Rose Tea Cottage

2011-04-08T07:49:00.002+01:00

Hello my darlings, where do I begin? It has been far too long since my last post when sadly and unexpectedly my life took a wrong turn. Bit by bit, my days are starting to take on a semblance of order and I am now ready to slowly resume blogging after a long hiatus.

I am completely lost for words to express the love and gratitude I feel for you, my precious friends. Your frequent visits and sincere concerned comments during my absence are immensely appreciated. It is so heartwarming to see that I have not been forgotten and that you have missed me as much as I have missed you. You are all so good to me my darlings. I wish I could reach into my screen and hug each and every one of you.

It's good to be back.
I will stop by for a cuppa soon.

2010-07-05T20:57:00.003+01:00

The days come and go like muffled and veiled figures
sent from a distant friendly place carrying gifts,
and if we do not use the gifts they bring,
they carry them silently away.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

My darlings I wish you sunny days filled with gifts
and the wisdom to enjoy them all wisely.

2010-07-03T09:21:00.001+01:00

"Ma chère bonne, if you are not feeling well, if you have not slept, chocolate will revive you. But you have no chocolate! I think of that again and again! Ma chère, how will you ever manage? Please believe that I love you as much as the chocolate we shall savour together."

Written by Madame Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sévigné in a letter to her daughter, Françoise-Marguerite de Sévigné, Comtesse de Grignan ~ 1670

This weekend, I am planning to sit back, relax, eat lots of chocolate and simply enjoy the sunshine. A big heartfelt thank you to you my darlings for your lovely comments and a warm welcome to my new followers. Wishing you a fabulous weekend full of sweetness.

2010-06-23T07:31:00.007+01:00

My Summer Favourites...
Sun-drenched days and starlit nights
Picnics by the creek
Reading romance novels whilst sipping Bellinis
Afternoon tea in the garden

Building sandcastles whilst watching waves foaming at the shore
Strawberries and peaches
Napping in the afternoon

Sleeveless cotton floral dresses
Pink toenails
Dreamy, creamy Cornish ice cream

And yours darling?

2010-06-15T07:31:00.002+01:00

One of the nicest things about life is the way
we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing
and devote our attention to eating.

~Luciano Pavarotti
Pavarotti, My Own Story

Lady R and I thank you sincerely for your good wishes and prayers. She is now home resting comfortably following two difficult and painful operations. I have persuaded her to start yoga and to replace her regular diet with organic lean protein, fruits and vegetables to strengthen her immune system whilst getting her mind and body ready for her upcoming chemotherapy. Please continue to pray for her.

My darlings be good to yourselves and remember
the greatest wealth is health.

2010-06-02T23:37:00.005+01:00

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
its loveliness increases, it will never pass into nothingness

but still will keep a bower quiet for us,

and a sleep full of sweet dreams, health, and quiet breathing ....

~ John Keats

My darlings I pray that each day carries a "Thing of Beauty" for you.

Miss you all lots and lots...

2010-05-25T22:31:00.004+01:00

Aunt Millie's Victoria Sandwich Cake Recipe

A British Recipe with A French Twist
Happy Baking My Darlings

For the Cakes
225g / 8oz self-raising flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
225g / 8oz caster sugar
225g / 8oz softened butter
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1½ teaspoon ground cardamom
6 tablespoon of double cream
4 tablespoon of Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur

For the Filling
8 tablespoons of strawberry jam (preferably homemade)
4 teaspoons of Framboise Raspberry Liqueur mixed into the jam
300ml / 10½ oz double cream, lightly whipped

For best results, start with room-temperature ingredients
Heat oven to 180C / 350F /Gas 4
Butter two 20cm/7 inch tins, line with non-stick baking and set aside
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cardamom, salt and set aside
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy, using an electric whisk or a wooden spoon. Beat well to get lots of air into the mixture, this should take about 5 minutes
Beat in the eggs one at a time
Add the double cream and Grand Marnier at this point
Add the vanilla and mix well
Fold in the flour mixture. Be careful not to over-mix
Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins and level the surface with the back of a spoon or a plastic spatula.
Place in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when pressed gently with a finger and are pale golden in colour
Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes
Turn the cakes out on to a wire rack, peel off the paper and leave to cool completely
Spread the sponge with the jam and the whipped cream, then carefully sandwich together
Dust with icing sugar and serve

2010-05-19T00:41:00.008+01:00

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have
and one of the best things you can be
~Douglas Pagels

Nearly a year ago, when I started my blog, my intention was to share with you my love of afternoon tea, poetry and all things pink, sweet, rosy and lovely. I never intended to write about my personal life, be it sorrow or joy. As months passed and my blog took form, something unexpected and magical happened!!!

♥♥ Global Friendships ♥♥

Truth be told, I never thought it would be possible to form such genuine friendship with virtual strangers miles and miles away. However, it did happen and in abundance at that. As time passed, I found myself sharing with you, my lovely friends, the joys and sorrows of my everyday life. In addition, I rejoiced, saddened, and prayed for events happening in your lives.

Based on the above, when this latest calamity happened,
my first reaction was to run to my laptop, prepare a post, and ask you, my friends, for your prayers. However, I quickly stopped myself not wanting to bring about grey clouds to your day.

Tonight, sitting down at my laptop exhausted and sleep-deprived appreciatively looking at all the unreciprocated visits you have made to my cottage, the 300 plus unanswered sweet and thoughtful comments and emails that are sitting in my inbox waiting for a reply, and all of the lovely new faces on my follower gadget who recently joined my blog and are waiting to be welcomed, made me realise I better share my heartbreaking news with you. You see my darlings, I don't want you to think that I have been ignoring you, no no no, far from it. It's your visits and comments that have given me joy and have been my lifeline during this difficult time. I do have every intention in responding to each and every one but realise I fall short of the mark day after day. So I question myself, how could I simultaneously balance my blogging duties and be a comfort to those who need me at the moment?

My darlings, my best friend, whom I’ve lovingly nicknamed Lady R was recently diagnosed with cancer. Lady R and I met 32 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. Together we have faced life’s challenges...growing up, school, dating, marriages, children, divorce, losing loved ones. We have stood hand in hand and side by side, through good and bad, happy and sad, up and down, thin and thick, good health and now illness.

Lady R has been such a huge part of my life; I just can’t imagine life without her. Upon learning of this devastating news, I have spent every possible moment with her and have unremittingly prayed for her recovery. I feel totally helpless. The only offering I have, is my time and comforting words, which she, her husband and her children so desperately need. Therefore, I have decided to devote all my spare time to them for now and place my blogging duties on hold for a short time.

My darlings, given that I have a number of posts ready to be put up, I will periodically release a post; however, I am afraid my visits to your lovely blogs will sadly be sparse for a short time, do forgive me my lovelies. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the solicitous comments and emails you have posted for me during my absence,
I am truly blessed to have you all in my life my sweets.

2010-05-12T19:51:00.003+01:00

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our own windows today.
~Dale Carnegie

In the past week, once again I have realised how capricious and how precious life truly is. My darlings don't take a moment of your lives for granted. Live your lives to the fullest and just know that with every passing moment you are given yet another chance to turn it all around with no excuses and no regrets.

2010-04-28T22:21:00.005+01:00

A cup of tea to say thank you for all the things you've done
And wishes that the day will bring you happiness and fun

My lovely friend Bernideen has bestowed upon me the

"Blogger Friendship Award". Her blog is loaded with beautifully presented afternoon tea related posts and lovely photos. Do take a moment to pop in for a cup of tea and a bite to eat.

Bernideen's Tea Time Blog

My darlings, life has suddenly placed too many crème scones on my Royal Albert plate. I am a little encumbered by my impending trip and by life's this and that. I'm doing the best I can, and promise you all that I will stop by to take tea with you soon and remember my lovelies
"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

2010-04-25T23:47:00.001+01:00

Always remember to forget the things that made you sad
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad

Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue
But never forget to remember those that have stuck by you

Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away
But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day

My darlings wishing you a week full of sweet blessings.

