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, 13 September 2010

Tea Time Tuesday


Hello bloggerettes and Welcome to my 34th Tea Time Tuesday post!

I don't know about you, but I'm taking my time putting away my flip flops and packing away all my summer stuff. I want to hang on to Summer for as long as I can! The Fall season is so short and the forerunner to a long cold Winter here in the Maritimes.

While many of you are looking forward to cooler temperatures and brightly coloured leaves, I'm easing myself into the season. I want to savor the last few days of Summer.

I do love the look of the hydrangeas as they take on a blush of colour though and there is a crispness in the air. Alas, these are not mine!
Yes, Fall is coming whether I like it or not! But whether it is Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall, it's a good time for a cup of tea!

Tea ...."As the centerpiece of a cherished ritual, it's a talisman against the chill of winter, a respite from the ho-hum routine of the day." ~ Sarah Engler


Today, I'm serving tea in two different rooms. The teapot sits on a little table in the corner of the living room while the teacups are out on the kitchen table.

A peachy-pink hydrangea wreath lends itself to this tea set. The sugar and creamer compliment the lacy cut-out topped teapot. All three pieces are by Skye McGhie. The teapot is Cream Lace and the sugar and creamer are Country Rose.


Love the soft hues of these. The peachy-pink is a lovely colour for easing into the Fall colours, don't you agree? Gold trim adorns the sugar and creamer. One cannot tell by the photos but there is gold outlining the roses too.
"One sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight, beyond the bliss of dreams. " ~ Milton


Now how about a cup of Earl Grey tea? Fresh whipped cream and strawberry-applesauce accompany a lovely piece of Gingerbread cake which snuggles up to a couple of pretty teacups.

I am using both my Rose Bud and Rose Chintz teacups. This Rose Chintz is not my usual Johnson Bros. pattern but is produced by Gracie Bone China.



The green pin was a gift from a lady at our last church. I don't know much about this Rose Chintz pattern other than I like it. I found this teacup at Winners and the Rose Bud teacup made by Maxwell and Williams, I found at my favourite tea room. They are very similar in their patterns and both are made of china and trimmed with gold. The little demitasse silver spoon is a piece from my mother's silverware which was a cherished wedding gift from my grandparents. The pattern is Evening Star made by Oneida and my mother received it in 1950 on her wedding day. Only last night, she passed it on to me. I am beyond thrilled to have it in my possession!


Today I am serving home made Gingerbread cake with your tea. It is the perfect dessert for Fall, don't you think? I serve it several different ways; with apple sauce, lemon sauce, or vinegar sauce. The vinegar sauce is my grandmother's recipe and it is delicious but today I'm serving the gingerbread with strawberry-apple sauce and whipped cream.

The jam pot with the cut-out bottom is also Skye McGhie Cream Lace. It holds the strawberry-apple sauce.
Oh, look who showed up! This cute little bunny, which was a surprise gift from my sweet hubby, is inscribed with "Happiness is....Life filled with Love."

Let's talk about happiness today! What makes you happy? For me, it's many things....

The love of God and my family is of course at the top of my list.
I enjoy long walks along the beach or through the woods.
A beautiful sunset or sunrise. Springtime and Summertime. And yes, I love Christmas!
I love music, flowers and trees, and our little feathered friends. Yes, I love birdhouses too!
The cry of a newborn baby fills me with such joy and I love the sound of children laughing.
You all know about my love affair with teacups and teapots, and old silverware.
I love seeing lace adorning a table or on the window, gently blowing in the breeze.
I adore white distressed furniture and toile fabrics.
I love nostalgia and sitting with a cup of tea, listening to stories of yesteryear. My Daddy was a great storyteller.
I enjoy old movies and books; particularly the Bible....
Come to think of it, I love a lot of things; a lot of things make me happy!

I love to laugh and they say laughter is good medicine. I'm thankful for a mate who makes me laugh! He's been doing that for a long time now. He's a keeper, alright!


"A joyful heart is good medicine." ~ Proverbs 17:22

"Wisdom and understanding lead to happiness." ~ Proverbs 3:13


Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.


This has been another long post. I always set out to make my post as short and sweet as possible but I always seem to end up with a lengthy one. Sorry about that! I do hope you have enjoyed yourself and you will feel welcome to partake again soon. I so enjoy your company!

