LS1

Tampa Bay’s largest network of local, independent businesses and independent-minded shoppers.

Plus:
recipes,
green gardening tips,
local business profiles
and lots more!

LocalShops1.com

Gift guide!
12 finds
from Local Shops

The 25-cent
Shopping Tour

Finding Paradise... here at home!

 Dear neighbors,
R I
ecently I learned about what might be one of the worst don’t know if it’s an addiction or if it’s just because it’s
work policies around. In certain county government of- the right idea for the right time. But being local business-
fices, someone who gets tapped to be laid off has the oriented has become part of my main interests.
option to keep his or her job by “bumping off” a co-worker in I went on a road trip with three friends in September. We
a similar job but with less seniority. I asked some friends what drove from Orange County, Calif., to the Redwoods, stopping in
they would do in such a situation, and about half said they would many places along the way, including Sonoma Valley for wine
take advantage of the policy. Even if it meant bumping off a close tasting, of course.
friend. Even if it meant bumping off a close friend who’s a single We were amazed when we realized that we barely saw any big
parent, or a close friend who’s caring for a terminally ill parent. chain stores the entire week we were driving.
“Each man for himself,” was one typical, immediate reaction. “Lack of development,” some say. Choosing a better lifestyle,
I can understand how someone who’s desperate, someone for I think!
whom getting laid off would be catastrophic, would respond that Getting to know small business owners and different local
way. But this response came from friends of all economic back- personalities became an interesting part of our trip. We would
grounds, all ages, both genders. Some are from dual-income, jump in the car and talk about what we learned about that com-
no-kids families; some are people who have substantial savings, munity from each person we met.
who could ride it out for quite a while. Surely, getting laid off That’s how we got information, went to people’s favorite
would likely still require some lifestyle changes. But these people places in the next town, and, most importantly, let our money
wouldn’t be left hungry or homeless. for coffee and snacks stay local!
“Why should I have to sacrifice anything if I don’t have to?” one One of our favorite stops was a family-owned winery called
friend asked. Because loyalty is important and friendship means Caparone, in Paso Robles. Besides the excellent wine, the cool-
more than material possessions? Because we don’t want to be est thing was to have the owner giving the wine tasting. He is in
hated by everyone else in the office? Because we don’t want bad constant contact with his customers’ taste and feedbacks, -- and
karma? the customers are certainly grateful for his knowledge.
A friend in Tampa said it best: “There are always ••••
other jobs out there, but friendship can never be re- Now, coming back to our local shops.
placed.” Recently I talked to Mike Harting,
The point in all this is not to suggest all of a owner of Bella Brava restau-
sudden we all become selfless saints, but to rant in St. Petersburg, who
think about the overall impact of our deci- used to work at Outback
sions. At the end, doing whatever it steak house. I asked
takes to keep our jobs might be the him if there were les-
best decision ... but if we want to sons he learned in the
get our communities out of this eco- corporate world that
nomic mess, we need to start thinking a could help local busi-
little beyond ourselves. nesses.
••• “I think it is the other
A positive, perhaps unexpected, side ef- way around,” he said. “It’s
fect of the recession is the networking that’s a lot more challenging operat-
popping up. Not the traditional, 30-second ing a local business. You have to
elevator pitches and business-card-collecting order everything and be in con-
kind, but networking in which we make connec- tact with customers and vendors
tions and figure out ways to work together. At Lo- all the time.”
calShops1, we are constantly brainstorming with our And we think we are becoming
member businesses and with other groups in the area a comprehensive venue for local
and coming up with events to bring people together. business facing any challenges. It’s
Check with us for the latest community parties, net- part of our addiction, too!
working chats, business seminars and more. LS1 magazine is growing, and that’s prob-
ably because it is the right time to be around and
helping local businesses.
We hope you enjoy reading our magazine and
check out the shops that are part of LocalShops1.
We hope LS1 inspires you to be “locally minded”
addicted as much as we are. Enjoy!
Ester Venouziou Marisa Barbosa
LS1 Magazine Publisher and Editor LS1 Magazine Editor
YOUR PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE TO THE SOUTH PINELLAS
BEACHES AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR OVER 18 YEARS!


®1-®"1/®"  ®
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ATIONS

SINCE 1991
Serving the South Pinellas Beaches from Tierra Verde and Isla del Sol,
Pass-A-Grille/St. Pete Beach north to Indian Rocks Beach, and
Surrounding Communities of Pasadena, Gulfport, Tyrone Area,
Bay Pines, and Downtown St. Petersburg

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Call 727-367-9538 or email BeachLife@tampabay.rr.com
LS1
LS1 Magazine
LocalShops1.com
| Ester Venouziou:
Editor & publisher
| Marisa Barbosa:
Magazine Editor
(writer/designer/
photographer)
LocalShops .com

| Sara Palmer: |3: Letter from the Editors: Marisa and Ester |6: Amazing LS1 Girl’s
contributing writer
| Natalia Galbetti: Tour| 7: Have you seen LS1 Girl?| 8: 12 Local Shops
Gift Guide |14: Finding Paradise: Safety
contributing writer

LocalShops1.com
staff
Harbor Resort and SPA |17: Guest Blogger: Amanda
Ester Venouziou, Davis |18: They are sharing recipes! | 21: The
Pat Largo, Jenni-
fer Steele, Brenda 25-cent Shopping Tour | 24: Guest Blogger 2: Hilton Kean | 25: Busi-
Smoak, LaToya
Brown. ness Profile: Twice as Nice | 26: The Nature of Art | 27: Guest Blog-
ger 3: Leah Dallaire | 29: Going green gardening tips | 30: Three
types I won’t follow | 31: Talk to LS1 girl!

