It's a coming......

Hi all,
Just wanted to say "hope you're ready, because 2009 is speeding
our way".

I don't know about you but I have all kinds of ideas swirling around in my brain for the coming year.



Here's a bit of my list:

Organize my photos
Paint and freshen up the my Mstr. bedroom
Stock my lollishops store with "all things tea"
Create new collages, with more of my painting designs
Write more hand written letters to friends and family

Well, that's just a bit of my swirling ideas, now if I just don't procrastinate too long, I'll get them
all set into motion before 2010 comes along, lol.

But before the New Year is here, I need to get ready for the New Years celebration at our house.
We are having about 16 people come over to greet the new year and it will be loud and crazy but soooo much fun!
So, I'll put away the 2009 goals for now and concentrate on the preparations for Wednesday night and I'll be back in the New Year to say hello :)

talk to you soon,
deborah

Which one are you?

Hi all,
Santa wants to know if you have been naughty or nice this year!

Lollishops is waiting for you!

Hi all,

What is pink all over and sparkles on every page?
Well, it's Lollishops, of course!!!!

If you haven't checked out the new fav thing, then hop right on over to Lollishops and you'll be so glad you did.
One of my fav shops on lolli is called, Sweet Necessi-Teas.
Since my new shop on lollishops is going to be all about tea, this shop just caught my eye with the beautiful tea cozies.
Isn't this one darling? Looks like a victorian dress.

My shop is called thefrenchteacup and will also be filled with all things tea. Lots of tags, cards and collages and more. So look for fun tea stuff as the new year begins.

In the mean time, check out Lollishops and all it's fantastic vendors, and you'll be sooo glad you did.
Talk to you soon,
deborah

Pretty Petals is having a blog Christmas Party

Hi all,
Just wanted to let you know about a lovely Christmas party that is being held today by Pretty Petals.
It's a blog party and there are oodles of people who are
participating.
So if you'd like to see all the pretty ideas, foo foo decorating, and much more, then
go to Pretty Petals blog and scroll down until you see the list of party attendees.

My Christmas pretties that I'd like to show for the party are my collection of snowmen.
Every year for the last couple of years I've been adding to my little friends.
Some of them are handcrafted by a local woman and they just have so much personality.
And a couple of my other little Christmas friends wanted to be in the photos also, so there are a couple of their sweet faces peeking into the camera too.

Okay, I am off now to look at all the pretty petals Christmas parties that are in full swing!
Talk to you soon,
deborah

And the winner of the Tea Party Tea Cup is......

JoyAnna!!!!

You are my tea party giveaway winner!

I reached into my little vintage tea pot and pulled out your name!
So, keep an eye out for a package to arrive in your mailbox soon. :)
Hope you enjoy the tea cup and goodies.

JoyAnna.etsy.com also has a wonderful shop over on the handmade site called etsy and if you get a chance make sure you check out her shop!
She creates some of the most wonderful totes and purses. My fav in her shop is this black and white french toile bag. Isn't it darling?
So, scoot right over there when you get a chance, you'll be happy you did.

Toile Country Shoulder bag

and for those of you who stayed til the very end of the tea, you got a chance to win this cute little tea bag holder. Only three of you took on this challenge, lol. It involved counting!
Even I had a difficult time with this one!
So, how many times did the word Tea appear in four of the posts?
Welllll, it was 82.
And the winnnnnerr is.........

Yippeevintage!!!!!

She guessed 84, there were two other guesses of 78 and 79! So, everyone was really close.
Soooo, yippee for Yippeevintage :)
Expect a package in your mailbox soon, yippee.
Yippeevintage.etsy.com also has a shop on etsy, where she sells beautiful vintage jewelry, so make sure you get a chance to check out her shop too.
Here's one of my favs from her store.

filigree and rhinestone... ring

Hope you all had a fun time at the tea party. I sure did!
We had 15 guests at the actual tea and a few others who came later, so it was a
very fun party.
I'm thinking of giving another tea sometime in the Spring, so if you couldn't make it this
time, maybe you'll be able to join us then. There will be fun giveaways too :)

Remember to take a little time out of your busy Christmas season to partake in a bit of tea and ponder on all of lifes blessings.
Talk with you soon,
deborah

Thank you all for such a wonderful tea party day!!

