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 dont know what’s better, the tea set…too prtty, or the candy…yum 🙂
Merry Christmas!
All is calm all is bright
Susan, you are such a generous person! Sharing so much with everyone and I LOVE it all! And now this beautiful tea set! And brittle! How did you know I LOVE teasets, too! And brittle! It would have a wonderful home in my cupboard of Homeless Treasures! That’s what I call my collection! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years! 🙂
Wonderful blog, thanks for all the Christmas cheer and a chance for hot tea!
A visit to your website is such a break from the humdrum of life…a breath of fresh air! And that tea set….ohmygoodness! So gorgeous! Love finding treasures like that! Merriest of Christmases to you!
I have been with you from the beginning, Susan. Bought your first cookbook years ago and was so happy to have it signed by you at Strawberry Patches in Bakersfield. What a treat it was to meet you! So I feel like I’m already a winner! Merry Christmas.
Dearest Susan, greetings from Los Angeles. We do not have snow outside but were having a little rain. We still have Hummingbirds outside our window and right now their having a feast with their nectar, Its just pure magic for us.
Wonderful Christmas time.
xoxoxo
Beautiful blog today!!! I always love all your photos. China is lovely, such a great giveaway. Jack is so handsome, and he appears to adore his mom!!
You are adding such a wonderful element to my Christmas season. I like to take things slowly and enjoy each day and each new tradition, also. You have such a homey way of doing things in your home, the way you decorate, cook and have gatherings, all with the company of your gorgeous kitties, and sweet husband. Joe reminds me of my husband, always doing what is needed, most times, without a request. Aren’t we blessed? Keep up the wonderful blog, writings, entertaining, travelling, cooking, baking, and all you do. Merry Christmas!
Blessed! ♥
Hi Susan! Had to write again to let you know you have inspired me once more! I went to Home Goods and bought a snowman mug (similar to your Santa) and stopped at the local grocery to buy a small poinsettia plant. Came home and planted the poinsettia in the snowman mug! It looks so darling on my kitchen window! I will cherish it every Christmas and remember Susan Branch as I admire it! Thank you once again! I am so blessed to have met you this summer at the book signing in NH. Merry! Merry!
Perfect Asha, how great!
Blazing Fire and Christmas Treats says it all. Wonderfulness……..
Merry, Merry Christmas!
So very happy your home, sweet, safe and home. Your adventures become my adventures through your wonderful blog. Thank you, from someone who doesn’t get around much, for sharing the way that you do. You warm the heart!
Merry Christmas everyone! Great blog today Susan. I always enjoy a glimpse into your kitchen. My husband went out today to get ingredients for the almond brittle, he’s so excited to make it, haha!! Thanks for all you’ve given us this year. I’m always inspired by you enthusiasm and joy for life.
Oh, sweet Susan…Thank you so much for your wonderful beauty-filled blog. Santa has promised to gift me with A Fine Romance AND your 2014 wall calendar. I can hardly wait!
Joy, joy, joy!
Vicki
What would Christmas be without all the smells and tastes coming from our kitchens? My favorites are gingerbread cookies and peanut butter brittle. Yumm.
Susan … you have an amazingly magical way of taking the stress right off of my shoulders … your writings and beautiful photos/drawings truly transport me to a happy place free of stress and worries! Thank you so much for that! Your holiday spirit (and just your everyday spirit) are certainly something to aspire to be like … as I’ve said before … I would love to walk in your shoes for just 24 hours … to experience the wonderment of your life! You are blessed, and in turn, I am blessed for knowing you … albeit it from afar! Merry Christmas to you and your little family (furry ones included)
XOXO Pam!
Oh to be you. I have MOST of your books and my sister is the one who 1st introduced me to YOU. I have been hooked ever since. The detail of your work is amazing and knowing it was done by hand.. your hand just makes it magical. It’s not everyday that someone of your talent/popularity makes us feel like we are just one of your dearest friends and you make us feel like a huge part of your daily life. A life filled w/ the love of life, the beauty it has to share, the simplicity of things to the complex things… THANK YOU for sharing your talent,gifts, life with us…
LOL! Oh to be you! Too funny Rhonda, but thank you for all your sweet thoughts.
Dear Susan-
My husband ‘greatly’ thanks you…for sharing your delish toffee recipe! I made 4 batches for him to take to one of his office parties….everyone wanted the recipe and of course we gave you credit! Your blog is very inspiring!
