The Joy of Family

How has everyone survived the holidays?  Mine was certainly a whirlwind of activity!  But what a joy it was to have both of my sons and their families visiting us this year.  To have them over, at the same time, rarely happens as one lives in Oregon and the other in New York.  So, needless to say, that was my very best Christmas gift.  That, and meeting my newest little grandson for the very first time!  I was one happy mom and grandma, that is for sure!

One thing happened, while we were opening gifts together, that I want to share because it was very special and comical at the same time.  My youngest son and his wife opened a rather large gift.  Much to my surprise, it was one of my framed photos that had been on display at the Quality Bayside Resort in Parksville, where my sons were staying.  (Fabulous place, by the way.  They went out of their way to ensure my family's stay was perfect.)  My son's wife came over to give me a big hug and to thank me.  With a puzzled look on my face I said, "I had nothing to do with it!"  She looked over at my other son, who started to laugh.  My eldest son had seen my photo hanging on the wall at the hotel and decided to buy it as a Christmas gift for them!  How special is that?!  We all had a good chuckle over that.  My sons never cease to find ways to surprise and impress me.  If you like, you can click HERE to view the photo my son purchased.  (I can't post the photo here because it warps when I try.... very strange indeed!)

My business partner, Cheryl, is enjoying her winter home near Yuma.  I must admit, however, that I do miss her.  But I'm glad she is enjoying herself with her 'second family', basking in the wonderful warmth of the climate and the people.  I don't believe there is one day when she isn't doing something!  She gets invited out to dinner by people constantly, she goes to the local quilting group, she gets involved in the numerous events that take place in the park... what a gal.  Her energy never ceases to amaze me.  And she is no spring chicken either.  (And she is probably going to kill me for saying that!)  Anyhow, she is indeed an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to know her.  (There, hopefully that makes up for my last comment!  Whew!  But it is true.)

So, do we have any new creations on our site?  Certainly!  Here are a few to feast your ocean-loving eyes upon... 

 Antique Copper & Seashell Bookmark

 Ocean Treasure Bottle

 

Gift Box

Handcrafted Seaside Bookmarks

WIN A GIFT GIVE-AWAY FROM A2SEA CREATIONS !!!

It has been a busy, adventurous summer for both Cheryl and I so we haven't been posting here for awhile.  However, we are making up for lost time because there are some fun and exciting things happening at A2Sea Creations!  We are hosting a GIFT GIVE-AWAY on Facebook.... yay!

How to enter: 

 

First you must 'LIKE' our page on Facebook.  Click HERE to get there.

Then... find our contest 'photo'  (Can't find it?  Click HERE)

1. Share the contest picture/info on your facebook timeline.
2. Follow the link to our website and find one creation you like. Post the link to that item on your timeline.
3. Let us know you have done both & voila... you're in!  (Tell us on Facebook)

A winner will be picked at the end of September by an online random number generator. The winner will receive an ocean-inspired handmade gift worth $15 or more. (Shipping included) Good luck everyone! May the best mermaid/merman win!

 

 

A Perfect Day on the Quay

I must say, it's a little embarrassing to see that my last blog post was in January.  Dear me!  I have been so focused on my weight loss blog that I have neglected this one.  My apologies to my partner in crime, Cheryl, and to anyone who may have wanted to see what we've been up to.  I will have to find a way to organize my time better.  (Yeah... right Micki)

We just did up a hefty order for the delightful little nautical shop on the Nanaimo Harbourfront - Newfoundland to Nanaimo.  For a small shop, they sure have got a nautical mile of wonderful items in there from jewelry to souveniers, home decor to local pottery, you name it.  In fact, if you live in central Vancouver Island, the Nanaimo Harbour Quay is a great place to bring your out-of-town guests to get a feel for our beautiful coast.  Stop in the nautical shop, then go to the Lighthouse Bistro for a delicious lunch, or just enjoy a drink in the bar on their outside patio. (Not too long ago, Cheryl took me for a belated birthday lunch at the Lighthouse Bistro and it was delicious... and what a treat to eat right over the water!)  Then, check out the various boats in the marina and do some more shopping for souveniers and local gifts.  Finish off the day with a yummy ice cream waffle cone or savour some old-fashioned candy of yesteryear.  You can even take a ferry ride over to Newcastle Island.  Perfect day in the making.

