Having spent a wonderful day celebrating an early Birthday and Christmas with my family, driving home 4 hours (well Mr. G , drove) waking up the morning of my birthday was very tough!
Complete with a piece of birthday cake (from yesterday's celebrations), The Mr. felt I could use some energizing.
Using the new teacup from Longquan Celadon Kiln, a gift from my brother and his wife...
What a grand handle! Perfect for holding ...
In case I got some energy and chose to linger at the breakfast table a little, Mr. G. set out some of the tea books I was gifted from my Sister and SIL. I can't wait to curl up with these, over the cold winter months that will be coming.
The teacup comes with its own infuser! Removing the lid I discover, steeping for my birthday tea is Harney & Sons ~ Paris blend, of black teas, natural vanilla,fruit and citrus flavours, my sister knows how to select a tea that will send my taste buds in happy land.
This particular design is known as Okura Ume Blossom.
The History of the Ume Blossom on the box reads as follows:
The Ume blossom is the first flower to blossom in winter. When there is snow on the ground, the ume flowers bloom triumphantly, symbolizing HOPE for the return of spring. Ume trees can live for over 100 years, and their old rugged trunks (resembling dragons) contrast with the delicate young blossoms.
The Longquan Celadon Kiln, one of five famous Imperial Kilns of China, introduced this type of porcelain to Europe during the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D. - 1644 A.D.). The kiln was capable of firing at ahigher temperature (2500 degrees C) to create a finer, more luminescent glaze than previously available.
Just in case ... The chocolate shoe which accompanied the gorgeous Louis Vuitton cake my sister had custom ordered for me (You can read and see photos of cake HERE), was on my must eat for breakfast list... the Mr. kindly added it to the setting!!!
ROYAL ALBERT teacup Give Away - ends December 24th, 2011
Sharing tea with these wonderful Hostesses!!
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi
Many Happy Birthday Wishes to You! Goodness ... where to start?! Birthday cake for breakfast ... YES! Your beautiful new teacup from Longquan Celedon Kiln ... YES! Your new tea books ... YES! The chocolate shoe (too cute) ... YES! Being spoiled by family ... Priceless! Happy Tea Day!
ReplyDeleteCelia, it sounds like Mr. G is definitely a "keeper" -- What a nice treat to wake up to! I hope you've had a wonderful birthday.
ReplyDeleteDear Celia,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! It sounds like your Mr. G is a gem! What a nice breakfast surprise for you. That shoe is simply adorable and the tea sounds really good. Love the cup.
Thank you, my friend, for making my Tea Time more enjoyable by your presence.
I wish you a Happy Christmas season and I pray the coming New Year will bring you good health and many blessings from above.
Hugs,
Sandi
Oh I am so glad you are having a fabulous birthday! Happy Birth Day to YOU!
ReplyDeleteThe cake must have been something! The shoe is amazing. Your new tea mug set is gorgeous! I love the style and art, as well as the fact that it has it's own filter.
Many blessings on you during your next year and Happy Christmas!
Hugs,
Terri
Hi Celia
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. I checked out the bag and shoe from your family gathering - wow, such treats!
You received some nice gifts, especially the books.
Merry Christmas.
Judith
Happy birthday sweet lady! You were gifted nicely, and I love the books. The shoe is awesome, just fab and the cake looks totally yummy! Your new tea set is gorgeous with it's own filter...um, this reminds me I have a couple, not as pretty as yours, but green! I really great awaikening. Wishing you the merriest of Christmas and may you receive many blessing today...your birthday! FABBY
ReplyDeleteDearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a royal treatment indeed! Like a Cinderella chocolate shoe and that for breakfast. Whatever time you had it, you did fluff back after some gruweling travel time for you. Understandable that getting up was tough. You are so well loved as is evidence from the 'to the point' gifts you received. Very pretty + practical tea cup and delicious teas, educative books about tea, your passion. So you are all set for the long winter time. Relax now and gently slide into Christmas day. You've accomplished a lot and again, thanks for sharing this so generous with all of your readers and admirers worldwide!
Love to the both of you!
Mariette
PS Thanks for the elegant Christmas card that came in the mail today. I owe you but I'm glad that within a couple of days I will be fit again. Merci beaucoup mon ami!!!
Happy Birthday to you! What a wonderful surprise. Love the shoe! Have a blessed Christmas! Martha
ReplyDeleteHow amazing is your husband? What a lovely thought.
