January Tea Trolley ~

Now that Christmas has been packed up ... it's time to update the Tea Trolley in my writing area. Since the snow is finally making it's arrival (though unusually late ... I certainly was not complaining) and covering everything white, I have kept things with a little winter feel. So won't you come along and enjoy a cup of tea with me.

This is the Winter Tea Trolley setting... Along with switching out the teapot and teacup, I have added a dress form to remind me to stay true to my healthy eating plan for 2012.  I was fortunate to acquire this beauty from Marie's Maison, if you have not visited her blog and Etsy boutique, you are missing out on some wonderful inspiring photos and items for purchase.

You'll also note there is a picture of a Paris apartment ... looking out the window to the Eiffel Tower; bringing back sweet memories of my visits to the city of lights (and warm weather).

Mr. Snowman teapot is happy to be inside, it's even a bit too cold for him. His lid is an array of holly, with a sweet cardinal watching over the activities of tea.

The teacup set I have chosen to  use for the January Tea Trolley setting is by Staffordshire. The bottom of the cup and saucer, have a green stamping - crown above the Staffordshire name; fine bone china below the name followed by England and then EST-1875. The bottom of the cup also has the numbers 1471/ (I think 25) .. there are 2 small gold lines on the edge of both cup and saucer bottom at rim.

The saucer is equally beautiful with a bouquet of pink roses and the rim in a soft robin's egg blue with gilded gold details. Looks perfect with the dress forms robin blue egg lace.

The teacup has a pedestal base which is also gilded, and a gilded petite handle.

Here is a closer look at the beautiful Paris scene window print. Yes, the artist is one of BlogLand's very own, Fifi Flowers ... you have not heard of her? , your are definitely missing out on some wonderful talent and wonderful prints. Fifi also does custom work and offers original paintings. To me this would be the perfect writing setting!!! A girl can dream...

I'm so happy that you were able to join me for tea today!

May I offer you some delicious lemon yogurt cake with your tea?

For more fabulous tea this afternoon please stop and visit these wonderful hostesses...
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi 
Tea Time with Bernideen's

Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish

Martha's & Terri's Tea Time Tuesday

Teacup Thursdays

For some wonderful vignette inspirations visit Marty for   Table Top Tuesday

Life Transitions ~ The Common Thread

The originating reason for our life transitioning will vary from person to person, but the common thread is that along the journey of transition an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty can will send us on a downward spiral when it comes to taking care of ourselves.

Yet, this is possibly the most important time to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. When our body is functioning properly we feel better and are able to deal with difficult challenges more effectively.

Eat Healthy

It's about a lifestyle of eating. Make sure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs to properly fuel it. It is easy during transitions in life to turn to quick and fast processed foods, buckets of ice-cream, boxes of chocolate and (fill in the blank , with your go to weapon food of choice) to fill the void we are feeling.

Get Adequate Sleep

This means 6-9hours of uninterrupted deep sleep.  

Stay Physically Active

Even a walk to the end of the drive-way a few times a day, will get your energy flowing and your body moving.

Personal Hygiene

Few will admit it, but EVERYONE has experienced times when staying buried in bed for a few days at a time has seemed much more manageable, than venturing out and facing the stressful challenges.

Take Time to Relax

Society has conditioned us to think "time is money" and thus relaxing is a waste of both; making us feel guilty if we take time to relax. In truth, relaxing activities provide a restful break and help us to enjoy life. Giving us rejuvenated  strength and clarity to deal with stressful situations.

Nurture Your Inner Self

Find activities that bring clarity of purpose and sense of connection,such as meditation, spiritual/religious practices, or spending time in nature. It's amazing what literally hugging a tree can do for you.

To help us get started Mary at Hope-Filled Living, is hosting an Extreme Self-Care workshop (free) every Wednesday in January. You can catch up with Week One Here and Week Two Here. I have been working along each week, and I highly recommend it as a jump start to getting yourself back on track.

Remember you must first take care of yourself, so that you have the strength to help others.

I'm Finally starting to look forward...

It is scary when a whole NEW BEGINNING is open in front of you ...

just waiting to be LIVED!

Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” this is Mary's Life verse, she shared with us. I had not thought about having one ~ but as I read Mary's, it spoke to me. When I mentioned this to her, Mary graciously offered me to also share it as mine.Thank you Mary, for introducing to me to my Life Verse.

I'm joining these wonderful inspirational ladies for:
 Spiritual Sundays

Can we Eat Outside YET???

One of the draws of living in a part of the world where all forms of outside dinning, unless you are prepared to eat while wearing parkas sitting on stools made of ice/snow and chance having your lips or tongue stick to drinking cups; you are left with dreaming of the warm days ahead and look for inspiring settings, you may be able to recreate, once the bitter cold is long gone.

Here are some photos i hope will get your creative juices flowing and I hope will also add a little warmth to your day.

This setting reminded me of a setting in Italy ... Tuscany perhaps??

This one with a few modifications, could be transformed into a setting reminiscent of the tents that may have been set up for Marie Antoinette, on stops along her travels.

The blues and whites with the pop of yellow ..have me drifting to a setting in the South of France .. Provence

Whimiscal and a great inspiration for a child's outside birthday celebration...

Now this had me dreaming of enjoying a wonderful afternoon in the garden sipping champagne, wouldn't it be divine to have a greenhouse to laze away the hot summer days.. butterflies and birds flying by to say what a blessing...

This year we decided to host a boxing day Pancake Brunch ... of course with it being winter , everyone was inside. When I came across these photos .. I thought Hmmm OutDoor Pancake Brunch!!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit and will stop by next time where cold days and mid-day breakfasts make great companions.

Have you started dreaming of warmer days and Dining Al Fresco?

I'm joining
Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays  where many more inspiring table setting ideas can be discovered.