This publication is fully funded & supported by friends & members of LocalShops1.com.
Tampa Bay’s most comprehensive network of local, independent businesses.
Save money, shop happy, support the community!
To advertise here, call 727.637.5586 or e-mail ads@localshops1.com
LocalShops1.com is the Web site of Local Shopper, LLC. We can be reached by phone, 727.637.5586,
by e-mail, localshopper@localshops1.com, or by retro mail, P.O. Box 530144, St. Petersburg, FL 33747
facebook.com/localshops1com | twitter.com/localshops1com | myspace.com/tampashopper
Have you seen the LocalShops1 girl?
Spot LS1 Girl and win!
LS1 Girl is always shopping around and looking for cool places. If you see her, make sure to say hi, and take a picture
with her. You never know when she’ll have prizes for you! For more information check in every day on LocalShops1.
com or follow LS1 Girl on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!

Gulfport!
LS1 Girl loves wandering around Gulfport, and she always makes sure to drop by the Outpost,
to see the latest art and jewelry owner Leslie has in stock. And a bonus: LS1 Girl also gets to
see her buddy Kurt, of Kayak Adventures, who shares space in the Outpost. 1Card in hand,
and LS1 Girl is ready to go!
St. Petersburg!
It’s true, LS1 Girl had a date ... with the
Maddux Business Report Gnome. Love
match? Not quite. They both love big
sunglasses, and they both love the Globe
coffee lounge ... but that’s about where
their similarities end. Still, they plan to
stay friends. You can read more about her
not-so-hot date on her blog, LocalShops1.
com/LS blog.

Photo by Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1.com

Tampa!
LS1 Girl makes herself at home at Historic
Shed’s new installation recently. Historic
Shed is based in Brooksville, but install
sheds all over Tampa Bay.

Photo by Pat Largo, LocalShops1.com

Safety Harbor!
In Safety Harbor, where she likes to drop by
for a large latte with three Splenda packets.
 Great Finds
Local Shops
Organized by Marisa Barbosa
Photos and text by different business owners

Are you just starting

to put together your holiday shopping list?
Or maybe you’re reading this in January, and
you’re now looking for ideas for Valentine’s day?
We’re here to help. We went around town ask-
ing local businesses for gift ideas, and we came up
with 12 great finds for your favorite people -- and
your favorite pets. And here’s one more bonus idea,
straight from our cover: Glass art from the Indus-
trial Arts Center in Gulfport.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your 1Card*
and go shopping!

* Don’t have the 1Card? See page 12 for details.

It’s free!

Looking for a gift that will last a life-
time? This coffee table album is a beauti-
ful way to display 20 of your favorite
images. Available in eight colors with in-
scription on the cover. Great as a gift for
parents and grandparents. “My mom and
dad cried when I gifted them with this
one Christmas, filled with images of my
children. An amazing keepsake, forever
cherished and shared!” writes photog-
rapher Tanya Sharkey of St. Petersburg.
Regularly priced at $499, but only $350
when you go in with your 1Card or men-
tion LocalShops1.com.
Tania Sharkey Photography
2720 4th Street N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
727-424-0236
The “Balancing Act” features crystal
quartz rounded teardrop beads, adorned
by Sodalite chips all the way up the
neck and finished with sterling silver
beads. Sodalite is said to stimulates the
third eye chakra and deepen meditation.
In simple terms, the stone brings emo-
tional balance and can help people who
suffer from “sick building syndrome,”
says artist and psychic Debby Polis
Carter of St. Petersburg.
Plus, “Crystal Quartz is the most power-
ful healing and energy amplifier on
the planet and boosts the properties of
whatever stone it is used with. Quartz
stimulates the immune system, harmo-
nizes all of the chakras and brings the
body into balance,” she says.
This set includes 19” necklace and a
pair of earrings, and is available for
$55.
www.StarBabyGems.com
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care in
Westchase is one just a few locations in
west-central Florida that carries Tiffany
& Co. Eyewear. Tiffany has created
eyeglass and sunglass styles inspired by
their exclusive designs, hand-set with
sparkling crystals and sterling silver.
Most frames can be made into prescrip-
tion eyeglasses or sunglasses, too. And of
course, every pair comes with a case en-
closed in the much-coveted robin’s egg
blue Tiffany box. Prices start at $300.
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
10108 Montague St., Tampa
(813)792-0637
www.brighteyestampa.com
Jennifer Steele, owner of Spinderel-
la’s Steals Resale Boutique in St. Pete,
creates hand-painted, one-of-a kind
designs on jeans, bags, shoes .. even
cowboy boots. Prices vary depending
on the design. For jeans, it’s about $25
for a painted pocket to $100 for a full
leg. Each design is completely custom,
based on the colors & styles you like.
For extra sparkle, designs can include
crystal beads and other embellishments.
Spinderella’s Steals
6393 Ninth Street N., St. Petersburg
727-522-3325
www.facebook.com/SpinderellasSteals

