Tea and Travel

Tea has a rich and chequered story. From its origins in China and its eventual expansion overseas, this leaf is inextricably linked with the cultural and political history of our world. The Dragonfly tea company has capitalised on the evocative nature of tea and created a sensory guidebook, Brewed with a View. This 'tea book' is in essence a collection of hand-crafted teas, each paired to a destination in Britain by virtue of its history and unique characteristics.

I've slowly been working my way through the 'book' and so far, my favourite is the silver needle white leaf tea. As I drank this exquisite brew, I played back the writer's imagination and reasons for pairing this tea with Wast Water in the Lake District. The views from there, across to the majestic Scafell Pike ( the cover image of this post) are not dissimilar to that of the region where the silver needle tea is cultivated in China.

Other tea pairing inspirations include Glamis Castle, Kibble Palace and Glengoyne distillery in Scotland, the  Roman baths of Bath, Ashdown Forest, Leadenhall Market in London etc. 

For more information, check out the Dragonfly tea website where you can also buy Brewed with a View for just £10.98! Far cheaper than an air or train ticket!

Hope this inspires you to put the kettle on, enjoy a nice cuppa tea and have a lovely Sunday! Ann x

To get in touch and see the latest on all my adventures, follow me on Bloglovin, Twitter,Instagram or Facebook.

Haiti in Scotland

Readers of this blog will know of my deep love for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Stella Jean's creations capture the essence of Haiti in an incredibly vibrant and fun way. I've always felt that wearing one of her creations would be a bit like spending a beautiful summer's day in Haiti. I've been stalking Stella Jean on Matches Fashion and a handful of other sites for at least a year now. Unfortunately, as much as I loved the Haitian's style and aesthetic, I could not find a piece that worked for me.  Those that did were always sold out!

Meet my fortuitous Stella Jean find - the swallow print dress (purchased the second it landed on Vestiaire Collective)!!! Its been a while since I've written a mainly fashion focused post and this wee find has now helped remedy that situation. I absolutely adore the dress- it makes me happy, I got complimented lots and it is so very bouncy!! I'm extremely impressed with the tailoring (despite my waist feeling corseted) and I am really looking forward to seeking out (i.e. buying on sale) more of her work.

Ed loved the dress too but said I had to save it for a special occasion. That's always a bit tricky.....define special?! Anyway, I figured a day spent drinking cocktails out of china cups followed by stomping around the Scottish Modern Art Galleries appreciating Roy Lichtenstein and Escher with friends seemed special enough.....don't you think?

For more of my photos from the day, check out my Instagram page. Hope you are having a lovely week! Ann x

Wearing: Stella Jean swallow print dress bought via Vestiaire Collective and Whistles shoes.

To get in touch and see the latest on all my adventures, follow me on Bloglovin, Twitter,Instagram or Facebook.