The older I get, the more I really appreciate aquiring material items that bring me joy and ridding myself of those that don't.

I have a mailbox key that was attached to a wrist coiled plastic key ring. One of those items I'm sure everyone had at one time or another - maybe a decade ago... or more! The mailbox key hangs on a key holder by my front door and the bright colored wrist coil does NOTHING for my decor - it certainly doesn't match a thing!

While browsing one of my favorite stores in Gulfport, Zaiya Artizen Market - yes, I have many favorites... don't judge... I found a handmade beautifully beaded cork key chain! I looked at it, picked it up, put it down, walked away and walked right back. I knew it was made just for me. At least that's what I plan to believe. :)

The kind associate behind the counter let me know that it is her who makes these beautiful key chains! So not only do I walk away with an item that will bring me joy on a daily, but I also know the maker who put her time and energy into said item!

Sometimes it's the simple of things that can change our energy from bleak to spectacular. I look forward to getting my mail now - just so I can hold this beaded beauty!

This is what Gulfport is all about. Spreading joy, kindness and positive energy - daily!

When you're in town - stop by and grab one for yourself! Tell them the 'Gulfport Girl' sent ya!

The historic waterfront district of Gulfport Florida is a fabulous location for enjoying good food with a great view!  

Being new to the area, of course I want to try them all!  So I made a list of every restaurant and any notables.  Thought I would share it with ya'll.  If you are new or visiting - note that the restaurants on 'Shore Blvd' have water views.  

The Tiki Bar & Grill
My favorite thing: Best Key Lime Pie on the strip!
Notables:

• Taco Tuesday
• Open Mic night on Wednesday
• Live music on Sunday afternoon and most Tuesday nights
• Water views

5519 Shore Blvd
(727) 498-8826

The Tiki Facebook page: 
​https://www.facebook.com/The-Tiki-Bar-Grill-at-56th-Shore-209040042610172/?ref=page_internal

My obsession with these mini gnomes began during the covid pandemic in early 2020. Going nowhere, seeing no one, doing nothing... I had to change that.  So I crafted some friends for personal entertainment. 

Friends and family caught on to the fun I was having and began scooping up my little gnomes for their home office desks. A little piece of happiness in the chaos of covid.

After moving to Gulfport, Florida - I quickly learned that my extremely lightweight mini gnomes quickly tumble away as the breeze blows here by the water.   So as the story goes, the 'northern gnomes' had a family reunion with their cousins in the south and the Gulfport Gnomes took shape!

These gnomes are filled with poly pellets to weigh down their fanny, which is more sanitary than rice - and their hat is a light cotton fabric instead of the heavy knit winter cap. 

The Gulfport Gnomes love being photographed by the water or under a palm tree.  They are handcrafted one at a time with love and are made to be decor pieces so please keep them away from children and furry friends.  

Grab one for yourself or send smiles across the miles to someone who loves the beach!

​The GULFPORT GNOME story:
Gnomes by definition are mythological creatures known to bring good luck and protection. The Gulfport Gnome has a magical spirit and is energized by the shine of the sun and the salt of the air.
Keep your Gulfport Gnome close and maybe you too will feel the unexplained magic that can only be found in Gulfport!

The Gulfport Gnomes would make a great addition to your beach boutique! Click here for more info on wholesale pricing.

The longer I am here in Gulfport, Florida - the better it seems to get! Did you know that there is a heavenly little town only around the corner from Gulfport that has an incredibly unique sunset tradition?

Pass-a-Grille is a small beach town with amazing views of both the intracoastal waterway and the gulf, great restaurants with rooftop views, unique shops like the 'she shed' and a sunset tradition!

Regular dolphin sightings along the waterway and the ringing of the bell at sunset are not to be missed. The bell is located at Paradise Grille beach restaurant in a mini Mallory Square type setting. ps the coleslaw at this Paradise Grille was spot on!

Learn all about the bell ringing tradition here: ​visitpassagrille.com/things-to-do

I was only passing through to get a glimpse of this neighboring town but there is no doubt it will be a regular stop for me!

Tiktok video: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuHKU3d/

What makes Gulfport great?

Raven from Joyful Rays Studio answers the question:


Joyful Rays Studio
7134 3rd Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(914) 826-7323

We've all seen those tiktoks where the lucky few have done the 'covid crazy' and quit their 9-5 to open a sticker shop, or sold all their belongings and flipped a van to wander a bit... well, I've got myself a 'covid crazy' story to share too.

In late summer 2020, I posted a tiktok basically asking the universe for guidance because I felt so lost and sad to the core. There were no major life changes that occurred for me… other than a worldwide pandemic, never ending quarantine, a lack of toilet paper and a year of pitiful politics. But I didn't lose my job during the lockdown, there were no bushfires, erupting volcanos or earthquakes in my neighborhood, and I didn’t catch the virus and get sick… though not surprising because I didn’t leave my house for a year. So I had no smack-in-the-face reason for what I felt was a complete and utter soul-less existence. I know it sounds dramatic but that’s how I felt, every day. Every single day.

The panic attacks and insomnia got worse by the minute. I stayed afloat by crafting gnomes for my own personal entertainment and feeding the deer in my backyard. The daily ritual of watching the deer run to me for apples, or taking photos of the gnomes having secret meetings in the trees was all I had to look forward to.

The universe or some seriously strong source of energy heard my tiktok and pushed my manifestations into motion.  Here’s where the creepy weird - can’t explain it - force of nature type of calling came into play… I literally woke one day and decided that I was going to pack up my craft room, my work computers, and my dog – and drive 1200 miles away to rent an apartment and live in Gulfport, Florida.  Some people see burning bushes that give them guidance.  I didn’t personally see or hear anything… I just trusted my gut. It pulled me here and I followed…. Ok, I drove… but you know what I’m saying.
 
I was exhausted.
I was a sad version of a person whom I didn’t recognize.
I was fading into the nothing.
 
I have an undeniable urge to live my most authentic life and be the best version of myself shining as much light back into the universe as it shines on me.  What better place to do that than a location which offers an enormous amount of sun and light!
 
I pulled the uhaul truck (on empty) into the parking lot of my new apartment in Gulfport, Florida, 17 days ago. 
 
The reality of a life decision of this caliber should create some type of fear or hesitation, right?  Oddly enough I don’t have panic attacks, sinus headaches, or exhaustion from being exhausted… my heart feels stronger, my brain is inspired with more possibilities than I ever thought existed, my creativity is on fire, my legs are burning from climbing 3 flights of stairs 10x a day to take my dog potty and I’ve never felt healthier.  And it's only been 17 days!
 
Maybe someday I will get clarity of what force of nature pulled me from the safety net of my home to a brand new town many miles away from anything I recognize.  Until then, I will just remind ya’ll to trust that intuition. It won’t fail you. I am proof of that. 

​I am where I belong.
Stay tuned… I’m gonna show you around town!
 ​

Sharing my stories on tiktok --> @seashellsandlemons