Martha's Favorites

IT'S A CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS AND TEA CUPS!

2012-05-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 114. I hope you have had a wonderful week. Mine was busy, my Grandbaby, Sophia had a bad cold last week and it seems she is finally be getting over it.

On Sunday my dear Mother, (Sophia's name sake), celebrated her 80th Birthday. The whole family gathered to celebrate, to eat and go swimming. My Mother, who is usually not very good at receiving gifts, was so happy. She always thinks we should spend the money on ourselves and not waste it on a gift for her. (According to her, she does not need anything!) She was showered with gifts and praises and she was so good. She accepted everything with gladness. We never heard, "that too expensive, you need to use this money for the kids". She was able to spend the day with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was in her glory with her children.

I think that is where I got my love for family and children, from my Mama. She always thought that the most important role we can have, is as a parent to our kids. As long as our family is together, all is well in the world, and we can handle anything. What a blessing it was to be able to surrounded Mom with her family. Everyone was so delighted to be able to honor her. Even Sophia, who is not very user friendly, was specially kind to her Great-grandma Lola.

The only one who did not make it was my son, Kyle. His Grandfather shares the same birthday with my Mother, so we were divided. He got to spend time with Grandma last week, he honored his Grandfather on Sunday. What is so funny is my Father and my Mother-in-Law, also shared the same birthday. They both have gone to be with the Lord. They loved the family gathering. I remember my father saying, the one thing he was going to miss when he was gone was his family! I am so sure they are both watching us from Heaven.

My heart is full this week with family. It was almost to hard to think about tea cups, but I did. All the Tea Cups I am sharing this week are pink. I have added to my collection of cameos and portrait pins. Did I ever tell you I collect portrait pins and brooches? Well, I do they are one of my favorite collections. This first cup is a Royal Standard of England, pattern name "Rose of Sharon". The Rose of Sharon is one of the many names that the Lord uses for Himself. Of course, He would want to use a rose to refer Himself too. Roses are stunning! The Portrait Brooch that is pictured with it is hand painted, Limoges. It is framed in 22 KT gold. I was lucky enough to find it at a thrift store for $5.99. Both the cup and the brooch are amazing.

Cup No. 2 is a Royal Albert, England. Pattern name "American Beauty" Love the rose here too. The pin in a vintage, hand painted Limoges. Hope you enjoy it!

This last cup is a Royal Chelsea tea cup. I love the gold leaf design on this cup. The cameo is real and is done in sterling silver. Just beautiful.

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. Terri is feeling better and going to try to post this week. Don't forget to visit her. This is the last week for our give away. Please take a look at the first post for this month for all the details. Don't forget to let me know what you have done.

Thank you so much for allowing me to share my family with you. They are a part of me, without them, I am nothing. Lots of hugs, Martha

CELEBRATING STILL WITH TEA CUPS!

2012-05-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! It is time for Tea Cup Tuesday No. 113. It seems all of blogland party's on this day. Terri and I are so glad to be a part of the fun. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was a Mother's Day weekend. I literally had every meal out since Friday night. I was lucky enough to spent time with all my Grandchildren, my three children, my Mother, my sisters and very close family friends. We were all honored as Mothers and showered with gifts. I must admit, I am a little tired today. I hope that your Mother's Day was just as delightful. Whether we have our Mothers with us, or whether they have gone to be with the Lord, they are still very worthy of honor. I have a Mother-In-Law who has gone home to be with the Lord. I always miss her on Mother's Day!

I hope you are ready to share your beautiful cups this week. I am excited to share this beautiful, vintage, Haviland, Limoges, France. It is a lovely teal color and features a wonderful pale rose design. This cup is a demitasse with a great shape.

Cup No. 2 is a Bavarian trio. It was the very first cup I ever received. It came from my dear friend, and I blame her today for the passion I have for tea cups. I have been trying to thin out my collection, only keeping the cups I adore and it is so hard. Look at the lovely handle on this cup, it is also scalloped like lace. Love it!

Cup No. 3 is a Coalport. The shape of this cup really adds to it's unique beauty. The colors around the edges are so vivid. I have had this for years and really can't remember when I purchased it. I am usually pretty good at remember where or who gave the cup to me. (Maybe I should start eliminated the ones I don't remember, that will at least help me not to feel so old.) It is so hard because, each cup I have, I picked because I love it.

