Thursday 27 February 2020

Anyone for Green Tea?

Hello, Lovelies!

I'm going to say what everyone is saying...February was two-weeks long! It absolutely whizzed by! I know it's a leap year February, so we have that one extra day but, February was still two-weeks short!

I hope you are all well in Crochetland?

Before I launch into this post I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you who commented on the last post about boundaries. I'm still working on replying to each and every one of you Lovelies. I know how hard boundaries are to impose, and I know how much self-discipline and soul-searching has to happen before we make those decisions to draw a line in the sand. I loved reading through your comments, which made me feel that our world is indeed a small place and that we are all fighting the same battles no matter where we live.
We are all connected through our common experiences. 💗

I've been slogging through the Green Tea Block, which you may remember I said I was NOT going to begin in the heat of Summer...yet, here we are. Clearly a crochet addict, right? I must be, as I've proven to myself that I will literally crochet anytime, any place, through any weather! In between rounds I have forced myself to do " something nice " for myself. I set up a little rewards system as a way of motivating myself to stop crocheting and get outside. Step 1: Go to the Theatre! So Mr HooksnTales and I visited "the front side of Table  Mountain" ( we live behind this iconic chunk of rock ) to see one of our funniest local comedic talents, Alan Committie at Theatre on The Bay  As always, his show was hilarious BUT what really got me tingly all over was the incredible view over the Bay as we stepped out at intermission. To be honest, I did not want to go back into the Theatre, no matter how funny Alan Committie was.

The mist was rolling in from the Atlantic ocean across the fancy-schmancy apartments along the edge of Clifton Beach, up and over the Twelve Apostles mountain range, which is where Table Mountain tapers off. And the light was positively celestial.

























I reminded myself too, to take those afternoon naps and it wasn't difficult to do, seeing as the heat and high humidity, to begin with, makes me incredibly limp and tired. One afternoon, I napped on the couch with my darling Augusta and woke up to this. Which made me want to lie there forever. Somehow she has turned sleep into an art form. Nisha, for example, still curls up tightly or sleeps in a jackknife position, like someone about to make an elegant swan dive into a crystal pool. Augusta, on the other hand, lolls ( no, she doesn't laugh...ok, maybe inside )...she spreads out, lies on her back and just, well... lolls about, as relaxed and at ease, as ever a Cat was who knows it is madly loved, and safe. She is a constant reminder to me to lower my shoulders and exhale.


I don't know about you but I am a Magpie. Yesterday, when Roxy and I were galavanting about our local forest, I found these on the edge of the road. Seed pods from? Can you guess? This might be a fun question for today? In the comments section below leave a comment and let me know if you can guess, or if you positively know, which Tree belongs to these seed pods. Don't forget to also leave your Ravelry name to win a free copy of this lovely pattern. by Rachel Beth.


And lastly...tadaaaaaa! The Green Tea Block, done and dusted! You can find the pattern HERE! I had lots of fun digitally changing the colourways. Initially, I wasn't going to share the results but then I thought, oh wait, these could be very useful to help everyone connect with their colour creativity and choose different colourways. I'm looking forward to working on the Extension for this Block as the weather begins to cool down. The Throw will be ready just as Winter kicks in for us "southerners". I can't wait for the coolth!😊

I've listed all the yarn and colours I used in the NOTES section on the Ravelry pattern page for Green Tea. The colourway that initially inspired me was this. But I've sort of toned down the palette and ended up with nothing like my original inspiration. That's how the designing dice rolls I guess?




This is the original colourway. The next four are digitally coloured.






Today, I will be sending out 10 x copies of the Green Tea Block to ten randomly chosen recipients of our last Giveaway, so do watch your Ravelry inbox!

And on that colourful note, I am going to say byeeeeee and see you in Crochetland!
Happy Friday and Happy Weekend to you all! Don't forget to nap.
💗 Jen


98 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm quite pleased how it came out in the end. xx

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  2. So pretty in all colourways! I would die without my daily naps (mostly because I'm so grumpy without them someone would top me off lol.)Those look like Jacaranda pods. (Ravelry name: shapeshoulder)

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    1. Lol!! Then you better make sure you wiggle those naps into your daily schedule. We don't want a crochet-murder-mystery on our hands right? :D

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  3. Hi Jen,
    I really Love this new pattern of yours (✿◠‿◠) My guess for the Seed Pod photo above would be the Jacaranda tree pods seeds ? allnineskr is my Ravelry name. (﹥‿◠)✌ Thank you so much for all your inspiration!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! Happy weekend! :D xx