If you would like to participate in Tea Time Tuesday with me, please let me know in your comment. All you need to do is feature a teacup, teapot, or china used in a tea. You may also do coffee, chocolate, or iced tea. A scripture verse, poem, or tea quote would be most welcome. If you wish, you may use either Tea Time Tuesday button near the top of my sidebar in your post. 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 also joining the other tea hostesses today; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays tea parties. Their links are those with the asterisks ** in front of their names.

The participants listed below are in the order in which they first started to participate.


PARTICIPANTS

Lorena~ http://rosechicfriends.blogspot.com/











Tea Cup Tuesday




Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday &
Wednesday Tea for Me and Thee



Miss Spencer's Tea Cup Thursday
** Donna & Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/



Lady Katherine Tea Parlor


Thank you for stopping by for tea and God bless you!


Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

42 comments :

  1. Your hydrangeas are so pretty, I wish I had some in my yard! I love the white teapot with the lacy design, as well as everything else! Like always! My post is up now.

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  2. Wow! You always do your post a day early and here I am thinking- "Oh my, what can I do tomorrow!" I think maybe you are blessed to be a homemaker? Wonderful! At any rate - your post was lovely! I never tire of the summertime rose pattern with the pink AND burgandy!

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  3. Hi Sandi! Your post is beautiful. It definitely is NOT too long! I really love the creamer and sugar that you show, and the gingerbread looks delicious! I love your new profile photo, too, Sandi.
    What makes me happy? Love of God, family and friends; travel; gardening; blogging; yoga; going for long walks; cats and dogs...many things. I truly am blessed.
    Hugs and blessings, Beth

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  4. As I lover of chintz...I think, this is a beautiful post...I love the colors of the hydrangeas....and your list of things you love. Many of mine are the same...especially love of God and family...what a pretty place to come and visit.
    Deby

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  5. Once again, you have a very pretty posting..I love the teacups, and the gingerbread cake looks delicious!

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  6. Dear Sandi,
    Not only did you bless us with lovely photos of so many lovely pieces of china and oh that rabbit is just to precious, but you blessed us with such uplifting words and inspiration to count our many daily blessings in the little things we love...Thank you so much...Kelsie

    PS: I am delighted to join you for tea again this week at http://kelsie74.blogspot.com/2010/09/tea-set-from-great-grandma.html

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  7. Hi Sandy,
    Your tea is as lovely as always, Love the hydrangea wreath, great color match for your pretty cups! The gingerbread looks delicious, a good fall dessert to be sure!
    Thanks for being our hostess, I would love to be included in the party:-)
    Bella

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  8. Yes, hydrangeas are lovely...and more nice rose cups! Food looks inviting...I have new recipe for ginger cake I want to try too...but vinegar sauce? I never heard of that one!

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  9. Hello Sandi
    Your new photo is very nice; I guess we need to update every so often so our blogger friends know what we look like. :-)
    The pink hydrangeas are so pretty and match the post well.
    Your husband always buys you the nicest presents and your bunny is sweet with your tea things.
    The gingerbread cakes looks delicious, I'd love a piece with tea.
    Pretty much the same things you've listed make me happy and I enjoyed reading them.
    Judith

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  10. Hi Sandi :) What beautiful Chintz cups...I should add one to my little collection, shouldn't I:) Your Gingerbread cakes looks delish! And what a sweet hubbie to buy you that cute bunny!

    I've got my post up and linked back to yours :) Thank you for hosting this fun event! Oh, and your new photo of you is so lovely!! I should probably do the same but I really hate having my picture taken!

    Happy Tea Tuesday!!

    Warmest hugs, Brenda

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  11. As always, Sandi, this is a totally lovely post. Your gracious hospitality shines forth in every word you write. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to actually sit down in your home and share tea and conversation with you. That would be SUCH a joy.

    Your white teapot is beautiful in its pureness and simplicity. I love it. Of course, I love the creamer and sugar and the teacups as well. And I would definitely enjoy a slice of that cake.

    I'm with you, girl, in savoring the summer...not wanting to let it go. I would hold on to it forever if I could.

    All those things that make you happy make me happy as well. Just reading your list brought a smile to my face.

    Happy Tea Tuesday to you, my dear.

    Love,
    Patti

    PS My post is up now, so you can link me up. (I'm actually on time this week!!)

