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 28 February 2011

Tea Time Tuesday


Hello everyone and welcome to Tea Time Tuesday ~ I am delighted that you have stopped by and I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Before I begin my tea party, I would like to give you an update on Jenna-Lynn.

Update: To those of you who have been praying for my little eleven week old granddaughter, Jenna-Lynn, thank you! They have released her from the hospital although she is still not well. Her mother is a nurse so she will be in good hands. Continued prayer would be appreciated! God bless you all!

I feel like celebrating because this is the last day of February! We have the biggest snow bank we've ever had on our front doorstep. What a winter it has been! Storm after storm has hit us here on Prince Edward Island and indeed, it is snowing yet again! We Islanders are sure looking forward to daffodils and tulips!

Speaking of tulips, aren't these pretty? I love pink tulips in this pink vase!

 
My tea today is centered around these beautiful pink tulips Hubby got me and this pretty teacup which was wedding shower gift many years ago.


I can't find much information on this teacup, only that it is an Elizabethan number 3696.
It is a footed teacup with pink roses and yellow tulips sprinkled on an embossed background. I believe the little blue flowers are bluebells but I could be wrong about that. In any case, it is a cute teacup made of fine bone china in England! The saucer has a slightly scalloped edge.

I always enjoy seeing a little nosegay inside the teacup too! The handle is split and has a comfortable thumbrest.


A delicate and buttery little nibble with your tea?

This time of year, when one is longing for Spring and making changes in their home as well as plans for their garden, it's nice to peruse a magazine or decorating book such as Victoria. This book was a gift from a friend and its pages hold lovely photos of interiors and ideas. With a heavy blanket of snow outside my window, I enjoy sipping on a hot cup of tea and browsing through this delightful book. My eyes feast on the loveliness within the pages and I dream of flowers and songbirds.


Soon the songbirds will return and I can open my windows and hear the melody of my little feathered friends.


St. Patricks Day is just around the corner and since I love the colour green as well as having a wee bit of Irish in me, I am planning to share something green the week of March 14. Maybe you would like to as well.
I am also planning a Spring Tea Party on the 21 of March. I would be delighted if you would celebrate the new season with me! Share your favourite teacup or teapot which reminds you of Springtime and tell us all about it.


Surround yourself with loveliness today; a cup of tea in a pretty teacup, a good book, and the joy of knowing that Spring will soon be here!

"Whatsoever things are lovely... think on these things." ~ Philippians 4:8

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you all have a lovely day. If this is your first time visiting my blog and you wish to participate, please check out my previous tea party post and it will give you all the details in what to share. For those of you who are participating, please find the inlinkz below to sign up for my tea party.

NOTE~ I have come down with the flu since I posted my tea party and I haven't been able to get out of bed until now. I will visit you all as I am able.

I am joining these other parties today as well...You will find their links below as well as their buttons on my sidebar.

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

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

Martha ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.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/ - Tuesday Tea for Two and Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Donna~ http://thehomemakingarts.blogspot.com/ - Tuesday Tea

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





Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Friday 25 February 2011

Pink Saturday

Hi there bloggerettes! It's Pink Saturday once again and once again Beverly has brought together all the pinkettes from all around the world.

I didn't know what I would be sharing today because I'm kind of running out of pink! Then I decided to just go around the house shooting pictures of pink here and there. So here goes.....

This is a key holder of a little pink cottage in the back entrance. A gift from my son....


A pretty pink iridescent swan adorned with flowers and ribbon; a gift from my Mom that she brought back from a trip to Florida. I have kept soap, plants, and miniature spoons in it. Right now, the spoons are in it.



On the refrigerator is this magnet; a teacup of course with pink carnations on it....



On the kitchen table is a napkin holder with, what else, pink polka dot napkins in it!


Then finally a trip to the bedroom where we find a plaque on the wall with a pink rose on it. It is one in a set of three.


