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! ♥
I do love your blog. Just finished packing up homemade cookies for family and friends. I’m happy to be taking over my Mom’s Christmas tradition.
Love you Susan! Your happy posts bring me such joy.Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
a most amazing p.s. & proof absolute of the power of homemade with love ♥ ♫ ~ right after I hit “send” for my first message, there was a knock on my door. Delivery! From my wonderful sister miles away (the best! ♥) ~ a tin of her baked Christmas cookies with a beautiful card and additional present! I just had to share the joy of receiving such a thoughtful and wonderful gift & homemade delish!!! I was so surprised! Her homemade cookies help shrink the miles between us and bring back so many wonderful Christmas memories of growing up in our family. More blessings! ♥♥♥ Now to pass the wonder along …what do you say, Susan – be an elf? 🙂
Hi Susan,
Welcome home. Your blog gave me a warm fuzzy feeling of coziness. I like to cuddle up with one of my quilts. It’s so lovely. What a wonderful give away. You are so kind. Happy Holidays
Jeannette
Susan, Love your blog and would love those dishes and your homemade treats. I wish I was as crafty and had the eye that you have for decoration. Merry Christmas and have a great New Year.
Hello Susan! You sure were a lucky lady spotting all of those cute little lambs!!! Your collection looks like they marched right out of A Fine Romance, as though they followed you home from the English countryside!!!! My goodness, how generous you are to part with that beautiful tea set of dishes! What a “thoughtful heart” you truly are!!!!! (Love the hand knit dishcloth I spotted in your sink…….makes me want to knit some up for the New Year.) Stay cozy warm! (Watching the drip, drip, drip of icicles in Dearborn, Michigan where it is sunny and cold, and mounds of snow cover the front and backyards.)
Thanks Susan, I just had a flashback to my childhood. My Mom made peanut brittle in the days leading to Christmas. It was my Dad’s favorite and she would put it in “The Big Red Tin” which was always home to the Christmas peanut brittle. I always appreciate any childhood flashbacks!! Thanks again.
Thank you Susan for sharing your beauty, warmth, and good cheer with all of us! You are truly an inspiration! I love your illustrations and enjoy hearing all about your adventures! Your creativity is amazing!
Susan! What a treat! Missing you soooo much! Welcome Home. Oh Yes! Vanna… do your thing!
Hugs and lots of marshmallows!!!
Georgie
Yardville, NJ
What would “we girlfriends” do without you — thanks so much for sharing your life/adventures. It’s the perfect touch to my day. Merry Christmas to you Joe and the kitties.
You’ve given me the best Christmas present of all times. Thank you for adding the archives, so we can go back and access older blogs so easily.
One of my goals for 2014 will be to go back and re-read every single one of them before 2015. That should keep me hopping, because each one inspires me to get busy – cook something, fix something, decorate something, walk, entertain, shape up my wardrobe with MY colors, take photos, etc. etc. etc.
Oh, Sweet Sue you do love us girl friends! And you knew excatly what we would love!!
Merry Christmas Pretty Lady!
Dearest Sue-
Your incredible talent of showing how love, concern for others. the power of creativity and imagination can lift everyone’s spirits and make us all happier, stronger and more confident is truly amazing. If everyone can take just a little bit of it and pass it forward there would be such a difference in our own lives and communities. It is positive energy flowing into the world. That has to be a very good thing, and it is the gift that you have already given to us.
Now you are adding a perfect present to it. I hope that the ever-wise Vanna will find the recipient who most needs a special boost to enjoy the holidays
I wish You and Joe, and all your readers, Contented Minds , Faithful Friends, Loving Companions (two or four legged), a Grateful Heart, Joyful Holiday Moments and a year of Good Health and Good Fortune .
I already made the peanut brittle…but now I need to make more for gifts. It is so good. To everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Wow, as often as I check out here for news from you, I thought for sure I’d be one of the first to comment. Boy was I wrong. I just wait for all the “happiness & love” from you and all our friends. So much fun reading your post and then through all the comments – Merry Christmas everyone!
Susan…so happy to celebrate the Christmas season with your and all the Girlfriends. Merry Christmas to all!
