We’re in the Pink darlings, in more ways than one . . . MUSICA 
So, in honor of Vanna, in honor of our Giveaway, today we celebrate with her favourite colour which of course is PINK ~ the colour associated with JOY, femininity, and romance (also Double-Bubble gum, flowers, babies, cotton candy) … it’s the color of universal love and warms the cockles of our hearts. And most of all, it puts sunshine in our day … pink sunshine. Vanna is getting into her deep-dive costume, and while we wait . . . let’s do pink!
Take a deep breath of this luv-lee flower . . .
Ahhhhhhh . . . . mmmm, roses . . .
Mmmmmm.
Fill it with pink lemonade . . . 🎀
Tea anyone? Or iced tea? Go get some, I’ll be right here when you get back!
All treasures from second hand stores . . .
Ice-cold Lemon Rice salad is good with everything in the summer, especially barbecue! And so pretty decked in flower petals. The trick to rice is to rinse it in COLD water when it’s done. Get all that starch off so that it doesn’t feel slimy or stick together. Here’s the recipe!
Pink . . . 
Clematis . . . read how to grow this fluffy springtime spark of light HERE.
Another yard-sale find . . .
We were far from home when we saw this lamp in an antique store and could not take it with us … but a picture is almost as good!
More pink!
We saw these luv-lee things at the New York Gift Show, having pictures is almost as good as having the real thing, less expensive, takes up less room.
Top o’ my stove . . . Rachel gave me the little love creamer … check out the tiny tea-for-one … another antique store moment.
Martha’s Vineyard in June and July . . . roses everywhere!
My kitchen porch after a day of hard work in the garden! Pink glass … 
F I R E W O R K S in the Park . . .
The hydrangea in our dining room . . . I bought the Hydrangea Pot at Macy’s about 25 years ago . . . I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of it . . . just keep refilling it with potted plants, and voila! The glory of the dining room!
Oh yes, Pink. The letter I got from the Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth when I was a little girl. (Lots of you already know, but just in cases: Yes, I wrote her first!)
Christmas Pink!
Painting in pink!
I think I love pink easily as much as Vanna! This is my Fairy’s Petticoat Pale Pink Peony.
Ahhh yes, England. Does anyone know what this flower is? It was in the fall … they reminded me of bleeding hearts but the fall isn’t the time for bleeding hearts . . .
Yard sales!
Sweetest duvet cover . . . we sleep so good under this! Nothing like a cozy bed!
Table set for a wintry Valentine Breakfast . . .
My dinner party diary for that day . . .
Things like this make doing the dishes highly satisfying.
Okay, now you are all in the very best, calmest, happiest, and dreamiest of moods . . . one more deep breath . . . ahhh , good, because it’s time for our drawing, and as you know there can only be one winner 💔 . . . so hold those happy cheery thoughts, because who cares, they are only cups! And you are so lucky, you already have everything you need!
This time it will be four fishes! 🐟🐟🐟🐟 Get ready girls! Open your mouth, here comes the fish. (No, no, not you Vanna, you’re not a fish ~ I was talking to the Girlfriends! You look beautiful, I love your scaled lime-coloured body suit and shiny pink flippers, perfect for slithery deep dive. The pink plastic ice-cube necklace pulls it all together!) 
Vanna’s so talented.🌸 Okay, she’s UP! Her hands high over her head, thumbs twisted together in classic dive form… Kick OFF Girl! She’s DOWN! She’s a whirling dervish. Little confetti-bits of paper with names on them are spiraling into a vortex of churning paper, the room is filled with floating, flying confetti . . . Vanna surfaces, looks up and like a lizard’s-tongue after a fly, a lightening-bolt across the sky, Jack’s claw as I walk by, she plucks a name from mid-air, and hands it to me. 💌 Oh, I love this so much!💖
Alright, Girls, here we go . . . little drum roll, please . . . The winner of all four cups is . . . . . L O R R A I N E M A C H O L Z Congratulations Lorraine!!! From almost 3,000 entries, YOU’RE the one to come up with the fish! Lucky Girl! I’ll need your address . . . watch for an email from me soon.💖
So, to change the subject for my wonderful dear girlfriends not named Lorraine Macholz . . . 😢 (Don’t worry, you know we’ll do this again!) So, let’s see … first off something I think you might like if you don’t have it already . . . there’s an easy way for you to be alerted when I do a new post. You’ll get an email, just like when you get a Willard. To make that happen, go to the top right-side of this page … (see the example with the red arrow below, you’ll just click there . . .)
And when you do . . .
A screen that looks like this will come up. Not very Susan Branchy, but it does deliver! Just click the little envelope in the red circle . . . sign up, and from now on, when there is a new blog, it will simply show up in your email!💌 If you want , you can go from HERE . . .So what else . . . Oh yes, before I go … we DO have a few Spring and a few Winter cups left, if you’d like to see them, there are very few, I hope if you want one, you can get it HERE.
Oh yes, the date is set for my talk at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo, California.🍎 Joe and I we’ll be taking the train out in October . . . we’ll be at the Apple Farm on Saturday, October 13 . . . they’ll have further information for you HERE on July 25. Hope to see you there!💞
This was me the last time I was at the Apple Farm 🍎. I’ll have to remember not to wear that dress!
