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!!!

Valentine Cards

If you followed my blogposts in January during "National Hot Tea Month," I blogged about "Times for Tea". Tea time is anytime, however, there certain names for special times of the day to take tea.

"Elevenses" is my personal favorite. It is a mid-morning break with tea and maybe crumpets with jam. Well today, I'm writing my Valentine messages and sipping some delicious Harney 'Valentine's Blend' tea. It's really getting me into the Valentine's spirit!
The teapot...I'm using a teapot for one--I purchased this little pot at the Magnolia & Ivy Tearoom in Destin, Florida {now closed}. I have placed a few heart-shaped cookie treats on the side of the saucer for convenience. It is perfectly proper to place a few dainty tea foods on the side of the tea saucer and especially convenient when you may be standing at a buffet-style tea or seated at your desk.
The writing instrument...Have you ever received a memorable Valentine gift? This ball pen, from the Santos de Cartier collection was a sweet gift to me years ago and y'all know I just love cute accessories! The screw motif decor with the Cartier signature is a discreet tribute to the encounter of the jeweller and the aviator Santos-Dumont in the early 20th century. Although I have several pieces from the Cartier 'Eternity' collection, I also adore this 'Love' design!
Valentine goodies...Chocolate, flowers, and sweet cards are all traditions on Valentine's Day. This day is not just for couples who are in love; it's for family and friends also. Remember that the day can be a thorn in the side of people who are not involved in a relationship, so try to think of those who might otherwise feel left out--send them a sweet card or just bake them some brownies, something simple to let them know you are thinking about them.

Tea With Miss Janice, Post #4

Tea time is anytime; however, there are certain names for special times of the day to take tea.

Breakfast Tea

Tea may be served at breakfast whether it is a hearty breakfast or breakfast in bed. I like to serve a muffin and fruit with tea on a tray to my overnight guests.

Breakfast Tea served on Blue Willow china--you can't be a tea lover and not have Blue Willow!

Elevenses
In Britain, workers take a tea break around 11:00 a.m. instead of a coffee break like Americans. Elevenses is my personal favorite--since I'm always working at home, I take an "Elevenses Break" for tea, crumpets, and jam. Crumpets are fat-free and delish; they are sort of like an english muffin, only softer and sweeter.

"Elevenses" at Miss Janice's Desk (yes, I use a knife and fork to cut the crumpet:-) I love this little teapot for one--I purchased it at the Magnolia & Ivy Tearoom in Destin, Florida (now closed). The tea plate and teacup & saucer is a favorite pattern of mine--Lenox Accoutrements, designed by Anna Griffin.
Full Afternoon Tea

Most Americans refer to afternoon tea as high tea because of its regal sound. However, high tea in Britain features heavier foods and is usually served AFTER 6:00 p.m.

The tradition of afternoon tea began in England in 1840. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, would suffer from a sinking feeling around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Bless her heart--I get that also! She would invite friends to her castle for tea, sandwiches, and sweets. Soon afternoon tea became a widespread social practice, complete with rules of tea etiquette. Afternoon tea became known also as "low tea," because it was usually taken in a sitting room where low coffee tables are placed near chairs and sofas. Along with the tea, there are three distinct courses served at a full afternoon tea--savories, scones, and sweets.

Full Afternoon Tea with savories, scones, sweets, and tea

Cream Tea
A Cream Tea is taken in the afternoon and served with tea and scones with jam and clotted cream (the clotted cream is a must and the reason for the name).

A Cream Tea served using Lenox Eternal china, my bridal pattern.

Light Tea
A Light Tea is taken in the afternoon and served with tea, scones and jam, and sweets.

A Light Tea using Franciscan Ivy my mama gave me...I think it's a perfect china for tea!


Royal Tea
A Royal Tea is also taken in the afternoon and served with tea, savories, scones, sweets, and a special dessert. Champagne or sherry is also served at a Royal tea.

A Royal Tea with savories, scones and sweets

I served a champagne punch at my Royal Tea

A special dessert in addition to the sweets on the tea tray was also served.

Silver Tea
A Silver Tea is a fund-raising tea usually given by a Church or charitable organization.

A Silver Tea

High Tea
This is a heavy meal, not a dainty affair (no tea sandwiches here), and usually held after 6:00 p.m. Tea is served along with the meal.



If you've been following my tea posts for the month, so far you have learned: The history of tea and where it is produced, the varieties of tea and stages of processing, some health benefits of tea, how to prepare your tea, and today you've learned about the names for special times of the day to take tea. I hope you are enjoying National Hot Tea Month. It's a great time of the year to sip a cuppa of your favorite tea or try a new variety of tea!



This weekend I will be featuring a review of a tearoom here in South Florida. For me, this is one of the exciting things about moving to a different state--there's a whole lot of new tearooms to visit!



Tea always makes me feel a little more civilized. No matter where I take tea, I feel a calming charm. Tea conjures up feelings of elegance and gentility.