Take Me Away Calgon . . .

So many things affect how we feel and act. Eating and drinking healthy things not only have an effect on our body they also have an effect on our mental attitude.

We feel better about ourselves when we take care of our body. After all, we were only given one body. I love drinking Silver Needle White Tea from Teavana. I loved it even more because I know I am drinking something that's healthy. When I brew my tea I make extra so I can drink it cold. I purchased a couple of items to make this tea brewing ritual a truly delightful experience.

This cute owl teapot was purchased for me by my daughter-in-law, Casey from Anthropologie. Isn't he the cutest?


Here is the Silver Needle White Tea from Teavana. This tea steeps for a full five minutes and has a very mild flavor.

The honey pot and the spoon rest also came from Anthropologie.

I add a touch of organic honey.


I add fresh mint because I like the taste. I also feel like it gives me an energy boost; although my research can't substantiate my claim. This little green leaf is rich in Vitamins A, C and minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium. I store my tea in my grandmother's antique Ball jar, which of course, evokes that sense of family feeling. I told you, I turn this tea brewing thing into a full blown experience.
I think everyone should have special glasses that evoke that "Take Me Away Calgon" feeling. I found my hand blown fish glasses from Crate & Barrel several years ago. I instantly fell in love with them. They're so happy looking!

'Tis the Season!

I love the Christmas season! Everyone seems extra friendly during the holiday season. This year (and I still can't believe it), I am not going all out with my usual Christmas decorating. Because I was out of town at the beginning of December, and also because Jerry and I are going to Casey & Owen's (my son & daughter-in-law and my two granddaughters) home to celebrate Christmas with them, I decided not to put up a tree this year. YIKES, this is a first for me and it feels strange! Next year, though, I am planning on decorating as usual and hosting a Christmas Open House.



This year Casey has been busy decorating her house with a little inspiration from Anthropologie. If you have visited the Green Hills store, you may have seen lots of stacked wood and their famous handmade snowballs. These snowballs are the cutest and are so easy to make. We asked our sales person if she knew how they were made and she spilled the beans. Jackpot!!!



Here is how to make indoor snowballs that "won't melt in your house!"

1. Crumple up white kraft paper to the desired size. (Be sure to vary the sizes)
   
2. Wrap the crumpled ball with plastic wrap at least 4 or 5 times.
3. Wrap outer layer in Glad "Press & Seal" with the sticky side out.
   
4. Roll sticky ball in artificial snow. (Artificial snow can be purchases at Target or any craft store.)
5. Voila' ... you have the cutest snowballs ever!
   

Who knew they would be so easy and inexpensive to make?



Look how cute these jars are with the white lights, silver ornaments, and snow.

I love decorating with live greenery. Not only does it look great, it smells even better! Take time to enjoy the sights, smells, and good eats of this holiday season!

I Love Shopping at Anthropologie

This weekend, I went to visit Maddie & Morgan, my granddaughters in Huntsville, AL for Halloween. While I was there Casey, my daughter-in-law and I went shopping at Bridge Street mall which is an upscale outdoor mall in Huntsville, AL. One of the stores we love to shop at is Anthropolgie. We love seeing what new things they have out on their shelves. Casey and I both love their clothes and their home accessories.

Their clothes and home accessories are not the only things that are unique, their store displays are always something everyone notices. I decided to share some photos to show you what I mean. Yesterday, we entered the store and see the snowy forest of Birch trees adorned in the latest fashion.

I love these Owl teapots. The teapot allows you to place tea leaves into the strainer. I think I might be getting one for Christmas!!


I love the sweater and the tree displays made from either paint sticks or those woods wedges you can get from a home improvements stores.

I think I am loving gray this year.

Notice the displays made from hangers on the wall. Anthropologie always tries to only use recycled materials for their displays.


I think I need those champagne flutes.

Casey and I had a great day and walked away with several treasures from Anthrophologie. In Tennessee there is a store in Green Hills.