The days in Arizona have been glllllorious!! I have never appreciated our weather here like I have this 32nd year of my life. I have always itched (even wept) for cold weather so that I might simply don a dashing new frock of the winter coat variety. However, this year, I am tickled pink (And boy, do I mean pink) to be drenched in warm 79' November weather, under trees, surrounded by hibiscus…
I must tell you, the color of my Prickly Pear Margarita was not altered. This was in fact the most beautiful sippable treat I have ever beheld. And the flavor was so outrageously delicious, I was blown away…
So, with camera in hand…
I decided to take you on a tiny prickly pear voyage. I felt like I was on an exotic island getaway…
When I told Mr. Lovee how surprised so many of you were with my Gypsy adventure in the front portion of our property (regarding rain), he said to tell you…
We are lucky if we get rain 17 days out of the year… The worry of rain never even really crosses my mind… Unless it is monsoon season, and even that is sporatic… We get a tiny bit of snow where the studio is (in the country), in the winter. But it melts in a day… The desert is known to get very very cold at night in the winter. But days can still warm up quite beautifully…
Anyhow, where I really was enjoying the treat above, was through magical corridors… In a hidden garden…
Isn't it lovely?
And it has perfectly wonderful spaces to sit and reflect…
Now, we sat in a garden through the blue doors, and out back, which was lush and green, & perfect. Complete with a mountain view…
But, I was equally fascinated poking around at the tchotchkes….
As the sun started to make it's way to the west, it sparkled and everything glowed with a hint of cobalt blue…
I soaked it all in…
While literally surrounded by gorgoues hibiscus… Yummyyy! Have you ever had hibiscus tea, or my favorite drink called Agua de Jamaica (Pronounced: Ha-My-Ka)? Yumm yummm! Made from Hibiscus leaves!!
When it was time to go, my friend Joyce twirled for a photo, in her beautiful skirt…
And we were happy that we have Tohono Chul to escape to every now and then…
I did three more things that day, and then my beau picked me up at our country abode, for dinner and dancing…
But, in the midst of all of that, I have been working non-stop to have a shop update before Thanksgiving… Lots of fun treats on the way… I might even lose my head, and pop some unexpected items in the shop too…
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I popped this little gal, "Enchanted Tea Time," into the shop in postcard form as well…
On another note, I found myself working on some drawings and enjoying the November issue of Martha Stewart Living. It is filled with scrumptious edibles and a delightul article, below…
So as I drew, I thought I might make you a free printable place setting card, for your Thanksgiving celebration… I think little place cards are a fun thing, even if it is a small group of folks…
So, I came up with this lil simple traditional card… With a pie carrying Turkey ;) And a little space to scribble in a name…
Here is what some of mine look like…
Click Here for your printable PDF of these cards. Print as many as you'd like. There are two per page, and they are perfectly sturdy printed on cardstock… Give the PDF about 30 seconds to open.
Then cut above the dotted line, fold in half, et, Voila!!
Before I am off to work like a mad woman, I shall enjoy some coffee in my newish thrifventure cup from the Mister, while I look upon our only tree that has decided it is time to embrace Autumn. A pecan tree (we have two)…
Bet you thought I forgot about the drawing? Nope, sure didn't… Charming medley card set names drawn were… (By way of random number generator)
Yippeee!! Miss lovely Anastasia of Anastasia Drawing an Dreaming!! And Miss kiss noises, Rosey from Agapanthas and Goldsworthy!! Woo hooo! Send me your addresses Ppplease!
Off I go back to work in the studio, wish me luck…
Tons of 🖤's, V 😉
Thank you for taking us on such a fun adventure! And for the beautiful place cards… And for just being you! 🙂
Happy Sunday,
Tessa
Hi Vanessa! always, all in your blog is awesome and just beautiful!!! I love them!
so cute cards and amazing pictures! you are great, great artist! you are the best!;)una genia!eres realmente sorprendente!
xoxo
Marina
I love the tea cup it would certainly make any tea taste better! Lots of fun color here!