AND, if you’re going to be near Cape Cod in November, I’ll be speaking at the West Falmouth Library on Saturday, November 10, at 1:30 pm.📚 Fall! It’s coming!🎃
And one more thing . . . Oh, yeah . . .
I know I said I might not do anymore cups . . . but then I thought, what about fall???
And I could not resist . . .
And, was there to be nothing for Christmas? I didn’t think I could bear it! And this one is a whole new shape. It’s a wider-mouthed cup sized between our large one and the small one to make extra cuteness on your shelves … a luv-lee 14 oz. cup. The holly design goes all the way around. I am picturing my Christmas dinner table right now!
Then The Apple Farm 🍎 said they would love if I did an apple cup . . .
Of course I did, how wonderful, more fall!🍁 Perfect for eating Apple Crisp out of! And I think they’ll be there when we are!
I just wanted to show you what’s coming. The saucers for the cups shown are mine . . . was just trying to see how they would look with antique saucers and I think they look good! Soon I’ll show you the bottoms and handles and we’ll put them up for presale … just didn’t want you to think I was being lazy! I will leave you with this little reminder:
Yes, it’s Pink and it’s Summer. We are so lucky! Love you dearest ones. Thank you for all the wonderful comments. 💞 You are by far the funnest of them all! The cleverest of them all!
Oh, I am so excited to see you again in SLO! I tried to see myself in the picture of you from the last visit. I am in there somewhere near the back. I am going to get there EARLY this time and be right up front! Thank you for something wonderful to look forward to.
I am going to try to get my mother down here from her new home in Reno for the event.
You were so kind to my mother after she lost her house to fire in October of last year.
We will both forever be two of your biggest fans!!
And thank you for all the beautiful pink. Along with Vanna, it is my favorite color as well!
Thank you Beth, hope to see you both!
So excited about the Winter cups! I missed out before when they were available and was disappointed. I quickly ordered one just now and knowing it will soon be part of my collection made my day as did your new post. It has been so hot here in Ohio, but your beautiful pink post left me feeling refreshed. As always, your latest post is a breath of fresh air!
Oh good Pam! I’m so happy you got one!
My Winter cup came today! Your girls out in California are really on the ball. So happy to have it and looking forward to the new cups for Fall and Christmas this year.
Such lovely pink pictures… Oh I wish there would be more pink in my house (but then the men of the house wouldn’t agree…)! I fall in love with your decor every time you show tidbits of it! Thank you for the enchantment!
I’m often amazed, in this very masculine world of ours, how many homes are decorated in such a feminine style and how much men seem to enjoy it as much as we do! Maybe pink is going too far, but you should see the new drape fabric I’m looking at . . . all pink hydrangeas, and so far, Joe is loving it!
Pink (all shades) are beautiful, happy colors and really add to either an outfit or a room.
I decorate with pinks and yellows and florals and toiles and my art. I have always loved the English country cottage style. My hubby loves it. Years ago I painted everything off white because I didn’t want his male sensibility stuck with so much feminity. He actually hated it..said it looked like a hospital. Can we make it more colorful? So it’s no longer looking like a hospital. It’s amazing how it irrates some people tho. The comments Ive gotten …🙄Poor hubby they have said. His comment is..who cares, it’s our home and our business. 👍 🤗
Well said Cris. Home is YOUR castle! xoxo
Dear Sue,
It’s so nice to have you home safe and sound but I’m sure I’m not the only one missing England at least a little bit. Love your celebration of beautiful pink, can’t see it without smiling, thanks.
Lillian XOXO
My best, very best thing is that I am seriously immersed in England, inside my diary, working on the book, every day. It’s such a blessing not to have to give it up yet!
Have to admit I haven’t given the color pink much thought. Love your take on it. It made me smile after a stressful day. And all those beautiful old pink dishes! Love the new mugs too. Waiting for husband to ask “don’t you have enough yet?” Of course not, dear.
Of course not dear. I buy something new, even a skirt or a sweater, and Joe says, “Don’t you already have one of those?” Ha ha ha!
Thank you Susan. Remember the favorite Revlon lipstick color,”Love That Pink”? I see that you are going to the West Falmouth Library, are tickets available? Hope the ferry is running that day!
I’m not sure how they plan to do this, whether you need tickets or not … I put a link to their website on my blog where I wrote the date … you can check there or give them a call… I have faith in that Ferry …!
Loved all the pink. Congrats to the drawing winner. Love, love, love the Halloween Pumpkin Cup and wow! the Holly Christmas one for sure. Still kick myself that I didn’t act soon enough to get the Winter cup from before. Eyes wide open to see if I could scout one up while we were in England recently. So looking forward to fall (with new cup designs) – we’re sitting in upper 90 temps all week. Oregon this side of the Cascades isn’t supposed to be this HOT!!
Call the Apple Farm and make sure they don’t still have them! Then try The Cook Shop in Brewster MA … they carry them too. I know, the heat is awful. Even luv-lee green England is suffering. Stay cool, gotta go through summer to get to the magic of fall!
