Thursday, December 12, 2019

Afternoon Tea French Style

Come in from the cold and rain 
and join me for a cup of tea.

A tea tray awaits as the twinkle of 
Christmas tree lights sets a cozy mood.

You might spot a reindeer or two or three
resting among vintage bottlebrush trees.

Mirage Freres ~ Esprit de Noel
A thoughtful early Christmas gift from 
a friend who recently visited Paris.
A favorite MacKenzie-Childs "High Tea" stack is the perfect
choice for steeping this festive, spicy black tea.

Our petite teacups were part of my summer treat to myself
when I discovered the beautiful shop, Finzeas of Beachant, 
in the charming hillcountry town of Boerne, Texas.  

I think they are perfect with these special petal pink napkins.
I say "special" because these linens were a wedding gift
some 44+ years ago, and are cherished as such.
Do you have cherished wedding gifts that you still use?

The reindeer demitasse spoons were found last December
in Kansas City at, The French Market.
By Sabre, Paris

A vintage silver scuttle offers petit hearts to sweeten our tea.
Belle de Sucre, another uniquely French product.

The little reindeer cookies are a lemon flavored shortbread 
cookie from our local La Madeleine Bakery.
Look closely at how the clever baker took a gingerbreadman
cookie cutter and turned it upside down to create the head of a deer.

The photos reflect our dreary low light day,
but I sincerely hope you have enjoyed my virtual
French teatime by the twinkle of Christmas lights.
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Sunday, December 1, 2019

Tales of the Traveling Tote #21

Rabbit, Rabbit
Hello, December!
Welcome to 
Tales of the Traveling Tote #21.
Come in from the cold and join me by the fire.

Though Mother Nature brought us our hottest September on record,
we have since enjoyed a lovely fall, including an early freeze in October and pleasant days of sweater weather and cozy fires.

Many of my readers know that "The Chef
recently had successful knee replacement surgery.
Unfortunately complications from anestheia or pain meds 
sidetracked his return home, so I've not much travel to share.
Suffice it to say, my total energy and concentration 
has been focused on my guy, who I'm happy to report 
as of this week is now back home and doing well.
Many thanks to each of you for your notes of concern and
support during this past month.  I appreciate your friendships!

Every fall and spring, I head to Round Top Antiques Festival.
Miz Checkers is the gal that typically gets to go along.
She is the perfect size to carry my phone and wallet, 
while leaving lots of room for a few small treasures to take home.

There is always a lot to tempt this collector at heart,
but I admit this year I only came home with a few apothecary jars.

Booths are artifully styled with a multitude of fabulous finds.
It definitely has a Texas vibe, but don't be fooled, there are
many beautiful American, French, and English antiques.

One of my favorite booths each show is 
Cotton Seed Trading Company.
It is owned by my friend, Marsha, who is an amazingly creative stylist.  Marsha is one who currates her booth with interesting finds, and creatively uses various objects to set her fun tablescapes.
I've featured some of her tablescapes herehere, and here.

Miz Cherckers and I were out shopping in September and met
this charming young lady at a Williams Sonoma pop-up shop.

Toni's Toffee is made right here in Austin, one batch at a time
and let me just say, " My chef and I are avid fans!"
We keep it in our freezer for a quick little bite.

When we read that Toni's Toffee would be the feature at the Peached Tortilla's first Sunday in October, we took our 
good friend, Eddie, to celebrate his birthday.

The Chef and I enjoy Peached Tortilla's monthly 
Milkshakes, Burgers, and Bubbles 
offered the first Sunday of the month.  
Miz Checkers is always ready for an outing, and you can see previous special shakes here, here, and here.

October's offering was of course, 
Pumpkin spice and everything nice!
Toni's Pumpkin Spice Toffee Mega Shake 
featured a pumpkin praline ice cream base, topped with
Toni's Toffee, a housemade pumpkin roll, 
whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle.
Yum, Yum!

Yesterday, the last day of November, Miss Merri Mac
and I stopped by one of our favorite local shops.

We went to visit my darling long time friend, Vickie
the propertier of The Menagerie
a fine jewelry and gift salon that is full of temptations.
Click her link above and do some Christmas shopping!

We had been invited to stop by for a special photo 
opportunity with this jolly fellow and his darling helper.

 I haven't had a photo taken with Santa in decades, but
couldn't pass up the opportunity with this darling elf.

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Are you in the holiday spirit?

Be sure to visit all the adventures below.
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 
Emily with Miss Courtney ChildsThe French Hutch
Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
 Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box
Rita with Miss Luna C Panoply 
Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader
Cherry Kay and Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women  

Giveaway has ended.
Congratulations to Rusthawk.


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