Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The most beautiful fairytale in the world Part 1, By intivation only!

Before I begin, I have a confession to make. I had a really really rough day yesterday, you know those kinds of days where EVERYTHING goes wrong? Well yours truly had one from the minute I woke up until the late hours of the night. Suffice to say it was baaaad, but I will spare you the details. Then I visited blogland in between this really bad day and things temporarily were a little better. But then I started seeing so many of my blogging friends talking about their little munchkins getting all dressed up in anticipation of all the fun Halloween festivities of the afternoon and evening and it got me feeling really melancholy. Especially when my "baby" wanted to dress up as a rapper and only cared about video chatting with his friends in between  completing a Chinese and Science project, and only coming 'up for air" to have dinner for all of 15 minutes. That was my Halloween and on top of that we live in a neighborhood where no kids come to the door, Teddy was the only one who shared in the spirit of the holiday sporting his Halloween bandanna.
Too bad he couldn't eat the unopened bag of chocolate bars I bought in hope and anticipation that ONE person would come to my door. I even opened the door a few times, desperately searching for someone....I would have taken a UPS driver doing a late run:)  Not a soul.  The closest I got to a trick or treater was my son grunting asking from upstairs to throw him a crunch bar. So at that point, I decided to let the pathetic nostalgia take me over completely (what the heck I was a wreck at this point anyway) and I started going through pictures...of when my kiddos were little. (Yes I wept like a pathetic baby looking at them) but got the "not having a little one to dress up anymore' out of my system and today feeling a lot better. Thanks for letting me vent:)







Now onto the fun stuff.........







As many of you  know I am part of a group of bloggers who participates in the 
"By invitation only" posts once a month. This months post is about dreams, things you wanted to do or have plans to do.....I am all about dreaming, read more to find out just where my dreams take me.......

OK, whatever you are doing right now, STOP! You need to fully concentrate here to"get in the zone". I am going to take you on the most amazing and beautiful fairytale ever, and all you need to do is mentally fill in the blanks, so open up your imagination and  get ready for a minute or two of fantasy and a make believe get away. Ready, set here we go, just roll with me here...........

You have been invited by ____________(insert a friends name that you ADORE) to visit her at her brand new country home that she just bought. As part of the celebration this invitation also coincides with her ____th birthday (you insert the number for what might be appropriate for your friends age, you can make her younger:-)  As it turns out, she has decided to throw a party as well as host a few of her best girlfriends for the weekend. You see, in addition to the major main house there are two separate guest "cottages" where you will be staying. You aren't sure what to expect but are more than willing to travel to_______________(destination is your choice) because you know that _____________(your friends name) has exquisite taste beyond description  and you just know you are in for the experience of a lifetime. So before you can say "book my flight" she announces she has already arranged for a private jet to fly you over! And so the fairytale begins...enjoy!!


The private plane awaits you........


Where there are stacks of luxurious blankets, movies and books and champagne!


After a glass of champagne, you are served a delectable meal on fine china of course....

And then a smorgasbord of some of your favorite desserts! Do I have to..OK if you insist!


After a peaceful slumber snuggled in your cashmere Hermes blanket, you awaken to find you are arriving, leave it up to ____________________(friends name), there is a Bentley with your own chauffeur awaiting you. Now THIS is living you say to yourself.....

Before you know it you are soon approaching the splendid property, a postcard perfect,sweeping driveway beckons you......it looks so surreal, it resembles a painting.....

Your breath is taken away as you take in the beauty of _______________"s home!


_________________(friends name) comes out to greet you, looking uber chic and as you excitedly embrace she says she wants to show you the guest quarters, but before she does, she asks you and the others to sit down for a "casual lunch" and tea, knowing everyone must be famished. I pick my mouth up off the floor and follow her like the hypnotized puppy in a trance that I am,  to the back patio where once again my breath is taken away.....

There are scattered small tables on the most dreamy patio I have laid eyes on, and a center table laden with a beautiful spread of scrumptious foods and beverages of every variety. I am practically salivating at this point....

Everywhere you look there are beautiful architectural features, planters, lanterns, blooming wisteria, you pinch yourself under the table sure you must be in a dream......the beauty is beyond description

 You proceed to sit at a beautiful table overlooking the vast lawn and enjoy a beautiful lunch and reminisce about old times, against the picture perfect backdrop of bright green lawn and a splendid compound, a compound you will be in for the entire weekend!