Thank you ladies, for giving me such a wonderful, glorious tea party!!!
Here's to you all,
MiMi, Popalicious,Bevie,Tracy(Tiedupmemories), Monika(myeuropeantouch), Artsparker, Tam(BarkerBell), Glenda(Twocooltexans), Kathy(Catnipstudios), Yippevintage and JoyAnna. And due to computer error, I lost a page today and it showed up on Etsy cottage Styles blog, so here are a few more ladies who joined the tea today via Cottage Style. Tracy M, Lynn, EnglishcottageRose, and Sherry.
Your comments made me laugh and teary eyed all at the same time and I felt so blessed to have you all for my guests.
I could go on for days with things all about tea, but must bring the party to an end and go and get ready for a real world ladies tea this evening.
Hope you all got to take a little time for yourself and that the tea party also brought a bit of
fun to your day and heart.

In a bit I will announce the winner of the tea cup giveaway, and also for the tea bag holder.
And don't forget, if you would like me to send you a tea party favor, just email me at 1starrydeborah@att.net or convo me on etsy. I would love for you all to have a memento of the party.

I will leave you with this quote :

Tea pot is on, the cups are waiting,
Favorite chairs anticipating,
No matter what I have to do,
My friend there's always
time for you.

Anonymous


Until next post,
deborah

Tea party is in full tea mode!!

Yes, we are busting at the seams in my little cottage.
Tea is flowing and conversation is lively and I am loving it,
I believe one can never have too much laughter or tea in their life.
Did you know the more you laugh, the healthier you are? It's true!

I just wanted to recommend a great little book called "Time for Tea"
Tea and Conversation with Thirteen English Women, by Michele Rivers.
It has the most wonderful articles on each of these women and how tea is such
a big part of their lives. And the photography in the book is just gorgeous!
It includes favorite recipes from the women and little peeks into their daily lives.

Hey, Christmas is coming, add it to your wish list, you'll be glad you did.

********************************************************************


For those of you with sweethearts, don't forget to include them in your tea ritual.
I have a brother in law, that just loves to drink tea, and he even picks out a fine china tea cup
to drink it in.
Soooo, brew your sweetie their fav flavor of tea and take some time to
just sit together and reconnect during this busy season.












Here's another quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I got nasty habits; I take tea at three."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mick Jagger

Ooooohhhh, I hear someone knocking on my door, who could it be?
Well, hello Monika, from myeuropeantouch, I'm so glad you could make it here to the tea today.
We are having a wonderful time getting to know each other. I hear it's raining out your way, so hope you can warm up with a bit of tea and relax.
I added your name to the teapot too :)


I was just about ready to announce another little giveaway.
Whoever is the first person to give me the correct count on the word of "tea" from the last four posts, will go home with this darling little tea bag holder (well, I'll actually have to send it to you, lol).
Just leave me a comment on your guess.

Ohhh, there's another knock at my door, and I see it's Denise, come on in sweetie, there's still goodies left and the tea is steaming.
I'll add your name to the teapot!

Look whose joined us for tea today!

Welcome ladies,
So lovely to have you join us today for tea.
I see that MiMi is having a bit of Chamomile tea and enjoying the lovely falling of rain outside her lovely home today.
and Artsparker is enjoying a bit of Jasmine tea.
And ohhh, look another tea guest just arrived, and it's Popalicious, and she's also gazing out of the window on a rainy day, her tea of choice today is Hazelnut Chocolate!
My sister in law also stopped by for a quick cup of tea before she had to run off to work.

