Oh, I have treats to show you, blazing fire too! Here’s treat #1: Musica
Something delicious is cooking!
Where do we start . . . let’s see, how about here. . .
This is Titcombs Bookshop in Sandwich on Cape Cod where I went to sign books last week. But look what they did — with brown plastic tablecloths, they made the front of their shop into a gingerbread house! They cut heavy white paper plates in half and glued them around the doors and windows, and used some as edges to the “house” . . . they made candies out of them too, and lollypops in the window boxes. Isn’t that brilliant!?! I thought so too. I’d love to try this on our house next year.
I’m almost all unpacked from the trip now . . . I thought I’d show you some of the things I got at antique stores as we crossed the country. First off, lambs! You know how much I love lambs! I had a few before we went away, but on this trip whenever I saw one I thought would fit with my little group, I would get it. It was so fun to unwrap them, slowly, after forgetting what I’d gotten. I have a flock!
And look, treasure! I found a Beatrix Potter figurine of Samuel Whiskers! There was no possible way for me to leave him in that dusty old store, alone and unloved. I’d never seen this figurine before . . . did not even know what I was missing. Adorable thing, I saw it from across the room and honed in on it like a submarine sonar system. (Like I know what a submarine sonar system is, I think I made that up, but you know what I mean! Like Jack and his rubber band!) And now Samuel has friends. Never to be alone again.
And later, in another store, I found Mrs. Tittlemouse! Another BP person from 1948 I did not know existed. In her jaunty striped coat with the
bow on the back! She’s now lined up with the others on my kitchen shelf . . .
And look at this gorgeous vintage tea set I found! It was displayed on a starched white lace tablecloth in an antique store in Oklahoma City and practically glowed in the dark it was so pretty. I walked round and round it like a tiger in a cage. It was such a good deal, I couldn’t leave it there, so we wrapped it all in newspaper and brought it home, and now I’ve given it a nice soapy bath.
It’s all hand-painted, gold-edged, and made in England, it even came with an old silver sugar spoon!
The set serves six, it’s only missing one cup. But I mixed-and-matched it with both old and new china cups and mugs, to see what it looks like, and I think it’s even better. I love mismatched! You know what a dish person I am.
Here’s what it says on the bottom. I don’t think it has a pattern name; I’m thinking Tuscan is the name of the China company. Has anyone ever heard of it?
I love nesting . . . I’ve been making up for lost time . . .
We’re taking it slow . . . we haven’t even trimmed the tree yet. That’s OK, it’s in a bucket of water in the dining room, so we’re close. There’s a wreath on the front door, we’re getting there. We have Christmas in our hearts! I’m determined to enjoy this season and in order to do that, I want to go slow and not feel hurried. If something doesn’t get done, it won’t matter. A little poinsettia in the window is just fine for me . . .
I’m just happy to be . . .
I’m spending lots of time in the kitchen with my little buddy . . .
Jack is interested in everything I do, and everything that goes on outside our window ~
It’s been really cold, but beautiful . . . decorative cardinals have been flocking around the feeders. Note, you California/Florida Girlfriends, that there is no color out there in the garden, it is a sepia/white world here in the winter, which is why we were blessed with the Cardinal. What a gift!
And it’s not cold inside, it’s crackling and cozy and smells just wonderful . . .
One thing I’ve been doing is making a few little food-gift items for friends. This morning I made one of my favorite candies for this time of year, chocolate-covered Almond Brittle from page 132 of Vineyard Seasons. SO easy, and perfectly irresistible ~ and very mailable . . I thought I’d show you how, in case you have a last minute someone you’d like to please . . . . But first, more MUSICA for the kitchen dance . . .
So all you do is (don’t blink because this recipe is really fast!) put one pound of butter and two cups of sugar in a large heavy pot on top of your stove.
then pour in one-quarter cup of water . . . hook a candy thermometer to the side of the pan . . . don’t let the tip touch the bottom.
Melt the butter together with the sugar and the water over medium-high heat . . . boil mixture briskly until your candy thermometer reads 300°.
Stir and stir, boil and boil, and while you do you can count your blessings and . . .
watch the birds and stir a little more . . .
The mixture will cook and darken like brittle should. When it reaches the “crack” hard candy stage on your candy thermometer, 300°, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in two cups of sliced almonds.
Then spread the mixture thinly on an ungreased (plenty of butter already in the recipe) cookie sheet (or two) and allow it to cool.
When the brittle is almost cool, melt eight ounces unsweetened chocolate over low heat in a heavy pan, stirring constantly.
Then brush the warm chocolate over the top of the candy. Let it cool completely before you
break it up into pieces (I hit the bottom of the pan with a hammer to put hairline cracks in it all over, then I do the rest with a knife).
. . . and then I fill the tins and boxes I’ve collected to use for Christmas gifts . . . old ones and new ones from the pantry . . .
I had this darling box that I lined in a lace doily, and I knew the perfect person to give it to. . .
It’s the same person I’m giving the dishes to . . . the perfect little gift for . . .
Y O U !