The last cup I am sharing is a Royal Albert. So pretty!

Anyway, here is Mr. Linky for this week. My dear Terri is under the weather so she may not be posting today. Please keep her in your prayers.

Next week is the last week for the give away. Please look at the first post for May. It will give you all the information. Please let me know what you have done. My little Noah will be picking the winner's name.

I am also listing this vintage SADLER STAFFORDSHIRE TEA POT ENGLISH COUNTRY TUDOR HOUSE on the website today. You may not believe this, or I have over 100 tea pots. It's time! Please take a peek, it is so cute. Sending hugs to all, Martha

TEAL COLORS AND TEA CUPS IN MAY!

2012-05-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 112. Hope your week has all been good. My Noah is slowly getting better and he just may go back to Preschool this week. He is very weepy, otherwise, things are healing nicely. Thank you again for all your prayers.

This week I changed up my home to a teal and pink color. I will be sharing teal cups with you all month. I love the color teal, it is so Spring like. I think this is the first year I have ever decorated my home in Teal, I guess my collection must have grown. Still feeling like I am catching up with everyone. Hopefully, this is the end of illness here. Before I start sharing, I want to remind you that I am having a give away. You can check lasts week's post for information. This California Pottery Tea Cup is what I am giving away! It is to celebrate over 100 posts.

My first tea cup is a Colclough, English, Teal with Roses China Cup & Saucer. This beauty is decorated with 22 KT Gold Filigree. It is designed to look like Chintz, only in gold. Quite amazing!

Of course, you can't beat an Aynsley tea cup. Love the shape and the roses that decorate this beautiful cup. This cup is new to me this year.

The last cup is a Crown Staffordshire, England. This cup has the opposite design of the Colclough. The Teal is dark and the 22KT design is done lightly thoughout the cup. It is very rich looking. The same and yet so different.

Did I ever tell you I collect Fenton? Well, I do and most of the teal glass I pictured today is Fenton. I really just discovered what a large collection of this color Fenton I own. That is always fun to learn.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. Always look forward to seeing what you will share each week. I promise I will do better at commenting this week. My life just got out of control for a few weeks. Don't forget to see what Terri is up to! She is always amazing to visit. Have a wonderful week, filled with blessings! Hugs, Martha

CLASSIC TEA CUPS & A GIVE AWAY!

2012-05-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 111. Hope you are all doing well and have your tea cups ready for another fun week. I have been doing better, however, Noah's big surgery day is Wednesday. Please pray for him and the rest of us. I get teary eyed just thinking about him. My daughter, who had surgery over a week ago, is doing wonderful. Thank you for your prayers. One more to go! I will be watching Sophia that morning. Thank God she loves me know! She even hugs me! She will help me be sane that morning.

As I promised you last week, I am having a give away! It will end in the last Tuesday in May. Noah will do the honors! I am giving away a tea cup that is California Pottery. It is bright yellow, perfect for the coming Summer. To be included in this give away. You need to do one of the following, follow me on Facebook, sign my guest book on Pretty Vintage Things and of course, be a follower. Let me know in the comment what you have done. You will get your name in the hat for each thing you do. Enter as often as you like.

I know I am late again this week. I have still be exercising, (just call me a Jock) so I am going to have to change the time I write my blog. I come home so tired. I try to do better next week. The first tea cup I would like to share with you is an Aynsley. Love the handle and the simple outside design. You can spot an Aynsley right away. Love the way the scallops turn into hearts.

Cup No. 2 is a Royal Albert. The pattern name is "Rosedale". It looks like a Rosedale, is a perfect place to live. The red flowers are enameled.

My next cup is a Paragon. It is part of an Antique Series, pattern name "Georgian". I am not sure the pictures show the pleated edges of this pattern. It is very vintage looking, just beautiful.

This last cup is Foley Bone China. It always reminds me of Terri. It is just her style don't you think? A beautiful teal color with lots of gold gilding. The saucer is almost bowl shape. Love the handle.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week Thank you for your faithfulness. I love Tuesday in blogland, so much to see. Here is some vintage costume I will be listing this week! Have a wonderful time partying!

