Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe

Be sure to check out my other blog...

Friday, March 6th, 2009

That you definitely need to check out my other blog...Ann~Margaret's Cupcake Visions! I update this other blog on a daily basis so be sure to visit with me there.   Yes, I do love all things CUPCAKE, but my new blog is not about cupcakes (You'll see why this is part of the name when you see my banner.)....It is a place where I can share a little about "me" and the happenings of my daily life as I try to manage everything from "A to Z" of my business, be a good wife, daughter, friend, and mommy (to my "furry baby", Tucker...yes, we do want children...that shall be our next adventure!), and somehow try to accomplish a few household chores in between!  I love tulips, PINK (anything and everything!), a little "bling" (or, a LOT!), staying in touch with friends, photography, all things "tea related", spending time with my sweet husband, and trying to maintain a little bit of control and sanity over my ever flowing mind that runneth over with creative ideas!

So, be sure to stroll on over and check out my visions about life and all the little things that are such a part of it!  Remember, I update the other blog daily and will be having some fun things going on with it in the future...you don't want to miss out!  :)

2006~2009 Copyright Ann~Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe
All rights reserved.  Please do not copy/use photos, text, or images (graphics).
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A few designs from my signature jewelry line...

Sweet Sisterhood

Isn't it neat how you are sometimes just checking out some of your favorite blogs, seeing what's new, what's going on, and all of a sudden you notice a name that grabs your attention, sounds interesting, and you journey along to visit another life.  And, before you know it, you have added yet another "story" to your favorites...a story that has touched you, made you laugh, or just inspired you beyond belief.  So, you add it to your list of favorites and look forward to visiting again.  When I came across Stephanie's blog I did just that!  I cannot even remember whose blog I was reading at the time when I stumbled upon her sweet story.  As I began to feel truly inspired by her warm sense of family, devotion, fun loving personality, sweet sense of style, and just an all around "feel good" aura that you sense the minute you begin reading about the sweet journey of her life and family I noticed the pretty buttons located on the sidebar that stated "Read Nie Nie" or "Donate to Nie Nie".  As I began to click on these buttonsI found myself in shock.   Just from reading parts of her life story I had already started to feel as though I knew her...she is so real...she writes from her heart...and honestly, before you know it, you are smiling at the stories about her children or something funny she said to "Mr. Nielson" (I love how she refers to him as such!).  As I read about their accident tears streamed down my face; I had to reread the words.  I just could not believe that this sweet family was experiencing such sadness in their lives.  I had just found her.  There is truly something about her sweet spirit...she has invited us into their life, she shares their stories, and you just feel connected even after only reading a few posts. 

You may read their story here.  Be prepared to be touched, to fall in love with the strong bond and the utmost compassion that this family has for one another.  The way they have pulled together, tightened  their circle so that their love, prayers, and thoughts act like strong wings to Stephanie and Christian.  Say a special prayer for them each day as their bodies try to heal...say a special prayer for their sweet little ones as they try to understand and cope with the separation from their parents...and, a special prayer for all of the family members and friends that are helping in so many ways. 

Courtney, one of  Stephanie's sisters, continues to keep us updated on how Stephanie and Christian are doing and about the adventures of loving and caring for their adorable children on her blog.  I find myself giggling sometimes at the sweet stories she tells from the day...and, then, in moments, I am all teary eyed as I read about how she recounts her last conversation with Stephanie or how she sees such beauty and inspiration in life's little ordinary moments.  SISTERS...I have one so I know just how dear they are, and I can just imagine that Stephanie feels the bond of the sweet sisterhood that she is a part of.  Not only does she have such beautiful and caring real sisters, but I think it is safe to say that the sisterhood of the blogworld has truly adopted her! 

They are now reposting some of her earlier posts, and as I read one the other day, I thought to myself..."If God blesses us with children one day, I do hope I will look at motherhood as Stephanie does. "  She is honest and real, but she also inspires you to look at the blessings in life...to cherish them, and if you are a mother already...well, she makes you realize that there are things that can wait...they will be there...but, those sweet children will grow up quickly so she encourages you to absorb every opportunity and use it to teach, love, and "just be" with your little angels.  I don't have children yet, but I can assure you that her voice, her thoughts...well, they are etched in my heart forever...and, I hope I can "grow up to be as good a mama" as she is!

