Feathering Your Nest

Feathering Your Nest...

You are invited to post your decorating, flea finds, designs, crafts, table settings, etc.  Anything relating to feathering your nest.  We will all enjoy it!  And, Do become a follower.  The more, the merrier.

Hugs,
Betty

Cozy Book Club Sunday

Cozy Book Club Sunday...

This is the beginning of Cozy Book Club Sunday, sharing sweet memories.   What book are you giving your mom?  Fix your favorite cup of tea and join us for a relaxing on-line conversation about the book you read during the last six weeks.  Choose your book to read.  Easter...are you reading an Easter book?  June is National Rose month.  What book will you choose to read?

Suggestions:  Jane Austen novels, Pride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  Please add your suggestions.

Happy Reading,
Betty

Tea Cup Tuesday

Tea Cup Tuesday

Hello my tea cup loving friends!  I'm so excited to do my first Tea Cup Tuesday.  I feel like everything is getting back to normal after our move.  Yesterday, I took time to shop and found some lovely pink items.   I'll be showing Other colors of teacup and saucers, too!   See you here.

Have a tealightful week,
Betty

Pink Saturday

Pink Saturday...

Hello Pinkies!

This will be my first Pink Saturday and I would love for you to join me.  I think it's time to be "pink!"  We are still working to get unpacked.  Boxes are everywhere.  I am still working hard learning how to use my website.  See you here!

Hugs, Betty

On-Line Tea Shop

Twilight Rose Tea Pot






On-Line Tea Shop

What our Tea Shop to offer...

* Serving with style...Folding Tiered Server, Sugar Tongs, Tartlet Server, Teapot Teaspoons, Teapot Table Cloth Weights, The White Scroll Collection, Teapot Votive Holder, Flowering Tea Set, Bombay Teapot Collection.

* A Passion for Tea...

The Most Wonderful Time

The Most Wonderful Time...

Can you believe that it's once again the most
wonderful time of the year?  Join me as we turn
the hustle and bustle of the holidays into a season
full of family get-togethers, tea parties for friends
and loads of fun.

The perfect way to gather all of your busy friends
together during the holiday season is to host a
friendship tea.  Fill your home with the warm aroma
of baking Sweet Creme Scones and Lavender &
White Chocolate Scones and have the girls over for
a relaxing afternoon.  Pair Cranberry Scones with
dreamy hot Chocolate Romance Tea to ward off chilly
weather on a wintry evening after a full day of shopping.
To top off a TEA-rrific afternoon with other busy moms,
spend time chatting around the fire while making gifts
for your family and friends...even your fuzzy, four-legged
friends!  A knit Diggie Scarf is ideal to outfit your furry
friends with stylish winter wear.

Bring little ones' imaginations to life during this Christmas
season as you work together to create a whimsical Ginger-
bread House and a village of Gingerbread Cookie People to
enjoy.  Your kitchen is just the place to make tasty, inspired
gifts for teachers, friends and anyone else who touches your
family members' lives.  Lemon Scones and Raspberry Filled
Scones are the perfect gifts to say "Thank you and merry
Christmas!

So whether you're enjoying a mug of Lady Lavender Grey
with your friends by a cozy fire or inspiring your children to
create Christmas gifts and traditions of their own, I wish you
all the best this holiday season.

Enjoy each special,
Christmas-filled day!

xo  Betty J

*All the TEA products mentioned above can be purchased at my
  E-Boutique:  http://www.yoursettoatea.com/BAyers
           You may have to click on search 2 or 3 times to get there.  Sorry.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

Brewing the Perfect Cup...

1.  First of all, start with fresh cold water.
2.  Experts agree:  Don't microwave the water.
3.  Heat the water to the correct temperature as directed. 
4.  Steep for the recommended time.
5.  Remember to brew to your own taste.

