Pages

▼

Sunday, January 30, 2011

MORNING TEA IN THE ALCOVE

I have such fun PLAYING TEA...
FIRST...
I brew up a tasty pot of CHAI ...my favorite..
and make something delicious to serve with it
and look for a relaxing place to sit...
have tea and treat...
daydream a little..
and most likely, to read a new magazine.
*
May I say right here...
THERE'S A LOT OF PHOTOS today...
sorry..sometimes, I just can't leave any out...
A few years ago, MR. SWEET and myself doubled the size of our living room.
During the planning, I asked if we might have a tiny ALCOVE..
a nice feature to keep the large room from looking so...
boxy.
He said, "Absolutely"
and he built just exactly what I had in mind.
Thank you, Mr. Sweet !
We have so enjoyed the tiny space that made a world of difference.
There's the thrifted, wicker desk and chair I bought  back in the summer.
I am TOTALLY in love with it.
♥♥♥
...and THIS is where we will have our
early morning TEA.
CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFINS.....
this is an amazing combo !!!
OMYGOSH...
aren't these JUST BEAUTIFUL...
This amazing recipe is from
JACKIE  and I sure thank her for it.

Now, HER muffins are much more healthy...
go here for the recipe..
I used more sugar, almond extract
and where she used WHOLE WHEAT, I used WHITE flour.
Next time, I will try her WHOLE WHEAT...
It doesn't say here but you can surely serve
CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFINS..
;)
Using my thrifted WHITE teapot...
....the winter morning sunshine is so nice thru these large windows...
We are having such beautiful, January weather...
 
You know...I've always heard of tea and crumpets...
just WHAT IS crumpets ?
I just might want to make some and have a 
TEA AND CRUMPET PARTY...;) 
my beautiful silver candlestick from my beautiful daughter, STACY LEIGH...
Almost every single thing in this photo is THRIFTED...
YAY FOR THRIFTING !
...a tiny bit of blue to match the clear blue sky this morning...
one lump....or two
?
...a tiny bit of RED to keep the
RED CRANBERRIES
company....:)))
..that the little POTTERY BARN creamer...ANOTHER thrift....

AHHHHH.......
I feel like I can face ANYthing this day may bring.
...recharged with good food and a pretty setting..
Believe me when I say..
IT IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL.
Please treat yourself soon...
your spirit will soar..!!
♥♥♥
I am linking today with:
BLUE MONDAY
SHOW OFF YOUR COTTAGE MONDAY
TEA TIME WITH THE LADY
TABLESCAPE TUESDAY
TEA FOR TWO
TEAPOT AND TEA THINGS
3 OR MORE TUESDAY (i DO have more than 3 muffins...:))
2ND TIME AROUND
NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
TEACUP TUESDAY
RUBY TUESDAY
TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY
TWICE OWNED TUESDAY

THANKS SO MUCH, ladies, for hosting such fun parties.
AND
Thanks to all of you for coming by my place today.
♥♥♥
MUCH LOVE,
bj
at

66 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Excellent recipe and a real tee party, photos are great!
    Kisses and hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Terri SteffesJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Oooo! I felt like I was there! I love the tea party shots and having an alcove is lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Life does'nt get any better than a cranberry orange muffin..My all time favorite...I'd give up chocoalte if it meant to leave behing C/O
    I'm drooling!
    ~Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  4. LoriJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    What a wonderful idea to add that spot! Amazing what a little space can make.

    ReplyDelete
  5. sharonavingerJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Crumpets are very much like our English muffins. They are usually toasted, then served with butter or jam. I'll be over for that party! Love your tea spot!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kathleen GraceJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Darn but I love that little creamer! All your white dishes look so beautiful and I have to try those muffins. I have some cranberries and oranges in the fridge right now and no plans for what to do with them. Your alcove is so sunny and pretty. I would love to have tea and muffins sitting there with you:>)

    ReplyDelete
  7. LynnJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Your orange cranberry muffins look amazing BJ! Lovin' your little alcove, looks like a perfect spot just for you! Stop by to see the post about my party:@)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    That is the perfect place to have tea! I love the candle burning in the day time....romantic.