Here are a few examples of our beachy gift items we have at Newfoundland to Nanaimo...  Say hi to Esther for us when you visit!

A2SeaCreations.com

Men Are NOT Forgotten at A2Sea Creations

Earth and Sea - Rustic Glass and Antique Copper Pendant 

I am happy to say that our Etsy Shop has several gifts that are very suitable for the men.  We haven't forgotten you fellas!   Above is my newest creation which may be worn by both women and men alike.  This pendant is quite unique... I hand-picked moss and lichen from several trees in the forest (in pouring rain, I might add) and dried them in the oven.  It was not a pleasant odor.  (An understatement!)  In fact, I thought the fumes might be poisoning my hubby and I.  Still don't know if they did but we're still alive, so that's promising.  Anyhow, I am pleased to say that after a couple of days, the smell went away.  I had to air out my oven for quite awhile though so I'm thinking that if I do this again, I will need to think of some other method.

The upside of it all is that I got this idea to use some of the lichen and moss I had collected and preserve it under glass in a handsome new pendant.  I am loving how it turned out.  It actually looks kind of like a little scene from under the sea!  I also discovered that the moss worked beautifully on some magnets I made the other day for the Parksville Tourist Centre.  

 

  Seaview Decor Mirror 

So we have some other creations that are just great for men as well...  we have a very rustic, seaside mirror(see above)  and our Nautical Treasure Box which is great for cigars, pens or pencils, reading glasses, coins... you name it. (see below). 

 

Nautical Treasure Box

We also have our 'Message In A Bottle' (see below left ) and our Floating Candle Beach Lantern.  (see below right).  So there you go gals... gift ideas for your fellas (or yourselves, for that matter!)  Now let's hope our weather improves enough to actually go to the beach!  We are so looking forward to that once again!

          Message In A Bottle                                   Floating Candle Beach Lantern 

Written and published by Micki Findlay - Co-Creator/Owner of A2Sea Creations on Etsy and Creator/Owner of A2Sea Photography

Our Creations In Another Location!

 

PARKSVILLE VISITOR CENTRE

Cheryl and I are very pleased to announce that our handcrafted seaside gifts are now for sale at our local tourist centre.  We were contacted by the manager (a joy to meet) after she discovered our online gift shop on Etsy.  She fell in love with our products and asked us to bring them down for her to see.  Much to our delight, she took almost everything we had brought and with much enthusiasm.  This will be our fourth location on Vancouver Island.  This is quite exciting for us and very validating to have our creations appreciated and accepted so readily.  I do believe it is time for a celebration!

I would be amiss if I did not share the funny part of our day.  Cheryl may kill me for adding this, but what the heck.  I'll risk it.  Cheryl had brought some of our creations from her home to bring to the tourist centre.  When she added our newly created products to the ones already in her car, she realized that a box was missing... the one with our magnets and picture frames in it.  At first she couldn't figure out what had happened to it.  And then it occurred to her (to her horror) that when she had stopped at the Sally Ann in Nanaimo to donate a few items, she must have also given them our box by accident.   So we called them and sure enough, that's what had happened.  Luckily, they hadn't priced and put it out yet.  So we will be bringing the tourist centre some magnets and frames in the next few days because they want them, too.  But meanwhile, I have excellent ammunition for whenever I want to rub it in about the time Cheryl gave away our stuff.  And that, I must say, makes it all worthwhile. 

Written and published by Micki Findlay - Co-Creator/Owner of A2Sea Creations on Etsy and Creator/Owner of A2Sea Photography

An Update from Micki

It is truly hard to remember to update our blog in the midst of daily life and all the distractions that come with it.  And I am very easily distracted - much like a crow to shiny things.  So here I am finally focused on updating our blog and letting you all know what is happening on the home front.

We have been contacted by the Tourist Centre in Parksville, BC to bring in our handmade beach treasures to show them in person.  They discovered us through our online shop on Etsy.  We are excited about having another place to sell our products.  So if it all goes well, you will soon be able to see A2Sea Creations in Parksville!  That will be our fourth town, which is very cool!.  It is very validating to have people seek you out and ask if they can carry your products.

Also, Cheryl has been hard at work creating her quilting magic once again.  Her newest creation is a lovely wall hanging called 'Around the Pond'.  Check it out...