I'm so thrilled to visit with all of you ladies and that Hazelnut Chocolate sounds delicious!
It's a sunny day here in California, but rain is in the forecast for this weekend and it's even predicted that we'll get a bit of snow too. I can't wait. And you can be sure that when it rains I'll be snuggled up on my loveseat with a cup of tea enjoying the pitter patter on the rooftop :)

Looks like the tea pot is starting to fill up. I wonder who will be the lucky winner?

Tracy, from Tiedupmemories, has just joined us too.
She's had trouble leaving comments on my blog, so I am chatting with her via convo on etsy.
She's having scones and lemon curd with her tea!!! Doesn't that sound delicious!

OOOhhhh, someone else is at my door, and it's Yippeevintage!
I see she is having orangespice tea with us today. I think I can smell the spices as I type!


The table is filling up quickly now!
JoyAnna has joined us and is brewing a bit of English breakfast tea and also enjoying the rain and Tam/BarkerBell is enjoying sugar and cream in her tea, she must have a sweet tooth like me!
And Bevie is joining us today along with Kathy of Catnipstudios. Kathy did you say you can smell peaches? Well, so can I!

Now the teapot is really filling up:)

Here's another quote:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somehow, taking tea together encourages an atmosphere of intimacy when you slip off the timepiece in your mind and cast your fate to a delight of tasty tea, tiny foods, and thoughtful conversation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gail Greco


For those of you who would like me to send them a tea party favor, just leave your home address on my etsy convo or email me with it to 1starrydeborah@att.net.
I've sent out six to already and would love to send out more.

I just found this lovely photo of teacups and rain on an etsy shop called couragemylove.etsy.com isn't it beautiful?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18541841

Tempest in a Teacup

Christmas Tea Recipe:
____________
2 cups boiling water
6 black tea bags
1cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups cranberry/raspberry juice cocktail.
In a teapot, steep tea bags and spices with water, 5 to 6 minutes.
Heat juice to nearly boiling, stir in sugar.
Add hot juice to teapot.
Serve! and Enjoy!


We have another guest joining us today, it's Glenda of the Etsy shop TwocoolTexans and she is one of my most fav artists on etsy!
I'll add your name to the teapot Glenda.

Here's a bit more of
Did you know?

5. It's important to dip your tea bag up and down about 10 times in your hot water,
because it releases special antioxidants.
6. Antioxidant-rich black tea may help lower cholesterol, a major risk factor of heart disease.
7. Tea labeled organic does not ensure quality, but does certify that the tea is grown without
using any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides for at least three years.
8. A 2006 study showed that elderly Japanese people who consumed more than two cups of green tea a day had a 50percent lower chance of developing cognitive impairment.

So drink up everyone!


Here's some pampering for your face.
A Tea Facial!
1 chamomille and 1 peppermint tea bag
3 cups boiling water
Place tea bags in a large bowl, add boiling water
and cool for two minutes.
Place a clean towel over your head and bowl.
Keeping your face at least eight inches above the water, steam for ten minutes.
Then add your fav skin cream and viola very soft skin!

Tea party continued.....

You might be asking yourself, "I wonder what kind of goodies
we will be having today at Starrydeborahs tea party."
Well, let me show you!

We are having mini spinach and cheese quiche tarts along with lemon sugar cookies, petite palmiers, which are a french type of cookie that just melts in your mouth! and of course, no tea party would be complete without chocolate, peppermint brownies today!
I've also brewed a pot of french vanilla caramel tea and as you can see from my tea cup, I love lots of cream and sugar in mine! lol

Ohhhh, I see another quote has appeared!
--------------
"Where there's tea there's hope."
--------------
Sir Arthur Pinero

Isn't that a sweet saying? I think it's sooo true, because when you sit down with a cup of tea, it causes you to put perspective to your situation and at least for me, it brings me back to the realization that I have sooo many blessings and life is good. My hope for you today, is that you will also find this celebration of tea to do the same for you.

Look at this beautiful tea pot! My sister in law gave it to me a few years ago as a birthday gift.
It's an antique and I love it so much. Today I will use it to put the names of all of you for the tea cup giveaway, hmmmm, still looks empty.









