tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14353733856950434192024-03-13T05:25:35.607-07:00Teacup TalesCelebrating the joys of teatime!Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-65965018625161063822023-07-10T22:01:00.000-07:002023-07-10T22:01:37.216-07:00Tea Travels: Perennial Tea Room in Seattle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>The Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite travel destinations. I throughly enjoyed my trip to San Juan Island last week and fulfilled my dream of seeing orcas in the wild. Such an amazing sight! We stayed in Seattle for one night before returning home. I had the pleasure of visiting the Perennial Tea Room in Seattle. This tea shop is located on quaint Post Alley a block away from Pike Place Market. It is a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the market.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q3tp07C69_iXRE-zvDspL_jrNm9m7piUNhcRUHu3M4A4eNqRe-uDQcFWU_06B8YwFGhZaFOFE_wZNjklPGxq-Bfu8KqhkR60pAPpASNT56x2cWGMhN0v7rqPxkGhRCm2w3nOfJJF_RqJBFBOqfVTNxc7TPkYd38yp68L1NqPjBW-DOuMOA8QS_99Qw4/s4032/IMG_3996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q3tp07C69_iXRE-zvDspL_jrNm9m7piUNhcRUHu3M4A4eNqRe-uDQcFWU_06B8YwFGhZaFOFE_wZNjklPGxq-Bfu8KqhkR60pAPpASNT56x2cWGMhN0v7rqPxkGhRCm2w3nOfJJF_RqJBFBOqfVTNxc7TPkYd38yp68L1NqPjBW-DOuMOA8QS_99Qw4/w240-h320/IMG_3996.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><i>This tea shop does not serve tea (even though past reviews do indicate that they do at one point pre COVID) but has an amazing selection of loose tea.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqkadKIUAb1ovTMOp7rocvV4u_zxMF54OugrPI9_cmqkWhaehCFe4mTZx3z6tFY1NSzKDDcbqjX3N7bJ3cXunN4_UbxmdrrArBjH37qEMwHMJN8PFvN8BoHD2XcldO9TwHtWtPuq1Pmt7H1Sq5kEdPfSi6-L9P3C0Zdqoxl-x46Oc9O-EIBXtChwv7mQ/s4032/IMG_4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqkadKIUAb1ovTMOp7rocvV4u_zxMF54OugrPI9_cmqkWhaehCFe4mTZx3z6tFY1NSzKDDcbqjX3N7bJ3cXunN4_UbxmdrrArBjH37qEMwHMJN8PFvN8BoHD2XcldO9TwHtWtPuq1Pmt7H1Sq5kEdPfSi6-L9P3C0Zdqoxl-x46Oc9O-EIBXtChwv7mQ/w300-h400/IMG_4001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><i>The tea is displayed quite nicely in glass containers. Upon entering the shop there is an area with laminated tea menus divided by type of tea. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about each tea featured and were welcoming. I was interested in expanding my oolong and white tea stash.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4QPvNfyHSRuRQahIzoL8PkBDKksxxJ8ZzPS5Xv5b_S7kAKn0e_zAjPj54XTkZXu0CDP-WUKOMY0Nwe9Cat1QooIeC5hSE5rlFtPzdt_lFsZJJSpAggiNaRptqIAY69lsDPCOnbHXdxxdK7IWwZ9NCHmG-Z3Qwx8NLTkSzlXzoxUKPMPaLTtRul-LUww/s4032/IMG_3998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4QPvNfyHSRuRQahIzoL8PkBDKksxxJ8ZzPS5Xv5b_S7kAKn0e_zAjPj54XTkZXu0CDP-WUKOMY0Nwe9Cat1QooIeC5hSE5rlFtPzdt_lFsZJJSpAggiNaRptqIAY69lsDPCOnbHXdxxdK7IWwZ9NCHmG-Z3Qwx8NLTkSzlXzoxUKPMPaLTtRul-LUww/s320/IMG_3998.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Across from the loose tea are shelves of quality boxed teas and accessories.</i></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKegKd_11TKYZE2iwxboAsq4hIobcyjaP8PwLMjI8sZX_mNZDBXHTeN4Rg9WauWnLtRbeztYXAaoOyp680zAihh0GN5AmOp2bz0YXMj7mSf9_veE4kyj2J6eBB5BEMsqtUYsFlqvHjLjHzNQtHnDUzvmMjEK5LyQPD_16amr2eK6-atxjFrwSTAUs5CE/s4032/IMG_3999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKegKd_11TKYZE2iwxboAsq4hIobcyjaP8PwLMjI8sZX_mNZDBXHTeN4Rg9WauWnLtRbeztYXAaoOyp680zAihh0GN5AmOp2bz0YXMj7mSf9_veE4kyj2J6eBB5BEMsqtUYsFlqvHjLjHzNQtHnDUzvmMjEK5LyQPD_16amr2eK6-atxjFrwSTAUs5CE/w240-h320/IMG_3999.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><i>This shelf made me swoon with its organized rainbow teapot and mug display. It reminds me of a candy store!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJa0SMRHLrMy7qOy1g6AO1r2zy6JeGh4PsLfc20CU0SnHwLfPVGwdNt9SAmaIz0LTz9ObNiFZ71WlMWwcTSHLSw48ux8UzPyzQx6QOIopETVvkRtGKCsqqjD5KJR9e-eeddDbBFhWvq8L3Y5glfUGLsFt-lt7LMY45uKIxAm3iccE7aaX_6K1e9fy69w/s4032/IMG_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJa0SMRHLrMy7qOy1g6AO1r2zy6JeGh4PsLfc20CU0SnHwLfPVGwdNt9SAmaIz0LTz9ObNiFZ71WlMWwcTSHLSw48ux8UzPyzQx6QOIopETVvkRtGKCsqqjD5KJR9e-eeddDbBFhWvq8L3Y5glfUGLsFt-lt7LMY45uKIxAm3iccE7aaX_6K1e9fy69w/s320/IMG_4021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i>I choose a white tea: Coconut Cream and a non roasted oolong. I am going to gift the Brandy Oolong to a friend who is hosting an afternoon tea in a couple of weeks and will write a review of the coconut cream soon. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://perennialtearoom.com/">Perennial Tea Room</a> does ship too. I like their packaging.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: trebuchet;"><b>"Home is where the tea is." ~Js Devivre</b></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: trebuchet;"><b>I hope you have time for a simple tea this week,</b></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: trebuchet;"><b>Nora</b></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-57790191369321290692023-06-27T16:44:00.000-07:002023-06-27T16:44:32.633-07:00A Chintzy Morning<p style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX97FazrKleNZdhO9NT9oj35CfZGjxmzBHjeH5Yc9_YZYPuwaQYcrUhfQFmXt73lXzZoqex52yLLbOseBsDWptvnaSbKdeyjoXoj8ET68PEltTjExoQZMWpAPpttE7gnd9JNrGhplQZtxiaNUDVVLcJDJ0X15mj9sl4_G6zCqJSV_h0r1ZN4RnPVxvDA/s4032/IMG_3832%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX97FazrKleNZdhO9NT9oj35CfZGjxmzBHjeH5Yc9_YZYPuwaQYcrUhfQFmXt73lXzZoqex52yLLbOseBsDWptvnaSbKdeyjoXoj8ET68PEltTjExoQZMWpAPpttE7gnd9JNrGhplQZtxiaNUDVVLcJDJ0X15mj9sl4_G6zCqJSV_h0r1ZN4RnPVxvDA/w300-h434/IMG_3832%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>"Tea is best enjoyed in pleasant surroundings, whether indoors or out, where the atmosphere is tranquil, the setting harmonious. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> ~John Blofeld</span></i></span></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>One of my simple pleasures is to read while enjoying a pot of tea outside in my garden. We have had a very cool spring, so these last two weeks were the first times I was able to partake in my favorite morning ritual. I wait all week for these weekend tea times. </p><p>My morning tea choices are usually Paris by Harney and Sons, Breakfast in Paris by Stash Tea or various loose English Breakfast blends. My yellow Beehouse teapot is my go to or my larger orange one if I have more time to spare.</p><p>My reading choice is a magazine and the novel I'm currently reading. I have to admit that this current issue of Tea Time magazine is one of my favorites in terms of recipes.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0ho4783WLeL7tOyC1SheoeSM1VKJ7UKtrYJR_34HqSe_HKKAt3FATkLjnclvKt_oqNkXJVKbN6JTbq0QYqozNhwbTc2kPWJsF21xYaC-F-natTmLlcGqQvRaKpLjEzUXIKivbAm3TFnLLyQpMO3XYFcEqslg3C-LSn2wmOigAmGf3zbLx5BP0WYD4qs/s4032/IMG_3833%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0ho4783WLeL7tOyC1SheoeSM1VKJ7UKtrYJR_34HqSe_HKKAt3FATkLjnclvKt_oqNkXJVKbN6JTbq0QYqozNhwbTc2kPWJsF21xYaC-F-natTmLlcGqQvRaKpLjEzUXIKivbAm3TFnLLyQpMO3XYFcEqslg3C-LSn2wmOigAmGf3zbLx5BP0WYD4qs/w300-h400/IMG_3833%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the past year I have been savoring my alfresco tea in this adorable Shelley chintz teacup and saucer. The story behind it is my impetus for the direction of this blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last summer I was invited to an amazing afternoon tea at the home of my two dear two friends. After I was greeted I was handed a tea menu (Yes, they have that many teas.) and I was asked to choose a teacup. Of course I gravitated to this Shelley. Both of my friends laughed because they knew this was the teacup I would choose! They gifted me this gem of a teacup that they found and now it has made its way into my home. I would love to know its tale of where it started.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72cltXP-4EZurjBDmepLELiHxOKeHRHe44BBDEoCJWywh4zpcOUh22BasGZ8Th0vama0poSBOPiMIQygIx6wFZ8h15pUcAVgOA4sRsoAf3kQJTo58zWeWRHdwt70ndsnTSr9t87krOnq90eZzYK06EXXSr0jDelQy0OxqCNFLb-5COBdB3F75JPPNnJU/s4032/IMG_3834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72cltXP-4EZurjBDmepLELiHxOKeHRHe44BBDEoCJWywh4zpcOUh22BasGZ8Th0vama0poSBOPiMIQygIx6wFZ8h15pUcAVgOA4sRsoAf3kQJTo58zWeWRHdwt70ndsnTSr9t87krOnq90eZzYK06EXXSr0jDelQy0OxqCNFLb-5COBdB3F75JPPNnJU/s320/IMG_3834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Chintz fabric has been around for five hundred years and originated in India. The word is derived from the Hindi word <b>chint </b>meaning spotted or variegated. Many vintage English potteries created chintz teacups and saucers in various floral patterns. There was a resurgence of chintz in the fashion world in the 1980s headed by designer Laura Ashley.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The article below goes into more detail about chintz and its significance in fabric.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.theinside.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-chintz/">The History of Chintz</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My particular Shelley teacup/saucer is a Shelley in the Primrose Chintz pattern. The teacup is an Oxford Silhouette. According to my Shelley pattern book the teacup shape is supposed to be Henley. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FP5sCPnYuy442UKj9IhS_SQW0GKGVfrSQmEZT5j960Ck3b12ZqlVaH9YNv78wRSufEwDEkqBuQfTND4RttMNMIIZuL1KPmixEcbdAuTgsGo3Xvpc9AtRS6a29x6To63YjVyjZl7ayQ1nQTTNl-JP6RFrrQOZV66yTCaaZ580WmeVgYvSeyO_xTglDOQ/s4032/IMG_3835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FP5sCPnYuy442UKj9IhS_SQW0GKGVfrSQmEZT5j960Ck3b12ZqlVaH9YNv78wRSufEwDEkqBuQfTND4RttMNMIIZuL1KPmixEcbdAuTgsGo3Xvpc9AtRS6a29x6To63YjVyjZl7ayQ1nQTTNl-JP6RFrrQOZV66yTCaaZ580WmeVgYvSeyO_xTglDOQ/s320/IMG_3835.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This pattern was produced from 1940-1966.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I enjoy gardening and will share the bounty (fingers crossed) of our vegetable garden soon. For now these two pots are close to the table I read at and our rosemary with vinca flowers and basil. Simple to maintain and great for cooking!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bWUI-0f7FpYkm_nTFgEiThOYxfMMc46txPZte0h4FH1L2akCTrwydDEp0FVp3gQZIa1_I1KXRPIfJgnv-p_cS5edeazfzGxfub2rPbL_QH_D9tS_FhTFI3uvX2RQ7WcoBBs_ywRXn7i8TKRb1nnNO3EOAqvpPjpzBBBHb_v5x3RwI73ca3sNJQ8vz_E/s4032/IMG_3836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bWUI-0f7FpYkm_nTFgEiThOYxfMMc46txPZte0h4FH1L2akCTrwydDEp0FVp3gQZIa1_I1KXRPIfJgnv-p_cS5edeazfzGxfub2rPbL_QH_D9tS_FhTFI3uvX2RQ7WcoBBs_ywRXn7i8TKRb1nnNO3EOAqvpPjpzBBBHb_v5x3RwI73ca3sNJQ8vz_E/s320/IMG_3836.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbAfJoPyO8Pg4pA5gw_MmEwcY6Md0LOp_FRIL6JlOEuBKGSw-tHU9fyjZ2Ub7T57s3-vM1sn9KdV3RAMUqS9KquGcRktTwBoZnpU-rkMzDe_T8UpSqxAWu6bRQpCCkUKvUvHFJMTv6X-bwqzxtjFdD4wjfILzJDrgYUUwyKP0gtq3wQjQGzpTOTh-M_M/s4032/IMG_3837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbAfJoPyO8Pg4pA5gw_MmEwcY6Md0LOp_FRIL6JlOEuBKGSw-tHU9fyjZ2Ub7T57s3-vM1sn9KdV3RAMUqS9KquGcRktTwBoZnpU-rkMzDe_T8UpSqxAWu6bRQpCCkUKvUvHFJMTv6X-bwqzxtjFdD4wjfILzJDrgYUUwyKP0gtq3wQjQGzpTOTh-M_M/w240-h322/IMG_3837.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b>Best wishes for wonderful tea times whether </b></span></i></div></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i> indoors or outside,</i> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Nora</i></b></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-47794776395533501692023-06-15T16:39:00.002-07:002023-06-15T16:39:50.242-07:00Stunning Serena<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Today's featured teacup is "Serena" from Royal Albert.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo3NlxbXSiWH1hhiXBCVDL99j23XjAvUhu6Fkcy5fZoIynbePwylLQW83u1EuWutkHjsbPj-mCWBMHYJNoxsuGSMnhrwmCFaF-ScrZUeKn42RKC8CfJyOSya4CwWeDRcP_qKrC-tTlWJ5WKn96foBbhADiiv5AIFU27IGpWQ8Rrk7Eh-3eM6NJCxm/s4032/IMG_3748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo3NlxbXSiWH1hhiXBCVDL99j23XjAvUhu6Fkcy5fZoIynbePwylLQW83u1EuWutkHjsbPj-mCWBMHYJNoxsuGSMnhrwmCFaF-ScrZUeKn42RKC8CfJyOSya4CwWeDRcP_qKrC-tTlWJ5WKn96foBbhADiiv5AIFU27IGpWQ8Rrk7Eh-3eM6NJCxm/w300-h400/IMG_3748.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Serena pattern was produced from 1945-1977. The earlier teacups featured flowers similar to Old Country Roses in a larger scale than the ones featured on my teacup. Inside the teacup there was a rim of gold designs similar to the circular design on the saucer (see below).