HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Greetings to all for a Happy Halloween.

 We will be passing out treats tonight 

and with the nice weather,

we may even be able to sit on the porch to greet the trick or treaters.

 Here are a few pics of some neighbors who stopped by in years past.

Have a safe and fun Halloween. 

~See you soon~

Smiles, 

Celestina Marie

Remembering a Special Moment in Autumn

Many years ago, in the Autumn of the year, I recall a special time and visit from my mother.

 She was always one to treat you to gifts upon a visit.

 This particular Fall season, mom was coming home from an appointment 

when she stopped along the way at a little boutique she thought looked interesting.

 Browsing all the pretties in the unique shop, 

she came upon a few apple dish pieces, 

the last ones left in the shop of that design.

 At the time, my kitchen was decorated in apples and any collectibles I could find found a place among my treasures.

The pieces mom found were an apple mug with sugar and creamer, pie plate and 2 votive cups.

 So with the loving heart she always carried, she purchased the last of the stenciled apple line in excitement to gift them to me. 

You can imagine my surprise when her gift was handed to me, wrapped so pretty, and given with a smile that always lit up a room.

I was thrilled to receive these apple treasures from my mother. 

To this day they are treasures I hold dear. 

Not because of the material value, but the sweet envision of my mother browsing the little boutique and finding a gift just for me. 

She seldom purchased something for herself.

 Always putting others first, with thoughtful and endearing ways.

I think of those special moments every Autumn season when I see a bowl of apples or browse a little boutique with a Fall display.

 She was one of God's special angels and sent to earth to teach me how to live. 

For this I always give thanks.

Today with cooler weather on the way and special moments in a very busy work week,

 I'll take the time to relax, reflect and enjoy a mug of tea or hot chocolate, cider or vanilla coffee in my special apple mug. 

Maybe I'll carve out some time to turn those apples into a pie.

I just might~~ but for sure I will remember special memories, mother and the joy of giving.

Thank you Mama, I love and miss you~

Hugs, Celestina Marie

Falling For Dinner

Over a long weekend we had a special visit from family.

As always, we have such fun visiting and enjoying each other's company while 

eating, eating and more eating.

~Happy Sunday Friends~

I love to entertain and cook for house guests and this visit was no different.

Since the weather was still warm, we  grilled outside and I made several favorite dishes

to enjoy with our dinner.

Keeping it simple on the dinner table, my setting includes

a light pumpkin colored tablecloth,

Black and white Waverly garden dishes and crystal stemware, vintage bowl centerpiece, Irish candle sticks,

a scattering of leaves and black and white checked napkins.

Lovely crystal stems, a gift from my son's girlfriend one Christmas.

The candle sticks are from Ireland

and I have added drip rings with dangle crystals.

Pretty lacy pumpkins look just right on each side of the candles.

Elegant and folksy blended together.

The centerpiece of fall elements and faux candle is placed 

in a vintage bowl that was my grandmother's. It is very large and

I remember many a family dinner when this bowl was filled with her homemade pasta.

I know longer serve food in this treasure. I have retired it from serving

but I enjoy it in my decor in many ways throughout the seasons.

These salad set of servers was a gift from a dear friend.

Hand created and wrapped with beads, they are stunning.

A pretty fall candy dish perfect for serving condiments.

Another gorgeous compote, a gift from my sweetheart last Christmas.

This is perfect for after dinner treats,

On the hutch awaits a pumpkin tea pot and vintage teacup

a gift to my mother from her God daughter many years ago.

The platter is a brown transferware piece from Windemere.

The luminerie candle when dark, gives such a soft glow.

The candle sticks with faux candles from Ikea are so pretty when lit.

What I love about these candles, when passing food at the table,

you can pass over the candle and not get burned or touch the flame.

I added a fall  ring of leaves over the candle.

We enjoyed a nice dinner with a simple setting.

Waiting for another setting,

another dinner,

another visit

and

another blessing shared with family and friends.

Bon Appetit!

Celestina Marie

Tea Cup/Mug Exchange

Hi Friends~

What fun we all had at this year's Teacup/Mug exchange hosted by the talented

and wonderful Stephanie from 

The Enchanting Rose blog.

This was the first year for me to participate and it was so much fun to prepare a teacup gift for my

new friend Betty in California.

She does not have a blog, but is a reader and sweetheart of a quilter and talented lady.

Betty choose a teacup to receive and I did as well.

Before I share my gift to Betty,

I'll share and show you the precious package I received from

Linda, from mysewwhatblog,  also my new talented blog friend.

Loved the polka dot paper she wrapped the delivery box in.

And this is what I greeted with when I opened the box.

A special note card~

oh~~ and goodies layered to surprise!!

Loved how Linda wrapped the contents in neutral papers and white stretch ribbons.

I just love the beautiful blue "forget me nots" teacup she sent 

made in England.

Linda included a special vintage napkin which will look perfect displayed with the cup.

She also spoiled me with organic wild berry tea and delicious honey

from France.

And, as a special touch Lina included this darling Harvest Angel she so wonderfully created

in beautiful elements and trims.

Love the ruffled trim on her dress.

Linda designs these angels and they are available in her etsy shoppe 

Eastern Ave Designs

HERE

She is very talented and you will enjoy visiting her shop.

Thank you Linda for the special and wonderful teacup and gifts you sent.

I am enjoy each item and the best part, making new friends in blogland.

Here is the darling teacup along with the vintage napkin sitting on a recent junkin find.

A tea cup table.

**********

Next are a few pics of the goodies I sent to my new teacup friend, Betty.

A special card~

Time for tea book to relax with

 along with one of my hand painted rose bookmarks.

Special teacup from Germany 

hand painted with harvest fruits.

This is a little rooster and hen teabag holder.

A new tea I found, Breakfast in Paris. 

Delicious!

and, some chocolate chip cookies to have with her tea.

I packed her goodies in a hat box I painted just for her.

It was so much fun having Betty to prepare my gift for her.

And, the talented quilter that she is

sent me a beautiful thank you note and card along with

this very special quilted mug or teacup rug she created.

Thank you Betty I love this and will cherish it always.

So this was the fun for all participating this year.

Thanks to Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose

 for hosting and all that she did to prepare, plan and pair us with others to send our gifts.

Visit Stephanie's blog and post sharing more of the exchange.

It was a lot of fun Stephanie and you blessed us all with this exchange and the new friends we made.

Till next time,

Have a wonderful day!

Celestina Marie