Shopping success!

Oh dear me, the "shopping pump" has been primed...
after not buying much I have been finding all kinds of things to tempt me and I need to save for my travel plans to France!!!

Darling daughter and I met up this past week for an afternoon of thrifting...
it was a lucky day for me.

~ a crisp white shirt and a vintage leather bag ~

 ~ a white shirt and pearls are classics ~

the shirt is made of cotton and is not too sheer

it has seams in the back so that it is flattering and not too loose

I think this is going to be a versatile addition to my wardrobe.

Love the colour of this bag...

it reminds me of a fine wine

perhaps a burgundy or a claret.

It is made in Canada.

I could not resist this Imari jug...

I was out for my walk and as I often do I wandered into Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village and lo and behold I spied this sweet vessel.

Currently I have a few pens in it but who knows 

it may have many uses...

a  few flowers would be lovely arranged in this jug.

I stopped on the way home from the village to take a photo of this enormous dinner plate sized dahlia.

The weight reduction focus is front and centre 

progress is going VERY VERY slowly despite the continued walking and the sensible eating.

I am almost ready to scream!

(that would be such bad form)

So I am trying hard to keep my eyes on the long term goal.

Story set in Provence...

a lovely book by a writer who is new to me.

I would recommend this book and say after you read it you might just want to join us for a month in Provence!

I have never owned a pair of Jessica Simpson flats.

They are made of soft leather, are comfy and very cute.

Sadly my Sam Edelman flats are scuffed and looking tatty...

"'So needs must!"

The bows on the toes were a selling feature...

just wish that they were available in red!

Please excuse me now for it is time for bed and a few chapters in my book.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tea time...

Tea is my favourite beverage and as you readers have heard before, I sip many restorative cups during the day.
Emma Bridgewater mugs are frequently the vessel of choice...
they are cheerful and sturdy and I can easily carry them around The Humble Bungalow.

But for serious tea time I use a bone china cup and saucer. Often if I feel that I need a bit of cheering up I'll choose a pretty one and sit in the living room with a magazine and savour the tea. It's rather like dressing up for a special occasion but it is a simple tea cup that elevates the experience.

A reader emailed me and requested that I show some more of the tea cups that I collect and she specifically asked to see the makers marks so I hope that you enjoy this post!

Tea and sandwich plate this was a gift from Mother.

Great for sweets too!

Montrose pattern.

Pansy pattern.

She gave me two of these tea cups and plates so that when she comes to tea we each have our own set.

I have never seen any of these for sale in the shops.

I think they are quite charming.

This was on of my grandmother's tea cups.

The cousins all chose one tea cup when she moved out of her home.

I think of her whenever I take tea using this pretty pink and gold one. 

I cannot be sure who gave me this one but I think it was Mother.

It is so small that I rarely use it...I have a hunch that it is a demitasse and meant for strong coffee.

The lower two tea cups were a thrift shop find.

They were $6 each and I have had them for years.

I like to mix and match the tea cups when I host a tea or a shower.

I love lots of colour and the more decoration the merrier!

My favourite cups have lots of flowers painted in the bowl.

 When finished sipping one can enjoy a lovely surprise before having another cup of tea!

With all these pretty cups in my midst I must pop the kettle on...

all this has made me terribly thirsty.

It's time for tea!

I'd like to think that you are joining me.

Hope you are enjoying a restful cuppa.

Until next time,

Be Well.

Hostess

XO

Paris Tea and The Titanic.

The lovely reader Peg sent me some teas and I am in love with Paris Tea!
Nothing says luxury better than a cup of tea brewed to perfection
served in a beautiful patterned bone china cup and saucer.
I highly recommend it for what ails you...

My favourite china tea cup is by English maker Royal Chelsea.

I love the deep wide bowl

and the pattern is so pretty and the gilt is thick.

I hand wash this very carefully, never ever will it go in the dishwasher!

I do love a special teacup to celebrate the simple pleasure of taking tea.

I cannot imagine life without tea.

It's a life saver...

The Titanic is in all the newspapers

 100 years ago that she was launched and then sank

such a tragic disaster

so many lives lost

the story still haunts us

stories that have come out years after her sinking are grim reminders of how fragile and precious life can be...

Julian Fellowes production Titanic is on the TV

it's worth a look...

I caught up on some blog reading here at Slim Paley's blog

she is a clever and talented woman

you really must not miss her blog posts

just browse her amazing photographs 

and you'll be hooked like her several thousand followers!

(of which I am one)

Life is infinitely better when sipping tea.

It elevates my pedestrian life to meet up with those of the titled and privileged.

Hostess

XO

I'd love to see your favourite tea cups

perhaps you'll send me a picture

it would make a fun post to show all the cups here in a future post.

There's your challenge people

send me your tea cup images

or link up a blog post on your tea cups for a virtual tea party!