On top of this gorgeous cake, she has the most fabulous cupcake display I have ever seen....



She then announces she has a little gift for each of us (little being a very relative word) Something bright and beautiful is getting your attention and you cannot ignore the powerful magnetic pull that little orange stack of goodies has on you.....she says though we cannot open them until later that night.....hum, what might it be? 


After a delectable meal, she whisks you away to show you the "guest quarters" and announces that you have your choice of which you would like to stay in. You cannot imagine what lies before you but know that there is no such thing as a bad choice in this fantasy of a weekend!
This is guest house #1, how incredibly charming 
It even boasts its own small greenhouse and cutting room!
This is the girls room for visiting guests with daughters!
And this the boys room
The sitting area right when you walk in.....
The beautiful tranquil guest room
An elegant and pretty guest room bath awaits you, of course with cashmere slippers
I love the cozy eating nook
And the oh so pretty and serene living room is as charming as it is beautiful
What is that I spy over on the chest? She remembered!! Yes that's a tray of Lauduree macroons waiting to be devoured....she really thought of everything!


Utterly  mesmerized, and brainstorming how you can approach her about taking on a housekeeping job so you can stay here forever and ever and never have to leave (well, your husband and kids can come visit on holidays, hehe) you walk a beautiful time worn stone path to guest house #2, it is in my mind very hard to top that guest house and the macaroons!
The charming ivy is an indication that this is another winner and will make the decision difficult
This one boasts its own beautiful charming small kitchen
A sumptuous master guest suite fit for a princess
The coziest  little reading nook
A wonderful and  inviting sitting/living room
A wonderfully charming old world feeling bath with a deep soaking tub which is part of the master guest suite
And it has another beautiful elegant softly lit guest suite on the other side of the cottage
With this wonderful airy sunlit bath with its own private courtyard!!


But then, wait I saw something, is that what I think it is?  My eyes do not deceive me and this has clinched my decision in a big way! Yes over the macaroons!  Oh yea, this house is MINE!! And if you are dying to know what that little something is that "sold" me...feast your eyes on this...........



Isn't this mighty convenient? Thought you would like it!


Hum....decisions decisions! Which to choose? Have a personal favorite? Now that I know where I will rest my overwhelmed head for the night,  I am whisked away as _______________(friends name) is dying to show me the main house! We waltz past acres of formal gardens, sprawling picturesque meadows and pastures with grazing horses towards the main house. The entire time I am skipping as though I am living a dream! On to the main house, much more formal and much grander, every one of my senses is awakened up entering such a grand and palatial home.........


TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK!! You won't want to miss it!



Time to snap out of it! Oh to dream, a girl can dream and what is life without dreams? BORING. I truly believe that!! Hope you enjoyed this little fantasy getaway...until next time, wishing you a wonderful day and for all my friends without electric and Internet, may it all be back TODAY!



Photobucket

83 comments:

  1. I am with you Tina,I was already leaning towards guest house #2,but any quarters that have a champagne dispenser of such proportions has got my vote,even if it is a tent.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LOVE THIS! WHAT A GREAT POST AND SUPER WAY TO START MY DAY. NOW IF ONLY I COULD MEET A "FRIEND" LIKE THIS, I MAY NEVER COME BACK. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FANTASY!!!!! GREAT JOB TINA!
    LP

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awww.. sweetie! I wish I lived close to you. My kids would LOVE to knock on your door! They couldn't get enough candy yesterday. :-) We also live in a place where kids don't come to trick or treat, so we need to drive to a busier neighborhood to feel it's actually Halloween.

    Wishing you a wonderful day and many hugs to you!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tina,

    I feel your Haloween pain, although I do not have any kids to dress up, we did not get any little people to give candy to either. I guess they do not want to go down a cul de sac? It is a good thing I only bought stuff I do not like...ok there were the caramels but I wasn't going to share those anyway!

    I love this post my dear, I think in addition to being an actress you need to take up screen play writer, or a good chick lit. I know people consider that sort of writing a little trite but lets face it, with all we having going on in life, I could use a little escape!

