The World of Downton Abbey

Welcome to the world of Downton Abbey! A traveling exhibit of all things Downton Abbey, that just happened to be in Boston on the opening weekend of the Downton Abbey movie!  If you love the show as much as I do you will understand how this is the ultimate fan exhibit.  Memorabilia, sets, costumes....all from the show!  It was truly an extraordinary experience!  

We had tickets for 11 am.  The viewings are timed to reduce crowds (although it was still very crowded).  It cost $35 a ticket which I was happy to pay : )  While we were waiting in line we were severed tea and biscuits on silver trays with white dollies, so basically my experience started the minute I stepped out of my Uber.  

It took about 2 hours to walk through 8 rooms full of all things Downton.  I didn't photograph everything...( I was too busy gawking and wiping the drool off my face) but here is just a sample of some of my favorite things! 

Carson & Mrs. Hughes outfits ~

Carson's office ~

I love him! ♥

 The Kitchen~

Can't you just picture Mrs. Patmore & Daisy bickering over something?! 

The actual bell board ~ 

There were so many costumes!  

Dresses worn by Lady Mary, Edith, Rose, Cora, and Violet! I recognized so many!  I also would have taken any one of these home with me.  I love the style of the 1920's!

The Dining Room ~ 

So many memorable scenes from the show happened around this table. 

So beautiful! 

Swooning over more dresses! ♥

to.die.for.

Jewelry, hats, and accessories! 

Sybil!  (still not over season 3!) 

The iconic dress Mary wore when Matthew proposed to her on Christmas Day in the snow!  

One of my favorite scenes from the entire series! 

♥

If you have the opportunity to see this exhibit I highly recommend it! It's amazing to see the actual things up close.  There were hand written letters that were used on the show, props from the bedrooms, and profiles on every character.  So many details 

Also a fabulous gift shop : ) 

(Me, my mother in-law, sister in-law Val, and sister in-law Sara) 

We had such a fun day visiting the world of Downton Abbey!  ♥

xoxo

A Proper English Tea at the Boston Public Library

For many of us this past weekend was Downton Abbey weekend and to celebrate I had the opportunity to go to a proper English tea.  My mother in-law, 2 sisters in-law, and I had just come from the Downton Abbey exhibit (which was fabulous and I will share all the details later) and headed for the Boston Public Library for a tea! I've been to teas before and I had a feeling this one would be something special.  Plus you know how much I love libraries! (one of my dream jobs is to work in one!).  

I had never been to the library before and was very excited, not only for the tea, but to see the library. We came in through the front entrance and walked through the library (past the grand staircase) to the dining area.  I loved the smell and feel of this old building as soon as I stepped foot in it. 

 This "tea bar" was just outside the formal dining area.  It was more casual and had a very cool vibe.  

The lounge draws inspiration from writers and innovations of the 1880's.  They even offer tea cocktails named after authors! 

On to the Courtyard Salon where we had our tea.  Beautiful, bright, and elegant. 

As you can see everything was inspired by books.  Our tea menus were pasted on the pages of books stacked on the table.   The food offerings were listed on the bookmarks.  

We all ordered a different tea so we would have the opportunity to share.  The one I selected was a lemon ginger and it was amazing! 

We were all given a choice of strawberry salad or gazpacho to start (I had the strawberry salad : )  and then they brought out the goodies...mini sandwiches, scones, macaroons, and petit fours.  All so delicious.  The jars on the top tier were clotted cream, orange marmalade, and lemon curd.  

After tea we were able to walk around the library and explore.  I had been admiring this fountain through the window ever since we got there and couldn't wait to go into the courtyard.  It was so lovely! 

The Boston Public Library was founded in 1848.  It was the first large free municipal library in the United States.  The library was moved in 1854 and again in 1858.  At that time it had over 20,000 volumes. As the library continued to outgrow it's space it was finally settled in Copley Square in 1895.  

In 1986 the building was designated a National Historic Landmark.  Within the library there are exquisite murals, sculptures, additional works of framed art, and a peaceful inner courtyard.  They run daily tours for just the artwork.  Something I would love to do one day.

This is Bates Hall, the iconic reading room on the second floor of the McKim building.  Fun fact, it's named after Joshua Bates, a London merchant banker who was born in Weymouth, MA (my hometown!).  In 1852 he donated $100,000 to the library, for it's establishment and the purchase of books. 

Can you image studying here?  I don't think I would be able to get any work done.  I would be too busy admiring the room : )

If you are ever in Boston I would highly recommend visiting the Boston Public Library. I think it's one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.  Full of culture and history and served the most delicious tea that I will never forget.  A perfect fitting for my Downton Abbey experience.  More on that next time.... 

Have a wonderful day friends!  xo 

12 Days of Christmas // Baked Oatmeal ♥

It's day 4....Baked oatmeal is one of my most favorite breakfasts, especially in winter.  I like to have mine drizzled with warm honey or maple syrup. Baked oatmeal is hearty and will warm you on a cold snowy day.  I was thinking today how lovely this would be on Christmas morning.  Maybe with some crispy bacon on the side.  This version has bananas and almonds in it, but you could certainly leave them out if you wish.  I once substituted the bananas with blueberries and it was delicious ♥

2 cups oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 cups milk

2 eggs  (1 large egg or 2 small)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 bananas

1/2 cup sliced almonds

 

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

 

In a large bowl combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. 

 

 

In a separate bowl mix the maple syrup, milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla. 

 

 

Combine the wet and dry ingredients.  Mix in the almonds. 

Spray a 9 inch pie plate with nonstick spray.  Slice up one of the bananas and arrange it on the bottom of the dish.  Pour the oat mixture over the banana. 

Slice the second banana and arrange it on the top.   Sprinkle on a few more almonds if you wish.

 

Bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown.  Smells delicious.....

 

Serve warm, drizzled with a little cream or honey on top! Mmmmm!

As I type this it's after 11pm and all I can think about is breakfast ♥

 

 

Tonight's tea selection was very special.  It's from a Downton Abbey tea sampler that I received from my friend Marcia last Christmas.  I've been saving these tea bags, only having them on special occasions, because I want them to last.  The Downton Abbey movie trailer came out this week and I've really been missing me some Downton Abbey. 

 

 

 

Mrs. Patmore's Pudding Black Tea has notes of blackberry and vanilla. 

 

It smells as good as it tastes~

 

I cannot wait until next September to see this movie.  Just the theme music in the trailer gave me chills! : )

 

 

Happy Sunday night, my friends! Tomorrow I'm volunteering at John's school's holiday bizarre.  I'm excited to see all the kids shopping and having their picture taken with Santa. 

 

I bet you can guess what tomorrow's post will be about!  ♥

 

 

See you then for day 5!  (we are getting closer! :)