St Patrick's Day Etsy Tea Wrappers From Cooper Station Etsy Shop

I have been thinking about St. Patrick's Day and how I would love to do a small tea gathering. I love to do party favors and found this great printable on Etsy for under $5 I though I might share with you.

The Etsy Shop Cooper Station out of Florida has some beautiful and fun printable for all holidays, you can click here for the shop and just see for yourself!

They have more thank 85 choices on printable wrappers for tea and I have purchased three of these. I love this idea for a quick and easy printable.
I can't wait to hand these out on St. Patrick's Day.
 Let me know what you think!
I would love to hear from you please email me at karenmowen@gmail.com or leave me a comment here below.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and an idea you may like to use in your next tea party!

First Morning Back At Instagram....

“I only give out that which I wish to receive in return. My love and acceptance of others is mirrored to me in every moment.” Louise L Hay


Today was the first day in over a week I got up before 1 in the afternoon. This was the most normal I felt in the past week or so and this is the first pot of tea I made myself since February 18th. I feel a little more like myself or I did until about noon and then I went back to bed, which is why this post is so late today.  I consider myself so very lucky, to have gotten as sick as I did, and come out the other side of it finally. The news is all doom and gloom and down right terrifying when you hear of the virus' spreading and knowing people are dying. This morning I found out someone I admire and follow on Instagram contracted Influenza B on her cruise around Mexico, her flu is different than mine was, and I will be honest that before last week I had no idea that there were different strains of the flu and severity, I could not imagine, being on a cruise with my kids and then being confined to a windowless cabin just a few days into a one week cruise. My thoughts in the comfort of my own bed were terrifying enough, but the idea of being stuck in a a foreign country with out the comforts of home and not being able to control any part of my recovery very terrifying. 

I am grateful to be feeling better though still have massive brain fog, I hope that in the coming months and days we can all breathe a little easier.

I look forward to sharing more with you all again soon, take care of yourself, wash your hands and make sure to make yourself a great cup of tea. Thank you for joining me today, I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor at Disneyland....

Growing up a "Gibson Girl" I have vague recollections of my parents talking about the importance of being proud of being a Gibson Girl, years later I remember coming to Disneyland and seeing for the first time the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, I will admit that until now I had no real idea what it was or what it meant to be a Gibson Girl.

As a child I remember seeing this image but not understanding anything other than it was a Gibson Girl, for me I was taught to be proud of my last name and I did not realize that while the Gibson Girl art work, was the personification of the ideal of beauty in the late 19th and early 20th century. It was the pen and ink drawing of artist Charles Dana Gibson who actually gave us the Gibson Girl.

I took sometime to look around this Ice cream shop and snap a few photos of the artwork and the displays.

I loved the table set up in the window with the red transfer wear cup and tennis set with the jam, the ice cream Sunday in the back, what you don't see are the chaotic lines and frantic parents qued up for ice cream on that late Saturday night.

What I learned about Gibson Girls is that they were the ideal woman, a picture of health and beauty, Independence and a standard to which all other beauty was held. They were sophisticated, leaders and that the pen ink drawings inspired a beauty trend and ideals that are still relevant today. Here is a photo of my sisters and sister in laws. It was very fun to all get together for a photo on our trip.

Mary Poppins was very much done in the style of the Gibson Girl, I think now as an adult I am more impressed by my connection to the Gibson Girl, however far removed from the Artist himself.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a look at the Girl's Ice Cream parlor of Disneyland.
I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

A Little Disney Magic

On February 14, I flew with my sister who lives here and two sister in laws to California to go to Disneyland for the weekend. This was my Friday morning tea, I was excited to get away on this first sisters trip. I had found this little figurine from Sleeping Beauty at a toy store and these little point hat fairies made a lovely addition to my morning tea photo. In the hours before my sister who lives in London, England, flew first to Poland and then on to California for our weekend adventure.

My sisters are huge Disney fans, and when I was in London in October my sister Bre and I attended the London Disney store Key opening event where I bought my Mickey Witch Ears, I wore these to the airport and some of the time at Disney, even though my sister told me I couldn't. Where else was I going to wear them?

