vote for a friend!

morning all!









my friend tiedupmemories.etsy.com has been nominated with one of her amazing vintage jewelry eclectic pieces for "which Easter item do you want in your basket?" come on over and place a vote for her...she is wonderful and so deserves this major etsy honor : ) click here to place your vote. i want this in my Easter Basket

a touch of vintage bling!

It is a dreary day here in New Jersey so I thought I would add a little vintage sparkle into our lives! Take a peek...oh so pretty and oh so shiny!!!!!
























gorgeous rhinestone bracelet from southernladysvintage.etsy.com












gorgeous assemblage vintage ring by tiedupmemories.etsy.com






















gorgeous creation from sssj.etsy.com

Meatless Monday!

HAPPY Meatless Monday to you all! : ) Hope you all have a fabulous and wonderful Week! As I told you last week...every day is meatless for me...but I really want to share with you some great meatless recipes that are fun and easy!

SO SIMPLE and SOOOOO Tasty! We all love love salad and we tend to add our favorite home-made balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressings, sometimes splurging with blue cheese and other yummy but caloric concoctions...well here is a little treat that I think you are going to love...it will spice up your favorite salad with a new taste and twist! It's a Thai Peanut Dressing that i think you are going to love. Now you can heat it up with some extra spices or you can leave it the way it is and it is mild and delicious. Put together your favorite salad or add some new items like fresh bean sprouts, thinly sliced jicama, thinly sliced cucumbers, some yummy avocado chunks or any interesting vegetable in season at your local market. How about adding some noodles! Then for some crunch, try flash frying some wonton wrappers (about 9 seconds) and break into pieces on top for a new crouton! YUM! how about some marinated tofu for some protein...your imagination will take you to delicious places!















Thai Salad Dressing

1/2 cup of your favorite peanutbutter
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
1 cup canola oil
1/2 of organic brown sugar
1/2 tsp freshly chopped chili, crushed
red pepper flakes, 2 tsp Sriracha or
2 tablespoons of very finely slices scallions
(the finer and smaller the better)
2 tablespoons of finely chopped roasted
peanuts

Now whisk these all together until they are creamy
and blended and pour on your favorite salad! YUM

Good morning one and all! It's FRIDAY! I love it when something really happy happens...don't you! Well one of my fellow team mates from the Cottage Style Street Team...Crystal Hanehan was a guest on Martha Stewart on Tuesday and you MUST see what happened! tell me this is not FABULOUS!!! I for one would love to wish Crystal and Ben nothing but Happiness -- Love -- Joy -- Health and may all their dreams come true and I know first hand that the ENTIRE Cottage Style Street Team (CSST) would love to wish you both nothing but the best of what life has to offer!
click here: Crystal and Ben



VintagebyCrystal.etsy.com
Please take a look at Crystal's amazing art creations...simply FABULOUS!

Salt and Pepper!

Last night as I was cooking and using a large amount of fresh cracked pepper as I usually do (everyone in this house hold LOVES fresh ground pepper in abundance) my hand grew tired and I remembered the days when Mom has fun and unique salt and pepper shakers on the table and in the hutch. You see we also use course grain salt and that is in a little salt box with a spoon. I kind of miss those interesting little details in the kitchen but I do love the taste of fresh so I just did a little search on Etsy and had tons of fun doing so! Take a peek and add a little spice into your day! These are so much fun but when all is said and done...I will still be grinding my pepper and sprinkling my course salt...ah the sacrifices we make for flavor!

How cute are these two love geese from southernladysvintage.etsy.com


















How perfect are these vintage cuties for Easter Sunday by catnapcottage.etsy.com
















speaking of Easter...how cute are these little vintage cuties from sosovintage.etsy.com


















how about these little vintage dachshunds (how can I refuse a doxie) these are from SallyCinnamonVintage.etsy.com tooooooo cute! Remember to opt to ADOPT the real thing! (sorry i couldn't resist! : )

A dreamy day!

Morning everyone! I allowed myself to dream about being surrounded by all things pretty today...hope you enjoy a little bit of dreamy...so this is where i would like to have my coffee this morning...
{Photo Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn}














how about a little break in the day to read a Somerset Magazine and enjoy a cup of yummy coffee!

