Martha's Favorites

TEA CUP TUESDAY & LAST WEEK FOR GIVE AWAY

2012-02-19T16:37:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 101! I will still be sharing with you more pink cups this week. Noah has informed me that Valentine's Day is over and I need to redecorate. This is how he put it "Grandma, is it still Valentine's Day? No, let's change it people." The child is three! He sure keeps me on my toes. His Dad got on his case for calling me "People." I sure love that boy! Despite my orders, Valentine's decorations will stay up another week. I am sure I will hear about it. I have been feeling very crafty this week. (It is Pinterest, I am addicted.) One of the items I made was this wreath. It was made with vintage bling. I think it came out so cute. It is far prettier in person than these pictures show. If you are interested in how to make it, just email me and I will tell you how.

Before I start sharing my cups, I just had to share this great tea pot. I picked it up at a thrift store, a few years ago. I love the lips. It only comes out in February.

My first cup is this Schumann, Arzberg, Germany beauty. It is very ornate and reminds me of the Flintridge China I own.

My next cup is a Haviland Limoges. I have the complete dinner set, service for 12. I am giving this set to my Princess Maya, when she gets a home of her own.

Cup No. 3 is also part of a set. I know, I know, how many sets do I need? Anyway, it is a Johnson Brothers tea cup Made in England. Love the delicate rose design of this piece. Although, Johnson Brothers tend to craze very easily. The quality must not be high, but I love the set anyway.

Cup No. 4 is also part of a set. (Let's not talk about!) Love the shape and the roses on this one. It is Hankook China. It is a newer set. The leaves are hand painted in gold. Great set!

Did I ever tell you I collect vintage paper weights? Well I do, I especially love the ones with flowers on them. They are getting so much harder to find these days. I also collect Fenton, in every color. I love this dark pink dish. The red bowl at the top of this post is also Fenton, Buttons & Bows.

This is the last week you will have to enter the give away. Remember it is only for followers. Please see the first post for this month with the give away information.

Before I give you this week's linky I want to show you this "Useless Piece of Junk, I can't live without." I have a lot of things that fall into this category. I not even sure what it is. Maybe you can help? It is very pretty. It is two pieces put together. What do you think it is? I am going to put it in my shop this week, I think. I have had it forever. Believe it or not, I am thinning things out!

Here is Mr. Linky. You know what to do.

I heard Terri has a beautiful new cup to share this week. Have a wonderful week. You are treasured by me! Hugs, Martha

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TEA LOVERS!

2012-02-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Ladies! I hope your day is filled with love ones. Today we are celebrating Tea Cup Tuesday No. 100! We are still loving it as much as the very first day we started. This red rose tea pot and cup is a Lefton, American Rose. I have the set and it is stunning.

I don't know if you have heard, there is a lot of worry about what is going to happen to us on March 1st in Blogland. Will we all lose each other? I hope not. Why can't things be simple? I am adding a new way of following this blog in hopes of not falling off the face of Blogland. I would appreciate you adding your name to both of the links. We will see which one will work the best. If you have any information about this let, let me know. Have you discovered Pinterest? I am so hooked! Look on my side bar and check it out, if you have not been there. I warn you, it is addicting!

On to the cups, this first cup is a square Angel Cup. It was hand painted by Lori White. I received it as a gift from my church several years ago. Love the square shape and all the Angels that decorate even the spoon.

This next cup is a Theodore Haviland, Limoges, France demitasse cup. This cup has the most beautiful rose design on the edges.

The next cup is unsigned. It looks like someone just ruffled the edges on this dainty little cup. That cute card in the back was made by Terri. She has more talent in her little finger than anyone I know.

This last cup for this week is this stunning Paragon. It is part of the Antique Series and is called "Gainsborough." I love cups with couple scenes on them. This is part of a four series set. Each one in different colors. I just think they are amazing looking.

I have been working on this great little project for my Sophia. I have had such good comments about them that I have decided to add them to my website. I hope you like them. They are handmade shoes for infants. What I am going to try to do is make them each one of a kind. I am taking orders, so if you would like a pair, please let me know. We can discuss colors when ordering.

Remember I am having another give away. You can look at last week's post to view the rules. Here is the cup you can win!

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. You know what to do. We leave the linky up all week so, if you are busy on Valentine's Day, come by the next day.

I hope you enjoyed the Spanish love songs, they are my favorites. May your week be filled with love! Hugs, Martha

ROSES & GIVE AWAYS ON TEA CUP TUESDAY!

2012-02-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 99! Just need to share what happen with my blog this week, before we get started. Maybe this will help you not to make the same mistake. I let my domain name expire. (I did not even know I had a domain name to let expire.) I receive a call on Wednesday, from a guy in New Orleans who told me my domain was up for auction and he wanted to make sure I knew about it, before he bid. I looked at Go Daddy.com and sure enough, there was 17 bids on my name, aka, my blog! It had 28 hours left on the auction and I had to get it back before it was sold or my blog would belong to someone else and lost forever. My only choice was to pay the fees Go Daddy.com demanded to get it back or be part of the on going auction to try to win my blog back. It could have cost me over $600 to win it back. My Blog! It was a mess. Sunday was the first day, everything was back to normal. Moral of the story, if you ever get a notice to renew your domain name, do it. It should only cost you about $13 a year, well worth the money. I wish someone would have let me know, it would have saved me $97. That is my Domain 101 Class for you and no charge.

On a sweeter note, here is a picture of my Sophia. She is learning to like her Grandma. If I don't see her ever other day. I have to start all over again. My children can sure make beautiful children.

We are just a week away from Valentine's Day, one of my all time favorite holidays. I have so many pink and red cups to show you. I own over 100 pink rose cups. I may have to leak over into March. This first cup is a vintage Stanley from England. Love the huge roses. I have had this cup for 20 years or more. My husband purchased this for me on a trip to Santa Barbara one year. It looks so pretty with tea inside of it. When ever I give ladies a chance to pick a tea cup to use, this is one of the first to go.

This next cup is a Royal Castle also made in England. It is a common pattern, it just looks Royal to me. Look at all the details.

Before I show you my last cup, I want to share this Fritz and Floyd. It is called the Lady Fairy Coffee Mug. It looks like a Valentine's Day cup to me.

This last tea cup was given to me by my dear friend Terri. It is a KPM, Royal Ivory. She has a special style that is her own. This cup says Terri all over it. It is so beautiful. Terri and I have never meet, yet I consider her a dear friend. We pray for each other and care about one another as if we were family. Only in Blogland, can you meet such amazing ladies.

Did you notice I reached over 700 followers? You know what that means. It is time for another give away. This one will be open only to my followers. Here are the rules:

Follow me on Facebook
Leave a comment on my guest book at http://prettyvintagethings.com/
Let me know what you have done.
Give away will end March 26.
Just what are you going to give away you ask? Well, it is this beautiful vintage, Lusterware cup. I hope that you can see how amazing this cup is. (Brenda, your cup is on it's way!)

I just have to show this heart shape candle holder. I own the pair, and they just scream Valentine's Day!

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. I heard through the grape vine that Terri may be having a give away too. So check her out.

Also want to show you my newest listing on Pretty Vintage Things. It is a Susan Rois piece personally signed by her. Lovely! Have a great week!

Hugs, Martha

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

2012-01-29T19:23:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday! February is upon us, with Valentine's Day just around the corner! Next to Christmas and Easter, it is my favorite month. Love is in the air and we all act just a little foolish. I love it! I was with Noah at Target this week and he was willing to pass up a toy for himself to get a Princess wand for his mother and me (3 in a package, one for him too.) He told me his heart would be broken in half if he could not buy this with his own money. (He has no money, he's three!) When I finally said yes, he wiped his tears and said "Grandma, you are so useful." Isn't that what we all want to hear from a man? When we got home, he hide them so he can give them to us on Valentine's Day! It was his big secret. He told his Mom all about it, but she could not guess what the gift was until Valentine's Day! He is so cute! Right then and there, we all decided we had to take him on a date for Valentine's Day!

While I am think about celebrating, we have a winner of the 4th Blog Birthday! Drum roll please . . .Brenda of http://downmemorylalalane.blogspot.com/ Down Memory La La Lane. Brenda is new to blogging and has recently started joining us for Tea Cup Tuesday! Congratulations! Please email me with your information!
I will be having another Giving Away next week. To celebrate 700 plus followers. This will be open to just followers, so if you are not a follower, this week is your chance.

This is 98th Tea Cup Tuesday for Terri and I! Can you believe it? I thought I would show you this wonderful Tea Set by Aynsley. It reminds me of love. It was purchased for a Wedding Shower, I gave Vanessa and her husband, so many years ago. They were so in love. Her husband told me yesterday, that he loves Vanessa more today than he ever did when he first married her. A Mother cannot ask for more!

What says "I love you" better than a rose? This next tea cup is a Taylor and Kent, Longton, England. I love the single huge rose that covers this amazing cup. It is so very rich looking. Love the white with the pink center, almost like candy!

This next cup also features a beautiful single rose. It is a common set you might have seen. It is by Roy Kirkham, Redonte' Roses, Made in England. I am lucky enough to have the tea pot too. Since I usually only buy my cups at estate sales and thrift stores, I do consider myself lucky to have both. I purchased the tea cup first and a few years later, found the tea pot.

Did I ever tell you I collect Vanity Boxes? You guessed it, I do! It is my fourth largest collection. I going to be sharing them with you this month.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. You know what to do. Please visit Terri, she just put a new face on her blog and it is beautiful.

If you have not had a chance to purchase the new Shabby Lanes Magazine, take a peek. I have a two page feature it in I would love to have you read. Here is my lastest listing, on Pretty Vintages Things! Great for Valentine's Day!

May your week be filled with love. Hugs, Martha

FOR THE LOVE OF WHITE!

2012-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 97. Hope you had a wonderful week. So sorry for being late, my computer has been giving me so much trouble. It has been chilly and rainy in Los Angeles. We have needed the rain so I am thankful. When I look at the garden it literally looks like the plants are Praising God for the rain. This is the last week I will be sharing my January cups. Next week, I will have to begin to bring out Valentine decorations. Noah will be asking about them, since his mother already has her home ready for February. Oh, before I forget, Vanessa is doing very well. Thank you so much for praying for her. It is wonderful how I can count on you for prayers. I am very honored to have such fine friends. I have to show you this picture of Noah. He is wearing a Green Power Ranger Costume that I made for his Uncle Kyle, when he was 5 years old. My little Noah is three. Isn't he the cutest?

I have a lot to share with you this week, so I will get started with my first tea cup, it is a Clarence from England. I love the shape of this cup. The fact that it is black and white makes it that much better! Just look at the lovely gold details on this cup.

This next cup is a Roslyn from England. Very simple white designed with gold trim. Classic! Love the dainty thumb rest!

Did I ever tell you I collect Milk Glass? Well, you guessed it I do! I especially love the very ornate Milk Glass. Throughout this post you will see various pieces of this wonderful depression glass.

My next cup is a classic design. This gilt on white cup and saucer by Haviland Limoges, is made of French Limoges porcelain. This is a simple cup, heavily decorated, by hand, with gold and it is a trio to boot! That wonderful, vintage butterfly brooch is also a prize. One like it is on the cover of a Costume Jewelry for Collector's Book. Needless to say, one of my favorite pins!

This next cup is a antique German Cup. It has some loss to gold gilt due to it's age, however, I think it just adds to it's beauty. It is one of those cups with messages. This one reads "Present." That cute little girl in the frame is my Princess Maya. She loves to take pictures and never takes a bad one.

One of my favorite tea pot of all time is this beautiful, white, Aynsley. I am planning a post soon where I just share tea pots. They seem to get forgotten. Did I ever tell you I collect tea pots as well? I am sure I have. They tend to get the short end of the stick. I will fix that soon.

Don't forget, Noah picks the winner next week of this wonderful tea cup. Signing my guess book at Pretty Vintage Things also with get you extra chances. For all the information, read the January 2nd post. Thank for all those entries.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. Terri is sharing some beautiful Romantic cups that you just must see. Terri and I are both hopeless Romantics, February is our month.

Here are a couple of projects I have been working on. They are the cutest candle holders. If this computer permits, I will be listing them in my shop today. Remember if you are a follower you do get a discount.

As I say goodbye for another week, I will share a couple of wire pieces that I just love. I know I have told you I collect wire!

Remember you are loved! Hugs, Martha

MORE JANUARY TEA CUPS & A GIVEWAY CONTINUES!

2012-01-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 96. Here we are in the middle of January already. It seems like we just finished up with Christmas. I want to thank you for your prayers, I do feel like I am getting better. I get a blood test this week just to make sure. God is so good to us. My daughter, Vanessa (Noah's Mom) is still sick, so please continue to pray for her.

As I share more January tea cups with you, I want to also share other collections along the way. My very first cup is a Castleton. It was Made in the USA and the pattern name is "Royal." I am lucky enough to own the matching demitasse. They were a gift from my husband, years ago. He purchased them for me in San Diego. They are still one of my all time favorite cups, they are so classy looking.

Did I ever tell you I collect glass baskets? Well, you guessed it, I do! I have them in every color you can think of, but one of my favorites are the lead crystal and the clear depression glass baskets. This next cup is a vintage Fostoria cup. It is an etched cup, Elegant Depression Glass. Just like my baskets, they look wonderful as part of the January Decor.

The next two cups I am going to share with you are all white. This first one is a Coalport. I scrapbook and have a gadget that will make paper look just like this cup looks. It is really very beautiful, much better in person than in my pictures.

You will notice I did not add jewelry to these last to cups. Did I ever tell you I collect shoes? Well, I do and I want to start sharing them with you. I these shoes are "Just Right", but I have beautiful porcelain shoes as well. This last cup is a Wedgewood. It is has a beautiful rose lace trim.

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. I want to thank you for your faithfulness to this weekly party. I just love looking and reading your wonderful stories and drooling over your cups. You make it so special. Don't forget to visit Terri, she promised us a new cup this week. I can't wait!

