Transitioning to Fall

Although fall doesn't officially start for another 11 days, I've already started bringing out my seasonal decor.

This lovely teacup came from a friend's late mother's teacup collection.

The yellow and brown colours are perfect for autumn.

As usual, I'm unfamiliar with these yellow flowers (hibiscus, maybe?). 

If you know, please enlighten me!

Interestingly, the saucer and teacup have different Windsor China backstamps.

The saucer backstamp was circa 1946+, while the teacup backstamp was circa 1950+.

The colouring of the "newer" teacup is noticeably darker than the "older" saucer.

If you missed out on all the teacup exchange fun last spring, registration for the 11th exchange starts on September 13th. Click here to visit The Enchanting Rose now!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

A Fashionable Tea Event

On Family Day, I attended the "Hemlines: The Fashion (R)Evolution" exhibit at the Dundas Museum & Archives.

The majority of the 40+ outfits featured in the gallery were originally owned by local Dundas residents. 

These white cotton dresses (circa 1900s) are perfect for a summer tea party.

Capes and coats from the 1900s to 1930s.

"An Outfit for Every Occasion" (1900-1909)

During this decade, it was fashionable and a sign of status to wear different outfits in the morning, early afternoon, late afternoon (the tea gown offered temporary respite from the corsets) and evening. A popular trend was the curved hour-glass silhouette.

"The Terrible Teens" (1910-1915).

Popular trends during the "Terrible Teens" included the "hobble skirt" (the skirt was so narrow that the wearer hobbled while they walked) and the rising hemlines.

"The Rebellious '20s" (1920-1929)

I could picture the ladies from Downton Abbey in these outfits.
A popular '20s trend was the tubular silhouette.

"The Rebellious '20s" (1920-1929)

The drop waist dress was also trendy during the '20s.

"The Shape of Austerity" (1930-1939)

People escaped from the economic hardships brought about by the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the outbreak of World War II by emulating the fashions of the glamorous Hollywood stars.

"Braced for Conflict" (1940-1949)

Rationing of fabric during World War II and the emerging roles of women in the workforce lead to practical and functional clothing in the '40s: shorter hemlines and close-fitting skirts and pants.

"The New Look" (1940-1949) & "Out with the Old" (1950-1959)

In 1947, Christian Dior introduced a new look that emphasized the feminine curves: cinched-in waists and fulled shirts. This hour-glass silhouette dominated the '50s.

"The Youthquake Decade" (1960-1969)

The popular '60s trends included: the "mod look", hippie styles and the mini-skirts.

As part of the free Family Day event, the museum offered light snacks and refreshments.

I was impressed that they used their fancy Royal Winton snack sets for a child-friendly event.

The mini scones with jam and cream were provided by Taylor's Tea Room.

I loved the beautiful teapot!

Round 1: tea and scones

Round 2: tea and cookies

Entertainment was provided by The Hamilton English Country Dancers (not pictured).

What is your favourite fashion trend?

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea with Friends

You Won't Believe It's Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free!

A few weekends ago, two friends took me out for a birthday brunch. Our first stop: Lettuce Love Cafe--"Canada’s First 100% Gluten-free Vegan Restaurant"! 

Cup of tea #1: Earl Grey tea with almond milk. 

My chocolate chip pancakes came with fruit, tempeh (a soy product) and potatoes. Topped with maple syrup and coconut whipped cream, the yummy chocolate pancakes tasted just like regular pancakes! 

Our next stop: Kelly's Bake Shoppe for dessert!

The award-winning Kelly's Bake Shoppe's sweet treats are all gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free.

Cup of tea #2: Lemon meringue latte with coconut milk--a tasty dessert in a cup!

The double chocolate donut enjoyed by my companion. I was still full from our brunch so I took home a triple fudge brownie (not pictured) and enjoyed its chocolatey goodness for breakfast the next day (I did have a banana first before the brownie. Ha!).

Even if you don't have any dietary restrictions (like myself), I recommend you try out the allergy-friendly but delicious treats offered by Lettuce Love Cafe and Kelly's Bake Shoppe in Burlington, Ontario! 

My friends continued to spoil me with tea-related birthday presents.

This whimsical tea-themed birthday card made me smile.

This pretty birthday card with teacups cracked me up!

 I've never met tea towels with stacked teacups that I didn't like.

New black, oolong and green teas for me to try out this year.

 This new teacup has the same beautiful pattern as the pair of teacups that I received this past Christmas so now I have a set that I can use for tea parties.

Love the quatrefoil shape of this gorgeous vintage teacup by Windsor China.

Thank you to my friends for the fun birthday outing and gifts!

Discovering that I won Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose's generous giveway (my first giveaway win!) was the icing on my birthday cake. The delightful package arrived in the mail last week and contained this lovely pocket card with these fun goodies.

The pretty tea bag holders that I won. THANK YOU, Stephanie!!!

If you're crafty, you can make your own teabag holder. Click here for Stephanie's tutorial.

If you're like me and can't craft your way out of a paper bag, you can purchase these cute tea bag holders from Stephanie's Etsy Shop, Rose Petal Blessings. 

I'm joining the following parties this week:

  Bernideen's Tea Time, Collage, and Garden Blog Party

Mosaic Monday

  No Place Like Home

Tea Cup Tuesday 

Tuesday Cuppa Tea