Tea with Friends ....

I'm so happy you stopped by for tea today. Today's tea is a very special tea, as it is a tea that was created by friends.

 

This lovely tea cup was sent to me from my dear blogging friend Nan. I love the delicate swirl of the handle and it shows that it has been loved over many teas. And the colourful floral is perfect for welcoming spring. There are no markings on the bottom of cup or saucer ... so I'll call it my friendship cup - Nan.

While in Paris with my dear friend Elizabeth in 2011, she introduced me to The Mariage and of course since they are the oldest tea producers in France ~ I needed to learn more. This book has been a wonderful read, many times over.

 Look at how darling the footing of the teacup is ....

 Where there is tea ... a treat or two usually follows and this little Limoges dessert dish from France is perfect ... especially for the goodies that will be served with today's tea.

Voila! Elizabeth, had a friend of hers bring back some most delectable treats for moi, from a trip to France. And surprised me with a knock on my door one morning ~ to present this precious bag.  

Inside .... a beautiful rainbow of MARCARONS ... brought from France - just for moi!! but that is not all this bag contained...

An extra treat of tea from The Mariage  ... Marco Polo and this surprise contained even more ...

You see ... my sister-in-love's father passed away while on a cruise with his wife. My sister-in-law is pregnant with twins and this was a most stressful time for our family these past couple of weeks. Being 4 plus hours away from my family means there is much planning for a trip home .. but in an emergency the luxury of time does not exist.

The gift that accompanied Elizabeth's visit was the hug she gave me. It was exactly what I needed a caring hug from a dear friend, to help me get on my way to my family.

Angels and friends are blessings from heaven ... treasure them!

Have you had a friend visit or send a letter/card, or call unexpectedly and realize that was exactly what you needed at that moment?

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Sharing this post with ...Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday  Table Top Tuesday ~  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~  between naps on the front porch Thursday , Twig Studios for Sunday Show Off ~ Under the Table Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party ~ Spiritual Sundays ~  Mosaic Monday  Menopausal New MoM-giveaway Thursday

With Help from my Friends ....

It's been a little crazy at the HHL household lately. Cold weather is not friendly to my joints and bones and throw in some Med changes ...and you now how the ingredients for dark and gloomy days.

But Friends know just how to brighten your day...

First, a surprise visit from my bestie from New York. She came to spend the day, before heading out to Winnipeg for a business trip. Along with her wonderful laughter filled visit, she brought this beautiful arrangement. One can't help but smile when loking at these lovelies and remember warm days.

Mr. G made us a wonderful dinner of penne a la vodka with turkey fillet and even remembered dessert, a wonderful strawberry shortcake (no he did not bake it..but did  remove it from its package,and thaw it) ...

The next day a card arrived in the mail from my friend R. she always knows just what to say...

But it doesn't stop there ... even in a snow storm ...

The universe is making sure my days are bright with reminders,

of how blessed I am...
 

In the morning mail was this adorable and thoughtful package from my special bestie;

you know her as Suburban Princess from  The Life of a Suburban Princess

Along with early Valentine wishes ...these socks have me

smiling ear to ear!!

I am truly blessed ....

Thank you to all of you who have left wonderful encouraging and supportive comments and emails. With a  little push and butt kicking  help from my Friends I'm gaining strength and keeping the faith!

For some warmth and smiles

Don't forget to visit Dolce's blog

He keeps me going.....

Joining Wednesday Blog Hops click here to party too!!

Nothing Compares to a Hand Written Letter!

 Thank you to the November BlogLand Pen Pal Participants!!!

I'm sure you are all busy writing your lettters, I can't wait to read how your first letter exchange went.

Don't miss out on participating in December email your mailing address, blog address (if you have a blog). Current participants if you would like to have an additional pen pal - please email as well.

to fallingoffahighheeledlife@gmail.com .  For more info on BlogLand Pen Pals click here


Below are links to participants who have  a blog, pop on over and give them a BIG BlogLand Hello and say thanks for keeping the art of letter writing alive!

