Photo: Daria DeBuono
Glorious spaces.
Fresh. Bold. Soulful.
Photo: Daria DeBuono
Right Photo: Daria DeBuono;
Left Photo Lamp: Simply Shabby Chic Lamp at Target
For the party, every detail in the store was so pretty and thoughtful.
So Rachel.
Right Photo: Daria DeBuono
If you don't live near a store, you're in luck...
It’s no secret Rachel’s Shabby Chic style has heavily
influenced me. Imagine my shock when one
of her assistants contacted me to ask if I’d agree to be in her latest book Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces. I received my complimentary copy the day
before her October 20th Manhattan book signing, and after work read
my chapter on the LIRR train en route to New York.
In her lovely shop of treasures (velvet pumpkins and votives
to herald the season—plus one box of Christmas ornaments—wait till she
puts them on her website, you’ll die), her staff and customers gushed over my
studio. My dear friend Daria DeBuono
(thanks for the pics, hon!) teasingly called me a celebrity. (Me: “Oh stop!”)
When the line moved close enough, Rachel caught sight of me
and said in her British accent, “Do I see Sandy over there?!” She jumped up and hugged me, then we enjoyed
a long chat while she signed my books.
I’m moved she was moved by my humble little studio.
I am so bashful looking at the pictures and book I’ve only
looked at them twice. It’s pretty
surreal to see my name on the dedication page right next to Sharon Osbourne. I don’t know many designers
that would include the glittering L.A. home of Sharon and my shack in the same
book. But that’s Rachel.
I relayed the one most important thing I wanted to say (but
forgot) on her Facebook post expressing gratitude over the event: how proud I was of her. She replied the same to me.
Until next time, stay shabby!
Sharing with:
White Wednesday at Faded Charm
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Favorite Things Thursday at Katherine's Corner
Feathered Nest Friday at The French Country Cottage
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Favorite Things Thursday at Katherine's Corner
Feathered Nest Friday at The French Country Cottage
Giveaway at DustyLu
Win a signed copy of
Rachel Ashwell's Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces!
Ends 28 October 2011
(Don't win Lu's? Don't worry.
I'm giving a signed copy away on my annual December giveway, too.)
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65 comments:
Oh my goodness!!! Sandy- I am so excited for you!! What an absolute dream to be included Rachel Ashwell's beautiful book!!! I was so excited when I saw your delightful dreamy cottage in there- and I know what a HUGE thrill it is to meet her! Loved your feature in her book~ Congratulations!! :)
Thanks in advance for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday too ;) xoxox Courtney :)
Hi Sandy!!!
Those pics of you and Rachel are so lovely!!! :) It was her book that introduced me to you!!! :) So glad she featured your charming and oh so beautiful shabby shack in the woods...absolutely inspiring to say the least!!! :) Take care & "stay shabby!" :)
XOXO's,
Jessie
P.S. Thank you for being so generous as to post my giveaway on your page! :) I have to say you are one of the most kindest and big-hearted bloggers out there! :)
Hugs from here,
Jessie
Dearest Sandy,
Congrats to you for your moment of 'FAME'. Your friend caught you very well on camera and for sure you're feeling mighty proud.
Stay warm, but for sure you can now in the afterglow of such event...
Love to you,
Mariette
How exciting for you! Your lil Cottage is Simply Beautiful.It's even more beautiful because it's deep in the woods.I can't wait to get my copy of the book~Cheers Kim
Thank you love for including me! I sent you a message via FB and friend requested you! Lets chat! Hugs lulu
Giant Congrats Sandy!!!
I am so so excited for you! I am so so glad to see you have achieved this well earned recognition! Your true heart and hard work have paid off!! This is only a rung in a ladder, I know you will climb so high!!
Biggest hugs to you!
Bella
How lucky for you to meet Rachel Ashwell--but also how lucky for her to meet you! I don't know if you realize how inspiring you have been to so many of us. After seeing your story and being at a point in my life where I had to sell my big house and move into a small house I realized I could make any size home beautiful! Just like you did! In these hard times thanks for all the hope you bring to so many.
Hello:)
That`s must be just marveless to meet her...and be in her book....