    I cannot decide on which house to pick. I am all over the private plane, have experienced that a few times and a girl could get used to it. The Laudree macaroons and the champagne...nice touch. I love the pistache and the chocolate ones myself, and who does not love a good glass of champagne with friends!

    I hope that you have a wonderful day! A bad day always means tomorrow(today) will be better! I hope that your day shines bright, I hope you have a wonderful lunch with a friend, or at least a nice long phone chat, and if all else fails, there is always a few hot tamales, red vines, and sweedish fish, washed down with milk duds to make a girl feel better.

    Take care, hugs, Elizabeth

    @ pineconesandacorns.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tina I laughed so hard at your day, I mean I feel bad for you but so apprecaited your hilarious twist you put on retelling it. Agree with Elizabeth, you are one heck of a writer, my friend. You have the gift of keeping people captivated!
    Now onto to this dream of a trip. OMG can I please go? I would never go home:-) Seriously beautiful stuff here. I am sending this to MY friends to let them know what I am expecting of them in the coming years...hehe.
    Awesome post. I will take one night in guest house 1 and one night in guest house 2. Thank you-

    ReplyDelete
  6. I know how you felt last night with no little oones on your door step. We live to far out in the country so I had Dylan dog in his mask but that didn't last long and here I was with no one to celebrate with, sometimes I miss the city!

    What a dream you made me believe and I thought I woke up hours ago. I'll take the first guest cottage please and hope I never wake up! Wonderful post!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are a panic. Seriously funny. Thanks for the laugh but sorry you had a stinky day:(
    This "fairytale" is out of this world. Such a beautiful place. Now if only it exisited...I will take guest house #1.
    Wishing you a super duper great day Tina.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tina, my "baby" texted me (from college) a pic of himself dressed up as a big fat black rapper dude complete with gigantic platinum necklace in his monogram (made out of tin foil covered cardboard)! I had to laugh, at least he is being creative~I carved my jackolantern and had a bowl of candy with glow in the dark spider rings ready to give out...but alas we live on the top of a very high hill and no one wants to go up our street. I was pleased to have one visit and it was a pair of adorable little girls, one was a fairy and one a bumblebee. They made my night!
    Fantasy series is really fun~I was taken with the first cottage, it looked so charming.

    ReplyDelete
  9. First of all, I share your pain... with a son off at college and a 16 yr. old at home the days of trick or treating are long gone. Halloween actually was cancelled here due the storm/no lights/branches everywhere.

    I have to say I admire and enjoy the amount of work you put into every post! Oh, if only one of my friends had a beautiful home to whisk me away too! (The Hermes boxes wouldn't hurt either)!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am so sorry about your very bad day yesterday! I can sympathize about the trick-or-treaters! I get one group a year. And I make it worth their wile to come!!!!! Big candy and prizes keeps them coming back each year. I am all about bribery!

    What a lovely post, Tina! A great way to start my day. YOu pick the most inspiring images! And I am glad you said, "snap out of it" or I'd be dreaming a lot of my day away!
    Very fun post!
    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  11. Geez, You had me totally in a trance, I couldn't stop reading! wow, what a wonderful,big fantasy! Beautiful photos! hope your having a better day today!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ps. Friend's house, no, I think not. I want this for myself..call me greedy but this fantasy is too amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I do not even want to think about the day when my children do not DO Halloween, My friends tell me to enjoy it while they are so little. Believe me, I cherish every moment! maybe next year you could find another outlet to be involved and around little children so that you don't feel so lonely again.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I still have little ones but I can feel them slipping away and relish these times with them. I spent some time last night after they were in bed looking back at past Halloween pictures. I love dressing them up! I don't know if part of your bad day was house related but your words took me back to a day 2 years ago around Christmas when we were building and I was making decision after decision and trying to keep up with work, family and Christmas obligations and an issue came up at work that sent me over the edge. I took my arm and wiped everything off my desk and then went home, broke a door to get in the house because it wouldn't open fast enough and curled up in the fetal position in my bed and had a good, long cry. That's the closest I have come to a nervous breakdown! All of that to say, house building is stressful!!! Be kind to yourself and know it will be over soon and you will miss it. I promise!

