The T-Cozy

A Couple of Anniversaries

It's hard to believe that it has been a whole year since we served our last afternoon tea at my tea room. Now that was a quick year!

Today is also the one year anniversary of Pink Saturday, the day pink-loving bloggers get together to post photos of all things pink. In honor of both anniversaries, please enjoy this final look back at the brick and mortar T-Party Antiques and Tea Room . . .

 

Having a shop and tea room was a great experience. Though I miss it from time to time, I am grateful and fortunate to have had some of the nicest patrons ever, many of whom still keep in touch with me. 

If you have a moment, you may want to offer your congratulations to Beverly, the host of Pink Saturday, who has done an amazing job organizing this group share for the past year. You can visit her at How Sweet the Sound to see who's getting in on the pink fun today.

Susan

Have You Read Any Good Books Lately?

What lovely birthday gifts I received from my family this morning!

The bouquet is spectacular; such pretty roses and snapdragons. And the real surprise was a Kindle! We're usually not that cutting edge when it comes to new gadgets. (It took us forever to buy a DVD player!) But I love to read so it's cool that I'll have thousands of books conveniently at my finger tips.

Now I need to decide what to read first. Have you read any good books lately?

Gotta run. I'm off to have a birthday lunch with Hannah.

Susan

Flea Market Days

Here are a few items recently listed on my website. But there will be more to come, because summer to me means flea markets! Soon I'll be hitting the road to shop for things filled with vintage goodness for my website, Kitsch Encounter and Etsy shop.

I'll be attending a giant tag sale right here in Rowayton this Saturday. And I hope to get to the Elephants Trunk flea market in the very near future. So be sure to check back throughout the season for new additions to my sites. And if there's something in particular that you collect, just let me know. I'll be happy to keep an eye out for that special item for you in my travels.

Susan

Views From a Small Town Parade

My town of Rowayton has a spirited Memorial Day parade. Norwalk's mayor, policemen, fire fighters, veterans, Brownie troops, Boy Scouts, Little League teams, school marching bands, local gardeners, nursery schools, and more---it's a little parade that's big on town pride.

Wishing you a very happy Memorial Day,

Susan

Memories of a Pink Tea Room

For "Pink Saturday" today, I thought it would be fun to indulge in some reminiscence and take you on a digital tour of my former shop. I hope you'll enjoy this little look back at T-Party's oh-so-pink tea room . . . and a peek at some cute pink tea patrons, too!

Since I consider myself a pink fan, I've enjoyed participating in Pink Saturday every now and then. Beverly, the host of Pink Saturday, organizes the hundreds of pink-loving bloggers who get together every week to post photos of all things pink. Please be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to see all the pink that this Saturday has to offer. There you'll find links to everyone getting in on the pink fun today. 

Susan

A Patriotic Project: Red, White & Blue Button Bouquets

In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, I've been working on a little patriotic project.

These vintage button bouquets are in a new color combo for me.

I've never done red, white and blue ones before. I really like how they're turning out. Aren't they fun?

I still have to wrap the stems and add leaves, but that will have to wait until later as I have a run out to a meeting now. Then I'll list them in my Etsy shop tomorrow. today!

Gotta go. Have a great day!

Susan

A Very Special Summer Place: Our Cozy Screened Porch

At 6 a.m. today, here's what our screened porch looked like. This unheated space is a room we enjoy for five months of the year, once the warm weather arrives. During the other seven months, we use this space for storage since we don't have a basement (a good thing as we're near the coast) and we have a tiny one-car garage. But once the weather turns and those warm breezes blow, there is no other room in our home that we enjoy more than our porch.

This morning, it took me three hours to scrub the wainscoting, floor, and furniture and to set up this room. But it's a chore I relish because this room is our very special summer place. So here's what our porch looks like now . . .

I just love this little room. To me, it screams SUMMER!

It's our favorite spot for dinner or Sunday brunch.

The chaise lounge is a cozy place to read . . . or nap!