We arrived very late in Anaheim, almost midnight but it was very fun to all stay in the same room and my sister from London had Special Mickey Ears made for all of us, while my youngest sister had our tank tops made, mine says Oldest Sister...I have Mary Poppin's Ears , and paired them with my Wonder Woman Sun glasses.....

Here we are in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, all ears and big smiles...

I had to start the day off right though, and brought with me my tea cup and saucer, and tea. This is one of my most favorite photos from the trip.

A little later that morning I could not hold back childhood glee as I met with Mary herself and then burt....

I felt a tad under dressed.....

Day two we spent in California Adventure, again starting the day right with the perfect cup of tea...

Not much of a ride person, My sister in law Sarah and I stayed behind, while she got our fast pass for the cars ride I got in line for Churros....then so that we could find each other easily found my way to the fountain and in an unexpected twist of fun, ended up enjoying my Churro, with Mini Mouse as I was with out realizing it first in line to meet her....

My sister in law made it back just as Mini was ready for her close up...
We spent the day doing rides I never dreamed of doing and wont ever do again but also having many great laughs and great dessert at the World of Color thanks to my sister Bre.

The last morning and I got to have tea in the tea cup in Disney! After we rode it's a small world and then the teacups. We were lucky enough to get a boarding pass and we did the new Star Wars Ride.
We left Disney Land about 2:30 and made our way to the Airport...My sister Bre stayed an extra day flying back to London via Poland, and we all made our way home.

Even though I contracted Influenza A on my trip, I did have a lovely time, I am so glad that I took my cup and saucer with me and my favorite tea....
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a look back at my weekend away. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Best Laid Plans Somehow Equal 1 Week In Bed

I wanted to come back and write consistently this time, however there is something about best laid plans. I have spent most of the last week in bed. I took February 14-17 off and traveled to Disneyland with my sisters and sister in laws. I came back with an unexpected horrible flu. I came down with it on the plane on the way back to Vancouver and last Thursday I was tested for both coronavirus, and influenza A, I am pleased to say I don't have the Coronavirus, which is terrifying even to think about given the world news, but I do, it turns out have Influenza A.

I have been in home isolation and advised to be away from the community until Monday March 2nd. I would not wish this upon anyone. I did not get my flu shot and there was little comfort in hearing that the strain that I do have was not covered in the flu shot from the fall. I have had days of high fever, cough and the untold horrors of mucus. I have open sores under my nose and in my mouth and throat, making it hard to eat. Saving grace is that I did have a pneumonia shot and the flu has not turned into pneumonia. I never ever want to be this sick again. 
I have not made a pot of tea or even a cup in a week, but I am starting to feel ever so slightly better and would love to get back to life. For now the universe says sit, sleep, sneeze and repeat. I will be sharing a bit about my trip in the coming days as my energy returns. Thank you for hanging in there with me and please, take care of yourselves!

England In A Cup, Barbie and Teacup paring...

I love Barbie, I always have and I always will. She was truly apart of my growing up and even into my adult hood. I still love going down the Barbie Isle, and I even now have a Barbie doll not far from me. What sparked today post is something that I keep enjoying on a Facebook page I follow called England In A Cup. I was most moved by the post from February 12th, where they post a photo of a stunning vintage Barbie and then show you three possible teacups for you to vote on which one goes best with the doll.

Here is the Barbie they posted, now here are three of my cups, which do you think goes best with this Barbie and her outfit?

This is One

This is Two

This is Three

Now which do you think goes with the Vintage Barbie Best? 

Thank you for playing along, did you love Barbie's too? 

I look forward to sharing more with you again soon, oh and share more about my newest Barbie in an upcoming post.  Check out England in A Cup on Facebook by clicking here. 

I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Mismatched Sunday

Sunday Morning and I was recently cleaning and organizing my tea cup collection and as you guessed it its pretty vast. Something I did earlier this week reminded me of how much I enjoy my miss matched sets. This set shown above is mismatched! The cup was a gift from my friend Verna , the saucer is one I had on hand and think I may have the match somewhere....no matter though these look like they belong together.

