Ann-Margaret's cupcake visions

Tealightfully Thursday ~ Teatime Memories from Ann~Margaret's Tea Room

Thursday, October, 21st, 2010

I have so many memories from the sweet teatimes that took place at my tea room when it was open.  I loved working with my mom and granny as we prepared all the little details for each tea party.  The kitchen was filled with lots of laughter, chatter, and bustling around those stainless steel tables.  And, yes, there were times when we wondered if we could possibly get it all done in time for that first teatime.  But, somehow, it all came together each time, and the guests left with smiles on their faces and treasured memories in their hearts...the kind of memories that you don't soon forget.  We closed the tea room in 2004 when John and I moved to Kuwait, and guests still talk about their teatimes and how much they enjoyed their time with us.  I can assure you we enjoyed it tremendously too!

Oh, yes, we put on hats and boas and had the most "mahvelous" time! We headed out to the teapot sign for pictures and more smiles and giggles!  I truly miss seeing all of these sweet friends.  I often run into some of you though when I am home at different times.  During a trip home a few months ago, Kaylee, my sweet niece, and I were having lunch at the Olive Garden.  I looked over at the lady sitting at the table next to us and knew I recognized her.  She looked at me just as hard, and then, we were up hugging each other.  She had been a "regular" at the tea room.  And, the lady with her had also been to the tea room before!  What fun we had catching up and chatting!

Have you been to tea before...at a real tea room?  If you haven't you must find a tea room and head that way!  It is such a treat to take tea with friends and loved ones.  Sampling different tea flavors, eyeing all the treats on the tiered tray, and relaxing as you enjoy conversation and making memories.  It is truly someting to be treasured.  When I had the tea room open I really didn't have time to go to other tea rooms for tea since we were always so busy preparing for our own tea parties.  When we first opened the tea room I can remember asking my mom if she thought we would have any customers.  We were later having to put guests on a waiting list, as we could not even accomodate all those that wanted to come for tea.  What a blessing!  It was a "God thing"...I am sure of it!  A hundred year old house out in the country that required a nice little drive for most (some guests drove 2-3 hours to sip tea with us!)...who would have thought...who would have dreamed...that it could be such a success! 

Stay tuned for next week when I will tell you about all those yummy treats you see on the tiered tray!  And, there are some fun things in the works because I want to help you plan a tea party!  I've got a few ideas up my sleeve so you may have fun creating a special teatime on your own!

In the meantime, I would love to know if you enjoy hot tea...or, do you like flavored iced tea?  If so, what is your favorite flavor or type of tea?  Do tell...I'd love to know what's brewing in your teapot!  Take a stroll through my tea armoire to see some of my favorite blends!


Hope your cup is running over with HAPPY things today!


 

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

A New Necklace Added to Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe...It's Sure to Get You Noticed!

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

I recently added this new bar necklace to the shoppe (and, to my Etsy shoppe) and wanted to share a few close up pictures with you here.  I love how versatile this necklace is.  The bar necklace may be purchased alone, or it may be purchased as it is seen here with the large pendant and coordinating beads. 

It looks beautiful with any of the various pendants from my shoppe...large or small!  It just shows off the pendant so pretty...really makes it a focal point!

Although the ensemble above may be purchased just as it is, it may also be created with most any of my designs you find in my shoppe.  For instance, you may like one of the chandelier designs, and I wil be happy to create a pendant with that design and add coordinating beads on each side.  Ooh la la...oh, yes, the chandelier design would be stunning!

This necklace will make a great gift for a maid of honor, bridesmaids, or the bride.  It may be designed with a pendant that showcases an inital or monogram...what a special gift!  There are so many different combinations that may be created with this bar necklace...let your imagination soar!

What is your favorite design in my shoppe?  Do you like a particular monogram design, colorful floral, or something that has a little bling to it?  I would love to know! :)


Tealightfully,

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Tuesdays with Tucker (the Westie)...Decorating for Fall

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Well, we finally got some pumpkins!! I kept telling mom that the month was just flying by, and we really needed to get our porch looking festive and fallish! She totally agreed so we grabbed a few big and little pumpkins one day and got busy decorating the frront porch.

We added a little glitter fashion to one and plan on decorating a few more.  I was getting rather tired after that first one.  Let me tell you, I had black glitter allover my white coat....yep, wasn't happy about that! Well, I suppose I looked rather cute if I say so myself...sparkling and all!

I love the little pumpkins...aren't they CUTE?!!  I thought we should add a few polka dots to some of the pumpkins.  What do you think?  Leave them as they are or decorate a few more??

And, my favorite tree is looking like this now!  Isn't it BEA~U~TI~FUL??!!!  Look at all the acorns hanging from it!  I love this tree!  It is so pretty in the spring and summer, and then, it takes its time turning all these beautiful colors once fall sets in.  Makes me smile!!

Here I am...wishing you all a happy fall!!  I figured you probably were hoping you would catch a glimpse of ME before I signed off, and I'm most happy to oblige!!  Oh, in the next post we'll be sharing the link for the new bar necklace my mom recently added.  You may remember seeing the sneak peek a few posts back.  You'll get tons of compliments when you wear this new jewel!  Promise!!


Your friend,

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not use/copy text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Tuesdays with Tucker (the Westie)...Cupcakes and Treats from Old Town Alexandria

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

I know...looks like me, right??!! haha  It's Tucker here coming to you live from LA...of course, I mean "lower Alabama"! :)  My mom and Poppy went to Alexandria, Virginia during the summer, and I knew I had to post about some of the cool stuff they came across during their time strolling around Old Town.  You may remember that Alexandria was our home before moving to Alabama.  My mom snapped the picture of this cute guy in a new shop in Old Town, The Dog Park.

My mom was drawn to this store because she was missing me so much...and, the sweet treats in the window looked rather tempting! However, she and Poppy found out that those treats are for furry babies!  That's right, sometimes you guys don't share with us so we don't have to share our cupcakes, now do we??

These look so yummy!  Aren't they cute?! I think I might just have to talk my mom into us having a baking day and trying to create a few of these!  I can assure you that Poppy would try to eat them though...hmm...might be fun!  I'm all about mischief, you know!




And, it's only natural to see a few political cookies around since Old Town is so close to DC!  Bet you didn't even realize that furry babies might just have a preference too, huh?! But, not to worry, I don't get into politics here in my posts! 

You've probably seen some of the unique and amazing dessert buffets that are so popular now for birthdays and all sorts of celebrations...well, check out this little buffet!  Talk about making your four legged friends feel special!  It would be hard to choose one, I can assure you!

Now, if you are thinking of having a party for your furry baby (pet or dog...I just really prefer "furry baby" myself!), then, you might want to think about having some of these sweet treats.  If you live close to Old Town, just call up The Dog Park shop (I do not have a website for them, or I would definitely share it with you.), and I am sure they would be happy to bake up some goodies for your party.  But, if you don't live close to a cute shop such as this, then, you might want to try baking cookies yourself.  Of course, you need to make sure you use the right ingredients that will be easy on our tummy.  My mom found the cutest cookbook, Cooking For Your Dog, that is all about tasty, healthy, and safe recipes for us.  We just might need to try the "Honey Dog Cookies".  Sounds yummy to me!

Sounds like I've got partying, celebrating, and cupcakes on the brain! Wonder why??? Hmm...do you have any idea?  Well, if you do, please send me a comment...I might just reveal my secret to you!  Yep, that's lil ole me in this picture...I think I'm worth celebrating, don't you??!!! Wink, Wink! :)

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for stoppy by my blog; I hope you'll stop by again!

Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doers

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Find more photos like this on Dreamers Into Doers -- marthastewart.com


I'm so excited to be a part of Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doers group!  It is overflowing with beautiful, inspiring talent, strong passions about doing what we love as we run our own businesses, and sweet encouragement and support from each other.

I was simply "tealighted" when one of my photos was chosen to be featured on the front page one week not long after I became a member.  My signature scone mix photo was chosen!!  Sheer delight to see one of my signature items on the front page of Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doers!  A big "thank you" to Kim at The TomKat Studio for sharing about this amazing group on her blog...that is where I first learned about it.  I had read about it before but did not realize there was a website devoted to Dreamers into Doers!

So, since it is a "Tealightful Thursday", and I said I would sometimes share things on Thursdays that make me happy or "tealighted", I just thought I would share this amazing group with you.  Although many women business owners love what they do and have a passion for the work they create or perform, it can be a struggle sometimes to try to balance it all.  And, well, we better love what we do because we put in many hours to help our businesses grow and succeed.  You will often hear us talking about how we stop long enough to make dinner in the evening and then, get busy again with filling orders, working on designs, and managing our workflow.  It's definitely not a "9-5" job! haha  Many of us also mention that we head back to our studios once our hubby and/or children have gone to bed.  I often seem to get "my second wind" around 10pm!  Yep, I'm always working on trying to create a better sleep schedule for myself, but I just seem to be a night owl so I don't suppose I really need to "battle" that too much! haha  Many of us work from home, and although it is a blessing to be able to work in the comfort of my home studio (and, have my sweet Tucker, my Westie, helping me out), well, it does take a good bit of discipline to stay focused on the business stuff during the day and let all the "house issues" stay on the backburner til after "work hours".  I am always working on new ideas for being more productive and efficient with my time.  It's a must, as I manage my personal website, Etsy shoppes, write my blog, do all of my photography and editing, design and create my items in my signature line, and try to manage my ever growing "idea list".  But, again, I am thankful and feel very blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love (and, I so appreciate my sweet, supportive hubby for allowing me to pursue my dream!), and I hope my creations and signature designs bring smiles to those that receive them. 

Many thanks to all of you whom support me and all the other talented women owned businesses.  I truly appreciate each of you and love working with you to create something I hope will bring you a little piece of happiness each time you use it or wear it.  Your support and encouragement means more than you can ever imagine.  Each time you visit our fan pages, leave a comment on our blogs, do a little shopping with us...well, that is just one more time that you are helping our voice to be heard.  And, for that, I am truly thankful and appreciative!

Do you manage your own business?  What do you love most about it...and, what are you always trying to improve or work on?  Any favorite tips you feel help you to run your business more efficiently?  Feel free to share with us...we'd love to hear your ideas!

On some Thursdays I am also going to "spread the love" a bit and share some of my favorite finds from women owned businesses.  Oh, I have found some cute things!! You are going to love the goodies I will be sharing with you!  It's time to start thinking about that Christmas list, and I'm taking note of some cute shoppes you may want to check out.

**And, I just have to share this as it is happening...I am working and have the Nate Berkus show on in the background.  A lady (April Morse) is telling about how she saved her family's cabinetry business of 38yrs after the bank told them they should close it.  After some encouragement from others, she sent Williams Sonoma one of their new product designs (a wine bottle shaped cutting board)...and, now they carry that item!! What an inspiring story!! Ok, just had to share this with ya'll...I mean it's just so fitting since I was about to hit "publish" on my post!  And, I just love how I can hear the passion and emotion in this lady's voice!  That's what I'm talking about...following a dream, being determined, making "it" happen!  Love it! :)

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog; I hope you'll stop by again!

Wordless Wednesday...A Pendant for Any Day!

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

What's your style?

What's your favorite design?

Visit Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe

and

AnnMargaretsSpecialT on Etsy to figure it out!

And, if you just can't decide...

I'm always here for you to help you choose that perfect "jewel"!

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I hope you'll stop by again!

Tuesdays with Tucker (the Westie)...Welcoming Fall Along My Inspirational Journey

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

I thought I would share a few of my favorite pictures today for my "Inspirational Journey" just to share a little of this festive fall feeling I've got going on! My mom took this picture a few years ago when she and Poppy were in California.  I'm lovin' these orangey mums!! What about you??

And, I'm gonna share this one because it is one of my mom's favorite photos!  She loves this pretty cottage window! This picture was also taken on that same trip to California as they took time to check out a few shops and restaurants along the Pacific Coast Highway.  Wish I'd been with them! You know I would have loved that California breeze!

And, just to give you a little SPOOKY feeling, I thought I would share this scary guy with you! YIKES!..I'm NOT a fan of these critters!! I'm very surprised my mom even considered taking a picture of this eerie spider because she is no fan of them either, but I think she was intrigued by the craftsmanship of his web!

Remember, if you have a favorite photo that you just love or one that gives you inspiration, I would love for you to share it with me so I can share it with everyone here on Tuesdays when I take a stroll along my "Inspirational Journey".  Click on the phrase to read all about it if it is your first time visiting. 

Hope you're fall is off to a fun start!!  Are you decorating your door or porch for the fall and Halloween season?  Tell us how you like to decorate! We've got to make a pumpkin run so we can add a little fall decor to our front door!

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!

Birthday Celebration, Girlfriends, and a Little Chandelier Bling ~ Fabulous Combination!

Monday, October 4th, 2010

I enjoyed meeting up with my girlfriends the other weekend so we could celebrate Heather's birthday and enjoy a girly movie and yummy food at one of our favorite restaurants.  We always have such fun when we get together.  We decided we better meet for the movie first because we often miss out on our movie plans if we have dinner before...we start chatting and giggling, and before you know it...the movie has already started! We went to see You Again, and it was soooo funny!  I strongly suggest that you do NOT even consider trying to talk your sweet guy into seeing this movie with you!  He will not be happy!  As we watched the movie, I couldn't help but think about what John might have been doing if I had coerced him into seeing it.  I think it is safe to say he would have found his way into another theater...FAST! Believe me, he's a good sport, but even I will only push that button so far!  I loved it though, and it is a movie that we girls can relate to on so many levels!  I do strongly suggest that you call up your gal pals and head out to see it!  We enjoyed a delicious cake after dinner (Thank you, Sarah!!) and serenaded Heather with our sweet rendition of "Happy Birthday"! 

FUN pictures
Lots of belly laughs and giggles
A few "Don't you dare post that on Facebook!"
SWEET memories in the making!

I feel soooo very blessed to know each of these sweet girls!  I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love hanging out with them!  When we arrived in Huntsville, I met Jen first, and then, she introduced me to each of them.  They all welcomed me into their group as though I had always been a part of it.  As I sat there watching the movie, I thought about how difficult it can be for girls of any age to make new friends, try to fit in, and just find that sense of belonging with new girlfriends.  If you've seen the movie, you know just what I'm talking about.  And, if you have ever moved around even a little bit throughout your life...you really know what I am talking about.  Unfortunately, girls don't always make it easy to become friends, but I can assure you it means alot when one does.  (Thank you, Jen!)  So, I encourage you to look around and take notice of the "new girl" in town, at your school, or in your office ~ and, stop and think about how you would want to be treated if you were in her heels!  You might just make a friend for life, and believe me, your heart is big enough to welcome in a few new friends!

I had such fun creating a special birthday invitation for Heather's night out! I thought we needed something a little sassy and oh, so FABULOUS!  Do you like it? I have it listed in Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe on Etsy now so if you have a special celebration coming up I would love to customize this design for you!  Most any of the designs you see in my shoppe may be created on any of the items I carry.  So, if you see a belt buckle design that you would love to have as a bridal shower invitation, just send me a message, and I'll have fun creating something special for you! I am now offering printable DIY invitations, cupcake wrappers and toppers, banners, and other party decor and am working on getting more added to the shoppe.  In the meantime, please feel free to inquire about a particular design as you begin to plan your celebration!

Hope you're having a FABULOUS Monday!

2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe/Ann-Margaret's Visions
Please do not use/copy photos, text, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for visiting Ann-Margaret's Vsions!