This week the Queen of England and the Commonwealth is celebrating the longest reign of a living monarch in her country. They are celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's 65 years of reign with the sapphire jubilee. We thought we would honor this momentous festivity in our way by having a spot of tea.
The reason I found this occasion worth noting and celebrating is because I admire the Queen so dearly. Upon a closer study of her you will find commitment and duty at its finest. She is extremely disciplined and well poised. Inheriting a job you can never retire from would be a daunting task, but not for Her Majesty the Queen. With a smile and a wave she proudly represents the head of Her people's land, and land abroad, of a legacy so refined it would make anyone take notice.
We selected some light sandwiches, various fruit, cakes, and sweets for our celebration. Placing in fresh flowers, books, and magazines added an opportunity for celebratory conversation in the Queen's honor. We also added in blue accent color to represent the sapphire achievement. Finally, we chose some cinnamon tea from The Greenbrier to add to the charm. Our tea was quite lovely and we had a jolly good time. Here is to a wonderful 65 years of reigning to the Queen, with more wonderful years to come!
Hope everyone is having a joyous Easter Sunday thus far! We have attended Sunday School and are patiently waiting for the Sunday feast to finish cooking. The mix of aromas drifting from the kitchen are tantalizing to say the least. What is finished is our dessert table, which we are also patiently waiting for, or should I say, practicing patience for.
On the table we have fresh flowers signifying the bloom of spring. We also have the traditional Easter Bunnies and eggs to complement the arrangement. But one of the most important details hangs above our table and draws the least amount of attention to itself; a thorn of crowns. It was on this day many years ago that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rose from the grave. It is this crown that we use in our home to represent the hope and renewal He gifted to us by sacrificing His life for ours. On this day I hope you and your family also remember the reason we celebrate Easter Sunday. Oh and don't worry, we have more cupcakes hidden on reserve ;)
I also put together this Easter basket cake to tie in the holiday theme further into our dessert. The cake was simply made; two 8 x 8 cakes stacked on top each other with chocolate icing, malt Easter eggs for topping, and Kit Kat bars positioned around the perimeter. SUPER easy and SUPER festive.
Hope you enjoyed our post and hope everyone's Easter Sunday is filled with hope and love.
Being of Irish decent, St. Patrick's Day is an unofficial holiday looked upon as a wonderful time in my house. It has been celebrated in the United States since the late 18th century, but what is the day all about? Well, that’s the best part. Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. As legend would have it, Patrick was converted to Christianity and used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans. He used a piece of nature as a training aid to instill the cause of God causing green to become synonymous with the day. It is said that he converted thousands to the cause of Christianity. The day eventually integrated into festivals, parades, eating, and the much consumption of Irish alcohol and liquor. You won’t find too much Irish spirits in our house but you will find us celebrating the way we like to - with tea and treats! Finding a lot a lot of green décor and some tea items sets me up for the day. I even had some fun with putting a green mustache on my tea cup. However you decide to celebrate your Saint Patrick’s Day, I hope the luck of the Irish is with you and please don’t forget the Christian faith it’s rooted in.
Last month marked the 203rd publication anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I have loved this book for SO long and have it in several editions (a bit obsessive I know). With the publication anniversary and the new Pride and Prejudice and Zombies movie releasing this month, I thought a Jane Austen memorabilia post was in order.
You know you may be an 'Austenite' when most of your gifts are Jane Austen themed! Here are links to the gifts in the photos:
This week we will be putting a post up everyday until Christmas. Today I thought we'd kick off the week's holiday posts with a history of poinsettias. Poinsettias are traditionally used around Christmas time and are known for their red and green color. Poinsettias were brought to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett (which is from whom their name derives from), and were brought to Mexico from Egypt! In Mexico they are known as Flor de Noche Buena, which translates to Christmas Eve Flower. Poinsettia were not associated with Christmas until the 16th century when the legend of a young girl too poor to present a present for the celebration of Jesus' birthday placed weeds in front of the church alter, as instructed by an angel. The weeds sprouted to resemble the poinsettia we know today. The star-shaped leaf pattern of the poinsettia is also said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, further tying it in to Christmas traditions.