Don't forget I am still having the giveaway. You can get more information on January 2, 2012 post. Signing the Guest Book on my website will also get your name added one more time. Noah will pick the winner from his Pirate Hat on the last Tuesday of January!

This last picture is a beautiful American Glass Bowl. It is known as flint glass, sun glass or purple glass. When they are placed in a sunny window or otherwise exposed over time to the rays of the sun they turn lavender and eventually really purple. Most the glass was made prior to ca. 1915 when most, but not all, glass companies ceased using manganese and substituted selenium as the clearing agent. Heisey, Duncan & Miller, Fostoria, Cambridge and Imperial glass companies are some exceptions. These pieces have become highly collectible. I am selling some of my collection, including this pedestal bowl on my website.

Have wonderful week! Hugs, Martha

BEAUTIFUL BLACK & WHITE TEA CUPS!

2012-01-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday, No. 95. Hope you had a wonderful week. I finally finished packing away my Christmas things. I have been running a little late due to health reasons. I do believe I am on the mend and my energy level is coming back. I received a message from Wanda Lee and Pam. They are the two wonderful ladies that host 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday', as well as, 'Tuesday Tea For Two', a weekly blog tea party. They are going to stop blogging because of personal reasons. I for one will greatly miss their beautiful tea parties. They always raised the bar for beauty. Ladies you will be missed!

As I mention, illness really hit me hard this past week. I had some serious problems with my kidneys and would appreciate your prayers. I do believe I am getting better. I have some wonderful cups to share with you this week. The first is this a EB Foley, pattern name FLORENCE ROSE. I love the black and white cups. This one is one of my favorites. The rose on the inside looks so amazing.

Cup No. 2 is a Royal Stafford, England. I do not know if you can tell by the pictures, but the black body of this cup has a matte, satin finish. You don't see that very often. Love the gold trim on the bottom as well as on the handle of this cup.

My third cup is super amazing. It is a Mitterteich, from Bavaria, Germany. The pedestal bottom is shape like a crown. It has a wonderful shape to it. I was so excited when I found this cup a few years ago.

The last cup I will share this week is a New England Toile from Tabletops Unlimited. It is not fine china, but I do love the Toile look of this cup. It is hard to find pretty black and white cups so I could not resist this one.

I do want to thank you all for your well wishes on my 4th Blog Anniversary. Please continue to leave your comments. Each new comment will add your name to the Pirate Hat! For more information on this give away please view this post for more information Monday, January 2, 2012, HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH A GIVEAWAY! This post will tell you how you can add to your chances of winning this fun cup!

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. Please visit Terri, I know she will have wonderful new cups to share with us. Her cups are always amazing.

Did I ever tell you I collect vintage, lead crystal? Well, I do! I use a lot of it during January because my house colors are white, black, silver & crystal. You will be seeing various pieces this whole month! I know some of you have already gone into February colors. You are just too together!

Have a wonderful week. Thank you so much for adding me to your prayers.

Hugs, Martha

HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH A GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Tea Cup Lovers! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday, No. 94, our first of 2012. January 1st also marks my 4th year of blogging! When I started blogging, it was just a way to share my feelings. I have always journaled, now I had spell check! (A dream come true!) As I reflect on the ups and downs of last year, I am excited about the New Year. I am looking forward to a year that will be filled with God's blessings! I am so grateful for all the wonderful things that happened in the mist of a troublesome year. These good things are what are going through my heart on this day of annual reflection.

Each day I realized more and more, just how much my friends and family mean me and my dependence on them. Thanks to family and friends, I have felt great depths of compassion, love and encouragement. Regardless of what happened to me, my children circled the wagons to protect me. God gave me some amazing son in laws and a new grand baby, Sophia! Thank you for letting me share my crazy life another year! I am so thankful for the life long friends that I have made in Blogland these last four years!

As we start our first Tea Cup Tuesday for 2012, I want to announce a Giveaway, to celebrate my Blogging Anniversary. Is there a better way to start the year? I hope you like this cup. I think this Lusterware beauty is stunning! Rules to follow are below.

I was so lucky to find an Estate Sale this weekend. Just look what I found. This is an amazingly beautiful Aynsley. Love the teal color and the roses. I was very excited to find this. I am not sure if I even have a dozen Aynsley cups. They are so beautiful and fast becoming my favorite cups. (Don't let the Limoges cups know!)

The next cup I also found at this same Estate, it is a Foley. It reminds me of Terri so much. This cup is so her style. Don't you think? I just love it. For $10, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

This next cup is a Crown Ducal, Made in England, "Florentine" pattern. Love the fruit around the rim of this cup. I always do white decor for January. I love the crisp look of a winter white.

Did I ever tell you I collect vintage purses? Well, I do. Here are a few I wanted to show you. Sometimes, I forget what I have (a really bad sign!)

Here is this first Mr. Linky for 2012.

Please don't forget to visit Terri, I do believe she is also having a Giveaway too. For mine, the rules are as follows:

1. Become a follower
2. Leave a comment, each one counts.
3. Follow me on Facebook
4. Visit my website and leave a comment there.
5. Let me know what you have done.

Enter as often as you like. Noah will pick from his hat (Pirate) the last Tuesday of January! That gives you four weeks to enter.

For now, Happy New Year! Let's believe God for miracles and have a great year together!

Hugs, Martha

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH!

2011-12-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

JESUS CHRIST IS BORN! Merry Christmas! This Christmas Week has gone by so quickly. As I look back on this week, it feels like a big blur. It was delightful just the same. It started with Christmas Tea, shared with my two favorite sister-in-laws, Maureen & Kathy! I never take pictures of food, but I just had to show you this. Everything was served by a "food artist" and it looked as good as it tasted.

Of course, there was Christmas Eve Breakfast, were my children and grandchildren opened presents after we shared a delightful breakfast. My daughter, Vanessa and her husband, Kevin always do the cooking and as usually it was a treat! Everyone is a child at Christmas!

That evening we all celebrated Christmas Eve with the entire family. There are a 23 of us. We to go my nephew's home, that he keeps enlarging each year. His home is so large, we all sat on one long table. The view is spectacular and the food is endless. Our family always likes to entertain each other, this year was not exception. We did Karaoke and laughed until we cryed. By the way, the pipe is a prop, my nephew does not smoke!

For Christmas Day, we had our annual Christmas Dinner with our own police officer, Kevin and his partner, as well as, two of LA's finest EMTs! We have been doing this for the past three years and it is so much fun. Noah gets to ride in his father's police car. He also got to put on some of the EMT's clothes. They truly are Los Angeles finest. The best part was the police escort to the Freeway!

I was so tired today I took a 2 hour nap and forgot about Tea Cup Tuesday. If Terri had not gotten hold of me, I could have forgotten completely. I have a few of my favorite Christmas cups to share with you. You have already seen these but, they are worth repeating. First the Spode cups!

The next cup is the red, English, transferware, love it.

The handpainted Germany cup that hangs so beautifully on the tree.

Don't forget to stop by Terri's this week. She is doing a salute to Tea Cup Handles. Here is Mr. Linky:

This beautiful card was a handmade gift from my talented friend Terri!

