Archive For August 31, 2018
Getting in the Christmas Spirit… Florida Style!
You know you’re in Florida when… you’ve just heard the latest weather forecast announcing an impending cold-front, and the high temps are only going to be in the mid 70’s! As a transplant to Florida 18 years ago from Pennsylvania, I was not used to such mild temperatures during the holiday season. As much as I thrive in a warm weather climate, wearing tank tops and capris to decorate the tree just didn’t seem right.
Though I loved most everything else about the Sunshine State, sweating profusely while preparing for Santa was not on that list! Christmas shopping in shorts? Come on. Therefore, in an effort not to get depressed and homesick around the holidays, I knew I had to deal with this daunting dilemma. To my amazement, I not only learned how to cope with this quandary… but I conquered it!
Whether you’re a full-time Floridian like me, or traveling here for the holidays, this article includes tips and recommendations for getting in the Christmas spirit… Florida style!
TIP #1 – The Power of Perspective is Key to a Merry Christmas in Florida
I have come to learn that attitude, not circumstances, make the difference in any situation. My first (and I believe the most important) recommendation is: the power of perspective. In order for me to have the same level of excitement and joy that I was accustomed to in Pennsylvania, I had to adjust my way of thinking. Initially I thought I couldn’t have a great Christmas simply because the weather was warm, no chance of snow, and all my relatives were back home in the cold Keystone State.
My perception was becoming stronger than reality. The more I meditated on what I didn’t have for the holidays, those negative thoughts clouded my vision to the multitude of blessings all around me. What I needed was an attitude adjustment! Since millions of people live in Florida, and millions of people have a merry Christmas every year, then it’s possible for me. I realized that Christmas, like any other day in my life, would become whatever I made of it. When I stopped basking in my self-made pity party and changed my perspective, I was on my way to an awesome yuletide.
TIP #2 – Warm Weather Deserves Dazzling Decorations
As I began to think only positive thoughts, my whole demeanor changed. I decided to decorate! After all, if I could brave the frigid temps, snow, sleet, and ice in my thermals to put up my Christmas displays, then I should be able to do better in the cozy warmth of Florida. My chunky, fleecy coats were replaced with festive tee-shirts, and my boots with boat shoes — was that such a bad thing? I never really liked putting on all those layers of clothing anyway. In fact, I had a passionate dislike for it!
So, I decided to take advantage of the warm weather, rather than allowing it to take advantage of me. Yes, warm weather deserves dazzling decorations. When frozen fingers on the verge of frost bite are set free from moisture-ridden mittens, it’s amazing what they can create. So, go ahead, take it off, take it all off — the winter wardrobe that is! Eliminate the extra weight and decorate, decorate, decorate. You’ll adjust to decorating palm trees instead of pine trees, I promise!
TIP #3 – Add Some Savvy Southern-style Accents to your Holiday Home
After my perspective changed, and I realized I could create some pretty dazzling displays outdoors without frostbite, my focus turned inward. This part was relatively easy… and familiar. Up north I was used to decorating almost every room of my house for the holidays, and with the same Old-world color scheme here, I was able to use many of the identical decorations. (It was surprising how well they handled the move.)
With the addition of a Florida-room and formal dining area, I had the pleasure of purchasing some new decorations. This allowed me to introduce some Southern-style holiday accents to my home. The selection of palm-tree-themed and beach-themed holiday housewares were beyond my expectations — not tacky as I had imagined, but rather formal and classy. In fact, some of my favorite holiday home tours included a coastal Christmas theme. My Florida home was beginning to look like Christmases past… only better!
Tropical-themed Home Accents for Christmas in Florida
Here’s How to Easily Add Southern Accents to your Holiday Home
Incorporating just a few of these Florida-favorites with your existing holiday decor can help “Southern-ize” your holiday home! They can be purchased in almost any color scheme. And although the items signify a casual and relaxed motif, they can be made into some gorgeous, elaborate Christmas decorations!
- palm trees
- sea glass, seashells, starfish, & sand dollars
- pineapples
- magnolia leaves
- flip-flops
- flamingos
- sand sculptures
- manatees & dolphins
- oranges & citrus fruit
- alligators
- barefoot Santa
- And, of course… the infamous “Mouse Ears!”
Tropical-themed Christmas Decorations in Florida
TIP #4 – Spread the Christmas Spirit in your Tropical Attire!