Erin 🙂
Your posts are alway packed full of wonderful pictures. I think the weather god knows John M. just lost the race of his life so it is taking pity on him.
Oh how lovely. I will use those adorable place cards for sure! What a beautiful post.
Make room, I’m heading over! lol Autumn seems to found her way all the way down here. Your pics are amazing. In fact I’m rushing through this comment in order to take another gander.
Thank you for the cards, I’m totally going to use them!
I envy your warmth. It’s sooooo cold here!
Your post brings me back to Arizona – love Tucson! Some of your pics looked like Sedona. What a spectacular pink drink!
What a fabulous outing and I love the pictures and the place where you were sipping those yummy looking margaritas. I loved it all!!! Congrats to the winners!
Kris
oh wow weee!!! thanks Miss V…how lucky am I? love giveaways and how cool to win one too!!!!!
What a fabulous post!! Love the place where you were sipping margaritas and the pics of your placecards. Loved everything!! How sweet of you to think of all of us!
Kris
Hasn’t the weather this fall been odd? I mean, it’s 30 here at night and then in the mid 70’s by the afternoon…I never know how to dress this time of year unless it’s totally in layers.
And might I say…That margarita looks just heavenly!!
Hello Vanessa,
Great post, awesome photos…
I can send you some coolness and a little jar with fresh snow…
~ Gabriela ~
Okay this looks wonderful. All of the sunshine. We are snow capped and so chilly even when the sun is shining. I have to wear my slippers to do my blogging. I hate being cold it is on a day like this that I wish I still lived in Arizona. Deb
Cheers! I love the looks of that Prickly Pear Margarhita. Yum! It looks like the weather is heavenly. I’m so jealous! Well, I did get to enjoy the day via your photos, so thank you for sharing.
I tagged you on my blog. If you have a second and want to come over and read todays post(Sunday).
Have a lovely week!
Tammy (clink…cheers!)
What a pretty pink drink! And you have me so in the mood for Thanksgiving with your pretty cards! Thanks!
What a wonderful post, so glad that you weather is so nice. It’s a cold and blustery day here in New England, and the leaves are blowing everywhere!!! I love your Thanksgiving artwork. You know we live about thirty minutes from Pilgrim’s Progress in Plymouth. I haven’t been there yet, but it looks like so much fun. Karen
Thank you for the place cards! I put some out every year so these will be cool!
Ooh, pecan trees! Really? Can you actually harvest pecans from them?
I love hidden gardens and jamaica too. And I would bet anything that you love gypsy caravans!
i cant believe i have won!!!!! my good friend linda told me to come and see for myself. to be honest i leave a comment on your blog whether you are giving away something or not. i have said it before, yours is more than a blog it is an escape!!! i am off to email you my real life home address. yipee mmmmwwwwwaaahhhh rosey
What a lovely day!! Thanks you, thank you for fun place cards.
The photos are sooo amazing!! That archway…oh I would love one like that at the entrance of my studio!!! lol Might not happen but I can dream, right??
How cool that you designed that turkey for all to use! You are soo talented dear Vanessa!!!
Lovely post, as always 🙂
Hello! Can I please jump into your pictures?!!!!
So colorful!
Thank You ever so much for giving us all such a pretty Thanksgiving offering! 🙂 How lovely!! What a magical spot you have shared today!! 🙂 And Hibiscus Tea sounds divine!!
Happy Monday Vanessa, I received my Lovely Postcards and they are amazing! Everyone should get a set and FRAME them…they make me giggle! I could go for one of those pink drinks up top! Actually, I’ll just take the pitcher! LOL
Have a great week!
I love photos of your art supplies!
What lovely photos to look at as I sit at my computer curled up in a blanket, brrr! Thank you! 🙂
Que fotos maravillosas!!!
Y que lugar fantastico!!
Siempre tus post son tan lindos.
Linda semana
Okay… now the gypsy camp made me jealous of your amazingly magical life… & now the Prickly Pear Margarita…. poo! you lucky little girl!!