This was certainly an enjoyable post to read with my morning coffee. Loved it all. The tea set is just gorgeous! I think I recognize the pattern. Don’t you have a tea cup or two in the same? Very similar anyway. It would be so wonderful to have tea with this beautiful set. Thank you for getting it for your girlfriends! And I think the brittle looks divine! It was equally enjoyable seeing Jack as he keeps an eye on you in the kitchen! Such a sweetie pie he is. And I love your idea of taking Christmas nice and slow. I need to take your advice! Have a wonderful season Susan! (and Joe)!
Susan, your cookbooks are such a part of our family’s Christmas tradition. The first batch of cookies I made this year were the “Christmas Nut” cookies–SO GOOD. Everyone loves them–especially my 2yr old, who is all about the powdered sugar. Your bourbon balls are also a specially requested treat by the adults in our extended family. 😉 It has been so charming to read your blog over the past two years. The tea set looks marvelous and so does the brittle! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
I already made the peanut brittle..now I need to make more for gifts..So good..Everyone enjoy this wonderful season and Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Sue and Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack!!
Would love to win this giveaway. It would go perfect with watching Downton Abbey.
Thank for your generosity, not only for these treats, but throughout the entire year! What a year it has been for you. Pretty amazing and so very much deserved.
Oh Susan, I just felt like I was sitting in your warm, cozy kitchen with you. Reading your blog ALWAYS puts a smile on my face. Wishing you and Joe a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year with continued blessings.
That tea set along with your special treat would be such a welcomed gift….who needs to win the Mega Millions Lottery when you have a chance to win a gift from SB!
XO
I love dishes and old glasses and whenever I see them I am so tempted to buy them and I usually do. Love reading your blog. Merry Christmas Susan and have a very Happy and Health New Year.
I always want more time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is so delightful to be home and do all the preparations and then it is over so soon. What an amazing person you are. Merry Christmas to you!!!
I made the peanut brittle…now need to make more for gifts..So good
I can’t begin to tell you how much you have changed my life with your writing. Every day is better when I see a new post from you. Thank you for all you do.
Dearest Sue n Joe, First of All Merry Christmas and a Very Healthy , Happy New Year. I cant begin to express the LOVE I have for you both , not to exclude Peg in Ca. I appreciate all your posts n kind thaughts . You remind me that people are still wonderful and that God Jesus Christ is still in total control over what happens to our country n the world. I hope to be able to get your new book , as i told you before my husb is now disabled n cant work so thing get interesting. But i will make a way to purchse one. I just LOVE Jack he is so cute and Ms Kitty she is so sweet n gentle. They are like mine esp Jack i have a Babette who would make a good wife no kitties though cuz she decided to be a wife with out kids . Merry Chirstmas n Happy New Year to you all. May God Richly Bless you ALL. I would love to win the China n the treat but i m sure every one says that , in case u need some one to recieve the china , i adore it . Love to you and many blessing s i count you n Joe n Peg as 6 double my blessings in you all. Love Cheyenne XXX still in Las Vegas area from Huntington Beach , CA.
I love nice dishes and I’m like you- mix and match. I live in northern Alberta and we are having miserable weather now so a tea party sounds delicious. Perhaps you could join us. lol
I am so glad you are home, too, although I thoroughly enjoyed your post about your California home/office. I always wondered if that home had year-round people in it and was happy to hear it does. A long-time empty home just seems rather sad.
Love the tea set! It’s beautiful.
Merry Christmas, Susan.
Welcome back home!! It was so wonderful to meet you at Vroman’s in Pasadena. The girls from my scrapbook group who couldn’t make it that day were so jealous!! I just love your book and have shared it with a couple of my gf’s at the gym. One of the girls is from England and bought the book to take with her on her upcoming cruise over the holidays. Keep on inspiring us with your creative, warm, and loving thoughts and ideas.
Merry Christmas Susan & Joe! I love reading your weekly blogs. I was so surprised with this one that you are giving away that beautiful tea set plus homemade candy. I would be so lucky and blessed to win this set. You are a special person to me as we are close in age and I remember all the good old days through your blogs as I work with a lot younger people. Happy 2014 and keep the fireplace blazing. I live in Texas & the weather is on again & off again. Love you girlfriend.
