Of This And That..And More.

Tulips from my honey.

My Dears,

Happy May...or middle of May as it may be. *smiles*

So here I am..glad to be blogging again after a short hiatus. I think it's about time I play catch up on the past couple of months.

Winter was quite wonderful this time around. I'd venture to say that it's been having a bit of a rough time handing the reigns over to spring. I mean really...I had a lovely fire keeping me cozy this afternoon, for there is still a tiny chill in the air. I can honestly say though that I'm ready for the soft warmth of spring, the kind that feels like a tender caress rather than the stifling heat that smothers. There's nothing like the feeling one gets when spring fever runs amok! I tend to get giddy and feel like I can do it all. I become child-like in wonder and hopeful that life will grant me my wishes. In the springtime, all things seem highly possible. *sigh*

 Mr. Knightley enjoying the warmth by the hearth...in May!

So, let's trace back a bit. St. Patrick's day was one for the books on the culinary spectrum. I made a lovely meal consisting of glazed corned beef, maple glazed brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes. Can you say yumm?? I know we did!

 St. Patricks dinner...

Then in late March, I hosted a lovely vintage affair at Harmonie House. My Edwardian friends joined the fella and me for an Afterglow Evening Party. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music of the 20's/30's, and beautifully dressed company made for a most delightful and happy evening.

 The fella and me during the Afterglow evening affair.

Easter came on a sunny Sunday in March. My fella and I dyed some eggs for the Easter breads I make every year, and together we set off for a lovely family gathering. The Easter bunny always brings me something sweet, but this time around he also delivered a Nook HD. Goodness gracious me! Today's Easter bunny has become quite the modern-minded fur ball. I must say I like his taste in gadgets. *winks*

 I love the colors.

 Easter bread...simply delicious!

April came by and went so fast that I've quite forgotten most of it. However, I cannot forget how the magnolia tree bloomed to perfection and provided a most fragrant display of beauty in my front yard. That month also brought back the landscaper and the delightful smell of fresh-mown grass. The scent of spring permeated the grounds of Harmonie House, and all I could do was bask happily in nature's gifts.
Oh! I mustn't forget...April 7th marked my 4th Anniversary here on Blogger. I can't believe it's been four years already. Thank you dear blog-land friends for sticking around and making my blogging experience a most wonderful one. Click here for an old post from April of 2009. Enjoy!

 Magnolias in full bloom and heady scent!

Tulips. I'll say it again....tulips. Now remember this my dear readers...I love tulips. To me, these flowers represent the joy and promise of the season. They are perfection and they seem to giggle in delight!
I make sure to have tulips at Harmonie House while they are in season. Funny thing is, I've never had them in my garden. I cannot tell you why. It even baffles me.

 The fella likes to keep me in tulips. Gotta love him!

Lilacs were in bloom, and now the lily-of-the valley are gracing the garden, right under the maple. The roses are in bud and the herbs are ready for the picking. Truly I love this time of the year.

Lilacs. Perfume in a vase.

Today I took the time to enjoy some afternoon tea and scones in the comfort of my sunny library/music room. The light of the sun broke through the untrimmed, bushy evergreens as it pierced through the multi-paned casement windows and brightened the room with its happy glow. It's days like these that make me so grateful for the simple things in life. The comforts of home no matter how big or small, make our lives extra meaningful. A cuppa tea, a good book, Mr. Knightley by my side..the fire in the hearth, the taste of marmalade slathered on lightly buttered toast, the feel and scent of freshly laundered towels and bed sheets, and the smile on my sweet fella's handsome face are just some of the simple things that make me ever so grateful.

Cherry scones slathered in clotted cream and rose-hip butter.

It's more of a curd than butter and it was quite tasty.

The sun's rays provided a happy glow during tea.

