My Crazy SUMMERY 'B'UTIFUL SEABREEZE Christmas Tree!

Yes I am continuing with my themed tree idea- leaving the Christmas tree up in hopes that can decorate it for each holiday or season.  I loved my Easter tree, but alas, as I tend to procrastinate in putting my Christmas tree up, I did the same with my Easter tree.  BUT, yesterday was a day of inspiration and I decided to decorate my tree to reflect several of my favorite things: the ocean, collecting shells, and the beautiful place in which I live.   So after a quick trip to Michael’s (my fav place to shop), I was ready to go!  P.S.  Here in Pensacola, there are sites on the internet where you can print downloadable coupons- and you can use a coupon a day for the whole week if you like.  Just type Michael’s daily coupon into your search engine and then look for the latest coupon.  

If you would like to decorate with a Seaside theme here is what you will need~

• ·      Your Christmas Tree of course
• ·      A strand of WORKING lights… I did find these at Michael’s in the bridal aisle.
• ·      Sand Dollars
• ·      Star Fish
• ·      A Box of “Ocean Breeze” Potpourri… or something like it- mine contained shells, and starfish and other lovely sea items, and they smelled divine
• ·      A bag of Raffia
• ·      Any personal seashells you have collected!
• ·      A drill with a titanium bit
• ·      Aileen’s Tacky Glue

To start with, I drilled holes in all of the shells and the ‘potpourri balls.  You need a titanium bit to get through the shells, and for the most part I had great success without shattering but just one shell.   Use a solid object under the shells to drill~ I used an old book.  I did not drill the starfish, sand dollars, or pieces of driftwood.  

I just tied them on with the raffia!

Using a strand of raffia, double it, and then slide the looped end through the hole, just enough so you can push the other end through the loop and pull it tight to make a hanger!  Then tie with a bow on your tree…. SO EASY!   Let the ends dangle so you have raffia covering  your tree.

With the starfish, sand dollars, and drift wood, I just tied and knotted a piece of raffia around the object (the sand dollars have the little holes to make your loops~ just be gentle) and then tie onto the tree and make your bow!  Again, SO EASY!

With the perfumed balls… I did have the hole that I drilled.  I took a piece of raffia and doubled it, and tied a knot in the ‘doubled end’.  I stuffed the knot into the drilled hole and then secured with glue.  I allowed them to dry and then tied them onto the tree with the raffia and made another bow!

My topper was the left over raffia, which I allowed to dangle down the tree… so pretty.  This tree looks “BEACHY BEAUTIFUL” and smells divine with the potpourri sea creations!  I also love the many personal shells I hung, that I have collected over the years, and which bring back so many memories.  I put some of my favorite shells I have collected at the base, and a sea scent diffuser, as well as pictures I have made using shells and starfish.  (an cheap but great gift idea~ and another blog for another time!)

Now when I am teaching my violin lessons, I can take a quick peak at my tree, and think about my next trip to the beach which would be, let’s see, TOMORROW!

Loved the creative flow and today… off to the resale shops to find some more hidden treasures to recreate for my next blog!

"It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life."
~Julius Caesar

Hope you will find your creative streak today… it DOES THE SOUL SO MUCH GOOD!

Living, Laughing, and ABSOLUTELY LOVING my new Crazy Beach Tree!

Patti

a CRAZY GREAT VACATION SPOT- Pensacola, Florida

  I know many people believe that their hometown is the best place to live, but I am just CRAZY enough to believe that my hometown is not only the best place to live, but a CRAZY GREAT VACATION SPOT!

Just a little history from this great link ~ http://www.visitpensacola.com/articles/pensacola-history!

Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna arrived in Pensacola on Aug. 15, 1559, establishing the first European settlement in the United States. One month later, a hurricane destroyed supplies, eventually causing the Spanish to flee the area.

In 1698, Fort San Carlos de Austria became the first permanent settlement in Northwest Florida. Remains of the fort can be found at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Having been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States, Pensacola has earned the nickname“City of Five Flags.”  The picture above is one I took at a recent festival showing our Five Flags!

I took a trip down to the Pensacola Historic Village which is truly a trip back into the beautiful and rich historical culture of Pensacola Florida!  Here is a link to the Pensacola Historic Village which will give you great information on all the sites there are to see! http://www.historicpensacola.org/


In fact, why not put on your sneakers, and come along on a walk with me, as I give you a picture tour of this Incredible Historic District!

