to Venice...
not Venice Italy, but the next best thing, Venice Florida! Packing up again, leaving the cold here in Pennsylvania and I'm taking my mom for just a girls getaway soon, we're staying at the beautiful cottage of owners Susie & Mark Holt, they are also the store owners of the yummy boutique Cat's Meow Inc and have been in countless issues of Romantic Homes and Romantic Country magazines. The cottage we are staying in was featured in a past issue of Romantic Country as well (and even made the cover!) We are flying in and rented a convertible, (because can you really drive around Florida in anything else?) My Mom is so excited, since it's a little trip I sprung on her for her birthday. She loves Venice (really anywhere in Florida for that matter!) We plan to meet up with miss Fabulous Fifi too. Here is a peek at Susie's store in Venice, I can't wait to see it (and her!):
Photos courtesy of Fifi O'Neill and The Cats Meow Inc
Also, if you get a chance, pick up the latest copy of Romantic Country magazine, it's a great issue this month! Lots of familiar faces, and names, I think you will recognize a few! I hope to report live from the sweet cottage, maybe do a "talkie post" with Mom, she reads a lot of your blogs and I'm surprised at how much she knows about all of you. Ciao again friends and stay tuned!~xo
You will LOVE Suzi and Mark-- and of course, Fifi. Dan and I stayed in the cottage when we were shooting. Save time for birdwatching from the back porch.Happy Birthday Mom!
Posted by: Barbara Jacksier | March 25, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Sounds like a perfect B-Day getaway, have a great time.
Posted by: junk 2 jewels | March 25, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Oh Tara, you lucky girl!!! This sounds fabulous! I am so happy for you and your mom. This should be a lot of special memories for your two! I visit the Cat's Meow website all the time and would love to see it in person! I hope you both have a fabulous time!
I have been looking everywhere for that issur of Romantic Country and can't find it here :( Hopefully soon, I can find one!
Hugs to you and your mom and I hope you have a safe trip. Cant wait to hear all about it!
Happy Easter to you and your beautiful family as well!
Amy
Posted by: Amy at Bunny Rose Cottage | March 25, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Tara, what a sweet, sweet thing for you to do for your mom!!!! I KNOW she'll have a wonderful birthday! Loved seeing you in Romantic Country ~ Fifi is such an angel, I know that you all will have an amazing time together!! xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | March 25, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Have a fabulous time Tara!
Posted by: Ann | March 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Have a fabulous time sweetie.........hi to Mom
~XO~Janet
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | March 25, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Hi Tara! You will be just a hop, skip and a jump from me over here in St. Petersburg. And you are right, you do NEED a convertible in Florida. I scoot around in a little white Miata and I am "topless" most of the time :) I hope you have a wonderful trip. Also, I just completed the French Mannequin Project you did with Heather. I just posted "Miss Gertrudes" photo on my blog with a link to you and Heather about the project. Keep those great ideas comming! xoxo ~ Joy
Posted by: Joy at Cupids Charm | March 25, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Oh my gosh Tara !!! I am not thinking there would be any place more gorgeous to stay ~ what a dream ! Have a wonderful time with your mom ~
xoxo
Lori
Posted by: Lori Avery | March 25, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Have a great time! With that waiting for me to drool over, I know I would!! :-) Rosie
Posted by: Rosie's Whimsy | March 25, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Beautiful Post! You girls will have a blast! Happy Birthday to Bella Mom, and you guys give Fifi a hug for me :)
xox Sherri
Posted by: Sherri M. | March 25, 2008 at 01:48 PM
oooh i am slightly green with envy right now. Those pictures make me want to jump through the computer screen. Have so much fun, nothing like being with your Mom! What a great time for you both, looking forward to more of your time there.
peace,
julia
Posted by: julia | March 25, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Have fun! Don't forget to take the camera so you can share some of your trip with us!
~Cindy
Posted by: Cindy~My Romantic Home | March 25, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Oh so lovely... every bit. :)
Posted by: tiffany | March 25, 2008 at 04:39 PM
I am SO jealous!LOL! It's one thing to get away but to be surrounded by such pretty things! the cottage looks so fabulous~you'll have a blast & you are a wonderful daughter! xoxo tutts
Posted by: chris | March 25, 2008 at 06:35 PM
HI Tara,
Just wanted to say i found your blog and its so cute. Very creative , i LOVE creativity, my blog is the same way...good job. : )
Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
Posted by: JENNIFER RAMOS | March 25, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Gorgeous post. Loving the dining room chairs. Enjoy your holiday.
Posted by: viechaotique | March 25, 2008 at 10:17 PM
oh that just sounds fabulous and so relaxing! HAve a great time!
Posted by: monicaa | March 25, 2008 at 10:51 PM
What a gorgeous cottage and shop! It looks like you two are not going to want to leave Venice. Can't wait to see more photos!