    P.S. What a fun fantasy post!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gorgeous!!! I turn 50 in less than two weeks, and my awesome, amazing, talented husband is throwing me a birthday party, but I know that it's not going to be as beautiful as staying at one of those guest cottages, unless he wins the lottery between now and the 13th :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. OOOh la la! I am starry eyed!

    I will keep take this dream/movable feast with me today. Thank you!

    Madame - I noticed a lot of Hermes. Are you a scarf gal? I am hearting scarves - totally have the Paris bug!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tina...yes I think we get to a certain age and look over our shoulders and realize the little ones are not so little anymore. Hang in there though, it gets better; grandchildren start appearing before you know it...Now HOW did THAT happen?!?
    Loved the dream trip...I was with you all the way and excuse me now while I go start booking one fantastic trip for me and my gal pals!
    Hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's so comforting to know that not everyone had a stellar "Halloween experience," there must have been something in the air. (We also had a less-than-splendid evening.) Fortunately your dreamy trip cheered me up! Like others, it really is impossible to pick a favorite, although the second cottage is pretty nifty!

    May you enjoy a better rest of the week!
    tp

    ReplyDelete
  19. We don't get any trick or treaters either. I always buy candy just in case and made sure to get what my husband likes - not me!! Lovely reverie - revisiting some of my favorite images!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such a great post! Fun to read and a feast for the eyes!
    CC

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow, this is amazing. So fun to dream!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a great idea and a fabulous post! You have such exquisite taste. I like parts of both cottages, but the first one wins for simple and serene. We could bring our own champagne...
    My youngest is a high school senior so I sympathize with you... We did make decoupage pumpkins together the other day (inspired by a blogger!) and that was fun, but no costumes or excitement. I'll take what I can get!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Tina, My children are all grown and scattered across the country so I understand your nostalgia. We had a few trick or treaters even though it was raining. Love this post and it allowed me to escape from reality for a few minutes. Now back to cleaning the bathrooms! I hope you have a better day.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm feeling your pain on Hallowen too. Actually I was surprised to read from so many others here that they didn't have any trick or treaters last night either. If a friend hadn't brought her children by we would not have had a single one...Yikes, that means I need to start getting rid of candy before I eat it all.

    My bags are packed and ready to meet the plane...I don't even care where we are going...just to get away and enjoy such luscious treats would be heaven. Great post. Mona

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks Tina, I needed that.
    PS Regarding the rapper thing... so annoying. Been there done that. My youngest was also too old and too cool for the Halloween fun this year... I did have a little munchkin come over for a cookie and I swear there were a million crumbs in my kitchen after she left... My goodness I forgot what it's like having a 2 year old! The cute costumes I miss... the crumbs, not so much.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh thank you, Tina! You totally just took me off into dreamland. What a fabulous way to start the day :)

    And sorry you had a hard day yesterday. It must be hard to watch your kids grow up and not find the pleasure in the holiday any longer. I was out last night and missed seeing trick or treaters for the first time ever. I was sad myself.

    Hope your day today is much better :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dear Tina,

    I am sorry to hear you had such a day yesterday. My daughter is in her "tweens" and I am feeling how quickly time is flying. Her costumes have now evolved from cute and fun into ones with a decidedly scary edge. Yikes! And yes, looking at baby pictures makes me all teary.

    I must say, what a magnificent post this is...I got a little depressed, I want this weekend now!! :)) hee..
    It is very easy for me to imagine this magical fantasy, you really know how to start the day with fun and inspiration. Merci!

    Thank you so much for your visit!! I so appreciate it. Your comment made me giggle, sorry! ;) We spice up our morning oatmeal with dark chocolate and cinnamon. Heavenly...

    Wishing you a beautiful day!
    - Irina

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a lovely little journey to dreamland, Tina. I want to take a little bit of this magical feeling out and about with me today. I'm sorry to hear about your rough time of it yesterday. I hope that the new month of November brings a fresh start and plenty of happy, joy-filled days!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Tina! I only had time to read your first paragraph about your day - will read the rest later. I hope you have an extra good one today!! Go treat yourself to something special! It was my first Halloween not going trick or treating with the kids and we get no one at our door either. I know what you were feeling looking at those baby pictures...
    I can't wait to read the rest of your post.
    xo
    Serena

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a great vacation...and I am in a rush ...have to meet someone in 15 minutes. I really need to come back and savor that pretty table on the balcony and all those shiny clean windows and the Champagne water cooler for SURE. You are delightful!!!

