Diamond in the Rough – American Heiresses Series Book 2 by Jen Turano This cover is to die for! 1885, New York, NY – Art provided by author - used with permission Now how is that for an opening line? Poppy has left her family’s Kentucky horse farm to come to New York at the request, or rather insistence of her excessively wealthy grandmother to experience her first “Season”. She tends to say and do the first thing that pops into her head often to the horror of her grandmother and those of the elite NY 400. Disaster tends to follow her, but since she is quite used to that she simply rolls with it. “Do you know that I once got knocked straight off a horse because a duck flew into me?” fan art by Susan Gibson Snodgrass ~ co-member of The Gilded Gals of Turano Street. Used with permission. The Earl of Lonsdale and his cousin, Reginald Blackburn have traveled from England to find an American heiress to marry, effectively rescuing the Earl from financial ruin. However, they are determined to find someone of good character. Something Reginald is certain Miss Garrison certainly is not from the unusual way her dance partner twirled her away, crashing directly into himself and her less than demure commentary to the perturbed host of the ballroom. Then later, finding her crawling on all fours in search of something. “Reginald was of the firm belief that always maintaining the proprieties was exactly what separated true ladies and gentlemen from the masses.” No, Miss Poppy Garrison was certainly not the type of woman he would approve of for his cousin. But when disaster and mystery follow Poppy around like a bad penny, Reginald finds himself caught up in her world, most unexpectedly. As does the meek mannered Mr. Middleton whom Poppy quickly befriends. I really enjoyed the dynamic of her relationship with both men who are distinctly different. Watching Murray Middleton grow and come into his own as the story progressed was a delight. The “snail scene” was hilarious. Very “Pretty Woman”. Just like in real life, the supporting characters take an active role and add so much to the story. TEA MOMENT: Ok, so I was so excited by the tea-themed cover of this novel, months before it was even close to release. So imagine my surprise when Poppy is at the tearoom in Rutherford & Co. and this happens, “They do offer an impressive assortment of teas, but…” She looked up. “Will you find me quite beyond the pale if I admit I don’t actually care for tea, preferring coffee instead?” "You don’t care for tea?” “Shocking, I know.” “Scandalous more like.” But, my little heart attack was quickly diminished by the hilarious scone and clotted cream scene. “Adele frowned, “You said you were savoring clotted cream when I first arrived.” “Savoring, detesting,” Poppy said with a wave of her hand. … FAITH MOMENT: MYSTERY NOTE: I genuinely thought I knew who the culprit of the story was, smiling to myself that I had figured it out. Boy was I wrong! The breadcrumbs that led me to my choice unexpectedly did NOT lead to who I thought they would. Naturally, that made the story even more exciting. While there is a bit of danger, there is not any gore or undue stress to the reader. I am so smitten with this book, I may have to forego my To-Be-Read pile in favor of re-reading older Jen Turano novels again! American Heiresses Series: Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019 Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019 Storing Up Trouble – book 3 tba I received a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Bethany House Publishing 5 stars CONNECT with the wonderful Jen Turano here – Facebook Page Website Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea! Heather Elizabeth
I’ve said it before but one of my favorite spring/summer pieces in my closet is this blush, pleated midi skirt. I feel like I’ve styled it so many ways – see here, here, here, and here! And one of my favorite color combos is blush and grey so I thought I’d bring in this saddle bag...
colored by the 5 year old Today I made these sweet lambs with the Littles. A fun way to introduce the Lamb of God. {"The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29} backside. I later added a ribbon to hang it, but made the mistake of centering it. If you add a ribbon, I recommend doing so behind the head since that is the heaviest section. colored by the 2 year olds. We "practiced" making swirls. You can find the free template here: PAPER LAMB scroll to the middle of the page where it says print template. I hope you get a chance to try these with your Littles this Easter season.
