I am back from my drive into town to visit my little home. I don’t know why I have to pry myself away from the studio (and bribe myself) simply to drive 30 minutes. I always take on the trip as if it were a 10 hour voyage. Like my terrible 10 hour drive to Santa fe. But, that is another story for another day… Anyhow, I got to see my lovely mammie, as she came to visit and have her hair done (no, I am not a real hairdresser, but I am a great actress), play & have tea and treats…
So grab a fork and join me. You will be eating your way through this post, I must warn…
I do these crazy things to myself. For instance, I decide that I am going to drive into town in my prairie nightgown. I have this whole plan of how I am going to get dressed in the car in case I get a flat tire or something like that (so I have all the clothes prepared, right by me in the passenger seat). I know, I should just get dressed before I go, why be so complicated? But, no, I have to complicate everything don’t I? I just want to arrive in a nightgown, and a flower crown, and be silly. I don’t know about you, but I am all about making small dreams come true (large ones too, but the small ones are easier to fulfill). Luckily, I made it safe in my strange driving attire… No flat tires, no cops, nada.
Mammie (aka mombie) and I started our visit with some fresh munching. As, I am a huge fan of cucumber, watercress, and cream chesse sandwiches. You can make them on soft buttermilk bread without crusts. However, I do not eat white bread, so I use different wheat or multi-grain breads (and I love crusts). I always wonder how such a simple combination can be so wonderful and fulfilling… So fresh…
My mom had brought my giant witch costume with her. I have this 2 1/2 ft. tall witch. She had this drab outfit on. A witches gown in brown and orange and black with matching hat. But, not good brown and orange. Kind of muted and drab. And for what she cost, her outfit was a bit, well, sorry Eleanora (the witch), but it was drab + cheap. I asked my mom if she could make a whole new costume for Eleanora, shoes and all. She has very very pointy feet and must have custom made shoes… Mombie agreed and went on with her project… She tied up some loose ends while I made sandwiches and tea…(she also made Eleanora her very own witchy-poo size striped stockings!!!)
Time for treats… Little did I know, my mom had brought boxes of treats herself… What a wonderful sneaky mombie she is… My contribution below…
Just look at the cupcakes my mom brought. And you see that pink frosting, is not just frosting. It was hard and cold because it was pure butter and sugar and maybe cool whip? I don’t know, but it was even better than it looks…
Take a bite. Don’t worry, they have no calories 😉 Okay, I’ll have one then…
Mmmmmm, yummy, are you sure you don’t want some? It is really really good… I think I can only handle half though…
Do you take sugar in your tea?
I don’t really, but here, I’ll put a lovely sugar flower in your cup (Mombie brought these too)…
I just love tea time! It makes me so happy, I could scream! AAAAAhhhhhhhhhh!
I watered plants while we had tea and mombie sewed her finishing touches. You know, I have to confess. I am really really obsessed about my garden. And, as you know, my little sister lives with me. And, well, I harass her about watering the plants, umm, well alot. Why? Well, last winter my most magical little dwarf ficus tree got burnt to a crisp with the cold. I was devastated… I told her we would do anything to revive him. I was very serious about this…
The good news is, my parents gardener and my dad brought their power cutting tools and gave him a good trim. And look, he is growing a head of hair!!! Thank you Kristen for being an integral part of helping the plants come back to life!!! You see, my sister is a sewing master. But when it comes to plants, not so much. She admits she kills things… But she is doing a good job here, don’t you think??
Alas, all good things must come to an end.. Mombie had to go, and I was going to tend to some things at home. Bye Mombie, we all enjoyed you!!! (she was playing me her favorite Barry Manilow track as she left)
Eleanora is so cute. She loves her new gown, and loves the color too! So sparkly.. I visited with her while she told me all about her plans for Halloween. I don’t know about this witch…
Lots more went on, but I think I have bored you enough for now… I am so behind on every single thing, from art, to craft, to blogging. But, all the orders are shipped, and my job in the real world was very hectic and needed me a couple days this week. So, I have so much catching up to do. I want to visit all of you. I enjoy & yearn for days when I can read blogs and peek into your worlds, so very much!!!!
