Cera's Shower

Cozy seating areas just right for some sips and snacks

Handkerchief valance gives the perfect vintage flair to the long windows that surround the tea room.

Just went to the most fabulous shower on Saturday at Letty Mae's Tea Room in Morris, Il. If you haven't been there it is a must stop! It is like stepping back into your auntie's kitchen! This is their new location tucked right in the middle of the block in the downtown area. Great food and cozy atmosphere.

Cera and some of her bridesmaids.

I love, love, LOVE her turquoise shoes!

Cera is getting married in June and is the daughter of a dear friend of mine. We three have been on many vintage adventures and so it was only fitting that her shower be at Letty Mae's.

Vintage apron that I got to take home.

Each guest got to wear a vintage apron that was on the back of their chair. Great touch to get us all in the mood. The tables had sweet little centerpieces, mismatched china and napkins and we were served with the yummiest meal. Our soft drinks came in real glass bottles with a paper straw and if you were lucky you also got a chance to taste their strawberry lemonade served in a mason jar. I might add that the homemade lemon cake was delicious too and we all were served a giant piece.

Centerpieces

I love anything served in a glass bottle and the paper straws were a nice touch.

Cera and her bridesmaids looked adorable and her turquoise high heels were to die for. Her face lit up with each gift in genuine joy. It is so refreshing to go to an event like this and truly enjoy the gratitude of this bride to be.

Our yummy lemon cake. Photo courtesy of Letty Mae's.

Relaxed and fun...just what a shower should be.

I can't wait till the wedding and will be sure to share photos. Cera's big day will be grand. She has worked hard to make a lot of the details that will make her wedding a gorgeous vintage venue.

Fresh desserts made from old family recipes.

A delightful step back in time.

Herb garden

Don't you just love the smell of fresh herbs? It lingers in the air and on my fingers when I snap a piece off. A lovely fragrance. Perfect in dried bouquets, wrapped in paper and lace and tied with a twine bow.

Decided to make herb gardens in some old vintage pots and pans that I found. Turned out so nice, don't you think? I want to keep my lovely little herb gardens but they will be at the markets this month.

I will be in Ottawa on the first and 3rd Saturday of July, the Morris French Hen Market on the 2nd Saturday of this month and at the LaSalle Canal Market on the 4th Saturday of July. Here's a closer look at one of the herb gardens!

It's Going To Be A Beautiful Weekend

We are having wonderful fall weather in Illinois! Come out and visit me in Morris, Il. at the LAST outdoor French Hen Market of the season. So many good things to see, smell and taste!

The next day I head over to Utica, Il. to take part in Burgoo . A super festival with that world famous Burgoo stew and lots of vendors. Hope to see you this weekend!

Introducing: The Backyard Tourist

The Three French Hens Market in Morris, Illinois. Photo provided by C'est La Vie blogspot.

A good friend of mine, Kelly, just started a wonderful blog called The Backyard Tourist. It is going to be a wonderful source of places to go on a tank full of gas in our area. Her premise is that you don't have to travel far to have a good time and see some amazing things. And with gas prices hovering between $3.60 and $4.00 a gallon I'm all for staying "close to home"!

The #1 most requested vendor at the market - "The Cheese Man"!
Morris Daily Herald photo by Liz Allen

Kelly travels in her little red convertible and finds great things to do and see. She popped up at the French Hen Market in Morris, Il. where I was a vendor this weekend. Even though it was hot, hot, hot, the "Baby Dumplin'" felted sweaters and fiber scarfs sold like hot cakes. Met some great vendors on either side of my booth and talked with so many nice people who were out for the day. It's great to hear the oohs and ahhs as they stopped to look at my work. Validates what you do.

You can read all about the market by going to the link I've provided. This market was voted number #5 in the country for the BEST french markets and was featured in Romantic Home magazine. Don't miss this second Saturday of the month event from June until October. You can purchase art, antiques, collectables, glorious baked goods, cheese, fruits and vegetables from over 80 vendors. The market is located right next to the Illinois Michigan Canal which makes a picturesque setting for this well attended market. I'll be there again in August so come and visit me if you can. The market is FREE and all it takes is a less then a tank of gas to get there!

Check out the Backyard Tourist for more great places to visit in and around central Illinois.

MARKET FACTS

• WHAT: 3 French Hens Country Market, featuring antiques, artisans, hand-crafted items, fresh produce, baked goods & flowers

• WHERE: Canal Port, on Illinois Avenue in Morris

• WHEN: Next market is this Saturday, July 9; other 2011 dates include June 11, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 18-19

• WHO: More than 70 vendors will participate or have partcipated; a complete list is online at http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com/p/market-vendors.html

• MORE INFORMATION: Available by calling (815) 941-0752 or online by visiting http://www.3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com/