A couple lesser known facts about the poinsettia includes that the poinsettia is toxic. Although the poinsettia's toxin is only mild, if the toxins get inside an eye cavity the eye will temporarily go blind. Another fact is that the poinsettias are different colors throughout the seasonal year.
Run, run, run, as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man! - Nursery rhyme
As I was researching different spices to put in my gingerbread cupcake recipe, I stumbled upon some really cool facts about gingerbread! Ginger root was first used in China, from there it spread and was used medicinally to help prevent the plague in the Black Death. It can still be used medicinally today for nausea and stomach aches. Gingerbread is also a good preservative for other foods such as meats. Gingerbread was said to be first baked in the 11th century in England. However, in the 1600s Nuremberg, Germany was named the Gingerbread Capital of the World. Bakers have been recorded baking gingerbread as early as 1296 in Germany. In fact, only master bakers and skilled workers were allowed to create their versions of gingerbread in the 17th century there.
Elizabeth I of England is credited with the idea of gingerbread men. She asked for the gingerbread to be shaped in likeness of some of her important visitors. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the world’s largest gingerbread man was created in Oslo, Norway, on November 9, 2009. The gingerbread man weighed a little over 1,435 pounds.
The history of gingerbread houses are a little more sketchy. The Brothers Grimm are thought to be the originator of the gingerbread house because of their story, Hansel and Gretel. However, others disagree, stating that the gingerbread house was the inspiration for their story. Both Hansel and Gretel and gingerbread houses became popular during the same time period, so it is hard to determine which came first. The Guinness World Record was broken for the largest gingerbread house in 2013, in Texas. The gingerbread house was a 2,520-square-foot edible-walled house and it was estimated to have over a 35.8 million calorie value. They needed 2,925 pounds of brown sugar, 1,800 pounds of butter, 7,200 eggs and 7,200 pounds of general purpose flour. Now that's a lot of ingredients!
Hope you enjoyed reading! And don't forget, next time you are feeling a little sick to your stomach, eat a gingerbread man! ;)
Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 package of cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 stick of butter (room temperature for icing)
- 1 1/2 cups of butter (room temperature for cake)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (cake)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (icing)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (cake)
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (icing)
- 2 tablespoons of ground ginger
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- gingerbread cookie mix with packaged icing and ingredients to make them
Directions
- Mix and roll out cookie dough. Cut out shapes and bake as directed on the package. When finished baking, trace icing around their edges and set aside.
- While the cookies are baking, mix flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter to a cream. Add in molasses and stir until it in blended into the mixture. Next mix in the eggs one at a time. Then add in the sour cream and vanilla extract until blended. Finally, take the flour-spice mixture and stir in a little at a time until everything is in one bowl.
- Fill the cupcake tin a little under halfway full because the batter expands a lot! Bake the cupcakes at 350*F for 20-25 minutes.
- While the cupcakes are baking, mix cream cheese, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together to start the icing. Then add in the powdered sugar a little at a time.
- To finish the cupcakes, place the cinnamon icing on top and plunge a cookie into the center.
Additional Comments
- Since they have cream cheese icing, they should be stored in a refrigerated area. This will allow the icing to become firm and cool.
- If needed, place the cupcakes in the fridge to allow the icing to firm before placing the cookies on top.
I made a video tutorial with my brother on these cupcakes as well. Check it out:)
“The mere chink of cups and saucers tune the mind to happy repose” - George Gissing
There is nothing like the enjoyment someone can receive from owning and using the perfect tea cup.Perhaps it’s the fond reminiscences of conversations during tea time with friends, or the memories invoked by a perfect day antiquing, that makes a tea cup hold a special place in your heart.Each tea cup in my home not only holds a special story and pleasurable memory, but is considered a beloved collectible.