Well, in this space right now, I have glue drying and an apple crisp that wants to come out of the oven…
Now tell me, are you a sweet tooth or a salty tooth? Did you know this since you were little? I am a salty tooth who is just starting to enjoy chocolates and sweets. But they give me a bit of a headache… Do you take tea or coffee? Strong or weak??? So many questions…
See you very soon! 😉
what a lovely tea with mombie! i love to have tea also! me and my daughters do it up fancy at the living room coffee table with linens, teapots, and pretty cups and saucers, scones and devonshire cream, and giant, very non-dainty sammiches! ;]
as for sweet and salty, i am both i think, depends on how i feel! and i love my strong cup of coffee in the morning, with cream and sugar, but the rest of the day it’s tea for me!
i love eleanora’s pretty new pink outfit!
Such a pretty post! I love all your tea things and your sandwiches looked so yummy! I’ve never actually had one before, I shall give them a try. OH! And the cupcakes….my dear….I adore cupcakes! Especially with fresh fruit….yum! And tea, have I ever told you how much I love tea? Ahh…I have many fond memories of tea. 😉 I’m glad you had such a lovely visit with your Mombie!
I love Eleanora’s stripy stockings that match yours….too cute! And I’m so glad your ficus is doing much better.
One of my favorite treats when I am watching a movie is popcorn and Raisinetes mixed together….salty AND sweet. But if I had to choose just one, it would be salty.
Mr. Lovee is very lucky to have someone who makes apple crisp…it looks scrumpcious!!
Such a wonderful tea party! I don’t take sugar, but those sugar flowers might make me reconsider. And the cupcakes – such deliciousness and no calories? I’ll take two. Yes, I am sometimes a greedy girl, when it comes to cupcakes. And the witch is now looking very fetching, particularly with those socks. Love your shoes! Come see the pointy hats that look like they belong in your paintings. xoxox
I’m up for salty or sweet, tea or coffee, whatever you please 🙂 But only the best of anything, if you don’t mind 🙂 And neither strong nor weak, but just perfect 🙂
There’s a french patisserie near us that makes chocolate covered salted caramels that are wonderful. Also, chocolates with a bit of cayenne pepper added are amazing too.
Those sandwiches look so wonderful – we lived in Lithuania for a year, and one of the things we had quite often there were openfaced sandwiches with cucumber, though they usually also had cheese and some kind of salami, but still, similar idea 🙂 I’m also a huge fan of cucumber. And cupcakes are one of our most favoritist things ever – we just made some chocolate zucchini ones that were the most perfect ones ever.
I love those sugar flowers 🙂 I only take sugar in black tea (with cream) – any other kind of tea is plenty good on its own 🙂
Have a happy weekend!
Your sandwiches sound so YUMMY! Those cakes so pretty, almost to pretty to eat! I drink coffee by the pot, but weak coffee. Tea right now, cause I am sicky! I love salty, but also love pastry that isn’t too sweet. I think that Eleanora is the cutest thing I have see. I hated polk-a-dots for year, and now I am falling in love with them.
love Erin~
What up with this blog?? All this talk of Sand Witches yet I saw not a single grain of sand! Only a witch. You didn’t think I would notice??!! Hrmmmph!!
: )
D.
PS- You mama sounds like a doll herself! What a fun afternoon. Love all the china, etc. Lucky girl!
D.
hello dear 1- im going to come and jump into your world for a min- now i would dearly, love a cup of tea- ive got a box of jasmine with me-your fairy cakes with icing pink look so delicious-i have to say i love your bed spread – its sweet divine- i hope your having more fun to tell us about- la la la – love jo anderson…. mmm im thinking of an apple green satin dress and lilac tights. yes that does sound very nice.
Oh, what a lovely tea. As for me, Sweet tooth. Strong coffee no sugar, strong tea with stevia. 😀
That witch is the most adorable witch I have ever seen! I love those sandwiches too! Although I always cut the crusts off 🙂
p.s. Love your shoes!! 😉
ohhh what a wonderful Tea spread….wish i was there to join you guys…hey love love your peep toes and your dress looks SO pretty just as you are my sweet
love the little glimpses of you that you share!
Tea and stockings and cupcakes and sugar flowers… simple indulgent and delightful!
Such a special way to honor life! Woohoo!
