A Shabby Chic Affair

Happy Monday everyone! How was your weekend? I'm sure everyone is all abuzz about this past weekend's festivities from all over the country, whether it be "Remnants of the Past" here in the West Coast or "Na Da Farm's" event over in the East Coast! I can't wait to see what everyone has been up to! As for me, well today I just want to share with you some pics of a little event that I was so excited to attend!

Last Thursday evening, I attended one of Rachel Ashwell's book signings here at her Southern Cali Shabby Chic Couture location in Santa Monica, CA! Let me just tell you that I was sooo excited to meet her!

It was a little crazy trying to get there because I had to pick up my kiddos and drop them off to the in-laws, then drive back to the westside, so I could attend this event with my sister since my hubby had to work late.

Needless to say that 2+ hours in traffic was a little stressful! Those of you who live here in Southern Cali will know that being stuck on the 405 AND the 101 traffic is no bueno! lol So by the time my sister and I arrived, we were more than an hour and a half late to the signing.

So the first thing I do is try to figure out if it's ok for her to sign my own copy of "Shabby Chic Interiors," as some places make you buy the book there to have it signed. The only problem with that was I had already pre-ordered her new book, "Shabby Chic Inspirations" via Amazon.com, but it was still in transit! :( So I took my other favorite book of hers {Shabby Chic Interiors}. By the way, I have a really FUNNY story to share at the end of this post regarding this situation... ;)

So I get there and everyone is mingling nicely. They are serving champagne, drinks, pastries, treats & such - while I was still quite frazzled! The ladies there told me that she can sign any of my own books and that it was ok to take pictures {had to ask to make sure}. Then I spot Rachel in her oh so charming and extremely lovely self, taking pics with fans. So I get in line excitedly, with my little ole book in hand.

And then finally, it's my turn!!! I chat with her for a bit and tell her that she has been an inspiration, and that "Shabby Chic Home" has really helped me embrace all most of the imperfections of our newly acquired "fixer-upper." She then asks me which books most influenced me, and I tell her without hesitation: Shabby Chic Home & Shabby Chic Interiors.

And there she is signing my book!!! :) She then proceeds to ask if I want to take a picture with her...well of course!!! She is just stunning in person - she is a woman who is elegant, graceful and oh so classy. Me, on the other hand...I was not looking my best! lol Frazzled as I was from the rush of trying to get there {the traffic, the rain, trying to find parking, then having to walk a few blocks}, I wasn't sure if I wanted to post this pic...but here I am with the queen of Shabby Chic! :)

After I take a pic with her, she tells me to relax and make myself at home, and to have some drinks or snacks to enjoy {sweet, isn't she?!?!}! So my sister {who by the way refuses to allow me to post pics of her on this blog, that's why I had to delete my other older post which featured a pic with her} and I grab ourselves a little bubbly and proceed to lounge on the comfy sofas.

There are quite a few to choose from...so I opt to sit on one side of the store. Then make my rounds to taking more pics of the cozy little place, as people move from one section to another to mingle. I took a bunch of pics, but please note that if they seem to be at funky angles - it's only because I was trying to take pictures so that I wouldn't have any people in the background. ;)

Sky's the limit in your type of eye-candy...I know I had to contain myself on my purchases there... :)

Doesn't this piece here look delicious!?!?! I love it!

Curtain call, anyone???

And do you love yourself some linens? Well, this store doesn't disappoint! :)

And they even have a darling nursery section for all you mommies to little ones!

And here we have some very, very vintage plates & such! Can you guess what exactly I bought from this shelf??? :)

They also have lovely table linens, sparkly accessories, candles, mercury glass votive holders, candlesticks, vintage flatware, plates, mugs, cafe au lait bowls, etc.!

Vintage prom dresses

A desk set & an inspirational board.

So many yummy goodiness to choose from! :)

And amongst all this fun, I met another fellow blogger! I heard someone call her by her name...and she was holding a camera in hand. Do you know who I may be talking about???

So in my usual quirky self, I ask if she was..."Dusty Lulu?!?!?" And sure enough, it was!!! Oh she is just the most darling & sweetest person! I tell her that I'm a fan of her blog and we chit-chat and laugh away! I love it when I get to meet another fellow blogger in person! :)

Ok now on to the "funny story" that I had mentioned earlier in this post. Well, the ladies at RASC were throwing a little raffle. And for some reason, I felt that I was gonna be a lucky little gal that night. So at 8pm, they draw out 3 names from a jar...and lo & behold, the 2nd name they call out is me!!! Yippee!!! So I get up to grab my prize, which is all wrapped up in white with ribbon. I knew it was a book, but why I didn't put "two & two" together to realize that I had won the NEW book, "Shabby Chic Inspirations," - I won't really know...a little too much bubbly, perhaps? Nah, I didn't even have half a paper cups worth! lol

So here I was bummed out that the book that I pre-ordered from Amazon.com hadn't arrived in time for the book signing, when I should have unwrapped the little goodie in my hands and have her just sign her new book right there!!! Oh no, instead the next day {Friday}, the book that I ordered from amazon.com arrives...only it comes a day too late! Then the aforementioned hits me like a ridiculous light bulb!!! Just makes me want to pinch myself! lol

So here I am above with my little loot...unaware that it's a book that RA could have signed! lol For some reason, I thought her older book was wrapped up in there {don't ask me why, the darn thing is "see-through!"}! :)

{at home with my Shabby Chic goodies}

Now I have TWO copies of "Shabby Chic Inspirations." Which leads me to mention that I plan on having my very first giveaway sometime soon {can you take a gander at what I might be giving away?!?!?}...so be sure to come back & visit and stay tuned for that! :) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the pics of this event, as much as I enjoyed attending it!!! Until next time, enjoy your new week!!!


XO's,
Jessie

UPDATE: Please CLICK HERE to join my First Giveaway where you can enter to win a copy of Rachel Ashwell's latest book, "Shabby Chic Inspirations." {Giveaway ends 10.30.2011}

Sharing with:
A Beach Cottage
At The Picket Fence
Faded Charm
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Free Pretty Things For You
Life Made Lovely
Pink Saturday
Type A
Very Merry Vintage Style