Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Wisteria - A Tea Room experience

A couple of weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet up with my BFF. She was down in Naples for a little R&R, so we planned to meet in Fort Myers for lunch. And wow, what a lunch we had!

This is the Wisteria Tea Room and Cafe.

This neglected 1919 Florida bungalow, has been remodeled and converted into a very delightful Tea Room.

It's only been open since July, but they really know how to treat gals right.

Here, let me open the door for you.

We were the first guests to arrive, so we took a little photo tour.


We were seated in a nice quiet corner.

But before very long the Tea Room starting filling up. Fast!!!

We ordered the most delicious Tea

Creme Au Caramel - and OH MY was it ever a delicious Rooibos tea.

We decided to order the soup and salad, served with a Praline Scone, which was again very delicious. Everything is home made and you can tell it.

We finished it off with a Tiramisu Roobios tea ;-)

My friends and I had a wonderful time together. If you are ever in the Fort Myers area, be sure to stop in at The Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe. It's a Tea Room that is not to be missed.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Seasonal Sunday

Today my sweet hubby took me to a fabulous restaurant for lunch.

The food was good, but the view was breathtaking.

You can sit outside on the veranda.......

or just by the window and drink this all in..........

The Florida sky was just magnificent today.

I'm joining the Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Friday, January 27, 2012

Did someone say - PINK!


When I found this Starbucks coffee mug today at Goodwill, it instantly became my #1 favorite mug. Ringing up at $1.06 didn't hurt matters either.

So I thought I would share a recipe for a wonderfully delicious cheesecake pie that goes so well with coffee, Hot chocolate or hot tea.

Brownie Swirl Cheesecake
1 pkg brownie mix (I used Dark Chocolate)
2 pkgs (8oz ea) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Whipping cream, whipped with 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
mini chocolate chips

Prepare brownie mix according to directions on box, for chewy brownies. Spread into a greased 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes (brownies will NOT be done). Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour over the brownie crust. Using knife, run through both layers to gently mix them and bring some of the brownie up to the top--- bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, til center is almost set--- loosen sides by running a knife along edge--- remove sides of pan-- cool completely for at least 3 hours--- garnish with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips---- 8-10 servings Enjoy!!!

(I would love to share a picture of this Cheesecake, but unfortunately it disappears right before my eyes :-)

Pink Saturday
Foodie Friday
What I Love about the Thrift Store
(woo-hoo I just saw that my post from last week was featured on Cap Creations!)

Monday, January 23, 2012

Valentine's Breakfast

Recently I read Susan's post on Between Naps on the Porch where she shared a Valentine's Breakfast. I took a double take because I saw a few familiar things. So I thought I would try to recreate her beautiful Valentine's Breakfast.

My daughter has this beautiful antique bedspread, but it was not big enough for my bed. So I reversed the colors and used my beautiful Chaps bedspread and laid the antique one at the foot.

My Limoges china cup.

I found these gorgeous plates at Goodwill. I was sorry there were only three sets.

The Rose plates are Georgian by Homer Laughlin
The Pink square plate is Octaparagon by Ranmaru

The antique chairs were left in our new home by the former owners.

What a delightful way to enjoy a sweet Valentine's Breakfast.


Heart Friend

Do you have a friend who sticks closer to you then a brother? I've had two such friends in my lifetime. One is with the Lord, and the other lives many states away. But yet when I think of the sweet friendships that we have shared, it warms my heart beyond measure.

"There's a blessing in our friendship,
It's a bond between we two.
For the Lord brought us together,
And I thank Him now for you.

You've been there when I needed you,
We've shared our dreams and plans.
And when at times I've fallen down,
You've given me your hand.

You are always such a Joy
Each time that we're together,
But more than that, you are my friend
And in my heart forever."

So today I am thankful for my heart friends. The ones who really care, and share part of their lives with me. Friends may come and friends may go, but your heart friend is with you forever.

"Kindness is a friend's greatest asset,
With it she can mend misunderstandings
and smooth out rumpled feelings.
With only a well placed word,
She can raise a downcast spirit."

Hug your friend today :-)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

A Winter Tea revisited

I am reposting this from last January. It seems most appropriate for another look at this time of year :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Winter time can be so dark and bleak, but it is also a wonderful time to enjoy a piping hot cup of tea and share it with a friend.

So come along, pull up a chair and let's enjoy a spot of tea together. My little Hostess Angel is waiting to serve you.





Thank you for joining me today. I am also sharing my table with The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday and Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Friday, January 20, 2012

Soup for a cold day


If you want to warm your tummy with a fast and delicious bowl of soup, try this quick and easy recipe.

I found it on the back of a package of Swanson Chicken Broth.

Sensational Chicken Noodle Soup

4 cups Swanson Chicken Broth
Ground black pepper
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 cup uncooked egg noodles
1 cup shredded cooked chicken or turkey

Heat broth, black pepper, carrot and celery in 2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil

Stir noodles and chicken into saucepan. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 10 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring often.

3-4 servings

That's it! For my family we increase all the ingredients and add some crushed garlic. It sure makes a great bowl of Chicken Noodle soup on a cold day.


(I am reposting this from a previous post, mostly because I love this soup and it the right soup for this time of year :-)

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Vintage Sandwich Dishes

For many years, when I would go "hunting" with my hubbys Aunt, we would be on the look out for these vintage dishes.





I've collected several designs and have at least 8 to 10 servings for each design. Not as many of the cups though. And unfortunately when I was bringing these dishes down from the cabinet, one of the cups made a crash landing on my unforgiving tile floor :-(

But isn't it fun to use these pretty glass sandwich dishes for a special occasion or luncheon?



Monday, January 16, 2012

The Sewing Bee

For years we sewed and quilted together. But in the last year life has sort of gotten in the way. Caring for aging parents, work schedules, travel, family responsibilities........... there are just times when you cannot work/play in a Sewing Bee.

Over the holidays the quilting buddies got together for a little Tea and lunch. It was so enjoyable to catch up with each other.


Fresh baked scones.





Fresh garden salad with strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese and Sweet Roasted pecans.

Salad dressings served in crystal creamers.

Pasta E Fagioli soup.

Delicious desserts (Recipe HERE)


What a lovely way to end the holidays.