Candy for the eyes and soul, my dear! : )
VB
I’m so sheltered!! I’ve never had watercress before! I remember a girl bringing it to school for lunch…
Your tea dishes and green cake stand are bringing me to my knees Curiosa. I love your witch and your mombie time. No, I didn’t know Kristen lived with you…and my lil ficus got bitten last year too. We had had it for 18 years 🙁 Send Kandeedo over!
I’m on vicadin right now for a really sore shoulder and ribs, so I’m having a hard time processing my words from my brain to my fingers. I like the witch’s new outfit. You madre did a fabulous job. And I wish that I could eat some of that apple crisp. It looks all yummy!
Your spread of sandwitches, I mean, sandwiches, tea and cupcakes were delicious. Thank you. I like sweet much more than salty. And coffee more than tea but I like tea as well. I especially like cupcakes.
I have to say your witch doll looked kind of scary. You look cute though in your dress and shoes. I take the kids to school in my jammies sometimes, I am always watching my rear view mirror just in case. One time I got pulled over by a policeman in a school zone while wearing jammies! Well, he wasn’t the one wearing them, I was. Quite embarrassing for me, and no time to change into my back up options. Fortunately it all worked out in my favor and he just gave me a warning. He must’ve taken pity on me!
Thanks again for your visit to my blog. I am honored that you took the time, I know how busy you must be. It was fun to chat and dream about adventures.
Back to my real life now. Thanks again. I might have a nightmare about that doll.
Melissa
yes yes yes – on the cucumber, watercress and multi-grain please – did you say cream cheese?
coffee – strong
no sugar…
salty – yes mainly salty – David and Boone made mole tonight – perfect for a bum footed girl – hi miss fanciful!
xox – eb.
dear girl those cupcakes look divine! I have the sweetest tooth and if i had to choose one food group to eat for the rest of my life..it would be sweeties! Even when I do have meat, I like some sort of sweet sauce, like honey mustard, all over it!you are such a beautiful story teller. keep entertaining us please!
What a fantastic tea time!!! And what a wonderful suprise for mombie to bring goodies as well!!! Every thing was just lovely.
Eleanor reminds me a little of one of the puppets on “Mr. Rogers”. I really like her brightly colored costume, quite festive in a modern witch kind of way.
Somedays a salty tooth, somedays a sweet tooth. I’m terrible I like it all.
Tea is my favorite!!! But sometimes I drink coffee to feel sophisticated and grown up. Tea should be strong and sugar please. Coffee should consist of half coffee and half cream with loads of sugar
(I know I’m such a child).
Thanks a million for sharing your tea time goodies!!!
Aaah, Such a lovely little jaunt into the world of Vanessa! I just love these little visits! I want a tea party too! It looked so lovely and yummy, a great combination. What a cute witch! I am really into pink polkadot witches this year. When I made the ones in the shop I worried that no one else would feel witches should be pink so I am glad you like them that way to! I am a sweet and a salty tooth, mostly sweet though I think although when I get on a salty kick I could just eat salty until I pickle myself! And as a sweet person I must have sugar in my tea, but only yummy fruity herbal tea or I feel like I am drinking leaves, which I guess is what you do when you drink tea. Sorry I am feeling a bit silly tonight! Have a great weekend, glad your trip was a success!
looks uber-yum!
I love tea party vittles. 🙂
I like your shoes, are they the new ones, the ones you had a competition about, some weeks back? That’s a cute dotty dress, too. Doesn’t your Mum look young?!
Oh my Gosh I love raisenetes and popcorm mixed together.
I have to say that I found that very intersting about driving home in your nightgown. One time I went skinny dipping with my cousins here at the lake. It was late at night and I was all wet and thought ” well, I might as well just drive home wrapped in my towel and not worry about putting damp sandy clothes back on” So, I did and I had my clothes on the passenger seat “just in case”. But I got home just fine. No flat tire or no police!
Ooh, such a pretty tea party! I’m wanting a cupcake now. the cloloured sugar is wonderful. I love your shoes too.
I have such a terrible sweet tooth but dislike sugar in tea or coffee. I take those plain just with milk.
We love to visit through the keyhole of your magical world Miss Fanciful, where else can you eat frosted cupcakes without calories and find witches dressed in shocking pink?
PS Sweet teeth here at Caton Darling and Moore, everyone of us. Strong coffee for the old man, weak tea for the missus, water only for the eldest and orange soda for the rest.
