Ladies Take On Florida

Spring Break 2015!

This year we took along a friend who enjoys sunsets as much as we do.

For years, my friend Wanda has commented and liked my photos of sunsets when we have vacationed in Sarasota.

Our paths crossed many years ago when she gave me my first hair cut. We stayed connected over the years mostly by social media. Occasionally we'd get to do lunch or parties together. So when I saw her on one of the coldest days this winter at the local post office. I asked her, "So, are you going to go with us to see the sunsets in person this year?" She quickly replied "YES! I am!" She later told me she surprised herself with her boldness of just saying she was going and not knowing what it would hold.

A few texts and a couple of weeks later, the day finally came for the ladies to head south.

Little did we know that we'd face an obstacle on the day we were to leave for vacation.

A big, wild turkey flew into our windshield. So when I sent Wanda this picture, her wheels started spinning for our next plan. She soon texted back that we could use her company van, and a couple hours later we were on the way.

We have been having many firsts on this adventure.

We couldn't have picked a greater traveling partner!

Wanda has blessed us with her presence and feels like she been part of our family for years. Here she is trying her first sushi with my daughters.

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We have found many treasures while thrifting.

We have managed to find our secret beaches where you don't see half of our community sunbathing on their spring break.

At the Sarasota Farmers Market, we were so excited to see our sweet friend Angela who lives here 

This is always a Saturday morning favorite.

Our sweet Wanda has spoiled us with serving us and cleaning up after us. She has such a servant's heart.

One day we went to the Jetty in Venice.

Its always a hoot when I hang out with my girls. They're the crazies, funniest people I know.

On this day, the girls and I tried our first oysters.

Angela took us for our first Anna Marie Donuts.

Still thinking about this experience. The bacon caramel donut was AAAMAZING!

Wanda's first Ross shopping. She's hooked:)

The Croissant & Co. in Venice makes you feel like you're in France.



God gave us this kiss. I happened to capture the moment when one of the dolphins surfaced.

I always stop to admire these bright Easter-egg-colored houses that should be a part of a dream.

I was so happy to find this piece of driftwood. I will be using it to display our Farmhouse Frocks spoon rings. Do you see the cross that showed up in the picture?

We also drove down the road where the rich and famous live and took a picture of Oprah's house.

We have so enjoyed our company and exploring all the treasures that Sarasota offers as we rejuvenate our souls for the reality that will hit us soon enough.

As we soak up the last days in the sun and try to absorb every sunset, we consider ourselves blessed by the new addition to our family.

Wanda, you're a gem and we love you!

Country Living Fair In Columbus 2014

This past Friday, my friend Barb and I headed to the city in hopes of getting inspired by the talented vendors at the Country Living Fair.

As we headed out beyond the the hills of Holmes County, we were excited for what the day might hold.

When we arrived at the fair on opening morning, the lines were long and there were happy women as far as the eye could see.

We soon saw the familiar face of my new friend Becky from Rust & Found. She's the first store to be carrying my new clothing line, Farmhouse Frocks.

We loved all the neat displays of the vendors.

CUTE & TRUE!

I love the urn I picked up at my new friend Bessie's booth that's called Besserina.

It gave me a big confidence boost for my confidence about my new clothing line that several people stopped me to ask where I bought my outfit.

 

Isn't this glamping vintage sheet that the Sisters On The Fly had displayed adorable?

I was so happy to see my friend Q from Philadelphia. She got to come to Amish Country and spend a couple of days with me after the fair.

She is so talented and you can visit her on the web here at Q Created. 



This industrial headboard inspired me.



I lusted after this barrel of wooden shoe forms. 

 

The all-white ironstone was also a big eye-catcher.

 

This painted cow chair was fun and would look wonderful in an old farmhouse.

 

My friend Summer from Summerthyme Chic Boutique always has amazing displays.

Brilliant!

 

I loved the all-white displays.

 

One can never have enough ironstone...

 

or vintage suitcases.

 

My friend loved the bracelets she treated herself to. I liked the saying on them.



 

Barb held these up and said, "Lena, these look like your Farmhouse Frocks!"

The only disappointment of the day was that when I arrived at the Country Living Fair and was ready to take the first picture, I discovered I was missing the SD card in the camera. So you had to see the unclear phone pictures I took, instead.

We played hard, now its time to work hard as we get ready for our big Vintage Sale and Farmhouse Frocks launch that will be held at my friend Barb's house here in Amish Country this weekend.

Will we see you there? I hope so, because we will have many treasures ready for you, like this cool, upcycled industrial whisk that's made into a lamp!

I hope you enjoy your day, make new friends, and find inspiration in the things around you! 

Real Housewives of Holmes County go to Fete Blanc in Columbus

I'm so excited to share with you this fun event that my friends and I attended last week. Fête en Blanc originated in France. It's an all-white picnic where everyone is to wear all white and to bring their own picnic table, chairs, food, spirits, et tout le reste.

Doesn't that sound kind of dreamy?

Eight of us girls headed to the city from Amish Country in great anticipation of what the night would bring.

This event took place at the Greenlawn Abby in Columbus, Ohio.

We had no idea that we'd start out the night with a little drama over a missing table. I'm still chuckling at the fact that we were being detectives as we eyeballed the legs and a lifted a few white linens with no success at spotting the missing link to a happy white picnic.

After all, the bike club went without a table, so why not these housewives?

But then some kind souls shared their extra table with us, and these creative ladies I call my friends we were ready to relax and enjoy.

My friend Rebecca from Rebecca's Bistro brought this amazing salad.

There was lots of ironstone...

And generous amounts of burlap and spirits...

Plus plenty of flowers and sparkles...

And friendships! Of course! What more could we ask for as we listened to the Randys Band treat the crowd to some sweet jazz.

I always enjoy walking around and seeing other beautiful people and tablescapes.

Yum! Simple and colorful.

One guy broke the rule and wore a blue shirt.!

The expressions and all white dishes were stunning.

I'm still wondering what were in these wraps!

This sweet lady was part of the bike club that came wheeling in on their rides.

This cheese plate was so stunning.

Trendy and cute with the picnic basket.

These lovely ladies were sweet and friendly.

We drew a lot of attention with the stunning center piece Summer brought. The silver suitcase it was sitting on really did come from France.

The backdrop was so amazing.



As the night closed in, we headed back to the country with memories of a magical experience that only Fête en Blanc could deliver.

Two funny facts of the evening:

The table was left at home in the garage when someone forgot to load it!

There was a big fat toad in one of the cars when the valet returned with it.

I want to thank all of my friends who were part of this event. I'm blessed to call you my friends.

I hope this motivated you to host your own Fête en Blanc in your backyard or perhaps by a pond. Or maybe even close your street and make it a block party! Whatever you do, make it lovely with good food, great friends, and lots of laughs. Au revoir!