Bella Pink Cafe

Blog on...

   

     I just received the June 2008 issue of Romantic Homes magazine and so happy to see my column received a new name... "Blog On", thanks to the lovely editor, Jacqueline.  I hope you enjoy the picks this issue for creative blogs (or "crogs" as I call them).  I love to write about blogs that inspire, are funny and creative...and I think I found 3 you will love and may already know.  The issue itself is chock full of inspiration and it's always a treat when Elizabeth Maxson drops by with her "Tada" article.  This one is exceptional, I just love her style.

    I hope you enjoy.  Please drop me a line by way of comment and I would love to visit your creative and inspiring 'crog' and remember...crog blog on !~xo

Random...

    

     Alot of you emailed about the bomb sniffing dog and air Marshall in my previous post (thank you for your concern and validation of my panic attack)  Apparently someone checked a bag onto our flight, but didn't check themselves onto the flight.  At least that's what was being whispered down the lane at the gate.  No airport official would confirm anything. Super fishy?  yep.  Super scary? yep.  Cause for a cocktail? you bet!  Another panic moment on the plane,  which turned out to be hilarious...we sat near a bunch of German tourists.  Mom heard them all speaking German and here's how it went...  Mom: "Oh my God, Tara ,we're on the wrong plane, we're going to Frankfurt Germany, I swear I just heard someone say it"  Tara:  "Mom you don't speak German so how do you know?  Anyway, it's okay, it's the right plane, Flight 1280"....(more German chatter as I'm flipping through a rag mag)...  Mom: "Oh Jesus Mary and Joseph, I can't take this anymore, I'm going to ask someone"  she turns to the poor woman sitting next to us who was already laughing...mom asks: "Are you going to Philadelphia"?  "Yes" she said while still laughing "you're on the right plane"    Poor Mom.  She hates to fly and this flight confirmed every fear and emotion she ever had about flying.

     Some random stuff:  Still waiting to hear when my friend will be on the Rachael Ray show.  She did receive word from the producer that she made it on.  (Their was still a chance her piece could have ended up on the cutting room floor!)  I'll let you know asap. 

      Lovin this little Blackberry!  I found it was super easy to get used to, just like you all said it would be.  It's so convenient and I highly recommend to anyone who receives a lot of emails and is on the go.

   We are keeping super busy around here with the kids and just life in general.  I'm sure you all feel the same way.  Out of hibernation and into the hustle and bustle again.  I'm trying to decide whether to take down a half wall in between my kitchen and family room.  Do any of you have this problem?  The wall is a high half wall and drives me crazy.  I don't want a giant room, but would like to open it up and add an architectural archway instead.  We're working with a contractor to come up with some ideas.  Any input is appreciated!  I'll take plenty of pictures along the way. ~xo

ps:  photo has nothing to do with post, but it's a lovely frame I bought at The Cats Meow     

BlackBerry Phobia...

     It arrived yesterday.  Very black, but not like a berry at all.  It's very intimidating.  I imagine it will come in handy though.  Would have been very useful in Venice instead of searching for an internet cafe to check emails.  It would have been especially convenient at the airport when we saw the terror alert level raised to "High", then a bomb sniffing dog topped off with an air marshall on our plane.  I would have been able to email friends and family and send a "just in case" message.  I'm sure it's easy to use and is waiting for me to at least turn it on so it can show itself off to me...but where is the darn power button?

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!)

Live from Venice...

      

     Sorry for the delay, I had a hard time finding an internet connection. Mom and I arrived safely in Venice on Wednesday! (and to sunny 85 degree weather!) I was able to bump our seats up to first class which is always cool but has anyone noticed they cut back on the "special" treatment!? Certainly not like that famous ‘Seinfeld’ episode. Seats are still extra wide and comfy though. Anyway, the car rental place had a brand new convertible waiting for us, we jumped in and off we went to the cottage! 

     Sounds easy, but somehow we managed to get lost on the way. Mom knows her way around Venice pretty well, but the road we were looking for to the cottage was really hard to see and we must have passed it at least 5 times before we saw it. Total tourists, riding in a convertible, our hair blowing like Thelma & Louise and horns beeping at us.

     We pulled up to the cottage and saw the cutest man waiting for us. There was Mark Holt (from the infamous Susie & Mark Holt!) He was there with open arms to show us in (Susie was at the store working) Walking into the cottage was like stepping into your favorite issue of Romantic Country. Every little detail is completely amazing. I’ll take you on a tour...(*Warning:  LOTS of photos ahead!)

 

     Thursday we went into town to visit Susie & Mark at their store The Cat's Meow Inc  in it’s new location. Seriously people, I was weak in the knees when we first walked in. The store swallows you up with a cozy airy feel, chic sofas, tables, vintage chandeliers abound. I was in awe. Their old store was one block over and I had been in there about 3 or 4 years ago, but the new store is bigger and better than ever! It was packed with people walking around, they seemed to be in awe like me and Mom. It was very busy with customers, phones ringing, etc.. There was Susie, calm an unfazed by the distractions and greeted us with big hugs and a soft sweet smile. We took a tour and then Susie and I sat and gabbed and giggled for a while. I even showed Susie how to leave a comment on Fifi’s blog. Susie is so busy in the store, she hasn’t learned the blog ropes yet!

     Thursday night, Mom & I were invited to the Holt’s home next door for drinks. It was so relaxing and lovely. Their home is a dream. All white, big comfy slipcovered furniture, tall hutches, mirrors and chandeliers everywhere. Susie & Mark’s signature style throughout with salvaged doors replacing standard builder grade doors. What an awesome idea!? We had such a nice time talking and laughing until late into the night. They are the most gracious hosts and I’m honored to now call them dear friends. Mom & I found them to be genuine people who love what they do...yet work very hard at what they do. Their Cat’s Meow start up story over 11 years ago is amazing! They are the real deal, shop owners who are living their passion and enjoying life. Big things are coming soon in their future!  I hope to sneak back into their home and take some shots for you, but here is Susie & I at the store.

Me & Susie at the store

 

  Today, mom & I are off to meet miss fabulous Fifi  in Sarasota for lunch. I’ll be back to report with photos and details!~xo