My MOST favorite spot is the Old Christ Church located in the District.  The Old Christ Church was built in 1832, and is a beacon of historic preservation.  Old Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in Florida.  The architecture inside and out is so stunning.  As a violinist, I have played many a wedding and solo concert within this church's walls, and the acoustics are musicians 'dream come true'.  The landscape of the property is strewn with orange trees, that are at this very moment bearing fruit!  This church holds so many memories for me, and I am sure memories for many others from years gone by!

Another lovely home is the Julle Cottage. This well preserved little cottage in Pensacola was constructed in 1805 and was the home of Julee Panton, a free woman of color, well before the Civil War.  The Cottage is just adorable and the grounds are covered with beautiful flowers and plants native to the Gulf Coast.

One of the homes I enjoy, due to a personal interest of mine, is the LaValle House.  This house is separated from the Julle Cottage by a small green space containing this lovely garden... and I do have such an interest in gardening! The garden is planted and maintained by Escambia County Master Gardeners. A variety of greens and lettuce are the winter crop.  In the summer, the kitchen garden has an abundant crop of tomatoes, eggplant, green peppers and squash, and as you can see a few of those beauties are starting to peak out!

One of the more "spirited houses" in the historic district is the Dorr House.  The Dorr House is one of the best-preserved post-Civil War Classic Greek Revival homes still standing in Pensacola, Florida. The deep-yellow house sets closely to the Old Christ Church. This grandeur neighborhood was known for its prestigious residents during the late 1800s.  Clara Barkley Dorr received proceeds upon her husband's death, she purchased the lot on the west side of Seville Square and built the Dorr House.

This home's most infamous secret may be the tales of the spirits that haunt the Dorr home. Tour guides have admitted to being uneasy when giving tours and have told stories of shadows,  pulling on clothes, and reported  objects being moved around.  Historical records show that some of the Dorr children died while living in the home. Locals, who speak of the spirit, believe it is the ghost of Clara who refuses to leave her charming home.  Crazy Spooky!

You will not be left thirsty or hungry as you tour the Historic District.  Two new hot spots getting rave reviews are the Pensacola Bay Brewery, and right next door Dolce!  The Pensacola Bay Brewery,  and the coffee shop are in the perfect setting amongst towering Live Oak Trees with long  flowing strands of Spanish Moss hanging from their branches. 

The Pensacola Bay Brewery, sells souvenir pint glasses and fills them for free. You can also “rent” a pint glass which comes with a free fill of beer with every rental. A popular way to go also is the deal where, if you buy a souvenir mug you get a free sampling of all the beers being currently brewed.  
A fun way to try their 'wares'!

Just next to the Brewery you will run into Dolce!  Dolce is housed in what was originally the shotgun home known as the Moreno Cottage.  The Moreno Cottage was part of a family compound built in 1870.  Dolce is a tiny little cafe serving gelato, coffee, and handmade candies.  
This cute little shop is a sweet stop along your way!

You will also find a wonderful park called "Fountain Square Park".  This picturesque park, located just below Seville Square, provides a memorable outside event location that over looks Pensacola Bay.  I just love the three tier fountain, and the sparkling water in the sunlight.  Also in the park I found some hand carved wooden statues propped up in the trees.  I laughed at the creativity and the spirit in which they were placed and just HAD to take a picture!

Me at work!

I once again have to say, that the Pensacola Historic District is a CRAZY FANTASTIC place to visit... and I haven't even shown you the ocean yet... that is another blog!  Even though I live here, I thoroughly enjoyed stepping back in time to visit this beautiful piece of history! What a treat it would be for you to come for a CRAZY FUN VACATION!

I hope you have enjoyed your walk back in history, and I hope I have given you enough of a 'tease' to want to come visit my CRAZY, BEAUTIFUL hometown~ Pensacola, Florida!

Livin', Laughin' and Lovin' my hometown,

Patti

Come visit my next blog where I will teach you how to use mosaic tiles to spiff up a 2nd hand store steal!

ALSO!!!! HEAD ON OVER TO...‎ 

Jennifer's site, "ALWAYS IN WONDER"
http://www.alwaysinwonder.com/

This AWESOME BLOGGER is giving away a $350 Merry Maids Gift Card.  Uh Huh!  That is what I am talking about.  I would love to win... but would be equally excited if one of my fab followers won!  Just click on the "Current Giveaway" at the top of her page!  Good Luck!