If you read my post earlier today, you know that this little pinkie is in the hospital. Please pray for her that she gets better soon and can go home to be with her family. Jenna-Lynn is my only granddaughter and she is eleven weeks old. She has been hospitalized with RSV, a serious respiratory infection, and she is quite ill!

Now please venture over to How Sweet the Sound and check out Beverly's pink friends to see more pink. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Wishing you all a wonderful pink weekend!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Prayer Request

Good morning everyone~ We received word in the early hours of the morning that my 11 week old  granddaughter, Jenna-Lynn, is in the hospital with a severe case of RSV.

RSV is a respiratory syncytial virus which causes respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. She is quite sick and has been all week.

I haven't even met this little angel yet as she lives out on the west coast whereas I live on the east coast.

Please pray that she gets well soon. I will keep you all up to date. Thank you for your prayers and the Lord bless you!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Tuesday 22 February 2011

High Tea and The 56th Tea Time Tuesday

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence. ~ Sydney Smith

A warm welcome to Tea Time Tuesday my lovely friends! I am linking up to Laura's High Tea Party as well today.


I have joined Laura's tea party at the last minute so I apologize for not serving the way I should have. This post is from yesterday's tea party.

It's still the month of February so how about we celebrate Amour just a little bit longer.


Today instead of a pink and red theme, I am sharing purple or lavender if you will. I realise I have shared this teacup before however, it is February so I thought this sweet teacup would be the perfect choice for today.
A lavender heart shaped wreath and a sparkly butterfly accompany this pretty teacup. Lavender, butterflies, and violets just whisper of Spring to me and even though the ground is covered with a thick layer of cold, white snow, I know Spring is on its way! Winter cannot last forever!

This teacup is special to me because it was gifted to me by my hubby's aunt who has since passed. It was a much appreciated house warming gift when we moved into our new home during the month of February. The teacup will always hold sentimental value for me!

Did you know that lavender not only smells wonderful but has healing qualities? Try a lavender tea.

This teacup is called Violets and is made by Royal Albert. It is made of fine bone china in England and is one in the series Flower of the Month. Royal Albert produces such pretty teacups, do they not?
The violet is also the provincial flower of New Brunswick which is where I was born.

Blue violets are the symbol of faithfulness. ~

The deepest urge in every human heart is to be in relationship with someone who absolutely delights in us. ~ Larry Crabb, Psychologist




In just a few weeks, Spring, which is my favourite season, will be arriving and in celebration of Springtime, I am going to be having a Spring Tea the week of March 21. So, all you ladies, gather your springtime treasures and teacups and get ready to share in the celebration of new life. I look forward to celebrating with you!

A good way to dream about Spring is to peruse Victoria magazine. These two issues from 2001 and 2002 are especially lovely.

I can't wait for the arrival of the song birds again! I miss them so much when they've gone down South. The gold finch especially will be a welcome sight for these eyes of mine!


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT~ Kathy @ A Delightsome Life is hosting a Celebrate Spring with Victoria Party on March 22. If you would like to participate in her party then check out her blog and sign up. Her link is below or you may click on Kathy's button on my sidebar.


If you care for a little nibble to go with your tea today, I am including this tea photo from a tea party a couple of weeks ago. There is cake and tea sandwiches in front of the fire.

I have used Lavender Rose by Royal Albert and Rose Bud by Maxwell and Williams, and a few other patterns in this tea. The silverware is Evening Star by Oneida.

I am delighted you have stopped by today! I really enjoy having you and I love looking at all your tea things! If you have not participated in Tea Time Tuesday with me before and you would like to, please share a favourite teacup, teapot, china mug, or some china used in a tea. You may also do coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider if you wish. A scripture verse, poem, or tea quote would be delightful too! The TTT button on my sidebar is available if you wish to use it in your tea post or on your sidebar. Please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here to visit all my lovely participants.

"Love...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." ~
1 Corinthians 13: 7-8

Please use the inlinkz below to sign up for my tea party.

