What in the world is "Teas"day??

Isn't this teacup gorgeous? This is from Elaine's personal collection.
I'm wearing two hats now that I also blog for the Ivy Leaf Tea Parlor here in my hometown. I'm in love with the place and people there and if you went there, you'd know why. Anyway....we had fun doing a tea give away last week and have decided it should be a weekly addition!! It will be called "Teas"day because we will do a random drawing every Tuesday from all the commenters of the week. I hope you'll add us in to your favorites and check in with us often.(click on the title of this post to go there) We love company! You know us Southerners-!Besides, you could win something every week! We also just started a tea of the month club on our etsy shop! Go to the blog and take a peek.
I'm excited about some new jewelry additions coming soon! I will be having a give-away also as soon as they are ready. I'm working- I promise!

Until next time~
Lori

Happy Memorial Day!!

I wanted to be sure and thank our military for all they do for us. I live in a military town and have mostly military friends. On a regular basis I see the sacrifices they make. My friends are often left to take care of their kids and homes for several months at a time all while knowing their husband could be in danger. They move often leaving friends and family behind. Sometimes, they even pay the ultimate price-losing thier loved one. To all of you, I say my deepest Thank you. Thank you for being willing to put your life on the line. Thank you for being willing to serve. To those of you who served in the past, it is to you that we owe our freedom. Because of you, we live better, richer lives. We owe you our debt of gratitude. We could never say thank you enough. We pray for you and we honor you today.
Enjoy your Memorial Day!

Much Love,
Lori

Tea Lover's Journal & Give Away!

I wanted to let you know about my new tea journal, The Ivy Leaf Tea. I started it because this is my favorite tea shop in my town where I get all my tea and where I go to have tea with my mom and friends. It's a special little place and I have enjoyed blogging about them already. I have partnered with them to blog about their newest teas, promotions and in general show off their beautiful shop. Because I love everything about tea(even hearing the kettle whistle) this was perfect for me. Please stop by for a visit. I'm giving away a sample of my favorite tea to the first 5 commenters left there. Let me know what you think of the blog and their delightful tea shop.
There's something about tea that just makes life feel grand. Go ahead, try it. Make a pot of tea, get out your best china and sit in your favorite chair. Just relax over a delicious cup of hot tea and I promise, you will feel better no matter what is happening in your day. After all, it is the simple things in life that are the happiest of all.
I look forward to many new additions to my tea blog. We may even start a tea of the month club! Come on by, I hope to see you there.

Wishing you grand days,
Lori

Must have Moo cards!

O.k, so about 2 months ago, some sweet blogger blogged about her moo cards. What in the world is that?? I had to research this for sure. It sounded way too interesting! Anyway, I placed my order right away and fell in love with these litte cuties. I meant to blog about it back then since I found out about them through a blog, I thought I'd pass it on. I'm on my second order and I just LOVE them!! They are the perfect size to punch a hole and ribbon through the top and make tags out of them. You can take whatever picture you want for the front (mine was from our trip) and then whatever info you want on the back! They are from London, but didn't take very long to ship at all. I just wanted to share because not only are they adorable, they're affordable- 19.95 for 100 cards! Oh! and they come in their own little plastic box! How cute! Get them at moocards.com. enjoy!!

Have a great week!
Lori

~ The Blessing of Mothers ~

~My Mother with her Mother~
~My Dad and his Mother who he lost when he was just 10.~

~Me and Mom~
Whenever it's Mother's Day, I get very sentimental. I have the kind of Mother that just talking about her will make me get a lump in my throat. If there was ever a true Mother that loved unconditionally, would put her children before herself, and loved with everything in her, it's my Mother. She has always supported me whatever I have tried and been excited at my every success. She cheered me up when I was down and gave me courage. She's the person I go to when I need advice on any subject, especially about my own children. She is honest and thoughtful. She's a true Christian. She's a prayer warrior and the best example of what a good Christian mother should be. She is loving. She would rather have family time than anything in the world. She is a true Southerner and can cook like no one I know. She became the head of her home at age 11 when she lost her precious mother. Because of that, family and being a Mother were so ultimately even more precious because she knew how much she missed and would cherish her Mother. God knew and blessed her with a family that loves her for all she is.
I love you soo much, Mom. I hope it's a very special Mother's Day.

~Pretty projects to try~

I love a bargain. If I can refinish something to be personal to my tastes, I will choose that any day over something brand new. Thrifting is an art. If you have a little vision and the right tools, you can really have some unique pieces to be proud of. I inherited some wrought iron bar stools, but I didn't like the fabric that was on them. I love french style, so that's what I used as my inspiration for the chairs. I saw a decorating show one time about painted fabric and I had my "I can do that!!" moment. I just used acrylic paint (mix together to make the shades you like best),a ruler and silver sharpie marker(the lines are easy to cover). It was sooooooo easy! They are not exactly the same, but I like it that way. The truth is, I measured a little differently on the second than the first! oops. Anyway, I seriously do like their uniqueness. After you finish painting and it's good and dry (wait 24 hrs.) Paint an all over varnish to protect your paint job. Oila'!!
Paint: $12.00, brushes:$6.00, having custom boutique barstools: priceless.....

~Just for Love~

I think it's no secret to those who know me that I adore Jane Austen. I also love period pieces, so I couldn't resist adding this when I found this clip on you tube by accident. Consider it my "Just because" blog addition. I get inspired by period pieces and these were from some of my favorites. You'll have to pause my standalone music player or you'll have 2 types of music going at the same time-(personal pet peeve of mine and everyone else's in the universe) So, if you like these types of movies, I know you'll enjoy this one.

Cheers~
Lori