New Smyrna Beach Mom

Smyrna Surfari Seaside Paddle Battle

2013-06-19T03:30:00.000-04:00

The always fun Surfari Surf contest is this weekend in New Smyrna Beach. It is held at the Flagler Ave Beach Approach unless there are no waves then it moves to the Inlet on North Beach. Beginners are welcome, there are free surf lessons, pro surfers hanging around and all kinds of activities for the whole family. Registration Information can be found here.

Mom, Your Hair is Blue

2013-06-18T20:39:00.002-04:00

Soooo, I took my daughter for her sports physical today, as we are standing at the desk checking out she says to me. "Mom, your hair is blue." My hair is not blue. So I told her. "Sammi, my hair is not blue." She gave me that you are so stupid 14 year old look....and said, "Mom, your hair is blue." Then she proceeded to hold a couple of strands of my hair up to my face. Since I cannot see anything that is not held at least 3 feet from my face I said, "I see no blue in that hair." Insert charming 14 year old, "Mom, you can't see anything and held it further away. Guess what, my hair is blue. I have sprinklings of blue throughout my hair.

Why you ask is my hair blue? I have no idea. The very nice lady checking us out at the doctor's office decides this is the point to chime in. "Maybe your Mom wants to look modern." Seriously. Maybe she wants to get slapped.

Back to brilliant 14 year old. "Mom, did you color your hair this morning?" Why, yes sweet child I did, I was trying to get rid of that calico cat look that I have been sporting for two weeks. Oh...and yes I want cheery medical check out chic to know that I colored my own hair this morning. (trying to look modern don'tcha know.) "You must have left it on too long and now your hair is blue."

That is all. Carry on.

Reggae Music Festival

2013-06-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

It is a busy week at the beach this week. The Reggae Music Festival is all along Flagler June 21st - June 22nd. Get the complete schedule here.

Seaside Fiesta

2013-06-17T18:54:00.002-04:00

The 25th Annual Seaside Fiesta is this Thursday on Flagler Avenue. This family friendly event is from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. It features live bands, food, crafts, art stands. Surfing displays, meet and greets with the surfers that are participating in Surfari and a kid's zone. There is something for everyone at this event, it is fun for all ages.

Happy Father's Day

2013-06-16T20:18:00.002-04:00

This is the first chance I have had today to say Happy Father's Day! I hope all you Dads out there had a wonderful day with your children. A special Happy Father's Day to my Dad, who has had a rough couple of weeks.

Also a big thank you to all those that have been around in so many ways and been a positive influence for my kids. There are a bunch of you and you know who you are and know we appreciate it!

Around Town - Weekend Events

2013-06-14T22:08:00.002-04:00

First, thank you for all the emails, and very nice comments about my Mom. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers more than you know! I will keep you posted as to her progress.....

Now back to our regular programming. This weekend there is plenty to do. Farmer's Markets will be going on Saturday morning at Norwood's and Sams Avenue in NSB.

The Sand and Art Festival is going on at Flagler Avenue Beach approach, it starts at 8:00 am. Registration form can be found here.

Also tomorrow is the Sea Turtle Odyssey Event. Full information can be found here.

Father's Day is Sunday! The Annual Car Show will be held at Crossroads Christian Church, this is a great family event. Details here.

There is all kinds of bands and entertainment all along Flagler Avenue this weekend.

Flag Day will be celebrated at the Edgewater American Legion on Saturday, they will have a free lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs from 1-4 p.m. If you have an old flag that needs proper disposal bring it and they will take care of it for you. They are located at 4407 S. US 1 in Edgewater.

Have a great weekend!

Big Trouble

2013-06-13T23:53:00.001-04:00

I love my blog, I love my readers...I love normal! Since June 3rd I have posted as normal as I can. I have attempted to do what I do and post events and happy happy joy joy from around NSB.

Monday, June 3rd(my son's birthday) my mother had elective hip replacement surgery....it went great...Monday night I left her at about 8:30 pm she was looking for her glasses and a crossword puzzle.

Tuesday morning my 80 year old father was calling....."we have trouble...big trouble...can you come...she has had a stroke." Of course I was there in the 3 minutes it took me to get over the bridge to Bert Fish. My brother met me there..why? This happens sometimes I was told...I missed that part of the presentation.

So my totally with it 73 year old mother who took care of my dad, me, everyone around her is now not responsive. Really? How did this happen? I quickly learned how it happened is really not relevant... what we do now is. I will give you all advice on that later.

