No, I'm not talking about a creepy obsessive home stalking. I'm talking about visiting a shop or business yakked abroad on a favorite blog. I had never done it before, but we had one such opportunity last week when we were in Florida.
We went to this place in search of buried blog treasure.
Now folks, this isn't your ordinary, everyday antiques mall. This is a very specific one. You see, buried in the middle of this nondescript building is the booth of one of my favorite bloggers, Carol, of The Polka Dot Closet.
From the moment I opened the door, I knew I was in for a treat. The place is full to overflowing with antique and vintage treasures . I could have meandered about all afternoon if the husband were at all fun at a place like that. He isn't.
We agreed to wander separately and search for Carol's booth instead. I was pretty confident that I would know it when I saw it. I just told him to look for a booth full of pink. Believe it or not, he spotted it first.
It wasn't hard.
It stood out from the others like the Texaco Star.
Yes indeed. It was the only booth covered in pastel pink wallpaper,
the perfect backdrop for Carol's signature romantic style.
If you follow The Polka Dot Closet, you might recognize her shabby white makeovers, decoupaged train cases, and amazing use of tiles and porcelain remnants. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
I particularly loved those altered vintage books on the table.
I got this one because it happened to feature one of my favorite songs.
I'm planning to use it in a vignette.
Imagine my delight when I opened The Polka Dot Closet on Monday to see a tutorial on those very books. I might try to make some myself. Bet they won't be as lovely as hers, though.
(That picture is from The Polka Dot Closet)
If you haven't visited that blog, I highly recommend you give it a peek. You will come away utterly inspired. And if you're ever in the Orlando area, be sure to visit her booth in person at the Orange Tree Antiques Mall. You won't be disappointed.
*** Adding here that I didn't get to actually meet Carol. She was off stalking another blogger in Minnesota while I was stalking her in Florida.
*** Adding here that I didn't get to actually meet Carol. She was off stalking another blogger in Minnesota while I was stalking her in Florida.
Good grief, just imagine how annoying I'm going to be
when I have grandchildren to yak about.
*****
Sharing this on Pink Saturday.
Sharing this on Pink Saturday.
49 comments:
Ohhhh....my heart is beating.... Her booth is LOVELY and my favorite look. Gosh, and to think I was in Orlando last week...sure wish I could have visited.
Her things are just beautiful. She is so talented! I would love to visit her booth.
It's so pretty. I can't wait to see it in person. Hint. Hint. Looks like a wonderful booth. Don't you know the Duchess would just love it?
I've certainly enjoyed your vacation posts. As far as I'm concerned, you can continue to share them with us.
I'm delighted you shared this post.. a new blog to visit and lovelies to look at.. what can be better? Love those books too. Happy weekend, xo marlis
What a delight to see Carol's booth. It is simply adorable and so romantic. Lucky you to be there in person. Love the adorned book you bought...Christine
looks like a fun place to get lost it.....have a great weekend Debbie.
I think that is so nice when we can actually meet one of the bloggers in real life. What a great booth she has and that mall would super place to visit.
what a beautiful booth.. thanks for sharing Carol with us today... having had a booth in the past myself.. I know what kind of work it takes to turn out something that wonderful!
enjoy the rest of your vaction! Happy Pink Saturday! Dixie
Hi Debbie,
These books are just lovely! I'm so glad you were able to get one. I think it's so much fun to read about a place and then get to see what it's really like in person, so to speak. I hope you got to meet Carol, as well. Last year, we made a special trip to the Classy Flea, and were told by the employee there that we had just missed Susan from BNOTP by about 20 minutes. It was a really fun place to browse in. Have a great week!
Denise
I would absolutely visit a place a fav blogger "yakked" about if I was in that city! I think it is wonderful that you got to meet. She has such pretty items there. I would love to spend a while in that antiques mall. xo,
I actually didn't get a chance to MEET Carol. She was out of town when we were there. I just got to stalk her stuff.
Well, I wish I had known about her booth BEFORE I made my trip to Orlando. I would have loved to visit there. It's gorgeous!!
Oh, you know how we always say that we are rather kindred spirits. Well, I am just now looking at your "I am Marianne Dashwood" banner. I, too, am Marianne. (I'd rather be Elinor Dashwood, but, alas, the personality is not quite as subdued as Elinor's.)
You and I definitely need to meet up one day. I think we would feel like we'd known one another for years...and we would talk endlessly.
Have a great day, my fellow fab 50 gal!!
Hugs,
Patti
Looks like a great place to visit Debbie, I love little antique stores:@)
Oh, Debbie---thanks for taking us along and pointing me in the direction of ANOTHER blog to be behind reading, lol. Have a great day :)
Blessings!
Gail
P.S. my frist grandchild is due in February -- watch out, lol!!!!!!!
Where in Florida is this antique store? I'm glad you're having such a good time on your vacation. Happy PS!
I know EXACTLY how you'll be... just like me!! :)
This was a booth worth stalking. How beautiful she made it all look. I've done a lot of antique shows through the years, and she could fit into any one of them.
I'm going over to see her page....
Whoa! What a fabulous shop, Debbie. I want to just bury myself amongst those treasuers.