Around the Pond - Quilted Wall Hanging

We have also added something new to our shop since our last posting.  I took a pottery class and ran right home and created a few pieces for our shop.  We have sold a couple of them already.  Here are a few more...

 

Something Fishy - Nautical Pottery Pendant

 Ceramic Wire Wrapped Starfish Pendant

 Oceanna - Mermaid Sea Queen - Handbuilt Clay Face

Hopefully, in the near future, there will be more pottery items to choose from.   It has been fun learning a new medium.  Have a great March everyone!  I am looking forward to seeing more of the glorious sun and planting more flowers!

(Micki also has another Etsy Shop called A2Sea Photography and a singing telegram business called Tickleberry Telegrams.  She also has a coffee table book for sale on Blurb called An Ocean View.)

Facebook Contest

We're having a contest on A2Sea Creations! Share our Facebook page link on your Facebook wall, inviting your friends to check us out and 'Like' our page. Tell us you've done so by leaving a comment on our wall and your name will be included in our contest for a chance to win a nautical mystery gift worth $15 or more. A name will be drawn as soon as we reach 120 'Likes'. Help us get the word out and have a chance to win! Good luck!

Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A2Sea-Creations/49379619217

Our Italy and Greece Adventures

Well here it is November already and I am wondering where September and October went to?  How could I have missed them?  I must have because I see that my last blog post was in August.  Hmmmm.....

So what's new with us?  Cheryl and I returned on September 19th from our amazing trip to Italy and Greece with so many stories to share... thrilling stories of adventure and excitement, danger and peril, pirate ships and police stations, train robberies and lost luggage, landing on the wrong island, angels and miracles, wonderful mistakes and strange secrets, gypsies and gyros, surprise trips through Venetian canals... you name it - it happened!  So I am in the process of writing a novel about our many adventures as they are just too fantastic to not be told.  I warned my husband and friends that they won't be seeing much of me in November as I will be typing my little fingers off.  I guess I should have worked harder in typing class in grade 10.  Oh well.  Wish me luck!  I will let everyone know when my novel is published.  Quit laughing... it could happen!

As for A2Sea Creations, we were delighted that the local shop on the Nanaimo harbour took so many of our creations this summer, right into the fall.  We're hoping it continues like this.  Also, a shop in Chemainus has expressed an interest in taking some of our Christmas decorations so we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Cheryl, my co-partner and quilter-extraordinaire, sold another one of her Tropical Fish Children's Quilts to a local gal in Qualicum Beach and has also created a lovely new Killer Whale Wall Hanging which is for sale on our site.  Be sure to check it out and consider it for a Christmas present for your nautical-loving friends and family members.  Christmas is only 52 days away you know!

I hope everyone has been enjoying our spectacular fall weather.  Happy November everyone!

Micki of A2Sea Creations and A2Sea Photography

An Amazing Year

Seaside Silk-Lined Gift Box

Well it is certainly an amazing year for Cheryl and I both. It was strange how I had experienced a sense of excitement stirring within me in early January. I just sensed that something was going to be different and special this year. And I couldn't have been more right. In August, I am going to Italy, which is a lifelong dream that I never thought would actually materialize. It is still quite surreal for me as I drool over endless photos of Italy and plan my trip with Cheryl and our friend Dorothy. What a blessing to be able to go with such good friends and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience together.

Cheryl is also going to Africa this year, which is her lifelong dream. We will meet in Rome during the last half of her trip. It is so exciting booking hotels and planning our trip to the Greek Islands as well. Our favorite island so far that we have researched is Santorini. It is breathtaking in every way imaginable.

There are several other wonderful things happening in Cheryl's and my life this year... too many to mention here. But we are both so thankful and we're certainly enjoying the ride. We are very blessed.

Cheryl and I will be spending a lot of time at sea, which is also our passion. The ocean is a constant inspiration for us both as we create new nautical treasures for our site. One of our bestsellers are our gift boxes which are just so perfect for presenting a small gift to someone, or simply giving as a gift unto itself. We sold one to a man who was proposing to his sweetheart and wanted something unique to present the ring in. Our gift boxes are all silk-lined which makes the presentation very elegant. And they are embellished richly with nautical beauty. A perfect favor for a beach wedding or gifts for the bridal party!

