Did you hear the big news? Tripadvisor named St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S….again! These beautiful beaches are no stranger to awards. In fact, St. Pete Beach was named Tripadvisor’s #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2021, #2 Beach in the U.S. in 2020, and Clearwater Beach was named the #1 Beach in the U.S. in both 2018 and 2019.
Read MoreAuthor: Carol
I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.
Hello Summer Flowers in a Jar
The temperatures continue to climb here in central Florida with blue skies and white clouds. Looks like summer is already here in Florida. No matter what the temperature today in your area, let’s celebrate the coming of Summer on June 21st.
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Bacon & Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Al Fresco Uncured Chicken Bacon has 70% less fat and 40% less sodium than pork bacon. Now I’ve tried turkey bacon before and expected something similar. I stand corrected. Tasted like regular bacon with great flavor. It comes both uncooked and precooked and ready to use. If you’re interested in trying it, check out your zip code for stores in the USA that sell it. This is NOT a sponsored post.
Memorial Day is coming soon with the remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country. It also marks the beginning of summer for most of us in the USA. Today I’m sharing a simple cold appetizer which is perfect for cookouts, parties, and other get-togethers. It’s an easy recipe for stuffed cherry tomatoes with bacon crumbles, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, green onion, and parsley. Emptying the little tomatoes and stuffing them may be a little messy, but it’s not hard to do.
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A Lovely Spring Day in Michigan
Today’s spring photos are from my friend Diane who lives in the greater Detroit area. One day spring was everywhere in her garden. I do love tulips which of course do not grow in hot Florida. Thanks Diane!
Spring is my favorite time of year. As a child, it seemed a miracle when things around me came alive after the drab, gray days of winter. I do miss a northern spring and all the beautiful spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, forsythia, and lilacs. When I lived in Michigan, it was like a fairy land when you woke up to a sea of yellow blossoms on bushes everywhere or tulips in all the yards. I now experience northern spring vicariously through the photos of others. Florida does not get cold enough for all these beauties.
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Last Amaryllis on a Spring Day
I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. Amaryllis sold at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.
Last weekend I went outside in the front yard on a wonderful spring day. There was a breeze with blue skies and wispy clouds.
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May in the Dining Room
I’ve not spent much time on decorating during my recovery from surgery. Mostly I’ve updated the dining area. Since I’ve spent a lot of time at home in the last month, I definitely wanted a change of scene there. First I rotated art in my home and put my floral anchor print on the picture ledge. (You can find it at Adding Coastal With Floral Anchor Printables.) I use coastal accents a lot in my Florida home. Then I added two colorful glass bottles with flowers. It really brightens the room.
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Pet Time With Heather
The photos today were taken by my nephew’s wife, Heather, in their Michigan home. Many thanks to Heather and her rescued pets! I’m doing well and feel little improvements daily.
Last week on May 4th, many people celebrated Star Wars Day with memes and the phrase may the 4th be with you. Heather celebrated with her dog, Lola, and one of her two cats, Charlotte. I hope the 4th was with you!
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My End of April Flowers
I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.
Since I am not supposed to drive (think lack of range of motion with a neck brace!) I don’t exactly see lots of things to photograph. Most of the time I do not have the energy. Walking in an uneven place like my yard isn’t really too smart either with my current limitations and equipment. However, within last 10 days I did take several photos of my still blooming amaryllis. (for more information about my surgery, see ACDF & My Cup Overflows)
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