Surprise! Yes, it’s YOU ♥ YOU ♥ YOU, (like bread and fishes, I wish it could be all of you, but for a few days, it will be only YOU, and then, one of you really will walk away with this elegant little English tea set, just in time for Downton Abbey! It’s my present to you. It’s been so long, I wanted it to be something nice. The minute I saw these dishes, I thought, my girls will love these. But then, I couldn’t send them out without a little homemade something! That wouldn’t be right. So I made you some Chocolate-Covered Almond Brittle to remember me by. Now all you have to do is leave me a
comment at the bottom of this post and you’ll automatically be entered for the drawing for the Tea Set and box of homemade candy.
(BTW, If this blog comes to your email box, in order to enter you will have to click on www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and come here to the online version, then scroll to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments,” click on it and leave a word or two and you’ll be entered!)
Then our girl Vanna (Vanna is the same as a “random number generator” only our Vanna has a lot more verve and style) will be pressed back into service. She’s done NOTHING for months, it’s about time she earned her keep. In a few days she will choose one of your names from her giant Santa hat and I’ll announce the winner. Tell your friends too Girlfriends, your sisters and your mom, because even if you don’t win, you could get invited to Tea (possibly even Twine) at their house and have candy to boot. You can leave as many comments as you want, Vanna knows to only count each name once. She is a contest-engineering genius.
So while I’m cleaning up, I’ll tell you about another surprise. Because if any of you bought a signed copy of our new book A FINE ROMANCE from our studio for your friends and family during this month of December, you don’t know it, but you’ve already given a gift to some very 
special people. Oh yes! Seven dollars from each purchase through our studio for the entire month of December will be going to Casa Pacifica, an organization in California that “Builds Foundations of Hope” for abused and neglected children. ♥
So I got lambs and new BP People and I got to go out and meet so many of you, and you got dishes and candy, and lots more I hope, and we all made a little bit of a difference for children and families, because without you there would be no FINE ROMANCE. ♥ High five, Girlfriends. Thank you also for the wonderful reviews on Amazon, I know it’s you. We are still number one in England Travel Guides! Thank you so much! We make a little difference in our own little kindred spirit world. What goes around comes around.♥
And now it’s time . . . I can smell it from here . . .
I put a little something in the oven for lunch . . . and it’s ready!
A big delicious, salted buttered sweet potato all caramelized and ready to go. Oh yes. Perfect for this cold day. Off I go now. Don’t forget to leave your comment Girls. Good luck, I hope you are having just the very best time! ♥
What a beautiful tea set. I need another like I need a hole in my head, but just as you couldn’t pass it up, neither can I. And I am inspired to make the almond brittle for a few of my friends too – I have some lovely tins and boxes…………………..
Merry Christmas to you!
Mary
OMGoodness!! When I was reading this post I kept rolling back to look at how BEAUTIFUL those tea cups and that teapot were … SO IN LOVE!! The brittle looks wonderful … we love it in our family and it would be a perfect addition to our Christmas holidays. THANK YOU for holding this event … what a wonderful way to spread the Christmas spirit!
I wouldn’t miss your blog – I absolutely love it! I am always looking through old book stores just in case I can find one of your books.
I will repeat my ongoing comment to you Susan:
Thank you for always being so inspirational and for constantly reminding me how beautiful life at home and the simple things can be!! XO
Susan you really bring the spirit of Christmas to our homes. Last evening I was looking through your Christmas books and watching A Holiday Affair. I always think of you when I watch the older holiday movies, something we share a love for. It just brings so much joy and happiness to all of us.
Emily wanted to tell you that she found out she is allergic to cats, and therefore she knows she will not be getting one for Christmas. Just seeing Jack makes her smile, so keep sharing please.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and please stay warm, the winds are brutal today.
What a sweetheart you are! Would love the pretty set of dishes and your yummy homemade candy! Thank you for sweetening our day – hope yours is lovely too!
Salivating for brittle…clearing the table for the dishes…fingers and toes crossed for good luck…what treasures! xo
If you win, Laura, I’m flying down for tea! 😉
Love this — Hey Girls!
Your travel treasures are exquisite, but I envy your beautiful window view. Beautiful cardinals against the backdrop of snow! We see snow only once or twice in a lifetime in south Texas.
Been having a hard time getting in the Christmas mood,our son lnlaw passed away from complications after surgery 2 weeks ago . Your post is so comforting—a cozy simple Christmas, really, the way it should be.
I’m so sorry Pat. That’s terrible news. ((hugs)) to you dear.
Many hugs and much love to you Pat.
Oh Pat…so sorry. Will be lifting you and your family in my prayers…((HUGS))
my deepest sympathies Pat, sending hugs ad prayers your way.
Thinking of you, Pat, and your whole family…
Many prayers and hugs are going to you and your family, Pat. Our good Lord is in charge and He will NEVER forget you. …”I can do all things in Him who comforts me.”
So sorry to hear this terrible news, especially at this time of year. You will be remembered in my prayers.
Pat, I’m so sorry to hear this news. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs your way.
Thank you for your kind thoughts .