    PS. I have loads of leftover candy, too. And not even a little Chinese speaking rapper at home.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Tina, first time commenting but discovered your blog a few months ago and devour each and every post! Your day yesterday while sounding miserable made for a really funny story. I loved how you told it. Had me laughing and really hoping for today to be over the top great. (I bet it will)
    I have two little girls 4 and 9 and everyone keeps telling me to slow down and savor each minute. I already feel like its going by so fast. I always pegged you for being young like 40? How old are you if you don't mind my asking? Just curious or maybe you had your kids young, I am 41 but started a little later...maybe throw a great big Halloween party for yourself next year, that is bound to keep that Halloween spirit going!
    Now this post aka dream vacation, when can I leave? Does that sound good!!!!! What a dream, only problem is I would never be able to leave and my hubs and girls might not be very happy about that. Thanks for the getaway now its time to tend to my laundry, talk about reality!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am so sorry you had such a bad day! I hope my post yesterday gave you a little smile! Kids grow up so fast and it is really hard not to be needed, isn't it! That is why friendships are so important.

    Fun post, by the way :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm DYING over this post! So many of these images are going in my dream home file. You will probably see them next year on my bday when I do another dream home post. SO wonderful! You definitely deserve a big Halloween party next year in your new home and your sons have to wear ridiculous costumes. Tell them I said so. For now go enjoy some Christmas music and start thinking about how it's coming up on The MOST Wonderful Time of the Year!! xo

    ReplyDelete
  34. Tina,
    This is so much fun...will you publish this in a book so I can drool over each and every image and enjoy this fantasy whenever the clouds gather? Please?
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  35. I relate so much to our children growing up and moving on to new things. That's life and it's OK! Now, about the weekend trip, that's what I would LIKE my life to be about. Absolutely just so much fun, and so beautifully done. What a splendid dream, Tina. Every one of the girls will LOVE this...your story is amazing. Sending love....

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a gorgeous fantasy! You definitely know how to dream BIG! I can't get over the champagne jug dispenser--is that for real?? I hope you are feeling better today!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you for the diversion.
    My family were all doing other things last night so there was only my 13 year old daughter and myself around. She desperatly wanted to dress up and go out but had been let down by friends ( there is a movement by the church in the UK to not celebrate halloween as it is seen as a little unwholesome. They run their own festival of light parties) whose parents had vetoed it. So it was up to me to dress up and accompany her. Glad I did, we had great fun!
    Hope the horribleness of your yesterday has now passed.
    ZoeB

    ReplyDelete
  38. Tina,
    I think I can make you feel better about your Halloween... We live in a California neighborhood where they actually bus in and drive in children from all over, every year has been getting worse than the last and I think this year will be our last time participating. I will start by saying we handed out over 600 candy bars to the most rude, obnoxious, ungrateful children I have ever seen and I have been around for quite a while. Children is a word I use loosely, they have actually run off most of the young ones and now are composed of mostly teenagers and adults. 50% wear costumes, 50% don't bother. I can count the thank you's on one pair of hands, parents were carrying bags and trick or treating for themselves and most were too lazy to even say trick or treat. They trampled our lawns and flower beds. This I know seems like a horror story but this is not the worst part, this morning as we took our morning mile and half walk we were greeted with everlasting views of dirty diapers, beer cans, styrofoam cups, candy wrappers, broken mailboxes, smashed pumpkins and junk food trash all just dumped on the side of the road, in the middle of our roads and on our lawns. I use to enjoy Halloween I don't anymore.... On a brighter note I would love to be invited to anyone of your guest homes, I could use a little down time. Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  39. How on earth did I not find this blog sooner??? I hate to think of all the amazing posts I missed out on! I need to set aside a few hours so I can browse through. I'm here from the French Tangerine (love her!) and I'm a happy new follower of your delightful blog.
    xoxo,
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  40. Tina, I'm so sorry you had such a bad day yesterday and hope today turns out to be wonderful.

