Pagosa Springs, CO - 7.30- 7.31.10

Enjoy the pictures from our first day (traveling from Dallas to Pagosa Springs, CO) and second day (Dad, Ash and I hiked to Four Miles Falls right outside of Pagosa).

Read more!

Wham Bam, Ottoman! - 7.27.10

This week, Vicki helped me sew a slipcover for an uncovered ottoman that my sister, Ashley, donated to me. (Thank you both for helping beautify the Wilson home!) Here are the before and after pictures. I picked out a fun graphic print from City Craft (my new favorite store in Dallas- visit and buy. Ask for Erin, she is a dear college friend and the wonderful shop manager.) We used Design Sponge's instruction, you can find them here.

Before

After

Again, thank you so much, Vicki, for your amazing sewing skills and Ashley, for the new ottoman!

Read more!

a cup above the rest- 7.21.10

I'm sorry for my absence (nearly a year-long absence, at that). But I've had a reawakening and am happily returning to my 'parsley and paper' posts.

I have a new quest: to find an inviting, quiet coffee or tea house, where I can study my lessons, read and take notes, or just read for pleasure. Yesterday afternoon, my goal was to have tea and read in Charlotte Mason (not a light read by any means) for school. I went by Village Tea a newish tea shop at Preston and Forest, only to find it was "temporarily closed". A little let-down, I managed to make it down Preston into Preston Center for a cup o'tea at The Cultured Cup. If you know me at all, you know that I have done my research prior to trying both shops and I knew that The Cultured Cup had quite a following and touted a "Best Fancy Teas" honor from the Observer. I was a little hesitant to step my Rainbow-ed not fancy feet into this fancy tea room but I'm sure glad I did.

The facade is elegant and not as inviting as a "coffeehouse" or casual tea room, but after speaking with one of the proprietors inside, I gathered that they are targeting Junior Leaguers rather than SMU undergrads and HP Scotties. It is also important to note that there is little space allotted for lounging. There is a enclave of a small sofa and arm chairs for ladies to have a cup with company and there is a back bar, best for lone patrons watching the steps of steeping. When you enter, there is a coffee/tea counter for purchasing and specialty chocolate counter , which garners a second visit in my opinion. I perched on the back bar and asked for a recommendation.

The gentleman behind the bar was incredibly helpful and friendly, answering all of my prying questions about tea in general and the shop. I learned about the renowned French importer of the teas, Mariage Freres, organic versus non-organic teas, and overheard discussion of their nightly event featuring Matcha at Sharaku Sake Lounge.

As for my recommendation, I said that I wanted a refreshing afternoon tea. I was recommended the "Thé à l'Opéra" (Opera Tea), a flavored green tea. The shop's description reads, "A distinguished green tea has been enhanced with the subtle fragrance of red berries and precious spices." After careful steeping, a delicate oriental tea cup and saucer were placed in front of me and the bright chartreuse tea was poured for my enjoyment. It was a lovely, mild green tea, fragrant and slightly sweet, with only hints of that characteristic bitter green tea finish. I could sip on this every day, if only it didn't cost $10.50 for 2 oz. However, I was pleasantly surprised that one cup of this fancy tea (includes a refill) totaled at $2.98 (What kind of margin is that?).

I'm already planning my next visit to try their specialty chocolates and roasted coffees.

"Best Fancy Teas" by Dallas Observer, 2008

The Cultured Cup

(Between Cafe R&D and Taco Diner)

8312 Preston Center Plaza
Dallas, TX 75225

(972) 960-1521

Read more!