A basket of magazines next to a comfy wicker chair; all that's missing is a cup of tea.

Flower power: a six dollar set of place mats from Party City sets a cheerful summer table.

This vintage folding bed tray makes a nice desk for writing or reading. It's a good perch for a laptop, too.

We can't seem to come home from the beach without some found object to add to our collection.

There is still one more thing we need to do to truly make this room a screened porch. We have to take out the windows and put in the screens. But with our backyard covered in oak dust from all of our trees, we'll pop in the screens once John has had a chance this weekend to sweep up and collect the dust. It's not one of his favorite jobs, but once he's done, he can relax and have a big glass of lemonade with me out on our screened porch.

Susan

The Shop Rowayton Merchant Fair

Saturdays' merchant fair in my town was a huge success! Though the day started out foggy, cool and damp, the rain held off and over 40 local businesses and organizations set up tables in a parking lot in the center of town.

Here's my table, below. Vintage aprons seemed to be the day's hot seller for me.

Here are more views of the Shop Rowayton Merchant Fair . . .

From free hot dogs and burgers to a battle of the clam chowders between two local establishments, there was good food and fun for all ages. I baked five dozen mini scones and every last one was enjoyed by patrons of the fair. Many old friends stopped by my table and I met lots of new neighbors, too. All in all, it was a great experience. Many thanks to the Shop Rowayton merchants who planned this fair. And my sincere gratitude to those who came and supported our local merchants.

Susan

Welcome to Rowayton!

I'm spending the rest of this week getting ready for a very special merchant fair taking place in Rowayton, the town where I live. The fair is on Saturday, as the signs posted all over town proclaim.

You've seen lots of photos of my daily walk, local library and vintage cottages. But I've never shared photos of downtown Rowayton with you. So here's a tour of where I live, a small coastal community that is part of the larger city of Norwalk, Connecticut.

Here's our post office, hardware store, barber shop and bank.

Across the street is the Rowayton Market. The shops along this side of the road back up to the Five Mile River so they have a lovely water view. The market has a deck out back with tables and chairs overlooking the river.

Down the road a bit is this building which used to be the firehouse. Now it's the Rowayton Arts Center. The first floor is gallery space; the second floor houses a large studio where art classes are held.

A favorite of young and old is Brendan's 101, the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, an informal dinner, and yummy ice cream.

Rowayton has some lovely restaurants and art galleries. If you're in the mood for a kayak ride, you can head below the outdoor deck of the market to rent a boat to take out on the river, which leads out to Long Island Sound.

Rowayton Pizza is a favorite neighborhood hang out with lots of outdoor tables.

The fish market backs up to the Five Mile River for easy delivery of the daily fresh catch.

In the center of town, Pinkney Park is home to the Rowayton Historical Society. Check out this view of the river from the park.

This banner is another reminder of the merchant fair this Saturday. Most of the stores in town are participating along with businesses like mine that are squirreled away in studios or home offices.

The Shop Rowayton Merchant Fair is a great way to see what local businesses offer and help us say thank you to the community. There will be a raffle for all sorts of great stuff. You could win the T-Party gift basket shown at left. Other items in the drawing include a lobster roll lunch for two, CCNS Art Show admission, fishing rod and bait, kayak rentals for two, a free haircut, a children's art class, a weekend of pet sitting, a ceramic scallop shell sculpture, a lobster bake for four, free books for summer reading, and passage for four aboard the Seaport Express for a sunset cruise.

While at the fair, you can shop and sample T-Party's mini wild blueberry scones with preserves and clotted cream. Merchants will also offer these complimentary items: a wine tasting, cookies, ice cream, a raw bar sampling, balloons, clam chowder, burgers, hot dogs, and rides aboard the Seaport Express.

I hope you enjoyed my little tour of downtown Rowayton. It's a special place. I feel fortunate to live in an area where you can walk or bike to town and get ice cream, pizza, a dozen eggs, mail a letter, do some banking, get a haircut or buy a hammer. It feels like a bit of old New England yet it's less than an hour's train ride to Manhattan.

