Tablescapes, Home Decor, Thrifting, Cooking

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A Mini Summer Vacation

 

 

Would you believe out of all my 50 some years, I just stayed in my first Bed and Breakfast?  I recently returned from a trip to Chicago and a quaint little suburb named Geneva.  Several friends who I met online a few years back plus a couple of family members met up to enjoy some real life time together.  There are not enough words to say just how*much*fun we had together! :) :) :) :)  Nice, nice people.  Oh my!

 

We stayed at a B&B called Oscar Swan Country Inn, a little less than an hour west of Chicago.  It was love at first sight.

 

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This “little” family home was built in around 1830 and has seven good sized bedrooms.  My first experience with a B&B was a good one, to say the least. It was perfect for a group of friends to gather in one of the large bedrooms at night before retiring.  We enjoyed a bit of wine and fruit, hummus, and other munchies. 

 

  There was such a feeling of elegance but comfort at the same time at Oscar Swan’s. 

 

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There was much silver used along with beautiful, yummy dishes.  And thrown in with the formality were bird houses and pottery.

 

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This solarium was where breakfast was served each morning.  It was presented with such beauty.  The dishes, the colors in the fruit, along with the silver and warm, satisfying eggs, bacon, muffins, sausage, quiches…..on and on….

 

 

 

 

 

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This is my daughter Emily and my sister in law Deb standing with me in front of the mailbox.

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The grounds were quite a site.  We walked around and just took it all in for quite some time.

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Donna and Lorrie

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Here we are in a charming room they set up just for us one June 2009 Geneva 051morning.  It was our last morning and we lingered for the longest time, not wanting the time to end.  All of it was just lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This lady in blue is Paula from Sweet Pea.  She has a delightful blog you should visit.  It is always a treat to spend time with her.  The other lady is Lorrie.  Love ‘em both!

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Some of you may remember my header last winter with a bicycle decorated for the holidays.  Here we are again with the summer look….fresh hydrangeas in the bike’s basket.

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We are all gathered here in front of an ice cream shop.  On this particular night, ice cream was our supper!

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Along with eating and chatting constantly we did a huge amount of shopping!  I do believe we hit every thrift store, antique store, garage sale and estate sale in Geneva and St. Charles.

 

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We had one rainy day, but you better believe it didn’t stop us from finding good deals!!

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I will save more of my antique finds for another day.  I do hope you enjoyed some pictures of my fun getaway!

 

Friends + Family

What could be better?

16 comments:

Unknown said...

What a wonderful little vacation you had for yourself! I'm glad you enjoyed your B&B experience. They are fun, aren't they?!?!

Hugs from Houston

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Love the yellow bicycle picture! You and your daughter are so pretty. :) Looks like you had a fab time...the umbrella shot is my fave! :)

Unknown said...

That is some B&B!! I'm glad you had such a fun time...it looks like a very nice group of family and friends!

Nancy

Domestic Designer said...

Looks like so much fun! I am a little jealous!:-)

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your beautiful photos. What a lovely place to be with friends and family. It looks like it was so much fun and very relaxing.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Donna, what a charming place to stay, and what pretty ladies you all are! your daughter is darling! Your pictures are so good, and your post made me wish I had been there too! Looks like a wonderful time. (Can't wait to see your antique finds!) Welcome back. laurie

Nancy Rosalina said...

Oh did I ever enjoy the pictures! Want to see more! Heck, I want to go! Thanks so much for sharing! It looks like a beautiful and warm place~! Nancy

southerninspiration said...

I just wish I had been there!!Such cute pics of you ladies!!!

Suzanne

Paula@SweetPea said...

I loved reading your post. I keep thinking about our trip and remembering how much fun we had. I've got a cute picture of you and Emily in front of the yellow bike on my phone that I need to send to you.

Michelle said...

OH, it looks like an amazing trip...and I love seeing sweet friends faces! (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Donna I so enjoyed your post...

I've only stayed in a B&B once and we had a ball it was down on Cape Cod. What a beauty yours was !!

Thanks for sharing....

Kathy :)

Anonymous said...

what fun!...and icecream for supper...how sweet is that? :) Have a super nice weekend xo Lynn

Small House said...

WHAT FUN!!!! I've always wanted to own a bed and breakfast.

Loved the pictures. And hope you enjoyed the relaxation that always comes with a getaway.
Sandra

Justabeachkat said...

What a gorgeous place! Would you believe I'm 56 and have never stayed in a B&B either! Something I must do, especially after reading about your fun time. Great photos!

Hugs!
Kat

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

It looks like you had a wonderful time...
I have always wanted to stay in a bed and breakfast...looks like so much fun!
~smiles~
Mona

Cathy said...

Donna, I hate I couldn't make it. Looks like you all had a great time. All the pics are great, but I especially love the one with the Adirondack chairs and some standing.