Diamond in the Rough – American Heiresses Series Book 2 by Jen Turano This cover is to die for! 1885, New York, NY – Art provided by author - used with permission Now how is that for an opening line? Poppy has left her family’s Kentucky horse farm to come to New York at the request, or rather insistence of her excessively wealthy grandmother to experience her first “Season”. She tends to say and do the first thing that pops into her head often to the horror of her grandmother and those of the elite NY 400. Disaster tends to follow her, but since she is quite used to that she simply rolls with it. “Do you know that I once got knocked straight off a horse because a duck flew into me?” fan art by Susan Gibson Snodgrass ~ co-member of The Gilded Gals of Turano Street. Used with permission. The Earl of Lonsdale and his cousin, Reginald Blackburn have traveled from England to find an American heiress to marry, effectively rescuing the Earl from financial ruin. However, they are determined to find someone of good character. Something Reginald is certain Miss Garrison certainly is not from the unusual way her dance partner twirled her away, crashing directly into himself and her less than demure commentary to the perturbed host of the ballroom. Then later, finding her crawling on all fours in search of something. “Reginald was of the firm belief that always maintaining the proprieties was exactly what separated true ladies and gentlemen from the masses.” No, Miss Poppy Garrison was certainly not the type of woman he would approve of for his cousin. But when disaster and mystery follow Poppy around like a bad penny, Reginald finds himself caught up in her world, most unexpectedly. As does the meek mannered Mr. Middleton whom Poppy quickly befriends. I really enjoyed the dynamic of her relationship with both men who are distinctly different. Watching Murray Middleton grow and come into his own as the story progressed was a delight. The “snail scene” was hilarious. Very “Pretty Woman”. Just like in real life, the supporting characters take an active role and add so much to the story. TEA MOMENT: Ok, so I was so excited by the tea-themed cover of this novel, months before it was even close to release. So imagine my surprise when Poppy is at the tearoom in Rutherford & Co. and this happens, “They do offer an impressive assortment of teas, but…” She looked up. “Will you find me quite beyond the pale if I admit I don’t actually care for tea, preferring coffee instead?” "You don’t care for tea?” “Shocking, I know.” “Scandalous more like.” But, my little heart attack was quickly diminished by the hilarious scone and clotted cream scene. “Adele frowned, “You said you were savoring clotted cream when I first arrived.” “Savoring, detesting,” Poppy said with a wave of her hand. … FAITH MOMENT: MYSTERY NOTE: I genuinely thought I knew who the culprit of the story was, smiling to myself that I had figured it out. Boy was I wrong! The breadcrumbs that led me to my choice unexpectedly did NOT lead to who I thought they would. Naturally, that made the story even more exciting. While there is a bit of danger, there is not any gore or undue stress to the reader. I am so smitten with this book, I may have to forego my To-Be-Read pile in favor of re-reading older Jen Turano novels again! American Heiresses Series: Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019 Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019 Storing Up Trouble – book 3 tba I received a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Bethany House Publishing 5 stars CONNECT with the wonderful Jen Turano here – Facebook Page Website Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea! Heather Elizabeth
We are Team Teacup, we love to chat about our adventures in crafting and thrifting while sipping tea.
A list of small businesses and black-owned businesses to shop this holiday. #ShopSmall this year!
Say shabby chic vintage wedding decor ideas and we dream of cozy venues. To get the idea, check out everything you need for the chic wedding.
