Fabulous Lunch Date...
On Friday, Mom & I drove to Sarasota (about 20 minutes from Venice) to have lunch with Fifi (editor and writer extraordinare!) It was so nice to finally meet her in person. In the past, we’ve talked on the phone and emailed a lot, but to be able to finally give each other hugs and kisses, eat food, tell stories and have lots of laughs was fantastic She is an absolute doll, so down to earth, extremely funny and we instantly connected and I know Mom did too. Our lunch date made me love Fifi even more. She is fabulous in every way. I think she is now my sister, since my mom said she is going to adopt her.
On the way home we drove though Casey Key. Can you say mansions? Oh god, the houses are unbelievable! I love Venice though. It’s so charming and the stores are really wonderful. Lots of little cafés to sit and have wine outside and people watch. The next day we went to the beach and then had a lovely dinner with Susie & Mark at an outdoor restaurant. Great food and even more laughs. We’ll be sad to leave Venice and the new friends we made. Back to reality soon!~xo
Venice Beach:
Here is Mark, the cutie
Susie, Mark and me at dinner (Mom won't get her photo taken..ever!)
Tara ~ What fun !!! You and Fifi look like you could be sisters for real not just having your mom adopt her ~
xoxo,
Lori
Posted by: Lori | April 07, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Great pix! I love Venice! I only live 20 miles away, but never seem to make it there enough!
You are so pretty too! I like your flower!
xoxo
Dollybelle
Posted by: christine rose elle | April 07, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I am SO glad you are back safe & sound & SO happy you had a wonderful trip & met fifi & susie & mark holt in the flesh! the picture of you & fifi is adorable. sisters for sure! susie & mark look like such a sweet couple & from the looks of them & their store & home they really DO live the romantic life!!! Did mom behave??LOL!! xoxo tutts
Posted by: chris | April 07, 2008 at 07:57 PM
oh what beautiful fun photos! Sounds like you and Fifi and your mom had an awesome time! OMG those houses and that beach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing!!!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | April 07, 2008 at 11:59 PM
YES, YES, YES! IT WAS GREAT BEING WITH YOU AND MOM. BUT IT WAS MUCH TOO SHORT A VISIT....MUST DO IT AGAIN, SOON!
XOXOXO
FIFI
Posted by: Fifi | April 08, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Looks like you had a blast. Next time, I want to stow away in your suitcase. I think mom has the right idea, you and Fifi really do look like sisters!
Posted by: Barbara Jacksier | April 08, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Looks like you had a great time sweets.....now you need to move to Florida! ~XO~ Janet
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | April 08, 2008 at 11:58 AM
You are so blessed to be able to take a vacation like that. I can only dream about it. And to stay in a cottage that is so "dreamy".
Susan
Posted by: Pink Portuguese Roses | April 08, 2008 at 12:40 PM
It sounds like a great trip! I love Sarasota and Siesta Key area, what a great place to hang out!
Jen R
Posted by: Sanctuary Arts | April 08, 2008 at 02:28 PM
How wonderful to see you and Fifi together, two women who are such an inspiration to all of us.
Posted by: Ele at A bit of Pink Heaven | April 08, 2008 at 02:40 PM
How great that you and Fifi were able to meet. The Holts seem like wonderful people and Venice Beach sounds like a dream! I will definitely stop by their store when in Florida!
Posted by: Stacy | April 09, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Tara! You lucky girl! What a fabulous trip! I am so glad you and your sweet mom are having such a wonderful time! You deserve it. And getting to meet Fifi, well what could be better than that??
P.S. you look gorgeous as always! Is that the Wriskey tank I see? Hmmm ~ I feel a purchase coming on, lol! Love it!
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Bunny Rose Cottage | April 09, 2008 at 08:04 AM
What a beautiful place to vacation! It looks like a fabulous time was had by all :)
rue
Posted by: Rue | April 09, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Sounds like a great trip. Lucky you. Really cute photo of you and Fifi.
Posted by: Lisa | April 09, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Looks and sounds like a great place for vacation. You & FiFi look so cute together. Have fun!
Lorraine
Posted by: Lorraine | April 09, 2008 at 06:26 PM
What an amazing experience...thank you for sharing it.
M
Posted by: M | April 10, 2008 at 11:13 PM
What an amazing experience...thank you for sharing it.
M
Posted by: M | April 10, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Tara,
Looks like you had a wonderful trip..Like mother, Like daughter! I love the pics.
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Smith | April 11, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Looks like such a great time Tara! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Posted by: Jen ~ Artful Dreamer | April 11, 2008 at 11:05 AM
It looks like you had such fun with Fifi. She is truly a sweet and so very nice gal, isn't she? You both look like you packed a lot of fun and friendship into your visit. And your camera shy Mommy too!!
xo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | April 15, 2008 at 01:36 AM
You are sooooo lucky to meet Fifi and Susie...I adore both of them!
Posted by: Alice W. | April 29, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Hi Tara. My husband and I just returned from Siesta Key and we also made the drive through Casey Key. Stunning. And the beach along there is so beautiful. If you are interested, you can read about our visit on Secret Leaves' blog. There are two posts: Ringling Museum and Everybody's Doing It. Thanks for sharing your pics.
Sharon
Posted by: Secret Leaves | April 30, 2008 at 10:14 AM