Merry, Merry Christmas!
Nina
Hooray, tell your husband I said hello!
The china is so-o-o beautiful, and your candy sounds fabulous!
Thank you for the lovely blog today! I love yams too they are so healthy
I shall try them as you suggest we always microwave ours .. So glad that profits from the book sales are going to a worthy cause, nice touch
putting the Heart in all you do!
Happy Christmas from the cold prairies ! xo
Way down the list at #1919 is me…..hoping and crossing my fingers
What a sweet tea set but the almond brittle looks even more yummy!
In the midst of my Christmas baking too 🙂
Merry Christmas!!!
Lori
What a wonderful giveaway! Even if I don’t win I will make some of that yummy looking almond brittle. I always enjoy your posts. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Linda
I love your blog. Thank you for the wonderful contest.
Wow! I can hardly believe you’re giving that gorgeous tea set away! How absolutely… Susan Branch of you! 🙂 I was admiring it so. It would be so fun to have ANOTHER tea party… this time after Christmas. Thank you for always thinking of us, Susan. Even if I don’t win, you always add cheer to my day. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season!
I love those dishes!!!
My sister Terry got to see you in Bakersfield!!! I wish I could have gone and met you, too!!!! But work gets in the way!!! I gave her my Autumn book for you to sign.
I just love it!!! Thank you for traveling to us! Maybe next time you can come to
Grass Valley!!! It is a nice place to visit!!!! FYI!!!!
Merry Christmas!!
Love
Marylou
Susan ,
I love your blog. The pictures and recipes are just what I need to settle down to after a long day at work. I am wishing you and your family the most wonderful of holidays.
Have so enjoyed being with you on your trip. The bestest part was BP segment. That too has been my dream!! Just finished your book & plan on reading it again!
I have recently discovered your blog and don’t know how I ever lived without it!
That tea set reminds me of home and family. Everything special at Christmas. Thank you for sharing with us girls throughout the year.
I will try this again my last comment keeps showing pending?? Merry Christmas! I hope you have a Christmas filled with love and laughter!
I wanted to tell you I’m from TX . I started writing you many years ago. Now I’m living in AZ and taking care of my 95 year young mom. I do miss all my friends in TX but we are so blessed to have mom with us. I hope you draw my name but if you don’t , thanks anyway. Gail in AZ.
Hi Girlfriends & of course, Susan! After reading your blog about your 95 year old mother, I thought about the lady who had a special B’Day & was also 95 (I think). Her relative had requested that all of us (Girlfriends) send her a B’Day card. I hadn’t heard if that was successful or not. Anyone know if the woman received lots of cards? (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Hello Susan,
I am enthralled with your website. My husband and I spent many summers visiting his parents who owned a cottage just off the circle of cottages near the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. I long to go back for a visit. It’s been several years since we’ve been. Did you say some of your books, etc. are sold at the Secret Garden? That was one of my favorite stores. Thanks for the chance to win that lovely tea set.
Merry Christmas!
Pat
Always so enjoy reading your blog and checking out your website. Thanks for sharing your love for life with all of us. You’re the best!
Love your cozy blog! I would love to win this! Merry Christmas!
Not sure if my message made it thru or not as I was typing it and it “flew off” to I don’t know where, before I could finish it. I was talking about your green tea set and how nice that you found it and now are sharing it with one of the GF’s. So very nice of you Susan. I would like to wish you and Joe and the kitties a “Happy Christmas.” Thank you for your blog and books and all you do for all of the GF’s (and I hope the rest of my message made it thru 🙂 ).
Susan, I would LOVE to win this Tea Set & candy but, most of all I would love to tell you I have been a fan of yours for years!!! This past summer we rented a house in Nipomo & each time I’d be in A. G. I would WISH to see you. Bummer but, maybe next year. I have MANY of your cookbooks & love your art & recipe’s. I have added your blog to my blog roll so I know when you write a new post. Also, LOVE your new Potter figurines. I love her work so much & ADORE your new treasures! Have a very Merry Christmas!
So glad you are back home! Thank you for gifting one of us with such beautiful china and goodies!