Pat,
So very sorry for your loss. May hands of healing, strength and comfort be placed upon you and peace fill your hearts. Hugs and prayers…
Blessings to you, Pat. Saying a prayer for you and your family. I hope your win Susan’s gift 🙂
Dear Pat – sorry to hear your news. This is a healing place.
Hugs, prayers and sister Love go out to you Pat…and your family.
Prayers for you and your family Pat.
~ So Sorry for your loss ~
Oh Ms. Susan! I’m so excited. I just love the gingerbread house idea. We have a steep gable like that on the front of our house and that would look so perfect! I asked my husband for A Fine Romance and I showed him your website so he would know where to buy it. Being the frugal man he is said that an online bookstore was cheaper. But I told him that it wouldn’t be a signed copy. Now you tell us part of the sells will go to CASA. My husband has been a long time supporter of this wonderful organization and will be so pleased to hear this. This warms my soul. Blessings to you Susan.
Oh that’s perfect Chrissy. Makes me happy to hear that!
Oh Pat I’m so sorry! Hugs to you and your family.
Pat,
I am so sorry. May your memories of your son-in-law, and the love you all share, carry you through these difficult times. Sending you a virtual hug and keeping your family in my prayers.
Chris
Dear Pat, I pray that you would be wrapped in love and comfort as you grieve the loss of your son-in-law. Draw close to those you love!
I am so very sorry. I pray right now that God gives you peace and comfort; His arms are very, very big; He will carry you. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.
I am so sorry, Pat. May God comfort your hearts.
Sad to hear of your loss, Pat. Prayers coming your way…
Oh Pat… so sorry to hear of the passing of your son-in-law… hugs across the miles.
Please let me add my sympathy to that of all your other friends here, Pat. So very sorry about your son-in-law. God bless you and your whole family…
We are all thinking of you. So sorry for your loss. Peace and Love Pat!
I always felt like a girlfriend wannabe, but your sweet dear sentiments have made me feel we truly are good friends . Our daughter is our biggest concern now , she is amazing,a strong spiritual belief& loved & admired by many friends —she is the one who has the greatest loss . Thank God she has her teaching job —-her students & faculty love her.This is a journey we are all on and in time we each face the enviable Thank God for people like Susan Branch that makes our journey so joyful!
Was trying to say we each face the inevitable ,
must have been spell check
Pat I am so sorry for your daughters loss and yours. It will be 2yrs since I lost my husband on the 29th. I know how lost she feels, just be there for her. When she is ready please give her this site information, it was a great help to me. There are others there who get it, http://www.sslf.org and http://www.widowedvillage.org Wishing you all peace and healing.
How very sad for you and your family, Pat. Lifting you in prayer for peace and comfort. Sending a hug and my sympathy.
You are so sweet! I would love to win–what a lovely post!
Your posts are getting me in the festive spirit! Here’s hoping I’ll win some candy to share with my love on Christmas 😉
xoxo
Heather
Hi Susan,
As always everything is beautiful. You have inspired me to get in the kitchen and bake today. I love the tea set. Please enter me in the drawing.
XXOO
Elizabeth Quigley
Joy! Joy! Joy! I not only get to enjoy Christmas but I get to do it with my BFF Susan Branch and her wonderful stories! Wishing you and Joe and Jack and Kitty a fabulous, snowy Christmas – fireplace full of flames to warm the house and YOU! XXXXOOOO Pat
I am pretty sure there was a “squeal” heard round the world as all the girlfriends read about the amazing give away!!! First I was excited just to see a new posting but the chance to win that beautiful china is beyond Christmas joy! YOU are so good to us 🙂 Once again, loved every bit of the posting, even the picture of the dirty dishes…lol Only we girlfriends, right?
I am also still decorating, little by little, all the things I said I wasn’t going to do this year. But, as I thought about this or that from years past I just had to get them out to enjoy…and it’s really just the little simplest of things!
LOVE that recipe for the brittle. looks so yummy. Will definitely be making some for gifts. Thanks for sharing. Stay warm!
Ditto the above.
My goodness, what a sweet surprise… on both counts, the almond brittle and the charming tea set! The almond brittle will be a last minute gift to tuck in the box that will be headed to my best friend, Jacquie, who lives on top of Doe Mtn. in Dahlonega, Georgia. And, of course, I’d love the tea set, like all your girlfriends. Hmm… too bad Vanna can’t be bribed.
I loved seeing your lamb collection. We had an elderly couple who lived in Amboy when I was growing up. Their last name was Lamb. Marie never had any children but what she did have was a house full of lambs, including two wooden ones in their two front windows. When they passed away in the 60s, there was a sale and, of course, the lambs went quickly.
A few years ago, I drove past their house and saw to my delight that the people now living in their old house had the wooden lambs prominently displayed in the windows, no doubt to keep a town memory alive all these decades later! Isn’t that neat?
Sara
Happy Christmas week Susan! So today you’ve got me making Almond Bark. It will be gifted to my neighbors along with traditional gingerbread boys & girls, Russian tea cakes & Brad’s special chocolate covered cherries. At Thanksgiving he injects 8 boxes of them with Grand Marnier, peppermint schnapps, B&B and Kahlua then they rest til Christmas for a nice cordial assortment. Grandtreasure Arielle and I made candy trays to present all these special gifts.
