Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A Shabby Chic Affair Part II

Hello everyone! I know it's been a very long while since my last post. But thought I'd share just a few pictures from the Rachel Ashwell Book Signing last October 10th in Santa Monica.

The last time I went to one of her events was exactly 2 years ago when her book, "Shabby Chic Inspirations" was published. This time around, I was here for her latest inspiration, "Rachel Ashwell Couture Prairie & Flea Market Treasures!" And let me tell you, there is so much eye candy! :)


Before I begin, I just want to note that I lost my camera months ago - so all of these photos were taken on my iPhone. So please excuse me if the quality isn't that great.

It was starting to get dark as well, so not a lot of natural lighting wasn't helping either. So I apologize in advance if these photos are not as crisp & clear.


So now where were we?

Ah yes, well when you first walk in, you are greeted by a lovely barrel of floral pretties {yes, just like in her prairie book!}. As I began to walk further in, my heart began to beat faster as I came across each yummy item in her store!

By the way, this happens to me each and every time I enter this lovely place!


I saw her from afar and quickly got in line to have my book signed. But not before I snapped a photo of this lovely table setting.

Don't you just love this table and all of the shabby chic linen goodies?!?!


As I approached Rachel, the first thing I did was ask if I could give her a hug {she was so kind enough to let me!}. She is just so amazing and absolutely down to earth!


We chatted for a bit and the subject of "Instagram" came up! We were discussing how much easier it was to just snap a photo on your phone and then posting it, vs. a blog post or keeping up with Facebook.

And when she asked me what my Instagram username was, I was very humbled and excited to hear that she knew of my account! Really? Well, that was extremely flattering! My photos are just so & so compared to all of the talented bloggers and Instagram users out there, so it really did mean a lot to me that she would recognize "A Cozy Cottage in the City!"


She then kindly signed my copy of her latest publication!

I also was able to meet the very lovely "Janis Faye" - a very sweet RA staff member who I came across on Instagram and had the pleasure of meeting in person.

Here is a photo of Rachel and I. Doesn't she look fabulous? I swear, she never ages!


By the way, I went with my wonderful sister - but she won't let me post a public photo of her on here. But I thank her for coming with me to the signing! :)


After everyone had their books signed, we had the opportunity to have a personal Q & A session with Rachel. I have to tell you that I absolutely LOVED hearing her funny and inspirational stories; I just adore her even more. :)

I also want to add that Rachel's dear father was also there at the signing and she introduced him to all of us. Towards the end of the night, Rachel's daughter - Lily Ashwell also came by as well. It was really all surreal to see so much inspiration in one place. :)


Throughout the evening we enjoyed the most cutest, prairie cupcakes and tasty refreshments, served up in these fabulous glass jars.


I honestly felt "at home" sitting on those soft cozy sofas, listening to the queen of Shabby Chic chat with her loyal fans. :)


I could literally be in her store all day just soaking in all of the loveliness.

And with all those pretty, mushy linens, who could blame me?!?! ;)


I wish I could have taken more pics, but that just about concludes my experience at a "Shabby Chic Affair Part II." If you want to read more about my "first Shabby Chic Affair" then click here.


Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog, I know I haven't been keeping up with it much. But I promise to try and post more often than not!

Until next time, enjoy the rest of your week.


XOXO's,
Jessie
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32 comments:

Rozmeen said...

How lovely! xo

It's me said...

Jessie !!! this post ia amazing !! meeting Rachel is like a dream too me !!...lovely week darling...and don´t stay away that long...hahahaha...love from me...x !

Anonymous said...

Wow! That store looks absolutely beautiful, I can see why you enjoyed it so much. Sorry to hear you lost your camera, but you did a great job with your phone. Going to see if I can find the book now.

Katherines Corner said...

What a lovely compliment to have your beautiful photos recognized. How exciting to meet her, I would be over the moon too. I don't have an instagram account.
I'm so happy to see you blogging again my friend, you have been missed xoxo P.S. please share this wonderful post at the hop on Thursday

Simply Me said...

Oh i so love all them photos !!! i bet you had lots of fun!!! You look Beautiful too!!!! love your bag girl!! Thank you for posting !!! love love

O'reilly's said...

Do you know that I just realized now that you had a blog ?! I'll come back very often thay's for sure and I couldn't see that these pictures were took with your phone because they are absolutly gorgeous ! Can't wait for your next post. Bisous

Unknown said...

Ah...what an amazing time! Everything is lovely! xo Jen

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a wonderful evening and a great memory!! I just received her new book for my birthday and it is fantastic!!