</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFYtq1CbraAlz4wLOkoxFC200rWa_ggS0S18Dy4phsRtd7WfXRtSru8lp3q2QlswhMNZhizPPoPJgCzc6mBNvvpcFa5k3uC2zW540JYzqkPvVW8BfGWeuUSKH8vrHuM9hsO7fryfrArw-xs74j1oAzHW2ioNBmrAy2Y9WomnlDB9GmO4JI8PQdh8h/s4032/IMG_3749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFYtq1CbraAlz4wLOkoxFC200rWa_ggS0S18Dy4phsRtd7WfXRtSru8lp3q2QlswhMNZhizPPoPJgCzc6mBNvvpcFa5k3uC2zW540JYzqkPvVW8BfGWeuUSKH8vrHuM9hsO7fryfrArw-xs74j1oAzHW2ioNBmrAy2Y9WomnlDB9GmO4JI8PQdh8h/w300-h400/IMG_3749.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The cup shape is Avon. I am a huge fan of teacups with interior designs. </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNq6_7Ccut2WNfX0-Jf0L2s6Q3wjQ4EdEB7KlsSJ8xUc6dC5ASSo-jG_0T3nakQ45ss9PCe1k2O8UZs1SCIHX-Jmgds2sp2wx3Xp5jwIer5J3zTTMXBKsKxfsozijaPCB31mWixQ-ifiGX3r2jgnKBnJCwtSlcpkqUEgRtHCtaiqe5hw5VwixeFg_/s4032/IMG_3750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNq6_7Ccut2WNfX0-Jf0L2s6Q3wjQ4EdEB7KlsSJ8xUc6dC5ASSo-jG_0T3nakQ45ss9PCe1k2O8UZs1SCIHX-Jmgds2sp2wx3Xp5jwIer5J3zTTMXBKsKxfsozijaPCB31mWixQ-ifiGX3r2jgnKBnJCwtSlcpkqUEgRtHCtaiqe5hw5VwixeFg_/w300-h400/IMG_3750.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The photos do not do this beautiful teacup justice. The colors are bright and stunning along with the intricate floral designs. It truly stands out in size and design!</span></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd8AdysOaXhrV2R3bpnq3WXeNdA0XskBiWcQ0gQAD16UPKezEEBhkdelYoRV0VH8hKANsEUmh6B3z5ww20jh4yBIf_IDP9WU98v6T9eZmHVrmUto0DrW2WxsQ1c7S55InSJ_H-VM7h14B4Drl36ydGmFOHYJcXpsFXR-rTIIgFaNoinhEVeAquYH0/s4032/IMG_3751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd8AdysOaXhrV2R3bpnq3WXeNdA0XskBiWcQ0gQAD16UPKezEEBhkdelYoRV0VH8hKANsEUmh6B3z5ww20jh4yBIf_IDP9WU98v6T9eZmHVrmUto0DrW2WxsQ1c7S55InSJ_H-VM7h14B4Drl36ydGmFOHYJcXpsFXR-rTIIgFaNoinhEVeAquYH0/w300-h400/IMG_3751.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Back stamp</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-xR7rCAv7D72E6EhDLiEVFTQYDrCBWyVJGYq8TvRW62L7DW5F3G-UIn9_XG0GNADFb8ZswbSFW-I965xsE5YcIDUxXnrgIX_lxBNljtpikXi9uefxxfJFpHsz6mAnYeQeVOexYbGzUE19jjHZuvm9TSk-qFOeoLw1Iwb-MAFq2BVkgWNicIl7cwi/s4032/IMG_3754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-xR7rCAv7D72E6EhDLiEVFTQYDrCBWyVJGYq8TvRW62L7DW5F3G-UIn9_XG0GNADFb8ZswbSFW-I965xsE5YcIDUxXnrgIX_lxBNljtpikXi9uefxxfJFpHsz6mAnYeQeVOexYbGzUE19jjHZuvm9TSk-qFOeoLw1Iwb-MAFq2BVkgWNicIl7cwi/w300-h400/IMG_3754.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Teatime is not complete without a good book and quality tea. Vacationland was an enjoyable read with a touch of mystery, strong characters and the desirable setting of the coast of Maine.<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have been drinking "Breakfast in Paris" by STASH tea more and more in the morning. It is a crisp black tea with</span></i><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> bergamot oil and lavender which softens the bergamot in my opinion. I"m not a fan of Early Grey but throughly enjoy this unique flavored tea. STASH tea bags can be found in grocery stores and their loose teas need to be ordered online.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"Summer afternoon-summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">~Henry James</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Enjoy your summer afternoons,</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Nora</i></span></p>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-62271422157093834792022-06-22T15:34:00.000-07:002022-06-22T15:34:07.355-07:00June Roses<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Montserrat;"> “Count the roses, not the thorns.” </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Montserrat;">― Matshona Dhliwayo</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><b>I thought this quote is a fitting way to welcome myself back to the blogging world. I'm not going to focus on the "thorns" of having not been an active blogger for a while but instead focus on my happiness of wanting and actually needing to being a part of the tea blogging community again. Communities whether online or in person offer respites of self care. Tea times via Zoom during the pandemic lockdown offered me a chance to connect with others and now outdoor tea times seem like a huge celebration. </b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Tea remains my elixir for my weekend down time-a good book and a pot of tea! Such a simply joy! Tea continues to be one way to strengthen friendships. It </i><i>seems to slow down life's pace and provide opportunity for long chats with friends. </i><i>I always look forward to hosting afternoon and cream teas with friends. Trying new recipes and collecting "new" vintage cups are hobbies of mine. </i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Speaking of collecting teacups, I gifted myself today's featured teacup: a Royal Albert Flower of the Month series, June. I've been fascinated with these particular teacups for quite a while. To me they are reminders of the tiny ways we can celebrate each month. June happens to be my birthday month and its flower is the rose. </b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Royal Albert produced four different series of Flower of the Month starting in the 1950s and ending around the early 1980s. One can distinguish between the series based on the cup style and choice of flowers for the months. Two of the series featured the dog rose for the month of June as opposed to the traditional tea rose.</b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNO7AOd-CFENPY0RD5R0qvOrLMr8v-l5xwjqsqf7tBAsLLOlS5Wig9B_zZkNkdhB6N30QypfN4gX8ZXli8tjepCFRPzhRGV6tYC1oq-N2dKNRoRjkHP5FHo6dQ3moVAmaDjtP0xsOoex8AtX5b1xBL_A7tFIFvosWr9WLTYDEkkzRu6VLSxza7Vjy/s614/Screenshot%202022-06-20%20at%204.59.36%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="614" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNO7AOd-CFENPY0RD5R0qvOrLMr8v-l5xwjqsqf7tBAsLLOlS5Wig9B_zZkNkdhB6N30QypfN4gX8ZXli8tjepCFRPzhRGV6tYC1oq-N2dKNRoRjkHP5FHo6dQ3moVAmaDjtP0xsOoex8AtX5b1xBL_A7tFIFvosWr9WLTYDEkkzRu6VLSxza7Vjy/s320/Screenshot%202022-06-20%20at%204.59.36%20PM.png" width="320" /></b></a></div><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>June Dog Rose Royal Albert ~ Flower of the Month Series</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>Produced from 1950s-1960s</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>Gainsborough & Hampton Teacup Shapes</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>My teacup is from the last series produced in 1970 and features a Montrose teacup shape. I found this treasure on Etsy. I envy those of you who have local Goodwill and other thrift shops to search for vintage goods. My area has very few and I've never seen a teacup in one-only old coffee mugs.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9gvVOWIQgyzDoIgWoKrF4pvm4N6Z-gzELxtSe6IzX3e3ctNvGRW8u5dHSFJRIBQO6P5VQwdYuf6YWkSZEwOrWj0cNKS3DYbTdAvx6GpWPowkcmAsDIOIzRVX_XQGya-m2W62urQ8AWllBzh172aRDbmHKVq_eXanW8VJxTApyqzvsRQc3_MiCxm4/s4032/IMG_2499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9gvVOWIQgyzDoIgWoKrF4pvm4N6Z-gzELxtSe6IzX3e3ctNvGRW8u5dHSFJRIBQO6P5VQwdYuf6YWkSZEwOrWj0cNKS3DYbTdAvx6GpWPowkcmAsDIOIzRVX_XQGya-m2W62urQ8AWllBzh172aRDbmHKVq_eXanW8VJxTApyqzvsRQc3_MiCxm4/w300-h400/IMG_2499.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>I'm actually using this teacup each morning during my summer break. So many teacups I save because of their age or risk of staining them, but I absolutely love starting my day with this piece of fine china.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObIMRS0qd0ZarBzWvdP9Z6nFCJZt79876bXaeWrY57o11OEV6BAemQa615sQm--0bgFLLF0NsA2UDQaXLpolwfN4n9kblJ_2NTPBczGQu9iGdqpPmYsjSWgZrhUAxR2VNYyWf5eDy1OhFx6xmYsfg-QlGJavAPFO2XIyJvjNOJ_OwGFlfjPt4nxTo/s4032/IMG_2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObIMRS0qd0ZarBzWvdP9Z6nFCJZt79876bXaeWrY57o11OEV6BAemQa615sQm--0bgFLLF0NsA2UDQaXLpolwfN4n9kblJ_2NTPBczGQu9iGdqpPmYsjSWgZrhUAxR2VNYyWf5eDy1OhFx6xmYsfg-QlGJavAPFO2XIyJvjNOJ_OwGFlfjPt4nxTo/w300-h400/IMG_2500.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i>I'm drawn to teacups with designs inside the cups.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAClRSPZKCuJxh_3Uzh5Az_5cB8GjD9u2Sc1pyVx4Gwu3gEuf-GCpjJKqpB1ZbY-zl4FD0v7OReaexmndDcL2mtrCc_4SD9tLhPL7DkcOmth3Q9Fulryqt8O3Uc2Nab_u3B3X4MV5frTH7k16tSo3Ld320kK1vDHxNVYOYe3raQ8OLwORJka3b117/s4032/IMG_2502%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAClRSPZKCuJxh_3Uzh5Az_5cB8GjD9u2Sc1pyVx4Gwu3gEuf-GCpjJKqpB1ZbY-zl4FD0v7OReaexmndDcL2mtrCc_4SD9tLhPL7DkcOmth3Q9Fulryqt8O3Uc2Nab_u3B3X4MV5frTH7k16tSo3Ld320kK1vDHxNVYOYe3raQ8OLwORJka3b117/w300-h400/IMG_2502%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i>Lovely pink roses</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ2ziA0DN-xq2rJSadCCG_a1LAmAurNjK0aWQPDe_FO_yDGWNgB725TmtfrPT5b9jJmzgmm35iv4z1aw328xXpNi8tWJZpqBA8x7W3lurPpzA7ul7skAbaPB_wecve9KtkhmzbijorajC8p7ToLOJB0LsdvSjvTz9WRnQneIVYJEbb9CwtI_ZW1UW/s4032/IMG_2509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ2ziA0DN-xq2rJSadCCG_a1LAmAurNjK0aWQPDe_FO_yDGWNgB725TmtfrPT5b9jJmzgmm35iv4z1aw328xXpNi8tWJZpqBA8x7W3lurPpzA7ul7skAbaPB_wecve9KtkhmzbijorajC8p7ToLOJB0LsdvSjvTz9WRnQneIVYJEbb9CwtI_ZW1UW/s320/IMG_2509.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">So happy to add this teacup to my collection. It will join the teacups of the months of February and December from the series.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><i>Until our next tea time,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><i>Nora</i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><p></p>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-47438404000148968152021-01-31T17:52:00.000-08:002021-01-31T17:52:18.132-08:00CommuniTEA in February<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Each Friday afternoon my friend and I celebrate the end of the work week with a virtual tea time via Zoom. No cooking or cleaning is involved, just the joy of conversation over cups of tea. It's something we look forward to all week.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>After ordering one of our favorite teas from Adagio Teas (their chestnut), she discovered the CommuniTEA. We thought this would be an interesting way to celebrate tea time "together" and change up my morning usual teas. (Since working from home, I'm drinking so much more tea.)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2tsMNM-4mg/YBdXbCZblbI/AAAAAAAAFO0/P8wRxeXTNDYrI9RovUPEpv3OhLvyg-CkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2tsMNM-4mg/YBdXbCZblbI/AAAAAAAAFO0/P8wRxeXTNDYrI9RovUPEpv3OhLvyg-CkACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1157.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>According to Adagio's website, "the CommuniTEA is a unique place where Adagio patrons from all around the world can sit down together over the same cup of tea on the same day, discuss whether they enjoyed it, and even share photos." Each month a different variety of teas is featured.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtVhT_ANmDU/YBdYXzCISdI/AAAAAAAAFPA/FF0Xu2sQAXEf4-yjLX9NkuOc5hgP_NdnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtVhT_ANmDU/YBdYXzCISdI/AAAAAAAAFPA/FF0Xu2sQAXEf4-yjLX9NkuOc5hgP_NdnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1154.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWLXU-TgRG0/YBdYP4hmyRI/AAAAAAAAFO8/k3fzewKAOvY09aZMmqRVJQ1hu1B2yC-QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWLXU-TgRG0/YBdYP4hmyRI/AAAAAAAAFO8/k3fzewKAOvY09aZMmqRVJQ1hu1B2yC-QwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1112.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>The box costs $19 and there is one sleeve of loose leaf tea for each day of the month. </i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KdPSRnPrlY/YBdZCgAhR4I/AAAAAAAAFPM/6Klm134fzfs8wZVA1esDtG-8kW3TvFJmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KdPSRnPrlY/YBdZCgAhR4I/AAAAAAAAFPM/6Klm134fzfs8wZVA1esDtG-8kW3TvFJmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1155.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><i>I'm not a big fan of herbal teas, so I reached out to Adagio about the types of teas offered. They replied that there is a combination of black, herbal, white and green teas. I'm looking forward to discovering some new teas.</i><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhB726XqsEs/YBdZodlTLoI/AAAAAAAAFPU/4LGgrZQyF94_BnC-nbgp4zmJSbFddQPjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhB726XqsEs/YBdZodlTLoI/AAAAAAAAFPU/4LGgrZQyF94_BnC-nbgp4zmJSbFddQPjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><i>During the month I'll share about the tea blends. On the website CommuniTEA subscribers post daily about the featured tea and the actual name of the tea is listed. The sleeves only list the ingredients of the tea. Guess it's a marketing strategy for customers to go onto the site daily and potentially purchase the tea. I think this will be a fun way to start the new month! </i><p></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy February!