POWER of INSTAGRAM

July 6, 2015 77 Comments

THE HOUSE

MY son Kristopher said, “MOTHER, I do not think this would be a good idea if WE your sons) did this!I replied……..YOU ARE RIGHT it wouldNOT!That was the conversation on FATHER’S DAY and one week later I left for OHIO!

To meet the ONE and ONLY DONNA @FADEDVELVET.You see we have been following each other for about a year and a half.We started with LIKING each others photos then commenting then I actually called HER and we spoke a few times.WE have a few things in common……..vintage/antique shops was just the start.She also lives in a STATE where LIGHTENING BUGS appear!I haven’t seen LIGHTENING BUGS for years!I told her I would come for a visit.

So when she announced on Instagram the BUGS were OUT.I commented on her photo saying I AM ON MY WAY!AS I stick to my word………..It took me 12 hours and three airplanes but I arrived and it felt like we had known each other for years.Her house was a plethora of vintage finds all of which I adored!Just so she would know who I was I had picked up a band hat and wore it off the plane!This particular band hat was owned by another DONNA in another LIFE!Her name was printed on the inside of the hat. I took that as a sign…………she NEEDED IT!

The BAND HAT found a Home as soon as we walked in the HOUSE!YES, this is the HAT I wore off the plane…………..she spotted ME right away!!!SO, did everyone else.

Not only did she let me come and stay as a HOUSEGUEST she also put out a message to ALL INSTAGRAMMERS in the AKRON, OHIO area an invite for TEA to meet me and Her!!

As one GUEST exclaimed,”I had to clear my calendar as this kind of thing just isNOT done!”MRS. JO @JOAKERS drove TWO HOURS to meet us and most likely TWO PLUS hours home in traffic!

Yes,I was ready to SNATCH her NECK PIECE!!How many strands……I count 6!Now I will be on the look out for a necklace just like this one!WE shall refer to it as the JO BIT!SO,GLAM……………

Donna on Jo’s lap……..You had to have been there!!!We had GREAT FUN……..these OHIO women have TALES to TELL!

Then there was the MADAME of TRASH as I call HER!Her INSTAGRAM call name is @QUEENOFTRASHYTREASURES.She arrived in a vintage bride gown…….LOOKING SMASHING!

She had just found that trinket on her wrist……..I of course asked “HOW MUCH?”Would YOU believe $3.00.I was then on a SEARCH for a $3.00 item!Guess what I found a FEW!!!

WE had the FOURTH runner up of the BEST CLEANING lady of the NATION with us.She arrived in her TIARA and PINK RUBBER GLOVES!I should have asked for some LESSONS!Seems she answered some questions on line then was flown to SAN FRANCISCO where she had to CLEAN things in minutes!!!I think being number 4 is pretty DARN GOOD!CONGRATULATIONS…………..I was VERY IMPRESSED!

Then there was ANGIE……….@THEQUEENBEEOFPEARLANDLACE69.She has a PET PIG!!!!She was dressed in LACE and PEARLs and was a delight!

Animal Lover ALL the WAY!!!!!!!!!!CYLDE, the 18 year old cat was a character……

TEA TIME…………from Scone’s to Finger Sandwiches made by ME directed by DONNA!They were the ugliest item on the table but word went about they were delicious!I MUST try them on my gluten free bread……….!Turkey,Red Raspberry jam,Cream Cheese.All crusts cut off……………YUM.Donna made the SCONES and everything else……..it ALL looked DELICIOUS.

If I could have fit this love seat into my purple bag off it would have gone……..with the SCOOTER TOO!Donna mentioned something about painting it??!!!!Certain I had a look of HORROR on my face as I adore this color!

MY TEA CUP………….we had an in house tea CONNOSUIER LAURA who made the most delicious TEA……..she brought all HER equipment to do so!You can find her on INSTAGRAM @love2create714 perhaps she will SHARE her TEAS with YOU!

