Category: Uncategorized

I’ve been trying for years to slightly replicate the floating candles from Harry Potter, because Harry Potter. I’ve done the diy from Pinterest, using an empty toilet paper rolls, tea light, fishing line and the ever essential hot glue gun,

Honestly, it’s a fun craft to do however, who wants stubby candles? And they die quickly because well how do you turn them off? In essence, its fun but not functional. In steps Temu which hasn’t done me dirty since I bought anything from them.

I bought the twenty-four count of candles with wand, which is suppose to turn the candles on and off. After applying the batteries for a few days it worked like a charm to turn them off and on. However, to hang said candles it became difficult if not nye impossible. The candles came with a glue sticky tack that you stick to the provided fishing line and you are to hang the candle with them after applying the battery.

They fall instantly, the candles they are too heavy for the “sticky-tacky” they provided.Everything kept falling. So, being an engineering comrade and possibly a very frustrated person I whipped out my hot glue gun. I glued the tip of the candles with the fishing line in hopes they’d stay up. For the most part they did however, the other part, they didn’t.

I was excited to take part of this possibility but after many batteries, hot glue glue and tons of wand waving this venture is a bust. Maybe there is bugs or maybe I bought it to cheap. You decide.

As always, Keep On Brewin.

Where I live it has slowly grew, as all cities do. And as the world around us keeps getting larger new places open up. We all know how much of love food and surprisingly I haven’t exploded from how much food I enjoy,. I’m quite thankful for my gym membership if not for that I’d be in big trouble.

Anyhow, new place, new food, I usually haunt the comic shop on a Saturday and low and behold there’s a new restaurant next store. You know where I’m going with this. After browsing the comics, I shuffled over to see the new establishment called A Box of Cubans.

It had the mom and pop feel as soon as I entered ( also family owned). It felt like coming home to mom’s house so to speak how I was greeted and of course I bought a Cuban Sandwich. The smells coming from the kitchen was palpitating and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this delectable sandwich.

Generally speaking a Cuban has pork, ham, pickles and Swiss cheese on a cuban bun. Sometimes its pressed sometimes not and there are arguments on whether it should be pressed or not that makes it a Cuban sandwich. It is also, argued that it originates from one of my favorite cities near me, Ybor City.

Long story short I was served a very large and piping hot Cuban sandwich and I wish you too could have had a bite. It was juicy, flavorful and the cheese practically stretched out as I took a bite and yes, it was pressed. I personably, enjoy the soft inside and the crispy crunch on the outside. If ever in Riverview, Florida check out A Box of Cubans you won’t be disappointed.

As always, Keep on Brewin.

Not too long ago I talked about Harry’s, Seafood, Bar, and & Grille. Now, I gotta talk about my experience at The Conch House Restaurant because I tried something outside the norm. NOT that this isn’t normal, because well I don’t new things scare me. I allowed horror movies and oddities scare me for years so I guess I’m making up for lost time? Although food never scared me.

I enjoyed the ambiance of The Conch House restaurant since it’s mainly on the water in St. Augustine and you practically sit out on the ocean enjoying the ocean breeze and the sounds of gulls as you partake in The Conch’s delectables. I love that they have a gator sanctuary and though they are not even close to the size of “mom and dad”t

Okay lets get back to the meat of this story. I always try to eat something new. I don’t have any allergies, save the queasiness of scallops, so I have the ability to eat just about anything, sorry for those that can’t. The selection of seafood and the like is decent, but what caught my eye was, and you guessed it, gator. I never had gator. I was born in West Virginia so I’ve had deer, squirrel, pigeon and the like. So, gator isn’t too far from edible range for me.

When we were served the gator tail it was deep fried with a side of minorcan ranch dipping sauce. I have to say it was delicious. Warm and crispy, fresh and not gamey at all. The flavor I have to say almost resembles fried chicken just a bit more zing or tang to it. I’m sure some of you are mortified, but I have a belief that if you dont try it once you may never know your new favorite.

As always, Keep On Brewin.

Alright I’m throwing down the gauntlet. Slapping the holidays in the face with the glove. What is with the stipulation of Halloween gets a month, but Christmas gets two months worth of time being up? I mean seriously?! Don’t get me wrong I love both holidays. I love them both equally for what they are and what they stand for.

BUT Halloween gets the fast forward button in decorating, never mind poor Thanksgiving, which is just a blip on. the American holiday radar and in fact the holiday that is only known for Americans and bam! We have Father Christmas. You can disagree with me on this but, hear me out. Christmas gets about two months worth of decoration time where as traditionally Halloween gets one( again sorry Thanksgiving). I advocate that Halloween gets two months just like Christmas. I mean, other than Christmas Halloween is the runner up on holidays. BOTH are celebrated around the world, both can have different meanings depending on what country and name it is under and both are ALMOST as old as one another.

