10th Tea Cup and Mug Exchange

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

It's that time. . .

This spring was the 10th Tea Cup & Mug Exchange that Stephanie at Enchanting Rose puts together twice a year.  I have participated for the last couple of years, and it has always brought such blessing and joy into my life.  If you would like to know more about the teacup & mug exchange, please visit Stephanie's website at The Enchanting Rose to learn more about the teacup & mug exchange.  There will be another one this fall, Lord willing.  This year there were over 200 ladies who participated, and that becomes quite a challenge for Stephanie to try to organize this, and each of us who participate in the exchange appreciate all the effort that goes into this, and feel so very thankful her efforts!

When Stephanie emailed me who my teacup exchange partner would be, I was so excited to find out that my  teacup exchange partner was from a town in Texas who my husband's brother was looking at buying property in.  In fact, as the email came in from Stephanie, my husband was on the phone with his brother discussing the property that was in the very town my exchange partner lives in!  My new exchange partner, Doniene blogs at Nowitsjusyquilt.blogspot.com, and is a precious Christian lady who is a very busy woman.  She helps her husband ranch and raise cattle and goats, and also loves to quilt. She and I have emailed back and forth and it has been such a blessing to get to know her better.

For her gift, because she lives on a Texas ranch, I had fun putting together some Texas themed items for her.


I found the cutest teacup at a local antique store, and thought it was quite one of the most unique teacups I had seen.  It also had a matching butter pat dish, but I found that it fit perfectly on top of the teacup, and would make a lovely teabag holder too.


I also included an assortment of other goodies including some handmade items that I made - a potholder, a bookmark, a teacup coaster, a country themed journal and pen, as well as the card.


 I included a few other sweet goodies including chocolate flavored tea, some Werther caramels and Cadbury fingers.


While at the antique store shopping for the tea cup, I came across the lovely square quilted pillow that someone had made, and sent it along in the package to Doniene.  It was such fun to put together this package for Doniene, but even more, a joy to get to know her better, and for a new friendship to take place.



My package arrived and upon opening it, each item was beautifully wrapped, and it was fun taking each little gift out.  First up was the card, with a gorgeous teacup on it.


Each item came wrapped so lovingly in pink tissue tied with sparkly pink ribbon.


A BEAUTIFUL tea themed journal was the first to be opened, and oh my, it is beautiful!  I just loved the beautiful teapot on the front, and one can never have too many journals!


Pure Leaf green tea is a brand of tea I've seen in stores, but never bought for myself.  I couldn't wait to try it out, and as soon as I finished opening everything, I brewed myself a pot of this tea.


Along with the tea and journal there was a lovely floral embroidered handkerchief, a teapot steeper, and a teabag holder.




And of course, chocolate!  I love Ghirardelli chocolate!


The loveliest teacup that Cindy sent to me was not just beautiful, but it was very precious and cherished.


Cindy told me she had been out shopping for a teacup for me, but then decided to send one of her very own grandmother's cherished teacups to me!  Oh, it brought tears to my eyes to know that my new friend, who had not even met me, was willing to part with one of her grandmother's cherished tea cups to send to me!  It was special beyond words, and this beautiful teacup will be lovingly cherished by me too.  


It is a Clarence Bone China set made in England, and it matched perfectly with the tea journal she sent me too!



What a beautiful blessing this teacup exchange has been once again!


I found the perfect spot for my new teacup.  It is a beauty!


My daughter was home on spring break, and we decided to have an impromptu tea party with my new teacup and goodies.  I made some blueberry scones from a recipe that Amy of God's Grace Overflows had shared (and oh my, they were delicious!) and we brewed a pot of the Pure Leaf Green Tea.


I had quilted these little tea cup coasters and they added a touch of beauty to our tea.


It was a lovely afternoon, with the beautiful tea package sent to me, and enjoyed with my daughter. Do visit Cindy who blogs at Considering It All Joy, what a precious lady she is, and I've been blessed by our new friendship.

