The only thing better than pie from Royer's?

Tote bag I purchased at The Shabby Chic Couture shop, on the grounds of The Prairie, along with my autographed copy of Rachel's new book

My friend, who shall remain nameless, couldn't figure out how to turn my cell phone into a camera. Finally, Rachel suggested we go inside as she was starting to sweat! Luckily, my friend had snapped this photo. She just hadn't realized it!

Shabby Chic Couture shop

Inside the Shabby Chic Couture shop

Peely paint and chandeliers...what Texas shabby chic is made of

Shabby Union Jack pillow

And to play fair, there must be a Texas pillow, too!

Rachel Ashwell, signing my book. (It has an error that I'm hoping to cash in on some day. Just kidding about that last part.)

This painting, or one like it, is on the cover of Rachel Ashwell's new book

Doesn't this look like a pleasant day to be alive and in Texas? Don't let the photo fool you. It was hot. And I don't mean haute or even hawt.

I decided my niche is "the cell phone blogger." This is a self-portrait with Bud Royer. I'm still not good with my new cell phone, sadly.

Inspirational corner behind where I dined

My view during lunch -- Retreauxgirl and Garden Antqs Vintage

Famous cake, used as a prop in "winning" celebrity weddings of J-Lo and Pam Anderson

Dresses. As art. Beautiful.

The brains behind Dwell with Dignity.

Buck, after he'd been given the Rachel treatment

Rachel Ashwell tote -- I'm giving this baby away to a lucky reader!

The only thing better than Royer’s pie is sharing one with someone. I had the opportunity last week to dine with fellow bloggers at Rachel Ashwell’s new bed and breakfast, The Prairie, in Round Top, Texas. Yes, we shared pie. We also shared a bit of laughter, I think, as Rachel charmed our socks off with her British accent. (Who else can say “menopausal years” and make you want to join her there?)

But back to the pie… This luncheon was, in part, the brainchild of Bud Royer. He’s been working with the non-profit Dwell with Dignity, based in Dallas, providing pies to families fortunate enough to be assisted by the organization. He wanted to do something to help the non-profit. So while Rachel Ashwell graciously hosted us, Dwell with Dignity benefited from the proceeds.

Many of us are fortunate enough to wake up surrounded by beauty on a regular basis. We are fairly certain where our next meal will come from. But so many others are in a different boat. That’s where Dwell with Dignity comes in. They design beautiful homes for families and even provide a meal — including pie — for move-in day. They leave food in a crock pot and even stock the pantries in the homes they create. But they can’t do it alone.

I’m putting together an Antiques Week giveaway, which includes the Rachel Ashwell tote bag shown in the last photo of this post. If you’re interested in winning this giveaway, all you need to do is leave me a comment, letting me know. The winner will be chosen randomly October 10. So comment before the 10th for a chance to win.

BUT…I’m going to ask something of you as well. I’d like you to visit the Dwell with Dignity site and make a donation if you’re able and believe it’s a worthy cause. They’d be happy with ANY amount. And let me know if you do donate. The more donations they receive, the bigger this giveaway will become. You’ve  got six days, and I’ve got other stuff just waiting to be added to the giveaway. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photos from my time at The Prairie. The photos in this post are from my cell phone. Real photos to come soon.

Thanks, in advance, for considering giving to Dwell with Dignity.

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