So lovely for you sweetest...
hugs hugs
How nice to met her!!.....great pictures from a great friendship......and i am a bit jealous...off that sign book............love from me..xxx...
Hello Sandy, How exciting to be in Rachel's book...Congratulations!! But then both of you talented ladies are such an inspiration to us all. I've entered both Giveaways for her book, and I hope to be lucky enough to win one of them, but if not, I will definitely be buying this beautiful book to add to my collection...it is a MUST have :)
Congratulations again!
Warmest hugs, Brenda
Awesome... enjoy the moment!!
i LOVE her!! you were so lucky to meet her.......and she to meet you!
How incredibly exciting!!
Oh that is so wonderful Sandy! I remember first reading about your cottage long before I started blogging. My father, who reads the NYTimes saved me the article on your studio and brought it to me saying that "this girl reminds me of you" and he thought I would enjoy the article. I was totally blown away by what you had built for yourself~your dreamy little hideaway. So inspirational you are too~I bet you have touched almost as many people as Rachel has, so it is the perfect pairing that you are in her latest book!! So happy for you~xxoo
I pre ordered this book and received it last week. I have to be honest that I was disappointed with it. BUT, there were a few shining parts with yours being one of them. Your pages in the book were lovely. Congratulations.
Congratulations Sandy!! Can't wait to get the book! And you look so pretty in all the photos...XoXo
Congratulations! What a thrill to meet Rachel Ashwell!
Well, if two women were ever meant to meet, it would be you two! A dream come true!!!!!!
How exciting, I don't think my heart could take it. The both of you in one room. FABULOUS!
xo Rhonda
I shared a link to this post on the FB page for Cedar Hill Ranch.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cedar-Hill-Ranch/194162480629331#
Congrats on making in THE BOOK!!!
Sandy what wonderful news!!! And I'm not surprised at all, your little cottage has influenced so many women, and myself included.
Sharon's home has had a huge influence on my own, I have always used whites with splashes of color and English influence and when I first saw the Osbournes I just knew Sharon shopped with Rachel, it was far too obvious. I'm so glad she dedicated her book to Sharon as well. When I first started blogging I did a little post on Sharon's incredible home, I don't think anyone other than my Brother read it, but I just adore her style. So happy for you, Sandy, hope you have a wonderful week, and by the way, you look lovely in the photos!
SANDY !! soooooooooooo happy for you!! OMG.......you totally deserve this experience! what a life experience that will bless your heart and fill it with joy every time you think of it ! Happy day great girl :) oxox
Sandy,
Just last night, in the wee hours I was on Rachel's blog and I was wondering if Rachel had heard of you. I thought your blog should be on the top of her blog roll list with honorable mention as the ‘Princess of Shabby Chic'. I was thinking how cool it would be for you to meet ea other. And today I woke up to read this post, and it makes my heart sing for joy for you.
Rachel is so lucky to have had the chance to meet a woman that has influenced people all over the world by turning an old cabin into a place of enchantment. Your blog is my all time favorite, and even if I had the opportunity to live in Sharon's home or yours, I would choose yours without question. I would only add a composting toilet. I currently only have a kitchen because it came with my house, so your place is perfect. It inspires those of us who want to someday downsize from living in Mc Mansions, yet still be surrounded by beauty and simplicity.
Looking at your blog, and the pictures of your cottage calms my spirit & quiets my mind - similar to the peace I feel after my Hot Yoga class. The balance of nature and beautiful decor invites me in and It gets my imagine flowing about what is possible and puts a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing a part of your world with others through your blog. I look forward to each post.
I think you need a marketing agent, and to get talks in motion to start a "Simply Sandy" line. Or maybe Rachel's peeps would bring you on board as a designer or consultant, ( Rachel are you reading this)??. Sandy, I don't see you staying at your 9-5 for long. Your talent, heart and attitude are paving the way for you.
I am thrilled for you. Did you give her your autograph?? GREAT pictures. You go girl.. with your chic self. WA Hooo.
Fairy Dog Mother,
Tonita
Of course your cottage was featured, it's amazing! You and Rachel look like two of a kind. I think your energies must attract.. it just shows. How totally exciting that you two were able to meet each other...