This pondless water fountain -- or, in
designer-speak, a “disappearing water
feature,” is a perfect gift for your zen
friends or to help soothe the more scat-
tered ones! The kit ($139.95) includes
fountain, pump & basin. The fountains
come in many sizes and styles, so it
makes a great addition to every yard.
Shipping and installation, if needed, are
extra.
Backyard Getaway
941-752-POND (7663)
www.backyardgetaway.net
One of the spiciest gifts we could find
is Intensity Academy’s Gourmet Sauce
Basket! “Perfect local gift for all those
hard-to-buy-for friends, family members,
customers, or anyone you want to share
some Saucy Goodness!” writes Saucy
Queen Michele Northrup of Lutz. Lo-
cally developed, locally packaged ... and
a set is only $20 through December if
you mention LS1. Regular price is $25.
Intensity Academy
IntensityAcademy@verizon.net
813-299-3600
www.intensityacademy.com
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, you
can “cast a memory” in glass. Award
winning glass artist Owen Pach creates
a sand mold of your child’s hand, and
then turns that into a glass master-
piece. Glass casting of a pet’s paw is
also available! Cost varies, depending
on mounting ($75 one beveled glass
base, $100 on round stone base. Or
you can get it unmounted for $45).
The Industrial Arts Center
2902A Beach Blvd., Gulfport
727-289-9365
industrialartscenter.org
Most of us know at least one person
who is impossible to shop for, because
he has just about everything already.
But if that friend happens to be a wine
lover, we can help: the Philip Stein®
Wine Wand uses natural energy to aer-
ate wine, enhancing flavors and aroma
in minutes, instead of the two or more
hours it would take by just leaving the
bottle open. Prices vary.
Diamonds Direct
5085 34th St. S., St. Petersburg
727-867-4006
www.DiamondsDirect.us

Give the gift of authentic home
improvement to the owner of a historic
home on your gift list. Historic Shed
in Brooksville offers traditional screen
doors, wood window screens, gates that
complement and enhance Bungalows,
Victorians, Colonials and other historic
home styles. They’ll even work with you
for surprise installations, all over west-
central Florida! Prices vary.
Historic Shed
www.preservationresource.com
www.historicshed.com
For the fashion-savvy doggies, the
hand-crocheted Daisy’s Party Collars
feature “fur” trim. They’re washable,
easy to put on, soft and comfortable.
Available in a ton of colors, and in all
sizes. From $5 to $14.
Adventures in Bradyville
1100 4th Street N, #101, St. Petersburg
727-821-6700
www.adventuresinbradyville.com
Mi-Sa Rings, which you might have
read a little about in the Nature of Art
business profile on page ??? -- are
made out of sterling silver and include
an accent stone or bead. They come in
a variety of sizes and colors. $26 each.
The Nature of Art Gallery
1100 4th Street N., St. Petersburg
727-821-6700
www.natureofart.com
Body Elan Foot Care Pack, hand-
made with shea butter and aloe,
includes a highly concentrated balm,
lotion, a foot scrub bar and foot soaks.
It all comes packaged in a reus-
able mesh, zippered pouch. Premium
essential oils, no petroleum, 100%
vegan. Regular price is $17.95, but if
you go in with your 1Card or mention
LocalShops1.com, it’s yours for just
$14.95
Eclectic Ave
2436 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
727-452-8701
 Save money, shop happy!
Use your FREE 1Card and save money
at dozens of participating businesses, including ...
Web sites Gulfport Safety Harbor St. Petersburg
LocalShops1.com 007 ComputerWeb Services Safety Harbor Resort & Spa Adventures in Bradyville
(that’s us here! 727.388.9442 727.726.1161 727.821.6700
Local Shopper, LLC) 2408 53rd St. S. 105 N. Bayshore 1100 Fourth Str. N, Suite 101
727.637.5586 A & E Mobile Detailing Banyan Scapes
Taste Safety Harbor
Sticksoffire.com 727.320.5497 727.723.1116 727.323.5484
813.503.4129 Complexions Skin Care Spa 500 Main Str. 932 49th St. S
727.729.9069 Diamonds Direct
LocalSarasota.com
2908 Beach Blvd S. Sarasota 727.867.4006
941.363.1607
Evolving Wellness 5085 34th St. S. St.
Industrial Arts Center
Bradenton 727.289.9365 941.921.3831 Eclectic Ave
Alchemy 2902A Beach Blvd. S. 3627 Webber St. Suite B 727.452.8701
2436 Central Ave
941.746.3508
1215 12th St. W.
Kayak Nature Adventures Tampa Enchanted Forest
727.418.9728
Advertising at MADHouse Photography
Backyard Getaway 3007 Beach Blvd. S.
813.503.4625 727.209.2306
941.752.7663 The Outpost Ehrlich Road 529 Central Ave.
Blue Room Studios 727.439.1485 Florida Lifestyle Pools
941.718.0114 3007 Beach Blvd. S. Apple Blossoms
Floral Designs 727.519.5999
1019 10th Ave. W. Sea Breeze Manor Bed 813.985.6409 Image Creations of Florida
Charisma Cafe and Art and Breakfast Inn 3627 West Kennedy Blvd. 727.522.7662
941.748.8203 727.343.4445 3025 44th Ave. N.
1004 10th Ave W. 5701 Shore Blvd. Bellisimo Ristorante
813.792.7595 Key Business Partners
Hearts Desire
941.302.1069
Land O’Lakes 10102 Montague St. 727-644-1773
Nature of Art Gallery
1221 12th St. W. Savvy VA — Virtual Assistant Bright Eyes Family Vision
727.821.6700
813-500-7975 813.792.0637
Morr Services Inc. 1100 Fourth St. N, Suite 101
10108 Montague St
727.422.5970 Lutz Life Reflections video ser-
The Pier Aquarium
6304 Georgia Ave. 727.895.7437
White Leopard Treasures vices 800 2nd Ave NE
727.244.4954
Brooksville State Road 54
813.833.1642
Spinderella’s Steals
Historic Shed Papergirl Press: Resale Boutique
813.333.2249 New Port Richey Photography & Design 727.522.3325
1212 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 813.777.7751 6393 Dr. MLK St. N.
Pat Largo
Dunedin Comedian/Entertainer/Host Treasure Island Starbaby Readings
727.244.4281
727.946.0548
My Favorite Things Nail Treasures by Cheryl Talk of the Town
727.738.1277 Palmetto 727.360.5881 Fashion & Accessories
330 Main St. 7777 Bayshore Drive 727.896.5400
911 editing
111 2nd Ave. N.E.
Twice As Nice 727.798-8186
727.734.1401 6504 64th Drive East Sharkey Photography
674 Douglas Ave. 727.424.0236
2720 Fourth St. N.

