The Blissful

Penny at Lavender Hills Studio left me a comment on my Oreo post. On Friday, I visited her blog to thank her for visiting my blog. Peggy was on her way to Melissa's at the Inspired Room for a Satellite party in honor of Abby at The Blissful and her holiday open house in Canton, Ohio.

I found Abby's blog about two weeks ago through the rabbit trail that is blog reading from McMaster & Storm who I heard about from Heather Bullard at Present Past Collection. I now read Abby’s blog whenever I get the chance to blog surf.

While I had not yet visited the actual physical Blissful in real life, it was on my list of things to do. When I got to Melissa's party at the Inspired Room on Friday night, I decided that Saturday would be the day! I called my wonderful husband at work and planned our “date”. He’s a wonderful guy!! The conversation went something like this, “Umm, honey, I, umm, know this is going to sound crazy, but, umm, I found this place on the internet? I’ve been reading this girl’s blog and she, ummm, is having an open house this weekend, and ummm, I’m wondering if you could, ummm, take me?

On the way to the store, I wondered what you say to a “blog personality?” How do I let her know that I’m a big fan of her blog without seeming like a stalker?

I saw the sign and got all giddy. It’s such a surreal experience to see these things on the computer and then to ACTUALLY see them in real life. BTW, the roof looks great;)

My husband now knows that I am a crazy person, because I jumped out of the van with a camera in my hand and started taking pictures of the exterior of the store. He said, “You brought your camera?” Now I ask you, can you visit a place that you’ve read about in blogland and NOT blog about it?


We entered the store and I hid my camera in my purse. I’m still new to blogging and I wasn’t sure of the etiquette. I didn’t want to take pics of the interior and post them on my blog. Those belong to Abby.

ABBY


Let me tell you, Abby is a sweet heart! I became totally tongue tied when I met her...kind of like when you have an opportunity to talk to one of the “popular kids” in school. Here was a real live blogger and a business owner to boot! Someone I had only come in contact with in my pajamas over a cup of coffee. I told her that I was here because I had “attended” Melissa's "party" last night. She gave me a great big hug and thanked me for coming. I akwardly asked if my husband could take a picture of the two of us together. I also passed on the message that Melissa sent her love.

THE STORE:

The store is amazing. The pictures I’ve seen around don’t do it justice. Abby has an incredible flair. So much so, that even my husband noticed;) Everything looks hand chosen, loved, and perfectly placed. It’s definitely a place that I will want to visit again! Everyone is in for a treat when her wares become available online.



I broused for awhile and chose some wonderful things. Abby checked me out and packaged everything so beautifully! I felt like I was getting a gift. She asked me if I’d been blogging long. I explained that I was really just starting. I visit many blogs and when I comment, I feel that it’s nice to have a place that others can visit.



THE PURCHASES:


Isn't this the cutest little snowman? I have a Christmas garland that I hang around my back window that is only snowmen. This little guy will be on there soon.




A bird soap because I couldn't resist.
ETA...Abby very sweetly wrote me to let me know that this is not a soap, but actually an eraser. I'm still chuckling to myself about that. I should say, though, that when I found this cute little bird, it was only moments after I had entered the store and I was still "star struck." I think my faculties have now come back:)



Eiffel Tower Soap still in the plastic for my BFF. Again...actually an eraser;)



I also have a garland for my glass birds. I bought this glitter bird to add to that collection.



A mercury glass bird just because.



A Paris notepad for my BFF.



To finish up, I'd also like to quote Abby and say Thank you, Jesus, for giving us a reason to celebrate..."

Dear Abby, we wish you a successful holiday season. Thank you for the wonderful shopping experience.