When Michael asked me what I wanted to do on Mother's Day weekend, I knew right away what the answer was. I wanted to take a day trip to Warrenton, Virginia to meet my blogging friend, Janet, and visit her shop, The Empty Nest.
I started blogging in 2009 and it wasn't long before I noticed she was leaving comments regularly. When I checked out her blog, The Empty Nest, I was hooked right away. Her creativity was inspiring and she posted some pretty yummy recipes too! Eventually, Janet discovered Annie Sloan chalk paint and was painting all kinds of furniture pieces, frames, lamps and anything else she could think of. This led to her getting a space at an antique mall which led to her opening her very own shop in downtown Warrenton.
The shop was full of vintage and vintage inspired treasures, tea pots and teacups, exquisite china, frames, linens, and of course Annie Sloan chalk paint and supplies. Janet is a stockist and has posted numerous videos showing different techniques using the chalk paint. She was gracious enough to show me how to wax and distress so I can get started on my own projects.
As much as I loved the the shop, I was just happy to meet Janet in person. She was as warm and friendly as I had imagined. Visiting with her made me realize just how lucky we are to have this blogging community of friends. I've met so many people that I consider a friend that I never would have if it wasn't for blogging. We might never meet in person, but I hope we do someday!
These are the treasures I brought home from The Empty Nest. A painting by Janet, a teacup, and eleven embroidered napkins.
You can follow The Empty Nest on Facebook here
Have a great Monday!
Have a great Monday!
xo Annette xo
305. fresh air and sunshine
306. day trips
307. meeting a blogging friend in person
308. finding a new happy place
309. being Sean's and Erin's mom
310. still having my mom
311. my nephew graduating from college
312. birthday surprises and love
313. disconnecting from the internet for a few days
What a super fun shop! She has it decorated so cute!
ReplyDeleteLove the pieces you bought and I love that you two got to meet in person :)
I've only met a few blog friends in person before, but it is so much fun! I'm glad you got to meet Janet :) Her store is awesome! I love ALL the things you brought home :)
ReplyDeleteOh A. :) I am so happy for you, I have always thought J. would be a wonderful person to meet in person, I made a connection with her blog straight away ( although I have to admit I have been a terrible blogger buddy in the past year :( )
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful treasures you found and what a wonderful Hubby to ask you what you really wanted to do :)
I know what you mean about making friends with people you may never see but feeling close to them, esp. for me the past few months, it has really helped knowing my "peeps" are out there for support if I need it :)
I'm really thinking a virtual tea Party would be a fun thing to set up with our "Blogger Buddies" but unfortunately I do not have a camera on my computer at present but I am thinking it would be awesome to hang out with tea and chatting via the internet :)
I am so happy you are a Dear Blogger Buddy :)
Have a wonderful Week, cheers, T. :)
so much fun! I've met quite a few bloggy friends and it is so much fun to meet up in person! Looks like you two had a great time
ReplyDeleteHow fun!! I have only met a few blog friends in person and it is such a treat when you do!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I know I've read this post just a couple of days ago and was sure I posted a comment. Oh well, at almost 70 I guess a lapse in memory is to be expected. :D
ReplyDeleteJanet's store is absolutely adorable. I really love the delicate china teacup and have always wanted to start a teacup collection, but my hubby thinks I have too many collections as it is. :(
It was wonderful that you and Janet were able to meet each other in person, she looks like a lovely person and I'm sure she was just as ecstatic about seeing you as you were about visiting with her.