Cups of Tea (4/4 – 4/10)

Sunday, Sunday. Welcome Sunday!  It is my sincere hope that your week has been filled with wonderful surprises, both big and small.  Often times we rush around so hurriedly that it is easy to forget the things in our lives to be grateful for.   A few things I must say that I am grateful for are my continued access to a warm cup of tea, new magazines to flip through and the time to enjoy the sun as it streams through the windows. What might you put on your list of things to be grateful for this week?

As you ponder this thought, have a look at this week’s Cups of Tea.  Here’s what I have in store for you:  an opportunity to bring more calm into your life, simple bits of inspiration to improve your fabulous life even more, a scrumptious something special to nibble on, a bit of nostalgia and a suggestion as to why it is okay not to have all the answers all the time.

A quick heads up - next week’s Cups of Tea will reveal my next giveaway, so be sure to stop back by.

 

1. A Vacation of Calm

Often times our lives become so encumbered by technology that we forget the beauty that nature has to extend to us if only we open our eyes.  Located in Tennessee is the  BlackBerry Farm which offers seemingly endless opportunities for guests to take a breath and get away from the hustle and bustle.  Erin of Elements of Style shared this past week a bevy of images both of the interior and exterior views one would have the pleasure of basking in upon arriving.  This might be a place you’ll want to bookmark for an upcoming vacation when you just want to get away from it all.  Have a look.

 

2. Be Inspired to Grow  

In search of some inspiration this week, I came across a post on Life Hack that prompted me to take out my own pen and notepad to scribble down the many suggestions one might attempt to improve their lives.  Celestine, of The Personal Excellence Blog, wrote a fascinating guest blog suggesting simple ways in which we can slowly, but surely, create the life we have envisioned for ourselves.  I have a feeling you’ll find at least one or two ideas you’ll want to jot down as well.  Have a look.  

 

3. A Slice . . . Maybe Two?

Once again, Deb of Smitten Kitchen has shared with her readers a recipe I couldn’t just click past.  I immediately saved this delectable and eye-catching New York Cheesecake recipe for what will hopefully be successful dinner parties in the near future.

 

4. A Bit of Nostalgia  

A blog I have been following for a couple of months now and intensely enjoy because of all the memories it conjures up of my own trip to Paris is the HiP Paris Blog.  A handful of writers have teamed up to create a beautiful collection of visits to favorite restaurants, events, sites and simply share experiences had in the famous City of Lights.  The post I selected to share this week was written by Tory Hoen titled “Bravo L’Américaine” in which she describes some of her first experiences having arrived in Paris.  Oh, the memories it brings back. 

 

5. Have Patience

This week Elements of Style is showcased twice, but I just couldn’t help myself.  For many of us, certain quotations grab us due to the events that are going on in our lives at that particular time, and while I am always striving to be more patient in all areas of my life, I felt I would drive it home a bit this week by sharing this passage with you.  I find it to be very true and something to keep in mind when I feel that things just aren’t happening according to my “life plan”.  If you would like even more inspiration click here.

Images: (1) - We Heart It  (3) We Heart It

Cups of Tea (2/8-2/13)

How true it is that we too often aren’t appreciative of something until we no longer have it in our lives.  Such was the case a few days ago when my computer decided to “catch a cold”.  Being the not-so-techie person that I am, I immediately looked to someone else for help (well, not immediately, first I had a little moment, shall we say, but I rebounded quickly).  I owe a HUGE thank you to my colleague Sam for diagnosing the problem and getting my fingers back on the keyboard.  You are a saint!!  Homemade cookies whenever you want them, I promise!

Needless to say, it wasn’t until yesterday that I was able to catch up on reading all of my favorite blogs.  What I found was heart-warming, literally and figuratively.  Cut-out hearts and cupcake-shaped hearts, and lovely thoughts shared in so many different styles that I couldn’t help but have a perpetual smile on my face as I was reading through all of them. 

With that said, I couldn’t pick my favorite Valentine themed posts, but I hope that today you are able to enjoy your Love day with someone special, whether it be a significant other, friend, family member or loyal pet.  We all need love in our lives, and I hope today finds you opening the door to all of the possibilities it offers.  After all, I’ve always said, “Valentine’s Day is just a date on the calendar with a post-it note on it, reminding us to tell the one’s we love that we do.”So don’t forget about the rest of the calendar.

Speaking of love, below are a few posts that I fell in love with this week, each for it’s own reason.  Simply click on the heading of each one to be taken to the original page to read the post in its entirety. Happy Sunday!

 

1. Flea Market Find

For any of my readers who find pleasure in the hunt when it comes to garage sales,tag sales, estate sales and flea markets, you will appreciate the following story.  French Essence recently shared her experience with flea markets in Paris.  About fifteen years ago, she found a beautiful bed, and much to the delight of all of us who “antique”, the bed is still in beautiful condition.  Read exactly how it all worked out by clicking here.

 

 

2. Windy City Inspiration

Chandelier above your bathtub anyone?  I’m in! (pun intended) Erin of  Elements of Style recently profiled the home of one of her readers, Colette May, and it truly is a breathtaking abode.  So beautiful that two posts were needed to share all of the interior pictures.  However, before you become consumed by the amazing decor (Colette, herself, was the designer), don’t forget to read a bit about her, she is an inspiration in her own right. Click here and here to take a peek.

 

3. How Do You Do?

Paloma of La Dolce Vita frequently asks fellow bloggers and readers to share ten things they couldn’t live without.  As I was reading about Franki Durbin, I was intrigued by her interests (magazines, laughter, water – just to name a few) because they were simple, yet necessary things that I find myself needing in my life to stay balanced, yet inspired.  Having piqued my interest, I decided to meander over to her blog Life In A Venti Cup, and I was not disappointed.

 

 

4. Time to De-Stress

Hopefully this weekend finds everybody able to enjoy three days off from the daily grind, but if it doesn’t, here is a great post to help try and eliminate as much stress as possible from our lives.  I am a HUGE fan of lists. I appreciate anything that is easy to read through, being able to quickly access the information that is being sought after, and Leo Babauta of Zen Habits is a master at sharing information in this format.  Take a quick glance at the list to see if there is something you too could incorporate into your life to make it even more enjoyable.

This photo alone makes me de-stress a little. No?

5. What to do on a Rainy and Windy Day

A blog I find myself frequently visiting, and continually be inspired after I’m done browsing through the beautiful photographs, is Brabourne Farm. This particular post especially grabbed my attention because while I love rainy days, I despise windy ones,   So what is one to do? Leigh shared a  list of beautiful ideas of what to do on a day that may not be, shall we say, picturesque or suitable for lounging on the porch.  Have a look, because I think it would tie in perfectly on a day beckoning romantic gestures.