Loose Tea Guide:

6 oz. cup...1 tsp*
24 oz. teapot...1 tbsp*

*Loose Herbal Teas generally require double

Tea Variety                                     Water Temp.                                   Steeping Time         

Green & Darjeeling Teas             160 F                                                  3-5 minutes
White Tea                                         175 F                                                  1-3 minutes
Black Tea                                           Rolling Boil                                    3-5 minutes
Herbal (tisanes)                             Rolling Boil                                    5-8 minutes

Enjoy your perfect cuppa all through the day!

Belle Ayers Tea Parlor and Boutique: Gracing the Table

Belle Ayers Tea Parlor and Boutique: Gracing the Table: "A table graced in holiday finery always signals a special occasion. Set to a Tea's... Twilight Rose tablecloth, napkins, cosies and teapot,..."

Gracing the Table

A table graced in holiday finery always signals a special occasion.  Set to a Tea's... Twilight Rose tablecloth, napkins, cosies and teapot, mix well with their set of silver plated tea spoons, each adorned with a teapot on the handle.

Shop for these favorite things at my E-Boutique:  http://www.yoursettoatea.com/BAyers
You may have to click on search 2 or 3 times to get there.

xo  Betty Ayers
      Consultant

Blissful Giving

Dazzling Decor...

Celebrate the wonder of Christmas with beautiful trimmings that bring enchantment to all who behold them with teapot ornaments made with teapot cookie cutters from Set to a Tea at my E-Boutique:

http:www.yoursettoatea.com/BAyers
you may have to click on search 2 or 3 times

Bring comfort and joy to cherished family and friends with expressive gifts that come from the heart.  These special tokens of affection are sure to make spirits soar in this blessed season of generosity.

xo  Betty Ayers
      Consultant

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Holiday Happiness

Holiday Happiness...

     The happiest holidays

Cardinal Family and Chickadees

A Cardinal family of what seems to be 8 young cardinals
and 2 beautiful Chickadees eat at our birdfeeder every day,
numerous times.  They dish seed out like snow to the ground
for the doves, who thoroughly enjoy it.  Occasionally, we have
a young Bluejay visit to eat.  Sometimes a squirrell will eat below
on the ground.  Naturally, other birds probably come when we're
not at the kitchen window looking for them.  I would not be
without my birdfeeder to watch and feed these beautiful birds!
We have only 1 feeder up at the time.  How many do you have out?

Remembering a Special Thanksgiving

Remembering a Special Thanksgiving

     November has arrived and it really feels like winter here in Kentucky, even a few snowflakes already...and we're in the mood for Thanksgiving.  Along with thoughts of turkey & dressing and chocolate cake, we love this time of year because it reminds us all to count our blessings.
     Mother & daddy are now gone to heaven but our best Thanksgivings were spent with them, our children, sister and cousins,  for which we will always be thankful.
     What are your special Thanksgiving memories?
Betty J

Photo of my parents, Ida & Clifton with my children...youngest to oldest...Angie, Jamie (bottom rt.), Cindy,
Scott and Craig.

Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you live.
   * What originally inspired you to start blogging?
   * As a busy mom who also works outside the home, how do you carve out the time to write?
   * How did you get your start in the kitchen?
   * Care to share a favorite recipe?
   * What's the best thing to happen as a result of starting your blog?
   * Pie or cake?  Cookies or fudge?
   * Fill in the blank:  In my kitchen, we never run out of ___________!
   * Aside from family and friends, what are 5 things you just can't live without?
   * Tell us something that no one would guess about you.
   * Do you use tea leaves or brewed tea (in place of water) in recipes for food or drinks?

Choose to answer 1 or more of these below in Comments for an entry into my giveaway for November.  Each seperate answer you give qualifys you for 1 entry.  Giveaway begins today,
Sunday, November 7, 2010 and ends at midnight on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. 
Happy writing!
Betty J

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake

Meet Barbara, my best friend of 53 years (left, dark hair),

Over the years, Barbara has given me dozens of recipes.  We always looked forward to her Chrstmas candy recipes each year...she had the best ideas!

When our children were little, we spent many nights making Christmas candy...then years later, the Red Velvet cake.

These days and evenings really warmed our hearts!  Our little helpers can really turn a few hours in the kitchen into warm memories to be held for years, can't they?