2010-04-25T01:09:00.003+01:00

Oh, spring came to my garden
And caught it unaware
Wearing just a few tiny blossoms
In desperate need of care

But when spring left my garden
Its work so deftly done
Many, many hyacinths
Were dancing in the sun

My darlings dance your way through a lovely Sunday.

2010-04-21T08:45:00.006+01:00

My darlings like squirrels hiding their nuts,
I have been hiding my awards and now
it is time to reveal them.

I would like to thank my lovely friends
who have bestowed upon me the following awards.
I have posted my awards on my award blog here.
A million thanks ladies.

"Such a Love Award" from my talented friend Violetta
VM Creations Studio Atelier

"Sweet Friends Award" from my lovely friend Jeanne

Collage of Life

"Beautiful Blogger Award" from my sweet friend Bella

The Art of Living Beautifully

"Sunshine & Child Awards" from my darling Maggie

Do These Shoes Match This Purse?

"Blog Loving Award" fom my lovely friend PriyaRaj

EnSamaiyal

"Sunshine Award" from my newest friend Anna

Cornflake

"Beautiful Blogger Award" from my darling friend Miss. Baptisda

Miss. Baptisda

"Sunshine Award" from my sweet friend Kittie

The Block

"Honest Scrap Award" from my gorgeous friend Rita

Rita's Shabby Chic Rose

If you are not already a follower of the wonderful blogs mentioned above, please take a moment to pop in for a visit and a cup of tea.

Thank you so much my darlings for the kind and comforting words you left for me on my previous post. I am so grateful for the abundance of love that you send my way each and everyday. You have all been a constant source of support for me, you've been by my side through sorrow and joy. I simply do not know what I would do without you my darlings. I know that I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.

Thank you

2010-04-20T00:25:00.005+01:00

If flowers grow in Heaven
Lord please pick a bunch for me
Place them in my Mum’s arms
And tell her they're from me
Tell her I love her and miss her
And when she turns to smile
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for awhile
Because remembering her is easy
I do it every day
But there's an ache within my heart
Because I am missing her today

Today, the 20th of April is a bittersweet day for me.
It is my mum's birthday, it's also the day she went to heaven.

Mum I miss you terribly and wish you were here.
I love you mum, always have and always will.

2010-04-15T10:17:00.001+01:00

For each new morning with its light
For rest and shelter of the night
For health and food, for love and friends
For everything Thy goodness sends

Thank you

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I read someplace that gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. My darlings this morning loads of fair blossoms are springing from my soul because I am so grateful for our friendship.

Thank you

2010-04-14T08:49:00.005+01:00

Today I am hosting an afternoon tea over at my lovely friend Melissa's blog, Smitten by Britain. Melissa is an American with an insatiable appetite for all things British. Her fascination with Great Britain started with British rock when she was in her early teens and just grew from there. She once called Britain home and although she left Britain years ago, Britain has never left Melissa. Her blog is full of interesting and informative posts and video clips all about Britain..a true Britophile as she likes to style herself. My darlings, please pop over and join us for tea. You can find us here or by clicking on the photo above. Don't be late lovelies, remember tea is served at half past four.

2010-04-12T09:26:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday my darling

2010-04-10T06:53:00.001+01:00

Dance as though no one is watching
Love as though you've never been hurt
Sing as though no one can hear you
Live as though heaven is on earth

My darlings

Dance

Sing

Love

Live

As though it's the weekend
Oh! Wait it is the weekend!!

Have a lovely one then

2010-04-07T21:08:00.005+01:00

If I were a month, I would be May
If I were a day of the week, I would be Saturday
If I were a time of day, I would be sunrise

If I were the weather, I would be sunny with a soft breeze
If I were a direction, I would be north
If I were a scent, I would be Mimosa

If I were a tree, I would be a Cherry Blossom
If I were a flower, I would be a Peony
If I were an animal, I would be a bird

If I were a fine bone china, I would be a pink rose laced teacup
If I were a car, I would be a 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe
If I was a painting, I would be the La Modiste by Jean Béraud

If I were a drink, I would be Champagne
If I were a fruit, I would be cherry
If I were a dessert, I would be Lavender Crème Brûlée

If I were a perfume, I would be Clive Christian No. 1
If I were a gemstone, I would be an Emerald
If I were a castle, I would be Mey

If I were a musical instrument, I would be a violin
If I were a sound, I would be a bell
If I were a song, I would be Sway

If I were a colour, I would be pink
If I were an emotion, I would be joy
If I were a taste, I would be sweet

If I were a museum, I would be the Louvre
If I were a country, I would be England
If I could be anyone, I would be me

And you darling?

2010-04-06T10:38:00.002+01:00

Where there are friends there is wealth
~ Plautus

Friendship, thoughtfulness, prayers, best wishes, caring advice and kind comments, all of these and more, you have given me without measure. I thank you with tons of love and deeply felt gratitude.

My lovelies I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend. I am happy to report I celebrated Easter free of migraine, had a fabulous time, ate way too much food and overdosed on chocolate. On Saturday, I bumped into an old friend, and now I am off to have lunch with her (the eating never stops). Wishing you a marvellous week my darlings.

2010-04-02T09:40:00.002+01:00

My darlings do forgive me for not being a good blogging friend of late. This hasn't been a good week for me as I have had a blinding migraine everyday. I feel terrible for not being able to visit your blogs and to respond to your comments and emails. I am hoping to get rid of this nasty migraine and to return to blogging soon. I just couldn't let Easter pass without posting my good wishes for you.

May God bless you at Easter
and keep you all year through

May God give you all the faith you need
to make your dreams come true

May His love and wisdom always help
to guide you on your way

May His light shine down upon you now
to bless your Easter Day

Wishing every bunny a joyous and blessed Easter

Happy Easter my Darlings

2010-03-29T10:23:00.011+01:00

Daffy~Down~Dilly has come to town
In a yellow petticoat and a green gown

Happy Monday My Darlings

2010-03-27T07:32:00.002Z

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving
for my friends...the old and the new

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

My darlings, to simply say thank you for reading my posts and leaving behind such kind comments seems so small so I wrapped the words in hugs, tied them with love and sealed them with kisses.

Have a lovely weekend.

2010-03-25T13:14:00.013Z

One of my dearest friends, Nellie wrote this comment on my last post.