Hugs, Martha

I AM LATE, I AM LATE TO A VERY IMPORTANT DATE!

2012-04-24T15:21:00.001-07:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 110! Can you believe we have been doing this so long? Hope you had a good week. Sorry for the late post. My Noah is having surgery and he had post opt today. So I had to watch Sophia. She loves me know and hugs me. PTL! It only took her 6 months. I have been a little under the weather. My blood sugar has been low since I have started exercising. (Yes, I am still exercising! I am so proud of myself.) I am not sure what I am doing wrong. Guess I am going to have to do the thing I hate to do and that is call the doctor. Yuk! I was complaining to my daughter today about how tired I get after exercising, she so sweetly reminded me that I had not exercised in 55 years! I guess it will take some time.

I have some fun cups to show you this week. Not sure I have ever shared them before. The first two cups I am sharing are both Limoges. They are so very different. This first one has a wonderful shape and is so wafer thin. It feels like my hands can just press too hard and break it. It is very old, so obviously, it is strong enough to survive. It is so beautiful.

This next cup, again is a Limoges, it too is vintage, but feels heavy and strong enough to do some damage if need be. This one as well as the first one is hand painted, with heavy gold gilding.

Cup No. 3 is a vintage Chintz. It is an antique Lord Nelson. You just can never get enough Chintz.

I was lucky enough to go to an Estate Sale this weekend. Didn't have a lot of money but I found these two items I just could not live without. The first is this beautiful, vintage rose, needlepoint pillow. Did I ever tell you I collect vintage, needlepoint pillows? Well, you guessed it I do. I have a lot of them. I take them out for different seasons. When I found this beautiful rose pillow I just had to have it. I was lucky enough to get it for $5. It is unbelievably beautiful. As someone dear to me said "Good, that is just what we need, one more pillow!" I just think you can never have enough pillows!

Well, here is Mr. Linky for this week. I just have to share this last piece I purchased. It is a c 1900 Blue Flow tray! Not sure if I am going to keep this or sell it yet. I just think it is stunning!

I was planning to have a giveaway set up. We will have to wait until next week. Terri and I have been partying for over two years. We need to do something special. Don't forget to visit my dear friend, Terri. You will never be disappointed! Hugs, Martha

THE COLOR PURPLE!

2012-04-16T16:23:00.039-07:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 109. I am running so late this week. It is almost 9 pm and I am just thinking about the post now. My daughter had surgery today and thank God, everything is fine. I was up at 3:00 am this morning praying for her. A mother never stops worrying about her children no matter how old they get. They are always our little girls. You would be so proud of me, I am exercising. First time in my life, mind you! I have a friend who is a trainer and she is working with me. I had not said anything, because I thought I would have quit already but, I am liking it. I am not very good but it is a start. I know this was from God, because I would have never done it on my own. She asked me! Even my fingers are sore.

I am going to be sharing more purple cups this week. I think they are so sweet looking. I am also sharing some of my "Color Purple" Decor for this month. Did I ever tell you I collect Fenton? Well, you guessed it, I do. These are two very large vases along with a very small one.

This first tea cup is a Royal Albert. The pattern name is "Sweet Violet". I believe it is ca. 1970. It has a beautiful wavy design to it and a delicate handle. Just perfect for an afternoon cup of tea.

Cup number 2 is a demitasse cup. It is a numbered, vintage, Lenox. I just love the look of this cup. Really the pictures do not do it justice. This cup I believe is circa 1920. It is in perfect condition and just stunning. I have no idea if it came with a saucer. When I purchased it, years ago, it was alone. Isn't it beautiful?

My third cup this week is Staffordshire, England, Royale Garden, Chintz Collection. This cup features a beautiful pale yellow background, very different for Chintz.

This last cup is also a Royal Albert, England. This cup has a very old look to it. Very elegant. The Tea Pot along side it is a double cup Sadler.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. Both Terri and I thank you for your faithfulness to this Tea Party. We both love to drool over the tea cups.

I have put some new tea cups on my website Pretty Vintage Things. Stop by and take a peek! Hugs, Martha

ARTFUL DISPLAYS AND MORE TEA CUPS!

