Boxa Biz with Julianne – Pretty in pink after all these years

Here in Boca Grande, we are experiencing what we refer to as the calm before the Christmas and New Year’s “storm.” Historically, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is a bustling time for the island.

The Inn is at full capacity, island shops are filled with great merchandise, restaurants are rocking, the bike path is filled with young athletic types, and everyone has some extended family members or friends visiting from out of town.  

All in all, it’s a great time of the year! But until it arrives, enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the island, shop and dine locally and get plenty of rest, you’re gonna need it!

Happy Anniversary ...
• Local Lilly gal, Kris Boyden recently celebrated working at The Palm on Park and Ariel LTD. for the last 19 years. Her milestone anniversary was this past Wednesday. Thanks, Kris, for all those years of warm, welcoming hellos, cooking up magnificent sea grape jelly, working non-stop, selflessly devoting yourself to wonderful causes and being a best friend to many of man’s best friends. You have too many great qualities to name! You are such a great person and we are all so lucky to have you in our lives and in Boca Grande! Congratulations ... to at least another 19 more years!

Kris Boyden pic 12-16

• Sadie Green’s Small Pleasures has special treasures not seen in big box stores, treasures that will become heirlooms for years to come.
They have the perfect gifts for everyone on your list: Swarovski crystal earrings for young and old alike, plush silk pashmina wraps to keep her warm, and key chain compasses to keep him on the right path, just to name a few.
They have butterfly wing jewels as well as pearls from the South Seas. Glowing copper earrings and bracelets, sterling silver keepsakes to numerous to name, and, of course, brilliant diamonds, emeralds, rubies and more in the estate and fine jewelry cases. View More images >>
 Old mine cut diamonds sparkle next to one-of-a-kind creations to be wrapped up with a bow for the very special someone in your life ... or maybe just for you! 420 E. Railroad Ave. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 964-1100.
 
Book signings ...
• Ruhama’s • Books in the Sand Inc. will be hosting a book signing Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Author, agricultural and environmental lawyer Michael L. Martin, from Lakeland and local Boca Grande resident, Karen Snyder, A.K.A. Grandma Lipstick will be there signing their books. Karen will have her newest children’s Christmas book available.
In addition, Dave Horton, will be in on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 1 to  3 p.m. to sign his third cartoon book, Welcome to Florida. His work appears in several regional newspapers, including the Boca Beacon, and has been enthusiastically embraced by readers and fans across the entire Sunshine State.
 On Monday, Dec. 26 author, Carrie Salo, will be signing her novel, The Sounding from 1 to 3 p.m. 964-5800.

Wine Tasting ...
 • 3rd Street Cafe will be hosting a wine tasting and holiday open house on Monday, Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. All are invited to enjoy some spectacular wines and stay for a delicious dinner. Open on Saturday, Dec. 24 for breakfast and lunch, closed on Christmas Day. Open Saturday, Dec. 31 for breakfast and lunch and open just for brunch on Sunday, Jan. 1. 964-0155.

Sun Porch Sale ...
 • Looking for that unique gift for the hostess that has everything? Well, The Sun Porch is having a 25 percent off sale on all of their Mariposa serving pieces and home decor items. While you are there, check out their beautiful clothing items, home accessories and jewelry in their sale shop next to the store. 964-2567.

Always there when you need them ...
• Gill’s Grocery & Deli in the North Village will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day for your shopping convenience. Forgot to pick up that integral ingredient? No fretting, they will be open from 8 a.m. until business slows down in the afternoon. 964-2506.

Unique Christmas cards ...
• The Boca Grande Historical Society announces a new line of Christmas cards by local artist Patti Middleton, sold exclusively through their gift shop and museum, 170 Park Ave. in the Historic Teacherage House. Stop in and browse their gift shop for a new selection of Atocha silver coin pendants and interesting books on the history of Gasparilla Island. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Thursday, and open Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Start there and discover our historic Boca Grande. 964-1600.  

Just Jewelry
 • Barbara Anne’s Jewelery & Repair has beautiful charms, bracelets, necklaces, pins, and earrings done in gold, sterling silver, and even many costume pieces. Manny, the resident jeweler and creative genius, can even create a custom piece for your loved one. Go see their unusual Boca Grande cuff bracelet and necklace. Railroad Depot. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 964-1776.
 