Businesses interested in joining the 1Card program may

e-mail LocalShopper@LocalShops1.com or call 727.637.5586
 The Spa Sanctuary is part of a multi-million dollar renovation plan
at the resort. It offers more than 20 spa and salon services; steam
rooms, whirpools and award-winning aquatic fitness program; and
pools -- two outdoor and one indoor.

The Safety Harbor Resort & Spa also includes 30,000 square feet of meeting and social space, including a new ballroom and outdoor venues.
The 25-cent
Shopping
Tour
By Sara Palmer
Contributing Writer
Photos by Marisa Barbosa
At LocalShops1.com, we think
shopping should be fun, not just
an errand. For us, shopping means
exploring, getting to know the
local shops, the business owners,
the neighborhoods.
We don’t like wasting time in
long lines at the chain stores, or
fighting crowds at the Big Box
stores. And driving in circles
looking for a parking spot? No
way.
From Sarasota to Hernando, there
are tons of great shopping pos-
sibilites. This time, we explore
downtown St. Petersburg. Park
your car, hop on the Trolley (it’s
only a quarter), and let’s go shop-
ping!
 T
also prints of Dali’s most famous works,
he holidays can be as stress- sold as posters, framed canvases or mat-
ful, especially when we are ted works, for $10 to $445; and all the
fighting with other drivers just usual gift shop fare: T-shirts, ties, mugs,
for a spot, way in the very back journals and a lot of Dali theme kitsch, all
of the mall’s parking lot; or when we are reasonably priced.
pushing our way through the crowds to Hopping back on The Looper, we enjoy
get to Nordstrom’s last light pink cash- a waterfront ride as we pass St. Peters-
mere sweater. burg’s Albert Whitted Airport. This airport
Here at LocalShops1, we can make is a national historical landmark: The first
things easier for you. We’re lucky to have scheduled commercial flight took off from
so many interesting neighborhoods, with this airport in 1914.
unique and exciting shops. As we ride farther into the heart of
One great shopping district is down- downtown, people constantly get on and
town St. Petersburg. Here, we don’t have off the trolley.
to battle our way through crowds or park- “It’s a melting pot,” trolley driver Jerry
ing lots. Instead, we ride a quaint Byrd said. “We see everyone on here.
trolley, learn a little bit of Tourists and locals alike.”
history and shop at one-of-
a-kind boutiques.
The Looper Trolley Another popular stop
is a little jewel. For along the route is Bay-
just a quarter, we can Walk, which, though in
ride in an air-condi- transition, still has some
tioned, old-fashioned shops and restaurants
trolley. The driver worth checking out.
narrates as he navi- Good place for a movie
gates through town, break, too.
spilling a little bit of
old St. Pete along the
way. A block or so away is
There are many Talk of the Town, a
shops along the Trol- boutique that lives up to
ley route, so we can its motto: “Upscale Style
park and traverse the at Downtown Prices.”
city without having to The shop offers unique
trudge a long way back jewelry from rhinestone-
to your car, laden with encrusted watches to
shopping bags. hand crafted Indonesian
necklaces. Most of
the jewelry, including
One popular stop is earrings, watches and
The Salvador Dali necklaces are under $20.
Museum. We found Owner Elena Minton
beautiful Dali-inspired helps complete the at-
jewelry, including watches, mosphere with a friendly
pendants and earrings, from smile and boisterous
$24.95 to $130. There were laugh, making shopping
fun. Originally from
Moscow, Minton has spent the past 10
years in St. Petersburg working the finance
and accounting field.
“I decided I wanted to do something
more fun,” Minton said. “So I got this
store.”
Minton’s store offers a variety of fashion
handbags for under $50. Betty Boop, zebra
prints or jewel-encrusted peace signs are
just a few of the designs you will find.
A few steps around the corner is Hook-
er Tea Co. As we enter the shop, the
fresh aroma of teas and scones is almost
intoxicating.
“The idea was to open a place where
men felt comfortable going into,” owner
Shawn Hooker says. “Tea is just some-
thing that should be comfortable to every-
one- man, woman, young or old.”
The shop has free wireless Internet
access, an assortment of board games and
soft chairs that you can sink into while
enjoying an invigorating cup of tea.
Hooker makes all his own tea blends..
more than 100! They can be purchased by
the cup or by the ounce to recreate that
relaxing feeling in your home.
But it’s not just tea. Hooker has lots
of gift possibilities, too: eclectic teapots
with beautiful Asian-inspired or simple
minimalistic designs from $30 and up, for
example. The store also sells the Timolino
Tea Maker for $19.99. You place loose tea
inside, pour in hot water and let it steep.
After a few minutes you place the tea
maker on top of your cup and push a lever,
cascading the tea from the bottom.
Now, as any pro shopper knows, shop-
ping isn’t just about buying stuff. It’s also
about dining.
So next we head a few doors down, to
one of our favorite restaurants.
The Moon Under Water is a tral Avenue for more shopping!
British style pub that offers indoor and
outdoor seating with a beautiful view of
old Banyan trees offset by the waters of
Tampa Bay. Fashion and home decor at Accents
The menu includes traditional British by Josie, set appointments for holiday
favorites including Sheppard’s pie, curry portraits at Enchanted Forest Pho-
dishes and a variety of salads including a tography ... maybe another snack, this
tasty Moon Cobb salad. time at Bella Brava?
Too many times, we get so caught up
with the deadlines, that shopping becomes
After lunch, we’re ready for more shop- an errand. Riding the Looper around
ping. Our next stop is In Search of downtown St. Petersburg puts things back
Balance. This store is the perfect place in perspective, and reminds us what shop-
to pick up something for the eco-friendly ping really should be all about: fun!
person on your holiday list.
“We do as much organic and recycled
materials as we can,” store owner Julie
Meyer says. “A lot of companies we deal
with use natural fibers.”
The Meyers lived in St. Thomas for
more than 10 years and when they moved Accents by Josie
to St. Petersburg they took a little time
531 Central Ave.
off from work for themselves. “We knew
727-895-6010
we needed to go back to work, but we
Bay Walk
loved playing- it’s a balance,” Meyer says.
“That’s how we came up with the con- 151 Second Ave. N.
cept.” 727-895-9277
In Search of Balance sells designer Bella Brava Restaurant
brands including Patagonia, Simple shoes 515 Central Ave.
and Horny Toad. Many prices start at $70, 727-895-5515
but there’s usually also a nice selection of The Salvador Dali Museum,
sale items, many from 25 to 75 percent 1000 Third St.S.
off. 727-823-3767
They also offer fair trade goods, in- Talk of the Town,
cluding purses and messenger bags from 112 Second Ave. N.E.
Gecko Traders, which are made from 100 727-896-5400
percent recycled rice and feed bags. Hooker Tea Co.,
The owners created a collection of one 300 Beach Dr. Suite 124.
of a kind T-shirt with clever metaphors 727-894-4832
recognizing that life requires work, but The Moon Under Water,
play is also a necessity. From balancing a 332 Beach Dr. N.E.
life with high heels and flip-flops or beer 727-896-6160
and exercise, the shirts ($22) have a motif In Search of Balance,
that will fit anyone’s lifestyle. 300 Beach Dr. Suite 135.
For another quarter, we hop back on the 727-823-0320
trolley and head back to our car ... well,
except if we decide to stop back on Cen-
Story and photo
by Hilton Kean Jones, Inkwatu.com