Just like your northern counterparts, tis the season to sport your holiday attire. Don’t think for a minute that Christmas clothing can’t be worn in Florida. Yes, we’ve traded our festive fleece-lined sweatshirts for Tori Richard embroidered tropical Camp Shirts, and our velour skirts for Tommy Bahama shorts — but it works! Our unique winter wardrobe may show Santa barefoot on the beach, and our partridge hiding in a palm tree, but it’s a fantastic and fun way to spread the Christmas spirit everywhere we go! And… did I mention our tropical holiday attire looks terrific with a winter tan?
BONUS TIP: How to Decorate with Disney-Designed Displays
There’s no better way to unleash the decorating diva in me than to visit the myriad of upscale hotels and resorts that are synonymous with the Sunshine State. I must say, more than anything else, I look forward to this annual tradition hubby and I have begun 18 years ago. Wearing our Tommy Bahama Christmas threads, and with camera in hand, we choose a day in early December to take the tour. The resorts are always awe-inspiring, to say the least! It’s the best way for me to see the latest holiday trends and decorating techniques. I’m continually amazed at the mix of [non-traditional] materials used to create their holiday masterpieces.
Of course, no one does decorating better than Disney! With more than 25 Disney hotels and resorts to choose from, we usually spend an entire day on Disney property, going from hotel to hotel. My favorites are Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The Contemporary Resort, The Polynesian, and Animal Kingdom Lodge — always imaginative, intuitive, and impressive! After a few hundred (or so) photos, I extract the ideas that appeal to my taste and incorporate them into my own holiday home. It’s a fail proof way to transform drab displays into something dramatic every time.
Certainly, other hotel brands have a professional portfolio of holiday displays as well. But, I haven’t found any as mind-blowing and memorable as Disney. Year after year, those Disney decorators are capable of getting my creative juices flowing. The “Mouse” always motivates me!
TIP: If you’re a Florida resident looking for an inexpensive annual Disney Pass, you must read my popular review about the Disney Weekday Select Pass option. It can potentially save you tons of money.
Disney-themed Christmas Trees for Decorating Ideas
A Bit of Winter in Summer-like Conditions!
Okay, so you’ve changed your perspective, donned some dazzling [Disney-inspired] decorations, added some Southern charm, and picked that perfect tropical shirt to spread some holiday cheer. Additionally, here are a few more seasonal suggestions to fuel that festive feeling while craving a bit of winter in summer-like conditions.
- Mail your Christmas Cards, Holiday Letters and Pretty Packages from Christmas, Florida! Christmas, Florida is a tiny little town east of Orlando, on Highway 50. The small and otherwise peaceful Post Office becomes a popular destination during the holidays, as scores of people want that coveted “Christmas” postmark on their mailings. (And while you’re there, why not visit the full-size replica of Fort Christmas in this historical town?) Christmas, Florida also hosts the Annual Cracker Christmas the first weekend in December.
- Create Custom Cards, Letters, Postage, and Gifts! I’ve never liked anything typical. If everyone else has it or is doing it, I usually don’t want it! And when it comes to my holiday cards and gifts, that’s no exception. I’m a camera-buff. I never leave home without it. With so many incredible photo opportunities beneath the Florida sun, the photos make for some outstanding personalized Christmas creations. And with user-friendly websites like Zazzle, I don’t have to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Design to create a custom masterpiece. I’ve designed holiday cards, letterhead, postcards, postage stamps, calendars, posters, canvas art, caps, shirts, phone cases, and much more, with images I’ve captured year-round in my sub-tropical domain. I can assure you, my Florida-themed Christmas gifts never get re-gifted!
- Participate in a Neighborhood Progressive Dinner! Hubby and I have attended several of these, and they are a boat-load of fun. This is one of the best opportunities for a group of friends or neighbors to get together during the holidays. It can be done with a Christmas or New Years-theme, in the afternoon or evening. Not familiar with the concept? Here’s how it works: Several neighbors volunteer to be a “host home” for each of the designated meal courses — a different home for each course. Typically, there are 3 – 5 courses chosen. The most popular are appetizers, salad/soup, entree, and dessert. You may want to add a cheese course or cocktail/beverage stop if desired, depending on the interest level and time constraints. Neighbors either walk (yep, we’re immune from treacherous ice) or carpool from house to house. Details and food donations are worked out in advance. And, for you decorating divas, what an incredible avenue to showcase your talent!