Let’s cruise around the house a bit!Are you with me…………

Chandelier’s in the GARDEN!Who does that remind YOU of???

OLD STREETS……………..I just LOVED the BRICK roads in their neighborhood!!

Each house had a story to tell………mine you this is a HISTORIC area in CANTON, Ohio.

Remember these?They look different now but I do remember these being a kid!

Her LIBRARY…………….RED VELVET every where…………….

The chair that was FOUND curbside!!!!!!!!

The kitchen NOOK in the pantry………..Donna has wall papered with pages of the BIBLE!!!This photo does not capture the TRUE BEAUTY!

ME LOOKING RADIANT and VERY HAPPY!!

Waiting for the guests to arrive!!

The four days flew by………….we shopped, we baked,we laughed we got up early to drive to ROGERS,OHIO for a FLEA MARKET and picked up STACY on the way and ended up in PENNSYLVANIA!!!

But one of the BEST memories for me was driving through a MC DONALDS in the dark at 5:30 am for a coffee to GO!AS I explained that was A FIRST FOR ME………

I hope you will stop by DONNA’s INSTAGRAM and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!SHE has a BIG 50 on the 9th of JULY. @fadedvelvet or her BLOG www.fadedvelvet.blogspot.

AND YES I DID SEE THE LIGHTENING BUGS and NO I DIDNOT MAKE RINGS with their POWER!!It was a MAGICAL VISIT…………I cannot THANK DONNA and her husband TOM enough.Now, it’s YOUR turn…………..to take THREE airplanes and come to find me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA!!!!!!!!!!!

Find FRIENDS on INSTAGRAM it’s just like having a PEN PAL but BETTER!

One of the BEST THINGS I HAVE DONE.

LOOK below……..another FRIEND!

A GORGEOUS LIGHTENING BUG………………………..PURE MAGIC!

77 Comments

Leave your reply.

The Style Crone
· Reply

July 30, 2015 at 9:52 AM

This is a truly magical story! To find a kindred spirit is such a gift. I agree. Instagram is powerful!
cherie
· Reply

July 23, 2015 at 8:40 AM

Elizabeth you are truly fabulous…you are something else! You have a zest for life that I know is contagious. What a lovely trip, what lovely photos (quite the eye you have!), and what lovely memories. Thank you so much for sharing.

Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Heather Lindstrom
· Reply

July 21, 2015 at 10:37 AM

Truly, truly fabulous!! You were brave to get on that plane-and the photos seem that you found a ‘second home’ there with wonderful Donna. You are radiant! You simply trusted your gut instinct Contessa. I love this story! Our world has become so small with the links in social media and this is proof!
I’ve been away for 2 weeks and am having such fun catching up this morning!
Happy summer lovely lady!
xx, Heather
Kell
· Reply

July 9, 2015 at 8:29 PM

What a fun trip – and what a great spirit you possess!
I just returned from visiting a friend too – a friend in Truro on Cape Cod. I think her summer home may be very close to your son’s food truck. What is the name of his truck? Is he near Cold Storage Beach – or near the chocolate shop? She wants to stop by his truck.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 10, 2015 at 8:48 AM
  
  JOEYS KANGURY name of truck.
  It is BLUE big old truck……….
  I do not know the name of the beach but that sounds about RIGHT!He has two BOXER DOGS who will be stationed close BY!!!!!!They have another food truck which is GREEN at another location called JOEYS. I believe it’s at another beach………IF he answers my TEXT I will add to this comment!!!WOULD LOVE for your friend to show up.ALSO< they are on INSTAGRAM joeysfoodtruck perhaps ask there........... UPDATE!! The beach name is HEAD of the MEADOWS.They are right across from the chocolate shop BUT NOT THAT TRUCK THERE. They are across the STREET from the chocolate shop.Hope that HELPS...........DO ASK FOR NICHOLAS my BOY!!!Tell him the VINTAGE CONTESSA sent YOU!!! XX
Heather in Arles
· Reply

July 9, 2015 at 8:52 AM

Aha! Better late than never and I am SO glad that I didn’t miss this! Having grown up largely in OHIO I couldn’t wait to see what you thought of it and what they thought of you…Well, the image of you walking off the plane with the band hat was worth it alone!!!