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  12. Hi Sandi!
    What a beautiful post and I so appreciate all the time and love that went into its creation!
    Lovely photos, lovely words . . . and yummy treats too :-)
    I definitely will be hunting for some of your gorgeous teacups for my collection!
    I have added your link to my teatime post and would love to be on your list!
    Thank you so much Sandi - I totally enjoyed my visit!!
    Hugs and Smiles,
    Lynn

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  13. Hello Sandi! I'm linking up with you today if I may...
    I love your hydrangeas too, and wish mine would grow up to look as beautiful!
    I'm blessed beyond measure with a husband who leads me in our walk with Christ, and I'm the happiest person alive!
    Blessings to you!
    Doni
    http://faithgracecrafts.blogspot.com/2010/09/demi-tasse-set-3.html

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  14. I absolutely love all of those pieces. And I am so jealous of your beautiful hydrangeas!

    ~Trisha

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  15. What beautiful hydrangeas you have. I love all your delightful tea cups and tea pots you have shared today. Thank you so much for being a part of this wonderful day in blogland. Blessings, Martha

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  16. I love your hydrangeas ~ especially the wreath...simply gorgeous! The rose teacups are absolutely breathtaking - roses are always my favorite. Thank you for sharing tea with us today - I would like to link up to your party.
    <><
    Concetta

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  17. oh gosh Sandi.. your tea spread are so yummy! love the setting too! and the teacups were lovely!

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  18. Hi Sandi,
    I love the pretty pink and rose chintz teacups and the beautiful hydrangeas.
    Gingerbread cake is another one of my favorite fall desserts.
    I loved your Basinhead beach shots- it is beautiful there isn't it?
    I have joined in with you today and thank you for hosting again.

    Carolyn

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  19. Hello- your cups are lovely and I really like your green pin. It looks like a minty snow flake. As for your delightful treats; I'll skip the whip cream but gladly have a piece of that gingerbread cake. It looks delicious. Take care.

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  20. Dear Sandi,
    what a wonderful post you have given us. So sweet photos of this great tea set and I cannot decide which cup or pot I like at best. And the sweet bunny with silver in the ears! You know, I love silver and so your pretty spoon, which you inherited from your Mother is just an delight to see for me. Did I mention already that your Ginger bread with jam and cream and Earl Grey make me drolling? Please save a piece for me.

    Although it is a bit late for it, I would love to participate you Tea-Time Tuesday. I have made already my post, may be you will link me in?
    Thank you so much for sharing your lovely thoughts, pictures and treasures.
    Greetings, Johanna
    (www.silber-rosen.blogspot.com)

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  21. Lovely tea! Your tea cups are so pretty in pink, red and green! I also love your jam pot!
    Thank you so much for sharing with us today.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  22. I would love to participate in Tea Time Tuesday.
    Your post is lovely. The china, the bunny is very special, the list of things that make you happy.
    The gingerbread would really hit the spot this morning!
    God's love and glory that I see in his beautiful creation, time with Him, the changing of seasons, a cosy cup of tea or coffee, or something warm!, making a home for my family, are some of the things that make me happy.

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  23. Hi Sweetie!
    Oh, I am coming right over for some of that yummy cake. I baked Molasses cookies this weekend at my daughters request...so you know cooler weather is in the air!

    Wish I could come over a pick some of your gorgeous hydrangea's. Mine just not do well in Michigan's crazy climate. My mom/dad have bushes in the Seattle area that alway flourish and I would pick them and dry them and use them in arrangements. They are such a pretty flower, esp in pinks!

    Happy Tea my sweet friend!
    Lorena

    PS...love the darling picture of you!

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  24. Hi Sandi,
    Just stopping by to say "Hi". Your teacups are just lovely! I love the look of chintz and yours are just spectacular!

    Your hydrangeas are so pretty. I am afraid ours have all dried and turned brown....we have gone through a spell of little or no rain. Unusual for us.

    After our granddaughter leaves, I think I will come by and join in all your tea party fun!
    Love,
    Jil
    xo

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  25. Hi Sandi! Late again, as usual, and I hope you forgive me.. It's not easy keeping up these days, but I've been wanting to participate for weeks now, and wanted to squeeze the time in to do so today! Love your post, and your little bunny friend who joined you today!.. I'm with you though... I hate to see the summer go! I'll just follow your lead, keep positive, and think of things that make me happy! My post can be found here...

    http://beansiebabbles.blogspot.com/2010/09/tea-crochet-and-homework.html

    Have a good day! ((hugs)) ~tina

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  26. I'm back to join you for a cuppa- please count me in!!
    Suzyq
    http://atthefarmhouse-suzyq.blogspot.com/2010/09/candy-striped-tuesday.html

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  27. Your chintz tea cup set is so pretty and so are your teapot, sugar and cream servers. Beautiful photos!...Christine

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  28. I always enjoy visiting with you Sandi. The bunny from your DH is cute as can be. The peachy/pink color is one of my favorites. Hope the rest of your week is lovely.