Have a beautiful PS weekend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
Those books are gorgeous. I'm totally in love with the little overnight cases like my grandma had. Love that! I'll have to visit Carol's blog. Everything else is lovely.
Debbie,
Like some of your other commenters, I have had a booth also - yes it takes a lot of work but when you love it it then becomes so worthwhile. Love her romantic style and all the pink wallpaper that ties it all together. Wonderful Pink Saturday to you.
~Jean
Too funny Debbie, a booth starker in Orlando. I can see the headlines now. I'll have to remember this booth the next time I'm in Orlando, thanks for the heads up.
This is a fun, frilly post for sure! I don't know that I've ever visited The Polka Dot Closet before today, but I can certainly see why you had a great time. I love that song, too. As for the grandchildren thing ... I try to walk that line very carefully - since I have the sweetest, most handsome, smartest two-years-old-this-week grandson - but it's sure tempting to blog about him more!
I hope you're having a great weekend!
Debbie, WOW, I didn't know what you meant when you referred to blog stocking in your comment, I have to admit, I thought it was a little wierd.....Now I know what you meant!!! Oh goodness, wouldn't it have been great to have met!! I went to my booth yesterday and so much in the picture is gone. All of the books are gone, they are such a good seller! The stools and tables, the white 3 tiered shelf, the brown suitcase. it is so fun to look at the pictures, I know somethings are missing, but never quite remember what was in the space. Well you have made my day! The kindness in your words and pictures, well, I am just overwhelmed and honored!! THANK YOU
Carol
Wow you are very good at updating us on all your adventures. [o= I need to get better at that. I hope one day to write better and more like you. You inspire me to try to write better. Ohh btw I had replied to your last comment. ((HUGS))!
Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
Definitely a feast for the eyes!!
Chris
http://everydaylifeblessings.blogspot.com/
oh my that booth looks wonderful. I would go broke in that booth :)
Personally I liked your vacation posts.
What a nice pink station - I can just picture it - we have those here too - and she sure did a great job.
I took a peek and did indeed leave inspired. Thanks for sharing her site
I love hearing about other people's travels. So interesting. Don't stop on my behalf. (hehe)
Hi Debbie,
Oh, I would have stalked her antiques booth too! How pretty. The can of air should be great on your dolls. It worked great on my ship.:)
Sherry
What a delightful booth - full of the most delectable treasures! I'll just bet you do a fine job on re-making those books, Debbie. As I've said before, you are a very crafty lady.
I don't know why, but my husband *oddly* likes going antiquing with me - go figure.
You can write about your vacation just as much as you want. I've enjoyed it thoroughly. When are you coming to California? Hmmm??
How fun....and these are great. Now you have a wonderful vacation to go down in the memory books and recall for years to come. How refreshing!
I love the support bloggers have for each other...thanks for sharing her place and her blog.
What a pretty place! Reminds me of my favorite place in Atlanta with lots of wonderful things to look at. Those altered books are just gorgeous!
What a spectacular booth! Lovely. and the books are exquisite, although they would not survive in our home. The dog likes to eat books and the cats to bite them and turn the pages, esp. if they are crinkly. (we do have books - in bookcases)
How cool to see this booth in person. I have followed her too and always enjoy seeing her creations. Her's is a booth I would love to linger in, especially the linens section.
oh what a great treasure you found. Love it. In fact, thanks for taking us along for your vacation....it's been fun!
A booth of buried treasures is right! So many great finds and wonderfully displayed! Thanks for sharing. I hope you can join Design Gives Back blog party the week of August 12th-18th for a story to warm your heart!HPS!-Sher
Oh I adore Carol's style! How fun to see her booth in person.
How neat...Her booth is precious...I'm with you, I could be there for hours...
Hey...I always enjoy your post....vacation or otherwise!
Blessings
What a great little shop inside a shop. Joni
Why are nice things always so far from South Africa
Beautiful booth and merchandise, the books are so unique. I'm so glad that you shared this with us and yes, when we are in Orlando in March that will be on my 'must see' list.
Hmmm... a blog stalking vacation? You are just full of great inspiration!!
Blessings, Debbie
I really like her booth and style! Thanks for sharing this post. It's time to check out her Blog now! :)
What a darling post Debbie! I love that you found this little shop on your vacation. I've been at the beach with my grands for 2 weeks. Trust me you will not have any time to blog!!!! MIA in CA...
You did some beautiful stalking :)
I think I missed this post! Wow! this looks like my kind of place! We are an hour away from Orlando, what area in Orlando is this shop? Beautiful stuff, can't wait to see your post!
Katherine
How neat you got to go to Carol's booth. If I am ever in the area, I certainly will too. Carol is one of my favorite blogging buds...she is just a neat lady! In fact I call her my big sis!
I've been wanting to drive to Carol shop for so long and I only live about an hour away!! She is full of inspiration, I love her blog too!
Sylvia
Where is this, Debbie? I don't know this mall, but I'm game to learn!
I left you a note on your St. Augustine post below. Next time, stop and dine at your favorite restaurant... Magpie Cottage.
XO,
Sheila :-)
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