Monday

I Have a Dream (And another Giveaway--this time open to everyone!)

Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival Button

I have a dream that one day I might walk into a little tea room and when I unlock the door and swing it open a little bell will clang.

My feet will hit the wood floors and make that clacking sound that girly shoes on wood floors make and the floors will creak just a little because they're old. Refinished, but retaining their character.

I'll walk into the kitchen, put down my newspaper and begin the morning preparing hot fresh scones and brewing hot water. Because the tea room would belong to me and my mom. It's our dream. We don't have a name yet, but it will be quirky. Because we are quirky.

The kitchen will be quaint, with an island, and I would be sitting on a barstool at the island, drinking my morning cup of something caffeinated, with flour already on my apron, and my mother fluttering around the kitchen, flour already on hers. The music is on in the background and we're chatting. I found the cutest little cups and saucers, she would say and before we knew it, the conversation would be about a comfortable new pair of slippers I got on sale at Bealls or the penne pasta with spinach and white sauce and garlic she made, but of course without the weeds, she would say, which is what my father calls her herbs. He hates herbs.

We would make these delicious little homemade desserts that we already have recipes for, they are just waiting for a tea room to be made in. And the smell of the scones would fill the air. And I'd be putting together my chicken salad sandwiches with dried cranberries and walnuts. All before 9 o'clock. This is our dream.

My mother and I have been to many tea rooms, but none have lived up to what we imagine ours to be. We'd come to know our customers and love them. Because we don't just give them tea, we give them an experience. And people need more of that in their lives. Experiences. That is our dream.

I love tea. And I love giving things away (bonus!). So that's why I'm giving it away in this bloggy carnival. I love it! It's a two-fer, a Tea-zer Travel Mug for Tea, which comes with its own filter for loose tea.

And of course, some loose tea! But not just any tea. White tea from Teavana -- (white tea is made from what else, but baby tea leaves). It's called "Snow Geisha White Tea". It has super-antioxidant power and it's made of white tea, cherry, cranberry and rose petals. It certainly sounded interesting to me (I did of course buy some for myself) and it was delicious. Much more delicate than I would have thought. It smells very strong of cherry, almost cherry popsicle-like, but the taste does not overpower you with cherry. Instead, it's a nice mellow blend, with just a little sweetness, with a clean finish, very mellow. And very little caffeine, so it's nice at night.
Just leave me a comment to enter the drawing and that's it! Bloggers and non-bloggers alike! Comments close at 8pm Eastern Time Saturday, the 26th and I will announce the winner on Sunday, the 27th. Good luck! Cheers!

151 comments:

  1. Oh both my husband & I love tea.And this lovely prize that you're offering would be wonderful for my husband to take (he's a professional driver) to work.thanks...

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  2. Awesome! This looks great. There is nothing better then some tea and a scone.

    You can reach me through the URL associated with my name. THANKS

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  3. We are always drinking tea in my house, this would be perfect. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  4. I'm a coffee drinker but my best friend is a tea drinker and drinks lots and lots of it! I would love to win this for her.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    ann dot guns at mac dot com

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  5. I'm not a huge tea drinker, but the sound of cherry and cranberry tea sounds delicious! And so does your dream of your own teahouse!

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  6. This is wonderful. I love tea. :)

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  7. What a great gift! Your tea room experience sounds wonderful too. If you ever find that place, I sure would love to hear about it.

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  8. My husband just switched to loose tea, so much cheaper. He would love this

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  9. I have never seen anything like this - it is fantastic! Finally, a mug for tea lovers. Please count me in!

    amateurdelivre at gmail dot com

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  10. I LOVE tea! Please enter me in!

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  11. Tea is definitely my thing. Please and thank you.

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  12. That mug looks so cool!! And the tea sounds yummy! count me in!

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  13. I have never seen one of these before. Cool idea! I would love to be entered in your giveaway.