Hi Susan, I want to wish you and Joe a very Merry Christmas! We, too, have not trimmed our tree yet, although we do have it standing ready to be beautified! The second of my 2 sons arrives home soon, so we will trim a small tree tonight we have kept in honor of my mom since she passed. I call it the angel tree. On Saturday we trim the larger tree with my girlfriend and her family. She converted to judaism for her husband and has raised her kids in that faith, but every year we have made it a tradition for them to come for a “Christmas” dinner with us and all of our (now grown) children trim the tree together. Much merriment ensues! I look forward to that night each holiday season! I haven’t started my holiday baking yet, but I definitely want to make your Almond Brittle! Looks fantastic! Anyway, enjoy being home and cocooning in your beautiful, cozy island abode!
Oh, Joy! The blessings of a Christmas tea! Thank you for the bliss of anticipation….
Hi Susan,
It’s so nice of you to give away the dishes and not keep them for yourself! You are very sweet and generous to think of all of us. Wishing you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack a wonderful holiday!
You have a kindred spirit in CA who also is easing into the Christmas frenzy…I like to start slow and taper off gradually : ) I came to the website to order your book, which I know will have me transported but envious, and found your blog. I REALLY would love to own the tea party canister pictured with your tins, but it is awfully gracious of you to offer the tea set and sweets! My own teacup collection was limited to daffodil patterns only (my birthday flower), in a feeble attempt to control the numbers. (I can vouch for at least 150 different daffodil patterns extant on bone china teacups, alas!) That brings me to my chief purpose for commenting: Tuscan is indeed a china company, although I believe it is probably extinct or absorbed/merged because I only find vintage teacups from Tuscan, usually from about the 1930’s-50’s. I love all things tea and am known on e-Bay as Daffodiltealady. Pleased to meet you, and to wish you a very happy and blessed Christmas!
Just found your blog from another blog and love it! Have several of your books and love reading them for no reason at all! Would love the tea set–its so pretty!
Oh Susan!!!! I would love to share a cup of tea with my mom and her friends. They are in their 80’s and all so look forward to coming to my house for tea. They would LOVE the tea service from England….and they ALL have a sweet tooth! xoxo
Well, you should tell them I said hello . . . I can just imagine! Like my mom and her friends.
Merry Christmas to You & Joe and your precious FurBabies! Your Blog is such a comforting warm place to visit, Thanks for all the hard work you put into it…..
I’m feeling a little melancholy tonight. Not sure why, but reading your blog reminds me of how beauty is right up there with love in importance. No matter where we are or how we’re feeling, sharing those two with those around us is always good. Thank you for being a friend to so many of us. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and good wishes for 2014.
I’ve come to realize that too Brenda, that Beauty and Love and intertwined and the search for what we believe is beautiful and the manifesting of it into our lives is part of the joy of life.
Beautiful tea set, and I know just who I’d give it to! Merry Christmas to you!
OH Vanna, what long arms you must have to reach thru 1,920+ entries to find mine! (wishful thinking!) Merriest of Christmases Susan!
Merry Christmas, Susan, Joe and Kitties!
What a wonderful gift to read your blog, find a delicious recipe and a chance to win the lovely tea set. You are so thoughtful to your fans. I’m so glad you are home so we can absorb your spirit through your blog and be inspired to create, share and love during this glorious season. I’m so happy your book is such a hit and that you are home safely.
Looking forward to your new blogs in 2014
Hugs from Susan in Spokane
Oooo love that china, so pretty. And the lambs are darling, and I can tell you are one of “those” people, the ones who find the best treasures when browsing when I never find anything but junk! Thanks for the chance and Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for your generous offer and give away idea…love your blog, always very inspirational and a great escape! Merry Christmas to all! Looking forward to your book, hoping to get it for Christmas.
Susan, What can I say, I just love your blog. It is always about things I love or would like to! I don’t have a fireplace, but love looking at yours and snuggling with a good book (or Jack), and a lovely cup of tea. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Merry Christmas Susan,Joe And Kitties! Love your Blog And warm cozy home it always makes my day to read a post. Have a Happy Healthy New Year!!!
I so enjoy reading your blogs and going along on your excursions to wherever….
I think I’m living vicariously through you. It would be so special to receive your beautiful tea set and yummy candy. My very best wishes to you and your hubby and your furry little kitty-kids. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2014.
