Pat Norton Interiors and Architectural Consignment

(Click any pictures to enlarge)

While vacationing at my parents beach home, I almost always try and make time to drive into Fairhope. It's just one of those quaint little towns that offer so much. On this day, as my mother and I drove into Fairhope we happened onto a business called Pat Norton Interiors and Architechural Consignment . Lucky for us! Pat Norton's IA@C is located just off of Highway 98 at 8081 Twin Beech Rd . The staff both knowledgeable and friendly, willing to help you find that perfect piece for your home. Which is what I love about architectural finds, they really personalize a space and can add instant charm and history. It often comes with a story.

They specialize in all kinds of old and new architectural items for your home. Just look at what they  carry in their shop...

They  have doors, windows, shutters,

(Love the shutters made into a dining table)

(I really wanted the Gothic door, it came off of a local college...and was sold. :(    )

....columns, mantels, corbels,

wrought iron, fountains, fancy basins, tables

(I really wanted this one and the price was really right)

 and chairs, cabinets, dressers,

(They have a man who custom creates one of a kind dressers and cabinets from found items...) 

(This cabinet below was created from old bead board, an old bed, etc.)

chandeliers,

 lamps,

(These below are all made from found objects....antlers, an urn and an old pottery jar)

paintings, banisters, wicker furniture, outdoor furniture, and so much more.

($1.00 each per tile. Imagine the projects to do with these!)

I heart this vintage prescription case $35.00...

I really wanted to put these puppies under my arm and walk out the door. Not only to they look like my (three) puppies, but they are also my favorite color...Be still my heart....
 LOVE. Real LOVE.

You can visit Pat Norton's too.....and I suggest you too.

Hours: Monday- Saturday 10-5, closed on Sunday.

Pat Norton Interiors and Architectural Consignment

8081 Twin Beech Rd

Fairhope, Alabama

(251) 928-7338

Posh on Palm, Sarasota

Are you ready for a road trip? Well buckle up! We're going on a roadtrip of the Florida gulf coast, what I like to call the "Old Florida" roadtrip. I want to rediscover those old tourist dives that were once the hotspots back in the 40's- 60's. These were THE places to vacation before "the mouse" moved into Florida. Today these hotspots are charming little seaside villages, small on crowds but big on fun and adventure. So come along with me and my family as we explore Old Florida (and vow NOT to eat at a single chain restaurant along the way....its all local!)


Today we arrive in my old stomping grounds...well for the short time I lived there, anyway....Sarasota Florida. I have much to show and tell, but I am going to work this one a bit backwards. Today I thought I would take you shopping.

While in downtown Sarasota one evening I decided to take in some window shopping (stores were closed by this time). I came upon Posh. Posh called my name as I went by. Well perhaps it SHOUTED my name. It certainly got my attention. I stopped peered into the window...and I fell **in love** with this store.

Situated in an old hotel, I think you will understand why I fell in love. Come, take a look. Window shop with me. I just bet you will fall in love too....

 Shabby Chic greatness. I am in LOVE.

In doing some research on Posh for this post, I came across this short article in Victoria Magazine (Pictures below, all from Victoria Magazine):

"Purveyors of the whitewashed and slipcovered aesthetic known as “shabby chic,” entrepreneurs Susie and Mark Holt fill nearly every nook of their boutique with repurposed and recycled treasures, including antique furniture,

vintage decorative accessories,

and timeworn linens and lace.

Constantly on the hunt at flea markets around the country to bring an array of one-of-a-kind furnishings to their customers, this dynamic husband-and-wife team truly carries out their mission “to provide people a means to create comfortable places they call home.”

Situated on Sarasota, Florida’s elegant Palm Avenue, Posh on Palm is a reflection of the Holts’ passionate pursuit of authentic craftsmanship and timeless style.

 To learn more about Posh on Palm, see “Sustainable Style: The Timeless Allure of Shabby Chic,” on page 70 of the May/June 2010 issue of Victoria magazine.


Posh
1851 Hillview Street, Sarasota, FL 34239-3606
(941) 955-1907 ‎


Another fan of Posh, is blogger, "SassyTrash". She wrote a post about Posh and how divine Posh truly is.


Tomorrow we are back on the road...and headed further south. So join me for more of our Old Florida roadtrip, won't you?

For more stops along the way of our  family trip to "Old Florida", click here.