• Fine Things Jewelry located in the Theatre Building, has contemporary, bold and sophisticated pieces, which are very unusual and beautiful.  Many pieces are hand-made and done in gold, and sterling silver with precious and semi-precious gem stones. Many costume jewelery pieces are available as well. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 964-2166.

• Sadie Green's Small Pleasures has treasures that will become heirlooms for years to come. They have many unique pieces, some with estate diamonds, some vintage and some modern. Designs in gold, sterling silver and other precious metals. Pieces in every price point and to fit any budget. 420 East Railroad Ave. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 964-1100.
 
Ladies apparel and more jewelry:
• Antique Boutique in the Railroad Depot Plaza. No phone.
• Aqua Boutique on Park Avenue. 964-2209.
• Ariel LTD on the corner of Palm Avenue and 4th Street. 964-0480.
• Boca Grande Marina Ships Store on Harbor Drive, just next to Miller’s Dockside. 964-2550.
• Boca Grande Outfitters on Park Avenue. 964-0907.
• Caribongo in the Railroad Plaza. 855-9077.
• Fresh Produce on the corner of Park Avenue and 4th Street. 964-0800.
• Fugate’s Patio Shop on the corner of Park Avenue and 4th Street. 964-2323.
• Gasparilla Inn Shop just off of the main lobby inside The Gasparilla Inn & Club. 964-4581.
• Holly’s Island Shop on Park Avenue. 964-2767.
• Island Bike n’ Beach on Park Avenue. 964-0711.
• Palm on Park on 4th Street between Palm and Park Avenue. 964-4448.
• Special Effects of Boca Grande on Park Avenue. 964-0907.
• Sun Porch in the Railroad Plaza. 964-2567.

Artwork and things for the home
 • Hughes Gallery on Park Avenue is celebrating over a decade of award-winning artists and investment quality fine art and artists-made wearable art jewelry. Beautiful pieces, large and small, done in oils, pastels, tempera and watercolors. 964-4273.
 • Smart Studio on Park Avenue has originals and prints created by Wini Smart and daughter Gail Cleveland created in oils, watercolors and acrylics. There are also stunning wood carvings, artistic jewelery pieces and unique home decor. Custom framing is available and is done in-house. 964-0519.

 • Serendipity Gallery, located in the Theatre Building, features beautiful collections of small and large pieces from local and regional artists in oils, watercolors, photography and mixed media. Custom, on-site framing services are available. 964-2166.  
 
Entertaining
Simplify her life by taking the initiative to pick up some gourmet cheeses, fresh flowers, prepared salads, soups and fine wines so that she will be ready to entertain when your guests arrive. Believe me ... life is better for all when the lady of the house is stress-free! Here are some suggestions:
 • Gill’s Grocery & Deli in the North Village. 964-2506.
 • Grapevine Gourmet & Gift Shop in the Theatre Building. 964-0614.
 • Hudson’s Grocery on Park Avenue. 964-2621.
 • Newlin’s Mainely Gourmet on the corner of Palm Avenue and 4th Street. 964-2985.
 • Native Gardens on the corner of Palm Avenue and 4th Street. 964-0007.

Pampering
Gift certificates at these local salons and fitness locations make really good presents! Your honey can schedule services like a massage, facial, hair cut, manicure or pedicure, receive fitness instruction, take an exercise class all at her leisure. She will enjoy the pampering and you come out smelling like a rose with very little effort on your part.
 • Banyan Tree Pilates & Yoga on E. Railroad, close to 3rd Street. 964-4404.
 • Courtyard Hair in the North Village Courtyard Shops. 964-2243.
 • James Griffith Salon at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. 964-4557.
 • Island Nails on the corner of Palm Avenue and 4th Street. 964-1313.
 • Island Style Hair & Nails in the Railroad Plaza. 964-0300.
 • The Spa at the Gasparilla Inn & Club in The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. Available to overnight guests of the Inn and Inn Beach Club members. 964-4555.

Books and Travel
If the woman in your life loves to travel or read or both, there are some fabulous local resources to assist you in making her travel fantasies or her quiet time more enjoyable. Let these vendors know your desires and they can make the arrangements or order the requested items.
 • Boca Grande Travel in the North Village. 964- 0200. 
 • Ruhama’s • Books in the Sand Inc. on Park Avenue. 964-5800.

Boca Biz is compiled by Julianne Greenberg, the Beacon’s on-island advertising sales representative. If you would like to share a great promotion that you are doing, sales information or anything new at your place of business please contact Julianne at 964-2995 or email her at jgreenberg@boca beacon.com.