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  4. What a gorgeous design, Jen!!❤️❤️❤️ No idea about the seed pods, though 😂

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    1. Thanks so much, no worries about the seed pods, I'll still enter you for the Giveaway! :D Happy weekend! xox

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  5. The Green Tea is stunning. As for those seed pods and being an ex-Jacaranda City citizen, it's the Jacaranda tree! We had one in the bottom if our garden, oh so pretty but oh so messy too! Ravelry user SandyLubbe

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    1. Soooo messy, but so so beautiful... and weirdly I am allergic to the petals or something! They literally cause my throat to close up! How sad is that! :D Happy weekend, Sandy!

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  6. Love this, I have no idea on the pod. Ravelry name: nzbrooks
    You have such beautiful work.

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    1. Thank you so much,Norreen...and I'll still enter you into the Giveaway even if you don't know which seed pod this is. :D Happy weekend! :)

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  7. Those are pods of the lovely Jacaranda tree! And Jen... I just love the Green Tea block!! �� Now I know what my next project will be!!
    Thank you for once again spoiling us!! Ravelry name mariedereuck

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    1. Thank you, Marie! I really enjoyed making it and it's also really an easy pattern! Happy weekend! :) xx

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  8. Looks like Jacaranda pods to me. Love those purple flowers. My Ravelry name is marblepuss. Thanks Jen. Can't wait to do this one. Xxx

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    1. I hope you'll share your completed Green Tea? I'm excited to see all the different colourways from you amazing bunch of talented crocheters! :D xx

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  9. Jacaranda pods.And the green tea square is gorgeous. Looking forward to the extension but take your time and enjoy life. Your loyal fan Tammy Donatcarter

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    1. Aw, Tammy thanks for that! I have so many ideas for the extension that I'm a bit frozen about which idea to committ too! :D Happy weekend! xox

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  10. I see everyone is guessing Jacaranda so i did look it up on google and I agree. My ravelry name is sundancer861

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    1. Hahaha...you're like me...I still check even when everyone is saying the same thing! :D Are you a Virgo by any chance? :D Happy weekend! xx

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  11. Oh such a beautiful picture of outside the theatre.. I totally understand the reluctance to go back inside.
    I have no clue whatsoever what seedpods they are.. pretty sure we dont have them here in Holland!! But I love the shawl :D. My rav id is SimoneY
    As for your square: it is simply an other piece of jewellery. I love it!

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    1. I actually googled to see if this tree grows anywhere in the Netherlands...and I couldn't find a reference. That's sad! :D I'm so glad you liked the shawl and thank you for your kind words about the Green Tea! Happy weekend, Simone! :) xx

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  12. Gorgeous! Ravelry name is moondaemoness

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  13. Marvelous .amazingly inspired by you

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    1. Aw, thanks so much! Happy weekend! :) xox

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  14. Jacaranda pods...make lovely swans for wedding decorations from them, such fun.
    Love the detail in this Green Tea block...❤ my ravelry name is niciroiana

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    1. Oooo, those sound amazing!In my minds eye I can sort of see them as Swans...how LOVELY!!! Is there anywhere I can see your Swans? Happy weekend! xox

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  15. Wow, beautiful my ravelry name is: avarravonkoeller

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    1. Thanks so much , Avarra! Happy weekend! xx

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  16. Jacaranda pod I think. Beautifully done.

    Raverly name. Stace976

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    1. Thanks so much, Stace! Happy weekend! xx

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  17. Stunning... pods are from Jacaranda tree , Raverly name .. dgoeldner
    Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. You're welcome, Denise! Good luck and happy weekend! :) xx

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  18. Hi Jen, I dont miss a Alan Committie Show. My husband has silver grey hair and we have a large group that does shows together and we always get tickets in the first 5 rows. We dont buy memories we make them. Anyway it must be the colour of my hubby's hair but Alan finds him everytime and uses him in the show in whatever he is doing. It is so funny to see my hubby trying to cringe down in his seat trying to hide himself. The seed pod changes our city to purple in October/early November, absolutely beautif and is the Jacaranda Tree. Ravelry, Jennyfive.