- Host a Holiday Open House! This is another great social event, not only for neighbors, but friends, relatives, church groups, co-workers, etc. The invitation list for an Open House can be much larger than the Progressive Dinner since the guests will come and go as they please and will not stay for the entire time listed on the invite. For food, you may choose an elaborate buffet or simply show off your blockbuster baking skills with colorful cookies and creative candies. In Florida, it’s fun to do a beach-theme or southern-theme and encourage guests to dress accordingly.
Snow, Freezing Temps, Ice Skating, Real Reindeer… in Florida? You Bet!
Think snowfall and sleigh rides only occur north of the Mason-Dixon line? Think again! From Key West to Orlando to Amelia Island, and everywhere in between, the beauty and wonder of wintertime abounds in Florida! There are no unemployed elves here. Annually, evergreen enterprises deck the halls to deliver a “cool yule” to Florida residents and visitors from around the world. I’ve discovered there is no shortage of season’s greetings in the Sunshine State. The following is a list of my favorite holiday happenings to experience the best of Christmas in Florida. Check them out… you’re just in the “Nick” of time!
Cinderella’s Castle with Snow at Christmastime
Florida Holiday Events 2018
In Conclusion…
By implementing these simple tips and suggestions, I was able to make a successful transition from a [real] white Christmas to one where the weather is much, much warmer. Still, there are twinkling lights, caroling, photos with Santa, and nippy nights with my sweater sipping hot spiced cider. Flames flicker brightly from the electric fireplace in my Florida-room as I binge-watch Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies for hours on end. (TIP: to create your own romantic Christmas story visit St. Augustine in December!) Towns throughout Florida go all out to celebrate this magical time of year. True, the weather outside may not be frightful, but I’ve come to realize that Christmas in Florida can be oh so delightful!
Have you ever spent Christmas in Florida or a warm-weather destination? Perhaps you have a festive tip you can add to our list. Please share in the comment box below… our readers would love to know!
Destination: A Romantic Bed and Breakfast Getaway
A 30th wedding anniversary deserves special recognition, in a special place, don’t you think? Coupled with the fact our anniversary was on Thanksgiving Day this year, was even more reason to choose a celebration destination that would deliver a memorable experience worthy of our love for each other, and life itself. For this occasion we didn’t want a traditional hotel with hoards of people, making it difficult to relax and embrace our romantic side. Our lodging of choice was for a one-of-a-kind, intimate bed and breakfast, conducive for a romantic getaway. We wanted the accommodations to be fabulous, in a class of its own.
We hadn’t been to a bed and breakfast inn since celebrating a milestone birthday for hubby, three years ago. For that special occasion we were fortunate to find the River Lily Inn Bed and Breakfast overlooking the intracoastal Halifax River in Daytona Beach (Holly Hill), Florida. Everything about our four-night stay there was outstanding… and a hard act to follow! The River Lily Inn had become our new standard of excellence for Florida B&Bs. The B&B bar had been raised, and we were on a mission to match that esteemed bed and breakfast experience.
Casa de Suenos: House of Dreams
Part of our 25th wedding anniversary getaway was spent in Saint Augustine, Florida, and we have always wanted to return to that Ancient City on Florida’s Historic Coast. As a Florida resident, St. Augustine is only a few hours from home, and quickly became a new favorite destination of mine. I liked everything about it — the city, the architecture, the rich history, the epicurean delights, and of course, the warm Southern hospitality. As we began researching St. Augustine B&B’s, our first-choice was the St. Francis Inn. Imagine my disappointment then, to be told they had no vacancies for my anniversary date. The nice lady on the phone, however, mentioned they have a sister-BnB we may be interested in, called Casa de Suenos. After further review, we took her recommendation and booked four nights in the Sevilla Room — a decision that would later define the whole essence of a truly romantic getaway!
Casa de Suenos is a Spanish phrase, meaning House of Dreams. I can tell you now, the name says it all! It’s a fantastic place to just relax, unwind, and dream little… or a lot. If you allow the atmosphere of this place to seep into your soul, you will find yourself revisiting those [forgotten] dreams you once held tight. Yes, Casa will challenge you to dream again, only BIGGER this time!
