

Now, about my upcoming Tea Party ~
On December 5th I will be hosting my Embrace The Season ~ Christmas Tea and I would like to invite you all to come and join me.
I thought a Christmas Tea accompanied by your favourite holiday recipe, memory, or craft would be nice. Perhaps you have some lovely Christmas teacups, mugs, or a teapot which you would like to share with us or maybe you have a teacup tree. If you don't have any holiday china, you are still welcome to join in as usual. I'm looking forward to seeing all your favourite tea things for the holidays!

I have made a button which you can use in your post or place on your sidebar. Just right click and save into your computer then place it wherever you like.

So mark your calendars and join me on December 5 for what should be a lovely time for us all!

Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.

I am so happy you have stopped by today and I invite 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! Please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

"How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand." ~ Psalm 139:17-18

I am joining the following parties as well~

Victoria - A Return to Loveliness

Teacup Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Tea Party Tuesday

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/

L.A.C.E.

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

Teacup Thursday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/

Friends Sharing Tea

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Pink Saturday

2011-11-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

Hello friends and welcome to another Pink Saturday with our hostess Beverly.

I was planning to share a different post today but the rain prevented me from doing that so I will do that post another week. In its place, I decided to share some photos of my beloved Rose Chintz china.
Rose Chintz was first introduced in 1883 by Johnson Bros. of England.

I do love this china as it brings back such happy memories for me and it is adorned with many shades of our favourite colour, pink! One of my wee pink pumpkins snuggles up to the cups.

Most of these pieces were given to me by my sweet Auntie P. Her set was started for her when she was a young bride and she always used them when I was growing up. As a little girl, I loved her table set for dinner as it always looked so pretty to me. Even as a little girl, I loved china and the colour pink.

When I got married, I tried to find this same china but alas, this pattern was no longer in production. It was nowhere to be found around the Maritimes where I live. I was so disappointed!

Then, a few years ago, when Auntie down-sized into her condo, she passed many pieces of her Rose Chintz on to me. I'm so happy she did! Aren't they pretty?

I have since been able to get many pieces off eBay and a couple of blogger friends gifted me with a couple of pieces too.

It is such a sweet and feminine pattern which evokes a sense of romance, don't you agree?
Thank you Auntie, Carolyn, and Patti.

Thanks for visiting and I wish you all a lovely pink weekend filled with joy.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Spiritual Sundays

2011-11-11T11:18:00.001-04:00

Today as we honour our vets and soldiers who gave their all to keep our countries free, I am reminded once again that we live in a world where there is war and rumors of war. And so it shall be until the end of time as we know it.

I am reading Randy Alcorn's book, "Heaven" and I read this passage just the other day which filled me with such peace.

"Every time Jewish people greet each other with Shalom, they express the God-given cry of the heart to live in a world where there's no sin, suffering, or death. There was once such a world, enjoyed by only two people and some animals. But there will again be such a world..."

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to that place. "In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." ~ John 14: 2-3 {NAS}

Then shall I see, and hear, and know

All I desired or wished below;

And every power find sweet employ

In that eternal world of joy. ~ Issac Watts

Please visit Spiritual Sundays for inspiration and encouragement. Thank you Charlotte for hosting.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Remembrance Day ~ A Day We Honour Our Heroes

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

November 11 - We Remember

Photo courtesy of the Internet

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Today, we remember our heroes and their sacrifices.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-11-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

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

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Tea For Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee