girls day OUT!

 

 

On Saturday I had an unexpected, last minute chance to go to what we fondly call "Amish land" with my good friend Sarah.  I jumped at the opportunity gladly; it was definitely time for some girl time, without my kids!!

We had a beautiful drive and gorgeous weather.  We took Sarah's daughter Mia, Sarah's mom Maxine, and Sarah's MIL Elisabeth and her friend Char along with us.

The first stop we made before we actually got to Amish Land was to one of my all-time favorite home accessory boutiques called 55 West and Co.

The owner stocks the shop with all sorts of funky and vintage pretties for yourself and your home.  I found an awesome orange vintage scarf, and a yellow and red vintage button ring.  I found tons of other awesome stuff, but I just can't cram anything else into my house!

I wanted to take tons of pictures of the shop and her stuff, but I didn't want to "steal" images and ideas; it seemed a little too personal.

Almost there!

You know you're approaching "Amish Land" 

when horse-drawn carts are more prolific on the roads than automobiles!  

 

One of our favorite places to eat when we go there is called Rebecca's Tea Room.  Their menu changes daily so they write it on a giant white board that they tote around to each table as they are seated.  In addition to their scrumptious soups, salads and sandwiches, their specialty is a very large assortment of gourmet teas.  They are served in a pretty basket with your own pot of hot water right at the table.

This cracked me up a little; it's a "stretch" carriage- two bench seats instead of one, and the horse was parked under a sun umbrella!  I guess that answers any questions about how well the horses are treated! 

This parking lot had a beautiful view!

We saw this curious building on the way.  We all wondered what it used to be; my vote was for some sort of 

 liquor establishment!

 

We also went to a Heini's cheese makers and sampled to our heart's content.  Over half of their cheeses this time were made of raw milk and/or organic, and all of them are rBST/artificial growth hormone free!  Translation: if you're going to eat dairy products, this is the absolute best for you AND the tastiest!  It's made right there in the same building as the store.  During the week you can go and watch the whole process through a huge window.

Our last stop was Coblentz's Chocolates.  High quality, made on the premises, tasty and VERY expensive!  I found such yummies as Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels and a dark chocolate bar with dried plums, walnuts, and cardamom!

After that we rode home stuffing ourselves silly with chocolates and getting carsick.  I had a great time, enjoyed the company, and arrived home to a quiet house!  Marvin, brave soul that he is, had taken the kids to church by himself and out to dinner. He's an amazing man.