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June 26, 2017

A Lovely Afternoon Tea at the Duke House in Wellsville, NY



The Duke House Tea Room & Bakery - what a find!
We couldn't help but enjoy ourselves in this elegant home-turned restaurant.
The sweet buttercup yellow beckoned us to come inside. 
Notice the curved roof line above the front porch; 
an intriguing detail of this 1850 Georgian revival house.
It was unfortunate that our timing was between lunch and dinner, 
but when we learned that they served afternoon tea, we were tickled!
My daughter and I were in store for a real treat!




I loved the gorgeous mantel display in the front salon!



40+ loose leaf teas from which to choose!



We decided on Yoga Blend~ tulsi, chrysanthemum blossoms, saffron, marigold petals, 
green cardamom, hibiscus, peppermint, sarsaparilla, raspberry leaves, and lemon.
It was fabulous, believe me!

First we were served an out-of-this-world cranberry-rosemary scone.
The Duke House is well known for its scones. I see why!




Next, a selection of tasty finger sandwiches.
They were happy to accommodate our request for vegetarian selections.



Decadent blueberry cream cake was the perfect finishing touch!



This unusual wall hanging caught my eye.



When the home was renovated in 2015, these boards
revealed 3 layers of wallpaper, peeled back to show 
changes in decor through the years.
What a clever idea to display them as wall art,
paying homage to the history of the house!




In addition to several inside dining areas, 
a cozy covered patio was available for outdoor seating.



We look forward to returning to the charming The Duke House!



The Duke House is located at 244 N Main St. in Wellsville, New York.
View their website and Facebook page.


June 22, 2017

Chie Hitotsuyama's Amazing Newspaper Sculptures



These realistic animal sculptures by Chie Hitotsuyama were created 
by using thousands of tightly rolled sheets of newspaper.
How's that for recycling?
Check out these photos, plus a video of Chie in action!
















Explore more at Chie's website.


June 20, 2017

Gorgeous Watercolor Scripture Art by GraceLaced



Lovers of watercolor and typography are in for a treat:
Ruth Chou Simons, of GraceLaced, is a fabulously talented artist who 
adds lovely hand-scripted Bible verses and quotes to her paintings.
The resulting inspirational works of art speak to the heart and to the spirit.
Enjoy these "grace-laced" beauties!












See more GraceLaced here:


Images used with direct permission from Ruth Chou Simons.

June 18, 2017

Time for Father's Day Wishes



"She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her,
the most potent moral force in her life,
was the love of her father."
-Harper Lee


Appreciating the love of my two dads, Tom and Dante.
and recognizing my husband Steve,
who has been my rock and an ideal dad to our three blessings.
Thank you, Lord. 


Wishing dads across the globe a Happy Father's Day!



June 9, 2017

Book-Lover Quotes Illustrated by Simini Blocker



Bibliophiles like me will appreciate these 
oh-so-charming illustrations by Simini Blocker.
They bring life to the thoughts of
Anna Quindlen, Albert Einstein, C.S. Lewis and more.
Enjoy these colorful works of art as you're
reminded of how very much you love to read! 
















More illustrations by Simini Blocker here:
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June 6, 2017

El Camino Real: A Great Mexican Eatery in Philly



On the recommendation of my friend Dana,
the hubby and I stopped in for a bite at El Camino Real in Philly.
Known for delicious Mexican food and Texas BBQ,
it's located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood at 1040 North 2nd Street. 




Very cool hand-painted window murals!





Carnitas?



My vegetarian choice - yummy cactus & sweet potato burritos.





The casual, hip atmosphere and bandito murals brought to mind
Clint Eastwood and spaghetti westerns.
As I turned a corner, the vibe was confirmed~



Links:


June 1, 2017

Woo Hoo, It's Donut Day!



Friday, June 2, is National Donut Day!
Let's hear it for donuts!

To celebrate, check out these freebies on 6/2~
Krispy Kreme will give you one FREE donut.
Dunkin' Donuts will give you a FREE classic donut with the purchase of a beverage.

Don't miss the bonus video at the end of this post!
It's a fun song from my childhood I learned at Girl Scout camp- The Donut Shop!




Donuts and pugs? Why not!



jojo larue




Never been crazy about jelly donuts,
but it's hard for me to pass up a Boston cream.
Which one is your favorite?



Happy to find this on YouTube.
I just know that my friends Sue & Shelley will be singing along!