Have a wonderful week. See you next year! I will be having a give away to celebrate by 4th year of blogging!

Hugs, Martha

WISE MEN & WOMEN STILL SEEK HIM!

2011-12-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Christmas is going to be here in a few days? So much to do! OK, why is it that when we are at our most busiest time, there is so many wonderful things to see on your blogs? I can just get stuck for hours if I am not careful, peeking into your homes. I am a "Peeking Blogger". If I commented on every blog I looked at this week, I wouldn't have time to sleep. Your homes are just "droolingly" beautiful. Have I told you lately you are amazing? The more I get to know you the more blessed I feel.

Let's get started with this week's party, No 92 no less! My first cup is this vintage Carlton Ware piece made in England. It has a gold center and handle with dark to lighter burgundy colors on the body. Very pretty!

The next cup is a Royal Konigl pr Tettau Cup and Saucer. This cup is Made in Germany, US Zone. It is a cream, burgundy and gold color. It is a trio, perfect for Christmas!

Last cup I am sharing this week is a Old Ivory, Syracuse China called "Romance." It is a lovely Maroon color and is Made in America.

We had our Annual Cookie Making Party at my sister's house yesterday. This is my daughter, Vanessa, son, Kyle and of course Noah! We have been doing this every year for at least 25 years, maybe more, no one can remember. The boys had so much fun!

I know time is short for many of you. Terri and I are so blessed to have been a part of this wonderful "Tea Party" for the past year. Here is this week's linky.

May Jesus be your greatest gift this year! May He richly bless you this Christmas. If you would like to know more about Him, email me. It would be my honor to introduce you to God's greatest gift to Man!

Christmas Hugs and Kisses! Martha

TEA CUP CHRISTMAS TREE HOW LOVELY ARE YOUR BRANCHES!

2011-12-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 92. I hope you are all doing well and that your holiday preparations are well on their way. This week, I am doing something different for Tea Cup Tuesday. I am showing you pictures of my Tea Cup Christmas Tree. I have decorated the tree with pink demitasse tea cups. I hope you enjoy it! My Christmas Tree last year was made with vintage, Madame Alexandria Dolls. It was featured in a magazine.

As you can see this year's Christmas Tree is all about the pink tea cups. This first cup is a Bavarian Demitasse Cup with an old rose print. You can also see the Staffordshire Red Transferware in this picture.

Do you see the little chintz cup? It is an antique Lord Nelson Chintz cup! So cute! The pink cup with the tassel like bottom is Bavarian.

This next cup is a Haviland, Limoges! Of course, my favorite designer of tea cups.

This next cup is a German made. Love the pink and gold edges. I hope you have enjoyed the fun peek into this year's tree and the wonderful way you can use any collection in your home to make a Christmas Tree that is uniquely your own.

Here is Mr. Linky. Please take a moment to visit Terri. She is a new Grandma and is filled to joy these last few weeks.

Don't forget our reason to celebrate this season! The Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus! Love you all, Martha

CHRISTMAS TEA CUP PARTY!

2011-12-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 91. There are a lot of parties going on in Blogland this week. It is my hope to be a part of as many as I can. I have to tell you about my week. Since Thanksgiving, I have had a time of it. I live in Southern California. If you watched the news at all, you may have heard about the bad winds we have had this week. My house was hit hard with wind damage. I lost a part of my back deck, which also holds my washer & dryer and well as many other items, including my laundry. The winds were so bad I lost the top part of it, as well as part of the Sycamore Tree. In California, you can not touch the Sycamores, without a permit. My house looked like a war zone.

When daylight came, I found my laundry in the back yard as well as part of my tree. It was a mess. I am still cleaning up after that mess and the winds have not stopped. It was so scary, it felt like the roof was going to blow right off. This week was my time to put up Christmas. I am so behind. I am grateful that nothing else happened. We had trees down, power lines down, gas shut off. I loss my gas.

It did give me a chance to reflect on what is important about Christmas. My family! God gave my a wonderful Son-in-law, Kevin, who put back the deck so I did not have to pay anyone to do it. He is so precious to me, when I think about what he did, it makes me cry. My daughter did not have power in her house for days, so I was lucky to get to have Noah for a sleep over. There is always a silver lining. I hope all of you are fairing better than I have with this weird weather.

Even though I am not as far along as I would have liked to be with my Christmas decorations, I do have a few cups to show you. I am starting with the Traditional, Copeland, Spode Christmas Tree pattern. Very classic, just screams Christmas!

This next cup is a StaffordShire, England. "View Near Hurley Berks", Thames River Scenes by Palissy Pottery. Love the rich burgundy colors of this tea cup.

The third cup is much like the Staffordshire, but it is a Mason's, Vista England. It is very beautiful and filled with details. It too is a rich burgundy color. These colors are are perfect for Christmas.

I feel like I have so much to say today, but I am late so, I will stop and invite you to join us for the party. Mr. Linky is ready to so. Please visit Terri, she has the cutest picture of her new treasure, her grandson. You just want to give him a big kiss.

I would appreciate your keeping me in your prayers. I have a lot of things going on in my life and I need the Lord to guide and provide. Thank you dear friends!

See you at the parties!

Hugs, Martha

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

2011-11-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends: Sorry we are late, life got in the way! Hope this weekend was all you wanted it to be and more. My Thanksgiving was wonderful. Children were here with my prize possessions, the Grandchildren. What can be better? When everyone left to visit their Mother-In- Law's, I got ready to visit my Nephew home where the rest of my family was already there waiting. When a noise was heard in the kitchen. What would it be? Well, you may have guessed it, a water hose had broken. The copper pipe that sends water to the ice machine and water fountain in the refrigerator broke. It shot a straight stream of water onto the electrical outlet that the refrigerator was plugged into. Of course, I did not know how to shut off the water, why should I? The stream of water was so strong, it could not be sent into a bucket or pan. It was like a hose was let loose in my kitchen.

So I did what any normal woman would do under these stressful situations, I CRYED! As I was crying, I built a mountain of bath towels to stop the water from entering the living room, where oak floors are under the carpet. Meanwhile, my son is trying to turn off any valve he could find. Nothing worked, after about on hour of trying and calling, reaching no one that could come to my rescue, my son got on the Internet for help. I put on some rubber shoes and rubber gloves and unplugged the refrigerator, before we all got electrocuted. I was sweeping the water out of the kitchen as fast as I could. Then victory came, my son found the information he needed and in a minute it was all over. Thank God for the Internet! I was so lucky my son was still home. With all that water, we had no water damage. Because the whole thing lasted only about an hour and a half. I kept sweeping and crying the whole time, we were good! Of course, after it was over, we heard from everyone, on how to shut off the water! Bless there little hearts, better late than never. Plumber was over Friday and new easy shut off valves were installed!

Since my kitchen floor is so clean, I thought I would start this Tea Cup Tuesday No. 90 with my kitchen tea cups. I am in the process of decorating for Christmas. My house looks like it has been attacked by the Bin Monster. The kitchen however, is 90% done! This first cup is a Duchess, from England. Pattern name is "Winter". I love the colors on this cup!

