Easter.

I purchased this DaySpring card a couple of years ago, and I keep it on my desk for encouragement.

May you all find this to be true in your own lives.  Happy Easter.

Brewing up some PEACE this evening!  Chamomile, lemon peels, rose petals & rose hips.  All together now, "Ahhhh...!"  Thanks to Charbrew for this lovely tea.

Mother Road Coffee

One of my fav little coffee hangouts is found in the small town of Carthage, MO.  The owners are from the Seattle, WA area and found the need for great coffee, so they opened Mother Road Coffee on the historic square of Carthage.  I love the vintage feel, the Martini Radio playing, and the aroma of fresh baked goods mixed with that coffee bean smell...Mmmm....

As you can see, MRC has many worldly customers traveling along Route 66.  Their front shop windows are always Pinterest-worthy for every season.  I so adore sipping a cappuccino at this "Shop Around the Corner-esque" coffee classic!

Is this not the most spectacular bouquet you have ever fashioned? (photo via tumblr)

Tea Shop Mysteries

Today's trip to my local library was worthwhile as I came across a Laura Childs Tea Shop Mystery book I have not read.  And, it was a brand new book!  I absolutely adore getting lost in her mysteries, which are all based in Charleston, South Carolina.  Her main character, Theodosia Browning, owns a tea room, so a tea lover, such as myself, appreciates the details of teas and china patterns worked into the story.  The Tea Shop Mystery Series serves up great fun with a whole lot of whodunnit!

Laduree - The Recipes

If you dare try your luck at replicating some of the most luxurious desserts from Paris, you may want to add Laduree's recipe book to your collection.  I prefer to stare dreamily at the pictures.

Flower Art

The freshly cut tulips have really opened up creating a beautiful visual and photo opportunity.  By zooming in the center of each flower, I was able to click works of art.  I used Picasa 3 to edit these photos for optimal vibrancy and detail.

Putting "French" In Coffee

I tried my very first French Press Coffee this weekend.  It was smooth and the strength paired well with a sweet dessert.  Since I wasn't sure what made a French Press so, well, French, I decided to search youtube for a fun tutorial.  Enjoy!

With Mother Nature threatening winter temps early next week, I decided to cut these lovelies to enjoy indoors.  Tulips, thank you for bringing me a smile with your vibrant petals!

Tea Time

Being a tea lover, it is such a treat to receive Tea Time magazine every month.  I choose a lovely spot to enjoy a pot of tea as I soak in each page.  A subscription to Tea Time is a wonderful gift for anyone who takes pleasure in a spot of tea with a scone.

Girly Girl Puzzle

If you know a girly girl, do I have a fab gift-giving idea for you!  Bella Pilar has the cutest puzzle selection I have seen.  I own "Dog Walk" (above) which caters to my city girl side as well as the dog-lover within. These puzzles make a great gift idea for gals of any age. http://junipervalentine.blogspot.com/search/label/Puzzles

Rosette Cake

The rosette cake is by far my favorite decorated cake.  It's lovely, feminine and stylish.  I feel as though I should don a party dress in order to indulge in such romance.

Look at the artistic work of this Neapolitan Rose Cake from iambaker.net.  Oh, to have such beauty in front of me right now.  I can only imagine its deliciousness!

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is my favorite time of day.  When I have the chance, I will enjoy a pot of tea in the sunroom with only the sound of classical music filling the sunlit room.  My go-to tea is Harney & Sons with Paris being my absolute favorite flavor.  I enjoy sipping from my grandmother's vintage Queen Anne teacup as I imagine her enjoying a cup with me in spirit. 

Cloverleaf Whimsy!

If you want a crazy fun shopping experience, make your way to Ardmore, OK where Cloverleaf awaits your every tacky and eclectic style that we all must have to make life more flavorful.  The style is a bit bohemian with a splash of girly.  And, if you are throwing a big circus/carnival theme party, you're sure to find just the right props.  Thank you, Cloverleaf, for shining a brilliantly colorful, whimsical light in my day!

Easter Photo Session

 

This weekend was an amateur photo shoot by my sister-in-law, with yours truly serving as her assistant.  With backdrops and flooring from Ink & Elm, the garage was transformed into a studio.  We had old baskets from antique shops, Easter props (such as carrots, materials and craft supplies for a handmade banner) from Hobby Lobby, and Craigslist finds to add to the experience.  Oh, and there were a few animals on hand such as a duck, chicks, and bunnies.  (Too bad we didn't get a blooper reel).

 

 

Photoshop Lightroom software was used for photo editing to give a professional look to the final pictures.  A Cannon Rebel T5i Digital Camera was used, but any camera will work fine with proper natural lighting and a photo editing program.

Lovin' Cuppies and Joe

When in OKC, I find myself spending too much time in a little vintage house turned bakery.  Cuppies and Joe has the best lattes in town plus a case full of cupcakes with fun names like Boom Boom Pow and the strawberry yummy I tried above, Mary Poppins.  And they add  "You've Got Mail" love to their bakery such as Saturday story hour and bouquets of sharpened pencils on every table in the fall.  Ya gotta love this place!

Violet Envy

It's rather normal to envy a successful violet caretaker.  This violet has had to be patient as its owner isn't such a green thumb.  But, with a well-lit room, allowing it to dry between watering and proper food has given it a healthy, happy and quite full life!  Classical music from time to time doesn't hurt either *wink*.

The Red Velvet I Never Experienced

Like so many, I am a fan of Elsie & Emma and followed along their Red Velvet adventure.  However, life got in the way, and I hadn't checked on their blog in quite some time.  Last August, I was elated to pull up in front of the Red Velvet store when in Springfield only to have my mood deflated by the "Closed" sign.  At least I was able to snap a picture of this adorable last window display!  Love to the days of Red Velvet, and yes, I do love A Beautiful Mess even more! ♥

Vintage Bomber Birthday

My nephew celebrated his 2nd birthday with a vintage bomber theme party.  It was complete with a toy bomber which his mother had done a photo shoot with at a local hangar in preparation for the invitations and party.  She used a sky backdrop purchased from Hobby Lobby and created cotton clouds which hung about.

Food and beverage was completely in theme, labeled in pilot lingo, and the table was set in a little traveler's dream.  Small toy suitcases were purchased to present food in lieu of plates.

Family was treated to these adorable luggage tags personalized with our favorite pilot's photo as party favors.  Mine is fastened to my overnight bag.  (find at BeanBeanCase on etsy).

In keeping with the theme, I created a Snoopy Red Baron card for the birthday boy by finding an image online for the card as well as the envelope.  Also, the above shows Gage's party invitation.

 

Wine Box Wishes

We threw a wine-themed couple's shower for my brother and sister-in-law.  One of the great ideas I found online was to use a wine box for guests to sign well wishes for the couple.  It is also perfect for a keepsake box.  This box is now kept in their office on the wine refrigerator and serves as a special memory.