Monday, April 2, 2018

"LILAC TEATIME"


   Lilacs seem to herald the coming of Spring 
                  I can visualize  them.  I can smell them .
                                     I LOVE THEM !!!!


As a child, I would sit on my Grandmothers steps  just inhaling and admiring the beauty of  the lilacs that surrounded her porch. 
NOW 
40 years later
It’s a like a deja-vu, as we have twelve lilac trees  growing in 
                           front of our old Victorian house. 

Last year the shrubs exploded with magnificent color and perfume that sent my olfactory nerve into orbit.  It is impossible to explain or capture a scent but, I’m sure that you all can reminisce and smell the lilacs. 
                                              Can’t you ?
                                          ( HEAVENLY)



Somehow, that intoxicating scent can take you back to a forgotten time or even transport you into a  sweet rendevou with something new or exilherating ... 
Like Teatime !!!

 So Ladies ... Take a big imaginary whiff of the lilacs(ah-h-h)
            WAIT WAIT >>>  Come back to our teatime reality 
                                                     and 
                           LOOK at the pretty teacup that
             was hiding on the bottom shelf of china cabinet.


I don't think that it has seen the light of day for at least ten years, which was when I originally, unpacked it ( Ha Ha)...
IMAGINE  !!!!


It’s a delicate gem that has the artists’ signature, " Susie Cooper" stamped onto each piece. At first, I thought the china might be a newer set, but with a little teacup detective  research, I soon discovered that Susie Cooper was no ordinary girl.  She was an  ambitious thinking woman, ahead of her time, who had left the A.E. Gray & Co. in 1926 to pursue her own interests.



Susie Cooper(1929-1964) was an English decorator and designer, who’s earthen collectables and tableware included wall masks, figurines and art pottery using freehand painting, banding, graffito, lithography and aerography. 

Now, suddenly this little teaset, has a presence of it’s own, that is starting to roar with the “I AM WOMAN” song from Helen Reddy ... "Never judge a book by it’s cover”.
WELL ... I certainly have a greater respect for this cup and saucer now.(Ha Ha)


Other things that I found in the cupboard:
 A  pretty cream and sugar set that matches up quite nicely with the teacup.
An Art card that I had created and collaged in 1984
OOPS ...  Is that telling my age? ( Hee Hee)


              and  a lovely set of Opera notes( La-la-la) 
Isn’t it surprising what is discovered while brewing a cup of tea.

Now I can write you each a recipe or better yet, fill you in with some lilac information.

For instance, did you know that you can eat lilacs? They have a sweet lemon flavour... and make a great edible garnish when candied or mixed with sugar for your tea.


        Another brilliant option to sweeten your tea with is:

                              Lilac Honey
                              Choose a jar size of choice
                                    Use local pure honey

Fill a jar with freshly picked lilacs. Leave a little room at the 
top of the jar. Pour over the honey and tighten the cap. 
                            Leave it to cure for six weeks. 

There is no need to strain the flowers, as you can eat them along with the honey.

It is also a great natural sweetening  alternative for baking recipes or again, for embellishing the flavour of your tea.

Just for your information: Did you know that lilac wood was used to make pan flutes.
(Toot Toot)


On that note ....  Let us keep brewing our tea ... How about a loose leafed blend like English Breakfast ? ...  You can add  
             anything  to a rich black tea and it will taste   
                                        AMAZING. 




Would you like Lilac honey or Lilac sugar in your tea ?
Which do you like best?

You are more than welcomed to another cup of tea.
THANK YOU for indulging in my floral fantasies of spring flowers and tea. ( ha ha)
PLEASE DO
Hang onto your bonnets Ladies ... It is a little windy outside.


                                Life is not measured 
                              by the number of 
                        breaths we take, but by 
                        the moments that take
                              our breath away.
                                            -Maya Angelou


 As you know, I’m a bit of a romantic and love music, so I’ll leave you with a beautiful  Springtime song. ... Check YOUTUBE for Katherine Jenkins singing “ We'll gather Lilacs”

                                          "We’ll Gathering Lilacs"
      We’ll gather lilacs in the Spring again
      And walk together down an English lane
   Until our hearts have learned to sing again
            When you come home once more.

     And in the evening by the firelight’s glow
     You’ll hold me close and never let me go
     Your eyes will tell me all I long to know
           When you come home once more.




    I’m sharing with: Friends Sharing Tea
                                   Tuesday Cuppa Tea   
                                   Share Your Cup   








58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Zaa what a wonderful post full of lovely ideas ,lovely pics of the lilacs,thankyou for sharing this lovely post my friend xx

Louca por porcelana said...