This next cup is a Royal Patrician, from England. It has a great Orange, Red color Poinsettia. Very different colors. Also a favorite of mine!

This next cup is a Royal Standard. It is so rich and elegant! The colors are just rich. Another favorite of mine. (That's my problem, they are are my favorites!)

Do you remember the Italian cups I shared last week? They all sold, except for the Tea Pot set. That did not sell because, I just have not listed it yet! Thank you very much for your support. I even sold a salt and pepper set that I did not list, but someone saw it on my blog, loved it and offered $50 for it! You ladies are wonderful! I need Christmas money so thank you in advance for your purchases.

The corner cabinet, is in my kitchen. (It pays to have clean floors! You have never seen this piece.) It is filled with my Ruby Depression Glass, I have a serve for 40. It also holds some of my favorite Lefton, American. I will have to clean my floors more often. I have a real cute kitchen.

Here is Mr. Linky. We are running a little late this week. Please stop by and visit Terri. She has some amazing Christmas Trees she made. You just have to see them. That woman is incredible! Have a great week.

Blessings and lot of hugs, Martha

GIVING THANKS FOR FAMILY,FRIENDS & ITALIAN TEA CUPS!

2011-11-20T08:45:00.001-08:00

Hello Ladies: Are we all ready for this week? I am so behind, but I know it will all get done. We will be able to sit down and give thanks for all our blessings. I know that for a lot of us, this has been a hard year. However, I thank God for a wonderful family who is all in good health. The other things always work themselves out. This is our 89th Tea Cup Tuesday! We are still having fun sharing those small, beautiful tea cups, that help us get a little peace each day.

This week I am sharing a group of Italian, hand painted cups, I recently found in my closet! I am putting them all on my website, but not without sharing them. Remember I told you I could not remember where or when, I got some of these cups? Well, the Italian cups I do remember. I worked as a Principal for a private school for about 25 years. When you work at a school you do collect a lot of things. I had a secretary who visited Italy every summer. She would bring me a new cup each year, from every region. (I guess each region has it's own speciality.) That is were I got this rather large, Italian collection.

This first cup is a large blue, white and yellow coffee cup. It is signed by E. Lorretta. I think it is beautiful. The fact is, I just can't continue to keep so many tea cups. These Italian cups are considered, Art Pottery. It is hard to say good bye to this beauty.

This next cup is a Deruta, Primavera Pattern, hand painted and signed, Espresso Cup & Saucer. I love the teal handle with the hand rest on the cup. The shape of the cup is wonderful. An exceptional piece of Italian Art Pottery.

This third cup is a beautiful, Majolica, Arabesco, Espresso Cup & Saucer in the Red color. The pieces are hand painted in the town of Deruta in Umbria. The saucer features a bird characteristic of the Arabesco pattern which originates from a Persian calligraphic pattern during the 17th century. This is an amazing piece of Italian Art Pottery.

Next week I will start to share some Christmas cups, so the other cups from this stash, you will have to look for on my website http://prettyvintagethings.com/. I want to tell you how thankful I am for my friends in Blogland. You are a blessing daily. I don't think I tell you enough. You laugh with me, some cry with me and most important you hear my heart. I thank God daily for the blessing He has given me, in you. Here is Mr. Linky. Please don't for get to visit our dear Terri, she is someone I am always grateful for!

Hugs, Martha

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

2011-11-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies: Happy Tea Cup Tuesday No. 88! It is confession time for me. I am almost embarrassed to share this with you, but here goes. I have a good size closet in my bedroom. Every once in a while I make the decision to empty it all out and rearrange one side of it. It is a good time to go thru clothes I have not worn in a year, maybe remove some shoes that I have not worn in a while, it is all a good thing right? (So far, A+ Martha!) I have a pretty big closet. So I sometimes put things in there thinking, when I get a minute, I will put this away where it belongs. I am so sure some of you do the same thing, right? Ok, so I am clearing out one side of the closet, when I find a rather large bin.

The bin I found was clear, large and quite heavy. I couldn't even think of what I stored in it because, I always, mark my bins. This one was unmarked. My first thought was some craft project that must have started and forgot about. However, you would not believe, (I don't believe) what I found. Do you remember when I told you I only had one Italian Made Tea cup? I lied! This bin with full of tea cups, many of them Italian, including a Tea Pot! I am talking about a 40 tea cups! Tea Cups I did not remember I had. As I unpacked them, some were familiar and some were a complete surprise. (Go ahead and say it!) Martha, you are a piece of work. Just look at this table!

I am an organizing freak! I apparently, just organized these tea cups out of my life for years, maybe! My poor children, when I die, it is going to take them a year to clear out this place and I AM NOT A HOARDER! Before you say anything, to my credit, I decided before I fell in love with them, I am going to put them on my website. I have too! (Ok, I might keep one or two, but that is it!) Everything else is going to be sold! I promise!

When Noah came into the house and saw them on the table, he said "Grandma are we having a tea party?" (He loves tea parties. He takes his with only apple juice.) As we sat drinking "tea," I showed him this tea cup. I wanted him to see the little bird handle. Noah looked at it and said "Grandma that is so very precious!" You have to love this boy! He is only 3 years old!

Another tea cup I found is this very cute demitasse cup. It is Made in Japan by the manufacturers that produced those Head Vases, Nasco. Very cute.

Last tea cup this week is the orange color. I really don't recognize the signature.

Did I ever tell you I collect turkeys? Well, you guessed it, I do! I will try and show you some of my collections during the month.

Here is Mr. Linky. Don't forget to visit Terri, not only will she have some amazing tea cups, but she is always ready to teach us something!

I promise I will show you all the tea cups before I sell them. Don't forget I give followers a discount when you purchase on my website. I hope you have a great week and enjoyed taking a peek at my "new" tea cup beauties! I am still in shock! What else could be in this house?

Hugs, Martha

SIMPLE TEA CUP PLEASURES!

2011-11-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies: Happy Tea Cup Tuesday No. 87! It has been raining off and on here in So. Cal. I do love it when it rains, you can see my plants almost smile with delight. I wish my body would do the same. The day before it rains I ache all over and the first day of rain, my whole body feels like lead. It is hard to move. The only place I am comfortable is in bed, under the blankets. These last few days have been like that for me. The most I can do is get up for a little bit, catch up on some of your blogs and go back to bed. It is so funny, if it rains two days in a row, the second day, my body is great. However, if it rains one day and not the next, I start all over again. I am weird, I know. Sure wish I knew why this happens to me. Any ideas?

Because of this weird body I did get a change to visit so many of you. I must say, you have amazing homes. I did not get to comment on a lot of posts because of how I am feeling, but trust me I visited. When I was younger I always wondered if the people in those beautiful homes looked different somehow. I have since learned, that I can visit you "beautiful people," through this wonderful medium called "Blogs." Not only are your homes beautiful, but you are beautiful and creative ladies inside and out. I feel so blessed to have so many of you as my friends. It is like having a pen pal, only better because it comes with pictures!

As you can tell, due to this body, I am very late with this post. I just could not miss it. So lets get started. Cup No. 1 is a favorite of mine. It is a very different Limoges. I love the wavy saucer. Limoges is always amazing.