Oh my. Such sweet Christmas cheer. Thank you for such a delicious opportunity as this giveaway! I’m off to tell my mother and friend. Merry Christmas from the Nebraska Sandhills!
Dearest Susan,
I’m so glad you mentioned that your tree isn’t decorated yet. Neither is mine! You have released me from my high anxiety and guilt! I’m always happy to read about your adventures and accomplishments. I’m making the almond brittle for a gathering of friends on this Friday night. Btw… I have made my hotel reservation and paid the fees for the ‘Friends of Gladys Taber Reunion’ in 2014. How exciting is that! It will be great to meet you there. Just finished reading GT’s novel, ‘Mrs. Daffodil’. So charming, witty, funny, and well-written. Saturday night, 12/21, is the winter solstice, our longest night, (http://earthsky.org/earth/everything-you-need-to-know-december-solstice) so turn on all your lights and decorations! Before you light your fireplace for the solstice, make some of these pinecone fire starters to create color. They’re easy and funderful, (http://www.marthastewart.com/867096/pinecone-fire-starter). Blessed holiday peace and tranquility to all.
Love from Christmas Carol … tra la
Hi Susan I’m so happy you are home and safe and sound. I saw your beautiful tea set and said, oh my my. My weakness is dishes and teapots! What fun it would be to have a tea party. Have fun this christmas season so glad you are home in your cozy house. Love and Joy from Sherry K.
Ahhh, there is a smile on my face and in my heart as I leave a comment on your delightful site. Then again, there almost always is after visiting with you via posts in my inbox. Thank you for sharing the recipe for Almond Brittle. It is very much like the one I use for toffee. I will try yours this very afternoon, if time and my little guy allow. At nine months my sweet fella won’t get to taste the goodies, but he will have fun banging on some metal bowls while I do:) The tea set as a gift! What a beautiful, thoughtful gift! Thank you for inspiring me towards a sweeter, more thoughtfully giving way of life. Christmas Blessings to you and yours!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I even had my husband read your book “Fine Romance”. We love England and my oldest daughter loves David Bowie and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
My husband and I went to Ireland way back in 1996. We rented a car and drove all over staying at B&B’s along the way.
Thank you for making such a lovely book!!!
My pleasure Kimberly, makes me happy that you enjoyed it!
Merry Christmas my sweet Susan!!! I hope your Christmas is filled with lots of love and happiness!
Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you for providing me a mini escape into your life. Your pictures and stories make me feel as if I’m right there with you – I can almost taste the almond brittle…almost! Wishing you warm and loving holiday season! J
Stopping at antique stores across the country and scouring for new treasures. Sounds like fabulous fun. The lambs are adorable and of course finding “new” Beatrix Potter figures is always a great treat. I put mine out each year around Easter – something to look forward to. I may need to add a few lambs to the mix.
Margaret
Oooops … forgot to include the website for making simple Fragrant Fire Starters.
These are heavenly for scenting your fireplace! marthastewart.com/867323/pinecone-fire-starter#997553
from Carol St. Nic … tra la
I would love to give this to my sister as a 70th birthday gift! She has every book that you’ve written, and is coming to the Gladys Tabor event this spring! I tried to make almond brittle once, and burned it horribly and never tried again, so your candy would make up for my catastrophe! Merry Christmas, love your stories – you make me feel like I’m right at your house with all of the other girlfriends! Wouldn’t THAT be a party?!*# 🙂
She is? How great! Tell her I look forward to meeting her! I think it’s going to be a really fun thing!
I want to be your Girlfriend, too. Just love reading your blog, and looking at all the interesting things in your kitchen. My favorite is your red and white vintage crocheted potholder!
Merry Christmas Girlfriend
Merry Christmas Girlfriend!
Susan! How can you bear to part with the charming tea set? You are so generous, but if I were you I don’t think I could do it!
Happy, Happy, Merry, Merry!!
