"Are you a Shabby Girl?" asked Rachel Ashwell

I had the privelege of meeting Rachel Ashwell last Sunday at Country Roads Antiques in Old Town Orange! She was a delight! Very down to earth as she asked us to gather around while she shared some stories about her latest book Shabby Chic Interiors.

She shared stories about some of the photographs in the book; one photo that was to be the cover in the end was not. It shows her seated with lot's of vintage prom dresses in the background. She said that an hour before the shot was taken she had learned that her business was at a turning point that she had dreaded. She wrote most of the book on her blackberry in a small basement flat in London. It sounds a bit romanic but I think she was truly going through such a horrible time in her life - she said she just wanted to be underground.

She was so pleasant and friendly and I have such a respect for her now after listening to her tell a bit of her story. Sue of Country Roads and her family put on a wonderful event. The food was catered by Paris in a Cup. Such a yummy treat that we decided to head over there for lunch; sinful baked potato soup and tea sandwiches were my choice - absolutely delicous!