I loved seeing all the treasures found on your trip across the country — beautiful dishes and BP figurines. Sure will be fun to give a tea party with those dishes for some lucky girlfriend 🙂 . What a fun time you had. The view out your window is lovely, of course it’s raining here (surprise) but the weather man keeps tantalizing us with “chance of snow”. Won’t hold my breath. That baked sweet potato looks so luscious. I might give that a try tonight. I LOVE that some of our book purchases $$ are going to such a worthy cause. Thank you for that. Merry merry.
Thank you so much for sharing your Cardinals. They are beautiful. I’ve never seen one in person and it is my goal to do so. I love that you and I have accepted that we can’t do everything and what we can do is ok. A frazzled woman at this time of year is no fun for anyone. You made me feel so good to know that besides spreading joy to the girlfriends you are able to help some who have less with your lovely book. As usual you have warmed my heart with your talents. I feel like a winner already just by reading today’s post. 🙂
Susan: I’m so glad you are back on Martha’s Vineyard. Although your book signing tour was fun to follow, there is no place like your home for me. Thank you for the brittle recipe and congratulations on A Fine Romance being England’s best selling travel book. You deserve nothing but joy because that is what you give to others.
Merry Christmas to all.
Merry Christmas to you also, Terri!
Thank you, Carol. Isn’t this just the most wonderful place to be?
Oh, Susan, I’d love to win the china! I just love your blog, your work and, especially, A Fine Romance!
Oh my toes just curled with excitement when I read you were giving away that lovely lovely tea set!!! I must say, Susan, you have already given me such wonderful gifts these last two years. I enjoyed “traveling” with you and Joe during your trip last year and then this year, reading A Fine Romance, I got to experience it all over again. I haven’t been able to travel for quite a while as I have been taking care of my ailing parents, so experiencing what you did through the blog and book brightened many days for me. Thank you for sharing your life with your girlfriends as we just love you, Susan!!! You are amazing. Hugs from Minnesota!!!
Hello Susan~
Jack looks relieved that you are home. It’s fun to travel but always good to come home. You found some real treasures on your journey across the country. The dishes are beautiful! A merry Christmas to all!
Barbara
Lovely – and delicious. I can’t imagine a gingerbread house like that surviving our northern BC winters – we had freezing rain and 90km/hr winds on Sunday and a flash freeze blizzard last night. We don’t get cardinals but the purple finches and red polls make up for it, and our incredible skies bracketing short winter days.
First you delighted me with the lambs and then I swooned over the china set. How perfect. Then the sweet potato!!!! Such “yummyness”. Maybe Vanna will pick my name!!!
I don’t know what to say. You are so sweet Susan Branch! Even if I don’t win, I love this post, its a gift. Its sooo good that you are home!
Yes, I love this post as well! Always so happy to read Susan’s posts.~Sherrill in CT
Love your blog! Have a wonderful holiday – it sounds like you are on your way. Debra
You make my heart happy!!!!!
Susan….as always…..a delightful read. Love the Musica you picked, some of my favorites. I’ve made your Ginger Crisps cookies into polar bears, complete with frosting and sparkly sugar, as part of my gifts and to have a few of our own. Have a wonderful Christmas…our tree isn’t decorated either…yet. Love, Rachel
Oh my goodness!!! What an incredible gift! I love, love teapots, and that pattern looks so familiar, I know I have something around here that it matches! My husband’s late mother or grandmother had it, but I can’t remember where it is. Probably packed away. That brittle looks SO good! I don’t know how you manage to cook and keep your kitchen so clean! 🙂
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and your sweet kitties~
What a beautiful posting. For whomever wins the beautiful gift I wish you a merry Christmas. Our Susan continues to amaze me and best of all a gift to the children. Thank you Susan
Susan, you are trouble! Because I have just retired from teaching and am enjoying nesting like never before- all I needed was another idea. The grandchildren are coming down from Oregon in a few days and I have been blissfully preparing. I am in the middle of sewing doll clothes but fixating on giving the potting shed some extra Christmas cheer. Well, it is an 8×10 gray shingled with paned white windows my husband and I built together about 10 years ago. The concrete garden gnome stands outside the door with his red bow and red and green edison lights are hanging inside.
So.. I am off to see if I can find brown plastic table clothes. Don’t worry, the doll clothes will get done I promis.
Thank you!
Lani
always enjoy your blogs so very much, especially now that it is winter. your snow looks so nice. in ga we don’t get much snow. merry Christmas & happy new year. ann
What a beatiful gift! I hope I win – it would be better than the lottery! You are so sweet to remember us in your travels 🙂
What a wonderful tea set — reminds me of afternoons with my grandmother!
Awesome! That tea set is beeaauutiful! Merry Christmas Susan. I like that your taking it slooow and just enjoying the season 😉
Much love to you, Joe and the kitties this Christmas.
Jillian from RI
We also noticed the outside of Titcombs book that Saturday and thought that was genius. So festive. Also went to the Bee Hive restaurant from your August blog recommendation and told the waitress and owner about the August entry. So took out the smart phone, went to archives and they read it. They were tickled. Archives is a beautiful thing! Busy putting together 3 very special signed Xmas gifts.