The Life of a Suburban Princess

Underneath His Wrapping

Flip Flops and Pearls
 
Getting Fit and Loving It
 
Colletta's Kitchen Sink
 
Miss Stellas
 
Marie Arden Pink Living
 
Motherhood in Mexico
 
The Preppy Pink and Green Puppy
 
In The Military and On the Move
 
Coco Coterie
 
Girl Meets Paris
 
Ms. Bake- It
 
My Castle in Spain
 
Blog addresses not provided:
 
Kathrine L.
Ms Cherie T
Tracy Lynn D
Sherry L

Versatility Blogger Award ~ I have been tagged

I am both humbled and honored to have been tagged with the Versatile Blogger award by Living Well (LW). For those of you not familiar with her wonderful Blog, you must pop over for a visit, she is newly engaged, so be sure to leave a congratulations comment. LW will be sharing the planning of her wedding – so I encourage you to follow, so as not to miss any of the fun and excitement!

OK … the award came with the following rules:
- 7 things about myself
- then pass the award on to seven other bloggers

Here are my seven things:

1. I’m a city girl in living in the country… but I’m loving nature and enjoying a simpler life!

2. I fell in love with Paris, on trip earlier this year and can’t wait to return and explore the South of France next year!

3. I love receiving cards and letters from friends & family via snail mail

4. My favorite champagne is Veuve Clicquot ~ not only for its taste; I love the story/history behind the creation of the iconic yellow label.

5. I adore having afternoon tea when I’m in the city. I am trying to make afternoon tea a new part of my daily life at home.

6. Growing up– I had the privilege of taking ballet – something to this day I have fond memories of.

7. I’m working on writing book ~ about re-inventing yourself and creating a new life after losing yourself.

Now I pass this on to these fabulous bloggers:

1. A Place to Dwell

2. Cafe Bellini

3.Persians and Pulitzer

4. The Company She Keeps

5. My letters to Emily
6 .Ms. Bake-It
7. Miss Janice

Lilly P… I’m the newest Fan & 1st Give-Away!!

To think only a couple of months ago I had no idea what a Lilly dress was or who Lilly Pulitzer was. I was soon informed, the reason I had not heard of Lilly was that it was only sold in the USA. After a long pause the bearer of this news said “but they have a website and deliver to Canada!” Well that’s all I needed to hear to be on my way to ordering my 1st Lilly dress.

The choices were overwhelming and once again my BlogFriends came through – by helping me to choose my 1st Lilly dress, to see post click here. To see what dress became my 1st Lilly dress click here.

After receiving and wearing my Lilly dress, I knew I was in trouble, not only did it fit great it, was so comfortable. Well today I received my 2ND Lilly dress and after trying it on and asking Mr. G what he thought – his response “It’s a great dress, it looks great and you could wear it up north, when we go south or out to dinner – its casual to wear but still looks elegant”. Well ladies if I wasn’t hooked before – after that statement I instantly turned into a Lilly for life fan!

As many of you know I'm working on creatig a new life post accident and re-inventing me. Part of this re-invention is updating my wardrobe from career focused to smart casual -Lilly represents this elegantly! I choose the Stephanie Shift ~with Koi. Japanese associate koi with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals, so I thought how appropriate to kick -off my re-invention.

Since, my wonderful BlogFriends have brought so much excitement into my struggling wardrobe image by introducing me to Lilly, I thought it was only appropriate that my First Give-Away be a Lilly gift. 

With everyone leading such busy lives and always sharing great finds, recipes and tips for everything one could possibly need –

A Mini Lilly Agenda & Note book, should keep you well organized!!!

Give-Away Rules 

1 Entry

Be or Become a follower of this blog , leave a comment

(be sure to let me know you are a follower in your comment)

1 Extra Entry 

Write a post on your blog about this give-away with a link back to this give-away.