    The muffins sound wonderful.
    Hugs,
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  9. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    The muffins look amazing, but the little nook is just such a perfect spot. I love your desk and wall decor. Your tablesetting is gorgeous. Who wouldn't feel so special and pampered. Beautiful. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Hi BJness! Oh, what a lovely time I've had at your tea! The setting is so pretty and I do love your little alcove! You sure know how to decorate it too. These muffins look and sound delicious. I love me my muffin in the morning so I had best try this recipe.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. LaJanuary 30, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Oh BJ. Every time I stop at your blog, it is a treat. Those muffins are gorgeous and I am sure they are as tasty as they are pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  12. xinexJanuary 30, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Your cranberry orange muffins look so delicious, BJ. And love your tea table set up...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    I love that little alcove, BJ! Your tea looks wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. DebJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    I just love this post because I love tea, muffins, dishes, food & tea-parties.

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    BJ...what a lovely post. I love your cranberry-orange muffins and your tea setting. Everthing looks so wonderfully special.

    Blessings!
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  16. LindaJanuary 30, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    What a wonderful tea party...thanks for inviting me!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. SueJanuary 30, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    I've loved that desk since you first showed it to us. This is so pretty and the muffins look yummy. Crumpets are sort of like an english muffin, only a little thicker and more chewy. They have holes in them that sort of fill up with butter and jam. Yummy. You can sometimes buy them in nicer grocery stores. I've never tried making my own.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)January 30, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    BJ, this is lovely! May I join you for some tea and one or two of those cranberry muffins. Wow, those looked good. Love your alcove. Isn't it amazing how a little extra feature like an alcove can just make a room so much more special?! You really had foresight to ask your Mr. Sweets for that.
    XO
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  19. Savannah GrannyJanuary 30, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    My, I am getting hungry but you are not supposed to eat at this time of night.
    I love your alcove and the desk is so perfect there. It makes a cozy spot. Love the tea set up with the touch of blue and white and the bit of red.
    Oh, I bet crumpets are really orange cranberry muffins in disguise. Hugs, Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    Bj, I adore this new look for your blog. It is WONDERFUL.

    And those muffins... Oh YUM! They look so good I could eat an entire pan!

    Love all of your picture. Great job on this post...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. suzyqJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    BJ, I can't believe you have never had a crumpet!!! They are beautiful toasted and topped with honey. They are a bit like a muffin but the top is covered in holes (my aim in life is to fill those holes with butter but it keeps melting!). Just yummy on a cold winter's morning.
    Suzy

    ReplyDelete
  22. On Crooked CreekJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    BJ,
    What a lovely post! I'm asking permission to copy your Recipe for Tea for Two! What a precious idea! My dear blog friend, Martha @ Lines from Linderhof, has wonderful Tea Luncheons and a wealth of information on all things Tea. She recently gave a class on Madelines. You may copy her blog address from my sidebar!
    Sun shining on a winter's day. . .perfect Tea Time combination. "Mr. Ed" found another package of Cranberry Orange whole tea leaves at the back of the cabinet for us last night. . .Hm~m~m is must be 3:00pm somewhere? ? ?
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  23. Chubskulit RoseJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Those muffins looks inviting.

    Musical Snow Globe is my blue post this week.

    ReplyDelete
  24. SmilingSallyJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    You are the yummiest blogger!

    Happy Blue Monday, BJ.

    ReplyDelete
  25. RitaJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    Wonderful post! I am a tea lover, drinker, devout follower of anything I can learn about tea. Those muffins sure looks fantastic with your teapot.

    ReplyDelete
  26. PhyllisJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Cranberry orange are my absolutely favorite kind of muffin!

    ReplyDelete
  27. MarieJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Just gorgeous -- those muffins look divine! Makes me want to pack myself up and come have tea with you -- but I suppose with the bad winter weather coming in I guess I'll have to settle for some tea and cookies here instead :-)

    ReplyDelete
  28. regJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    The Cranberry Muffins look like they are to die for. The other pics are just beautiful, all composed to the heights of your good eye for such things.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sara's Sweet SurpriseJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    BJ~my hubby favorite are orange cranberry muffins followed with Bigelow Constant Comment tea.
    Your last photo of the tablescape is beautiful, it should be framed!
    Oh, what pretty tags/cards you could make too, I'm on a roll with ideas. That's what happens when I'm motivated by the beauty your blog creates.

    Sweet Wishes,
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  30. MariceJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Oh My! thats mouth-watering!!! hope i can taste that!

    u may view mine here

    ReplyDelete
  31. LVJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Let me know when you get the tea and crumpet cakes ready.