Going Natural

NATURAL AND EARTHY DESIGNS BY MICKI

Lately I have been staying up extremely late to create new nautical treasures for our Etsy Shop. And by late I mean LATE! I think I must be part owl. I know that I'm ready to fall asleep in my chair (which I have done upon occasion) and yet I must obey the beck and call of the unrelenting and unpredictable task master named 'Inspiration'. Once it hits me, that's it; there's no turning back.

Here are my two latest creations: our 'Nautical Seashells and Charms Keychain' and our 'Naturally Yours - Pendant and Earring Set'.

Cheryl has been hard at work also, creating brand new treasures for our site. Stay tuned for our next blog post to find out what they are. The only thing I will mention right now is that her creations make for perfect stocking stuffers. And yes... Christmas is coming faster than you might think! Shopping online is so fun, easy and the best part.... you don't have to get dressed to go shopping!

Christmas Is Fast Approaching

Island Treasure - Christmas Beach Ornament

It's difficult to believe but tomorrow is already November. I'm not sure where the time has gone but it is definitely fleeting. Cheryl and I have been hard at working creating fresh, new nautical treasures for Christmas. We're quite thrilled that Newfoundland to Nanaimo has placed yet another order from us, even though their busiest tourist season is over. So be sure to check them out, especially if you live in the Nanaimo area. They have a wonderful selection of nautical-themed gifts created by local artisans. And the walk is ever so enjoyable down at the harbourfront. It is a great place to bring out-of-town family and friends. And you can find numerous stocking stuffers that are ideal for those out-of-towners.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory or tradition? Every Christmas my sons and I would do something special for people who were less fortunate. One year we made up cute little reindeer goodie bags and put little gifts and treats inside. Then we packed them up and took them to a local care home where we gave them out to the residents and sang to them. The residents were delighted and my sons learned about how good it feels to give of yourself at Christmastime instead of just receiving. That was my primary goal. To this day, both of my sons are very giving people and it is important to both of them to make others feel good. They are kind, considerate men and that makes me so proud.

A2Sea Is About Kids, Too!

Tropical Fish Children's Quilt By Cheryl

Cheryl has been quilting up a storm these days and, I am happy to announce, she has just finished her newest one for A2Sea Creations! Cheryl puts a lot of love and care into every quilt she makes and this newest one is no exception.

Cheryl and I work on some of our handmade nautical treasures together which, I might add, is always a pleasure. But we each have our own specialties as well... with Cheryl, it is her quilting and her lovely handmade cards. With me, it is my jewelry and our glass treasure bottles. Plus, we also have our own unique ways of working. But we make a wonderful team, not to mention all the laughter that goes on when we get together. It is a rare gift indeed to find someone you can work with so beautifully and enjoy being with week after week. I am truly blessed.

The Secret Inside Our Bottled Treasure

BOTTLED TREASURE

On summer holidays in the Okanagan as a young girl, I remember, with great fondness, those times when my mom and my grandma would take me to the local thrift shops. Back then a dollar went a long way. My mom would always give me my own money to shop with and she would say, "When that money runs out, that's it, so spend it wisely." Somehow that made it more fun because I would have to plan out what I would buy and I also appreciated what I did get, that much more. My favorite thrift shop was in Naramata... a tiny community in the Okanagan. The thrift shop was tiny, just like the town, yet they managed to pack a lot of items in there. It was my favorite one because it was so cute and the ladies always made you feel like you were the most important customer there.

Since my youth, I have always loved shopping in thrift stores and at garage sales because you can get so much more bang for your buck. And they are so unpredictable in that you never know what 'treasures' you might find there. I come from a single parent family where money was scarce so I have appreciated the role thrift shops play in the lives of people who are struggling to make ends meet. To me there is no shame in shopping secondhand and now, it is actually trendy to recycle. Go figure. More and more people are appreciating the value in reusing items and not wasting valuable resources.

Cheryl and I have both worked in thrift stores as well as being avid thrift store and garage sale shoppers. We believe in recycling and we have carried that belief into our business. Our Bottled Treasure is a great example of that. People are always surprised to discover that the beautiful, glistening, green glass inside our bottles and several of our candle holders are, in fact, chunks of broken windshield glass! So there... our secret is out!