About once a week, I come here to eat lunch, replenish my supply of cheese and wine,
and order something from the deli or meat counter to take home for supper. Sometimes
I go just to loiter over espresso and soak up the ambiance. I think it’s the overwhelming
sensory input of Mazzaro’s (www.mazzarosmarket.com) that brings me out of whatever
doldrums I might be in. That much information, that much detail, simply must be attend-
ed to with all of one’s being. In the process, worries vanish … along with hunger.

Mazzaro’s has several long
isles crammed with gourmet
packaged foods plus numerous
presentations tucked away in
corners, along passageways,
and in side rooms. But, the
food’s not just on shelves, it’s The vegetables are al dente and
cured meats and garlic chains
hanging from the ceiling and
fresh meats and seafood of ev-
ery variety piled behind room-
long glass deli counters.
You’ll also find refrigerators Of course, there are bottles
of homemade pastas and bins
of bulk foods such as olives
and coffee. One of the domi-
nant smells — and there are as
many smells as there are sights
— is from the coffee they roast
right there.
Mmmmmmm.
The espresso bar is one of
the areas to eat lunch ordered
from the deli. There’s another
semi-outdoor area, the patio, for la right there. The workers will
eating lunch as well.
The deli, where you can
order prepared food to take
home or eat there (heated if
you wish) has sandwiches and
gourmet entree-style dishes.
plentiful.
A side room specializes in
wine and cheese. Here you can
find a really good bottle for
under $10.
much more costly, but Maz-
zaro’s imports some in bulk.
I try one of each of several of
the less expensive bottles and
when I find one I especially
like, if I can afford it, I return
later and buy a case of it (at a
discount) because the inventory
on these deals doesn’t repeat.
This same room has work-
ers busily slicing and packaging
imported cheeses. They also
make their own fresh mozzarel-
give you a sample of anything
you ask for.
I don’t know if the bakery has
the same policy…I’m afraid it
might!
While sitting at the espresso
bar, I spent one entire lunchtime
watching a baker there make a
cannoli cake.
Of course, it’s tough to
choose between Italian sweets
and the gelato they also make
and sell there. But the bakery
doesn’t just make sweets. Their
baguettes are world-class. I’m
especially fond of their whole-
grain baguette.
Of course … if you buy one
of those, while you’re at that
counter, you might as well buy
the tiramisu, right?
Mazzaro’s is at 2909 22nd Ave. N., St.
Petersburg, Florida 33713. The phone
number is 727-321-2400. The market
is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday
through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. Saturday.
HILTON KEAN JONES,
composer and keyboard
recording artist of commer-
cial and classical music, is
published by Kendor Music,
Dabash
Kephim, Con-
cordia, Logia,
SKQ, Hope,
and WTM.
Mr. Jones
was music
director of the
NFL Super
Bowl Pregame Shows from
1992 through 2001, and music
coordinator/video director for
Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
Pregame Show. He was
recently appointed Professor
Emeritus at the University of
South Florida School of Music
(Tampa), where he taught
music composition, computer
applications in music, and
orchestration. He publishes
two blogs: inkwatu.com and
zhongheting.com.
Boutique feel, bargain prices
Twice as Nice in Dunedin helps shoppers mix and match the perfect
outfits. It’s like having your own personal stylist, one customer says.
by Natalia Galbetti
Cotributing Writer
She didn’t pick the store’s name, but
she’s definitely living up to it.
Four years ago, Leticia Estep took
money from her recent divorce and
bought Twice as Nice, a consignment
store in Dunedin, with her best friend-
turned-business partner, Andrea Garzon.
The two took over the barn-like house on
Douglas Avenue, painted it white and hot
pink, and turned it into one of
the town’s go-to destination
for clothes, accessories
and friendly talk.
“I always thought
consignment was so
neat, but I wanted to
open a boutique, some-
thing quaint, nice,”
says Estep, 40. “You
get more of a personal
feeling when you come
in here. I want to make
my customers feel special.”
The 100-year-old house is divided into
nine rooms, each with a theme such as
business clothing, name brands, acces-
sories, plus size, formal wear and sales.
Each week, Estep carefully organizes and
styles the rooms.
When a consigner brings in a new piece
of clothing, she first checks for stains,
rips or loose threads. If it passes the test,
