Rose Tea Cottage

Where tea is served at half past four

My darlings after a weeklong intermission, I am back.
I was in desperate need of some Me time ...pampering and relaxing.
My TV and laptop stayed switched off for the entire week.
Instead I buried my nose in my books, drooled over my catalogues, listened to my favourite music, took little naps, ate and ate!!

Last Saturday, my friend Annie and I spent a lovely afternoon.
We managed to fill a few shopping bags from here and there.
Had a lovely lunch, couple of glasses of bubbly, and tea-licious desserts. After lunch we went and saw Alice in Wonderland.

Here is my review… The first half starts off virtually magical. A well re-told grown up version of the tale complete with tiny doors, rabbits and waistcoats...a more Walt Disney version rather than Tim Burton. Sadly, the second half took a dive into the rabbit hole. It was much darker and perhaps closer to Lewis Carroll’s orignal tale rather than Disney’s sweet, slightly saccharine place where people sing and say silly things. In my opinion the second half lacked the necessary magic to generate any narrative excitement. I am a huge fan of Johnny Depp, hence the reason I sat through the entire film. However, this movie was a complete letdown for my taste.


I realise I have a lot to catch up with …my emails and comments and of course your blog posts. I will hopefully get to them in a day or so. Pampering days were delightful; however, I must admit it is good to be back to some kind of routine again. My darlings, enjoy your Sunday, and keep your kettles whistling, I just might stop by for a cuppa.


70 comments:

Natasha in Oz said...

Sounds like a week of pure bliss- Good on you Duchess! I bet you feel refreshed and ready to approach the coming weeks with much enthusiasm.

Best wishes always,
Natasha.

Loveforpiemonte said...

Good for you!!!! Maybe I am gonna try this myself very soon. I am sorry to read your review, I am too a big fan of Johnny Depp but maybe now I wait for the DVD.
Enjoy your week,
greetings Madelon Holland

Cool Lassi(e) said...

Looks like you had plenty of time for Rest & Relaxation. For me coming to your blog is a relaxation. :)

La Petite Gallery said...

Well,
I am glad for your comments on that movie.
The Poka dots are cute and that's
the way I have to start eating.
Now that you are bright eyed and bushy tailed stop over for a sip of tea.

Yvonne

Hetty Summers said...

Duchess glad to hear you are rested and back to blogging. I just returned from visiting friends in Italy and will soon resume my blogging too. Have a lovely week.

Hetty xoxo

JamaGenie said...

Congratulations for knowing you needed Me Time...and then took it! Sounds like a fabulous week indeed!
I'd heard elsewhere that "Alice" isn't the movie it could've been ..or *should've* been with the delicious Johnny Depp on board. Think I'll wait for the DVD too.

Welcome back!
xxx
JG

Maggi said...

So glad you got some time in for yourself! I wish you had enjoyed the movie more.

Debbiedoos said...

Duchess it sounded like a much needed relaxing retreat! An entire week with no computer or TV, I am very impressed!

Unknown said...

HOpe you are feeling nice and refreshed daaaaahling. We all deserve to take a little time out sometimes. Good for you.
*kisses* HH

rosenrot said...

Hallo liebe Duchess, nun so eine Auszeit muss auch einfach mal sein, vorallem hast Du es Dir ja auch gut gehen lassen, mit Lesen, Shoppen mit der Freundin und dein heissersehnter Kinobesuch!! Schade das der Film Dir nicht so gefallen hat, aber das ist auch mein Problem. Ich liebe die Bücher und habe ganz bestimmte Vorstellungen von Personen oder Orten im Kopf und die Filme enttäuschen mich dann sehr oft!!
Nun geniesse deinen Tee und ein leckeres Stück Torte!
Ach und dann gratuliere ich Dir zu deinen Awards, 5 Stück das ist ja einfach großartig, aber bei deiner soooo großen Leserschaft kein Wunder
allerliebste Grüße
MArlies

Frog Hollow Farm Girl said...

Sweet greetings from Frog Hollow Farm. I too have been a bit remiss with my postings - busy entertaining and just basking in the sunshine we've been blessed with the last few days. Your week of pampering looks wonderful and of course as elegant as you are! Ciao, Bella!

Michela said...