{Photo Credit: Wake Up Frankie}














a casual dinner with the family
{Photo Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn}












then a dreamy nights sleep
{Photo Credit: Layla Grace}

now wasn't that pretty! in this little dream I took the day off and just read, engulfed myself in Somersets Magazines and many others, didn't look at the computer, watched some of my favorite shows, hugged my pets, spent time with my family (we ordered out : ) lol! took a nice walk and relaxed...now that is a dream...never to be reality -- but it was nice to dream! : ) hugs to you all!

Meatless Monday!

Morning to all of my friends...although every day is meatless for me...for those of you that don't know me, I am a vegetarian and the reason being is my love and devotion to animals, they are my heart (so is my family and friends : ) So, I wanted to share will all my friends the whole concept of Meatless Monday. The most popular Vegetarian of all times...Sir Paul McCartney and his daughters Stella and Mary launched Support Meatless Monday in the UK and now it is catching on Globally. So I thought I would share some healthful tips with you each Monday and I will start out slow and then share a lot of my own recipes and maybe create some new ones for you to try! So today I am going to give you a little over view and some simple recipes and then there will be lots of fun each Monday as we delve a bit deeper into the GLORIES of being a vegetarian! : ) Also I will be filling you in on the major benefits for the earth and the environment by going veggie and how much you will be doing by going veggie on Monday's.

this picture is courtesy of "goop" Gwyneth Paltrow blog






Ok...Let's start with something easy and fresh!
Minestrone with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and White Beans

photo credit...vegetarian times







ingredient list

Serves 6
* 1 Tbs. olive oil
* 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp. dried basil (or about 20 fresh leaves torn)
* 1 bunch of beautiful scallions slice small or 1 medium onion, diced (11/2 cups)
* 2 large or 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds (1 cup)
* 3 stalks celery, sliced (1 cup)
* 6 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbs.)
* 1 zucchini
* 6 mushrooms (your choice)
* 1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
* 1 15-oz. can white beans, rinsed and drained ( love to use chick peas)
* 1 large potato diced small
* 1 cup fresh or frozen peas or green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
* 2 Tbs. white wine vinegar (i LOVE balsamic vinegar)
* Add your favorite little pasta...Acini De Pepe, mini bows, mini shells...etc..
pre-cook -- drain and add right before serving. A shake of good hot red pepper
flakes adds a little kick!
(remember...you can add any other veggies to this yummy soup...go with the seasons... add what veggies look fabulous in your market...an ear of fresh corn adds freshness and a touch of sweetness! oh so many possibilities...go with the flow and what your tastebuds tell you...there is no WRONG : ) have fun and enjoy)...serve with a nice crusty bread and you will say YUM!!!!!

1. Heat oil (you can always add a tad more if you need it) in 3-qt. saucepan over medium heat. Add oregano and basil, and stir 30 seconds. Add onion or scallions, carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms and garlic. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes, and cook 5 minutes more. Add white beans and 4 cups water, ( I use a good veggie broth such as Trader Joe's Vegetarian Broth, College Inn Vegetarian Broth or any good brand, also another great alternative is to make your own veggie stock and have it on hand in your freezer for when you make soup...we will go into that later in the Meatless Monday Series...and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Add peas, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes more. Stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

calories in a bowl: approximately 200

Well more to come next week...hope you enjoy this little series : ) as they say..."try it...you'll like it!" If you like this series...please leave a comment...would love to know what you think and what you would like to see.

Hot...Hot...Hot....

Well Spring has Sprung...I am not a fan of the REALLY hot weather but I do like my food with tons of spice...I have to share with you all one of the best condiments that you can add to your fridge...for those of you who love to "heat" things up...SRIRACHA is for you!!!!!! You can put it on everything, I love it on veggies, rice, pasta, toast (yes...toast : )...trust me if you like things hot and spicy this will become the new ketchup in your fridge! Just had to share that with you : ) ENJOY!!!!! YUM!!!