1 Extra Entry

Place agenda/note book photo from this post on your sidebar with a link back to this give-away.

All entries must be separate.

Winner will be chosen at random.

Give-Away Ends August 21, 2010

Creating me – with a little help from my friends

It was recently brought to my attention by a couple of dear, dear friends that I was letting myself go and they were concerned that I was sliding back into a “frustrated state (code word for depression)”. Even in the hospital I was beside myself that I had no colour on my toes. Yet as one observed, your colour is there but you can see the new nail growth; then they went on to the hair- and the root garden that was growing; the clean, but un-manicured nails- also did not go unnoticed; nor that some waxing was long over-due; and the track-suit had to go. You get the picture.

Books, Awards and Give-away Gift

Book - Great Read

After following Beth’s blog Social Climbers, for awhile and thoroughly enjoying her post topics and writing, I was most interested in reading her book of the same name Social Climbers. Not being able to find it at our local book store (in Canada), I dropped Beth an email and she was most gracious, and I was able it to order it directly from her.

When my book arrived I was excited!!! Beth had personalized it for me, her inscription made me smile. . Thank you – You made my day!

Well, once I started to read the book, I couldn’t put it down. I’m not able to read books for hours at a time, as it now tires me and I have a difficult time keeping the story line straight. But I found this book easy to follow (perhaps because I could relate to her main character) and Hubby was kind enough to read to me when I was starting to get tired – so that really helped to keep the story line fresh in my mind.

What I really enjoyed about this book, is that it has inspired me to start thinking about reaching out within my new community and look at building new friendships. Since moving to the country – though it’s been great mentally and physically – emotionally sometimes it’s difficult as most Besties are an hour plus away by car.

If you have not read this amazing book pop on over to your local book store or contact Beth at Social Climbers. The characters are so realistic everyone will be able to relate. I only have one Question: When is the next book coming out?

Awards:

It was an honour to receive the “Sunshine” award from Ruth of, Underneath His Wrapping, as her posts, writing and comments always touch me and bring a smile to my face. She is an inspiration to me and if you have not come across her Blog, pop on over there for a visit. She has just renovated her blog look and it looks fantastic!!!

The rule of receiving this award states the receiver is to pass it along to 12 other blogs...whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. There are many blogs that deserve this award - here are the 12 blogs I am forwarding it to;

Getting Fit and Loving It          Life In Quotations            Pink Preppy Lilly Lover

Pink Martinis and Pearls         French Mademoiselle      Bellas Rose Cottage

Bonjour Romance          Barbs Heart Strokes       Hope Filled Living Magazine

Casa Bella                  A Town and Country Life           A Reclaimed Life

Barry from Life in Quotations passed this wonderful award the "You're Going Places Baby", to me. Thank you Barry, your words of support, encouragement and leading by example – continue to inspire and motivate me. Mr. B- is definitely going places, and if you are in need of some inspiration, an ear to listen or a place to express yourself his blog is your sanctuary.

The rules for this one are simple, describe where you'll be in 10 years and pass it on to ten bloggers...

TEN years, hmmm –Blessed with a child(ren), adopted or via surrogate - from our waiting embryos. Know who I am. Have penned my first book and most important to me- Be making a positive difference in people’s lives.



So I'm asking these lovely ladies ,Where will you be in 10 years?

The Life of a Suburban Princess           La Bella Vie            Forty Not Out

Cafe Bellini           Thoughts From Meme's Corner       Paris Pastry

Social Climbers     My Castle in Spain      Lily Lemontree            Susan R.

Give-away Gift

I was the lucky winner of the Coco Chanel give-away hosted by Pink Martinis and Pearls. This past week I received my most generous prize; a copy of The Gospel According To Coco Chanel, written by Karen Karbo, along with a fresh body satin spray - Coco Mademoiselle - by Chanel.

So Saturday evening I decided to pamper myself with a nice warm bubble bath, which I then spoiled myself with the wonderful Mademoiselle - body spray. It left my body wonderfully soft and freshly scented.