I stressed out the first few days that I was "missing work" how can I pay the bills, take care of my kids...etc. I sat at the hospital for hours, days, I could not leave my mother. I was almost sick with worry...one of her doctors, said to me....do not look at is at the glass half empty...sit with your Mom....talk to her. figure it out. Easy to say when the electric bill is paid.

I did not understand what he meant. Today I did. I helped her eat her lunch, I sat with her on her bed...I talked to her about getting better, her words are slurred but her mind is sharp. We talked about my Aunt Gayle, my son Curtis, and my daughter Sammi (who she wants to make sure we get a birthday cake). She told me were to find her checkbook, she misses her dog, she wants to go home.

God willing and some good rehab, she will get home. I am not not ready to lose my Mother...electricity or not...I will be there...

Crabby Chris

2013-06-13T15:07:00.000-04:00

I stopped by Crabby Chris's Crab Shack this afternoon for a quick lunch. One word....delicious!! I was in a big hurry so I just ordered the Lobster Tacos to go. Seriously I wanted to lick the to go box they were so good. Loved them. I cannot wait to go back and try some more items on their menu. They are located at 44 North Dixie Freeway in NSB. It is the building that the old Clancy's Hot Dog's was in and is all decorated like a crab shack (appropriate I think). You can kind of see their menu here. They do take credit cards or cash and they have a Facebook page.

Worth the stop for sure!

Begin Again Children's Grief Center

2013-06-12T08:05:00.001-04:00

The Florida Chapter of the Tears Foundation holds a support group in Daytona Beach for anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby. This is a place where both mothers and fathers can come together and feel comfortable sharing their feelings about their loss.

The next meeting is Thursday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. The BeginAgain Children's Grief Center is located at 655 N. Clyde Morris Blvd in Daytona Beach.

Here is a link to the group event page on Facebook for more information.

Here is some more information about the TEARS Foundation.

Watch Baseball Support Volleyball

2013-06-10T14:39:00.002-04:00

On June 20th, come out to Jackie Robinson Park in Daytona Beach and cheer on the Cubs! Tickets are $7.00 and $3.00 of that will go back to Lady Cudas Volleyball!

It is Thirsty Thursday, beer and soda are $1.00 all night long. Tickets can be picked up at Epic Aviation at 600 Skyline Dr at NSB Airport or call Trish Catalano at 386-689-5853 or Kevin Newport 386-847-1454.

A good time and a great way to support NSB Athletics!

ACA Summer Art Camp

2013-06-08T15:42:00.002-04:00

Summer vacation is upon us and if you are a week into it and ready to send your kids out the door here is a great way to do it!

The Atlantic Center for the Arts is holding a Summer Art Camp. The camp is held at Harris House in Yurick Studios. The final session will take place at ACA’s main campus, in the beautiful Leeper Studios. The camp is open to children ages 6 to 12 years old.

Each weekly session in the eight-week program features three classes designed to give participants an opportunity to explore ideas of art and culture through a variety of art forms.

Participants will meet new friends and take home artwork every week. There is downtime for snacks, stretching, games and lunch.

The Young Masters exhibition in ACA’s Harris House Gallery will feature artwork made in camp. An opening reception will be held on Saturday August 3, 2013 featuring artwork by camp participants.

The Camp is held each week Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. It is $100.00 for ACA Members and $125.00 for non-members. They do offer scholarships for each session.

Get a complete schedule, information and registration form here.

Imagination Library

2013-06-07T18:19:00.001-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is awesome! It is also available in Southeast Volusia County through the Friends of the Library. This great program gives you the opportunity to get your child reading with you at a young age.

Here is how it works, if you live in Zip Code 32168 or 32169, register your child online at Imagination Library or pick up a registration form at the NSB Public Library. Each month a new book will be mailed to your home in your child's name. This program is FREE and a new book will come each month until your child reaches 5 years of age. What a great way to read to your child from the time they are born!

If you have questions about the program, call the the NSB Library or stop by.

NSB Observer Celebrates 100 Years

2013-06-05T21:58:00.001-04:00

Celebrates

The NSB Observer is back in business, with a new owner and completely new management! They are celebrating their centennial edition with a return to print. Come out this Friday from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Flagler Tavern and join the celebration. Be the first to get the print edition and enjoy free appetizers, drink specials, entertainment by Krista King. There will be delicious desserts provided by KD Desserts and of course the chance to network and meet local business people, potential customers and new friends!!

Check out the event invite here on Facebook for more information.

Beach Boot Camp

2013-06-05T18:05:00.001-04:00

The Florida National Guard will be on the beach teaching you to do it like they do! Get fit that is. Participants will engage in a bunch of individual challenges and an obstacle course. You can do it for fun or compete in your age group. It all happens Saturday, June 8th starting at 10:00 am.

