Weekly Cups of Tea (2/21-2/27)

This past week my blog dashboard was overwhelmed with inspiration, gorgeous photos, dream vacations, and uplifting thoughts.  With that said, I had to extend my typical five cups of tea, to six.  The first four cups are filled with an abundance of images that will make you swoon whether it be because of the creative home decor or fabulous fashion. The last two are certainly not least.  Both brought ideas to my attention that I had never seen before and couldn't get out of my head, so therefore, I'm sharing them with you, my readers.

I hope you're enjoying your Sunday immersed in your favorite activity, pastime, or hobby, and easily losing track of time. As we say goodbye to February, I would like to welcome my new readers who have recently come across my blog - I hope you find inspiration and a few more smiles than you already had in your day when you read any given post.  I'm thoroughly giddy that you are here and hope you return.  And to my steadfast readers who have been with me for some time, thank you for finding something here that you enjoy and choosing to continually come back.  I can only imagine how hectic all of your lives are, and the simple fact that you choose to come back says so much.

Here's to a fantastic March - thank goodness it brings spring with it!

1.  Home of My Dreams

Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic repeatedly shares beautiful images of well-known talents and this particular post was no exception.  Last week the theme focused on homes of fashion designers, and Kate Spade was included.  Simply put - Kate's exquisite fashion taste carries over into the interior design of her apartment shared with her husband Andy.  Creative tastes, wonderful color choices and an eye for creating a welcoming, yet sophisticated abode. Click on the heading above or the photo below to enjoy the rest of the gallery.

2. Pretty in Pink

If you love pink or can appreciate what the color pink can do in an outfit, room, bouquet, what have you, you will certainly appreciate Gwen Discoll of Raghill Social's posts this week.  A multitude of delicious images involving home decor, gorgeous dresses and wardrobes, and flowers that all have a touch of pink displayed somewhere. Click on the header above or the photo below to become inundated with rosy images; I have a feeling you will enjoy yourself.

3. Tale of Turquoise 

Sometimes all that is needed to inspire is a single image.  One image that is simplistic, yet so complex at the same time that one must keep gazing at it to grasp its beauty.  That was the case for me with this particular photo posted by girl, inspired with the post title "Turquoise Waterfall". All of the elements are mind boggling - the spiral staircase, the doorway, the architecture, and of course, the dress and the model's pose.  Thank you for finding this gem and sharing it with us.  Click on the the link above to view more of her beautiful images.

4. Leave Them Wanting More 

Sogni e Sorrisi is a blog that I have been frequently following for a couple of months now, and am continually enjoying.  The attention Connie pays to the detail and choice of images is evident in each post.  Stop on by, if you haven't already, and enjoy a wonderful site.   This particular post focuses on beautiful designs that highlight the one feature of a woman that I feel often gets overlooked  much too often - her back.  I have always gravitated to fashion that highlights this particular feature.  The recollection of Hilary Swank in the plunging navy blue dress for her night of success at the Oscars for Million Dollar Baby is something I'll always remember. 

5. Sexy Spatulas 

I have to begin by saying thank you to Emily of Splendid Market for drawing my name randomly out of the hat for the recent giveaway. I genuinely appreciate the mention and the gifts. Okay, look at this photo below.  Who would have thought spatulas could conjure up such amazing emotions?  Seriously, aren't they gorgeous? Almost makes you want to display them as art, especially with the creative arrangement in the brown sugar - I love this idea!  Throughout the week Splendid Market shares posts involving cooking, gardening and simply delightful ideas on how to brighten you or your neighbor's day.  A beautiful blog and worth checking out, if only to find out where to purchase these spatulas! Click on the header or the photo to find this and more information.

6. A Note of Inspiration

I came across this print posted by Franki Durbin of Life in a Venti Cup and I couldn't help but think this would be wonderful framed above a desk, office workspace or even in a college dorm room. Beautiful thoughts to always keep in mind. Click on the header or photo to read her post and find out where you can purchase it.

Ode to the Daffodil

Now I am well aware that I am no Jonathon Keats, so I will keep to prose to convey my thoughts, but hopefully I can give daffodils their well earned respect with the following collage of photos. This past weekend the sun finally poked its head out for a few hours, and I exuberantly worked out in my yard raking away the left over leaves and debris. To my amazement, underneath some of the long ago fallen foliage I found the beginnings of my daffodils (photo below). 

Now granted they have quite a ways to go, but it began lovely daffodil-filled thoughts, and upon reading Splendid Market’s post on daffodils earlier this week, I knew I wasn’t the only one craving a beautiful splash of color and life. Okay, so here is my laughable attempt at something similar to poetry.

Here is to January gently saying goodbye, ushering us into February.

Here is to the anticipation of spring and all things that can be reaped from its bounty.

Here is to the cycle of the seasons, may we all be thankful that we have the opportunity to experience each one, for that means we are still living.

Here is to hope, may we discover the wonderful moments that await us all.

The Irish countryside Kilkenny, Ireland

The combination of the forsythia and the field full of daffodils would be a breath-taking sight to come upon.

Think outside the box when it comes to a vase for your bouquet.

A beautiful bouquet. Am very curious as to what the other flower is in it.  Does anyone recognize it?

Interestingly enough, the flower for the month of July in New Zealand is the daffodil.  If you click on the above link, you’ll find out what each month’s flower is, as well as something I didn’t know until I came upon their website.  While I knew that daffodils could not co-mingle with other flowers in a vase because of the white sap they produce, I did not know that if you place the daffodils in their own vase for twenty-four hours, after this point you may mix them with other flowers in a beautiful bouquet as long as you are putting them into fresh water.  Who knew?  Probably many of you, but now I do as well.

A rarely seen bouquet of white daffodils – clean and elegant.

Lunch al fresco anyone?

I’ve always dreamt of a wedding in either fall or spring, simply because of the flowers that one could choose from.  Symbolically a wedding in spring would be very poetic and oh so appropriate.

Love in bloom.

Speaking of being non-traditional when it comes to weddings, this dress would definitely make an entrance.  I absolutely adore the originality and color.

Unique vases to celebrate a springtime bouquet.

Splendid Market’s bouquet which she gave as a gift on a friend’s doorstep.  Wouldn’t that be a beautiful surprise to brighten your day?

Why not treat yourself to a bouquet of daffodils at the end of this work week?  I recently noticed that my local grocery store had just received a delivery and am thinking I might just have to make a special trip. I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable few days off.