Gingerbread and Pretty Blue Dishes

Autumn's robust richness is reflected in everything from our radiant decor to our seasonal cuisine, and gatherings with friends and family abound during this celebratory time of year. ~ Holiday Victoria  Bliss magazine

Hello my sweet friends. I hope you all had a wonderful first week of November. 

Today is my second son's birthday and because he lives out on the west coast, I won't be able to share his birthday cake with him. But my thoughts are with him today as I think of him and the little boy who grew up and became the man he is today. 

He was the one who kept me on my toes as he was a handful while growing up. You can tell just by looking at this picture of him on the rocking horse that he was full of mischief. Adorable, but still full of mischief! He taught me a lot about myself.

Motherhood is challenging at best but I like to think our children make us better and help us to focus on what is important in life. It is an awesome responsibility taking a wee life and helping to mold it into someone who is a blessing to others and able to contribute to society in a positive way. I wouldn't trade those years for anything. I loved being a mom. I still do.

My children are my special blessings and each one is a gift from above. The good thing about these gifts is that they keep on giving. This is my wonderful son with his little family. This photo was taken a couple of years ago. 

I received this lovely ornament in the mail this week. They wanted to surprise me. I'm glad their new puppy is in the photo too. Aren't they a sweet family!

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago. It has 2015 on the other side. I will cherish it always and I can't wait to hang it on the Christmas tree! 

Happy Birthday Sweetie! I love you!

Now before this mom goes and gets all weepy on you, I had better serve the tea.

My Auntie P sent me this cute tea quote which we have all seen before but it is surrounded by teapots. The teapot in the top left hand corner reminds me of my Royal Albert New Country Roses.

I have set the table with blue and white today. I have become smitten with blue and white lately and I must put the blame on Martha at Lines from Linderhof  and Phyllis at Relevant Tea Leaf. I have to blame someone, right? 
For years I collected red/pink and white but I now am also captivated by blue and white. Let's face it, I just adore transferware.

I went into HomeSense one day shortly after they opened their new store here in Charlottetown and I spied these blue and white pieces. The prices are always very affordable.

I fell in love and had to bring two plates and two bowls home. These are The Victorian English Pottery est. 1819 by Edward Challinor. 

I love the florals and the quirky birds!

Another day I found these mugs and dessert plates which are Johnson Bros. Devon Cottage. 

I was so excited to find them because Hubby gifted me with the Devon Cottage teapot last Christmas and I was hoping I could find some other pieces. 

I am so enamoured by how well all the blues go together. 


Isn't this a cute hand made coaster that a blogger friend sent me?  Love the embellishments.

I thought the yellow and blue would look nice on my tea table today.

Tea is a symbol of friendship and hospitality around the world. ~ unknown

I had a friend in for coffee the other day and I made Gingerbread. When it gets cold outside I long for comfort food and this is the best recipe for gingerbread by far. It is moist and delicious and tastes scrumptious served with whipped cream, apple sauce or lemon sauce. I got the recipe from Carolyn at Aiken House and Gardens. I plan to share the recipe on Monday for my No Place Like Home party.

Please help yourself to a cuppa tea and some gingerbread.

Please come back on Monday and join me for No Place Like Home; my new party where you may share tea time and anything else pertaining to your home and garden.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!  

I am joining the following parties as well~

Blue Monday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
 Bernideen's Tea Time, Cottage and Garden Blog Party
 Tea Cup Tuesday
 Share Your Cup Thursday
 Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi