A Delightfully English Afternoon

Nel and Jess are aboard the Queen Mary for tea this afternoon.

This stately ship has a rich history reaching back to 1930 when construction on the ocean liner began in Scotland. Click here to read the full story.

Today, we're excited to view the Princess Diana exhibit on display aboard the ship.

 

This collection includes evening gowns and dresses worn by the Princess, as well as photographs, assorted trinkets, and many other royal treasures. 

The girls at Red Rose Alley have long been enchanted with lovely Princess Di.

And we felt like royalty ourselves while dining in the Queen Mary Tea Room for our aunt's birthday celebration.

The delightful tea sandwiches included chicken and mango curry, shrimp salad, Alaskan salmon and caviar, and Nel's personal favorite...canary melon and prosciutto.

Our meal also included scones with assorted jellies and sweet Devonshire cream. 

And as if lunch wasn't decadent enough, the dessert menu featured tantalizing treats like petite eclairs, fruit tartlettes, mocha cakes, lemon meringue tarts, and Jess' pick, raspberry chocolate tortes.

After tea, we had some time to explore the ship and take in the magnificent views... 

...and the historic sites.  

Wheel House 

Captain's Quarters

Sir Winston's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

 

It was a lovely afternoon aboard the Queen Mary, and we can't wait to come back again soon!

 

~ Nel & Jess ~         

Autumn Fairy

It's time to put my Autumn Fairy out.  I almost forgot about her.  She was tucked away with all my Thanksgiving things.

She has the sweetest smile, don't you think?

Her dress poofs out to give her a more whimsical look.

I recently bought this ember candle at my favorite store, Pier 1 Imports.

Whenever I walk in the kitchen, the smell of spices fills the room.

I think it is amazing when the leaves start to change color...

And turn into an exquisite color of tree.  It's easy for me to fall in love with Autumn.

Are you lovin' this season as much as I am?

All pictures are mine except the last one.

~Sheri

Haunted Vintage Harvest

We're throwing a SPOOKtacular party this Halloween...and YOU are invited as our special guest of honor!

Each year we like to choose a theme for our holiday spread. Sometimes it's a bit spooky (like these great vignettes we spotted on our last trip to Disneyland)...

And sometimes it's a little mad (like our tea party from last year). 

This year we decided to draw inspiration from our love of all things vintage...

It's a Haunted Vintage Harvest!

We used burlap, faux grain, and moss to give our homemade crafts that rustic, southern feel.

And we labeled our dishes with a few spooky tags, like "Eye of Newt" and "Snake Venom."

But don't be scared dear friends! These tasty treats were made with love to make you smile.

We're so happy you could join us for our annual Halloween party...and now it's time to eat, drink, and be scary!

~ Sheri, Jess, & Nel ~

Happy Halloween!

Welcome to our sixth annual pumpkin carving contest!

Mom (Sheri) and Dad are the judges. Nel, Jess, their brother, and Jess' boyfriend are the participants. 

If you'd like to catch up on last year's contest, follow this link.
  

The only rules are no pumpkin carving tools and no props may be used.

Let's get the carving party started! 
 
In the running we have Jack Skellington...

The Haunted Mansion...

George Washington...

And the Autumn Owl...

Which is your personal favorite?

And the winner is (drum-roll please)...

The Haunted Mansion!

We wish you all a Happy Halloween filled with plenty of sweets and treats.

~Jess~