We always laugh about making New Years Resolutions and whether or not we can keep them. The fact remains that most of us stick to the tradition and make a New Years resolution every year as we ring in the New Year.

I was curious as to what were the most popular New Years Resolutions are, and read hundreds from around the country. It was amazing how geographically we are alike in our commitment to making ourselves a better person each year.

After compiling and sifting, I have come up with the following most popular New Years Resolutions:

1. Get in Better Shape – Whether dieting, exercising or doing some type of fitness program.

2. Quit Smoking! Yup, I could not believe that there are still so many people that are encumbered
with this habit and trying desperately to get rid of it!

3. Spend more time with family.

4. Quit Drinking. I guess some cannot control their intake so this is a good thing.

5. Save Money. This is something everyone tries to do, whether resolving on New Year’s or not.

6. Enjoy Life to the fullest – which includes traveling.

7. Make a difference – Volunteer, help someone out.

8. Get Organized. This is something most of us try to do every day!

9. Stop procrastinating. Should I or shouldn’t I? LOL

10. Learn something new – read the newspaper or go back to school.

And one for the singles: Find someone special, fall in love and be happy.

Now, if you want to keep any or most of these New Years Resolutions, you will need to live here on the Emerald Coast!

You see, (1) you can get physically fit all year round in our lovely weather – strolling on the beach, kayaking on the bay or one of our many lakes, swimming in the pool or the Gulf of Mexico or cycling along the paths on 30A in South Walton County.

(2) Why would you want to smoke when you can breathe in the clean, salty air which is always refreshing.

(3) What a better place to spend more time with your family than in the Florida Panhandle, which is so family oriented.

(4) If you must quit drinking, you can get hooked on some of the best iced tea around along the Emerald Coast.

(5) You can begin saving your pennies here in the Destin and South Walton areas as you need not spend a dime to have a great time! From watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico, to walks along the beach, to swimming in the Gulf, to fishing, to collecting seashells or watching the fishing fleet come in with their catch of the day…there is so much you can enjoy and still get to save your pennies!

(6) Enjoy life to the fullest. What better place than in the Panhandle to have fun! You don’t have to travel far to find fascinating things to see and do.

(7) Make a difference, volunteer. Yes, you can do this anywhere, but wouldn’t it be fun to volunteer knowing you will not have to worry about traveling in the snow? And you could volunteer at one of the State Park beaches!

(8) Get organized – and plan a trip to our area to see what you are missing. You will never want to go home unless you have organized another trip back!

(9) Stop procrastinating! That is right. What are you waiting for? NOW is the time to buy your dream vacation place or permanent home. Sorry, I just couldn’t resist…and it really is an awesome time to buy!

(10) Learn something new – you can easily read the newspaper or read a book on the beach, along the poolside or in the garden. What a better place to learn a new language or how to cook than in the sunshine of our beautiful Florida Panhandle.

So you see, it is really easy to keep a New Years Resolution. You just have to be in the right place to do it!

New Years Eve 2011 Destin FL and 30A Celebrations

Where will you be singing this song on New Years Eve 2011?

Auld Lang Syne : Lyrics

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus: For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

(Scott’s poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and put to music)

No matter where you are this New Years Eve 2011, you will probably hear the traditional “Auld Lang Syne” being played and/or sung at midnight.

Here along the Emerald Coast, in our beach areas of Destin FL and 30A, we have some neat places to celebrate New Years Eve 2011 with this song.

In Destin FL, Harbor Walk Village will begin the festivities of December 31^st at 7:00 pm.  The Emerald Grande will host a Viva Vegas dinner show with Ron Adams as Elvis and the Yat Pack Tribute Band in the ballroom. Or try your hand at the Luxe Vegas in the Harborview Room, accompanied by jazz music by Kendal Shelton. For reservations and more information you can contact the Emerald Grande at: 850-424-0613 mkidney@emeraldgrande.com

Or join the free party on the Harbor Walk and watch the 4^th Annual Ball Drop at mid-night to the live music on the Village Stage with Jim Beam’s Emerging Artist, The Andy Velo Band.  New Year’s Eve 2011 Fireworks will adorn the skies as the New Year enters in.