I am also joining the following hostesses for their parties -

Laura~ http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/ - High Tea Party

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - 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/ - Tuesday Tea For Two & Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

Donna~ http://thehomemakingarts.blogspot.com/ - Teatime Tuesday

Lady Katherine~ http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/ - Tuesday Teatime

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







Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Friday 18 February 2011

Pink Saturday

Hello pink bloggerettes and welcome to Pink Saturday! I am sharing bits and pieces from my Valentines Day tea party. If you would like to see more then please see my tea post below.

What could be prettier than a pink rose...

another pink rose under glass...

A pretty LOVE sign hangs on the cloche. This sign was one of the gifts I received from Roselle -http://roselle-seasiderosecreations.blogspot.com/  last summer in her Giveaway. It has a pink fabric rose on it and her own handpainted rose bud. Of course there is some glitter too!

A pink heart shaped candy dish with Hersheys kisses; some of them are pink. Yum; love chocolate!!
Thanks for visiting today and please be sure to check out Beverly's How Sweet The Sound - http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/  for her pink lineup. Have a lovely pink weekend everyone!

I invite you all to join me every week for Tea Time Tuesday also!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Friday's Blog Parties

Hello friends~ Today I'm joining a few blog parties- Cindy's Show and Tell Friday - http://romantichome.blogspot.com/


Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday - http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

and Sherry's Home Sweet Home- http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

While I was out and about yesterday, I found these darling little birdie salt and peppers. I have always wanted to collect salt and peppers but I don't really have the room in my little cottage what with all my tea things. But I couldn't resist these!


Two sweet little birdies snuggling on a leaf. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice weekend.

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

Monday 14 February 2011

Happy Valentines Day ~ Tea Time Tuesday


Love is the master key that opens the gate of happiness.~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Happy Valentines Day dear friends and Welcome to a special Tea Time Tuesday!
Do you feel it? Love is in the air! Chocolate, hearts, and flowers are just a few of the romantic symbols of this special day. This is the day that we all do a little extra something special for the ones we love.
So, please come in and make yourselves at home as we sip tea and chat about all things L-o-v-e today.


Today I am sharing my pink and red tea things in celebration of Valentines Day.
This tea post is going to be just a little out of the ordinary, so put your feet up with your cup of tea or coffee and come join me, won't you?

A valentine teacup made by Gracie China waits to be filled from a fresh pot of tea. This teacup has a plain loop handle which makes it very comfortable to hold. I love the hearts!


I was pondering what to serve on this special day; iced valentine cookies, a sweetheart cake, or chocolate. Since almost everyone else is making their lovely valentine cookies, I opted to make a chocolate treat instead. My little chocolate morsels are usually a treat I make for Christmas but I didn't get them made this past year because we had so many sweets around I decided not to. But, they are perfect for Valentines Day too! Hubby has been nibbling on them ever since I made them!


These are so easy to make and so good! They are lovely for just a little something sweet with your tea or coffee.You must act quickly however because they harden very quickly. They resemble donut holes but much more decadent. They are best when they are fresh. Yum!

My Rose Bud teacup trio makes a delightful server for the cookies! If you would like the recipe for my Chocolate Balls, it is posted on my sidebar.

A white teapot, birds nest sugar bowl and birdie creamer all look nice sitting on the burgundy throw which acts as a tablecloth for today's tea. I chose this particular throw because of the hearts woven into the fabric.

I have set out my tea in the glow of my Valentine tree. A topiary filled with entries for the Giveaway stands nearby. A toile hatbox and a cloche containing a pretty rose also join the party.
Do you see the little three footed teacup beneath the tree? That is the teacup I won from Martha at Marthas Favorites - http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
You all know Martha and Terri, I'm sure, as they both host Teacup Tuesday. I had shared more about this lovely teacup on my Pink Saturday post over the weekend. Isn't it pretty? Thank you Martha!


Chocolate kisses are nestled in a heart shaped candy dish.