    This post was a fantastic idea, just like all your others.:) I managed to get lost in the fabulous fantasy you created and am still trying to decide which guest house I want to stay in. At first I thought the champagne dispenser might be the deciding factor but I'm pretty sure the first house has an endless supply of bottles chilling in the frig....guess I'll go take another look at my choices....decisions, decisions, decisions!

    Your posts always brighten my day and this wonderful fantasy is just what I needed this morning! :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh, Tina....I'm so sorry to hear you had a rough day. It sounds like it was a doosey, too!

    If it's any consulation....I enjoyed Halloween until I "lost' my little guy in the dark (ran off with friends) and couldn't relax until he was safely home. Yes, the same one who sliced his head open this fall. Kids! :)

    And talk about needing a happy, relaxing dream. I kept waking up last night, nightmare after unrelated nightmare. Tonight, I think I need to reread your post before I crawl into bed!!!

    Hopefully, November is off to a MUCH better start!
    xoxo Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  42. When I'm having a bad day at work, I slip into blog world and everythign seems to be OK with the world again. Such a wonderful escape! I hope yours turned around, esp with that fairy tale! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  43. Tina, I love how breathtaking the first house is but I am also drawn to the warmth and coziness of the second. Our halloween was a mixed bag - fun but not as carefree as usual - a lot of downed trees and branches so the everyone had to be extra careful.

    ReplyDelete
  44. It is so hard when they grow up...and it goes so fast. I could feel sadness with your words....:( On the other hand that dream is perfect for me as I am a Pieces and we are the "dreamers".....

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh Tina, I needed this escape! My Halloween consisted of boys in winter clothes and masks insisting on trick or treating in a neighborhood without power and since we've been freezing our rears off at home, I couldn't think of anything better to do... especially since they've been out of school for two days. Fingers are crossed that schools open tomorrow and the power comes back by the end of the week! Would love to fill the toilets with Moet ;)
    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  46. Okay, I'm in. I would prefer cottage #2. Hell, I would sleep on the lawn, if truth be told. What a gorgeous fantasy. The coup de grace would be if it were in Tuscany. I cannot wait until Part Due.
    Best...Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  47. Tina, I think you and I are close in age, and I totally feel your pain about the kids getting older. Although I have one that is 6, my oldest is fast approaching the dreaded teenage years. he comes home from school and goes straight to his room. I almost never see the baby that used to cling to me unless I go knock on his door and beg him to hang out with me, to which I usually get "I just want to be alone." It is so hard, and so sad, and I totally feel for you :(
    xo Stacy

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh, and PS - I spent a good part of last night driving my son and his friend from neighborhood to neighborhood so they could find a particular girl they were looking for (to no avail). Boooo!
    Stacy

    ReplyDelete
  49. Cervantes was right on when he said, "God bless the inventor of sleep, the cloak that covers all men's thoughts". I say, if that doesn't work there's nothing a little day dreaming won't fix :) I'm glad you're feeling better!

    You've set a wonderful stage, and I see there's plenty of champagne for all of us - cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  50. LesliefromButtercupNovember 1, 2011 5:12 PM

    Tina- you really know how to put together a fantasy. Cant' imagine it getting any better than this, just spectacular. I am so ready, bags are packed and I am fully ready to board that private plane, please have my champagne waiting.

    I will be happy to take either guest house, even sleeping in that potting room would make me happy. Dream on....and please include me.

    Sorry for your crummy day, I have one who is 15 and in the full blown teenage years of only wanting to hang out with her friends and an 7 year old right behind her (wants to copy everything her big teenage sister does) So I can imagine how you felt. So glad you are better today and thank goodness for that Teddy, bet he looked adorable in his Halloween getup!

    Have a great and hopefully relaxing night, I will be dreaming that I am on the above trip..sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  51. So sorry for your bad day yesterday. We all have them, but I know that doesn't make you feel any better when it's your turn! I have no trick-or-treaters either. We live out in the country down a long private drive, so nobody comes. And my kids are too old (one in college, one in high school). I must say I too miss those days of dressing up and driving around. Everyone tells you to enjoy every second of their childhood because it goes so fast, and they are right. I absolutely LOVE your fairytale! I had an opportunity a few years ago to travel by private jet and I must say, it was fantastic. Spent a week at a mansion on the beach in Destin, Florida with a group of girlfriends. Amazing time! I am LOVING watching your new home evolve and am probably almost as anxious as YOU to see the finished product. Your home is absolutely stunning, and I anxiously check your blog every Thursday for updates! I hope you have had a wonderful day today :0! Thanks for the beautiful glimpse into how the 1% lives . . . alas, I am part of the 99%!