I am so happy you had such a great time. It looks as though you were spoiled rotten and you look like the delighted Contessa in her glory. 🙂

To answer your question, yes – mostly in the eyes and smile but I certainly am a normal dresser these days!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 9, 2015 at 9:14 AM
  
  THE EYES and the SMILE………..and the HAIR!
  Thought SO!
  XO
Trina
· Reply

July 8, 2015 at 9:21 PM

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my recent following you on instagram and was so hoping you would post about this meet-up. I think it’s fabulous you actually took this trip, and now just look at the fond memories as well as a lifetime friendship. I’m still laughing about you never going through a Mcdonald’s at the early morning hour. Next time I head to your part of the woods, I’m definitely going to make sure we meet-up.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 9, 2015 at 7:38 AM
  
  I would LOVE THAT…………..I heard through the SOURCE you are doing some READING!!!
  We are all awaiting THE BOOK!!
Jennifer
· Reply

July 8, 2015 at 3:56 PM

You do look radiant and VERY HAPPY! It looks and sounds like an absolute blast! You seem to have met your soul mate! The two of you seem to have so much in common. I love how you connected on Instagram. This entire internet is a wonderful way to meet like minded women who become real friends.
xoxo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 9, 2015 at 7:36 AM
  
  YOU should KNOW!
  IT happened to US!!!!!!
  ALTHOUGH I did have you in SAN FRAN……….I still chuckle about that to myself!
  XO
French Basketeer
· Reply

July 8, 2015 at 3:43 AM

I love it all!!! Thank you for sharing all the photos and information….how great is it to put faces with the names of Faded Velvet and Queen of Trashy Treasures and now Joakers! I visited Ohio as a child and it’s my most favorite memory of the trip. Relatives….sure loved ’em, but all I can remember is catching those fireflies in a jar! Pure Magic!! I wanted to see more of Donna’s Rat Terrier but I’ll have to sneak back to IG for more pics….XXOO to Contessa and Donna~
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 8, 2015 at 8:19 AM
  
  THAT RAT Terrier belongs to HER sister……..he is deaf.Donna is babysitting.He is pretty darn adorable………….I took him for a walk around the neighborhood my first day there.
  HOW ARE YOU?Is FRANCE being kind to YOU?Are you on the female bicycle daily?I cannot recall her name………….MATILDA!!!Are you sourcing fabulous finds……………..I had my girlfriend get me MORE wooden spoons from that shop in PARIS!Her apartment was a block away!I LOVE THAT SPOON YOU GIFTED ME!Send me an email between shopping and cooking!!!THANK for POPPING BY……………XO
Loree
· Reply

July 7, 2015 at 11:46 AM

You are delightful – as are the rest of your friends. I am sure you all had a blast. It looks like you were a creative bunch meeting up for tea! We leave for the US this coming Saturday. Not looking forward to that long sit on the place. I start to fidget after 3 hours. Maybe I should drink some wine to knock myself out.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 8, 2015 at 8:14 AM
  
  WINE for certain…………..have a neck pillow!
  As soon as your settled send me the phone number!
  The MALTA GIRL and the CALIFORNIA GAL will CHAT!Maybe we can get HEATHER the FRENCH DAME on SKYPE and we can have a joint session!!!!!!!!!!!!
  SAFE TRAVELS………XO
Barbara
· Reply

July 7, 2015 at 8:26 AM

What a fabulous post. Your photos are just wonderful but probably can’t possibly capture all the gaiety and laughter in those rooms. I so love that you all did this and shared it with the rest of us. Makes me happy.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 8, 2015 at 8:12 AM
  