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh my gosh! I'm trying soooo hard not to be jealous of you, Jessie! What a fabulous evening you had with the Queen of Shabby Chic! :) It's my dream to shop in one of her stores one day. Thank you for sharing your exciting evening with us - and btw...you look beautiful next to Rachel! :) Great pic!

xoxo laurie

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

What a fantastic evening!!!!So glad to see your post:))
You look so happy!!!!
xo~ Cheryl

Seawashed said...

It looks wonderful! I only blog Nd etsy. I couldnt keep up with FB and instagram seems too fast for me... Like over load. I guess i am getting older. Lol. Thanks for sharing.

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Jessie,
I love her Santa Monica shop, I hit it often, love the whole street, MONTANA ave has some really great shopping loved shopping Cat house, room with a view, heading over to my favorite Susan's shop BOUNTIFUL in town of Venice, the 3rd street promenade for my absolute favorite Anthropologie shop, I hope you had a chance to make it to plenty of shops in Santa Monica.

Thank you for your beautiful share,

Keeping inspiring all the grace and beauty you happen upon :)

Xx
Doré

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

I loved seeing all of your yummy shabby chic photos! You are so lucky to be close to her store and able to go to the book signings.
I need to finally do a post again, too! Instagram is just wayyyyy too easy!!
Have a great night sweet friend!
~Shanon

okcamp said...

Awesome post, Jessie. Will definitely visit that store if I ever get out to Cali. Welcome back!
Diane

June said...

This must have been the most amazing meeting Jesse!!! I can only dream of meeting her someday. I love every thing she does!!!You look so beautiful in those photos dear friend. Just beautiful!!!!!!
sending hugs...

Anonymous said...

So beautiful my friend!! It looks like you had a lovely time!!
Wishing you a wonderful day!!
Sincerely,
Melinda

Noir et Doré said...

i love these pics!
whish my house is like this !!

www.noiretdore.com

Tanya said...

Jessie! You're so so beautiful! Really happy to know you! These photos look absolutely lovely!!! One day hope to visit this great store! Wishing you a fabulous day! Tanya with love.

Stacey@ Cottage Stitches said...

so fun...i would have loved this so much! happy for you that you got to go to another signing. oh, and your instagram is fab by the way!!!
xo,
Stacey

The Blue Farmhouse said...

First I want to say I love the new look of your blog! It looks like you had a great time...and I'm sure meeting Rachel was a treat indeed. She will be in San Luis Obispo next month at The Remnants of the Past Vintage Show...hopefully I can leave my vendor space long enough to see her too.

Rita

Town and Country Gals said...

Jessie,
so glad to hear from you! What an amazing time for you, and the store, fabulous! Such a treat to meet Rachel, you both look gorgeous! I haven't been posting to much lately either, but will be getting back into the swing of things soon now that my daughter's wedding is over, next post, wedding pics.
Rebecca

Town and Country Gals said...

Jessie,
so glad to hear from you! What an amazing time for you, and the store, fabulous! Such a treat to meet Rachel, you both look gorgeous! I haven't been posting to much lately either, but will be getting back into the swing of things soon now that my daughter's wedding is over, next post, wedding pics.
Rebecca

Unknown said...

Amazing photos-I love RA very very much,you is happy women!!!!!
Have a nice weekend!
xoxo

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

You lucky, lucky girl Jessie! I would have had my heart pounding in that store, too. What a treat to chat with Rachel and to learn more during a personal Q & A. Wow! I've got her latest book on my list.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog recently. It was so good to hear from you! I don't do Instagram or Facebook, so still just plugging along here in blogland. :)

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a wonderful post, Jessie. I have a copy of the book, and I love it (although mine isn't autographed). Your photos are wonderful, but I'm sorry you lost your camera.

I would love to meet Rachel and visit The Prairie B&B!

Lovely post,
Ricki Jill

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

How I would love to meet Rachael Ashwell! She is such a talented lady and everything she designs just is perfect! You are one lucky gal! Your pictures were great, too, so no worry there!
Nice to have met you and I am following you, too!
♥ Jil

organicgardendreams said...

Hi Jessie, I greatly admire Rachel Ashwell's style as well and have found a lot of inspiration in her earlier books. Lucky you that you could go to the book signing and meet her in person and see her store.
Christina

Tricia said...

It's so nice to see you again, Jessie. It sure sounds like you had a great night! What a pretty place! I LOVE that first photo.

Grace said...

Happy Pink Saturday! You look fabulous in the pictures. I was suposed to go to Her NYC book signing and was feeling ill so had to go home. Was very sad. Glad you had a wonderful time. Beautiful blog! Grace xoox

bj said...

This is an amazing post and I loved reading it...and seeing your photos.
So glad you and your sis had fun. :)

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

What a great opportunity to meet Rachel…and her designs are gorgeous…loved seeing the wonderful pics!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Jessie!
Stopping by via Beverly's Pink Saturday.
Love your blog title.
xoxo's

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