"Amen Duchess,
Great post hon, and it is so true.
Mother Theresa said a lot of great statements. One I really loved was when asked what we could do to promote world peace, she simply said, go home and love your family!!
How very true, cause sometimes we can treat strangers way better than we treat the ones we live with everyday. We really have to check ourselves! Thanks for sharing this inspirational post.
Blessings, Nellie "

~~~~~~~
Nellie's comment reminded me of a book I saw several years ago, at a local charity shop...a small pink book. Needless to say, the little darling came home with me and has been a constant companion of mine. The following story is printed on the first page of this book. Please take a moment and read this sweet story, I assure you it will bring tears to your eyes... good tears!!
If you would like to visit Nellie, you can find her at Nellie's Cozy Place.

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
But the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "
Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mum, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers,
especially the blue."

2010-03-24T01:15:00.007Z

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway

If you're successful, you'll win some false friends & some true enemies;
Succeed anyway

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them

~~Mother Teresa

2010-03-23T08:41:00.007Z

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet
She wore her greenest gown
She turned to the south wind
And curtsied up and down
She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head
And whispered to her neighbour
~Winter is dead ~

Happy Spring My Darlings

2010-03-21T11:35:00.006Z

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.

2010-03-14T10:20:00.004Z

Sandra Bullock move over!
I am the proud recipient of five lovely awards from five incredibly kind and talented bloggers whom I am so proud to call my friends.
Please take a moment and peek at their marvellous blogs.
I have posted my awards on my award blog here.
A million thanks ladies.

The "Hats So Much Award" from Anya ~ Couture Millinery Atelier

The "Sunshine Award" from Eileen ~ Stick Close to Home

The "Beautiful Blogger Award" from Debbie ~ Debbiedoos

The "Sunshine Award" from Rosie P ~ Roses and Peonies

The "Real Award" from Deb ~ Dumbwit Tellher

To all my UK Mummy friends and those celebrating Mother’s Day today
I wish you all a lovely day indeed.

2010-03-10T02:37:00.007Z

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late.
For a very important date.
No time to say hello.
Goodbye.
I'm late, I'm late, I'm late.

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense.
Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary-wise; what it is it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?

Mad Hatter: Would you like a little more tea?
Alice: Well, I haven’t had any yet, so I can’t very well take more!
March Hare: Ah, you mean you can’t very well take less.
Mad Hatter: Yes, You can always take more than nothing!

Alice: I simply must get through!!
Doorknob: Sorry, You’re much too big. Simply impassible.
Alice: You mean impossible?
Doorknob: No, impassible. Nothing is impossible.

Alice: And how many hours a day did you do lessons?
The Mock Turtle: Ten hours the first day, nine the next, and so on.
Alice: What a curious plan!
The Gryphon: That's the reason they're called lessons, because they lessen from day to day.

My friend Annie and I are planning to go see Alice in Wonderland this weekend. However, all the reviews I have read so far have been negative. Have you seen the movie and would you recommend it?
Do share darlings.

2010-03-09T11:02:00.005Z

The Fox & The Grapes

A fox, almost with hunger dying
Some grapes on a trellis spying
To all appearance ripe, clad in
Their tempting russet skin
Most gladly would have eat them
But since he could not get them

So far above his reach on the vine—
“They’re sour,” he said; “such grapes as these,
The dogs may eat them if they please!”
Did he not better than to whine?

~ La Fontaine fable based on Aesop: Phaedrus, 4. 3.

I raise my teacup and drink my Earl Grey tea in hopes that all your dreams are within your reach my darlings.

2010-03-08T10:50:00.002Z

Reasons to be cheerful...

Waking up without a migraine
~I had a horrible one which lasted four days~
Freshly baked cupcakes
A pot of Yorkshire Tea
A mug full of roses
Reading your sweet comments
Welcoming new followers
Wishing you a cheerful Monday

2010-03-04T09:51:00.014Z

Christopher and I would like to thank you all for making his 22^nd birthday celebration so special. It is not everyday that a young man receives 90 heartfelt birthday wishes from all corners of the globe. Christopher read each one and was most touched.

Thank you so much my darlings for all the love you send my way each and everyday. You are all very special to me.

2010-03-02T08:13:00.006Z

Christopher darling, twenty-two years ago, on a windy March evening, you came to be. From the moment you were born, you took my breath away. I knew then God had sent me a blessing. For you, I thank Him everyday, you are precious in every way.

I love you for so many reasons. Here are twenty two of them ...

For the man you turned out to be
For your love of family
For the way you care and love your sister
For treating your grandpa in the kind way you do
For your loyalty to friends
For the respect you have towards others
For your sense of humour
For all your accomplishments
For your desire to succeed
For your honesty
For your contagious smile
For giving so much and asking for so little
For always being there to lend a helping hand
For dreaming big
For never quitting
For the way your face lights up at the mention of food
For your desire to help the less fortunate
For looking at life with colour glasses
For wanting to improve the world
For your generosity
For your gentleness and yet for your strength
For rising each morning with a smile on your face

Happy Birthday Christopher
I love you with all my heart

2010-02-28T01:26:00.004Z

I thank you my darlings for participating and commenting
on my previous inquisitive post.

From royalty, to celebrities, fashion designers, politicians, historical figures, writers, poets, family and friends, you certainly invited some intriguing people to tea. I was mostly touched by those who chose to spend the afternoon with dearly departed loved ones.
I share in their pain; given that, I too lost my irreplaceable mum and would give anything to spend just one afternoon with her.

In life, you can never do a kindness too soon
because
you never know how soon it will be too late.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson's concept of kindness unquestionably applies to spending time with loved ones. So my darlings, without wasting a moment, bake a batch of scones, make a nice pot of tea and spend a lovely Sunday afternoon with loved ones.

2010-02-24T21:46:00.006Z

Guess who is coming to tea?

I often ponder, if presented with the opportunity,
who would I choose to have tea with.
I have narrowed my list down to three very special women,
and ultimately to just one.
Scroll down to see who I've selected.

HRH Diana, Princess of Wales

If you could have tea with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?

2010-02-23T21:29:00.007Z

What is a home?
A roof to keep out the rain
Four walls to keep out the wind
Floors to keep out the cold

No, a home is much more then told ...

Home is the womb that holds the soul
Home is the place where one is whole

Home is safe and a place of peace
Home is where all starving cease

Home is where you find your rest
Home is where you feel your best
Home is where you groom for the ball
Home is the place you yearn to call

Home is all these wonderful things
Home is the place you develop your wings
Home is the place that you will leave one day
Home is the place where your heart will always stay

Home is where you make pots and pots of tea
So go put the kettle on my darling and enjoy your home

2010-02-22T08:36:00.002Z

Happy Monday My Darlings

2010-02-19T20:36:00.002Z

I am the proud recipient of five awards from five equally talented and amazing women. If you are not a follower of their blogs, please take a moment and visit my friends today.

The Sunshine Award was given to me by my talented friend Sabrina from La Cabeza de Maria Antonieta

The Birthday Award was given to me by my darling friend Jordiegirl from Blogging My Life - Past, Present & Maybe the Future

The Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by my dear friend Devi from Devi's Blog

The You Are a Doll Award was given to me by my gorgeous friend Rachel from Inspiration in Italy

The Sweet Friend Award was given to me by my sweet, kind and lovely friend Rizzi from Gifts from the Sea

I have posted these awards on my award blog here.
I will treasure and cherish them forever.
Thank you ladies.

I thank you my darlings for popping in for a cup of tea and for leaving behind such inspiring comments. To my new followers, I am delighted to meet you, welcome to Rose Tea Cottage.

Now go make a nice pot of tea
sit back and enjoy your weekend ♥

2010-02-16T08:11:00.003Z

Tea-filled Pots

Pretty Rosy Cups
Pink Fairycakes
Mouth-watering Bakes

Dainty Bites

Heartstring Tugs

2010-02-15T09:27:00.009Z

In friendship's fragrant garden. there are flowers of every hue
Each with its own fair beauty, and its gift of joy for you