What are your thoughts?? Do you want to get spooky for two months just like we floss tinsel in our teeth the same amount of time?

As always, Keep On Brewin.

I did a thing, I have a bad habit of scrolling through Temu. The prices just can’t be beat. I’m a Haunted Mansion fanatic and when I saw these I couldn’t resist. Let’s Quentin Tarantino this.

Alright, I was originally afraid of anything horror or scary and if you watched my Youtube videos you would know that. However, I’ve embraced the creepy and the ghoulish nowadays for the MOST part. Embracing my paranormal side I love the haunted Mansion and in my previous article I talked about the new movie. Well have you ever been in the circular room where it seems to squash and stretch with the four portraits? Come on, you know the ones I’m talking about. The guy standing on dynamite, the three guys sinking in quicksand, the old lady perched on her husband’s tombstone and need not forget the lady traipsing above an alligator and your crammed in that singular room with what feels like a hundred people?

Well, I bought “tapestries” of them to hang on the wall. At first it was so cheap I thought I’d only get one but when the box came I had all four! They came with a fabric hanger that you can either use a tac(which I did) or you can nail them which ever suits your fancy if you so choose to buy them. I recommend that you do, because not only is the quality decent they are actually rather large, and I had to hang them in my kitchen. Problem is I’m not sure I’ll take them down after Halloween, because on the outer frame each hanger has the wallpaper from the room surrounding the “portrait.”

Do what you wish, but after I hung them, I’m leaning towards never taking them down. I want to feel like I’m in the Haunted Mansion at all times because being haunted is where I’d like to be.

As always keep it spooky and Keep On Brewin.

Okay, you got me, I love Southern and Creole food and well, travel. Which is why I am coming to you today with scrumptious Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille. Again, amazing old structured building along side a precarious two way road where it meets the ocean. St Augustine is about a three hour drive from where I live and it is one of the most enchanting places I’ve been to in Florida and I’ve lived in Florida longer than I’d like to say.

Harry’s was built in the late 1700’s hundred’s making it a part of the city’s rich history. The atmosphere is filled with rustic charm as soon as you walk in, thanks to the exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and antique furnishings. The atmosphere of the restaurant is almost like being in a time capsule, which goes hand in hand with the historic feel of the city. Harry’s Restaurant is well known for its unique menu, which combines Southern and Creole flavors. Dishes that are full of flavor and rooted in tradition clearly reflect the culinary influences of New Orleans. Everyone can find something on the menu, from vegetarians to seafood lovers, and there are a variety of options to suit different tastes.

The Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, a delicious combination of perfectly seared shrimp and scallops served with a mouthwatering sauce and resting on a bed of creamy cheese grits, is one of Harry’s signature dishes. This dish’s flavors are a beautiful fusion of Southern comfort food and Creole spices. The Bourbon Street Salmon is a great option for those looking for something different. It comes marinated in a spicy bourbon sauce and is served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The Blackened Veggie Pasta, which combines pasta and sautéed veggies with a delicious Creole cream sauce, is one of the restaurant’s vegetarian selections.

Either way as much as I like being surrounded by brick and mortar the outside seating brings a certain je ne sais quoi. The brick and glass, vines and the scent of ocean on the air Harry’s brings it all. If I were you I’d pack my bags and head south or east depending where you are and grab a bite or two.

As always, Keep On Brewin.

The delicate jewels of nature, butterflies enthrall us with their vivid hues and elegant flight patterns. Developing a butterfly garden involves more than just adding flowers; it involves providing a safe haven for these amazing insects with wings. Butterfly gardens are a delightful addition to any outdoor space because they offer the ideal balance of biodiversity, natural beauty, and education. This post will discuss the significance of butterfly gardens and how to create one, delving into the fascinating world of butterfly gardens.

In addition to being fascinating, butterflies are essential to our ecosystems. They facilitate plant reproduction by acting as pollinators, which in turn maintains the food chain. You are contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in your garden by bringing in butterflies. Furthermore, educational opportunities regarding the life cycle of butterflies and their mutualism with plants and other animals are afforded by butterfly gardens to people of all ages.

For your butterfly garden, pick a sunny spot, ( we live in Florida so this is an easy feat) as most butterfly species like bright, warm environments. Make sure the space gets six hours or more of direct sunlight each day. Protecting the garden from severe winds is also necessary because they can upset the fragile butterflies.

The plants we grow are Porter weed, Milkweed, and swamp weed. Milkweed is benificial because it not only feeds the caterpillars with the greenery and the flowers provide nourishment when they are butterflies, it is the perfect way to se the whole cycle of this particular butterfly.