  Makes me HAPPY you read MY BLOG!
  SILVER IN THE BARN!!!!!
Karena
· Reply

July 7, 2015 at 6:07 AM

Elizabeth this reminds me so much of the first time I flew out with Isabella, and after a week in San Diego with friends went up to meet Andrea and stay a long weekend!! She gave us that superb dinner party! Taking chances and being open to new experiences!!Brava!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:20 AM
  
  YEP!
  SAME kind of experience KARENA……………
  ALL GOOD!
Anita Rivera
· Reply

July 7, 2015 at 2:59 AM

Dearest CONTESSA! GOOD MORNING! When I got your post in my email yesterday afternoon, I RUSHED in to click on “Read More” when what do I hear? MY HUSBAND getting home early! The first thing he said was, “Let’s go for our walk.” AH! I had to leave and now at 5:00AM Tuesday, I am here.

Is it NOT magical, this meeting of kindred spirits with which we dream, play and be ourselves? I always ask, “Why doesn’t this magic happen with the people at work, our neighbors?” I truly think that social media has given us a platform to SHARE what we are passionate about, to be creative about it and to BE OURSELVES. Everyday life on the job or in the community is not as easy of a place to express ourselves as such, so we go through the motions without ever finding out if we have anything in common with our colleagues or neighbors..

WHAT ABSOLUTELY FUN THIS IS! And to think I could have MET YOU while I was in Carmel, but we are going AGAIN next year! THIS TIME I must plan. This last visit was a whirlwind of rediscovery of Carmel and we were racing every where, every day….

And for the Faded Velvet manor……OMG! What absolute fun from your BAND HAT (You are my kind of pal….I’d do the very same thing without reserve), the tea party, the flea market, the HOUSE and all the antiques!

I’ve met a few blogger friends over the years. I’ll never forget a gathering with a few Southern California bloggers. We met at 10:00am and didn’t leave until MIDNIGHT!

Enjoy your day, gorgeous Contessa…..See you on IG! Anita
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:19 AM
  
  BOY, don’t get me started about neighbors and colleagues……………..
  AND YES, you were close enough to me but it was your third anniversary so that TOOK priority!
  Adore FADED VELVET MANOR………DONNA that is what you will call your HOME from now on!I LOVE THAT do you agree?
  You are ALWAYS SO kind to write a novel……………..here in the comment section!OHIO GALS if you haven’t read the blog CASTLES CROWNS and COTTAGES YOU really need to GOOGLE IT!This is the author and she is not posting as frequently as she is writing a BOOK!GO read her back issues…………..it will transport you to another WORLD!
Naomi
· Reply

July 7, 2015 at 1:20 AM

Love your sense of adventure and it paid off and looks like a special memory to behold. Looks so much fun and I have to add everyone was fabulous and are lucky people to have just hit it off!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:10 AM
  
  IT DID and we did have a MARVELOUS time!
Merisi in Vienna
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 11:23 PM

Take three planes and see the world! Such a lovely gathering of kindred souls, enjoyed the story and peeks of it immensely! Everyone looked smashing, and you, as always smaaaashing! 🙂
- Merisi in Vienna
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 11:24 PM
  
  I wanted to write gorgeous and then smaaaashing, but I am only through with half of my caffe’ latte, my fingers would not yet listen to my thoughts.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:09 AM
  
  I SO UNDERSTAND MERISI………………you grasped it ALL, so my words and photos were GOOD!!!?
- Merisi in Vienna
  · Reply
  
  July 10, 2015 at 1:24 AM
  
  Your photos and words were BETTER THAN GOOD, they were enchanting, made me want to wish for a time machine and then hop on a plane and ….. 😉
kim
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 10:33 PM

Contessa! I love this. You are so good at living life to the fullest and experiencing all there is. This trip is such a perfect example. I hope you got to see the fireflies and Donna is a doll. I love following her Instagram! How fun you got to meet all these ladies and they all trekked to get there!! Inspiring. Miss you and we have to do our lunch soon so I can hear more. love Donna’s home too! Looks so much like yours with the sweet pets as well. xo Kim
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 10:57 PM
  
  I think pets Is (I think Learned this…) the common denominator. That is an enormous thread between we “crazies” (meant in an elitist way so sorry.) But we animal people are just different!
  