Have a joyful week my darlings

2010-02-12T22:46:00.002Z

Wishing you a love filled day

With those you love

Now and always

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T08:04:00.006Z

I believe in angels,
The kind that heaven sends,
I am surrounded by angels,
But I call them friends.
~Anonymous

Hello my darlings, how very kind of you to shower me with your sweet comments and emails. As I waited for my check-up, my phone kept beeping alerting me of new incoming messages. I read your comments as they came in and with each beep, my spirits lifted and I felt happier and happier. I truly am a lucky girl to have such a caring circle of friends. Thank you my angels ♥♥♥

2010-02-10T10:36:00.005Z

Longing for spring

Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn

I am feeling so low today with no inclination to do anything. I am dreading my annual check-up later this afternoon and truth be told, I am tired of this cold weather. I keep looking for signs of spring, I have seen a small movement in the daffodil borders and have heard low chirping of birds outside of my cottage, other then that nothing...just cold icy weather. I miss the delicious scent of hyacinths and the yellow, blue, green, pink colours of spring. Daffs, snowdrops, tulips, pansies, hyacinths, I miss you all so much. These gorgeous photos cheered me up somewhat. I hope they brighten your day my darlings.

2010-02-08T09:58:00.006Z

Happy Monday My Darlings

It's baking day at Rose Tea Cottage

Several years ago, I tried a delicious cake at Selworthy Green called Periwinkle's Victoria Sandwich. Since then I have tried to duplicate that spongey goodness with little success...until now. You see, one of the recipes Aunt Millie shared with me was for a Victoria Sandwich cake.

So today, I have decided to give Aunt Millie's recipe a try.
This heavenly cake is a two-layer moist sponge cake with a jam and Grand Marnier infused cream centre. You are all invited to tea and to sample my Victoria Cake. Tea will be served at half past four.
See you then, don't be late!!

2010-02-04T22:21:00.010Z

My darlings as promised, I am posting Aunt Millie's scone recipe. Her scones always turn out moist and delicious. Her secrets which she reluctantly revealed are the addition of clotted cream and the temperature of the wet ingredients... milk, clotted cream and butter. You see Aunt Millie ensures these three ingredients are extremely cold prior to adding them to the dry ingredients. Lastly, she allows the unbaked scones to rest for 15 minutes prior to baking. Aunt Millie insists that thick yellow Devon clotted creme should be used, however; you may stand-in 5 tablespoon of double or heavy cream or crème fraiche instead.

Heat oven to 200º C or 400º F

220 g or 1 1/2 cups + 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
16 g or 1 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder
75 g or 5 tablespoon of butter
60 g or 5 tablespoon caster sugar (US granulated sugar)
150 ml or 2/3 cup milk
45 g or 3 tablespoon of clotted cream
A pinch of salt
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten and mixed with a drop of milk to glaze

I used allrecipes.com here for the conversions

Shift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl
Rub the butter and sugar into the flour to form a fine crumble
Make a well in the centre and add the milk and the clotted cream
Knead gently together, being careful not to overmix
On a floured surface roll out the dough to 1.5 cm or 1/2 inch thickness
Dip a 6 cm round cutter into flour to prevent dough sticking
Stamp out as many scones as you can
Gently press leftover dough pieces together and roll out again
Repeat cutting out more scones
Place on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg yolk
Allow to stand for 15 minutes
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until light golden & hollow when tapped on top
Serve warm with clotted cream and jam

2010-02-02T08:03:00.008Z

Cathy and I had a marvellous time at Foxglove. Aunt Millie is a gracious hostess who simply adores the ceremony of afternoon tea and honours all the formalities. She takes great care over setting her tea table. She uses her white lace tablecloth and her pink rose adorned vintage china. Her silver is always polished to a high gleam and her floral arrangement placed elegantly in the middle of the table, with the milk jug and sugar bowl set just so.

She always serves tea in her charming morning room, which is bursting at the seams with warmth and coziness. Every inch of this room is covered with her cherished bric-a-bracs. The tables carry scores of family photos, carefully selected and framed. Piles and piles of books, magazines and catalogues virtually cover all available space.

To one side stands a rolltop desk which Aunt Millie uses daily to send out thank you cards, invitations and letters - all the old fashioned way. Large comfy chairs are set ever so carefully in the small space. Her chairs are upholstered in muted colours with decorative frindges, cordings and enriched with loads of Aubusson pillows. Her diamond-mullioned leaded windows give the viewer the perfect glance to her quaint English garden.

Aunt Millie guards her privacy, so taking photographs of her place to use on my blog was not an option. I was, however, finally able to convince Aunt Millie to share her scone and cake recipes with me. Since I am a giving type of friend, I will post these priceless recipes later in the week.

2010-01-29T23:25:00.006Z

When life hands you a bowl of cherries!!

Make yourself a cherry tart.

Once again I apologise to you my lovely friends for neglecting my blog duties. My cousin and I had a marvellous time and I must say, I am sorry our time together is coming to an end. She is now packed and ready to leave for home early Monday morning. Tomorrow afternoon, we are invited to take tea with my Aunt Millie at Foxglove. I am drooling at the thought of eating one of her delicious scones with homemade cream!! Other then that we have planned a quiet weekend. What are your plans for this weekend?

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and remember...

♥ Life is too short, so live well, laugh often and love much ♥

2010-01-22T03:12:00.053Z

I thank you all for graciously accepting the Most Regal Blog Award.
You may now style yourselves with the title of "Lady",
which you all so richly deserve.
My darlings, wear your tiaras in good health.

This week was a busy, yet fun filled week for me.
I have my lovely cousin Cathy visiting me from South of France.
She will return home the first week of February. Thus far, despite the nasty weather, we've had a marvellous time...good food, good wine and good company. What else can I ask for?

While blog hopping, I noticed most blogs have Valentine’s Day posts up. That’s when it dawned on me that January is nearly gone
and February is soon upon us. Where has time gone?

Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.
~ Robert Browning

I love this quote, it is one of my favourites.
Ten little words and yet they hold a lifetime of promise,
and hope for a bright and love filled future.
So my friends, stay with me, the best is yet to be.
Meanwhile, have a lovely weekend ♥

2010-01-18T19:07:00.107Z

Her Grace The Duchess of Tea, has appointed the following blogs and their charming writers as Honorary Nobles of the Most Excellent Order of the Blog Empire.

This insignia is in recognition and appreciation of the bloggers role as followers and daily commentators of Rose Tea Cottage and for having creativity, vision, knowledge, charm and humour on their own blogs. Naturally, this recognition is not transferable and is solely intended for the bloggers named herein. Please click on the award to be able to copy and paste it.

Please visit the Duchess's Award Blog to view the
impressive list of all recipients... here

2010-01-13T21:05:00.011Z

Beauty tips from Audrey Hepburn, aka Eliza Doolittle

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people
For slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child play with it once a day
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone

So don't fuss, dear; get on with it, go get beautiful!!

2010-01-12T19:35:00.015Z

Happy Birthday Daddy
I love you

2010-01-11T07:14:00.019Z

Palmiers are classic French puff pastry dough biscuits that are folded and rolled several times, then cut into thin strips, sprinkled generously with sugar and baked.

Palmiers which literally mean “Palms” in French come out of the oven golden brown and flaky. The sugar on top caramelizes and gives these heavenly delights a crisp brown crust.

Due to their simplicity Palmiers pair well with other desserts such as ice cream. A simple addition of spices...nutmeg, cinnamon or cardamom further enhance their flavour.

These are for you darling.
Enjoy them with a nice pot of Earl Grey tea.

2010-01-07T03:21:00.008Z

I would like to thank the following lovely bloggers for presenting me with a bounty of special awards. I am truly humbled and honoured.

"Your Blog Is Bloody Brilliant" from Prodigal Tourist
"The Bella Pilar Award" from My Passport to Style
"The Humane Award" from Fairy Footprints in the Sand
"The Beautiful Blogger Award" from Roses r Red
"The Sugar Doll Award" from My Happily Ever After
"One Lovely Blog Award" from Grace in my Kitchen
"Kissed by an Angel Award" from Wendy-House