Here's a few did you know's regarding tea!
Did you know:

1.There is no taxation on tea.
because of an historical event that you all remember learning in school about, the Boston Tea Party!
2.Tea is the second most popular drink in the world, after water.
3. It takes about 2,000 to 3,000 leaves to make one pound of processed tea.
4.The British drink approximately three cups of tea per day.


Okay, I'll be back in a bit for more tea fun.
Don't forget to check the previous post if you just now joined us.
and write out a comment so we'll know you are here taking tea with us today :)
deborah

Time for Tea!

Welcome all to my tea party.
Hope you will join me in my cozy little cottage in the woods.
The tea is brewing(frenchvanilla caramel) and the goodies are prepared, so all I am waiting for now are my
guests to arrive.

Today will be a day all about tea.
I'll be here from 10:00am-2:00pm sipping my tea and chatting with you all. And I'll be checking my comment box every 15 minutes or so to see who has arrived at my door.
If you'd like to join in on the fun, just leave me a comment and I'll introduce you to the other tea party guests. Also, when you leave a comment then I will add your name to the teapot for the tea cup giveaway. So don't be shy :)

There will also be a "find the special word" game later on in the day which will include another little giveaway.

Of course, they'll be quite a few quotes regarding tea, by famous and not so famous people.
Hey, here's one now! One of my very favs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A woman is like a tea bag. It's only when she's in hot water that you realize how strong she is"
Nancy Reagan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll also be showcasing tea related creations from fellow etsians shops so check back every once in a while and see who's being featured.

So, I hope you will brew a cup of your very fav tea today, and if your children are home or a neighbor is home then invite them to the table too. Spend a little time just relaxing and chatting. And if you are home alone today and are needing a little bit of quiet, then grab a comfy blanket, sip a little tea and take a bit of time gazing out of the sky to energize yourself.
And don't you dare feel even a little bit quilty about taking some time for yourself. We all need it :)

Ohhhh, I think I hear someone knocking at my door, I'll be back in a bit, just sit and enjoy your tea and I'll come join you soon,
deborah

Getting ready for Tea on Thursday

Hi all,
Just wanted you to know, I'm preparing the table and baking the
goodies for tomorrows tea.
Hope to see you all there to share in a spot of tea.

deborah

Join me for tea!

Hello all,
Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season and not stressing out too much with all the preparations :)

Speaking of not stressing out.....
for me there's nothing like sitting down with a cup of tea, whether you are alone or with friends, and taking a few moments of your day to relax, breathe deeply and thank the Lord for all the blessings in one's life.

That's why I'm hosting a virtual tea party on my blog next week!
And you all are invited!

When: December 11th
Where: Starrydeborahs blog
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm (western time)

I will be home between those hours on Thursday and will have the table all set and waiting for you. There will be bits of tea trivia, recipes, and all kinds of tea fun! So I hope you'll come by and sit for a bit.

I also mentioned in a previous post on my blog, that I would be giving out "real" party favors and I wasn't kidding :)
Anybody who leaves me a comment on my blog, telling me what your fav flavor of tea is will receive a tea party favor from me. You can leave the comment any day or time and if you already have left me a comment previously, that includes you too. All I need for you to do is to email me or convo me with your home address.
Here's my email 1starrydeborah@att.net or if you are an etsy member, just convo me with your info.
So far, my guests include:
Sadie and Leo
The Tatums
Kathy-Catnip Studio
Persimmonsgal
Popalicious
ArtSparker
Theresa N.
JeanKnee
MiMi
Saucy
Yippeevintage
SherrySmyth
Renegade Rose
Mia Sophia
Tiedupmemories
Kari and Kijsa
Myeuropeantouch

I see we are going to have a wonderful tea party with much fun!

Oh, and I can't forget about the special tea party gift!!!
If you leave me a comment between the actual hours of 10:00am - 2:00pm on Dec. 11th
I will include your name in the teapot for a drawing of a tea cup from my own personal collection along with a few other little goodies.
So mark the date on your calendar, and I'll be waiting for the doorbell to ring.