This next cup is a Colclough, Made in England. This is a beautiful Chintz gold cup. The pictures really do not do it justice. Love the ring loop handle.

This next cup is a Royal Vale. I love the little flower prints all over. So delicate and beautiful.

I think is body is done for the day, so this post is going to be short. Here is Mr. Linky. Terri so kindly get this ready every week for us. Please don't forget to visit. She has promised us some new cups that I am sure will be breath taking.

Don't forget I give a discount on my website for followers! Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! TEA CUP TUESDAY NO. 86!

2011-10-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Ladies! We have made the costumes, baked the cookies, carved pumpkins, watched the parade and collected candy! It is all over except for tonight when the kids come to the door. Noah was Captain America and Sophia was pink bones! Maya was a Lion Tamer! I can't believe all I have done in the last few hours. I feel so blessed to share this with my Grandchildren. Must admit, I got a slow start to this post because I am tired already.

My cups this week are all the same shape. The first three are made by the same manufacturer. They are American Made and just stunning. Pattern name of these two is "Sovereign" by Castleton China. I can not believe I sold a service for 12 of these beauties. What was I thinking? This is a standard and demitasse size. Look at the handle of the little one. It is almost the same size as the big one. They are a light cream color with gold trim.

The next cup is also a Castleton, pattern name "Sunnyvale". Love the delicate flowers on this one. Notice the shape is the same as the ones above. Interesting!

Now look at the next cup! Doesn't it look like the other three? It is a RW, from Bavaria. This one is all hand detailed, with a rope like trim.

I am adding a fifth cup today. It is a Belleek. I just love this demitassi cup. It is a cream color with a pale yellow center. Beautiful, if I do say so myself. Did you notice some cups had figurines and some did not? I think this big plan of sharing all three things is not going to work. I don't think you can see the tea cups as well. This post is all about tea cups. So, if I can, I will share the figurines with my cups. I do think the plan failed.

Have a wonderful week! Don't forget to visit the new Grandma, Terri. She has managed to purchase new cups to share with us. I can't wait to see them. Here is Mr. Linky for you to do your thing!

Hugs, Martha

MIXING TEA CUPS, FIGURINES & HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome Tea Cup Lovers to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 85! Ready for another week of sharing our lovely treasures? Did you ever think there were so many tea cup designs? Every week, I see cups that I have never seen before. I know that is what Terri and I love about this party. This is our last Tuesday in October. I don't know about you, but for me it means, it is time for my home to get a whole new make over for Thanksgiving.

With that in mind, I have been moving things around my home this week, thinning out many collections. I have listed a lot of these new collectible items on my website http://prettyvintagethings.com/. Please take a peek, my way of going green!

This week while I was dusting, I had a thought, shocker I know, but listen to this. As you may know, I collect lady figurines (another shocker). This was my thought, why not share my figurines with my tea cups? I have some in every color. Before you say anything, I don't have as many figurines as tea cups, but I do have one or two. So I am going to combine the two. What do you think? Well, I am going to try it, if you don't like it let me know. I am easy.

This week my tea cups are in all different colors. The first one is this amazing vintage, Limoges. It is the most delicate pink and white. It is also, rather large. Most Limoges are a lot smaller. This is one of my favorite cups.

This next cup is also a Limoges. Look at the handle on this one. It looks like it is a sculptured piece of metal. So very delicate and another large one. Perfect, like only Limoges can do!

This next cup is new to me. I don't own any like it. It is made in Italy and although I have other Italian made cups, this one is different. It is made of clay. It is a very light weight, pedestal cup. The rose designs are very intricate, anyway I fell in love with it. Let me know what you think.

Last but not least, is this black and white English, Foley China. The pattern name is "Florence". The roses are brilliant in pink colors. There is something so classy about a black and white cup.

Well, here is this week's Mr Linky. Don't forget to visit Terri http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/. She is going to be a Grandma again this week.

Have a safe and fun Halloween! Here is a picture of my Noah as a Cowboy. That boy loves dressing up.

Hugs, Martha

SAVING THE PLANET ONE TEA CUP AT A TIME!

2011-10-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello my tea cup loving friends! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 84! I still have to show you picture's of my Sophia Lola. I wish you could hear her squeak. She loves to eat and sleep. She curls herself up into a little ball when you hold her. Here is a picture she posted on Face book and with her Uncle Kyle. "Happy Birthday to me!!! I'm 10 days old today." She is so smart.

Today I have some interesting cups to share with you. This first one I call my Jetson Tea Cup. It is a Winterling, Bavaria, Germany. It is trimmed in 24 KT Gold. Now, don't you think this is a cup that Jane Jetson would be using?

Cup number 2 is the Royal Kent, Made in Staffordshire, England. Love the colors on this trio. I forgot I own it.

My next cup is a very special, favorite of mine. It is part of a complete set my late Father gave to my Mother when they were very young. It is a Homer Laughlin, Virginia Rose pattern. My Mother gave it to me and I gave it to my daughter Vanessa, when she got married. I love giving china sets for weddings to immediate family. Vanessa is my sentimental child, and I know she cherishes it. It is trimmed in Platinum. She gets this cup when I am gone. Right now, it reminds me of the special times at home, when I was young!

We are still having hot weather here in So. Cal., I know that many of you are starting to experience Autumn. We just may have a hot Halloween night this year. I have been in a rearranging mode. So the whole house looks like it has been turned up side down. I take pictures to show you the new look.

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. Don't forget to visit Terri, not only is she sharing some amazing tea cups, but if you are lucky, you can join one of her wonderful art classes. You have to take a peek at what she is teaching. News just in, she is about to be a Grandma too! God is so good! I want to thank you for making this party so special. You are so appreciated. I feel like I am part of many of your lives. Wonderful isn't it?

I have listed many new things on my website http://prettyvintagethings.com/. Please stop by and take a peek. Giving "Vintage" for the Holidays helps me and the planet! Don't forget to let me know if you follow my blog, blog followers get a discount. Have a wonderful week.

Hugs, Martha

SHOWING HER OFF!

2011-10-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

PRAISE THE LORD! We have a new member of the family. Sophia Lola finally arrived. Mom, Dad, Noah and Grandma are all doing well! Delighted to have a baby in the family! Isn't she lovely?

Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 83! It has been very hard for me to keep my focus this week. I feel like life has just moved so fast in one week. I saw my Grandson go from an only child to a big brother. My little girl, having her own little girl and my oldest daughter taking complete charge of the whole family support system. While my job was to care for the two Grandchildren. It is amazing to see your family all grown up.

I have some beautiful cups to share with you today. Starting with this Paragon. A stunning all beige cup with brown roses. I think this is something that only Paragon could make so beautiful.

Cup No. 2 is a Haviland, Limoges from France. You know how much I love Limoges. Although I am not a big fan of these autumn colors, this is beautiful.

