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 lovely gift! And what a lovely post! Each of your blog entries is like a little visit. Thank-you!
Merry Christmas to you! Thank you for such a lovely blog post. The tea set is simply gorgeous. Your blog is such a joy to read. Thank you for the time that you put into it. Take care!
I always enjoy your posts and your wonderful photos so much! That sweet potato looks so good I am going to have to fix me one as soon as I can buy one at the store.
Merry Christmas…………..always look forward to your posts and wonderful notes about your travels. How lovely it would be to receive this beautiful tea set and brittle too………….I am not very lucky when it comes to winning things but could not resist the chance.
Susan,
Soooo glad you are back home and inspiring all of us who think the world of you. I am in Illinois and only a couple of miles from where the tornados hit a few weeks ago. Thankful to have a home and family all near and well this Christmas, that is what it’s all about. Love pics of Jack. Merry Christmas.
Susan, you brighten my day!
Just the perfect blog post to put a little zip into my Christmas spirit that has been flagging lately! Thanks so much!
Susan, just so you know, I think your blog is a gift in itself! Then you go and do these amazing giveaways! Thank you and Merry Christmas!!
What a wonderful surprise! You had me so wrapped up in the story of finding all of those wonderful treasures, I never saw it coming – that was fun! Thank you!
Leslie
I am new to your blog–I am really enjoying it! Delightful…. I would love to win the tea set and candy! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Love the pretty china and the cute sheep! The almond brittle looks delicious!
Dear Susan, What a beautiful tea set. I do not own any and what a joy it would be to have this one from you. However, if I don’t win, it is still always such a pleasure to follow you in all you do. Thanks so much for sharing so much of yourself. Merry Christmas to you and yours and a Blessed New Year.
We’re so glad you’re home too — so fun to see your treasures and little Jack 🙂 Perfect Christmas music — thank you!
What a beautiful tea set. Just right for a few friends! Wishing you all the blessings of Christmas!
I’m so glad you are HOME; it makes my own home a little cozier and more filled with Christmas spirit. Thank you!
Oh, Susan, you are so sweet to think of us. That tea set is gorgeous, and the brittle sounds divine. I may need to buy a candy thermometer this year. Maybe Santa will put one in my stocking. Thank you so much for the give away. And tell Vanna to please pick me.
Oh how pretty everything is! So Christmasy! Reading your blog really adds a lot to my Christmas spirit! Thank you Susan! Merry Christmas!
Susan,
How very generous of you to gift someone the gorgeous china set! And the dessert looks sinfully delicious! I hope I get picked!
Thanks for your generosity and kindness and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Dear Susan, I love reading your blogs and your books! You always make me feel happy; the world needs more kind spirited people such as you. I absolutely loved reading A Fine Romance. Now I want to go to England too! Did you know there is a beautiful new book out about Beatrix Potter?, called Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life – by Marta McDowell. I loved reading about your adventure to England and getting to go to Beatrix’s garden. Thank you for getting a very lovely tea set and making the brittle to give to some lucky person, whoever they are! You surely are a kindred spirit. Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your loved ones.
Finding your blog in my inbox is always a special treat!!! Your photos inspire me and help me to dream. I also share your weakness for beautiful dishes. And old linens. And birds. I could continue for a while. Thanks for all the joy you bring to so many people. Hope you have a wonderful, happy Christmas.
Oh Susan,
You are sooo generous with your gifts to us. I know exactly who I would invite to tea if I won those beautiful dishes!
Best wishes to you and Joe for a wonderful and very merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas ! I’m not sure just why- but you’re not alone in taking things a little slower this Christmas… This year I felt I needed to just slow down a bit & take the time to enjoy the season, not rush thru it like I usually get caught doing, & I’m finding it WONDERFUL! Sitting sipping my tea with no lights on but the twinkling tree, baking up some goodies- just because I feel like it, (tho I will share, haha). Last weekend I had a “Christmas Sleep-over Party” for my grandchildren. We had such fun making crafts, playing & eating “Rudolf Pancakkes” It just feels good to slow down a little. Thank you for thinking of all of us, the tea set is Beautiful, & whoever is lucky enough to be the winner,will love it I’m sure…….
I would love to have tea while watching Downton Abbey. Doris
Beautiful posts as always. Good reminders about simple things and finding beauty everywhere. Thank you so much!
