Tea Cup Exchange #3

Once again, Stephanie @ The Enchanting Rose put together a phenomenal Tea Cup Exchange! I enjoyed shopping for my recipient, Ceil @ Surrounded by the Spirit. She has been a delight to get to know. 

Now, Bonnie @ White Lace and Promises had my name in the exchange and sent me an AWESOME package of goodies! If you get an opportunity, hop on over there and see what an amazing transformation she's done to her kitchen! 

Notice the fun and whimsical colors on the left side of this photo. It's an oven mitt! I don't have one of those but it sure has come in handy with all the baking I've been doing. I was challenged to get any good photos inside, so after this one I took it all outside :)

All these terrific skin care products from Mary Kay...

Let me just say I was in desperate need! 

How did she know?!

With being cooped up so much this winter because of my surgery, I have experienced some terribly dry skin. These lotions are A. MAZ. ING. The lip gloss feels so good on my chapped lips. And that pretty pink bottle is filled with an oil-free eye makeup remover. Oh yeah. Love it!

oops...The tea is all gone! How did that happen? ;)

But the crowning glory of the package is my tea cup. Tears welled, fast and hot, when I unwrapped this jewel. My mom loved white fine china and I inherited her set after she passed away. It's rimmed in silver but still, when I saw this dainty cup and saucer, I couldn't help but think how much my mom would have loved to see it. And those are her pearls that compliment the loveliness of my new cup.

I didn't take a photo of the bottom of the cup but it's a Royal Bayreuth from Bavaria. There's actually a collector's club and I've been reading the fascinating history of this company. I know it may sound dull to some but not to me. I love learning about who made such delicate and fine china, the country of origin, etc. 

Just look at that sparkle! She's a real beauty and I want to say how much I appreciate Bonnie sending me such thoughtful gifts along with an extraordinary teacup that I will always treasure!

Thanks again, Stephanie! Love you much and appreciate all you do for your blogging friends.

To see what everyone exchanged, hop on over to... 

“Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . ."” 
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Sharing with

Tea Time Tuesday

Tea Cup Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Random 5 Friday {Vintage} & Tea Cup Tuesday

***RE-POSTING***

for Tea Cup Tuesday because I am HOPING someone will recognize the pattern on the tea cup below! If so, please tell me in the comment section. THANKS!!!

I found this vintage 1950s Atomic Retro Ironstone dinnerware vegetable bowl in the "Blue Heaven" pattern made by The Royal China Company, Sebring, Ohio. Made in the USA. Of course I doctored it up a little in Picmonkey so it doesn't really have the writing on it. Isn't it adorable, though? I ♥ vintage!

1. Every day I make at least two meals from scratch. I love to cook but what makes it worthwhile is the love I have for my family. I get all warm and fuzzy knowing they are eating something they enjoy that I made especially for them. 

2. I collect vintage tea cups whether they have a saucer with them or not. But I do prefer a saucer. There's something ladylike about using one. Or maybe I have been watching too much Downton Abbey ;)

3. This little beauty was found at the Habitat Re-store where I bought my vintage plate. At the time, I thought the tea cup and saucer matched but I wasn't really inspecting it too thoroughly. I just loved the little pink and lavender flowers with the wispy spray of sage green adorning the cup. Once I started washing it, I realized they aren't the same pattern. Close but different. I have been searching for the pattern name of the tea cup to no avail. I did find the saucer though. It's Apple Blossom by Haviland. I'm still searching for the tea cup pattern. 

4. Speaking of tea, I bought some Extra Sleepy Time Tea the other day because I have had a slight bit of insomnia. I've drank regular Sleepy Time Tea in the past with good results. Well, let me tell you that if you want to stay awake all night, this is the tea for you! Honestly, I could not go to sleep. It was awful!!!

5. The pictures aren't great. Sorry about that! My son has been using my nice camera for his Digital Photography class so I am back to my point n' shoot. It was acting weird and constantly trying to focus. It was a miracle I managed these two without them being blurry like the other 20 photos I took!  

How's your week been? Have you found any treasures to add to your collection? 

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Did someone say Teapots? ~ Tea Time Tuesday

In Sept, my husband and I took a trip to PA and while there we went to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory in Lititz, PA. They had the most amazing display of teapots from all over the world! I was so glad they allowed pictures to be taken. I could have taken a zillion lot of them, but I held myself in check and only took four. I know. I should have taken more.

Let's not forget where I was. A CHOCOLATE FACTORY!!! I was definitely interested in buying chocolate, especially since I'd never heard of Wilbur Chocolates. 

Well, let me tell you...they are so SMOOTH and CREAMY and the BEST I have ever tasted. No, I'm not a connoisseur but I do eat lots of chocolate. See. I love just saying typing the word chocolate :) 

So, if you ever find yourself in PA, near Lititz you must go to Wilbur's and get some chocolate! You won't be sorry :)  

What's your favorite chocolate?

I'm linked with  

Tea Time Tuesday, 

Tea Cup Tuesday, 

&

Tuesday Cuppa Tea.

NEWSFLASH: They are NOT Tea pots. Apparently they are CHOCOLATE POTS!!! 

Seriously???

Can you just imagine having a pot of chocolate that big?! Bring it on, baby!

Thank you , Maria for letting me know what I took pictures of. Once again, I am so duh!

Beautiful China Tea Cup ~ Tea Cup Tuesday

I found this pretty tea cup at the Flea Market.

I don't know what the Chinese writing is. Maybe the pattern?

Gold trim and a dainty floral pattern cascades around the rim with some pretty detail on the side. 