Hello Duchess! Glad you had a pleasant blogging break! Hope you're having a lovely weekend! xxx

PAT said...

Your week away sounds delightful.

Beautiful images.

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

It sounds like you've had a wonderful week Duchess.

Interesting to hear your review on Alice, I still hope to see it at the cinema but it'll be interesting to see what I think.

Victoria xx

Francy said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful week! And I too was disappointed with Alice in Wonderland. I just watched for Johnny Depp ;-)

Dagmar said...

Hi there Duchess, goes is there ever, I mean ever a picture of you that doesn't turn into a great succes.

Gosh I've been away to long, sorry for that, but scrolling down reading all the stuff I've missed makes my mouth drewl...and my tummy hungry for all your goodies.

Wish you a happy day.
Hugs Dagmar

My Life And Loves said...

Your week sounds amazing!

I'm in love with your latest pictures! I'm a new follower & absolutely love your blog! I thoroughly enjoy my visits to your blog & this last week has enabled me to catch up on your lovely entries!

x

Mayflower said...

Hello dear Duchess, I can imagine a week without television or my pc haha, I know it......they call it addiction. But you've spent your time so well, but I'm glad you are back again, so I ca enjoy your beautiful posts. I'am also a big fan of Johnny Depp.
Have a wonderful evening.
Warm regards, Mea

Kissed by an Angel said...

My dear Duchess, it sounds like a perfect week!!! So glad you enjoyed it!!
I haven't seen Alice yet, and as everyone seems very smitten with it, I didn't like to say that I don't actually fancy it!! I feel a bit better now!!!
Have a wonderful week!!
xxxx

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Duchess,
A week of Heaven...sometimes you need to do things like that. Hope you are feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world again with a new "Spring" in your step! (I couldn't resist with yesterday being the first day of Spring and all):)
Have not seen Alice yet and don't think I will after your review. Johhny Depp is quite good-looking but I always have this nagging suspicion he looks like he needs a bath scrub! Goodness, is it just me?
Glad you are back Duchess, we missed you my friend!
Good Sunday to you,
Mimi

marianna franchi said...

Proprio un bel fine settimana!Quanto vorrei avere un pò più di tempo per me e spenderlo rilassandomi...proprio come hai fatto tu!!!!Il tuo post è bellissimo!!!Complimenti un abbraccio cara

Kelly said...

Glad you got to spend a little 'you' time! A lovely time for you! sound's like you had fun with your friend xxx

Maria said...

A Good Sunday to you!
Sounds like a perfect week... Nothing calms the heart and spirit like peace, quiet and stillness ~ glad you found some of that!
Love the delicious breakfast in bed!
~Maria

Deanna said...

Dearest Duchess,
May you have a delightful SpRiNg!!!
I am so ready to see pretty flowers in bloom, blue skies and all that's lovely about life in the spring.
You do have alot of followers who love you and your delightful blog with the beautiful pictures about the things that bring your joy.
I look forward to visiting your place!!!
God bless you,
d

Angie's Recipes said...

We all need to pamper ourselves from time to time...I am glad to see you back!

My Passport to Style said...

Hi Duchess, sometimes you just need to kick back and smell the roses! Of which there are always plenty in your home I assume! Totally agree re -Alice was v-disappointing. Great to see a woman who prioritizes her self for a change! Happy Monday darling! Sharon xxooxx

Katy Noelle said...

Thanks for the "heads up" on the movie. I think that I'll still go to see it. We have a wonderful, huge stadium theatre down south. 3-D is so fun there. Hopefully, I won't wiggle in my seat!

I'm so glad that you had some lovely and refreshing outings and some cozy inside time. Oddly, though I was so incredibly busy getting ready for the tea, I've felt like I've had a lot of refreshing me time too! Maybe it's because I love to nest at home, bake, see friends and set lovely tables. Oh, and I shouldn't forget the armload of flowers that I've been making into bouquets which are filling the house. Now, though, I am definitely ready for some rest too! I so hope it's like yours.

Love, Katy xo

Shabs.. said...

Its real good to stay out of touch with laptops and tv's....you will realise how much of time yiu have in hans when these two stuffs are not around.....That was alovely post....loved the firt pic alot....nice cosy pic, with breakfast on bed.....Is that you in the pic, Duchess?
Love and hugs,
shabs.