  Yes….pets are definitely part of the glue that keeps “our tribe of instagram people together!!!!”
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:07 AM
  
  I DID SEE The BUGGIES…….and one even landed on my hand!But that photo is not showing up at the very bottom of the POST!Hopefully, I can get that fixed……..having problems with the photo station on MY COMPUTER!
  WE must make a date!CALL ME!
Stacie
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 10:29 PM

FUN! You know how to live! (Somebody else has a birthday in July!)
XO
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:04 AM
  
  PRINCE GEORGE!!!???
Jo Akers
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 9:31 PM

That’s a blog I’d like to read. Alas, I can’t find it!!! HELP! Stephen Andrew you say??
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 7:03 AM
  
  YES,He has not POSTED in a few months…………Give me a day or two and I will find and send to YOU!He is a RIOT……………go to HAVE SOME DECORUM blog and go back and read POSTS a couple of months back read the comments and then YOU will understand ME!!Ellie adores him as WE all do…………………HE MUST LIVE CLOSE TO YOU!
cindy hattersley
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 9:26 PM

I love this!! My husband thought i was nuts when i went to roundtop with two bloggers I had never met!! We to became instant friends.
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 11:11 PM
  
  are you kidding me? Most husbands don’t know what “bloggers” are….and don’t really want to! The only reason mine does is because we just spent thousands redoing my website….which involves a “blog”!! Seriously. when I say “my friend wrote me” he has no idea what I am talking about. It is another instance of men lagging way behind women. Poor dears. I mean that in the kindest way….I feel really sorry for my husband. He is stubbornly staying behind. I still adore him.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 6:59 AM
  
  I thought of YOU yesterday……..that was the day of your surgery!!!I think WE may have put a SMILE on your face reading this!Hope all went SUPER GOOD.
Donna
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 7:08 PM

Elizabeth~You’ve captured the essence of these magical days so perfectly in words AND pictures. After all the talking, preparation and planning, I can’t believe it’s over already:( as long as I live I will NEVER forget wondering if I’d know you at the airport gate….And seeing you glide in with your grand, plumed, drum major hat on!! Of course I cried. And jumping into your bed the first morning when I saw from my room that you were awake and on IG. Thanks for being gutsy and coming to meet the IGer’s and the YA-YA’s! #ourstories Truly a once in a lifetime experience. Well…….until I fly out to see you and your people! GIAMPEIRRRRRRRRO! Xoxo Donna (Faded Velvet)
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 10:50 PM
  
  I think it would be a good idea to come south…..if you have time…..to Santa Barbara! You are both invited! Elizabeth knows how tiny my guest house is….it is full of spirit!!??
  
  chickens nearby…….you decide! You are definitely invited!!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 7, 2015 at 6:57 AM
  
  We are waiting…………….and DARLINKA it is GIAMPIERO……….now try AGAIN!!!!!!
  As my husband has a hard name to say DONNA just kept practicing and practicing ……more practicing but by the 4th day she HAD IT DOWN!I think she was even saying it in HER sleep!!!
  What a TREAT for ME to come MEET YOU!Of course, I would know who YOU were and OF COURSE you would KNOW WHO I was even if I did not have the BAND HAT ON MY HEAD!
  We are two of a KIND!!!
  XO
D. A. Wolf
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 6:29 PM

Wow wow wow! I love all the pictures and this sounds like an incredible trip. The web can be as magical as fireflies…
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:27 PM
  
  YEP!
  You have that RIGHT!
contessa
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 6:17 PM