Some of these treasures I picked up for under $1 each piece at charity shops and thrift stores, who sell the cups for $1 and plates $1 when they are orphaned. This plate was $1 and so was the Moss Rose cup! This is a larger luncheon style plate with an indent for the matching cup! Not a match but now a match!

I have been one to pick up and store or try to match with an existing saucer a cup that is too pretty to pass up, never paying more than $4 and always thrilled with the match.  I was so upset when the cup for the Regal Series cracked when I poured tea in it, but was thrilled to later that day find this lovely cup that coordinated so well I barely missed it, though I did later on purchase at a thrift store another set of Regal Series Pink, so win win for me.

Take a look and a chance on what you might already own or find in your local charity shops! Even Tea Time magazine does posts with mismatched sets that give your tea time a fun and fresh look. Let me know if you try this and I love hearing your success stories.
Thank you for joining me today for this Mismatched Sunday. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Saturday Morning Tea and Coffee Beverage Bar

This Saturday morning I thought I would share my little kitchen tea and coffee station. I got the idea a few months ago from a group I joined on decorating. I don't have a ton of room but I did manage to find a very small counter height rolling cart with a metal top and drawer that was the perfect addition to my kitchen area. The cart has two shelves with doors that store my tea and thermos, as well as the drawer holds candles and strainers.

Beverage Bar inspiration, image from Pinterest. 

 I have seen some beautiful beverage stations on pinterest and fell in love with the Rae Dun still canisters.  I happened to find them and two mugs, along with the small pot that says cheer at my local Winners Store. The little pot holds the tea spoons and coffee spoon. I have also loved seeing how people decorate their little beverage bars, I don't have a ton of space so for Valentines day I added the little Gnome who sits on my tea canister whom I found at Michael's craft store and I used two command strips with hooks to hang up the two mugs that I tied red ribbon on. Above my tea kettle and coffee maker I have three framed prints (used Mix Tiles) of three comics that I loved all having to do with tea and coffee.

Having the cart keeps other things off my counters and I love having the dedicated location to make tea and coffee, just steps from the sink!

 Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a look at my beverage bar. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Fancy Friday Finds, Princess Margaret Rose 1930

For this weeks Fancy Friday Finds, I am sharing another one of three sets I picked up that are called Princess Margaret Rose, these sets were made to honor the birth of Queen Elizabeth's sister, and they are quite unique and special. The saucers are oval shaped and Paragon did such a lovely job with this pattern and colors, I am still really thrilled with this find. 

The Queen Mother shown here with Princess Margaret Rose, image from Google. 

When I found these they too were separated from their saucers, so I hunted and found three perfect sets! I paid $8 each for the set and was pleased to learn that the average price was $54!

I washed the sets up and love to have my tea out of them, I toasted my very own Queen Elizabeth who lives in my tea shop, to this amazing find!

You never know what you will find when you go to the thrift store. This was a particularly bountiful day and an unusually great find, but you never know what you are going to find until you look!

Thank you for joining me for this weeks Fancy Friday Find, I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Raven's Feast A Beautiful Book by Kung Jaadee

This week I was given a beautiful children's book by Canadian Author, Kung Jaadee. The book is called Raven's Feast and it is published by Medicine Wheel Education and is Illustrated by Jessica  Von Innerbner. 

This is a story about Raven (Yaahl) who created the world and prepared a feast for the whole world to share with him in Haida Gwaii. This is an absolutely beautiful story that gave me goose bumps!

 There is so much beauty in this story and book, it celebrates oral history, language and culture. I talks of togetherness, peace, harmony and the gifts we have and give freely to others. It talks of love and of respect, honor and friendship. 

I also loved that it includes words and phrases in Haida . 

You can find this book in Canada at Indigo, and on line by clicking here. 

Haw’aa Kung Jaadee. Haw’aa Yaahl. Thank you Moon Woman and Raven for the gift of Raven’s Feast. This story truly celebrates the uniqueness we all have and the gifts we have received from Yaahl. Dang dii kuyaadang. 
Haw'aa for joining me here for a cup of tea and a children's book review of Raven's Feast. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Secret Garden Tea Room In Vancouver, BC

This past Sunday a friend and I went for High Tea at the Secret Garden Tea Room in Vancouver, BC. I have been here four times and this Sunday was particularly busy and very loud. Despite how loud I found the tea room, I loved the presentation and the food items offered. The service was also really lovely.

