Recent Photos

It was our first Welcome to my Kitchen since our summer break.

We had a good number in attendance with a few regulars busy elsewhere today.  We had one new retiree who has decided to join our group. 

Maybe I was hungry today but I had wolfed down my toast, fruit and coffee cake before I remembered to take photos!

I was not able to find details about this cup so if you know it leave me a comment.

We had a great time of catching up on our summers, our devotion "Dedicated to Love" was based on Romans 9:1-5.  We had many prayer concerns.

We even had a couple of choruses which was a real blessing.

Our hostess was celebrating a milestone birthday so I made a birthday card for her.  We had several others celebrating September birthdays turning 73-88 years young.

This card is a DSP Split with double sided paper by Authentique - Renew - Blossom featuring aqua and yellow.

I cut at 3.5 inches, flipped the top piece and taped the pieces together with the join covered with ivory grosgrain ribbon.

I punched a large circle from ivory card stock, stamped the sentiment in the center in Baja Breeze. I then added silver and white sequins and small handmade paper flowers around the center.  Added a bright yellow on in the center.  These are held in place with Bling Zots.

I should have made cards for those on our prayer list. Next month.

There was significant frost on my world yesterday morning.  As you can see the Rudibeckias had been frosted and were sparkling.

It was wonderful for photography but I had to keep moving to keep warm.

The camera was cold and so were my fingers despite gloves.

It was good to be out for a walk and be in the fresh air.

Welcome to my Kitchen

We had fellowship again with our group - Welcome to my Kitchen. 

Our hostess provided a wonderful array of goodies.

Tea served in Royal Albert Mug.  This set of mugs is part of the 100 year anniversary launched in 2006 and updated in 2016.

I love large mugs and bone china is always so nice.

Snacks included home made bread toast with Apricot and Raspberry jam.

Fresh fruit including strawberries, pineapple, melon, and grapes.

Lemon loaf with real lemon zest in it.

Yogurt in a variety of flavors.

There was tea biscuits and small muffins.

Devotions was on Psalm 136 which reminds us that we are always loved.

We had a really good time and raised a few dollars for missions.

Our numbers were down this month to 13.  Every one had a good time.

Turquoise and Red China Mug

I started with this set of dishes this morning.

The salad plate is by IKEA and features a large white flower outline with a few hits of red petals. 

I paired it with a Cashmere red and white fine bone china mug by Maxwell and Williams which features very similar lines as the plate.

I chose Battenburg lace doilies and a turquoise napkin on a linen tablecloth.

This was breakfast.  I had a whole wheat pancake left over from the other day.
I added a fried egg and some veggies. Mushroom, garlic, red onion and a bit of old white cheddar cheese.  When I use my cast iron fry pan I have to make sure I don`t set the heat too high.  This time the veggies worked out really delicious.  I hope I can duplicate it again next time.








I added a red rose in a small white ceramic vase to repeat the red.  Would be nice to have real flowers in that size but not going to happen.




The tea this morning was Rooibos Cinnamon Chai by David`s Tea. A gift from my niece for my birthday last month.

It was good with a bit of honey and some cream.

I had a bit of raspberry compote which I made earlier which is berries, a bit of sugar and some regular gelatin.  It will be Bavarian but I did not have whipping cream so I will have go shopping to complete the recipe.

I just poured regular cream and served it in this small glass dessert dish.  I bought a couple of these recently and I am very happy with them.  Helps me keep portions on the small side.
I added a Simple Pleasures Cranberry Citrus cookie.  Was great with my second cup of tea.


Sharing with
Bernideen`s Tea Time - Avonlea

Tuesday Cuppa of Tea - hosted by Ruth

2018 Nice Cuppa Calendar

I have a Nice Cuppa calendar this year which features wonderful cups.  It includes bone china tea cups, porcelain mugs, earthenware mugs, and ironstone tea cups.  I decided to put the cups up front this year.  I chose items to support the cups as needed.  My collection is small but all are pieces I really love.  Tea is my drink of choice but these vessels can hold coffee or hot chocolate as well.  I have enjoyed the hours of pondering the cup and how to make it shine. I chose flowers, books, table linens, candles and leaves to create a photo that was appealing.

Check out my Calendar Page to find the details.

Share Your Cup #242 - This week

This was tea this afternoon. 
I sliced a Granny Smith green apple and included a couple oatmeal cookies.

I made some of my original favorite Chai tea which was Rooibos Chai Tea from Tea Desire.  A bit of honey and some cream. Delicious. 

I served it in a new cup.  I love big mugs but the
jumbo yellow ones I have had for years were getting too much so I was looking to come down in size a bit.  This is the second smaller one to join the row above the tea cabinet. Designed by Laurie Gates from California.  I researched the mug and found the collection had 6 bright colors but I got the color I wanted, yellow!

I found some of the blue and white tea related items Margie mentioned a while back.

I found the tea towel was too much of a turquoise color so I left it but I brought the Primose Hill napkins.  At 13 inches they would like be considered dinner napkins. 

They worked really well with my Chelsea Garden tea cup and dessert plate set. I love the scallop edge and the small flower pattern.  They will go well with several of my blue and white dishes.