</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Come join me at <a href="https://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Beverly's Pink Saturday</a>!</span></i></p><p> <br /></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <br /></p><i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-29759578152985378512021-01-18T10:19:00.000-08:002021-01-18T10:19:06.732-08:00Lovely Lace<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ge15kNfOoXg/YAXBCvkczcI/AAAAAAAAE-E/yJ7qgixNtAspCghx8fl1hUN9v3e-j9KSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ge15kNfOoXg/YAXBCvkczcI/AAAAAAAAE-E/yJ7qgixNtAspCghx8fl1hUN9v3e-j9KSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1116.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Lace and Tea </i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Having lace table settings at tea time really elevates the experience!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Some say lace is old fashioned, but handmade lace is such a beautiful art form that perhaps needs a second look for some people. I worry that it has become a dying art form. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Today I want to feature some pieces my aunt has made and gifted me. For those of you who follow my blog, you may recognize some of these designs from past posts. I want to make them front and center on this post.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>My aunt lives in Ireland and creates these pieces without using a pattern. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTz3Z4ij5k/YAXFP8x6cqI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/2UUq6m0mVSMgHjdIFVXhkZi1WejkTO7ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1119%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxTz3Z4ij5k/YAXFP8x6cqI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/2UUq6m0mVSMgHjdIFVXhkZi1WejkTO7ywCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1119%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>This piece can be used as a doily, but I place it at the center of my table during afternoon tea. It has a snowflake and flower-like appeal to it. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGNTpX0r1sw/YAXGoQx7yCI/AAAAAAAAE-k/Aa5fSQXJB7kxBzdrZVG4hCQQDzFoBShbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGNTpX0r1sw/YAXGoQx7yCI/AAAAAAAAE-k/Aa5fSQXJB7kxBzdrZVG4hCQQDzFoBShbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1120.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>The thread used in this piece is a bit thicker than others. To really appreciate lace, one needs to take a long, close look. I embroider but can't imagine making all of these tiny knots in such amazing unison.</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ES1jIB5DTXM/YAXHMiEnmaI/AAAAAAAAE-s/dh6AQx8QLroZKxlJG5vxyCJ7RhjkAYfKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ES1jIB5DTXM/YAXHMiEnmaI/AAAAAAAAE-s/dh6AQx8QLroZKxlJG5vxyCJ7RhjkAYfKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1121.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">First of all, I apologize for the crimps on this piece. I need to do a better job at not folding the lace when I store it. I avoid ironing these pieces too much. Don't want to dry out the threads.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This piece is beige.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4HG14aCehY/YAXKL1Wvr6I/AAAAAAAAE_A/p86c4Uq5_MAJCzKkx4vMQ3OyKjq5uH0awCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1117%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4HG14aCehY/YAXKL1Wvr6I/AAAAAAAAE_A/p86c4Uq5_MAJCzKkx4vMQ3OyKjq5uH0awCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1117%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love the contrast of the different thread patterns. The holes are so unbelievably tiny! This a close up of a beige mini table runner.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryrCg_2BYHU/YAXLmy6VHYI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/9-KU7Bg6qsYuQ85n4OaQEwJnnUwLjPMEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryrCg_2BYHU/YAXLmy6VHYI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/9-KU7Bg6qsYuQ85n4OaQEwJnnUwLjPMEACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1124.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><i>Clever coaster! I have a set of four of these and do use them often. This a bit more crochet-like. My aunt sewed around a circular piece of glass.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;">When hosting an afternoon tea or tea time by yourself, it's lovely to be surrounded by lace and all of the niceties that makes the experience special.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;">This year I am trying to "use" more of my tea treasures. Yes, some teacups are too fragile and some lace pieces will be heirlooms but I do want to make an effort to enjoy more from my collection.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Do you have pieces from your tea time collection that you have set aside for display only?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Enjoy the rest of national hot tea month,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nora</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><i><br /></i></span><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><p></p>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-3371430510161513572021-01-09T15:06:00.025-08:002021-01-11T09:12:06.039-08:00Wild Flowers<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>As a tea lover, a gift of a teacup is such a treasure!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx_S0av6F68/X_ov7fHOw3I/AAAAAAAAE80/A65dryiEuZ0o08Kb7BfGGmphdMxBPbSSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx_S0av6F68/X_ov7fHOw3I/AAAAAAAAE80/A65dryiEuZ0o08Kb7BfGGmphdMxBPbSSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1073.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>At the last tea party I hosted (which seems like years ago), my two friends gifted me with this beautiful and vibrant teacup and saucer. They know my love for vintage teacups.</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBezkovIjpk/X_owYCcjIRI/AAAAAAAAE88/7IzLzLae7ig5R9V1K-NvI07D5cynaKN5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1081%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBezkovIjpk/X_owYCcjIRI/AAAAAAAAE88/7IzLzLae7ig5R9V1K-NvI07D5cynaKN5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1081%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>The floral pattern has a bit of a more modern flair than some traditional ones. I like the bold shade of green on the stems.</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6U4sNqhDGM/X_owsu7UqWI/AAAAAAAAE9E/Mb9WcQglFfcH0_hX-FoOy7YWs8jGCBASgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6U4sNqhDGM/X_owsu7UqWI/AAAAAAAAE9E/Mb9WcQglFfcH0_hX-FoOy7YWs8jGCBASgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1075.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktvBpv9FQ9c/X_owtJQShvI/AAAAAAAAE9I/VsCXzD-j2Ww6xDqKhZfviX64tk-6nj7fACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktvBpv9FQ9c/X_owtJQShvI/AAAAAAAAE9I/VsCXzD-j2Ww6xDqKhZfviX64tk-6nj7fACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1077.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>This featured teacup was made under the trade name Royal York which was produced by Salisbury Crown Co China at Stoke-On-Trent in England. It's my first Royal York.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Salisbury Crown Co China was in production from 1927-1961.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CwaWLzlAZA/X_oxZrO_lrI/AAAAAAAAE9U/YvZ_t8S9HPgFwuyH7BQzNZbb-r5bnA4wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CwaWLzlAZA/X_oxZrO_lrI/AAAAAAAAE9U/YvZ_t8S9HPgFwuyH7BQzNZbb-r5bnA4wQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1079.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i> The teacup design is called Dainty which was originally created by Shelley. So many of these early English potteries traded and bought patterns and designs from one another. I find this history so interesting and want to learn more about the inner dynamics of this once booming industry.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Receiving a vintage teacup as a gift is the essence of what this blog is all about-these beautiful teacups have so many hidden stories to share about their travels and owners.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Have you ever been gifted with a vintage teacup? Please share. </span></div></i></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOXFJ56VVjU/X_ZMZD0iEiI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/DFBXrERb3xg3H63Ole9LOfHZzFAGYJ5QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s412/Screenshot%2B2021-01-06%2Bat%2B3.48.21%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOXFJ56VVjU/X_ZMZD0iEiI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/DFBXrERb3xg3H63Ole9LOfHZzFAGYJ5QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2021-01-06%2Bat%2B3.48.21%2BPM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Have a wonderful and relaxing week,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Nora</i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-88935532316647838342021-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:002021-01-02T12:02:42.331-08:00Comforts of Home<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Happy New Year!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ck9e_g5p8U/X-0hIYk0-tI/AAAAAAAAE60/22cX5t3_p7srRjucPM7RKGHQGz_X9swiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s317/Screenshot%2B2020-12-30%2Bat%2B4.53.20%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ck9e_g5p8U/X-0hIYk0-tI/AAAAAAAAE60/22cX5t3_p7srRjucPM7RKGHQGz_X9swiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Screenshot%2B2020-12-30%2Bat%2B4.53.20%2BPM.png" /></a></span></div><span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't think of a time when I was so looking forward to a year ending. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2020 was a challenge in so many ways that no one could have predicted. It's my hope that the vaccine b</span>rings some normalcy to all of our lives in 2021. My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones due to COVID or are suffering themselves. I truly understand that my post and this blog are pretty insignificant in terms of what others are experiencing. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Since March, like many of you, my home became my workplace. I had to create an area that was functional and one where my work materials didn't intrude into every room. It was important to me to do this to maintain balance. I am fortunate to have such a space.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I've never considered myself a homebody until now. I love to travel, visit friends, go to tearooms and antique shopping adventures, but this time period allowed me to learn a bit more about myself and discover </span>that I'm actually content being at home. Good tea and a great book really keeps me happy! Shelter in place has given me the opportunity to slow down and reflect on many things. So many outings I attended pre-COVID were actually obligations that really didn't bring joy to me. Being released from these obligations, I realize how much time I have that can be spent on reading, cooking, crafts and chatting with true friends on Zoom.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqUXRv3ccjQ/X-4ZKric3ZI/AAAAAAAAE7I/fUZWV1X6f2I9YNw8z3_KnZd8O1VCKt6TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqUXRv3ccjQ/X-4ZKric3ZI/AAAAAAAAE7I/fUZWV1X6f2I9YNw8z3_KnZd8O1VCKt6TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1050.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">My morning begins with a pot of tea that I bring into my home office. I vary the teas I drink for some variety because working from home can feel very repetitive. Drinking from a cherished teacup is a treat and one I didn't do when on the work site.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">This featured teacup is Royal Albert in the poinsettia pattern. You can read more about this teacup and my other Christmas patterned teacups in this 2018 <a href="http://talesoftheteacup.blogspot.com/2018/12/vintage-poinsettias-and-holly.html">post.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooV7OaHb-wc/X-4clVNb2jI/AAAAAAAAE7U/APgqQ_3mbOwXpxSM-BlAWWw5pWIXhA2yQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooV7OaHb-wc/X-4clVNb2jI/AAAAAAAAE7U/APgqQ_3mbOwXpxSM-BlAWWw5pWIXhA2yQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1053.