    Michelle
    www.northofthe49.com
    michelle (at) northofthe49 (dot) com

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  14. Wow great prize. I have never tried loose tea. I love tea though.

    k dot murray at sympatico. dot ca

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  15. Oooo...I was coveting a similar one from Republic of Tea's catalog.... I have an herbalist friend who blends the most fab teas, and I often would love some on the go and my teapot from Ireland doesn't travel well (not to mention it's metal, so it gets too hot!).

    If you're interested in viewing my friends teas, I have a link on my blog.

    Happy Earth Day!

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  16. i love tea...in fact so does the hubby. I make him a big jug of iced tea to take to work every day! sign me up please!

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  17. My mom and I join you in your Tea Room dream. Ours would be called White Gloves and Floppy Hats. You see we would love to have a grown up tea party place. Maybe a Mint Julep every once in a while. As I am sipping my jasmine blossom tea I am thinking how good the tea you are giving away would be. Thanks for the give away!

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  18. I really enjoy loose tea! Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  19. I'd love that mug, as I could take loose tea with me to work rather than bags. And the tea sounds delicious; it reminds me of Spring Cherry Blossom tea by Republic of Tea, one of my favorites that I can never seem to find. Thanks!

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  20. I am a big tea drinker and I'm always looking for the best way to transport hot tea.

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  21. I'm a big tea drinker, I love this... Thanks for the giveaway!

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  22. I am a huge tea drinker, so this prize would be perfect! Thanks for including me in the giveaway!

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  23. Please invite me to your tea shop when you open it. It sounds so nice! I'm always thrilled when i find a site devoted to tea and tea drinker instead of all about coffee. Coffee drinkers think they rule the world but tea has been around longer. But I digress. I didn't even know such a travel mug existed and now i want one sooooo bad. How perfect. Pick me, pick me oh random numbers generator!!!

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  24. Thanks for your giveaway and your blog! I love tea.

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  25. What a cute mug. I've never seen these before. My husband is famous for putting a tea bag in his mug to steep and forgetting all about it! These mugs might be the perfect solution.

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  26. This is absolutely THE best giveaway I have seen yet!! I love tea... I'm a newly addicted tea addict! :) In fact, I'm sitting here right now with my earl gray bergamot black tea... mmmm! Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!!!

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  27. What a great idea for a giveaway! At home we love tea as well. Being a Brazilian resident,can I try to win it? Plese let me know!
    Hugs from Nydia.
    PS: Stop by my blog and see my giveaway too! :)

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  28. That is so cute and I have never seen one. I would love it.

    actsmAThotmail.com

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  29. This sounds wonderful! I'm a big tea drinker, but the standard insulated mug doesn't work too well for loose tea. I'd really love to win this.

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  30. I love tea!!!!!!!!! I would love to win this! I have never seen one of those travel tea mugs before! How cool!
    mhode79(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. What a unique giveaway! I would love to win! Thanks so much!

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  32. I'm all about the coffee in the mornings, but tea is my drink of choice in the evenings.

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  33. oooh - tea!!! Being British I am just addicted to tea and this one sounds very interesting! If you are willing to post to the UK please enter me into your lovely draw.

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  34. Thanks for the giveaway! Sign me up! ( :

    In Christ,
    Mandi

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  35. Would LOVE to win this giveaway! In case I don't win, can you tell where you got this great mug?

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  36. Ooh! I have somewhat recently learned of the wonders of great tea. What a neat travel mug! I would love to win it!
    lynnirenesa at gmail dot com

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  37. I am hugely in love with tea and winning both tea and that awesome travel mug would just make my day. Or maybe my week. Heck, possibly even my month. I love tea that much.

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  38. This would be a lovely win. Honestly, I'm so obsessed with tea that when I last moved, I had an entire box of mini pizzas' worth of tea. Kinda nuts.

    thekait[at]gmail[dot]com

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  39. "Snow Geisha White Tea". It has super-antioxidant power and it's made of white tea, cherry, cranberry and rose petals

    YUMMY...