Susan

Today is National Wear Your Apron Day. Tie One On!

Did you know that the day after Mother's Day is National Wear Your Apron Day?

I hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day. Yesterday, I had a yummy brunch with Jacob and John (Hannah isn't home from school yet) and we were joined by my niece and nephew. Plus, my sister and brother-in-law were in from Cleveland, so the day was extra-special. Then I spent some time outside in the breezy and beautiful sunshine photographing a huge lot of the most charming vintage aprons that I'll be listing on Etsy throughout this week. My sweet niece was kind enough to be my apron model. Gotta love those red shoes!

Vintage aprons have so much heart and soul, don't you think? So whether you’re a domestic goddess or a fashion diva, tie one on today and wear it with pride!

Susan

Celebrating Motherhood

It is said that time flies when you're having fun. So true.

How can my sweet little babies be all grown up? Do you wonder the same thing about yours?

Motherhood is certainly one of the most difficult jobs around, but it is also, by far, the most rewarding and fun. I treasure each and every moment with my kids and feel so blessed to have them in my life.

This Mother's Day happens to coincide with the lighting of the memorial Yahrzeit candle for my own mother who died several years ago from Alzheimer's disease. Although my mom survived the Holocaust during her late teens and early twenties, she miraculously emerged from the experience as a woman overflowing with love and compassion. I admired her "glass is half full" attitude and I try my very best to emulate her every day. Throughout my life, she was my one true advocate and I miss her tremendously.

Here's to motherhood! Wishing you the very happiest Mother's Day.

Susan

The Well-Dressed Notebook

Here's what I've been up to lately . . .

I've constructed little notebook jackets out of beautiful bark cloth! Each is adorned with a vintage button. Aren't they pretty?

It's so much more fun to have a pretty place to jot something down while on the go. I always carry a little notebook in my handbag. These little books have lined paper inside and are small in size so they'll fit inside a purse or tote bag comfortably.

I plan to have these sweet notebooks listed for sale in my Etsy shop later today. What do you think I should I call them? Notebook jackets or notebook cozies?

(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)

Susan

Our Nicaraguan Son

Anner is now safely back home in Nicaragua. What an extraordinary experience! He was our guest for ten days and it was truly a privilege having him in our home. (To read my first post about his visit, please click here.)

What a wonderful kid---respectful and conscientious in every way. He made his bed every day without being asked, helped set the table for dinner, and even accompanied John grocery shopping. At the store, Anner and John turned the produce section into a language lesson. As they moved through the aisles, they named each fruit and vegetable in both English and Spanish.

Anner generously shared his gift of song. Even though he and his wonderful children's choir, the Coro Fabrettino, performed concerts each day, he would come home to us, pick up Jacob's guitar, and fill our house with music.

One day, Anner asked for paper and a pencil and started to draw. That's when we discovered he is also a gifted artist. I remembered a book I had about drawing horses. I dug it out and Anner proceeded to draw a beautiful horse sketch that he gave to us. I then gifted the drawing book to him.

As our time together progressed, our Spanish improved as did his English. Anner loved to surprise us with a bit of English and, proud of his attempt, he'd break out that amazing smile that would light up the room.

Boundlessly energetic, Anner was always ready for a bike ride or a game of soccer. Jacob said, "Anner and I had a lot of fun doing anything together. I consider him the brother I never had. I hope he will return to the U.S. again or I get to visit him in Nicaragua."

We would like to visit Anner in Nicaragua someday. In the meantime, we'll stay in touch as best we can. I learned that his tiny village of 1,500 people doesn't have mail delivery. So we'll stay connected via telephone and Skype through a computer he is able to use at his school.

