Saturday, January 30, 2016

Our Recent Travels and Wintertime Tea

Hello, friends!  How have you been enjoying 2016?  I am finally assimilating back to my normal schedule after a busy holiday season of travel, work, and family fun.  A tiny bit before Christmas, the hubby and I took a quick excursion to Seattle, returned, celebrated the holidays, and then we were off again with the whole family to Solvang, back for the Mission Inn Festival of lights, and to the California mountains for some much needed fun in the snow.  Today I am sharing a few of the highlights of our travels.


Seattle
The mountains of Washington were quite beautiful....


lots of trees with a smattering of snow....


Charming little structures amidst nature in all her glory.


A shot of the space needle.


A few shots of our view from the space needle looking over the city.












At the original Starbucks...







I was so excited to attend an exhibit showcasing the art of Dale Chihuly...his beautiful blown-glass creations are just spectacular, and even better in person.

Gorgeous color!









I really loved the garden...





Overall, I had such fun in Seattle!

Solvang


Have you ever been to the charming town of Solvang?  I was enamored with the sweet, quaint architecture...reminiscent of a time long ago.





Such a pretty little Inn!












We visited a darling bakery





quite a few vintage shops (of course)





and took in the sights.





 

Mission Inn
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is in almost its twenty-fifth year and was voted by USA Today as #1 in the nation as a readers' favorite must-see attraction (for holiday/lighting attractions).  We try to go every year.  

Beautiful lights.  Over 4 million....you must go to appreciate it fully!







Boarding a magical horse-driven carriage ride...my daughters love this.  :)



A few weeks ago, during the first week of January, as I bade farewell to all of the Christmas décor, I treated myself to a sweet wintertime tea.  I can't bring the charm of the snow-capped mountains home with me to southern California, but I can certainly reminisce. 


A simple tea in winter white,















a cozy throw to snuggle under


as I peruse the pages of a new cookbook I found at that cute little bakery in Solvang.


How is your winter?


Until next we meet---

From my collection:
Teacup and saucers, Haviland France Limoges Ranson and Marseille Collections
Teapot, antique Godinger
Spoon, antique Wallace Silversmiths
Throw, Ralph Lauren


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