    And where can I get the travel mug? It is just what I need when I travel. The loose leaf filter is what I really want.

    Thank you for offering this great gift. Someone will be very lucky.

    Good luck to all.

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  40. Mmmmm. Loose tea from Teavana. Yummyness. Haven't tried that kind, but I'd like to!

    Lalycairn at gmail.com

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  41. You know I want in on this one! :)

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  42. Please enter me! I love tea (and hate coffee) and would love a travel mug for it.

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  43. Yum that tea sounds delicious :)

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  44. This is my favorite giveaway that I've found so far, and I've entered a lot! I love tea, so please count me in!

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  45. What a great giveaway idea.


    caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  46. That's a really cool mug. And I'm not a huge tea drinker, but that stuff actually sounds delicious.

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  47. Oh man, I'm crazy about tea, this would be great!

    Thanks for offering it!

    princesslimey(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. ohhhh, ahhhhhhhhh, we are Tea Nerds around here. and I love the mug!
    thanks for the offer!
    ddashby16@hotmail.com

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  49. love your post i could picture your little kitchen!! please enter me!!

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  50. what a wonderful dream, I hope it comes true for you! And the tea sounds lovely too.

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  51. What a relaxing prize! I'd love to win. I hope that you and your Mom can start your business soon, it sounds just divine!

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  52. What a lovely blog. I was relaxed just from reading your words -- like having a cup of tea with a friend. This is a blog I will wander back to just to see what else you have to say. Thank you so much! I'd love to win the contest, but I feel as if I already have. :)

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  53. Ooo that is so neat! I'd love to be entered!

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  54. Your future "tea room" will come true! Keep believing and putting out the good thoughts...amazing things will happen : ) I too love tea and so does my Mom. What a nice Mother's Day gift for her.

    Thank you!
    masudatc(at)gmail(dot)com

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  55. I've been trying to drink more tea lately, so this would be perfect!

    delightfulconfection[at]gmail[dot]com

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  56. I do like tea and that travel mug is really neat. Thanks!

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  57. Tea-zer Travel Mug for Tea is so cool, I did not know something like that even existed. The tea sound yummy!!

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  58. I've never seen a travel mug like this before very neat. I love white tea, but have never tried it in the loose form before. Thanks for the chance.

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  59. Ohhhh! I'm a big fan of tea, and that mug is awesome. I've never seen anything like it.

    Count me in on a chance to win!

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  60. The cranberry and cherry blend sounds really good. Our household is full of tea drinkers. Thanks, Kathy

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  61. I am TEA-CRAZY! I would wear out that awesome cup toting it around to work and home and beyond!

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  62. That cup would come in so handy! I love how you describe your tea room. If you opened up near me I'd be a regular customer!

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  63. How cool is this! I have never seen one before and I'd love to have!

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  64. This would make a great gift for my older brother! He loves having tea and he is always on the go.

    samsakara@twcny.rr.com

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  65. I am a tea fan and have yet to try loose tea! This would be a fun way to try it out! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  66. I love the portable tea thermos *(I've never seen one!)

    and the loose tea sounds so divine!

    I'd love to have this!!

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  67. Love this idea for a giveaway! Thanks for the chance to participate!

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  68. What a novel concept - I'd love to have one of these for hubby who's a tea fanatic!!!

    I’m having FIVE GIVEAWAYS on my blogS as well. Hope you’ll stop by.

    http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/

    http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

    Thanks!
    callmeabookworm at gmail.com

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  69. I love tea (coffee - blech) and so do all my kids. This sounds yummy and the mug is really neat. :)

    Great giveaway. :)

    adashofsassitude(at)gmail.com

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  70. That would be wonderful! Thanks for entering me. zokiemichael (at) sisna(dot) com

    Sharon

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  71. I love tea and this sounds wonderful! Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  72. One can never have enough good tea or tea cups!

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  73. I love tea at work and traveling around the city on business:-)

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  74. I have about 6 tevana teas in my cabinet right now -- I LOVE tea!