Sandestin Baytowne Countdown, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, will begin New Year’s Eve.  The Benji Davis Project begins the celebration featuring Hightide Blues at 8 PM. Matthew Mayfield will entertain you at 10:30 PM and will help bring in the New Year as the The Village’s biggest New Years Eve 2011 fireworks show illuminates the sky. Dance in the New Year at the Baytowne Wharf Countdown.

The Fonville Press at Alys Beach is offering a grilled cheese sandwich complimented by potato and Andouille chowder on New Years Eve day from 11:00 am to 1:00pm.  There will be live music by Kyle LaMonica.

The posted menu is:

Soup:
Potato and Andouille Sausage Chowder – $8

Grilled Cheese (Served with Chips):
Fontina and Serrano Ham Grilled Cheese on Tuscan Bread- $8

Caramalized Onion and Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese on Tuscan Bread – $8

Cheddar on Wheatberry Bread – $5

Soup + Sandwich for adults = $14
Soup + Sandwich for kids = $12

Seaside, Florida is joining in on the New Yea’s Eve 2011 fun with their own Countdown Seaside.  It begins at 7:00 pm.  There will be street performers, children’s activities, live music and New Years Eve 2011 Fireworks bursting in air. Massachusetts native Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers and the David Mayfield Parade will help ring in 2012.

And of course, the Yacht Solaris, out of Baytowne Wharf, offers a New Years Eve 2011 cruise beginning at 8:00pm.  For more information visit their website or call (850) 650-2519.

A musical New Years Eve 2011 Party will take place at First Note Music Hall, 2052 CO Hwy 30A at Redfish Village in Blue Mountain Beach.  Performing artists include Kaci Bolls, Joanna Cotten, Geoff McBride,Davin McCoy, the Coming Attractions and Ray Scott.  The show begins 9:00 pm. For further information, go to First Note Music Hall website or call (850) 622-0221.

The famous Red Bar, 70 Hotz Avenue, Santa Rosa Beach is having a hug bash with DJ Fanculo.  There will be party favors, live music, video mixing and FUN!  They are advertising to “dress to impress”.  For more information on their New Years Eve 2011 bash, simply go to their website “The Red Bar” or call (850) 231- 1008.

Where ever you are and whatever you do on New Years Eve 2011, I wish you a very Happy New Year!!

Holiday Shopping Guide from Destin, FL to 30-A, The Emerald Coast Way!

Whether you are Christmas or Chanukah shopping, there is no better place to be than Highway 98 in Destin, Florida and along the beachside towns of 30-A in South Walton. There are an abundance of unique and interesting shops and I will attempt to give you a sample of some of the fine shopping to be had in this area.

Let us begin our shopping in Destin, Florida.

• Today’s Boutique - 4433 Commons Dr. E, #E103, Destin – 850-837-5565  (In the Publix Shopping center across from Destin Commons). A boutique for the discerning shopper looking for unique and up to date fashions for “Today’s” ladies.
• SteinMart – 4433 Commons Dr. E. Destin – 850-269-0110 is a department store filled with designer items for a discounted price.
  
• Destin Commons – 4300 Legendary Dr, Destin  – 850-337-8700 – (Located on Hwy 98) Please go to the Destin Commons website for a complete directory of stores to shop. There are to many to list here! This is a fun place to spend the entire day, dine as you shop and finish with a movie. And the Holiday decorations are lovely!
  
• Silver Sands Outlet Mall – is situated on Highway 98, known as Emerald Coast Parkway, 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32550,   Phone: 850-654-9771. Silver Sands Outlet Mall is recognized  as the nation’s largest designer outlet mall. It is a wonderful place to find anything from kitchen boutique items to Coach handbags.  There are places to stop and get a bite to eat while you shop the 100 stores! This way you will not shop and drop! It is a must go to for Holiday shopping.
  
  
• Grand Boulevard – 600 Grand Boulevard at Sandestin – 850-654-5929 – Another upscale distinguished shopping center offering a variety of shops and dining locations. Check out their site for all the great shops.