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">While I do enjoy a variety of tea flavors and types, my morning standby is French Vanilla from <a href="https://store.elmwoodinn.com/">Elmwood Inn</a> in Kentucky. I discovered this tea at my local tearoom. The <span style="text-align: left;">proprietor</span> would never share where she purchased her teas, but with some clues I figured out the source. French Vanilla is a smooth black tea with a hint of natural sweetness from the vanilla. Elmwood Inn has a huge assortment of teas and they offer classes as well. Check them out! More than ever I am really trying to support small businesses.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Thank you tea friends for reading my post and staying with me during my "sabbatical" from blogging. I have missed you. While I love to blog and read all of your amazing blogs, I realize that I'm on a computer more than I want to be. I'm open to any suggestions that work for you in terms of your blogging schedule and keeping screen time to a minimum.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Cheers to wonderful tea times that await us in 2021,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Nora</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-79298898489971830302019-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:002019-09-08T13:18:58.581-07:00Blossom Time Cream Tea<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>While it is still officially summer, my thoughts are heading toward autumn with one day of cooler weather we experienced this weekend. Back to the 90's later this week.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This summer I hosted a cream tea in my garden and invited two tea friends whom are avid teacup collectors. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The featured teacups were all from Royal Albert's "Blossom Time" series which I have been collecting and was one short. I like how they are various colors yet blend together so well.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>This series was produced between 1966-1970s. The series includes Apple Blossom, Lilac, Orange Blossom, Laburnum, Hawthorne and Wisteria-not featured in the photo.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>(Oops, while reading over this post before publishing, I noticed I forgot to include Apple Blossom in my photo. It's in the curio chest.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>The Cream Tea's Menu</b>:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Teas</b>: Paris by Harney and Sons</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> Celebration by Harney and Sons</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Scones</b>: Traditional Raisin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Additional Sweets</b>: Banana Bread</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> Apricot & White Chocolate Mini Cookies</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> Macaroons from a local French Bakery</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/plum-crunch-recipe-1948640">Plum Crunch</a> by Ina Garten*</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>*Do not make this the night before. I learned my lesson, as it was really soggy the next morning. Delicious but messy.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I love setting the table! I used a new tablecloth and napkins from Home Goods. The crochet centerpiece was made by my aunt in Ireland.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>It's always fun to add something whimsical to the table and my scrabble<br />"Tea Party" tile added a fun touch! Thank you to Stephanie at <a href="https://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">The Enchanting Rose</a> for this creative decoration. I received it during a Teacup Exchange.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Despite the hot weather and having to move the tea inside, we had a lovely time talking for literally hours. Tea is the perfect escape from our hectic lives.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Look what I received a few days later...the Hawthorne cup! My collection is now complete. My friend generously gifted me this teacup, as she had two of them. So thoughtful!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Have a lovely week filled with laughter and relaxation,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Nora</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Since my tea had a lot of pink featured, I'm joining <a href="https://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/">Pink Saturday</a>.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-76599977683740473232019-02-25T20:28:00.001-08:002019-02-27T19:16:30.479-08:00Forget Me Nots & French Vanilla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hello Tea Friends,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It's hard to believe that February is almost over! This month flew by for me and I'm sorry I didn't get to post more.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Two weeks ago I met a longtime friend for tea and she gifted me two of her late aunt's Shelley teacups. Her aunt was first generation Italian American and hosted tea parties. None of the other relatives wanted her eclectic set of English bone china teacups, so my friend generously gave me the two Shelleys and she kept the rest of the collection. Both of the teacups have been used which is unusual for Shelleys, and I'm certainly glad. I'm actually going to use this teacup for my weekend tea time. </span><span style="color: #0c343d;">What a treat to drink from a Shelley!</span><span style="color: #0c343d;"> It will also be a beautiful addition to my tea party cups. I hope this teacup creates more tales in its new home.</span><span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Let me introduce you to...</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwfs6E2WiTs/XHSw3RzBdxI/AAAAAAAACLU/uybjKcL2t2EWSLtLo0g7DV3FiEx36NL_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5546%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwfs6E2WiTs/XHSw3RzBdxI/AAAAAAAACLU/uybjKcL2t2EWSLtLo0g7DV3FiEx36NL_QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5546%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Shelley ~ Forget Me Not</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pattern #0442</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Warwick Cup Shape</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Similar to the Dainty Shape-but fewer pronounced c</i><i style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">urves</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Personally I love designs within the cups!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvPG6a8fe04/XHS2Ik393SI/AAAAAAAACMA/b0UoZbPQrmMp3JVUC-4gBgpBBUGpIOuIACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvPG6a8fe04/XHS2Ik393SI/AAAAAAAACMA/b0UoZbPQrmMp3JVUC-4gBgpBBUGpIOuIACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5540.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This pattern was produced for the Canadian market and entered into the pattern book during or after 1963.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>While looking at this drawing, I realize that I've never seen a real forget me not plant. Now I must be on the lookout for one.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here are some interesting and trivial facts I learned about this flowering plant:</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">What Does the Forget Me Not Flower Mean?</span></h2>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">True and undying love</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Remembrance during partings or after death</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">A connection that lasts through time</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, despite separation or other challenges</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Reminders of your favorite memories or time together with another person</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Growing affection between two people</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Honoring the Armenian Genocide</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Helping patients with Alzheimer’s Disease</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Caring for the poor, disabled, and needy</span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Above information from <a href="http://www.flowermeaning.com/forget-me-not-flower-meaning/">floweringmeaning.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I look forward to this weekend's tea time with my "new" vintage teacup along with one of my favorite teas.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>After Harney and Son's "Paris" black tea, my second favorite tea is a French Vanilla black tea I purchase at a local tearoom. Unfortunately they always seem to be out of stock of this flavor or do not have enough in stock for me to purchase. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>So I did some detective work and learned that the owner of the tea room completed some training from Bruce Richardson, co-owner of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas. I'm hoping this is where she purchases her teas.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjCiI28U-uQ/XHS3tu9PozI/AAAAAAAACMM/ZOEpr_9gG1gNLzL2D6JG0rg3zdbasQcfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjCiI28U-uQ/XHS3tu9PozI/AAAAAAAACMM/ZOEpr_9gG1gNLzL2D6JG0rg3zdbasQcfQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5537.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>They do have a French Vanilla tea and hopefully it is the same one as my local favorite.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The tin arrived today (I ordered it Friday afternoon-fast delivery) and I see the signature sunflower petals! What I love about this tea is its natural, ever so slight sweet taste. So many vanilla teas taste artificially sweet to me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Well, I'm off to make a cuppa and keeping my fingers crossed that it is my beloved tea.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Treat yourself to a warm cup of tea on these chilly mornings and evenings.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>*I've recently discovered this wonderful blog about vintage goods. Kathleen hosts a Vintage Charm party each Wednesday! </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.ourhopefulhome.com/">Our Hopeful Home</a></i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-47999768291200727722019-01-21T16:53:00.003-08:002019-01-21T16:53:45.134-08:00Honey Black Oolong<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hello Tea Friends,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I want to share with you a new tea I discovered at the San Francisco Tea Festival...Honey Black Oolong by Esteemed Tea Collective</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoSXjGofBr8/XEZhdXY9v5I/AAAAAAAACKA/r7OcyUMEC1ABkw9lz6D-cAZcqQKDavzugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoSXjGofBr8/XEZhdXY9v5I/AAAAAAAACKA/r7OcyUMEC1ABkw9lz6D-cAZcqQKDavzugCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5426.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'm always eager to try new tea types, as I mainly drink different varieties of black tea.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The label describes this Taiwanese tea as,"sweet natural honey aroma coupled with mellow spices that warms and invigorates the body and soul. Perfect for a cold winter morning or as an afternoon pick me-up."</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDUOQAT1AUE/XEZjOjAOl3I/AAAAAAAACKQ/vn5kUUE4vWUZ52jrGFHVJu_27uIJYwtawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDUOQAT1AUE/XEZjOjAOl3I/AAAAAAAACKQ/vn5kUUE4vWUZ52jrGFHVJu_27uIJYwtawCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5395.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The sachets are filled with whole tea leaves. (All packaging is recyclable.) Esteemed Collective is now selling this oolong tea as loose leaf.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U0WULiNvT2M/XEZj4xv4R-I/AAAAAAAACKY/aiP-XEPhWHcI7L3wV5xQsybZRFujQ0CNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U0WULiNvT2M/XEZj4xv4R-I/AAAAAAAACKY/aiP-XEPhWHcI7L3wV5xQsybZRFujQ0CNACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5397.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>After I finished my first cup, I really noticed how smooth the tea tasted. There was absolutely no bitterness. Also, I like that it can be re-steeped about three times. I think this a perfect tea for devout black tea lovers to try.