RIGHT CLICK HERE TO OPEN TEA MUSIC IN NEW TAB - TO PLAY IN THE BACKGROUND So, almost one year ago, I wrote on this blog about National Hot Tea Day in America; January 12th per the Tea Council of the USA. [CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS POST] In honor of its 3rd year, I served tea to a group of 3-7-year-olds. However, first I had my own cuppa just as the kids were arriving. The 3-year-old little boy told me, "I like tea! I like tea! I like tea!" "Would you like a sip of my tea?" I offered. "Did you add caffeine?" he asked :-) I laughed, "No. It's decaf." "Ok", he said and happily took a drink. We practiced manners (saying grace, please and thank you, napkins on laps, sipping not slurping, sharing and passing, asking not grabbing, etc.). We had tea in the morning and tea in the afternoon. The Littles truly enjoyed it, as did I. I love passing along the gift and joy of teatime. During the past week, I also enjoyed reading book 2 in the exact same series I posted at this time last year, which I thought was a fun coincidence. Birthday flowers I received from 2 of the Littles :) Along with the book sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage – Book #2 Tales from Ivy Hill Julie Klassen •°o•:*:•.BUSY VILLAGE LIFE.•:*:• o°• Ivy Hill, Wilshire, England, September 1820 So much is happening in this second installment of Tales from Ivy Cottage. On the author’s character page found on [talesfromivyhill dot com] I counted over 100 characters! That’s a lot, but it makes for a very interesting series; one in which you can imagine yourself stepping back into time to visit the quaint village life. Jane Fairmont runs The Bell and had a starring role in the last book. Mercy Grove, schoolmistress and spinster, living with Matilda Grove (Aunt Matty). Rachel Ashford, currently being pursued by Nicholas Ashford, a distant second cousin who inherited her home after her parents were deceased. She now lives with Mercy and Matty and hopes to learn where her place in society is through attending the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society. James Drake, charmer/recent owner of The Fairmont hotel, shows interest in Jane, as well seeking information on a long lost acquaintance. Mr. Ainsworth, old sexton/gravedigger, is one of my favorite background characters. He has a deep respect for all things living, and a special scene with Jane which really yanked my heartstrings. Sir Timothy Brockwell, baronet, and former love interest to both Jane and Rachel during their youth, yet now 30 and never married. He is very kind but trapped by what’s expected and proper. These are just a handful of the interesting characters whose lives are woven together with day-to-day events, celebrations, losses, hopes and worry for the future, and faith. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and TEA, oh the tea… it is woven throughout time and again. Sigh. The author has some lovely pictures, character directory, map of the town, etc. all found under Tales From Ivy Hill dot com. internet photo from Art of Tea Book #2 © December 2017 Bethany House, 442 pages with discussion questions Book 3 – Book 3 – The Bride of Ivy Green, due out Dec. 2018 , due out Dec. 2018 [REVIEW & PICS RE BOOK 1 HERE] 5 stars (Reviews Posted to: Amazon.com / Amazon.CA, Amazon.Co.Uk / Barnes And Noble / BooksAMillion / CBD / DeeperShopping /GoodReads / Google Play /Indigo.CA / Kobo / Scribd.com / My FB page / Author’s FB page / My Pinterest) I hope you enjoyed my review and teatime with the Littles. Incidentally, January is also known as Natl. Hot Tea MONTH so you are not too late to join me in celebrating! We certainly have been partaking A LOT this month since school does not start back up until Tuesday, Jan. 16th. It has been divine. Lots of poetry tea times as well. my own photo with RWE quote. adorable google image Hugs and a cup of tea to you friends!
Award season is here and you'll want to be looking your best! Check out all the beauty essentials you'll need to get red carpet ready in this post!
Jeans & A Teacup is a lifestyle and fashion blog by Jessica Windle. Use this website as a source for inspiration on fashion, beauty, minimalism, & so much more!
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I made these sweet little footprint carrots with my daycare Littles this week, and thought some of you might enjoy seeing them. I used Crayola finger paints, a sponge brush, and cardstock. After the paint dried, I wrote an encouraging scripture around the edge that promotes growing in Christ, just like carrots grow! I then laminated it (optional), and we cut strips from green paint cards, and taped them to the back. "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." 2Peter 3:18 Max, knocked out on my lap... his usual happy place in the evening :) Enjoy your weekend friends!