"The Lemonade Award" from Susie's Country Cottage
"J'adore Tien Blog" from OceanDreams
"The Over the Top Award" from Jordiegirl

"True Heart Award" from Country Mom
"The Golden Award" from EnSamaiyal
"The Vogue Award" from Beneath The Crystal Stars
"Brilliant Webblog Award" from Simply Delicious
"The Kreativ Blogger Award" from Selba's Food Corner
"The Scrumptious Award" from PrasuKitchen
"The Honest Scrap Award" from Shab's Cuisine

"I Love Reading your Blog" from Simply Delicious
"The Beautiful Site Award" from Shab's Cuisine

I have proudly displayed my awards here and will cherish them forever

2010-01-04T10:31:00.003Z

These are for you
Have a lovely day

2009-12-28T00:47:00.038Z

I thank you all for an incredible year

May your glass be ever full

May the sun shine for you all day long
May everything go right, and nothing wrong

May you always have laughter to cheer you,
those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire before you!

May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you!

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light
May good luck pursue you each morning and night

May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!

Happy New Year

2009-12-27T22:00:00.012Z

Did you survive Chritmas?

I certainly did, actually mine was fabulous!!!
My dad's halo came off successfully which was an occasion to celebrate all on its own. Rose Tea Cottage was beautifully dressed for Christmas and was filled with love, laughter, family and friends. My children were extremely generous and showered me with thoughfully selected pressies in beautifully wrapped boxes... I felt truly blessed.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas surrounded with family, love, scrumptious food, pots of tea and loads of lovely pressies.
Darling, do tell me all about it.

2009-12-17T20:31:00.018Z

Merry Christmas

Joyeux Noël

May your holidays sparkle and shine

Wishing you heartfelt greetings and bountiful blessings

2009-12-09T10:18:00.011Z

Have a lovely weekend

2009-12-06T05:58:00.050Z

A million thanks for all your well wishes.
I am overwhelmed by your love laced comments and emails
which lifted my spirits and helped me endure the horrible flu that kept me away from you.

I took all of your advices…
I got plenty of rest and drank a million cups of tea
(with lemon and honey of course)

I am also delighted to report that my dad is on the mend
and that his halo will be removed early January in time for
his birthday. I thank you all for inquiring about his health.
What have I done to deserve such a caring circle of friends?

While home with the flu, I had the time to read
Barbara Taylor Bradford’s new novel, Breaking The Rules.
This is a spin-off novel in the Woman of Substance series
or better known as the Harte Family Saga. I highly
recommend this book and the entire series.
Beautifully written, excellent read!!

There are two motives for reading a book:
one,that you enjoy it;
the other, that you can boast about it.

BERTRAND RUSSELL

This year Father Christmas will not be the only
guest of honour at Rose Tea Cottage!!
My cousins will arrive on Thursday from Paris
to spend Christmas with me.

I know I have failed in my blogging duties of late and now
with a cottage full of family and friends it will be impossible for
me to blog regularly, do forgive me darlings!!
I am certain this will be the case with all of you during
this special time of the year.

I have just a few days to decorate my cottage
and be ready for my guests to arrive.

Darlings now do sit down with me and tell me all
about your Christmas plans over a nice cup of tea.

2009-11-24T10:03:00.030Z

Happy Teaday

I have been under the weather these past few days; therefore I have purposely stayed away from your blogs,
so that I won't infect you with this dreadful flu bug.
I will visit you all in a few days.

I thank you for the kind comments you have left for me.

Please visit my lovely and talented friend Wanda of Plumbed Pen
who is hosting Tuesday Tea for Two

Don't forget to stop by at Shabby Pink & Pretty and visit Kim
who is hosting Tea Things Tuesday

2009-11-17T08:16:00.089Z

You are cordially invited to afternoon tea
at
Rose Tea Cottage

Cream, Sugar or both?

Don't be shy, please help yourself to more!!

Darlings you simply must try one of
these sinfully tealicious pâtisseries

Come and sit with me and we'll take tea

and talk of things that were and things that are to be

of places that we will go and things that we will see

just the two of us, my dear friends and me

Three lovely ladies who enjoy afternoon tea have taken the time to form afternoon tea clubs for all tea lovers of Blogshire. They would like to invite you to join them in posting afternoon tea and/or friendship related articles and photos each Tuesday. Here is your chance to share your lovely tea adornments, a favourite tea or friendship related poem or quote, a delicious recipe or a combination of all of the above.

For More Information, Please contact

Wanda of Plumed Pen hosting Tuesday Tea for Two

Carol of Charli & Me hosting Tea & Friendship Tuesday

Kim of Shabby Pink & Pretty hosting Tea Things Tuesday

I had a great time darlings

Let's do this again next Tuesday!!

These are for you my friends

2009-11-11T18:37:00.044Z

I'm Back!!!

Woke up this morning feeling blissful

Happy

Grateful

Blessed

Loved
Hopeful

Hungry

Missing You !!

How are you feeling this morning?

2009-11-03T17:55:00.019Z

Happy to report ghosts, goblins, witches, black cats, bats....
they all stayed away from Rose Tea Cottage.

It is now time to sit down and enjoy a nice cup of tea, please join me.

2009-10-30T08:03:00.052Z

Hope your Halloween is one big treat!

Ghost so scary
Ghost so white
Don't scare the Duchess
On Halloween night

I'm a big orange pumpkin fat and round
Growin' by the corn field on the ground
I will be a Jack-o-lantern with two big eyes
Or maybe I'll be baked into two pumpkin pies

Ghosts and goblins, cats and bats
We're not afraid of this or that!!

Never eat your treats
Till they're checked
Show them to Mummy
Make sure they're safe

It`s Halloween!
The moon is full and bright
And we shall see what can`t be seen
on any other night

Halloween Cat Halloween Cat
Why do you Meow and Meow like that?
Neither I nor the moon like your tune !

In the sky on Halloween
Many funny things are seen
Bats and ghosts and goblins too
Hope they don't come after you

Witching You a Spook-Tea-Liciously Sweet Halloween

2009-10-28T07:07:00.055Z
All of your prayers and ours have been answered. I am happy to report that my dad is now back home and doing much better. He has an uphill road to recovery ahead of him due to his age and the fact that he has lost an incredible amount of weight and is now extremely frail. We are taking it one day at a time and are praying that upon the removal of the Halo Brace his neck will remain adjusted and not shift back into the previous injured state. As we have been told this is a possibility which will ultimately result in permanent paralyses. Please continue to pray for him as he needs it now more than ever.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your encouraging words and prayers expressed through your comments and for the vast amount of emails I have received from those of you who have gone or are going through similar ordeal with a loved one. I thank you all for sharing your experiences and for your heartfelt advices.

I thank those of you who have honoured me with an award. I promise to proudly post each one in the coming week. I am anxiously looking forward to my return to blogging and to visiting you in a few days. This sounds cliché but please believe me that I truly was not prepared for the effect blogging would have on my life. I immensely enjoy blogging and cherish each and every one of you.

You are the jewels in my teacup!!

2009-10-15T04:09:00.034+01:00

Today for the first time since my last post, I found a free moment to log into my blog. Words to describe how I felt when I tearfully read the 90 plus comments cannot be found in any dictionary of any language. To simply say thank you seems so inadequate. I am completely lost for words. How I wish I could reach into my screen and hug each and every one of you. I am so blessed to have such a caring circle of friends who have reached out from all over the world to pass heartfelt wishes, comforting words and loving prayers.
I thank God for you all.

A few weeks ago, my dad tripped at home and ended up with a displaced neck and two broken cervical vertebrae. Because of his age and current medical condition, surgery was out of the questions; therefore, we opted for plan “B” which took place last Tuesday. While under minimal anesthesia, he endured a three hour procedure to re-align his neck and to be fitted with a traction called a Halo Brace which is a metal device screwed into the skull and secured onto a heavy vest to keep the head and neck from moving and to keep them straight while healing. He is currently hospitalized and will likely spend several weeks at a rehabilitation facility to learn to manage the massive amount of weight on his head and shoulders.

I had to explain to my dad the concept of a “Blog” and then I read to him each comment whilst letting him know where the blogger resides. He was astonished at the magnitude of distance and the kindness displayed by total strangers. Needless to say, I caught him with teary eyes several times. He asked me to thank you for your kindness and prayers, not to mention he now wants a blog of his own!!!!

