How could I have missed this wonderful collection of teacups based on Royal Albert patterns over the span of 100 years?
These sets have been added to my wish list, although they are rather expensive even at the special price of $129.99. Then there is the problem of finding them in stock anywhere.
I did notice that Amazon is selling the l00 Years of Royal Albert brooches. The lovely cup that represents a pattern that came out in my birth year is also added to my list.
I’ve been enjoying a new Christmas magazine by Gooseberry Patch. 
Brenda of Pumpkin Patch Primitive Quilt Shoppe is having a Happy Halloween giveaway. The fat quarter bundle prize is a primitive lover’s dream.
This great fabric line includes sunflowers, pumpkins, checks, stripes and more.
Thanks Brenda for this fabulous giveaway.
My cards have been mailed to my first ATC swap partner. I have never made these cards before, but it could prove to be a lot of fun.
Today I checked out a library book called “Altered Art For The First Time” by Madeline Arendt. I’m hoping this book will be helpful, with lots of tips and techniques to use on my A Tea C’s.
What fun to come across this video of The Avengers series. I remember enjoying this show in the 60’s. Diana Rigg as Emma Peel was such an attractive woman and I loved seeing all her avant-garde outfits. Patrick Macnee as John Steed was always dashing in his bowler hat. Back then I never noticed how often they enjoyed tea during their adventures. The song by Peter and Gordon that accompanies this video is quite cute. You might remember their hits A World Without Love and I Go To Pieces.
A cup of tea
A quiet nook
A cookie and
A picture book
A lump of sugar
On my spoon -
Perfect afternoon.
- Eileen Spinelli
This lovely handmade bracelet is part of a giveaway by Gwendolyn at A Charming Home blog. It is handmade and so feminine and pretty. There are more surprises to be added before the draw, so use the link to pop over for a visit and enter her giveaway.
I’m thankful to all the bloggers who are posting about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I lost my Mom and favorite Aunt (her sister) to the disease and I’m at high risk myself. So, do what you can to protect yourself by keeping up with your mammograms and checkups. It means a lot to your loved ones.
A recent post at Uniquely Tea showing a nippy Halloween costume really peaked my interest. A nippy was a specific type of waitress associated with the J. Lyons & Co. brand tea. They acquired the name because of their quick and nimble motions (nipping between and around crowded tables). They wore very distinctive uniforms that looked like maids of that period, with white aprons and hats. You will find lots of interesting information, photos of nippies and products using this advertising icon here.
At one time a rumor was circulating that Margaret Thatcher was once a nippy. Turns out that Ms. Thatcher was employed by J. Lyons & Co. for a brief period in the l940s as a research chemist in their lab, but was never a nippy.
I also learned that in 1930 the nippy concept was adapted into a musical comedy called Nippy. The music was written by Billy Mayerl . Here is a cute video of a song from Nippy the musical that I found on You Tube.
It was great that the nippy image was one of a wholesome and proper young lady. J. Lyons had strict standards of cleanliness for their nippies uniforms and prior to World War II they would not hire married women as nippies.
Lastly, I really liked the attire of the young ladies who served tea at Holly Cottage Tearoom in Newnan. 
Under every great hat is a great woman.
- Susan Branch
A ladies hat is a very noticeable fashion accessory. Many women feel too shy or intimidated to wear a hat, since it draws such attention to her face. Not many ladies wear a hat these days, even to a wedding or worship service.
Personally, I enjoy wearing hats and also looking at gorgeous hats, such as those worn at the Kentucky Derby or the Royal Ascot races. Then there are many ladies of a certain age who like to wear red hats (I have several of those).
One of the most fun hats I’ve worn was one that I put together for a dress up Titanic Tea that I attended a while back. I started with a very large wide brimmed hat, then I added a huge striped fabric bow, ostrich plumes, a vintage brooch, etc.
A quote about hats that I quite like is by Philip Somerville who said “A hat gives you panache, another look at life – it can change a personality.” I’m curious – do you wear hats?
While leafing through Your Good House, a supplement to Good Housekeeping magazine, I came across this teapot in their shopping guide. I like both the colors and design and better yet, how the purchase of this teapot can provide staple food for the hungry.
The Hunger Site was founded to meet a specific humanitarian need: the eradication of world hunger.
As I was leaving my subdivision on Saturday to do some errands, I spotted a yard sale sign. I thought, why not check it out. I’m glad I did because I found a couple of tea theme items, as well as a lovely Princess crystal footed bowl, Charles Swindoll book, feather shaped brooch, shells, etc.
The box said they were by Michael Alan Designs, A Division of Intercontinental Art, Inc and the tag was from Garden Ridge.
These will probably be used to adorn a wall in my sunroom. There was also a cute little stick pin that was made by Avon.
Another great item I snapped up was a black metal three tier stand that can hold dinner size plates, or even larger platters. It will come in handy for those large tea parties or holiday entertaining.
Now for the best part – all these items cost me under $10.
My eldest brother and sister-in-law remembered that I drank Tetley Tea every day when I lived in Canada. When they drove down for our 30th anniversary party they brought me a huge box of Tetley Tea.
The company introduced a new product in Canada that I would really like to try. It’s called Tetley Infusions and is a liquid tea mix. They say “It’s tea, reimagined.” It dissolves instantly in water and has all the pure and natural benefits of tea in individual serving packets.
Check out their interesting website here. Now I’m off to enjoy another cup of Tetley Orange Pekoe.
The popularity of this Southern cook has really taken off in the last few years. I have purchased her magazines and watched her two television shows, and now I have added a Paula Deen teapot to my collection. A friend was kind enough to include this special gift (just for me) with their gift card.
We received several restaurant gift cards, which is a real treat for us since we don’t eat out often. We were also gifted with some nice picture frames.
This couple knew that the 30th anniversary is pearl. The frame has pretty pearl and diamond accents on the corners.
Of course I lifted a cup of London Cuppa at the party with some of my lovely Red Hat friends.
What fun! Now I’ll have to wait ten years for the big ruby anniversary celebration, or maybe I should just celebrate every year married as the special milestone it is.
