Hey Y'all!

I just realized a few days ago that I have not blogged in several weeks!  I've been busy getting ready to go away for a couple of of months... tomorrow I'm off to California, Nevada, and then to Georgia to stay with my Mama for awhile!  Of course, Mama raised me to make sure the house was clean when I go away...just in case I don't come back.  "Lord have mercy, you don't want mourners coming into a dirty house!"

So, I've been busy...I Annie Sloan-ed this cabinet in the kitchen.  It's "Old Ochre" and I love the way you can use the paint indoors...there are no paint fumes!  Once I got started, then I had to clean and organize the entire kitchen!

Polishing all the silver...

Went through my stash of paper plates...I'm a paper plate hoarder!  The two patterns in the bottom photo are my favorites.

Then it was on to my paper napkins...I do crack myself up all the time!

Just a few of my napkin rings and place card holders.

I cleaned everything on top of my cabinets.  Only six roosters survived the reorganization plan!

On my way to my friend Lane's house with the stuff that didn't make the cut...I'm not a very good packer.  But, I do love to give Lane my loot, 'cuz she makes me Cuban coffee in exchange.  Worth it!!!

I entertained with a very informal supper.  Pink rooster and gingham dinnerware.

I served strawberry shortcake for dessert.  This is my husband's favorite dessert!

During my cleaning spree, I took a break for "Elevenses Tea" served on the kitchen island.  That little rooster teapot was one of the fortunate roosters to survive my cleanup!

Here's some of the outfits I've been wearing:

'Derby Day' Lilly Pulitzer shift.

Monogrammed 'Havana Good Time' Lilly Pulitzer shift.

'Oh Jackie' Lilly Pulitzer shift.

I can't remember where I bought this comfy orange tunic.  I do love the J Crewlet tortoise cuff with the monogrammed decal I slapped on it.

I loved the black gingham blouse and bright yellow J Crewlet cardi.  Of course the purse, shoes, and belt are all Chanel.  But, the stars of this outfit are the critter bangles from Target!

Today starts the first leg of my vacation...Palm Beach to Palm Springs!

This morning, I served a light Brunch to celebrate the first day of our vacation.  In the words of Lee Radziwill, "Brunch after 11 am is just lunch!"  So y'all make sure you serve Brunch before 11 am!

Getting ready with a little roadie for the trip to the airport...I have a huge fear of flying!!!

January is National Hot Tea Month

I'm stepping back away from the Starbucks cups for now and sippin' some hot tea.  January is National Hot Tea month and even though I'm in warm, sunny Florida, I still enjoy tea in the morning.    I'm definitely getting back on my "Clean Living Diet" and tea is the perfect beverage to add to a healthy meal, whether it's hot tea or iced tea. Tea has so many health benefits...it's high in polyphenols, a type of anti-oxidant that may protect our cells from the DNA damage that can cause many diseases. Harney Tea is by far my favorite tea and this morning I'm enjoying some of their Florence tea.  It's a flavored black tea, with hazlenut and chocolate flavors.   

Back in 2009, I blogged all about tea during the entire month of January.  If you search my archives, you will find blog posts about The History of Tea, The Health Benefits of Tea, Steeping Tea, Times for Tea, Tea Accoutrements, Styles of Tea Service, Tips to Remember at the Tea Table, and Tea and Dining Etiquette.

Now is the perfect time to have tea with children and teach them how to behave at the table.

"Children's Tea and Etiquette" by Dorothea Johnson, John Harney, and Ann Noyes is the perfect book for those want to breed good manners in young minds...You'll find everything you need to know about children's tea and etiquette...from the invitations...to the thank-you notes!

Ms. Johnson has also written another book...with Bruce Richardson, "Tea and Etiquette."  This book is a must-read for those who take tea for business or pleasure.  It includes chapters on tea history, tea and health information, hosting an afternoon tea at home, tea faux pas, guest duties at a social tea, going out to tea, business tea etiquette, finessing the food at tea, tea types, steeping guides, and recipes.

Please join me and lift your teacups during January to toast National Hot Tea month.  Remember, tea is considered the beverage of hospitality...so go steep some tea!