Estep decides if it belongs in the store, by
considering what items in her store would
best complement the new addition.
The selection process is meticulous and
fashion-savvy, as if she were shopping for
her own personal closet.
“She doesn’t only sell things. She has
the flare to put it together,” says Marlene
LAST NAME??, Estep’s friend and
customer. “She’s like your own personal
stylist.”
And that’s a role she assumes every
time someone walks in.
Like those boots? They would look
great with really skinny jeans, Estep says.
And that bracelet, it would look so cute
with the white shirt over there ...
She takes into consideration the
person’s size, skin tone and personal style
and suggests what will fit them best.
“She’s very customer-oriented,” says
Jean, one of the store’s most loyal
customers . “I come in every other
day. I may come back tomor-
row.’”
The store has very
much a personal feel.
Estep knows her
customers, and she
knows where each of
thousands of items in
her store came from.
“That one is from my girl Alessandra.
She brought it from Nepal,” she says,
pointing to a colorful beaded necklace.
“And this one over here is from my girl-
friend Dominique. Isn’t it beautiful?”
Among the precious finds in the store
are a sequined Oleg Cassini dress for
$69.50 and a L.A.M.B. bracelet for
$17.50.
The clothes stay at the store for 90 days
while Leticia “babysits” them. Every
30 days items go unsold, the price tag is
lowered. And if those weren’t recessioni-
sta-friendly enough, on Fridays some of
the skirts, shorts and pants are sold for $1;
shoes, purses and tops for $2; and dresses,
jackets and two-piece sets for $3.
Love an item, but can’t afford it until
next month’s paycheck? No problem.
Estep offers her customers a sort of phil-
anthropic lay-away.
“Sometimes a customer wants to buy
something, but it costs $10 and they only
have $5. I tell them, give me the $5 and
you can come back later with the rest.
Never did someone not come back,” she
says. “They trust me and I trust them.
Once you give someone a chance, it’s
unbelievable how they come around.”
And what she gives, she gets back.
Friends and other local business owners
are always ready to help.
Twice as Nice frequently hosts VIP
fashion nights, in which groups of five or
more get the stores to themselves for an
after-hours party. Other local businesses
pitch in so she can offer drinks, snacks,
live music, special sales. She also hosts
fashion shows, and professional make-up
and hair stylists offer their services.
It might be good karma, with a splash of
good business sense and a great flair for
fashion. The combination makes Twice as
Nice, well, even more than twice as nice.
Twice as Nice
674 Douglas Ave.
Dunedin, FL
34698
727-734-1401
twiceasnicestore.com
 r t
f A
re o
Na tu
...It’s all in the family
At a St. Pete gallery, a mom, a daughter and a dashing
lab combine their love of nature and pets.
By Sara Palmer
Contributing writer
Photos by Marisa Barbosa
For Sandra Williams, 72, and
her daughter, Kathy Crotts, 43,
art truly does imitate life. The
two women, owners of The
Nature of Art Gallery in St.
Petersburg, are not only
Kathy Crotts’ pets pose to her
handmade cards!
promoting art, but also a sense
of community.
When we walk into the
gallery, we are greeted by
Brady, a dashing young lab and
pointer mix who has his own
corner in the store. But more
on that later ...
Nature of Art is packed with
color and excitement in every
corner. But it’s also a relaxing
atmosphere, complete with
the soothing sound of running
water from a fountain, which
doubles as a water bowl for
thirsty pups.
The gallery has moved
from Pass-A-Grille to the St.
Petersburg Downtown area one
year and a half ago. It features
work from about 30 artists,
mostly local, as well as the
work of the owners them-
selves.
Williams’ art, who prefers
to be called Sandy, includes
paintings, such as one of an
elk that won a national Paint
the Parks award; and beautiful
jewelry. “We are both nature
nuts,” Sandy says.
Crotts’ works includes pho-
tographs and handmade
greeting cards, inspired
by Brady and the other
furry members of her
family -- Daisy and
Maggie. One card
shows Brady wearing
a party hat and hand-
kerchief, looking more
than a little put out. On
the front: “No animals
were harmed in the
making of this card.”
Inside: “But one dog
was made to feel like a
complete idiot.”
Other art we find here: portion of sales proceeds from
some items (including the
Scuba Fish, made of metal
and hanging from the ceiling, Ma-sing ring -- see page 11) is
donated to cat rescues.
by artist Ron Lemoine; funky
and earthy jewelry, made with Here, dogs are welcome. In
