Christopher Robin Jesus Calling And Tea Fabrics

I noticed on my calendar today, that I had noted Christopher Robin Milne's Birthday was August 21st (which was yesterday).
So I have decided to pour a cup of tea, and first share a bit of two special books I own.  Won't you join me?

Harney & Sons Mother's Bouquet ~ So pretty :-)

Christopher Robin Milne 1920-1996
Yes, he was a real, live boy.

Many years ago, I happened upon these two charming books by A.A. Milne at Sam's Club.  Perhaps, like me back then, you will not have heard of them, so I want to post a few pages of each for your enjoyment.  I find them quite relaxing, and the introductions in each are very sweet and not to be missed.

ISBN: 978-0-525-47930-7
I love how they are called decorations vs. illustrations :)

ISBN: 978-0-525-47929-1

Now, wasn't that sweet?

Yesterday, my mom dropped by to share some tea themed fabrics she had purchased from friends at her quilting class.  She knew she could make me something fun, and so she set up her sewing machine and did just that!

This is the tablecloth design we came up with.  It is laying at an angle on my table.

Abbey has decided to photo bomb, er um, model for you.

I did not even notice until later how the tablecloth compliments my tea print hanging on the wall :)

My mom insisted on putting a flannel backing on it so it does not slip and slide so easily, and just lays much nicer.

Today, my daughter brought me these lovely flowers, which are much needed after a rough night and morning I have been having. They're quite cheerful, don't you think?

Now, this sweet little throw pillow is a design my mom came up with because I found the little scrap of tea fabric at a "garage sale" room, during a quilt show we had attended. She found complimenting fabric and made it work! The bear is a recent $3 yard sale find.

She decided to do it slipcover style, and simply purchased a pillow form.

She has other tea fabrics for me, and we are discussing possibiliTEAS :)

As I mentioned, I have been having a rough couple of days, so I intentionally have been seeking God about it {Only wish I had done so BEFORE I created a mess!}.
Hmmmm.... still learning.
But, today's JESUS CALLING was just perfect {along with some thoughtful prayer from my sis}.

From my Instagram Post

~Heather Elizabeth~

sharing with Stephanie's Roses of Inspiration over at:   THE ENCHANTING ROSE

#MugSwap15 for Adoption

While browsing my InstaGram feed, I stumbled upon the mentioning of a mug swap. But, not just any swap, one for a cause.  Over at mugswap.com &

hosted by aCuppaKim.com she gives all of the details on how she randomly chooses an adopting family to bless, sponsors a mug swap (think secret sisters), and asks each person who signs up to donate $5.  She then blesses the chosen family with all the funds raised!  Isn't that the coolest?

She has been doing this for 5 years! 

Mark your calendar for August 1st, 2016!

This year, we raised:

Woo-hooooo!!!!! The Barnett family reported this morning that 1 of there 2 adoptions was pushed over the edge and became fully funded because of this surprise blessing!  God is so good!!!

Now for the fun I had along this journey.

First, I understood spots were limited, so I quickly filled out the online application to sign up.  The last question asked was "Is there anything else you would like me to know?"  I said, if possible, I would love someone local so we could actually meet and share drinks in our mugs together :)

I think it was that day or the next I found out 1300 people had signed up, and the swap was full {but keep watching for surprise openings...50 spots, 100 spots, etc.}.  Anyhow, I really didn't expect to be paired up so quickly & certainly not with someone local once I understood HOW BIG this thing is {I'll have to ask her how she did that!}, but on August 4th I had my Mug Swap Assignment, and she was/is just one town over!!!!

I checked her application, which led me to her Pinterest page.  I discovered her wedding was yellow, and she loves Jesus, plus has an 11 month old.  That was enough to get me started. I found this darling book for her to read to her son.