    ReplyDelete
  32. RalphJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    A spot of tea is a nice change from the stronger caffeinated morning beverage we usually consume, So with a more elegant drink, what to serve with it is a great muffin with the tart cranberries. A breakfast to savor ang linger over!

    ReplyDelete
  33. DonnieJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    That is such a lovely post. Love the alcove too.

    ReplyDelete
  34. DeniseJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Wow BJ,I loved your post.Everything was blissful.How can you be so lucky at treasure hunting?Your desk is wonderful.Denise

    ReplyDelete
  35. EFT for CancerJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    What a very pretty and lovely tea set! I can enjoy my muffins with a cup of warm coffee!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Lady KatherineJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    I love your alcove with the thrifty desk! Yes, a wonderful spot for Tea! The muffins look divine! I do love your tea kettle! The touch of red, with the blue plate, with the muffin on the cake plate! All is so lovely! Adore the battenburg lace. How I wish you I could be there to share this lovely Tea with you! I haven't been visiting lately, so sorry, with so much going on, the store, grandchildren 24 hours a day, and 3 baby lambs to attend to. I know you keep asking if I am better, Yes I am better from my falls, I have had several more the last few weeks, but not as bad as before, just pulled and bruised. With still many complication from surgeries. I will have news to tell in a few weeks. Until then doing all I can, with what life is throwing at me. lol Wish I could visit more often, I get on then someone needs me. lol Thank you for helping me keep my dream of Tea Time Tuesday alive.

    ReplyDelete
  37. SueJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    those muffins look fabulous...can't imagine them being made with whole wheat flour?...I would stick with your recipe...I have just recently started enjoying cranberries with everything....love them in a salad and they are great in turkey meatloaf...

    ReplyDelete
  38. LuluJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Loved having tea with you and thanks for making my favorite muffin. That was a real treat as were the surroundings all were served in.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Bonnie @ House of GraceJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Very SWEET!!! Great job! I am going to feature you! Also, thanks so much for your sweet words today!! :)
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  40. Judith @ Lavender CottageJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Hi BJ
    Your tea is fabulous - I'm going to be checking out that muffin recipe!
    My husband likes his crumpets with butter and jam whereas my family aways ate them with syrup soaking into all those little holes - pure heaven.
    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  41. JocelynJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Oh wow Cranberry Orange muffins. How delicious. Everything looks so inviting. I would love to share tea with you :-)

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Wsprsweetly Of CottagesJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    OOOOHH bj!!! You wonderful thing, you!! I LOVE this post! Exactly the kind of post I love to read and ...just ..you know...savor? Yes, SAVOR!! That is the perfect word! Colorful, interesting, precious, delightful, homey, caring, cozy, and sooooo very bj!!!
    HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  43. ~CC CatherineJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    Love the muffins, how delicious they look. I have dried cherries that I just might have to make some cherry muffins. Of course, tea time always puts a smile on my face. :) Very nice post and pics today!

    ReplyDelete
  44. JackieJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    You are so sweet! Thanks for the link love! Your pictures are ABSOLUTELY beautiful. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  45. GwenyFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    OHHH I haven't thought of Cranberry muffins in a very long time. Now I've got to have one. Yours look wonderful. Only problem is it will be 3 or 4 days before the weather clears and I can go shop for the ingredience.. Its going to be a very long week.

    ReplyDelete
  46. The Cutest Cottage LampsFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    Hi BJ, Ohhhhh those Cranberry muffins are making my mouth water! They look YUMMY! I'll have to check out the recipe and make some too! beautiful tea table setting too!
    Have a great week,
    xoxo
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  47. ShelFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    Oh...this is just delightful...the photos, the muffins...I wish I was there to share with you xx
    Favourite photo...the one with the teapot, creamer and muffins...stunning...should be in a glossy magazine.
    Shel xx

    ReplyDelete
  48. SueFebruary 1, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Love that wicker desk, BJ~ What a wonderful little spot for your tea or anything else yummy. I have the oven on now, cooking ahead for dinner. I think I'll be adding in a batch of my own cranberry/orange muffins...
    xo Sue

    ReplyDelete
  49. PicketFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Morning BJ...everything looks soooo pretty ...loved all the pics and girl when I saw the one with that gorgeous white little vase thingy with the silverware in it I just gasp!!!!!(also copied it for my files! lol) BG I LOVED THAT IDEA!!!!!! Now I will be on the hunt for a little container like that with those sweet little handles on the side! Great post sweetie...hope you have a glorious week! Picket

    ReplyDelete
  50. Pellie / PennyFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Wow your teascape is lovely and those muffins make me wish I could just reach through the computer screen and try one.
    Happy teacup Tuesday.