Casa de Suenos: Gracious Southern Hospitality
The check-in at Casa de Suenos was a smooth and pleasant experience. Upon our arrival we were greeted immediately by Steve, one of the gracious hosts of the inn. He was just beginning a tour of the inn with another couple who had arrived before we did, so he recommended we have a seat in the sitting room/parlor. Can we just pause for a moment and look at this gorgeous room? Who wouldn’t want to kick back in this black and white beauty?
Almost immediately hubby and I were in a de-stressed state mind! Steve was back in a jiffy and left no stone unturned as he explained everything the inn had to offer, alerted us to the “rules of the house,” and gave us a personal tour of our home for the next five days.
Casa de Suenos Guest Amenities
Here are a few of the guest amenities you can expect at Casa de Suenos:
- Free Onsite Parking (a rare commodity in St. Augustine)
- 3 Free “Food Events” Daily (breakfast, social hour, and dessert)
- Coffee, Teas, Hot Chocolate, Soda, & Bottled Water (available 24 hours a day in the front sitting room)
- Nighttime Snack Basket in Dining Room (for those wee hour munchies)
- Inn-Baked Signature Cookies
- A Selection of DVDs for Guest Use
- Use of Plush Terry Bathrobes
- In-room Cream Sherry Decanter
- Complimentary Fresh Flowers
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum Passes
- Discounted Entry into the “Oldest House” Museum
- Use of Bicycles
- Use of Umbrellas and Ponchos (kept in the foyer area)
- A Heated Swimming Pool (at Casa’s sister-property, St. Francis Inn B&B)
- Access to Anastacia Fitness Club
- An Afternoon at the Beach with Casa’s Sister-Property, “Our Beach Cottage” (with free use of beach chairs, towels, private bathroom with shower, refrigerator, off-street parking pass)
As if all of this were not enough, hubby and I received two complimentary tickets to the holiday “Nights of Lights” trolly tour, two complimentary beverages at Claude’s Chocolates after the tour, and a sample box of Claude’s Chocolates — all for making our reservations months in advance! Oh, I almost forgot to mention the complimentary champagne for our wedding anniversary! WOW… that’s a whole lot of “freebies,” don’t you think?
Additionally, in a casual conversation with Steve one day, hubby mentioned we don’t drink Sherry, but that it’s a nice touch in the room nonetheless. And guess what? Hubby walked away with something that he does like very, very much. What a personal touch and totally unexpected gift from Steve! I won’t give specifics so as to not invoke jealousy, but the folks at Casa de Suenos are very generous, and very hospitable. All the hosts have one goal in common: to assure the utmost of customer satisfaction.
Casa de Suenos Room Accommodations
The Casa has seven guest rooms, three on the first floor and four on the second floor. Each one is unique with its own little flair and flavor. We chose the Sevilla Room on the second floor, as it had everything we like — a king bed, jetted tub, walk-in shower, and french doors leading to a private balcony. Sevilla is a lighthouse-themed room with classy nautical colors of navy blue, white, and a splash of red. Our bed was very comfy, the room impeccably clean, and I absolutely loved the quality and scent of the toiletries (there was also a generous supply of extra toiletries in the hallway).
During our stay, as the rooms at the inn were vacated and cleaned, the doors were then left open. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to browse and capture a few photos for comparison purposes for my next booking. (Enjoy the room photos below and let me know which is your favorite.)
NOTE: As with most B&Bs, there are no elevators, only steps leading to the second floor rooms. It was not an issue getting our luggage upstairs, but for those with mobility challenges it may be. In that case, I would recommend a first-floor room (one is ADA compliant), or simply ask one of the hosts for assistance.
TIP: Our second floor Sevilla Room did not have its own thermostat to control the heat and/or air conditioning, only a common one in the hallway controlled by the staff. Once again, this was not a problem for us, but worth mentioning if anyone is adamant about needing a particular temperature.
TIP: For a quieter room, choose one upstairs, away from the traffic flow on the first floor. All guests must pass by the first-floor rooms in order to access the dining area and front sitting room which has the complimentary snacks and beverages. Typically, this isn’t an issue since the inn is small with limited traffic. Only extremely lite sleepers may find it bothersome.
Evening Social Hour at Casa de Suenos
After check-in hubby and I freshened up and made our way downstairs for the complimentary evening Social Hour, which occurs daily from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. This included an assortment of wines (from the local San Sebastian Winery), a selection of beer (from Bold City Brewery Beer), house-made sangria on weekends, assorted veggies with homemade dill or curry dip (I really must get the recipe for that incredible dill dip!), and a different specialty appetizer every day.