The loveliest part of this tea exchange is not just the package that arrives in the mail, or the one you send, but it is the sweet friendships that develop because of it, and I am so very thankful for the incredible efforts that Stephanie puts into this tea exchange, to make it such a blessed time for all. Already, I can't wait for the next one!

If you want to read more about the tea exchanges, and to see what other ladies received in their tea/mug exchange, please visit the 10th Tea Cup & Mug Exchange linkup party here, and you will be able to see all the tea loveliness there!


83 comments

  1. Beautiful things you sent to your new friend and also beautiful all the things you got from the exchange. It is a lovely idea! It is special that she sent something that used to be from her grandmother, whau! Beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Angela, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup!

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  2. What a lovely box you put together for Doniene! She's been a bloggy friend I've followed for several years -- a dear thing! And what a special box you received! How very sweet -- especially that beautiful tea cup! :)

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    1. Doniene is a precious lady, so happy to have been in this exchange with her! The tea exchanges are just a blessed event, in every way! And I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup!

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  3. You received and sent such lovely gifts, dearest Marilyn, I'm participating for the first time and it was such an exciting experience to me, it's a stunning idea to bring women together from around the world, isn't it, my loving friend ?

    Wishing you a wonderful day, today,
    I'm sending blessings of joy on your coming days

    XOXO dany

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    1. Oh how exciting for you to be a participant this time around! I can't wait to visit you and read about your first time experience :) Wishing you a blessed and lovely day too!

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  4. I love the reveal and getting to see what everyone gave and received!

    ~Trisha

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    1. Thank you Trisha, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made!

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  5. Hi Marilyn! I just can't believe that this exchange is in it's 10th year. Wow! I did the exchange a few years ago, and it was so much fun.
    I love seeing all the items here (including the steeper, I don't think I'd know what that was!), the blogging world is so generous. This si such a great way to bond with other bloggers. Your tea party looked delicious! I know Amy, and I believe that any recipe of hers would be delicious 😋.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you Ceil, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! The tea steeper is great to use with loose leaf tea! You are right, this blogging community is a generous and amazing group of women! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made! Oh yes, all the recipes Amy shares are always wonderful! Hugs to you today :)

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  6. What a lovely reveal, Marilyn. Your teacup is absolutely gorgeous - and the fact that it is was her beloved Grandmother's made it truly remarkable.

    Looks like everything coming and going was very special, indeed. Isn't this such fun?

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    1. Oh yes indeed Michele, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made! The tea exchange is always such a joy!

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  7. Don't you wish we could all gather for tea and bring our new teacups? It's always special when one of the gals sends along one her own cherished teacups, I received a hand painted heirloom from an exchange last year. Really nice goodies from your parcel, enjoy.

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    1. How wonderful that you received a handpainted heirloom for your exchange! It was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made!

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  8. Hi Marilyn, Such beautiful treasures you received and sent. Your new teacup is gorgeous!!Such a special keepsake knowing it was the givers grandmother. Have fun visiting the reveal posts. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week. xo

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    1. Truly Celestina, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made! The tea exchange is always such a joy!

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  9. What a sweet gesture for Cindy to send you one of her grandmother's teacups! The generosity of the ladies in this teacup exchange is amazing, don't you think? You received such pretty little treasures in that big box. And what beautiful things you sent to Doniene! Isn't that a strange coincidence that there is the connection to the town where she lives. The teacup you sent her is so pretty! Have a wonderful day :)
    Wendy

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    1. Oh yes indeed Wendy, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made!It was such a coincidence about the town where she lives, for sure! The tea exchange is always such a joy!