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  29. Hi Sandi, I love the rose chintz. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. *hugs*

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  30. Would it be OK if I blamed you for making me BLOW MY DIET??????

    Beautiful my friend. Always sooo lovely!

    xo~Rebecca

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  31. Sandi,
    Your hydrangeas are outstanding!!
    The tea vignette in your Living Room is so pretty and very much like a Fall setting!! The colors on the roses on the creamer and sugar are so lovely!! And the elegance of the tea pot takes my breath away!!

    Your tea cups and saucers in chintz are gorgeous!! I love chintz !!!

    What a wonderful post for Tea Tuesday and your posts are NEVER too long for me!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  32. What a beautiful "tea" post. Everything looked beautiful and delicious. Thank you for the nice comments you made on my blog. I'm glad you grabbed the Prayer Request button. We didn't think to encourage people to do that on the Spiritual Sundays blog. I'm going over there right now and do that. Thank you for the idea.
    Hugs & blessings,
    Charlotte

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  33. Everything is so lovely. All the rose teacups go well together, even the peach- hued ones. I have never seen ( or don't remember seeing) a peach hydrangea, so pretty.

    I love your written sentiments about happiness. If we all took more time to reflect on the many blessings we already have and how happy they make us we would be so much the better for it!

    I will remember to link with you next week, thank-you!I am loving Tuesday Tea Time very much.

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  34. Pink and roses, and more roses are pink are my favorites! Earl Grey was Wally's favorite tea, but it never has appealed to me. Gingerbread sounds delicious for fall, and I could enjoy it anytime. But at 88 degrees today (Wed.), I think I'll have to wait for cooler temperatures to remind me of fall. Thank you for sharing. ♥♫

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  35. I just dropped by to say, "Hi." I really don't want to join your tea party. LOL But my, your post today is absolutely beautiful! And yes, fall is coming. We are just now entering our best time of the year here in AZ. October is my favorite month. When we first moved here an old timer told me, " We have three or four months of hell for eight or nine months of heaven."

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  36. Hello Sandi,
    I am sitting here doing "The Twist" in my chair with Elvis playing on my playlist. Music makes me happy!!!....I love to dance.......disco, twist, funky monkey, mashed potato....old stuff!!
    Many, many things make me happy! Right now I am having so much fun blogging and visiting other bloggers and reading about what they do and their projects and collections and their family lives.
    Thank you for the invitation to tea. I love Earl Grey tea and gingerbread. Have you had it with sticky taffy? Oh...it is almost sinful!!! Yikes!!LOL!! Will you post your gingerbread recipe and vinegar sauce??
    I love the designs by Skye McKie. They are also so beautiful!
    I hope you have an exquisite day!!!
    I also love Il Divo!!! Their music is incredible
    Warm hugs, Laura

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  37. Dearest Sandi,

    Thanks so much for joining in with our tea parties once again this week!.., Those teacups and flowers with your very pretty tea scape arrangement is beyond charming!

    I especially love the pretty Rosey Chintz patterned tea dishware and teacups and delightful little touches; just lovely and so beautiful as always Sandi!

    Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

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  38. OMG EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL!! LOVE YOUR PRETTY TEA CUPS....
    AND YOUR CAKE LOOKS YUMMY :) THANKS FOR YOUR SWEET COMMENT ON MY BLOG :)

    HUGLETS~XOX~MARI

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  39. Hi Sandi,
    I love your cream lace teapot. It's so lovely, I am going to google Skye McGhie. Youf post was really sweet and I enjoyed it very much!. I would like to join in on Tea Time Tuesday some time. I can't always because of my commuting it's 5.5 hours a day. I manage one to two posts a week. Would I send you my blog address the night before I post?.
    Have a sweet day, Hugs~Elizabeth

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  40. Thank you for sharing your tea with me today! I had a splendid time!!

    Hugs, Sherry

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  41. If you ever want to sell any of your Skye Mcghie cream lace items is be interrested please email me at j_walk85@hotmail.com thanks

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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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