Photo by Mariela Schriel

The evening before his group left for home, we attended a farewell potluck with the other Nicaraguan children and host families. After dinner, we gathered together to share our feelings and stories of the time we spent with our Nicaraguan guests. Everyone expressed such affection for these children, how they had grown on us and how much we would miss them. There wasn't a dry eye in the house! We watched a short video about Anner's severely impoverished village called San Jose de Cusmapa. Though they have very little in the way of possessions and creature comforts, these kids possess a zest for life that is inspiring. Anner helped me and my family realize how little you really need to be happy, an important lesson for us in U.S., a country so enamored with consumerism.

Anner had promised us one last concert when we returned home after the potluck dinner. We called Hannah at college via video-chat and Anner sang and played the guitar for us all one final time. That night, I asked John to sum up the experience. He said, "Anner touched our lives in many ways. His warmth and generous spirit left a mark in our home that will always be with us. We will undoubtedly miss him, however, the memories we have of our time together remain."

It was hard to say goodbye to our Nicaraguan son. I am so grateful for the time with had with Anner. He captured our hearts and we'll miss him dearly.

Susan

Coffee and Waffles, a 1926 Cookbook by Alice Foote MacDougall

My all time favorite vintage book is a sweet little cookbook called Coffee and Waffles by a woman named Alice Foote MacDougall. Have you heard of her?

She was a woman entrepreneur who was well ahead of her time. According to TIME magazine, the story goes that the "Widow MacDougall started a business in Manhattan at the age of 41 with $38 and a coffee pot. In 1908, with her coffee merchant husband deceased and three children on her hands, she bought 100 pounds of coffee from friends on credit, roasted it and sold it to other friends at 75% profit. In seven years she had put the children through school." Wow, what a story!

MacDougall opened her first eating place, The Little Coffee Shop, in New York's Grand Central Terminal in December of 1919. Her coffee was a hit, but she realized that it should have a kindred soul of some kind served with it. She had trouble deciding what that should be and toyed with the idea of sandwiches or doughnuts. What would be the perfect pairing? In the book, Alice states,
        On a grim December day, when I arrived at the Little Coffee Shop in the Grand Central Terminal, the solution came. A seventy-mile gale was blowing sleet, rain, hail, and snow in one's face. It was the noon hour and Labour decrees that men shall have an hour for rest during the struggle of the working day. A questionable blessing, perhaps. On the one hand, a warm, comfortable office. The alternative, the corridors of the Grand Central Terminal, filled with a crowd of dreary human beings, wet, cold, hungry, miserable. Each little eating place was crowded to overflowing, and suddenly I thought, for those who were still unsatisfied, how gratifying a hot cup of excellent coffee and a crisp waffle would be.
        That day I gave away waffles in the Little Coffee Shop of Grand Central Terminal to a dozen or more people, never expecting to cook them again. In just a year, the Little Coffee Shop was packed with insistent patrons and thousands of people were having coffee and waffles.
        How unexpectedly success came! Who would have imagined that from a quart of batter and an electric waffle iron, a million-dollar business would arrive? Yet that is what happened.

And that is how waffles became the specialty in her homey café. Business steadily improved. And the tips must have been very good because MacDougall had the nerve to charge her waitresses $10 a day to work there! Can you imagine that?

Coffee and Waffles was published just before Alice opened her fifth coffee house in 1927. It provides diverse menus and interesting recipes for cakes, sandwiches, salads, coffee and tea. It also offers guidance on presentation plus a healthy dose of advice for good measure. Above is a sample spread of dessert recipes out of the book. Check out her grandmother's sponge cake. It contains a dozen eggs! The recipe states that whatever the 12 eggs weigh is how you determine the amount of sugar to use. And the flour used should be the equivalent of six eggs! Have you ever heard of measurements like that? Gotta love it.

I've owned this rare first edition cookbook for over twenty-five years. Recently, I was lucky enough to come across another one which I have just listed for sale in my Etsy shop. With the same beautiful floral cover, blue cloth binding and a tipped-on title label, my new find has seen a lot of use with a good amount of wear and several stains, particularly on the pages with dessert recipes. You can tell it was lovingly and frequently used by it's original owner back in the late 1920's. But it is still an absolute treasure.

Susan