Friday, December 30, 2011

Best little bakery ever!!! PASTRIES AND PETALS, Carmel, CA

Visiting Carmel, CA - the most amazing little bakery/coffee shop - exquisitely decorated, a gorgeous chandelier the focal point of the room, beautiful flowers on the tables, and each large cake or cupcake decorated with frosting and little fresh rosebuds.  The carrot cake cupcakes had orange rosebuds - so deliciously appropriate.  

















Saturday, December 24, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS - FLORIDA STYLE

TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA

A tiny little Greek-American community, based on sea sponge industry - settled by emigrants from the Greek Islands who were harvesting sea sponges in the Mediterranean, they came here a-diving.  Tarpon Springs is just north of Tampa Bay, sits on a series of bayous that feed into the Gulf of Mexico - beautiful little beaches to walk, spot the abundance of sea birds, or just relax in your beach chair.  Stroll around the sponge docks, cute shops selling piles of sea sponges, home-made soaps, Greek lace and pottery products.  Not to mention the delicious lamb, Greek salads and the best Baklava south of Greece!!!!  Oh yum.  And.......if you look closely and are lucky enough, you may spot a manatee bobbing along and munching on vegetation.  I did.
























Thursday, December 22, 2011

Historic Annapolis dressed in festive finery

I drive past these three houses in the historic district every day, had to stop and happy snap.  Driving home tonight was as pretty with all the white fairy lights ablaze, but no parking spot, so maybe tomorrow.....