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  75. I'm tea obsessed. Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  76. love tea and never saw this...want to win...also love your music 30 seconds to mars is my fav.

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  77. This is very cool - what a nifty idea for that morning freeway commute - hot fresh tea!

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  78. Nice prize. I've never seen a cup like that.

    hafner611 {AT }gmail {DOT} com

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  79. I've always wanted to become a realy genuine tea drinker, but I never knew how to do it! I don't know what kind of tea to buy, or anything. I figure, this is the best way to start...travel size!

    Have you ever seen Paula Dean? She has one episode where she goes to the local tea shop in downtown Savannah...and it is quirky just like you describe!

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  80. Very cool. I love tea. That to go cup is too cool.

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  81. I'm a total tea granny!
    I would love to win this! Please enter me.
    taradawnrobertson[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  82. Great giveaway! I'd love to win. Thanks and please enter mine, too!

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  83. This looks so yummy! I love white tea! Hope this one is open to Canadians! Great travel cup too, just too neat!

    jennifer @ quiverfull family . com without spaces, or through my blog (name link)

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  84. This looks awesome. I love tea!!!

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  85. I love to try different kinds of tea! Peach is my current favorite.
    allmycrazycats@aol.com

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  86. I hope I don't post twice but it kicked me off last time! I would love to try this cherry tea. Tea is all I drink!!

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  87. Yum, I could take my favorite Lemon Tea to go! Thanks!!

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  88. This sounds perfect for my mom! She's working insane hours as a nurse and finds it difficult to unwind after a 16 hour shift. I'll have to check this out! Thanks!

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  89. I love tea too! I've never tried white tea but it sounds delicious! Thanks for the chance to win!!

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  90. My mom and I have a very similar dream ~ I hope yours comes true someday!

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  91. Your tearoom sounds fabulous! I can't wait to come visit!

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  92. wow, do you take reservations? this is the coolest tea cup i've ever seen!

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  93. What an amazing giveaway! My husband and I love tea--but my SIL is the real tea fanatic--I'll have to tell her about your blog! So, of course, if I won the prize, I would have to give it to her for her birthday in June!
    delichmail[at]cccinternet[dot]net

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  94. Thank you for doing this giveaway.
    Tiffany Rosson
    tiffanyannrosson AT yahoo DOT com

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  95. I don't like coffee & am a huge tea drinker. Your giveaway is awesome, I would love to have that!

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  96. That looks and sounds delicious! I've never tried tea on the go this way--it looks very convenient!

    Thanks for the contest!

    f dot chen at comcast dot net

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  97. This looks great! I bought my husband a travel french press, but I don't care for coffee, but I love tea!
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  98. Thanks for the great giveaway. I love tea.

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  99. I love tea especially herbal so this would be so very perfect for me. thanks for the great giveaway/

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  100. I'm so excited! We are tea snobs here and will only drink loose tea! ;)

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  101. Oh, it sounds wonderful. i love tea, but as of yet, have never brewed loose tea myself (my mum does). I usually do the tea bag thing. *smile*

    Thanks for the chance to win

    Hugs
    Renee

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  102. Great giveaway - I love the mug (it would be great to designate a travel tea mug so it doesn't taste like coffee). Thanks for the chance!

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  103. What a creative and fun prize!

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  104. i love tea! this would be great.

    gitrecca at gmail dot com

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  105. What a wonderful giveaway. The tea sounds delightful and I love the mug!

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  106. I've never seen a travel mug for tea like that, how cool. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  107. What a cool way to make and take tea.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  108. I've been needing a portable tea cup! Thanks so much for the contest!

    meg (dot) wilson (at) gmail (dot) com

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  109. That looks great! Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win! nw_wife(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  110. that is so cool!

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  111. That is so keen!

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  112. I'm drinking tea right now that's why I'm up so late. I've never anything like this before. It's awesome!