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Every type of tea has health benefits. Oolong is also known to aid in digestion and stimulate brain activity.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://esteemedteaco.com/etc/">Esteemed Tea Collective</a> sells a variety of oolong teas which are all sourced from Taiwan. Shipping was fast and my tea came with a handwritten note.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The temperatures are so well suited for National Hot Tea Month. </i></span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We've had multiple rainy days which is unusual. After a break in the rain, I took a short stroll outside and discovered...</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcJ1PYNvzYA/XEZn-jI-hMI/AAAAAAAACK4/JLh7Fb9h7XUgXS_skK5QTMgNgAfZRaFhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcJ1PYNvzYA/XEZn-jI-hMI/AAAAAAAACK4/JLh7Fb9h7XUgXS_skK5QTMgNgAfZRaFhACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5401.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All of the Valencia oranges have ripened. Time to make more orange juice!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Some color in between trees with alstroemeria buds</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and daffodils poking through! Too, too early!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Have a wonderful week and hope you find a bit of "color" outside during these cold winter days.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-3466091667276131792019-01-06T16:35:00.000-08:002019-01-06T16:35:43.487-08:00Friendly Village in the New Year<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Happy New Year!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas season and are eager for what awaits in 2019.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I began the new year at one of my favorite places in the world~ Carmel by the Sea. After spending some time on the beach, I went to a wonderful coffee house/bookstore in nearby Pacific Grove. Despite the cold, I enjoyed a pot of chai al fresco.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Bookworks, located on Lighthouse Avenue, combines two things I love: tea and books. Whenever I visit, I find unique and wonderful titles at the bookstore which is located behind the coffee shop in the same store. I really try to support independent bookstores as much as I can. Every town needs an independent bookstore in my opinion.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Today's featured English teacup and saucer is "The Friendly Village" by Johnson Brothers. This was one of the "holiday" teacups I used for my Christmas Tea.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>After visiting Carmel and Pacific Grove, I appreciate the calmness and beauty of "villages."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This pattern doesn't really depict a village. I do enjoy the variety of colors though. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The dinner plate is quite lovely, and I prefer this scene. (Pieces are available for purchase at Replacements.)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This pattern began production in 1953 and discontinued in 2003. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Looking forward to sharing more teacup and tea adventures with you in the new year.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Have a wonderful week,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-10473982651612089732018-12-23T09:39:00.001-08:002018-12-23T09:39:34.240-08:00My Christmas Afternoon Tea<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Merry Christmas Tea Friends!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'm excited to share with you photos from the Afternoon Tea I hosted last Sunday.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It seems like every year I hope to host an Afternoon Tea, but other holiday commitments seem to get in the way.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This year I was determined to host one because my goal for the season is to quality spend time with friends and family.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Menu</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Scone Course</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Tea: Chestnut by Adagio</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Eggnog Scones with cream and homemade strawberry jam</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Savory Course</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Tea: Paris by Harney and Sons</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Cucumber and smoked salmon tea sandwiches</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mini Spinach Florentine Quiches</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Honey Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Spring Mix Salad with dried cranberries, Mandarin oranges and blue cheese crumble</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sweets Course</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Tea: Honey Oolong by Esteemed Tea Collective</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Early Grey Homemade Truffles</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake (shown above)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Assorted Walker shortbread cookies</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The scones (Tea Time Magazine recipe) and Chestnut tea appeared to be the "stars" of the tea.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Setting the table was one of the "tasks" I was really looking forward to doing! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My table is quite small, so space was a bit tight in between place settings.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Each setting had a vintage Christmas teacup (I posted the teacups in my last post), Spode glass for water and a reindeer scone dish.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My friend gifted me a set years ago with eight different reindeer. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It was a rainy day, so the candles provided a bit of warmth and light.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sorry for lack of photos of the food. I was busy serving each course and forgot.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Overall, it was a very special afternoon and certainly one of this season's highlights for me. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I wish you a blessed and Merry Christmas!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All the best,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span><br />
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-25283471983942999002018-12-16T19:57:00.000-08:002018-12-23T09:43:09.083-08:00Ornament Swap Reveal<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This season I participated in an ornament swap graciously hosted by Stephanie of <a href="https://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">The Enchanting Rose</a>.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUqQbvTQvHY/XBcZMEPVIWI/AAAAAAAACG0/-WvTfF5COiIO5iP77gV9sYyIHJCST710ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUqQbvTQvHY/XBcZMEPVIWI/AAAAAAAACG0/-WvTfF5COiIO5iP77gV9sYyIHJCST710ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5293.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Stephanie matched us with partners and we gifted one another with an ornament and some holiday goodies.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qxc9qrVyxA/XBcZfx0vOPI/AAAAAAAACG8/4001Fpkjb3w_La1LfFMXLL4KuXQcFDXWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qxc9qrVyxA/XBcZfx0vOPI/AAAAAAAACG8/4001Fpkjb3w_La1LfFMXLL4KuXQcFDXWgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5285.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look at this adorable ornament Susan in Michigan gifted me. I love snowmen, so this is the perfect ornament.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCa_3IiJJYY/XBcaExrpWnI/AAAAAAAACHE/rPedlF9dKUEXaGmLOmzBlRBVcqSGaQk3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCa_3IiJJYY/XBcaExrpWnI/AAAAAAAACHE/rPedlF9dKUEXaGmLOmzBlRBVcqSGaQk3wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5286.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rm7VTLPJn1E/XBcaRbH7wUI/AAAAAAAACHQ/x_jksAaxwgAcFt9ojMNY1oNU_VwAgSynQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rm7VTLPJn1E/XBcaRbH7wUI/AAAAAAAACHQ/x_jksAaxwgAcFt9ojMNY1oNU_VwAgSynQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5284.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>She included these goodies too! I'm wearing these super soft socks right now. Love the herbal fruit tea sampler!</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW3g4aiMb6c/XBcaRWI7bEI/AAAAAAAACHM/jCQCJGTAM4UFxD458e6tuQh-T369v1eswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW3g4aiMb6c/XBcaRWI7bEI/AAAAAAAACHM/jCQCJGTAM4UFxD458e6tuQh-T369v1eswCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, chocolate is always welcomed and appreciated.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mFNV649lGo/XBcaRGhpEjI/AAAAAAAACHY/IGxCtxV38okReYobpfipOvIubliYrEJxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mFNV649lGo/XBcaRGhpEjI/AAAAAAAACHY/IGxCtxV38okReYobpfipOvIubliYrEJxgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5150.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was matched with Adria in Colorado. She also loves snowmen, so this was a perfect match. I sent her a cloche ornament, Christmas tree notepad, Harney and Sons Holiday Tea and some chocolates.</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you're reading this Adria, thank you for your sweet note.</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To view more ornament swap exchanges, please visit Stephanie's blog: <a href="https://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">The Enchanting Rose</a>. Participants will be posting their new ornament swap treasures.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you Stephanie for spreading holiday cheer.You have such a generous heart. Ornament shopping was a fun way to start the season.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you Susan for taking the time to send me such wonderful gifts. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Merry Christmas, Adria!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Christmas is almost here! Come back next week when I will be sharing the photos from my Christmas Afternoon Tea which I hosted today.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All the best,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-13278432950834893502018-12-09T18:58:00.000-08:002018-12-13T20:21:24.903-08:00Vintage Poinsettias and Holly<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Season's Greetings, Tea Friends</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfHLpbDxF8w/XA2i_wOcMPI/AAAAAAAACFM/q04zgmCiE2wrr4dhFXCmZHuOxhoN-bMhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfHLpbDxF8w/XA2i_wOcMPI/AAAAAAAACFM/q04zgmCiE2wrr4dhFXCmZHuOxhoN-bMhACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5268.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Last week I shared that I am hosting a Christmas Tea with friends this upcoming Saturday. I've been slowly collecting bone china Christmas teacups. In the last post I featured "Christmas Roses" by Queens.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here are three more vintage Christmas teacups that I've added to my collection. All were purchased on etsy.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NLccLo094s/XA2kA8FrJXI/AAAAAAAACFc/zNVJWU54rIsDx9vcqMHb5K16AD_uvDodgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NLccLo094s/XA2kA8FrJXI/AAAAAAAACFc/zNVJWU54rIsDx9vcqMHb5K16AD_uvDodgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5272.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I must admit that this is my favorite holiday teacup</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. It is a Royal Albert from the Flower of the Month series. I would love to collect more from this series.</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oI5FQ6eweRg/XA2k9LNv_DI/AAAAAAAACFs/b59GMtk49l4_Ghds0VaimrgQXw5FNFRqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oI5FQ6eweRg/XA2k9LNv_DI/AAAAAAAACFs/b59GMtk49l4_Ghds0VaimrgQXw5FNFRqQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5273.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIvP_iJvwxo/XA2k9Ej4_DI/AAAAAAAACFo/OAQ4w1tXdyIvXV698FpgKCg7mkTO8cuuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIvP_iJvwxo/XA2k9Ej4_DI/AAAAAAAACFo/OAQ4w1tXdyIvXV698FpgKCg7mkTO8cuuQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5276.