As always, float on the air and Keep on Brewin.

Tucked away in the center of St. Petersburg, Florida, Sunken Gardens is a veritable hidden gem that enthralls guests with its luscious foliage, colorful flowers, and calm ambience. These botanical gardens, which have been around since the early 20th century, have developed into a lovely retreat for those who enjoy the outdoors and plants. The rich history, stunning features, and continuous efforts to preserve and improve this delightful treasure in the heart of the Sunshine State.

Sunken Gardens embodies the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of its originator, George Turner. The gardens are among Florida’s oldest roadside attractions, having opened in 1903. A drained lake was turned into the verdant haven it is today thanks to the efforts of plumber and enthusiastic gardener George Turner. The Turner family passed the gardens down through the generations before the city of St. Petersburg bought them in 1999, guaranteeing their preservation for future generations.

With its four acres of space, Sunken Gardens is a haven for nature lovers and botanists alike. Its meandering paths lead guests through a varied assortment of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers from all over the globe. Visitors can explore a variety of garden designs, including a thriving koi pond, a tranquil Japanese garden, and a lush tropical forest. Sunken Gardens boasts an abundant variety of flora, such as orchids, palms, cycads, bougainvillea, and many more, which combine to form a dynamic mural of hues and textures that changes with the seasons.

My favorite part in all of this is the breathtaking Butterfly Garden, to me this is the highlight of Sunken gardens. This magical area was created especially to draw in and care for local butterflies. The Butterfly Garden provides a rare chance to see these delicate animals up close with its carefully chosen nectar and host plants. The grounds have areas where you can sit amongst the plants as the butterflies dance in the air around you. You can even have a birthday on the grassy grounds nearby making it the most magical place in all of Florida in my opinon.

If you ever get a chance to come to Tampa and run by St. Petersburg this is a must see. Bring a bag lunch, some cold lemonade, sidle up against a tree and stay a while. You won’t regret this slice of paradise.

As always, Keep On Brewin.

Earlier this year we had a family dog pass and eventually after some mourning we decided to adopt a puppy, not just any doggo but a Siberian Husky and her name is Halo. Naturally the “ooo’s and ahh’s of cute adorableness and look how fluffy is the immediate reaction when we brought her home. And Halo is so darn fluffy and soft it’s like petting a cloud.

However, we have an intelligent puppy on our hands and she gets into everything. Trust me I understand she is an equivalent of a toddler and everything is bright and new, so it must be explored.! We aren’t at a Cesar Millan “help us” video level, but as she found herself within our “pack,” she has tested the limits and barriers.

Kenneling was an issue as she can’t stand to be left alone even though she has her older dog brother, Rufio with her. BUT patience is key, introducing the kennel is a slow game and now whenever we have to leave the house she goes in and once the door locks, she doesn’t make a peep. Prior to this easy going persona she howled and cried like she was getting hurt as soon as the door closed behind her.

Training hasn’t been too hard as long as your consistent. Potty training was the hardest and still is, but she is now giving signals by going to the front door, whimpering or coming to anyone in the house. If I were to give any advice it is to stay on top of the training in all aspects and let your new pupper know that your the leader in the house otherwise smart breeds like Halo will take advantage of the situation immediately.

I wouldn’t change our decision in getting our sweet loving Halo . She is packed full of energy and curiosity and brings nothing but good vibes in our home. I do have to say if you’re considering getting a Husky make sure you find a good breeder whom takes the time to care and nurture them before they are adopted.

As always, Keep On Brewin.

Okay you KNOW I love tacos and of course you also, know I get an itch for exploration. THUS, I drive to places and get the skinny and well the “noms,” it is my crusade. Just like Indiana Jones I believe it “belongs in a museum'”aka my stomach.

I search my area for good tacos or any eats that deserve mentioning and this place called Casita Taqueria is one of those. It’s in St. Petersburg off of Central Avenue. I love this area, because it is artistic and respects the community of Lgbtq. It’s a happy and open atmosphere where you are welcome no matter your orientation.

But driving down Central Avenue in the Ol’ Doom Buggy I found this tasty establishment with it’s candy skull design on the front. Although the parking falls short the tacos don’t. I have to say their carne asada tacos are the best and the queso I could drown in, possibly bathe in.

It is a very busy place, but the atmosphere can’t be denied. It has a modern slash old Mexican feel with it’s rustic rote iron chandelier topped with lager beer bottles and Mucha-Lucha masks decorated across the walls and again candy skulls. It’s the kind of place I’d like to kick back sip a cold dark beer and eat my fill of tacos while watching passerby’s come and go.

As always, Mi Casa Su Casa, Keep on Brewin