Pottery-a-Plenty

Whether intending to buy something or not, Tierra Fina, located in historic St. Augustine, Fl. has a way of drawing me past it's garden gates and into it's colorful outdoor shop of imported Spanish and Mexican pottery. If only I could add the scent of the star jasmin on the arbors and the sound of the wind chimes to this photo. Although I have lived in Florida for 4 yrs now, growing up in Texas gave me an appreciation for this style of pottery due to the close proximity to Mexico and many shopping trips across the border to buy pottery like this. I think that is why I also love this place b/c it reminds me of many backyards in my home state of Texas. I also love the deep sun-baked smell of this pottery. Painted swirls of sky blue and lime green might cover a clay frog or turtle. Mango-color yellows and oranges can be spotted in flowery forms on pots and plates. Such a pretty way to add color to a garden.

I think right now I love the mellony colors of the orange and yellow pots the most.

 

 ---Sealed with a Kiss, Kirsten

S.W.A.K.

Let's go to Kilwins

Let's go to Kilwins and satisfy our sweet tooth and our desire for chocolate bliss. Walking into any Kilwins chocolate shop is a treat for the senses. The scent of all that eewy goowy chocolate and caramel is divine. I wish I could stick the whole store in a candle jar b/c it smells sooooo good! The have been making homemade chocolate treats since 1947. Locations can be found throughout Florida and a few other states. We go to the one in St. Augustine, Fl. If you live near a Kilwins or ever get the chance to go to one, then take a moment to enjoy the chocolaty scents and then treat yourself to one(or two) of their many treats to choose from.

I love anything with chocolaty swirly whirlies.

If you live in or visit Florida, then you know we have a certain fondness for alligators.

It is better to eat an alligator (especially one made of chocolate), than to be eaten by one.

My Daughter especially loves Kilwins ice cream. They make the waffle cones right there before your very eyes. Whenever she has a yummy ice cream treat in her hand, the rest of the world fades away and it is just her and the ice cream.

---Sealed with a Kiss, Kirsten

S.W.A.K.

Hacky Sack

Hacky Sack in a dress is best...or at least it is when you can't wait to get home and put on shorts before practicing some Hacky Sack moves. My daughter was so eager to start playing with her new Hacky Sack ball as soon as she stepped out of the store.

---Field Trip Lessons in the Pioneer Life---

My husband and I had the pleasure of chaperoning our daughter's 2nd grade class field trip to the pioneer museum in Gainesville, Florida. The class had an extended unit on pioneer life where they learned about America's earlier years. The class also read Little House in The Big Woods. My daughter is now hooked on all things Laura Ingalls! The special treat for the day was that my Mother-in-Law was visiting us from Texas and was able to chaperone, as well, and see this very engaging and interactive museum. Saylor loved having her Grandmother along for the field trip.

Fresh Kettle Popped Corn

Kids could buy rock candy and rootbeer. A yummy treat.

Saylor and her classmates were able to use pioneer tools of the trade and  get a hands-on learning experience from workers dressed in period clothing.

I love the following pic of my husband's hands and Saylor

as he helps her with some of the hands-on learning.

What Little Girls are made of....

What are little girls made of ? Ribbons and Lace. Pearls and Bows. Fancy Shoes and little white gloves.

1st Communion Dress fit for a Princess......Princess Saylor

I added the white ROSE.

and I added the 3 Flowers to each sleeve.

I added 3 PEARL Buttons to the back

LITTLE Girlsand  BIG Bows are the BEST Combination

Saylor decided on which 1st Communion veil she liked best

Fancy WHITE Shoes and Fancy white GLOVES

A Gift From MEMA for Saylor; her very 1st Crucifix

to wear on her 1st Communion.