Like anything else, the tea cup has quite a history.Their history began in China as a simple and handle free vessel.When tea became popular among the Europeans in the 17th century, they found it quite intolerable to hold a steaming hot cup. So the addition of a tea handle was born and became an integral part of teatime. They first used silver as the handles, but they seemed to also hold heat. This became a problem with the holding of the tea cup. Next came a wonderful solution through changing the silver to porcelain in the 1600’s. However, porcelain did had some draw backs as well. This is why an influential lady started adding milk in the teacup before the hot tea was served. Tempering the tea in this manner made the tea cup better to handle and kept it from cracking.
Now that teacups could be handled easily, they became integrated into society for not only a pleasurable experience for relationships, but status also.In the 19th century, the tea cup took on another role as a collectible. They found their way upon display shelves and used as gifts and keepsakes. They became little pieces of art that could intrigue anyone’s interest. They have become a vital part of culture and deeply rooted in family tradition. Whether the expanse of your tea cup collection is large or small, expensive or modestly found at an antique store, the repose found in them is the same. I hope, like me, you find some comfort and enjoyment out of using a variety of your own teacup collection to ensure the legacy of the teacup endures to the future generation.
A couple of weeks ago some friends took me on a local hike. I took advantage of this opportunity to have tea while taking in the view at the top. We visited Raven Rock State Nature Preserve, a long and winding path of land that leads to a rock jutting out of a hillside, creating a breathtaking overlook. Raven Rock sets 500 feet above the Ohio River and provides ample views of the Portsmouth area, and roughly 14 miles of the Ohio River. Not only does Raven Rock provide such a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, but also includes a rich history. Raven Rock is known for hosting visits
from Tecumseh, a great Shawnee Chief, and Daniel Boone. In fact, Daniel Boone was held captive by the Indians and in an effort to get away, jumped off Raven Rock and into a tree. He was then able to shimmy down the tree and flee back to his hometown in Kentucky. Raven Rock was used extensively by various Indian warriors watching the river
for American boats. The was an ideal lookout because it allowed the then
Shawnee and Cherokee Indian warriors plenty of time to prepare for ambush. Raven Rock was also known as a sacred spot, and is where some of the Indians worshiped. The origin of the rock’s name is unknown, however there are multiple legends to compensate for the lack of factual history. The most obvious is that the rock is named for its resemblance to a raven, while others claim it is named from a prominent Cherokee chief that died in battle in the area, The Raven of Toqua. There is also myth of a lost tomb that resides in the recesses of the hill. The tomb is said to house a great leader of the Ancient Ones. Avalanches and rock slides have prevented anyone stumbling across the grave.
The hike itself is tedious ascent, and the effort it took to get to the top, I believe, made the tea taste better! I premade Peach Tea and placed it in a thermos for easy transport. I also brought along a couple tea cups, candle, and blanket. It felt marvelous to sip tea with friends and take in the historical view.
More information on the history and location of Raven Rock is found here.
Special thanks to Philip Ferguson for being my pack mule. Another special thanks to both Philip and Hannah Ferguson for inviting me to hike with them!
So here it is, Labor Day, the first Monday of September. Wow where has summer gone? The unofficial last weekend of summer has crept in on us. It's the time of year where everyone tries to pack in parades, swimming, cookouts, and every summer activity that they can before the changing of leaves and cool weather hits us. But what's Labor Day about? It's not only about the time of year when everyone puts up all their white accessories and marches back to the sounds of school bells and whistles, but it has a much deeper value. In the late 19th century, the normal work week looked like 12 hours a day, 7 days a week; even for young children. Labor unions were formed and rallied to fight for workers' rights. Since then this Unique American holiday has stood for the safety and the working right of every American worker across this great nation. So, in your extra day off this year, please remember all of those who have sacrificed for your right to work a safe 40 hour work week.