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    1. Omg, Alan is good at singling people out and that's why I make sure we always book waaaaay in the back. :D Your Hubby could wear a hat next time...however, Alan would definitely pick on him...a wig, maybe? :D I really think we do have to conciously make an effort to create happy memories, as you say. Happy weekend, Jenny. xx

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  19. Just wow, i mean how creative you are, really impressed, loving the colours and all the detailed stitches,
    Ravelry id nidaAsif

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    1. Aw, thanks so much!! :D Happy weekend! xox

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  20. This is so beautiful. I love to crochet one of your patterns but I can not buy one because of paying methods. In my country there is no Paypal option �� Ravelry id Sercansenay

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    1. Oh, that is a shame Sercan! Where in the world do you live?

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  21. Definitely jacarandas pods. Did not think I would recognise a seed pod, but one of the few I know. Lining in SA, hard not to recognise one. My Rav name is doidgea. Thanks, Jen.

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    1. Hi Adri! Yes, indeed, as a Saffa, I think these seedpods and Trees are pretty iconic! :D Happy weekend! xox

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  22. So beautiful, the new pattern and your beautiful landscape. You truly love in a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing that beauty with those of us across the world (and under a blanket of snow!). I have absolutely no idea what those seed pods are from and I don't think I've very seen a tree with pods like that.
    Happy weekend. Ravelry ID: Lenaknits

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    1. Hi Lena ( please send snow ). No worries if you don't know, I'll still be entering you into the Giveaway! Happy weekend. xox

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    2. Where can I get the pattern??

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  23. So in awe of your artistry! Want you to know that working from your patterns brings me such happiness. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us.

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    1. Shooweee, my little heart is very happy to hear that! Once in a while I get a message on Ravelry telling me what a horrible person I am and how I have made life so hard because my patterns are stressful! Lol! Happy weekend, Puma! xox

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  24. So beautiful! I love seeing all the color variations of the green tea block. I have no idea about the seed pods, but everyone else has you covered. 😉 Ravelry - JDezember

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    1. They do indeed! Happy weekend! :D xox

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  25. Hello dear Jen. What a wonderful picture of your vieuw from outside the theater. Here in Holland it is cold and very windy and I am really looking forward to upcoming spring. I had a really fun holiday last week with you and High Tea. I started to talk back to you and hubby was really amused by that. I really love the High Tea pattern. I have nö idea what specimen the steeds are ☹️. I love the green tea and am looking forward to making it. Love liahartman

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    1. Oh my word, I love that Lia! I do always feel that I am sitting in a group with all you lovely ladies and we are drinking tea or coffee and eating cookies and crocheting ( and chatting of course! ). Happy weekend my dear! xox

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  26. What an absolutely beautiful design in each and every different colour. You are very very talented. I cannot think of a name for your seed pods though. My Ravelry name is What I Created Next. Have a blessed weekend xx

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    1. And a blessed weekend to you too, Tanya! No worries though if you can't guess the seed pod, I'll still be entering you into the Giveaway! :) xx

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  27. Your blog posts are as lovely as your designs. Thank you for the opportunity to win. I believe it's a Jacaranda pod. My Ravelry ID: AutumncraftsDsgns Have a beautiful weekend!

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    1. Thank you so much! Happy weekend! :) xox

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  28. littlecaterpillar28 February 2020 at 04:54

    Jen! Jen! Jen! Jen! Jen! This is sooooo beautiful! I daresay I like it the best of tea party! I snatched it right away, just had to have it even if I don't have the time to get started on it just now. Thank you for sharing, I enjoy your stories and your talents so much! Hugs to you and your fur babies~xoxo!

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    1. Aw, hugs right back! Happy weekend! xox

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  29. Happy Friday, Jen!! I'm one of the lucky winners of a copy of Green Tea and I just wanted to say thank you so much, that's so generous of you and I'm so very happy because the pattern is just gorgeous. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

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    1. You're welcome!! Hugs to you and happy weekend! xox

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    2. Where can I get the green tea pattern?.

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  30. This looks like a fairy garden! You are an absolute master with colour and creativity! I love the original, it is so beautiful. Ravelry: petrocloete@gmail.com
    Have a lovely crochetful weekend.

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    1. Thank you so much, Petro! You make me blush, girl! :D Happy crochetful weekend to you too! :) xox

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    2. Where can I get the pattern??