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are two Flower of the Month series. The first one was produced from the 1950s to 1960s and featured holly as the December flower. The cup shapes were Hampton, Countess and Gainsborough. </span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My teacup is from the second series produced in the 1970s with Montrose shape cups.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITJ4zU2tChY/XA2rRhhy_kI/AAAAAAAACF8/W-JoQ3Na5Oo9uV9E8DfiTvZ6nLX8vGwggCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITJ4zU2tChY/XA2rRhhy_kI/AAAAAAAACF8/W-JoQ3Na5Oo9uV9E8DfiTvZ6nLX8vGwggCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is another Royal Albert titled "Poinsettia."</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_odqQdahmnM/XA2rRk0vh6I/AAAAAAAACGE/CdlrrkYF6q8XEx9WCgOzsy5O4LM6vHI6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_odqQdahmnM/XA2rRk0vh6I/AAAAAAAACGE/CdlrrkYF6q8XEx9WCgOzsy5O4LM6vHI6wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5278.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4zSeSJdlKc/XA2rRt2JOiI/AAAAAAAACGA/O58kv7aY8zgRfTzaEdJRu-wiEVe9GwotwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4zSeSJdlKc/XA2rRt2JOiI/AAAAAAAACGA/O58kv7aY8zgRfTzaEdJRu-wiEVe9GwotwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was produced in 1976 and has the same high quality of bone china as earlier patterns.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBIx5KFEJ6g/XA2sYAtLIuI/AAAAAAAACGg/9JoCYe4P4KAJgpKxusrpPa4jJkiodUw_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBIx5KFEJ6g/XA2sYAtLIuI/AAAAAAAACGg/9JoCYe4P4KAJgpKxusrpPa4jJkiodUw_gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5280.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The last teacup is a Queens Rosina in the "Yuletide" pattern. It was produced in the 1980's.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YG0O64Gw90Q/XA2sYNlVXLI/AAAAAAAACGY/zFj4sMYrgHgNJ69YlrHLqfV_oTH8HUubACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YG0O64Gw90Q/XA2sYNlVXLI/AAAAAAAACGY/zFj4sMYrgHgNJ69YlrHLqfV_oTH8HUubACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5281.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0wmslNvA25M/XA2sYMKHCPI/AAAAAAAACGc/8h2rGh3VX44z_Cl4FW2Mxm-zoWYZwiDGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0wmslNvA25M/XA2sYMKHCPI/AAAAAAAACGc/8h2rGh3VX44z_Cl4FW2Mxm-zoWYZwiDGQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5282.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were many teacups and entire sets in this pattern being sold on etsy.</span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have one more holiday teacup to share that is more winter-themed than Christmas. I'm short one teacup for my tea party, so I will use a red Ridgway transferware cup.</span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next week I will reveal my goodies from an ornament swap I participated in through <a href="https://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">The Enchanting Rose</a> blog. </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Take the time to enjoy a cup of tea with a new or old friend over the holidays. After receiving some Christmas cards, I'm reminded that I should reconnect with some friends.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Please join me at a new party, <a href="https://www.ourhopefulhome.com/2018/12/vintage-charm-party-162.html#more">Vintage Charms</a> where I'll be sharing these teacups.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~Enjoy the week,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-43403463004784855602018-12-02T19:27:00.000-08:002018-12-02T19:27:14.122-08:00Christmas Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Welcome December and the Christmas season!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I always look forward to Christmas and each year I try to do something a bit different. After mulling it over for a couple of years, I am (finally) going to host a Christmas Tea with new and old friends. Some years I get caught up in the last minute holiday shopping, decorating, cleaning the house and don't spend enough time with those closest to me. My overall hope for this season is to simply enjoy the company of others and invite people over.</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">I started collecting vintage Christmas English bone china teacups a few years ago with the hope of one day hosting a Christmas Tea. I have to admit I've been spending a lot of time on etsy looking for other holiday themed teacups (at good prices).</i><br />
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Here is the newest one in my collection: </i><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>December Christmas Rose by Queen's</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The rest of my Christmas teacups are red and green, so it is nice to have a different palette. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The design reminds me of Royal Albert's Flower of the Month series.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm not very familiar with Queen's. My short amount of research states Rosina China manufactured Rosina at Queens Pottery in Longton, hence the name. This teacup is from the 1980's. One of my other Christmas teacups is a Rosina. In my opinion the quality is lower than Shelley, Paragon and Royal Albert but still pretty and collectible. </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> I enjoy having fresh flowers in my home throughout the year, but it is challenging during winter. The rose featured on this teacup is actually an hellebore, a winter flowering plant, not an actual rose. It can survive below freezing temperatures.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">We had our first real rain of autumn and here's a photo of my "Mellow Yellow" rose tree after the showers stopped. Our autumn was really warm, so the flowers have kept blooming (fortunately).</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">"Fiesta" rose</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I look forward to sharing some more of my new vintage Christmas teacups in the following weeks. I'm going to start planning the menu for my tea this week and possibly practice some new recipes. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Are you planning any teas or parties this holiday season?</span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Enjoy the first week of December and thanks for visiting,</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Nora</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>On Wednesday I'll be visiting a new party called Vintage Charm at <a href="https://www.ourhopefulhome.com/">Our Hopeful Home</a>. I look forward to seeing other vintage finds there.</i></span></div>
Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-21835117404812777412018-11-25T15:56:00.000-08:002018-11-25T15:56:05.207-08:00Celebrate with a Cairo Trio<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Come join me as we celebrate the end of autumn with a new tea and trio.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today's featured teacup is a Shelley from the Cairo line. This trio is new to me, but it certainly isn't new by any means. It is one of my oldest teacup sets with production dates from 1910-1921. It's almost officially an antique.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I purchased this trio on Ruby Lane, an online antique marketplace, for the amazing price of ten dollars.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The seller did indicate it had flecks of factory dirt in the glaze. For those of you who follow me, you know that I adore Shelley teacups. The flecks of dirt didn't deter me from buying the trio.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Shelley produced a variety of teacup shapes. The teacup is in the Norman style and was named after one of Percy Shelley's sons. This teacup was used for Bestware and Seconds from 1915-1924.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I was surprised to see how visible the flecks of dirt are on the dish. Look closely, can you see the flecks? The Cairo line features an art deco design in green, purple and black which is quite an unusual palette for a teacup.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The trio features the Shelley 1912-1925 backstamp. There are some tiny gaps of pattern on the teacup which leads me to believe that this trio is secondware, but the production number doesn't indicate that.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Now, let's have some tea! At the San Francisco Tea Festival, I purchased a tin of Harney and Sons' Celebration Tea. I'm not a fan of fruit flavored or herbal tisanes, but this tea is a nice diversion. The label describes the tea as a blend of black tea with apricot, hazelnut, cinnamon and cornflowers. It's as sweet as I'll tolerate for a tea and </i></span><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">I would serve it with dessert. It's a nice addition to any friend or family celebration.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Celebrate the last weeks of autumn! The season continues until December 20. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>All the best,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Nora</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I'm going to bring a cup of tea to the <a href="https://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/pink-saturday/">Pink Saturday Party</a> and enjoy looking at some new blogs.</i></span><br />
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-3745601396390030242018-11-17T20:30:00.000-08:002018-11-18T21:04:16.612-08:00Tea Time Accessories ~ Part Two<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Please join me as we discover or rediscover some tea time accessories that often go unnoticed. The teapots and teacups garner all the attention, but these beautiful embellishments also deserve some attention. Last January I featured some different accessories which you can view <a href="https://talesoftheteacup.blogspot.com/2018/01/tea-time-accessories-part-one.html">here.</a></span></i><br />
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<i>I like how this stainless steel infuser is in the shape of a teapot.</i></div>
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<i>My favorite accessory~ I purchased a set of these teapot-shaped napkin rings at a tearoom seven years ago.</i></div>
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<i>This sweet little dish can serve as a candy dish or an open sugar bowl.</i></div>
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<i>It was gifted to me by my Great Aunt who was a prolific antique collector.</i></div>
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<i>It's marked and from Vienna, Austria. My only piece from Austria.</i></div>
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<i>I purchased this vintage creamer and sugar set at a tea shop many years ago. I have several other sets, but I enjoy using this one the most because of its tiny flowers and gold gilding.</i></div>
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<i>The back marking shows "Germany, US-Zone." I assume this is West Germany. I am not familiar with German pottery. If anyone knows more information about potteries during this time period, please share. Thank you!</i></div>
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<i>A simple gold sugar tong</i></div>
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<i>Thank you for reading and happy tea time this week!</i></div>