I met my aunt at a sewing store yesterday as she was picking up a piece for her machine.  I had not been there before and expected they would have fabric. Not really, it is a machine store with sewing, embroidery and serger machines.  I was a bit early so I browsed around. There was thread, needles, notions, feet, stabilizer, a bit of fabric and a clearance section. 

This is where I found these gorgeous espresso colored large sewing machine bobbins.  The are 1 inch in diameter and 3/8" tall.  The lady asked if I knew they would fit my machine.  I said no I don't have a machine I have a camera.  These will be great for photography props!! The are for an industrial single needle sewing machine.

This is a sweet little book that came my way this week. 

It has many ways to do something for others. Those who are hurting, struggling, in need of practical help or spiritual help, those we live with or near - our family.

Some of the chapters are Friendship, Affirmation, Forgiveness, Comfort, Celebration, and Tradition.  It includes several nice recipes, gift ideas, and traditions. 

One she mentions is setting aside time after school for her children, to talk, be together and have a snack.  This led to many wonderful conversations and the college girls still like to have time with Mom at 3:00 pm when they visit.

I made this card for a large blog hop being hosted by Coffee Loving Cardmakers.  They have a few per year and this one is the Spring one.  All the cards have to be coffee, tea or cocoa related.  It is a lot of fun and the links are nearing 1000. 

You can find the details about my card here.

The blog hop here.

I am sharing this post with
Jann at Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson who hosts Share Your Cup #242

Bernideen at Friends Sharing Tea

Ruth at Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Have a great day!

Share Your Cup - This Week

This was tea this morning.  Left over popcorn from the movie last night (more about that in a bit), a cup of Jade Citrus Mint and some orange wedges to make it somewhat healthy.  All set out on a large yellow charger plate then placed on the small yellow chair I bought a while ago.  It has had its second cleaning and now I will have to take sand paper next.



The mug was a gift from a friend many years ago for she knew sunflowers were my favorite flowers.  It is a Canadian Design by Valerie Pfeiffer - Sunflowers.

I finished another book this week as it was due back to the library on Tuesday.

This a collection of short stories of very interesting characters who all live on in the 30 or so houses on Chestnut Street.

Fay's New Uncle is one which I enjoyed.  She did not know him until he needed her to be released from the hospital.  He was elderly, quiet and kept to himself. The hospital staff tracked her down and suggested she visit him there.  He seems nice enough but the rub is he can not be released from hospital unless someone agrees to care for him.
She visits the house on Chestnut Street, it is clean and tidy and well kept. She agrees to help the old guy out.  It will need renovations to allow him to live on the main floor. The guy has funds so that proceeds.  Now a tenant on the upper floor would be ideal.  Well what about her and her room mate.  Yes, that will work.  The arrangement made was they would cook Sunday supper for him every week.  Soon, he is visiting his neighbours, making friends and is all around much happier.  I would recommend this one.

A friend and I saw the movie "The Shack" last night.  When the book was released in 2007 several copies circulated around our ladies group.  I borrowed the book and read it cover to cover in 2 binge sessions.  I have since acquired my own copy and try to read it once a year.  It is so good! 

That year as well when the author P.W. Young was on his book tour a bunch of us went out to dinner and went to see him talk about the book.

The movie was terrific.  I love God portrayed as a black woman.  Jesus as a dark skinned, plaid shirt wearing carpenter and the spirit as a creative Asian woman. 

The power of forgiveness has to redeem our souls. Totally enjoyed it. 

Look what I found at the thrift store yesterday!!

Another glass lemon.  Eventually, I am hoping to have a bowl full of glass lemons and now I have two.

This is very good!









Sharing with Jann who hosts at Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson and Share Your Cup #241.

Breakfast - This Week

I received this mug for Christmas.  It features a Chickadee on this side and a Cardinal on the other.  I received the coasters and tea towels as well.  The red one matches the tablecloth really nicely.

They are part of the Cardinal Collection from Northern Reflections.





I created a center piece for the table with three mercury glass pieces.  I placed the tree, a bottle with a pick of Christmas greenery, and a fluted ornament on a gold large charger plate.  I added a large pine cone for contrast to the sparkle. 




The centerpiece was added to a handmade table runner.  This one features black, gold, silver, and grey.  The grey and black coordinates well with the colors in the mug.   It`s they are put together offset which creates a wavy design.

I had grapefruit, rye toast with peanut butter and a small sweet square.  I received the grapefruit knife from a friend who no longer eats them.
The knife is marked H. Morton Sheffield Make from stainless steel.
I chose a pointed teaspoon to make the removal of section easy. 






This is an overall view of the table this morning.  I am enjoying my white IKEA building background.

I have added some wooden block buildings which I bought recently.

The mug holds Masala Chai tea with some honey and cream.

Sharing with Bernideen on her Friends Sharing Tea link up.

Share Your Cup #213

I purchased 2 white porcelain mugs to make a total of 4.  I'm finding that I don't often make a pot of tea when company comes over.  They chose their favorite from my selection and we each make our own mug of tea.  I have 2 white ones I purchased from Winners several years ago.  Yesterday two of these mugs were available for $1 each.  Done.  They came home with me so I can offer a larger or smaller mug to my company.

