Giveaway & Happy St. Paddy's

Let's go to tea in Ireland

This could be our transportation....

Over the hills we go where there is a thousand shades of green. 

Sweet lazy, contented sheep dot the landscape.

We'll go along the magnificent coastline.

Wild flowers growing...wild and free

Tiny cottages run down the mountainside...

Fences to keep the animals in.

Ah, here we are.
The Irish people are the most friendly and welcoming
folks I have ever met. They are charming, smart, great
storytellers, fun, poetic but what stands out the most
is how sincerely welcoming they are.

Don't forget to take off your wellies please.

Looks like we have been expected.
Slainte

Back here in Florida in my kitchen,
we are enjoying a delicious Irish Soda Bread.
Store bought but we'll be having a homemade
one tonight made by a wonderful lady
by the name of Brigid.
Doesn't the edge of the plate remind you of 
Irish lace?

Kerrygold Irish butter~ I wouldn't be without it.

Pick a green cup...

A little treat to share~

Shall we use this teapot?

Or my newest one?
It's Belleek and I love it. My friend, Lauren,
gifted me with three of her mother's teacups.
One was this teacup which was the start of my
collection. I couldn't leave it by itself now,
could I?

Belleek is so fine and delicate as if made by fairies.
You can see the light through it and it feels so very
dainty in your hands. I love the shape of the cup from
Lauren's mama. I felt so blessed to receive it and then to
find the teapot to match. Both the teacup and teapot have the
harp as the handle.

This mug is a more familiar Belleek pattern, the basketweave.
I found this waiting for me in the Good Will.

Found this little demitasse whilst antiquing with Lady B.
Each piece is like gold to me.

My three year old grandson called to thank me
for the St. Patrick's books I sent to him and his brother.
He told me a leprechaun came to his classroom this week.
I asked him what he looked like and he told me he didn't see
him. After they came in from the playground, all the chairs
and tables were upside down and a mess. Well, you know
how mischievous those naughty leprechauns are.
Will must have fun teachers, don't you think?

I love this sugar bowl. It looks like a little pot for gold.

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to show you my
two Irish dolls.
This is Nellie O'Malley,  an American Girl doll.
She is Samantha's friend and if you have not seen the
movie, you would be very entertained.
Here she is wearing her Celtic Cross.

She is having her own tea...

My daughters had a collection of Madame Alexander dolls
which were displayed on the wooden window cornices in their room. This is one of the first they received as we tried to get all
that represented their heritage.

Isn't she a sweet Colleen?

The Irish make such beautiful crystal.
Here is some of my Waterford.

Ah, what lovely work.

I love all the shades of green.
You do see all of them in Ireland.

From the Book of Kells
housed in Dublin in the most beautiful
library.

We belong to The Emerald Isle Club
here in our community. Tonight we are going
to a dinner dance and these are the things I
bought for my hubby to wear.
I think he'll look sharp and fit for the occasion.

I plan to wear this fascinator.

So to all, whether you are Irish or not,
 a Happy St. Patrick's day to you.
Many blessings...

And here is our giveaway.
Two little ceramic teabag holders,
a stamp that reads, "Tea is a cup of life",
and two sets of tea note cards.
Good luck and just leave your name to be
entered. We will choose the winner on
March 31st.