Rachana said...

Sounds like you had an amazing week darling!!! I am glad to see you back!

VM Creation Atelier said...

Ooh,my dear Duchess!-)*

What nice that you are back and I am really glad for you,my lovely friend, that you has a wonderful time these week!!!
I go to watching''Alice...''may be end of these week and I hope it that I would not really disappoint about these movie!-)*

Much love and hugs,
***Violetta***

P.S.
One lovely Award waiting for you by my last post,darling Duchess!-)*

Unknown said...

Sounds like a perfect week!! I'm sure you are feeling very refreshed!

koralee said...

So glad you had a week to yourself to enjoy my friend. But happy you are back. Love love those polka dots. xoxo Have another grand week! xoxo

beachvintage.com said...

Dear Duchess, I have heard similar things about this movie, what a shame. I am glad you have taken some time to rest my dear.

PriyaRaj said...

Cool..Hope u took a nice rest & nap...Thanx for the review of the movie...Nice clicks/..Hope now u will spend time with us..

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Glad you're back with your subjects lovely Duchess, I thought perhaps you had taken a tumble down that rabbit hole yourself!

Happy week AND hello DOD,

Sarah x

Lynn said...

Duchess,
Sounds like your week was lovely and a much deserved pampering for yourself. We all need that and you are one smart lady to take a week for yourself. We all missed you but were so happy knowing you were have a delightful time. All except the movie. I just love your blog, such beautiful photos on your sidebar.
Have a fantastic week!
Lynn

Hausfrau said...

Glad you had a restful week of doing fun things for yourself! Too bad about "Alice"--I haven't seen it yet.

Catie said...

I have to agree about Alice in Wonderland. My husband and I also felt a little letdown upon leaving the theater.
I'm glad you got some relax time though :)

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Morning Duchess,
Have been wondering what happened to you!! lol Always good to have some downtime, gives us time to rest and think about life. Glad you enjoyed it, and are ready to get back on schedule, that is why we need those breaks, cause they make us ready for life again.
I haven't seen Alice yet, but my kids have and my daughter and her friend weren't too crazy about it and my son said he liked it pretty well, so doubt we are gonna go see it, cause we haven't heard any raves reviews!
You have a totally wonderful week hon.
Blessings, Nellie

Nati said...

HOLAA SOY NATI,PASABA POR AQUÍ Y ME LLAMÓ LA ATENCIÓN TAN INTERESANTE BLOG,SABES? TIEN ALGO ESPECIAL,¡ES MAGICO! Y HE DECIDIDO QUEDARME YO NECESITO LA MAGIA PARA VIVIR,FELICIDADES POR TU BLOG.
¿QUIERES CONOCER EL MÍO? SE LLAMA: "LOS CUENTOS DE NATI". SI TE GUSTA SERÁ UN HONER QUE TE QUEDES. HASTA PRONTO BESOS NATI.

Nozomi said...

So happy for you :) Don't we all need it sometimes? I love reading your blog...I come visit your blog to take my daily break :)

Wish you a good week!

Rizzi said...

MY DEAR DUCHESS,
HOW GRAND YOU GOT TO HAVE A WEEK TO YOURSELF. WE ALL SHOULD DO THAT TIME AND AGAIN. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED EVERY
MINUTE OF IT, AND ENJOYED EVERY MORSEL OF FOOD. HAPPY YOU ARE BACK. LADY RIZZI

Jolie Rosie said...

Precious Duchess so glad you had a good rest and are now ready to face the world more relaxed and happy. I haven't seen the movie yet and now I think I will wait for the DVD, no movies and waste of money, it's cheaper this way and besides I am not a huge fan of 3D anyway. Have a happy week.

North West London Girl said...

Dearest Duchess, so glad you had some pampering time to yourself. Not always easy to come by. A great shame about Alice In Wonderland, I was wondering whether to take my small herd to see it over the school hols, and am not sure if I might try something else instead.
With love xx

Paris Pastry said...

Glad you're back and enjoyed yor little relaxation! I can't wait to see Alice! Thank you so much for the review!

BALLET NEWS said...

oh that sounds like heaven darling Duchess ! A whole week with no emails... if only !