About a week ago I was approached by longtime blogging friend/fellow tea enthusiast, Angela McRae, to see if I would be interested in reviewing her first novel. Well, what an honor to be asked! I wasn’t sure I could commit before release day, but she assured me anytime was fine. However, after checking my schedule for another book due to release, I still had plenty of time for that one! So, I am happy to say I enjoyed reading it in time for its upcoming release. I personally enjoy reading (in my head) in the correct accent the characters are speaking in. However, I was unsure of a proper GA accent. Checking You Tube, I found this fun example (view in blog). I certainly NEVER heard that when it's raining and the sun is shining it's called: The devil is beating his wife. Hahaha! Good stuff. It occurred to me to review the back section of the book first because sometimes you find great tidbits there before starting a book which I did! There are two recipes related to the story, as well as a warm greeting from Angela reminding her readers to cozy up with a cup of tea. I set my book (phone) aside and went to grab a pot of Titanic Tea by Harney and Sons ((smile)). •°o•:*:•. Clean, Cozy Murder Mystery in Small-Town, GA .•:*:• o°• Modern story, told in first person, past tense. After leaving the newspaper business a couple of years ago, Emma Madison and her Siamese kitty, Miriam Haskell, enjoy a quiet, small-town lifestyle, designing jewelry and hunting for more unique pieces in local shops and yard sales. On a particular spring day, she scored a great find and headed for her friend Carleen’s shop to double check the maker. However, her plans are quickly dismissed when the shop is crawling with police. After discovering the body of a friend, Emma vows to utilize her reporter skills and dig up any help she can to find the killer! But, that decision lands her in all kinds of hot water over the next couple of weeks. As with any small town, there are many characters, and gossip abounds! Detective Alan Shelton is a thorn in Emma’s side, but I quite liked him. He is diligent and concerned. I enjoyed the introduction of fellow artist Justin Hayes and found him to be a particular sweetheart, but naturally, in a murder mystery you can never be sure, so I kept my guard up regarding him. There are lots of artists and art details throughout, including specific jewelry makers I found fun to look up such as a Tank-Style watch by Cartier, first issued in 1917 and Trifari and Hollycraft Christmas tree pins. When googling Bakelite era teapot pins, the only one I found took me to, of all places, Angela’s website and a June 29, 2010 post she shared on her “Tea With Friends” blog. How fun is that? You should see ALL the pins in her collection. Stunning! Spiritual Moment (not too many, but Emma does attend church on Sundays): “The pastor’s hopeful message about the coming of Easter was exactly what I needed to hear.” I liked that I was reading the story just before Easter in real life (smile). Tea Moment(s) (Emma seems to favor more coffee than tea, but there were some): Ch. 18 features a lovely description of a 3-tiered tea platter with salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches, egg-olive salad, cranberry scones with clotted cream and jam, etc. all served in a friend’s home which I personally appreciated as I find home tea parties to be the best tea parties! There is also a hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Mama’s place featuring sweet tea, fried chicken and heavenly treats, such as fried peach pie which I had never heard of, but a quick google search shows it’s like an empanada and I am certain I would love to visit and try it all! Funny Moment(s): “The cowbell on the door made its customary clanging sound as I entered, and I got a nice whiff of Eau De Musty Antique Mall as I stepped inside.” I DID NOT figure out who the killer was, which was refreshing. If you enjoy clean murder mysteries set in a small town, I recommend this one as your next treasure! © April 16, 2019, Red Adept Publ. - 4 stars I was sent an eVersion of this book by the author in the hopes of a favorable review with no fee and no compensation. My opinion is entirely my own. Author: Angela McRae Connect with the author at Angela McRae dot com or her blog TeaWithFriends dot blogspot dot com. “Angela McRae began her writing career as a newspaper reporter, initially covering the police beat and then moving on to features. In a small local bookstore, Angela came across Laura Childs’s Death by Darjeeling, a tea shop mystery set in Charleston, SC. As a longtime tea lover, she had to try it, and she’s been hooked on cozy mysteries ever since. Angela currently lives with her husband in Georgia. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, going to afternoon tea with family and friends, and “junkin’” at flea markets and antique malls, where she often finds inspiring artifacts that wind up in her stories. She also writes a monthly cooking column for a local publication, the Coweta Shopper, and enjoys connecting with readers who love to cook.” CLICK TO ENTER ENTER TO WIN a signed copy by clicking the link by 7am EST, Friday, 4/12/2019 over at Angela's website. Good luck! Click to Purchase Here If you don't win, purchase a copy here: Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea! Would you mind lifting up a prayer for Angela and the success of her first novel? Thanks ever so much!
Looking for the softest cotton loungewear? Lunya's Airy Cotton set is comfortable enough to wear all day and all night!