ReplyDeleteCannot wait until January!!! :o
Well sweetie, I wish I had been there to lift my teacup in celebration of the day you were born! You have a great guy too! so very sweet. Beautiful teacup and accessories.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mary
soo lovely i love the shoe! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
ReplyDeleteDearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteMerry, Merry Christmas dear lady.., and a happy b-day to you as well!
I loved hearing about your delightful celebrations; what a sweet hubby and family you have. The chocolate shoe, the teacup the books, the early celebration party and that most thoughtful gesture of breakfast awaiting you from your hubby..,
..You are one blessed and lucky gal!
Thanks ever so much for also inspiring us richly and sharing with us all of your marvelous tea posts at our weekly, Tuesday tea's. Thanks for so faithfully brightening our corner of blogland, as you have joined us for, 'T and TTT', and also for, 'Tuesday Tea For Two', on many a lovely occasion.
May God richly bless you and yours during this coming Christmas and also in the New Year in 2012 dear lady.
Hugs, Wanda Lee (and Pam)
What a morning! You are beyond spoiled!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to wake up! I'm happy any time my hubby makes me coffee or tea in the morning not to mention the WHOLE setting! Amazing!
First of all, Happy Birthday! Second, what a sweet husband! And then...oh my goodness, that cake! And the tea!?? And the beautiful teacup. Perfection! So glad you enjoyed a great b-day breakfast. Enjoy the rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful bday. Shoe cake? Yes, please!! Have you tried Teavana teas? They are AWESOME! I bet you would love them. Very pricey but so worth it if you love tea. xo
ReplyDeleteCelia, happy birthday (looks like it was a happy one!!). How magnificent and cute is that birthday cake (LV bag) And the shoe... now that's breakfast in style :-) Oh, and love the gorgeous teacup.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your hugs and thoughts for Bessie, she sure needs each little bit of added strength she can get.
Hugs from Greece,
Joan
What a wonderful surprise! Happy belated birthday to you! Your cake was fabulous! xo
ReplyDeleteYour Mr. certainty started your birthday off in the right direction. You deserved it. Enjoy while you can.
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing about your birthday.
ReplyDeleteMine is close to Christmas as well, so I love hearing about birthdays well celebrated and not overshadowed by the season.
May each day be a blessing for you this year.
I so enjoyed your presence at our tea, especially during this busy season.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
Pam
Happy birthday! Such a lovely way to wake up! And cake for breakfast? Oh my! I love the books you received :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very wonderful holiday season!
♥ Daniëlle
That's SOOO sweet! And I love the chocolate shoe! Happy birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful this is! "Paris" is one of my favourite teas, but I love this cup! I have always used the sachets. Rest up my friend, and I look forward to another year of friendship ~
ReplyDeletexo,
Nathalie
That's such a pretty cake!! Thanks so much for stopping by and your sweet comment on my blog!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Whoa Celia...that's awesome and the chocolate shoe is the best....A huge happy birthday and Mr....he's awesome.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Delightful setting, good books, great tea. I went to the Harney Tea Conference a number of years ago and had Ms.J. Pettigrew sign my copy of her book. The chocolate show looks delicious. Many happy returns of the day!
ReplyDeleteDear Celia, how sweet of him!!! I want to wish you a merry Christmas and happy holidays filled with sweet memories!
ReplyDeleteKristin ♥♥♥
Happy Happy Birthday to you! What a fabulous celebration--that high heeled cake is too much!
ReplyDeleteYour new birthday cup is adorable. The strainer is so clever and cute. And a birthday girl SHOULD have cake for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours and a happy belated birthday!
That Paris tea is THE BEST, isn't it????? CELIA DEAREST! Thank you so much for coming to visit me tonight! May God bless your life with MORE AND MORE AND MORE healing power from HEAVEN ABOVE and from within your heart of love.
ReplyDeleteBISOUS! Anita
That Paris flavored tea is one of my favorites but it is hard to find in stores where I live so I usually have to order it. Also, just stopping by to wish all who link up at Tea Party Tuesday extra Holiday greetings and gratitude for your support and wonderful contributions! Blessings and all things good to you and yours in 2012
ReplyDeleteTrish
Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun cake, I love the care and attention you take with all the details of taking tea, you elevate the mundane to something beautiful, which in my book is what life is all about.
Happy Birthday! Everything looks fabulous. And the cake looks to beautiful to eat! Your little nephew, Matthew is adorable.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful holiday!