My Sweet Baboo...

Ok, so I have confessed it to friends, my sister, my parents...even told my granny just how much I love"my sweet baboo"...so why not tell you?!!  Yes, I often call my husband by this cute little name...he doesn't seem to mind so I'll just keep doing so!  Remember the days when you would get "butterflies" in your stomach because that cute guy just happened to pass a smile your way?...That first date and you couldn't even finish your meal because you were just so enchanted with him (or, as "my sweet baboo" told me that night..."discombobulated" (AS IF!!...teeheehee)?...The way your heart would skip a beat when he would reach for your hand?  Well, who says all that has to stop just because you are a "thirtysomething"?!! 

So, when I was traveling this summer and came across this cute little flip flop, I thought "why not?"...I loved it, and I love him so I like to let it be known! So, just like a school girl I have attached this cute little charm onto my new cell phone (another story for another day!).  So, here's to showing off your love for those you are crazy about and reminding them just how much they mean to you!  Here's to summer lovin'!! 

**Yes, it was actually summer when I started this post!  Well, I decided to include it anyway, no matter how "late" it officially is because there will be times when I refer to my hubby as "my sweet baboo"...and, YOU need to know just who it is I am talking about.  See, it is relevant after all!

Make me SMILE!

Looking at this cute little guy definitely brings a SMILE to my face on a Monday!!...And, well...any day for that matter!  He's always willing to take time out to pose a little for "mommy", loves to snuggle, and gives the BEST kisses!  Hope something brings a SMILE to your day on this sweet Monday!

"Now, let's get busy...didn't you hear me??...chop!chop!!"...straight from the mouth of my sweet little CEBD! Time to get busy!!

Something Special is going on in the Shoppe...

April is a special month for me because it is the one year ANNIVERSARY of my online shoppe!  Yea!  So much planning went into the design of my shoppe, and I am always adding new things and doing little updates here and there.  In honor of this celebration, you may enjoy 10% off all orders placed during the month of April.  All the details can be found on my "Welcome" page, or you may just simply add the coupon code (happy1) (that is the word "happy" without the quotes and the number one) on the checkout page after you have enjoyed shopping.  It's a great time to get busy shopping for Mother's Day...it's just around the corner! Be sure to save the "Welcome" page and check back often, as I am adding a new product to the shoppe each day during the month of April.  This "sassy teatime pendant" is one of my favorites! 

Here are a couple of things I have recently added...these are from my new "signature jewelry line:  Ann~Margaret's Whim~si~cal~i~Teas"!  I have so many more to add and lots of cute necklaces to choose from, too.  These make great gifts for any age, as I am creating many different collections within my signature line...even something for sweet little girls!  We girls do love getting all dolled up...at every age!  Find this "Summer Paisley with a Dash O' Pink" pendant here.

You may find this sweet necklace here.  These days I love anything and everything CUPCAKE!!

Stitches-for-Tea

This is another posting (a little late) for the Gracious Hospital-i-Tea Blog-a-thon.  This is what La Tea Dah's details were for the week of April 6th~April 12th:

Share ideas and pictures that involve stitching for the tea table.  Any kind of stitches count:  sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, tatting, quilting, etc.  The work can be yours or of someone else, but should be homemade rather than done by factory machines.  Ideas are napkins, tea cozies, table linens, and other creations made with tea themes.

Even though I am late with my posting I just had to share this beautiful teatime quilt I received as a gift from my great aunt.  She loves to quilt and does such a pretty job with each of her creations.  I was tealighted to say the least when I received this pretty design.  There are so many ways to enjoy such a pretty piece...hang it on the wall, enjoy it on the table...turn it so the corners point to the end of the table so the design really shows off, or simply drape it over a chair.  I was amazed at all of the pretty materials she used for her design...such pretty colors and patterns that all came together to create such a unique piece.

Better Late than Never!

