Tuesday, October 30, 2012

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

12 comments:

  1. Hi Sandy,
    What a pretty pattern! It's such a sweet shade of blue. The oatmeal cupcakes sound delish. Thank you for sharing the recipe and joining me for tea. Hope you're having a beautiful day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  2. Sandy, I am so happy that you came to visit me. This is now giving me a chance to be a follower. I love your beautiful Paisley cup and shell saucer. What a treasure! Blue just happens to be one of my favorite colors. Your setting is delightful and your treats look oh so YUMMY. I just may have to try your oatmeal cupcakes recipe. Thanks for sharing it all!
    Brenda

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  3. Hello,
    I came over from Tea Time Tuesday linkup.
    That is a pretty word picture and good message.
    Your tea set is lovely as well. Teatime is such fun, and it is a delightful choice for a blog linkup.
    :) Hope

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  4. HI Sandy... just stopping in to tell you you have a great name no matter what!!!!Then also to thank you for your visit with me this morning, and now I am so glad I visited your lovely blog.. The tea cup and accoutrements are beautiful! I love teas and it is fun to find others who share this love of mine so hardily! God bless!

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  5. Your tea cup luncheon sets are lovely! What a pretty paisley pattern, and such good blue colors too!
    The saying is very fitting for me as well. I love so many different things! Choosing what to do can be challenging : ) I see beauty all around me.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  6. Hi Sandy, thanks for visiting my blog, I am so happy to have you over. I love your blue cup and saucer. I have never had oatmeal cupcakes,I'll have to try them.

    Sylvia@agrandmasblessings

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  7. Beautiful paisley teacup ... love the color. The cupcake looks delicious -- thanks for the recipe. Wonderful candle to match and what a cute teabag holder you found...all with the wonderful blue! Happy Tea Day!

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  8. What beautiful teacups and plates and so special because they were your Grandmas. Thank you for the recipe, I will be making them soon! Have a great week.
    Nancy

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  9. What a beautiful blue paisley teacup! I LOVE the way you have made the blue perfect for fall by pairing it with white pumpkins and acorns. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate blues into all the seasons, so this was a very inspirational post for me.

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  10. What beautiful tea cups and plates! I love the blue color and the paisley print. That cupcake looks so delicious, too! Happy Halloween! ~Michelle

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  11. I love the paisley tea cups and plate. In my favorite color too!You found so many things to go with it too. Lovely.

    I think I might make the oatmeal cupcakes with my granddaughters, they sound so tasty, and they would probably make a delicious breakfast cake.

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  12. Hi Sandy,
    Your Lefton chintz cups and shell saucers are beautiful! I love this decoration, so 60s.
    And the matching tea bag holder is a little beauty.
    Thanks for this lovely tea with delicious-looking cupcakes.
    Hugs from Portugal

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