    ReplyDelete
  52. If I lived in your neck of the woods, your house would be my first stop! I had a little thieving pirate and a "really tough" super-girl. Your post reminds me to enjoy this time while they are young and full of fairytale imaginings, they end so quickly...Also, my jaw would be on the floor the whole time of the entire fantasy, thanks for the mental getaway!

    ReplyDelete
  53. This is the best escapism of all...may it continue....Wonderful post....xv

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you for the invitation- I had a wonderful trip with you. Each home was incredible and lovelier than the one before-or after!;>)

    I am sorry you had a bad day yesterday. It was sad when my own kids were grown and gone and we had no one to spoil and enjoy...but, then, life being the grand journey it is, we were blessed with grandkids and it is like living it all a 2nd time~ only better. Blessings- Diana

    ReplyDelete
  55. Tina, I can so relate to your lousy Halloween day. I decorate our house to the nines and we got 7 trick or treaters. Our kids are grown and gone it is a real bummer. I, too, was looking out the front door every 5 mins. looking for children but no..... Your FAIRY TALE is fabulous. I sure wish I knew someone who could do that!!!! XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  56. This is my dream... how did you become a part of it? Especially the water cooler!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Yikes!! I'm not quite sure how I landed here. Although it is lovely, I won't be back. I do not mean to be insulting, nor snarky, but how much money does one actually have to have in order to live in your world?

    My home is very nice, it a nice part of town, I have all the bells and whistles I need. We are generally comfortable financially. But I don't think we could afford to build even one room in your Chateau....much less furnish it and subsequently live in it. The amount you must be spending on that enormous home would support my entire family for decades!

    There is nothing here an ordinary, normal, non-wealthy person can relate to.

    I do wish you well. Your home will be spectacular. You probably con't mind being wealthy. But ordinary people don't live in spectacular homes with 11 bathrooms (??!), we are the people you hire to clean or landscape or build them.

    And I am nothing if not ordinary!

    whew!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Tina-
    After reading this I KNOW that you are having a much better day! Such a wonderful post. Do we get to see your house next week? Suspense! I can't wait to see what you have in store!
    Thank you for taking us away for a little while.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  59. Tina thank you sweetie pie for this amazing getaway. Just what I needed and next best thing to doing the real thing...if I could only find a friend who would really invite me to such a trip. Fantasy and fabulous, I will come back to this post everytime I need a virtual va-cay!

    XO Hope you are having a much better day today.

    ReplyDelete
  60. A truly dream_trip!

    Thanks a lot, Tina, to take us with you!

    Greetings,
    karin

    ReplyDelete
  61. What a wonderful post, I feel like I've just had the best vacation!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I hope today was a better day! Thanks for the Incredible little virtual fairytale trip! xo, Tessa

    ReplyDelete
  63. So sorry for your bad day!! I bet next year when you are all moved into your "dream house" you will feel much better....Let's hope so!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Sorry about your bad day yesterday. Your story about being sad on Halloween brought tears to my eyes. As a mother, I can only I will feel the same as you when that time arrives. I truly treasure these moments with my little ones and one of the reasons is from the advice of people like you who remind us (with little ones) to embrace these fleeting moments. Last night when I crawled into bed exhausted I said to my husband "this was my favorite Halloween ever"...to have two little kids running door to door with such enthusiasm was bliss to me. I wish I could bottle these moments, but I can't so I try to create good memories. Your escape is a great way for me to end the night. XOXO.

    ReplyDelete
  65. *** Now THAT'S what I call FANTASTIC "ESCAPISM"!!! I was SO TOTALLY "into it", that I actually lost track of the "not-so-great" day I had today myself... (So, I THANK YOU!)... and I can't WAIT for Part 2!!!

    This was SO... MUCH... FUN!!!

