The Love Tree

There is a tree in St. Augustine, Fl called the Love Tree. Its located on Cordova St. if you ever happen to go. 

A sable palm tree is literally growing through and up and out of the heart of an oak tree, as you can see in the pictures above.

I'm sure its not the only time to have ever occurred in the history of the earth but it was pretty cool to see in person. 

According to www.see-staugustine.com "if you kiss your love under the tree, you will have everlasting romance. This fairy tale ending must be true. Generations of romantic couples have kissed here and come back on their anniversary to kiss again."

Hmm, I suppose when I find my true love I'll have to bring him down to Auntie's for a visit and go kiss him under the tree! ;)

Crescent Beach and Sea Shells

One of the best parts about having family that lives down d'ocean... is how close and convenient it is to well.. go down d'ocean when visiting them! 

Crescent Beach is one of my favorite beaches... and this was my 2nd time ever going. I guess I can be decisive about some things! 

I'm not much one for putting on a swim suit and jumping in the ocean or even going to lie on the sand and sunbathe but I do love walking along the waters edge and getting my feet wet while beach combing for sea shells. And of course taking pictures! 

And Crescent Beach is one of the prettiest beaches to go do just that! The sand is uber fine and white so you feel almost like you're walking on moon dust! And the shell pickings are colorful and varied. 

Beachy Chic Roomspiration!

I can't help but be drawn to beautiful shabby chic/ beachy chic places. Its like I have an internal compass for finding these places. And as much as I enjoy a walk through of a more typical place like Anthropology, I appreciate much more the small individually owned shops where I find equal if not sometimes better ideas! 

So of course while toodeling around St. George Street my 1st day in St. Augustine, I spotted a shop full of shabby chic beauty. Ironically all the things I would have bought in that shop were just display devices for the jewelry being sold.. but I snapped some pictures knowing I can file it away into my ideas folder for future spaces and DIY projects in my home!

 I LOVE how they used these big hemp ropes to create visual interest and texture and add a little ocean voyaging vibe! And of course the off white and oceany sea foam furniture!

I also loved all the beautifully shaped and sized glass bottles they had everywhere to display necklaces. 

And can we just talk about that white washed wood plank floor! Gorgeous! 

They also had some lovely abstract, richly hued paintings by a local artist that gave me some idea's for future paintings of my own! 

My apologies for the poor photo framing.. I was kind of taking quick snaps because it was one of those shops where I felt like I might get yelled at if they saw me taking pictures! 

Let's start at the very beginning, A very good place to start

Two weeks ago early on a Sunday morning, I hopped in my car and headed down I-95 South to St. Augustine, Florida! What made the trip extra fun and doable, was that my Aunt J who I was headed to visit had been up in Va to visit her daughter (my cousin) so we met up south of Richmond and road tripped it caravan style! 

After a 9 hour drive and an relaxing evening unwinding at her and my uncles very peaceful and comfortable home with some Dark & Stormies and good conversation out on their lanai, I spent my 1st full day in town exploring the touristy side of St. Augustine. 

Aunt J took me to St. George street and we wandered around in and out of over priced tourist trap shops while I happily snapped pictures of the beautiful Spanish influenced architecture and lush tropical greenery. It was also nice to just wander and get to reacquaint ourselves with one another since really the last time I'd gotten to just spend time with my Aunt was when I was still a kid!

I know I already posted a mini post about this day but thought I'd share a few more photos! The weather was gorgeous! Cool enough to feel comfortable in the sun and the slight humidity but with a taste of salty ocean mixed in.

 There were several time period pubs and taverns you could go to where you'd be served by waiters in colonial garb. Had I been 12 years old I'd have been all about stopping there for lunch! Haha.

 Instead we went to the Columbiana for lunch- this is their outdoor courtyard above. And had delicious melt in your mouth cuban bread (yes, i cheated and had a bit cuz it was so yummy) as well as a delicious salad that the are famous for called the 1905! 

Afterwards we strolled around for a bit longer. 

 There is so much beautiful wrought iron in St. Augustine. 

And then my Aunt and I split a small gelato since neither of us felt we could eat a whole one. We had limoncello sorbet and coconut milk gelato. It was delicious! And dairy free which for me is always a plus!

And a great way to start out my vacation!

Oh The Things...

Oh the things I have to share from this wonderful trip you'll see... 

Things,

like new elephants including the largest and smallest of my collection now, 

Beachy Things,

 of tidal pools, sun soaked beaches and salty sea shells, 

Artsy Things,

 like Dali architecture, Craftsman homes full of pottery and so much more, 

Crafty Things, 

like back alley trashed mirrors turned into future photo props and vintage quilts once beloved by my Nana that need repair, 

So many things I'm excited to share. 

But for now just a peak at the fresh beachy air!

 Cocina Beach in St. Augustine Florida from Sarah H. on Vimeo.