Thank You so very much for the beautiful place cards… they are going to be very handy this thanksgiving! Its the very first year that My sweets & I get to host dinner at our place!!
Thank YOu Thank You!
Much Luv!
Are you trying to make my morning again? I love these placecards, and the photos are so enchanting, those archways, the beautiful tiles… dinner and dancing?! LOVE it all. We are having horrible fires here in So.Cal, but when we aren’t, this fall is proving to be so clear and bright that it’s a treat to be outside. I feel so sad for those who are struggling right now.
Your postcard! I guess I didn’t see this teatime postcard in your store when I was there, but I will definitely visit again.
Our hibiscus are going crazy, and they are so great, but I have never consumed anything made with them.
How much fun it is traveling with you! Love the cards and the place cards – thank you! You are such a clever, creative friend! P.S. Part of your painting I told you about is in the magazine photo up now). xoxox
I love prickly pear candy….but margaritas sound even better. I will have to look for those…unless you want to share where you, sit, relax and have those lovely drinks. You holiday cards are wonderful.
Your blog is my absolute favorite. Period. Thank you for making my Monday a little easier.
Ooooooooooooh! I’ve BEEN there! Took my little girls there for tea on a Mommy/Daughter day! We had a soup there…it was SOOO good that that was all any of us wanted! Me, my 7 year old, and even the baby! And so pretty too!
Glad you had a great time!!
Mere
Oh that’s it. I have to get to AZ. Will you be my tourguide?
Greetings Vanessa!
I always love it when I managed to climb through the secret keyhole! Wish I had fallen into that Prickly Pear Margarita though!
Such great photos and wonderful Thanksgiving place cards! I’m adding you to my list of links.
Have an Enchanted Week!
Joyce Stahl
WOW, this post has EVERYTHING! How beautiful! I’ll be linking to your adorable place cards.
What a lovely place for a spot of relaxation over a delicious cocktail. I am jealous! Autumn is certainly here-although today was one of those cold crisp days that I love. Happy Thanksgiving!
LOVE the doorway photos and OMG I’m envious of all that paint!
oh my my my! you’re fantastic adventure and weather is making me reconsider my geological place of residence! it’s been grey and very chilly (below freezing) for the past week and a half! and it even snowed today!!! seeing your gorgeous photos is making me think of packing my bags and heading down south… i’m totally green with envy! but very happy to hear that you are enjoying your splendid weather. that fantastic drink does look indeed very very tasty! thank you so much for sharing, i can’t wait to see all the goodies going into your next shop update!!!
Great treats for the eyes here V! Lovely pie holding turkey…love the shots of the courtyard too.
It is like a mini vacation coming here-thanks!!! xoxo
Oh…that place looks so fun! We’ve been having gorgeous weather here too. Isn’t it fantastic to be able to wear sandals in November?! I love your little turkey place cards. I need to print 14 of them…Ack!! Where am I going to put 14 people…if the weather stays beautiful…maybe on the patio??
I think I want to move to your state!! 😀
Wow !! Love to peek on your studio …full of paints and brushes.
Gee, lovely post. The photos are stunning! So many places in AZ I have not visited yet. It’s been cold in Flagstaff early mornings but during the day is nice, warm and you don’t really need heavy coat…I am liking it. We had snow last week.
Your drawings are cute, very creative!
hugs,
we live only a half hour away from Plymouth, MA and take the kids to see the Mayflower and Plantation. Its fun to see them in their costumes and react the old ways of farming. Although when its cold I am sure its not fun unless you are one of the lucky ones who are in the houses with the fires going.
Love all the photos as usual Miss Vanessa!!! That Holiday stocking looks tasty!!
I love to escape to your blog!! Love your perspective on everything around you!!!!!!
I love Tohono Chul – and it’s even better now that Acacia has taken over the restaurant. I am a sucker for their scones and mimosas 🙂
Such a lovely whimsical site you have. certainly makes me smile. Make me think of California. where I grew up.
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Been trying hibiscus tea (suggested by a friend} but I haven’t tried Agua de Jamaica. How’s it? I think I might give it a try.