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  10. Love it all Marilyn! This has truly been so much fun hasn't it? I am with Judith, wouldn't it be great for us all to get together with our teacups and mugs and share some tea or coffee? Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. It would be so fun to have a get together some day, I do agree! Truly the best part of this exchange is the new friendships that are made! Hugs to you today, Cindy :)

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  11. Oh Marilyn, it was such a treat and blessing putting your package together, I'm SO very pleased that you liked it. I truly enjoy getting to know you (and owe you another email)! This has been a great exchange! Have a blessed rest of your week! Cindy xo

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    1. I was so blessed to receive the beautiful wrapped gifts tied so lovingly with the pink ribbon, and the beautiful items you gifted me with! I have been using the tea journal to share thoughts and quotes that speak to my heart! I have quite a few journals, but none set aside especially for that purpose. The tea cup is gorgeous, I look at it many times throughout the day as it is displayed in my living room. It meant so much to me that you shared a teacup with me that was once your grandmother's, I will cherish it always! I appreciate your generous gifting to me, and pray for you my friend, that you are doing okay! I will look forward to hearing from you when you can. Hugs and prayers are with you today!

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  12. What fun! A tea party with your new cup! I think I recognized the other one! ;) I love your new, dainty tea cup, so so pretty! I love the teapot journal too and everything else including the wonderful package you put together. Your handmade items are sweet and I know they came from the heart. Enjoy your new goodies Marilyn xo

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    1. Yes, you certainly did recognize the other one, I love it dearly! It is so much fun doing these exchanges, but more than anything, I am thankful for the friendships it has brought into my life, you being one of them :) Hugs to you today dear friend, I will be over soon to see your exchange treasures :)

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  13. So very special when a teacup comes from a personal collection. Lovely! The exchange is so much fun! Exciting to see the teacups and mugs everyone received ... each so different. Making new friends is a real treat, too.

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    1. Oh yes indeed Snap, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made! The tea exchange is always such a joy!

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  14. Oh Marilyn, what a delight! Everything looks so lovely...the teacup and the whole package, just precious :0) mari

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    1. Truly Mari, it was such a delightful exchange in every way! I will always treasure Cindy's grandmother's teacup, and the special friendships that I have made! The tea exchange is always such a joy! Hugs to you today :)

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  15. It was so nice to see you were able to post about your lovely packages...both the one you sent and the one you received! I wasn't sure if you were home yet and have been praying for you, trusting all is well with you. :) I think it was SO neat that the dear lady you sent a package to lives in the same town as the person your brother-in-law was talking to!!! God is so good to connect us all through dear, precious Stephanie and her generous spirit! She is definitely one of the kindest, most giving people I know. God bless her for all she does, and God bless you, too, dear friend. Sending much love and many hugs your way today!

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    1. Thank you for the prayers, they were most appreciated! It was quite amazing with the connection to that small town in Texas! It has been such a blessing to make new friends, along with giving and receiving such fun packages, such a delight, and I appreciate Stephanie for all she has done to make this such a fun event for us! Blessings and hugs to you today dear friend!

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  16. My dear, sweet, and lovely friend, I don't know where to begin.... two beautiful tea cups - what a feast for my eyes! The tea cup you sent is just the sweetest and oh, how I love the scalloped edges. And the tea cup you received is just beautiful with the roses.

    Both packages were filled to the brim with love and care...what a blessing to my heart :)

    Thank you for joining the exchange and making it extra special. Much love to you!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie, sooo much, from the bottom of my heart, your work to make this event so special for all of us means so much! May the Lord's richest blessings be with you! Much love to you too :)

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  17. It looks like you enjoyed the exchange immensely, the giving and receiving. Such a treat for tea lovers.

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    1. It is always a wonderful event to be a part of Marie! Indeed, such a treat for tea lovers, for sure!

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  18. Wow!!! It's all so lovely! I'm going to hop over and check out Cindy's blog. She sure pampered you with these beautiful gifts! But yes, I agree making new friends is much sweeter. I'm so glad you and I met through the exchange, my dear Marilyn! {{hugs}}

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    1. Cindy is so precious and sweet, as is Doniene, and I feel so blessed for all the friendships made through the years as I've participated in the exchange, including you, my dear friend! Hugs to you today :)

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  19. Wow, everything here is just so, so pretty. I'm not even sure I could comment on it all! Your packages going out and being received were both so wonderful! (And I love the coasters you made!) Very nice!

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    1. I know what you mean about so much pretty, that it is hard to comment on it all, lol! Appreciate your visit so much, hugs to you!