I decided to attempt decorating my own mugs with scripture.  This involved an oil based Sharpie, cleaning the mugs with alcohol, decorating and then placing in cold oven & bringing temp up to 350* & baking for 45 minutes.  Remove and let cool.  I wrote on the bottom. So I baked them upside down.  I also photographed them upside down while they were still drying & then flipped the photo :)

This was my final selection of goodies.

See the Start Each Day With a Cup of Joy print on the bag?  That was a gift download for participating. 

I included 2 mugs (1 for lefty & 1 for righty or her hubs!), an adorable tiny wood block featuring a mason jar w/this little light of mine, Magnet: If you're happy & you know it say Amen!, bookmark representing my blog, inspirational printables, stickers, oatmeal verbena soap , Burt's Bees essentials kit & a sweet little pouch to put it all in, invitation to my church  because she lives close by & she just bought a  house so I included a list of things to do in the area & little corners of social media I find to be a blessing, plus CHOCOLATE . Additionally, I prayed continually for her.

But wait! There's more!!

Today, I got everything ready & sent her a quick email that her surprise would be arriving in about 30 minutes.  I told her I was NOT dropping in, just dropping by {as in outside}, because that would just be rude ya know.  But, upon arrival, she invited me, with 4 daycare Littles in tow, into her home.  We hugged, we laughed, we shared & she loved her goodies.  She was overjoyed with the book and said she LOVES Jesus Calling but did not have this version. We even got to pray together.  It was definitely a Divine appointment. I can not wait to visit with her again.  {Thank you Heavenly Father}.

If you are interested in learning about the Barnett family, and or donating to their second adoption, here are there details:

Click here to donate to Brooke & Brian Barnett

After YEARS of trying to get pregnant & walking down the long road of infertility, and then YEARS of waiting to be placed with a baby, Brooke and Brian were finally matched with a baby girl due September 4th here in the states.....AND a toddler boy overseas that they will bring home early 2016!! We are all praising God for His provision after years of heartache & waiting.

Brooke & Brian are on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ in Norfolk, Virginia. They are some of the most passionate & hardworking people I know. They have made impacts on hundreds of lives (including my own!). They are also extremely sacrificial with their time & money. I know that adoptions can be rather expensive....and each adoption will cost them approximately $20,000 (so $40k total!). They are pursuing several ways to help with the costs. Thank you so much for helping bless this family I love so much! ~Katy (KatyGirl Designs)

Want to know how it works?

CLICK HERE FOR F.A.Qs.

I thought this last part was cool! "Finally, a friendly reminder that it's just a mug. The swap is meant to be something fun, a way to meet new people, make new friends, and bless others. It is not about the getting, and it's not about the mug. As the coordinator, I don't "get" a mug myself, and I find a lot of joy in just being a part of the process, I hope the same will hold true for you, no matter what shows up (or doesn't!) in your mailbox!" ~Kim

I will try to come back & post if I receive my mug. But, I've had so much fun I really don't care!!! :)

If you are on IG and search #mugswap15 you will see all of the fun that is being had!!!

Until next time lovelies, DO GOOD FOR SOMEONE :)

Heather Elizabeth

Sharing with Stephanie on Roses of Inspiration over at The Enchanting Rose

NOT by SIGHT - 5 Star Book Review

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Not by Sight by Kate Breslin 

•°o•:*:•.ALL THE GOOD STUFF.•:*:• o°• 

Opening Scripture: For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book. It was everything I could hope for!
Highlights: London – Suffragettes – spies – WWI – the WFC (Women’s Forage Corps) with a focus on one small group of interesting characters working the farm lands of a country estate in County of Kent in order to help the war effort – a brooding war victim hiding behind a “WWI splatter mask”. 

see more images for "WWI splatter mask"
on google or pinterest 

It's too bad the publisher didn’t think to include an image on the back cover but I have included one here for you}, –

a bit of Ireland near the end – faith – history – God – scripture – romance – mystery – secrets – a budding writer – tea & a tea room – healing – EEEEK! IT’S SO GOOD!

