Mother's Day Weekend Surprise!!

For Mother's Day I thought it would be fun to plan a little surprise day trip for my mom.  I kept her in suspense until we started to see signs for the adorable town we were going to visit, Winnsboro!  I had always wanted to visit here, so this proved the perfect opportunity and this choice of destination did not disappoint.  They have such an adorable downtown area and I cannot wait to return!  We happened upon the most adorable Bistro for lunch and were in a bit of a rush since our next stop on the journey involved appointments in thirty minutes, but the staff there was so gracious and helpful.  They were able to provide a fabulous lunch quickly!!

I just loved the interior of the Winnsboro Bistro.  The ceiling has beautifully gathered fabric that meets in the center of the room.  Love the chandeliers, too!

The warmth and richness of the tones was just perfect for the setting.

Here is where the fabric gathers in the middle.

I think this would be a lovely place for any party!

Here's my beautiful mama.  It was so special to celebrate her!!

We both ordered tomato basil soup and yes, it was as delicous as it looks!! 

After our quick and fabulous lunch, we headed to our next appointment:

 

Copper Leaf Day Spa!!  

I had heard how fabulous this place was and it deserves all that praise and more.  We had a wonderful time!  I booked pedicure appointments for mom and me and since our appointments were back to back, they took me to a cozy little room to relax while Mom was getting her pedicure.

Here is my view in my little oasis of calm.  They had a wonderful overstuffed armchair and ottoman to relax in and also brought me the most fabulous warm neck wrap.  I confess I almost dozed off a few times because it was so relaxing.  I loved that they had Real Simple magazine, too -- one of my favorites!

Here's a picture of a very happy, relaxed girl!

Then, it was time for my pedicure, which was also fabulous! 

Here we are with our finished products!!  Mom chose a fantastic red and mine is more hot pink. :)

After the pedicures, we thought a little coffee treat might be nice, so we moseyed on over to another part of the downtown area to this fun little place!

 

They had such a fun and expansive menu that it was hard to decide what to order.  I finally settled on the Market Street Macchiato and it was delicious!  We enjoyed having a good visit in the fun ambiance of the coffee shop.

They had such fun coffee cups and accessories for sale, too!  

Then, we spent a little time shopping! :)  Mom found a treat for Little B and a lovely book of quotes from a mother to a daughter.

 

Oh, how blessed I am to have you for my mother.  

I love you so much and am so thankful we got to share this day together and celebrate you!! 

Mother's Day Weekend Surprise!!

For Mother's Day I thought it would be fun to plan a little surprise day trip for my mom.  I kept her in suspense until we started to see signs for the adorable town we were going to visit, Winnsboro!  I had always wanted to visit here, so this proved the perfect opportunity and this choice of destination did not disappoint.  They have such an adorable downtown area and I cannot wait to return!  We happened upon the most adorable Bistro for lunch and were in a bit of a rush since our next stop on the journey involved appointments in thirty minutes, but the staff there was so gracious and helpful.  They were able to provide a fabulous lunch quickly!!

I just loved the interior of the Winnsboro Bistro.  The ceiling has beautifully gathered fabric that meets in the center of the room.  Love the chandeliers, too!

The warmth and richness of the tones was just perfect for the setting.

Here is where the fabric gathers in the middle.

I think this would be a lovely place for any party!

Here's my beautiful mama.  It was so special to celebrate her!!

We both ordered tomato basil soup and yes, it was as delicous as it looks!! 

After our quick and fabulous lunch, we headed to our next appointment:

 

Copper Leaf Day Spa!!  

I had heard how fabulous this place was and it deserves all that praise and more.  We had a wonderful time!  I booked pedicure appointments for mom and me and since our appointments were back to back, they took me to a cozy little room to relax while Mom was getting her pedicure.

Here is my view in my little oasis of calm.  They had a wonderful overstuffed armchair and ottoman to relax in and also brought me the most fabulous warm neck wrap.  I confess I almost dozed off a few times because it was so relaxing.  I loved that they had Real Simple magazine, too -- one of my favorites!

Here's a picture of a very happy, relaxed girl!

Then, it was time for my pedicure, which was also fabulous! 

Here we are with our finished products!!  Mom chose a fantastic red and mine is more hot pink. :)

After the pedicures, we thought a little coffee treat might be nice, so we moseyed on over to another part of the downtown area to this fun little place!

 

They had such a fun and expansive menu that it was hard to decide what to order.  I finally settled on the Market Street Macchiato and it was delicious!  We enjoyed having a good visit in the fun ambiance of the coffee shop.

They had such fun coffee cups and accessories for sale, too!  

Then, we spent a little time shopping! :)  Mom found a treat for Little B and a lovely book of quotes from a mother to a daughter.

 

Oh, how blessed I am to have you for my mother.  

I love you so much and am so thankful we got to share this day together and celebrate you!! 

Family Recipe Luncheon

I went to my parents' house for Easter and had such a fun time.  This post is long overdue, but while I was home, I attended a sweet luncheon in honor of my soon-to-be cousin-in-law!!  Okay, I'm not sure if cousin-in-law is a true term, but it was so fun to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Chantel to my cousin Trav! 

The tables were decorated so beautifully.  I loved the fabulous spring colors!

Here is one of the yummy plates!  We had so much fun gabbing away.  Dessert was strawberry shortcake with the most delicious pound cake -- the perfect spring sweet!  After dessert, we gathered in the living room for Chantel to open her gifts.  The theme of the party was family recipes and we brought recipes and an ingredient or kitchen gadget you would use to make it.  I thought that was such a great idea.  All the recipes cards were placed in a book, so Chantel will have these yummy recipes right at her fingertips.   