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  31. So excited for this newest release! <3 I think those are Brazil nut seed pods, right? And my ravelry name is dbriegel. Hoping my name comes up for the win this time :)

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    1. I hope you enjoy making it, Diana! Happy weekend! xox

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  32. Hi Jen, so nice to have found you! Your continuous efforts to keep all of us happy are so much appreciated!
    I also have the habit of bringing back home everything that strikes my eye and Jacaranda seeds have been a joy when I first found them in Athens. I must admit that where I live, in Tuscany, I never saw this wonderful tree...
    Thanks again for all you do and please keep strong, productive and relaxed ...eventually lol. Cats help !
    Ravelry : Katerina1953
    Ps. Love photography as well and very much appreciate your beautiful shots!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Katerina and from my favourite place in the world!In my dreams I am living in a small cottage in Tuscany, eating ripe Figs and Olives with Tomato and Basil Bruschetta...and crocheting all day at a table under a grapevine pegola. Cats, of course, are also part of this picture.:D ). Happy weekend! xox

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  33. Love the colors for the Green Tea! I have no idea what that pod is so it must not grow in my neck of the woods. I,too, love a good nap and have found a 20 - 30 min power nap does wonders for my mood and productivity. Have a wonderful day! Rav name Bubbalips.

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    1. Naps, someone should write a book about them, right? And and you say, that is really all you need, 20-30minutes a day. Happy weekend! xox

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  34. Waao this is so beautiful. Colours are awsome.looks like a beautiful mermaid tail❤ would love to give it a try.

    Ravelry id : Sohail

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    1. Thank you, Naina! Happy weekend. :) xx

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  35. Thank you so much for such a lovely and colorful pattern. I have been gazing at it for so long and still can't get enough of it . It's unbelievable how you have captured so much beauty in one Pic.
    Thank you for the love and beautiful pattern.
    Ravelry id: aminausmankhan

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    1. Aw, thank you for always making me feel so good with your kind words, Amina! Joyful weekend to you! :) xox

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    2. Where can I get the pattern please?

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    3. Where can I get the pattern ..

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  36. LOVE! Going to add on ravelry right now!

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  37. I love the block--I think it is my favorite of the Teas. I admit I was expecting a more green/coffee type of colorway and so I was pleasantly surprised at this vibrant beauty! I will wait and see how other people are doing their colors as I tend to be fickle with these things.

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  38. Another beautiful crochet block, all the colourways are so lovely! As an Australian living in wintery England, those seed pods make me think of the gorgeous Jacaranda trees that flower in my mum's Queensland garden in the Spring, that's what the pretty purple block reminds me of as well. Ravelry Tamzing

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  39. Oh its stunning! And so is Augusta, what a precious companion ��
    Seed pods look like a Jacaranda tree to me, and the season is right for them too this side of the world
    Lovely blog post, as always xxx

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    1. Miss Augusta, sigh, she is really a darling Cat. A true "zen" cat and an ode against busy busy busy. :D Happy weekend, Charmaine!xx

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  40. Yes these are jacaranda tree seeds. This pattern is soooo lovely my ID
    kiranuzhat

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  41. What a lovely surprise in my inbox this morning thank you so much, cant wait ot get on with it fingers are twitching , yes Jacarandah for sure.Have a lovely leap dayXXXX00000

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  42. Hi Jen. Again, I love your patterns. I had no idea of the name of the seed pods until I looked it up - thanks to others' comments - Jacaranda. Have a great weekend. Ravelry name - cksteffen

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  43. When I die, I want my ashes to nourish the seed of a Jacaranda tree so that I might spend my next incarnation as a beautiful tree,branches spread wide to embrace the world and purple flowers to delight onlookers and inspire their next creative project.My hope is that many will join me so we can breathe life and beauty into this tired old world.

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    1. Ditto everything you said dear Noelene. xx

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  44. Lovely pattern. Perfect to go with the other 3 ....wish there was a yarn list for the blue/brown...it is gorgeous! Looking forward to seeing the extension in May.
    I have never seen a more relaxed kitty.....looking for a belly rub😃
    Rav: doco5256

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    1. I know, sorry Donna...it's just a digitally enhanced image but I think If you have a fav yarn you could closely match it up? :D Let me know if you do! xx

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  45. The original colors in The Green Tea Block are my favorite. I just love your designs.
    Ravelry name is MariaParrishOtt

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  46. My favourite tea is green tea with this combination

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  47. Green tea is one of the most popular herbal drinks in the world. It’s expected that the global tea market will reach US$77.784 billion by 2026.It’s one of the most beneficial and cheapest beverages in the market, and its rising popularity raises many questions, one of which is how much green tea should be consumed in a day.
    If you like having green tea every day, a thermos flask is a great way to keep the beverage hot. Ikom Store has a huge range of flasks available in various colors for you to buy. Whether you want to take the green tea to your office or save it for later, to buy Stainless Steel Flask would be a great choice.

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