Kim
I love your blog,Susan. Every day I check to see what you and Joe and Jack and Girl are up to. My son will walk by when I’m on the computer and say,”Oh,stalking Jack again,are you?” Thanks for taking so much time to spread around some warmth and coziness to the world.
Oh I love your lambs/sheep! I have a lamb/sheep collection too! The almond brittle looks really good!
Reading your blog is always a delight. Thank you for the wonderful give-away. The almond bark looks delicious, and the tea set is exquisite! I’m so glad you made it home safely to enjoy your lovely home. Happy Holidays!
Hi, Susan–
Thoroughly enjoyed your book–am a fellow Anglophile, too! I can’t get enough of London, and have been in the countryside, however your book has inspired me to explore more of it the next time I am in England! Thank you. Really enjoy your website, also!
Lisa
P.S. I love that Bridget Jones is quoted in your book! 🙂
I needed her take on things in there. xo
Dear Susan,
While it is fun to travel it is even more fun to come home!
I love your blog, the sayings, the pictures, the sentiment.
It is the nostalgia of our past. It is the way we would like
to do things in the future.
Guess what book I am getting for Christmas???? Can’t
wait to unwrap and start reading!
Best wishes to you and Joe for the merriest Christmas!
Keep writing those blogs and keeping our spirits up.
What a lovely gift give away! It would be absolutely wonderful to sip your special blended tea from that beautiful tea set! Not to mention that I collect teacups & teapots from England. My home sounds like the perfect fit for your exquisite treasure.
Dear Susan, it’s been unseasonably warm here in Southern California but your blog has me hanging a few red birds on the bushes outside. The finches on the feeder probably thing their cousins from the east have arrived. The tea set is a charmer, and I think that my Brent would get the special treat. He drove us to 2! signings.
Love to you — and to Brent too. The idea of red birds in the bushes, very cute!
Your new Beatrix Potter figures are precious! I’ll have to tell my sister about them as she collects them too.
Oh my gosh Susan I just can’t believe you are going to give one of us that gorgeous tea set! See why we love you so much – it’s that loving heart you have, always thinking of others-And homemade almond brittle, to boot! I would love to win the tea set for sure, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it goes to the right ‘special’ person who could use a boost this Christmas season. We are all so happy to see you back home safe and sound and especially glad you made it home in time for Christmas. Enjoy your new little lambs and Beatrix Potter little people and just being snug in your home with Joe and the kitties. Big hugs from me to you! Sharon xxxooo
Merriest Christmas to you and Mr. Joe! and the kitties too!
I must thank you for introducing me to Gladys Taber this year. It has been like going on a Treasure Hunt to find one of her books which has made it all the more fun!! I have my hands on Stillmeadow Road currently and continuing to look for others. Thank you again Susan.
Treasure Hunt, what a perfect way to phrase it!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Loved meeting you in Wichita, KS when you came through – I am savoring the Fine Romance book and compiling the list of places I’D like to see when I go on MY dream vacation to England. Many thanks for all you do during the year!
I can just hear the logs crackling in your fireplace, smell the live tree in your living room (they smell great even without decorations!), see the beautiful cardinals outside your kitchen window, taste the buttery sweetness of your almond brittle and feel the furry softness of Girl Kitty and Jack!
As the song goes, “There’s no place like home for the holidays”…
May all the joys of this blessed season be yours.
I love going to your blog and in my mind imagining what you talk about. You absolutely live your dreams and are true to yourself and we get to be a part of it. I bought your books so many years ago and have been a fan every since. Love who you are…and what you do…and inspiration to me and many!
Patty, thank you so much. I’m on my path, that’s for sure. At one time in my life I was told to use “Be true to yourself” as a kind of mantra, but I honestly did not know what those words meant!!! So odd to think of it now, but that’s what life is all about.
Dear Susan
Today is my day to bake and clean and decorate! There is snow on the ground and my Christmas excitement is revving up. Tomorrow we’re off to our grandson’s first Christmas concert.. I can’t wait to hear the little voices singing.
You are correct it’s all about the simple things. I’d love to use the tea set to have tea with my girls…that’s one of our special treats. The color of the set is gorgeous!
Have a Merry Christmas.