• Village at Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Resorts and The Market Shops at Sandestin are filled with shops and eateries for a day of shopping.  It would be best for you go to the websites to see what is offered.
  

As you travel on down 98, heading east of Destin, you will see a sign for Scenic Highway 30-A, on the right (about 3 1/2 miles past Grand Boulevard). This road leads to many more stores to do your holiday shopping and restaurants to nourish you along the way!

Begin your travel on Highway30-A, heading east and you will come across the Town Center of Gulf Place, in Santa Rosa Beach.

• Gulf Place – Corner of Scenic Highway 30-A and CR 393, 800-336-4853,  is a group of shops and dining places you simply must experience.  Nestled in bright pastel shops are places to find treasures even the most di
  

  scerning will be pleased with.

Meandering further down Highway 30-A, Grayton Beach is your next stop for shopping. Here are some of the best places to spend your time and money and be glad you did!

• The Zoo Gallery – 89 Hotz Avenue, Santa Rosa Beach, 850-231-0777, From hand crafted pottery , unique jewelry to recycled metal, this gallery has an eclectic mix where you can find a gift for almost anyone. 30-A
  
• Mystic Porte, County Road 283, – Just north of 30A , is a small group of shops and dining places that are a find in itself.
• Shops of Grayton, 26 Logan Lane, Eight colorful and unique shops inhabit this area. Great Gifts, art and apparel and you must see the “dog wall” which is paintings of local pets.
• Uptown Grayton, on Scenic Route 30-A, Just east of County Road 283, Upscale, interesting shops and restaurants will please your senses.

Traveling further east, from Grayton Beach, you will stumble upon WaterColor, a town of sophistication and casual living all rolled into one. Here are just a few of the WaterColor shops.

• Little Red – 88 WaterColor Way #111, 850-231-5520, a children’s toy and clothing store. One stop shop!!
• Barefoot Princess/Island clothier – 4 Watercolor Blvd., 850-534-0825, featuring resort clothing
• Boca Boutique & Galery – 174 WaterColor Way, WaterColor Crossings, 850-534-0002, Women’s wear

And then there is Seaside, Florida.  A community made for the lover of unique and wonder.  Seaside has shops that will fit the bill for most of those on your list.  Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries.  You must keep your strength up while shopping! Check out their website, Seaside Florida fo r all the great shops.

Continue traveling east on Highway 30-A and we approach another town of interest for shopping, Rosemary Beach Fl. Here are a few of the many shops you may want to explore. Check out Rosemary Beach Shopping for more lovely stores.

• Gigi’s, 62 Main Street, 850-231-0110, A lovely children’s clothier.
• Rosemary Beach Trading Company – 34 North Barrett Square,  850-231-2410, offers a fun eclectic mix of designer décor items & gifts to bring home to loved ones. A great place for fun gifts to fill those stockings.
• Pish Posh Pitouli’s – 82 South Barrett Square Suite 1-C, 850-231-2005, fragrances, bath and body, beach essentials and other sundry gifts are available in this lovely shop.

The shops and towns mentioned are just a highlight of what can be found along our part of the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast.  So if you are new to this area or just visiting, I hope you will enjoy your Holiday shopping from Destin, FL to 30-A, The Emerald Coast Way!

December in South Walton County

It may not be swimming weather in the areas along 30A in South Walton but there is a plethora of events that will keep you busy before you put your flippers on again.

Beginning December 3^rd, Santa Flies into Silver Sands Factory Stores – 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, South Walton County.  Santa will arrive on Sacred Heart’s AIRHeart Helicopter!  The children are invited to dress in festive holiday costumes and join the parade with Santa to the Courtyard  for  refreshments  and photos.  For more information, please call  850-654-9771. south walton fl

From December 8^th through the 11^th, Junior League of the Emerald Coast 4th Annual Mistletoe Market, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Linkside Center.