Just thought I’d get back to let you know I really appreciate both recommendations to try to find the Winter cup – but, both shops are out of that one. Yes, it was quite warm and humid while in London and just a tad cooler in Edinburgh. Our hostess there said 3 weeks of those temps – and they haven’t seen that in 100 years.
Congratulations !
now to wait for the new mugs for Fall and ESPECIALLY Christmas!!!!!
Oh Sue! You have been a busy girl with all those new cups! Love the pink blooms, and all the pretties. Thank you for sweetening my afternoon. Your girlfriend forever 🌸
Susan what a wonderful blog 💕 Love how you can take a single word “Pink” and make my day. You are such a gifted soul, thank you for sharing it with us. Love the new cup designs, gorgeous! Susan K. Westfield, Ma
#Pinkalicious!!!! & #Congratz To #Lorraine A Very~Lucky~Girl! 🙂 (#PoorMe) 😉 One~Day…#Perhaps 🙂 Well I LOVE #PINK Everything Is #PrettyInPink! Yay! A Happy~Joyful~Delightful~SummerTime~Blog~Post Sweet~Sue & I Thank~Thee! & Now When I Saw Your Preview Of The New Autumn~Cup… My Wings Were All A Flutter & I Began Doing The~Pumpkin~Jiggity~Jig #OMG!!!!! 🙂 A Huge~Smile On Me Pumpkin~Face 🙂 It’s Been Very Tropical & Rainy & Steamy Here In Florida….But I’m Always Truly Dreaming Of AUTUMN….. Good~Night My Sweet~Sue Sweetest~Dreams….Kitty~Kisses To #Jack From Me! xoxo #Poof! & A #Purrrrrrrrrrrrr
Ha ha ha, Angie, I love it when your wings go “all a flutter!”
🙂 😉 Happy~Weekend My Sweetest~Sue I Just Covered My~Wings With New~Very~Sparkly~Glitter…..They Shall Be Very #Glowy Under The~Lunar~Eclipse Full~Moon Tonight! See Ya There! We Must Make Our #RestOfTheSummerWishes! 🙂 #Pixie~Dust For #Everybody! Yay! xoxo #Poof 🙂 😉 🙂
Congrats, Lorraine, you are one lucky lady! Susan, I love your “Pink” blog! Pink has been my favorite color forever, such a sweet happy color. The only thing better than pink for me is pink with glitter! I so love what you said about pictures, “… having pictures is almost as good as having the real thing, less expensive, takes up less room”. Can’t wait to see you at the Apple Farm in October!
Oh my word – so excited for the new cup designs!!
Congratulations Lorraine!
Thank you Susan! ❤️ Another wonderful blog and that apple cup… there are no words! Now a little musical interlude in honour of Lorraine!!! Hip hip hooray and all that Jazz 😁👏🏼 youtu.be/Obx-8gn-ZW8
Congrats to Lorraine!!!!! Enjoy your beautiful mugs. Oh Susan, I just love the Jack- O- Lantern mug!!! I love Fall and Halloween!! Can’t wait to get it!!! Loved your pink blog!
I think Halloween is my favorite holiday, with Thanksgiving coming in second… I love the Fall, my favorite season of all. 😀
Love you, love this post and so happy for Lorraine!💕 A cup is on my wish list! It may be a birthday gift to me from me.
Lucky Lorraine!! I was happy with all the pink and all the flowers. Love them pink along with all the lavender, purple and blue flowers out there. What tends to populate all my gardens, except for yellow roses, my favorite! And a touch of white to offset all the rest. So happy with all the beauty blooming right now!!!
Hi Susan,
Loved every minute and the Fall 🍁🎃 cups are just prefect.
It’s still sunny here in the UK and we’re enjoying it before Autumn arrives. This I am wishing for as it’s my favorite time of the year!, followed by Christmas of course!!
Keep smiling, hope you and Joe enjoy the rest of summer!
Bye for now Andi 😁
I’m so glad you could not resist making those cups! I love them and will be getting all three, and I’ve never bought all from one group. But, I have to have those! Cant wait…thank you❤️
I adore your new cups that are coming!! And I definitely plan to come
To SLO for October if I can! Today I got the kitty cup for my birthday!! Love it so much. XX XX
Congrats to the Winner. I love my cups…the seasons set….and a few others. I love the apple cup. I will have to have it. I had wondered if you would not make more. I buy all I can…LOL…I am going to need a bigger cupboard. Oh..I love pink! I love vintage dishes. I love to mix and match them. I thoroughly enjoy all of your ideas and posts.Thank you so very much.
We need you to design a cup with a lot of PINK on it!!!!
One o these days Judy!
I just LOVE LOVE your blog and look forward to it everytime it comes. I love pink too! but it means something other than these beautiful things to me…I am a breast cancer survivor 12 years now so yay for Pink and surviving! Cheers to pink and all the wonderful things it brings to peoples minds. and Hooray for all the Breast Cancer Survivors out there.
Add that, big time, to the list of the wonderfulness of Pink! And Congratulations to you and all survivors ~ more than survivors, brave, advancing army of “Oh no you don’t!”
I love the PINK of everything today! Beautiful post. Lucky Lorraine – I hope she is one of those people who never wins anything! We are having a splendid summer on the coast – not too warm near the ocean – just perfect. I was really bummed to read the date for the Apple Farm visit – I am having a dinner party that evening for 8. I don’t think I can do both properly. Next time:)
You are a very good planner! Inspiring!