Your blog (and my copy of your book) have inspired me to take a trip to England……and inspired me to gift myself this Christmas with a bunch of Beatrix Potter figurines that I found in an antique store! My guest room is now a “Beatrix Potter” room, inspired by your Beatrix Potter guest room! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
You go girl! xoxo
Your blog is like stepping into a story book. As a child I read the Scandinavian books, Flicka, Ricka and Dicka and Snip, Snap and Snur. One was about 3 little girls, the other about 3 little boys. Such lovely illustrations. Your websites takes me back to those books. Thank you.
Kathe
Fairy tales were my first and forever inspiration. I loved the ones that came in the books with colors in their titles: The Red Book of Fairytales, the Yellow Book of Fairytales. They were published around 1900 and had some very old stories in them, many of them dark where branches of trees moved and reached out to grab at fairy princesses and little children as they traveled the rutted path through the dark and leaf blown forest. Ooooo. I just did it to myself!
Such a wonderful and thoughtful gift for someone. I love the way you bring us into your home and heart. Merry Christmas!
There is absolutely nothing like reading your blog to inspire me to get into the kitchen and start cooking! I am so glad you are back home in time for Christmas and more holiday inspiration! I love your flock of sheep! My tree is not fully decorated yet either due to distractions like work and wonderful old movies on TV, but am taking my time this year to really enjoy decorating the house. I thought of you as I unpacked the ornaments as I have several lamb oranments from different countries and craftsmen that I have collected on our travels. I love them all as they seem to be a symbol of joy and optimism for everyone. And your really found some gems on your trip at antique stores! The Beatrix potter figurines are lovely, especially Samuel Whiskers. The tea set is really charming as well and truly a treasure! Hope you continue to enjoy being home and the season’s festivities!
Thank You Susan for all the joy you bring us with your lovely posts. Please enter me into the drawing. I’m having my first midwest winter but so far not much snow for us in KCMO. I’m looking forward to cardinals in the snow. Isn’t this big ‘ol world amazing!!!
My my, almost 2000 comments already! There are a LOT of wonderful girlfriends out there, all hoping to win the beautiful tea set and almond brittle. Thanks for the chance to be in Vanna’s drawing! Your so kind and generous!.
I hope all the girlfriends, and of course you Susan, Joe, Jack, and Girl, have the most wonderful holiday ever, filled with love, family and friends.
Enjoyed visiting with you today via your post. I work in retail and come home so very tired this time of year. Always a pleasure to see what you are up to. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
You are the best girlfriend! Thanks for the chance to win.
Susan, you are just so generous! You and Joe have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for all you do!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe. So glad you are taking it slow and enjoying the season. I think it is extraordinary that you are giving away that beautiful green tea set, such a gift and must say it is so you. I may be getting your book Fine Romance from my husband for Christmas and I can’t wait to read it and be carried away to England. I have been enjoying your website, blog, Willard ,etc since I found you on the computer. Every time I have contact with you it makes me smile and laugh and I just love your musica. Have a Happy Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year. Sincerely, Cindy L. Whitney
Thank you Susan for your wonderful Blog, I enjoy it so much. Have
a Merry Christmas, and your cats also. I have six so I know how much
fun they are.
Year 2 without my George. Getting use to Christmas alone. Susan Branch Blog is a comfort knowing there are other loving couples grateful to be with each other.
Bless you for helping me through a difficult time.
Blessings Patricia xoxo
This is our first Christmas without our dear Peepaw, my husband, grandfather to our Grand Children who named him Peepaw. Just wanted to mention this so you know you’re not alone. Very difficult time. Best to look for others who need your help. Perhaps a few cookies to neighbors, a card to a friend you haven’t seen or heard from, a dish of pet food to a lone cat, or dog, things that will help you see that your generosity means so much to others. I’ll send up some prayers for you. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Our mom made this candy every year (but with shelled pecans my dad cracked in front of the fire for hours first!—we’re from the South!!!). It was always a BIG DEAL back then with six kids and counting pennies! She bought the chocolate on sale and froze it til December…then we all had to SCOOT from the Kitchen til she completed the task swirled out on the cold marble slab before our peeking awe-struck eyes! Ahh the intoxicating smell of that CHOCOLATE!…Then off it was banished away to the Front Hall closet (dark and COLD) for safe-keeping until she broke the first piece followed by many shards into colorful tin boxes for neighbors and family gifts! OH How we waited til we got a sliver! And all those scrumptious bits too small to give away! OHH Holy Night DIVINE! It was Heaven!!! We still try to replicate her recipe today, but it isn’t the same!