    Best,
    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  66. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tina! I can almost feel your pain about the babies not dressing up!!!!! I laughed out loud about the crunch bar! That is sooo funny!!! I too miss all the cute Halloween stuff I used to do with the boys. My "baby" dressed up as a rapper, too! Complete with large dollar sign symbol, gigantic gold dollar sign rings and gold glasses with a Heat jersey. He looked cute and is 12.....I wanted to savor each minute because my oldest 16 did not dress up for the first time this year (he's 6 ft) and instead went out to dinner at Outback with my husband. My middle son went with a large group of teenage boys and girls. You are so funny and I love stopping by many times a day to check out your blog! God bless you my dear friend! We can look forward to trick or treating with our grandkids some day! xoxoxo Now let me go back an finish reading your post!

    ReplyDelete
  67. What a beautiful fantasy! Thanks so much for the daydream getaway! I'm with you on house #2! Hope you are having a better day today!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Tina, you are amazing. Your family is so lucky to have you and I'm sure your sons will always be totally devoted to you.

    I hope your Tuesday was better! I always appreciate your visit!!!!

    All the best, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  69. Wow! It's house #2 for me! And, I'll be back next week for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  70. I can't believe even the best fairytale could be as amazing as what you have just conjured up. It's too good to dream about. I'm depressed!

    ReplyDelete
  71. SO LAVISH AND PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh dearest,I am so late these days!!!!!!!!!! LOVE EVERY SINGLE PHOTO HERE! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  72. Ohh LOVE IT te second guest house please & leave me with the Moet dispenser & I will be happy :)))))) (HIC)

    ReplyDelete
  73. So glad I took the time to go back and read this. I've been away from blogland for a week because of kid related "chaos"- which, at this point in my life, I embrace. I know I will miss it someday and your post affirms that!

    That was truly a dream post. Have a beautiful rest of the week :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. OMG this is incredible. I love how you put this together. What a trip that would be, would never want to go home!!

    Love both cottages and the rooms are like out of a fairytale. Just incredible and love how you wove a beautiful story here.

    I feel your pain about them growing up so fast, mine are still young but I can see its flying by. Wishing I had a third sometimes even! Hoping you have a really wonderful day today.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I just died over this post!!! o my god If I could do that right now!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. When I am feeling overwhelmed about all the planning that goes into Halloween, I try and remind myself that in just a few years they won't want anything to do with it :(

    ReplyDelete
  77. Well,your fantasy for a little time was mine. I really enjoyed them, so I'm waiting for the next part. Thank you for share us this exquisite fantasy, from BsAs (Arg) Julia C.

    ReplyDelete
  78. our eldest turned 20 today, and i am trying to wrap my brain around it (please don't ask how that's going). i really have to be intentional about remembering how many new pleasures will be there to greet as they grow. otherwise i pine for the innocence of the past. it wasn't all rosy afterall.

    i'm a dreamer too. and i'm about making dreams come true. especially other people's dreams, ya know?

    warmly.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  79. Hello,
    Well,your fantasy for a little time was mine. I really enjoyed them, so I'm waiting for the next part.......

    ReplyDelete
  80. The amenities, the breadth and the accessories accessible at the guesthouse should be taken into annual forth with the amount of the adaptation per night and again advised with added options to see which guesthouse is alms the best deal.

    fingerprint jewellery

    ReplyDelete
  81. Guest house #1 is where I want to spent a quite, relaxing couple of weeks. No worrying about what is going on at the office. No freeway driving and no traffic jams. Taking walks on the grounds with my camera to capture everything!!

    At 56 years old (on Nov 6!) I know what it is like to read the other blogs and wish my children were young again. I am longing for grandchildren. This just hasn't happened yet for my daughter who has been married 8 years or my son...only married in March.

    The church down the street from us had a wonderful pumpkin patch and people were always out there with their little ones. I get teary eyed and nostalgic.

    A lovely post, Tina.

    Hugs, Jan

    ReplyDelete
  82. I am very enjoyed for this site. Its year informative topic. It help me very much to solve Some Problems. Its so fantastic.

    Bathroom lighting

    ReplyDelete
  83. Awww !! Tina that was de lovely and made me momentarily forget about my own empty nest!!

    What gorgeous images and I am utterly entertained and enthralled...

    Hugs

    Veronica

    ReplyDelete

Kindly leave a comment here please.....