On Sunday, I met a very sweet lady at the visitor's center in Marion, NC named Diane. She is from New Hampshire and into all things tea. In the past, she has taught how to host a tea party and is an avid collector of teacups and teapots. Diane was wearing the most adorable teapot pendant on a chain. I asked her if I could take a photo so here is her beautiful teapot pendant!

My daughter told ma about a cool online photo editing program called PicMonkey, so I've been having fun playing around, as you can see...

That's it for this week. I'm hit & miss with my posting but I'm having fun learning about china from everyone else who posts on the Teacup Link-ups. If you have a love for all things tea & china, hop on over and see all the exquisite tables that the ladies set!

I'm linked with  

Tea Time Tuesday, 

Tea Cup Tuesday, 

&

Tuesday Cuppa Tea.

Images are mine. Please don't take them without asking. Not that anyone would want them. I'm just sayin'. 

No time for tea...

All I have to share today is this pretty little creamer.

She's in the Gloria pattern from Favolina. 

And numbered 49. I have no idea what that means, really. Only 49 were made? Number 49 of however many? Why would they just stamp 49? 

Also, I don't even remotely have anything it will match, but I thought it was too sweet to pass up. And who knows...I just might need a creamer one day! 

Oh, and that blurred sugar dish in the back? I found that too but it's totally unmarked. Loved it though, with its hexagonal shape and slightly off white color, so I added it to my nonsensical collection :)

Now for the exciting news...

I'm focusing my search efforts for the next couple of weeks on looking for preemie clothes because my daughter will most likely give birth to our first granddaughter within the next 2 -4 weeks, making our sweet baby anywhere from 4-6 weeks early. Join me in praying for a safe delivery, would you? I have the added blessing of being my daughter's doula, so I am stoked!

God is good in ALL things!!!

Can you tell I'm excited?! I might have used a few too many exclamation points today :)

Have a great day in the Lord!

I'm linked to:

Tea Cup Tuesday,

&

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

~ Tea for Two ~

I love this Asian Tea Set that I found at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. 

Simple in design but nice and cozy for just the two of us.

I'm linked to:

Tea Cup Tuesday,

Tea Time Tuesday

&

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

~ My favorite cup for tea ~

Everyone has a favorite cup, right?

Whether it be a dainty china tea cup,

Trash to Treasure

a hearty ceramic mug, 

*Microsoft Images

a family heirloom,

Teacups & Scrapbooking

or one that just fits your personality, 

Rooster ♥ Teacup Tuesday

you know you have one. 

Admit it. 

I do. 

Isn't she a beauty?

All I know about her history is that she's from England.

But my mom bought this cup long years ago. I don't remember it not being in her cabinet. This is the one I always used when I visited her home. It brings to mind early mornings and late nights spent in conversation on my mom's porch, or curled up in the living room, talking and enjoying a hot cup coffee or tea, depending on the time of day.

 Catching up on life and all its joys & sorrows. 

So today, I share not a spectacularly fragile piece of china, but a precious piece that evokes memories of my mom. 

I wish she was here to sit with once again!

It's only used for tea now, as that cocky rooster cup above is my go to for coffee. 

Yes, pun intended ;)

What kind of cup is your favorite to use? Dainty, hearty, or just plain fun?

Thanks for coming by! 

Have a great day in the Lord!

 I'm linked to

 Tea Cup Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

and

"Savour the Summer" Tea Party

Images are mine. Please don't take them without asking. Not that anyone would want them. I'm just sayin'. 

*denotes a Microsoft Image 

Goodwill find ~ Teacup Tuesday

I'm late posting because I couldn't get my camera to work properly. I don't know what's going on. The pictures aren't very good so there are only two.

I rescued this pretty teacup, along with the bread & butter plate, from Goodwill yesterday morning for $1.00. It's so delicate with its sweet floral border and silver edging.

It's from Celebrity Fine China, Heather pattern.

Even though I don't have any other pieces to match, it will still be fun to drink tea and eat cookies using these dainty pieces.

I'm linked to:

 Teacup Tuesday

and

Tea Time Tuesday 

Trash to Treasure...

While sight seeing up in the mountains of rural NC on Saturday, we ran across a trashy looking yard sale. What caught my eye was a vintage high chair but it turned out to be in such bad shape that my husband didn't want to buy it. No problem. I found something else...

This is vintage Edwin Knowles Sweetheart Rose China, rimmed in 22kt gold. From what I can find on the internet, it is from the 1940's. I bought all the pieces the lady had. They were obviously sitting in the weather for a long time, as they were filthy and the cups and bowls were holding dirty water.

I carefully wrapped the cups in my leather jacket to protect against breakage, and the lady gave me a nasty looking box to put the plates, saucers and platter in. Yep. It was gross and I did not take pictures. But my husband was such a sweetie. He just put that box right in the back of his baby :)

Once I got them home, I filled the sink with hot water, mild detergent and a little bleach (to satisfy my germaphobia). Let them soak for about 20 minutes, gently washed off the grime and lovingly dried them off to reveal these beautiful pieces of china!

There are 4 dinner plates, 4 teacups, 2 teacup saucers, 2 bread saucers, 2 cereal bowls and a small serving platter. You might be asking, does this match a set I already have? Nope. I just inherited my mother's love of delicate china. When I see a piece I can afford, I buy it. And I ♥ teacups!

This lovely sugar bowl made in Bavaria doesn't match the set but I couldn't resist! Isn't it gorgeous?!

Do you have a china fettish? A favorite pattern? Something special you collect? Do tell!

I linked up to Teacup Tuesday .