This sharing of your Christmas kitchen at the Vineyard was enchanting, and is indeed a very special gift to us all. Would be so honored and thrilled to receive the beautiful English tea set! I’ve already bought two of your books, one for myself and one for my dear friend who always gives me your calendar every year as my Christmas present. Blessings to you, Joe, and your family and friends!
Thank you so much for allowing us into your life. Your home looks very cozy. What a wonderful blog! It’s so calming and comforting to read. It let’s me slow down and catch my breath. Don’t ever stop posting!
The china is lovely – I think I might have done an involuntary intake of breath when I saw the first picture. Merry Christmas to all of you part of the Susan Branch sisterhood!
Thank you so much for another delightful post. It is always nice to hear from you. I gather the Beatrix Potter figurines aren’t made any more. So sad. The tea set is just beautiful and anyone will love to have it. You are so kind to think of us. Enjoy this last week’s preparations for Christmas.
Sometimes different companies try to make them, but they never do them justice as they were done in Beswick by Warne and Company.
The tea set is absolutely beautiful and it is very gracious of you to share it with one of us! But I must admit that I would love to be Vanna’s choice to win this. My fingers are crossed….toes too!
Many years ago I received Christmas From the Heart of the Home and my Christmases haven’t been the same since. I have tried many of the recipes and come back to your book time and time again. I’ll be making the Christmas Wreaths this week. They would look lovely with the tea set!
What a lovely surprise giveaway! I always admire how pretty your table looks set with your china collection. The book store decorated like a gingerbread house looks wonderful. Thanks for the recipe and Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
Dear Susan, (that sounds formal… since I’ve been reading your blog from the beginning). It’s nice to share ‘house love’. Whenever I come and visit I feel like I’ve pulled out a favorite book but better because it’s also like a visit with a friend. I have some little things throughout my house that I’ve gotten from your website. And they are little treasures indeed. Wishing you a very Merry, great to be home, Christmas. I enjoy visiting her oh so much. Love, tara
So beautiful! Tea set and scenery; cardinals, cat, candy and all.
I was so excited to come home tonight and find a susan branch rug in my bathroom with sign from daughter, merry Christmas, didn’t know how to wrap this! I would love to win the tea set! Thanks and merry Christmas to you!
What a sweet thing for her to do, Cathy!
I put the teakettle on to boil. ” Merry Christmas ” !!
The tea set is so sweet. I made your butter cookie recipe today. Wouldn’t it be nice to serve them with that pretty China? Ooh, I love it!
The best gifts are truly tied with heart strings, like you and your blog!Thanks for a chance to win this beautiful tea set and a tin of brittle!
Susan, you live life artfully! From your special collections, your yummy recipes, the gifts you give and the little things in life you appreciate. Ahh Bliss!!!! Merry Christmas to you and yours, including Jack and Kitty!
Guess my earlier response didn’t make it all the way north! Took a peek while I was at work, but didn’t want to rush through. Just finished reading and loved every word! Your blog always makes me feel so cozy!
PS I would love to read the story about the dolls that you posted last Christmas. Any chance you will repost?
I wrote you on your other comment, but just in case the gremlins are at work and stealing comments, on the Dolls Christmas Story — I’m rewriting that a bit and adding in some art and making it into a little book for next Christmas.
Yaaaaaaa!
I have looked all over the place for your doll story and can’t find it!
I took it down because I want to rewrite it a little bit and paint for it.
I was glad you are home at last too! I think the best post I enjoyed while doing your book tour was the visit to the Queen Mary. Your lamb collection was adorable. I will probably notice all the lambs at the second hand stores now.
What beautiful tea set. I love to mix and match too! And the candy looks delicious, but I am afraid of any recipe that calls for a candy thermometer, so I’ll need to win it from you in order to try it!!
Don’t be afraid of the candy thermometer. You just hook it to the pan, the end sits in the liquid, and when it registers correctly, you’re done. It works just like the glass ones for when we have a fever. Easy!
Welcome Home and Merry Christmas!
You bring sunshine and love of life into our lives each time you post something on your blog and for that I thank you!
The china tea set is beautiful and what a wonderful gift it will be to someone. I love old china – have a small collection of tea pots and also tea cups! Someone
is going to be a very lucky person when they win your gift. The almond brittle looks so yummy.