This looks like a blast! Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Via Email.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:27 PM
  
  ANY TIME SUBSCRIBER ANY TIME………….
Queenoftrashytreasures
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 6:07 PM

Oh elizabeth, it was such fun to meet you! If you enjoyed Ohio half as much as it enjoyed you…I am not sure Ohio will ever be the same!!!!!!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:26 PM
  
  IT WILL and I DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Piedmont Pembroke Parent
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 5:48 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,

What a lovely story of your adventure. It certainly pays to open up to people. All the party guests are happily enjoying themselves which makes this a fun blog to read!
Once again you have made friends out of strangers! Well done!
You can’t see, but I’m smiling. A dose of the Contessa is worth a million bucks!

PPP
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 6:17 PM
  
  I just don’t get what your sons meant when they said “we shouldn’t do this”! What?
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:22 PM
  
  A DOSE OF THE CONTESSA!
  I LOVE THAT!
  THANKS PPP!!!!!!!!
  XX
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:25 PM
  
  I went to OHIO because I found a FRIEND ON LINE………INSTAGRAM!I had no idea what I was going to find.I put my LIFE in HER hands for four days………..What my SON meant was if he or his Brother did something like this it wouldNOT be OKAY with me and HE was RIGHT!BUT heck I will be 55 on the 22 of this month and I had nothing to lose ……..so it was okay!I took a chance and it was W O N D E R F U L!Plus, I saw the Lightening Bugs!!!!!
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 11:07 PM
  
  Absolutely correct!!!!! I met La Contessa also on her blog; I live a bit down the road from her “Auntie Mame” who was an enormous influence on her…..(she told me!!) and she has done that Katherine”PROUD”!! Elizabeth is soo much like Katharine….and I am sure that Katherine is hovering about so so proud of her Elizabeth!!!!!! Katherine Abercrombie was the hostess with the mostest! lived in my favorite house in the WORLD; very close to where I live now….and was beyond generous with opening it up to multiple tours……from all over the world!!!
  
  Elizaabeth is” cut from the same cloth” Brava you genius, you!!!
  
  I love you! Penelope
Stephen Andrew
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 5:28 PM

I am so sad I missed you! I’ve been back and forth to Maine and haven’t been up on my blog reading. Would have loved to crashed this luncheon! the lighting bugs are the best they’ve been in many years this year. Now I know it was all for you! So glad you enjoyed your time here; and again, I’m very sorry to have missed you! I live about 2.5 hours south but that’s nothing!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:21 PM
  
  OH MY GOSH…………..why did I not send you an email!I have noticed YOU have been absent from ELLIe’s blog……….been meaning to find out what was going on!YOU could have commuted with JO AKERS!JO,do you NEED A HAIR DRESSER who knows how to spell and cook?This is YOUR MAN!I do not think HE is on INSTAGRAM but has a BLOG named after HIMSELF!GO FIND HIM……..as WE ALL ADORE HIM In the BLOG WORLD!!!!!
  Come WEST…………STEPHEN come WEST!!!PLEASE!
contessa
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 4:32 PM

Via Email

More of your wonderful adventures!! Love them!! XO Jennifer
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:17 PM
  
  THANK YOU!
contessa
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 4:30 PM

VIA EMAIL:

What a happy posting!! Xoxo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:16 PM
  
  IT IS AND I WAS SO HAPPY TO BE THERE!
contessa
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 4:24 PM

VIA EMAIL:

It looks as if a fun time was had by all.

Lynda
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:16 PM
  
  YES YES YES!!!!
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 4:10 PM

OH What fun!!!

I love the vintage bride dress…..is it just the skirt?? What a Grand idea!