Hi Zaa!So dainty and romantic post with pretty lilacs!I fell in love with more one wonderful lady figurine!What a fabulous collection!Have a lovely week!Hugs!

wisps of words said...

I love lilacs!!! We had them in the back yard, of the house I grew up in. When my husband and I had this house built, we put lilacs in the back yard. I wanted an old fashioned corner, there.

But his allergies were soooooo bad, that we eventually had to remove them. And later, I developed allergies also. So, bunches of lilacs, are a thing of the past. But I still love them!

I began my day, with this blog post, and one on "Tales From Parsonage Cottage." What a delightful way to begin my day. You both have the lovelies of blogs. :-)

Thank you.

Zaa said...

Thanks Shez... I so enjoyed seeing your family pictures today ..Thanks for the visit..Hugs

Zaa said...

Thank you Maristella ... I always enjoy our teatime visits... chatting and sipping tea...Hugs

Zaa said...

Hey Wisps... Yes ...I can only have the lilacs in the house for a day or so before my allergies act up .. but it’s worth the sneezing sometimes ( ha Ha)... I’m so happy to share teatime and blogs with you ...You are so very welcome, my Friend...hugs

Marilyn Miller said...

I adore lilacs. Mine haven't started blooming yet. Now I am thinking I must make some lilac sugar. I wonder if it would preserve the lilac blossoms buried in sugar. What a lovely tea cup and the history is fascinating.

Jeanie said...

Oh lilacs! I do love them so! And there is just so much sweet deliciousness in this post! Glorious photos and honey and teacups and lots of wonderful info I never knew (good detective work!). Your lilac lady is one my mother once had. After my dad died, I gave it to the wife of a friend of his who was so helpful during his illness. Seeing it reminds me of mom, dad, his friend's kindness and now lovely tea with Zaa!

Susie said...

Hello Zaa, You visited my blog "She Junks"..so I came by ...I love this post so very much. My mother loved lilacs and irises....because those are the flowers she had in our house on the corner. We never had flowers before that old place. Every time I smell lilacs, I am off on a journey of olden days at mommy's on the corner. I now have two lilac bushes from starts of the ones my mother had. When she passed and we sold her house, I brought starts here and they took 7 years to bloom ...I love them and the memories they bring me.
I love your tea serve. The design of the teacup seems to be so very modern. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

I love lilacs too and their scent is so fragrant that it sends you into dreamland, doesn't it? I don't take sweetner in my tea but if I did, I would choose the lilac honey. Our lilacs don't normally bloom until early June around here because our springs are always cool. It is a shame they don't last longer too. So many flowers are like that. Daffodils, lily-of-the-valley, tulips, peonies, they all bloom so beautifully yet for just a short while and then they're gone. Your lady is lovely and the teacup as well with an interesting story behind it. Thanks for sharing and for your visit. Have a wonderful week. Blessings...Sandi

Lowcarb team member said...

I had to stop by from Karen's blog (Beatrice Euphemie)
What a wonderful post this is, I so enjoyed it.
Thank you.

All the best Jan

Margie said...

I didn't know that you can eat lilacs. It's always fun to "rediscover" a teacup in one's collection. Hope you had a chance to try a Blooming Rose frappucino.

Chris Lally said...

Wonderful post, Zaa! Brings back memories of the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island in Michigan (where the old movie "Somewhere in Time" was filmed). The look of lilacs, the scent, ... and now I know they taste good, too!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Yes Zaa, I really did inhale and tried to smell that wonderful intoxicating scent of lilacs!! I miss them soooo very much, as they don't grow here in Texas. However, one can never forget that scent, and I did have the pleasure of having them in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. I did not know that they were edible, though! Thank you for your fun post. I'm so glad that you're back sharing your teatimes with us. I love your figurine, your teacup, your cream and sugar, and your handmade collage...lovely!!

Zaa said...

Thanks Marilyn ... I don’t think the lilacs would be preserved but hopefully you would use it within a week or so ..I’d make it in seall amounts... Have fun, my Friend...hugs

Zaa said...

Hey Jeanie... I so glad that the post brought a fond memory and that we could once again connect at teatime together...Hugs

Zaa said...

Dear Susie... Good old memories are simply the best , especially over a cup of tea with friends.. Enjoy your week...hugs

Zaa said...

Dearest Sandi ... You are right about the Spring flowers they don’t last .. but oh how lovely they are..I’m so happy to share teatime with you lovely Lady ..xoxoxox

Zaa said...

Hi Jan .. and WELCOME to the "Grand Lady” .. your presence has inspired me to fine a low cal tea and do a post ( ha Ha).. in the meantime please do have a wonderful week and come again soon... Hugs

Zaa said...

