Cups of Tea (3/21-3/27)

Spring is beginning to show true signs of the beauty that awaits, and in the past few days I was able to start planning my upcoming outings to the nurseries.  What to plant in this pot, what to include from last year’s ideas, and what to I want to add?  I liken the designing of my garden and front porch to that of putting together one’s wardrobe – the beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.  If it sings to me, my attention is grabbed. 

To that end, however, I still have so many ideas in my head regarding my home decor and attire that my mind is a jumble of ideas with the lovely addition of spring planting.  If these are my only worries, I am a lucky girl.

This week’s Cups of Tea include a few new blogs that I am so happy to have found – you’ll understand why when you view their photos – gorgeous!  Also included is a bit of inspiration, ideas on decorum and a delicious comfort food favorite to try. 

Now, grab a cup of tea, or your morning drink of choice,  and enjoy perusing over some fantastic posts from the past week. 

 

1. Lovely Illustrations 

Isabelle Lafleche, the creator of Pink Lemonade Design, has a beautiful blog displaying luxurious images both in decor and fashion.  Not only does she have her own blog, but she will soon be releasing her first novel J’adore New York this fall.  This particular post which highlighted the artwork of Izak which can also be found on Henri Bendel’s website, caught my eye, and I just had to share.  Click on the header above or the image below to see more images similar to the below. 

My dream day and life – shopping in New York City, dressed classic casual, my dogs by my side and, oh, don’t forget the flowers!

 

2.  Let the Sunshine In!

Just came across Sarah Klassen’s blog Haute Design, and I will most certainly be frequenting this site for, if nothing else, the images.  Absolutely exquisite and unique.  I was a bit mesmerized by this particular post of rooms filled with sunlight and felt they were a perfect analogy for all of us in the states as we are slowly emerging from the doldrums of winter into the longer hours of spring.  Click on the image below to have a gander at even more sun-filled rooms. 

 (images, courtesy of Haute Design, scanned from Côté Sud / photography by Bernard Touillon)

 

3. Mind Your Ps and Qs 

Leeann of Fabulously French included a pleasant post that, while directed at the proper behavior in France, can also be applicable in any country in most cases.  One that particularly caught my attention was,“ When visiting a French home, don't expect to be invited into the kitchen or to take a house tour. The French have a very definite sense of personal space, and you'll be escorted to what are considered the guest areas.”  I found this refreshing simply because until someone is offered a tour, one should never assume anything.  Read on to see how you are doing, and if you agree. After all, one’s home is an extension of one’s self, and we all need our private sanctuaries to be kept private.

 

4. Savory Comfort Food

Phoebe and Cara of Big Girls, Small Kitchen shared with their readers this week a scrumptious recipe for a simple dinner after a long, stressful day at work.  I happen to love toasted sandwiches that include melted cheese and artisan bread, and this recipe for Turkey Pepper jack Melts is one I’ll soon be trying. I’m sure it will make your dinner companions happy as well. Click on the image below or the header above to find the recipe.

Bon Appetite!

 

5. Make it Happen

Every Friday, I look forward to Laura of  Under the Sheets . . . shhh’s Inspirational Weekend Quote, and this week it didn’t disappoint.  While rather frank and to the point, it’s all that needs to be said.  Sometimes a little less talking and a lot more doing is necessary.  Click on the image below to read a bit more of her thoughts on this particular quote, and be inspired.

Weekly Cups of Tea (2/14-2/20)

What a week!  A short week in logistical terms, but it packed a full punch of meetings and long hours. Thankfully though, many positive moments were found amongst the chaos.  I hope your week, however long it was, was one that brought many moments of pleasure and optimism no matter how busy.

Through the hectic pace I wanted to make sure I caught glimpses of the many collections on display in New York.  It appears that it was a very successful week that has me itching and ready to get out and shake up my closet.  Can’t wait for my budget to catch up to my day dreams!

I am continually finding new blogs that bring a positive spin to this thing we call life in their own unique way, and I’ve included a few of their posts below.  I also repeatedly find inspiration in my go-to favorites, so what you will find this week is a little bit of everything.  Enjoy perusing through my selected favorites from this past week.

 

1. Moody Office Space

A Life More Fabulous posted an idea that I, when I have more time, am thinking about trying in my own office when it comes to the decor surrounding my desk. Especially for us creative types, we must be inspired when we sit down to write, and if the atmosphere is monotonous where does that lead us?  Click on the heading above to see how one artist keeps it fresh in her office.

 

 

2. French Bread Anyone?

At the beginning of the week Fabulously French taught me something quite interesting about the French culture.  Did you know that boulangeries are prohibited from using any preservatives in their bread?  It’s no wonder that delicious bread is innately associated with France.  Click on the heading above to learn a few more interesting facts about bread and how it is produced in France.  I think I will be picking up a fresh baquette with dinner tonight.  Bon soir!

 

3. Channeling Brigitte Bardot

Sticking with a French theme for another moment, Sasha of Everything Fabulous posted some fabulous pictures that are reminiscent of the ever beautiful Brigitte Bardot.  Adorned with the bouffant hair, headband, charcoaled eyes, along with gorgeous looks, it only seems right to wear the nautical navy and white stripes.  This is just one of the many beautiful photos. Click on the photo or header to view them all.

 

4. What Really Is Making Us Fat?

Struggling to be Stylish broached an intriguing question that has been floating around in the blogosphere, news media and conversational world lately, and I’d be curious to know what you think.  Do kitchens that open up to the dining room, living room, what have you, promote overeating?  Read her post to get the big picture, and I’d love to hear your opinion. It certainly gave me a moment of pause.

 

5. An Inspiring Thought

This week I’d like to end with a bit of inspiration from a fellow blogger.  Under the Sheets . . . shhh is a blog I recently came across, and am glad to have done so.  Her thoughts are positive and her insights honest. Click on the above heading or the photo below to read her inspiring words of optimism.