I am dying to return to you all, to know what is new in your lives, and to visit your lovely blogs. However, with so much to deal with I will be unable to do so. Please forgive my absence for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, join me for a cup of tea each day at half past four and let’s drink to good health and good friends.

I miss you terribly.

2009-10-01T20:02:00.056+01:00

Once again life at Rose Tea Cottage has been frantic.
My sisters and I have been taking care of our father who has
taken a turn for the worse and is now in constant need of care.

I do apologise to you my loving and loyal friends
for not having the chance to visit your blogs.
I thank you all for visiting mine and for the
sweet comments you have left for me.

To the world you may be just one person,
but to one person you may be the world
~ Unkown

Thank you for being my world, I cherish your friendship.

To my new followers...welcome to my cottage and
thank you for posting such inspiring comments for me.
I promise I will return your visits soon.

My darling friends keep your kettles whistling, your teacups full
and have yourself a lovely sunny weekend.

2009-09-29T08:31:00.047+01:00

Although you are a friend of mine
and comments we exchange
I wouldn't know you on the street
and doesn't that seem strange?

You hold a special place within my life,
your visits full of pleasure and delight
We share ideas and special posts
across these boundless coasts

In my mind I have a picture of you
perhaps you picture me too
An intriguing game for both of us
this guessing game of clues

So for this friendship we possess
we owe this blog a debt,
Perhaps the charm lies in the fact
that we have never met.

Two lovely ladies who enjoy afternoon tea have taken the time to form afternoon tea clubs for all tea lovers of Blogshire. They would like to invite you to join them in posting afternoon tea and/or friendship related articles and photos each Tuesday. Here is your chance to share your lovely tea adornments, a favourite tea or friendship related poem or quote, a delicious recipe or a combination of all of the above.

For More Information, Please contact

Carol of Charli & Me hosting Tea & Friendship Tuesday
Kim of Shabby Pink & Pretty hosting Tea Things Tuesday

2009-09-28T10:36:00.030+01:00

Darling have a pink-a-licious Monday

2009-09-26T00:02:00.015+01:00

♥ If friends were flowers, I would pick you ♥

♥ Have a lovely weekend my friend ♥

2009-09-24T07:16:00.055+01:00

My cousin Grace Rose recently married her sweetheart. The wedding was at Bickleigh Castle just outside of Tiverton in North Devon, one of the most romantic wedding sites I have ever seen. The castle is steeped in history with the sixth century chapel being listed as the oldest living building in Devon. The castle is bordered by ancient woodland and the river Exe overlooking Devonshire countryside.

It was an enchantingly beautiful wedding. Gracie looked angelic in her Donna Salado over the shoulder strap white wedding dress.
What??? Her shoes were red!!! Has she gone mad?

I was shocked, quite honestly I had never seen a bride
wear anything but white shoes!!

Why didn’t I think of that?

In the past wearing coloured shoes was a fashion faux pas.

Today, it's a fashion trend.

Though initially it shocked me to see the red shoes,
I now fancy this new trend.
Or is it new to me? How long has this been going on????

Perhaps, my dear friend, Dustjacket Attic, the fashionista of Blogshire
can enlighten me!!

Darling what colour were your wedding shoes?

2009-09-23T08:49:00.011+01:00

Wordless Wednesday
Please join me for tea darling

2009-09-22T07:57:00.025+01:00

Last week I told you about Tea & Friendship Tuesday hosted by Carol from Charli & Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with lovely afternoon tea and/or friendship related items. Here is your chance to share your lovely tea adornments, a favourite tea or friendship related poem or quote, a delicious recipe or a combination of all of the above.

This week I am happy to report that I have joined yet another tea group. Tea Things Tuesday is hosted by Kim from Shabby Pink & Pretty. Kim and her tea loving ladies enjoy sharing tea related photos, poems, recipes and much much more.

If you would like to join us, please contact Carol here and Kim here.

"Come, little cottage girl, you seem
to want my cup of tea;
and will you take a little cream?
Now tell the truth to me."

She had a rustic, woodland grin,
Her cheek was soft as silk,
And she replied, "Sir, please put in
A little drop of milk."

These lovely roses are for you my friend.
Love, Hugs & Tea
Duchess

2009-09-21T10:19:00.020+01:00

No Post Today
It's cleaning day at Rose Tea Cottage

Wishing you a marvellous Monday darling
Duchess ♥♥♥

2009-09-18T01:27:00.021+01:00

Signs that the season will soon change is apparent all around us. It’s time to pack away the pastels and bring out the autumn colors. Where did the summer go?

WOW!! It has been a long, hard and tedious week I am happy to report that my father is doing much better. I thank you all for your kind words and prayers for his quick recovery. It is with a huge sigh of relief that Friday is here and the weekend is almost upon us.

I will be spending my entire weekend watching my favourite green-thumbed sleuths Laura & Rosemary (Rosemary & Thyme) and eating ice cream, perhaps from a lovely teacup just like the photo above.
No chores, no cooking, no tidying up ... no no no, simply relaxing.
What are your plans for the weekend?

Duchess

2009-09-16T06:35:00.037+01:00

Goat Cheese & Chives Tea Sandwich

26 thin, crustless white bread slices
10 oz of fresh goat cheese
2 cups of washed cress leaves
1 cup finely chopped chives
Room temperature butter

Spread the goat cheese on one side of each piece of bread
Arranged the cress leaves to cover the surface
Place the other slice of bread, goat cheese side down
Cut the bread diagonally
Spread the butter to the outside border of the bread
Dip the butter side in the chopped chives
Arrange on a plate

Cheese & Poppy Seed Tea Sandwich

26 thin, crustless white bread slices
10 oz of Boursin, Brie or cream cheese
1 cup of minced radishes
½ teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup of poppy seed
Salt & pepper
Room temperature butter

Mix the cheese, minced radishes, lemon zest, salt & pepper
Spread one side of each piece of bread with the cheese mixture
Place the other slice of bread, cheese side down
Cut the bread diagonally
Spread the butter to the outside border of the bread
Dip the butter side in the poppy seed
Arrange on a plate

Make a pot of Yorkshire tea and enjoy!!

2009-09-15T19:42:00.038+01:00

Welcome to Tea and Friendship Tuesday's hosted by Carol from Charli and Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with lovely afternoon tea and/or friendship related items. Here is your chance to share your lovely tea adornments, a favourite tea or friendship related poem or quote, a delicious recipe or a combination of all of the above.

If you would like to join Carol with Tea & Friendship Tuesday, simply copy and paste the above button, write your post and then leave a comment for Carol so that Carol and her friends who participate in
Tea and Friendship Tuesday can pop over your blog for a visit.
To contact Carol at Charli & Me simply click on the button above.

A friend is like a flower,
a rose to be exact,
or maybe like a brand new gate
that never comes unlatched.

A friend is like an owl,
but beautiful and wise,
or perhaps a friend is like a ghost,
whose spirit never dies.

A friend is like those blades of grass
you can never mow,
standing straight, tall, and proud
in a perfect little row.

A friend is like a heart
that goes strong until the end.
Where would we be in this world
if we didn't have a friend?

Unknown -
I apologise for the late posting of my Tea & Friendship Tuesday’s post.
My excuse…. life’s little unexpected surprises. My father hurt himself by a nasty fall last week which resulted in an intolerably painful dislocated neck. We have had our hands full looking after him. He is home from hospital now and doing much better and we pray that he will be up and running soon.

Have a lovely week my blog friends ♥

Duchess

2009-09-11T22:37:00.012+01:00

"Where there are friends, there is wealth"
~ Titus Maccius Plautus

Thank you for the wealth you have given me!!

♥ Have a Lovely Rosy Weekend ♥

2009-09-09T01:25:00.054+01:00

HH From Donuts to Delirium: My Life as a Housewife posted a delicious Moroccan Style Watermelon & Rose Water Desert this week. This reminds me of my Aunt Millie's Rose Tea. She serves her tea on both warm and cold days. She truly believes that her special Rose Tea has medicinal benefits.

Aunt Millie makes such a fuss preparing her Rose Tea when in fact it is a very simple process. Here is what you need to do, prepare a simple syrup which is combining 1 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water in a saucepan, bring to boil, stir until sugar has dissolved. At this point add 4 tablespoons of rose water stir and cover the saucepan and allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Now make a pot of white tea, add the simply syrup blend to the pot to achieve the desired sweetness and serve. Simple!!

Aunt Millie serves her tea in lovely cut crystal glass, over a tiny amount of ice and a handful of rose buds and petals.