The course includes a shuttle run, pull ups, low crawl, tires, push ups, and sit ups. There'll be t-shirts for all competitors and prizes for top finishers! And Florida National Guardsmen will be standing by to yell at you when you slack off! There'll also be armored vehicle displays, and a Health and Wellness check with free blood pressure screenings!

This event is free and you can register the day of. Here is the Registration Form for your convenience.

The event is taking place just south of Flager Ave Beach Ramp - on the beach!

Sunday Stumble - Sites I Like

2013-06-02T20:46:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: Picture totally unrelated to anything written below. I just like it.

I am fighting a crappy head cold, or allergies or something the past two days, so today I sat around and caught up on all my favorite websites. I thought I would share a few here, since I had nothing of any value to offer tonight.

Infarrantly Creative - there is something for everyone to LOVE on this site. She has giveaways, how to's for all sorts of things including what to do with things she picks out of the trash (furniture etc.) I am a renowned trash picker so this is pure heaven for me.

Organized Home - in my imaginary perfect world I would do everything on this blog. However in my not so perfect real world, it ain't happening. I still love to read it and once in awhile I will actually do some of it. It does work!

Skinny Taste - Yum, great recipes. I have made many of her recipes. Wonderful! Love!

Dr. Oz - What is not to love about Dr. Oz. So much good information.

While we are talking about Doctors, here is another one I follow and like Dr. Andrew Weil.

I Breathe, I'm Hungry - great recipes, most low carb and/or gluten free. Good Stuff.

Goodreads - great site for keeping track of books you want to read. I use it frequently when I want to keep track of the books in a series. Make sure I read them in order. Nice site.

The Cheap Gourmet - shameless plug for my friend Kathy - she does have great recipes and resources, easy to navigate and she lives in NSB. Can't beat that!

Frugally Sustainable - she has all sorts of stuff you can make yourself. Good for the environment stuff. It is pretty easy too. Has to be, I have done some of them.

The Vintage Wren - This is just a pretty blog, pretty pictures, lots of gorgeous photography.

That is enough for today, I hope you find one you like! Enjoy the week!

Pop Warner Football & Cheer Sign Ups

2013-05-31T08:09:00.003-04:00

Sign Ups for Pope Warner Football are going on now. This includes both Football & Cheer for kids ages 5 - 15 years. You can sign up your child at the NSB Parks & Recreation office at 1000 Live Oak Street. Here is the information on the signup page of their website.

They have a Facebook account here.

Go Cudas!

Around Town - Weekend Events

2013-05-30T21:46:00.000-04:00

There so much going on at the beach....the Blues Festival started today. Get the full schedule of events here.

The Kite Festival is Saturday & Sunday. It starts on Saturday from 12 noon until 4:00 pm at the Flagler Ave Beach approach. Full details here.

The Food Trucks will be here Saturday, they will serve from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Come down to Magnolia between Canal & Douglas St. and grab some gourmet food off the trucks.

The Farmer's Markets will be going on on Sam's Ave in NSB and at Norwood's. They get started about 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The beach is gorgeous. Have a great weekend.

2013 Bike & Bar Tour

2013-05-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

The 2013 Bike & Bar Tour is coming up! Saturday, June 22nd at 11:00 am.

This annual event is happening for the 21st year! It starts at JB's Fish Camp and stops include, but are not limited to, J.B's Fish Camp, Moe's, Sea Vista Tiki Bar, Off the Hook, PJ'S, Beachside Tavern, Gnarley Surf Bar, Clancy's Cantina, Om Bar, Flagler Tavern, The Breakers, Barracuda's and Peanuts.

Get updates and information on their Facebook Page.

Farewell to Sophie

2013-05-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Come out to Clancy's on Thursday, May 30th and attend the Fido Farewell to Sophie. Sophie's Circle is Volusia County's only pet food pantry and is currently assisting over 2,600 families. Sophie was the inspiration behind Sophie's Circle. she was much loved and passed away a few weeks ago.

Pet food and cash donations are greatly appreciated. This is a pet-friendly event (dogs must be leashed). Clancy's is donating a portion of food & beverage purchases to the pantry.

Honor

2013-05-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.

Rather we should thank God that such men lived.

~George S. Patton

If You Adopt....

2013-05-25T16:26:00.000-04:00

If you opt to adopt a pet...First..Thank you! Second...please be aware of what you are doing. In recent weeks the Rescue Organizations that I follow and support have had several pets returned. Some within days....some much longer.