Alison
I have the same santa mug that your poinsettia is sitting in on the the ledge from the 1950’s childhood Christmas’s. Love it. Thanks for all the special moments you share.
Please forgive me for a second comment, but couldn’t find my first one so want to be sure I’m in the mix.;) Again, heartfelt thanks for all you do and just for being your sweet self! You are an Elf extraordinaire!
Hi Susan,
I so love reading your blog! I hope you’re staying cozy warm in your lovely home! I was happy to hear that you and some others haven’t finished your trees yet; I’m still finishing mine too! I’m happy for you that you found another Beatrix Potter figurine. I collect them also and they are hard to find! You’re so sweet to do another giveaway and part with those beautiful dishes! I love homemade toffee!! Have a very special Christmas!
They are hard to find! I found them all over England, but they were really expensive, upwards from $300! Had to wait to come home where there is a bit more reality involved.
I bought your new book for our library. It joins your other books
I’ve purchased for the shelves since I discovered them years ago. They are
very popular here in Cape Girardeau, MO. Love the beautiful tea set – a real treasure!
You really know how to do “winter”, Susan! It always looks so cozy in your home. Love your blog posts! Merry Christmas!
I’m so glad you found Samuel Whiskers. Maybe he’ll learn some manners from the rest of your menagerie 🙂
I love your blog and seeing the pictures of Cape Cod! I really miss it back east! I love the china tea set that you found. It’s just very sweet!! I wish I was there for the holidays! Just miss the smells in the air! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Suss.
I love your blog dear Susan as you take every day moments and make them magical centered around home and hearth. Your blogs just make me smile with contentment at the pictures you create both in art and words and scenery!
Wonderful gifts for the lucky winner. Thank you, dear Susan. A very Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties!!
⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄ Ho~Ho~Ho! Oh My Goodness Sweet Elf~Sue! My Wings are All A Flutter! That English Tea~Set is Delightful! I Can Imagine All The “Twine” Parties OMG! 🙂 & The Home Made Candy… Scrumptious! You Know My Wings Are Crossed…. 😉 I’m Loving The Christmas Musica & Your Snowy Views With Those Red~Velvet Cardinals Decorating Your Yard! Lucky You! (In~Spirit) I’m Sitting in Front of Your Warm & Cozy Fire Snuggling With Jack….Humming Christmas Carols…May I Help You Decorate Your Christmas Tree? 🙂 Just Breathe & Your Christmas Shall Be Merry & Bright! Amen For Casa Pacifica! 🙂 Sweet Elf~Sue…Wishing You & Joe & The Kitties The Merriest Christmas Thank You For Sharing Everything With Us! Twirling into The Mistletoe 🙂 xoxo Poof! ⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄❄⛄ Elf~Angie(Tink!) 😉 P.S. I Love All Your New Lambies! I Know They are Happy To Have A New Home With You! 🙂
Oh! Isn’t it lovely to be home and nesting! Especially with snow outside!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Love reading your blog! You are so kind to offer a chance to win the Tea Set and your candy. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a new year filled with peace, love and joy.
I do have the tree decorated,but there is still so much to do,tamales to make,presents to wrap,gifts that need a finishing touch. I feel much as you do about it,I will be happy with what I manage to finish and have a happy holiday.
What a treasure you have found!
Merry Christmas from Alabama!
Jennifer Seale
Dear Susan Happy sweet December 19th!!!! Luv it,my dear.Your blog is warming my heart tremendously as I’ve had to work quite a bit at the hospital.The lovely tea set dishes do pull at my heart strings since stopping for tea equates with having time to stop and rest and count all my blessings.You are one of my constant blessings in my crazy ,busy and notalways restful life.Thank you for who you are!!!!! Chritmas Blessings to you,Joe,Jack and the new members of your BP family.Sylvia Heather.
What does moderation on my comment mean? I,m not really great at computers.Sorry. Sylvia Heather.
It just means that I have to “approve” the comments before you can see them … it’s because we also get a lot of spam. Sometimes I’m slow, like when a whole bunch of comments come in at one time.
Thank you Sylvia!