Wonderful contest! Thank you for sharing.
Your blog is taking my breath away! I have seen your art occasionally, and I know this sounds a little stupid, but I didn’t know if you were a “real person” or just the name of a brand or a collection put out by a company like Hallmark or something. Then I picked up a copy of Yankee magazine a few weeks ago, and finally had a minute to put my feet up with a cup of tea, and there you were! What a lovely and charming article. When they mentioned you had a blog, I got right on my computer to find you. I loooove your artwork. Pretty, pretty, pretty, and a charming blend of nostalgia and whimsy.
I too love dishes – a trait I got from my Mum. She took one look at the pics in the mag, and said you must be a kindred spirit because you have the “Rose Chintz” china just like she does!
I can’t wait to read more of your blog, and check out your cookbooks.
Warm wishes from the Maine coast.
Wendy
(P.S. My brother is a house-builder and is starting a project on MV. A homeowner wants to take down his house and build another in its place…seriously! I’ll be asking my sis-in-law to visit your shop!)
Hello up there in Maine, Wendy! Nice to meet you! I don’t have a shop, but there are lots of good ones your sister-in-law will love.
Celebrating the Christmas season with Susan Branch is always the most fun of all your posts. Comfy and cozy! Thanks for sharing.
So nice to have you back, welcome home. Your post made me feel all warm and cozy and was a nice break in my day after being so busy at work, forget Calgon! I so look forward to reading your blog, I truly feel like a “girlfriend”. Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties.
Your almond brittle is very similar to my English Toffee recipe except I use pecans and pour the sugar and butter mixture over the pecans. It is wonderful with tea!
So glad to have you home Susan, we missed you so much. Have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!
It was fun to learn you were “stranded” in Amarillo, TX. We live 100 miles north bordering OK. Now I feel like you know where we are. I really enjoy your chats with us. May you have a blessed Christmas and New Year. 🙂 Nelle
I don’t think my comments posted! Love your blog & you are such a neat person! Love being one of your girlfriends! That tea set is too cute & I’m certain I really need it!!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
Thank you for always being so thoughtful.
love you susan you are awesome
Hi Susan… I must try those baked sweet potatoes. My did that look good – comforting, filling (in a good way) and nutritious too! I will have to go back to your older post to see the temp. you bake them and for how long… The tea set you found is so lovely and delicate. My Earl Grey would be even more yummy in those cups! I’m glad you are taking the decorating slowly. I have noticed that in some of the older, classic Christmas movies, in those days, most people didn’t even put up their trees and trim them until Christmas Eve! And it’s always nice to leave the tree up into January, so why the rush? I am watching “The Bishop’s Wife” right now with a cup of hot cocoa and my tree lights twinkling. What could be better on a cold December night? : )
What a wonderful Christmas surprise! Thank you for thinking of your fans. I love following your blog because it keeps me grounded in what matters–home and family! Love to you and your kitties from me and mine;)
What a wonderful gift ! I would love to have such a delightful gift from you ,Susan
Susan, I have been sharing your blog with many of my friends. Have been buying used copies of your out of print books and giving them as Christmas gifts. Love them all. Sharing tea with these same girls is something I do. We love tea parties. I would love to add those to my collection. Thanks for sharing so many great things with us.
Shelley
Glad that you’re safely back home with your kitties. There’s been (and will be) wicked weather and traveling conditions out there. Hope everyone can get to/from okay.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for the gift of your past blogs.
Oh Susan, you are so thoughtful! Since I believe in small miracles, I am believing for a little while that I am planning a lovely tea party with my new dishes 🙂 !!! I love how you said you are taking it slow and purposing to enjoy the holiday. We tend to get so caught up in all the things we think we need to do, that we don’t stop to just enjoy Christmas and count our blessings. And; you dear Susan, are a blessing!
Have a wonderful Christmas at home, at last. It amazes me that you can spend that much time on the road. I know I could not be gone from my roots for that long, nor could I be away from my cat, dog, and horses for a long time. I have been baking cookies and getting ready for the relatives on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; always so special and pretty in New England. We have at least nine inches of snow on the ground from our two storms, but some of it may wash away with the impending rain that is forecast for this weekend. Nevertheless, it will still be a white Christmas. The best to you and Joe and the kitties.