I had the Secret Garden Tea, which was a lovely and light fruity, vanilla black tea and it paired well with what we ordered. The Egg pinwheels are always a favorite of mine, simple, classic and clean. Lovely! The Chicken Croissant was very good and the croissant was almost as good as the one I had in England. The Mexican Beef Tartlet was served cold and while very flavorful, not at all what I had expected for a high tea flavor, much stronger than the other three sandwich offerings.

The scones were picture perfect and divine! House made raspberry jam and the Devonshire cream, perfection!
The treats on the top tier a chocolate pie, an apricot pie, with icing, and the lemon tart were the perfect sweets to finish this three tiered tray. I think the lemon tart was my favorite but that Chocolate was hard to beat!

Our table had sugar cubes in a chipped cup and saucer, which looked lovely, but I hated to see such a pretty set with this chip! I still prefer a sugar bowl.
All in all it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Check out Secret Garden Tea Room on their website by clicking here. 
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a tea room review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Kathleen Bridge's Manor of Dying

Kathleen Bridge's Manor Of Dying, on my kindle and my table this week. Finished it last night and absolutely was delighted with it. This is a great series, A Hampton's Home and Garden Mystery and main character Meg, caught up in yet another complicated and twisted mystery. This one was a bit different then the others I read in the series, still with the amazing imagery and setting of the Hampton's and great characters, surrounded by beautiful antiques and very unique rich people! This time Meg is not decorating a cottage but instead helping her friend with set design. I found myself feeling like one of the gang, tagging along on this exclusive set and location . I enjoyed the story line of the main mystery and how it intertwined with the older mystery. I was shocked I had not figured out the murderer, I was pleasantly surprised, to discover that I was not as clever as I thought I was.
This is a great read and I am thrilled to have had the chance to read and review it.

When decorator Meg Barrett travels to a remote mansion to help select period pieces for a new 1930s-style television mystery series, she’s chilled to learn that the manor was once a mental asylum and the site of a mysterious decades-old murder. And when a fierce blizzard knocks out the power and strands Meg and her cohorts in the home’s rickety old elevator, they emerge to discover that another person has been murdered—in the same macabre manner as the original victim.With a suspect list limited to those who were also stranded at the manor, Meg begins digging through their backgrounds for clues to both the old and new murder, trying to discover a connection that will lead her to the culprit’s identity. But the more she learns, the more clear it becomes that someone wants to keep the secrets of the past buried, and Meg knows she’ll have to watch her back before a ruthless killer decides to commit her to a grisly fate . . .

You can learn more about this book and series by clicking here 

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com 

The Monday-est of Monday's

Yep, It was the Monday-est Monday of all times. A plot twist of a morning that lead to a day of chaos. Started with waking up sick with a cold, and then my car not starting again. This is a new car, my dream car, actually my second dream car, I broke the other one about 4 months ago and it was not repairable. Anyway it was a huge inconvenience in my day, the tow truck said 2-3 hours, and well I had two kids to get to school and myself to get to work, not 2-3 hours to spare, I grinned and bared it and with in 20 minutes a third party tow truck came to my rescue, jumped the car, I got the kids to school each about 20 minutes late and then took the car to the dealer, where under warranty they  replaced my battery.

As I accidently took a photo of myself driving, still not entriely sure how that happened thought I would share it as I have my determined look, cape and special driving glasses on....not my finest morning but at least I can see the humor in it,

Bought my special driving glasses on Saturday, and I love them, best part is my kids did not even notice anything wrong with them, I did get some smiles I as I forgot I was wearing them on Sunday... anyway, special sunglasses for special circumstances....

Day now mostly over and home, safe, a tiny bit of self care, finished my book and once I finish this post, I will have a much needed ice cream cone....here is to brighter days ahead....

Thank you for joining me here for a cup of tea and a Monday rant, may your tea be strong and your Monday be short and sweet.
I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com