:)
Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | March 26, 2008 at 03:29 AM
Wow! What a beautiful store! You're so lucky - have a wonderful time. Congratulations on the article in Romantic Country! I had a very difficult time finding the magazine this time, my girlfriends and I were driving all over town! We finally found it at LOWE's of all places! Exciting that the magazine is getting so popular. Can't wait for it to be available by subscription. Anyways, great article! Blessings, Victoria Lynn
Posted by: Victoria Lynn | March 26, 2008 at 03:51 AM
Hi Tara,
I have just stumbled across your blog & have had a fabulous time reading. Your blog & web site are very inspiring, you are one very talented lady! I am glad you had a nice time away, the pictures you showed are just devine. I will be keeping a look out for the Romantic Country mag that you are featured in.
Love & Hugs,
Sarah
(Australia)
Posted by: Sarah | March 26, 2008 at 05:30 AM
what a fun trip, and (i'm sure) lovely lodgings ~ i could just curl right up for days in one of those squishy chairs and bed! can't wait to hear more - enjoy! xo
Posted by: heidi | March 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
How nice of you to plan this trip for your mom! Sounds like so much fun, I'm sure you cannot wait for the down time.
Those pictures are to die for! I absolutely adore the dress form in all the white:) I have a slight obsession with old dress forms!
Have a blast, you must share pics of the trip when you get back!
Posted by: Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall | March 26, 2008 at 09:59 AM
What a perfect trip, and you are right, there is nothing for it but to ride in a convertible.:) Trips like this are what memories are made of, I know you and your Mom will have the BEST of times, dear.
Have a blast! The cottage and store are to die for...and Fifi is the best, so nice and fun.
xo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | March 26, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I keep telling my adult daughters we should, just the three of us, take a little trip together. They haven't found the time yet. But I think it would be so enjoyable to get away from everything and spend time together. Shop, eat, laugh. All the things you do when there are no interruptions. Your mother is a lucky woman. Have a wonderful time.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | March 26, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Fun...fun! It is wonderful that you are taking your mom! Who better!
hugs,
Robyn
Posted by: Robyn | March 26, 2008 at 03:49 PM
WoW!!!!!How fun!!! Love the pictures in that store!
By the way we are neighbors..well in the magazine..We were featured on page 19..of Romantic Country..La Maison Rustique in Wine Country.. Temecula,Ca.
Love your new Blog style and name..
Sherry Mattia-Welch
Prairie Home
Posted by: Prairie Home | March 26, 2008 at 08:38 PM
How fun your trip with your mom sounds. I will look forward to hearing your talkie. Susie's store looks delicious.
Posted by: sue | March 27, 2008 at 09:22 AM
What a beautiful place to stay and how sweet of you to do that for your mom. Happy Birthday to her :)
Btw, I love the wriskeys and my daughter is telling all of her friends about them!
Thanks,
Rue :)
Posted by: Rue | March 27, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Oh Tara,
You lucky lady - but you know that! Have a blast for all of us out here.
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie | March 27, 2008 at 04:00 PM
It looks great. BTW I just picked up my copy of Romantic country and I loved your thing in there. Your picture is great!You are one busy lady! Congrats!
Jen R
Posted by: Sanctuary arts | March 28, 2008 at 09:57 AM
We just wanted to say how much we love your blog! It is done so well. We love the content and the colors. Enjoy your fun trip. If you get a chance..check out our blog at www.thestylesisters.blogspot.com or our website www.thestylesisters.net We love to highlight fun and creative people like yourself! We will be looking for the magazine too!!
Take Care
Karin and Tiffany
The Style Sisters
Posted by: The Style Sisters | March 28, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Hi...I just wanted to say that you can find some issues of the current 'Romantic Home' magazine on Ebay. Susan
Posted by: Sue | March 28, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Looks gorgeous Tara! Hope you have a wonderful time. Happy Birthday Mom - make sure and live it up!!!
I recognize at least one fabby girl in the new issue of RCH - wooohooo Tara!
Posted by: Jen ~ Artful Dreamer | March 29, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Another beautiful place...I am drooling.
Posted by: kara Ward | March 30, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Oh I am so jealous! You two have a wonderful time and Tara REST!
xoxo
Diane
Posted by: Diane | March 30, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Sounds like sooo much fun! Please share all your fun photos with us when you return!!
Jillian
Posted by: jillian | March 31, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Have a wonderful trip and take lot's a lot's of pics to share :) You always have such wonderful pictures very inspiring, thanks so much!
Posted by: Marianna | March 31, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Wow, what beautiful pictures of where you'll stay! And to meet up with Fifi? Fifi Fun For Sure!!!!! Enjoy and take plenty of pictures for us!
*Heidi*
Everyday Cookies blog
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | March 31, 2008 at 07:52 PM
What great fun! You can't have anything other than a wonderful time staying in such a beautiful place. Happy travels!
Cookie
ps..I'm adding you to my fortune cookies so that I will be able to find you again and read all about your travels.
Posted by: Cookie Sunshine | March 31, 2008 at 09:02 PM
they have a beautiful blog.
loves greet from germany
xo andy
Posted by: lavitadream | April 03, 2008 at 03:12 AM