"The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose"
~Unknown

2009-09-07T02:15:00.090+01:00

Edible flowers are the new rage in haute cuisine.
Perhaps people don't realize that most already consume many edible flowers. Broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are all flowers. The saffron used in Paella is the stamen from the crocus flower. And let's not forget the Capers... these tiny pungent spheres are actually the pickled flower buds of an attractive shrub (Capparis spinosa) that is common in the Mediterranean region.
A word of caution... not all flowers are edible. For example, you should not consume foxglove, sweet pea, morning glory, oleander, or azalea to name a few.
Please consult the list here for the poisonous variety!!

Chartreuse, a classic green liqueur developed in France in the 17th century, boasts carnation petals as one of its secret ingredients.

Pick your flowers in the morning when their water content is at its highest. Then bathe the flowers gently in a salt-water bath. Immediately drop them in ice water for 1 minute and placed them on a towel to dry. For best results, use your flower petals immediately (not the stamen or the stems), or store the whole flower in a glass of water in the refrigerator.

Risotto with rose petal shavings ...bon appétit!!

Edible flowers are an elegant touch to your afternoon tea table.

"Just living is not enough...
One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”
~ Hans Christian Anderson

♥ Have a lovely Monday ♥

2009-09-06T01:16:00.005+01:00

From the Duchess's Private Library
Great Read ~ Great Gift

"Laughs—and lots of tea—are on the menu when Denis Lipman returns to the East End of London with his new American wife, Frances. Join Denis as he rents quaint cottages, hosts a parade of outrageous relatives, meets quirky locals, and discovers what it’s really like in the English countryside. It’s all much better than Denis remembers—and a lot funnier too!"

For more info on the book click on the photo or HERE
Purchase the book in the UK HERE
Purchase the book in the US HERE

Visit The Prodigal Couple's Blogs
The Prodigal Husband Here
The Prodigal Wife Here

2009-09-05T01:07:00.007+01:00

How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it!
~George Elliston

I thank you for your kindness

Have yourself a berry sw♥♥t weekend

2009-09-03T21:08:00.006+01:00

I am the proud recipient of five awards from four equally talented and wonderful bloggers. I am honoured to have received the following:

"Scrumptious Blog Award"
"I Love Your Blog Award""Honest Scarp Award"
"The Divine Award"
"Your Blog is Freakin Fabulous Award”

I am flattered and speechless at the display of kindness and appreciation that I have received from all of you wonderful bloggers. I have proudly displayed these five awards on my Award Blog and will cherished them along with the others I have received forever.

♥ Thank you Ladies ♥

Please visit my Award Blog here

I have also been tagged by the lovely and talented
Shab of Shab's Cuisine
who wants to know...????

Married or Single? Blissfully single

Best friend? Kate

Cake or Pie? Definitely cake

Drink of choice? Hot tea and cold champagne!!

Essential items you use every day? My laptop, mobile and my car

Favourite color? Pink

Gummy Bears or Worms? Gummy Bear

Indulgences? Godiva white Swiss truffles, Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Hermès 24 Faubourg

January or February? February of course!!

Kids & their names? Cristina & Christopher

Life is incomplete without? My children, family and friends

Marriage date? This one my luv, I would like to forget!!

Number of siblings? I have 3 sisters, I am number 3

Oranges or Apples? Apples

Phobias/Fears? Height

Quote for today?
"A day is a span of time no one is wealthy enough to waste "

Reasons to smile?
My children, you, a new day, a small package containing diamonds!!

Season? Unquestionably Glorious Spring!!

Unknown fact about me? I wanted to be a ballerina!!

Vegetable you don't like? Cabbage

Worst habit? Frowning

X-rays you've had?
I want to know who came up with these questions?!!!
But if you must know… my neck & back

Your favourite food?
Bouillabaisse with crusty baguette and a glass of Brunello wine

Zodiac sign? Libra

2009-09-01T23:29:00.017+01:00

First things first, I would like to thank all of you charming, loving, kind and lovely friends for stopping by my cottage and leaving such heartwarming wishes for Cristina. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You can’t imagine what this meant to us both. A million thanks, hugs and kisses to all of you.

Cristina and I had a fabulous time. The main focus of this trip was to visit family living in Paris and to celebrate Cristina’s birthday, as well as her acceptance to law school in the States which she will soon be departing to attend.

Unfortunately, however, upon our return home, I was struck ill and hospitalized for a few days. But do not fret, my friends! I am back home, feeling much better, and will return to posting in a day or two.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I missed you. I am so happy to be back and can’t wait to resume blogging. I will stop by soon to visit with you and to catch up with your blog posts and all that's new in your life. I am looking forward to our afternoon tea and talk.

Love & Hugs

Duchess ♥♥♥

2009-08-21T22:22:00.064+01:00

♥ Today is my daughter Cristina's 23rd birthday ♥

♥ She started her day with breakfast in bed ♥

♥ She received huge bouquet of pink balloons ♥

♥ Her favourite pink raspberry ganache cake ♥

♥ A lovely arrangement of her favourite flowers ♥

Massive amount of gifts!!
She included her rabbit Cleo and her bird Edith
- named after Edith Piaf -
in her big day celebration!!

The best part ... our bags are packed for our five day celebratory holiday to our favourite city ...Paris!!
Oh! La La La

Cristina, as always you are my life, my pride and my joy!!
You are the star by which I chart all my journey!!
I thank God for you each moment of my life.

♥ Happy Birthday, Darling ♥

2009-08-19T22:03:00.105+01:00

Yesterday I walked into the grocery store and the first thing that greeted me was a delicious display of figs. Figs happen to be both mine and my dad’s favorite fruit. My mum used to make a jam with purple figs that was to die for.

The Greeks believed that figs were a gift from the goddess of grain and fertility. Often newly married young women were given fresh figs to ensure and strengthen their fertility. Figs range from a deep purple in color to a grassy green. When ripe, their skin is extremely delicate and often bursts open revealing the juicy and seedy center.

Wow, a parfum!!
Click on the photo for more information.

The leaves and the twigs of a fig tree were abandoned in favor of the divine, nectarous, darkly-sweet fruits. The figs in Patricia de Nicolai rendition are ripe and marvelously soft, oozing ambrosial juice. The osmanthus, with its slight apricot-like undertone, and the wonderfully boozy davana make the smell of figs not just mouthwatering but actually intoxicating. To keep the lush sweetness in check, the creator balanced the figs and the flowers with a tea note. Dry and slightly smoky, black tea turns the decadently luscious composition into a blend of utter elegance. A treat for the fig-scent connoisseurs and the lovers of refined and unusual fruity perfumes ♥ The Queen of The Nile, Cleopatra, referred to this lusciously seductive fruit as the fruit of romance and believed their scents to have an aphrodisiac quality and often used soaps scented with figs for said purpose. You get the picture Luv, don't you?

Yes, there is also a fig tea!!

An easy recipe for a deliciously sweet and savoury snack.
Start with washed ripe figs. Simply slice them, spread salty goat cheese over crusty French bread, arranged the figs and sprinkle honey all over the toast!!
Now, grab yourself a nice chilled glass of Chenin Blanc and enjoy!!

Stuffed figs with cream cheese, dates and walnuts, an easy and elegant hors d'oeuvre or a sweet dessert, your choice!!

♥ Fig and goat cheese, a marriage made in heaven ♥

Succulent figs stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with Prosciutto and fresh mint ♥

Glorious green figs stuffed with Parmesan cheese, topped with fresh breadcrumbs with a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil then baked for 10 minutes and served warm ♥

Dried fig stuffed with a homemade Gianduja (hazelnut paste)
dipped in tempered bittersweet chocolate ganache ♥

♥ Fig tart with honey lavender ice cream ♥

♥ Poached figs with Ricotta cheese ♥

♥ Figs and Prosecco an excellent combination as an apéritif ♥

♥ Duck roast topped with corriander salad and fresh fig ♥

♥ Linguine & Fig with Basil Sauce ♥

Fig Pizza!!

Roasted lamb with a rosemary, garlic, Bartletta pearl onions, thyme, fig and balsamic and red wine reduction!!

♥ Fig and goat cheese tartlets ♥

“Train up a fig-tree in the way it should go, and when you are old sit under the shade of it.”
~ Charles Dickens

2009-08-18T07:07:00.002+01:00

Start with a dozen smiles
Add a pint of pleasant days
A heaping cup of happiness
A tablespoon of praise
Stir in lots of sugar
Be sure to add some spice
A handful of good humor
Always makes things nice
Mix it all together
Til you get a perfect blend
And you'll have something special