Pops and Basil would like your attention please :)

Morning Friends....Pops and Basil would like to have your attention please! : )


Well it is March 19th...it is time to announce the winners of the Give Away...but first I have to apologize to everyone...I had the bracelet next to my coffee cup and YES...I spilled :( so I have to replace the bracelet with this pretty necklace made from vintage findings...vintage aurora borealis and a wonderful pink lace applique...I truly love this piece and I hope the winner does also! so sorry!


The winner of the Necklace is: Deb at Sparkling Scrapbooks

The winners of the Hello Dollie Necklaces are:








Ann Tatum: KeepingUpWithTheTatums

TiedUpMemories.etsy.com and Tiedupmemories

MarieDodd Mariedodd

and I added 2 surprise runners up : )

Monika from MyEuropeantouch.etsy.com MyEuropeanTouch

Deb from StarryDeborah.etsy.com StarryDeborah1.etsy.com and Starrynightimpressions

Now ladies...please send me your mailing addresses to: petitfoursandtea@gmail.com
I am looking forward to hearing from you all! : ) CONGRATS!!!!!!

One more day left!!!! A reminder to all!

A big WELCOME to all of my friends and new friends to be. As the little sign at the top of the blog says...Queen of Random and that is what this blog will be...you never know what will pop up so I hope you visit often.

To Christen my new blog I am going to do a Give Away! All you have to do is leave a comment and your name will be entered into the drawing. My two rescue dachshunds Pops and Basil will be drawing the winning names on March 19th...my birthday...what better way to celebrate...giving friends a gift!

The first give away will be a hand made bracelet that is comprised of all vintage buttons and findings...the design is built on a base that is covered in yummy vintage lace...I hope you enjoy it.








The second give away will be 3 (yes there will be three) brand new dimensional Hello Dollie Pendants that have been kissed with a tiny touch of sparkle.
So come on over and leave a little comment...can't wait to hear from you! hugs...pops

Top of the Mornin to you!

Well a very HAPPY St. Paddy's Day to you all! I think what this page needs is a wee bit of green. I am so honored to be the leader of the Cottage Style Street Team in the wonderful land of Etsy...so i decided to take a peek and see what my team had in the way of St. Paddy's Celebrations...well of course i was delightfully surprised!
How adorable are these tiny pieces of whimsy by: VintagebyCrystal.etsy.com! Check out all of her other treasures...so precious!




Then we have WeeCuteTreasures.etsy.com who is actually from the gorgeous Emerald Land of Ireland! Here treasures are oh so wee...and oh so cute! Please take a moment to peek at her other adorable creations!


I leave you today with a wish I have for all of you...

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

hugs to all...pops!

Yummy New Finds!

Morning friends! How are you today. As you know I am going to the Art Opera in Redbank NJ and this gala event is run by the ultra talented Lisa Kettel, many of you know her and all of her amazing accomplishments...well she has just premiered her own new line of deliciously yummy papers and I had to share them with you. Take a peek and hop over to her website to see more...LisaKettel

Remember... the giveaway is over on Friday and winners will be announced...so leave a comment ANYWHERE on the blog and you will automatically be entered! : ) Scroll down to the bottom if you haven't seen the prizes : ) Hugs...pops! (picture from Lisa Kettel's website) everyone...look around on Lisa's blog and all of her other blogs...she brings you into many magical and wonderful worlds!

Happy Monday...Paper Perfection

photo from Tinsel Trading Company Website


Morning to everyone! Needed a little cheering up this gloomy monday morning in rainy New Jersey...so i clicked into the wonderful world of Tinsel Trading Company
what an absolute treasure this shoppe is...filled with everything one dreams about to create amazing desserts for the eyes!!!!! Look at these yummy papers...are you hungry for more...grab a hot cup of your favorite brew...click in and have tons and tons of fun. Wishing you all a picture perfect day...Art Opera is less than 4 weeks away...getting excited more and more each day! Hugs to all...pops