If you recall, last week I asked you to share your favourite Love Song in this week's tea post. It could be anything from a favourite instrumental, to a movie score, or 'yours and your sweetie's song.' It might even be a favourite worship song; there are so many beautiful ones out there now.
Being a romantic at heart, I have several favourites but I decided to share our song. Words by the BeeGees is our song and there is a story behind this song being our song. Would you like me to share?

Love is when you look into someone's eyes and see everything you need.~
Let's go back a few years to a time when record hops were still the place to go on a Saturday afternoon.
Picture if you will, a shy young man sporting a Beatle haircut and an even shyer young lady with long hair and bangs, dressed in a mini dress and high boots! Yes, I liked to dress in the latest fashion, still do!
He was painfully shy but when he finally got up the nerve to ask me to dance, we were instantly attracted to one another! He asked me to dance three weeks in a row and then after the dance that third Saturday, he followed my friends and me into a restaurant where we always grabbed a bite before walking the long walk home. Not much wonder we were all so fit and trim! We danced all afternoon and then walked three miles home afterwards!

He sat on the far side of the restaurant all by himself and then he got up and put some money into the jukebox. He played three of my favourite songs! Coincidence? I don't think so! One of those songs was my absolute favourite, 'Words' by the BeeGees. He didn't know it was my favourite, it just happened to be his too!

My friends talked me into joining him at his table, where he and I sat and talked before he walked me the three miles home. Halfway home, he took me by the hand, and 'it was magic!'
And the rest, as they say, is history! We are still sweethearts today and I cannot imagine my life without him! Ain't love grand!

WORDS
"Smile an everlasting smile, A smile can bring you
Near to me.
Don't ever let me find you gone, 'Cause that would
Bring a tear to me.
This world has lost its glory, Let's start a brand
New story, now my love.
Right now, there'll be no other time and I can show
You how, my love.

Talk in everlasting words, and dedicate them all to
Me.
And I will give you all my life, I'm here if you
Should call to me.
You think that I don't even mean,
A single word I say.
It's only words, and words are all I have, to take
Your heart away." ~ Written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb.

Please take a couple of minutes to listen to Barry Gibb sing Words. It will take a few seconds to load so please be patient; it will be worth it!





I arranged it so that this song was playing on the computer when Hubby got up this morning.
These photos of us were taken on our first date. Wasn't he adorable! He's even cuter today; lucky me!

Today is the day I announce the Winner of my Anniversary Giveaway, but before I do that, I would like to thank you all for your friendship and all the lovely comments you have been leaving on my blog! Each one is so appreciated and makes me feel as though I am in some small way making a contribution by blogging. I wish I could gift each one of you! Every one of you is so special to me; I want you to know that!

I had my hubby draw the name out of over a hundred entries which went into this topiary jar.

And the winner is- Judith @ Lavender Cottage! Congratulations, my friend!

I must take this opportunity to thank Judith for her friendship and faithful participation in Tea Time Tuesday. Judith has been with me almost from the beginning and if the truth was known, she could probably teach me more about tea parties than I will ever know! Please email me with your address, Judith, so I can get this package out to you. Please be sure to stop by and visit Judith at her site- http://lavendercottagegardening.blogspot.com/

Well, the sun has set and I've lit the fire and the candles. There is a soft ambiance to our tea now. It is Valentines Day and Hubby and I are going to enjoy our tea in front of the fire.


Thank you so much for stopping by for tea on this very special day! I hope you will sign up for my tea party by using the inlinkz below. Be sure to give your sweetie a little extra chocolate today and remember that Valentines Day is also a day for which we can be thankful for the many blessings we receive from our loving Creator above.

I am also linking up with the following hostesses below:

Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/ - Tabletop Tuesday

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - 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/ Tea For Two
Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/ - Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ - Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

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




Love is something you can't describe like the look of a rose, the smell of the rain, or the feeling of forever. ~



Happy Valentines Day
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi