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!

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!