100 Years of Royal Albert Teacups

How could I have missed this wonderful collection of teacups based on Royal Albert patterns over the span of 100 years?

 Each set of five cups and saucers is presented in a beautiful hatbox.

 The teacups and saucers are fine bone china with gold banding.  To read the history of each individual cup you can visit Royal Doulton. 

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’m curious to know what my tea enthusiast friends have added to their Christmas wish lists. 

Gooseberry Patch Christmas

I’ve been enjoying a new Christmas magazine by Gooseberry Patch.  The first recipe I tried was Slow Cooker Chocolate Pudding Cake.  A great dessert to make when you need the oven free for a turkey, or a ham, etc.  It was very rich and delicious.

 Next was Grandma’s Date-Nut Bread, which can be made in three small loaf pans (great for giving).  The bread turned out very moist and nutty.  I used walnuts and I think next time I’ll use only one cup instead of two and maybe substitute raisins.  I like nuts, but don’t want them to overpower the dates and other flavors. 

There were ideas for tea gifts and crafts as well.  This mint tea would make a nice gift packaged with a little tea for one pot.

 Making a tea cozy from an old sweater is not something I would have thought of, but it is cute and could easily be customized. 

 There are several more recipes that I plan to try.  These little spiced  applesauce cakes look delicious. 

 How about easy microwave candy for quick gifts?

The $10.99 price tag is a little steep, but I think that this magazine will be used for many years.  It’s fun to pull out a big stack of these Christmas books and magazines each year and select a few new recipes and crafts to try.

Pumpkin & Spice fabric giveaway

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. 

Artist Tea Card fun

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.

 First I tried paper tape.

Then I found a couple of stamps to play with.

This card has metallic paint and stamping on plastic.

This card featured raised stickers and a faux wax seal.

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.

 

The Avengers: Sunday For Tea

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 Perfect Afternoon

A cup of tea

A quiet nook
A cookie and
A picture book

A lump of sugar
On my spoon - Now that’s a
Perfect afternoon.

- Eileen Spinelli

Pretty Pink Giveaway

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.