Haha…have to be when you have a group of 8 friends who gather for dinner and games once a month! Our house is October😊
Very fun!
My dad’s nickname was “Pinky” and today is my grandma’s (his mom) birthday. They have both passed, but this post feels like a hug from them and I thank you for the perfect timing. ♥
Awwww … xoxo
I loved all the pink. But I especially loved the new Christmas cup. I think this will be my gift to me. Thank you for being you and adding happiness to the world.
It is always nice to have a little something to look forward to!
I always thought green was my favorite color, but I’ve recently realized that the reason I love green is that it shows off pink so wonderfully!
(P.S. I love the holly cups for Christmas!)
AND, as decor, they slide so easily into red and green at Christmas!
Congratulations to Lorraine, the winner of the cups! (I have them all, so I didn’t enter. I love them all !!) And now, even though I have the Autumn cup, I want the pumpkin cup — I’ll be checking to see when it is ready for pre-order.
I believe the pink flowers in England are Lady Slippers, and I think we have them here, too. When I was a kid, my Mom pointed out so many wild flowers to me … Lady Slippers, Dutchman’s Breeches, Jack-in-a-Pulpit, Trillium … and now I don’t see any of them, except I have a few Trillium in my yard, which was part of a wood before it was cleared to put in the house. The wood keeps trying to come back, in the form of wild raspberry vines, poison ivy, and so many seedlings from the surrounding trees. Not to mention the mice, chipmunks, skunks, raccoons, and I think I have a resident groundhog out there, too. Oh, and the deer (which eat everything I plant) and foxes, and I hear coyotes off in the distance at night. It’s a jungle out here!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!
I’m happy we don’t have coyotes … we have them in California and they are nasty little cat eaters. You have to guard your little pets carefully from them. I would LIKE to have some groundhogs! But thrilled we don’t have gophers! No foxes either. But we have skunks and wild turkeys!
we have raccoons, skunks, deer, wild turkeys and possums, and foxes!!! we see the turkeys and deer most often, and keeping the deer out of the veggie garden is getting to be quite a problem.
Happy July Susan! That pink flower is Diascia, or Twinspur. They bloom earlier and in the fall. The hydrangea that has both pink and white petals……do you know what variety it is? It’s stunning. I just read “Miss Buncle’s Book”……I think it was one of your recommendations……what a delightful story of English Village life! I’ll have to read the sequals. Someone should make a movie out of it.
I think it’s Pinky Winky … white flowers that turn to pink as they age …
Kassy, I haven’t read “Miss Bunkle” but will look it up as it sounds wonderful. Another great series for you, if you haven’t already read it, is the “Miss Read” series about a school teacher in the Cotswolds (I think) during the 50s (again I think – it’s been quite a while since I read them but a reread would be timely). They are delightful.
Patricia,
Yes, I have a couple of the “Miss Read” books…..I read them years ago and should read them again. A book is a gift that keeps giving. Thanks for the reminder.
You will love “Miss Buncle’s Book”. She writes a book about the village under a male pen name, and everyone is trying to guess who of their neighbors wrote it. I haven’t read the sequels yet, but I plan to.
Thank you Susan.
Just wondered, reading these comments, if you are all watching Penelope Keith’s Hidden English Villages. They may be all re-runs now, but they are sooo charming!!! She has a new series now too, Penelope Keith’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. ALSO, coming up this week is a special on Beatrix Potter, narrated by Patricia Routledge (Mrs. Bucket!). That should be good!
Yes, they are wonderful, I wish SOMETHING to go on forever! Downton did so good for so long, but not forever!!
I would love for you to make a whole set of dishes using the leaf and acorn pattern you have. Can’t you just see it on the table! It’s been so hot here, I am dreaming of fall.🍁🍂 it’s my favorite time of the year. Debby
Happy day when there’s a new post from you! Did you see there’s a newly discovered receipt of Jane Austen’s first ever sale….of “Sense and Sensibility” to the Prince Regent? 15 Shillings in 1811! Article in the Daily Mail, thought you’d like to know!
Yay for Lorraine! I am next in line 😘 I love the new mugs too
Where oh where did you get that lovely duvet cover?
Too long ago to remember Sally, I’m sorry. I wish I knew!
Aw, that’s alright. Since it was a while ago, it’s no longer in production anyway. It is gorgeous though.
I bought some very pretty sheets and pillow cases from Vermont Country Store, if anyone is needing any: vermontcountrystore.com/petite-rose-and-ticking-stripe-percale-sheet-set.
We actually sleep better on these. Somehow prettier sheets make for a better night’s rest.
They are good for your health!
Were your ears burning this afternoon? I took your prints about marriage to have them framed for my sweet niece, who is getting married in October. The ladies that helped me with the framing kept exclaiming over them and calling people over to read them. The framer kept saying these prints are full of wisdom and they give advice that will last a lifetime. I just smiled and told them all about you and your talents. I told them to go to your blog and they could find all of the wonderful things that you have done. I think I found some more girlfriends for you today. What fun!
Congratulations Lorraine ~ so happy for you! Enjoy!