Sometimes I come across things that I make a mental note of telling myself that yes, I will go back and participate in that later.  Problem is things come up, my "to do" list grows, and well, I may not ever get around to that particular thing.  Then, there are those things that I come across, and I actually find a spot for them on the "to do" list!  And, yes, it may take several days of moving it over til the next day, but eventually, I will get around to it.  So, when I saw that La Tea Dah was hosting the Gracious Hospital-i-Tea Blogathon I knew I had to join in on the fun!  La Tea Dah, thank you for inspiring me to take a little time to enjoy everything about teatime!  Although it is part of my business, I do sometimes get busy with things and fail to really enjoy some of the things that are dear to me that are all about TEA!  So, I am a bit behind in joining in on the fun, but I will be adding some other "late" entries for some of the weeks that I missed, too.  So, as they say..."better late than never"!  This posting is in honor of  "Week 3:  Decor-a-Tea" (March 30th~April 5th).    Here are La Tea Dah's details for the "Decor-a-Tea" post:

"Decor-a-Tea"

Share ideas and pictures that incorporate tea and/or tea themes into home decor.  Displays, art, prints, fabrics, and collections all count in this category.  Do you use teapots and teacups as a part of your home decor?  If so, describe how.

Visit Gracious Hospitality to join in on the teatime fun!

I have always loved teapots and all things tea related so our home has always had tea related goodies dotted here and there.  And, somehow over the years, my sweet hubby has come to love them, too...oops, I guess that should be...has learned to live with them!  We southern girls do like a little bit o' "stuff", you know!  I tried out a maid in Kuwait ONCE (yes, my friends could not believe that while living in a place where I could have a maid that I did not want one...sounds crazy, I know!)...anyway, as she was leaving that day she said "Oh, madam, you have so much to dust...I would not want to dust all this!"  Needless to say that was her first and last day...you just don't mess with a Southern Girl and her "stuff"!  So, onto a little bit about some of my "tea stuff" that I enjoy.  As I look around at some of my favorite things I decided to pick out a few to share with you...some things I have had for a long time, other treats have been gifts, and then, some have been those "must have" items that I have found when out shopping.  So, grab a cuppa tea, and enjoy strolling along with me as I show you some of my favorite teatime decorations in our home!

This cute decoration is one of my favorite things!  I used to have her in the tea room so when I moved back from Kuwait I knew she was definitely something I wanted to pick up in Alabama as we headed to Virginia.  So, I made sure she was securely nestled in the front seat for the journey to Virginia...couldn't risk something happening to this sweet girl!  I think this piece is just the epitome of teatime for a little girl...I know there were many times when I had my baby dolls and teddy bears joining me for tea!  I have this piece in my kitchen where I can enjoy it every day!

Another favorite...this cute teapot inspiration board!  I love keeping some of my favorite pictures and quotes on this tealightful board!  Again, it's in my kitchen so I can enjoy it all the time!

This picture just happened to be the perfect colors for our kitchen area so of course, I had to make a purchase the day I came across it!

I love pictures dotted around our home...each time you pass one by you get to relive that memory for a moment!

This is actually one of my favorite cup and saucer stands, but when I found these adorable little treats (they are actually candles) I decided they needed a tealightful spot to be displayed!  They smell so yummy, too!

Is it possible for me to have another FAVORITE??!!  Yes, indeed!...especially when it comes to these sweet little tea girls!  I absolutely love these...they have such sweet faces and just remind me of girlfriends having tea and savoring their friendship!

And, of course, would the powder room of a tea lady really be complete without a teapot lamp?!!  I love toile so I was tealighted when I found this pretty antiqued silver teapot lamp with the black and ivory toile shade.  Hope you enjoyed seeing a few of my teatime treasures! 

Sunny Saturday

Finally,  it is truly feeling like SPRING around here!  Better enjoy it while I can though, as they say we will be getting a little rain in the coming days, and the cooler temps will be back.  I won't complain though because the feel of 80 degrees was rather warm yesterday so I know once the "tealightful" spring days are gone....well, it shall be rather hot! 