Another great post & those dishes, oh be still my heart.
You’re a connector Kathy! You just can’t help it! xoxo
Oh my, I got so excited over the tea set, and being the first one to comment, I forgot to mention how so darn cute that book store looks! What clever gals!
The Beatrix Potter figures are so sweet. How lucky you are to find them in such good condition.
Ok, back to work for me. We’re just now getting our Christmas stuff out, and hubby is going to want my help any second!
Hi Susan,
It’s been a very long time since I posted here. So many things going on and good life changes happening. It sounds like your journey cross country was a fabulous time. I must thank you so very much….I was unable to travel to the Toadstool Bookshop, Milford NH book signing to attend with my Best-est Friend and Kindred Spirit, Kim, but she picked up a 2014 calendar for me and had you personalize it. Thank you so very much, January will be much warmer every time I check my calendar and see your message. Hopefully we shall meet next Summer at Stillmeadow.
Is that a Benjamin Bunny on a rocking horse in your kitchen window??? If so I know I have never seen that one.
I knew I was buying almonds a few days ago for some reason!! Can’t wait to try your brittle recipe this weekend. Oh…and thanks so much for validating me as I do not have my Christmas tree up yet either…maybe I’ll just enjoy everyone else’s this year. 🙂
~ Jamie
As always, such a beautiful post. I love the dishes, the idea of chocolate almond brittle, but more than that, just the wonderful blog post today.
So, maybe Lady Luck (and Vanna!) will come my way. Maybe not. But either way, I am already a winner since I am A GIRLFRIEND>
Thank you for all your “presents” throughout the year, Susan.
What a brilliant idea the bookstore had to decorate for the season!!! Cute!!!Yikes, would be cute on your house, too, but your house looks so pretty with the wreath and evergreen roping that you use normally and I’m worried about Joe on that ladder!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing the recipe for the candy–and the idea of making that for Christmas gifts–much faster and easier than the caramels I usually make to give! I love the tea set–how perfect for entertaining a girlfriend with tea…
yum, yum, yum…..I can smell it cooking from here in Chicago….and the tea set…so lovely….you made some great finds on your cross country adventure. Was lucky enough to meet you at Anderson’s in Downer’s Grove….thank you again for coming…I cherish my signed book. Wishing you a very Blessed Christmas and Joy-filled 2014…thank you for sharing your life with us girlfriends!!! ~MaryK.
Love, love, love reading your blogs. And you’re book, just kind of whisks me away and in my mind I can have the same awesome experiences as you. Thank you also for reminding us to count our blessings daily.
Pick me please! I just adore the little china set 🙂
Oh my goodness! I would be doing the most amazing happy dance if Vanna picks me! And then I would have one tea party after another…even if it’s just I with me, myself and I! Merry Christmas and welcome home!
Wow, what a wonderful gift! You are very generous, Susan. You brighten our lives in so many ways. Bless you and Merry Christmas.
Susan! You got me! That surprise ending to your story is so fun! (Dear Vanna, I want those dishes!) I was able to visit your Martha’s Vineyard in October, and boy am I hooked! Glad you’re home and snuggled in for the Holidays. Congratulations on all of your hard-earned success. Merry Christmas!
Oh Susan, what a wonderful gift! I love reading your blog and I just received my copy of a fine romance and look forward to reading it over Christmas. I am originally from England but now live in Canada. I love to read about “home” and am looking forward to a nice pumpkin spice tea and your book. My fingers are crossed for the tea set!
Oh Susan! Dear Susan! What a glorious gift to share! Vanna knows that I will adore her (and you of course) even if my name isn’t chosen, but OH! it’s so beautiful that I can’t help but cross my fingers a little that I’ll be blessed with this little bit of heaven from S’wonderful Susan! Merry Christmas to all!
Susan!!!!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! I can’t believe it, what a wonderful, generous, thoughtful, surprise!!!! I have to wipe my nose prints off my computer screen as i was oogling over the tea pot, cups and saucers and the brittle looks absolutely D-Lish! Thanks for such a treat and opportunity!!!
It has been the wonkiest week and it’s only Wednesday!?! Perhaps it’s the full moon?!? Reading your post was just what I needed and then too see all the beautiful photos and then, the giveaway – well, I’m over the full moon myself!
I’m delighted to see you’re taking things slow, I feel the same way this Christmas! Although I will also say, a just-turned one year old puppy is putting a big perspective on my Christmas decorating this year. She’s quite the curious girl, her name is Grace and we call her “goodness gracious, a fine mess” because “everything” goes into her mouth! She keeps us on our toes. And, I dont’ know if we could love her anymore! 🙂 But, I too am savoring every little bit about this wondrous season.
Sending HUGE hugs, big, squishy, fleecy ones and oodles of Christmas spirit and magical love to you, Joe and the kitties.
XooX,
Jeanette
Your blog helps bring me Christmas Joy!!!
The tea set and brittle are AMAZING and you’re right just in time for DA-Season four!!!!!!!!