Cindy
Kudos to you, Sandy!
I think it has all been said, except...."There are no coincidences in life." Don't you think it is meant to be somehow?! LOL I am looking forward to getting a copy of the book now, Sandy. BTW, I am waiting for my all-white furniture to arrive in time for the holidays and cannot wait! Thanks for sharing your beautiful style and photos.
Hugs,
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
Congratulations Sandy...I am so thrilled for you! I can't wait to see!
How wonderful sweetie, I am truly thrilled for you. I smiled wide through the reading of this whole post. The photos, the joy in every word and the palpable excitement of it all. Biggest hugs of celebration for you. and for your shining moment. xo
She is wonderful and those photos really say it all. I can't wait to get my hands on her latest book and even more so know that I know you are also featured in it. How lovely that you got to meet her in person and the book wasn't just sent to you in the mail. xx
She is wonderful and those photos really say it all. I can't wait to get my hands on her latest book and even more so know that I know you are also featured in it. How lovely that you got to meet her in person and the book wasn't just sent to you in the mail. xx
...i have a copy of her new book and the reason i bought it was because i knew that YOUR fairytale cottage was featured in it!!
so happy for all the good things fluttering your way dearest Sany, and that Rachel adored you as much as you do her!
xo, Rosemary
ps can't wait to see her new christmas items on her online boutique:)
Oh how thrilling that had to be for you Sandy! I adore your style and you so deserve every bit of this recognition. You both look adorable in these images and I loved seeing the background shots there. So exciting! Congrats to you! xo ~Lili
It was a real kick reading your chapter. I'm sure ten times more of a thrill for you! I was thrilled just getting into a couple of her shops! Congratulations!
Congratulations on being in Rachel's book Sandy. You certainly have made the most adorable cottage in the Catskills. i love how soft and fluffy it all feels. You've done such wondrous things! Keep on inspiring.
Sandy,
That must of been some experience! She is such an inspiration to us all. You have to tell me all about it when we get together.
Have a great week :)
xxx Liz
Sandy, I have the book ordered and the main reason is because of you! I am so excited for you-so happy. You are such a breath of fresh air and the reality of life when it comes to the way you live. I am proud to say I "know" you...xo Diana
My dear Sandy, I have to tell you that I am so proud of YOU. You are an amzing woman with so much to say to all of us wanting to bring pretty back into our lives. You have an amazing gift my friend.
Love, Kristin
What a FaB Time for YOU Sandy!*!*! You must have been in Shabby Heaven... Great Pics - Thanks for sharing...
Jeanine Burkhardt
Congratulations Sandy!! What a fun thing to meet Rachel and then chat with her too AND be in her book! WOW!!
Blessings~
I was just passing by and thought id stop to say hello. I'm checking new blogs today, and i hope you folks are enjoying the fall weather like we are having here in Pennsylvania. Richard from the Amish community of Lebanon county.
Lucky you to meet her in person. Thanks for sharing at Wow.
OMG girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!
you look so tiny about 60 lbs
so happy you got in & got her book autographed and got to see all the Rachel things OMG
then of course you are a prefect little star yourself world wide according to all the blogs I read about you
someday I'm coming your way
Congratulations, dear Sandy.......you can bee sooooo proud of you!!! And it must have been great to meet Rachel.......and you look sooooooo beautiful and zoo happy!!!! Have a wonderful week,
Hugs Jade
Sorry, i mean sooooo happy ;))!
Jade
Hi,
Congratulations!!! Your studio is simply breathtaking, it's is no surprise that you would be included in her book! :)Lovely photos of you and Rachel, and I can't wait to see your feature!!
Have a lovely day.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Alabaster Rose Designs
How wonderful Sandy, I can't wait to see your chapter in Rachel's new book. It must feel like a dream. You are an inspiration and so is Rachel. I am a huge fan of both of you.
Girl, you do indeed lead one very charmed LIFE! I would be honored to meet both you AND Rachel Ashwell! How nice. I luv, luv, luv Rachel's blog. And what is this www.rassc.net? Must investigate further. One of my fave Christmas "things" of SSC/Target is Rachel's glass snow globe with a pink tree and a white reindeer; I absolutely YEARN for her holiday ornaments and decor like this of years past but it's all been pretty sparse for awhile now at Target. You've gotta be in the store, not online, to get the bigger variety and it's so hard when you're not really comfortably near one.