• On the 8^th, from 7-10pm, A VIP kick off of the charitable shopping event party takes place. There will be food served from five local restaurants and caterers and a cash bar is available. Cost is $40 per person and Patron packages are available. For more information, please call 850-862-2665

• December 9^th – let the shopping begin!  From 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, admission is only $5. For adults, children 12 and under are free.

• December 10^th, from 10:00 am to noon, Breakfast with Santa will be served.  Parents are free to shop while the children dine with Santa and have a magic show.  Tickets are $20 per child and can be obtained by going to website : www.jlec.org
  

• And on December 11^th, shopping will continue from 9:00 am until 3pm. south walton fl

December 17^th is the Baytowne Holiday Lantern Parade.  The details are not  available but suggest you go to Sandestin Special Events Calendar.

Ring in the New Year at Baytowne NYE Countdown.  They have not posted the particulars yet, but give the same website as the Lantern Parade to go to for details.

And just because the water may be cool and there may be a nip to the air, don’t forget to visit the beaches of South Walton along 30A and delight in the clean, fresh , salty air and the sparkling white sand that glistens just like snow.  I wonder if Santa parks his sled on the snow like white sand.  We will have to ask Rudolph sometime!

South Walton FL

Destin Boat Parade and Christmas Parade

The 23^rd Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade will be held on December 4, 2011.  The boats will begin to line up around 5 PM and the judging will begin at 6 PM upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant.  There will be fireworks in the  East Pass that will light the sky for the boats.  Stand along the harbor or sit in a restaurant along the harbor to enjoy the enchanting light parade of boats.

Then, mark your calendars for December 10^th.   The 23^rd Annual Christmas Parade will take place in Destin.  This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World which should be prove to be fascinating.  The time is 10 AM and will march down Harbor Boulevard (Hwy 98) through to Night Town. Take a chair and line the street to see the fun bands, floats and displays to ring in the Destin FL Christmas Season.

Destin Boat Parade and Christmas Parade

Destin Boat Parade and Christmas Parade

In years past, I have always looked forward to the long weekend associated with Thanksgiving weekend along the Emerald Coast.  Why?  Because this part of the Emerald Coast is really buzzing!

Why you may ask? Well, where do I begin?  For starters, we all know that Thanksgiving weekend is the beginning of the Holiday season (yes it’s hard to believe it’s here!) and everyone is a buzz beginning their Holiday shopping at The Destin Commons, Silver Sands Outlet Mall and the fine shops all along 30A.  The atmosphere is one of joy and excitement and it is felt readily everywhere you go in this area. emerald coast

The next reason is that it is probably one of the best weekends to look for property along the Emerald Coast.  Since it is a LONG 4-day weekend, it gives you a chance to take your time and see all the fine properties there are to be had in Destin and the South Walton beach towns along 30A.  The air is cooler and you can pop in and out of several properties before lunch at one of many wonderful eateries in our area. And, after lunch, you can “wear off” those calories by touring a few more properties until you find that perfect place waiting for you…or calling your name. You know, the one you can’t live without!

Just think for a moment… What could be a better time to give a gift of a new home to yourself than during the Holiday season?  Whether an investment property or a secondary dwelling, it is still a gift for you to own property in the much desired areas of Destin to Rosemary Beach along our beautiful Emerald Coast!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! along the emerald coast

Things To Do in Destin FL to Rosemary Beach Labor Day 2011

Labor Day was first celebrated in Boston in the year 1878, and Oregon was the first state, in 1887 to make it a legal holiday.  Later, in 1894, president Grover Cleveland proclaimed Labor Day a Federal Holiday.

Customarily, from the beginning, the celebration of the day began with a parade of the workers and their unions, followed by festivals and picnics. Today, little has changed.  Parades, festivals, barbeques and picnics are still a form of celebrating Labor Day. And many come to our beautiful sparkling beaches.

As you drive down Scenic Highway 98 in Destin or along 30A in South Walton County, you cannot help but notice the colorful umbrellas and chairs, Frisbees flying, kites in the air, people frolicking and children digging the “proverbial hole to China” along the emerald waters of the Gulf.  It is a summer long celebration on our beaches which actually does not end on Labor Day, aka the last day of summer.  We are fortunate to have magnificent weather in the fall months which continue to bring the people to our enticing beaches.