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<i>Nora</i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"I like the pause that tea allows."</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>~Waris Ahluwalia</b></span></i></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-44195806437110499422018-11-10T16:38:00.002-08:002018-11-10T16:38:32.594-08:00San Francisco Tea Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending my first tea festival! I enjoyed every moment of it.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The San Francisco Tea Festival was located in the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero which overlooks the Bay Bridge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last Saturday was unseasonably hot in the City-80 degrees! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">There were so many people walking along the Embaradero that I couldn't get a decent photo, so here is one from the internet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">After a short wait in line, we made our way into the building and were each handed our own "swag" bag complete with tea related samples and a commemorative festival teacup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">The hall is architecturally beautiful, but it was hot! There was no air conditioning and the tables were spaced so close to one another. Everyone was bumping into each other, but since it was a tea loving crowd, everyone was polite and patient but complaining nevertheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">I felt sorry for the vendors as they were pouring hot tea all day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">I hope they expand the venue next year and/or have air conditioning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Drinking multiple cups of hot tea in a hot overcrowded space is not ideal (but it was worth it).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Of course I anxiously queued up for Harney and Sons. They were pouring a variety of samples with one of them being Paris, my favorite tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harney and Sons was having a festival sale, so I bought a tin of Holiday and Celebration tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After more browsing, I decided to return to the Harney booth and pick up more tins of Holiday. What great Christmas gifts these are going to make!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My finds from the festival including some delicious Hong Kong Milk tea which I can't wait to try. I'll share another oolong gem I discovered in a later post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I definitely look forward to next year's festival and would like to attend the Portland and Seattle tea festivals one day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thank you for continuing to follow me and read my blog after an extended absence. Life gets in the way of blogging, but I hope to write and post as much as my schedule allows. I really miss this lovely tea community and being in touch with all of you.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Tea Time, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nora</span></div>
Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-72609717069436808532018-01-28T15:52:00.004-08:002018-01-28T15:52:43.619-08:00Tea Time Accessories~ Part One<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please join me as we discover or rediscover some tea time accessories that often go unnoticed. While the teapots and teacups garner all the attention, other items deserve praise as well. They embellish our tablescapes and provide for a well rounded tea service.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Tea Caddies or Tea Bag Holders</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This small accessory is a must if you are serving bagged tea. It provides a place to rest a steeped tea bag without a mess. A guest may also place a spoon on it as well.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here are a few of my gifted bone china holders.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Porcelain one from a 2016 Teacup Exchange</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Plastic ones which are ideal for a casual outdoor tea</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>A very special royal one! My Anglophile friend gifted me this one after attending the wedding as a spectator.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I prefer drinking loose tea, but I do have a variety of teabags on hand. I notice my new-to-tea friends prefer choosing a certain tea in bag form than a given tea from a teapot.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you for visiting and come by again soon as I will continue to feature more tea time accessories.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>"A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water."</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: small;">~Eleanor Roosevelt</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Come join me for tea at these parties...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.antiquesandteacups.info/">Antiques and Teacups</a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/">Friends Sharing Tea</a></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Share Your Cup</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-7721260568795252512018-01-15T20:01:00.000-08:002018-01-15T20:01:21.012-08:00An Early Shelley Beauty<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hello Tea Friends,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This summer I was blessed to travel to London. Our schedule was tight and there wasn't that much time for antique shopping. I've always wanted to go to the booths and stores on Portobello Road. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tESw9CLG7no/T-4aRShqpkI/AAAAAAAAE-4/RGpFE8auGbk/s640/Portobello+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="640" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tESw9CLG7no/T-4aRShqpkI/AAAAAAAAE-4/RGpFE8auGbk/s320/Portobello+Road.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It just seems like a dream place for antique and tea cup collectors. I could spend literally hours sifting through all of the tea cups in search of a Shelley (my favorite).</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c6/e3/d3/c6e3d35bc05d0e4cdc50ab6a1f9e8768--vintage-cups-cup-of-tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="520" height="265" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c6/e3/d3/c6e3d35bc05d0e4cdc50ab6a1f9e8768--vintage-cups-cup-of-tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Such fun exploring!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My close friend arrived in London a week after we left. She is a complete Anglophile and visits London quite frequently. I've taught her a bit about afternoon tea and my favorite potteries. For the last couple of years she has searched for a Shelley among the tables of teacups to no avail.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Finally this past June she found the most exquisite pre-Shelley teacup and saucer in pristine condition and gifted it to me for my birthday.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik6kpWvgYY4/Wl1FlTg-jrI/AAAAAAAAB54/i8PXPkWZdGgfWjELgNEk_lqfbusiNyQvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik6kpWvgYY4/Wl1FlTg-jrI/AAAAAAAAB54/i8PXPkWZdGgfWjELgNEk_lqfbusiNyQvwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4468.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Foley </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> Antique Cup Shape or early Queen Anne</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Some History</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The original "Shelley" potteries were built by Henry Wileman in 1860 and were named Foley China Works. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>J.B. Shelley joined the company as a traveling salesperson in 1862. Ten years later Wileman and Shelley became partners and formed Wileman & Co. They used the trade name Foley China from 1890-1910. In 1910 the trade name changed to Shelley. Between 1910 and 1916 the words "Late Foley" appeared as the back stamp. This caused much confusion because other companies were also using the name Foley.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Source~ <u>Shelley Tea Ware Patterns</u>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zANvvK_BRZU/Wl1zMG2LAyI/AAAAAAAAB6I/htSW5XeGkvQgXab2jIQyLFz4lv6QfyABQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zANvvK_BRZU/Wl1zMG2LAyI/AAAAAAAAB6I/htSW5XeGkvQgXab2jIQyLFz4lv6QfyABQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4470.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Saucer</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RzZQaufaT-A/Wl1zVRlZCkI/AAAAAAAAB6M/18JfhVpHG8ED-n_ejBwX5OLjGtZsIt7PwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RzZQaufaT-A/Wl1zVRlZCkI/AAAAAAAAB6M/18JfhVpHG8ED-n_ejBwX5OLjGtZsIt7PwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4471.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The artistry is really evident. The hue of green is quite pretty and not usually seen on teacups. Love the hand painted leaves.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob4be7ANXm4/Wl1zumW4HnI/AAAAAAAAB6U/IVVzSA5PE-sSZcWTyKetd6cpIc75ARZkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob4be7ANXm4/Wl1zumW4HnI/AAAAAAAAB6U/IVVzSA5PE-sSZcWTyKetd6cpIc75ARZkgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4473.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The cup was produced between 1890-1910. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It appears as its never been used. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trUejO_FUGE/Wl1z-fSD7bI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/HHxbpzJgmy09Em6NM5MaaoLF_AxxXqvUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trUejO_FUGE/Wl1z-fSD7bI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/HHxbpzJgmy09Em6NM5MaaoLF_AxxXqvUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4474.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Octagonal shape</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Foley/Shelley were pioneers of unique cup shapes</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eavUAiKBMw/Wl104AGql6I/AAAAAAAAB6g/agKk1tLx5ZoBLl0n_I58uZqjhyiCbRMNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eavUAiKBMw/Wl104AGql6I/AAAAAAAAB6g/agKk1tLx5ZoBLl0n_I58uZqjhyiCbRMNQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4475.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Most Shelley and Foley have pattern numbers by the back stamp. Later date Shelleys may have pattern names too. I know I've shared this book before, but it's such a great resource in looking up pattern names, dates and tea cup shapes.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I will always cherish this wonderful gift. It seems to have more significance because it was found in London.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you for visiting,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Please join me for tea at...</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration-line: none;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Friends Sharing Tea</span></i></a></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration-line: none;">Rose Chintz Cottag</a>e</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration-line: none;">Antiques and Teacup</a>s</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Share Your Cup Thursday</span></i></a></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-79465630796859463202018-01-04T17:20:00.001-08:002018-01-05T13:18:31.878-08:00Tropical Teatime in Winter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Happy New Year! Happy Winter Time!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hello Tea Friends,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I hope this finds you well and refreshed. While I certainly enjoyed my share of holiday teas this season, I was pleasantly surprised to experience some tropical tastes yesterday during tea time.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I wanted to start the new year by going to afternoon tea at a local tearoom. Our first course was ambrosia salad served in a teacup. This took me back to my childhood as ambrosia was a fun sweet treat. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The dusting of cinnamon on the salad was wonderful and a fun, interesting start to our tea time.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I selected a flavored black tea: Pina Colada.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I really enjoyed its smoothness and the cute cottage teapot.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The rest of our afternoon tea was the standard wonderfulness and boy was I full at the end. I even had to bring some of the sweets home.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Before the holidays, I ordered two bags of "Coconut" from adagio teas along with a favorite blend of theirs ~ Pumpkin Spice. I really enjoy the mild sweetness to this tea and the fact that it doesn't taste artificial. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.adagio.com/flavors/coconut.html">Here</a> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">is more information about the tea from adagio's website. My only advice is not to steep this tea too long as it becomes a tad bitter in my opinion. It pairs quite well with sweets and doesn't overpower.</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Such a lovely golden color!