Afternoon tea fit for a fairy, but tell me is that a good witch or a bad witch? Oh wait a minute, she has such a kind face and pink clothes. She must be a good witch no Mombie would ever make such a beautiful pink outfit for a bad witch.
My mum and I enjoy tea daily. Isn’t it wonderful!?
I have a sweet tooth, and a salty tooth. Both, except the sweet tooth came along in my mid twenties, so I was born an old salt!
I drink my tea clear, but if it has milk it must have sugar. Your Elanora is so sweet. She looks like a fairy godmother now! The good witch.
xo
Blue!
What a fun tea party with Mombie!! I do love Elenora’s new outfit- she looks quite happy with it herself!
I have always loved sugary treats. Much to my chagrin, I am now a diabetic, so I’ve been trying some Splenda treaties- made cookies yesterday- not half bad. 🙂 I’d love to make the apple crisp you made- I’d just use Splenda instead- do you have a recipe?
Oh, and I’m a huge coffee and tea fan. Coffee in the am as a rule and tea throughout the day both iced and hot..
Lovely blog!!
What a fun tea party with Mombie!! I do love Elenora’s new outfit- she looks quite happy with it herself!
I have always loved sugary treats. Much to my chagrin, I am now a diabetic, so I’ve been trying some Splenda treaties- made cookies yesterday- not half bad. 🙂 I’d love to make the apple crisp you made- I’d just use Splenda instead- do you have a recipe?
Oh, and I’m a huge coffee and tea fan. Coffee in the am as a rule and tea throughout the day both iced and hot..
Lovely blog!!
I’m not much of a tea drinker but I love me some cupcakes! So yummy!!! My mouth is watering, thank you!
I walk my doggie in my pajamas. Sometimes I get funny looks. Oh well. Next time I’m going to drive into town in my nightie. Thanks for the idea.
I am a salty person who likes cheese and crackers — or popcorn. Or chips and salsa… well – you get the idea.
I like coffee too but now I live in England and so I’m starting to “gasp for a cup of tea” as the Brits will say.
OX,
Kim and Pearl.
AS usuall..SUCH a fun PPOST! I enjoyed tea with the witch! hee heeee! I love coffee tho..and I am totally in love with chocolat!! What??!!!! Gimme chocolat!
I have been busy, no time for visits…so, you can imagine how wonderful this first little visit was….so many tasty treats….
Chai for me, skim with a bit of agave please..
and well salty yes, but real dark chocolate….a must.
All you girls, you, your mombie, your sis look like sisters…..
yes,the small dreams are easier to fulfill,but are right so important as the large ones..
I am salty,definetly,but at the first place for me are bitter tastes:beer,grapefruit,bitter chocolate..
but coffee and green tea (or rhoibos or white) with brown sugar..
What a FUN tea-time! Wow! All those treats look amazing, especially the wee sugar flowerettes!
I’m a salty-tooth who loves black coffee. I’m trying to come off of coffee but it isn’t going so well. Le sigh…
Great to be back reading your blog again. Sorry for the hiatus!
xo,
KB
I am all about the sweet and suddenly so inspired to get my new home finally complete so I can enjoy proper tea parties like my own Momma used to have for me and the ladies. I think they will be Pirate Queen Tea Parties…
Lovely post. I love sweets and have always loved sweets since I was a little girl. I love tea…I have never liked coffee, even though I have tried. 🙂
Those cupcakes look delish! And the Apple Crisp! I could just jump through my monitor!
Vanessa darling, you simply must do my hair! It sounds funner at your tricky little salon than any other I’ve ever been to!
What is my tooth? A bit of sweet, salty and sour. All at one time. Yes, I want a dill pickle with a bag of popcorn and a bar of chocolate so I can take bites of all 3 in a row.
Oh yah… I looove that petite tea pot!!
Those cupcakes were sooo lovely. I really should have my mother over for tea sometime soon…it’s been much too long since I’ve indulged in the frilly-tea-time dishes.
My tooth is most certainly sweet, has been for as long as I can remember. And, while coffee is my preference in the morning and with very rich desserts, tea is perfect in the afternoon
I love your witch’s new costume.
xo
Hi darling girl, I don’t know if you know but my dream in life is to be a good cupcake chef. It’s in the works. First step, trying to bake my first cupcake… But I need the perfect recipe and lots of encouragement:-)
i will have earl grey tea
with tons of sugar
AND cream
and
a side helping
of pink and black polka-dot,
pointy-pointy shoes, please.