2012-04-09T15:30:00.031-07:00

Hi Ladies! Hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday. I was lucky to spent the Easter weekend with my Grandchildren. (I know I have other relatives that I love and spent time with also but, the Grandchildren, oh my!) We did the Easter Egg Hunt and spent the morning doing all kinds of special Easter crafts. All three of them looked so cute. I have perfect Grandchildren. Princess Maya is growing up so. Where does the time go? Sophia has teeth, she is only 6 months! I hold on to every minute I get to spend with them. God truly has given me 3 great treasures!

Well, for many of you, Easter Break has started! A great time to relax and maybe add to your Tea Cup Collections while you are out and about. Both enigmatic and charming, I believe our personal collections are an extension of who we are. Our collections are the finishing touches that truly make our house a home. I find that when I am acquiring objects of beauty, they rarely have anything to do with their use or even the price. The hunt is often just as thrilling as the purchase itself for me. So this Easter Break, go hunting! Did I ever tell you I collect perfume bottles? Here are a few of my rather large collection.

My home has undergone it's monthly, make over. All my Easter items are down and replace by beautiful violets and purples. Those are the color cups I will be sharing with you this month. This first tea cup is a Radford China, Made in England, Purple Violets. With a lovely white base with rims of gold gilt. It looks so pretty with purple violets and the super ribbed design. It is an amazing piece that looks like lace to me. I have it sitting on a matching egg cup. Did I ever tell you I collect egg cups? Well, I do. (Let's not talk about it!)

Don't you just love this tea pot? Love the Violets! It is an Old Foley by James Foley, Staffordshire, England.

Cup No. 2 is also a Violet tea cup. It has a gold crown mark and is also Made in England. This cup has a very elegant look to it.

Cup No. 3 is an unsigned beauty. Maybe made in Japan, not sure. It has a lovely Violet design. It almost looks like a vintage, fabric print. It has a cute pedestal base.

Ok, Ladies, here is Mr. Linky for this week. Terri and I both share a love for Tea Cups and always look forward to what you are going to share each week.

This last picture is of four handpainted Royal Doulton, dessert plates I am offering on my webside Pretty Vintage Things. Thank you so much for shopping at my store. It is so appreciated! I have been asked to do a radio program on my collections. I am so excited. I will let you know more information as I learn.

Have a wonderful week. Remember all our blessings! Hugs, Martha

TEA CUPS AND BUNNIES KEEP MULTIPLYING!

2012-04-01T15:35:00.031-07:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday, No. 107! Next week is Easter, and if you are anything like me, we still have to get our Easter Baskets ready. Noah has already asked for a few things in his basket. He is so easy, I could buy him things from the thrift store and he would be excited with that. I had the privilege of babysitting, Sophia alone this week for the first time. She was wonderful for 45 minutes. It was a little ruff after that, to say the least. I told Mom, I would watch her again for 46 minutes. This little granddaughter of mine is a Diva. She likes what she likes and you better figure it out fast. This Grandma has to keep trying harder.

Before I start this week's Tea Party, I want to thank you for all faithfulness to my website. I even had a sweet lady want something that she saw from my blog. I love that! I am open for anything. My first tea cup is a German, Hutschenreuther, Richelieu, Pink Roses with gray scrolls and pink roses. To be honest, I don't even remember where I purchased this. That is not a good sign!

Cup No. 2 is Royal Albert from England. The pattern name is "Serena" Royal Albert's are so beautiful. Love the pink roses on this one.

Cup No. 3 is a Royal Grafton from England. This is a beautiful purple and pink tulip pattern, very cute.

The last cup is a Coalport also from England. The pattern name is "Junetime". The colors are so vivid and they look so Old World. This is a trio, but I forgot to picture the dessert plate.

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. Don't forget to visit Terri, she always has amazing tea cups.

I have put the Grafton tea cup on my website this week. Still trying to thin out my collection. Have a wonderful week. I hope you like Sandi Patti, Easter is just not the same without her music. Blessings, Mrtha

TEA CUP VAVOOM! I HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED!

