Outdoor Wednesday-Plus a Reminder!

Wednesday is Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan of A Southern Daydreamer.

The following pictures are ones that I shot late winter. I shared them earlier on my blog, though many of you might not have seen the post. I had been out with my camera, looking for something to "shoot", when I came across this little pond. It was littered with white, debris. I walked closer and got a better view, realizing the debris were some 20-30 white swans. They were gorgeous. It was such a magical moment, to just sit and watch them swim about.

Look at these "love birds" showing their expression of love by reflecting the shape of a heart with their intertwined necks.

Across from the pond, was a field with some artistically shaped trees in it. You must know, I have a thing for trees. These spoke to me, as the sun began to set behind the branches. It was a lovely end to a blessed day.

And finally, I wanted to share this photo, taken by a fellow weather watcher. This photo was taken as a wall cloud was approaching the area last spring. I thought it perfect at this time of the year to share it again. A powerful image.

Happy Easter to All!
I want to remind everyone about Thrifty Thursday. I hope you will join me for it!

Thrifty Thursday is a show and tell of sorts. It is time for you to showcase your thrifty find. It can be an old find or a new one. It might be something that you found at a thrift store, a consignment store, flea market, garage/yard sale, dumpster diving, even antique stores. It's it was a thrifty find, then it meets the requirements. I am not picky, It can be a great pair of boots & a killer vintage dress, jewelry, home decor, even fishing lures. It is your thrifty find. Tell me about it.
Where did you find it? What is it? What do you plan to do with it or how do you plan to use it in your home? Do you want to sell it? Thrifty Thursday's are about the thrill of the hunt...and the treasure you found. So....do show and tell!
Be sure to grab a button and link back. Also, don't forget to come back here tonight at 8PM and paste your direct hyperlink to your Thrifty Thursday post here at Mr. Linky (assuming he will be nice tonight).

Architectural Road Trip

It's another roadtrip today! Grab your hat and walking shoes and come along with me to Cullman Alabama for some great architectural finds that are a throw back to times past.

Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, Inc. carries a large variety of original and one-of-a-kind architectural pieces. They have antique entryways, beveled and stained glass doors, antique stairways, original antique lighting, a large supply of fireplace mantels and victorian accent pieces.

I have mentioned before my love of old doors, so you must know I want to take all of them home with me when I go. I would love to put these on the front of my house.

Perhaps take another and make a table:

They also carry a great selection of decorator pieces for indoor or out.

Check out this garden gate.

Perfect used as it's intended use, but just imagine using it like my friend, Pat of Back Porch Musings....She uses a garden gate above her outdoor fireplace. It is gorgeous! And it gives the space such character. Here is one of Pat's photograph's of the gate. Isn't is amazing?

Pat's blog is a source of mine for inspiration daily! Her decorating skills are unbelievable.

Cannot find a gate? I got this idea after visiting my friend, Diva's Mothers Home. In the shed in back are many many rusted old bed springs. It would also make a great architectural statement. With the interesting twist of metal. I think so! And a great way to reuse something you might never consider.

I also love old ceiling tiles and you can also find them at the Salvage place. I am kicking myself for not purchasing the old red ones that I saw here sometime ago. I had considered using them as pieces of art above my sofa. I could imagine using 9 in a large grouping. A real statement. But I didn't. (Sad face)

There are so many great ideas using old tiles.
For example, Photo frames:

And like the one I found at a garage sale made into a mirror:

But I am loving the idea of using them as memo/magnetic boards.

Or see this one...my personal favorite!
What a beautiful yet functional piece to use in a work space! Art as well as function. I love that!

Also found at the salvage.....bathroom fixtures.
My cousin purchased this amazing copper bathtub! I can only dream of sinking into a hot bath with a good book in that tub. I think they might think it funny, if I asked to come over to bathe? Probably.

There is a large stock of lighting. I think of Rue's home she is restoring. Rue, you'd love this place!

Look home this simple antique light fixture and reclaimed french doors gave this dining area a warm feel.

They're always adding new finds to the incredible selection of architectural antiques. I would love to show this hefty piece some love in my home.

And these newel post are fun to use in decorating, used alone, or by using a drill bit to carve out some space for candles to make into some great candlesticks, these really make a statement!

You must visit the showroom in Cullman, Alabama to view the extensive and ever changing collection. Not able to visit the store because of geographic reasons? Give them a call and let them help you locate that perfect antique fixture for your home or building project
If it can be built into a home, they have it! Gargoyles, gingerbread, barber poles, carousel horses, molding, ceiling medallions, newel posts, stairways, porches, Victorian parlor stoves, cookstoves, and so much more! Go..... see for yourself. It's worth the roadtrip. And should you go....I can recommend a fantastic place to eat, just around the corner! (More on that to come)

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Stop by Bloggeritaville tonight for a LIVE American Idol post. Lets discuss our opinions together as the contestants preform. Just keep hitting that refresh button so you can keep up! See you tonight!

And FYI- I AM still a DWTS Fan. Love it. Hate I haven't had the time to post on it. My son's both have tennis and wrestling on Monday nights. But I do watch when I get home. Lets just say, Gilles-HELLO! WOW!!! That boy can DANCE! And it looks like Steve O has done his last waltz. Just my opinion. I hope to get Fabian as a guest poster soon to get his opinion.