About a week ago I was approached by longtime blogging friend/fellow tea enthusiast, Angela McRae, to see if I would be interested in reviewing her first novel. Well, what an honor to be asked! I wasn’t sure I could commit before release day, but she assured me anytime was fine. However, after checking my schedule for another book due to release, I still had plenty of time for that one! So, I am happy to say I enjoyed reading it in time for its upcoming release. I personally enjoy reading (in my head) in the correct accent the characters are speaking in. However, I was unsure of a proper GA accent. Checking You Tube, I found this fun example (view in blog). I certainly NEVER heard that when it's raining and the sun is shining it's called: The devil is beating his wife. Hahaha! Good stuff. It occurred to me to review the back section of the book first because sometimes you find great tidbits there before starting a book which I did! There are two recipes related to the story, as well as a warm greeting from Angela reminding her readers to cozy up with a cup of tea. I set my book (phone) aside and went to grab a pot of Titanic Tea by Harney and Sons ((smile)). •°o•:*:•. Clean, Cozy Murder Mystery in Small-Town, GA .•:*:• o°• Modern story, told in first person, past tense. After leaving the newspaper business a couple of years ago, Emma Madison and her Siamese kitty, Miriam Haskell, enjoy a quiet, small-town lifestyle, designing jewelry and hunting for more unique pieces in local shops and yard sales. On a particular spring day, she scored a great find and headed for her friend Carleen’s shop to double check the maker. However, her plans are quickly dismissed when the shop is crawling with police. After discovering the body of a friend, Emma vows to utilize her reporter skills and dig up any help she can to find the killer! But, that decision lands her in all kinds of hot water over the next couple of weeks. As with any small town, there are many characters, and gossip abounds! Detective Alan Shelton is a thorn in Emma’s side, but I quite liked him. He is diligent and concerned. I enjoyed the introduction of fellow artist Justin Hayes and found him to be a particular sweetheart, but naturally, in a murder mystery you can never be sure, so I kept my guard up regarding him. There are lots of artists and art details throughout, including specific jewelry makers I found fun to look up such as a Tank-Style watch by Cartier, first issued in 1917 and Trifari and Hollycraft Christmas tree pins. When googling Bakelite era teapot pins, the only one I found took me to, of all places, Angela’s website and a June 29, 2010 post she shared on her “Tea With Friends” blog. How fun is that? You should see ALL the pins in her collection. Stunning! Spiritual Moment (not too many, but Emma does attend church on Sundays): “The pastor’s hopeful message about the coming of Easter was exactly what I needed to hear.” I liked that I was reading the story just before Easter in real life (smile). Tea Moment(s) (Emma seems to favor more coffee than tea, but there were some): Ch. 18 features a lovely description of a 3-tiered tea platter with salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches, egg-olive salad, cranberry scones with clotted cream and jam, etc. all served in a friend’s home which I personally appreciated as I find home tea parties to be the best tea parties! There is also a hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Mama’s place featuring sweet tea, fried chicken and heavenly treats, such as fried peach pie which I had never heard of, but a quick google search shows it’s like an empanada and I am certain I would love to visit and try it all! Funny Moment(s): “The cowbell on the door made its customary clanging sound as I entered, and I got a nice whiff of Eau De Musty Antique Mall as I stepped inside.” I DID NOT figure out who the killer was, which was refreshing. If you enjoy clean murder mysteries set in a small town, I recommend this one as your next treasure! © April 16, 2019, Red Adept Publ. - 4 stars I was sent an eVersion of this book by the author in the hopes of a favorable review with no fee and no compensation. My opinion is entirely my own. Author: Angela McRae Connect with the author at Angela McRae dot com or her blog TeaWithFriends dot blogspot dot com. “Angela McRae began her writing career as a newspaper reporter, initially covering the police beat and then moving on to features. In a small local bookstore, Angela came across Laura Childs’s Death by Darjeeling, a tea shop mystery set in Charleston, SC. As a longtime tea lover, she had to try it, and she’s been hooked on cozy mysteries ever since. Angela currently lives with her husband in Georgia. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, going to afternoon tea with family and friends, and “junkin’” at flea markets and antique malls, where she often finds inspiring artifacts that wind up in her stories. She also writes a monthly cooking column for a local publication, the Coweta Shopper, and enjoys connecting with readers who love to cook.” CLICK TO ENTER ENTER TO WIN a signed copy by clicking the link by 7am EST, Friday, 4/12/2019 over at Angela's website. Good luck! Click to Purchase Here If you don't win, purchase a copy here: Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea! Would you mind lifting up a prayer for Angela and the success of her first novel? Thanks ever so much!