A once in a Lifetime Friend!

Thank you for being my friend!

2009-08-17T07:29:00.097+01:00

In 1789 the first Peony tree arrived in Europe. As in the eastern world, Peonies were originally cultivated in Europe for their medicinal value. It was not until much later in history that Peonies began to be grown in Europe solely for their ornamental qualities.

Sir Joseph Banks of Kew Gardens, having heard of Peonies from earlier travelers to the orient, had commissioned a doctor with the British East India Company to purchase and bring back a Peony tree to England. The plant was brought to England by Dr. Duncan and subsequently planted at Kew Gardens.

Peony petals have been dried and used to make a tea that was reputed to soothe a cough!

The lush, densely ruffled blossom of the Peony contains many mysteries. That is why the Peony has become the special weapon of those who wish to communicate their love in a secret manner. So whether you’re a secret admirer or the recipient of a lush, lovely bouquet of Peonies, you’ll know the special message these flowers contain. ~~ (I hope Clive knows about this!)

When words escape, Peonies speak!
~Bruce W. Currie
The seeds of the plant are purported to have medicinal properties!

Peonies are known as the flower of riches and honour!

M. de Kelway's, a French perfumer who affectionately was called
M. le Nez, was reputed to have created a perfume in the 1930's
made of peony petals called "Paeony Valley"
The state flower of Indiana!

The 12th wedding anniversary flower!

The peony is practically the national flower of China and is often referred to in poetry and literature. Peonies are one of the main motifs of Chinese decorative arts and can be found on porcelains, in woodblock and screen paintings as well as embroidered onto tapestries and clothing.

The beauty of the peony flower has long inspired artists in both the eastern and western parts of the world. During the end of the 18th and during the 19th century artists such as Renoir and Fantin-Latour painted peonies. Today peonies are popular subjects for many amateur and professional artists.

Darling like the Peony turn your face to the sun
and have a lovely Monday!

2009-08-14T10:06:00.029+01:00

♥ Have a lovely weekend ♥

2009-08-12T19:01:00.096+01:00

It has been a very busy week at Rose Tea Cottage. I have received two awards and have been tagged twice. First things first, I would like to thank Pomona from Little Cottage Comforts and Julie from Working on a Dream for presenting me with
"Fabulous Blog Award" & the "Butterfly Blogger Award"
Ladies, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor.

The "Fabulous Blog Award" was presented to me by Pomona for my services to tea. Pomona lives in a cottage along a quiet country lane in the UK. She loves knitting, cooking and dreaming. Pomona loves to find beauty in the mundane and take joy in the quotidian.
Please click on the "Fabulous Blog Award" to visit Pomona's blog.

The "Butterfly Blogger Award" was presented to me by Julie who lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, USA. Although Julie’s blog is only a few weeks old, it is packed with interesting posts and lovely photos.
Please visit Julie's blog, by clicking on the "Butterfly Blogger Award"

I have also been tagged by Rose of Roses r Red and by Sharon from "My Passport to Style". Rose who lives in Adelaide, Australia wants me to list six things that make me happy. Sharon of My Passport to Style who lives in Lancaster, Lancashire,UK wants me to list 6 of my favorite things. This charming duo each has a divine blog loaded with fascinating posts. Please visit Rose & Sharon by clicking on their names. Thank you ladies for including me in your tags.

Rose darling here are six things that make me happy!!

My handsome son who is 21 years old and my gorgeous daughter who will turn 23 in 9 days.

My cottage and all that it holds...my garden, my lovelies, my books, my music, my kitchen…you get the picture.

My circle of friends with whom I share memorable afternoons drinking tea, shopping, talking, sharing secrets and gossiping. (Which of course we call it therapy)!!

Going on a holiday and staying at charming little cottage.

My laptop without which I wouldn’t be able to communicate with you lovely bloggers.

Gardening makes me happy, therefore, spring makes me happy. It is my favorite season when all sleepy plants and flowers wake up and paint a rainbow over the countryside.

Sharon darling, here are six of my favorite things...

Roses
Tea & scones loaded with clotted cream
The color pink
Champagne & Godiva Truffles
Clive Owen
Of course my tiara!!

2009-08-09T22:51:00.033+01:00

Teabags were accidentlally invented in 1904 by a New York tea merchant named William Sullivan, who stumbled upon the idea of sending tea samples to customers in handsewn silk bags, rather than the common bulky tea tins. He was soon flooded with orders for tea in the convenient little bags.

Many tea aficionados disdain the teabags as inferior at best and sacrilegious at worst. The tea particles in bags are smaller and therefore brew more quickly; if the bag is left to brew as long as one normally allows loose tea to brew, the tea will turn out to taste bitter and flat. Used properly, however, teabags make an acceptable cup of tea.

2009-08-09T10:53:00.110+01:00

While on holiday, I visited my dear friend Kate who lives in a charming farmhouse with her adorable daughter Mia, two Persian cats, Darling and Delight and her Welsh Corgi, Duchess. Yes...Duchess!! One of the most enjoyable aspects of my visit with Kate was helping her pick fresh fruits and vegetables she grows in her magnificent garden. The day I arrived, Kate prepared a scrumptious feast using a variety of her Heritage tomatoes (or Heirloom as they are known in the US), grilled aubergine and fresh cheese straight from her farm. Dinner was fabulous and so was the rest of my stay. I had a marvelous time. Thank you, Kate darling!!

Kate is a fabulous cook...her masterpiece…our supper!!

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated rather than hybrid or genetically modified varieties of tomatoes. They are grown from plants and seeds that have been handed down from generation to generation. With such lineage, there’s generally a name and a story behind each delectable variety.

Heritage tomatoes are best enjoyed in their most natural state, unadorned and unfussed, sliced and tucked in between fresh Mozzarella cheese and basil with a small drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt.

Heritage tomatoes come in a variety of shapes and colors. Their texture is softer than the average tomato with an acidity and tartness and yet delicate sweetness which makes them a delight to eat.

A summery heaven on a plate!!

The Peony of the vegetable garden!!

The Isles Heritage are yellow in color and have a pleasantly sweet flavor with a hint of citrus. The Sir Winston varieties are orange in color, juicy, and spicy in flavor.

Lord Greenish is a brightly green and yellow English Heritage with an evenly round shape and a smooth flesh. Small in size, huge in flavor!!

Grilled Heritage Bruschetta is a delectable summer meal!!

The Black Krim is a Russian Heritage with a rather large and malformed body and a savory, smoky, delightful flavor.

Grilled Portobello mushroom, topped with red Roma tomato, goat cheese, shaved fresh garlic and a sprig of basil with a sprinkle of aged balsamic vinegar.

I sincerely wish I had packed all of you in my pink cases and took you along with me.

I truly missed each and everyone of you!!

2009-08-05T08:43:00.013+01:00

Hello my darling friends, I just wanted to let you know that I will be going on an unexpected short business trip / holiday and will return in a few days. I shall miss you all terribly.
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Don’t forget to drink tea!!
.
Duchess xx

2009-08-03T18:31:00.028+01:00

Her Grace The Duchess of Tea, has appointed the following blogs and their charming writers as Honorary Nobles of the Most Excellent Order of the Blog Empire.

This insignia is in recognition and appreciation of the bloggers role as followers and daily commentators of Rose Tea Cottage and for having vision, knowledge, charm and humour on their own blogs.Naturally, this recognition is not transferable and is solely intended for the bloggers named herein.

Please visit the Duchess's Award Blog to view the impressive list of all recipients... here

2009-08-03T09:13:00.004+01:00

I have received this lovely award from Selba of Selby's Food Corner. Selba introduces me to exotic foods on daily basis. Her writing and photos describe the foods so well that at times I almost taste them, hence the reason I have gained weight lately!!
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Please visit Selba at her blog by clicking on the award.
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Thank you Darling Selba!!

2009-08-03T07:38:00.012+01:00

With its richly colored yet small, delicate flowers, the sweet pea’s history can be traced back to 17th century Italy, when a Sicilian monk, Franciscus Cupani, sent its seeds to England. Although that original sweet pea bore little resemblance to the flower we know today, when Harry Eckford, a Scottish nurseryman, crossbred the original flower, he created the colorful, ornamental and sweetly scented sweet pea we know today.

Happy Monday to you darling!!