Starting this blog was something I had contemplated for some time, then, I finally created it (kept it private for a bit while I continued to tweak this and that), and then, I realized that in the beginning my goal was for this little spot to be a place where I could share a little about me, what all I am up to (and into!), and show you new things going on in my shoppe.  So, it is not supposed to be PERFECT...it is supposed to be a spot where I can sit down and chat with you (so, what have I been waiting for??!!)...a place where I can feel at ease to share those times when I am simply having a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda moment and decide to tell you about my day, tell you about something interesting or inspiring I saw or experienced,  share something funny with you, or even share a little bit of the REAL moments when things may not be going just as I want them to...and, maybe through my SHARING and your comments (yes, I would love to hear from you!)...maybe the JOURNEY will be even more fun and rewarding!  So, here's a little something to brighten your day...a few shots from a stroll throughout our subdivision a few weeks ago.  I DO love tulips!  Enjoy!

"In with the new, savor the old!"

As I celebrate the "official launch" of my blog with this post, I begin to think about all the "newness" that seems to be budding at this time of year.  Yes, January signals the "New Year", but spring seems to offer a chance for renewal, growth, fresh beginnings, and so much more. 

Just the other day as I was thinking about this being a "new spring", I also thought about the phrase "out with the old, in with the new".  I then thought about how much of the "old" we often love and are not ready to let go of so I decided I would share a little about the "old" that I love.  And, instead of the above phrase I decided I would think of it this way..."In with the new, savor the old!"  For some reason, I really had my tea room on my mind and just what a beautiful place it is.  Although the tea room is closed now (my online shoppe is open), it is always "open" in my heart, and I think it is still "open" in the hearts of so many that used to visit it.  Funny, how you can take something old and brush off the dust, add a few coats of paint, string up fresh linens, and so on and then, amazingly there is something so beautiful that is created.  But, it is not because of all the newness...when we redid my great-grandmother's home in preparation of opening it as a tea room, I like to think that we just brushed off the dust, and although we did so much work...well, it was the old that was shining beneath all the new that truly made it sparkle!  My favorite thing about the tea room is that no matter how many teatimes we served, well,... it was always still Mamie's (my great-grandmother's) house.  It was always said that it was as though she was "ahead of her time"...creating things and doing things that had not been heard of or thought of yet...almost as if she was this little queen introducing newness to those around her.  She was "crowned" "Woman of the Year" one year, and that picture still hangs in the tea room, her home, to this day.

I adored my time with her when I was a little girl, and I adore my memories of those moments even more today.  She would let me stand beside her and mix up "my recipe" which just happened to be water, flour, and such while she mixed up the real recipe.  There are some memories that are so vivid in my heart and mind, and these truly are.  I do not even have to close my eyes to see her looking down at me with that smile on her face.  What a treat to get to be so close to her!  She was so creative and not ever slowing down for anything.  I see now that my creative juices go a long way back in the line of "girls" in the family!  My mom and granny definitely have the creative flair in their bones, and I think back to Mamie's life, and I see just where it started.  They used to say that Pop, my great-grandfather, would say he did not ever know where he would find the bed when he came home because Mamie would get a creative flair and decide that she needed to rearrange the bedroom or the living room or that she needed to sew new curtains for the dining room.  Her mind just did not ever stop.  She was always doing for others and so busy taking care of so many.  Even in her last days she was asking us if we would take care of all the children.  We all looked at each other and said, "She just does not know how to rest."  She created such beauty in her life...whether it was in her garden, doing needlework with her fingers, baking in the kitchen, or just being a good listener to so many that needed her.  I think if I could choose to have one more day with someone, it would be her.  I would want to tell her so much, share so much with her, and then, just LISTEN to all the advice and knowledge she could share with me.  I think she would love to see her creative juices still
working...see how they have flowed from one girl to the next.  I think she does know this and sees this.  When her rose bloomed on the day of the tea room opening and had not bloomed in so long prior to that...well, I knew she was looking down at me that day...I knew she was smiling!

So, take time for a cuppa tea today,...and "savor the old"!  I just bet your heart will be left with a feeling of warmth and renewal!