OMG!!! What a fabulous gift package this is. You really know how to win the hearts of your girlfriends! Even if I don’t win, thank you for being so generous. Kathy
Wow! You did a great job with the timing of your Musica!!! I got to each new song just as I finished reading and listening to the last one. As someone who was recently introduced to Downton….I have to say your timing and choices are perfect! I hope whoever wins enjoys this special gift. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Welcome Home Susan!!!!!
Your blog is such a treat and always leaves me feeling happy and content as if I just had a cup of tea! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Hi Susan,
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a very Happy 2014! I just love the coziness of your blog. Makes me feel as though I am in the same room with you every time I read it. Thank you!
I am not done with my Christmas Shopping…I feel out of sorts and I really think it is due to Thanksgiving falling so late this year? Does anyone else feel the same way?
I am anxious for Season 4 of Downton Abbey! Love, Love, Love that show!!
Merry Christmas to all the girlfriends!! Best Wishes in the New Year to you all!! GOD Bless you all!
Love and Hugs,
Tricia B. XOXOXOXOXOXO
Not sure if my first message went through…and I wanted to be sure it did! I am new to your lovely blog and I really enjoy it so much! And so thank you…I have new virtual friends and how nice that is! I put your new book, “A Fine Romance” on my Christmas list this year…hoping I receive it! 🙂
Oh Santa!
Please send me a pretty English tea set for Christmas! 😉
Your blogs are always such a treat to read Susan. But now we could possibly win a actual treat from You! Love your blogs Susan, looking forward to the next one!
Thank you Susan. I wish I was as crafty and had the decoration eye that you have. This tea set is adorable. Thank you for sharing.
Merry Christmas
It is the common thing for us to be more crafty and have more of a decorating eye than we give ourselves credit for. 🙂 I bet you are normal like the rest of us and just don’t know. xoxo
Happy Homecoming, Susan, and Merry Christmas! So glad you and Joe are back in New England which is the very best place for Christmas because it’s home! (for me, too!) I was greatly admiring your lovely tea set – how sweet you are to want to give it to one of us – how big your heart is! Enjoy the season, though our snow may melt away this weekend – so no white Christmas 🙁 The bells will still be ringing!
My girls will love to have tea with the tea set, which is beautiful, but I want your candy!! I love coming to your website. It leaves me feeling rested and inspired. Thank you!
What a beautiful tea set some one is going to enjoy each day after winning it. Very nice give away at Christmas time. The candy sounds so good. I bet you can.t eat just one piece.
I just finished reading “A Fine Romance” s-l-o-w-l-y, savoring each and every page. Now I’m obsessed with sailing to England on the QM2, Love, love, love you and your books, blog and everything else you give us. You really are a great girlfriend who knows when I need cheering or a reminder to let Christmas just happen. Thanks for this delicious recipe. I can’t wait to try it.
Hi There! I have been away from my email for a few days and look at all I missed! Since I didn’t win the Lottery :o(, I think it’s only fair that Vanna find me among the MANY lovely ladies! I am glad you are safe and home and doing what you love best! It was great to see you in SLO!
Love,
Sue from SImi
Susan, I like your feelings about not being rushed into Christmas – about wanting to take your time with the tree, the special decorating touches, and taking your time settling back into your home after being away. As much as I love to travel, really, there is no place like home. Big hugs and all things merry to you and yours. And thanks for the year long joy, milady. xo Thea
Susan
So glad your back and love seeing your winter pics. These dishes are so precious!
I love them! There is nothing I love more than a beautiful place setting. Mixing and matching just makes it that much better. Keeping my hopes up that I will be the winner. Thanks for such a great give-away. You are the best. Happy Holidays!
Chris
Merry Christmas and welcome home! I have enjoyed all your post through out the year. Wishing you and Joe a healthy and Happy New Year too.
Pick me! Pick me Vanna! Thank you for your warm and homey post. The snow scenes really tickle me pink in my San Diego Christmas!
