{183 Countries Visited - Welcome Togo and Uzbekistan}

Not much time left for blogging, so I quickly give you an update on the total countries visited since July of 2011 when I put the Flag Counter on. Welcome Togo and Uzbekistan as the latest two countries added. That makes now 183. Thank You ALL; wherever you are!

We have probably ever flown over Uzbekistan, but certainly never visited...

Togo in West Africa is unknown territory to both of us as well. Don't think we even flew over it when flying to South Africa.

The world is getting smaller; viral but it is still a big planet for visiting it ALL.

Wishing you all a happy week and THANKS again.

Stay tuned for tutorial on how to Fix FB News Feed.

{French Toile de Jouy Door Knob Pillow Sachets with Lavender}

As you noticed, I changed my Header since I no longer do have those blue Toile de Jouy French Country Style items. Sold Saterday the last of them! These in the header, are the only red ones left with angels and one more with roses on my Zen Cart powered boutique: Mariette's Back to Basics.

Red ones are all sold too...

Bye-bye blue Toile  de Jouy Angels & Roses... All gone now.

These are the only Toile de Jouy Angels left...

Sold...

Plus one Toile de Jouy left with roses.

Sold as well...

{Victoria Magazine Sept - Oct 2012 and Toile DE JOUY} read here for more info on the Toile de Jouy.

{Vintage Silver Tea Strainer with Cherubs}

For the cozy winter season coming up, what a joy for serving some hot tea for friends. In order to do this in a traditional and romantic style, I found for you a Vintage Silver-Tea-Strainer with Cherubs. Very unique piece and it will be hard for finding a second one. As usual, available at my Zen Cart powered on line boutique: Mariette's Back to Basics.

Shown here, resting atop a teacup & saucer.

You can see the cherubs around this solid silver-tea-strainer.

Closeup of the cherubs from the handle down...

Closeup of the cherubs on the side.

The four silver hallmarks.

This tea strainer came from Germany but I need some help with the markings.

Does anybody have an idea which silver maker had these marks? 

Any help is greatly appreciated!

A big thank you to Johanna Gehrlein, author of the book: Rosen-Bestecke and expert in rose silver.

According to her it is: German silver from Hanau by silversmith J.L. Schlingloff. The 4th hallmark clearly does show the initials J L with the S over them.

Check my comments for Johanna's reaction.

Johanna did cleverly point out in her comment that such a strainer can be used as a sugar sifter for decorating cake, pancakes or waffles. Many uses in the kitchen.

Sold out...

Are you using loose tea at home?

Do you own a tea strainer?

Love to know...

Related link:

Silver-Sunday/Tea Accessories by Johanna's blog Silber+Rosen showing Tea Boxes by J.L. Schlingloff

Palazzo Falson information about J.L. Schlingloff early 20th Century

Tea with Kate Spade  from High Heeled Life in the Country; showing off this very tea strainer...

Rekindling the Romance ~ With Yourself- Part 2 of 2 | Dear Friend Celia M. High Heeled Life & Resilientista showing the tea strainer again... ♥