Tea for two

Almost from the time my niece Abigail was born, we've been having tea.  My favorite pictures of her are when she was 2 and wearing Nana's hat, pouring tea from my tea pot (Aunt Bobbie staged alot of photos with the kidlets when they were small.)  Each year I try to have a tea party for her birthday,  sometimes with just the two of us, sometimes with family and other times we've sent out invitations to friends.
Last year she asked if she could have a tea party with one friend.... For some reason it never happened,  schedules conflicted and the such like.  So today we made it happen (only one year and a half later). 

     Abby's brothers and parents are in Iowa for Jr Bible Camp, so Abby spent the week at Nana Camp (the boys had Nana Camp in July while Abby was at Teen Camp)  part of Nana Camp includes a day with Aunt Bobbie.  We  had to split our day up, yesterday we painted pillows with Emma Bean and went to the playground.  This morning we had tea with  Christa. 

I took my coffee table (which is an old trunk) into the backyard and decorated the tree and clothesline  with fabric flowers and tulle.  I wrapped some pillows in fabric for the girls to sit on and brought a vintage suitcase &  books out.  I used bridesmaid's bouquets and loose flowers as well as fresh flowers from my garden. Hats and scarves were provided. 

 

 

Menu : Strawberry Cheese  Tarts with whipped cream,  Nutella Shortbread (Girl Scout cookies with Nutella) and Cinnamon Earl Grey  tea (*somebody* put the box of  the tea I had planned to serve- Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride - away empty and I only had Earl Grey and Cinnamon Stick left... The girls drank two pots full so they must have liked it)

 

I left the girls to themselves until after the second pot of tea,  it's rare that they see each other without crowds of siblings.  Christa brought a set of American Girl books and they played the game that was attached.  Then we read some poetry and Emma joined us. After Christa left Abby and Emma played dress up with the scarves. 
The weather today is perfect for being outdoors, it's hot but there's a beautiful breeze and the tree had fantastic shade until about 2pm.
Now it's time for Aunt Bobbie to go play in the sewing room!  Have a great day!

 

 

whoops and a win

WHOOPS!!

Here it is Friday and I have been having way too much fun entering over 300 giveaways over at Sew Mama Sew! (I didn't even get to two of the giveaway pages)- I had my teapot all ready to be photographed and got caught up in the fun. So sorry!

I did win the May for Me "Charming GiveAway" from Marcia's Crafty Sewing & Quilting! I got to choose my colors for a charm pack- I picked Ocean Blue and Cream- I wasn't expecting to receive my package until the weekend but I actually got it on Wednesday! Marcia also included  postcards which are sew utterly cool!  



This teapot came from my pattyfriend who moved way to far away!



The ocean blue is Perfect for my "Ocean View" quilt that I am working on! I needed the cream just because but it may end up in Ocean View- I don't know yet!

Marcia has some great stuff in her shop be sure to check it out!

the front squares are for Ocean Blue- I just love these colors!

In other news- Sunshine Boy has been drawing a Cinderella Mural- I just love the hoity toity horse and the driver's funny face! Can you see the magic sparkles around the coach?

I will be posting more of this mural next week as well as the Photo Scavenger Hunt results.

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend- Thank you to all who have served so that I can be free!

more birthday and Cherry Blossoms!

For my birthday, I received a Giant Teacup planter with Gerbera Daisies  a small teapot, Victoria Magazine subscription. (For Christmas I received  a subscription to Tea Time!) * giggles* 

earrings and bracelet handmade by Eah!

I also received a can of cranberry sauce ( family joke) a watch and some beautiful handmade jewelry,

as well as the Giant Muffin pan I've been"needing."  I have been very blessed! Thank You all!




Furthermore, I was surprised with this: 

Cherry Blossoms Teacup and hand painted Egg! My first thought, after the oohs and ahs, was "I know just what I am posting for Teacup Thursday!"   Thank You Jori, for such a treasure!
Also participating in Teacup Thursday:
Rose Chintz Cottage Antiques and Teacups The Rosemary House Lady Estelle's Tea Corner
Denise's Delights Faith Hope And Cherrytea Beautiful Clutter Martha's Favorites Breath of Fresh Air

Lady Linda Teacup Teacups In the Garden Letters from the Northwest Gracious Hospitality

A Delightsome Life Poetry in a Pot of Tea Lady B's Time for Tea

Romance of Roses From This to That Fabby's Living

Art Books Tea Tea, Friendship and the Fine Art of Card Making

The Nest at Finch Rest Rose Walk Cottage Christine's Home and Travel Adventures

Just Cats Rosewalk Cottage 

Atteatude and Chocolate and of course our Hostess Miss Spenser

Special Edition Teacup Thursday- on Friday

I have been impatiently waiting to post this teapot! It is one of my absolute favorites! My sweet Mommie presented it to me for Christmas a few years ago and I enjoy using it for Valentine's Decorations. 

I had a little bit of fun playing with the pictures in Picnik.
They are closing and until they close,
 all of the premium features are free to all!
Way too much fun!

Valentine's Day is one of my Favorite Holidays- What a nice reminder in the middle of winter that Someone loves us. If you don't have a Valentine, find one- I don't mean rush out and pick a boyfriend off the street, but find someone who needs a little TLC- be a friend to someone who is down,  - visit the residents at the nursing home, take cookies to the staff. Hand the Mc Donald's or Walmart cashier a flower or a silly Valentine, you can get the kind that the kids give out or make some. Just Smile at someone. You'll be amazed at the reactions!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

An Unexpected Tea House

I was at the Dollar store shopping for prizes to "sell" at the King's Kids Store last night. I came across a Dollhouse kit and thought- "the girls will love this." So I grabbed one, and then I noticed that there was more than one version - so I grabbed another- it happened to be a castle. I, of course, had to get another for a certain niece. Underneath the castle was another house so I got one of each for the store. As I was setting up the store I noticed the sign on one of the houses

  

That is when I got really excited! I just had to open the package. I quickly decided that this was one dollhouse that was not going to be added to store inventory! I am claiming this one for me! Look at all the cuteness just oozing out of every corner!








when put together, it is a 3story house



it comes with stickers for decoration
two dolls and a cat and a dog




the kitchen, full of tea time treats is the first floor



the second floor is the tea room
with Teddy and Dolly ready for fun









The 3 floor has trunks of scarves and other dress up delights











Nutcracker in the Castle and Tea with Wheatley

 For my niece's Christmas gift this year I took her to Osh Kosh Wisconsin for Nutcracker in the Castle! We stopped for tea in William's Bay - I do not have pictures of the tea shop because my camera is malfunctioning. Thankfully my camera worked for the rest of our adventure! Nutcracker in the Castle was AMAZING! Well worth the trip

There was alot of Oohing and Aahing going on! And we weren't even inside yet!

The Nutcracker guards stand at attention to welcome guests to the Castle.











More pictures to Follow!!! Stay Tuned!