I am always sharing about the great prices I paid for tea cups. Well this one is an exception. It is a Haviland, Limoges and I purchased it on Ebay about 15 years ago. I never, ever buy cups on Ebay, unless I am sure of what they are going to look like. I have to know the pattern is the right one. I have also told you that I have a $10 rule for cups, on rare occasions I have paid up to $20, but it is very rare.
When I saw this demitasse cup on Ebay, it was about to end and I was the sole bidder. Then the unthinkable happened, someone else bid against me. One bid lead to another and you guessed it, I got swept up in the auction. I think I paid $45 dollars for this cup. It was the very first orange cup I had ever purchased. The seller had this cup pictured so beautifully. (A good lesson for all you Ebay sellers.) The cup is Lusterware. I have never seen another Lusterware design in Haviland, Limoges. When the cup and saucer arrived, the Lusterware was worn in many places. Although I do think the cup is cute. I learn a very hard lesson.

The last cup is this cute pheasant cup by a K.M. Gould Co. of California. It is a cute little demitasse cup with great autumn colors. A dear lady who has long gone to be with the Lord gave this to me.

Believe it or not I am still pulling things out for Halloween. Today I found a box filled with vintage Carnival Glass. I had forgotten how much I had. It is like Christmas here today for me. I have decided to sell some of the Carnival Glass on my website http://prettyvintagethings.com/. So, if you love the Carnival check out my website. I should have plenty up by the end of the week.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. We are hoping to have 50 ladies join us this week. We almost made it last week. Terri and I are looking forward to visiting you. Oh, that reminds me, I am having trouble leaving a comment with some of your blogs. The comment just disappears. Does any one know how to fix this? It is making me crazy! I don't need the help.

One last thing, can you stop by Shabby Lanes Shops and vote for me? They are having a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. I want to win and I need your vote! Thank you!

Hugs, Martha

THE TIMELESS ELEGANCE OF TEA CUPS!

2011-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! It is our favorite day of the week, Tea Cup Tuesday No. 82! I just have to share, my Grand baby is still not here! She is past her due date, so here we are waiting. I can't hardly stand it!

I had the pleasure of attending a special tea this weekend at "Paris in a Cup." This is the second time I have been to this event and it was more than I expected. I had the opportunity to hear and meet the the fabulous Jenny Doh. She is the author of many wonderful books as well as the editor of a magazine. The tea brought together ladies who have businesses on line. It was great to meet ladies who are so creative.

I found this little tea cup the other day at a Thrift Store. It is very pretty and very delicate. I loved it. Have you ever had a moment when you discovered something about yourself, that you don't like or are a little embarrassed about? That's what happened to me with this little cup. Ok, confession time, I don't like cups made in china. I have always thought they were such poor quality, they are heavy and not very will made. I never gave them a second look. (A cup snob, I am sorry! I think it is true.) This cup however, changed my wicked ways! It is signed "Crown China", never really heard of it before. It is the most fragile and delicate cup I have seen in a long time. The pictures so not do it justice. It feels like a Belleek! As you know, orange is not my favorite color, but the cup is stunning. I guess I have to change my whole outlook on cups.

I do hope that you do not stop visiting because I discovered I am (was) a cup snob. Like I said, I am changing my evil ways. This next cup is a no brainer, it just fits perfect into the beautiful, have to have, category. It is a yellow, hand painted, rose, Lefton pedestal cup. It is amazing.

This next cup is a all gold cup from Bavaria, Germany. I love the all gold look. You feel very special when you drink your tea from this cup.

This week's last cup is a Taylor & Kent, from England. I love the shape of the cup. This is the only cup I have with Mums on it.

Remember that Give Away? It is time to announce the winner of the tea cup. My Noah, pick the name out of the bowl. The winner is Sherry, of The Charm of Home, http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/. Sherry is an Interior Decorator with a lovely home that I visit and drool over regularly. If you have not visited her blog please take a moment. Sherry is an amazing decorator and you will not only learn something, but your eyes will feast on some serious eye candy! Sherry, email me with your address! Thanks for being a wonderful follower!

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. We are early today. Don't forget to visit Terri. She is teaching some amazing classes on line and her last post is of a wonderful Halloween Banner. A must have! Oh, yes, she has amazing cups.

Have a wonderful time in Blogland today! So many tea cups, so little time! Hugs, Martha

DRESSED UP IN TEA CUPS!

2011-09-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it is Tuesday again? Life is going by so fast. Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 81. I am so looking forward to this week. My Granddaughter, Sophia, should be born this week. The excitement is so thin around here, we jump at every phone call. Then Saturday, Oct. 1, I will meet with the Editor of Romantic Homes. We will be discussing if I am "magazine worthy." I am excited just to be invited to "talk."

I have some orange cups to share with you this week. I am not a "orange" person, but my home is filled with those colors this month getting ready for Halloween. Noah is so funny, he came in the house after I had started decorating for Halloween and he said "Grandma it looks beautiful!" He then goes through and picks what he wants to take home to his house, because he "needs it." It is thinning out by Halloween items.

This first tea cup is a trio from R.S. Japan. It is an amazing orange color, done in Lusterware. The inside of the cup is white. Cup Number two is also a R.S. Japan. This one has a cherry blossom pattern. I have no idea how old they are. I have also included some pictures of a R.S. Japan Tea pot and creamer. These are all done in the Lusterware.

Cup Number three is this beautiful Brown and White, RW Bavaria, Made in Germany, demitasse cup. It has hand painted gold roses as part of the design, with a gold rope trim border. Did I ever tell you I collect cottages? Well, you guessed it, I do. Here are a few of my collection in this group of pictures.

The next cup is by Johnson Brothers. It was made in England and is called the Ice House, part of the Friendly Village Series. Love colors on this set. I don't know if you can tell, but it has teal, rose, yellow, blues and greens. It is just stunning.

I am going to show you one more cup. It is one of my favorites. It is an Aynsley, I think it is stunning.

The picture on top is of the cup I am going to give away. This is your last week to join the giveaway. Read the previous post for all the information. Here is the Linky for this week. Terri and I are looking forward to seeing all your treasures.

Hopefully, next week I will announce the winner of the tea cup and the arrival of our new Grandbaby!

Hugs,
Martha

TEA CUP GIVE AWAYS AND DECORATING FALL STYLE!

2011-09-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! Happy Tea Cup Tuesday, it is our 80th! I have not had a give away in a while so, I think it is about time. September 23rd is my birthday and I thought it would be a good time to give back to all you wonderful ladies who have been so kind to me this year. As many of you who follow my blog know, my year has been filled with ups and downs. You have been there for both. Always encouraging and always understanding. This is my way of saying thank you for your friendship. Thank you for helping me figure things out, for laughing and crying with me! You are the best!

All you have to do to enter is become a follower. Extra entries will be given if you put my button on your blog, or follow me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pretty-Vintage-Things-by-Marthas-Favorties/. Please just let me know what you have done. What will you be winning, you ask for all this trouble? You will get a chance to win this beautiful cup, vintage cup with a few more surprises. I think the cup is a Royal Sealy. It has a Reticulated Saucer, that is Pierced Porcelain. This beautiful Lusterware cup is also footed. I know these cups are very sought out by collectors. Notice the cup's cut-outs on the saucer are the shape of an apple core. Too cute! Thought it would be great for your fall decor. I will pick the name on Sept 27th, the last Tea Cup Tuesday of September. That give you ladies a little time. You can let me know what you have done in your comments or on Facebook!