We take pride in the fact that we use primarily local, organic, recycled & eco-friendly materials in our designs. We love what we do and we love that we can take something and reuse it to make something else. while making it more lovely. We also like the fact that our treasures end up in someone's home 'in a land far, far away'. This Bottled Treasure is on its way to Euless, Texas. We will be posting a new one soon so check out our site for new treasures!

So, I suppose that the moral of this story is, we take 'going green' very literally!

Win A Mermaid Treasure Pendant!

THE MERMAID TREASURE PENDANT GIVE-AWAY!

Cheryl and I are pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a Give-Away Contest and if you would like to participate in the fun, just click on the photo above and it will lead you right there to the blog that is featuring the contest - 'Tools Are For Women Too!' And while you're there, take some time to peruse through this awesome blog and see what they are up to and the wonderful art they help promote.

Our Mermaid Treasure Pendant is a darling miniature bottle filled with precious mermaid treasure which consists of baby seashells, white 'fish netting', glass bits that sparkle in the sunlight and tiny beads. The blue fluid is... well... we can't tell you because it is a magical, secret solution known only by mermaids and mermen. But we can tell you that it is non-toxic. The top has a very tight, secure fit. It comes with a pewter starfish charm tied on with raffia.

For those of you who believe in recycling (as we do) you should know that the glass bits inside the bottle are actually, and you aren't going to believe this, tiny bits of broken windshield glass. Nifty huh? Mermaids collect EVERYTHING!

Best of luck to all you participants. May the best Mermaid or Merman win!

Bringing the Beach To You

SEA SHELLS AND SAND TILE ART

Cheryl and I attended our first ever Etsy Craft Party in Nanaimo last Friday. What really impressed me was the fact that this party was actually going in other cities all over the world! It proved to be an innovative way to connect and network with other Etsyians while forming new friendships, exchanging ideas and learning new crafts. And, I must add, share delicious snacks... very important!

Speaking of connecting, my niece came to the party with her mom. I hadn't seen either of them for a long time so it was really an extra special evening for me. She was teaching us a few beading techniques and, while referring to a few of her jewelry pieces, she used a term I had never heard before... "UFP's". So I asked her what that meant and she replied, "Unfinished Projects." I laughed and told her I could certainly relate to that!

This Sea Shell and Sand Art Tile you see here was one of those 'UFP's that I finally decided to finish. Now I must tackle a few other 'UFP's' and hopefully change the meaning of the term to:
'U Forgot to Procrastinate'!

I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy this wonderful weather! I am off to do a Singing Telegram in Duncan, BC today. The poor girl has no idea what is about to happen to her. (Snicker).

Have a happy, creative day everyone!

Beach Wedding Hair Accessories

Mermaid's Delight - Scallop and Faux Seaweed Hair Barrette

I would be a mermaid fair;
I would sing to myself the whole of the day;
With a comb of pearl I would comb my hair;
And still as I comb'd I would sing and say,
'Who is it loves me? Who loves not me?'
I would comb my hair till my ringlets would fall
Low adown, low adown,
From under my starry sea-bud crown
Low adown and around,
And I should look like a fountain of gold
Springing alone
With a shrill inner sound
Over the throne
In the midst of the hall;
Till that great sea-snake under the sea
From his coiled sleeps in the central deeps
Would slowly trail himself sevenfold
Round the hall where I sate, and look in at the gate
With his large calm eyes for the love of me.
And all the mermen under the sea
Would feel their immortality

Die in their hearts for the love of me.

Excerpt from 'The Mermaid'
by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Have you ever seen the movie 'Splash' with Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah? I found it delightful and have seen it more times than I can recall and still, I love it. There is something about the idea of mermaids that captivates me. I am not big on animated movies and yet I Iove 'The Little Mermaid'.
Christopher Columbus recorded sightings of mermaids on his 15th century voyages, and stories about the perils of the lonely mermaid and her tempting songs were standard sailors' lore until well into the 19th century. They say that the best time to observe mermaids are fine summer days when the sea is calm and the waves twinkle in the sunlight. It is also said that mermaids are easier to see at dawn or dusk, noon or dawn, being just visible at the extreme edges of vision, far left of far right. Mermaids should never be gazed at directly or they will disappear in an instant, as fugitive as a mirage.