Talk to you soon,
deborah

Tea is brewing......

Yes, the tea is about to be poured and the table is set.
Now all I need to do is wait for my guests to arrive!

Check back later today for details.

Goodbye, my very first vintage collage

Hi all,
About a month ago, I hung my collages at a local salon.
Since then, I have talked to the owner of the shop and she has just had great responses to my collages but no sells yet.
But, yesterday I received an email from her saying "Congratulations, you have sold one of your collages!"
So I went in and lo and behold one of my collages (the one that had won me a first place ribbon at the fair), sold to one of her customers!
This has just thrilled me beyond measure!
I've sold my creations at art fairs, and auctions etc. in the past, but this was my first venture in hanging a collection of my collages in a shop setting.
So, it was pretty scary and a vulnerable position to be in.
I mean, wonder if people look at my art and hate it? or criticize it?
But, then there was also excitement and pride on being able to share my art with the public too.
And hoping they would say good things about it, and hey maybe I would even sell a piece.
And it happened!

This collage was my very first venture into collage making.
I wanted to create a series of art that used vintage materials but also had some kind of message with it, so I came upon the idea of using quotes by women along with collage elements.
I had found this wonderful quote by Emily Dickinson " Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality", which just touched my heart so deeply and I had also found this wonderful vintage postcard in black and white that just seemed to fit the whole feel of the piece and viola! my very first vintage collage came into being!
And now it has found a new home....
So, farewell my lovely collage, and I hope that your new owner will enjoy and be inspired by you as much as I have enjoyed and been inspired by creating you.


Talk to you soon,
deborah

My latest Paris creation!

Hi all,
Here's my latest Paris creation.
I just can't seem to get enough of all things french, lol.

Last night on the telly a quick shot of someone strolling through
Paris with the Eiffel tower in the background just made me gasp with envy!
I know some people think I'm a little obsessed with this gorgeous city (well, I am, lol). But, there could be worse obsessions, right?
Someday I will go back again (for a fourth time) and I know without a doubt I will be as enamored as all the times previous.
My advice to you all, if you ever get a chance to go to Paris, even if it's a quick trip, please go!!
It will fill your senses and your heart full of romance, awe, hope and so much more that I can't even put into words!
So, with that word of advice, here's a few more Paris photos!

Talk to you soon,
deborah

Hi all, Here are a few more photos from my Paris trip.

The top left photo is the view from inside the entry way of the Louvre, isn't that a great view?
And the other two photos are from inside the Louvre.
On the day before our return home, we decided to go hang out in the Louvre for one last time and as we entered the huge Ruebens hall we came upon this young man painting a reproduction of one of the paintings! We were sooo enthralled with the whole idea that someone was even allowed to do this, that we just stood for quite awhile obeserving him! I don't think he even noticed we were there. He was so intent with every stroke he put on that canvas, he was definetely in the "artists zone".
I could kick myself though because I didn't get a photo of the Ruebens masterpiece that he was copying!
As we proceeded on our way into the other rooms we would see even more artists copying the masters but all the rest of them had "no photos" signs on their easels.
So we just looked and ohhhed and ahhhhed over their talent.

Can you imagine having an opportunity to paint in the Louvre, amongst all the great masterpieces? It would totally be an honor.
Of course, we felt totally honored too, as we
gazed upon each painting and sculpture. A true adventure and an experience we will never forget.

talk to you soon,
deborah

You're invited to my virtual tea party!

Hello, to you all.
I am officially inviting all you blogger friends to my virtual tea party!
Come join me for a fun event filled with whimsy and laughter.
I will be sending out party favors to all of you, so if you would like to join me
all you have to do is leave me a comment, letting me know what your fav
tea is (mine is french vanilla) .
I'll then add you to my list of invites.
I will officially launch the tea after thanksgiving.

Hope to see you all at my tea party, it just wouldn't be fun without you!
deborah

PS. Don't forget to RSVP