We are on pins and needles each day, waiting for the new baby to come. Sophia is due any day now. My daughter is ready and the rest of us are just nervous. So, we wait.

Since my daughter's Baby Shower, I have been in a clear out mode. My daughter, Vanessa, recently told me she wants all my tea cups when I am gone. That made me feel so good. I did not think anyone in my family would want my precious tea cups. I am still going to be thinning them out. I have almost 500 and I think that is just too many for anyone to own. So you are going to see a lot more give aways and a lot more on sale on my website http://prettyvintagethings.com/. This cup is a Royal Albert, "Lady Hamilton" Tennis set, sometimes called TV set, Tea & Toast, or Snack Set. It has beautiful vivid colors. It is currently on sale and I thought I would share it before it is gone forever. (Can you tell it is hard for me to sell?) It is beautiful.

My next cup is a T & Y Limoges. You would never guess that the cup is Limoges. It is so different from the Limoges I usually collect. The color are rare together too. The flat gray with a gold trim. Of course the colors are perfect for Autumn. This cup came out of a bin today. To be honest, I forgot I owned it. I may just have to leave it out in one of my china cabinets. I think it looks like it belongs in a very old house. The other odd colors are slate blue and orange. What do you think? Do you like it?

This last picture is of a Tea Pot that I can't remember any thing about. It is an Ellgreave, England pot. I have just gone blank about this pot. I am (ok for the most part) very good at remembering where or who I got an item from. Not with this one. Nada! (That's nothing for all you non Spanishing speaking Ladies!) Ok, so I need prayer, not going to let it freak me out. I think it is pretty.

Well, here is Mr. Linky for this week. Once again, Terri and I invite you to show us your pretty treasures. I wanted to let you know that I did visit everyone last week. Blogger was not letting me comment on many of your posts. They said they were private. At first, I thought, I might have to get my little feelings hurt, then, I got over it and figured there was a problem. Not every one would all of a sudden go "private". (Would you?) On some, it posted anonymous. Did any one else have that problem? Or could it be, that you all said "ENOUGH MARTHA!". Hope not!

Terri is teaching this wonderful class and also is having a give away. You can see what she is up to by going to this site http://creativeworkshops.ning.com.

Lots of hugs, Martha

TEA CUPS & ANGELS!

2011-09-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a weekend! I think I cried off and on for most of this weekend. I don't you how you felt about it, but to me it was like 9/11 had just happen yesterday. It was so bad the commercials made me cry. God Bless this great country of ours. To be honest with you I was glad when 9-12 came. A relief that nothing awful had happen to us by some crazy person. I know God says "Let not your heart be troubled", I confess, I like my ducks all in a row. When things are not in my control, I come a part. My family was everywhere but home on Sunday, which made the day even worse for me. There is a Scripture that reads, Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is needed and Mary has chosen what is best! I know I have not quoted that exactly, but I wish I was more like Mary. The funny thing is, my middle name is Mary. My heart goes out to all who suffered so much that day. As a Nation, we suffered with them.

Moving right along. Hope you are having a great week so far. It is Tea Cup Tuesday No. 79 and Terri and I are looking forward to seeing all your treasures. I love that I can change my thoughts to what is of no importance, in comparison to what we just re-lived. I thank God for His Mercies that are new every morning. So, Ladies, what did we find that has inspired us this week? I have been in a creative mood this week. I have made these cute angel candle holders to sell on my website. Didn't they come out cute? I have had these angels for a while. They have been waiting for the perfect, vintage cups. They look so beautiful with the candles glowing. Did I ever tell you I collect Angels? Well, I did, I have stopped now. One day, my husband was counting them and he got tired and stopped. I knew then, I needed to stop too! I still have too many.

I have notice that a lot of you have begun to change to fall colors. I think I better get in gear too. I love Autumn, the leaves falling and those amazing colors. Most of all I love the cool temperatures. I am tired of the heat!

Here is my first tea cup for this week. It is a Mustache Cup. It is a R.S. Prussia. I have had it for years. It is strong and sturdy, like a man's cup should be. The Old Lady Tea Pot, is English. It belong to my Mother-In-Law. It is special to me because I loved her so.

My next cup is R.C Rosenthal, hand signed, Kronach, Germany. It is so 50's looking. The colors are orange, blue and brown with a cream background. They remind me of when I was a little girl. This is a demitasse cup. Beautiful!

My last cup is a Noritake. I love the details on this cup. Even the orange looks so pretty. I am not an orange color person. However, it seems that for next few months I am surrounded with those colors. Noah has already complained that I don't have Halloween Decorations up. "Granma, your are late!" I have my orders.

Before I say good bye, I have to tell you of another first for me. I am on Facebook (note the button). I am not sure what to do with it. I will learn, so please be my friend on Facebook. My picture looks like Tim the Toolman Taylor's neighbor! (You only see the eyes.) It was a mistake and I don't know how to fix it. I don't know how to post on Facebook either. (I know, I am a piece of work!) I do know I need friends and help!

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. Terri is always so faithful and getting it ready for us. By the way, she is teaching a class. When you visit her, check out her class. I will be putting a button on my blog in the next couple of days so you can get there directly. Terri is amazing!

Love one another! Hugs, Martha

THE TEA PARTY!

2011-09-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! Did you ever have a great plan and then when the time came to put it in motion, you forgot? Well, that is what happened to me this weekend. We finally had that baby shower for my daughter this weekend. Transporting china and crystal is never easy, but it was done without one fatality. The tables look beautiful, however, my big plan for taking pictures was totally forgotten. I could kick myself. I did get a few, mostly of family. This sweet little girl is my niece, Rachel. I never thought twice about taking pictures of the china.

Vanessa had such a great time and she was so happy. Vanessa is the one in the middle, she is between my Mom and my other daughter, Monique. It was worth all the work to just see her face. It is the most amazing feeling to see your children have children. I can't explain it. I think of my mother, who not only sees her child have children, but her grandchildren are now having children. God has given her the privilege of knowing and loving her Great Grandchildren! It is just an amazing to me. I hope that everyone of you ladies will one day, know what it feels like. You love them so much, that your heart can hurt just thinking about them.

This post will be different because, I am sharing pictures I did manage to take. To tell you the truth, I was just having so much fun, I forgot. I hope you don't mind seeing faces you do not know.

One of the pictures I just had to show you were of these cute little feet my best friend's daughter, KD, made for the Tea. They were so good. She cut each foot out by hand. In fact that young lady, made all the sweets for us.

Here is Mr. Linky. Please dazzle us with your tea cups. My life is a lot more peaceful now. I promise to catch up on all my visits.

The first two pictures is a tea cup and a sugar & creamer set I was given by my Mother that day. A woman after my own heart! Thank you so much for allowing me to share this very personal party. Please take the time to visit all our friend. Don't for get the ever amazing Terri! I have also added many pretty items onto my website. Please take a peek. Remember to email me and I will give you a discount if you are a follower!

Hugs, Martha