Today I decided to do a little photo shoot of one of my favorite repurposing projects. When Gracie grew out of her toddler furniture (that had been passed down from Andie…who had received it from Robin…Hi Robin!) I decided to keep the long dresser and turn it into a sideboard. I had been wanting one…
Luxurious Retreat Tips
Teatime Tuesday ~ Strawberry Almond Scones
by Melissa • • 33 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek Hello friends! I decided to try something new this week, instead of the usual “Mysteries of Tea” entry where I feature different kinds of tea, I’ll be changing it up once in awhile and doing Teatime Tuesday. Teatime Tuesday entries will include a recent tea experience and/or recipe for a tea-related…
The Mysteries of Tea ~ Tea Tasting ~ Ginger Peach Scented Tea
by Melissa • • 8 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek :: Tea of the Week :: Ginger Peach Tea Did you know that all teas, white, green, oolong or black, can be scented with spices, herbs, flowers or fruits? The flavorings are added at the end of the blending process. The vehicles for imparting these flavors are: essential oils, dried fruit…
Six Senses Saturday
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
~Seeing~ The icicles melting… ~Tasting~ egg in a hole… yummy, buttery toast made with homemade bread fried with an egg in the center… mmmmm!….. ~Hearing~ THIS LOVELY MUSIC Taller Children race you Mama’s Boy by Elizabeth & The Catapult …and hearing the tea kettle chirping… ~Smelling~ Banana Cinnamon Bread Baking I used the recipe from…
The Mysteries of Tea ~ Irish Breakfast
by Melissa • • 7 Comments
little distractions, baking everyday, and cabin fever
by Melissa • • 7 Comments
What little things are you doing to survive the rest of this crazy long winter? Confession: Between writing chapters, painting illustrations, taking and editing photos, thrifting, knitting, and episodes of Private Practice… I have baked bread or cake or something every day for the last couple weeks. Thankfully bread freezes and company is coming on…
The Mysteries of Tea ~ Earl Grey
by Melissa • • 5 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek :: Tea of the Week :: Earl Grey Traditionally only China black tea was used to blend Earl Grey, but today you can find the label on black, green and even oolong teas. Earl Grey has the distinctive flavor and aroma of Bergamot oranges. To arrive at this flavor, tea leaves…
Repurposing Ideas
by Melissa • • 5 Comments
Here are some more repurposing ideas for you! Enjoy! ~Leftover Wine as Cooking Wine~ Simply decant leftover wine into pretty liquor decanters and use it in all your favorite recipes that call for wine! ~Single Earrings as Pushpins~ Do you have a bunch of “orphaned” single earrings in your jewelry box? Or outdated earrings you…
The Mysteries of Tea ~ Japanese Sencha
by Melissa • • 8 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek “Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.” ~Okakura Kakuzo :: Tea of the Week…
Six Senses Saturday
by Melissa • • 8 Comments
~Seeing~ PINK!!! ~Hearing~ The soundtrack for Into the Wild by the amazing Eddie Vedder here’s a taste BTW…I really didn’t like the end of this movie, but I loved the music. ~Smelling~ The “almostness” of spring in the air… ~Tasting~ Greek yogurt granola walnuts & honey layered in this breakfast parfait… ~Feeling~ like going HERE…