2012-03-26T15:24:00.034-07:00

Hello ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 106! Hope you all had a wonderful week. Thank you for your prayers, I am feeling so much better. Had a very busy week, the craft class went beautifully. Had a very large turn out which made it that much more fun. I still have not put everything back from the class. I was so exhausted, will have to start that processes today. Saw Princess Maya in her first play. She smiled from ear to ear the whole time she was on. I personally think she was the best actor in the program. That's all I am going to say about that!

I am so happy to announce that I have been published in the Shabby Lanes Shops Magazine for this quarter. You can purchase it at places like Joann's Fabrics or Micheal's. I think that all the book stores are carrying it now. My tea cups were featured and of course, this great Tea Cup Tuesday Party! I was so excited!

Have some fun cups to share with you this week. This first cup is one I recently purchased. Rarely buy tea cups these days, for various reasons you already know, but I could not resist this one. It is Foley Bone China, England. The pattern name is Century Rose. Found it at a thrift store in Pasadena. It was a thrift store that looked like an antique store, but with thrift store prices. The cup is so beautiful. Love the roses that cover the inside of the cup.

This next cup is not really a tea cup, but a bouillon cup. It is a Haviland, Limoges. As you know Limoges is my favor tea cup maker. Just look at the design on this. The saucer is almost shaped like a small bowl. One of my favorite cups to bring out in the Spring. The small flowers are enameled, stunning!

Cup No. 3 is this Stanley, from England. I love cups with extra large roses and this one feel like you can just put your nose against it and smell the flowers.

This next cup is Lusterware. I would guess it is Made in Japan, although unsigned. I collect portrait cups and just fell in love with this one a few years ago. It is not really a high quality cup, it's just beautiful to me. I picked this one up for $1.49 and I love it!

The last cup is a Stroke on Trent, Point One, from England. It is very delicate china with a heavy gold and silver leaf design. Just look at that handle, It really does not photograph as beautiful as it really is.

I am so glad you could join us again this week. Here is our Linky. Terri as usual has a beautiful cup to share with us. Please visit her, when you get a chance.

I want to end with a picture of Sophia and Noah. She is sitting in a high chair, eating food already. What happens to time? I keep reminding myself to take in every moment I can with them, they grow up so quickly. When you are young and raising your children, you do not realize this. I try to tell Vanessa to take it all in while she can. Time just moves so fast. Have a wonderful week. Remember I give discounts to my followers are all the items I sell on my website http://prettyvintagethings.com/. Just send me a note.

Hugs, Martha

WELCOMING SPRING WITH TEA CUPS!

2012-03-19T11:22:00.034-07:00

Hello Ladies! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 105! As I start this post I write with a heavy heart. This week three of my friends have lost someone they loved dearly. One was a young pastor of mine who had a massive heart attack at age 55. It is hard to deal with that much grief. Mexicans believe death come in threes. That is what happen this week, weird huh? My heart is also heavy for two of my children. One is getting ready to go into surgery while this other is weighting out a life changing decision. No matter how old, they never stop being our children and I am still wishing I can just give them a kiss to make it all better. Also on my heart is my dear sister-in-law will also be heading for the operating table in a few weeks, for a very serious surgery. I ask for your prayers for us this week as we seek God's direction and the peace that only He can give us.

Easter is coming and next to Christmas, it is my favorite holiday. Christ and His Resurrection Power! I take comfort in that He will never leave me nor forsake me, regardless of what is going on around me. My Princess Maya was 9 years old this week. She will be making her acting debut in a community theatre this weekend. She is going to be in the WIZ! I am so proud of her. I will try to get as many pictures and I can to share with you next week.

I will be sharing some Easter Tea Cups with you this month for your viewing pleasure :) ! Did I ever tell you I collect Easter Rabbits? Well, you guessed it, I do! I am going to try to feature some the next few weeks. The very first cup I am sharing is this gorgeous Aynsley. It was giving to me by my sister-in-law and it is just one of my favorite cups. It has a daisy design which is her favorite flower. Amazing, don't you agree?

Cup No. 2 is this Queen China, English Chintz. The colors of this tea cup are very different, you don't see Chintz cups without roses or in greens and yellows to often. My Mother purchased the cup that for me, years ago.