Unknown said...

I am so sorry you didn't totally enjoy Alice! I think I was intrigued because of the 3D glasses! I am like a child wanting to reach out and grab the air! Did you see Avatar? The 3D in that movie was incredible. So glad you are refreshed and back with us. hugs and smiles across the miles...

Rosemary and Pink said...

I am so glad that you were able to take some me time Duchess. On the movie, I have to agree with you in that we (my niece and I ) walked away dissapointed. Nice to have you back.

Rosemary xx

Uzbe Girl said...

velcom back me freind i happy you back and ahppy.

Olga

Cooking with Laura said...

Duchess what a delicious way to finish the week - with breakfast in bed. The finger toast and egg are mouthwatering. Enjoy the season.

Laura

Megan said...

Sounds like a great week. I'm going to go see Alice in Wonderland in a few days. Thanks for the review. I cant wait to see it!

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Duchess,

Glad that you were able to have some pampering and we all need to do that from time to time.
Have a wonderful week, sweet friend.

Hugs
Carolyn

Cathie said...

hello lovely Duchess, so good to see you pop back on my reader.
hope you are enjoying yourself, the kettle is on & the biscuits are waiting for you

The Spirit of Abundance said...

Dear Dutchess,

I'm delighted you stopped by and still smiling thanks to your sweet comment :).

Your Pampering/Me-time sounds heavenly!! Think I will do something like that soon myself :).

Have a lovely day!

Hugs,
Nona

Amara said...

Oi Duchess!
Thank you for your visit in my blog.
And you have left a message for me. hope you me visit always. I have other blogs, if you want to visit I adore!
http://rozanipereira.blogspot.com and http://minhapaixaoporfilmes.blogspot.com
kisses,Rozani

A Rose Without A Thorn said...

Dear Duchess, I love the picture of your perfect boiled egg. We had boiled eggs and soldiers at the weekend. When my son was little we always had to have the eggs with his favorite cut up soldiers. The yolk had to be perfect with the ideal dipping consistency. Yummy, Maureen.....

Beatnheart said...

Hey Duchess..wish I could hang with you one day..an afternoon of the V & A museum and a lovely little teashop after...

Deborah said...

A Duchess can never be pampered enough. **kisses** Deb

Unknown said...

God! You have such a wonderful blog!
Congrats :)
Belén ♥

Michael said...

Always love your photos and such. As it is, I have to say I found Alice so terribly boring. I actually left after an hour. Was not impressed at all.

now, breakfast in bad with that amazing assortment. Mmm...wonderful.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Beautiful blog....Love your blog.....I am doing some fun blog hopping tonight.
Great post....Hope you will stop by for a visit. I have a giveway that I am drawing for this Friday...

Teresa
http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

Lucie said...

You deserve your rest and it is good to recharge. As always your posts make me feel cheered and quite serene! with love,Lucie x

parTea lady said...

Sounds like a wonderful relaxing and refreshing break. Hope you have given those migraines the slip and are feeling great.

Thanks for the movie review and as always, the lovely photos.

linda said...

I just had to stop over and say hello thank you for the kind words on Debbiedoos blog iam her Mom iam so enjoying visiting your lovely blog .It is wonderful i have a sister who lived in England 19yr she is back in the us now but she misses england very much.i will be back have a lovely day :

Lady Katherine said...

Such a lovely time of relaxation! My kind of time, loved!

Anonymous said...

Pampering days...what a dream! I really need some but the time hasn't come yet, still a lot to do in the new (old) home and no time for me. Your blog is so pink! Love it. Fra

Crazy About Films said...

Lovely

The Simply Luxurious Life said...

Thoroughly love your voice and focus of your blog. Am so glad to have found you. Have a beautiful Sunday and start to the new week. =)

The Old Cupboard Door said...

"Me time" sounds completely wonderful! Thank you for the review on Alice In Wonderland. I have yet to see it and perhaps will wait until the DVD; magical is for the big screen, dark and lacking is not.

~willa~

recklessbliss said...

Your blog is so adorable! I love the British lifestyle too. My dad was born there and we are actually related -somewhat distantly- to the royal family which was always fun to tell my friends as a little girl haha! I'd love for you to check out my blog is you get a chance. God bless!

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