hello monday





Images via Dustjacket Attic, The Simply Luxurious Life and {this is glamorous}

"The women who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The women who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before" 
A. Einstein-

This week I am enjoying the company of my cousin and her beautiful baby who are visiting (pancakes and "pepernoten" party for the girls tonight in honour of little Miss D), preparing some Christmas decorations at the house (I am staying positive, will make it to get a tree this week) and packing for my trip on Thursday (completely unlike me to haven't packed yet....how time flies). 
It's going to be a busy and fun week. 

Wishing you a great week filled with many smiles. 
xx
Pris





pure delight



Images via Pinterest


In Hamburg I indulged a bit in the candle department and bought a lovely home scent from Jo Malone. 
The wrapping of the candle, in the beautiful box finished with a ribbon, was already a delight. 
I can already imagine the house filled with candles and peonies, while sipping mint tea and enjoying a great book. Simply lovely. 

Have a beautiful day. 
xx
Pris 


afternoon tea








Images from own collection
Thanks to my dad for coming over and being the photographer

   Good morning and welcome to another wonderful week in November.
I hope you had a fabulous weekend.
Mine was absolutely exquisite.

It started out like any 'normal' Saturday, with pancakes in the morning and a bit of shopping. I was supposed to meet my mother and a few others for a late afternoon lunch at the Hyatt that day. My mom picked me up at exactly 4.05pm, and informed me that we had todrop off a large serving plate to my aunts' house (for a party she was supposed to have on Sunday) before heading to the lunch. (Mind you....just for some visual effects, I had just done my nails and was wearing slippers at this point). We arrived at the house of Anneliese, and just then it started raining. (to continue with the visual effects, I was wearing a gorgeous new blouse which I absolutely did not want to get wet in the rain and thus I place the serving dish on top of my head….and ran up the front porch to her house….not very chic I might add). Her car was not in the drive way, and thus I obviously expected to meet my uncle when opening the door.

As I peeked through the window I saw quite some people in the house. A few thoughts raced through my mind. First I thought, hmmm my mom was mistaken, my aunts event is today. Then as everyone yelled 'SURPRISE' I thought....hmmm they think I am someone else. But then I recognized some of my friends, and it turns out my amazing family and friends organized a surprise afternoon tea to celebrate the finalization of my master’s degree. It was simply, extraordinarily and completely exquisite. (As you must be noticing I absolutely did not expect anything….I mean seriously who runs up in the rain wearing slippers with a dish on her head to an uber chic afternoon tea).

Everyone was dressed stunningly with their gorgeous hats. The table was decorated with beautiful fresh flowers, china from my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and my moms friend, (a detail I absolutely love), the delicious pastries and scones and the pretty name plates on each chair. The menu cards were printed on fine rice paper (thanks to my uncle for ironing these) and the tea box beautifully decorated by my mom. My friend Nara, gave a beautiful speech (thanks girls) and we even had gift bags filled with goodies from the aloe farm and Dior.

It was an amazing afternoon, with exquisite details and people I love.
I am truly blessed with such family and friends.

xx



tea and tulips

Image via Simply Seductive
For more wonderful inspiration on tea go to
Tea's of Time


Though we only had a very short stay in China, it was a very productive one. From walking on the Great Wall (frozen feet and blue skies included), taking in the colours of the Forbidden city and eating some wonderful Hot Pot in a bright restaurant where we were the only tourists, to buying my favourite Pu'erh tea;  the few hours spent in Beijing were truely memorable. I am now enjoying a wonderful cup of tea, and remember all the little details (and immense structures) that were part of that moment in time.
Pu'erh tea has been a part of daily life in China for over 2,000 years and is commonly referred to as "medicinal" tea for its many health benefits. Pu erh tea, the original tea, comes from the ancient tea trees of Xishuangbanna in China's pristine Yunnan Province.

Enjoy your morning and afternoon tea and have a day filled with smiles.


sunday






It is yet another warm and beautiful summer morning here on the island. There is hardly a breeze, but the sky is an amazing shade of blue after the thunder filled night we had. 

Today I came across an article about Amber Venz, a jewelry maker from Texas. The photo shoot , by Andrew Hefter, for one of her collections is simply divine. 

For more articles about Amber Venz, visit Shelter and  Walking around where the side walk begins 

tea time

tea pots are by artist Evelien Sipkes, in her garden in Curacao

the lovely ritual of afternoon tea, is one that I highly appreciate. For one I love tea and second depending on your mood, drinking tea can give you energy or help you relax just a little more. Today, I am having my afternoon ginkgo tea while browsing the web for inspiration. Enjoy your tea time.