These days, our world is an unsteady place. The news, the papers, websites, and television are filled with all that is angry, negative, and ugly with this world. The fact of the matter is, there is so much good and beauty to be had...so much positive out there. Unfortunately, it becomes over-shadowed by what we're being shown and told. So when I come here to blog, I want to share all that I feel is good and beautiful. I try to show you my world in a happy light. Yes, I can tell you that my life isn't perfect and it's filled with the everyday cares that come with being human. I cry, I've felt fear, I become vexed, I've had disappointments, etc.
Then again I also know laughter, find joy in song, I dance, and act silly at times.
I love and I am loved. I know happiness and bliss. Knowing, experiencing, and feeling all the good, beautiful things life has to offer holds a much more powerful grip on my life than anything else can.
So you see, the negative will always be there. It's not always easy to ignore, but I choose to walk the path where the flowers grow...and it's that path which I choose to share with you here in blog-land. Embrace the wonderful things life brings to you. Be grateful and live simply, for it's the little things in life which are the most meaningful.

found this image here

After all, we've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night!

Wishing You Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Little Of This...A Little Of That

 This was the view from my desk on this rainy day.

My Dears,

Hope you had a lovely weekend...albeit, for most of us it was quite stormy with these severe Spring showers.
The trees and plants seem to be happy as they continue to bud and flourish with all this rainy weather. It's not so bad really. There is something to be said about the sweet scent in the air after a spring misting. Just yesterday my landscaper was working on my neighbor's property. I walked outside and immediately was greeted by the heady scent of verdure. I find it quite intoxicating...and invigorating. Spring is in the air! *ponders somersaulting, but resists the silly urge.*

My side view from the desk. It was quite wet out there!

The cloudy sky didn't diminish the beauty of nature's palette.

I couldn't wait to get home from work today and put the kettle on. Today was such a tea and reading day. I arrived home to find my latest copy of The English Home waiting by the door. I knew a blissful interlude was to be had. So I poured myself a cuppa (Darjeeling), sat in my cozy chair, and opened my magazine. I've always considered myself quite the anglophile so it's no surprise, to those who know me, that I lose myself in this magazine. It wasn't too long before Mr. Knightley jumped on my lap and joined in on the bliss.

 Love this magazine!

Their ads are simply scrumptious! A feast for the eyes!

 Le sigh....

 I want this kitchen!! *getting the vapors now*
Actually, I want that stove!

 Yes..they feature beautiful gardens too!

***Magazine images courtesy of the English Home. 

Do go HERE for more info and subscriptions.

Okay I think you get the idea of just how much I enjoy this magazine. I apologize for the quality of these shots. I didn't have the right lighting at the time I photographed the pages. I just wanted to give you a taste of this most delightful indulgence. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the English Home, please give it a try. I think you'll enjoy it!

*nudged by the cat* Okay, okay! I can take a hint! 

Mr. Knightley wants to be included in this post!

So this weekend my fella and I were away in Pennsylvania. On our way back we traveled through a a town called Zionsville and ventured into their antique mall. Heavens to Betsy!! This place was huge and walking through it all was our workout for the day. *chuckles* Really, this is quite the place and chock full of fabulous vintage wares. I must share with you what my honey bought for me!

My very own vintage waffle iron!!!

 Yes..my fella has offered to help clean it!

I absolutely love my waffle iron..and it works too!! Once we get it all clean, I shall waste no time in making my very own Harmonie House Waffles! My fella already has recipe ideas. He's quite the foodie you know!

I think I should like to return to that mall in the future and see what other sweet vintage finds will await me.

I have realized that I haven't shared a picture of my upstairs hallway table. It's not just any table, but an antique Singer treadle machine. I'm fortunate to own a pair and both in pretty nice condition. The one you are about to see is in my upstairs hall. Upon it is one of my earlier antique treasures...an old gas lamp that was electrified sometime in the 50's. The shade is milk glass.

A sweet spot in the hall.

Here's a closer look. It can use a little TLC, but I love it as is.

My other treadle machine is in better condition and I can actually use it if I chose to sew on it. Let's state for the record, I can sew...but I do not enjoy it much. I sew out of necessity not passion. That being said, I may one day share with you some of my Edwardian outfits made by moi. Anyhow...I thought you might like to have a look at my hall "table". *smiles*

Since I'm in show-and-tell mode, I might as well share with you an image of my sideboard taken on Valentine's evening.