Here are some things to do in Destin, FL to Rosemary Beach this Labor Day 2011:

HarborWalk Village, Destin – 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, is hosting a free festival September 3-4, which includes music, arts and crafts vendors, giveaways, boat rides, a car show and free crafts for kids 3-6pm each day.  For more information, simply call 850-424-0600.

On Saturday and Sunday Night enjoy free live entertainment by the Apple Beatles and Fireworks for the entire family. Fireworks will light up the sky over the Destin Harbor, on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 8:30pm. Go to Harbour Walk Destin for details.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – There will be an Art Exposition of all mediums and jewelry in the Village at Baytowne Wharf beginning Friday Sept. 2^nd through Sunday Sept. 4^th.  And of course, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to go to, also!

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is thanking the men and women who serve our country by offering free rounds of 18 holes of golf with only the purchase of a golf cart fee.

Active or retired members of the U.S. military are invited to play on any of Sandestin’s three championship golf courses, Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Course September 2-5. The golf cart fee is $20 at each course.  Golfers can call 850-267-8155 to book their tee times and are not restricted to times on any course.

Gulf Place – Sept 5^th 4:00 Pony Rides – And from 7:00-9:00 Even Money live in concert

Seaside, FL – Sept. 3^rd 3-8pm The Amphitheater will present an award winning Disney Movie under the stars

Sept. 4^th 8am-12pm Seaside Farmers’ Market at the Amphitheater right behind Raw and Juicy’s

Between 4:00- 6:00 pm Dread Clampitt live in concert

And at 6:00 live music by Atlantic record’s Michael Warren

Sept. 5^th – 6:00 pm – Roman Street (from Mobile, AL) an internationally trained Latin jazz group will perform.

Sept. 5^th Swing to rhythm and blues by Art Harris and the Z Tones – 6:00- 8:00 pm

Alys Beach – Sept. 5^th 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Outdoor shrimp boil, live music and college football
Alys Beach is hosting an afternoon of food, music and football at their amphitheater. Boiled local shrimp, potatoes, corn and smoke Andouille sausage. Grilled hot dogs for the kids. Fresh carved watermelon & fresh squeezed lemonade.
Live music by Donnie Sundal and College Football: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech on the big screen! Game starts at 7pm. $18 for adults & $8 for children under 12. All you can eat! Beer & wine available for purchase. (shown as advertised on the net)

Rosemary Beach – Sept. 5^th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Kids Rock The Block Party – Western Green, Face painting, moon walk and much more all free

Grand Boulevard - Sept. 6^th 7 p.m.
“A Musical Farewell to Summer” Labor Day Weekend Concert, Grand Park in Grand Boulevard
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents “A Musical Farewell to Summer” featuring David Seering and The Classic Brass. Free. For more information, visit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation or call 850-650-2226. (As advertised on the net)

For all those who did and continue to work hard to make this country the best place there is to live, I bid you a restful and joyful Labor Day.

Destin Fireworks 2011 - From the foot of the “Destin Bridge” to Rosemary Beach, there are so many events occurring to celebrate the 235th Birthday of this Country that I have decided to simply list them for you by the town’s calendar for your easy reference.

Destin 4th of July Activities at Harborwalk Village

• June 30th – 6:00 PM – Live entertainment, activities for the children (free of course), Replica WW II plane flyover, ending with Fireworks!
• July 1st – After Sundown -Main Stage area- a patriotic film will be shown
• July 2nd – 7:00 PM  “Rock the Docks” with: Hit or Miss and Departure: Journey Tribute Band,  live concert with free activities for the children
• July 3rd – 6:00 PM – American Idol Finalist, Jason Castro in Concert, then Fireworks
• July 4th  – 6:30 PM  – Hot Dog Eating Contest with Dave’s Dogs and a “Kites and Lights” show by Kitty Hawk Kites, followed by spectacular Destin 4th of July Fireworks

