Rather Loyal to Rather Sweet

Rather Sweet Bakery and Cafe in Fredericksburg, Texas has been a favorite of mine for years.  I discovered it back in college when I was living in Johnson City and working in Fredericksburg.  

It is a quaint, delightful, and very tasty little spot that I have really enjoyed over the years.  I ate lunch there after doctor's check-ups during both of my pregnancies.  It was my little reward after being poked and prodded during those final days before giving birth to my son.  I have hosted bridal showers there and have invited many a girlfriend to join me there for a weekend lunch.  I love the atmosphere, I love the name, I love the food, and I think Rebecca Rather, the owner, has done a great job of branding and marketing her goods.  I appreciate, respect, and am inspired by women who have the gumption to take something they love to do and turn it into a successful business.  I also have her beautiful cookbook, which I would photograph and share with you if only I could find it.  I know it is in some box somewhere in our big cedar barn labeled "Step-woman's Books"(by Dylan, my step-daughter) awaiting the day when I finally make the time to finish unpacking from our move.  

They have a glass case full of amazing-looking desserts and pastries that make your mouth water.  My favorite cookie there is the Pink Pig.  It is perfect.

I went out on a limb this particular day and ordered something I had never tried before from the specials on their blackboard menu- Curry Chicken Salad.

I was not disappointed.  It was scrumptious!  The only thing that would have made it taste even better would have been faster service.  I literally waited for 50 minutes...for a salad!  There was no "quick lunch to go" happening around there that day.  I am a die-hard fan, though, and returned on Tuesday morning thinking surely I wouldn't have to wait long for breakfast.  I ordered an egg and cheese breakfast taco on corn tortillas.  Thirty-five minutes.  Because I know they cook to order and I had my cappucino to drink while I waited, I was okay.  After all, if I wanted McDonald's fast, I would go to McDonald's.  

This morning I was much wiser and  CALLED in an order for the same taco.  IT was waiting for ME when I got there and IT, along with the cappucino, was GREAT!  I might complain a little, but dammit, I'm loyal!  Check it out. 

Come to Mama

When I made my quick trip to "big city" as my son would call it, I got the chance to run into the mall for the first time in what seems like FOREVER.  I had a specific purpose and a very limited amount of time, so is was no leisurely stroll through the stores.  It was more of a mad dash.  On my list: a new pair of Jessica Simpson sunglasses (because mine are so badly scratched and stretched out), a new bra (because mine are so badly scratched and stretched out...ha ha...only kidding...stretched out, yes...scratched, not so much!), a new pair of black Reef flip flops (my daily shoe of choice), and I needed very badly to have my glasses repaired since I have been wearing them for months with only one arm.  I managed to prioritize and got my glasses fixed first.  This was a HUGE accomplishment.  I started trying on bras at Dillards...even got measured by the lingerie attendant lady and didn't find anything that I loved.  This is my new shopping mantra:  If you don't absolutely love it and I mean L-O-V-E, don't buy it!!!  I did get sucked into the Spanx display, though.  I was the lady standing in front of the television watching the video for half an hour.  I even tried on a few of their bras because after all, Oprah, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by them, right?  Well,  no L-O-V-E lost for me.  I moved on to shoes.  They were out of my beloved black Reefs.  I am choosing to believe that they are just out of them and not discontinuing them.  I don't think I could handle that at this point in my life.  I mean, life without my Reefs???  No.
I settled for some very cute and VERY comfortable flip flops made out of yoga mats.  REALLY!  Yoga mats!  They are like wearing around clouds on your feet.  They even have some cool zebra striped straps.  I will post a pic another day.  Next stop:  sunglasses.  Of course they didn't have the same ones I adore and have been wearing for a year, but I found a pair I liked and headed for the door.  But wait...what is that I see...OH BABY...COME TO MAMA...

PURSES!!!

and matching WEEKENDER...aka Mama Purse, which is my kinda purse and doubles as a diaper bag!  I love this brand and am currently carrying a green Gianni Bini bag that has been my best Summer bag ever.  Awesome thing about this leopard print beauty is that the inside is exactly the same as the one I have now.  It holds everything I need in three different compartments and even has separate pockets for my two cell phones, too.  I NEED this purse.  Wait a second...I L-O-V-E this purse.  I shall buy it and it shall be mine and I shall call it...well I need some time to name it.  I feel Fall coming on!  

Another great find that I love and want and need is one of these Fossil laptop cases.  The second one even has oilcloth on the bottom half making it water resistant.  This is a very important thing when you have 42 kids like me!  

I can see myself on the airplane headed to New Hampshire next month with this most awesome accessory holding my precious Mac-Y-Baby ( that's my computer in case you couldn't tell).  I better get to sleep so I can make some money to pay for all of these wonderful things that I love!  Ciao!