Thank you for bringing smiles and happy dances which is what happens whenever a new blog posting shows up in my mail box!!!!!
Oh Susan, love your little flock! So glad to see your sidekick, I worried about your kitties while you were gone. If Mrs. Tittlemouse and Samuel Whiskers were unknown to you, I’m afraid, girlfriend that there are many, many, many BP people that you need to acquaint yourself with!!! What a journey that will be! Lovely tea set! Oh the snow looks wonderful ~ I sure miss it!!
Of course I love your blog and you’re give-a-ways are always wonderful! Those dishes are too too much, and chocolate– enough said! I am glad you are home for Christmas, and I think I enjoyed your trip almost as much as you!
Thanks
What a lovely tea set. I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Susan Branch, tho’ I’ve never had the pleasure to meet you in person, I DO feel you are a dear girlfriend in my heart. I am always so very inspired by your gifts. YOUR gifts, not your give-a-way gifts, yet those are always generous. The gift you give us long distance girlfriends is beyond measure. You send a piece of your soul through your writing and drawings, filling us up with your love. We can feel it. Thank you, simply thank you. A very Merry Christmas and God’s Peace to you!
I love receiving your blog posts in my email. They make me so excited for the day that I don’t have to go into the office anymore & I can create all sorts of yummy, fun things to eat. I have never thought of attempting making brittle before but after seeing this post I realize how easy it really is! I may be doing this this weekend!
Love your posts, you really are an inspiration! Merry Christmas to you!
How sweet, sweet, sweet you are to think of all of us! I love your kitchen. So cozy! The tea set is beautiful and I am sure that the candy is yummy! Have a lovely day!
This post is a Christmas gift…all wrapped in nature, beautiful colors and warm wishes. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It will be “unwrapped” many times through the season for the good feelings it brings.
Susan,
Your posts always share the special parts of the world, through your eyes. The gingerbread bookshop, the cardinals at the bird feeder and so much more…on any busy day, your posts can sooth the spirit. Thank you 🙂
What a darling tea set ! Who wouldn’t love that to add to their collection ! I also am glad you are home. There is no place like home for the holidays — and I love looking forward to what you are up to.
Thank you for the recipe too – I plan on trying that tomorrow ! What a treat .
What a lovely surprise ! How kind and thoughtful of you ……the china is just beautiful and I’m already drooling over the brittle. !
Merry Christmas to all !!
Susan, thanks for making us always feel like we are sitting at your kitchen table watching you do all the things you say you are doing! I literally feel like I’m right there at the table, sipping tea, and watching the birds with a warm blanket wrapped around my shoulders. And ALWAYS, Jack it on my lap! HA!
What a lovely gift from a lovely person. Merry Christmas to you!
Oh my goodness! You are giving away those beautiful dishes!? How lovely:>) I love coming to “your house” via your blog Susan, it is homey and down to earth and altogether lovely. Thank you for a chance to win, and for the recipe for Almond Brittle. I have almonds in the cupboard and all the ingredients so I think I may try it tonight. I wish you a wonderful Christmas!
oh my! oh my! oh my! What a perfectly perfect gift for one very lucky fan of yours, and Beatrix and the lovely English countryside.
Cardinals are my good luck birds, I always make a wish when I see one and the higher off the ground it is when I wish, the luckier I feel. The 3 in your post are absolutely gorgeous. The tea set is, too!
I absolutely love, love your blog ! Every little detail in your home and kitchen.. the exceptional cats ( X 2)…so uplifting and cozy . I also collect Vintage and Antique.. Retro , everything. It is all good … love reading anything you write … or viewing what you have to display via the pix. Thanks so much and the best of the season to you and your family .
There is nothing more beautiful than cardinals in the snow. I am in love with that tea set so Vanna better pull my name. Our tree sits ready with the lights on waiting for the ornaments too. I was sick all last week and I’m so behind on Christmas but not letting it get to me. Love the lambs and Jack and the sweet potato!
Came home from last minute Christmas shopping, made a pot of Caramel Cream coffee, opened the iPad, and there you were! Better yet, there was Jack! Think I will make the toffee right now. Actually have the page marked in your book already, it was fate! 🙂
Oh my, what a sweet gift for someone. You have such a giving heart Susan and such a sweet spirit. I love that you remember to be thankful and that you remind us to count our blessings. In today’s world I think every “Thank You” is important and even though sometimes things seem really bad, we do have so much to give thanks for. (I know that’s a dangling participle, but it fit!) Jack looks so happy to have you both home and like you, I’m taking it slow this Christmas. If it doesn’t get done, then, oh well. Christmas will still come and go even if I haven’t gotten it all done. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Susan and may 2014 be the best year ever for all of us.
I squealed with delight at the possibility of winning the fabulous tea set! And the almond brittle, too?!!! Too good to be true! I can’t believe you found all those sheep and two BP figures. Don’t you love serendipity? A few months ago while thrift shopping with a friend, I found a Hunca Munca, Jemima tea cup, and a1935 edition of Tom Kitten. They just jumped out at me! And then around Thanksgiving my mother-in-law took me shopping for my Christmas present at an antiques mall where I found a Mrs. Tiggy Winkle children’s cup and plate and a recipe box with recipes!