The flight of the hummingbird

I was really thinking of my mother this week so i created something new featuring the hummingbird...pretty little silver bobbies... so I thought I would share with you my hummingbird story. The rapid winged hummingbird is very special to my family...For over 10 years we had a pretty little hummingbird feeder in our yard, hanging from the Dogwood tree. We kept in filled with sweet nectar and red ribbons flowing from the bottom and still there were no hummingbirds. Kept the vigil going, but still no fast winged beauties appeared. My Mother lived with us all of our married life...she was a part of everything in our lives and fortunately got to see her grandchildren(they called her Hema). She was very ill for almost 10 years and became bedridden and we cared for her at home the entire time...so you can imagine when she passed we were all so distraught, especially me. I needed some sort of peace with all of this... I didn't know what to do to calm myself down, I prayed which of course helped so much but I made a secret wish, I asked my mother to send me a sign to let me know she was ok. Of course I would not ask something that was easily accomplished so I asked her to send me a hummingbird and that way I knew she was in a wonderful place. Well, I told NO ONE of this wish! Absolutely NO ONE. A week after she had passed, my husband and son were in the backyard and I heard these screams! MOM get out here, you have to see. I flew outside and there was a hummingbird fluttering at the feeder...FIRST TIME EVER! Can you imagine my delight and when I told the family they were in "happy tears". So the hummingbird is so special to us all and I love to share this uplifting story with everyone...a little bit of hope goes a long way. Love you Mom.

My friends...please scroll down and leave a comment for the giveaways : ) refer to my first post...hugs...pops

Postcards for Satori

Visit InfoServe for Blogger backgrounds.

Morning friends...hope you are having a great day. A fellow Etsian is asking if we would all join together and make her little girl Satori smile. Little Satori has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (typeII). She uses a power wheelchair and can't walk or even crawl...but her Mom says she is a rock star...super sense of humor...wonderful grades a fabulous big sister and daughter.

She is extremely weak physically and she can on longer hold her body up, she developed severe scoliosis. The curve of her spine is starting to crush her lung so on March 31st she is having full spinal fusion.

Thank God they have wonderful health insurance and everything is covered...but they are traveling to Californina and Mom (Melissa Lewis from HautTotes.etsy.com) wants to have a fun project for little Satori so she is asking if you could kindly send her a postcard -- any postcard from ANY WHERE with a HAPPY message...they are going to have a map so they can sneak a little geography in there! Just a simple card and a stamp can make this little girls experience so much softer and kinder and who doesn't like to get GOOD mail : )

I do not know this family -- just read the post and was very touched by it. So if you can...get a cool post card -- write and uplifting message -- draw a picture -- use some special stickers...you are all so creative so use your imagination have fun you can start mailing on the 26th of March...those of you outside the US probably in about a week... send a smile to:
Satori Lewis
Surgery date 3-31-10
Davis 7 Pediatrics
UC Davis Children's Hospital
2315 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95817 USA

for a few more details Satori

Art Opera

Good Morning my friends! Hope you are all enjoying your second or third cup of tea or coffee! I just wanted to tell you a little about a fabulous event called Art Opera...All of you in the altered art world and in the cottage world would fall in love with this event at first sight...please drop by: Art Opera and have a look. I am so thrilled that I will be a vendor there on the 10th and 11th of April. I am looking forward to meeting on-line friends in person and making new ones. Have a peek! The event is hosted by Lisa Kettell...what an absolute delight she is and what a talent...have a peek at her new book: Altered Art Circus

Remember my Give Away Below...comment and you are entered...hugs...pops

Welcome To Petit Fours and Tea with Pops.

A big WELCOME to all of my friends and new friends to be. As the little sign at the top of the blog says...Queen of Random and that is what this blog will be...you never know what will pop up so I hope you visit often.

To Christen my new blog I am going to do a Give Away! All you have to do is leave a comment and your name will be entered into the drawing. My two rescue dachshunds Pops and Basil will be drawing the winning names on March 19th...my birthday...what better way to celebrate...giving friends a gift!

The first give away will be a hand made bracelet that is comprised of all vintage buttons and findings...the design is built on a base that is covered in yummy vintage lace...I hope you enjoy it.








The second give away will be 3 (yes there will be three) brand new dimensional Hello Dollie Pendants that have been kissed with a tiny touch of sparkle.
So come on over and leave a little comment...can't wait to hear from you! hugs...pops