A PAISLEY TEA AND DOING WHAT WE LOVE

This is one of my favorite sayings. It has helped me stay focused when I have so many ideas and don't know which ones to pursue.They're all good things but one can only do so much. Like, in the blogging world, what blog parties should I join? Should I start a blog newsletter? Should I start my OWN blog party? I've been kind of all over the place with my blog, doing the things that others say to do to "build your blog". But then I've lost focus.

Right now I'm working on a mission statement and goal setting for my blog. I'll keep on doing those things I love and let go of the rest.

And one of the things that I love is sharing the china tea cups that have been handed down to me as well as the cups I've collected on my own along the way. I've enjoyed "having tea" with others who share their own lovely tea cups, vignettes, tablescapes, and recipes. I'm able to connect with like-minded bloggers as well as connecting with my customers who are interested in the "pretties" that we collect and sell at our sales events. 

So this week I'd like to invite you to A Paisley Tea. I've brought out  my paisley blue and brown Lefton dessert sets.  I have 6  sets but I'm setting the table for two. These sets were handed down to me from my grandmother. Won't you join me?

"There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life." Lin Yutang, The Importance of Tea

                             
                               A little fall pumpkin and some acorns will add to the fun!

  I've made Oatmeal Cupcakes for us, a treat that I haven't made since my kids were young.  I'm leaving the recipe on this post.

 

                I thought you might like to see the pretty shell shaped plate that goes with the cup.

               I'll  set a  sweet vintage tarnished baby cup with dried hydrangeas from the garden on the table.

                                                    A blue candle will warm things up...

                                     Now we can quietly contemplate life while enjoying our tea. I'm having Peach tea. What is YOUR favorite?

            
Recently I found a cute tea bag holder that happened to match my set. There was only one but now I'm on the hunt for more. A fun find!

                                     Here's the recipe for the Oatmeal Cupcakes:

1/2 C. shortening
1 t. cinnamon
1 C. oatmeal

Mix the above ingredients and pour 1 1/4 C. boiling water over mixture. Cover and let sit for 20".

2 t. vanilla
1 C. sugar
1 C. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 C. flour
1 t. soda
1/2 t. salt

Add the above ingredients to first mixture.
Bake for 30" at 350 degrees

Frosting

5 T. flour
1 C. milk

Heat above and stir until smooth. Cool.

Add: 1 C. sugar
         1/2 C. butter
         1/2 C. shortening
Beat mixture until whipped.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

I'm joining  these two tea parties:

Martha's Favorites
Rose Chintz Cottage