fact, the Humane Society of Pi-
copper, beads and other materi-
als, by designer Tara McLane; nellas has certified the gallery
as animal friendly.
a great selection of pottery,
including cheese bowls and As for Brady, he has claimed
his own corner at the art gal-
decorative angels, by artist
Nancy Phelps. lery. Adventures in Bradyville
features fine gifts for canines
Next to the terracotta are
exquisite glass blows by artist and felines: tuxedo harnesses,
party collars, custom tags,
Steve Schramek. Holding up
a latticework glass bowl to the pretty bowls and much more.
For their human companions,
light, you can watch as reds
morph into blues, almost like Brady offers pet-inspired jew-
elry and accessories. Brady
an optical illusion.
The store offers a great also donates a portion of his
sales to rescue groups and
selection to fit budgets of all
sizes. Lots of items are under shelters.
$50, including jewelry, jour-
nals and printed art. The Nature of Art
Phone: 727-821-6700
Now, Brady’s corner Address: 1100 Fourth St. N, Suite
When Sandy and Crotts are 101 St. Petersburg
not working, they spend much Web site: www.natureofart.com
time working with dog rescues Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to
and animal shelters. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Satur-
day. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Their love for animals car-
Extras: You can stay in the loop by
ries over into their work. Often friending Brady on Facebook. He’ll
they host fundraisers at the even invite your dogs -- and you, if
store, for example. And a you behave -- to his Yappy Hour.
But you can’t smell a Kindle ...
By Leah Dallaire,
911 Editing
Recently, I went into one
of my favorite local places in
the world, a little second-hand
book nook in Palmetto, geared
up for a comforting eight-hour
browse on a rainy afternoon.
This little place is hidden be-
hind another shop that sells old
tires and refrigerators and small
appliances. You almost can’t
see it behind the graveyard of
washing machines and old hot
water heaters, and I found it
quite by accident a year ago.
It’s sort of attached there as an
afterthought.
I walked in, coffee in hand,
ready to crawl around the stacks
and sneeze in the dust and find
a few hidden masterpieces. I
wasn’t surprised to see the lady
behind the counter curled up
and reading herself. Things are
slow when it downpours.
What I was surprised to find,
though, was that she was read-
ing on a Kindle! Scouring an
e-book in the middle of all of
these stacks of forgotten trea-
sures. Interesting juxtaposition.
The Kindle is a curious little
gadget.
It can download (for a fee)
and hold about 1,500 books.
The new version will even read
to you, if you are so inclined. It
plays MP3’s in the background
if you need tunes to read by.
There’s even a Kindle app
now for the pretentious iPhone.
(iPhone, by the by, is going on
the list of things I never want
to hear again at the end of the
year. ‘Swine Flu’ is also on it.)
I must admit, I just don’t get
the whole e-book thing. OK, it’s
convenient and it’s quick and it
may even be a bit cheaper than
paying for the physical book,
and it saves trees, I’m certain.
I’ve edited a few for clients.
But what happened to hold-
ing a book in your hands? Feel-
ing the paper, smelling the ink?
Cracking the spine? Call me
kooky, but I love that visceral
feel of a new book. And I love
the dust and mold from an old
book, too. I like to be in my
quiet home office, surrounded
by the noble look of shelves
and shelves of books.
I also wonder what this slide
in the industry will mean for
our local book places. Do they
have business slip off to the
Kindle? Or are their still cra-
zies like me who want to spend
all day in their stores, drinking
coffee and browsing and spend-
ing a small fortune on books I
don’t need but absolutely must
have or I’ll die?
I have yet to have a book pub-
lished. But I am certain I want
to see my work in the tangible,
be able to walk into one of our
local shops and see it displayed.
I just don’t think having it read
on a Kindle would give me the
same thrill. I know I’d have a
tough time signing it.
My friend that runs the dusty
old book nook that has become
my second home had this to
say, though: “The story’s the
same, no matter where you read
it.” Good point.
Leah Dallaire is a copywriter,
editor and consultant with more
than 20 years experience. Her web
site is 911Editing.org. She wrote this
article as a blog for LocalShops1.
com.
 It’s always
Alchemy
Eclectic art, crafts, jewelry,
a great day and unique home furnishings
at Charisma Cafe! from local and national artists.