PINK! Yessss! Such a sweet, happy color.
If my remark comes through twice, I apologize. I got a funny message when I tried to send it and it seems to have disappeared. I had taken your marriage prints to be framed this afternoon for my neice, who is getting married in October. The framer loved them and kept calling people over to look at them. She said that they were so full of wisdom and would be such a meaningful gift. I told everyone about your blog, so I think I found some more girlfriends for you. What fun.
How great. Ours hang in the bathroom (i.e., the art gallery) and we get the same sorts of reactions. Luv-lee wedding present. xoxo And thank you for the word-of-mouth, there’s nothing like it. 😘
You are more than welcome.
Can you post a link to these prints??
Here you go Judy …
Congratulations Lorraine! This post is positively pinkalicious! All of these pink flowers are gorgeous, but then I think every flower is gorgeous. The Jack-O-Lantern mug is a must have! I am so hoping to see you at the West Falmouth Library in November. Thank-you for this delightful post, it made my inbox smile!
Susan, I am sitting here in SLO right now…across the street from the Apple Farm. I can hardly wait for Oct….(Hopefully) I can make it. But I was in the Apple Farm Store and OH YES I DID…saw all of your wonderful things and bought what I didn’t have…..The Calendars and cards….I have most of the cups…..So I had a great time. NOW YOU HAVE ME DROOLING OVER THE NEW CUPS AND I CAN’T WAIT…I HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO SAVE MY MONEY AND I WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO PR ORDER…HOW EXCITING…CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND EVEN SOME FOR ME!!!!!! Thank you again and again for all the new things you come up with…you do keep busy…and we, the girlfriends, are the lucky ones….LOOK what we get!!!!! All from you …..thanks, Love,Susan P.
Waving hello to SLO from me through you Susan P., thank yo so much!
Love all the pics of pink! It’s such a fun color to decorate with. My favorite pink flower in my garden is the “pinky winky” hydrangea. It first blooms all white and as the flowers mature, they turn pink. A really fun pink plant.
Hello, Susan! Looking at all of your lovely, pink flowers and accoutrements are just darling as well as breathtaking! I want to be a little mouse in your house! (perhaps Mrs. Tittlemouse on your window sill!) Thank you so much for making life so beautiful for all of us.
Keep your beautiful porcelain cups coming! I received my “Garden” cup a few weeks ago and adore it! It makes me wake up with a smile every morning.
PS–I bought a “Just Joey” rose bush for dear friends after seeing it in your photographs. They loved it and planted it in memory of their son, Joey 🙂
Your faithful reader, Pam
Ohh that is so sweet Pam, it’s perfect, if it’s in a happy place it just blooms and blooms and never stops and the scent is beyond the beyond. xoxo
Pink has become one of my favorites too! Everything from china cups for teatime, to lovely linen tunics. Wonderful photos, another great post🙂
Beautiful pink post! And congrats to the winner, Lorraine. I’m trying not to turn too green with envy. I am a little bummed out because I just tried to order the Winter cup and see that it’s not available even tho it doesn’t say Sold yet. I love that cup! It really looks good to me now since we’ve been fighting the heat this summer. 🙂
Pink is my signature color! If you only knew how much this girl loves pink!Loved your blog, happy to know you are safe and sound on Martha’s Vineyard. Safe travels to the West Coast.. Mary Elizabeth
Loved all the pink on a rainy day- very uplifting. I will be looking for pink things at the next garage sale. And also love the holly cup for Christmas> You have such wonderful ideas Susan.
This post has just taken my breath away…I second Lana Bressler’s comment!
A pretty in pink blog! I am pink with pleasure after reading this blog. Are the lovely pink flowers from England a pale pink Salvia? They are beautiful. I love the new mug designs, Pumpkinhead, Christmas Holly and Apple Crisp. I never thought of eating apple crisp out of a mug. I will be trying that. Thanks, Susan.
Hot, with ice cream on top!!!!! (See what I’m doing to myself?)
Reminded me of my Pinterest board called Pink Delights! Lovely finds, flowers, and treasures! As always, a passionate pleasure! Thank you!
Thank you for the lovely, pink, post! So fun! I loved the suspense! I believe those pink flowers are Autumn Sage… So looking forward to Autumn!
You are very in the pink! Oh that lovely pink clematis. None other so lovely. 💗 💕 the new cup designs. Have my coffee every morning in my “love” cup. Sometimes it comes with me on trips. Thank you Susan for being you.
Looking forward to seeing you in Oct. at the Apple Farm. I will have just returned from a New England tour which much to my delight includes a day on Martha’s Vineyard. We stop in Edgartown. Looking forward to seeing your lovely island. My family arrived in New England in 1635 and I have had this tour on my bucket list for some time now. Dreams do come true.
I love reading about all of your travels and am looking forward to your new book.
You will love Edgartown, Margaret … it truly has the small New England Village beauty. And it’s very walkable.
I forgot to say. Please do not stop doing cups!
How I love pink, especially those beautiful roses.
Thank you for this lovely post. You have cheered and brightened my day.
Betty ox (from a cold and windy Melbourne)
Oh yes, summer down under only it’s winter! xoxo Stay warm … too bad we can’t mix ourselves, hot and cold, like into one faucet and make tepid weather!