Cup No. 3 is a Royal Chelsea, Made in England also. It just screams Easter! Love the colors on this one.
My home is always so filled with different colors these next three months. Spring to me just says only different pastel colors will do.

My last cup for this week is a Limoges. It is a Haviland, France my favorite. I don't have very many Limoges that are not in the pink colors so this one is rare for me. Love the delicate design that only Limoges can do. My every day dishes are Limoges the design of the dish is the same however, my dish set is in the classic all white. I have a service for 15 and every time I pick up a dish to use, it makes me feel so special. As a fun note, I picked up this rather large serve for $1.49 a piece about 5 years ago at the thrift store. God was smiling at me that day!

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. I can't wait to see what Terri has in store for us after her recent trip. I did not get around to visiting a lot of you last week because of what was going on here at home. I will make it all up to up this week I promise.

I have been selected to teach a craft at a Women's Conference at our church. It is my very first. I will be making Tussie Mussies. I am so looking forward to it. Like I told you, I am addicted to Pinerest and I have found may fun example there. Wish me luck. I have a large group signed up to take my class. Pictures next week.

Have a wonderful week. Hugs to all! Martha

ROMANTIC TEA CUPS JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING

2012-03-12T16:08:00.046-07:00

Hello Tea Cup Lovers! Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday, No. 104! Well, we have had our time change here in the West Coast and we are ready for what Spring has to bring us. Noah celebrated his fourth birthday this week. He went to Disneyland, got to spend the night in a Suite, followed the next day by California Adventure. At school they had a Birthday Party for him and a Family Party was given on Saturday. So he is all birthday party out! He said it was the best birthday of his whole life. (He is only 4!) I pray that God will give him many more wonderful years to celebrate his birth. He is such a joy to my heart. We spend the day today, playing with all his new toys. He always has to have extras for Grandma. (Some one has to play the bad guy, and that is always me!) We had a delightful time together.

I have a lot of wonderful tea cups and tea pots to share with you today. I want to start with this stunning Shelley. It has a beautiful Cherry Blossoms design. I love it, nothing says Spring like the Cherry Blossoms. It has been my hearts desire to see these beautiful Cherry trees in full bloom in Washington DC. High on my Bucket List! In the mean time, I will have to be satisfied with the beautiful tea cups.

This next cup is by Royal Albert, "Blossom Time". Filled with vivid colors this cups says Springtime all over it!

Cup No three is also a Royal Albert, England. It is the beautiful Lily of the Valley, flowers in white and blue. It say Easter all over it. I wish I could grow Lily of the Valley flowers. I really should try, my garden will grow anything.

The last cup I will share this week is this Paragon. Paragon Tea Cups are fast becoming one of my favorites cups. This mint green with the rose in the center is a perfect example of the beauty of Paragon's. Beautiful!

Here is Mr. Linky for this week. Our wonderful Terri is back from her art retreat. Can't wait to see what she has to show us.

This last tea pot is one that I am selling. I have not listed it yet, so if you like it, let me know, I want $15.00 for it. It too has a Cherry Bloom design with a basket weave design!

Did I ever tell you that I collect R.S. Prussia? The top plate is one from my collection. I will have to point out others in the future.

Hugs, Martha

THE DIVA AND THE TEA CUPS!

2012-03-05T12:22:00.031-08:00

Hello dear Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 103. Hope you are well. God has been so good to me this past week. It seems like everything I prayed for He was so Faithful and answered me. You know one of my top concerns on my heart was the fact that my precious "Sophia" could not tolerate her Grandmother. It did not make any difference what I did, it was instant crying at just the sight of me. On Saturday however, we had a break though. I sat on my daughter's couch, laid her right next to me and we had a long tough talk. We got some things out on the table, cleared the air between us (well I did, she is 4 months), I repented of everything (I was not sure what I had done to bug her and did not want to leave any stone unturned.) We talked about my lack of kissing her toes when she came into the room, about my insensitive comment about her hair always needing a bow. (I was gruel!) We got the hard stuff out. Like making comments when she spit up on me. (I know, how could I? She has such cute spit.) I repented of the comment about how I thought her head was a little to big for her body. (I knew that must have hurt to the core!) I am a sick woman. Then, slowly she began to come around. First she allowed me the privilege to kiss her cute little toes, then to play with her hands and to even kiss her when I wanted too. Then it happened, a first for this 4 month old, she waved "hi" to me. Our healing was complete. It was just her and I alone for over one and a half hours. It is true confession is so good for the soul. Although she spoke no words, I knew she must have forgiven me, because, she smiled her perfect smile and then tried to eat my face! Life is how it should be again! :) The moral of the story, never offend "A Diva"! It was also good to promise her, she would inherit all my tea cups. (A Woman has to do what she has to do!)

