Baby's first trip to the beach

My daughter flew in from TN this past week for her baby shower and thankfully we have warmed up a bit here in FL so that we could take some beach shots. 

In addition to everything that was special about having her home for a few day was how her husband surprised her by flying two of her best friends in for the shower.

 I love her friends as much as she does.  

What a fun time we had.

Do you know what you get when you fly people from freezing Indiana in to Florida ?

 Cartwheels on the beach and whole lot of

Happy, Happy, Happy.

Junkin' Florida Style

 It's a Picker's Paradise.

 With tents and tables of tempting treasures.

 Pretty painted furniture all around.

 Time worn elegance abounds.

 Weathered wood and Ironstone.

 Chippy, crusty, rusty charm.

 Big pieces, small pieces.

 Cotton pickin' good deals.

 Pieces that moooo.....ve you with their creative persuasion.

 Venetian elegance

 Purfume bottles next to...

 Guns

 Custom Jewelry

 So much to see that it fills up your senses to overflow and you become just plain Junk Drunk!!

 Not to worry though with beds and benches to catch you.

 Pink fu fu and frills for her 

 And mancave items for him.

 Bowls and crocks

 Rugs, baskets, and shutters

 Great Displays

 English elegance and custom Islands.

 Amazing talent and amazing shops represented from all over the country or local like Victoria's Antique Warehouse in Leesburg, FL.

And that one thing above all the other things that makes your heart skip a beat.

I found my bliss at Renninger's Antique Extravagaza.

Linking to today's party's at
Funky Junk Interiors

Garden Gate Tea Room

 My hubby and I went to Renninger's Antique Extravaganza this past weekend which is always one of my very favorite things to do with him.  It's always a the perfect date including the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a wonderful lunch at the Garden Gate Tea Room in Mt. Dora, FL.  The day had warmed up beautifully by lunch time and so we enjoyed a wonderful sugar rimmed glass of  iced peach tea.  

 The tea house is as much a thrill for the eyes as the food is for the stomach.

 We got there a little before the crowd so it was even better as we could hear the soft music instead people chatter and making it even more perfect to have this room all to ourselves.

 I chose the salmon souffle and he chose rosemary chicken pot pie and I have to tell you I was not a dainty little lady as I wolfed this delicious meal down.  It was amazing.

Even the orchard was edible.

I have never really like the term " To Die For," often heard when one speaks of something really really good.  However this dessert was indeed that!   

So if you are close to Mt Dora, FL and have never eaten at the Garden Gate Tea Room I promise you will love it as much as we do.  What a great place to take your love for Valentine's Day but I am guessing you might just want to make that reservation right now.

Tell them Becky sent you!

What to do about January.

When someone comes knocking at your door in January what kind of wreath or door decor do they find?   After the Christmas wreath is taken down and the quick substitute of a New Year's Day themed wreath goes up, what do you do next?   Do you leave the New Year's themed wreath up all month long or would you put something else in it's place?  What do you do in January?   I ask myself this every year.  

February is easy with Valentine's Day and the promise of spring.  If you look on pinterest you can find wreath ideas for February in abundance as well as for all the seasons and holidays but what about January?  I have heard people that live in areas that snow use snowmen or flakes but what if you live in Florida?
In Tampa we have the Gasparilla Parade mid January starting with a kids parade and then the adult parade the following week.  So last year when I found a ship and a coconut pirate I made plans for my January wreath and this is what I came up with after I found the black and white ribbon at Lowes on Christmas clearance.  It was fun to make and I will probably tweek it a bit more over time.  

It also inspired me with a birthday theme for our little Buckeroo who turned 2 this week.

What a fun little party that was as the little ones dug for buried treasure and walked the plank.

I have to tell  you this really kept the kiddos busy for quite awhile so if you are planning a beach trip take some beads and coin and let them dig.  They will love it and you won't be constantly running the beach to catch them. 

After the party was over the wreath went back on the door and next weekend the wreath will change again.  I love February.  It's so easy.

 I'm joining these parties:

Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

 Creatively Living for Monday Funday Party

Mod Vintage Life for Mod Mix Monday

The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday

 Between Naps On The Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Dwellings-Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday

                                       

Flannel and Fur Kind of Night.

It had to add an extra layer of warmth to the bed last night.   I pulled out my pretty pink ruffled  flannel sheets for under two down comforters and a little bit of  fur made for an oh so cozy kind of heat.

I hope you are staying warm on this brisk January day.

Joining How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Happy New Year

Time to practice writing 2014..2014..2014..2014..2014..

Wishing you the very best in 2014!