Merry Christmas to all at your house – I know your home is full of love, joy and peace!
The tea set is absolutely gorgeous! Love the lambs and the Beatrix Potter figurines. I could actually smell the sweet potato!
Thank you for all the time you take to correspond with all of us as I always look forward to your letters.
Merry Christmas, Susan! Love the tea set and and the almond brittle sounds yummy. Wish I has some to go with my hot tea tonight!
Usually I envy your cold weather and snuggy kitchen but we are due for rain tonight a HUGE treat in Ca. I will be baking cookies to go with the tea set in MY snuggy kitchen with cozy cat Chloe for company………………………………………..aren’t kitchens and kittens wonderful?? Life is good!!!
Your posts are always like a breath of fresh air for me. Everything about your home is beautiful. The dishes are gorgeous and I too am inspired to try your recipe for the candy. Thank you for sharing. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday!
Being a “nester” is a wonderful thing! Making others feel happy and content brings me satisfaction.
Susan –
I can see how happy you are to be home. Wishing you and Joe a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Your posts are always delightful.
What a lovely tea set, and the figurines are very sweet! Enjoy the season!
Me! Me! Pick me! I am English gal without a proper tea set!! Can you believe it?! I got a nice red teapot and cups for our Wedding but this vintage tea set would be perfect for teaching my American friends how to do afternoon tea properly! I have been promising them I’ll show them how to brew a perfect cup of tea and bake them some tasty treats 🙂
You are the living embodiment of Downton Abbey and have a job to do! 🙂
I LOVE reading your blog! Thank you for allowing me a little peek into your world. Thank you for the chance to win the tea set and candy.
The tea set is beautiful! Your candy looks absolutely yummy! AND, I would like to know how to carmelize a baked sweet potato! THAT looks like a treat in itself!
I am inspired to try the almond brittle. Thank always adding fun and inspiration through your blog.
Dear Susan, Wow, you can give up something that gave such joy for you when you found it!! You said once that you no longer want gifts sent to you, so we can’t return the favor of the gift. Therefore, I will gladly take it off your hands LOL and love it. Thanks a lot, Merry Christmas
Very kind of you Judy, and just exactly right! xo
Wow! What a wonderful surprise! I was so thrilled when you said the dishes were for a giveaway! So sweet of you!
I bet your fur babies are soooooo happy to have you home!
Merry Christmas!
Another beautiful post. I wish I could just sit in your kitchen and visit while you cook. I have both of the BP’s you found and I love them. I am getting quite a collection of them now.
When I saw the tea set I thought , why can’t I ever find really cute things like you do. Someone will be so excited to win it.
Merry Merry Christmas to you!
An absolutely delightful post! You’ve included so many things that I love – china, chocolate, books, sweet potatoes! Thank you for sharing with your readers! Merry Christmas!
so happy you are cosy at home for Christmas. We are having many trials here in Canandaigua NY so I have to remember to be thankful for all the good things we do have and practice gratitude. I would love to win the tea set.
Hi Susan,
I have made the almond brittle in the past. It has been one of my go-to quick gifts and its delicious!
The vintage tea set found along your journey is beautiful. It is so kind of you to offer these gifts to your GFs. I enjoy reading your blog very much. I make a cup of tea and settle myself down for something special….I’m never disappointed.
Susan, Any idea where I can find a copy of your book “Autumn”? Do you have any in your warehouse?
I love your blog. Merry Christmas!!
Oh Susan, I have followed and been delighted by your books and blog for so long. I have just arranged hospice care for my sweet, brave father this week (he is 90, just like your dear dad) and came home this evening to see your latest post. It was such a comfort at the end of a very long day. Thank you for your caring heart and your attention to what is important in our lives.
Thinking of you Lee. xoxo
Susan, you have the Christmas spirit and are generous as can be! Thanks for the chance to win that lovely tea set. My dear mother had a serious stroke in July and has come to live with me and my husband. She needs a lot of care but we are learning what our priorities are, as we really slow down to enjoy the Christmas season. She loves looking at the pictures here on your blog. She had given me several of your cookbooks and calendars as gifts in Christmases past. Thanks for sharing all your beauty with us! Love to you from me and my Mom!