Merry Christmas… a wee bit early to you, Susan and Joe, and Jack and Girl Kitty, and all the girlfriends here as well. I hope your celebrations are filled with love, laughter, faith, family and friends, and, of course, wonderful food. That almond brittle looks luscious.
That gorgeous tea set is just spectacular. I almost thought it was the kind of English bone china that I collect, by Hammersley (that was my maiden name). It’s not, of course, but it is just stunning. I am sure whoever wins it will treasure it always.
Today is baking day, so better get back to it. I might try the almond brittle minus the chocolate… I can’t have it, or else I might put the chocolate on half so I can have some!! 😉
Your contentment and happiness at being home are just so wonderfully endearing, Susan. Thank you so much for sharing that with all of us. Please throw a hair band for me with Jack, and give Girl Kitty a soft caress, too. Enjoy your holiday preparations, and know that we are all glad you are home to share all this bliss with us as well. Merry Christmas!
Susan you are truly an inspiration, everything you do says “LOVE”, your passion for life and everything you set your lovely hands to is truly amazing. Your Christmas Joy book sits on my kitchen window right along with my collection of Santa Chefs and I can’t help but smile every time I glance over while I’m scurrying about my kitchen cooking and cleaning up.
Merry Christmas sweet Susan! May the new year bring you much health and continued blessings.
~~happy, contented sigh~~
Thank you for this post Susan! I read it at my desk at work (a nice little break) with a cup of tea (Butter Truffle) in hand…
Oh, all the treasures you found!
and “me too!” in regard to taking this holiday season slowly…our tree has been up with lights for a week, but the ornaments are waiting patiently… they’ll get there eventually, and the tree still looks (and smells) fabulous!
You are SUCH a generous spirit to be giving this delightful tea set away! Throwing my chapeau into the ring, fingers crossed. (And tonight, since I have all the ingredients at hand, I will be making your yummy brittle…thank you!)
Merry Christmas Girlfriend!
Hi Susan!
What a lovely treasure that you are passing along to one of your blog readers! How generous of you, after you discovered it along your route home. And to win one of your delicious homemade creations on top of it! It is so easy to get stressed over Christmas preparations–glad you have the proper perspective and realize that the main thing is our individual Christmas spirit. I’m sure that you and Joe will make your Christmas special, no matter how much time you have. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan!
I love your blog. Lambs, BP figurines, beautiful tea set, lovely almond brittle and my favorite birds, the cardinals. You are so good to us, so glad you are home. Give the kitties a hug for me and say hi to Joe.
Jackie
You actually brought tears to my eyes as I read that you intend to gift someone with the beautiful dishes. You are a treasure! So kind and thoughtful! God bless you! I have to downsize,so if my name is picked, please send me the tin of brittle, and gift the dish set to another girlfriend. I’d be just as happy! Merry Christmas!
Okie doke before I forget, I hope this link works and if it does you might even be able to date your lovely dishes
http://www.thepotteries.org/mark/p/plantrhsl.html
I Googled “Tuscan Bone China” and up it popped. Hope it helps.
Adorable blog, and one Girlfriend is going to be so lucky, lucky, lucky!
Love your sheeps! {I call them sheeps with an ‘s’ just because} and your adorable BP figurines too. Just shows, if you have the time to look, see what you can find.
Want to try that delicious brittle too, very soonest. Chocolate and nuts~what’s not to love?
Waving from a Wildly Wuthering, Woolly, Wet, and Windy, Wonderful West Wales~~and I really do mean Wildly Windy~~~we had 60mph winds today and more forecast right up through Boxing Day and beyond. Ho! Ho! Ho! xoxo
Wishing you the warmest, merriest of holidays and much happiness in 2014 Susan! I just have to share that recently I got your “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” from a used bookstore. When I opened it I found a wonderful dedication from a father to his daughter, Kim, signed in 1992. He told her to enjoy the egg nog recipe…. that he had already sampled it and it was the best. And, it is! Thank you for sharing your treasures with the girlfriends.
I’ve been waiting for the new post and was delighted to read it just now. So many wonderful things!! You always inspire and rekindle old memories. I too love all things old and charming. Those lambs are sooo adorable all together and the BP figures – so wonderful! They needed to come home with you. I totally thought the tea set was for you and so surprised you are giving it away. How could you? You are so sweet! Always so willing to share. A special thanks for all that you do. Wishing you the sweetest Christmas ever and give those little kitties extra hugs from me!
Oh My Goodness! I think the neighbors heard me squeal when I read the tea-set give away part. I had to scroll back and re-read it to make sure I had read it right! What a wonderful thing for the winner–to host a Christmas or New Years tea party with that beautiful set you found on your “Fine Romance” travels. I hope you can feel through all of our Christmas wishes how special you are to all of us. Merry Christmas to you and Joe from me and that naughty Corgi, Vanessa that chewed the cover of the Fine Romance book that you signed for me.
I thought you might do your surprise post today so I was checking off and on all morning. But then we had to do our shopping after lunch (it’s Wednesday–senior discount day!) so I was delighted to come to my computer with my cup of tea once I was home to FIND YOUR POST! And what a surprise! Does the fact that I dreamed about you last night mean my stars are in alignment to finally win one of your give-aways?
