Author: chocolatearistocrat

I always look for opportunity to seek beauty and create dreamlike settings in my home. Through the winter I can only look at beautiful garden books since my own garden is sleeping. A trip to Costco or a flower vender satisfies my desire for fresh flowers in my home.

My cat Mr. Pickle usually investigates the flowers after they have shared their beauty and fragrance. I squeeze out as much value as possible by sometime drying the flowers, making flower sachets or pressing them in books. 

This past week I opened a gift I received and chilled a bottle of champagne to celebrate a beautiful new year! I’m certain this pink bell will get pressed often. Home, should be our place of magic and calm. I certainly encourage you to continue to bring beauty into your life this year 💞

2017 is a good time to step in a new and brighter direction for me! 

A quick trip to the local grocer is where I rediscovered a favorite Washington wine and beautiful orange tulips. Naturally I purchased them both and brought them home. While the wine chilled I listened to music and enjoyed the last bit of snow on the ground.

My former Tearoom manager was to pay a visit so I put the fresh flowers in a vase and poured myself a glass of wine before she arrived. I wanted to take in the new year and embrace the beauty of the moment. 

Trish and I shared laughter, pastries, wine and good conversation this afternoon. It was a delight to hear her say this was her year to choose beauty and live a simple and beautiful life. I so agree. Let’s take the time to see a bit of beauty that surrounds us daily and be grateful.

xoxo

~Sepia

The quote above is attributed to Charles Dickens and I totally agree! For our Thanksgiving dinner I choose a simple menu and included a bottle of Taittinger Champagne as our beverage of choice. 

After I put the ingredients for the crab boil in the pot, I set the table and munched on an oyster or two. The question of table manners came up when my daughter ask where the claw cutters were to crack the crab.

I explained that messy foods can be eaten with fingers at home or on the run, however they are eaten with fork and knife if part of a more formal meal. Since we were enjoying a family meal together I assured her she was safe and could navigate the soft crab. A few oysters later and two glasses of bubbly and the dinner was ready!

Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal with a few fingers, utensils, napkins on their laps and smile. I hope your Thanksgiving was as warm and wonderful as mine!

Always wear Joy!

~Sepia

Autumn is the time for me to adjust, rest and be thankful.  I take my cue from nature, as I watch my garden fade slowly into a rusty brown beautiful yet holding on to its essence. A cup of tea warms me as I read cards from loved ones who declare their thoughts of missing me. These precious messages warm my heart. 

Wishing I too, could be with my sisters, grandchildren and mother are gentle wish that will soon come to fruition. Until then I will be thankful for the memories that will never fade. As I take the time to saddle up the horse and engage in a moment of happiness it is a reminder to be grateful always. 

Life is full of color even when it appears faded and asleep. It’s just resting until the miracle of magic awakens our senses and then we shall see clearly again. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours! 

Live in joy!

~Sepia