    Hugs,
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  51. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    What a lovely tea. And you are so blessed to have a Mr. who finishs a project just the way you want it!

    The black/white tea pot is a real eye catcher.

    Thanks for your comment about thrifted books. Even though my house is overflowing with books and magazines, it pains me to tear one up. Our thrift stores are funny. They would rather throw something away than discount a damaged item. So no coverless books here.

    ReplyDelete
  52. TerriFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    OH my...your tea spot and tea are so inviting! What lovely white china. The tea cups and saucers are simply elegant! I am sure Chai looks delicious in them. I do love to drink it : )
    Your muffins are making me quite hungry, they look so beautiful.
    Thank you so much for sharing in Tea Cup Tuesday, I have enjoyed my visit.
    Hugs,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  53. DeniseFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    One, two, three. Yep, you have three muffins all right.
    HA! I do love the look of those muffins as much as I like the idea of their taste.
    I'm going to display some of my spoons too.

    ReplyDelete
  54. BethFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Your photos are beautiful, BJ. I'm glad you didn't leave any out! Your cranberry orange muffins look delectable - you are such an awesome cook! I like chai tea also - spiced chai, not vanilla chai (Bigelow). Actually there are many teas that I enjoy. Thanks for tea today!
    Blessings and hugs, Beth

    ReplyDelete
  55. Chubby ChiequeFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Hello BJ,

    What a wonderful way of welcoming the day with that muffins. I am a sugaholic and seeing your muffins makes me drool.

    Cute alcove and I love your presentation. So simple but I can see that you made that with love.

    Great job, Lady and have a great day.
    /chie

    ReplyDelete
  56. ShugFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    yummy yum yum... the muffins look sooooo good. Would love to have one right now. You are definitley on the ball.
    Warm hugs

    ReplyDelete
  57. Pinky at Designs by PinkyFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Cranberry orange is one of my very fav. combos!!! The muffins look so good!!!! I love your little alcove, I bet you have a real pretty view out that window too! Beautiful tea for 2, wish I could come share a cup with you! XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  58. Linda@Coastal CharmFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    BJ,
    Thanks for coming to NTT...love that cute PB creamer:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  59. UnknownFebruary 1, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Beautiful BJ...I always love how your posts manage to bring several topics together! You have a knack for that!
    :) Thanks for linking with 2nd Time Around!

    ReplyDelete
  60. fitty's pinky rose cottageFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    yummm! any leftovers? coz am very hungry! thanks for sharing! happy TT

    ReplyDelete
  61. KathleenFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    What a pretty post! The muffins look delicious, too! All dressed up so pretty in your whites!
    Your Mr. Sweet is quite handy!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Martha's FavoritesFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Hi: Great post! I love the muffins, they are making me hungry. Have a wonderful week. Thank you for joining us. Blessings, Martha

    ReplyDelete
  63. AmyFebruary 3, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    These are gorgeous muffins! I have a bag of cranberries in the fridge need to use up. It'll be perfect with this recipe. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  64. Holly LefevreFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Your muffins look amazing - just perfectly gorgeous and tasty! The recipe for tea is very sweet and your alcove is the perfect place of a cup of tea!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wanda LeeFebruary 6, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Hello there lovely lady, BJ!


    What a fabulous post!..,

    ..,Everything from teatime treats, to fab recipes and oh my those pictures!~ Just a treat for the the eyes and the soul!

    I'm hungry and also wishing I was there, all at once!..,

    Thanks so much for sharing this loveliness with all of us and also for taking part with TTTT and TTFT!

    Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

    ReplyDelete
  66. Brittany@ Real SustenanceFebruary 6, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    What an fun site you have!! These pictures look straight out of a magazine!!
    Wanted to invite you to share this wonderful recipe at a weekly event I host titled Seasonal Sundays! They fit the theme perfectly!
    -Brittany-

    ReplyDelete

Thanks SO much for commenting. I am blessed for knowing you.