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Finally, as a sidenote, I finally got around to commenting within the comments of the post below. Thanks Y'all! I love it when you leave a "roadmap" to your place! You can count on me stopping by!

SOUTHERN ACCENTS ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES, INC.
308 Second Ave. SE
Cullman, Alabama 35055
Local: 256-737-0554
Showroom Assistance: 877-737-0554
Fax: 256-737-0375
E-Mail info@sa1969.com

Road Trip to Decatur for a Little BBQ and a Whole Lotta "LOVE"

I am behind in commenting to comments. Forgive me. I try and either comment within the comment box or with a personal email. I have read all the comments, and am trying to get caught up. Apologies if I don't respond. I also am behind in my blog reading. I am going to have to take a day off to get caught up. I wonder if Big Daddy will give me approval? Heck, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?
I am behind because we went out of town this past weekend. We went to Decatur, Alabama for my oldest child's tennis tournament. I had never been to Decatur, other than to drive past on the interstate. I much prefer to travel the scenic route! There are so many great places discovered by doing that. Decatur is one of them. A great little big city. Decatur has it all. Joe Wheeler State Park is is there. Located on Wheeler Lake, the state park offers many types of boating, resort lodge, restaurant, cabins, camping, fishing, golf, tennis, and swimming. I regret that there wasn't enough time to explore. Also of note in Decatur is Point Mallard Park. The park is hidden among North Alabama‘s wooded pines, the 500-acre family park lets you stay in tune with nature 365 days a year. It boast such adventures as golf, a water park, camping on the lake, ice skating, jogging, biking, walking trails, batting cages and -tennis courts! Point Mallard was where the tournament was held. Located shortly off of Interstate 65, it is a great little family stop, one that I will be returning to.

Bama played some good tennis.

The team as a whole came in first place! Congratulations to them!

When we arrived at the complex, we as a team (parents and players) set up our own little camp of chairs and snacks, a place to rest, during the two day event.

Close by was one of those little birds that nest on the ground. This one had a nest close by, she was protecting two little eggs (under her). She was very protective of them, and rightfully so. She became our little mascot of sorts.

After the tournament was over, we headed over to Big Bob Gibson's BBQ for a team celebration.

Big Bob Gibson's is listed among the 100 Places to Eat (in AL) Before you Die, among other notable commemorations and recognitions, as well as many many awards for their many sauces. For four generations, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been cooking up their famous mouthwatering slow-cooked meats and nationally award-winning sauces. Big Bobs just opened a new store in Monroe, North Carolina, so be sure and stop by one of their locations in either Decatur, Alabama or NC. I did my own little taste test inside, using rolls that are delivered to the tables and each one of the sauces. I like things spicy, and preferred the vinegar sauce and habenaro sauce. I actually liked them combined, which you can do yourself at the restaurant. The mustard sauce was a close second. Bama ordered a plate of ribs and enjoyed them. Big Daddy went for a chopped plate and also left a satisfied customer. Don't have a Bog Bob's in your area? You can shop online for the sauces and rubs as well as apparel so that you can look as though you ate at Big Bob's. Big Bob's also caters events.

We had planned on going to Tuscaloosa on Sunday to watch the Blue Angel Air Show, but because it was raining didn't have the opportunity to see them. I have seen them many times, and its an amazing show to see and awe over. The family did travel to T-town for a Sunday lunch at the Artist Home (my BIL) and his lovely wife. The remainder of the day was spent resting. Friday and Saturday really wore us out.

This week I am doing some spring cleaning as well as working on getting my giveaway material together. Be sure and tune in for that so you can enter. I am going to give all of my followers two chances to win....because I heart you so.

But right now...I am playing catch up! See you in Bloggeritaville!

A Potpourri of a Post

Thank you all for your kind comments and "get well" sentiments. I really appreciate it. You are all so kind!
Thanks for coming by for Thrifty Thursday and also for participating , if you did. Thanks as well to those visiting by way of Tabelscapes. That is such a fun party! Speaking of party, if you enjoy food, like I do, head on over to Designs by Gollum for her Foodie Friday post. There you will find some great recipes, eye candy and a few more tablescapes. My entry is a favorite salad that my mother makes. It can take you away to the tropics in an instant. I am not a fan of straight coconut, but I adore coconut milk and cream. This recipe uses cream. You can find the recipe by clicking here. I promise you, you will not be sorry! If you make it, let me know what you think!

I made a visit to Chandy 's blog yesterday. I got a good dose of vitamin C over there. Tropical breezes, billowy blowing gauzy curtains, great food. It was just what I needed in the case of a bad cold/ sinus problems. Vitamin C. Vitamin Chandy, it sure made me feel good. Thanks for the escape Chandy.