Annie Dru
Wow, Susan!!! What a most generous give away! The tea set is just gorgeous…..not to mention my dinning room (tea room) colors. Love it! I will dream of winning it, until I don’t…….but I’ll be so happy for whoever gets it!!!!LOL. How nice that you are helping a children’s charity with your Dec. book sales. This IS what Christmas is all about. Your herd of sheep is fabulous! I can’t believe you found so many!! I’m so glad I was able to get one of yours when you were here. It stands by your signed photo in my living room (studio! As you can see my rooms have double purposes. small house, BIG dreams!) I really loved your travels but I’m so glad to have you home again. So excited to see what you have next to work on and write on the blog! Well, I need to start my baking…….it’s my first Christmas in this house! And I’ve learned so much from you this past year! Thanks!
Merry merry Christmas Kirsten!
Oh, Susan, how I love your blog and your books. I just recently discovered Girlfriends Forever and it’s just the most delightful book, filled with ideas and thoughts (some of which I didn’t know I had until you verbalize them!). Thank you for your joie de vivre and how generously you share that in real life, on the road, and through your books and blog. I love all things England, so who knows, I may just be the lucky recipient of that wonderful tea set. Thank you for being you! A Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
The almond brittle looks delicious and I might try to make it myself! Merry Christmas to you!
What an amazingly thoughtful and beautiful giveaway! I so love reading your posts…thanks, Susan, for sharing your life, loves, and talents with us all. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Susan, I loved getting to meet you in Kansas on your book tour, but am glad that you are back home safely and getting ready to enjoy Christmas. I am probably the only one that has never seen Downton Abby, but have asked for Season 1 for Christmas so hopefully I can eventually catch up to everyone else. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Dear Susan,
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your website, blog, books, recipes, – I love it all! I too am a lover of all things china/dish related – in fact I have a collection of English Bone China teacups and saucers that my Aunt gave to me over her lifetime. It was wonderful meeting you in Wichita at Watermark Books – just a magical evening!
I would love to win this beautiful tea set to add to my collection! And some of your candy would be a wonderful bonus too.
Thank you for all you do for all of us – and may you and Joe have the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest New Year!
I am so happy you are home! That being said, I have so enjoyed our trip. I have seen so many things that I didn’t think I would ever see! Thank you for always thinking of us! Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2014! With love, Denise
Hi Susan. I have heard of Tuscan bone china. Coincidentally, this morning I was washing and putting away tea cups used last night when I had two friends over for a Christmas visit. One of the cups, I noticed, said “Tuscan Fine Bone China” on the bottom. It is a lovely daffodil patterned cup and saucer and the bottom also says it was from a series called “Birthday Flowers”. I found it at a garage sale last summer. My two friends who were here last evening are also Susan Branch fans. In fact, one of them in our annual gift exchange gave me a copy of your “Sweets to the Sweet” book. If I were to be the lucky winner of the china tea set, I would have two good friends who would enjoy sharing it with me.
Dearest Susan,
You are so very thoughtful! You are like an angel to us. I think there may be hidden wings under that green shawl you wear. Merry Christmas!
I have it on right now! Funny you should mention that Susan!
Welcome home ! So nice to have you back blogging… and a Very Merry Christmas 🙂
We don’t have our tree up yet, either. We’re still scrubbing, dusting, polishing, tossing, and baking. But we’ll get there, either today or tomorrow. We have all the Christmas dishes out and the Christmas knick-knacks. But the big stuff, that’s in the cupboard under the stairs, has yet to be brought out. And there’s a lot of it. Every single thing a memory, too, just like you, just like Christmasphiles all over the world. New word = Christmasphiles. I like that. People who love Christmas. I know you’re enjoying yourself, immensely, as are we; hoping all of us can have a safe and healthy Christmas. And for those who are ailing or afflicted in any way, we, here in the West, say a prayer for you, that your burdens will be lifted and that the joy of the birth of our Savior will be salve to your wounds and your souls; that, somehow, the happiness of Christmas will be strong in your hearts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I make that candy yearly!! It is fun and easy and everyone loves it! Thank you for having a beautiful blog that I can visit when life with two teenagers gets hectic. May everyone enjoy a happy and healthy holiday!
Merry Christmas to all!
And “The Bishop’s Wife” is on the Hallmark channel tonight at 7:30 central time.