You all look like you are having a ball; and what terrific women!!!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:15 PM
  
  I think she cut it up!We must ASK…………PENELOPE hold on to YOUR SEAT as I will do a POST on MADAME TRASHES CASA!Good thing you haveNOT seen my house as I feel I need to SHOP now to catch up with HER!
  OMG OVER THE TOP……………..
  GREAT EYE………..
  GREAT STUFF!
anita@letshavelunch
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 3:47 PM

What a great bunch of girls.
I love how everyone got into the spirit of the day too.
There’s some top IGers out there and you’re one of them!!!
Viva La Instagram!!!
Cheers
Neat xx
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:12 PM
  
  THATS what made it so FUN.These women HAVE FUN EVERY DAY!I think I may be living in the wrong STATE!!!!You said it…………..
  VIVA LA INSTAGRAM!!!!
  XO
Lourdes
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 1:53 PM

This was such a happy happy entry to read! I am so glad that you got to meet, traveled and had a fabulous time. I was in Paris in April and our lovely Ellie from have some decorum was kind enough to invite me to her home, I can honestly say that it was the best part of my trip. A couple of years before I traveled to the UK and met a Facebook friend, I was also invited to stay in her home and it was a one in a lifetime experience. Social media has opened so many doors and I am so grateful to have brought you and so many other lovely people into my life Xoxoxoxo
Lourdes
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:11 PM
  
  I too felt the same way about ELEANOR!
  SHE WAS THE BEST PART OF PARIS!
  I skipped across the SEINE……………XO
Eleanor
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 1:53 PM

This trip looks like a blast! All of those women look like fun. I would love to talk to that woman who won the best cleaning. You never know who you’re going to meet through the magic of blogs! I met you! XOXO 🙂
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:09 PM
  
  SO TRUE!
  XOXO
Catherine
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 11:06 AM

Wow! What a time you had…you are the Queen of Instagram Gorgeous, Chic Contessa 🙂 xx
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:09 PM
  
  NO NO NO!
  I JUST HAD A BALL……………and I think DONNA DID TOO!
Jo Akers
· Reply

July 6, 2015 at 11:01 AM

I am all but in tears over this beautiful blog. I’m sappy that way!!! I knew if I didn’t come I would regret it forever. And now, instead of regret, I have memories of you and lovely new friends that literally make me giggle! Your summation was perfectly worded and pictorially documented like the professional you are. WHAT A JOY IT WAS! Much love to you and Donna and the rest of the Buckey IGers who made the day so special 🙂
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  July 6, 2015 at 7:08 PM
  
  THANK YOU JO!I so enjoyed meeting YOU and the fact you drove all that way means the WORLD TO ME!
  My last photo of the LIGHTENING BUG did not take………..hopefully my WIZARD TECHY GAL will jump in and assist!
Sandra Sallin
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July 6, 2015 at 10:31 AM

Love it love it love it! Love the brick streets, the red fire hydrant, the sense of neighborhood, street lamps, and I want those pearls also! What a gutsy lady traveling 12 hours and 3 planes and actually going to McDonalds! You are our Auntie Mame! Love the photos.
- contessa
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  July 6, 2015 at 7:05 PM
  
  ADORE AUNTIE MAME…………..I take that as a BIG COMPLIMENT!
Katie Clooney
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July 6, 2015 at 9:33 AM

OMG Contessa… you are an absolute RIOT!!! Looks like such a great 4 days. Isn’t social media WONDERFUL!!! So glad you got to see the lightning bugs. The pics are great and you can see the JOY in your EYES!!
- contessa
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  July 6, 2015 at 7:04 PM
  
  I am behind in all MY BLOG reading!!THANK YOU for seeing right through ME!I had a VERY GOOD TIME…………..there will be MORE POSTS on this delightful trip!STAY TUNED!!!
Angie Neely
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July 6, 2015 at 9:13 AM

So,Lovely to Meet you!You are Very Interesting and Beautiful my New Friend! ? Give Banksy A Kiss for Pearl Ann!??
- contessa
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  July 6, 2015 at 7:03 PM
  
  Will DO!We will need to compare houses and potty boxes!!!!!!