Don't be so hard on yourself, dear Sandy. Sharon Osborne and a mansion are one beautiful Shabby but you and your studio are another beautiful Shabby...all good, all wondrous and drool-worthy, all fun for the rest of us who can only dream!
Can see on your face that you were having a ball!
Very best congratulations!
oh welch ein traum
das war bestimmt ein traumtag für dich.
freu mich für dich sehr.
hab alle bücher und find sie einfach umwerfend.
wünsche dir ein kuscheliges wochenende.
sei lieb gegrüsst daniela
Wow! How absolutely exciting is that!! The photos were great, thanks for sharing. Love, Linda
Congratulations!! Love, love, love your blog and your little shabby studio in the woods! I'm your newest follower!
Cindy
Sandy, have you and your studio been hit with this big storm that's all over the news today, the weekend before Halloween? Looks significant. Does that then kill the rest of the "fall color" tours? It makes me think if I ever get to the northeast, I better make sure I do it in September! I can't imagine what it's like. We're 82 degrees here in SoCal with mild, dry wind. I'd so much rather be in an October that's somewhere beween a hot wind and a wet snowstorm! Do you have to take any special precautions, preparing your studio for a harsh winter? Are you able to enjoy it in winter, like with portable heaters? Just wondering how that works out.
I cannot think of anyone more talented than you!!! You are the most amazing do-it-yourself person I know of and the results shine in your ever so sweet cottage!
Congrats. That would have been quite surreal. How awesome for you. But you deserve it as you are so talented at being "Shabby Chic!" Fiona
Wow! Good for you Sandy! You deserve the recognition! You have truly inspired us all with your beautiful little home, made gorgeous on a budget. You go girl!
Blessings & hugs,
Karen
So Sandy dreams really come true!
I am so happy for you!
I bought the book just in time to take with me on my week to the beach cottage because i knew you and your dreamy white cottage had a starring role and i wasn't disappointed such a beautiful chapter all of your own,i am really proud of you too and it must have been a dream come true to meet Rachel and be in her book.
I really enjoyed seeing your pictures and reading this post it is almost like we all came along too :)
Have a beautiful day dear girl xxx
I am so happy for you! I feel that Rachel has become a friend through her influence into our homes - you too in your sweet blog - blogging has brought so many Kindred Spirits together - it is just natural that our gorgeous studio - shack indeed! - should be part Rachel's book - it is so dreamy! So inspirational!
So happy for you!!!
Kathy
Congrats! I love her sheets. I keep buying them up. Love the book!
hugs,
Caroline
You are so sweet & humble...refreshing! I just got the book & Rachel saved the best for last. She is a treasure. Congratulations you deserve it your studio is a dream. Xo Laura
Nice post.:-) Stina
Thanks for your comment on my blog, which enabled me to find your amazing blog. I'm sorry I have not responded sooner to your question about my camera lens, the lens is a Canon 50mm f1.8
Hugs
Karin
Hello Sandy, what a privelge to meet Rachel Ashwell, you are lucky! But she is just as lucky to have meet you, I think. Your little "humble" studio is an inspiration to all of us romantics in love with objects on the shabby side of life, you show this style very well with your studio and through your gorgeous images... well done, and enjoy your credit in Rachel's book!
Sandy,
I can only imagine how you excited you felt to meet such an interior design icon like Rachel Ashwell, especially someone whose works have inspired your very special studio!
What an honor to be included in one of her books.
Congratulations!
Mandy
I'm not visiting as often as I should your sweet blog but I am still out here in blogland.I was just wondering if you or anyone else has mentioned that Rachel now has a very pretty line on Q.V.C.? How wonderful for everyone.Now no matter where we live or how much money we have everyone can have a bit of her pretty things.Denise all the way from Coffeeberry Cottage.
I appreciate examine what you had to say, You have an splendid knowledge on the subject facts and I look forward to studying more of what you have to disclose.
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