    Sarah
    Bloominwild89@yahoo.com

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  113. I love tea. This would be great!
    So cute! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  114. what a lovely idea for a giveaway; the tea sounds very appealing and the mug is a great bonus.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

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  115. I have never seen one of these mugs! I would love it!

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  116. This contest must be a sign! Yesterday I went to the mall and noticed a new store. Teavana. I stood there in front of it mouth hung open and must of said outloud, "OMG A tea store, it can't be!" because the lady inside laughed and said yes, welcome come on in. I was in HEAVEN. this is the first store of its kind I have ever seen and as a tea drinker it is a much welcome change. I think I found a new favorite store.

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  117. We love tea!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    Rejoicing in Him,
    Jill

    http://tonsofsons.wordpress.com/

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  118. Thank you for a fantastic giveaway! The tea sounds delicious!

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  119. We are big tea drinkers in this house, so this is right up my alley! Thanks!

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  120. what an amazing mug! my husband would love one of these!

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  121. This is truly amazing I had no idea they had these out there.
    I want one! Whaaaa...
    Please enter me, M. Waters, hugapoohlouise@yahoo.com

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  122. Oh, I drink tea every day and would love this prize! Thanks for the contest!

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  123. This is great!I've never seen one before!

    Thank you for the great giveaway!

    themonkinme(at)gmail(dot)com

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  124. this would make a great gift for my mom so i'd like to win it for her :)

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  125. i love tea
    mdvanzant at gmail dot com

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  126. I liked reading about your dream and would definitely visit your tea shop! You are right...a good tea shop is hard to find!

    Thanks for offering this tea-rific prize!

    Tamara (AK)
    mrshuntinak AT msn DOT com

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  127. this would be perfect for my new apartment, and i love tea!

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  128. Mmmm... I love tea. In fact, I think I'm off to make some now! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

    mamaredhead (at gmail dot com)

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  129. I love tea - especially loose leaf!

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  130. Hot tea, knitting and a roaring fire.......there is heaven on earth.

    Awesome giveaway and thanks for participating. Now I sure hope I win.

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  131. I love tea and this one sounds very yummy

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  132. i loved that! i would love to open a little teas shop or cafe somewhere one day...
    ::sigh:::
    after the kids are through school, that would be so nice...one with litte white tables and chairs outside with cute little umbrellas and flowers everywhere....

    anyway...what a cool giveaway, hope i win, that would be so perfect for work.

    amber.marie.keefer@conus.army.mil

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  133. What a great prize. I drink tea each day.
    mce1011[at]aol[dot]com

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  134. That is so neat! My teammate at work is a tea aficionado and she would absolutely love this.

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  135. What a unique mug! I would love this, as I am a real tea aficianado (well, I like to think so anyway). Thanks for the great giveaway

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  136. What a great giveaway! I hope i'm the lucky winner :)

    i love drinking the 'dessert tea' like the chocolate or english toffee.. instead of having dessert..its great!

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  137. I love tea! I've never seen a travel tea mug with a built in strainer/infuser in it.

    fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

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  138. I use a lot of loose tea--mostly peach and things like that. Thanks!
    allmycrazycats@aol.com

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  139. This sounds delicious and the cup looks great. Have never seen one like it before.

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  140. Please enter me in this drawing. My husband and I both love tea, but I've never found a satisfactory way to make loose tea. This sounds like it might finally be the solution to my problem! Thank you for the chance to win this!

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  141. I am all over this. I'm so excited! I love tea so this is way up there at the top of my list of giveaways. My whole family are tea fanatics. My favorite is green from Japan and white. My girls love Assam and Darjeeling, my husband loves Japanese green, and my son will drink anything. The travel mug is right up my alley because I'm always looking for a way to comfortably or easily travel with my tea in tow. Enter me. I do want to win this one. Thanks much.

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  142. Tea is healthy. It's even better with mint.


    InternationalFreebies.net == internationalfreebies AT gmail DOT com

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