OMG Margie ..That Starbuck Rose Blossom latte tea is delicious ... The frapaccino is on my list for tomorrow as I didn’t get a break today... but I can’t wait .. and will report back to you ( Ha Ha)...Hugs

Zaa said...

Hey Chris .. I love that movie ‘ Somewhere in Time’ ... you live in a lovely area... and now you have reason to pick lilacs(ha Ha) and maybe paint them too... ENJOY your week...Hugs

Zaa said...

Hey Kitty .. It’s my pleasure to provide teatime with all you lovely ladies aPLUS it makes me so happy to chat and learn from you all too... Loved your pineapple upside down cake...It’s a childhood favourite....Hugs

Elaine said...

My greedy eyes devoured all the beauty on this page, for it is another post filled with loveliness. Lilacs, surely one of the most evocative of scents, the flowers a visual delight. Yet that was where my knowledge ended, until now. I truly didn't realise that they could be used in so many ways. Thank you for such beauty and information.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I like to think Lilac is just a lovely shade of lavender! teeeheee! LOVE the card you made way back when. It's a beautiful work of art! And of course the tea cups you have are always perfection! Enjoy your day my friend. Hugs!

Creations By Cindy said...

What a sweet and precious post to read this morning. I love Lilacs. Your pictures are beautiful to look at. And oh I do love the quote....Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. I actually have that in print hanging on a wall in my home. I do hope that you have a lovely day and enjoy your tea sweet lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Zaa said...

You are welcome Elaine... I thrilled that you gained new knowledge as I do when I visit your fabulous blog...Have fun with kitty...Hugs

Zaa said...

Thank You Diane ... I always enjoy your visit and will be checking in on your roses again soon... Hugs

Zaa said...

Hey Cindy ... So glad to chat with you and enjoy a cup of tea.... Isn’t it amazing how some quote s and saying bring kindred spirits together... Have a Blessed day...Hugs

Linda said...

I loved this post! I’m Linda and when I saw you visited me, I wanted to pop over and meet you!
I’m now your newest follower!

Zaa said...

Thank You Linda... I’m so happy to welcome you to teatime for a chat...i’ll look forward to visiting your lovely family blogs a again soon...hugs

The Victorian Girl said...

Oh how I wish we could grow lilacs down here in Texas! They are just so beautiful! I would love to see a picture of your Victorian house with all the lilacs in bloom.

Linda Walker said...

Hi Zaa, stopping by your beautiful blog to check it out and to follow. I see we share many of the same friends and interests....how have I not found you! I will definitely be back to explore your past posts. I did not know lilacs were edible. I cant wait to try this Lilac Honey! I have a lilac tree in my front yard!

Thank you so much for stopping by and introducing yourself. So happy to meet you!xx
Linda

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Zaa, what a beautiful post! I love lilacs but for some unknown reason have never planted a single one - must remedy that soon! I'd love to have a cup of loose leaf English breakfast tea with you.

Zaa said...

Thanks you Victorian Girl ...Coming soon in the Springtime ..However we’ve just had another day of snow and raining sleet so it may be awhile ( ha ha) before i can take any pictures of blossoms ..in the meantime Victorian Girl ..Please do enjoy another cup of tea and visit again soon...hugs

Zaa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Zaa said...

It’s always a pleasure Jean... I do enjoy our little teatime gatherings here... It’s pretty hard to keep up with your fabulous baking... however I know you will forgive if I burn the first batch of cookies ( ha Ha) ..but my second attempt is always good with tea...Big Hugs

Zaa said...

Hi Linda .. Thank you for the sweet visit... It’s always nice to meet and welcome a new friend... I do hope that you enjoy the lilac honey ...I love edible flowers and once the weather improves , i will be posting more floral recipes.... Thanks for the follow and I’ll be seeing you again soon on your adorable crafting blog.... ENJOY your week...Hugs

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I am so looking forward to the lilacs this year. We finally moved our lilac bush from one side of the yard to the other and last year we got a tree full of glorious lilacs! I grew up with them, had them at my farmhouse, right outside the front door and now I have one bush on our side yard. It is one flower that I don't get all allergic to from smelling them. I live very close to Highland Park here in Upstate NY that hosts the Lilac Festival every year. It is lilac overload but wonderful. I did not know you could eat them, but they smell good enough to! Tea and lilacs is a lovely thought....

Zaa said...