A little nod to Swan's Tea Room (this is really from Garden View Tea Room, Disneyworld, FL - internet photo)

I usually write much longer reviews, but this book is SO GOOD, just get it… go now!!! (-smile)

If this is Kate Breslin’s standard writing, I will be a fan for life!

5 stars

© 2015 Bethany House
366 pages + Author’s Notes and Discussion Questions

I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. CBD already shows it in stock!

Read: 07/21&7/23/2015 - Reviewed: 07/25/15

Publisher's Description

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

Author Bio
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of: For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

Hugs and a cup of tea!

Heather Elizabeth

Lady Maybe Not

 

Lady Maybe

by: Julie Klassen

•°o•:*:•.LUSTY.•:*:• o°•

[Rom 13:12-14 ESV] 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

I have been putting off the writing of this review because it is with a heavy heart I do so.  While this book is well written, with lots of mystery and twists, it is not at all what I would expect from a well-known Christian author.  I realize I will be in the minority for my opinion, but I cannot, in good conscience, lay the book aside without giving fair warning to other conservative Christians. 

This book has a strong love triangle that pulls back and forth at Hannah.  I found her to be quite wishy-washy.  I was surprised at how steamy the intimate scenes were.  Where my friend and I who share books are usually fine with handing books down to her teenage daughter, I have warned her not to do so with this book.  Perhaps utilizing Penguin Publishing instead of Bethany house gave the author more freedom.  While she does not cross the line completely, I know I felt disturbed reading the material.

God, church, scripture are hardly present at all in this book.  In one of the much later chapters, maybe 2/3 or more through, Hannah finally has a repentant heart, and prays to God.  She is encouraged by a kindly staff member and reminded of God’s forgiveness.  She even shows incredible grace to her nemesis.  However, shortly after that, she still seems wishy-washy about which man she will choose.  After being out looking for one man, and then packing and paying the remainder of her rent to continue to look for him, she receives the other into her room: [“But, Hannah, I want to be with you.  I could not bear to never touch you again…” He ran his hands up her arms, lowered his head and kissed her exposed shoulder, prickling her skin into gooseflesh.  “Don’t go yet.  Stay and give me a chance.  Give us a chance.” For one moment, she considered it.-Ch.29]  Uuuugh. That was hard to read.  Even though she had been careful to not let him in her room previously for the sake of propriety, for this scene she did.  She did not come off very repentant.  And allowing him to get that close to her and touch her was just cruel.

The Bible is clear, that lust is a sin.  Rather than just being a casual observer of what the character was going through, as related to simple alluded to explanation, I felt drawn in with more explicit detail than was necessary.  Sadly, I believe reading the romantic scenes in this book can easily promote the reader to feel lust. 

I can only pray that her next book, The Painter’s Daughter, scheduled for release in December through Bethany House will be a cleaner read.

2 stars

© 2015

Berkley Books, a div of Penguin Random House Publishing

384 pages + Readers Study Guide

I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Read: 07/11&12/15-, Reviewed: 07/15/15

A VERY MERRY UNBIRTHDAY, Choosing Joy and Shopping Fun

Yesterday, July 1st, I received a most unexpected surprise in the mail from my friend Sam, in Florida.  She shared with me she thought it would be fun to celebrate my birthday, 6 months early, to the day! I met her through a teacup exchange several months ago over at: The Enchanting Rose, 

and had later sent her a fun package for her birthday.  She used the very same box to send ME a birthday box. Enclosed within my box of goodies, was a note reading SURPRISE! which was placed perfectly so it was the 1st thing I saw.  Next there were goodies wrapped in birthday paper including a teacup notepad and loose tea in a tiny tin!  There are key lime straw cookies (since key limes are a thing in FL), a bag of chocolate covered cranberries, a Florida mug (where Sam is from) which notes that Tallahassee is their state capitol, the mocking bird is their state bird, and orange blossom is their state flower (a personal favorite of mine).  January 1st is my birthday, so she included a sweet little January cup/saucer from Royal Albert bone china, England, and several individual tea bags.  Everything was arranged in a lovely lavender box.  Thank you Sam!  How fun and thoughtful.  I hope you have a wonderful time in Belgium with your cousin :)

~ Now for Some Fun Finds ~

Today, I only had 1 daycare Little in care with me.  Sooooo.... we went shopping of course.