Sandestin – The Village of Baytowne Wharf

• July 2nd – 6-10:00 PM  “Kid’s” Activities including face painting and balloon sculpting
  • 6- 9:00 PM   Live Music with Coconut Radio
• July 3rd – 7-9:00 PM – Live Music with The Dents Brothers
• July 4th – 6-10:00 PM –“Kid’s” Activities including face painting and balloon sculpting
  • 6 – 9:00 PM – Live Music with Coconut Radio
• July 4th – 9:15 PM – 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Stars and Stripes at Seaside

• July 3rd – 8:00 PM – “The Tale of Despereaux” being shown at the Seaside Amphitheater for Central Square Cinema.  Bring your blankets
  
• July 4th -8:00 AM – In front of the Seagrove Plaza – the Annual Parade begins
  • 11:00 AM – Music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio, along with watermelon and face painting
  • 7:00 PM – Live Music by Rollin in the Hay ( From Birmingham, AL)
  • 9:00 PM – “Seaside Fireworks Spectacular”

Rosemary Beach 4th of July Celebration

• July 4th  – 7:30 AM – North Barrett Square – Bike Decorating Breakfast (FREE)  Bring your bike and decorate with red, white and blue decorations
  • 8:30 Bike Parade through town and prizes for various categories
  • 9 – 11:00 AM –  Western Green – Family Field Day – sack races, three-legged races, hula-hoop contests, a water balloon toss and more! FREE
  • 5 – 7:00 PM – Eastern Green – Old Fashioned BBQ – Enjoy pork, chicken and brisket plus potato saladd, cole slaw, baked beans, cobbler and iced tea. Tickets available: $20. adults/ $10. kids 4-12 yrs, 3 and under Free. For information please call 850-231-1861.
• 6:30 – 8:30 PM – Western Green – Free Concert – bring a blanket
• 8:45 PM – Fireworks!  Best viewing is on the beach!

May The Joys of The Celebrations Be Yours!
Happy 4th of July from Destin to Rosemary Beach!

4th of July 2011 Fireworks and Events in Destin, FL

July 4th events in Destin, FL will include five days of festivities beginning on June 30, 2011. The Red, White and Blue Celebration will begin in the afternoon on the outdoor village stage. Flyovers by a replicated World War II plane are scheduled for just before sunset. The Red, White and Blue Celebration will be held each Thursday until Labor Day in honor of a local hero and the one preceding the July 4th events in Destin on the 30th will include live entertainment, face painting and kid’s crafts. At the close of the evening the first of the 4th of July fireworks in Destin, FL will be launched over the Destin Harbor.

Friday, July 1st will continue the July 4th events in Destin, FL with a Family Fun Fest. There will be many activities the kids can enjoy including JD’s Fun House and karaoke contests. On July 2nd, the activities on the Destin Harbor will begin at 2 p.m. There will be several events for the children included such as inflatables, face and body painting, crafts and family activities. Live entertainment and a Rock the Docks concert will be featured from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a local group, Hit or Miss.

The July 4th events in Destin, FL on the 3rd will include entertainer, Jason Castro. Jason was a finalist on American Idol in 2007 and has a hit album “Who I Am” released last year by Atlantic Records. After his concert, which begins at 6 p.m., 4th of July fireworks in Destin, FL will once again be launched over the Destin Harbor. Monday, July 4th will feature more fun events including a Hot Dog Eating Contest. There will be a variety of fun and entertainment for the whole family and the conclusion of the five-day 4th of July events in Destin, FL will feature a twenty-one minute fireworks salute choreographed with patriotic tunes.

This is guaranteed to be a wonderful lineup of 4th of July events in Destin, FL over a five-day celebration of America’s 235th birthday. Come join the fun at Destin Harbor, which is the heart of Destin, FL.

Happy New Year from Destin, Florida! The weather outside is not frightful…in fact is getting warmer. By New Year’s Day it’s supposed to be near 70 (sorry Mom)!

I hope you had (and are still having, lol) a  wonderful holiday season. It’s hard to believe 2010 is coming to an end. Thank you for your business and to helping me be successful this year. I look forward to an incredible 2011!

Best wishes for a very happy New Year!!!