Please understand that rescued pets need the time, patience and training to learn to be a part of a family. Rescue dogs have sometimes never been inside a building, have never known love or even care at all, some have never known where their next meal would come from, some have had to fight other animals to stay alive, some have had to growl or snarl to scare off evil people trying to hurt them, some have known nothing but pain from untreated injuries or illnesses. When you "adopt" a rescued pet you need to try to understand why they are acting the way they are, why they protect their food, their bed, their toys, why they growl or run away from you.......why they dig or chew or jump.

I have a dog that I rescued 7 years ago, she is the sweetest dog alive, she still flinches if you come up on her too quickly and is terrified of loud noises.

Sadie - adopted 2006

I have another one that after 6 years still hates to walk on a leash. He was "untrainable." He is now the best behaved dog I have ever had.

Tank - adopted 2006

My most recent....the world's worst dog. He had been returned to the shelter before we got him. I saw his face two days before Christmas and said that is our dog. In the first three days, he chewed 7 pairs of shoes, ate 3 loaves of bread (bag and all) off the counter, chased the cat, chewed a table leg and dug to China in my yard. He escaped my fence every time I turned my head, running merrily down the street with us chasing him. He would sit on the couch and bark (loud) for no apparent reason. He was the world's worst dog. I must have said 45 times, "this dog has to go". My kids laughed at me. "yea right Mom."

Boss - Adopted 12/2012

Fast forward 5 months...a lot of patience, a few more lost shoes, and some consistent training. The worst dog in the world is on the way to being the best dog in the world. He still escapes once in awhile and sits on the couch and barks for no reason (I think he is happy and wants to tell everyone) and I catch him with a shoe now and then (he drops it as soon as he sees me) but we love his huge happy self. My "this dog has to go" comments have all but stopped.

Have some compassion, some patience and give them the time, love and training they need to understand what you want and expect from them. When you adopt a dog and then give up within a few days or a few weeks you are missing out on what could be a wonderful companion, protector, entertainer and friend.

I know it is easier to just call the shelter and dump the dog back there and go on with your life. Stop for a minute and think about what you are doing to that dog? The poor soul who has feelings, who felt loved and had a real "home" for such a short time. The one who has no idea what he/she did wrong because YOU never showed them what you wanted them to do. IF you have doubts, don't do it.

If you do and stick with it....thank you.

Thank you to Second Chance Rescue for contributing to this post (and for giving me the worst dog in the world)

Crossroads Car Show

2013-05-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

The 4th Annual Crossroads Father's Day Car & Truck Show is being held again this year at Crossroads Christian Church in New Smyrna Beach. This is a wonderful, fun, family friendly way to spend Father's Day.

This event is free to the community, entirely free, free to attend, free to display your car, free lunch, free snow cones, kids play area, bounce house, goodie bags, awards and giveaways! It is all FREE.

There will be fun for the entire family plus plenty of shade for everyone to relax under. The show will be held June 16th, 2013 at Crossroads Christian Church located at 3838 State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach.

The show is open to all years/makes/models of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Show registration will start at 9:00 a.m. on the day of show. The event runs until 3:00 p.m.
Check out their website for more information.

Memorial Day Weekend!

2013-05-24T12:27:00.001-04:00

8th Ave Beach Approach

It is going to be a beautiful weekend at the beach! FishStock is going on in Riverside Park, the monthly Art & Wine Walk on Flagler, Farmer's Markets at Norwood's and Sam's Ave in NSB. Entertainment in many of the beach side venues. Plenty to do!

SoNapa is offering 50% off to active duty and former military all weekend. Just let your server know you are in the military to get the discount.

If you are hitting the beach, be sure to watch your children and always swim near a lifeguard. They are there for a reason! Use them!!!

FishStock

2013-05-22T20:53:00.000-04:00

FishStock starts tomorrow in New Smyrna Beach. This annual Memorial Day Fishing Tournament is actually two tournaments in one. It is a Redfish-Trout Tournament and an Offshore Saltwater Tournament. In its 11th year this fun filled event features a 5K Run/Walk, There is entertainment, kids events and seminars, food and all sorts of activities.

Memorial Day

2013-05-21T12:37:00.001-04:00

The Edgewater - New Smyrna Cemetery will host the annual Memorial Day Celebration on Monday, May 27th at 10:00 am. It is presented by the American Legion Post 285. A reception will follow at the Legion Post facility at 4497 Ridgewood Ave in Edgewater.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4250 will conduct its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in New Smyrna Beach at Riverside Park. Speakers include Mayor Adam Barringer and District 19 Cmdr. Allen Ayouber. Also included in the ceremony will be the VFW Post 4250 color guard.