And, you know what, after you mentioned sweet potatoes the other day I decided I would bake the last two sweet potatoes I have left over from Thanksgiving tonight. I will make your almond brittle, too. Maybe that will guarantee I’ll be receiving some in the mail. 🙂
I love that you are HOME AT LAST too! xoxoxo
P.S. Love the lambs, cardinals, BP figurines and the musica by the fireplace, too, and Jack and the poinsetta in the Santa cup….have I missed anything?
The tea set is wonderful, as is the post. Merry Christmas!
What fun it’d be to go antiquing with you. You would find the best goodies in the dark corners and I’d shout Yea!
Enjoyed looking at all of your finds during your travels. Good to see Jack again 🙂
Oh. my. Word!!! My heart leapt when I first saw the photo of this tea set, and then I read your vivid description of seeing it glimmering in the dark in Oklahoma – perfect! Green is my favorite color and this truly, is one of the loveliest tea sets I have ever seen 😀 I also want to say when you mentioned Mrs Tittlemouse being placed with the others on your kitchen shelf, I thught “well she’s now at home with her people – just where she was meant to be!” I also collect the Beatrix Potter figurines and just love seeing your photos of these lovely little creatures. And have to mention I was inspired by your bonfire and may have set up something similar in my own home . . . thank you for the inspiration!
I love the color of the tea set! Pick me please! XXXOOO
Susan…What a nice surprise! YOU, my dear, are the sweetest person on the planet! I have not commented in awhile. I lost my mojo back in March (just a little heart attack) and I am looking forward to a fresh start in 2014. I am A-OK and no damage done, except to my psyche. Your blogs brighten my days as I wonder how you can make everything look so beautiful, so easy breezy and so glorious! I love it! Can I just move in with you…please? I had planned to go to the Remnants of the Past show but had to cancel. 🙁 However, I will be going to Martha’s Vineyard for my 60th birthday in May! Yippee! Congrats to the lucky person who wins the charming tea set touched by an angel named Susan. Peace and Happiness to ALL the Branchettes!
Hi Mia Sophia!! I turn 60 in February!!! How does this happen!!??? LOL… I am glad that you are on the mend.. Don’t worry… I hear 60 is the new 40!! I am looking forward to being able to quit work in February so I can do so many more things I wish to.. one of them is having time to get into better shape!!! No time like the present!… Have a wonderful holiday and am glad to have good company in the “60” world!!! 🙂
Would love to take these to the Downton premiere party we’re having!
You are the sweetest thing, Susan! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
I love your blog because I can vicariously travel with you through your photos and writing. I also love your artwork and graphics.
So sweet, the gift is perfect for Christmas!
I am so glad I found you 3 years ago, and now I get to share you and your inspiration with my loved ones! Home is definitely where my heart is!
I’ve just recently become a “girlfriend,” and I’m so sad I’ve missed out all these years. I always look forward to reading the blog!!! Have a blessed day!
Oh my goodness! What a wonderful giveaway. The set is very similar to a set of china I have that belonged to my mother. The set would have a good home at my house. 🙂
Christmas Wishes and Tea Time Dishes go hand in hand like old friends.
A lovely cup of wassail and a story or two will warm the heart and tie loose ends.
Bad poetry, but I loved the post, Susan. Your life is like looking at an exquiste post card. You bring a lot of happiness to a lot people. God Bless you and Merry Christmas to you and your dear family and friends (furry ones as well!)
Merry Christmas! I’m glad you’re back home, too. I love seeing your house and seeing Jack. I’ve been wanting to tell you how silly I am. You know how people (old people!) used to save new pajamas in case they had to go to the hospital? Well, I do that with books that are so special to me. So needless to say, I haven’t read but one chapter of A Fine Romance! It made my face hurt from smiling as I read each word, and if I read it, I won’t have it to save for another day when I might need to read something so sweet! LOL! and NO I am not that old 🙂
Thank you again for sharing another year of your life with us. It is very special for me to feel the warm and coziness of your world.
Janet
~ Hi Susan ~
It worked! I can actually play the music and read!! ~ I am having a Christmas baking marathon tonight with family and friends ~ counting down the days to Christmas and
Downton Abbey~ how pretty that china would be at my party~ wink wink! ;)!
~Have a good day~
Fantastico!!!
~ Hi Again~
We’ve got almost 6 inches of beautiful~ new~ white ~ snow~ I’m going to get outside and take some more pictures of it today!~ Something tells me I won’t be so excited saying that in February!~ Merry Christmas Girlfriends!~
Must be gorgeous Lynn!
Merry Christmas, Susan! As always, your posts are wonderful and uplifting and I’m once again filled with the Christmas spirit! We have so much to be thankful this year, my newest addition to our “little,” family turned one month old today 🙂 He’s our third baby in four years of marriage, we are truly blessed! I hope you have a magical Christmas 🙂
One month! Happy one-month birthday Shanon . . . you are one busy girl. Wishing you a blessed and happy Christmas!