The Duchess loved Earl Grey ... and so do I

I recently watched "The Duchess" again, a fabulous film about Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.  I highly recommend the movie for many reasons including fantastic costumes, art direction, and acting.

Did you know that her love interest (Charles Grey) who later became Prime Minister is whose name is given to Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey Tea is one of my new favorites.  It is a black tea flavored with the oil extract of bergamot orange.  I recently re-discovered it when I chose it to sip on for the viewing of the Royal Wedding.  I wanted something English, sophisticated, and elegant to go with my viewing party.  Earl Grey gets two thumbs up ... and so does The Duchess.

Photo Source:  www.reelmovienews.com

The Royal Wedding

Any plans for the Royal wedding?  Friday, April 29 is the big day.  

I am going to have a viewing and serve pink champagne, petit fours, and am trying to think of a few other extra special fancy treats.  

Depending on the length of the broadcast I may add a savory course with tea.

Photo by Mario Testino re-blogged from whyfame.com

The Versatile Scarf

Next time you are stuck for a gift to bring your Ladies Tea Hostess, why not give her a pretty scarf?

I love how a simple scarf can dress up an outfit and add interest.  Here are some ideas:

Look up folding techniques online and wrap it around your neck, tying it in the front or the back.
Tie it to your handbag.
Wear it as a belt in the loopholes of your skirt, pants, or even jeans.
Tie it around your wrist.
Wear it as a headband or tie it around your ponytail.

Give it a try.  It may take some time in front of the mirror to figure out your favorite way of wearing it, but it will be a fun exercise.

Photo by Hermes from The Fash Pack

Tea: Vanilla Redbush Tea

I currently often enjoy Vanilla Redbush Tea.

Redbush Tea is naturally caffeine free and tastes so smooth.  Vanilla gives it a slightly sweet flavor and complements the tea very well.

I find that it is best enjoyed with a bit of whole milk or cream, just enough so that it has a bronze color.  The perfect drink at the end of a busy day!

My new pick me up

Koelnisch Wasser (literally meaning "Water from Cologne") is a super light fragrance that is the perfect pick me up in the middle of a hard day.

This German classic is something I remember my Grandmother had and I used to think it is not for my generation.  Well, I have re-discovered it for myself and now I own a large bottle.

It is so light that you don't have to treat it like perfume.  I shake some on my hands, and then splash that on my neck, hair, and shirt.  After, I hold my hands to my face and take a deep breath in ... ahh ... relaxing and invigorating.   It is just a little refreshment and does not stay with you like a real perfume, but it sure makes me feel nice.  Isn't the bottle beautiful?