In addition to the great food, this is where you have an opportunity to mingle and meet other guests from the inn. We had the pleasure of connecting with three other couples and enjoyed sharing life stories and our world-travel adventures. Our newly found friendships were so delightful we decided to do the holiday “Nights of Lights” tour together as a group. We had a blast! What a festive and fun way to celebrate the holidays in the Sunshine State!
Every evening after that, we would meet up during the Social Hour. One of those evenings the fun never stopped. No, seriously. Miss Linda (another one of our gracious hosts) recognized the awesome fun and conversation we were having, so she allowed us to remain in the dining room way beyond the scheduled ending time. (We were still there at 9:00, but don’t tell the innkeepers!) The fact we missed dinner that night didn’t seem to bother any of us, as Linda kept the “food and beverages” flowing until she ran out! Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard… for so long! We all exchanged phone numbers in an effort to keep in touch, and expressed a desire to meet up again at Casa every year!
A Bountiful Breakfast at Casa!
The next morning we were ready for a big breakfast, especially since we bypassed dinner the night before. There’s just something special about breakfast at a B&B. Come to think of it, if the word “breakfast” is in your name, I suppose you better do it well! At Casa, it’s a hearty buffet-style breakfast. At first I wasn’t crazy about the idea of a buffet breakfast, as we usually choose B&Bs that offer a multi-course gourmet sit-down breakfast (I know, my spoiled butt likes to be pampered!). But I later realized I like the buffet option better — I can take more of what I like, and less of what I don’t! And for hearty appetites, seconds (and thirds) are encouraged by the hosts.
The breakfast always includes two hot homemade entrees, which vary from day to day, fruit salad or fruit soup (the chilled strawberry soup is to die for!), freshly baked breads, coffee and assorted teas, fresh juices, homemade granola, cereals, yogurt, and a full serving of inn hospitality. On weekends and holidays Casa offers complimentary mimosas and make-your-own bloody Mary’s. Since hubby and I were there for Thanksgiving, we were treated to the special Thanksgiving Holiday Brunch, which was outstanding. (Here’s a link to the breakfast buffet menu.)
Most days the breakfast was so plentiful we were not hungry again until the evening social hour. And after that, we were usually too full for dinner. We tried doing dinner at a nice restaurant one night, but left half the food on our plate. And… we knew Steve would have a delectable sweet treat waiting in our room upon our return (he had already told us what it was going to be). The decadent evening desserts were delivered to our room nightly, between 8:00 and 9:00 pm. (Check out the special cupcakes we received on Thanksgiving Eve!) The food at Casa really is good! If you partake of everything they offer it can greatly reduce your dining costs.
And although it is acceptable to take the food to the garden patio or back to your guest room, you would certainly miss out on the remarkable ambiance of the gorgeous dining room with its majestic palladium windows bathing the area with bright natural Florida light. In fact, both sitting rooms (East and West) have walls of windows and loads of sunlight. Even on a rainy day, Casa smiles bright!
TIP: As with most bed and breakfast inns, Casa de Suenos is extremely accommodating to those with special dietary needs. Just ask!
In Conclusion…
As an 18-year Florida resident hubby and I have vacationed from Amelia Island and the northern border to the southernmost point in Key West, and everywhere in-between. Atlantic coast, Gulf coast, we’ve seen most of what Florida has to offer. Undeniably, St. Augustine holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of my favorite cities in the Sunshine State — charming, quaint, romantic. I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate 30 years of marriage. Befitting, after all, people have been falling in love here for 450 years. Wander through the ancient brick streets of downtown and you’ll be sucked into a magical atmosphere that hovers over the nation’s oldest city.
Add to that, Casa de Suenos. It is, in a word, perfection. They just don’t make B&Bs like this anymore. Casa distills the mood-elevating properties of a classic bed and breakfast inn. I highly recommend this inn for any special occasion, or no reason at all. When romantic Saint Augustine is presented with a full serving of Casa de Suenos hospitality, it’s a match made in heaven! Happy Anniversary, hubby!
QUESTION: Have you been to romantic St. Augustine? Our readers would love to know where you stayed and your experience there. Or, perhaps you have a question regarding Case de Suenos, restaurant recommendations, or things to do in the Old City. Please share in the comment box below.