I love your posts – they are so “friendly”! I, too, am a fan of Gladys Taber and Tasha Tudor – have collected many of their books over the years. My collection of your books is growing too and A FINE ROMANCE is such a lovely book!
I truly GASPED when you announced that you made it for us. WOW. You wrote this so beautifully that I feel every Girlfriend reading has already won. Lucky us. With Love. xoxo
Oh Susan! I so want to live next door, just for a day or two (can’t be greedy, others would want to stay in the home as well) just so I could pop over & say Hi! & peek at the cute things you found on your travels. See, it’s great that you share so much of your life with us already, but I’m a touchy feely kinda gal & I’d just like to feel some of those lil soft lambs & pet Jack & just get a whiffy of that wonderful carmelized brittle! Thank you so much for all you do. You inspire me (& so many others I’m sure) that it makes me think what a wonderful thing to be able to say that about a life ‘she inspires others’. : ) Hugs!
It is always delightful to read your blog! It’s a pleasure to read about your travels, your home, and my favorite, Jack! Have a very Happy Christmas and New Year too!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Joe and your kitties!!! This gift you are giving is very nice. Reading your blogs are a very special gift when ever I see a new one. Going to Ireland and London next year, so will be looking for places you visited to hopefully add to our list when we get to London. Thank you so much for sharing “A Fine Romance” with all of us who love to follow you on your trips. You will always be a special gift! Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season!
Such a lovely tea set and chocolate almond brittle on top of it? Fingers crossed! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Just finished making mini lemon poppy seed bread for my sons teacher your almond brittle looks great! Have fun baking and decorating your tree!
Your cups overflow with Loving Kindness, Joy and Peace. You are blessed to be a Blessing.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful treasures of home and hearth with us. Contentment is a gift! Merry Christmas! XO XO
Taking this season slow, just like you. And finding that the spirit might be felt all the more because of it. Our 17 year old daughter (whom I can hear downstairs singing “Oh Christmas Tree”) just found out that she has been accepted to Bridgewater State University, where she will major in elementary/special education next fall. We (my husband and I, along with our two older kids) could not be more happy for her. We have much to be grateful for. Our best to you and Joe for a joy-filled holiday season!
Congratulations Ellen!!!
Hi Vanna!!! Please pick me. I need a tea set. I really, really do 🙂
Susan,
You are such a darling person and do the nicest things for others.. It has been a little hectic the past few days but all I need to do is check your blog..always so relaxing and uplifting! 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and can relax too….sounds like you have a good start. I am going to try to make your brittle tomorrow. 🙂
Big Hug to you
Hello Susan,
Once again I’m loving your post! I know the fun of unpacking the treasures
from a road trip! I can so relate to finding once again what you forgot you had
found, washing and then sitting it in just the right place! Such satisfaction!!
I’m excited just to know my name will be with all the girlfriends for the drawing!!
One lucky girlfriend and we will all be happy for her!! Thank you for all this
fun! Merry Christmas to you and all our girlfriends! Teresa XOXO
The toffee looks wonderful. More toffee than chocolate, just the way I like it. The tea set is very pretty. I don’t have a set, but I do have a few tea pots that I’ve collected. Some are used for tea and some for flowers.
I just picked up my copy of A Fine Romance from Barnes and Noble today. I was there yesterday shopping and the nice man said it was there, but then he discovered that it had just arrived and wasn’t unpacked yet. He took my name and assured me I could come back today and they would have it at check out for me. I did go back, it was there and I was happy. I stopped to get a pedicure on the way home ( luxury in the winter is to know you have a pedicure under the socks LOL) and started reading and loving it. I’m not going to sit down and read it all at one time but try to pace myself and savor it as I go! Thanks! Also, thanks for the chance to win such a nice and thoughtful gift! Oh, My!!!!
It looks like you are having fun getting settled in and unpacking. You are doing it right—-slowly and savoring all the treats you accumulated on the trip. Wow—that tea set is beautiful and you are so generous to give it to one of us. Of course I’ve already picked out the place in my house where it will look best, but so have many other FOSB’s across the country. Good Luck to all of us, and Merry Christmas. It is so good to have “our Susan” back east.
There is no place like home sweet home! Lovely things are meant to be shared! Thank you for all your inspiration 🙂