The glow on Valentine's evening.

Isn't it pretty? My honey had these carnations delivered and brought me roses too (delivered personally)...and Godiva! Have you ever had a dark chocolate, raspberry filled truffle and washed it down with a nice glass of red wine? You may want to try it. No really...I mean it. Tis one of my indulgences.  *sigh* I guess I should have posted this picture in February, but better late than never...n'est pas?

So there you have it my dears...a little bit of this and a little bit of that! I'm tired and need to start getting ready for bed. I wish you all a fine week and as always, oodles of bliss!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

And The Winner Is....

My Dears,

I want to thank those of you who entered my giveaway. There were very few of you and the chances were good for each. Unfortunately, only one could win. I folded up the names and put them in my pretty Lenox bowl.

 I decided to have someone other than myself pick out the name. I walked outside and went around the corner to see my neighbor Mrs. Robinson. She gladly stirred the names and picked one.

 And the winner is........

A hearty congratulations to Brianne from Under The Florida Maples blog!! Please e-mail me your address so that I can send out your frame. To all of you out there, please make sure to visit Brianne's lovely blog by clicking HERE.

BUT WAIT!!! I decided to pick one more name from the bowl and send out an extra little surprise gift. Maybe it's the lovely Spring weather or the sweet purring emanating from Mr. Knightley sitting beside me, but I'm feeling mighty generous. Regardless, I picked out a name here at my desk and the winner of the surprise gift is...................*feel free to insert drumroll now*

Congratulations to Pam of Eastlake Victorian blog! Please contact me via e-mail and send me your addy! Now my dears, make sure to also visit Pam's lovely blog by clicking HERE.

Thank you all for leaving such sweet comments for my blogiversary...and thank you to those who entered. I wish I could pick every name and send a sweet gift to all of you..but alas I cannot. However, there will be other giveaways, so you will all have another chance in the near future.
Please know that each of you has helped to make blogging so special to me. Each day we're given the opportunity to step into each others world through merely a screen. It's amazing getting to know all of you through the power of the written word...and the magic of the internet.

Now I must share some blooming Spring shots from Harmonie House. I love the feeling of renewal during this time of year. The scents and sights are truly amazing. *sigh* I'm feeling quite blissful at this very moment.

Isn't the forsythia absolutely lovely?

Thanks to L. Starkey of The Healing Home,
I now know that this shrub is called the Pieris.

You all know just how I adore my magnolia tree! 

Oh such a heady scent!!

This is one of my creepers..not sure if it's myrtle. 

Again, you can assist me with this if you wish.

So there you have it my dears. Just a small taste of what's growing around Harmonie House. I cannot wait to be working out in the garden. I'm also looking forward to my first picnic of the season. There's something truly wondrous about a picnic in the spring, not to mention the yummy picnic fare! *winks*

I wish you all a most lovely evening and may the coming days kiss you with warmth, joy, and of course, bliss.

xoxo

Miss Sandra

From Where I Sit...

My Dears,

From where I sit I can see the world outside of Harmonie House. It's from this view that the seasons play a most beautiful visual melody. Just weeks ago, the branches on my rhododendron were encased within ice...a most lovely glass-like image. It's amazing to see them now, not long after, showing signs of Spring's kisses upon the once weather-beaten foliage. The browned lawn seems to sigh in relief..breathing in the changing air and taking in the rain...knowing full well that in a month or so, it will spring forth in a blanket of green so vivid and so lovely. No longer will it crunch underneath my feet. Instead it will lovingly cushion my steps and give off its sweet scent of fresh verdure upon being mown.

Most of you who have followed me for quite some time know that I'm a Winter gal to the core. I love snow..I love the crisp cold air upon my face. I love the comforts of Winter. I must say..we did have quite the blustery season this time around. My wish for a blizzard was granted the day after Christmas and topped off with loads of more snow almost on a weekly basis. What more can a snow bunny ask for? *smiles*

Am I ready for Spring? I believe I am...for with that lovely season of new promise and renewal comes a most amazing display of nature's palette and scents. Yes I will say it...bring it on!

Magnolia in bloom.

Mountain Laurel, Pachysandra, Hosta..and more.

Deutzia growing over my swing/bench.

I love the rain..have I ever mentioned that? I so love a rainy day in Spring, but also those fabulous summer storms. Yes, I'm a gal who enjoys a rainy day sitting with a book or snuggling with my fella. *smiles playfully*.

Bring on the rain! I have my wellies and raincoat all ready!

...snuggling with my fella.
This shot was taken for our 1st Anniversary.

As you may have noticed from the picture at the intro of this post, I have moved my desk down to the library/sitting/music room. So from where I sit, I can listen to my old 78's playing on my 1915 Victor Victrola . I can also take a break and sit at my piano. Heaven knows I can use the practice! *bites bottom lip while pouting* That's one childhood wish I've yet to make come true...becoming an accomplished pianist.

I love my victrola.

I love my piano too!

From where I sit, I can turn to my right and look past the French doors into my living room, towards the stairs, to the landing by the stained glass window. Tis there I have made a cozy little sitting area where I can curl up and read or just sit and reflect.

A favorite spot..just because.

From where I sit I can look into the beautiful green eyes of my sweet Mr. Knightley, for many a time he will jump up on the desk and keep me company while I write. His soothing purrs provide me with a most blissful calm. There is such comfort to be found in the company of a most beloved pet.

My dear pet..Mr. Knightley.

From where I sit I can lose myself in this contraption of communication...the computer and the internet. It's here where I can view a world far, far away from my own. It's here I lose myself in dreamy images of beautiful landscapes, hone my culinary skills through cooking sites, and dream of blissful getaways in settings like the one below.

I cannot recall where this image is from so I cannot credit it.
...but isn't it absolutely dreamy?

Yes...the internet has provided us all with quite the getaway at our fingertips. It has also provided us with the bonds of friendship with people we've never met. It has closed the gap of distance merely through a screen. Tis here I can reach out to each and every one of you and share my world. Tis here I can give you a personal view...from where I sit.

I wish you bliss..and more bliss!!
xoxo,
Miss Sandra

The Scent Of Spring, Music, and Mr. Knightley

My Dears,

First I'd like to say that I hope your holiday weekend was absolutely divine.

The weather has been quite lovely in these parts and the sights and scents of Spring have permeated the air. Harmonie House is surrounded by the euphoric, magical, and most lovely scent of magnolia. It is most enchanting in its floral splendor and fills my home with the essence of springtime and romance with its subtle softness, and beauty.

as seen through my library/music room window..

a shower of petals upon the ground...

simply beautiful...

So on a lovely day such as this, I arrived home floating on air..at least it felt that way. *smiles* Upon arrival, Mr. Knightley greeted me in his usual cuteness fashion....purrs and loads of love for "Mama". I filled the kettle and headed to my library/music room to open up the old casement windows. In no time the room was filled with nature's perfume. With my "cuppa" of Darjeeling in hand, I sat upon my favorite chair and lost myself in the moment. Twas quite blissful indeed, however...something was missing. Ah yes!! Music.

time for some music...

So up I went and opened my 1915 Victrola. I chose a few of my favorite 78's and cranked up the old music machine. Henry Burr and Albert Campbell serenaded me with "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles"...Paul Whiteman provided a sweet melody "No More Worrying"..and so on.

While singing along to Jay C. Flippin's "Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella" I watched as Mr. Knightley became fascinated with my Victor. Curious as any kitty would be, he made quite the amusing picture.

hmmm..why is that spinning?

okay...look natural.

aha! got it...

hmmm...what song should be played next?

play this one please...

sounds purrrrrfect!

So there you have it my dears. Spring, flowers, music, and my Mr. Knightley. Simple pleasures to be had...blissful moments to last a lifetime.

from my shangri-la to yours!

xoxo
Miss Sandra