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 (3/7-3/13)

Good Sunday morning!  For some of us this is a treasured day because it represents the beginning of longer evenings filled with daylight, for others I’m sure they’re wondering where that one hour of sleep went.  No matter how any of us may look at it, just keep in mind that springing forward brings us that much closer to the actual Spring itself,  and I for one, am willing to do just about anything for warmer days, no snowy surprises and flowers displaying their wares.

This week’s cups of tea include a couple of what look to be delectable recipes that I am anxious to try, tips for getting ready for the tag sale/yard sale/estate sale/deal-finding season, an inspired quote from an actress who seems so very grounded in who she is, and a beautiful collection of one of my favorite types of furniture pieces.  Enjoy perusing through them all.

 

1. A Breakfast Idea

If you’re becoming bored with the same old pancakes or waffles for a special breakfast on the weekend, why not mix it up a bit?  Deb of Smitten Kitchen created a recipe for a Breakfast Pizza that looks magnificent. So simple, yet so imaginative, I can’t wait to give it a try. Click on the picture below or the heading above to view the recipe (includes a recipe for the pizza dough as well).

 

2.  Yard Sale Season

Classy and Fabulous this week shared a list of great tips for those of us who are revving up for the yard sale season.  For anyone who has not participated in this sport (if you do it right, it can be quite taxing mentally and physically, so yes it could be considered a sport; just picture it – two women, one gorgeous armoire, need I say more?), Karla shares a list of things to keep in mind to ensure a successful outing.  And for those of us who are old hats, it’s a great refresher.  After all, we wouldn’t want to get rusty, now would we?

3. Dining On Wood

Since we’re on the topic of hunting for deals, I must share one of the best finds I have ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon when it comes to garage sales.  My mother and I came upon a pile of oak pieces one year that looked like wooden legs of at least six to eight inches in diameter.  After looking closer, we realized it was a dining room table that simply needed to be put together.  The suggested price was must lower than it should have been, so we jumped, and with some help from one of the best carpenters I know, I now have a gorgeous oak dining table that looks used, yet polished at the same time. Needless to say, the table itself is a perfect conversation starter at a dinner party.

This week I came across a post by the Material Girls that reminded me of the fateful day described above, and I couldn’t help but include it this week.  Take a look at the array of wooden tables all decorated uniquely to showcase beautiful wooden dining tables.

 

4. Divine Bruschetta

One of my favorite snacks or appetizers to treat myself to after a long day at work is bruschetta and a crisp glass of viognier or chardonnay.  There are many different recipes, and while I tend to stick to my favorite, my mouth began to water just a little (okay, actually more than just a little) when I came across this recipe by Creative Kitchen.  Denise has the opportunity to work just a few nights a week at an authentic Italian restaurant (no freezer on site!) and came up with this Bruschetta Recipe after having seen the delicious meals and cooking styles at work.  I am so thankful she shared.  Enjoy!

 

 

5. A Thought To Ponder

Happiness and how to achieve it have been on my mind a lot lately as I am in the middle of reading Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project, so when I came across this quote posted on The Love List, I wanted to share it with my readers.  It poses an interesting question that doesn’t hurt being asked of ourselves,  when do we feel our best?

“I look my best after an entire hair and makeup team has spent hours perfecting me. When do I feel my best? When I haven't looked in the mirror for days, and I'm doing things that make me happy."

-Anne Hathaway