🙂
thank ever so…
Wow..those treats look yummy! Everything you ever put your hands on turns into a masterpiece!
missed you miz v while i was in philly…working…found some wonderfully witching things while out…thought of you…have a surprise for you soon…happy fall…blessings, rebecca
You have the best tea service ever, sexy feet and an awesome mama. I love that you go into town dressed in a nightgown. I dream of doing such things, but as a writer I guess i like to look at people more than be looked at. Maybe in another life…I have all these beautiful vintage cocktail dresses that I buy from Sally Ann and never wear. Sigh – I’m happy that you do, though.
I love finding your blog! How happy it made me (and hungry…)……!!
I love tea partys…
I have a massive sweet tooth for anything chocolate, I love coffee & tea a little on the weak side, Thank you.
And I will take one of those pretty pink cupcakes please…
Priscilla
I’m a salty tooth, but am enjoying sweets more as I get older. I used to despise chocolate but in the last couple of years I’ve grown addicted to it and need a little bit every day – yes, *every* day. I drink white tea with honey in it for sweetner – and I drink a lot of it!
Love this post. Do you have two homes? I’m a little confused. In any case, hanging at your place looks like an absolute treat. Love the treats your mum brought along – those cupcakes look soooo decadent, and I’d have sugar too if it looked like that!
Hope things slow down for you soon… 🙂
Hey Vanessa! I have a very sweet tooth- so sweet I enjoy things other people call ‘sickly’! But, alas, I am trying to loose weight for THE WEDDING in May, so I have to just enjoy looking at the pictures of delicious cupcakes. I can still drink my morning coffee though- I like it strong with lots of milk. And a cup of tea at around 3 o’clock always goes down well! xxxxx.
What a wondeful alice in wonderland teaparty!!
I do love tea but am more a coffee drinker myself.I just love coffee. Cappuccino.
And no sweets for me,I am always on a diet since a lost alot of weight five years ago.so it is a low fat cookie for me thank you!!!but it al looks perfect!
xoxo
Fun FUn FUn, Did I remember to say you are a FUN One?
Love that you would wear your nightie and a crown for your grand entrance to a tea party with your Mombie! One time many years ago I wore a earing in my nose ( magnetic type) when I went for a visit with my parents. Funny memories.
Eleanora the Witchypo looks ravishing in her new frock and pointy stompers!(please tell your Mombie)
Now, yes please pass the Watercress sandwiches! I’m Starving!
I admit,am VERY picky about coffee and tea!!
But coffee and tea are VERY IMPORTANT to me.
Coffee in the morning ONLY French Market from New Orleans, super strong with half foamed milk (2%) (a very nice buzz,much different than other coffee) not so crazy.
Tea only in afternoon in autumn and winter.
Kusmicoff-fleurs
I am “Sweets” person, with a little salty between courses.
Your tea looks magical, indeed…..those pink frosted treats are making me hungry!! 🙂
Wow I had to scroll and scroll to get to post to you…I read whilst I sat and eat what I thought was a nice lunch…leafy green salad with homegrown toms and motzorrella cheese plus lots of basil and pepper, well I would ‘so’ rather be sharing tea with you, MMMmmm!!!!!!! that cake looks scrummy. The tea pot…Oh how I want one of those, never in all of my ‘tea’ days have I seen one so pretty…
I love peeking into your world.
Suzie Sews
I am so jealous of your mommy daughter tea time…I was just missing my mommy last night, I am trying to save up money so I can fly her out to me for a couple days…cross your fingers for me.
Since the calories were virtual ones,I think I made a bit of a pig of myself from the cucumber sandwiches!I know the pain you felt over the loss of that tree! A storm (straight line winds) took out my Mimosa tree a couple of years ago,and I still mourn it. You simply cannot plant new ones they are wild things that grow only where they wish( I tried panting one) See you at the ball?
xxoo Lisa-Gabrielle
Yes and Yes! I like BOTH sweet and salty! I’m not sure I should reveal this but…. as a kid I invented my own little concoctions, one of my favorite treats was Kool-Aid mixed with salt! Just tear open the package, pour in a little salt, mix a bit, lick your finger and POW! You will make THE biggest SOUR face you ever saw! Another of my favorites, Oh, dare I tell?! Ok, Smashed Jello sandwiches!