April Fools. Did it pass you by? I remember being a kid and just living for that day. It was a day when a practical joker such as myself could get away with bad attempts at humor. One of my favorite pranks, as a little kid, was to hook a purse to a fishing rod. I would put the purse in the road in front of my house and just wait anxiously for someone to drive by in a car. Without fail a car would stop, or slow to a roll to survey the purse. I used a good purse, not some kids purse. One was an old one, of my mothers she was no longer using , it was very convincing. Inevitably, someone would get out and try and pick up the purse, only to have it jerked away by me....as I laughed hysterically in the bushes.
Today as an adult, I have almost forgotten about those tricks. I couldn't reason pulling such a prank as hiding in my bushes today with a purse tied to the end of a fishing rod. Though I would still find it comical, any adult that saw me might think I had a screw loose. I am not denying it, but I think of it more as an inherited thing. It seems the gene has been passed on. My daughter, Sledge, took the opportunity to use the day to her advantage. She dug out an enormous spider and secretly put it into her brothers car. She put a smaller, more convincing spider by on her dad's desk, by his computer mouse. Big Daddy would kill me for telling, but he is deathly afraid of spiders. Sissy afraid. It is quite funny. She got him pretty good. She played a trick on me too. Last night, as I go into my closet to dress for bed, I was startled by this "person" sitting on a stool.

Closeby was this note:

Little sicky that she is. I love that about her. I got quite a chuckle thinking of my little prodigy. And so, she will have to wait it out until next year when she can readily get away with torturing her family members.

As I have been under the weather this week, I didn't mention that my son Bama made a visit to the University to meet with the football staff regarding a position as a team staff member. The meeting went well. Please say a prayer for him that he will be accepted into this postition and in a timely manner. ROLL TIDE!

Sarah at Beach Cottage had a great thirfty find. It is one that I have been wanting to do, in fact I have already purchased the materials, it is just finding the time. Soon...because it's a good one! When I get mine completed, I will be sure and show you.

Still fresh from my beach trip (with a girls trip planned in a couple weeks)I have also been wanting to do these two creations from some beach materials.

Driftwood Mirror:

Oyster Mirror:

I have some (I collect driftwood anyway) but I still need about another couple hundred or so of oysters. Smile. Well, at least there is some medicinal qualities to them, huh? But isn't it beautiful? I really would like to create that!

I am also collecting wine corks for a project. If any of you are wine drinkers, will you save those up for me? I would appreciate it.

Finally, I am wanting to do a thrify giveaway. You must know that I love to thrift. I have some really neat things that I have found that I would love to do a giveaway with. I will let you know when I start the giveaway. It will be soon though. I will announce it here when I do, so tune in!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! See you soon...leave me a "roadmap"! Smile.

Thrifty Thursday-Plus a Tablescape

Welcome one, welcome all to Thrifty Thursday here in Bloggeritaville.

It's also Tablescape Thursday so it has to be a party! Tablescape Thursday is hosted by the ever gracious and lovely Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

If you are participating in Thrifty Thursday, be sure to grab yourself a Thrifty Thursday button and let's get started! For those that don't know, Thrifty Thursday is a show and tell of sorts. It is time for you to showcase your thrifty find. It can be an old find or a new one. It might be something that you found at a thrift store, a consignment store, flea market, garage/yard sale, dumster diving, or an antique store. It's it was a thrifty find, then it meets the requirements.

I am not picky (Keetha! Smile), It can be a great pair of boots & a killer vintage dress, jewelry, home decor, even fishing lures. It is your thrifty find. Tell me about it. Where did you find it? What is it? What do you plan to do with it or how do you plan to use it in your home? Do you want to sell it? Thrifty Thursday's are about the thrill of the hunt...and the treasure you found. So....do show and tell!

Call me a slacker, but I am making this post brief. I don't mean to complain, but I am just explaining the why. And that is I am still fighting a bad cold. So, thus the slacker I am.

This is my tablescape. The one I have been familiar with for the last couple days.

I purchased the bowls at the thrift store. I just love these bowls. The mugs are part of a Mikasa set I found at another thrift. The napkins I embroidered. My wooden serving tray, a $3.88 thrifty find.

I have been dining on soup, hot tea and ice water. Oh, and Tylenol cold and Tylenol sore throat. I LOVE this time of year, the blooms, the Resurrection! But the pollen, it is getting to me.

My reading material, also thrift. It's my favorite magazine, Coastal Living, which I am now getting as a subscription and cannot figure out how. I am happy about it though.

My book was a recommendation by my friend Charnita. Savannah Blues. I finished it. Great book. Has much of what I love in a book: takes place in the south (in Savannah, obviously. I love Savannah), mystery, antiques....It was a good one!

A couple other thrifty find I found a couple weeks ago..

Arent these shoes beautiful? Steve Madden and Paris Blues heels. I cannot wear them, I am a klutz in heels. I am going to put them on Ebay. But they are gorgeous. Artwork, huh?

And that, is my Thrifty Thursday post.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will play along. If so be sure to register with Mr. Linky and go and visit the other Thrifty Thursday contestants.

1.http://applestonecottage.blogspot.com/
2. Indiana Keetha

3. Chandy
4. jerri

5. Victorian Gourmet

6. Laura @ the shore house
7. Marie Anne

8. sarah@ abeachcottage

9. You're next!

Have a great day, y'all!

MR LINKY: