HomeAboutShopHouse TourRecipes

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

A Brick and Mortar

I can't believe I'm typing these words.

We are buying a building.

An old fashioned, free standing, brick and mortar 
with lots of history and lots of potential.

The French Pressed Home will
be opening a small Boutique Bakery here in
Union Springs, Alabama. 

We close in mere days and once
keys are in hand, we'll be starting
on the improvements. 

I'm looking forward to documenting 
and sharing our renovation
because we will be taking things back to some 
original brick and fixing up the 
huge wood walk in cooler.
What we'll do with it, I don't know, but
it is so very cool!

It's been told to me, by several people, that the 
late Bing Crosby frequented the 
Holmes Cafe when he came to town
on his hunting expeditions. 
I'm hoping there are some photos
floating around somewhere because I'd love
to make copies.

Every day that passes, I find out more and more
about this building. And every story has one thing in common:
Pie

I may be getting my hands on a few of those recipes.
What a fabulous way to pay homage to a place
that so many people remember fondly.


This photo shows the original brick on the sides and front.
The windows on the side have since been boarded, so 
yes, we will be removing the boards and hopefully
the old windows are still there, intact. 
If not, they will be replaced because you know
me and natural light!

The front has since been updated
which gives us a new slate to play with.


Bruce said he was glad it was re-done 
because the old windows remind him of jail.
Only him. And I wonder how he knows what jail looks like. 

He sees jail, I see this:





With the new windows in place, we won't be
able to paint much black but oh, I will
find a way to incorporate my beloved color.
I played with a photo a little and this is just an idea...


The interior, shown below, will look a little different when
 we're done. We have some plans and ideas
but I'll save those for when we get to that point. 


And the menu.

I am not going in over my head so we'll be 
starting small and manageable and growing
as we go. We do have a destination but
that will come in time and in increments.

We're looking forward to getting our hands dirty
and bringing this place back into the mix
of people, food and memories.

Never in a million years did I imagine we'd 
be here, right now, doing this.

I do believe there is a plan for each of us and
when it unfolds before your very eyes, it makes
 you very humble. 
We have been very blessed since
moving to our new place we call home. 
Not just the house but the State and City we chose.
I think we were destined to be here, 
at precisely the right time. 
Now.

21 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Amber. I am so proud of you---I know how far you have come in the last couple of years. You will love it- I can certainly see you doing that! Can't wait to see more. xo Diana
    ps. If you get a moment pop over and sign up for the giveaway. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diana. The Lord has his plan, we're just along for the ride. :) I'll be over shortly!

      Delete
  2. Girl, I am so excited for you!!!! I LOVE YOUR IDEAS!!! But then I always do! What a cool thing, I want to come help at your grand opening!! Will you have French Pressed Home spelled out on he sign as week so everyone knows what the FPH stands for? I have a difficult time making things work for myself, but I love to help someone else in their endeavors and feel successful. I wish I lived nearer you!!
    Hugs and happiness!!! Can't wait to see!!!
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, Betsy! We have some work ahead of us but it's going to be well worth it and something special. It definitely won't look like it used to but I hope it will be something everyone enjoys. Not sure on the name yet. Still working on that one! :)

      Delete
  3. I can't tell you how thrilled I am for you. You guys have been thru so much- you've worked hard for this. I think you are right, Amber...this was your destiny. So proud of you for embracing it.
    Love you so much<3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a path we are traveling down. I had such a great day today. I made a Salted Caramel Cake for the pumpkin patch and gave out samples. Nothing but rave reviews. THAT is what makes me happy. Thank you for your love, Tina. xoxo

      Delete
  4. Congratulations! Roll up those sleeves..they'll be that way for a long while <3

    ReplyDelete
  5. It will be awesome - wish I had some salted caramel cake right now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is yummy. I can't compete with the Southern woman's Caramel Cake so I will do my own version! :)

      Delete
    2. We like to try new things! I guess you know Andalusia is the home of Dean's Cakes - the ones with all the layers - caramel, chocolate, etc. You so need to come down one day!

      Delete
    3. For sure, Deb! Once the pumpkin patch is over, I'm FREE! :)

      Delete
    4. Since I work at a school, maybe a Saturday? Are you going to the Holiday Market in Montgomery- as a shopper not a vendor? I usually try to go - I think it is this coming weekend. If you get to come to Andalusia I will take you to the b&b's (maybe no weddings so you can see them)!

      Delete
  6. Oh my gosh! Amber, I'm so so excited for you!! How fabulous, I can't wait to hear more about it, and see more too. God has such amazing plans for all of us, it's thrilling to see His plan unfold for you. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He certainly does, Lidy. I had no idea this would be unfolding. :)

      Delete
  7. Oh my gosh Amber...you are doing some very fun stuff...I love your buildling!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow Amber! CONGRATULATIONS! Oh, my! This is such exciting news and you will do such a great job being a shop owner! Cant wait to see your vision come true! xox Maryjane

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey girlie! If you need any hand-painted signs I'd love to hook you up with a deal! Man I hope I can come visit one day!

    Love ya',
    Missy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you best believe I have thought about you and your signs! I'll be in touch after we get the heart of the bakery done.... the kitchen!!

      Delete

Come on in, the door's always open!