Pull one of your little helpers into the kitchen and make some new memories today...

Who is your kitchen partner?  What is your favorite cake to bake?

Betty J

  

    

Baking Up Memories!

Baking Up Memories!

     Baking and decorating wedding cakes is one of my and my children's very favorite memories.  Starting way back when Angie was just a little girl, we all looked forward to the occasions for baking and decorating cakes...especially wedding cakes for our family members. 

     Here's a photo from 25 years ago when Angie and David married.  Isn't she as sweet as can be?  These cakes are still some of her fondest memories.  And, yes, I did their wedding cake too!

     Who did you make a special wedding cake for and what kind?

Happy mom,  Betty J

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD ~ shoebox ~ Nov. 15-22

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD ~ Samaritans Purse

Mission is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church world wide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

     You can help and participate by filling a shoe box(s) for a boy or girl for Christmas and delivering it /them to your local church along with $7.00 for shipping.  Go to their website and choose a boy(s) or girl(s) to send a Christmas shoe box to.

GIFT IDEAS ~

Toys:
small cars etc.
School Supplies:
pens, etc.
Hygiene Items:
toothbrush, etc.
Other:
hard candy, etc.

A Personal Note:

Do Not Include:
listed

ALL THE INFORMATION IS ON THEIR WEBSITE:  http:/www.operationchristmaschild/

Enjoy your holidays and help someone else enjoy theirs.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Katie Frasure told me about the...

   Christian Appalichian Project

     I was born in Pikeville, KY and want to give
you this information.  Families there need your
help!.  1-800-755-5322  Support a family...contact
Brenda Watts at  bwatts@chrisapp.org

* Food Basket Project
  (dry/canned foods)
* Compassion Basket Project
  (personal hygiene, towels, etc)
* School Rediness Backpack Program
   (school supplies)
* Christmas Basket Program
  (gifts for a family)

Go to their website and fill out an application
and support one family, small as family of 3.

God Bless,
Betty J

Tasty Recipes Halloween Contest

           Tasty Recipes Halloween Contest

     October 31st is fast approaching and we're already thinking of recipes to celebrate the spooky holiday with!  Have any favorites?  Add your Halloween inspired recipes to Belle Ayers Tea Parlor & Boutique by midnight, Sunday, October 31, 2010, and you'll be entered into the "Tasty Recipes Halloween Contest!"  The winner will be announced here on Monday, November 1, 2010.  You can share your recipes here in the comments area, along with your name and email address, so I can contact the winner.

Best of luck!

October Birthday Giveaway

OCTOBER BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY ~ Winner will be announced after end of month, here.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Greetings to all!!!

Martha

Robin

Gentleman Thomas Anthony Prater

   Link to my royal family line...

   Gentleman Thomas Anthony and Judith Ivye Prater, my 11th great-grandparents were born in England (link to my royal ancestors).  Thomas, born May 6, 1573, Stanton St. Bernard, Wiltshire, England, was the 6th child, and was named after his first born brother who had died.  His father was very wealthy, thus his inheritance was substantial.  Thomas inherited Stanton St. Bernard Manor.  Thomas' grandmother was Elene Kingston Prater.

     Thomas' business was the woolen trade, farming, and ferrier.  His land at Eaton Water was located on the banks of the Thames River where he owned a ferry.  Eaton Water was also a place that people who used the river to transport their goods to the ports of London could stop and feed their livestock and find food and lodging for themselves.

     Thomas' wife Judith Ivye Prater died when her 7th son was born.  Thomas placed a stone carving in the wall of West Kingston Church above her tomb.  This stone carving shows Thomas, his Coat-of-Arms with simbols of his wifes family Coat-of-Arms and the carving of his children and a eulogy to his children and all people who were to read this stone carving.  Judith's tomb is in the floor of the Ivye chapel with the above carving in the wall just above her tomb.

     Thomas Anthony's tomb is in the floor of the church at his manor of Stanton St. Bernard, Wiltshire.

Duchess Betty J