I picked chokecherries this week.  The temperatures have not been cold enough to freeze over night which makes these sweeter but I did not take the chance of not getting any for the freezer.  I will pick more once it's a bit colder if some one has not gotten to them before me.  In the city most people don't understand about picking wild berries.

I have considered clips for hanging my calendars.  Bull clips are not pretty so I was hoping for a pretty option.  I found these wire clips at a large arts and crafts store this week.  I have been thinking of providing a pretty clip to allow the hanging of my photo calendars.  I know that the desk frame can be a problem for some people so this would provide an alternative.   Being that they are metal I can adjust their color with alcohol inks to be more in tune with the colors in my calendars.

You can check the calendars here.

It's time for Concord Grapes.  Yeah!!! These are the yummiest.  I look forward to them every fall  late summer.  I picked some up the other day and have enjoyed them a lot.

I have been looking for a bottle brush for a while that did not cost and arm and a leg.  This one I found at the thrift store the other for $1. It's a Pampered Chef product so it is good quality.  It will be great to clean small vases and or bottles.


Sharing with Carol at Art & Sand for Share Your Cup #213.

Share Your Cup #112

These are crystal tree ornaments for our Christmas Craft sale in November.

They are octagon chandelier crystals connected with brass wires and measure about 3 inches. I have added some gold organza ribbon hangers to make them easier to hang on the tree.

They will make any tree sparkle and shine during the Christmas season.

I made sixteen which I will donate to raise funds for mission work.

This was lunch today featuring fresh garden tomatoes from my Mom's garden. 

I toasted two slices of multi-grain bread. 
I then added some old cheddar cheese and melted it under the broiler.
I sliced a nice fresh tomato which I layered onto the slices and seasoned them with salt, pepper and a bit of greek seasoning. 
The sandwich was placed on a blue glass plate which is Luminarc France - Avon Royal Sapphire glass.
I had cup of Masala Chai tea in a nice yellow mug which coordinated with the charger plate. 

I finished this book Maeve Binchy - Scarlet Feather this week.  My aunt passed it onto me recently and it was an excellent read.

I will have to check out some of the other titles by this author.  She passed away in 2012 at the age of 71 and she had written 37 titles I believe.



Tea tonight was decaf Earl Grey with a few chocolate cookies.

The tea cup is Countryside in blue by Wedgewood.  The saucer for the teacup was not included when I purchased the plates from the thrift store so I substituted a plate white saucer.   The white tea pot by Stokes is just right for evening tea.

I'm working on a macro photo for a challenge on Flickr.  We have to take a photo of an object on a mirror.  I've not done that before so I'm taking some practice to get a great shot.

Here's is a teardrop crystal from a chandelier on a mirror.  We cannot include the edges of the mirror.  I will have to search the web for samples.

Sharing with Carol at Art and Sea for Share Your Cup #112.

Mosaic Monday - New Stuff

I've been refining things in my home.  You will recall from the Tea Cupboard DIY post I wanted to hang my mugs. I was able to find cup hooks large enough to accommodate my cup handles.  So quick as a bunny, I evenly inserted them into the bottom of the upper cupboard.  You can see in the photo on the right I needed a spacer so that the tip of the hook would not punch through the shelf on the inside.  A look through my bead collection produced these small copper spacer beads. Worked like a charm. Thanks for the advise on the weekend from my sisters.  Now the teapot fits in the corner. Yeah!!
The next photo is a container for hair gel in my bathroom.  I have used a Tupperware pump container for years. Recently my hair gel seems to be getting thicker in the container so upon investigation I discovered that it had developed a crack in the lid therefore air was getting in and my hair gel liquid was evaporating.  As the pump has been discontinued I needed a solution in quick order. This ivory pearl clam shaped bottle is likely a temporary measure but fits into the neutral scheme in the bathroom. 
I have decided to change the color scheme on the couch so I have moved from pink to yellow and green. The green needs a zipper inserted so that I can wash the cover when I want.

I'm sharing on Mosaic Monday hosted by Judith at Lavender Cottage.

Friday's Hunt 10

I'm joining Friday's Hunt hosted by Terese at Eden Hills. The prompts are Starts with J, Favorite and A Cuppa.

Starts with "J". Its a Jug. I took a picture of my jug of water.  To make sure I drink enough water every day I fill this jug and leave it on the counter.  Hopefully by the end of the day it's empty and I have had my 8 glasses of H20 for the day. It does not always work out.

This is my favorite shot of the week. At my visit to the Conservatory I took this shot of the Prickly Pear Cactus with it's purple fruit which are filled with seeds. The leaves and fruit are edible once the spines are removed. Leaf pads are eaten as a vegetable. Fruit are eaten raw and used to make juice, jelly and candy.  I was excited to see the new green shoot growing which means spring has to be around the corner.

This is this morning's cuppa of tea. It's Rooibos (Red) Chai tea with some honey and cream.  I'm having it in a stoneware mug featuring blue with painted organics below the border.  This was a gift from a friend.