Susan, you truly are inspiring. I was thinking of making my grandmothers toffee, and your recipe is SO close, yet looks a lot easier! I’m off to the kitchen! Thank you writing about gratitude and homemaking. You really bring it in to focus!
Merry Christmas
Cyn
Susan, that is a beautiful tea set…I LOVE green! It is surely to make a lovely cup of tea!
Christmas under your roof looks so warm and cozy. And I have decided to ask for a new bird feeder for Christmas….or at least for the coming Spring in my new home. We may not have the snow here in the South, but we certainly have the delightful birds!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe!
Oh, my, my, my…..what a lovely green in the tea set! Just today I went to a Holiday luncheon and tasted two kinds of nut brittle….then, what should be in your blog, but your recipe for almond brittle! Definitely a brittle kind of day.
Hugs to ALL !!!
The tea set is beautiful and in my favorite color. My “fine china” is not new, it’s antique dishes that use to come in soap boxes. My grandmother started my collection when I was a young girl; she let me pick a piece out of a box of mixed matched china and that started me collecting it. It’s not easy to find but my mom, sister, and aunt found a place setting for 8 while antiquing (what a find!) and purchased it for me as an engagement gift. My china closet is my grandmothers and the dishes fit perfectly. A lovely reminder of loved ones each time I pass by it.
Green is my favorite color, would love it for my first tea set! So happy you had a great adventure but I’m so happy you are home–I love to read about your days at home. Welcome back!
Oh boy! I always feel like such a stalker with all of my comments but how can I pass this one up! I am obsessed with antique floral china (pink and green are my colors). Actually all of my dishes, bowls, teacups, and silverware are mismatched antiques and to think I could brag that I had something hand picked by Y-O-U!! What a very generous surprise! Happy Decorating! 😉
I agree with what someone posted earlier in your comments…That your blog posts are a gift in themselves! No one else could capture our hearts, minds, and spirit like you do. I hope you and yours have a blessed -n- Merry Christmas!
What a sweet thing to say. It’s truly a two way street Brenda, I love the connection too. xoxo
Lovely china! Hope you have a very Happy and Blessed Christmas!
What a wonderful post, Susan! It’s complete with dishes and delicious candy! What more could we want?:-)
You were really lucky to find those Beatrix Potter characters. They are adorable. And – it does appear that you might need to add a shepherd to your flock of sheep very soon!
We have warm weather ahead, so none of that beautiful white will be appearing out our windows. The cardinals give such a gorgeous touch of color to the view for Jack! Does he plan to help with the dishes?:-)
Sending along the best of wishes for Christmas!
xo Nellie
You are so sweet! The tea set is beautiful and the brittle looks amazing. I need to make some this week. You have inspired me. So glad you and Joe are finally home and settling back in with the kitties. Love the pictures as always. Can’t wait for Downton Abbey next month!
I love, love, love your lamb collection. I’ve been exclaiming over the wooly baa-baas as I unwrap our collection of creche sets. I like how you have the whole display of just lambs though. I have a big snowman collection, so maybe I will switch to lambs! The tea set is lovely, and I promise that if I win, I will give it a very good home. Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Wonderful post! How exciting and yummy. You are so generous. Thank you for your wonderful cheerful words. Keeping my fingers crossed that she picks me!!!
I love your self disclosure and your “realness”. You are truly a friend to your followers! Thank you. Merry Christmas!
hi susan…. love your choice of the tea set and the wonderful homemade candy..but the Casa Pacifica really says it all…..very touching gesture and so perfect for this time of year .Being a school teacher and “Granny” to two loving special grandchildren that my children have adopted…I have seen that the need is great. I purchased my copy of “A Fine Romance” hot off the first printing, but am inspired to send a donation to Casa Pacifica……these are the things that helps us enjoy the season….:-)
7 more days!!! It is my hope that you and Joe enjoy this wonderful holiday season and that 2014 is filled with the many blessings of life……………
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! XO love, cindy
Susan
Wishing you a Merry a Christmas and Happiness in the New Year ! 🙂
Helen
Its cold here too in PA…just reading your blog makes me warm! OMG are we kindred spirits…chocolate covered almond toffee is my most favorite candy, I tried to make it and it didn’t turn out:-( ….my husband can’t understand how I can make a meal out of a big baked sweet potato…Ilove red cardinals but esp in the winter when its white outside and I’m a total china junkie, we talk about down sizing and the problem is my dishes and fabric stash, I’m a quilter and fabricholic…great therapy, everybody should quilt. Merry Christmas and thank you for the giveaway!
