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I hope everyone is enjoying beautiful weather. Spring has finally arrived in Northern Ohio, and we are surrounded by blossoms and blooms.
Welcome to all who are visiting here today. . .
This is the second tea cup exchange I've participated in, hosted by Stephanie of The Enchanting Rose.
I was partnered with two lovely ladies: one who I would send a tea cup to, and one who I would receive from.
These are the gifts I received from Ann (Annie) who lives in Merimbula, NSW, Australia. I do not know if she has a blog, though.
Annie, if you are reading this, please let me know if you have a blog where I can direct my readers.
This lovely tea set is an Ansley, named "Windsor Cottage Garden", and I could not love it more! Every detail just speaks to my heart, from the gorgeous colors, the pretty flowers depicted, the shape of the tea cup, and the fact that it is a "set" with tea cup/saucer and plate. There is nothing I love more than having a little something while enjoying my tea, and this beautiful set really elevates the ritual.
This is perfect for my afternoon tea. I always have a cup in the morning and in the afternoon a few hours after the mid-day meal. It's a tradition I grew up with, and still carry on although it's just me. My father was very fond of tea, and I think of him quite often when I have it in the afternoon.
Here is a closer detail of that beautiful tea cup. I just love the shape of the handle! As with all of the photographs in this post, you can click on it to enlarge.
This afternoon as I am setting up to shoot these, I am enjoying a cup of the French Earl Gray tea that Annie sent me. There were two teas, the other being Gorgeous Geisha. They're both delightful, and even Carl (the non-tea drinker) enjoyed the aroma. I wish he would have a cup with me once in a while. . .
Do you see this gorgeous linen? Another gift that arrived with my tea cup set. I gotta tell you, it is so beautiful, and it's so "me", too!
Isn't it wonderful how someone can really get what would interest another person, even though the two have not met? I find it quite extraordinary. Annie, thank you so much.
Wait, that's not all. In addition to the tea cup, teas and linen, there was this awesome little book, "Tea With Jane Austen", a collection of recipes from the Georgian Era, gathered together by Pen Vogler. These are actual recipes that Jane's family either made, or could have made. And they're easy to follow for a modern cook. Beautiful photographs in here, which I just realized that I forgot to get a sample of. . .
I am eager to try a couple of the recipes out, so perhaps I'll make that a post to share when I do.
Finally, there is this lovely Portmerion bud vase which Annie so thoughtfully added. Since the daffodils are making quite a show, I decided to pick a few to enjoy with my tea.
My other partner, who I sent a package to was Michele at The Nest at Finch Rest. Someone who has been on my list of blogs I follow. AND, a fellow Ohioan! How cool is that?
Like the fool I am though, I did not photograph her teacup before sending it off. However, I know that she will do a gorgeous job with it when she posts. Please visit Michele; her blog is filled with beauty through and through.
I received this sweet thank you note from her last week:
This has been so much fun, and the best gift of all has been the friendship and fellowship!
Stephanie is having the big reveal today on her blog, where everyone who participated will show and share. You can click on the link at the top of this post, or the one below to be taken there.
To Stephanie, Annie and Michele, I raise my cup of tea in salute! Thank you ladies for brightening my day.
I am taking part in:
Cynthia