If you, too, have a fascination for mermaids, you will appreciate our new 'Mermaid's Delight' Hair Barrette. It is a magical accessory for any bride having a beach wedding or for any woman who simply loves the sea. We will be adding more nautical hair accessories to our site soon, so keep an eye out from time to time!

May you enjoy many magical days by the sea not be afraid to believe 'the impossible'.

Our Journey

MERMAID TREASURE BOTTLE - COBALT BLUE

Well it's been such an adventure for Cheryl and I ... when I think of how it all started and where we are now, I never would have imagined it. From selling a few Christmas ornaments at our local art gallery to opening our own online gift shop and now, having our creations selling in two tourist gift shops ('Newfoundland to Nanaimo' and 'The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre'), boggles the mind. I think that what I have learned through our journey is to never say "never" because, if you love to do something and you believe in what you do, anything is possible. One foot in front of the other.

Here is one of our latest creations... the "Mermaid Treasure Bottle - Cobalt Blue". A customer loved the other one she bought so she ordered one in blue as well. So it was sold almost as soon as we made it. Hopefully, we will find a few more cobalt blue bottles as they are very striking.

Tomorrow, Cheryl and I will be getting together to create a new tile serving tray as our first one was sold at the Nanaimo store. Good news! They are rather time consuming but the finished product is very satisfying. It can be used either as a tray or as a seaside art piece for the wall.

Well, today is yet another indoor day due to the fact that it is raining YET AGAIN! So time to catch up on some marketing and blogging. I will be creating a couple of new seaside creations for our site today, too. Good idea for a crummy day! So check out our site soon to see our new treasures! Hope you are having less rain than we are...

Our Trip to Gabriola Island

Shabby Chic - Beach Cottage Vase or Container

Washed Ashore - Rustic Picture Frame

Cheryl and I decided it was time to catch up on our beachcombing so we headed off on the ferry to Gabriola Island recently. We could not have picked a better day. The sun's rays felt so wonderful after such a long spell of gray, rainy weather.

We packed a picnic lunch and ate it at beautiful Drumbeg Beach where we found all kinds of seashells and pieces of driftwood for our creations. It was a bit of a drive but oh so worth it! I was amazed at how we would find different things we needed at different beaches... oyster shells at one, sea glass at another, mussel shells at another.

When we were too pooped to do more beachcombing, we went for some delicious steamers at Raspberry's Jazz Cafe located in Folklife Village Shopping Centre. Perfect timing as the weather began to get chillier and grayer. Then we had a look around a lovely little shop with all kinds of local handcrafted treasures called Gabriola Artworks .

So our day on Gabriola was perfect and now we have all kinds of new ocean treasures to make our creations. You may see a couple of our newest seaside creations in the photos above. They are both for sale on our website. We hope you take some time this spring and summer, to enjoy the ocean and all the beauty our area has to offer. It is so good for the soul.

Our New Seaside Serving Tray

Cheryl and I decided to try our hands at some something brand new for A2Sea Creations. Here is our first seaside serving tray that we designed and handcrafted together. It can double as wall art by just adding a hanger on the back. It would make an ideal gift for a bride who is having a beach wedding, someone who lives near the ocean, or for anyone who loves the sea!

Our new seaside tray won't be for sale on our site, however, we hope to have a few for sale in a local gift shop. We shall see... if so, we will keep people posted here and on Facebook. For those of you on Facebook, here is our link... A2Sea Creations on Facebook. Please consider becoming 'A Fan' and help us spread the word! That would be much appreciated. Now, off to Oregon I go to see my son Matthew, his wife Cristina and my adorable grandson, Levi. Yay for me!

A Unique Souvenir from Vancouver Island, BC

Last Saturday was an amazing day... almost like summer. My hubby David had a great idea to go for a drive along our gorgeous coastline up to Courtenay and have brunch by the sea. We saw hundreds and hundreds of sea gulls because they always come in droves during herring season.

So after our yummy brunch, we walked along the seashore and we saw several seagull feathers along the beach so I decided to collect a bunch of them and do something fun with them. So this is what we, at A2Sea, put together... a 'Seagull Feather in a Bottle Souvenir'. I don't know about you but I am pretty bored with the usual souvenirs, namely spoons and mugs. So here is something completely different with a seaside twist!

I can't say I am very thrilled with snow visiting our island (what is that about?) but I am sure glad we got to enjoy that one, lovely summer-like day!