1004 10th Ave W., Bradenton,

941-748-8203

We do
High Tea 941-746-3508
Parties, 1215 12th Street W.,
Children’s
Birthday Bradenton
Tea Parties www.artandalchemy2.com
GoingGreen
By Lisa Burns, Backyard Getaway

It seems simple, plant a garden & your helping the environment. The truth is what you
plant will determine how much you will need to water, fertilize & spray for pests. It is
important to know how your landscape & gardening practices can have both positive &
negative effects on Florida’s environment. Below are several sustainable gardening tips
you can adopt that will help you conserve & protect our natural resources.

Mulching Zap invasive plants

Mulch helps to keep water in the soil,
rather than evaporating into the air ...
and that cuts down on watering needs.
As mulch breaks down, it provides
nutrients to the soil, and that can help
reduce the need for fertilizing. Make
sure you use mulches that are from
sustainable forestry practices, like
Melaleuca Mulch, instead of Cyprus
mulch. Melaleuca or Punk Tree is an
invasive tree in Florida.
Water conservation
To conserve water, you should water
only on your designated day, with a
soaker hose or a drip irrigation sys-
tem. You will have less water evapo-
ration than you would with a sprin-
kler, and it will provide targeted
watering. Also, use a timing device
with your watering system. Another
great way to conserve water is to in-
stall a rain barrel and catch rainfall
from your roof. This water can then
be used to water your garden.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is an approach to land-
scaping that minimizes outdoor
watering while maintaining soil
integrity through the use of native,
drought-tolerant plants. It’s the best
way to have a beautiful yard with-
out the need for daily watering. Xe-
riscaping is especially handy when
we have watering restrictions.
Exotic and non-native plants can up-
set the delicate balance of our local
ecosystem, and sometimes they push
out native plants to the point of ex-
tinction. Wildlife benefit when native
plant communities are restored to
their natural habitats, providing the
best source of food for wildlife. Non-
native plants also require more work
than native plants.
Reducing lawn areas
This is my favorite tip! Lawns re-
quire frequent maintenance: mow-
ing, fertilizing and chemicals to kill
weeds and pests. Planting native
wildflowers, bushes and trees to
replace lawn areas will reduce the
need to mow. Another option is to
replace the lawn area with a water
garden. A pond provides food, wa-
ter and cover for wildlife and plants.
Having native plants in your garden
will help you maintain a healthy,
natural ecosystem and reduce your
time working on the lawn. Which
means, more time to enjoy it!
Lisa Burns and her husband, David, own Back-
yard Getaway, which offers pond supplies and
installation. For more information, you can find
them online at www.BackyardGetaway.net.
Use your 1Card and receive free pond consulta-
tion ($35.00 value) and save 25 percent off your Michelle Donner Photography
first online purchase (enter coupon code LS125
at checkout & the discount will be calculated). Water features are a great way to enhance your yard
while also reducing your lawn area.
LocalShops1 Girl is here. As you know, I’m all about networking, and I especially love
meeting friends through Twitter. Sometimes, though, those “friends” turn out to be spam-
mers. Here, our real friend Kevin tells us how to quickly spot them. And when you do,
unfollow or block them immediately. No use wasting your time with these people …

By Kevin McNulty NetWeave Social Networking

Look like be a good start here. Kevin is president and co-owner

a spammer
Use a profile picture I’ve seen
before or that TwitBlock has
on file, or better yet, use no
profile picture at all and then
pair that with a string of alpha-
numeric characters that make
no sense for your username.
Or you could be slightly less
subtle and use a picture with a
wad of cash, a pile of coins, or
a plethora of dollar signs. And
if any subtlety whatsoever is
just not your style, use a nude
picture.
You could also post of NetWeave Social Networking, Save mon-
an endless string of tweets (22
ey,
a firm in Manatee County that
combines the power of social media
in a row is the current record)
mere seconds from each other
with face-to-face networking. They
provide online social media cam-
shop hap-
so you completely blot out paigns, consulting, event planning py! Support the
anyone else from the news
feed – oh, and be sure every
& promotions. He can be reached
at 941.677.8538. community!
message somehow promotes ... With
your product or service.
For good measure, you could
localshops1.com
make fun of how lousy some
other person is at social media.

Sound like
a spammer
Send me a tweet asking if I
have a “system” for making
serious money on the Internet.
You could also ask if I’d like
to see your naughty pictures
or your “adult” profile (be sure
to use the quotation marks
to make sure I don’t miss it).
Alternatively, use any of the
following terms in your tweet
or bio: affiliate, MLM, cash,
AMAZING, MIRACLE, or
GUARANTEED (be sure to
use ALL CAPS).

Act like
a spammer
Repeatedly demonstrate
a complete lack of under-
standing of Twitter’s most
basic etiquette – Putting
a hashtag in front of every
word of your tweet would
 LocalShops1 Girl asks ....
Why do you shop locally?
“It’s too much “There are so many “I love shopping
of a pain to park opportunities to locally because
at the mall. Wish find really unique I get to meet
we had some small gifts and treasures fellow business
shops in the feather for yourself or oth- owners.”
Sound area. Espe- ers. The personal- Toni Spagnoli,
cially a consign- ized service is all president,
ment shop.” worth it!” Florida
Jackie L. Simpson, Debby Polis Lifestyle Pools,
The Gold Lady, Carter, owner, St. Petersburg
Personal Gold StarBaby Gems,
Buyers, Clearwater St. Petersburg

TOP BLOG IN TAMPA BAY FOR FIVE YEARS IN A ROW

IN CREATIVE LOAFING’S READER POLL!