Wisked Away to Watkinsville ~

Let me start by saying there aren't enough adjectives to help me put into words this incredible weekend at this delightful location. I am so blessed to work with such fabulous women and to be able to spend a weekend together is the icing on the cake of my job.


Ashford Manor Bed & Breakfast ~ Watkinsville, GA http://www.ambedandbreakfast.com/

The Lovely Ladies on the front steps of Ashford Manor

We spent many hours sitting poolside laughing & singing!


My Beautiful Bedroom ~ The Garden Room (notice the boas)

This intricately latticed powder blue and white bedroom comes equipped with a mini-fridge, robes, hair dryer, Keurig Coffee Maker and more. The large floor to almost ceiling windows give way to screen doors to the beautiful wrap around porch. My bathroom filled with antique mirrors simple elegance! Love this decorating idea!

After an afternoon of getting settled, sitting poolside, sitting porch side and eating dinner provided by Mirko Pasta ~ YUMMY! http://www.mirkopasta.com/ We donned our poshest pajamas and headed to the dining room for a night of Bling Bingo! Every room was responsible for bringing a Blingy Gift for the bingo prizes. We giggled as we shimmered into the night!

After we Bingo-ed for quite sometime we adjourned with drink and Moose Mellow Stick (an adorable marshmallow roasting stick that was in their welcome bags) in hand to the fire pit. www.marshmallowstix.com/moosemellowsticks.aspx

The owners of Ashford Manor (Mario and Dave) know how to make a simple pleasure into a pleasurable experience. All the special touches makes us feel just that SPECIAL! The fire pit area was set up with chairs atop of outdoor rugs but that wasn't enough hanging candelabras were twinkling around the chairs and potted plants gave the scene the finishing touch. It was truly magical and fairytale like!

We were lucky to have beautiful weather which gave us the opportunity to eat breakfast alfresco both mornings. Notice the relaxed and happy women in the white robes in the photo below.Breakfast at Ashford Manor is anything but ordinary. It is extraordinary!

My very own tea serving! How opulent!Quiche, fresh fruit, warm scones, crispy bacon ~ Oh My!Creme Brulee French Toast that I seriously dream about.

We went from breakfast to a relaxing yet creative morning of painting! We were fortunate to have Peggy Holcomb from the Oconee County Office of Tourism set us up with a fantastic and very patient art instructor ~ thank you Susan Burger! We were set up under umbrellas sipped champagne cocktails served to us by a charming bartender ~ thanks Justin ! I think our talents surprised us (both good and bad). It is good to do things that challenge us and this was definitely a challenge. Susan graciously led us at a nice gentle pace towards our masterpieces. http://www.visitoconee.com/

A few of us artists and our bubbly bartender.Our finished products and our fearless leader Susan.

http://www.susanelizabethart.com/

Look at all those accomplished smiles.

Great Job Girls ~ It is not easy for the teachers to become the students.

A nourishing lunch was delivered by Krimson of The Krimson Kafe. http://www.krimsonkafe.com/

Then we were off to shop until we dropped.

Once a month there is an wholesale antique market open to the public called Farmhouse Antiques and we just happened to hit it when it was open. A great little stop to locate unusual finds. Farmhouse Antiques - 88 Barnett Shoals Road 706-318-1981 Watkinsville and most of Oconee County is a virtual artsy treasure hunt. There are so many great shops tucked in the most unsuspecting places.

Thus was the next stop ~ Art on the Side Gallery & Gifts (pictured below)

1011B Industrial Blvd

706-202-1100

Downtown Watkinsville was next up for a little strolling and you guessed it more shopping.

That night we enjoyed the VIP experience at Girasoles. We had our own private room for our group and we were treated to course after course of delicious delicacies prepared especially for us by Chef Jose'. The food just kept coming and coming and coming. I mean our dessert was served in courses ~ I am not kidding! http://www.girasolesfusion.com/

Me and Chef Jose'

Sincerest gratitude to Mario and Dave of Ashford Manor for helping to create so many magical moments for us.
Special Thanks to Cass Lievsay for capturing those magical moments on film for us!http://www.casslievsayphotography.com/