Paris in a Cup

When I began my blog in January of 2012, I had no idea how blogging would affect my life.

I never dreamed that one day I would be having lunch in California with a blogging friend from Indiana.

I first "met" Patty of Patty's Pretty Things when she signed up for, and won, a giveaway on my blog.''

Patty requested a large black A for her pillow

We were partnered last fall ( she loves green and I love red) in the Chaotic Goddess Color Swap.

And, I was really excited when Patty told me that she was coming to California to participate in An Affaire at Downton in Los Angeles. 

via

She arrived a few days early so on Wednesday, I took a lovely drive along the coast through Malibu and Santa Monica to meet Patty in person.

    vintage shops - Venice Beach                 Old Helms Bakery Shops                     Old Towne Orange

I had given Patty a few choices of places to vist and she chose Old Towne Orange.

Great minds think alike because we both had done our research and picked Paris in a Cup as the place we wanted to eat - so Paris it was.

The environment was lovely,

the presentation was perfect

the food was delicious

and the conversation was non-stop.

With 100's of stores to choose from and a limited amount of time, we walked into Country Roads and spent almost our entire shopping time there.

Numerous vendors have filled their booths with eye catching displays.

We just peeked at the garden displays in the back.

I love the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint booth with the strips of paint colors on the walls.

These beachy pillows were calling my name.

Nearly every booth had a gorgeous quilt or two.

Oh, that ladder vignettte!

I thought of my friend Kathy of Kluless when I saw a booth with steampunk items.

These hearts are going onto my TO DO list - notice the knitted heart in the back.

With all the beautiful eye candy to absorb, I only bought only one thing.

A single little zinc pot was all I purchased at Country Roads.

It is a long drive, but I think I need to go back to buy a door or window, that ladder, definitely the gate and that really cute little zinc banner.

And, I almost forgot to show you the sweet little macaroon box that Patty brought me filled with a little nest pendant she made.

Thanks Patty for a fun day.

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