Marie Antoinette Travel Chest ~ Included Tea

My how travel mode has changed...

Travelling in the time of Marie Antoinette, often required stopping along the way to rest and recover from the bumpy movement of the horse drawn carriage.

The views must have been spectacular...

                                                            But definitely tiring...
Not to mention all that needed to be packed. Often a trip that may take a couple of hours today, would have taken days, weeks even months (sometimes years) back then. Imagine each time you decided to take a trip, needing to have a travelling chest like this to hold all  your travelling "necessities". 

Image credit  Queen Marie Antoinette's travelling chest, 18th century

Shorter journeys may of only required...

Open view of MA's necessity travelling truck, circa 1787-1789. The big rectangular chest in veined mahogany with the corners and hinges in gilded brass, contained:

a dressing set

desk accessories

a sewing kit

glasses and bottles in cut crystal

silver cutlery

porcelain tableware

Pair of coffee cups

candle pot

sweet box

pill box

pair of glasses

thimble

small plate

Onguent box (medicinal healing salve)

tea box

Image Credit

Image credit

Travel Tea Set, similar to the one used by MA, can be purchased in the Versailles gift boutique. But beware it could set you back a Queen's ransom in Euros.   

On my 2010 trip to Paris with the Mr. we spent half a day at Versailles (not enough time, to see all the beauty it has to offer).. But Mon Amis do not worry, we were there with enough time for me to discover the boutique and return home with this: 

Porcelain monogrammed "M A" Teacup... 

 It resides on my night stand for those times that just a petite cup of tea is required (especially just before going to bed, while enjoying a good book.) I think I may need to add some art work to that wall (amazing what you notice when you see an area in photos).

Yes, this Marie Antoinette inspired phone really works 

and I do use it.

I know back to the teacup! The "M A" monogram is surrounded by a garland of small flowers and roses. Produced by Manufacture de la Reine, located on Rue Thiroux in Paris.

Notice how the teacup sits right in the saucer, perfect for holding that evening tea biscuit - or spillage from moving about while sitting in bed trying to read.

The saucer is equally spectacular, with the "M A" monogram and garland of small roses and flowers.

Still working on the bottom of teacup photos.

Did you notice the picture frame of the photo of moi and mon Cheri, also has a garland adorned with flowers and roses...

Thank you for joining me today ...

Hop to see you at the BlogHomes of these fabulous hostesses, who are also hosting afternoon tea...

Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi 

Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish

Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Lady Katherine

Martha's & Terri's Tea Time Tuesday

Table Top Tuesday

Tuesday Tea for Two ...3

Teacup Thursdays

Life's Lessons ~ Under The Tuscan Sun

Under The Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane, is one of my favourite movies! Not only for the fabulous Tuscan setting, but also for the subtle lessons it teaches us about surviving Life Transitions. Sure we may not have the budget to jump on a plane and escape to Italy or have friends with a trip ticket they aren't able to use. The movie follows Lane's character as she creates her life after an unexpected divorce.

Though  Life Transition and it's challenges are faced not only by people going through a divorce, it applies to anyone who finds the person they are is no longer familiar or the life they are living no longer fits.

If you have never seen Under The Tuscan Sun, I encourage you to add it to your must see list.

With a fresh new year upon us waiting to write yet another chapter in our life!  is the perfect time to to start taking steps towards making that life transition you have been dreaming of, a reality.

The first step towards your new life, is deciding that you are going to leave behind the past, no matter how good or bad it may be/have been. It no longer fits and you know no amount of alterations is going to make it fit you or you to fit it, again. 

 " What may appear to be the end is a wonderful new beginning waiting to start"

Yes.... 

the unknown can be scary. 

And you may stumble along the way. 

But knowing on the highway of creating your new life, you will come to the exit you have been seeking.....

Is worth a broken heel or two....

Good-bye Ms. Christmas Teapot

Welcome to the first Afternoon Tea of 2012 ... I'm so happy that you have clicked over for a visit.

During the busy time of the holidays, I combined my ATTEATUDE and Chocolate tea posts here at HHL. It was just going to be for the holiday season as I was getting very overwhelmed with keeping up with posting; But not only did I realize it was much easier writing/posting on one blog; Readers of HHL emailed to say they were really enjoying these posts, so for the next few months, I will continue to incorporate the two blogs here at HHL.

So...here we go,....

Now that all the holiday rushing around and entertaining, has come to a halt, it's time to start putting away the Christmas decor. Including this lovely Christmas teapot. So, while lounging the day away New Year's Day, Mr. G. and I used our Christmas teapot for the final time, until Christmas returns, 12 months from now.

Things sweet Christmas mugs will also be saying till next Christmas too!, after this tea.The sturdy mugs are by 222 Fifth and the pattern is Paisley Ornaments. The colours are much more vibrant than the photo shows.

To accompany our tea we indulged in some homemade white chocolate chip cookies, Angel P's nieces and nephew baked for us.

This is a better photo, you can see the white chocolate chunks! We were each given our own little bag, with accompanying gift tag.

I love this teapot, it really reflects the season with the snow covered pine-cones, and it's red, green, and white colour. The ceramic teapot is made in China by CR -Christmas Collection and is called "Old Saint Nick"

Of course the Red Cardinal, is a reminder that the  garden and it's feathery friends are staying warm and out of sight.

The handle of the teapot is finished off with a grande bow!

Mr. G loves these Christmas mugs for their generous handle. 

And this little guy is saying ... Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Thanking for visiting and taking the time to comment.

Sharing tea with these wonderful Hostesses!!
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi 

Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish

Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Lady Katherine

Martha's & Terri's Tea Time Tuesday

Table Top Tuesday

Tuesday Tea for Two ...3

Teacup Thursdays