Susan Vicary
LOVE THE TEA SET!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe! Glad you are home!
Oh, Susan. When I realized you were going to give away that beautiful tea set, I exclaimed “What!” to my empty house. No one was around to hear my outburst but me and the cats. And then I got tears in my eyes. Honestly, you are such a dear person. May the Lord bless you this Christmas in a way that only He can. <3
I thought I smelled some deliciousness coming from the North today! The almond brittle looks divine and I know it smells even better! Love the new bunny family members. They are in a happy home now! So glad you’re home safe and sound and in “True Sue” form always the generous one thinking of the girlfriends. Thank you Susan!!
You are so sweet to think of others the way you do Susan. I’m a good person but you make me want to be a better one. God bless. Merry Christmas. Hugs from San Luis Obispo. Kim
Happy, happy, joy, joy to you, Susan! Another delightful post. Christmas all over the place — simplicity and wonderfulness.
Thank you for your kindness and creativity when writing your books and blog! You are a real joy to follow and be inspired by. I too love being home to tinkering with all I have collected.
I visited Beatrix Potter’s house and I love the little figurines. Such joy they bring.
The tea set is delightful, too!
Thanks for spreading the fun of Christmas!
I really love the tea set. Beautiful colors and some nice chai tea would be great to serve in them for those chilly nights. Plus that almond brittle would taste delicious with some chai tea. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas, Susan and wonderful Staff helpers! Thanks for bringing us smiles and beauty all year through, even when life isn’t always bright and cheery. Your efforts to always be positive and upbeat are much appreciated. You are a blessing to others in so many ways. God bless you and yours
this Christmas!
Hi Susan! I’m a newbie to you site. Loved loved loved your new book. I found your book right after I bought a book about Beatrix Potter’s garden and hoping to visit many of the places you wrote about in your book. Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
I check your blog each and every day……………love reading all your stories and seeing all your pictures; love your house and dishes! dishes….I love dishes!! would love to win the tea set, but if I don’t, some lucky winner will be able to enjoy it just as much as I would! keep up the heartwarming BlogSpot and I will continue reading 🙂
I love your writing and pics – I love the whole beauty thing – peaceful and meaningful in this busy, chaotic world…Happy Christmas to you, your hubby and cat!
PS: I do love the tea set but mostly…THE CANDY!
OMG….I’m definitely going to make your Almond Brittle. I’m so glad you shared that recipe. I did make your Rib Recipe and I must say they were delicious.
Please continue with your great words, art and recipes.
Ah. I will be making some of that English Toffee (that is what we always called it!) I haven’t made it in several years, but this is the year. The Tea Set is beautiful, too. I loved the gingerbread house (store)…. what an imagination they have.
Thanks for a chance to win!
Beeeeautiful!! Would love to mix it with my collection!
The tea set is so lovely. Even if I don’t win, just reading and seeing your holiday preparations is a gift. Thanks for all the joy you bring, Nancy
The Almond Brittle looks so delicious. May have to add it to our Christmas traditions here. Wishing you and yours a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.
My heart skipped a beat when I laid eyes on the tea set! My husband is giving me a copy your book for Christmas and I can’t wait to open it and be back in England again. Just visiting your blog is a treat every single time. Thanks for the music, too! Everything the Linda before me goes for me, too.
Another Linda (from California)
Susan,
Your post was oh so enjoyable to read, your photo out your kitchen window with the cardinals made my heart smile. What a winter wonderland! I work retail and the days have been long and hectic. Reading your blog was such a treat at the end of this day. Thank you. Lucky me I have this Sat off, so brittle making is now on the list. Your giveaway is extremely generous, how lucky the winner will be! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Hi Susan,
I feel that everything you do in your home and share with us is just so comfortable and inspiring.
Thank you for the candy recipe!
Oh, btw, we cleaned our eave troughs once more with the tractor, loader, husband on the roof armed with the leaf blower.
Carol, on the farm in Iowa