Award season is here and you'll want to be looking your best! Check out all the beauty essentials you'll need to get red carpet ready in this post!
I've been blogging for almost six years and since then I've landed a lot of brand collaborations. I've figured out what works for me and I thought I'd share the four main ways I land collabs!
Sage // Turmeric latte // Teacup Picture // Chair // Shearling // Rug Chambray // Tank // Jeans I savor nights at home where I get to relax, unwind and have quality “me” time. I wanted to share a few of my nighttime rituals with you (some of which I’ve shared on my […]
A casual girl sharing a love of Jesus, all things tea, books, and whatever I fancy!
Looking forward to reading The Road to Paradise next! Hello again. I mentioned these books in my last blog post (CLICK HERE), and now I wanted to share a little bookmark fun. I created this bookmark representing the novel series "Vintage National Parks" by going to the author's website and utilizing her free postcards. Except, I used my computer's "Snipping Tool" to capture the postcards and then paste them to MS.Word. Then I cropped the pictures to fit into a long table. I also added thumbnail size pictures to the top. I printed it on cream cardstock, cut with cute scissors, and hole punched the top. Then I added a cute ribbon and cross gifted to me by a friend and TA DA; a themed bookmark for this series that came together in no time at all. The quotes on each postcard are: 💜"All good things are wild and free." - Henry David Thoreau 🧡"The mountains are calling and I must go. - John Muir 💚"I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 💙"Of all the fire-mountains which, like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, Mount Rainier is the noblest." - John Muir I shared it with the author Karen Barnett who seemed pleased with my efforts. So I encourage you to have a little bookmark fun with whatever you are reading or a book you may be gifting :-) Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea!
Discover effortless style tips for Christy Dawn summer dresses. Tips on how to accessorize sustainable dresses for a perfect summer look.
I’ve been blogging for a little over 4 years (where does the time go?) and I feel like I’ve learned A LOT about blogging in that time frame. I’ve been wanting to start a “Better Blogging” series for quite some time now and I guess better late than never! I’m not an expert by any means...
If you are looking for a natural skincare line that's affordable, DERMA E is for you! I'm going over a few of their products that I'm adding to my routine
Unsure how to take your Pinterest Profile to the next level? Here are easy ways to get a standout Pinterest profile which drives more traffic to your blog!
Gingham is a classic print and I found the perfect top to create a black and white gingham outfit for spring and AND summer!
I'm sharing another way to wear a boyfriend blazer and cropped pant combo in today's outfit post! It is the perfect addition to any wardrobe…
Discover effortless style tips for Christy Dawn summer dresses. Tips on how to accessorize sustainable dresses for a perfect summer look.
A few months ago I got the opportunity to model a few wedding looks for A Stylish Soiree! A Stylish Soiree is a wedding planning company started in Dallas, Texas and now in Los Angeles, California. I got the chance to meet Becca – one of the founders currently running the LA division – and...
Today: Zombie perfume, panda porn, and cereal designed to boost your libido.
Discover effortless style tips for Christy Dawn summer dresses. Tips on how to accessorize sustainable dresses for a perfect summer look.
I have been having lots of fun over the last week........stitching up my sample of the beautiful new 'Teacups and Butterflies' Block of the Month Quilt by Leanne Knell from Petals & Patches. I started last Saturday on Block number...
Full review of the Reed + Gwen skincare line from Avocado Green Brands. A clean, plant-based line ft. a bath soak, body melt, and body oil!