Just had to share this great report, because you have know of my monthly struggles with her. I will start with this Month's tea cups. The change has started for my home and some green and some "Easter" items has begun to show up their cute faces. I have started with a few St. Patrick's Day cups. My son does have a little Irish in him, from his Dad's side. My first cup is Royal Dover from England. The cup is covered in clovers. Very pretty.

The next cup is a Shelley. The name is "A Dainty Shamrock". A beautiful cup that only Shelley could do. You can see a star in the saucer. The cup is a muted color green, just stunning.

Before I go on the my next cup, I want to share my Belleek Tea Pot. I own the entire set, however, the tea pot I think is the best part of it. One of my favorite tea pots that I own. It is amazing!

My next cup is this amazing Earl of Coventry "Blind Earl" Pattern. It is part of the Connoisseur Collection. Please look at this cup carefully. Everything is raised in a 3 dimensional look. I feels like you can just pick up the stem of leaves with your hand. This is one of my favorite cups. The sad thing is I don't even remember where or when I purchased it. I am usually so much better at that. This old grey mare, she ain't what she use to be!

The last cup I am sharing this month is a hand painted Bavaria, demitasse cup. Please look at the handle it painted in a stem color. Just a stunning dainty design. I love it.

As you may have heard our Terri is on an Art Vacation. She will not be sharing a cup this week.
we must carry on without her. Here is out Mr. Linky. It is ready for all the fun cups we get to see this week.

In the mean time. Let's Party. God is good! Hugs, Martha

TEA CUPS WITH THE GLAMOUR OF CAMEOS!

2012-02-26T15:34:00.084-08:00

Hello Ladies: Welcome to Tea Cup Tuesday No. 102! For some weird reason, I keep deleting this post. It's not pretty getting old. Hope your week has gone well. I am still struggling with this Kidney problem, but otherwise, things are good. Sophia has decided she might just like me after all (at least the last 3 visits were good.)

Noah is coming over to have time alone with Grandma. He does not want to share me with his sister or his Mom and Dad. He wants "alone time" with Grandma. I think God also looks for alone time with us. I have to do more of both.

Noah has also picked a winner for this month's giveaway during his visit. It is Mom Wald Place. She has a wonderful blog filled with great collections. Please email me so I can send you your cup.

My house is in change mood. It is getting ready to greet March. However, I am still sharing more pink rose cups this week. I have so many and I often forget to share them. These first two cups are Chintz. I love Chintz anything. This first one is a Royal Standard, from England. The roses are a dark pink with lilac flowers in between.

Cup No. 2 is a St. George Chintz, also from England. This one is not vintage, but a new cup. Love the little thumb rest on this one.

Cup No. 3 is a very special vintage, Schumann, Arzberg, Pierced, Reticulated, Bavarian Tea Cup Trio. It is so beautiful. I love the pierced dessert plate.

My last tea cup is a Royal Kent, Made in Staffordshire, from England. The roses are so beautiful. This one too, is a trio.

Did I ever tell you I collect Lead Crystal, knife rests? I think they are so pretty, so they give lots of items a "rest" in my home. Only the Victorians could think of knife rests and make them so beautiful. They look lovely with my Cameo collection.

I want to share a little of my love for Cameos before I end this post. I forget about these beauties. They are simply something to behold.

Here is this week's Mr. Linky. Be sure to take time to visit Terri, she has some amazing tea cups to share with us.

I am featuring this wonderful Antique Chintz Teapot for sale on my website. If you are interested in the beauty take a peek. It is lovely.

That top tea cup is a hand painted Lefton. It is so beautiful inside.
Have a wonderful week. Please pray for my family, we need a physical healing. Hugs, Martha

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