As you read this the Fashionista and I are probably driving across New Mexico with two travel loving dachshunds in the backseat 🙂 Mr. Décor and Sweet Guy went ahead of us in a separate car.
Recently, my marvelous friend Marty arranged a going away luncheon for us that was truly magical. She also made me a darling photo album of all of our precious times together AND brought me the pretty white statement necklace I am wearing in all the shots.
Many of my dear friends came to wish us well.
Meri you may know from ImagiMeri’s Creations. I am SO going to miss her fantastically fun crafting workshops. She brought me a darling vintage salt and pepper shaker set that I truly adore.
Lovely Liz from Rose Vignettes brought her daughter Jana who will soon be married. They have promised to blog about this wonderful event. Liz is of course the manicure and crochet queen. She made a darling sunglass holder I’ll share very soon. It was filled with a few of her nail favorites.
My British friend Louise is the world best esthetician. I shall dearly miss our lovely tea parties.
Catherine was one of the first friends that I made when I first moved to Phoenix. We met via the Junior League. She is a truly gifted artist and I will do a full profile on her very soon.
Then there is my sweet sister in law Melody. You saw her beautiful garden HERE. She’s up for the sister in law of the year award because she kept a really good secret…
…My dear sweet sister Sharalyn flew in from California to surprise me. I just felt so incredibly LOVED at this moment that I burst into tears. You can see the Fashionista was wildly waving her hands in excitement when she also saw her aunt.
It truly was such a special day!
Now of course it wouldn’t be a “Laura” party without a party favor.
I began with some premade bags, assorted cardstock and two paper punches then gave a twist to a paper craft I saw on Damask Love.
I followed Amber’s fantastic tutorial deviating slighting by making the stems out of florist wire instead of bakers twine.
To fill the bags I made my lemon blueberry tea bread in mini loaf size.
I cut sections of wax paper to wrap around each loaf. (My apologies for the dark lighting I did all of this the night before.)
The waxed paper was held in place by what else? Bakers twine. I also tucked in some herbal tea that had “LOVE” written all over it.
Hopefully my dear friends hearts were indeed warmed not only by the tea but with the joy and happiness I hold for each of them in my heart.
Life truly can be a bowl of cherries when you have good friends.
Laura
Dear Laura,
What a wonderful send off! I wish you and your family a safe journey to Texas. I love your party favors. Will have to try your recipe.
Your Friend,
Deborah
What a lovely going away party. You have so many sweet friends, and I'm sure you will be truly missed!
Mary Alice
This makes me tearfully happy – you have made such good friends who obviously love you. Safe travels, my friend!
Laura, send me an email when you get here and feel settled. I can arrange for you to meet some sweet blogging friends here. You'll have a built in friend group. 🙂
Stacey
snskee@aol.com
What a lovely post and all the wonderful friends that love you and send you away with so many great memories for always…yes, they will sure miss you. God bless your journey to Texas, along with your family, my friend.
Hugs,
FABBY
Laura…your going away party just brought tears to my eyes! So many of you Phoenix gals have been part of my blog world for so long, I sort of have you all grouped together in my head. And we just had some close friend buy a home in Phoenix and plan to visit soon, I thought we might finally meet! Sigh.
You and the Fashionista are truly beautiful in all of these pictures…and you have a very sweet looking sister. How blessed you are and you are going to make a ton of friends in your new hometown.
I am in love with your party favors and I think I'm going to pPin this as favors for the baby shower I'm planning for my DIL. Yes, I'm going to be a grandmother!! So excited!
Keep us posted. Still don't know which house you chose but I look forward to following along until I do! 🙂
Jane xx
Only the best to you as you journey onward to Texas. When I lived there it was the best of times…it was the worst of times. Blessings to you and may it be the best of times. God is with you and you will feel his presence. Blessings, d
Hope your journey is going well and you are all safe and happy as you motor along.
What a lovely send off. And to be surprised by your sister. How wonderful! You are so thoughtful to have made such wonderful treat bags for all the guests. I am sure they all enjoyed their gifts and thought of you and your friendship while doing so.
It certainly shows just how wonderful and special a person you are Laura, when you see the photo with all those lovely ladies joining in to say their goodbyes. And I am sure you will soon have another amazing circle of friends around you in your new home. Happy Trails! 🙂
How sweet, Laura! Hopefully, by the time you read this comment you and the Fashionista have made it safely to your new home.
I so enjoyed this post. Your pictures are gorgeous- the picture of you and your sister brought tears to my eyes. Your favor bags are so cute, and your dessert loaves look delicious. Safe travels, friend. Can't wait to read about your journey.
What a send off! I know this time of transition is difficult but I have no doubt that you will make many cherished friends in your new Texas home.:)
You are so loved Laura and your friends in the Phoenix area will miss you! As we know, the world has become a very small place and your new friends in Texas will soon adore you just as much! A wonderful send off!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Oh, Laura, how sweet of Marty and everybody to put this marvelous party together for you. The pictures are beautiful and you all look gorgeous! The little desserts look delicious and so pretty in the wrappings! I think you are tops and, obviously, so does everyone else!
You deserve the best , my friend! And what a lovely gathering of friends and family. I pray traveling and moving mercies for you.
We have something in common that I didn't realize. Junior League. It is the best volunteer organization ever. My League friends have been some of the best I have ever had. Loyal and kind and giving. Made me smile to read that about you.
Love and blessings to you, Laura, as you begin this new chapter in your life!
xo
Sheila 🙂
How wonderful! Such treasured friends + your sister made this occasion a true celebration. You and your daughter are beautiful! I love the party favors and I'll check out the recipe for the bread. Looks delish!
Well, you're on the home stretch and I'm so glad to have you in Texas ~ especially not that far from me. 🙂 When, oh when, do we find out which house?
xo
Pat
I have a Texas-size lump in my throat, y'all. What a wonderful memory made that day. All those goodbyes I've made come flooding back…
Many traveling blessings upon you ALL,
Kelley~