Spring Decor

Spring Decor

Recently I found a reclaimed wooden ladder and I knew I had to work it into my decor.  

I started by adding a wire heart with a floral arrangement and a blanket,  Then I paired it with my Magnolia Homes French wire basket.  Also, shown in this photo are my Magnolia Homes chair, vintage wooden trunk. Target heart footstool, and my record player.  

On the wall, you can see my antique wavy glass mirror and other pieces of wall decor. 

Another recent change is my new Ikea Ektorp 3.5 Sofa with slipcover.  I sold my sectional sofa because it just wasn't me. I added bunny pillows and a few Shabby Chic pillows. 

Closeup of my coffee table decor. I love my metal crown and I knew I wanted to use it here.  

After a long hard day of working on my room, shopping around my house, and cleaning, I finally have a room I can love.  

Happy Decorating, 

Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

Fibromyalgia, Peripheral Neuropathy and Lipoic Acid

Fibromyalgia, Peripheral Neuropathy

and

Lipoic Acid

It isn't very often that I talk about my chronic illnesses of which I have quite a few.  Usually when I do it is because I have something important to say.  We learn to keep quiet about it because of how we are treated when we do speak up.  I have spent years making excuses, hiding the truth, and simply just staying quiet.  

Recently I was given a new PCM and as usual, I was so afraid to go see them.  There is a lot of anxiety when I meet a new PCM.  Will they be dismissive, will they ignore me, and worse yet will they simply just not believe me.  Occasionally I run into someone that actually helps me without the judgment and dismissiveness.  This is exactly what happened a few weeks ago.  

While talking to my new PCM, I mentioned my four-year struggle with what has been labeled peripheral neuropathy.  They suggested I try RALA Lipoic Acid.  I went home and ordered exactly what I was told to order from Amazon and it arrived two days later.  After only the second day I noticed my feet did not hurt as much and by day six, I noticed many things had changed.  

This is a copy of my review on Amazon. 

Day 6 on RALA Lipoic Acid. So far this has been amazing. The nerves in my feet are not screaming as loud anymore, they have calmed down tremendously. I can feel the synovial fluid in my feet working and the inflammation in them in greatly decreased. I can actually rotate my feet now and I can flex my feet when walking. It is still painful to put my feet down but that is decreasing as well. My feet feel like they are waking up from a very long sleep.

The tightness in my feet and spine is diminishing. I am having to adjust my movements in and around my environment because my movements have been so stiff for so long and now I have flex and freedom. It almost feels like I am jello at times but in a good way.

My ears have not been producing as much wax, headaches have decreased, swelling in my throat has decreased, memory issues have decreased, disjointed thought patterns have decreased, heart rate is better, and more (all caused by Hashimoto’s disease).

Digestive issues are much better.  Sleep issue, anxiety, and general mood is much better as well. In a few weeks, I will have labs done and I will know more but so far so good.

Oh, and my hair and skin look healthier.

Insta gram Post

 Day 7 

Everything from day six plus when I woke up I was not as sick, stiff and my brain fog was noticeably less.  I was literally able to talk right away and I never do that, ever. It typically takes me about four hours to be able to communicate and talk to people. This is so amazing. I hope it continues.

You have to admit, this is all pretty amazing.  I am not pushing this product nor am I being compensated for this blog post.  This is all just my honest opinion about Liopis Acid.  According to my PCM is must be RALA Lipoic Acid and not any other form.  I wanted to share this great news in the hopes that it might actually help someone else out there.  

I know what it is like to live in constant 24/7 pain.  I know what it is like to have others judge you, ignore you, and just dismiss you.  I am not a doctor and I am not suggesting that anyone take this without consulting their doctor but I wanted to share my story and perhaps it will help someone out there.  

Here's to health and hope, 

Beverly 

Tea Cottage Pretties

A Rug for Tea Cottage Pretties

A Rug for Tea Cottage Pretties

Hand-painted by Beverly

I decided I wanted some rugs to go on our Spring porch.  Looking everywhere for something to match my aesthetic proved to be a difficult task.  While brainstorming with my daughter we thought why not paint one?  Better yet paint one that is personal to us.  So, here is my newly painted rug for Tea Cottage Pretties.

I only found one this size so far and I hope to find another.  I did try it on both sides of our porch. Our porch is approximately 30 feet long.  When we bought the home I thought this was awesome and it is but it is difficult to decorate a 30-foot long porch.  

I started with a rug and used a set of stencils by Waverly 

I also used a crown stencil by Artminds. 

I used regular acrylic paint and stencil brushes by Martha Stewart.  They are my favorites!

Once everything dried I took some time to heat set the paint.  I simply used an iron and cheesecloth to protect the fabric and my iron. 

I love how it turned out.  

Now I must find another for the other side of my porch but even if I don't I love this rug just the same. 

See you next time, 

Beverly 

Tea Cottage Pretties

Follow me on Instagram

Tea Cottage Pretties

Tea Cottage Pretties Instagram

Tea Cottage Pretties

is now on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/teacottagepretties/

I wanted to share a few photos from my Instagram and invite you to visit me there. 

En suite wall decor 

Vintage Linens

Tea Bar

 

Morning Room

Cute vignette featuring a retro pink doe. 

Click on any photo to visit my Instagram.

Have a great week, 

Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

Fried Leftover Macaroni and Cheese Ball Recipe

Fried Leftover Macaroni and Cheese Ball Recipe

I have shared this recipe before but I felt like I should share it again.  Perhaps, I am craving these delicious Mac and Cheese Balls.  I found this recipe a long time ago and I love it. 
 You can find the recipe and MUCH more here on this fabulous blog:

http://norecipes.com/

http://norecipes.com/blog/fried-mac-cheese-balls-recipe/

Here is the recipe as it is on the above site. 

I used Kraft Deluxe Mac and Cheese and it works fabulously.

Fried Mac & Cheese Balls 

        2 tablespoon unsalted butter

                                          2 tablespoon flour

3/4 cup half and half

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 packed cup leftover mac & cheese (I used Kraft)

1/2 cup flour

1 beaten egg

1 cup panko (you can also use regular bread crumbs)

Parmesan cheese for serving

Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the flour and stir vigorously until the mixture is bubbling. Remove the pan from the heat, then slowly whisk in the half and half until it is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Return the pan to a medium-low heat stove and use a silicone spatula to continuously scrape the bottom of the pan to keep the sauce from burning. When the sauce is thick and bubbly, remove the pan from the heat and add the mac & cheese. Stir to combine, then taste for salt and adjust as needed. Cool to room temperature, then place the mixture into the fridge to harden.

Once the macaroni mixture has cooled, it will be very firm. Use a spoon to scoop out a 1 1/2″ ball, then roll it between your hands to make it round, pressing down a bit to remove any air pockets. You should be able to make about 8 balls.

Add about 2 inches of oil into a heavy bottomed pot. Turn the heat onto medium high, and watch for the temperature to reach about 320 degrees F. In the mean time, get 3 shallow bowls out, and put the flour in one, the egg in another and the panko in the third. Roll each ball in the flour to coat evenly, then in the egg (make sure it’s well coated with egg or the panko won’t stick). Lastly, drop the balls in the panko and roll around to coat evenly.

Line a wire rack with paper towels to place the balls on once they’re fried. Fry each ball, rolling them around so they brown evenly until they are golden brown and crisp. Transfer the fried mac and cheese balls to a paper towel lined rack and let them drain. Let them cool for a minute before serving, then top with plenty of grated cheese.

Here is a picture of mine after I made them the first time. 

Hope you enjoy, 

Beverly 
Tea Cottage Pretties