</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sending warm thoughts to those affected by the East Coast storms. Please stay safe.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Winter Tea Time,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Nora</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Bundle up and bring a tea cup to the following parties:</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friends Sharing Tea</span></i></a></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">Rose Chintz Cottag</a>e</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">Antiques and Teacups</a></span></i></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-76588836812257923522017-10-01T14:43:00.004-07:002017-10-01T15:04:02.469-07:00Return to the Emerald Isle<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hello Tea Friends,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It is so wonderful to be back blogging! I certainly apologize for my blogging break. Simply put, life just got in the way. I think I put too high of expectations on myself regarding my blogging schedule. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>My love of tea, blogging and most importantly the online friendship connections I've made have led me back. I look forward to sharing when I can and visiting your wonderful blogs.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>View flying into Cork Airport</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>As many of you may remember, my mom was born in Ireland and all of her family still lives there today. Thanks to low summer airfares I journeyed to London and Cork, Ireland. It was truly a magnificent trip. I have really missed my aunts, uncles and cousins.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We stayed at the lovely and quaint Arosfa Hotel in the Bloomsbury area of London. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the back courtyard, reading, enjoying tea and listening to the chatter of the songbirds. It was a nice respite from the busy streets of London.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>While In London and Cork I had my share of tea! Here is the average size <u>one person </u>teapot. I'm sure it is in my mind, but Barry's Tea tastes so much better overseas. Perhaps it is the water. I was perfectly content each morning with a slice of Irish brown bread and cups of tea.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I took hundreds of photos on this trip, and still they don't capture the beauty of the Irish countryside. The weather was less than ideal with rain and gloom each day along with strong winds. This photo was taken near Drombeg Stone Circle, an ancient stone circle near Glandore.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Certainly my favorite part was being on the family farm which has been in our family for two hundred years. It's a working dairy farm. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I always try to make a connection with tea (new tea room, tea or teacup purchase) on my travels. It was quite effortless to do so on this trip. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Have a wonderful week,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-10259200201143949952016-11-02T03:00:00.000-07:002016-11-02T07:36:09.809-07:00Teacup Exchange Treasures<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hello Tea Friends,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I have been so excited to share this post with you. For the third time, I participated in sweet Stephanie's teacup exchange through her blog <a href="http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">The Enchanting Rose</a>. Once again I'm <u>overwhelmed</u> with the creativity and generosity of my exchange partner.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sandy of <a href="http://simplysandy-sandy.blogspot.com/">Simply Sandy</a> certainly spoiled me. Please, come take a look.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Even with Hurricane Matthew raging, Sandy delivered an amazing assortment of tea related treasures. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>She expertly managed to place all of the items in this pretty fall themed box~ a perfect storage for fall themed teacups.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Orange is my favorite color and Sandy gifted me with a set of these pretty orange/white napkins which will be used for afternoon tea. So dainty! I love them.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>When I'm out at a restaurant and forget my tea, I always regret it. The selection is always so limited. Now I have this wonderful teabag holder from Stephanie's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RosePetalBlessings">Etsy Shop</a> to hold my favorite teas. Love the lace pockets and floral pattern.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nothing is better than reading a good book with a cup of tea! Sandy gifted me with this classic and I can't wait to read it. I'm going to suggest it to my book club as our next selection. Sandy also included a cute navy bookmark from Stephanie's shop.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Of course, I am thrilled to share this beautiful white English teacup.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It is an Adams Real English Ironstone produced in Micratex, England.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This mark is from 1966 and onward when Adams became part of the Wedgewood Company.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I am so happy to add this cup and saucer to my collection, and I'm excited to learn about another English pottery company that I didn't know about before this exchange. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>Sandy, as a teacup collector, it means a great deal to me that you gifted me with such a special teacup.</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'm certainly ready to taste the Savannah Bee Co. honey. Wonder if it will taste differently than our local honey?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Look at the ceramic floral tea spoon holder-such a charming design on it. I so appreciate the long handle of the spoon-just right for stirring and fetching a teabag out of the cup.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I adore this tiny tiny teacup with the lemon wedge. Doesn't it look like my teacup? I think it could be used for a dollhouse, but I'm going to carefully place it on my desk. The details are so intricate.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Sandy, a million thanks for making my fall a bit brighter. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All the best,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Nora</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>To see more teacup exchange reveals, please go to Stephanie's <a href="http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, The Enchanting Rose on November 2.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm bringing my teacup to these parties:</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bernideen's Tea Time</span></i></a></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">No Place Like Hom</a>e</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">Antiques and Teacups</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.marthasfavorites.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">Martha's Favorites</a></span></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/">The Enchanting Rose</a></i></div>
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Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435373385695043419.post-79054324520223814322016-10-16T12:38:00.002-07:002016-10-18T20:18:31.022-07:00Pumpkin Delights at Tea Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Hello Tea Friends,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">There are so many wonderful things about autumn! </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">One of them being pumpkins! (The pumpkin display to the left is from a local quilt show I attended at a garden nursery.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">I love decorating with pumpkins and of course cooking with them.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">They seem to embody the "taste" of autumn.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">This year I decided I needed to bring the taste of pumpkin to my actual tea.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">While ordering more masala chai from adagio tea, I decided to try their pumpkin spice tea after reading positive online reviews.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">I don't know if I actually taste pumpkin, but there is a sweetness similar to one found in rooibis. It makes for a nice autumn tea and will complement many spiced baked treats.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">(Sorry for the rather blah photos.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Last week I baked chocolate chip pumpkin bread using a recipe I found on Pinterest. My family liked it, but I felt it was just "okay." The chocolate overshadowed the pumpkin taste in my opinion. So this weekend, I baked my tried and true recipe for pumpkin "cake." I make it several times each year. I omit the cream cheese frosting, cut into squares and just sprinkle powdered sugar on top. It makes for the perfect seasonal morning baked treat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Here's the recipe from <u>Cookies, Cookies, Cookies Any Day Treats</u> by Better Homes and Gardens</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">2 cups all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1 16 oz can pumpkin</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1 cup cooking oil (I used canola.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">4 beaten eggs</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">~In a large mixing bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and cloves. Stir in the pumpkin, cooking oil, and eggs till thoroughly combined. If desired, stir in the walnuts</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">~Spread batter into an ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. *I did spray a regular 13x9 glass baking pan.*</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">~ Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Sift powdered sugar on top. Cut into bars. Store covered in the refrigerator.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5XzLaKLAFQ/WAPTYx--WII/AAAAAAAAB0w/-mP5Pn58UT41zLOIMtqY_ZkR5X0SM_4wQCEw/s1600/IMG_3251%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5XzLaKLAFQ/WAPTYx--WII/AAAAAAAAB0w/-mP5Pn58UT41zLOIMtqY_ZkR5X0SM_4wQCEw/s320/IMG_3251%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">In two weeks I will reveal the wonderful lady who gifted me with this beautiful white tea cup along with many other amazing treasures.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nO8fEYBoYw/WAPKd0Wep3I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/49xmcFeFhnksAxs9WihK4INxz6Nr16TTwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3249%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nO8fEYBoYw/WAPKd0Wep3I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/49xmcFeFhnksAxs9WihK4INxz6Nr16TTwCLcB/s320/IMG_3249%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">While this may appear to be just leaves on the ground, it is a very we</span><span style="color: #660000;">lcome sight to us. You can see the ground is wet! We had our first real rain showers since March. Our drought stricken lawns and gardens are soaking in this marvelous rain! I'm enjoying it so much too. Love staying in my pajamas and reading a good book on the weekends.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b>"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><b> ~</b>Albert Camus</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Have a wonderful week,</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Nora</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>I'm bringing my teacup to these parties:</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bernideen's Tea Time</span></i></a></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">No Place Like Hom</a>e</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #7b0741; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">Antiques and Teacups</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.marthasfavorites.com/" style="color: #7b0741; text-decoration: none;">Martha's Favorites</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span>Nora @ Teacup Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736125227390890522noreply@blogger.com11