What other way to celebrate this wonderful holiday than having tea by the pool as a last summer hurrah. Any cup of tea offers a wonderful way to stop and relax on your extended weekend off. We simply made up some tuna salad and placed them on some miniature croissants, which made a wonderful tea sandwich. Next, we gathered up some delightful pastries and placed them around our super cute tea pot. Once we got everything set up outside by the pool, it was an incredibly inviting and fun time of combining swimming and tea. I hope this inspires you to do the same!
There is nothing like stepping back in time and taking in America's past. Nestled on an island in the middle of the Ohio River is the Blennerhassett Mansion. Near Parkersburg, West Virginia this estate displays a timeless house that gives us a glimpse into America's frontier. Although the island has a beautiful and placid atmosphere, its past is shrouded with mystery and a turbulent past. Built by Harman Blennerhassett and his wife Margaret, they settled on the island in 1798. Harman was a wealthy Irish Aristricrat who was trained as a lawyer and liked to tangle himself in political affairs. Accused of a military enterprise with Aaron Burr in 1806, President Thomas Jefferson accused both men of treason and imprisoned them in the Virginia State Penitentiary. Although both men were aquitted, there lives wer largely ruined.
The esquisite mansion burned down in 1811 leaving the outlines of a once beautiful but lost past. However, modern archaeologist rediscovered its foundations in 1973. The Blennerhasset mansion was carefully rebuilt to display the architectural history in the 1990's.
Any historical charm and environment can make tea and a picnic quite inviting. Watching tour guides dressed in time period costumes gives the imagination quite a stir when invisioning how many picnics and tea parties might have been cherished on that landscape in times past. We wanted not only the pleasure of learning a slice of history, but to feel engaged also. We packed up a few tea and picnic items and placed them into a backpack. Next, we were able to select some wonderful tea flavors and food items from our breakfast at our hotel. Finally, we stopped and purchased some sandwhich items and chips that would complete a picnic and tea combination. After touring the Blennerhassett Mansion, riding a horse drawn wagon, and renting bikes to tour the island, we laid out our tea and picnic display right in front of the mansion and enjoyed a delightful lunch. I can't even tell you how wonderful it was to indulge in the quite treat. When it was time to leave, we walked back to the river boat, the Island Belle, and enjoyed the lovely river tour back to Parkersburg. This trip was an all around wonderful experience and I hope it has inspired you to do the same.
As far as printed fabrics go, toile is by far my ultimate favorite.Any and every chance I can use its old world charm I do.Toile is a French word that is not pronounced like it’s written, and has been shortened from its original name.Originally called Toile de Jouy (pronounced twahl de zhwee) after the town, Jouy-en-Josas, a village near Verailles. French Toile has quite a history and it doesn’t even start in France, for which it’s famous.It originated from Ireland in 1752 by Frances Nixon, who invented a way of machining the print onto fabrics with copperplate printing.When Nixon introduced them to England, they were an instant success and manufacturing began.Due to a ban at the time on France for exporting cotton manufacturing, they were falling behind on their industry.When the ban was lifted, a French printer hired a designer and opened the Jouy factory. Due to their high standards and artistry, the Jouy plant became synonymous with the toile design.It became the fabric of the French court, especially with Marie Antoinette.
Benjamin Franklin, a printer himself, was the first American to buy toile and bring back to the colonies.It was an instant success here.Despite a ban on skilled textile workers leaving England, Franklin was able to help a man by the name of John Hewson leave his country to produce such fabrics in America.It took America nearly 50 years before they were able to compete with the British textile factories.Because of industrialization and social change the toile design lost its popularity fairly quickly but was revived in the Colonial Revival movement that officially began 1876 in Philadelphia.Since then it has always been a popular fabric here in America, even having peak popularity known as “toile fever.”
This enduring and endearing fabric can be an inexpensive way of bringing stories of the past and charm into anyone’s home.It can be found by just about any retailer and online.Most of my toile is a Waverly print that I have bought in various places because of its popularity and convenience. Here is a room I have decorated with yellow and blue toile wallpaper and curtains.
All information was retrieved from the following book: Toile: The storied Fabrics of Europe and America by Michele Palmer.