While I was in my bath Hubby had brewed me a nice cup of tea – he used the Marie Antionette - tea from Laduree, purchased on our trip to Paris earlier this year.

 
 
Now I was ready to settle into bed and start on my new book. Ah what more could one ask for; Silky smooth skin, a special hot cup of tea and a wonderful book!

Bermuda - Girl's week-end ... I did it !!!!!

Mr. G. and I tried travelling in 2008, which resulted in a total disaster – I had crying spells that would pop out of nowhere, usually not in the privacy of our hotel room. My fear of not knowing how I will feel from day to day (sometimes moment to moment) with both pain and mood; anticipation of being on a plane with noisy people; having to have someone travel with me to manage luggage and keep me calm so as not to have an outburst, has resulted in lack of interest in travelling – something that I so enjoyed prior to my detour.

This year I was determined to travel, with Mr. G’s help and support I managed 2 getaways. We tried the beach route and the city route (Dominican and Paris). Although both trips had their challenges, with Mr. G (he has learned to pick up on signs that I’m reaching my limits- before I do, and we have a situation) keeping a close eye on my energy level and surroundings we got thorough both trips with little scaring.

So when a good friend suggested we go away for a girl’s week-end, I was both grateful to be asked and terrified. After much discussion with Mr. G – it was agreed I would give it a try. Mr. G felt confident this friend would be able to handle a situation if one should arise. This would be my first trip away without Mr. G. Since we were only going for the week-end, we decided it would be best to just relax and limit any sightseeing to close to the hotel. My friend L is more of a sun and food connoisseur than shopping so this was just fine with her.

There were only a couple of situations – one right after we arrived at the hotel – with some confusion about a chair with a waiter, so we could enjoy afternoon tea by the windows. My friend L was great to travel with – since she is a foodie, reminders to eat were always received positively – the drinking of water, well (but, I was very grateful that she stayed on top of the water intake). L’s attention to my energy level was amazing and at the end of each day – she did not mind that it was early nights to the room. L’s two daily showers – where great prompts for me. She even sat through a few hours of Keeping up with the Kardashian’s .. :) Thank you my friend … for giving me the opportunity to travel without Mr. G. I’m sure he was happy for the break as well.

We were a little disappointed with the Afternoon Tea, it is listed as a top 10 - but it fell short of our expectations (definitely no comparison to The Empress -another Fairmont hotel). The bread was some what on the stale side and the sandwhiches were too big (actually more like mini bun sandwhiches). The banana sorbet at the end of tea, was the best part.

we had a great harbour view from our patio and sat out there every morning to enjoy our breakfast. Each morning and some evenings we were visited by a Yellow belly bird.

The beach was a quick ferry ride to the Fairmont Southampton location. Where we were introduced to the most amazing Pina Colada ice-cream float. Literally Bermuda coconut rum with vanilla ice-cream - heavenly!!!

 

hmmm. Nice Garden ...

Something told me these stairs went nowhere

so L- went exploring ... Nowhere... :)

One afternoon - when the mood was perahps a little less than postive about the future. I looked up to see this... are my Angels sending me a message?

 Miles Market - discovered last day of trip :( ... It is very similiar to a Whole Foods or Pusateri's. It is less than a 5 minute walk from the hotel - and offers a great selection of FRESH DAILY prepared foods (and much more budget friendly than eating hotel food), that you can take back to your hotel room or enjoy by the pool.

Sunset at Fairmont Princess Hamilton,

pool area.

Although there were many people at the resort; couples, family vacationers, even a wedding, and some local residents the resort was very peaceful and realxing. We meant many wonderful women - who were there for girl's week-end  and mother-daughter getaways. If you are looking for a quick getaway - 2 hours from Toronto and from speaking with some Amercian visitors - the same from most USA locations - Bermuda is your place!!!

What is your favourite or dream - Girl's or Mother-Daughter week-end getaway Destination?

images - High Heeled Life