Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Blueberry Festival '13


The Blueberry Festival is probably one of the cutest events in North Florida. It takes place in a tiny town, Bostwick, about 1 hour out of Jacksonville. For one day a year, Bostwick is filled with people on the hunt for delicious blueberries. And if you get there early enough you might be lucky enough to enjoy the fresh, homemade blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup, a sausage, and orange juice. If you don't get there within the first few hours of the festival they will run out and that is why we left at 6:30am!


My parents, along with myself and Josh loaded into the car and were among the first cars to be parked in an open field, where the wet grass came to your calf. But we weren't worried about our shoes because we could taste the blueberry pancakes! Luckily, we were at the front of the line, only waiting 5 minutes for a blueberry pancake breakfast.



In addition to the pancakes, they offered freshly baked blueberry pies, blueberry icecream, preserves, jams, and jellies. In addition to the already made goods, you could purchase 5lb bags of blueberries to do with whatever your tummy can handle!



Sunday, May 26, 2013

What is Inside of a Book?

A book is a constantly aging enclosure of a story. The pages of a book will wither with time, yellow with age, and tear through use: but with every opening the story is reborn. This wonderful contradiction has guided me through my education and provided my life with fulfillment and passion.


Saturday, May 25, 2013

UNF Nature Trail



As a graduate of the University of North Florida, I am ashamed to admit that I never got around to going on the nature trails. Every time I planned to walk around the nature preserve it seemed to rain or my schedule would change. But I was finally able to walk the trail 3 weeks after graduation.

I took my girl, Anna, another Jacksonville lover. We we so pleased! This is a lovely little walk, you feel embodied by nature and completely alone, but you're really only a miles from the St.Johns Town Center. There is no admission, but you will need to purchase a $3.00 parking pass.

You have the choice of walking a 3 mile or 1.8 mile trail that circles around the beautiful lake. The water is incredibly reflective, at least the parts that aren't covered with gorgeous lily pads!




Once you have circled the river, you can walk a bridge over to a tiny island with picnic tables that are perfectly situated for fantastic views of the lake.




This was also the first time I was able to use my iPhone to take the Panorama shots, I am quite pleased with them...but I am still a novice.


 *Please make one note: this is not a daylong activity. At most, this will take you 2 hours. The trail provides a quick escape from the city with picturesque views, a quiet place to talk, and tables for an adorable picnic.


Friday, May 24, 2013

My Newest Addition

Today was supposed to be a day of packing up boxes for my move to a larger apartment. Well, it took a bit of a detour...a fantastic detour! I went to The Grand Falloon in Yukona local vintage store, and found the most delightful chair to add to my new office! It is a mid-century modern chair- but not just any old chair! It is a platform rocker (meaning that it looks like a chair but acts as a rocking chair).
When I bought it, I thought maybe I'll restore and reupholster it,  but now I cannot see myself changing one thing about this chair. It has been loved by past owners and now my little family will love it. The fabric is gorgeous and only after wear and tear has made it unrecognizable will I consider having this lovely chair refurbished.
Well here it is- the chair I've been talking about in all of its vintage glory!



Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Grand Falloon in Yukon

Jacksonville is a hub for wonderful vintage shopping and The Grand Falloon in Yukon is a local shop I recently found. This store truly fits into the style of vintage. There are some funktastic finds in this little shop that scream unique. From beautiful art and chandeliers to parasols and furniture there is an item for everyone! So all of my Jacksonvillians, if you find yourself on Roosevelt Blvd drop in and see the folks at The Grand Falloon!

Here are some pictures from my last visit.