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  20. What a beautiful teacup you sent to your recipient, plus the other goodies, Marilyn. Then you were blessed with such a treasured teacup from Cindy's grandmother's collection, plus all the other lovely items. How nice to share the joy with your daughter and have a special tea party. Isn't this the most wonderful exchange ever that our dear Stephanie pours her love into?

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    1. That was so special of Cindy to send me her grandmother's teacup, and oh how I will cherish it! This truly is such a lovely way to make new friendships, and be blessed in both giving and receiving. Hugs to you today!

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  21. Beauty and then more beauty! Wow! That tea cup is quite unusual that you gifted,I love it!
    Cindy is a real sweetie and she sure did shower you with a treasure trove of delightful pretties.
    New friends in deed, and what a joy it is meeting ladies from around the globe.
    So good to see you back. :-)
    Bless you, dear lady~~

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    1. Thank you Debbie, appreciate your sweet words, oh how I will cherish Cindy's teacup to me as it was from her grandmother's collection. Such a wonderful exchange this has been, so blessed both in giving and in receiving! Hugs to you today dear friend!

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  22. I've gotten to know Cindy over the past couple of years. She is a very sweet person. Just like you, Marilyn. I'm glad you two have become friends. The teacups are all very pretty. I like the way you have them displayed. xo

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    1. Isn't it wonderful how this exchange has brought such wonderful people into our lives. I'm so thankful that Cindy and my paths have crossed. I like my little teacup holder too, I got it years ago at a thrift store, and it is fun to change out my teacups on it. Appreciate your visit Nancy, hugs to you today :)

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  23. Such a wonderful and sweet tradition, Marilyn, and a great way to form new friendships! I loved the photos of all the tea cups and goodies.
    Hope your day is blessed!

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    1. Yes, it is a great way to be blessed both in giving and receiving! Appreciate your visit Martha :)

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  24. Oh how lovely, smiles. I did not participate this time around...just to much going on. Thank you for sharing and bringing such joy, smiles.

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    1. It is hard when you have so much going on, as you do! Appreciate your faithful visits Linda, hope all is well with you!

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  25. They're just so beautiful!I can't stop looking at those tea cups.

    Thanks for sharing them, have lovely day!

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    1. So much beauty in these teacup and mug exchanges, I agree! Hugs to you today :)

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  26. Wow...what a lovely package you received and gave! It's so delightful to get happy mail.
    I'm so happy you made my scones! And thank you so much for linking me. You are so sweet!
    Enjoy your tea time my friend!

    Hugs, Amy

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    1. You always share excellent recipes Amy, I'm happy to link you up, they were truly delicious :) Hugs to you today dear friend! Trust all is well with you, and that the rain has helped the drought in your area :)

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  27. Hi Marilyn...you certainly gave AND received some lovely, lovely things! Cindy was my teacup partner the exchange before last and I sent her a package! She is a precious, precious lady! I actually read her post as she had posted it on facebook and saw where she had gotten your name! What a blessing it is to be a part of them! Hugs to you and enjoy the rest of your week!

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    1. Oh it is SUCH a blessed thing to be part of this exchange, and how awesome that you have exchanged with Cindy, my goodness, I was so touched by her generous gifting of a teacup out of her grandmother's collection. It will always be treasured by me! This teacup/mug exchange has been such a blessing, both in giving and receiving! I saw what you sent to Cindy, and you put together a gorgeous package for her! Hugs to you today dear friend :)

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  28. I truly enjoyed getting to see what you received ! Everything was beautiful! This exchange has been so much fun and blessing ! Hope you have a blessed week!

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    1. Isn't it wonderful to see what others have given and received, such a blessing in both! Appreciate your visit here today :)

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  29. What a blessing to read here about the gift you gave and the gift you received as part of the tea cup and mug exchange that Stephanie hosts every year. I have yet to participate, but, God willing, I will be in the next one. :)

    Thank you for sharing your joy with us...and your appreciation for Stephanie's hard work! xx

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    1. Oh, I do hope you do get to participate in the next one, I think you will be so blessed! It really is so special to be blessed both in giving and receiving, and making two new friends! Appreciate your visit, dear friend!