Hi AnnMarie.. How lucky to have a Lilac Festival so close... We inherited the lilacs with our old victorian that I call the "Grand Lady" ... but they do need constant care because they had been sadly neglected over the years. I l simply adore them but cannot have them in the house too long as I do react .. so I still sit on the step as in childhood days enjoying them... There are many edible flowers that I will be posting about once the weather moves into an acceptable Spring... I’m so happy to have you visiting once again for a teatime chat... Hugs

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

What a beautiful post! Lilacs are indeed the harbingers of spring. I love the way they look, and I love the way they smell. I tried to grow them where we lived before, but the yard was entirely shaded and they just wouldn’t grow. I would attempt to grow them here, but my suspicions are that they don’t do well in a container. Your sugar and creamer set is absolutely beautiful! I would love to have that addition to my table. Great post.

Zaa said...

Dear Pattie ..Yes lilac need lots of sunlight ... and mine have been around for the best part of a century .. the vintage scrubs have runnering root systems so containers wouldn’t work for them...but you can enjoy them from afar... I bought the creamer set in Japan at the Retro store and this is the first time I’ve used it ...Often one forgets what they have unless they go searching.... I’m so happy that you found something to enjoy because I absolutely Love every recipe that you post...DELICIOUS...Thanks for your kind visit, my Friend...hugs

Crystal Grandeur said...

Beautiful Lilacs. The purple color is magical. Great post. Thank you for always to stop by to like and post a comment. Kind of you. Enjoy your season. Here it is almost summer and i have done a summer setting. Love to you. Sujatha:)

Curtains in My Tree said...


OHMYGOSH I didn't know we could eat lilacs!!!
They make me sneeze however I think they are so beautiful
Love that tea cup your found tucked away
also like your card you made, now it's vintage LOL
I remember 1984, I was chasing blue and white graniteware to collect

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Oh my goodness how did I NOT know these uses for lilacs (which are my MOST favorite flower in the world!!). Haha - in fact I've told my family don't waste money of funeral flowers . . . just cover my casket in lilacs (If I die in the winter, that could be a problem haha!). I only have two bushes but I pick them clean as I fill my house for those few weeks with lilacs. I'm definitely going to try the honey and sugar!!

Zaa said...

Thank You Crystal .. It’s so nice to see another culture and alternative foods and the creative tablscapes that you so elegantly create... It’s a pleasure to have tea with you my friend... Hugs

Zaa said...

Ha Ha Janice .. Yes my artwork is now vintage.. Sh-h- h don ’t tell ( Hee Hee).. Yes , my allergies act up too.. but I do manage to keep it outside most of the time and Lilacs only last a day or two. I think you and I could discuss a lot of memorabilia at teatime, being of the same vintage .... Thanks for the fun visit... Hugs.

Zaa said...

Hey Lauren ... I use flowers in my salads too and I can vouch for the lilac honey( ENJOY)...It’s amazing how many people adore lilacs and it’s so nice to have so many kindred spirits here..It’s like a teatime sisterhood( ha Ha)..Shades of the "Ya Ya sisters”...My house is an 150 years old so can imagine that lilacs were a thing of the era... so I have lots of them, although they starting to look alittle tattered in their old age... but the blossom just keep coming...Thanks for the encouraging visit and teatime chat... Hugs

xinex said...

Oh how beautiful! And those lilacs, gorgeous and I can imagine the fragrance. I wish they grew in FL but I think it’s too warm for them. Thanks for your kind words...Christine

Zaa said...

Thanks for your kind visit Christine..have a lovely week-end...

fimere said...

magnifique j'adore
bonne soirée

Zaa said...

Thanks Fimere.b... So please for the teatime visit....Come again soon ..Hugs

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Zaa, it's lovely visiting with you and enjoying a cup of loose leaf English Breakfast tea in your lovely china. Your figurine lady always greets your guests so sweetly. And the lovely card you made is beautiful. Oh, I would love to have the honey lilac in my tea. My grandmother's old lilacs grow in my garden now and hopefully will treat us to blooms soon. Have a happy weekend! ♥

Zaa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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Bernideen said...

Oh my - that staircase in the background is a real Victorian beauty! Your home is wonderful. I really enjoyed your post and happy to hear of lilacs as our spring is quite late this year. You know, spring can arrive on different schedules in different places. Your teacup information was quite interesting as the lady of indeed an entrepreneur. Thanks for sharing and linking!

Zaa said...

Thank You Martha Ellen ..It seems lilacs do conjured up fond memories for so many people... It is a beloved blossom. What color are grandmother’s lilacs? I’d love to see them blooming... Have a beautiful day ..xoxoxox

Zaa said...

Dear piste san ... Thank You for the kind visit and please do come again... I’m enjoying your recipe...Hugs

Zaa said...

Hey Bernideen... We’re all anticipating Spring and flowers..It’s been a long winter .. but soon we will be out into the gardens enjoying tea together.. Thanks for your sweet visit...Have a Happy Week-end, my Friend...Hugs