Light in my Life

I pulled up to my house yesterday and saw two large boxes on my doorstep.
"Oh! I wonder who that is to??"
It's always exciting to see packages on the doorstep. Often they are 1. not for me and 2. not very interesting. But today was one of those days that I hope for. It was TO ME. And Exciting! It was from CSN!!!! You know that store that carries everything from swingsets to panini grills and everything in between. I had almost forgotten about a lamp that I had purchased a few months ago. It was on backorder...forgotten in my head. Until today.

Sister Sledge: "What is it Mom?"
Me: “FRAGILE (FRA-GEE_LAY) it must be Italian!”

 (throwing Styrofoam and other packing materials into the air as I dig),

"Why Sister Sledge...will you LOOK. AT THIS!!! It's a major award!!!! Why...Why....its a lamp. It's a leg lamp."

Alright, maybe not a leg lamp. But my version of a leg lamp.
By the way....I do own a leg lamp too. It's in Big Daddy's office.

Back to my lamp....
Oh. And just as lovely as I recalled....
























Mercury glass.
























Punched metal shade.























Light in my life. :)

The “Soft Glow of Electric Sex (iness)” now cast a glow within my living room!
Be still my heart.





I am looking forward to announcing the winner of the CSN Store gift card on Thursday.

You might want to get your own lamp. Or swing set. Or panini grill. Good Luck and stay tuned!

See you Thursday for Thrifty Thursday (links up this evening).

ROADTRIP: Backroads of Tennessee

Last weekend was a beautiful one...perfect weather, beautiful foliage.
I called my mother and aunt, uncle and cousin and invited them on a road trip. I was in the mood for some good southern cooking, and not wanting to obligate mother to make some for me that next best thing is to head to the Bell Buckle Cafe in Bell Buckle Tennessee. So that was our destination. I also had some other stops on the agenda. Buckle up and join me on our road trip to middle Tennessee.

We stopped in Nickajack, TN. close to the Nickajack Dam to get this picture.
Purple mountains majesty, huh?

















After some photo ops along the way, and a brief shopping trip to Hammers in South Pittsburg, Tennessee we arrived at the Bell Buckle Cafe.
On the menu today....good eating!































I am almost embarrassed to tell you all I had.
Almost.
Skillet fried potatoes and onions, vinegar slaw, cucumbers and tomatoes (marinated), broccoli and cauliflower salad, blueberry salad and cornbread.
And just because I wanted to make my trip worthwhile I took home with me a slice of oatmeal make with warm caramel topping.
Honnnnnnney!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It sure was good! So good, that I got so excited when my plate arrived that I forgot to take a before picture. You will have to settle for the aftermath.
















Here we all are, my uncle, cousin, aunt and my mom next to me. We are all just delighted to be in Bell Buckle at the Cafe.
















Following lunch, we shopped the unique stores of Bell Buckle. I got some great deals on hand made folk art Halloween items. I cannot wait for next Halloween!
The store at Bell Buckle are so unique.























This tree was across the street. It beckons to be climbed, doesn't it?
I wanted to, but I snapped a photo for my kids and told them the next trip they will have to go with me so we can climb together.
Growing older, but not up, eh?

I have an affinity for trees....and the colors were amazing!

One of my favorite places to go is the University of the South. I am talking about Sewanne, University atop the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
The university sits atop Mont Eagle Mountain and it steeped in a rich history. You can click the link to read more about the university.
I always make a point to visit if I am in the area.
Just look around at the beauty of the campus....























I spotted this hawks waaaaaaaay atop one of the steeples.

Outdoors is beautiful, but I cannot be a proper guide without stepping into the cathedral and showing and sharing with you it's beauty. It will take your breath away...

And one final look at the cathedral....from outside....



























Oh, no! We have to hurry! Look.... Behind the trees....
















The sun is setting. It's the perfect way to end the day. And we have timed it perfect. Lets head to Memorial Cross (you can see the cross from the valley below) to watch the sun set on a glorious day. Come on!

Isn't it breathtaking?

My aunt and uncle take it in together....

















Oh, behind you is the cross. It is enormous!























It is also easy to get lost in it's beauty...but the show is in front of us and it is happening quickly so lets tune in:


















I manage to take a quick pic of my mother and I for posterity before dusk begins to settle on a day that we celebrated to the fullest.























God IS great!!!!! God is Grand!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today! I am linking this to Outdoor Wednesday, so stop by and visit the other participants of OW.

I invite you to join me here tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday. I have some great thrifty ideas in mind that you will want to see and recreate for yourself. So, please stop by....link up (Mr Linky will post Wednesday evening).

In the meantime, I want to sincerely thank you again for dropping by and being a friend to Tales from Bloggeritaville. You are appreciated!!!!

Happy Day, Friend!
Leigh