Ha ha! That sounds perfect 🙂
Susan, when I see you’ve done a blog post, I get ‘as giddy as a schoolgirl’. Pigtails flying and running full tilt. It makes my day….perfection.
Everyone with the cute name of Erin Middlebrooks should have pigtails flying and run at full tilt! xoxo
Quite a vision, huh? There should be a series of books about a school girl named Erin Middlebrooks…with flying pigtails!
Cheers to your happy days, Erin.
❤️❤️❤️
A happy explosion of pinkness………the sunset was the best!
We’re in the pink! All the beautiful pink flowers were amazing to see. Wonderful post and I enjoyed reading every bit. Thanks. I saw a mention of my favorite tea…Earl Grey with Lavender… and another about a peach pie. We had a peach cobbler for dessert tonight (my mother-in-law’s recipe). If she were still around, I don’t think she would mind that I had to add some blueberries to make up for not enough peaches. My husband and I could probably eat the whole thing at one time, but restrained ourselves to a normal serving each. Lol! Thanks for being you, so kind and nice!
Always dangerous! I put blueberries in with peaches too, looks so pretty!
Just received my set of four cups. They truly are beautiful. txs They spark up a great conversation.Winter shows available but when I try to purchase it says out of stock?? Some of my special people are requesting “their cups” To cute. Can’t wait for the presale of the new ones. Luv them all 🙂 PINK RULES!!!!xo
Lucy, check later today … Kellee takes care of cup updates so I’ll make sure everything is correct with the Winter cup … She gets in around 8 am CA time … and thank you!
Congratulations, Lorraine!
I’m so happy for you……enjoy your lovely cups!!!
Susan, the new mugs are, of course, beautiful…I cannot wait!!!!!!
Susan, just wanted you to know how excited I get when I see an email alert from you announcing a new blog post. I get really giddy!
Awesome pink color. Love pink. The new cups are neatso. I am hoping to get some.
Sweet as candy blog…..,,,always a treat to open my email and have a new blog to devour
You do know we all live vicariously through you Island Girl
Sweet as candy and very very clever and talented you are.
Oh happy summer days we’re having a little evening garden party in a few days and my girlfriend Debbie who follows you too insists we serve “skip and go naked”….looking forward to it!!
What an absolutely gorgeous post Susan!!! I KNOW Lorraine is having a great day but we all got a little gift with your blog!!! I pretty much squealed when I saw the pumpkin mug!! I missed out on the last Autumn mug but I’m determined to get this one!! Looks like you have happy travels ahead. I can’t wait for fall as we have been baking here in the Midwest and I’m really not a summer girl. I only tolerate it for the fresh tomatoes and sweet corn! Happy week to you!! Love to Joe and Jack!
Me too, I tolerate it for those reasons and because it’s the direct path to Fall! 😁
So nice to have you back on this side of the Atlantic….although I’m sure it was difficult to leave. You have given us all a lot to look forward to…not sure which I’m anticipating the most……book perhaps? Have a wonderful time meeting all your obligations !! I’m sure Jack is still ecstatic to have you two home !! xoxoxo Barbara in Indiana
OMG, the new cups are wonderful! I HAVE to have the Christmas one for sure. You just keep outdoing yourself!
😘 Rosanne!
Dear Sweet Susan,
Firstly, hooray for Lorraine! And secondly, I have combed the internet searching for your little book about Halloween. With no success…yet!
When I saw that jack-0-lantern mock up cup my heart flipped! As you can probably guess I’m a sucker for Halloween and pumpkins. I would be cartwheel happy of you made these 🎃 cups a reality. Thank you for all the magic you spread around for all of us!
❌⭕️❌⭕️
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
Oh they will be a reality Tawni …I’m so happy you like them! xoxo
Fun, fun, fun post! Congratulations Lorraine! I love the new mugs!
Thrilled for you, Lorraine! Enjoy for all go us!!
Love, Sandra & Grasshopper
I love pink. I’ve loved it since I can remember, and those new mugs…. Can’t wait to order. Love them all, but collect all things apple for my kitchen. Congrats to the lucky winner!
I tried buying a winter cup, I want one so much. Are they sold out already again? 😥 Love the pumpkin cup and all things Christmas! Love your art!! And the pink-the best! 💖 Pat
There weren’t many left … I was worried we’d run out, but considering the situation, sooner or later it’s bound to happen. I do think Kellee and Sheri may have held back one or two for future giveaways! So there is that small glimmer of hope. xoxoxo
Congratulations to Lorraine!!!
I loved this post.. and I love the new cups! I wouldn’t mind if you did more than one for both Halloween and Christmas 😉 Perhaps a second cup with witches on broomsticks in the moonlit sky, black cats, trick-or-treaters for Halloween?
I love Halloween and think that would be a wonderful idea for another cup. I love the pumpkin one and lets not forget Thanksgiving… turkeys and pilgrims!!!
Beautiful. Love especially the picket fence garden with pink flowers and Russian Sage. Congratulations to Lorraine the lucky winner.