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  30. I think Stephanie is wonderful at organising these exchanges. I do not participate but so enjoy seeing what all you lovely ladies have gifted and exchanged.

    A most wonderful post, a most wonderful exchange.

    Enjoy the rest of the week

    All the best Jan

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    1. It is quite an event to organize, and we all thank Stephanie from the bottoms of our heart! I'm glad that you are able to enjoy seeing all the goodies. Hugs to you today my friend!

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  31. What a wonderful idea and how fun it must be! I haven't done but one swap once and they are so neat... so glad you have met a couple of new friends too! I too collect teacups. My mom's cousins used to give me one every year for my birthday (a set) so I had many many! and my mom also collected china teapcups and saucers on her travels to England, so I have many. I've only kept my most precious ones as just had too many to keep and display. Your teacup mats you made are darling and how fun to have a tea party with your daughter! Those scones look delish too! Hugs... Marilyn Jo

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    1. I understand that teacup collections can just grow and grow, and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions! Thank you for liking my teacup mats, they have been fun to make. I found the fabric at our local Ben Franklin store, and have had fun quilting them up. Oh the scones are delicious, do give them a try :) Appreciate your visit, hope you are enjoying spring in your yard now :)

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  32. How fun.. what beautiful tea cups.. the one you received and the one you gave.. The tea party was fun too..

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    1. It all was so amazing and special :) Thank you for your visit, and sweet words, blessings and hugs to you :)

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  33. Both teacup sent and received are gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you Lillie for stopping by and your kind words and visit are much appreciated :)

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  34. What a lovely exchange! Both teacups are beautiful and I'm so glad you two have become closer friends. What an even better gift :)

    xo,
    rue

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    1. I agree with you Rue, the friendships are the best gift of all! Hugs :)

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  35. The teacups look so delicate and elegant.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Hasi

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    1. The teacup was given to me out of dear Cindy's grandmother's collection, and it is indeed very precious to me. Appreciate your visit, and I hope you have a lovely weekend too :)

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  36. Such a joy it has been to see all that you sent and received. To know how much thought and kindness goes into all the details! Something to cherish!

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    1. I agree, there is so much love and generosity in these exchanges, and it is a delight to be blessed both in giving and receiving, plus making new friendships too! Appreciate your visit :)

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  37. Hi
    I'm wondering about where you live in northern Idaho. I live near Moscow.

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    1. Hi there! Thank you for your visit! How neat that you live near Moscow, that is not far from me at all :) Send me an email if you'd like to chat a little more, you have no email to respond to from your comment. Hugs to you today!

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  38. Wonderful packages sent and received! I'm sure you'll enjoy many more tea parties with the delightful goodies that you received.

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  39. Oh how lovely! I love the package you put together and the one that you received. I just read the comment by LFrench about living in Moscow, ID. I'm just half an hour north of there and that is my hubby's hometown and where he and I met and got married. :)

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  40. I have read many of these posts revealing the gifts sent and received for this tea exchange and all of the ladies have taken such care and time to make it special for each other. I am amazed at the gifts and think it is so special the friendships that develop.

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  41. Hi Marilyn, you sent and received such beautiful items - I love them all. The teacup you sent is gorgeous, I have never seen one like that before. How sweet that you received your partner's grandmothers tea cup, something to cherish. It's so nice that friendships have developed through the exchange.

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  42. Hello and happy Sunday to you. I somehow didn't catch your post last week, but glad I found it today.
    I love Doniene-I found her blog years ago and she is a most incredible friend and christian woman. I also know Cindy, so I guess I should join in this exchange, since I love tea so much.
    You blessed and were blessed in return...God is so like that.
    Hugs today.
    Noreen

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  43. Lovely gifts both sent and received. What a blessing it is to be able to connect with like minded friends. I am sure that you will both enjoy your special treasures.

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  44. Your exchange sounds like fun! Your photos are lovely and I like the way you use your teacups with your daughter for tea & scones! I'm happy for you.

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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