Sandra Evertson
Oh Vanessa I want to sit down and have a tea party right now, such lovely photos and endearing words! I love tea and I love coffee so I would say both. I adore cucumber sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and lemon curd. I always so enjoy to your blog great fun!
XOX
Kristen
What a lovely and fun post! Thanks for the deliciousness. 🙂
I have alway been a sweet toothed kinda girl! Oh, and I’m definitely a coffee lady…usually brew it with cinnamon and melt some chocolate chips in the mug. I call it my “Holiday Blend,” but I have it year ’round!!
Oh fun! A tea party and a new witchy outfit. life is good!
Sweet AND Salty…together…I love kettle corn…yummy! In Singapore, you could get kettle corn at the movie theater…it was really heaven!
I just love your world…I was trying to remember to tell you that the other day, and I completely forgot…your collections and colors are so fun and wonderful to look at. It reminds me of what my home would look like if I didn’t get so impatient with my little things and sweep them all away. But, it does remind my of my mother’s home…she believes in not downsizing at any point…and is looking forward to upsizing as much as she can…And the pupcakes were delicious!!!
Hurray for mombies! Eleanora is definitely a witch “in the pink”. I love spending time with my mombie as well – although I call her “mumzell” or “mahmounia”! Wonderful post, Vanessa (love the prairie gown part).
i want that tableware and those damned fine shoes!
xxx
Why, thank you for the invite to tea…it’s always a delight to visit and see such a wonderful array of food and tableware ~ strong Tea with no sugar and a cupcake for me, I love patisseries! I love that you turned up in a nightgown and came out a princess :)(your shoes and polka-dot skirt, swoon!) Your mum is fabulous for making such a cool outfit for Eleanora -it looks like one straight from your painting!
Oh, i guess i’m both, salt and sweeth-toothed, i adore them both!
Oh Miss V, that tea spread was fantastico! I would be overjoyed to have tea with you someday!! The setting, the cups, the pot, the treats, all so fanciful and pretty, just amazing!!!!! And those pink sugar cubes! I’ve never seen those before!!!! YUMM!
that looks like so much fun! Those cupcakes are what I’m dieing over. I’m definitley a sweet tooth! They look like the ones that Super Back Girl makes. Maybe your mom is the real super bake girl!
Also, I passed a tag to you in my latest post. It’s not one where you have to answer questions and what not, just one for being such a nifty chica!
And I was concerned today when I pulled into the market that I actually had not done my hair before taking kids off to school. I’ve never done that before. I’m officially one of THOSE women. But I feel so much better knowing that you TRY to do these silly things. I think I shall try something (on purpose) tomorrow! Blessings… Polly (p.s. yay for crusts!)
Can I have a sweet and salty tooth at the same time? Just depends on the day. I also love my milky tea with two spoonfuls of sugar. And my idea of tea time heaven is a warm scone with devonshire cream and strawberry jam. Mmmmmm, delicious!
I’d have driven 10 hours for that pretty sprad of goodies!
Run don’t walk!!! http://sophiehoneysuckle.blogspot.com/
Found you through Karla’s blog today and just had to tell you I so enjoyed this post! 🙂
Oh my goodness… everthing looks devine!!! Pass the cupcakes please! LOL!
Thank you for sharing your home!
Barbara
SWEETS. Give me the other half of that cupcake now! Just the frosting, hold the cake. Oh, and that settles it! When I fly to Portland on Saturday I’m wearing my red flannel nightgown. If anyone says anything I’m going to say V.V. made me do it.
Oh la la
Those dressed up cakes like jewels in a treasure chest!
No sugar in my tea, but I would love to pop one of those sweet designs in my mouth!
Cream please,
and a cucumber sandwich, yes please!
Delightful post!
I love Eleanora’s new outfit! Every witch should dress in pink. Oh for a tea party such as this – those cupcakes look divine – and I adore the teapot!!! Such a beautiful table setting. I think I shall have to pop off for some jasmine tea and a cake from the bakers just as a treat! xxx
Are you coming to the Bloglandia Ball? Fairy Violette is on her way and would love to meet you.
In your opinion, what’s the best movie ever created?