But first,

Image found on etsy. Click here to purchase.

I thought I'd share something, because maybe it will bless somebody else. You see, something not so nice happened to me today.  I am nearly out of my shampoo & conditioner which is salon grade.  It is  really the only thing I splurge on because it's the only thing I have found that does not bother my head.  My massage therapist friend who used to be able to send a co-worker to  the supply store for "Licensed Hair Professionals" could not help me out this time, so completely outside of my normal character, and with some anxiety, I took a chance and waited in front of the store.  Eventually, somebody came and I approached her and explained my situation, asking if she wouldn't mind getting me my supplies.  She agreed, albeit begrudgingly, I sensed. I thanked her and smiled, and handed over the money.  After about 30 minutes, she came out with my products.  One was much smaller than the other, because it's all that was in stock.  I thanked her again and tipped her $5 for her trouble.  She took it and left.  I buckled up my Little, and prepared to leave.  I decided to count my change and discovered instead of around the $45 she should have given me, she had only given me $28.  I was just ripped off :(

Now, I could get angry, or I could do what I have been trained to do, and what my summer women's bible study group has been studying.  I took it to the Lord in prayer, and asked Him to help me to choose joy.  In the bigger picture, this life and what happens is only temporary, but a vapor.  So, I choose to focus on Eternity.  To solidify that decision I texted my sister and asked her to also lift it up in prayer, knowing full well I tend to re-hash things in my mind.  She texted me comforting words and scripture.  Do you know after that it was so easy to (like the song from Disney's Frozen says) "Let it goooo. Let it goooo" and enjoy my time shopping.  I'm so thankful we have our heavenly Father to run to with our troubles (and a sissy I can run to for prayer).  Now, please don't misinterpret this. In no way is this a pat on my  back.  If just one person finds encouragement in my situation, that's awesome.  I'll probably need reminding of this as I'm learning to 'choose joy' more everyday.  

We headed in to a local Upscale Resale store that is a ministry of a one of our community churches. 

I found this charming toile pillow for $2, the china frame for $1 and the book (story originally written in 1942) for .50c

We brought other goodies home as well.  Children's Veggie Tales VHS tapes and a couple of Christian fiction novels.  We spent a whole hour, taking our time, slowly perusing.  I let the Little push a doll's stroller around she found.  It was heaven.

Then we went to TJ Maxx.

I found these oh-so-fun Matryoshka dolls storage containers.  I have a thing for Matryoshkas & I love that these are white and will go with anything!

I also found more of that Touch Organic tea I blogged about before.  This time, not only the very berry, but also apricot.  I'm looking forard to trying it.  Perhaps I can persuade my sister and nieces to drive out!  I live 2 counties away from her; around 50 miles.  We have crazy freeways here in So Cal, so she jokingly refers to my home as being 'across the pond'. ;)

LOOK at these gorgeous teabag rests I found.  Only $6.99 for a set of 4.  They feature lovely white roses with lavender flowers.  I bought both the sets they had (perhaps some will become gifts).

If you like this round 24" round table cover,
you can get it by clicking here. Currently on
sale for only $5!

After that, we headed to the .99c Store.  The one on this particular side of town is SO much nicer, so if I can, I try to stop in.

While browsing I found THESE!

melamine dessert plates.

melamine mini trays

They would be perfect anytime, but especially with children!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend, full of memory-making fun with loved ones, and prayers of thankfulness for our freedoms.

Blessings & a cup of tea,

Heather