Thank you for such a beautiful post. I love the pink it is such a happy color. Congratulations to Lorraine, what a gift she will receive. My cup arrived that I ordered as a gift for my BFF. I hate to give it away, but just knowing the smile that will be on her face, makes it all worth it to me. The cups are beautiful and so very special.
I admire how you surround yourself with beautiful treasures that make you happy, that should be what life is about. Surround yourself with beauty, and treasures that put a smile on your face.
Happy Summer,
Terri
It’s the only thing we have power over actually, or own little worlds. We can have walls any color we want!
Love, love, love you and all the happiness and beauty you spread!
Another wonderful missive! A pink one! Definitely a pretty summer color. I have been enjoying my roses… especially the pink ones!! They are cream and pink! I think they got creative this summer. I can’t remember them being this pretty before… I love the fall cups. I love them all. I am still thinking I do not get the Willards… Am I just confused? Could easily be so!
I haven’t sent a Willard since before we left . . . they only come out when I actually have time to do them!!!
Hi Susan,
I love the new cup designs for Christmas, Fall and the Cranberry Apple Crisp cup is so cute and Congratulations to the winner of your giveaway. I love the pink in your post. Now to the most important thing, I just bought The Fairy Tale Girl, and I love your story. The definition of inspiration is perfect. Thank you for being so inspirational to me. I love how our journey takes twists and turns.
Thank you again, for being the person you are.
Joyously,
Betty
Thank you back Betty, the twists and turns make so much more sense when you can look back at them. I’ve learned more about my 20s now than I could ever figure out then. Now I want to pat all 20 year olds who are in such a mad rush to know who they are and what they are and what they will be, all that pressure, and say, all in good time darling, it’s way too soon for that.
Hi Susan, I missed Apple Farm last year as my Mom was ill. Do we just call Apple Farm to get tickets? Thanks! Karen Baron🍎🍏I can’t wait to see new Apple cups!!🍎Karen Baron from Southern California!
Yes, I think so. I put a link on the blog where I gave the date, click there . . . it takes you to their website. It says something about more information coming July 25. So glad I’ll be in your neck of the woods . . . !
Me too!!🍎
Wow! I have wanted the Winter mug, and they must have gone FAST! Because as soon as I saw this I clicked, and they are already GONE! Too sad for words!
Oh the new cups! How wonderful. Budget what budget. Can’t wait.
How beautiful!
I think your pink flowers in the photo might be twinspur!
That might be it … do they flower in the fall?
In Michigan they are an annual so they flower until frost hits. In other places they could be perennial so I’m not sure of flowering season. But it sure looks like them. Dainty and sweet…..like you😊
I hope you feature the color red this winter along with your Christmas cup. Yeah for pink summers and red winters!
Ahhh, pink…and perfect. Congrats to the lucky winner. And I’m just gone over the apple cup!
I love the illustration of the two girls wild in the car. It’s me, and my gal pal, in our early 20s, riding up and down PCH with the 8-track on highest volume in her new Firebird, sun roof open to the stars and, back then, before seawalls and barriers, ocean waves washing over the road at high tide, salt spray in our faces (hear us squeal). Leaving our ‘guy’ troubles behind for a few hours, singing our hearts out to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ album. Total exhilaration, brimming with life; believing in possibilities. What a time, and you captured it in your drawing. I can feel it all over again, 40 years later.
Been there, done that! Nothing better than singing in the car on PCH… we’d be on our way to Zuma!
Amen, sister. California girls.
Good Morning Susan! Just wanted to say “Congratulations” to Lorraine! YAY! And I also want to thank you for making “not winning” so much fun! It’s good to have you home – I LOVE reading your blog. As a girl, I always loved pink, but I have a twin sister who loved blue – so we had to share! LOL!!! Have a good rest of your summer, Susan and Joe!
Blue and pink look so good together! xoxo Thank you Sharon!
FABULOUS!!!…
Always look forward to your blog posts…!!!
Once a month I get together with girlfriends for lunch and this time it was my turn to host. I did the table in pink and gold and while it was themed as a summer picnic, we still used the china, crystal, and had candles burning at lunchtime! Great fun. Even stirred up some pink lemonade! The homemade peach ice cream was the big surprise.
Saw a poster this week that said, “A good friend is when one soul is in two bodies.” I think we share a lot via your blog. Thanks for keeping it up!!
Hi Susan,
Pink, wow, my favorite color!! Lovely pictures of all things pink and sweet…..When I first came across your blog and saw a picture of your table, all set for a dinner, with the Rose Chintz china, I was amazed…..I have the same set, bought many years ago, from one of my first pay checks….Still love it! We have our darling Emily, ginger cat, and when she says “hello”, you can see her sweet little pink lips…..And how about Strawberry Milk, makes a lovely pink drink!! I just came home from the market (dripping in sweat, or perspiration, haha) with strawberries, and have made a jug….Oh, it’s delicious, and reminds me of the milkshakes we were treated to when we went to Amsterdam, way back…..Add a dollop of whipped cream, and you’re in heaven!
Just in case you or anyone else wants the recipe, here it is… (not my own, found somewhere on internet)
Strawberry milk;
1 pound strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups milk ( I use unsweetened soja milk)
1 cup butter milk ( I use about 1/2 more…)
Wash and chop strawberries, mix with the sugar in a bowl, let them stand for at least 1 hour
Blend until smooth, add milk and buttermilk, put in a pitcher and leave in the fridge overnight
Enjoy!! Hope you like it, and happy tuesday!
Nicoline
xx
YUM! Nicoline, I don’t know if I ever asked but how did you learn English? Thank you for the recipe!!!
Hi, you’re very welcome! I hope you try the lovely milk, and hope you’ll like it!
How did I learn my English, well, I lived in Toronto, Canada for about 5 years, from age 6 to about 12, when my parents emigrated and then returned to Holland again.
But here in Holland we are taught English at school for at least a few years, sometimes up to 5 or 6 years, depending on how high the level of the high school. Since a few years now, younger children get lessons in the higher grades of primary school.
Plus, all our foreign (mostly English spoken) tv shows, series etc are shown with sub-titles, not translated, which helps getting familiar with how the language sounds.
Talking of languages…..Tim, our oldest has just left for Brighton, where he’s staying for a month! He felt bad, because he thought he had sort of forgotten most of the English he’s learned….Turns out, that wasn’t the case, but he wanted to go to an English school for foreign students, so he’s on the sunny south coast, enjoying himself! Luckily, it’s not as far away as China, where he was last summer….
xxx
A celebration of pink. Love, love, love it!!! Thank you Susan Branch and congratulations to Lorraine.
Good Morning Susan! I luv waking up and seeing a post from you. Your garden looks so happy. I can hear you humming away while playing around in it from here. The new mugs are so cute and an unexpected treat. YAY! Congrats to Lorraine!! Enjoy your beautiful flowers and warm weather 🙂
P.S. Do I have to do the clicking stuff to get your posts if I’m already receiving them? Did something change? Its pretty safe to say that the less I click, the better!
If you’re already receiving them, you’re perfect Rhea … Ha ha, yes, keep the clicking to a dull roar!
Thank you Susan, I woke this morning with, what I call, a humidity headache. Your blog was the perfect headache banisher. So happy and full of gratitude. SB blog reading mornings are always special.
Thankyou for bringing joy into my life!💞
Thank you for the luv-lee pink post.
Your taste, my dear, is impeccable. So how can we lose? Anything you design or do for us is always greatly appreciated. Waves and raves to you and Joe!
P.S. Forgot to congratulate Lorraine! Congrats, Lorraine!
Love all the pink! Hydrangeas are my fav–my Grandma had giant ones in her back yard—tons of pink & blue bundles of blooms! Hollyhocks were my Grandpa’s favorite, so she planted those too! Miss them dearly! I also love that Christmas cup! Can’t wait for it! We stopped at Apple Farm on our way south in May & drooled (at least I did!) over all your goodies there. On the subject on England, did you have a preference in your ships? Victoria or Mary? I’m curious since a transatlantic voyage is on my bucket list. Thanks for the breath of lovely summer air, since it’s in the 100’s here 🙁 . It’s lovely to see cooling images!
LOVED Victoria, quite a different ship, a bit smaller, and spaces were very comfy … but it never leaves from New York, so we had to drive to Florida to pick her up … she’d been on a long cruise, a partial world-tour and was on her way home to England. The people were so relaxed and happy … and the weather was heaven. Mary is perfectly respectable also, to say the least, but something about Victoria, she reminded me of the QE2.
Such a sweet and lovely post – but then, again – your posts always are! 🙂 I stopped as directed and ran to make a cup of tea (Toasted Coconut Almond Bark – delicious!) and you were right here when I got back. 😉 You reminded me how fortunate I am – in not winning – I truly do have all that I need. Thank you for the inspiration, the lovely pinkness and gentle reminders to enjoy the little things. Blessings to your day!
That tea sounds delicious Staci? Is that a Susan Branch blend??
Lucky Lorraine! Enjoy😊. And all the pink! Just so lovely. I never get tired of pinks. What a wonderful blog….thank you Susan😘
Pretty in Pink! ❤️LOVED all the Pink! Soooo Heavenly😇
… and without even knowing that the blog would highlight the color pink, I’m sitting here reading it in my pink linen shirt! It certainly put me in a good mood seeing all those beautiful pink flowers, pink linens, pink dishes and glasses and pink sunsets. Congrats winner.
In the midst of cleaning out kitchen cupboards, unsure of whether to let go of old, pretty things that were nice to have and use at one time, I definitely relate to the notion that pictures take up less room (and don’t collect dust!). Not to mention that having an empty shelf or two makes room for new china mugs! Thanks for the pink energy-boost to keep the spring cleaning going.
Hi 🌼
You’re always so generous 💐
I may have to treat myself to a Pumpkin Cup/Mug!!! I’m hoping there is a little Jack face peeping out–because? Well, Jack–Jack o’ Lanterns–just seems to go together 🎃
Ahhh Pink! What a lovely way to start my morning! And that suspense!! You really got my heart beating! HAHA! Hooray for Lorraine! That’s so exciting 🙂 and the new cups look so cute! Yipee so much happiness this morning! I need to go spread it around! xoxo!
Beautiful pinks! Flowers to swoon over for sure.
I love the new cups. Most especially the one trimmed with holly.
Lovely!