Muvie and Chantel

Me and the Bride-to-be

 

It was so good to catch up with these fabulous women and spend some time remembering those who have gone before through their special signature dishes.  I love how family dishes tie us all together, connecting us to the past as we step into the future.  What are some of your favorite family recipes?

Family Recipe Luncheon

I went to my parents' house for Easter and had such a fun time.  This post is long overdue, but while I was home, I attended a sweet luncheon in honor of my soon-to-be cousin-in-law!!  Okay, I'm not sure if cousin-in-law is a true term, but it was so fun to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Chantel to my cousin Trav! 

The tables were decorated so beautifully.  I loved the fabulous spring colors!

Here is one of the yummy plates!  We had so much fun gabbing away.  Dessert was strawberry shortcake with the most delicious pound cake -- the perfect spring sweet!  After dessert, we gathered in the living room for Chantel to open her gifts.  The theme of the party was family recipes and we brought recipes and an ingredient or kitchen gadget you would use to make it.  I thought that was such a great idea.  All the recipes cards were placed in a book, so Chantel will have these yummy recipes right at her fingertips.   

Muvie and Chantel

Me and the Bride-to-be

 

It was so good to catch up with these fabulous women and spend some time remembering those who have gone before through their special signature dishes.  I love how family dishes tie us all together, connecting us to the past as we step into the future.  What are some of your favorite family recipes?

Last Weekend

Last weekend I journeyed to Nebraska for my brother's graduation from grad school.  We had so much fun!!  I flew in Saturday around noon and my cousin Will was so kind to pick me up from the airport and take me to the house for the party festivities.  Once we got into town, Will and I met my brother for lunch at this fabulous restaurant called Bread and Cup.  They use all local produce in their dishes and I loved my veggie sandwich and asparagus potato soup!  Then, Edwin, Will, and I headed to The Mill for a little coffee after our lunch.  Well, I had a soy chai latte, but the boys had coffee. 

Then, we headed to the house for a fabulous graduation celebration!  Mom and Dad drove up for the festivities, so they arrived shortly after we did. 

 

Edwin and Will, cousins and new graduates!  Will is actually graduating today as I write this.  Congratulations, Doc!!

 Megan and her mom putting just the right amount of seasoning on the burgers. :)

 Bette's adorable centerpiece.

Mom and Megan

 Before the guests arrived, Megan and Edwin opened a few gifts for Little B, my soon-to-arrive nephew!!

 The perfect gift for the son of a Ranger's fan!! :)

 And Muvie knitted these adorable baby booties.  I think they are so sweet!!

 It was such a treat to see Megan's sisters, MacKenzie and Mallory, too!!

 The beautiful Vogt women. :)

 Some really great guys!!

 We loved the way these fun couples color-coordinated their party attire. :)

 Here are Megan and Edwin's two cats, Baylor (above) and Bear (below).

 Any guesses to the alma mater of their owners?? :)

 Dad and Will sharing a laugh.

 

Edwin was so excited to show us the traveling system for the baby.

 I think he looks like a pro!

 Here's a sneak peek at Little B's nursery.  I think it is so precious!!  The wall art is so sweet and says,
"Lord, bless this little lamb".

 I love the way they have arranged the shelves.  Can't wait to read some of those sweet books to Little B!

 This painting is one my Great Aunt Katherine did and the color scheme is perfect in the room.  I love how things like art can connect us to generations who have gone before. 

 Another closeup of the art.  Megan's cousin free-handed the writing.  Isn't she amazing!!

 And I'm sure this area will get a lot of use in the coming months and years!  I just love all of the lamb accents.

 Here is Pops taking everything in.  He looks especially interested in the Nolan Ryan cutout on Little B's shelf! :)

 I think the bedding is so sweet.  It is a baby blue toile.

 Megan showed us some options for Little B's going home outfit -- so sweet!

 We had so much fun eating yummy brats and burgers hot off the grill and spending time with family and friends that I forgot to take many pictures of the festivities!! :)

 I did manage to get this one of one of Edwin's gifts.  I think it is perfect!!

 After a delicious dinner and fabulous dessert, we went outside and enjoyed some time around the fire pit.

Laughter is always in copious quantities when you are with this group!  

Thanks for hosting such a fabulous party and congratulations to the graduate!! :)

The next day was graduation, so we caravaned to Edwin's school and were so proud when Edwin walked across the stage.  Here are some images from that special day:

 It was a little chilly for us folks from Texas! :)

 A very precious couple!!

 Mom and Grad

 

 Congratulations, Edwin!!  We are so proud of you!

 After graduation, we headed to a celebratory lunch at the same place where Edwin and Megan had their wedding reception!! 

The restaurant had a lovely fireplace!!  

The food was delicious!  We had homemade doughnut holes with raspberry and chocolate sauce for an appetizer and I ordered an omelet with blue crab and asparagus.  Phenomenal!!

Here Edwin is opening his graduation gift from all of us...

 I thought Megan did a great job with the presentation!!

Congratulations, Brother!  I am so proud of you and all your wonderful achievements!

After  lunch, Edwin took us on a tour of his school.

 It is an older building with wonderful windows.

 I just loved all the decorative elements outside.

After the tour, we had a delicious lemon dessert that Megan made. :)

Yummy!!

The next morning we got to have breakfast with Edwin and Megan before Mom and Dad took me to the airport.  I had such a good time!!  Thanks so much for your precious hospitality!  Can't wait to see you all very soon! :)