A sweet little artisian shop in St. Petersburg, Fl

While driving through an island off St. Petersburg, Fl  I came upon this really cool shop.  
It is in a row of houses and businesses facing the Tampa Bay and I found myslef screeching on the brakes to check it out.

As I first walked in the picket fence there were all sorts of hand made and artisan wares.  When you first climb the porch stairs there is a wicker sofa with bright pink cushions and colorful afgans and  your greeted with a tail wagging from Jenny, the owners newly rescued dog and what a friendly sweetie she is.

There were 5 rooms  decked out with all sorts of colorful items for sale and the walls are all painted in bright bold colors that catch your eyes with each turn.

 The entire downstairs of this home is used for the shop and the proprietor lives upstairs.  How nice this must be to dress each day and walk downstairs to your work.

From what I understand all the art comes from local people that live in the area.

As I said the shop faces the Tampa Bay and this is the scene from the front door. 

If your thinking of coming down to St. Pete to get away from  winters cold and snow, you must check out this really nice shop.  There is something for everyone.

x0x0x

While those in the North freeze. . .

 

Great White Heron overlooking the Tampa Bay

A visit to my favorite Pier had me thinking of all who live up North and how cold it must be.

"Stay warm everyone" 

I'll be sharing this post with

Alphabet Thursday 

Yard Sale Goodies and Surprise, surprise, T came to visit....

My favorite day of the week is Saturday when I head on out for my tour of the neighborhoods looking for a tasty garage sale.  This past weekend there were many and I found some really cute things.   First off is this 'Tea Pot"... there are no markings on the underside but it's so sweet. $1.00

 It may not be an expensive piece but this oval serving dish marked Ironstone from England really caught my eye.  $1.50 was a good price don't ya think?

 Then I found a plastic shoe box filled with threads and sewing supplies, marked .50 cents.  

Who could pass this up?

Then once I got home I took a better look and found a covered tin full of assorted buttons inside along with so many different sewing items.  Thread, well if you sew you know each spool is around $1.99 each.

Love it!

Today I had a wonderful surprise.  

My Son Tom who is in the USCG and living up in Juneau made a quick trip to visit me.  It's been quite long time since seeing him as his job keeps him on the road for weeks at a time and he and his family live in Alaska.

But this week he told me before heading to Nome he had to make a side trip to Longbeach to teach a maritime safety class.  The surprise, he called me and asked me 'where I was'?  "Home", I said then the told me to come down... as he sprinted up the stairs.  

He will only be here for two days but made a side trip (4 thousand miles) to me in Clearwater while on his way from Juneau to Nome.. out of the way indeed!

l

Letting go of our kids is so hard and getting them home once in a while is even harder but when we do it's a dream come true.

To all of you parents with kids still at home, cherish the time because it go's so fast then poof,  one day they may make a career of the military and move 4 thousand miles away. 

(I'm so proud of him)

Along with his military career Tom is a budding photographer and I will be taking him out early tomorrow morning, before the sun comes up to a pier, near my house, to get the sunrise shots over  Tampa Bay and to capture a few photos of the Manatee that come out early to feed.  

You can see Toms photo blog Here

I'll be sure to post a few of his photos once I get them uploaded.  

A good day indeed! 

 (((hugs)))

 I'm sharing this happy post with

Adorned from Above Wednesday 

Wow Us Wednesday 

Share Your Cup Thursday 

Treasure Hunt Thursday 

Thrifty Things Friday 

We Do Weekends 

Saturday Night Special 

Sunny Simple Sunday 

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday 

Looking back to how I made my kitchen lap top desk.

I've been looking at my kitchen desk this past week and wondering if I could do it again.  My daughter has a space in her kitchen (sorry I don't have a photo of that space) but she asked if I could make something like it.  Somewhere she could put a pantry with a brew station on the right side.

 As you can see this was an odd space and I thought about it for several months before one day going to my Ob/Gyn.  There it was!  I was laying on the table and my feet were in the, well you know the place, and I asked if I could have my bag to get my camera.  The looks on the Doc and her assistant were a bit puzzled until I told the story!  "Look at that desk, it's perfect"... they laughed!

 First I needed to make a pattern and used a roll of xmas paper then laid it on the wood and cut it out.

 Knowing the space was tight I thought to prime and paint the wood before putting the puzzle together.

 I used wall screws and L brackets to attach it to the wall and it's strong enough to stand on.

 Once the desk was all put together I put on a fresh coat of paint and it go's so well in my kitchen and now I have the perfect spot for my lap top and also a space to put my hand bag and a few cook books.
Just before putting the desk together I had a new floor laid and it all came together perfectly.
I remember the Mr. asking if he could use my desk... 

 "Sorry, this is my desk"!

 I know I must have broken "The cardinal rule of carpentry" but I did not have the energy to take away the wall paper on the back wall and simply painted over it with white.  Who will know except me.  Well, now you do!

I still need to get a proper chair.  The space is small and I just have not found one yet.  I know I can build but a chair is not something I've ever tried.  There is one out there, I'll find it!

 I will be going to my daughters soon and will get a photo of her space and let you know how it all works out.  As I said before, she has an odd space that could use a good strong cabinet.  I'll get a photo or two of how we do it.
As for my Doctor, I did take a photo for her to see the finished product and her smile was priceless. 

((hugs)) 

I'm linking this post to

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday  
Show Off Your Stuff 
Be Inspired 
Overflowing With Creativity 
We Did It Wednesday 
Power of Paint Party 
Wow Us Wednesday 
Create and Share 
Share Your Cup 
Talkin About Thursday 

I've entered a contest with the best Stars of Blogland. You can go into this link below and vote for me if you would like... (please, please)!!  Just scroll down to the thumbnails and look for entry #253, that's me.
Click on my photo of the "Laptop Desk" and you voted!
"Thanks in advance"  

"Creating With The Stars" 

x0x0x

Snowbird Citrus! Now I've seen it all. Stop me before it's too late!

 While walking through the HD garden center (my favorite place to be) this morning I stumbled upon a Citrus tree that totally blew my mind.  I've never seen such a thing and I want one!
The 'snowbird' is for those who winter in Florida and when they go home to the north they can just toss it or leave on the balcony of their home for the summer and have all the organic fruit they need when they return.  Our rainy season will take care of watering.

 It's called a "Citrus Cocktail" and has been grafted with several kinds of citrus all growing on the same plant.  Now I do have one with lemons and limes but this one has 

Minneola Honeybell

Meyer Lemon

Persian Lime

Ponkan Tangerine

Navel Orange

and

Ruby Red Grapefruit

 Notice the leaves on each branch are quite different.

Amazing!

 When I first saw this plant I wanted it until I saw the price tag.
I could imagine it standing proud on my front porch.  How beautiful it would be, and the smell!

 This is one form of citrus tree I've never seen but you all must admit it's perfect for a small family and in a small space.

No waist of fruit with a large tree.

 I'm still think of going to get one and potting it in a large terracotta pot..  but I'm still on my 'no spending February'

Someone stop me before it's too late!

xoxoxo

I'm linking up to
It's Overflowing with Creativity
Outdoor Wednesday 
Fertilizer Friday 

Dreaming of Spring... wanting it to hurry!

While going through some of my old photos I found this shot of my tulips growing in the warm spring sun... it made me want spring to hurry up and get here.
Like most of you we have been having a bit of cold weather (yes here in Clearwater, Fl it's been very chilly this past few weeks) and I'm wanting the warmer weather to come and to get outside in the sun. 

Get my hands dirty!

I have a few bags of bulbs that are waiting for me to get them planted.  

It's just not time!

Funny how I have the beach just a few miles from me and it looks so warm and beautiful. All of you northern folks must think it's like that in my yard but I'll have to tell you it's not! The yard is muddy from the rains and noting is growing.

There is no way to lay on the beach today, windy and cold, but it does look this nice.

 So for now, I'll just keep dreaming and wanting the temps to climb into the 70's.  That is perfect Florida weather.  The summers, well that's another story... they can stay away for a bit longer

I want it Spring all year long.

"Happy Weekend Everyone" 

Mmmmm, yummm, Do you eat 'Vanilla Flavoring'? Stop! Read this!

 Everybody knows who and what this funny animal is right?  

It's a Bever!

I read an article about "Vanilla Flavoring".  Yes, those of us who have bought vanilla flavoring to use in place of the expensive 100% vanilla, or it was in the cake mix you just made or in your sodas or packaged puddings or ice cream or yogurt, any food that says "Artificial Vanilla".. that would be thousands of products you buy in a package or box or can!

 Did you know what is in that 'Vanilla Flavoring"?

"Beaver anal gland juice" Really!

I don't want to gross you all out but you must read this article...

All together now,, Mmmmm, I just love Vanilla, no, were talking about "Artifical Vanilla Flavoring"

Do you know what is in your food! 
Here is the article, just click. 

 Truth is, chemicals that are used as weed killer, flame retardant, and sunscreen are startlingly common in your supermarket. But you won’t find “carcinogens,” “paint chemicals,” or “beaver anal gland juice” on the back panel. They’ll be hidden under names like “Butylated HydroxyAnisole” or “natural flavoring.” Break through the science experiment to find out what you’re really eating. 
 Natural Flavors

 The name sounds innocent enough, but these mild-sounding words are used by the food industry as an umbrella term for some pretty horrible stuff

 you must not have heard of castoreum, which is “used extensively in perfumery and has been added to food as a flavor ingredient for at least 80 years.”

Castoreum is a product of the trapping industry. When beavers are skinned for their fur, these glands are taken out, and are sold after being smoked or sun-dried to prevent putrefaction…

Castoreum is used in “high class” perfumery for “refined leathery nuances.” It is also reportedly used in some incense. In food, castoreum is used to flavor candies, drinks, and desserts such as puddings.

http://gentleworld.org/the-gross-truth-about-natural-flavors/

This means that 'naturall flavors' or 'Organic flavors' can be used in the ingrediants description!!! -- Look for natural Vanilla Bean flavoring

I think it's time for all consumers to revolt!

Tell the food companies "We will not stand for the horrible things that are put in our food"

I'll admit I changed my eating habits years ago going vegetarian  and if it's in a box, I don't buy it.  I don't eat meat or drink sodas!  But 'vanilla flavoring' I'm as guilty as the next person, but will never buy it or anything with it again!  

My toes curl when I think about it!
Saying Mmmm, I love vanilla, but this!! 

EwwwWwwww!   
* * * * *

Non-Alcoholic Vanilla Extract

 

2 vanilla beans
1 1/2 cups glycerin
1/2 cup warm water

Directions:

Slit beans down the middle, and scrape down seeds.

Place both in glycerin and warm water.

Place in a dark jar (or a light jar in a dark place).

Let sit for a month or so.

Shake often.

Strain. (optional).

* * * * * *
I'm linking up to Jenny Matlocks letter "M" for this week.
Alphabet Thursday 

Fertilizer Friday 
What To Do Weekend 

I found a 4yd piece of baby flannel for $1.00....

 While digging through a box of fabrics in a garage sale I found a 4yd piece of the sweetest flannel  and it was all of $1.00
It has the words, "I love Grandma" all over it. I thought I was finished making new baby gear then  after getting it home I put it in the washer and dryer then thought it would make such nice receiving blankets for my new grandbaby to be.  I had 4 weeks to get it made and in the mail to my daughter in OKC.  After cutting and sewing 3 of the blankets I still had some of the fabric left over and then my mind went into overdrive.  

"What do I do with what's left"?

 I went to the fabric store and purchased a contrasting 1/2 yd of flannel and made two bibs that would hold on to the pacifier. First I cut a paper pattern and used the contrasting as a lining. Then a bit of velcro to hold the pacifier in place.

 I still had some of the fabric left then thought the baby needed a rag doll.  

Don't tell the Mr. but I took one of his old tee shirts cut into teeny size (with a pocket...gota make it as authentic as I could)
Now for the hair, face and little baseball cap (from an old pair of jeans) and  purple crochet  socks. 

I used permanent marker for the face.

 The cap needed an embroidered "P" for the family name.

 As most of you know, this will be my daughters 4th child and since the first one 9 years ago I can't tell you how many things I've made for the 3 boys.  With fingers crossed I'm secretly hoping for a girl.  Just think of all the cutesie things I could make for her.   If it's a boy we all are going to so happy, especially his brothers.  They want another boy to join the sports teams they have created with their dad.    Then I'll have to get started on a crib quilt to match the brothers. See them here. 

If it's a girl.. ok, I'll not go there (yet).

Only 3 to 4 weeks and this little one will enter the world.

This babys gender is the "Sweet surprise of the century" for the entire family, especially my daughter and her husband.  Do you believe the gender of this child is in an envelope stashed in my daughters closet and no one has seen it.

I think I need to stop now (stop making new baby items).  Now to wait, then it's on to 6 month and older sizes.  As you can tell, "I'm so excited"

I'm linking up to

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday 

Tuesdays To Do
It's Party Time  
We Did It Wednesday  
Wow Us Wednesday 
Treasure Hunt Thursday 
Under $100. Link Party 
Thrifty Things Friday 
Fabulousy Creative Friday 
Tickled Pink 
Saturday Night Special 
Sunny Simple Sunday 
Creating With The Stars 
Make it Pretty Monday